3 & Out - Kauff on Campus

Summary

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.

Transcript

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[Jackson]

The volume.

[John Mittlekoff]

What is going on my people? How are we doing? Have you guys recovered from Monday Night Football double header? I think that'll be a night we never forget. Or as many of you have already forgotten and probably forgot because you didn't even watch it all. Don't blame you at all. Today we will not be talking much about the NFL because it we're going on campus as we've been doing this season every day on Tuesdays. We'll record on Tuesdays for Wednesday and my guy Jackson will join us from old Town Scottsdale. He sent me a list of topics and questions. So we will, we will speak with him here momentarily and that will be the game plan. And then this weekend I'm going to, we're going to do a mailbag for the weekend. I will probably open up that mail bag with a reaction to Notre Dame Indiana on Friday night. And then Saturday I I'm have to get up early, get a good sweat in and just get ready to watch ball all day because we got two sweet NFL games, we got three college games. Then we got more NFL on Sunday. So we got a lot of college football. I will be on the couch with a lot of nicotine, a lot of coffee, a lot of water and just consuming the hell out of it. So I'm very fired up. And we will have content galore for everybody. Video side, audio side. So if you listen on Collins podcast, make sure you subscribe to three and out podcast. And if you want to watch the videos, check out that YouTube page. We got all of our content up on the on the video portion as well. So other than that, yeah, we're just buckle up because we're we're on the grind right now. Before we dive into my main man Jackson. Listen, we got holidays right around the corner. If you want to get something for someone, do it right now with my friends at game time. The official ticketing app of this podcast. If you want to get them a pair of tickets to an athletic event, either college or pro or a concert and make their day under that tree. If you want to take care of them for Hanukkah, I got you covered. Buy a pair of tickets, give a present to a family member, to a loved one, to a wife, to a girlfriend. Just take the guesswork out of buying tickets. With game time. Download the Game Time app, create an account and use the code Johan for $20 off. The first purchase terms apply Again create an account, redeem the code Joan John for $20 off. Download the Gametime app today. Last minute tickets, lowest prices guaranteed was holler Ed Jackson. Okay, it's a beautiful Tuesday afternoon. I just almost sliced off my finger at the gym out of the sauna, shaving my head. And I'm fired up to talk some college football after we watched the worst two Monday night games I think you'll ever see. Jackson went to a game that easily could have been on Monday Night Football this weekend. The Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals, which would have fit right in with that crew last night. Fairness, Minnesota Vikings doesn't belong with the other three teams, but they were lumped in. But luckily we have. We got a. We got a lot going on. We got a Friday night Notre Dame game. We got college football, which kind of sucks that. And I get it. The NFL doesn't have a choice because they're playing the Wednesday game. So they got to play these guys on Saturday. I do think they might have tipped their hat if Christmas had been on like a Friday or Saturday and given them on the Saturday, but they had to play the games. Pisses me off a little bit, but I get it. Jackson, what's. How you doing, buddy?

[Jackson]

I'm good, man. I was more. You kind of just went past you slicing your finger. You said shaving your head and like, how does that happen? We're not going to talk about it?

[John Mittlekoff]

No, I mean, sometimes you, you know, I usually, I try to get, you know, the Rogan and all the health nuts. Talk about the sauna being really good for you. So I try to get two or three times a week and if it's in my head shaving cycle, I will take my razor and my backpack and you know, do get my shave on there. So I get my. I shave my head, I'm coming out. You know, we got like 45 minutes till we got to do this. And I put my shit away in the backpack. But then I needed my, my lotion, you know, because you got a, you got a lotion. Moisturize the head. And as I reached in, I went, I like, I think I'm kind of using. I usually use the Mach 5 if anyone wants to sponsor. I love that Gillette razor, but I have like a. I ordered it on Amazon. It's like the three, but it's not as protected. And I like slice the top of my finger off so I'm butt naked. I don't have any lotion on. I got a guy sitting right next to me. I got blood everywhere. I'm wrapping it, like, with a little hand towel, but it's not really working. I also cut the back of my head shavings on, bleeding down. I'm just like, oh, my. Help me.

[Jackson]

How long have you been bald? If you don't mind me asking? Like, do you miss having hair? Or do you like just waking up not having to do your hair? But you do have to go through lotioning and shaving your head every once in a while.

