Hour 3: Time’s Up in Happy Valley?

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron

Episode: Hour 3: Time’s Up in Happy Valley?
Date: October 12, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones, Myron Medcalf
Guest: WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry (from 33:43)
Main Theme: Examining pressure on college football coaches (with focus on James Franklin), lively sports banter, “King of the Mountain” call-in competition, NFL and college football reactions, and weekly pick’ems

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Episode Overview

This hour dives into the shifting landscape of college football head coaches amidst mounting pressure on programs like Penn State and as the cost of coaching transitions continues to escalate. The show also features its popular “King of the Mountain” call-in segment, breaking down NFL and college football controversies, oddities, and the current state of play, before finishing with rapid-fire NFL predictions with guest picker Mark Henry.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

“King of the Mountain” Call-in Competition

(Timestamps throughout: approx. 00:49–14:34)

• Mark in Ohio keeps his “King of the Mountain” streak alive with a scathing take:

  “At what point are we going to realize Sark is Elmer Fudd with a headset? ...In the playoffs, the guy forgets that he's supposed to be a genius play caller.”
  (01:42, Mark in Ohio)

• Russ in Indiana criticizes SEC rules on noisemakers, using an “Andy Griffith” reference:

  "A rule is not a rule without a punishment. And Greg Sankey needs to listen to this show. ...Take away the cowbells from Starkville."
  (02:42, Russ)

• Stinky Pete in Minnesota, Phil in Oklahoma City, Vic in Houston, Joe in Ottawa, and Bill in Nebraska all offer up creative football grievances, with Bill’s “Kevin O’Connell Busted Quarterback Shop” jingle catching the hosts’ attention for its humor and potential catchy value.

• The segment ends with buildup for Bill to improve his jingle for next week and thoughts on how callers cleverly use TV show references for votes:

  “I like that, Russ. That's a great start. An AFB reference. Vagrancy in Mayberry. I like it.”
  (03:08, Matt)

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NFL, College Football, and Coaching Market Analysis

Penn State & James Franklin’s ‘Time’s Up?’

(16:25–21:53)

• Reports surface of "legit conversations" about James Franklin’s future; Matt and Myron unpack the staggering $56 million buyout and how the new revenue-sharing era makes coaching changes daunting:

  “Just giving a dude $56 million, it was already a ton of money. Now it's even more.”
  (17:24, Myron)

• Discussion broadens to other embattled coaches (Florida’s Napier, Kentucky’s Stoops, Florida State’s possible changes), and the likely end of massive buyouts due to financial pressures:

  “Those [big buyouts] are gone. You can't do that in the future.”
  (19:01, Matt)

• Matt argues lower-tier programs like Indiana are more likely to keep their coaches, since fewer schools can outbid them.

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Playoff Implications and NFL Parity

(06:55–10:10, 20:09–21:02)

• The Big Ten’s quirky scheduling could lead to unexpected title game appearances (“Nebraska could end up with one loss ...and bump one of those teams out” —07:02, Matt).

• The hosts debate if Ohio State is truly elite, with Matt pushing back on caller hype:

  “Let's let them play one game on the road against someone good and then we'll talk.”
  (06:44, Matt)

• NFL: Extended discussion on the Bucs’ and 49ers’ playoff prospects, with much discussion about “winning the close ones” and whether it’s a virtue or a sign of vulnerability.

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Rapid NFL and College Football Reactions

Jets’ Endgame Meltdown

(23:07–24:56)

• Broncos edge Jets 13-11 after a “master class in not making good decisions at the end.” Justin Fields gets sacked on consecutive plays, drawing the hosts’ withering critique:

  “You can't end the game not getting a pass off in that situation.”
  (24:05, Myron) “You can't take that sack on first down. That sack on first down changed everything.”
  (24:19, Matt)

Monday Night Football Preview: Bears vs. Commanders

(25:51–29:53)

• Spotlight on Caleb Williams vs. Jaden Daniels: stakes are high for Bears’ rookie QB to prove he deserved to be drafted over his Commanders counterpart.

• Myron poses the tough hypothetical:

  “Of the quarterbacks in that class, you have a chance to pick. I want to give you the names of those guys and see if you would say you'd pick them if you could do it all over again over Caleb Williams.”
  (26:25, Myron)

• Matt’s take:

  “Caleb Williams has done great this year. …But as of now, Jaden Daniels, you definitely would take him first and then Drake May, you could have a debate…”
  (27:29, Matt)

• They agree this specific matchup will have major narrative weight for Williams’ legacy.

Falcons-Bills, Playoff Stakes, and the ‘Matt Jones Play of the Century’

(30:11–31:29)

• Matt strongly tips the Bills to rebound after a down week:

  “Best bet of the year...Bill's winning at New England is the Matt Jones play of the century.”
  (31:14, Matt)

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“Take Your Pick” NFL Picks with Mark Henry

(33:43–43:18)

• WWE legend Mark Henry joins for weekly picks, reminisces about his Ohio Valley Wrestling days, and offers measured optimism for Texas QB Arch Manning:

  “I think that Arch is going to need another four or five games to be the guy that he's going to be next year...he's extremely athletic. So when you mix that with knowledge, you know...he's a can't miss prospect.”
  (35:08, Mark Henry)

• Notable moments:

  • All three pick Steelers over Browns; consensus is Tomlin always delivers a solid regular season (37:10).
  • Divided on Dolphins-Chargers; Mark:

    “Them guys in Florida got a lot to prove...I'm gonna go with Miami.”
    (37:42, Mark Henry)

  • Mark on the Cowboys:

    “Dak is playing better than he's ever played in his career. And they have a running game so it's hard to...if they can play a semblance of defense, the Cowboys should run away with it.”
    (40:13, Mark Henry)

