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- [00:01]
Jackson
The volume.
- [00:15]
John Middlekauff
What is going on everybody? John Middlekop three and out podcast. How are we doing? Here is the drill. Today I recorded a national championship and just college football kind of preview for tonight with Jackson intern Jackson last week. So that'll be the majority of the podcast. I'm going on or I went on. If you're listening to this with Colin after the Ravens Bills game. So I did a quick reaction after the Eagles won before that game. So I that'll open up the show. Some thoughts on Eagles Rams, which was just awesome. I mean talk about football weather, talk about Saquon Barkley, Jalen Carter, Jared Verse. Just that that was fun. I mean I was, I was pacing around the office also at the Rams plus six and a half. So sweating that bad boy out. But so we'll react to the, the Rams Eagles game. Obviously the Eagles going back to the NFC championship game and we will talk some college football and then we will be back on Tuesday with just, just a podcast. So hopefully everyone had a good weekend. Hopefully everyone enjoyed the football. We also had a reaction and a podcast and a video. So go check out the YouTube channel. Subscribe to the podcast feed. If you listen on Collins feed on Saturday night after what game was at Lions lost. I'm already like kind of figuring out, you know, you're just so in the moment. After the Lions game, some thoughts on the Chiefs game. Is Mahomes getting all the calls? We will dive into it all so make sure if you missed that, check that out as well. There's nothing better than playoff football in the snow in freezing cold temperatures. That was awesome. I mean that was the best. When the snow started coming down, it literally started falling right as Saquon was scoring his first long touchdown of the game. You could see it coming as he kind of rounded in the end zone and it didn't relent. And obviously coming out of halftime it was going to be a huge deal and it was massive, right? It was hard for guys to get their footing. It was a huge impact. But to me, you know, this game really came down to Philadelphia and the way they built this team. I mean how he had his imprint and fingertips all over this bad boy. Saquon Barkley runs for 205 yards, two massive explosive runs. They have Jalen Carter, who forced a huge fumble on Kieran Williams when it felt like the Rams were about to take over the game, had the sack on the second to last play of the game, you know, in when the Rams were basically in the red zone and felt like God they could score a touchdown and win this game. And I think you also saw Zach Bond made huge plays. Anyone could have had him. Makai Becton had a massive plays today. I mean, those two guys were projections. They were viewed like draft picks as guys that were already in the NFL. Yeah, we're going to take Zach Bond, we're going to change his position, we're going to take Makai Becton and we're going to change his position and they're going to be impact players. Obviously Bond is an all pro, Pro bowl level guy and Becton is just fantastic. But to me, this team is kind of gone all season with Saquon Barkley. And very fitting that today in a game that was decided 28, 22 in the snow, the guy runs for over 200 yards and has two touchdowns, which both of them were kind of the game early on, it felt like, God, the Rams are keeping this thing a little bit closer than you thought. Then all of a sudden Saquon hits the big run. And I love it when announcers say this and coaches do too. Well, you know, we've done a good job. At halftime he has 90 yards, but you remove the 60 yard run, he only has 30. Well, you can't remove the 60 yard run that happened. And that's points just like his other run. Like, you don't get to remove those runs. And that's the thing with Saquon Barkley. All season long, at any moment, you know, he's got a little Barry Sanders quality to him this year. It's like he's got 10 carries for 23 yards and then all of a sudden 75 yard later, it's like, Jesus. I think the stat was heading into the last game of the season. I think he had four or five runs over 60 plus yards. I mean, tonight he essentially had two. He had, yeah, he had a 62 yarder and a 78 yarder. So on two runs he had 140 yards and two touchdowns. I mean, and if it's not for the fucking kicker who is a major problem like the Eagles have two major problems right now. For a team that is absolutely loaded with talent everywhere, their kicker is not even close to reliable. And the one reason the Rams were in this game today. And listen, Stafford had his moments and there were some passes clearly he would like back. But he played a different sport from within the pocket than Jalen hurts. Obviously the game opens up with Jalen busting the long run and then he got injured as the game went on. Couldn't move as well. But like him passing from within the pocket. And listen, I give you a little bit of room for error when the snow is falling and the wind is running. But he like can't function. There is no passing game. So if it's not for sake one's 200 yards. And Colin and I, and I think he said this last week, like, they're Saquon Barkley offense. And it's true. The reason he's reading, inner excellence and trying to keep his emotions down, because he wants to get mad at the quarterback because the quarterback can't get him the ball. Now, in fairness, say Jalen did hit him on one down the sideline that he double caught and he, you know, by the time he was out of bounds, it didn't count. But like Jalen, this is a Super bowl roster. No one would argue that their quarterback passing the ball is a major question mark. Their run game is elite, their defense is pretty damn good. And obviously they got some elite defensive linemen. They got some high end DBs. You got Bond, he was a baller. Their quarterback passing from within the pocket, major red flag. Their running back Maria walked in right as he was busting a second run to the office and she was like, is he better than Christian McCaffrey? Like when Christian McCaffrey is healthy, I'm like, well, Christian catches the ball better than him, but he ain't that fast anymore. And Saquon speed is elite. He gets a little daylight, he's fucking out the gate, as the announcers say, pay dirt and it's over. And I think the other move that like gets back to Howie is the Eagles did two things when it came to Jalen Carter. One, they put their nuts on the table because it was a ballsy pick. This guy was easily the best player in the draft, universally agreed upon. No one disputed it. Best player in the draft, not even close was him. But he was a major red flag. Some teams had him off the draft board. A lot of teams were on the fence about drafting them, but didn't have the stones. And most importantly, what the Eagles has had, they had the infrastructure. So they had the balls, they had the cojones, but they also had the infrastructure. They had Fletcher Cox, a legendary defensive lineman. They had a leader in Kelsey that was, you know, go up against them every day in practice and they just have a lot of high level guys. Also they had guys like Nakobe Dean on the team and obviously they ended up drafting Nolan Smith, guys that high character, guys who played with him in college and they felt like, you know what, we can handle them. And two years later, I mean, Saquon was the best player on the field. You could argue Jared Verse or Jalen Carter is the second best player on the field. And like, he's just an unstoppable force. And that sack he had on Stafford on third down with the game in the balance, like, they hit a couple more plays, score a touchdown, the Eagles are going to lose. And it would go down. I think Eagles fans would agree. It would feel like one of the worst losses in the history of the franchise. It was like, this is fucking nuts. The Eagles are going to lose this game. They were just up 28 to 15. It's like Stafford throws a touchdown here, they're going to lose. And all of a sudden Jalen Carter right around the center, boom, sacks his ass like it's just an elite town. And I know a lot of people with the franchise, like, he's an unstoppable force. He is an unstoppable force. So you got Saquon Barkley. Anyone could have had. They gave him $27 million. They have two awesome wide receivers. They have a sweet tight end. Problem is their quarterback goes through stretches where he's not throwing the ball well. So it's like, shit, let's just hand it to 26. We arguably got the best offensive line in the league. Hand at 26, handed 26. When all else fails, he'll eventually bust a 50, 60, 70 yard run. And on defense, listen, defense is hard in the NFL. The rules are against you. There was a helmet to helmet penalty that 10 years ago would have been called a hospital ball. Jalen just threw it up there. And now it's great to be an offensive player. You just throw balls up into fucking no man's land. Where in the history of the sport, your wide receiver gets killed instead, automatic penalty. The rules are completely against you. Playing defense, the one area in which they're not line of scrimmage. You're allowed to do whatever you want. It's still very, very physical. And Jalen dominates, Dominates. So does Jared Verse. And those two guys. Like, those are elite talents and those are guys in this modern day game, quarterbacks make more money than everyone else. But these elite defensive linemen, I heard someone say the other day, like, get ready, Micah Parsons is going to ask for $40 million a year and want $150 million guaranteed. That's why when people are saying like, could they trade him? Yeah, they could, because that's his worth and someone will pay him that if the Raiders decide to nuke their franchise, I don't mean, you know, if they hire Ben Johnson, just completely start over, they could trade Max Crosby for potentially two ones. If Cleveland does the same with Miles Garrett, same thing. Because those players are the second most important guy on the field. And when you got an elite one, they're worth their weight in gold. And holy shit, Jalen is good. So I also think the two projects of Bond and Becton, I mean, this Eagle team, listen, they just came up with huge plays today. They forced a couple fumbles, obviously the Saquon runs huge benefit. And this is why winning regular season games matter. This is why the NFL is king. Because it's not just the playoffs that matter. This isn't baseball or basketball. The regular season really matters because home field is everything. This is a one game scenario and it's a huge advantage to have a home game. Obviously the weather played a major part and I give a lot of credit to the Rams. Think how much we make fun of Mike McDaniel who has this team down in Miami. They go to anywhere under 50 degrees, they got no chance. Everyone will tell you bet the fucking mortgage on them to lose. Why? Because they always lose. It's not about playing in the warmth because the Rams are a warm weather team, 75 degrees in Los Angeles right now. It's about how you build your team. And the Miami Dolphins are just consistently poorly built, right? The LA Rams build their team tough and physical. You create your culture not by a Message by Sean McVay, by the type people you put in your locker room. And that's what Jared Verse. I know Braden Fisk got injured today, but like those guys, their skill set translates to Alaska, to Miami, to Seattle to Dallas. You could. They could play on the fucking moon. And that works no different Jalen Carter. Last time I checked, Jalen Carter's from Georgia. Went to Georgia, didn't exactly play at Michigan or Oregon. He can play anywhere. Physical players translate. It's why Kyle went on the road a couple of years ago to Green Bay and freezing cold and won a game. That's why the LA Rams today went in a frigid conditions, snow. The only guy in short sleeves was Big dom. Even Sean McVay wasn't wearing some big ass puffy jacket, had on a