Hour 3: Vindicated

Summary

Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron – Episode: Hour 3: Vindicated

Release Date: March 23, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf
Platform: ESPN Radio

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Enjoy Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf's insightful and lively discussions every Sunday morning as they dissect the latest happenings in the sports world. In this episode, titled "Vindicated," the hosts delve into the NCAA tournament's intense moments, analyze significant coaching stories, and explore the tumultuous landscape of NFL quarterback movements.

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1. John Calipari and Arkansas’ Road to the Sweet 16

The episode kicks off with an in-depth conversation about John Calipari and the unexpected success of the Arkansas Razorbacks in the NCAA tournament. Arkansas, entering the tournament as a 10-seed with an SEC record of 0-5, stunned many by advancing to the Sweet 16 after defeating higher-ranked teams like Kansas and St. John’s.

Calipari’s Perspective: The hosts discuss clips from John Calipari, highlighting his resilience amidst criticism. At [01:32], Calipari reflects on his team's achievements without seeking vindication:

John Calipari: "I don't need any vindication... Do it for each other."

Hosts' Analysis: Myron emphasizes Calipari's drive, stating at [02:55]:

Myron Metcalf: "He's driven by criticism. He's driven by being underestimated. It's what's always made him so successful."

Matt adds his observations about Calipari's competitive nature and the personal challenges he faces, noting how winning against Rick Pitino symbolically represents overcoming adversity:

Matt Jones: "It just sums up everything that he's about, Myron. The world's against us, nobody wants us to win, and now you beat that guy."

They also touch upon the emotional aspect of Calipari’s journey, referencing his family’s visible support during the games. At [04:44], Calipari discusses how his family’s emotions reflect the collective spirit of his team:

John Calipari: "This is families... I wish it was a blowout so they didn't have to cry."

Concluding Insights: The hosts commend Calipari's ability to navigate criticism and lead Arkansas to a significant tournament milestone, viewing it as a form of professional and personal vindication.

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2. NCAA Tournament Highlights and Game Previews

a. Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s ([23:28]–[24:37])

Duke showcased a dominant performance, beating Mount St. Mary’s 93-49. The hosts discuss the significance of this win, highlighting Mount St. Mary’s reputation and Duke's prowess. They also preview upcoming games, emphasizing key matchups and player performances.

b. Kentucky vs. Illinois ([39:27]–[40:22])

A heated discussion ensues around the Kentucky versus Illinois game. Both teams are known for their high-scoring games, averaging around 85 points each. Myron points out the injury woes plaguing Kentucky, raising concerns about their depth:

Myron Metcalf: "I've never seen a team more injured than Kentucky this year."

Matt counters by focusing on Kentucky's experience in high-pressure situations, suggesting they have the edge despite Illinois' potential:

Matt Jones: "I have no concerns about them being able to hang with good teams."

c. Women's Tournament Predictions ([36:37]–[38:43])

The hosts shift focus to the women’s tournament, predicting strong performances from standout players like Georgia Amore of Kentucky and Haley Van Lith of TCU. They analyze player impacts and team dynamics, offering their picks for upcoming games.

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3. NFL Quarterback Carousel: Jameis Winston and Aaron Rodgers

Transitioning from college basketball, Matt and Myron tackle the hot topic of NFL quarterback movements, focusing on Jameis Winston's signing with the New York Giants and the potential for Aaron Rodgers to join the Pittsburgh Steelers.

a. Jameis Winston to the Giants ([13:06]–[16:14])

Jameis Winston’s agreement to a two-year, $8 million contract with the Giants is examined. The hosts debate the implications of his move, considering his performance and the Giants' organizational stability.

Myron’s Take: He expresses skepticism about the synergy between Winston and the Giants, questioning the organization’s decision-making:

Myron Metcalf: "They have such a history of being a good franchise but with such a history of being of character guys... they're going to have Aaron Rodgers as the storyline your whole season."

Matt’s Perspective: Matt highlights Winston’s potential as a media magnet, both as a playmaker and a polarizing figure:

Matt Jones: "He'll be a great sound bite. I don't think you could win with Joe Montana in the Giants and all the dysfunction they have in that organization, but it'll be interesting to see how he plays."

b. Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers ([16:34]–[21:42])

The possibility of Aaron Rodgers joining the Pittsburgh Steelers sparks a contentious debate between the hosts. They analyze the cultural fit and strategic implications for the Steelers.

Myron’s Concerns: He doubts the compatibility between Rodgers and the Steelers’ disciplined environment under Mike Tomlin:

Myron Metcalf: "I cannot think of a culture where it seems like it would mesh worse than Pittsburgh and Aaron Rodgers."

Matt’s Insights: Matt underscores the potential challenges Rodgers would face in a blue-collar city with a storied franchise:

Matt Jones: "I can't think of how that marriage works. It also shows if you want to judge Mike Tomlin, to me, why he deserves so much praise is..."

Both hosts agree that the matchup between Rodgers and the Steelers would be fraught with cultural and strategic hurdles, questioning the viability of such a move.

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4. Predictions and Analysis of Key NCAA Games

a. Duke vs. Baylor ([39:12]–[39:46])

Duke is favored to win against Baylor, with Matt stressing Cooper Flag's impact:

Matt Jones: "There's nobody at this level who can guard Cooper Flagg. And I think that separates Duke at the end of the day."

b. Kentucky vs. Illinois ([39:59]–[40:46])

The clash between Kentucky and Illinois is anticipated to be unpredictable due to Kentucky's injury-riddled roster. Myron leans towards Illinois despite acknowledging Kentucky’s grit:

Myron Metcalf: "But I think this Kentucky team is really banged up... so that's why I'm taking Illinois."

c. Alabama vs. St. Mary's ([41:18]–[42:23])

Alabama is expected to overpower St. Mary’s, with both hosts highlighting Alabama's speed as a decisive factor:

Myron Metcalf: "Alabama is going to destroy... I'll take the tide."