  • Chiefs-Lions pick: Mark sways Matt to take the Lions in KC due to OVW loyalty (42:06).
  • Mark and both hosts pick Bills to bounce back vs. Falcons:

    “You're not going to see Josh Allen drop two in a row.”
    (42:32, Mark Henry)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• TV references and cultural quips abound:

  “The Andy Griffith show might be the whitest show that has ever been on television.”
  (03:43, Matt)
  “Scatter Boo looks like he started the mosh pit. Like he's the first one in the middle fighting people.”
  (09:55, Myron)

• On sports talk culture:

  “That's insanity. That's the kind of stuff they'll get you on a cable news network arguing politics.”
  (21:02, Matt, debunking Myron’s logic)

• Self-aware banter:

  “I got excited about that—a whole conversation without your co host with hall of Famer Mark Henry, like, I didn't exist....”
  (36:30, Myron, ribbing Matt for stealing Mark Henry interview time)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Description | Start Time | |--------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|------------| | King of the Mountain Calls | Listeners compete with 30-second football takes | 00:49 | | NFL/CFB Playoff & Coach Drama | OSU, Penn State, buyouts, rev share impact | 16:25 | | Broncos-Jets Breakdown | Dissecting Jets’ meltdown | 23:07 | | Monday Night Bears-Commanders | Caleb Williams, Jaden Daniels draft debate | 25:51 | | Bills-Falcons, Playoff Preview | Best bet calls, AFC playoff rundown | 30:11 | | NFL Picks w/ Mark Henry | Guest picker, rapid-fire game predictions | 33:43 |

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Conclusion

“Hour 3: Time’s Up in Happy Valley?” pokes hard at the outsized expectations and financial realities tightening the screws on high-profile college coaches. The show’s mix of serious sports analysis (with special attention to the looming fate of James Franklin), witty call-in banter, and a rollicking extended NFL pick segment with Mark Henry make for a high-energy, richly detailed listen. Even if you missed the episode, you’ll come away knowing where the pressure points are this autumn in football, why “Elmer Fudd with a headset” is the line of the week, and which NFL games the hosts ride with conviction.

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Transcript

[A]

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Of $45 for three month plan. $15 per month equivalent required. New customer offer first three months only. Then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See mintmobile.com is Matt and Myron the podcast what are the negotiations like with with England? Like we went through a stretch. We're like, okay, we'll give you Jacksonville for like four games a year before they got good. And then like, you know what, how do you feel about the Jets?

[A]

It also seems like Jacksonville may have just tripped over an invisible line on the field there trying to get, trying to get a first down. Now we are, we are counting you down to kick off. Here's the deal. We do King of the Mountain. As you know, King of the mountain, for those of you that have listened, is which caller gives the best take. Who is able to in 30 seconds or less. That's the key. Give a take that sticks with us. If you are great at it, you know what happens. You're King of the mountain. Now we've had one caller who has so far held the record for four straight weeks. He's Mark in Ohio. Let's go ahead and play for you, Mark in Ohio as part of King of the Mountain. Ladies and gentlemen, your winner and new King of the Mountain champion, Mark in Ohio. Go Mark.

[C]

Man. I'm telling you what, at what point are we going to realize Stark is Elmer Fudd with a headset? When it comes to big games 20, 23 and 24 in the playoffs, the guy forgets that he's supposed to be a genius play caller. I think you and I could put a headset out there in a big game and be less nervous than Guy. And as a die hard Michigan fan, I was hoping to God that they would beat the Buckeyes yesterday.

[B]

And I knew I was going to be disappointed.

[A]

Elmer Fudd in the headset. He has kept the title since week one of the college football season. With that and now here's your chance to knock him off. Eight, eight, eight say ESPN. That's 888 say ESPN. You can get in and compete. Try to take the title from Mark we are presented by Progressive Insurance. Get a business insurance quote online in as little as eight minutes. Visit progressivecommercial.com 888 say ESPN. Get in. Let's get started on the Dr. Pepper. Call in line. Russ is in Indiana. Russ, what's your 32nd take?

[C]

Matt, as we learned on this show, a rule is not a rule without a punishment. And Greg Sankey needs to listen to this show. Every school in the SEC is not allowed to bring in an artificial noisemaker except for Mississippi State. Even when Barney was made sheriff of Mayberry, he knew the law and arrested Aunt B for vagrancy. So Greg Sankey, do the right thing and take away the cowbells from Starkville.

[A]

I like that, Russ. That's a great start. An AFB reference. Vagrancy in Mayberry. I like it. Very well done. Russ in Indiana. And Myron, I agree with this point. I don't understand how Mississippi State is allowed to use those cowbells. If they. It would be an outrage. The problem is they're usually not good, but they should not be able to do that.

[B]

No, I agree. I mean that. That should be outlawed. He knew how to get you though. He brought up Mayberry. So I feel like he. He's trying to get that vote from you. Man. That was.

[A]

Why don't you. Why don't you like Mayberry? I mean it. To be fair, Andy Griffith show might be the widest show that has ever been on television. I've.

[B]

I've never heard you talk about another show more than you've talked about the Andy Griffiths show. I mean, that. That definitely.

[A]

Did you watch it at all?

[B]

I watched. Of course I watch it. If you were a kid in the 80s and 90s and you were at home sick from 8:30 to 11:30, you watched maybe Andy Griffiths show, Matlock came on and then Days of Our Lives at some order. You saw all those shows.

[A]

Brady Bunch, that was a big one as well. That's right. Did you. So you. Do you know. Can you name three characters from the Andy Griffith show besides Andy and Barney?

[B]

Well, that was with two of my three, so I'm. I'm down.

[C]

No.

[B]

Well, you said you watched it.

[A]

You gotta get. Who is the town drunk? Who's the town drunk?

[B]

I don't.

[A]

I didn't.

[B]

I don't think I watched it the way you.