[John Mittlekoff]

You know what's funny is I thought about that the other day because, you know this. It's all the rage going to Turkey. A lot of guys go to Turkey. They have a procedure there that I've heard is actually pretty cheap. It's like under five grand. Now. The trip there, depending on where you live in America, is not cheap, but the actual procedure, it's like, would I come back? But I went bald when I worked for the Eagles. You know, in football in the NFL, you get. They send a haircutter during the season to the facility because, I mean, coaches don't have time. You know, if someone's like, Sean McVeigh gets his haircut twice a week. It's like, well, yeah, they bring the person to him in his office so he can, like, watch film. But I remember getting my hair cut and looking in the mirror and thinking, this is so dumb. And I had been on Rogaine and Propecia, and, you know, Propecia is one of those drugs that's not covered by insurance. So at the time, this is like 2009 and 10. It was like, I'm paying. I didn't have any money. $100 a month. I started doing the math the rest of my life. I'm like, this is not even working. So it's been well over a decade. I noticed it at Fresno State when I was a ga. We were at the bowl game, and, you know, they take a bunch of pictures during bowl week, and there was, like, a picture coming in. We were, like, practicing in New Mexico's dome, and it was like. It was like a drone angle. And the guys I. Other coaches were like, middle cop, we can see your scalp. I was like, oh, my God, I'm done.

[Jackson]

So just. Just bad hair. Early on, you just said, you know what?

[John Mittlekoff]

I never had great hair. Like, you got looks like you got pretty good flow. I just. My hair was jeans average. My hair was very average. So part of coming back is you just get to replace what you already had. It's not like they just give you, like, who do you want? Do you want Stamos, Pitt or Brady? You know, Brady's a good example. Right. He clearly got hair plugs, but he had good hair like Peyton Manning. Right. Peyton's hair holding on for it's not great. Right. But that's what I would be. It's like, do I come back just for average hair? Just let it go.

[Jackson]

That's like. That's like the Celtics player Derek White. He's got the. One of the worst hairlines in the NBA. And I think Charles Barkley, Shaq were making fun of him on inside the NBA that next year he just went bald. He's like, you know what? I'm not going to deal with the bad hairline. I'm just going to go bald. Like, just funny.

[John Mittlekoff]

Yeah, it's kind of a pain. I mean, I guess you guys get. How often you get a haircut? Every month, every two months.

[Jackson]

Yeah.

[John Mittlekoff]

So you don't really have to worry about it that often. You can't. I can't let my hair go for more than like four days because you get the cul de sac. You look like shit. So you got to. You got to shave your head. Anything formal, you got to shave your head. But it's all it encompasses. One, you shave your face, your head, all in the shower. So you get pretty. You just kind of go like this. But every once in a while you make a mistake. All of a sudden you chop your ear off.

[Jackson]

Yeah. If Notre Dame wins the Natty, I'll shave my head with you.

[John Mittlekoff]

I was actually looking at James. I was looking at James Franklin today. I'm like, he's. He's a good looking ball guy. He's got a. He's got a very. Pulls it off well, very slick dome.

[Jackson]

He does. Yeah. Speaking of James Franklin, let's get right into it. He had a press conference the other day and you sent it to me too, talking about the whole thing going on right now with his backup quarterback, Bo Prabula. He was kind of forced to enter the transfer portal because due to the transfer portal windows and how good their team is, it's like December 9th to December 28th and where Penn State's road to the Natty is, they most likely will play until January. So he was forced to hit the portal. And he was talking about how this is an issue, having free agency right before the playoffs. What was your reaction to what he said and what do you think is the solution of this? Because although he says, yes, we need a college football commissioner, it's more the academic calendar that kind of, you know, is a factor for the portal being at this time.

