Eye On College Basketball Podcast – January 28, 2026
Episode: Did Nebraska's stock rise in loss to Michigan? Purdue loses a third straight; Vandy has no problems with Kentucky + Tuesday CBB recap
Main Theme & Purpose
Gary Parrish and Kyle Boone dive deep into a wild Tuesday in college basketball, focusing on Nebraska’s hard-fought loss at Michigan, Purdue’s third consecutive defeat, Vanderbilt’s shocking rout of Kentucky, key results around the SEC and ACC, and the ongoing remarkable run of Miami (OH). The discussion blends analysis, insider perspective, stats, and the show’s trademark banter, with an eye toward what the night's results mean for the College Basketball landscape going forward.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Nebraska's Stock After Loss to Michigan
- [02:15–11:02]
- Nebraska, missing two top scorers (Rienk Mast and Braden Frager), nearly upset Michigan in Ann Arbor, losing 75-72.
- Jamarcus Lawrence and Price Sanford stepped up early, but the team "ran out of gas" versus Michigan’s size and talent.
- Controversial no-call on a late charge (Sam Hoiberg) led to frustration for Nebraska fans.
- The loss is viewed as a positive indicator of Nebraska’s legitimacy: a Final Four contender, not just a good story.
- Quote:
“Whether it was Sam Hoiberg or Fred Hoiberg, they both last night said things like, we just showed we can play with anybody in the country. We just showed we're a Final Four contender.”
— Gary Parrish [08:10] - The episode underscores how Nebraska’s performance—despite being shorthanded—may have won skeptics over more than their prior 20–0 record.
2. Purdue’s Three-Game Losing Streak
- [12:37–18:49]
- Indiana beats Purdue in Bloomington 72-67, handing Purdue its third straight loss.
- Purdue’s three-point defense is identified as a “total mess”—opponents lighting them up from deep.
- Matt Painter’s post-game acknowledgment: Purdue is being outhustled, needs more consistency on defense.
- Quote:
“During their three game losing streak...Illinois made 18 threes versus them... Purdue’s three point defense is a total mess right now.”
— Kyle Boone [14:05] - Analytical stats: In this 0-3 streak, Purdue's defense is ranked 165th nationally. Despite the troubles, both hosts still “buy stock” in Purdue long-term.
- Quote:
“I think I'd buy Purdue stock if you're selling. I believe in the program, I believe in the coach. I believe in the All American in the back court, the All American in the front court. We're not guessing with this team.”
— Gary Parrish [18:49]
3. Michigan State’s OT Win Over Rutgers (Big Ten Recap)
- [18:49–20:59]
- Michigan State edges Rutgers 88-79 in overtime, led by Jeremy Fears’ explosive 29-point game (27 after halftime and OT).
- Notable moment: Fierce outscored Rutgers alone in OT.
- Sets up highly anticipated Michigan-Michigan State game Friday.
4. Vanderbilt’s Blowout Over Kentucky
- [20:59–27:16]
- Vandy destroys preseason top-10 Kentucky 80–55 in Nashville—Nickel and Tanner both scoring 19.
- Host context: Kentucky had injuries but “shouldn’t lose like that.” The team is now 0–2 in Nashville this year—losing by a combined 60 points.
- Mark Byington (Vandy coach) noted sleeping at the athletic center due to extreme winter weather.
- Quote:
“This was an absolute butt whooping. Tyler Tanner, 19, 5 and 4... Kentucky just forgot to show up for this one and man, shocker, because Kentucky walked in this game as we talked about yesterday, on a five game winning streak and not only to lose, but to lose the way they did...was pretty stunning.”
— Kyle Boone [24:40] - Pressure mounting on Kentucky’s Mark Pope as they face Arkansas next—against former coach Calipari.
5. Calipari and Arkansas on the Rise
- [27:16–29:15]
- Arkansas, led by Calipari, earns third straight win, up to No. 16 in the Top 25 and 1, while Oklahoma has lost seven straight.
- The role reversal between Kentucky and Arkansas is noted—“the grass is not always greener.”