pullover. Now he probably had a little thermal under but like showing like we're here for the cold, baby. And Stafford, who, let's face it, some question marks with, you know, his resume in cold weather. I thought given the Everything going on was pretty damn good today, you know, and gave him a chance down the stretch. So congratulations, the Eagles. Very impressive day by the Rams. I mean, it felt like this could be like one of McVeigh's finest moments if he were to win this game and they showed up to win. And you talk about a coach the way that Tomlin still talked about, like McVeigh. McVeigh is the ten year ago Tomlinson. His leadership, the way he builds his team, how tough his team is, how they can translate and play anywhere, how they can handle, you know, the most, the worst tragedy historically, like the fire down in LA and be able to pick up, take the family, move, kick ass in the game, still deal with that when they come back, go to Philly in a snowstorm, boom, be right in the game. McVeigh is so fucking good. It's crazy how good of a coach he is. It really is. I mean, man for man, we do this a lot in college football and there's obviously a college football game tomorrow. And there's a reason Notre Dame's a big underdog because Ohio State has a much better roster. And in football, the one like, if you have a much better roster than me in baseball or basketball, more than likely I'm going to lose. Doesn't matter who the manager is, doesn't matter who the basketball coach is. I'm at such a disadvantage, I'm probably screwed. In football, that's just not the case and it never will be the case because coaching is so important. And Sean McVay, I mean, think of what he did this offseason. Hiring his buddy Don Shula's grandson Chris, who I thought was fantastic today. The only mistake he made is deep in the goal line at the end of the first half, ran a blitz and they hit Saquon on a screen and he got a first down. It would have been a good spot to get the ball back. Maybe they would have got some points. But overall, I'm so impressed with the rams and Sean McVay and the operation. And they finally get a first round pick and they draft Jared Verse, who looks like Khalil Mack 2.0. Like that physicality and that power is going to translate. I know he only had four and a half sacks this year. So did Khalil Mack as a rookie. Two years later, he was the defensive player of the year. That's what you watch, you know, you watch your adverse today. You're like, this guy has defensive player of the year type upside. You know, Fisk got injured but, and listen, they missed him as the game went on, especially against the run that was, you know, Kerwin Williams going to struggle to sleep at night. That that fumble was big. I mean, and they got pretty lucky that Lane Johnson jumped off sides because probably should have scored a touchdown there. But, man, fantastic win by the Eagles today was an organizational win. That was an organizational win by Philadelphia. It really was. And how he had his. And I'm not just saying. I mean, the guy once upon a time fired me. So it's not like I'm just like in the bag for the guy. But Saquon Barkley for cheap draft. Jalen Carter when everyone else was terrified. Bond Becton, man, obviously higher Vic Fangio, who got those guys playing at a much, much higher level. You know, it's funny. Everyone is like crushing Kellen Moore. I see this a lot on the Internet and I try not to pay too much attention. I mean, you can find whatever you're looking for of people with opinions on the Internet. But when your quarterback struggles to throw from within the pocket, there are only so many passing play calls that you can make and make everyone look good. Like, he's calling plays and the guy either pats the ball, holds the ball like it's. It's not easy to call pass plays when he's playing like that at quarterback, he struggles to pull the trigger. It's just, you just, you could argue just call run plays every single time. And obviously your run game struggles because Jalen plays a part in it when he dings up his knee. But at the end of the day, you're in the NFC Championship game. You're hosting the game in Philadelphia. You have such a talent discrepancy against Washington. There is zero excuse to not be in the Super Bowl. And I'm recording this before Buffalo Ravens, but obviously you're going to be playing one of those two teams or the Chiefs. And listen, I would say the Eagles, you know, if Jalen can get healthy just because of the talent on their team, has a chance to beat anyone. We saw him play the Ravens. We obviously saw him play the Steelers. They won as well. So listen, I think the Eagles, the talent on that team, man, is just. Is truly crazy to watch as the game goes on. Just every position's got dudes. Foreign NFL playoffs. We're talking about the NFL playoffs. You bet we are. Get in on the action at DraftKings Sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of the NFL. Scoring touchdowns is a key to winning in the NFL playoffs. And the key to you scoring big is betting on them at DraftKings, the number one place to bet touchdowns. Ready to place your first bet? 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For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see dkng co Audio lately on the NPR Politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change? They want change. What will change look like for energy? Drill baby, Drill schools. Take the Department of Education. Close it. Health care better and less expensive. Follow coverage of a changing country. Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises on the NPR Politics podcast.
- [19:22]
Jackson
Listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever.
- [19:24]
John Middlekauff
You get your podcasts.
- [19:27]
Bobby Bones
Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say With Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times basketball sellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I, I texted you and you texted me back. Now I don't know if you have the update, but like all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like it's all colored. They changed it and the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm going to be honest, it was a little pink.
- [20:10]
John Middlekauff
There was something sentimental when you, when you Send it. It was like, do I send the heart now?
- [20:17]
Bobby Bones
I don't like the color edition.
- [20:18]
John Middlekauff
It's extremely pink.
- [20:19]
Bobby Bones
Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [20:26]
John Middlekauff
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. The Daily show podcast has everything you need to stay on top of today's news and pop culture. You get hilarious satirical takes on entertainment, politics, sports, and more from John and the team of correspondents and contributors. The podcast also has content you can't get anywhere else, like extended interviews and a roundup of the weekly headlines. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [21:06]
Katie Couric
Hey, everyone, it's Katie Couric. Well, the election is in the home stretch, and I'm exhausted, but turns out the end is near. Right in time for a new season of my podcast. Next Question. This podcast is for people like me who need a little perspective and insight. I'm bringing in some foks friends of Katie's to help me out, like Ezra Klein, Van Jones, Jen Psaki, Asted Herndon. But we're also going to have some fun, even though these days fun and politics seems like an oxymoron. But we'll do that thanks to some of my friends like Samantha bee, Roy Wood Jr. And Charlemagne the God. We're going to take some viewer questions as well. I mean, isn't that what democracy is all about? Power to the podcast for the people. So whether you're obsessed with the news or just trying to figure out what's going on, this season of Next Question is for you. Check out our new season of Next Question with me, Katie Couric, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [22:18]
John Middlekauff
Okay, back with my main man, intern Jackson, who I. I get more DMs that are like, I like this guy. I. This guy might have a future. I'm like, yeah, you know, I, I ran into him, met him originally at a golf course. He was wearing me out about his football takes on the driving range, and I was just trying to get some fresh air, and I was like, I think there might be something there. So now, now his teams in the national championship. He's living in Old Town Scottsdale. Life's pretty good for the young man.
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Jackson
Yeah, life's not too bad. Apologies. Wearing out for the football takes, but I guess it ended up paying out later on. But no, I'm excited, man. Monday will be fun. And I was talking to my buddy the other day because obviously, you know, being a Notre Dame fan myself, but I'm a realistic Notre Dame fan. When you've got to talk about the sport. At the same time, I understand it's going to take a lot. It's going to be a miracle for Notre Dame to win against Ohio State. But for them, the CFP run they've had. Now you look at Marcus Freeman, kind of the face of college football the last couple months, it's always so funny. They always. I see so many questions for Marcus Freeman in Ohio State. Oh, what's it like facing your alma material? This is the third time that he's going to face Ohio State in the last two years, two, three years. So I don't think it's a big deal. His first game as a Notre Dame coach was at Ohio State. They got blown out. So I think there's going to be a lot. I was looking previn for this. What does Notre Dame have to do? What does Ohio State have to do? The list for Notre Dame is much longer than Ohio State. It's definitely a David versus Goliath. But when you look at this matchup, what sticks out to you? Just early thoughts, I think really quick.
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John Middlekauff
What's funny about that is obviously when you're at the school as a. As a kid or player, I mean, you are. As a. As a player, you're also a kid because you're 19, 20 years old. As a guy, it means a lot to you. So, like when Marcus Freeman was playing at Ohio State, Ohio State meant everything to him. When Kirby Smart at the time was playing at Georgia meant everything to him. And then you start making huge money to as Kirby was running the defense at Alabama or Marcus Freeman becomes the head coach at Notre Dame, that kind of becomes your life. And you'll learn this as you get older. You become numb to some younger things that the time you felt were everything. And you look back like there's a chance that Marcus Freeman, once upon a, you know, moving forward, if Ryan Day was ever fired and they offered him the job, would turn it down. Roy Williams did this for a long time back when I was growing up coaching at Kansas for North Carolina. Now he eventually took the job. But like, you know, they say be where your feet are. It's easy to make that transition. Like if Marcus Freeman was the head coach right now at Fresno State or, you know, UTSA or Texas Tech. Like, yeah, he would aspire to get to Iowa State. What the fuck's the difference of the two to him? And I mean, he's already being talked about as an NFL coach. So, like, that moment, I mean, that's 15. He's 38 years old. I mean, he left college when he was 21 years old. He's been away just as long as he was alive before he got to Ohio State. So I, I think sometimes people on the outside make a bigger deal of it than, like, they think, oh, he's just probably BSing. No, I think truly he's probably pretty numb to it. Not that he doesn't, like, hold that time in hype esteem of changing his life. It led him to the NFL, you know, meeting fickle Ohio State guy that he went to work for in Cincinnati, and that really put him on the map, right? Being the DC there. It's how Brian Kelly found him. But I, I just think, I think it gets overblown sometimes.