[A]

Yeah, see, you don't know. You're a fake Andy Griffin fan. You don't know Ernest My Bass. You don't know.

[B]

I'm talking about a different world. Name five characters from different world.

[A]

Dwayne Wayne.

[B]

What about the Jefferson?

[A]

Denise? Denise. Okay. You know, a few. Thank you.

[B]

A few.

[A]

I know. Let's go to Stinky Pete in Minnesota. I like a guy who acknowledges his smell. Stinky Pete, go ahead.

[B]

No.

[C]

All right. Appreciate it. Well, if they didn't know the jets, they got a long flight back and they got a new theme song. If they don't know it's Curtis Blow. It's about to be the breaks. They just can't get anything. Time to break it up. Break it up. Break it up. Maybe get ready. Just watch Kentucky Wildcats basketball if you're a Jets fan.

[A]

But they just broke it up five games ago. Like, they just started a new this year. I appreciate it. Stinky Pete.

[B]

Was that a. Was he doing his macho man voice? It was a little bit of like, break it up. Yeah, that was a lot. There was a lot going on.

[A]

888, say ESPN on the Dr. Pepper calling line. Let's try Phil in Oklahoma City. Go, Phil.

[C]

All right, so let's pencil in Ohio State into the Natty. I'm just saying the only team that could likely beat them is probably the 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide. That stopped before the first half at the goal line was so fire, it had Maurice Claret hiding in the bushes. And as Mr. Elmer FUD would say, oh, I got my wife to le.

[A]

I have no idea what any of that meant. I appreciate the call. I mean, you're clearly an Ohio State fan. I don't know what the Elmer Fudd reference is, but. But other. So not. Not a winner in my view.

[B]

Myron, have you all been to sleep yet? I mean, I know that I don't.

[A]

Agree with his prison premise, by the way, that Ohio State is unbeatable. I mean, their win this year so far is against Texas, who then struggled immediately after later lost to Florida. I mean, Ohio State might end up being the best team, but do you think that's definitive at this moment?

[B]

Who would you pick against him on a neutral site right now?

[A]

Well, I don't know that I would pick anybody, but he said he was acting like the best team since 2011. I mean, we. Let's let him play one game on the road against someone good and then we'll talk about.

[B]

They're good, though. I wouldn't pick anybody against him right now on a neutral field.

[A]

Well, we'll see. I mean, I'll tell you what's interesting. They in Indiana, both are in an interesting spot. Neither one of them can really lose because if they do There are going to be other teams in the Big Ten because of how weak the Big Ten schedule is that only have one loss that could win the tie breaks because the way the schedule is, the teams don't all play each other. So, like, Nebraska could end up with one loss and they're not even good, and they might bump one of those teams out of the title game.

[B]

It's going to be interesting to see how it all shakes out, but I think both of those are playoff teams, and it's going to be fun to see what happens in the postseason.

[A]

Let's go to Vic and Houston. Vic, go ahead.

[C]

Hey, guys, got two. Two quick takes. One. Steelers fans, do not take the bait. Mike Tomlin's pulling a Lucy and you know exactly what I mean. He's gonna pull that ball out. Just when you're gonna go kick it, you're gonna go flying through the air. We've seen this movie 10 times. Real quick on Ohio State. Their kryptonite has been Michigan. They've been losing in the trenches. Skill players, yeah, they can match up with Michigan, but in the trenches, I don't know. They're gonna have to. They're gonna have to step up big time on that. Thank you.

[A]

I appreciate the call. We've got more calls in King of the Mountain about Mike Tomlin than any other circumstance. People just, they. They have it out for him.

[B]

Don't hate my Tomlin, man.

[A]

People just. Yeah, but I mean, well, I mean, he's back. I don't understand the Steelers fan base issues with Mike Tomlin. I just don't get it.

[B]

I mean, not get your hopes up if they're talking in reference to a Super Bowl. Okay, that makes sense considering the drop. But he's never had a sub.500 season, so, you know, this is exactly what Mike Thomas does in the regular season. You know, they're always good in the regular season or good.

[A]

I don't think any Steelers fan is thinking they're winning the Super Bowl. Do you think?

[B]

No. This. I don't know how you not couldn't be pleased with this start.

[A]

I agree.

[B]

Mike Thomas.

[A]

I think we got a very good chance of being 4:1 today. Joe is in Ottawa. Go ahead, Joe.

[C]

Hey, fellas. Hey, fellas. How you doing? Die hard Eagles fan up here as every Eagles fan was this year. I was thinking we're going to go back to the Super Bowl. I still think that's attainable. I just think we need to fix our problems, which is all three phases of the game. We kind of really suck right now. Pretty sure I saw the guy from Rudy put three touchdowns on us on Thursday. We think. I think we need to turn around and figure it out or Mr. Sirianni needs to go to what he probably should be doing and working in a drive through at Chipotle. Thanks for your time.

[A]

Well, first the Chipotle was where these.

[B]

Drive through poles, though, where these.

[A]

We have a drive through Chipotle. You don't have one of those.

[B]

Wow, man. That. No, that's.

[A]

I did like that. He said we only have one problem. All three sides of the football. That feels like. Feels like a pretty. A pretty big problem. And then I did like that. He said the Giants players all look like they're from Rudy. They kind of do. Scatterbo has some Rudy vibes to him, to be honest with you.

[B]

Scatter Boo looks like he started the mosh pit. Like. Like he's the first one in the middle fighting people.

[A]

What is it with dudes now just taking their shirt off? Scatter Boo. Pat McAfee. Why is that the thing that you do now to show that you're happy?

[B]

Well, but you gotta be a certain type of cat. Scatter Boo's that type. Like, Scatter Boo's in that club where he gets away with it. And as long as he's playing, well, man, like, that dude's fun to watch, man.