[John Mittlekoff]

I would say that, you know, a lot of these guys that come across my timeline that quote, unquote, enter the transfer portal, they don't mean that much to me. Even if they're coming from a Georgia, not Georgia, but like a non playoff team. It's like, whatever it happens. Like Alabama has a bunch of guys. Like, who knows, maybe deboer wants them out. I would say this is the most polarizing one because it was a guy who has played this season for a team that I was kind of looking at their map. I'm like, I think they could easily be in the Final Four and then have some good momentum. It's like the NFL playoffs, right? You win a couple games, we can talk shit about them all we want. But if they win two games, they'd have a lot of momentum going in the Final Four to play Georgia. When that story broke, I think, you know, college football people freak. Like, this is insane. And then he put out a statement and the first two things he said were, I talked to my parents and my coaches. I'm a PA guy. I was like, I don't think he's mad at Penn State. Because I think that's what everyone's first reaction was. Like, he's saying, screw you, I'm out. Clearly, that's not the case. And then what story happened within the last 24 hours? Allers coming back to school. So it actually makes perfect sense. I actually don't think it's that weird at all. And as James Franklin just said, he doesn't want to do this. He just is forced to do it because of the timeline. But the problem is, how do you move the timeline right to like, after the Natty. Well, schools all started, so we already touched on transcripts. Clearly don't matter. You can transfer wherever you want, but you can't just show up like three weeks into class, probably, right? You have to start at the beginning of the semester. They have to get you a schedule. So I listen, I thought a lot about this. I'm sure, what the hell's the solution? But this is not. He's simply leaving because, I mean, where do you think. Do you think he gets a Big Ten starting job? Is he that good?

[Jackson]

I feel like he could go to a West Virginia or he could go to like a Syracuse, maybe a lower level, like an Iowa, Maryland, like that Maryland? Yeah, it's tough because he's a guy that hasn't really thrown the ball as much. I mean, he, he stepped in when Aller got hurt against Minnesota, which was a game that they almost lost or the one they had against Wisconsin too. But it's funny, I texted you this last night too. And for Penn State, it's. It's kind of a big disadvantage for them because that's their backup quarterback. Besides Purbua, the only other player on the roster that's thrown a pass is Tyler Warren, their tight end. So if Aller were to get hurt, like you almost would go towards to Tyler Warren versus a true freshman that hasn't even seen a down. So that's one of those things too, where last year Malik Murphy for Texas had to do the same thing. But it being a 14 playoff and them having Arch Manning, it wasn't that big of a deal. But for James Franklin, they use Prabula a ton in the running game, which is kind of a disadvantage for them. But he's forced. Like, I don't blame the guy for having to go and get an opportunity because if he waited till January, what options was was he going to have at the quarterback position?

[John Mittlekoff]

My question is, does he already know where he's going? Because if he doesn't, then I think he could easily continue to just be on Penn State while his agents kind of work the phone. If he went blind, which it doesn't feel like he did. Right. I saw something on social media that Jackson Arnold, who I would say is one of the bigger disappointments this year, got well over $2 million to go to Auburn. So the money getting floated around for these quarterbacks, like I obviously in football you watched last night, Kirk Cousins making way more than every player on their team. He's not Even a top 15 player on the Atlanta Falcons, but guys understand it. I do think when you're a little younger, I mean, I'm sure there are some guys on Auburn, it's like, I'm making $400,000. This guy sucks. It could get weird fast. Like, where's the dude, like the guy you mentioned from Texas? Where did he end up transferring last year?

[Jackson]

Yeah, so we went to Duke and then now he's in the portal again. He's most likely probably going to go to Kentucky or an Ole Miss is looking at him too. But was he good at Duke? Yeah, he was good. I mean, they're 9 and 3, a really quiet 9 and 3 team. So he definitely improved. And that was kind of his first Year where he played the entire season and then he leaves and then Duke actually upgrades and gets two lanes quarterback. So a bunch of movement in the portal in terms of the quarterbacks, I.

[John Mittlekoff]

Do think beside like the Caleb Downs, like the no brainer guy from a top 10 program that's a NFL guy. The transfer portal is essentially just quarterbacks, right? It's, it's getting the sweet backup at a, at a playoff team, it's getting the Duke kid, it's getting the Toledo kid or Tulane kid, or, you know, it's getting last year Cam Ward from Washington State and then it's a coin flip because you, no one knew. If everyone knew Skattebu was going to be this good, he'd be at usc, not Arizona State. So there, there's a lot of randomness into it. That's why I wonder, like Belichick right now, where do they even start? I don't even know. And I know these teams have personnel departments, but like, how many kids isn't like 2,000 kids in the transfer portal? And I would imagine half of them, their agent is literally more. Most of them, if you're a Division 1 transfer portal guy, your agent or representation is calling. Every single coach was like, fuck, I don't have time.