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5. Women’s Tournament Insights and Player Spotlights

The hosts shine a spotlight on standout players such as Haley Van Lith of TCU and Georgia Amore of Kentucky, praising their performances and predicting their influence on their teams' success in the tournament.

Matt’s Highlight on Georgia Amore:

Matt Jones: "Georgia Amore in Kentucky. This is one of the most exciting players in college sports... I'm not betting against George Amore in Kentucky."

Myron’s Support for TCU:

Myron Metcalf: "I'll take TCU. She gets the last laugh and gets the win today."

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6. Additional NCAA Tournament Discussions

Further discussions include:

• Maryland’s Dominance ([42:38]–[43:17])
  Maryland’s impressive win over Grand Canyon and their strong frontcourt led by Julian Reese and Derek Queen are analyzed, with Matt predicting Maryland as a sneaky Final Four contender.

• Ole Miss vs. Iowa State ([43:34]–[44:24])
  The unpredictability of this matchup is discussed, with Myron ultimately backing Ole Miss for a win despite initial leanings towards Iowa State.

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7. Closing Remarks and Final Predictions

As the episode wraps up, Matt and Myron offer their final thoughts and predictions for the day's remaining games, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of March Madness and the impact of both seasoned veterans and promising freshmen on their teams' fortunes.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• John Calipari on Vindication:
  [01:32]
  "I don't need any vindication... Do it for each other."

• Myron on Calipari’s Drive:
  [02:55]
  "He's driven by criticism. He's driven by being underestimated."

• Matt on Cooper Flag’s Impact:
  [26:09]
  "There's nobody at this level who can guard Cooper Flagg."

• Myron on Alabama vs. St. Mary’s:
  [42:02]
  "Alabama is going to destroy... I'll take the tide."

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Conclusion:

In "Hour 3: Vindicated," Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf deliver a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the latest NCAA tournament developments, coaching narratives, and NFL quarterback movements. Their blend of expert insight, spirited debate, and memorable quotes offers listeners a thorough understanding of the current sports landscape, making it a must-listen for fans seeking in-depth coverage and thoughtful commentary.

Transcript

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[Matt Jones]

This is Matt and Myron the podcast.

[Myron Metcalf]

Sunday morning here, ESPN Radio Final hour presented by Progressive Insurance, Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf. It is the final day of the second round of the NCAA tournament. Eight games starting here just momentarily with Florida and UConn yesterday, big story, Arkansas, they make the sweet 16 after a victory over St. John's an Arkansas team that started the the SEC 0 and 5 and looking like they had almost no chance to make the tournament. They go on a run, end up making it as a 10 seed. And after beating Kansas and Bill Self and then rick patino and St. John's there now in the sweet 16. Caliperi was on game day just a few minutes ago. Myron, I've not heard these clips, but we'll see what he, what, what he has to say. First of all, he was asked if he feels vindication from the criticism he has received in the last couple of years by getting to the sweet 16.

[John Calipari]

I don't need any vindication. But what I would tell you, that was pretty nice after that Kentucky game in Rupp arena in that environment, you know, one of the highest rated TV games all season, they did that and after said this was for you to coach. And you know, as a coach, you know, you're about them, you care about them, you're trying to get them better. And when they come back and basically say, we know it, we know it, this is why we're doing this for you. It means something. But after that game, I said, how about we do this now? How about instead of doing it for me, you do it for each other? Do it for each other.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah. It had no vindication, Myron. See, again, this is the thing about Cal. I wish him nothing but success and give him a ton of credit for winning. I mean that, that, that, that team was done and he brought it back. But do you have any vindication? No, he just went to the Sweet 16 and now he's referencing a game against Kentucky two months ago. Like you just went to the Sweet 16. So of course he is driven. The man is. Is driven by criticism. He's driven by being underestimated. It's what's always made him so successful, Myron. And I think that's exactly a big part of why he feels so good today as he should after those victories.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I mean, Cal especially has always been creating sort of a chip on his shoulder, even if one didn't necessarily exist. I mean, I remember covering that 201415 team that had like a dozen NBA players and won their first 38 games, and he would still talk as if somehow the world was against them. So this is kind of what he does. And let's be honest, Patino put him in the perfect spot for him to face Patino and get here. It just sums up everything that he's about. The world's against us, nobody wants us to win, and now you beat that guy. It really can't get any better. Rick Patina. I remember John Calipari.

[Myron Metcalf]

No, it can't. And I remember when they were in the NCAA tournament in 2015 and they were undefeated, okay? Undefeated. They played in the first round. I think they played Hampton. But in the second round they got Cincinnati. Okay. And he was asked going into the game what he thought about the fact that, you know, they are at that point like 35 and oh, 36 and oh, and they're like, you're playing Cincinnati and it game was in Louisville. And he was like, you know, it's going to be tough. I mean, the committee put Cincinnati here. They're only like an hour away from Louisville. And what he wasn't noting is so is Lexington. He was acting like the committee had given him a road game when he was playing Cincinnati in the state of Kentucky, which also is, oh, I, by the way, where Kentucky exists. That's just such a cow thing. He had to be like the underdog even in the state he was in with an undefeated team.

[Matt Jones]

That's how he is, man. That's just.