[A]

But that's not how it used to be. Like, when I was a kid, Chris Berman didn't take his shirt off to show that he was excited. That didn't happen a whole lot.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I mean, I think if that's your character and personality, people. People appreciate it. Nothing Scatterable is kind of in that. In that group.

[A]

We got one more. Let's try Bill in Nebraska. Go ahead, Bill.

[C]

Hey, how about this one? You guys were talking about? Daniel Jones, Sam Darnold, Kevin o' Connell Busted Quarterback Shop. Okay. I can hear the jingle right now. You know, got a busted quarterback. We'll fix it fast. Send it to the Kevin o' Connell Busted Quarterback Shop. Right? Okay. And then he can say, are you a busted quarterback? Come to the Kevin OConnell busted quarterback shop. We'll fix you up, and some crazy team will sign you for millions of dollars. Call now Kevin oconnell's Busted Quarterback Shop.

[A]

I love.

[B]

I love the jiggle, man. I love.

[A]

You know, I will say this. First of all, that was very clever premise from. For a Call. Yes, yes, yes. Here's all I would say to you. The jingle didn't rhyme.

[B]

It didn't rhyme.

[A]

He didn't. Here's what I want you to do. Bill in Nebraska. I'm being dead serious. Take a week. I love the premise of the Kevin o' Connell busted quarterback club. Write me a real jingle, okay? Like, give me a real jingle. I like the whole thing. I liked your intro. I liked your outro. I think if you can make a jingle that works, you have a chance to be king of the mountain and hold on to the belt for a little while. So I want to give you a chance to make that better. So spend your week working on it. Next Sunday, call in admiring. I think that has the potential to be a future king of the mountain.

[B]

I liked it. I mean, I might give my vote just off what he did, but that was a good call.

[A]

All right, well, let's do that. Who wins this week? I think they can hear the contenders. Russ in Indiana with his cowbells and the Andy Griffith show. Then you got Sticky Pete talking about the Jets. Vic and Houston said that Mike Tomlin is like Lucy pulling the ball from Charlie Brown. Joe. And Ottawa says all the Giants players look like they're from the movie Rudy. And then Bill in Nebraska with his busted quarterback Kevin o' Connell jingle. Who you got?

[B]

I love a good jingle, man, and I know it's a work in progress, but I like Bill in Nebraska.

[A]

See, I don't want to pick him because I want to give him a chance to put, like, a legendary one on. And if we give. We let him settle here, then I don't think he'll. He'll work. So I'm going to take my guy that was talking about Andy Griffith, Russ in Indiana, about the cowbells of Mississippi State. First of all, he's right. We got to get rid of these cowbells. Second, he. He referenced a show that unfortunately, Myron did not watch very much as a child and needs to learn more about. That means it's a tie. James, who wins?

[B]

I'm going to lean with you. I want Bill next week to come back with a vengeance with a great jingle. And he's going to be like. I feel like he'll be like Roman Reigns. He'll be at the top of the king of the mountain for.

[A]

I'm going to give you. I will give him another chance. I'm with you.

[B]

So this week, Russ in Indiana. I love. I love that one. That's a good.

[A]

So now that means Russ in Indiana goes up against Market Ohio with Elmer Fudd in the headset. I'm still going to take Mark Because A, I think it's a little better and it's a good line and B, next week Texas plays. Kentucky will be coming on the air after it. If we somehow beat Sarkeesian, I want to be able to play that so that I have an excuse to talk about Kentucky having beaten Texas the night before.

[B]

Those all for personal reasons, basically.

[A]

Well, I also think he's a little bit.

[B]

Nothing to do with it was a.

[A]

Little bit better too.

[B]

It's just what you're feeling. Okay.

[C]

All right.

[A]

All right. So market Ohio. But let me just say, Mark, you hear that sound in the background? That's Bill in Nebraska working on his jingle for next week. Yeah, just be ready. Somebody's about to draft you and potentially pass you on the inside. We will do more, keep you up to date. Denver has scored. Denver's gotten a field goal. It is now 13 to 11. Denver against the jets in London. This is Matt Myron on ESPN Radio.

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[A]

Matt, Myron here counting you down to kick off. We're brought to you by ESPN BET Sportsbook. Download the app today 21plus. If you have a gambling problem, call 1-800- gambler Denver leads Jets 13 to 11. Justin Fields was sacked twice in the last drive they punted off. It's now second seven. Denver gets, I think one first down here. They should be okay. We'll find out if that happens and we'll keep you up to date. Believe me, it is not worth your time to watch on three. Sports is reporting. Pete Nakos is reporting that, quote, legitimate conversations are being held about the future and whether to replace James Franklin at Penn State. Myron, thoughts? Your guy.

[B]

I know you calling him my guy. Um, $56 million though, is his buyout. I mean that's always been the number that has made all of this seem like it may not happen. So.

[A]

But they did UCLA and Northwestern back to back.

[B]

But, but I think in this climate with Rev Share where school's got to come up with an extra $20 million a year with this new system just giving a dude $56 million, it was already a ton of money. Now it's even more so I just want how they work out all those details.

[A]

Can you bring him back though.

[B]

If you have the money to move on from? Here's the thing, right? It's not only just giving him 56 million. Whoever you're bringing in is going to have to be an all star. Like what are you going to do? Offer Kurt Signetti 10 million a year for, for the next five years? You can do that, but you're going to have to buy him out at Indiana. You're going to have to pay him a bigger salary. I mean, this is like a hundred plus million dollar transition.

[A]

You're right. You're right. Well, a lot of schools are going to be dealing with this, right? I mean, I want you to think about all the jobs that are going to be open after the year is over, right? You know, I mean, you already have what, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State. Then you have this situation. What are you going to do about James Franklin? You got the situation at Florida with Billy Napier, right? Like what's, what, what's, what's going to happen with that? You got Mark Stoops at Kentucky. You potentially have a situation at Florida State. They can't win an ACC game. I mean, you, this off season is not necessarily even the off season. You want to be hiring coaches if I'm a potential coach. The market is unbelievable this off season, right? Yeah.