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Jackson
I agree.
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John Middlekauff
You know, in college, and I think you see a lot in the SEC with guys, I mean, Steve Spurrier coach or played at Florida, right. Way back in the day, like the 50s or 60s. He then left for, for the Washington job and then resurrected South Carolina. At the time he was coaching South Carolina, it was pretty clear he was all in on South Carolina, and he was in at the, you know, when they had east and west in the sec. He's playing Florida every year. But it's like, it's not like I like Florida more than, I don't know the team I coach. So he's, I, I, I've really. Listen, I didn't know that much about him. And then you lose to Marshall. I think Marcus Freeman is the biggest, biggest winner of this football season. I think Ryan Day has settled everything and, you know, brought his credibility back after the Michigan loss with these three weeks. But I think just the overall winner of, like, this guy's kind of a star, you know, and if you look at the ebb and flow of guys, you know, Kirby, he's already won national championships. I know he loses in the first round, but it doesn't change the way people think about him. I would say Dabo's star is dimmed a little bit given, like, how dominant he once was. Lincoln's fallen off a cliff. I, you, you would say Marcus Freeman of just like the coaching rankings. I think given what Kurt, the run Kirby's on, I think most people would put him as the number one coach in college football. Listen, obviously if Marcus were to win this game, you couldn't put Ryan Day ahead of him. But I would say Marcus Freeman right Now is viewed 100% as like a top three or four coach in college football. So. And you'd know better than me. But over the last decade, it's hard to compare because Brian Kelly, a lot of his run was early on, right. When they played Alabama, there was no Final Four. He just went to the national championship and he went to the final Four. How many times they go to the playoffs with Brian Kelly? Once.
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Jackson
Twice. Twice, yeah. They lost to Alabama and then Clemson. Yeah, yeah.
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John Middlekauff
So they, they lost those games and we're overmatched right. In those moments. So to go beat Georgia like he did and then to follow that up with the Penn State win when he was kind of getting worked, that's as good of a two week stretch as Brian Kelly ever had, right?
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Jackson
Yeah, I saw his comments yesterday. I think he talked about Notre Dame and how there was a quote that was saying, oh, Brian Kelly's going to root for Notre Dame for the national championship. And how he said, he said, quote something. I would go, I didn't leave Notre Dame because I couldn't win a national championship. I went to get another opportunity. It's like, okay, bullshit, buddy. You said that you left Notre Dame because you thought you couldn't win a national championship. There you went and go took a bag. And I also like, that's one thing about Brian Kelly that never worked out with Notre Dame and that Marcus Freeman is working out with Notre Dame is because he's more players first. And maybe Brian Kelly is behind the scenes, but it seems like out in public it's always me, me, me, I, I, I. And he talked about how he's rooting for the players that quote I recruited is what Brian Kelly said in that quote. I just, I, it kind of rubbed me the wrong way. And maybe, yeah, there's some guys on that team that you recruited that are six year, seventh year, fifth year seniors. But if you watch Notre Dame, majority of their playmakers are guys that Marcus has brought in.
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John Middlekauff
One to me, Brian Kelly's had an incredible career coaching. This LSU stint has not gone well. But before that, his rise, when I was at Fresno State, we played the Cincinnati team that went to the BCS with Tony pike was their quarterback. And that was the year that he left before the game to go to Notre Dame and that team was undefeated. And that's when he really kind of became a star. And then obviously going to Notre Dame but like he was, he was a real high end coach. But most people hate him because they just think he's a royal scumbag. The scissor lift thing. I remember being in college and we had like a janky thing at Fresno State. The wins weren't as crazy. I honestly shocked more people didn't fall over over the years. I don't. You know what I'm talking about. The filming guy that fell with the crazy wins. I don't. It was like his first year at Notre Dame. I think a guy. I think I died but. And then ever since people just wanted to hate him the way he left Cincinnati that moment. And clearly he can just be kind of pompous and arrogant and there's just more of a. And obviously there's an age gap but just feels like Marcus Freeman pretty normal cat. Like most people could have a conversation with a guy and I'm with you. I totally disagree of like him rooting for I mean mark streaming wins. It basically I don't want to say invalidates Brian Kelly's run but it. No one will ever discuss Brian Kelly again. It'll. It'll almost be viewed as. Yeah, he couldn't, he was good but couldn't quite get him over the hump. Even though he did kind of resurrect the program. I mean it was, it was in bad shape when he got there. But it does feel like Marcus Freeman, if he were to win this game, hell even just being in this game because I got a DM the other day that said how does Brian Kelly, how do we talk any different about Brian Kelly if Marcus Freeman gets his ass kicked in this game? Like Brian Kelly got him to this game. I'm like, well it's not exactly apples to apples because the one time he played Alabama got blown out. There wasn't a 12 team playoff. So he never, he just played a schedule and then got to that game and got killed. Like I saw Brian or I saw Marcus Freeman play Georgia, which would almost be equivalent of the Alabama or Clemson game and go toe to toe with them and then seven days later play Penn State, who I think it's fair to say top to bottom, has more talent currently on the roster and beat him. So it's like I don't know, I think those two victories, you know better than me. But does he. Did Brian Kelly have a better win in his tenure than the Georgia win?
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Jackson
No. I'm trying to even think of wins maybe at home against a top five ranked opponent. I can't even think because two, when Marcus's first year, he beat a top five Clemson at home when they had dju, which at the time, now looking back, not a great quarterback. But during the time they were undefeated, Clemson coming in. And it was a big win for Notre Dame, especially after losing those first two to Ohio State Marshall. But I can't. I can't think of one. And for them, you're right. Like, Marcus Freeman's killed the narrative that Notre Dame can't win the big one. I'm even having friends texting me, like, I kind of like Notre Dame now with Marcus Freeman as the head coach.
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John Middlekauff
Now he's a little like Duke basketball, where most people had, like, a strong opinion, and let's face it, if you weren't like a Duke fan, a lot of people just naturally hated them. And that's what I always felt Notre Dame was like. I think the Cowboys are like this, the Lakers are like this, The Yankees are like this. They feel pretty likable. Like, honestly, in that game, I had money on Penn State, but it's like, I get why people are like, he's just James Franklin guy. Marcus is just much. He made Notre Dame likable. Which I bet if you ask someone like 50 or older, they'd be like, that's unheard of. That's people like Notre Dame, just a casual fan. I think most people are going to be rooting for him. I think the scary thing is, regardless of the outcome of this game is I think he's kind of on the radar of NFL teams because he was an NFL player and he clearly is a fantastic leader. He kind of has like a Harbaugh brother, Tomlin, Pete Carroll, a little happier, you know, kind of vibe to him. Just like a natural leader. Just kind of a stud. And I. He's so young. I mean, you could still have him for five more years. But I wonder, man, if these teams are going to keep stiffing around. Maybe he. He's got, what, seven kids? He's a fascinating individual.
- [33:19]
Jackson
Yeah, he really. He really is. Like, he just converted to Catholicism this past year. They go to mass more. But to your point about Marcus Freeman, it's unreal about this Notre Dame team because it seemed like. And before the season, Sark talked about it how the biggest part making a way to the CFP 16 games is that depth. It just seems like every single time they have someone get hurt, someone comes in and they've continued to win. That's my biggest issue, my biggest worry with Notre Dame in this game for Ohio State, it's going to be the edges. The left tackle. Knapp, who was a freshman All American, a guy that replaced Charles Jagasaw, which is kind of a full circle moment because Charles Jackass saw, he's a redshirt freshman, redshirt sophomore, left tackle, supposed to be The Joe Alt 2.0, tears his pack during fall camp. They start a true freshman, he balls out the entire season, becomes an All American. He gets hurt against Penn State, he's not playing against Ohio State. So if Jackassaw plays, he's supposed to start at left tackle. He's supposed to. And I would feel more comfortable him. But that all depends on the right guard because he got hurt during that game too. So if the right guard, Rocco plays, then he'll be at the left tackle position. But if he doesn't, then he's going to be at the guard position and Tosh Baker's at the left. So a lot of movement there for Notre Dame because I'm, I'm worried about the edge protection because Sawyer and jtt, two guys that were supposed to be first round picks, they've been dud the entire season. During the playoff, I looked up, they've got 10 combined sacks in three games. So that to me is, if I'm a Notre Dame fan, would be my biggest concern. And you hope that Jackass saw where to play because everything I've heard is they don't want to play. Tosh Baker, Even though he's 6, 8, he's that left tackle, he struggled. I mean, Abdul Carter with one arm was absurd that whole first half. And then he got hit in the shoulder and didn't play much in the second.