[Myron Metcalf]

Now, if you watch, if you watch the games, though, one thing that was nice, you saw a lot of emotion from his wife and daughter as they were both at the end of the first round game and the second round game. He was asked about that this morning as well.

[John Calipari]

When people are attacking me or we're losing games or whatever, and they watch and see how I am, it affects them. And trying to tell the world, this is not about me. This is families. Just the way I look at my players, it's about their family, not just them. So I, I was, you Know, I was happy people got to see what our family's about, but, you know, I wish it was a blowout so they didn't have to cry.

[Myron Metcalf]

That was a sweet moment, even for a critic of Cal like mine, because, you know, we often think. Think of sports just based on the individual, and there can be people who can be very difficult to get along with as. As Caliperi can sometimes. But then they may have family members who are wonderful people, and they have to deal with that, too, even if it's not directly about them. And I thought seeing Ellen Caliperi, their daughter Megan, and watching that emotion, I did think that was a very sweet thing. That, again, March Madness captures those emotions. Byron.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, no, it was cool. They've obviously, you know, watched that and watched Cal and everything that has happened over those rocky years at Kentucky. I also think the criticism thing is real. I mean, there was a generation where you never talked about anybody's family pre social media. Like, that never was the. The thing. And now family members are targeted when these coaches end up in difficult situations.

[Myron Metcalf]

I don't think. I don't think that happened with them. I think they. Look, John took a lot of heat, and I think some of it's deserved. Some of it goes over the top. But you also, like, if you put yourself in the position of their shoes, if you're John Caliper and you leave Kentucky and the Kentucky fans were ready for you to go, and then you go to Arkansas and things go really badly at first, and everybody is, like, dancing going, it's over. And there's articles with his colleagues saying he's done, you know, and then you come and you come back from that, and then you beat your arch nemesis, Rick Pitino, like, he is his arch nemesis. There have to be very few feelings, Myron. Better as a coach than that.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, no, I'm sure it feels like redemption, and I think it solidifies that this is sort of a new chapter for him as well. And, yeah, to be in that situation, I think it was. It felt like at Kentucky in the final years, that everybody was in a bad marriage.

[Myron Metcalf]

Oh, yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Just wanted it to be over. Like, nobody was happy. And I think perhaps this year, certainly with Mark Pope and all the success he's had and now for Arkansas and Cal, like, they both found happiness elsewhere. And I think that's exactly right.

[Myron Metcalf]

And sometimes when there's a bad marriage. Okay, I've never been married, but I've seen this happen with other people. Myron. Right. Like, you're in a marriage and it goes bad. And maybe. I mean, maybe you loved each other, but then at the end, like, you can't even be in the same room, so you get divorced. And then at first, like, you're kind of bummed out, right, Myron? Like, you kind of. You get a little. Maybe you don't work out as much. Maybe you're living in an apartment that you don't like. And then all of a sudden, you say, all right, I'm going to turn my life around. I'm gonna go get in shape. I'm gonna go look for a new person, and I'm gonna start slicking my hair back, and I'm gonna get some of my groove back. And then you can find happiness in that second act. And maybe that's what's happening for Caliperi here. He has found a second marriage where you can call the Hogs and maybe also have a victory, even though you say you wouldn't call the Hogs, like a lot of people do.

[Matt Jones]

Well, and I think you got to add something to that as well. BYU is pretty happy, too. I mean, they didn't want to lose Mark Pope. They loved him, and now they found their guys as well. So rarely do you see a coaching carousel move, work out. Think about everybody.

[Myron Metcalf]

Think about how well this coaching carousel has worked for new coaches across the country. All right? Kentucky fans really love Mark Pope. Louisville fans really love Pat Kelsey. Michigan fans really love Dusty. Maybe you just mentioned BYU fans love their coach. Arkansas fans are now starting to love Calipari. I mean, like, that coaching. Usually when you have the coaching carousel, some people don't end up happy of the major jobs that came open last year. Myron. It feels like all of them have kind of worked out.

[Matt Jones]

They. They have. And I think, let's be clear, NCAA tournament success has helped everybody, right? So, like with Cal, if he loses that first game, it's a different conversation. But to get to this point, you can win a fan base in a couple of games in the NCAA Tournament. And I don't know that there's another sport in the world where you can just earn that immediate redemption in a couple of hours.

[Myron Metcalf]

You're. Exactly. Let's talk about the randomness of life for just a second. With 2 1/2 minutes to go, Kansas is up three against Arkansas. Hunter Dickinson has the ball. If Hunter Dickinson throws the ball down low and they get a basket there, Kansas probably wins. Arkansas loses. We're not having this conversation. Instead, he turns it over. Now, Hunter Dickinson. The Hunter Dickinson era at Kansas is Kind of considered a failure. You know, John Calipari is dancing and is on game day and has redemption and really it's like one pass. I always think that's an interesting thing about sports, but specifically college basketball, that really happiness and legacy can come down to one moment in time and it can change everything for the people involved.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, it's. To me, it's the only event that can really create instant heroes and instant villains. Instant villas too. I mean, you got a guy with a boombox at McNeese, like you can't create household names the way that you can in the NCAA tournament.

[Myron Metcalf]

It would have been interesting if McNeese had won one more game though. Yeah, Myron. To see what would have happened. Because if we had had another week of that guy, do you think America would have gotten tired of him? If there was one more week, there.

[Matt Jones]

Would have been an entire Twitter account devoted to hating on that dude. I mean, it just because America loves to love those dudes for a game and then hate them the next game.