[Jackson]

Yeah, and last year too, when you talk about Cam Ward, the thing with Miami was they got lucky because they just stayed around and waited for Cam Ward because he was deciding back and forth, you know, do I go to the draft, do I stay at Wazoo? And I don't think he committed to Miami until like late late December or early January. So Florida State wanted him really bad, where they're like, well, we're not going to wait around and hope that we get Cam Ward. And that's what led him to DJ you. So to your point about Bo Prabula, it's like, does he stay around and a school tampers him? Which I was shocked too. Like, if you're a guy on a CFP team like him, you would think that some tampering, you know, under closed doors is going on where you could be like, hey, like, you know, West Virginia, I'm going to go to your school, but let me stay with my team throughout the playoff and I'll be there after when I hit the portal, whenever we lose.

[John Mittlekoff]

Yeah, I mean that's, that feels fair. I think it's hard. What if he went into the game and got hurt? Like, would Westford? It's almost like, I'm going to sign this dude in free agency and his team, it's different, right? But all of a sudden he shatters his leg in the second round of the playoffs. Like his contract, it's just, it is kind of risky. Like if you are him, I think a lot of times it's like, what the fuck is going on? This is so like Miller Moss. It's like, bro, you just got benched on a 6 and 6 team. I did think like, his response once Allard comes back in, James Franklin, everyone kind of feels bad about this, but it's like he has no choice. And to me, once Aller is coming back, my question is this. If Aller had declared for the draft, which, if I'm Drew Aller and I see Jackson Arnold's getting two and a half million dollars, my physical skills, listen, we can nitpick him all we want, and he was up and down this year, but he makes enough plays where you go, I could see a lot of coaches falling in love with this guy. And all of a sudden it's like, Drew Aller is the seventh pick of the draft. What did Penn State have to pay to retain his services? Because that's the other thing. It's not like, well, there's seven quarterbacks in this draft. It's kind of wide open. You know, Shador is the only guy. And honestly, Aller standing next to Shador, he's bigger, stronger, bigger arm. Like. And it's not like Shadows Dion as an athlete, Allers not a bad athlete. I mean, who's to say that like Drew, we've seen way crazier. Trey, Lance, Carson, Wentz, these guys go really high. Like, you tell me, Drew Aller with his skills at Penn State couldn't be a top five pick. No fucking way. We watch it every year. I'm not saying it's the right, but especially, what if he rattles off a couple of playoff victories? So, I mean, do they just give him $5 million? Because like a million dollars ain't retaining the services. Not if he has a chance to be a top 10 pick. Maybe he's thinking, I could be a lock. We have another good year, I'm the number one pick. Still kind of risky though.

[Jackson]

I like him coming back though. I mean, with Annie Colonick, he is the OC having you agree he'd be.

[John Mittlekoff]

A locked first round pick right now.

[Jackson]

Probably agreed. Yeah, because you got, you got Shador Cam and then it's like insert third quarterback. That would be a late guy. Or maybe first, second, or like early second round. But that leads me like my second one. It's like, because heading into the season, it was Carson Beck, it was Jalen Milro, Quinn Ewers. Now you kind of sit back. It's like those three quarterbacks with Drew Hour returning, it's like, do they return, too? But it's like Alabama's like, do they move on from Melroe?

[John Mittlekoff]

Yes.

[Jackson]

Georgia move on from Carson Becker. They keep them. And then the Quinn Ewers things really interesting because, you know, his draft stock's been low, and people have been kind of linking him to North Carolina a little bit, or I think Michigan State was rumored to be offering Quinn ewers $4 million if he were to leave Texas, because I'm pretty sure Arch Manning is going to be the guy. They're tired of viewers, but what do you make of those three? Because they're in a situation. Well, Beck's hurt right now. Milro's got a bowl game, and then Ewers got a lot to prove with these CFP games to try to maybe improve his stock.