- [35:05]
John Middlekauff
I think whether he had the shot of Toro or whatever, I, I think coming when the game started, I think he felt completely fine. And the moment that he had that rush where he got slammed on it, he was never the same. I, I would imagine whatever his actual injury was, the pain that went on, on that. But those guys, like you said Sawyer, first rounder. I actually text a buddy who's a college director for an NFL team, he thought, you know, he's not a, he's like third, fourth, but again, he's going to be, he's going to play in the NFL for a long time, but he can have moments if you're an unathletic tackle. Like the play that basically ended the Texas Ohio State game, he just smoked that dude and you could tell the guy was kind of bending over. And I mean, Texas is rolling out NFL guys too. So it's just it can be a tough matchup. Big picture, that's a good thing. I mean you got all these guys like I would imagine once you're going to be your left one's going to be right tackle next year, you got love coming back. I mean you're going to have probably, you should have like a top two or three rushing attack in all the country next year. But that, who cares about that for this game? So yeah, I would say that one thing, Ohio State, obviously they kicked the shit out of the Oregon and Tennessee. They got into kind of like a heavyweight brawl that you guys have been playing in these last two games and they have haven't played in that after the Michigan loss in the playoffs so far. And they went toe to toe and they kind of relish that moment. And that's the scary thing, like we know they can score. The good thing is your guys defense is so good, you know, I think you can copy a little bit of what they did with Jeremiah Smith. You know, Texas's defense is elite too. I mean all four of these defenses right in the playoffs are really, really good. So if you can just slow him down, it just slows down their offense a little bit. I, I'm tempted to take Notre Dame as just, you know, a flyer money line because the way that they could win this game is it kind of like Texas had the chance. You got to slow down the game and you just got to slow down their offense a little bit and just keep it low scoring. If Ohio state's getting above 30, you're losing probably by 10 plus and they're going to cover. If you can just have it be like, okay, it's 14 to 14 in the third quarter. You got to play it like Kyle Shanahan, Jimmy Garoppolo style. We're not trying to score 30 points. We have no problem winning the game with 17 to 21, but we are going to slow down the possessions and run the ball. And that's where I think Jeremiah love playing. You know, as the game went on, he got a little bit, it felt like a little more fluid because when right when they came to Marcus Freeman, you know, like the stupid 10 second pregame interview, he's like, yeah, see what he's got. I was like, oh, I don't think he's got anything. And then as the game went on, it felt like he loosened up. Now he's got an extra. That's a lot of time between games, right? 10 plus days. So if he's just, what do you think he was that game 70%. If he's 65, like he wasn't close to 100. So now if he's just, if he's a net, you add another 10, 15% of what he was, maybe gets to 85, 90 and just feels a little more fluid because the play in that game alone he had to be well over 50% and then now he's got a bunch more time. He can just keep rehabbing that knee if, if he could be like 90%. You just need a good rushing attack. But if it's, if it gets, if your defense doesn't play well, you got no shot, right?
- [38:20]
Jackson
No, I think they've got it. That's my other issue I have too is K Trin Allen, Nicholas Singleton rush for 200 yards plus. That's the first time this season they've really seen a two back system like that. And Ohio State's probably better with Henderson and Judkins. But to your point earlier about, you know, I guess the offensive line and Notre Dame offense, that's one thing where Sarkeesian, they kept it a close game, they kept an ugly game. But it was like that red zone blunder with Sarkeesian where he's like, I like to throw the ball like you mentioned, but they can, they're going to run up the middle with the third string running back. To Denbrock's credit, he doesn't seem like a guy that's going to do something like that if it's in the red zone and put his team in a blunder where I know Texas is talent wise, offensive line wise, they've got more flashy dudes that'll be top 10 first round picks. But I feel like Notre Dame as a whole, as a unit is one of the best rushing offenses and if they can have Jeremiah Love in the last game of the season, he's going to probably play 90%. I would assume that he gets 20 carries because when he was on the field for that Penn State game he had two back to back carries. It was like 8 yards and 10 yards and it felt like you're right, he was 70%. And then he hurdles a guy and you're like, okay, well maybe he's 100%. I'm not sure. The adrenaline factor goes in there.
- [39:35]
John Middlekauff
Left leg is 100%.
- [39:36]
Jackson
Yeah, yeah, his left leg is 100%. But I don't know. I, I think you're right. I think it's got to be one of those ugly games. I'm worried though because they've got A young secondary with Notre Dame and they play a lot of man defense and I know that Texas played a lot of zone and a lot of stuff back. Do you think they kind of play more towards their strengths, man defense and just say, hey, we got two corners that are really young. We're going to, we're going to bank on the fact that they can beat Jeremiah Smith, maybe pressure Will Howard or you think they're going to just sit back kind of what Texas did and keep everything in front?
- [40:07]
John Middlekauff
Well, I think the one thing Texas had been getting smoked when they were in one on one situations in the first two rounds, right? I mean club Nick and those freshman receivers or the, the one freshman receiver was destroying them. And then the way ASU came storming back because they hit some big plays with shit Scatter Boo had, you know, like a Peyton Manning level bomb where the guy was just in a one on one situation. Scatter Boo was like, he even said after the game, I just, I was going to give my guy a shot. And I think they flipped it around. Like we're not going to be in that with these guys because we got no shots. They were like dropping linebackers. They were, they were keeping everything behind him and having a guy underneath. I would imagine that you got to implement some of that now. Like you said, do they feel better like our guys, just as athletic? I don't think you can treat Jeremiah Smith just one on one. The problem in Texas had this issue is they did an incredible job on him, right? Like if that was, if they had won the game, the star of the game would have been the defensive coordinator in the game plan against the passing game. But Tate, I mean if, when your third wide receiver, and this is what Ohio State has in the bag, like their third wide receiver on any given game could have 120 to 150 yards and you could throw in the ball 15 times, right? And he could score multiple touchdowns. So yeah, you could stop the other two guys, but the other guy can go nuts. Penn State, I don't know enough. I'd have to text like NFL people to know. Maybe they got some underclassmen, like how elite their prospects are. But their offensive line clearly is really good. I mean last year their left tackle got drafted, the jets top 12 pick. I mean they are, they aren't just recruiting the pass rushers and running backs, right? I mean their, their offensive liner is good. Ohio State's is not. I mean if you think about the big Henderson play in that game, it was a screen pass which if I was going to defend Texas on that. It's like end a half, you don't want them to hit a bomb or get in a field goal range. I think they got a little too soft and all of a sudden he had running room and all he had to do is make a guy miss and he's probably, I don't know what his 40 is, but it's probably closer to 4, 3 flat than it is 4 or 5 flat. So that guy can fly. And I just. They have struggled running the ball. So if you guys put him in a pass only situation and can just somewhat slow down Jeremiah Smith again, that's the, that's the, that's the formula. And to me it's, it's either Ohio State blowout. Like there is no scenario where Notre Dame to me wins this game by. Unless there's like seven guys break legs by a lot. They would have to win in a crazy close game or Ohio State blows you out. I have a hard time seeing even Ohio State win close. I eat. I either see like a 20 point Ohio State victory. I wouldn't go like Georgia, TCU because obviously, you know, but like the version of like, God, this, we peaked in the second, you know, in the final Four. Or like Notre Dame can win it close and they've just won two close games. And that wasn't that Marcus Freeman's thing. Like, we think we can win the close game. Like we just keep this thing close, we'll win it.
- [43:14]
Jackson
Yeah, I think that's one thing for them is they've capitalized off of turnovers and mistakes. And situationally wise, I've thought recently they've done a good job either third down, fourth down, or in the red zone, which I guess against a team like that, I mean, I told you before, like I looked all the stuff that Notre Dame has to do, there's like 15 things that they got to do to win Ohio State. It's like don't fuck it up, don't turn the ball over, don't give them opportunities. So that was the one thing that kept Texas in the game, was all those 15 yard penalties they have on second and third down. And then you look at Ohio State having Will Howard to make a play on third and 20, third and 25, like that's what kind of kept Texas in that game. So if Ohio State does that again, like I had a friend talk to me about Ohio State's interior offensive line. They're like, well, you know, they've got injuries in the interior. It's like, oh yeah, but during that Texas game, they look, they've looked like the past couple weeks it was like the biggest knock on Notre Dame beginning of the season that they had an inexperienced offensive line. Now you look 16 weeks their offensive lines got experience. It seems like Ohio State's offensive line wise has adapted to their injuries the past couple of weeks.
- [44:19]
John Middlekauff
When you're at Ohio State, I mean even if your backups aren't, it's what you once were, your backup is still if your backups all hit the transfer portal like Fresno State and San Diego State are not signing them, right. I mean Wisconsin would die to have them, let alone, you know, Belichick and Florida State. I mean the top teams would all be over their backups. So yeah, their backups might not be good of their starter because the starter might be pick 28 in the NFL draft, but if you let the backup start for two years, more than likely at worst he's probably like a fourth round pick. So I mean Ohio State has the best roster in the country for reasons they've had some injuries but and they've peaked at the right time. And listen, I, I actually think Texas is good. Like their defense is big time, right. And their offense, if Quinn yours could just play okay, which he was kind of, you kind of saw everything in that game. They still have, I mean the best four rosters or four of the best, I would say six or seven were in the final four. And it felt that way watching the speed. And I would say the Texas Ohio State game felt like a little bit different level speed wise. But part of it was, you know, I would say Notre Dame, Penn State was a little more like ground and pound type game. Lately on the NPR Politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change? They want change. What will change look like for energy? Drill baby, drill schools. Take the Department of Education. Close it. Health care better and less expensive. Follow coverage of a changing country. Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises on the NPR Politics podcast.