[B]

I mean, there'll be a lot of openings. I wonder more about the contracts. Like, Mark Stoops, I believe, has a crazy $30 million dollar $37 million. So I just wonder if it's the end of that. Those are gone.

[A]

Those are gone. You can't do that in the future. You can't.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. I don't think schools can afford it.

[A]

I don't think.

[B]

What does that mean? What does that mean? Like, are you. Are you. Are you gonna get a. And I'm not trying to scare Indiana fans. Kurt Signetti also has a huge buyout, makes a ton of money. But are you really in a position to give someone like that a job?

[A]

See, I would argue if you're Indiana, in years past, you were going to have a hard time keeping Kurt Signetti. Now I think you got an easier time because I don't think schools can give Kurt Signetti the amazing contract to come like they used to be able to.

[B]

Well, and he's making 8.3 million. So this isn't like the old school where a guy like that at an Indiana would have made half of that. So it's just going to be hard to land a big fish in the current climate.

[A]

Let me ask you about a big game today in the big fish, 49ers, bucks. Brock Purdy is out. Mac Jones starts again. He's done a pretty good job doing it. This is yet another game. I feel like I say this about the bucks and the 49ers every week where this might end up being about playoff seating. Both teams are four and one. Who you got? You got my guy, Baker Mayfield, who I would vote for MVP today.

[B]

Well, well, Mac Jones, you know, probably should. Should thank Baker Mayfield in terms of second chance guys, because Mac Jones, after this performance, may get a second chance somewhere else to prove that he can be a starter if he continues to win. The 49ers have not been healthy. I think that's what's been most impressive about Mac Jones. It's not like they're going out there at a hundred percent. The Bucks haven't been in that situation either. I think what's been so good about the Bucks is if you tell me, Matt, it's a close game in the fourth quarter, I'm picking the Bucks, and I don't care who they're playing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, no team has been better in winning.

[A]

Your comment about the Chiefs, you got mad at the Chiefs for winning all those close games last year. Every game the Bucks has won has been in the last minute. Does that not scare you at all?

[B]

No. I mean, because there's a different pedigree between those two franchises. Right? I think this is what the Bucks do. What are you talking about?

[A]

It's what the Chiefs did.

[B]

This is their. Nah, this is their. This is their identity as a team that can win.

[A]

So you actually think it's a strength? I don't know how you could. Look at the cheese. Oh, stop it. That's exactly. That's insanity. That's. That is the. That's the kind of stuff they'll get you on a cable news network arguing politics. Is that level of. Is that level of logic?

[B]

Come on.

[A]

I think the Bucks are good, but they've yet to win a game by a substantive number yet. We'll see if that ends up happening today. We will do more next. Here we I'm Matt Myron. I'm John Quinones. Vanessa Guillen, a 20 year old soldier vanishes while on duty at an army base in Texas. Her family demands answers. How can she go missing on a military base? That's too ridiculous. The search goes on for months. Where is Vanessa?

[C]

Where is Vanessa?

[A]

And a dark story starts to unfold. She told her family that she was being sexually harassed and wasn't reporting it.

[B]

Out of fear of retribution and retaliation.

[A]

What investigators finally uncover is horrifying. Find out how one soldier, a beloved sister and daughter ignited a movement and sparked a reckoning in the US Military. Listen to Vanished. What Happened to Vanessa? A new series from ABC Audio in 2020. Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts. Eight years ago, I blew my football career.

[C]

He dropped it at the one yard line.

[B]

Chad Powers has arrived on Hulu.

[A]

If I can't play as Russ, I'll play as someone else. My name's Chad and last name. From executive producers Eli and Peyton Manning.

[B]

Remember, you're wearing a prosthetic mask. This is acting. And starring Glen Powell.

[C]

He thinks you're a rubber chew toy. Not rubber. I'm a man made of flesh.

[B]

The Hulu original series Chad Powers is now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney plus for bundled subscribers. Terms apply. New episodes Tuesdays. Matt and Myron the podcast.

[A]

The jets putting on a master class in not run. Making good decisions at the end of the game. It is Matt Myon on espn. The jets, fourth and eight right now. They were in field goal range, got sacked. And Justin Fields gets sacked again. And absolutely Broncos lucky to get out of There with a win and they go to 4 and 2. The Jets. I don't even know what to say. I mean, what do you say about that? They were, they were four yards away from field goal range. All they needed was a field goal to win. They get sacked on the first play and then put themselves behind the chains and now get sacked again. They just. It's unbelievable. First of all, terrible blocking by whoever 85 is there on the Jets. But just running into him.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

I mean that. The 85. Whatever. He should not be in charge of blocking anyone ever again. But still just an awful end of the game for, for, for Justin Fields and the Jets.

[B]

Well, and Justin Fields just hasn't been able to make anything happen. Yeah, the pockets collapsing. He's been pressured, but like, you got to play quarterback at some point. You can't end the game not getting a pass off in that situation. I don't care what.

[A]

But you also. You can't take that sack on first down. That sack on first down changed everything. You just cannot do that. Garrett Wilson.

[B]

Now Aaron Glenn's own six. Yeah, well, now Aaron Glenn is 06. I think this will be the first time a Jets coach has started 0 and 6, I believe. I mean, first time he was on 5.

[A]

Well, they've had some bad coaches, so that's an impressive stat if they're the first one to go oh and six.

[B]

So I also think, like whenever guys come in, Matt, and they're like, culture, discipline, I'm going to change everything. I'm always like, how with Justin Fields, you know, like, how are you going to do it?