[Myron Metcalf]

They love to build you up and then they love to bring you down. And the McNE, I think he got the perfect amount of attention. He had one game of attention. I think if he had had more than one, it would have been better.

[Matt Jones]

Too much? Let me ask you real quick. The Under Armour people apparently flew in the middle of the night on a private plane to give him that outfit.

[Myron Metcalf]

Love it.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, it's a bit much, right? We're doing.

[Myron Metcalf]

I love it. No, I love it. I love it. This is what it's about. This random kid at McNeese with a boombox getting an Under Armour jumpsuit. To me, Myron Metcalf, that is March Madness. We will preview today's games. A little bit of the NFL quarterback carousel. Does anybody want to deal with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers? What's going to happen with them? That's all next right here on Sunday morning on ESPN Radio.

[Matt Jones]

Matt and Myron, the podcast.

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[Myron Metcalf]

It is Sunday morning here on ESPN Radio with Matt Myron, presented by Progressive insurance. The Florida UConn game is underway as we get to our final day of weekend one of the NCAA tournament. We'll get back, keep you updated on the score of that one. But let's go for a second to the NFL Free agent quarterback Jameis Winston announced Friday he's agreed to sign with the Giants. Two years, $8 million sources tell ESPN. Confirming a report by Fox Sports. Winston tweeted start spreading the news on his ex account, confirming his excitement over his new football home with an apple emoji. Jamis asked Saquon Barkley for where advice to where to sign in free agency. And I guess either he ignored his advice or still or maybe he got surprising advice, but he's going to the Giants. What do you think about Jameis in the Big Apple?

[Matt Jones]

It's going to be fun for guys like us in the media, you know, because he'll be a great sound bite. I don't think you could win with Joe Montana in the Giants and all the dysfunction they have in that organization, but yeah, it'll be interesting to see how he plays. Are they still going to try to get a quarterback? Like what's going to happen there? But James, well, I mean Jameis isn't.

[Myron Metcalf]

The long term answer. Yeah, he's like a one year guy that maybe brings some excitement to an organization that's been pretty.

[Matt Jones]

No more tail please though. The sermons gotta stop. I can't take.

[Myron Metcalf]

Why do you hate those so much? Like, I mean you, you, you, you get very mad when Jamis preaches. But I like, I mean you're, you have a tattoo of Marcus Aurelius. Like I would think you would enjoy the philosophy of Jamis Aurelius.

[Matt Jones]

It gets old, that's all I'm saying. Like, like I get it. If that's what he likes to do, that's cool. But when it becomes, you know, we're going to go to Jameis Winston for his pregame pep talk, like, stop. We don't have to do that. Okay, we don't have to do that.

[Myron Metcalf]

So but what do you not like motivation from a man of principle like Jameis?

[Matt Jones]

I don't like when it becomes your whole brand. I think that's. That's what I become a little concerned. Listen, man, you know these people. I love people who are motivational. Yeah, but like, when you go to, like, event with somebody and they're doing that motivational thing, I'm like, you're just weird. You're weird. Leave me alone.

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean, I feel like. Not to. Not to go back to an earlier comment, but I feel like Marcus Aurelius's brand was motivation.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, but. But I don't think he was doing that, like, on the town square whenever.

[Myron Metcalf]

I think that was exactly where he was doing. I think.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I think that was when it was print time.

[Myron Metcalf]

This was pre printing press. Like, he had to do it on the town square.

[Matt Jones]

Listen, when they were having red wine at sundown, he wasn't doing all this.

[Myron Metcalf]

You don't think he was up telling people his philosophy? He was literally a philosopher, but not.

[Matt Jones]

At the right time. At the right time, he was. I don't think he was just doing it nonstop. And that's how I feel like Jameis has become.

[Myron Metcalf]

So you think Jameis. You think Jamis is philosophizing too much?

[Matt Jones]

Well, I told you, I think he's gearing up to be like a mega preacher or something. Like, he's just. Everything's a sermon. Nobody listen. If you go to black church, which I grew up in, right. This is why black church don't let out to 3:00, because everybody's got a long sermon they're trying to give, and it just. It's a lot.

[Myron Metcalf]

So what? So why can't Jamis be ready for, like, starting his path towards black church?

[Matt Jones]

Go for it. But not before a game on a Sunday in the NFL. We don't have to go. Do you remember when they were doing that, they started literally going to him and saying, I like it. Here's Jameis with his game Pep talk.

[Myron Metcalf]

I loved it. I felt inspired. You just have a heart of stone now. The person who doesn't inspire me is Aaron Rodgers. Is it now for Aaron Rodgers? Steelers or bust? Either he goes to Pittsburgh or else he starts a podcast. Like, what's happening with Aaron Rodgers in your mind?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. It feels like Pittsburgh is the. Is the last shot for him. But I still don't understand it. You know, I still don't get how that works with, like, the discipline Mike Tomlin demands with what that whole organization is about. I Don't know how you bring Aaron Rodgers into that. You know, I can't think of a.

[Myron Metcalf]

Culture, I cannot think of a culture where it seems like it would mesh worse than Pittsburgh and Aaron Rodgers. I mean, I, you know, maybe Mike. Tom. Mike Tomlin has a way of getting stuff out of very different types of people. But when I think about that, I usually think about his ability to bring people who are kind of young, immature, maybe not, don't have discipline, and he sort of makes them grow up. I've kind of always felt like that was Mike Tomlin's strength. This is different. This is an old guy set in his ways. I do not think he's going to go, okay, Mike, I'll win one for the Gipper. Like, I just don't see how in the world this works. And the Cam Hayward comments, I mean, it seems like he's coming in with one strike against him. I just. How is it possible that Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh could be a situation that works?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I don't know how it does. And to me, that city isn't Aaron Rodgers. I mean, you've been to Pittsburgh like that. That's about as blue collar as it gets.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, I think Aaron Rodgers thinks he's blue collar, right? Like. Like he thinks he's a man of the people. He's not, but he thinks he is.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, he. He definitely thinks he is. And that's certainly not the case. I don't know how that marriage works. It also just shows, like, if you want to judge Mike Townlin, to me, why he deserves so much praise is, look at all the quarterbacks he's had to choose from since Ben Roethlisberger, like he legitimately is going to.