[John Mittlekoff]

Well, to me, this is starting to enter, like, the Purdy conversation. Like, I like, Purdy's my starting quarterback. But once we start talking business, we have to do an extension. The number matters. So, like, giving him $80 million guaranteed. Hell, yeah. Juan was a starting quarterback, giving him $200 million guarantee. We got a problem. I have no problem given Quinn ewers $500,000 to come compete. Giving him $4 million if I'm Michigan State. That is insanity. I mean, that is crazy. I cannot see Bill Belichick paying him. How can you give these guys this money? Quinn, you are should stay in college if he's got three, four million dollars on the table. Every human being with a pulse should tell him, do not go to the pros if Michigan State is giving you $4 million. But like some of these guys, what's crazy is, like, it's a little like the stock market. It feels like you, like, why am I. Why do I have to pay so much for Quinn yours? Sometimes, like a couple years ago, you get Bo Nicks transferring. I know he ends up at Oregon, but he did not feel like a person everyone was banging down the doors for. Same thing with Penix. So it's like, are we sure that you have to go for this quote unquote, brand name? I'd be very careful with that. I really would. And especially paying that type of money, because if I'm a player on Michigan State, if he comes and he's the next, you know, all American, Okay? But if he's just what we've seen, I'd be pissed off. Like, wait, I've been in the program for three years. I'm like a guy that's going to be, let's say, a mid round pick. I'm a good guy, I'm a team captain and we pay this guy 4 million. Then all of a sudden we're getting that. I think you got to be very careful. That's to me a Belichick skill that I think he's going to try to balance pretty well at that. And I wonder if, why it's like you watch some of these college games, like, yeah, they just what the hell happened to them? Which we've always seen weird college losses. It happens more now. And I wonder if guy's just like, I barely even know this guy. He makes a bunch of money. I'm not playing that hard for him. It's the most wonderful time of year for getting in on all the hoops, football and hockey action at the DraftKings sportsbook. It's the season of giving and we're being gifted. College football and basketball, pro football and basketball and pro hockey too.

[Narrator]

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[John Mittlekoff]

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Gambling problem. Call 1-800- GAMBLER in New York. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text hopeny 467-369 in Connecticut. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit CCP Police Play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas, 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Boyd in Ontario. One bonus bet per customer base on amount of initial touchdown bet and expires 168 hours after issuance. One single use boost per customer that only applies to winnings. See sportsbook.draftkings.com promos for additional terms and responsible gaming resources. Small business owners this one's for you. Chase for Business and iheart bring you a podcast series called the Unshakables. This one of a kind series will shine the spotlight on small business owners like you who faced a do or die moment that ultimately made their business what it is today. Learn [e-mail] business podcast Chase make More of what's Yours Chase mobile app is available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply JPMorgan Chase Bank N A member FDIC Copyright 2024 JPMorgan Chase and Come Game on.

[Narrator]

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[John Mittlekoff]

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[Jackson]

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[John Mittlekoff]

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[Narrator]

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[John Mittlekoff]

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[Narrator]

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[John Mittlekoff]

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[Jackson]

If you were a head coach at cost program, what type of stuff are you looking for in a transfer quarterback to be an immediate starter? Because let's face it, I know Bill Belichick, you mentioned him, he signed that four star quarterback, but there's no way that he starts a true freshman week one, right? He's going to go out and try to get a transfer. So if you were a head coach, what, what type of things are you looking for to get a transfer quarterback to be immediate starter for your program?

[John Mittlekoff]