[A]

Clearly not successfully as Denver's going to beat the Jets 13:11. Denver very lucky to get out of there with the win. That could have been a. That could have been a very, very embarrassing loss. Matt, Myron, are counting you down to kickoff. Let's go to Monday night football. Two games again. Bills, Falcons, Bears commanders. I want to focus first on the Bears Commanders last. It was one year ago that in week six that the seasons for these two teams kind of flipped. Bears had started off very well. Lose on the hail Mary. Jaden Daniels sort of says hello to the world. Commanders take off after that. Now it's a year later. Bears have a different coach. Caleb Williams has looked better. I think we all know Jaden Daniels can play, but for Caleb Williams, Myron, I think it's a big game. I think, you know, his season changed last year in this game. This is the guy he was picked ahead of. It's a big day or Monday night for Caleb Williams.

[B]

Yeah. I mean, if he can go out and win, you know, it kind of exercises some of those demons around him. When it comes to Jaden Daniels being viewed as the class, I think, of that draft pool, Caleb Williams, I think it's gotten better. Ben Johnson has been good for him, but this is where you prove it. And Jaden Daniels was hurt, and he came back last week and looked like he hadn't missed a game. So I think Jaden Daniels has a chance to be elite. Caleb Williams, I think, is trying to prove that he may one day be able to reach that level. But let me ask you a question on that. You're in the Bears front office right now.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Of the quarterbacks in that class, you have a chance to pick. I want to give you the names of those guys and see if you would say you'd pick them if you could do it all over again over Caleb Williams. Jaden Daniels feels obvious, right? You're picking Jane Daniels.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Over Caleb Drake May.

[A]

That one's tough. I probably am still on Caleb Williams over Drake May, but it's a very tenuous thing. It's like, I really like what. Just before you get to these others, I think Caleb Williams has done great this year. I really do. I mean, I think he had one bad game, which was the game against Detroit, but I think otherwise he's played very well. You know, Drake, maybe May has shown a little bit more. So I would still stick with. With Caleb Williams, but if I was anybody but the Bears, they'd probably take Drake May. As far as JJ McCarthy, I'm taking Caleb Williams. Bo Nicks. I'm taking Caleb Williams. Michael Pinnock's.

[B]

I'm taking Jackson dart.

[A]

Yeah, Jackson dart.

[B]

Jackson dart. Jackson darts in. He's in.

[A]

Yeah. But as of now, Jaden Daniels, you. You definitely would take him first and then Drake May, you could have a debate, but the other guys, I would still be taking Caleb with.

[B]

The thing about Caleb and why I think this game matters is that's going to be the shadow for him no matter what.

[A]

Without question.

[B]

It's like the guys who are picked ahead of Michael Jordan, I'm not saying Jaden Daniels is that, but like, you know, this could become his career in terms of no matter what.

[A]

I mean, it's this. But, you know, the Bears have dealt with this before. They did it with Mitch Trubisky, who was ahead of Pat, of Patrick Mahomes. The difference, though is Mitch Trubisky never really showed anything that suggested he could be the guy. And Caleb Williams has. And. But this is.

[B]

I'm not going to.

[A]

I'm not disputing what you're saying. This is a huge game. Okay. This is a huge game for him. Whether he wins or not, he cannot look out class tomorrow night. He didn't look. Just for the record, he didn't look out class a year ago in that game. Honestly, up until. Up until the. The Hail Mary, Caleb outplayed him. People forget because of the Hail Mary that Caleb took him down the field and scored right before the Hail Mary.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

The reason you were even in that position is Caleb Williams executed one of his best drives of the season, putting him there. But I will say it's now been a year later. Jaden Daniels got better as the year went on. Caleb Williams did not, although he got better this year. So I do think this is a very important. He's got to show that he's in the ballpark of these guys. He's not in a different level. Yeah.

[B]

And I think you want it to be competitive, Right. I mean, they played the Raiders before the bye week, kind of squeezed that one out. They beat Dallas, obviously lost to Minnesota in Detroit to open the season.

[A]

But that Dallas looks a lot better in.

[B]

In hindsight, it doesn't. I think if you beat Washington, considering what they should have won, the Minnesota game.

[A]

They should have won the. Detroit's been the only game that's been embarrassing for them.

[B]

So they've been in, they've been competitive. If you go out and be Washington, which I think Washington has a real chance to go on a run and win the nfc, especially when you look at what's happening with the Eagles, all the injuries in the NFC west, the NFC north, there are more question marks, I think, in that division as well. But I think you beat a team like Washington now, all of a sudden you're talking more than just, okay, as Caleb Williams, maybe an elite quarterback in the future. Now you say okay, the Bears may have a stretch where they can get into the playoff picture if they can compete with a team like that.

[A]

Bills are at the Falcons. I long ago have made a decision. I don't ever think I understand what's going to happen in a Falcons game. But I still, I feel pretty good about the Bills here because of their fact they lost last week. They're not going down there and taking a loss, are they?

[B]

You know this and you told me this all the time last year. Right. You don't ever bet the Falcons, right.

[A]

Because no, you don't bet a Falcons game ever.

[B]

They win these games for some reason, right? I mean, we have seen the Falcons at the lowest of lows, losing, what, 30 to 0 to the Panthers. But they also have the weapons, I think, to compete with anybody, especially when Michael Penix Jr. Is selling. I think the thing with Josh Allen is I think this Buffalo Bills team is really good. And I do think if they went back to, you know, the film room and they were like, we beat ourselves against the Patriots, I think that's fair. But you don't want to get caught up going to Atlanta and getting off to a slow start again, which could happen.