[Myron Metcalf]

But isn't that a case for having him? Because, I mean, the case would be okay if you want to make the case for Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh, wouldn't you say? Look, he's had this array since Roethlisberger of just, you know, one after another of C level quarterbacks. And even today Aaron Rodgers might be B minus, so maybe it works. Isn't that the case you would make?

[Matt Jones]

That is the case, but it also is why you can't make a run in the playoffs. Right. If you don't have an elite quarterback, you're going to be in trouble. So, I mean, having these guys who Mason, Rudolph and old Aaron Rodgers, you can get into the playoffs. Tomlin has proved that, but I don't think you can go very far. So I think he still is at a tough spot ending up with Aaron Rodgers and maybe what might be the final year of his career.

[Myron Metcalf]

If you were a Steelers fan right now and you're sitting at home and you're looking at the quarterback market and you're trying to figure out who's going to lead your team, are they in a level of desperation yet where you would say, fine, sign Aaron Rodgers, or would you still hold out hoping something else would emerge?

[Matt Jones]

I mean, there's nothing else. Like all the good backups have been signed, so what would you do?

[Myron Metcalf]

If you're a Steelers fan, would you be like, let's go get a. A, A Ron and let's get him.

[Matt Jones]

Unfortunately, from a talent perspective, they might be stuck. Like, this is a very weak quarterback draft. The free agents, for the most part, are all gone. And the backup guys that you would want who maybe would have a chance to.

[Myron Metcalf]

So if they don't take Aaron Rodgers, who's their starter?

[Matt Jones]

I don't think they, I don't think they have one. I mean, Russell Wilson. Yeah. Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean, would you rather another year of Russell Wilson or a year of Aaron Rodgers?

[Matt Jones]

Well, Russell's looking at other places too. You know, he's. He's looking around and potentially.

[Myron Metcalf]

But I bet if he thinks. I bet if he knew he was the starter, he'd come back.

[Matt Jones]

So I take Russell Wilson over.

[Myron Metcalf]

See, I would too. I mean, I know he's not.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, that's a different weird with Russell both.

[Myron Metcalf]

But that's the thing is they found a way to have the two weirdest people in the NFL and they're like, they're. I mean, Pittsburgh to be such a good franchise and to have such a history of being of character guys and having a certain mentality. They have somehow ended up with Sammy and Luke weird as their two choices, Myron and I'm not sure how that happened.

[Matt Jones]

No, they don't fit the culture. But at least Russell Wilson's done it. He's played there. Aaron Rodgers. And then Aaron Rodgers becomes the storyline your whole season. No matter what you're doing, Aaron Rodgers will be the storyline.

[Myron Metcalf]

It is. It is very strange to me that they are left stuck between two weird places in a city that to me seems like they like and an organization that likes weird the least. Yes, they somehow are left choosing behind the weird. Right now. UConn and Florida are. Are playing. Florida leads 11 6. We will keep you updated and do some other previews of the games today. This is Sunday Morning.

[Matt Jones]

Matt and Myron, the podcast.

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[Myron Metcalf]

Spencer Hubbard with control of the ball, a full team effort from Duke in every way in the 93:49 the Blue Devils dispatch Mount St. Mary's yes, that was Westwood One on the call as Duke defeated Mount St. Mary's in Route 1. I always think Mount St. Mary's good name for a college. Do you know where do you know what what state Mount St. Mary's is in? Myron?

[Matt Jones]

It's in the Virginia area, right?

[Myron Metcalf]

No, I think it's in when I don't know, I always guess New York. So I is it where is Mount Saint Mary's? Guys.

[Matt Jones]

You always go to our student like they just have.

[Myron Metcalf]

They have a Google ready and so I feel like if they Google it they'll give me an answer And I and Mount St. Mary's is where Maryland. It looks like it's in Maryland. Yeah, it's in Maryland. All right. Emmitsburg.

[Matt Jones]

Well, the largest Catholic seminary in the United States.

[Myron Metcalf]

Look at that. See, that's one of the great things about March Madness. You learn about places, geography and seminary and they but however they did lose by 50 to Duke. Which brings me to Duke plays Baylor today probably will be one of if not the most athletic teams that Duke has played certainly since ACC play has begun. They played a couple of athletic teams in the non conference. You know Duke is kind of a throwback in a little bit. So is Illinois and the fact that they're sort of driven by freshmen. Not most teams are not doing that anymore. But they have three guys who are taught who are lottery picks in the Starting lineup. Cooper Flag gets the most attention, but you know, Knipple is one. Let me ask you, do you. I heard someone say, I believe it was J Bills, that he thinks Duke is the best team in the tournament. Do you still believe that? Or you, you take it Auburn or Florida or someone else.