Well, I talked to some people in college football and some of my scouting buddies and they said the hard part, quarterback character matters, right? So like obviously you have to have a skill set to even be talked about, but like your wiring, your drive, like all that stuff, I mean just look at the crop of guys that just got drafted, you know, seems like they were all super high character guys, you know, in this last class. How do you in a couple weeks figure out their background? Think about when you scout a college player. You spend honestly, sometimes when they're a hype guy as their underclassmen, when they're not even draft eligible and then either their junior or senior year, you spend all year long digging up on the guy. All of a sudden I just get seven names thrown at me. It's like, okay, well I can call coaches, but how can I really know? Like there's a lot of information flying around. Maybe they want to retain the guy. I would be very uncomfortable in that environment with the quarterback, other positions. It kind of is what it is. But even that, like when you high school recruit a guy you typically, I would say at minimum six months would be short period of time, a lot of time, it's well over a year. Meeting him in spring, recruiting as a junior or sophomore, if you're a bigger program, knowing him, knowing his family, bringing them to campus, going to their house, getting a feel for their brothers and sisters and like where they live and their high school coach. So maybe part of that is if you high school recruited the guy, you would know him. And I think Belichick talked about that. I saw with McAfee that some guys, that North Carolina was interested out of high school, they ended up going to Clemson or Miami or Bama or lsu and now they're transferring. And you know our program, people within the program know the kid well. It's easier to do that. Ucla, when Chip was there, benefited from that a lot. A lot of LA kids would leave to go Michigan, you name it. Charbonnet, I think, is a Michigan guy. And then all of a sudden, we would have wanted you out of high school, but you spurned us for the bigger program. Now you're coming back and we know you. So that's, I think, where coaches get very comfortable. I would have a hard time if I don't know you. It's like, why are you transferring? And you're also asking for 2 million bucks. I think it's tough, man. I. I do. Like, I'm not trying to, like, you know, the media is always like, no sympathy. College coaches always bounced around. It's like, well, yeah, and we understand that, but it's also like, we all want to root for the, you know, the health of the sport. And it feels a little out of whack. I don't. I don't have the solution, though. I mean, it's because you couldn't do the transfer portal. You know, the easiest thing would just be after spring ball, right? So for summer school, for fall. But, like, that's a huge disadvantage for guys that know they're not going to play anymore. So spring ball for them at their program, like, if I'm at Penn State and James Franklin goes, you're not going to start here next year, right? Was it. Wouldn't you say that? And slash, money is a big reason most guys transfer. They're not going to play where they can get more money. A lot of times it's tied together well. I go, why? You know, if we just X'd out the winter transfer portal and made it in the spring that the winner, I would be stuck at my program just practicing for a team that I'm not going to play on. So it doesn't make much sense, but clearly, and right now is really the only time because it's kind of winter break and you got to let them transfer so they can enroll into school where it doesn't even feel like they're going.

[Jackson]

James Franklin also talked about a commissioner needing to be placed in college football. Do you think that would help anything? Or do you know anyone? Or maybe it's a group of coaches and bodies or I guess athletic directors, former athletic directors that would fit the position. Or do you kind of are against a commissioner? Because it seems like we have always have all these issues and stuff, but we're leaning on the NCAA to make, you know, I guess, solutions out of it, but they're not really doing anything to make changes.

[John Mittlekoff]

Yeah. To me the only way a commissioner would make sense if they break away. And so if the College Football Playoff, whatever group of 40 teams is their own entity. Like I'm still the Ole Miss or Alabama football program but I don't answer to the athletic department slash ncaa. We're like our own business. Maybe we do a revenue sharing with the school where they get 20% of our revenue, we give the kids, you know, another 30% and the other goes into the business. But you can't really have a commissioner with the ncaa. It doesn't make sense. They have to go on their own. Like the NFL. It's their own kind of entity. So until that happens, which I do feel like one day that's going to happen. But it does feel like we're a little far away from that. Like are we a 16 team? Like the NCAA has nothing to do with the playoffs. Think about that. Nothing to do with where? In college basketball the NCAA tournament is theirs. Like they signed the deal. So the two revenue generating sports, which the majority of the revenue comes from football. I would say the NCAA has little to nothing to do with any of it. So like where. Because forever it was like when I was at Fresno State there was a minimum. I don't know if this still exists but for a long period of time, forever. It was like the minimum requirement of SAT school. A score meets gpa. It was like a sliding sc. I don't even does that even exist anymore. Like do you even need any requirements Most schools because transfer portal it was also the same thing. You had to hit a bunch of requirements to transfer into like shitty schools like Fresno State, San Diego State, let alone like try to transfer to Texas. Clearly none of that matters anymore. So why do I need the some fucking over educated loser that couldn't tell me the difference between a touchdown and a first down. That like when I'm allowed to recruit like the NCAA is dead. It's just when does it become official and then who would these coaches. Because part of Roger Goodell, he butts heads with coaches. You know part of the commissioner. It's like working on behalf more of the teams, the owners and the business. Not necessarily what the coaches want. It's a tough job. It's not like because one coach would have an opinion, the other coach wants something different. It would not be an Easy gig.

[Jackson]

For 128 schools too. Like that's so many teams.