[A]

You don't. But I feel good. I feel good about the Bills winning this game. I think they'll have a lot of people at the game. Also, it'd be interesting to see Michael Pinnicks on this platform on Monday Night Football, right? I mean, I don't know if he's. If he's played in that platform, but for Josh Allen, that Patriots game was embarrassing. I would go ahead and say to you, though, you write this down, Best bet of the year. This is the Matt Jones best bet of the year. If Josh Allen is healthy, I do want to throw that in there as a caveat. If Josh Allen is healthy, Bill's winning at New England is the Matt Jones play of the century.

[B]

Bill's winning at New England. You think, okay, to get back the.

[A]

Loss they had at home, that's fair. I think they will because they'll get that back against the Patriots when they do it. But this game's important. You don't want to lose two in a row against teams that you think you're better than in the Bills, because they still want to have home field advantage throughout the course of the playoffs. This is, I think, a very, very important game for them. We always like to take our pick pick to tell you who's going to win every single game. We'll give you games that are much more interesting than the one that got played. This morning. It's take your pick next, Matt Myron and. Oh, by the way, hang on. We have a huge guest coming in. Literally our guest picker. Well, well, you'll see. I mean, we have a huge guest that's next here on Matt Myron.

[B]

Matt and Myron, the podcast.

[A]

It is Matt Myron here on ESPN Radio, presented by Progressive Insurance, Ready to rock. Remember, here's what's happening today. Rams and Ravens will be on select ESPN radio stations right after this show ends. Then tonight, the American League championship series, game one. Mariners and Blue Jays, that's at 7:30 here on ESPN radio. Our guide, Wardo Perez, Carl Ravitch, Tim Kirkshon. We are, Matt, Myron, counting you down to kickoff. We are just what, 15 minutes away from kickoff. And it is now time to do what we do every week, which is pick our games. Now going into this point, Myron, I had a seven game lead on you, even from South Africa.

[C]

All right?

[A]

I was in South Africa, not even getting to see the games and still crushing you in the picks. Now last week I didn't have a great week. So I, I lead by three after five weeks. Are you ready for me to win for the eighth straight year on take your pick?

[B]

Yeah, I don't think you're going to win at all. I'm the champ.

[A]

You've never won. How could you be the champ if you've never won? I've won seven straight years.

[B]

That's not true, but I'll be the champ this year.

[A]

All right, well, guess who's going to be joining us. Well, first of all, it is now time to take your pick. Take your pick. You take your peak.

[B]

It's time to take your pick with Matt and Myron.

[A]

Now, every week we bring a celebrity guest picker and we are very excited to have this one WWE hall of Famer, the world's strongest man, Mark Henry is on the phone. He's been covering Texas football this year. Mark, nice to talk to you.

[C]

What's going on, guys?

[A]

Mark, I gotta tell you, you may not know about this, about me. I'm one of the owners of Ohio Valley wrestling, a place you used to participate in.

[C]

Man, come on now. I learned so much at Ohio Valley between Rip Rogers, Danny Davis and Jim Cornett, it would have been impossible not to. And Al Snow came in at the end just to, you know, get in there and cut his teeth and he ended up running the thing.

[A]

Well, I, I work with Al. Al's. Al's our head of wrestling. And now. So how about that? Small world, isn't it, Mark?

[B]

How about that?

[C]

It is. This world is really small.

[A]

You also cover Texas football. You're. Are you coming to Lexington this, this coming weekend?

[C]

I am not. We're going to be doing a live remote here in Austin. You know the radio where you got to make that paper.

[A]

Yeah, I understand you got to make the paper. Well, as Arch turned it around.

[C]

I think that Arch is going to need another four or five games to be the guy that he's going to be next year. He, It's a lot that he don't know. And you know, like, especially a new quarterback, when you see coverages, he can't make the line shifts and everything at the same time yet. Like, he's no Peyton Manning yet. So once he gets to the point to where he walks to the line of scrimmage and he can see a shell coverage and he can call it out and then make the line shifts and all the things to protect himself, he's going to be a monster because Peyton and Eli were no kind of athlete like him. That guy, that guy runs the 4, 5, 40. I mean, he's, he's extremely athletic. So when you mix that with knowledge, you know, he just, he's a. He's a can't miss prospect.

[B]

Well, Marque, I'm on the show too. Great to meet you. You're the world's strongest man.

[C]

Negate the fact that. You on the show too?

[B]

Yeah, no, I mean, I'm here. Matt didn't really introduce me. Like, he basically had a conversation. He had a conversation with you and didn't even tell you that he had a co host. So nice to meet you, Mark. So I wanted to make sure that we connected. Okay. That's all. That's all I wanted to do.

[A]

I got excited about that.

[B]

A whole conversation without your co host with hall of Famer Mark Henry, like, I didn't exist. So that's all. I'm not mad about it.

[C]

I need y' all to handle that out off the air. Seems like a personal thing.

[A]

Yeah, just.

[B]

It just felt. It felt personal to me, that's all.

[A]

Well, Mark, I'm ready to go. Let's.

[C]

We're gonna.

[A]

We're gonna make some picks. All you gotta do is tell us who's gonna win and give us a quick reason why. You ready to rock?

[C]

Let's go rock.

[A]

Let's get started. What's the first one?

[B]

Browns and Steelers.

[A]

Myron, we got.

[B]

I don't believe in Dylan Gabriel. Probably see Shador Sanders. Give me the Steelers to win this one, Mark.

[C]

I'm going to go Steelers. I think that Aaron Rodgers is too much of a veteran quarterback at the head. And running in a Mike Tomlin defense for a rookie is not always good.

[A]

I'm going with the Steelers. What's next?

[B]

Chargers at Dolphins?

[A]

Myron, can they do it on the road?

[B]

Charges will get it done. Although that offensive line has a lot of injuries. But I'm still going to pick the.

[A]

Charges to be hot down there to tomorrow. Mark, does it or today? Does it matter?