[Matt Jones]

I think they are the best team, especially with the way Auburn has kind of slipped in recent weeks. I think Florida's playing the best basketball, although, you know, UConn is hanging with them early and slowing the game down. And Houston has also been very, very good. But you know this, Matt, at the end of the day, like, there are a lot of teams that are close at this level, but with Cooper Flag, it just changes Duke's ceiling and it just gives them the most difficult matchup, I think, in the entire country. There's nobody at this level who can guard Cooper Flagg. And I think that, to me, is what separates Duke at the end of the day.

[Myron Metcalf]

You know, being at Kentucky, I've seen a lot of freshman laden teams and I sort of have the belief that you can win with freshmen, but to win with freshman. Myron, they better be dudes, right? They better be like real dudes. And it can't be guys who are. Well, they'll be really good one day. They have to be good now because the dudes you're playing against, I mean, let's just look at Duke. Yes, they start three 18 or 19 year olds, but they're going to play against teams like Houston and auburn who start three 23 year olds. And that's a big difference in age. But I do think Duke clearly has the most talent. What my question is, this is with the acc, because I look at their non conference. All right, let's look at Duke's non conference for a second. They lose to Kentucky, they lose to Kansas. They do be Arizona, but those are, you know, Kentucky and Kansas are good, but they're not national championship good. And they lost to them. And then the acc, every team they've played is already out of the tournament, every single one of them. Now they do have a win against Illinois where they absolutely pounded them by 40. But I guess, I wonder when they play another elite team which could be against Alabama, let's say, in the Elite Eight, how do you think Duke does against a team like Alabama full of old guys who've been to the Final Four before, are they ready for that?

[Matt Jones]

Did you conveniently leave out there, win over Auburn, the top overall seed? Because.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, but it was on their home court and it was on their home court. And while I think that's a big win, I watched that game came down to one play here or there and they're on their home court. And as anybody who's tried to win at Cameron will tell you, you know, it's. That is a tough, tough task. I actually came away with that game more impressed with Auburn that they almost won on that court. But. But yes, they did beat Auburn. I think that's fair.

[Matt Jones]

They competed, right? I think that's at the end of the day now, mind you, those early games against Kansas, Kentucky, Cooper flag was 17 years old and yet they were still competitive. Now I think all those teams have gotten better, including Duke. But to me, what I take away from those games, especially the loss to Kentucky and Kansas, was you had the ball in Cooper's flags at flags hands at the end of the game. Now granted a couple turnovers. He did, he did. He looked like a young guy in that moment. I actually think that helped him though because he took so much scrutiny because so many people started to doubt him when he didn't shine in those moments. And now you've just seen him play with a poise that I think has helped Duke and made them into the team that they are right now. So I have no concerns about them being able to hang with good teams because they haven't played a crazy schedule in the acc. I'm more concerned or more thinking about the youth because as much as we love to say one and done, nobody wins championships with one and done outside of Anthony Davis, future hall of Famer. And that Duke team that had a bunch of first round picks, other than.

[Myron Metcalf]

That veterans team has a bunch of first round picks. I mean, if you go look at the teams that have done it, yes, there's two of those teams that have done it, 2012 Kentucky and 2015 Duke. And both of them had teams kind of built like this Duke team. Right. So why, I mean, why not? I mean you've got Cooper like Anthony Davis was a transcendent college star. I guess the question is, is Cooper flag that you said you thought he was the best college player talent you've seen since Anthony Davis? Anthony Davis won the title, by the way, in a weak sec, kind of like Duke was in a weak ACC that year. You know, can they, can it happen again?

[Matt Jones]

Yes. No, I think definitely I'm putting Duke in the category of they can do it. But we've also seen a lot of really good teams led by freshmen that failed to do it because I think is a factor in this moment, the thing about Anthony Davis was if you watch that run, you saw him and said, okay, I don't have to know that dude's name, but if I watch him a couple plays, he's better than everybody out there and he can do whatever he want on the court. I think Cooper Flagg is not that necessarily because ad again, future hall of Famer, but he's in that conversation of freshmen who can just kind of wheel their teams to victory. And I think Cooper is special and this could be a special year for Duke.

[Myron Metcalf]

As a result, Florida leads UConn 16 to 15 with eight minutes to go in the first half. UConn staying with them and the probably the lowest point margin. All right, Kentucky, Illinois. You want to talk about a game where nobody's slowing anybody down. These two teams both average like 85 points a game. I think the over under is 170, which says they think that's an 85, 85 score. However, it's another game of freshmen versus old guys. Except Kentucky's the old guys and Illinois is the freshman who start Illinois start three freshmen. Kentucky's got dudes who are collecting aarp. They've been in college so, so long. So what do you think? It's. That'll be a crazy matchup. I think a huge Illinois advantage here in Milwaukee in terms of crowd, which is a little surprising. How do you see this one going today?

[Matt Jones]

I think it could be a fun game. I think it comes down to one matchup. Lamont Butler conspiracy, Jacob Sionis. That's the matchup, right? If Lamont Butler can slow him down, the 6 foot 6 point guard, projected lottery pick, that changes everything Illinois can do. I think on the flip side is Kentucky continues to prove a guy can have a bad game. Two guys can have a bad game, they just go to the next dude. So I think this is where Kentucky is actually in a favorable spot because adversity doesn't scare them. It's really all they know. And in a weird way, they almost seem to respond better because it is defined their season. Whereas I think Illinois, with a young point guard, it'll go the other way for them.

[Myron Metcalf]

I've been around a lot of teams. I've never seen a team more injured than Kentucky this year. I mean, they got two guys out for the year. Jackson, Robinson and Kirk Crease. Right. Now, of their top eight guys, like four of them have major injuries. Lamont Butler has a big injury. Amari Williams has a hurt back. Travis Perry has a hurt hand. Trent Noah has the Flu. I mean, literally, like you just, it's just always something. But for the most part this year they've kept their head above water and going. I do worry about the, about the, you know, the ability to guard Illinois because they do have Myron, two NBA first round talents on their team. And while they've been wildly inconsistent, when they get going, they can put up points in bunches and when they start making threes, they can bombard you.

