Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode 3 & Out - Kauff on Campus

Introduction In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts John Mittlekoff and Jackson delve deep into the latest developments in college football, focusing on the transfer portal's impact on quarterback positions, upcoming playoff matchups, and predictions for the national championship. The discussion is rich with expert analysis, personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary, making it a must-listen for avid sports fans.

1. Transfer Portal and Quarterback Dynamics The episode kicks off with an in-depth conversation about the challenges posed by the transfer portal, particularly concerning quarterbacks. James Franklin’s recent press conference about backup quarterback Bo Prabula entering the transfer portal sparks a significant debate.

• John Mittlekoff [12:03]: “I heard a lot about what Bo Prabula’s situation means for the team. It’s not just about talent; it’s about timing and the academic calendar.”

• Jackson [10:22]: “Bo Prabula was crucial for Penn State’s playoff push. His transfer could disrupt their momentum, especially with the window constraints.”

They discuss the difficulties teams face in retaining quarterbacks due to the transfer timeline overlapping with playoff schedules. The hosts ponder potential solutions, such as adjusting the transfer window to post-championship seasons, though no definitive answers are provided.

2. Notre Dame vs. Indiana Showdown A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the upcoming matchup between Notre Dame and Indiana. Mittlekoff and Jackson break down both teams' strengths and weaknesses, forecasting a dominant performance by Notre Dame.

• John Mittlekoff [39:14]: “I feel like you guys blow them out. Notre Dame should win by at least 30 to 10, overwhelming Indiana with their offensive line.”

• Jackson [41:05]: “With 30% snow expected, it will force Notre Dame to rely heavily on their running game, which should be a deciding factor.”

They highlight Notre Dame’s strong offensive line and Indiana’s top-ranked rushing defense, debating how the weather might influence the game's outcome. The consensus leans towards a decisive victory for Notre Dame, leveraging the cold conditions to their advantage.

3. SMU vs. Penn State Analysis The hosts turn their attention to the SMU vs. Penn State game, discussing Penn State's promising quarterback Drew Allar and SMU's defensive strategies.

• John Mittlekoff [44:56]: “I’m rooting for Penn State to beat SMU badly. SMU hasn’t been consistent, and Penn State’s defense should dominate.”

• Jackson [51:37]: “Penn State’s ability to control the game with their running back could stifle SMU’s offense, making it difficult for them to keep up.”

They express confidence in Penn State’s defensive prowess and quarterback stability, predicting a comfortable win over SMU despite SMU’s occasional explosive plays.

4. Clemson vs. Texas Matchup Breakdown Clemson vs. Texas is another focal point, with extensive analysis of both teams' offensive and defensive capabilities.

• John Mittlekoff [50:12]: “This could get weird. Clemson’s quarterback has shown flashes, but Texas’s defense, especially their edge rushers, will pose a significant challenge.”

• Jackson [52:26]: “Texas's defensive line is formidable. If they can pressure Clemson’s quarterback effectively, it could swing the game in their favor.”

The discussion covers Clemson’s talented wide receivers and Texas’s aggressive defense, debating whether Texas can exploit Clemson’s offensive inconsistencies to secure a victory. The hosts remain uncertain, acknowledging both teams' strengths and potential pitfalls.

5. Tennessee vs. Ohio State Clash The episode shifts focus to the high-stakes game between Tennessee and Ohio State, emphasizing the pressures on Ohio State’s quarterbacks and Tennessee’s robust running game.

• Jackson [62:50]: “Dylan Sampson’s outstanding season puts Tennessee in a strong position. Ohio State’s defensive shortcomings could be exploited by Tennessee’s running attack.”

• John Mittlekoff [63:12]: “Ryan Day is under immense pressure. If Tennessee can dominate the trenches, Ohio State might struggle to keep up.”

They analyze Tennessee’s dominant running back and defensive line against Ohio State’s vulnerable offensive lineup, predicting a hard-fought battle that could tip in Tennessee’s favor if they control the ground game effectively.

6. Playoff Predictions and National Championship Outlook As the playoff season commences, Mittlekoff and Jackson share their predictions for the final four and potential national champion, with a spotlight on underdog teams.

• John Mittlekoff [73:51]: “I pick Oregon to take it all. Their balanced offense and tough defense make them a formidable contender in the playoffs.”

• Jackson [75:14]: “Penn State could be a dark horse, but I think Oregon’s consistency gives them the edge to win the championship.”

The hosts express skepticism about the favorability of betting odds and emphasize the unpredictable nature of playoff games, suggesting that while favorite teams like Oregon have a strong chance, upsets remain a possibility with underdog teams like Penn State and SMU potentially making surprising runs.

7. Closing Thoughts In conclusion, Mittlekoff and Jackson wrap up the episode by reiterating their support for key teams and players, while acknowledging the complexities introduced by the transfer portal and the unpredictable elements of playoff football.

• John Mittlekoff [84:02]: “Despite the challenges, Oregon stands out as a prime candidate for the national title. Their performance throughout the season has been consistently strong.”

• Jackson [87:38]: “I’m excited to see how these playoff games unfold. Favoring teams that can control both sides of the ball will be crucial for a championship run.”

Notable Quotes

• John Mittlekoff [12:03]: “This is not just about talent; it’s about timing and the academic calendar.”
• Jackson [50:12]: “Texas's defensive line is formidable. If they can pressure Clemson’s quarterback effectively, it could swing the game in their favor.”
• John Mittlekoff [73:51]: “I pick Oregon to take it all. Their balanced offense and tough defense make them a formidable contender in the playoffs.”

Conclusion This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of the current college football landscape, addressing pivotal issues like the transfer portal, quarterback dynamics, and key playoff matchups. Hosts John Mittlekoff and Jackson provide valuable insights and predictions, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intricacies of college football.