- [46:10]
Jackson
Listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever.
- [46:13]
John Middlekauff
You get your podcasts.
- [46:16]
Bobby Bones
Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else you can find a show with that much athleticism and football insight based in Nashville? We're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I, I, I texted you and you texted me back. Now I don't know if you have the update, but like, all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like, it's all colored. They changed it and the, the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm going to be honest, it was a little pink.
- [46:59]
John Middlekauff
There was something sentimental. When you, like when, when you send it, it's like, do I send the heart now?
- [47:05]
Bobby Bones
I don't like the color edition.
- [47:06]
John Middlekauff
It's extremely pink.
- [47:08]
Bobby Bones
Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [47:15]
John Middlekauff
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. The Daily show podcast has everything you need to stay on top of today's news and pop culture. You get hilarious satirical takes on entertainment, politics, sports, and more from John and the team of correspondence and contributors. The podcast also has content you can get anywhere else, like extended interviews and a roundup of the weekly headlines. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [47:55]
Katie Couric
Hey, everyone, it's Katie Couric. Well, the election is in the home stretch and I'm exhausted. But turns out the end is near. Right in time for a new season of my podcast. Next Question. This podcast is for people like me who need a little perspective and insight. I'm bringing in some foks friends of Katie's to help me out, like Ezra Klein, Van Jones, Jen Psaki, Asted Herndon. But we're also going to have some fun, even though these days fun and politics seems like an oxymoron. But we'll do that thanks to some of my friends like Samantha bee, Roy Wood Jr. And Charlamagne tha God. We're gonna take some viewer questions as well. I mean, isn't that what democracy is all about? Power to the podcast for the people. So whether you're obsessed with the news or just trying to figure out what's going on, this season of Next Question is for you. Check out our new season of Next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [49:07]
Jackson
Has your impression or I guess your evaluation on Riley Leonard during this playoff changed at all? Like what from him, from his perspective, because you look at the top players in this game, you probably go five, six, seven deep until you reach a Notre Dame. Notre Dame guy. But if you say most impactful for this game, I'd say riley Leonard is 2 or 3 just because what he can do with his legs and his unpredictability. And when the pocket collapses, you think he's going to get sacked and he kind of rolls out of it. What's your perspective on Riley Leonard, this game and I guess the playoff as a whole?
- [49:42]
John Middlekauff
Well, I think him and Will Howard are kind of similar players. Right. I think a lot of people question, like, are they NFL passers yet? Will Howard, I mean, throws a lot of NFL passes, but I think a lot of people question that. I think that's definitely the question mark with Riley and both of them, at any moment you can run a quarterback power and they can run for 20 yards while they run over a guy. Is, you see Will Howard, because of the, the way they play offense, just throw more down the field. I thought Riley Leonard had two passes. I think one to the running back on like a wheel route that was just beautiful. And another one to the tight end on the left side that were just two, like NFL. I mean, it was the difference in the game. Like, he was making passes that Drew Aller just could not make and just felt like in rhythm getting hits. Like, damn if he's going to make throws like that. There are teams just on a different. It's like, why, to me, it's why they won the game was a couple of his big passes. So, yeah, I mean, I, I remember watching him at Duke. I mean, his, his. And this is what Marcus Freeman never shuts up about, like, his competitive nature. What's crazy is he's this massive guy, but he's got a baby face. He looks like he's like 14 years old, but he, he. I, I've been impressed with his passing. Like, I, to me, he's definitely getting drafted higher than I thought when. And I mean, you know, fourth round, where I would have thought early through the season, like, he's an undrafted free agent. But coaches are going to love this guy when they get involved in the draft process. And I would put Will Howard in this. I bet both, both these two players, when, like the coordinators and the head coaches get involved, especially defensive head coaches, they're going to like those two cats, they're going to get drafted a lot higher than anyone would have thought two months ago. And I think both. I would flip a Coin, I would guess from a character standpoint and leaders, they're both the same guy. One of those two guys is going to have a lot longer NFL career. Maybe not a starter, but if you told me one of those two guys like a ten year career bouncing around as a backup, I believe if not both of them.
- [51:37]
Jackson
Yeah, those two guys were projected to be drafted lower than this next guy. I'm about to.
- [51:43]
John Middlekauff
You eat like Josh, Josh Dobbs going to have a 10 year career.
- [51:48]
Jackson
Oh yeah, I think, I think letter too, because quarterbacks, I mean teams in the NFL now, you know too, like they want a guy that can move and a guy like Robbie Leonard and even Will Howard can move a little bit too. What'd you make of our guy CARSON Beck getting $4 million to Miami? Kudos to him. You know, him realizing the leaves on the wall and saying, hey, I'm not a first round guy. I probably go second, maybe even the second, third day getting $4 million off a UCL injury. I mean he got double the amount of money of Cam Ward. It's kudos to him. But it seems like a lot of pressure, maybe even a desperate move for Miami. What was your take on that whole situation?
- [52:28]
John Middlekauff
I think he'd be at Miami whether he had got injured or not. Right. Like if he had not gotten injured and Georgia would have lost. I don't think he's Georgia's quarterback next year. Do you agree with that?
- [52:38]
Jackson
Apparently Georgia wanted to keep him. Apparently there was a report today that Georgia wanted him back in 2025. And also I thought it was interesting. They said Alabama was a program that called Carson Beck, which I was like, huh, that's, that's kind of interesting.
- [52:53]
John Middlekauff
Well, I do think that DeBoer likes more of a pocket quarterback, so it does make sense. I think it is a weird visual when you see him with like the, when he's meeting the offensive coordinator and I saw some pictures and he's got the Brock Purdy elbow thing on. I mean that's so he. Let's use Brock Purdy as example. He got hurt in the NFC championship game and he was able to start week one. So it's a lot later. Right. It's the end of January. This. He gets injured when middle of December. So you get extra time. He's going to be ready for, for week one, but spring practice he is not going to be. At least if I'm just basing. We don't know for a fact because in college it's, it's kind of weird the way it gets reported. We don't know exactly what a surgery is, but I think it's pretty clear we can assume he had the same injury. Elbow gets ripped, Needs the Tommy John quarterback thing, which is different than a pitcher because I think your motion's a little easier and guys can come back faster and you're not throwing all out every single pitch like a pitcher. But if we assume he has the same injury, spring practice is gone and, you know, Brock Purdy in training camp went like, I remember he kind of eased in and then he'd go like a day on, two days off. They started going two days on like it was, it wasn't just like their team isn't that good. Like they're relative to Georgia. So he's going to a worst team with no defense. Like, I think given the money, you could go like eight wins. And I think given what they're paying, it could just get really weird and ugly. And I think there's going to be a pressure on Mario. It's like, what's going on here? We're paying all this money to all these people. We just had a quarterback that is way better than, than Carson, right. Ken Ward. I don't know if he's a number one overall lock pick, but he's a top five or ten pick for sure and he's way more talented. We gave him a bunch of money and he carried us. So how are you going to build up the team in six months to be way better? Because this guy can't really carry you. I, I don't know, man. I, I think I, I see way more scenarios for this to go bad. The one thing with Cam Ward is like, he transfers. He can just start practicing and developing a rapport by the time the season started like they were. That's not the case here. And obviously the guy's girlfriend's one of the twins, so it's like, you know, I think there were a lot of different factors in fairness. Like, I think the twins make more than $4 million. They are crushing it. Aren't they like the nil dominate leaders of, of college athletics, those two.
- [55:25]
Jackson
Yeah. And also it's a benefit too, that they're both attractive, which helps. And they're both tick tock dancers and stuff.
- [55:32]
John Middlekauff
That's why they. Yeah.
- [55:37]
Jackson
But, yeah, I think it's, it's real interesting. I think for Carson Beck's perspective, it's a smart move. Whenever Anyone offers you $4 million to play another year where, you know. Quinn Ewers today declared for the NFL Draft it's like okay, like Quinn, Quinn have fun getting drafted in day three, Day four. I think the one positive you could say for Carson Beck is that he's going to a place that'll probably have better receivers than he had this year. Probably a better offensive line scheme wise that he had at Georgia versus at Miami. And I guess the strength of schedule is way less like I mean they're going to have probably they the hardest strength to schedule this last year at Georgia versus when he goes to Miami they're probably going to be around 50 or 70. So I guess that's kind of a plus being in the ACC and a more of a offense that benefits him throwing the football and have big numbers I guess. But yeah, he's not some scrub.
- [56:25]
John Middlekauff
I'm acting like he was two years ago when he had Bowers and McConkey.
- [56:28]
Jackson
He was exactly.