6. Alabama’s Three-Point Explosion Vs. Missouri
- [29:15–31:17]
- Alabama makes 15 threes in a 90–64 rout of Missouri.
- Fun trivia: Only North Florida has more 15+ three-point games than Alabama in the Oats era.
7. ACC: Virginia’s Big Comeback in Double OT
- [31:17–33:37]
- Virginia rallies from 19 down to beat Notre Dame 100–97 in double OT.
- Missed “foul up three” scenario grinds Pete Gillen’s gears (as always).
- Quote:
“He’s a good man. But when you do not...foul up three, Pete Gillen, his, his heart turns black toward you.”
— Gary Parrish [32:15] - Largest UVA comeback win since 2006.
8. A-10: St. Louis’ 14-Game Win Streak
- [33:37–36:14]
- No. 21 SLU extends streak, now 20–1, only loss at Stanford by 1.
- Avila with game-winning three, 22pts, 7rebs, 5asts.
- Hosts see SLU as a “dark horse Sweet 16” team.
9. Miami (OH) Remains Undefeated
- [36:14–39:07]
- 21–0 record after tough 86–84 win over UMass.
- Despite not having any Quad 1 wins, Miami (OH) is favored to win every game left on their schedule.
- Quote:
“Miami Ohio still is and favor to win every game going forward in the regular season. It is a terrific story...”
— Gary Parrish [36:55] - Hosts celebrate the resilience and chemistry driving this underdog story.
10. Looking Ahead & Miscellaneous
- [40:11–49:41]
- Preview upcoming games: Houston at TCU, Florida at South Carolina, others.
- NBA Draft watch: Kingston Flemings (Houston) projected Top 10 pick—“positional size, checks a lot of boxes...” [42:24]
- SEC situation: Texas A&M alone atop standings (unranked), Florida the computer favorite, league is wide open.
- Banter about past host predictions becoming t-shirts (“4 and 14” with Bruce Pearl) and the unpredictability of the SEC.
- Discussion closes with friendly reminders about being careful in the icy weather, personal anecdotes, and humorous banter about generational parenting differences.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- "We are all Nebraska fans this morning. That was a charge." — Kyle Boone [05:39]
- "This is no longer just a cute thing. This is a team that can get trophies." — Gary Parrish [09:47]
- "I did laundry at 3 o' clock in the morning... While my clothes were drying, I was sorting data." — Gary Parrish [16:38]
- On Alabama’s 3-pt shooting:
"North Florida 39 times. The only team that has made 15 or more threes in a game during the span that Nate Oats has taken over that program." — Kyle Boone [30:59]
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Segment | Timestamps | |-----------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Nebraska vs. Michigan Recap | 02:15–11:02 | | Purdue 3-game slide/Indiana-Purdue breakdown | 12:37–18:49 | | Michigan State’s OT win vs. Rutgers | 18:49–20:59 | | Vanderbilt blows out Kentucky | 20:59–27:16 | | Arkansas' win, Kentucky context & Calipari narrative| 27:16–29:15 | | Alabama routs Missouri/3-point shooting trivia | 29:15–31:17 | | Virginia's comeback vs. Notre Dame | 31:17–33:37 | | St. Louis extends win streak (A10) | 33:37–36:14 | | Miami (OH) stays unbeaten | 36:14–39:07 | | Wednesday/Thursday look-ahead, SEC state | 40:11–49:41 |
Tone
True to Eye On College Basketball style: lively, irreverent, knowledgeable, with inside jokes, stats, and banter. Hosts balance deep analysis with playful digs and basketball fan authenticity.
For Listeners Who Missed The Episode
The podcast guides listeners through the biggest surprises and teaching moments from a packed Tuesday in college basketball, explaining why Nebraska’s loss proved their legitimacy, how Purdue’s slide is rooted in defensive woes but may not be fatal, and what Kentucky’s embarrassment in Nashville says about the state of the SEC. Miami (OH) and St. Louis stand out as mid-major marvels, while the hosts keep an eye on NBA prospects and the looming unpredictability of conference races. If you want insight mixed with personality, this rundown delivers the conversation and context you missed.