[John Mittlekoff]

Yeah. To me it wouldn't be that unless they all went independent but like, is Montana or San Diego State going into. Do they have enough, does it make sense to do that? And then what happens to those schools? It's, it's, it's fun. It's never been. I'm excited for this weekend. But you could also argue it's never been more up in the air. Like the health, like, how is this gonna play out? I can see a lot of scenarios where it could get. Something weird could happen. I mean, there's a lot of money coming in, but there's also a lot of hands in the cookie jar now. And I think a lot of players are, in a weird way, some of them are making money. But like, what percentage of them are actually making money? Feels like a smaller percentage. Like social media makes it seem like it all. No chance. Like, are all the offensive linemen at all these Division 1 schools making any money? But you can't function, you can't run a team without them. So it's like the guard, center and guard are just cool with their shitty quarterback making $2 million. Where they make 75K and get like, you know, 20% off the their Ford F150. Well, he's driving a Ferrari. You know, that's what we talked about that with Riola. It's like you got multiple three year starters, you know, on a program, and then you got this hotshot kid halfway through the season, you're like, is this guy even any good? You know, you can't bench him because you're paying him before. That's one thing with college football, that it wasn't the NFL. Like you would go to your backup, right? You wouldn't hesitate. It's like, whatever, go to another guy. Now it's like, well, he's got to ride it out with Riola. Which they're not wrong because they've invested so much. But what does the team think?

[Jackson]

Yeah, the team, the team dynamics with Nil and stuff. Definitely is.

[John Mittlekoff]

Look at Caleb. I would say Caleb's the first true Nil superstar. He feels a little bit on an island right now on his team. Feels weird when you watch the body language of the squad, you know, it's just something's. I don't blame him. I mean, he was on an island in college, lived in that penthouse suite in fucking la. Probably drove a Bentley. Getting millions of dollars. Millions of dollars.

[Jackson]

Yeah. They should invest some more money in their defense. For sure. Usc. But yeah, we got four big games this weekend. Cannot believe. Felt like last weekend, last Saturday we were missing something. But let's start with 10. Indiana at 7. North Notre Dame probably to be the coldest one of the weekend. Indiana State Championship. What sticks out to you when you look at this matchup between the Hoosiers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Friday night?

[John Mittlekoff]

I feel like you guys blow them out. I feel like too in Notre Dame fashion, you know, like 30 to 10 and just kind of overwhelm them. I, I would be very surprised if this is a game. I mean you guys kind of that niu's. I don't know. Is that one of the worst loss in the history of the program?

[Jackson]

Yeah, that's a tough one to swallow. You can't really.

[John Mittlekoff]

They weren't even, were they?

[Jackson]

No, they finished like fifth or seventh in the back. Yeah, they were ranked at one point and they lost to Buffalo. But no, I feel like Notre Dame's got a lot of momentum in this game, especially with Marcus Freeman. That long term contract, I sent it to you six years throughout 2030. So to be able to have him firm for the next six years plus is big time. But I just feel to your point, this offensive line I think is just going to push and bully the Indiana front seven and they're just going to be able to run the football down their throat. But Indiana, according to statistics, they're the number one rushing defense in the country. But we saw Ohio State being able to run the football on them during that game when those two played well.

[John Mittlekoff]

To me it was like the Jimmies and the Joes in that game. It felt like, yeah, you guys do have some James Madison guys playing key roles. And they hadn't looked like that against most of their other opponents. Like they looked way faster. Their defense was elite. You would watch them against teams like Nebraska or Washington and be like, how are they way faster than these teams? And then that Ohio State game, I was tempted to bet them against Ohio State. And that first drive, remember that drive? I was like, damn, Indiana, Ohio State's in some trouble. And then I was like, actually not really. I think it's going to look a lot like Ohio State and it'll be, you know, we don't get that many college football games and the weather like we do in the NFL that could neutralize some of the scoring. Like if this was a 70 degree day, are you guys way more likely to win by 20? Is it, is it like a 10, 7 game at half and then you guys pull away? I mean, how. I mean we talking, are we talking snow and stuff? Like what weather did you say?

[Jackson]

I think it's 30% snow. So I hope it snows because that would be phenomenal at night at South Bend, you wonder how Curtis Roy can do in the snow because they do like to throw the football. But it feels like all these games outside of Texas, if it's going to be below 20 degrees or 20 degrees lower, it feels like it's going to be the running game. That's the deciding factor. In most of these games, it hasn't.