- [56:30]
John Middlekauff
He's. He's a solid. He's not as bad as he was this year but I do think when you factor in the injury, when you factor in the team, he's going to like you said it's an easier schedule. But they had, they might have the number one overall quarterback this year and a good offense and they were in felt like every game they were in it was a tight game and that guy was defenseless like and Carson doesn't quite have that physical ability. I give him credit I he he 100% towards UCL. Even if he would have got drafted, he would have got drafted in the sixth or seventh round. You take the $4 million. I would say the same thing to Quinn. Yours like you are no lock to go any higher than I would say the fourth round, you know like day three. So did you have offers at 2, 3, 4 million which I would guess he would like. You're crazy not to take that now he's, he was an unconventional from the start, right? Didn't he skip like a senior year in high school and like reclassified went to Ohio State. So he's had a kind of a. He was one of the leaders in the nil lawsuit so he's I think he's beats to his own drum that way which I'm not against. Like I'm all for it but I just think that man if you could have got $3 million like your NFL career could end fast.
- [57:38]
Jackson
I haven't met a kid that took a year off of high school and left a year like you know they say oh I'm going to forego my senior year and go a year early. I don't remember a quarterback specifically that's turned out well from doing that. I remember J.T. daniels when he came out of college or came out of high school, he's like the number one quarterback in the country, forego to senior year and then just became one of those guys that went to usc, then Georgia and then West Virginia, then Rice. Like that was the same thing for Quinn Ewers when he was quote, the greatest quarterback recruit. That was his title out of high school. And then just to kind of see the way things are going. You're right. Like he could have got. I saw rumors of Oregon, Ohio State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Alabama, all looking at him for $3 million and he's healthy. That's one thing about him versus Carson Beck. It's like Beck's got that injury and you could argue, I mean, who do you think had a better year back or yours?
- [58:29]
John Middlekauff
Yours?
- [58:30]
Jackson
Yeah, I mean he would have definitely got three or four.
- [58:32]
John Middlekauff
And you factor in like his elbow works right now and he can practice in the spring. Listen, you do what you want to do. I hate, I can't even. You couldn't put a gun to my head and force me to go to a class. Like, I mean, so not saying that these guys are actually going to class, but if they do have to get minimum go to a class or two a week, I understand never wanting to look at a professor again, but if I assume that, you know, they don't really have to go to class. If he had $3 million on the table and I was advising him, I, I would have advised to, you know, pick whatever the best program you want to go to of your options and take that money. When you think big picture, I think there is, I would, I would say if I was a betting man, he's more likely to be in and out of the NFL fast than have a longer career. And especially once you like if he goes in the fourth, fifth, sixth round. You know, part of the reason a guy like Mariota or Carson Wentz, you look at some of the backups right now, can stick around a little longer and weigh Carson Wentz even good. When you're a really high pick, you get some extra chances over the course of your life. Like Mario's gonna have like a 15 year career and it's like you're not a very good player, but it doesn't matter because like high pedigree, obviously high character and stuff. But when you're a mid round pick, it's. There's a huge element of like out of your Control, luck involved, you know, like a chase. Daniel having a 14 year career as an undrafted free agent is pretty unheard of at quarterback for a guy that never starts. You know, you see a guy like Ryan Fitzpatrick or whatever, I think Fitz might have been a seventh round pick, but he got to start for a long time. When you're just a lifetime backup, it's harder. You know, A.J. mcCarron is one of those guys I think like a late round pick that plays a backup for a long time. Most of those guys get washed out faster than they stay. Like it's a small percentage of guys that stay because most of the guys that stay are like Jimmy Garoppolo, second round pick, he's going to be a backup for another three or four years. Even though he might just be just as good as some of the guys that are like fifth round picks. They just get the benefit of the doubt because they got to start for a little bit or higher. Pedigree guy. So if you tell me right now, Quinn, yours ends up being a 5th round pick and maybe he ends up going higher, I would doubt it. But even if he just goes 4th round pick, 3rd day, there was just no, you don't get the benefit of the doubt if like immediately you don't look good in preseason. You're just holding on for dear life from the, from the jump where it's easier as like a guard or a linebacker because like you can play special teams, right. So many other guys get hurt like a quarterback. If you're on the practice squad, there's a decent chance you stay on the practice squad for a couple years, which again doesn't suck. But you make, I think it's 10 12. You make like 180 grand.
- [61:11]
Jackson
I think Quinn ewers, his mom's on payroll for him too. Which is also another reason why it's like, hey, you get offered $3 million, why not help your mom out a little bit too, is on that payroll. I was going to ask you because you, you mentioned him being a 5th round guy. Is there any way for him to boost up his stock through this NFL combine pro day? Like, like what do you call it? I guess draft workouts and stuff that he's going to go through.
- [61:39]
John Middlekauff
I think the Senior bowl is now allowed to take underclassmen. If that's true, he should 100 play in the Senior Bowl. Like if he's allowed to play in, in the All Star game, which I'm pretty sure they changed that rule within the last year or two, he should go to the Senior bowl and participate, which I would guess he would. And he would be one of the, I mean, if you told me Quinn yours when the Senior bowl, he'd be one of the biggest names there for sure. And that's part of being a quarterback. But like, I didn't know, you know, like, like the models on Joe Burrows payroll, like, similar thing. Did you see that the girl that saved his house from getting robbed.
- [62:11]
Jackson
Oh my gosh.
- [62:12]
John Middlekauff
Said she's an employee of his.
- [62:15]
Jackson
That's a whole weird situation. She's, I think she's bi too. So I don't, I mean, I. Kudos to Joe Burrow. If you got enough money to have a smoking hot model as your maid, you never know.
- [62:27]
John Middlekauff
You know, these guys, these guys are living well lately. On the NPR Politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change? They want change. What will change look like for energy? Drill baby, drill schools. Take the Department of Education. Close it. Health care better and less expensive. Follow coverage of a changing country. Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises on the NPR Politics podcast.
- [63:01]
Jackson
Listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever.
- [63:04]
John Middlekauff
You get your podcasts.
- [63:07]
Bobby Bones
Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else you can find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I, I texted you and you texted me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but like all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like it's all colored. They changed it and the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm gonna be honest. It was a little pink.
- [63:50]
John Middlekauff
There was something sentimental when you feel when you send it, it was like, do I send the heart?
- [63:56]
Bobby Bones
Now I don't like the color edition.
- [63:57]
John Middlekauff
It's extremely pink.
- [63:59]
Bobby Bones
Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [64:06]
John Middlekauff
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. The Daily show podcast has everything you need to stay on top of today's news and pop culture. You get hilarious satirical takes on entertainment, politics, sports, and more from John and the team of correspondents and contributors. The podcast also has content you can't get anywhere else, like extended interviews and a roundup of the weekly headlines. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [64:46]
Katie Couric
Hey, everyone, it's Katie Couric. Well, the election is in the home stretch and I'm exhausted, but turns out the end is near, right in time for a new season of my podcast. Next Question. This podcast is for people like me who need a little perspective and insight. I'm bringing in some foks friends of Katie's to help me out, like Ezra Klein, Van Jones, Jen Psaki, Asted Herndon. But we're also gonna have some fun, even though these days fun and politics seems like an oxymoron. But we'll do that thanks to some of my friends like Samantha bee, Roy Wood Jr. And Charlemagne the God. We're gonna take some viewer questions as well. I mean, isn't that what democracy is all about? Power to the podcast for the people. So whether you're obsessed with the news or just trying to figure out what's going on, this season of Next Question is for you. Check out our new season of Next Question with me, Katie Couric, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [65:58]
Jackson
Speaking of a guy living world right now, the whole Deion Sanders, Colorado Cowboys thing, we talked about it before and I kind of want to bring it up from the college perspective. Are you a little hesitant? Are you a little scared if you're Colorado side where every single job offer that comes to be Deion Sanders name is brought up? Or is it kind of one of those things where you knew heading in Deion Sanders big name, you knew him, the success he brought to Colorado, it's like what you mentioned earlier about Marcus Freeman. It's like, yeah, when your team does well and your team becomes better than expected. Year three, you're in the national championship, it is prone. Or you have an opportunity that Marcus Freeman will move on and get other opportunities to get other interviews, whether it's bigger colleges or or other NFL teams. What's your college perspective, I guess, on the whole Deion Sanders, Colorado Cowboys thing?