[Matt Jones]

No, that can be tough, man. But again, let's say that's what happens. If this is first one to 100. First one to 100, I'm picking Kentucky. Like Kentucky's been in more of those games than anybody else. They've won a bunch of them. They've lost a bunch of bunch of them as well. Whereas I think if Illinois plays that game, it actually helps Kentucky in that matchup.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, it should be. If you've not watched Illinois, they're an interesting team to watch. They literally lost to Duke by 40, but then they beat Arkansas, I think by 20. Who's just made the sweet 16.

[Matt Jones]

I mean they lost to Maryland, like 30. Yeah, yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean they can put any score on the board. Like if you're betting this game, you might as well just flip a coin because it could be the score, could be anything. It could be Illinois by 20 or Kentucky by 20. You have absolutely no idea what the result will be. And it's going to be. It should be a wild show. We are going to make our predictions about this game. The women's tournament continues to go on with the scoot scoot that Myron likes from Georgia, Amore and Kentucky that it's all next here on Sunday morning with Matt Myron on ESPN Radio.

[Matt Jones]

Matt and Myron the podcast.

[Myron Metcalf]

I can.

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah. Rock and roll here on Sunday Morning on ESPN Radio. Matt Myron, presented by Progressive Insurance.

[Matt Jones]

Y'all be getting loose in the summer. Y'all be getting loose at the festivals of this in the summer.

[Myron Metcalf]

Who's y'all? You mean like.

[Matt Jones]

I mean festival people, you know. You mean rock and roll?

[Myron Metcalf]

Sunday morning is presented by Progressive Insurance. This is a riddle brought to you by Progressive Insurance. What is your home and auto have in common? That's progressive. They protect them both. It's an easy ride. Learn [e-mail] Florida leads Yukon by 1 point, 21 to 20. It is now time because you guys want to know who's going to win these games. The answer is listen to what I say. Don't listen to what Myron says it is. Take your pick.

[Matt Jones]

What?

[I]

All right, guys, go for it. Lots of college games today. We'll start. We'll start with the women's games. Yeah. Give you all the women's games but some interesting ones, of course. Number five, Kansas State versus number four, Kentucky, 2:00 on ESPN. Battle of the Wildcats. Myron, you got the purple or the blue ones?

[Matt Jones]

Georgia Amore. I'm telling you, if you have not had a chance to watch her yet, the Kentucky star. This is the most one of the most exciting players in college sports, men's and women's basketball can really put up big numbers. I'm not betting against George Amore in Kentucky.

[Myron Metcalf]

George Amore gives him the scoot scoot in historic Memorial Coliseum. And I will take the Kentucky Wildcats in a nail biter against Kansas State. What's Next?

[I]

All right, 3:00 on ABC. Number nine, Indiana versus the number one South Carolina Gamecocks. Indiana actually played them last year and only lost 79 to 75. So they think they can hang with them this year. Myron, what do you think?

[Matt Jones]

If you tell me Dawn Staley is in the NCAA tournament and she's coaching South Carolina, I will never bet against them. And that's true for this tournament as well. Even though I know this isn't that South Carolina team. Maybe not as good as some of her past squads, but I ain't picking against South Carolina ever.

[Myron Metcalf]

With very beatable South Carolina team this year, not today, because they're playing on their home court. But watch for a potential upset in the regional this Is not the same South Carolina team that they've had. But they win today against Indiana. What's next?

[I]

All right, this one's kind of interesting. 6:00 on ESPN. You got Louisville versus TCU. Haley Van Lith returns to her whole through the original school. I think she started out right, Myron.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah. Haley Van Lith bowl here, the city of Louisville. They got strong feelings about her, Myron.

[Matt Jones]

Well, she's had a breakout year. I mean, she went to lsu. I think everybody agrees that just wasn't the right fit after LSU had made the title run. Then she ends up at TCU where she's found her game again and she's one of the best players in America. Give me TCU to win.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I'm gonna take tcu. But this. There's a lot going here, you know, hey, she's a big personality. She was big in the city of Louisville. They had a lot of success with her on the team. But I think she gets the last laugh and gets the win today. I'll take tcu.

[I]

All right. One more women's game if you're up late. 10:00 on ESPN. You got Richmond versus the number one overall UCLA Bruins. First time Richmond's reached the second round. Myron.

[Myron Metcalf]

Whatever absurd game to pick. UCLA's gonna win by a thousand.

[I]

Myron's at 16 and a half.

[Myron Metcalf]

Is that a really interesting game at 10 o'clock at night? Come on, now, let's just move to the next one. Ucla, he's gonna win by a million. Next.

[I]

All right, let's do some men's games, then.

[Matt Jones]

Wait, we didn't get to talk about. Okay, all right. Talk about Lauren. Beth. Not talking about ucla. Lauren Betts is a player that people should get to know. That's all.

[I]

Okay. All right. Moving on to the men's games. 240 today in the east region. Baylor versus number one, Duke. Cooper and Duke carrying the flag for the ACC. Who do you got, Myron?

[Matt Jones]

Jeremy Roach. Jeremy Rhodes going back to play his old team, but he hasn't been really good this year at Baylor. I think there's no matchup again for Cooper. Flag and what Duke can do. I think Duke wins. I think Duke wins rather easily.