[C]

Yeah, it does matter. San Diego Is such a beautiful place, but it's not conducive to putting you through the grinder. Them guys in Florida got a lot to prove. They trying not to let Mike McDaniel get fired and they, they just have too many injuries with the Chargers. I'm gonna go with Miami.

[A]

Wow, that's a good upset pick. I'm gonna take the Chargers, but I like sticking your neck out there. Let's go. What's next?

[B]

Patriots and Saints.

[A]

Drake, Mace Fitz a Rattler. Who you got? Myron?

[B]

Yeah, man. I mean, Saints coming off that win over the Giants, but give me Drake, man. The Patriots to win on the road.

[C]

Mark, man, I've seen Spencer Rattler in college. I've seen him in the pros. He is not a good starting quarterback. I have zero faith. You don't have the tools. Outside of Shahid, there's no tools around him. I, I think that they're wasting away Kamara. They should trade him before the trade deadline so he can go play for somebody that really needs a running back that can win. I'm. I'm, I'm not. I'm going with the Patriots.

[A]

Going with the Patriots as well. What's next? Rams at Ravens on ESPN Radio. Gotta go quick. Myron, what you got?

[B]

Yeah, definitely the Rams. The Ravens can't stop anybody.

[C]

Mark, you got definitely gotta go with the Rams. The Rams got too many weapons. Kyron Williams is my favorite running back right now. I'm so versatile. Let's go with it.

[A]

I'm going with the Rams as well. What's next?

[B]

Cardinals at Colts. Myron Daniel Jones Express seems like the real deal. Give me the Colts, Mark.

[C]

Hey, listen, Danny. From Danny Dimes to Danny Dimons, let's go with the Colts.

[A]

I love it. Danny Diamond. I like it. Mark Henry, Colts. I'll take them as well. What's next?

[B]

Seahawks and Jaguars.

[A]

Fire two good teams. Who you got?

[B]

Sam Donald has looked amazing, but that Jags defense is the real deal. Give me Jacksonville.

[C]

Mark, you know what? If they throw the ball five to eight times to Travis Hunter, the Jags will win this running away. Wow.

[A]

He wants some Travis Hunter time. Give me Josh Hines Allen with three sacks on Sam Darnold. I'm going to take the Jaguars. What do you got next?

[B]

Cowboys at Panthers.

[A]

This is the kind of game the Cowboys sometimes drop. Byron, do they do it?

[B]

Yeah. Now Cowboys win this. Bryson probably saved his job, but Dak Prescott gets the job done.

[C]

Mark, Dak is playing better than he's ever played in his career. And they have a running game so it's hard to if they can play a semblance of defense the Cowboys should.

[A]

Run away with Dax been great I'm going to take Dak as well what's next?

[B]

Titans at Raiders Titans get a win. Myron, now. Yeah, the Titans win. Geno Smith has nine picks in five.

[A]

Games Give me the Titan taking the Titans on the road what do you got, Mark?

[C]

I didn't wait that both these teams can lose yeah.

[A]

Who you got?

[C]

Let's go Titans.

[A]

I'm gonna go with the Raiders and to get the be the Contrarian who's next.

[B]

49Ers have Buccaneers for first place.

[A]

In the NFC what do you got, Myron?

[B]

Close game at the end Buccaneers always win those games give me the bucks they do Mark.

[C]

Hey. As good as Bake as good as Dak Prescott is playing Baker Mill Baker Mayfield is playing just as good and a Mecca Buka is a true NFL number one weapon. I'm going to go Bucs I'm going to Bucs too.

[A]

Baker's my MVP so far. What's next?

[B]

Bengals at Packers.

[A]

Myron Flacco just he do it again.

[B]

Joe Flacco is 78 years old in NFL years give me the packers to win.

[A]

What do you got, Mark?

[C]

Listen, man. I think that Michael Parsons is finally healed up. I'm a go Green Bay Packers.

[A]

Jamar Chase has more tackles than Michael Parsons this year. That's my stat of the game. Isn't that crazy? But it's true. I'm still taking the Packers. What's next?

[B]

Lions at Chiefs. Hard to pick against Kansas City at home. I'll pick Kansas City reluctantly.

[C]

Mark, it's not hard for me to pick against them. I'm going Lions. They gonna run them down. Run it down their throats.

[A]

Mark, I was gonna do whatever you I'm torn on this game. I have no idea what to do. But you have the OVW background and you're the world's strongest man. So I'm going with the Lions on the road to Kansas City Monday Night Football.

[C]

Then let's go for a ride.

[A]

Let's go. What's next?

[B]

Bills at Falcons. Mark, I'm the word I'm the strongest man in my HOA gym. By the way, I will pick the Bills for this bounce and that's not even true.

[A]

Mark, what do you got?

[C]

I'mma go Bills. You're not going to see Josh Allen drop two in a row.

[A]

Totally agree. That's true.

[C]

I just can't see them losing two games in a row.

[A]

So totally agree with you, Bills for that reason. Finally, what's next?

[B]

Bears and commanders? Yeah, I think. I think Jayden Daniels is too good. Give me the commanders to win.

[A]

All right, Mark.

[C]

Jayden Daniels all the way. Only Riz, only Washington commander I'll ever cheer for.

[A]

The revenge of Caleb Williams. We flip it back on him. He did the Hail Mary. Now we hail Mary him back and win at the buzzer. I'll take the Bears to take the Commanders. Mark, thank you very much for your time. Good luck with the Texas broadcast and thank you for all you do.

[C]

Hey, man, I appreciate y', all, man. God bless.

[A]

There you go. Go Cats, though. Next week against your horns. We'll see you later.

[B]

Thanks for listening to Matt and Myron the podcast. You can listen to the show live every Sunday morning at 10am Eastern on ESPN radio, the ESPN app, and on Sirius XM channel 80. Matt and Myron, the podcast.