- [66:49]
John Middlekauff
Yeah, I think if you're Colorado, you just, it's good publicity at this point in time. I mean, he's resurrected your program part of the deal. Also, if you want to be a real program like your team, your guy is going to get rumored. I mean, Notre Dame for 10 years. Brian Kelly's getting rumored for NFL jobs. So it's like Kirby Smart. Every year people like, would someone come after him, Saban forever, Let alone like, could Texas steal them? NFL people sniffing around, it's just Lincoln Riley forever. That means that's a good problem to have. So I think they have no issue to complain. And my guess, maybe by the time someone listen to this, he's taking the cowboy job. I, I doubt it. I saw my guy, I used to work with Lewis Riddick with the Eagles and he, he's good buddies with Dion. He played with Dion with the Falcons. And he said that he thought there was no chance of it happening because Dion's such an alpha. And like, you know, you work for the Cowboys, like ultimately you do answer to Jerry, where Dion answers. College jobs, like if, if you're at a top job making premium money like Dabo Kirby, even Ryan Day, you know, Harbaugh forever, Saban definitely Sark, now James Franklin. Like, they're not really answering to anybody. There isn't like an owner that cuts their check. So I, I think if you like doing that and Dion clearly likes, there's an element and I think we'll truly find out. I mean, it's children. Coaching your kids is pretty cool. You know, now that like, does he truly care about all these other guys? Because Travis was basically like his son, right? Oh, yeah. So now he's coaching people that aren't. He didn't grow up knowing coaching his own children. Does he love. And it does feel like he likes that element of it where he knows like 33 year old ain't coming to you for life lessons. So I think Dion, I do think Jerry's going to be interested and who knows? But I mean, are we a year from him being the Florida State head coach? Are we a year away from him being the Florida coach? Right. I, you know, if Dabble and Clemson or whatever break up, I mean these schools, you see Clemson just stole Penn State's defensive coordinator, Tom Allen, the Indiana guy. So it just shows. Yeah, Clemson, they're kind of falling behind. Like, well, I don't know. I don't think so. These schools care deeply. So to me, Dion's another eight plus win year away. Like if you went eight and four this year, I think all those SEC teams, any team that needed a guy would come right to Dion because he can recruit in recruiting now. Like they have the nil money. It's like everyone's offering a kid 3, 400 grand. It's like who do I actually want to play for? Right? If all the money for top guys. And clearly Dion, you probably follow recruiting closer to me, but he's landed some big time dudes since he's been in Colorado that definitely had financial offers from like SEC and Big Ten schools and like Clemson and Florida State.
- [69:47]
Jackson
So yeah, the, you know, Travis quarterback.
- [69:50]
John Middlekauff
Clearly he had that. That was easy. Like looking back, it's not as crazy as Travis went with him to Jackson State, you know. Now though, can he get a guy that's like Alabama, lsu, Georgia, Ohio State and Dion. And he goes to Dion and everyone's offering him $500,000. And if he starts doing that, then every team in the country would give him 10 because he's, I mean Dabble's not calling plays right? I mean a lot of these Kirby's not. So if you're recruiting at that level, then to me he's, he's a 80, 90 million dollar coach. I mean that's how much these guys are making, right?
- [70:26]
Jackson
Yeah. Dion actually stole. Well, he stole a left tackle last year, Jordan Seaton, who was like the number one left.
- [70:32]
John Middlekauff
Number 77. The left, yeah.
- [70:34]
Jackson
Started another freshman All American and then he stole juju Lewis, who was a longtime USC commit with Lincoln Riley. And then the last minute he stole him over. So again, you mentioned Lincoln Riley on the downhill. Dion just went over there and said, hey, I'm going to take this quarterback out of high school. The number one quarterback in the country. So they've got him next year. I do think it is kind of weird watching Deion Sanders. Like I saw his little first meeting without his sons. It is a little weird. I mean, because you're so used to that the last couple of years, like we've seen this run of him the last four seasons. I think it will be interesting though. You're right. Like will he without his sons? Will he like coaching in college? Will he like coaching there? Is he going to move his way up? I think it's an interesting perspective.
- [71:16]
John Middlekauff
And it wasn't just. It was three of them, right? It was Shador Shiloh and Travis. So his. He always had one of them. They were all. There were always clips of him going on like Rich Eisen and Travis would be in his, in his office stealing a pair of shoes. Like that's. It made probably the job really, really fun. It was like, I listen to someone that lost his dad years ago, like I always thought that was really cool and like a, you know, like the LeBron Bronnie thing ain't organic. LeBron just, I don't blame LeBron used his power. Like the Shador thing was very organic. Like shadows a real player. You know, Dion's coaching him. He's one of the best players in the country. And obviously Travis is too. They've known him forever. Like, that had to just be pretty sweet. Now it's, you know, like, does his relationship with these guys, like, you know, Kirby and Dabo and Nick, I think they really relished in the relationship they had with all their elite guys over the years. And then those guys would come back and I think Deion can do that for sure. And the other thing is, and this is where the transfer portal works in his benefit, he can land the star left tackle or the next Travis Hunter that he doesn't know growing up, but like knows now through football. And if he gets the Florida State job next year or, you know, pick an SEC job, those guys can just go with him. If I told you he was a Florida State coach next year, don't you think the left tackle would come with Dion? Right? 100%.
- [72:37]
Jackson
Yeah.
- [72:38]
Bobby Bones
Yeah.
- [72:38]
John Middlekauff
It'd be less this time. Like, who knows, like how many guys. It'd be interesting. Like if he got a sweet job in a year, how many guys from Colorado would he actually bring player wise? Because that would be a different. It was one thing to bring Chador and you know Travis, they would have came with him anywhere. But like if he got the Florida job tomorrow, how many guys from this roster would he bring? Obviously there'd be some, but I don't think it would be the, the number in which he brought from Jackson State to Colorado. It'd be like the left tackle be a no brainer, one of the receiver, you know, some of the guys. But I. It wouldn't be like 50, you know.
- [73:14]
Jackson
Yeah, I was going to say maybe under 20 if I had to pick a number because there's guys on the roster where, you know, they've got some good talent, obviously that they'll bring back. But they did lose a ton to the NFL draft. He doesn't have as much ties as he did before. If he were to move to another college, like you mentioned, you mentioned Clemson, them getting Tom Allen, the defensive coordinator from Penn State, that program. It's funny how Dabo was made fun of for not using the transfer portal and in a blink of an eye, they win the acc. The quarterback looks phenomenal. He'll be a top quarterback this next year. Garrett Riley looks better as an offensive coordinator. Now you've got Tom Allen, you've got a lot of young talent. It's kind of crazy to turn around with Dabo Sweeney where it's like we've seen, you know, Ohio State build up their team and bring a lot of guys in. That's why they're in the national championship. Michigan did the same thing. That's why they won the national championship. Bringing a lot of those core guys. Clemson might be one of those teams where Dabo may be cooking something up. Well, what was your take on him getting Tom Allen? Because they've kind of turned things around.
- [74:20]
John Middlekauff
Yeah, right. When I look, I had to look at the guy he fired and it was this like short, little fat white guy that I think had been like, you know, it started like an analyst and kind of worked his way up through the program. And I think, you know, it was one of those, like Dabo gave him a shot and it clearly, you know, he, I mean he went from Brett Venables who had like a 10 year run, which gotta be on the short list of one of the better little peak runs in college football history of being a coordinator for a high end program. And they clearly struggled to kind of figure out the replacement. And the guy, I remember looking at him like, I don't know if this guy's recruiting that well and clear. Their defense just wasn't as good. Now I don't know if some of that is I guess a recruiting not been as elite. It's a harder to recruit now in nil for sure. I thought it was more crazy. Like I. How does Penn State, like, does James Franklin not want to keep them? Like, how can I not offer more money? How can I not offer Micah Parsons of Dual Car? Like we are getting the cream of the crop here and we're competing. We went farther in the. I thought it was kind of weird. I, I haven't read anything like there was a personal blow up. But why would you like, what the hell's the difference if the money's the same and it's not like, well, he's a, he's from the south. He's just coaching Indiana. Right. So he's a Midwest coach in the college, the Big Ten, comfortable and knows all that. Like he knows all the personnel. He's been coaching that conference now for a while now. He's going to a place. He doesn't know the players or the coach. Like it's, it's more of a Challenge. If Penn State wanted to keep him, they could. They could pay him. I don't know. That. That. I think that was a little weird. I totally get why. Where Dabble Sweeney's coming from. I would have gone after him, too, but it's like, I'm sure Dabble Sweeney had a short list, like Al Golden, Tom Allen, you know, most of them are like, yeah, I'm staying. I can. Why would I leave? The dude at Ohio State is crushing it. I'm sure he called, like, top 10 coordinators in the country. One of them said yes. A lot of them probably said, no, man, I don't. I make just as much here. He's top court. Like, Penn State could pay you, like, two and a half million dollars to be their defensive coordinator. Token dabo. But why? There's got to be more to that.
- [76:25]
Jackson
Yeah. And I know that Penn State will lose Abdul Carter, but they did. They are bringing back four or five starters from this last season.
- [76:33]
John Middlekauff
Carter.
- [76:34]
Jackson
Exactly. And then, is it. Is it a James Franklin thing? Is it. I wonder even know how that conversation began with Tom Allen and Dabo Sweeney. Like, are they just. Is it just a simple DM saying, hey, you want to come over here to Clemson? Are you tired of Penn State? Like that? That move was super shocking. And now for Penn State, they're about to have their third DC in three years.
- [76:54]
John Middlekauff
Yeah, I don't know. James Franklin, like, Dabo, CEO, head coaches, but they're both offensive guys, so it's like, you know, in theory, you get to run. Definitely. Venables, you know, was the head coach of the defense there. I don't know if that's changed since maybe James is kind of more in your ass than we realize. Maybe it's. Maybe it's as simple as that. Again, that's an underrated part about the profession, that unless you really have people inside a program or an NFL team, it's like, yeah, these two hate each other. I'm not saying they do, but that happens way more than actually comes out to the public. There's like, I'm just tired of working for this guy. I don't. I don't like working for this guy. Even though on its surface you're like, this has got to be. You would say the Penn State defensive coordinator job feels like one of the best assistant coaching jobs in the country, given the talent that they get on a yearly basis. I mean, hell, they've been a top 10 program for like 10 straight years with James Franklin, and it hasn't been because of their Offense, you know, it's all their defensive guys. So I, you know, you removed Tyler Warren and Saquon Barkley. I mean you think Penn State, you think defense. So I don't know, that's. Maybe there's something to be said about easier road. It is hard, you know, it's harder in the Big Ten at the top, that's for sure because I think Clemson would go, we're the top where Penn State, I mean you're clearly chasing Ohio State and you know, even Oregon's always going to have as much, if not more talent and Michigan should turn it around relatively quick. So maybe, I don't know, I don't know why you'd care as a coordinator. As long as your defense is good, it doesn't matter. I don't know. That's a great question.