[Myron Metcalf]

I love that you said Cooper is carrying the flag for the acc. You've been working on that one for a while. I will take. I will take Duke. They're playing in Raleigh, so it's basically a home game. They will win. I do think Baylor's athleticism, though, will give. Will give him some trouble. But I'll still take Duke.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[I]

All right. 5:15 today in Midwest region. Illinois versus Kentucky. A Kentucky win would actually tie them for the most NCAA Tournament wins. With what school? Myron. That's right. North Carolina.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I was going to say. I was waiting for Myron. It's North Carolina, but go ahead.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, it was like a question inside a question. I think Illinois could be very, very good. But the problem with Illinois is when they're bad, they're very bad. Just lost by 23 to Maryland in the Big Ten tournament. You mentioned the Duke loss, and I think this will be one of those games. I don't think Kentucky will dominate them the same way, but give me Kentucky to win.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah. All right. So on my official KSR pregame show coming up here in about two hours, I'm going to take a different result. So I'm going to take Kentucky. But if you're going to make me be honest, I actually think Illinois wins. And I think it's a. I think this is an even game. I think this is an even game. But the problem is there's going. This is going to be an Illinois home game. Illinois's got so many people here because it's down.

[I]

I'm just Illinois favored by two and a half.

[Myron Metcalf]

Illinois makes you think they're the better. They're not better, but I think this Kentucky team is really banged up. I mean, like, they are. They're playing on just like, guts right now because a lot of these dudes probably shouldn't be playing, but they are. So that's why I'm going to take Illinois. But on my official pregame show, I'm gonna be taking. Yeah, but not like this. I mean, they're down to. I mean, they're barely going. So that's why. That's why I'm taking Illinois. But I will pick Kentucky on my show because I don't want to be a bummer. What's Next?

[I]

All right, 6:00 in the east region. St. Mary's versus number two, Alabama. Bama, of course, struggled a little bit in their round one game against Robert Morris and they're only favored by six and a half. Can the Gales pull off the upset?

[Matt Jones]

Myron, this is fascinating to me, man, because Alabama is the fastest team in America and St. Mary's is literally one of the slowest teams in terms of how they play. So who. Who has the edge? I always feel like if you're playing a team like that, there's a better chance that they can speed you up. Than that you can slow them down. Although we're watching UConn pull it off so far against Florida. But I'll take Alabama because I just don't think St. Mary's can slow them down. They were down the other night in their first round game. They had to come back there. I think they lose to Alabama.

[Myron Metcalf]

What's the spread on this one, Mikey?

[I]

Do you know, Bama? Only by six and a half, though.

[Myron Metcalf]

I take Alabama by a thousand. Alabama is going to destroy like St. Mary's has. No, they've not seen the speed and the talent this Alabama team has. Vandy should have beaten St. Mary's they were up 12 with like 10 minutes to go and blew it. Alabama's gonna run them off the court. I'll take the tide.

[I]

7:00 in the west region. Colorado State versus number four, Maryland. Maryland came in off their biggest lopsided win in school history when they beat Grand Canyon 81 to 49. The Terps keep it rolling, Myron. They're favored by seven and a half.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, they're very good. Julian Reese, Angel, Reese's brother in WNBA Derek Queen are one of the best front courts in the country. Derek Queen's gonna be a lottery pick. Maryland has it all, man. Like Maryland is a sneaky final four pick for me. A team that once they get rolling, they can be tough to beat because of what they have in their front court. Maryland wins today.

[Myron Metcalf]

Crab 5 is gonna, I think, enjoy this one a lot. Colorado State got the benefit of a way overseeded Memphis team to get their early victory. They get the the other side of that by playing a real team worthy of their seed. And Maryland wins by 10 to 12 points. I'll take the. I'll take the Terps.

[I]

All right, 745. In the south region, number six, Ole Miss versus number three, Iowa State. Ole Miss coming off their win against North Carolina, trying to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2001. ESPN bets got Iowa State favored by five and a half. Myron.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I think this is one of those games where the crowd's gonna matter a lot. I mean, Ole Miss Chris Beer has been a really good coach for them. They don't necessarily have a star, but a bunch of guys kind of at the same level. Iowa State, no key Sean Gilbert. But in Milwaukee, man, that, that is going to feel like Little Ames, Iowa. And I think that'll be a major advantage for Iowa State. Iowa State wins.

[Myron Metcalf]

This is the hardest ticket basketball today is this Milwaukee Regional. I mean, you get Iowa State fans. You got Illinois fans, you got Kentucky fans. Tell you what you don't have is Ole Miss fans. There's like a handful of them here and they're going hot and tired and they're like, they have this whole rhyme and we're like, Mississippi. And they just go and they go and they go. But I'll tell you what they will do about man, they're good and they're going to play this game down to the shot. I'm just telling you, that's their chant.

[Matt Jones]

Don't look it up. You've been making sound effects for three hours.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm trying to keep you. I'm trying to keep you energized. I love the points with Ole Miss here. I think this game comes down to the end. Ole Miss is good. They're better than you think. They're probably the best team that nobody's watched. So I'm going to take Ole Miss against the points. Wow. I'm gonna go ahead and say Ole Miss wins. The Rebels send all the Cyclones fans back to Aim Sad and Hottie Toddy Hashta Potty. We get the win and they party all night long. My bad cat. What are you talking about? Thank you all for listening. This is Sunday Morning with Maddie Matt My Maddie Hottie Talk.

[Matt Jones]

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 SiriusXM channel 80. Matt and Myron the Podcast Foreign.

[Myron Metcalf]

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