- [78:32]
Jackson
Yeah, it's interesting. My last question for you as we wrap this one up. When you look back at the season as a whole, college ball season, a bunch of movement, conference realignment, the 12 team playoff, it seems like the sports getting there, I mean there's a lot of nicks and crannies and a lot of stuff that people are mad about, but it's one of those things where, you know, it's, it's year to year basis like let's just get through this and figure out some what we need to fix then go on to the next year. If you look back on the season as a whole, are you, are you happy? Are you satisfied with the college ball season? Like what would you say is your, your take on reflecting on this new season of the sport?
- [79:11]
John Middlekauff
Well, I would say from a popularity standpoint, it's clearly the number two sport in America. I mean it's the same sport as the number one one, but it just in terms of the ratings, how many people watch, College football is massive. I mean people were mad about 18 million people watching a Thursday night Penn State Notre Dame game. It's like this is on Thursday night and you're comparing it to people like, well it's down from last year. Saban versus Harbaugh. Say that again out loud. Saban versus Harbaugh, which is one of the better. Michigan slash Alabama to one of the great matchups we've ever seen at the Rose bowl on a holiday. So Thursday night, 19 million people watching. There will not be 19 million people like even coming close to to watching one single NBA game or baseball game. And we had Dodgers, Yankees in the World Series. So the sports popularity, because I think of the playoff and so many other Teams involved now and just how popular football is in general is pretty awesome. So I think the 12 team playoff DE regionalized college football a little bit. Just made everyone kind of relevant and I think helped out the sport. Obviously they got a fix the seating stuff when it comes to the playoffs. But again that's, you could argue the seating. People are arguing the seating with the NFL. Like is it fair that you know, a 14 win team has to go on the road? People are going to complain about whatever. But I think as a whole people should be very, very excited for college football. And as it's never been more lucrative obviously to be a coach and as a player it's about as good as it gets, right? I mean you're giving random guys four or five hundred thousand dollars. I, I just think it's just a great time to be involved in college football. If you love college football, it feels like a lot of people have takes and thoughts. I think one thing to keep an eye on, it does feel like the quarterback play this year more than questionable. Like it doesn't feel like there's that many sweet NFL guys. Who is going to be that guy next year? You know, it's, there's no like lock of these young stars like Riola kind of let down the hype on Arch. How's he ever going to live up to it? Lincoln Riley doesn't have a quarterback. Who's Georgia's quarterback? You know Oregon, the, what's his name, Dante Moore who started at UCLA who's now at Oregon might be their starter. I saw some of his teammates were hyping him up like get ready and maybe he is. But I, I think there are a lot of question marks. That'd be my one negative with college football is just there's a lot of question marks at quarterback. I know there are sweet wide receivers, sweet pass rushers, a lot of other good positions. Obviously this is the year of the running back. Like where are my next couple years of Lamar Jackson's and just Baker Mayfields and just star quarterbacks? Because that's what you'd say right now. Like two best teams in the country have like mid round guys who are likable and fun to watch, but neither one of them, they're going to get their name called and hug Roger Goodell on the stage. That helps. No, you know, if you think about it like when your star quarterbacks are on your best teams, you know Alabama had that, LSU had that even. That's why Carson Beck kind of built up because he was on the Best team and he didn't live up to it in yours. But can we get some top guys are going to go in the top 15. I mean look at last year. Pennix national championship. Bo Nix won one of the best teams. Caleb Williams was at USC. LSU had a disastrous season. They went 9 and 3 with Jaden Daniels and he won the Heisman. So like I could live with a Drake May on a crappier team, but I like a couple of my quarterbacks to go in the first round on top five 10 teams. And now with the expanded playoff, can you imagine if you got a couple guys like this guy's going to go in the top 10 in the draft and not like one of those Drew Allers like hey could if he. No, like this guy's a lock to be drafted high. We almost had it with Cam Ward, but Miami fell apart. That's the one thing to keep an eye on, just the quarterback play and maybe because the movement, it's so chaotic, it's hard to. You just never know. We'll have some like out of the blue guys all of a sudden. You'll get the next Joe Burrow that no one's talking about. But I don't feel confident about that right now.
- [83:21]
Jackson
Yeah, I'm trying to think of some guys next year, but we even heading into this year we thought the quarterback play was going to be better. We had Carson Beck up there, we had Quinn Ewers and they kind of let things down. So even looking at next season where you know Nico, how does he do at Tennessee? How does DJ Lagway do at Florida? How does Club Nick do? Like, I think there's a lot of guys where you do have question marks. You're right. I love the amount of attention sports brought. I do miss the Pac 12 dearly. The Pac 12 After Dark, that was the one thing with the whole movement and stuff like that. Then moving on was tough to watch. But it's pretty sweet watching Oregon and USC in the Big Ten. It is pretty sweet watching what Arizona State was able to do in the Big 12 and you know, the different conference realignments and stuff like that too. I think the sport's only going to get bigger and better. I think that, you know, people even making a mockery of the 12 team playoff in the first round and how they were blowouts. And now you look at the two teams left in the playoff, it's Ohio State, Notre Dame and a 12 in a 14 model. Neither of those teams would be playing for it. Both suffered really bad Losses, which is also what's great for the sport, too, is the drama, the parody, week to week, the amount of upsets we saw during, you know, the season. Like, I'm even thinking back to week zero in Ireland when Georgia Tech beat Florida State. And looking back on that now, looking here today with Notre Dame, Ohio State, it's a pretty crazy year, man. It's. It's a fun sport and it's cool that we get to, you know, the college football is talked about a lot more like you were talking about it. Like, even Coward talking about it on his show. Like, I can't remember a time even growing up where you turn on the television, first take or whatever show you watch, and college football is being involved in the same conversation as the NFL.
- [84:59]
John Middlekauff
Yeah. To me, the biggest story next year, and it's not even going to be close, is going to be Arch Manning. And it's just that, I mean, Peyton Manning is one of the biggest, most famous athletes of my life. He's obviously one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the league. His family name, I mean, Eli B. Belichick twice, is obviously a famous figure in the NFL history. It's. I. And I'm nervous that it's going to be hard. Like, it could get weird. Like, the chances that he's going to be like, he's actually like Cooper Flagg of football, you know, it's like, I don't know, we'll see. And I'm rooting for him. I want him to be sweet, but I think that the hype on him in the eyeballs, on his games, it's one thing, like, he started a couple games this year right when yours got hurt, but it wasn't quite the same. You knew the other guy was going to come back like it's his team. So I think that's going to be by far the lead story. Like, Arch Manning, can he become like a star in college football and become an NFL player? And everyone, even if you're not a huge college football fan, is going to pay attention to that. He's at Texas. They're now in the sec. So, like, that's. I mean, they're playing the biggest games. We'll have to see what, you know, how their schedule kind of plays out. But it's. They're going to be a lot of eyeballs on that guy. So I, I'm excited for you. Had Peyton going to the games with, with Eli and Cooper. It's going to be. I mean, you talk about people talking about that. I mean, NFL shows, my show. I mean, everyone's going to be paying attention to that, good or bad. And hopefully it's. I don't want it to be bad. Hopefully it goes well.
- [86:28]
Jackson
Do you know who they play week one next year or Texas? Michigan at Ohio State. Welcome to the big leagues. Arch, you have their. Yeah, they got at Ohio State and they've got some really tough games. Home against San Jose State, home against utep, bye week, home against Sam Houston. Then you've got at Florida, you've got Red river at Kentucky, at Mississippi State, home against Vanderbilt, then you wrap up at Georgia, home against Arkansas, home against A and M. So at Georgia, obviously, Red river at Florida, they're going to be a top 15 team next year. And then Ohio State that first week. So they've got some tough games and that. That's another A team next year where it's like if Sar can't get it done next season, maybe the year after that because Anthony Hill Jr. Their stud linebackers probably go to the draft. Anything about Colin Simmons, like some of those guys that they've been hyping up the younger talent. Next year is going to be a big. You're right. Arch Manning and even Sar Colone.
- [87:34]
John Middlekauff
Arch Manning versus Ohio State. There's. There are going to be a lot of people watching that game. That'll do. 20 million people. Week one, you said that game's in Texas.
- [87:43]
Jackson
It's at Ohio State.
- [87:45]
John Middlekauff
Jesus.
- [87:45]
Jackson
Unless it turns into like a neutral site game. But what I looked right now, it says at Ohio State and that same week it's Notre Dame, Miami. So you're gonna have Carson Beck, Miami versus Notre Dame. So.
- [87:56]
John Middlekauff
Well, buckle up. Well, Jackson, good luck to your Irish tonight and I will talk to you soon, buddy.
- [88:02]
Jackson
Appreciate. You go, Irishman. Thanks. The volume.