[John Mittlekoff]

Been their big thing, like just back shoulder fates. Like outside one on one, back shoulder fades.

[Jackson]

They did that against Ohio State and I think Ohio State had like four PI calls on them. So they could do that against Notre Dame because they're, they're two cornerbacks. They allowed like 340 yards against USC. They're prone to get some PIs on them too. But I think that front seven, which Howard cross is coming back, which is a big addition for Notre Dame, but it could be an issue for Indiana.

[John Mittlekoff]

Well, if you got, if you guys make a run in the playoffs, what does it look like? Run for 160 to 180 yards a game and just playing unreal defense and like hitting people in the teeth. I mean, kind of playing like old school Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll, I would say like Baltimore Ravens way back in the day with Ray Lewis, like, passing game isn't going to fucking blow anyone out of the water. We are going to run the ball down your throat and be the toughest team. And that's kind of how you're going to play, which for a long time in college football, like that was college football and then it changed. But in this new format, because let's say you would have been a Final four team this year. I don't think you would have, but let's just hypothetically say like you're in the Final Four. Well, those are in great environments, right? It's in Arizona, it's at the Rose bowl, it's in Dallas, it's in Miami. Like, the weather has never been a factor in any of these playoff games. It might rain in Miami, but it's not. It's a 80 degree rain. This is the first time in college football, you know, in a bowl situation that matters, you know, like, I know they play like the Yankee bowl or whatever, but that weather's a huge factor. So does that neutralize it? Like, does that give Indiana a chance? Because who knows? What if you guys fumble a ball that you wouldn't have normally fumbled? If you're playing him at the Rose Bowl? It's hard. I mean, playing 25 degree weather is fucking hard.

[Jackson]

Yeah, that's my. One of my worries is Riley Leonard has been prone to have one of those turnovers that you didn't see coming or one of those throws like against usc. It's like, what are you, what are you seeing here for Riley Leonard? But I think he's gotten better throughout the pocket. I think they do have wide receivers on the outside, but you're right in pressure situations, who's going to step up and if Indiana is able to stop the run and you know you got a third and seven, third and six, like can Riley Leonard in this offense get things going or is Indiana going to have the momentum? But I think you're right.

[John Mittlekoff]

Expensive ass ticket.

[Jackson]

Yeah, it's like 1200 bucks. 1400 bucks. Yeah.

[John Mittlekoff]

Jesus. Absurd.

[Jackson]

But I think part of that too is most of these fans are. I mean, for Indiana, they don't have to travel too far, so you don't have to fly, which you could spend more money on tickets. But for Notre Dame to have a home playoff game, it's going to be fun. And hopefully your prediction is correct. I think Notre dame wins by 10, 11 points. I'm just kind of a little hesitant because I'm a Notre Dame fan. But yeah, you hope that they can go in and put on a showing against Indiana. Let's go to the second game, the first morning game. SMU, Penn State 11, SMU going to six. Penn State, SMU. You know, people didn't expect them to be there. They lose against Clemson and the committee people back and forth. I think Joe Klatz said that Alabama should have been in, but I think for smu, if they weren't to get in, it would have definitely put a lot of, you know, questions about the conference championship. And then you got six Penn State with Drew Hour returning next season. You feel good about Penn State after that Oregon game. But, well, how do you, how do you see this game going with Penn State? Is this going to be another one of those where it feels like it's going to be chalk again? Or do you think maybe SMU has some light against Penn State?

[John Mittlekoff]

It was funny last time we talked. A lot of people, like some SMU fans were like, you know, we were getting a shitty ref. We're getting out of the whistles. It's like, it's like, okay, guys, you guys are almost a 10 point dog in this game. I hope, you know, Signetti pisses some people off. But I do hope that Indiana, Notre Dame is a good game. I am rooting for Penn State to beat the living shit out of smu. Not even because I thought like Alabama should have got it. Like, I don't even care. But it's like the ACC got two teams in. And you can say the same about Clemson, but at least, I mean, they did what you have to do. It's like NCAA basketball. You win your conference tournament, you win your conference championship game, you're automatically. And I got no issue with it, but I hope Penn State kills him.

[Narrator]

But.

[John Mittlekoff]

This game, if it's like 15, 15 or 20 to 20 in the second half and it's like going back and forth, they're going to be a lot of tight, you know what in that stadium. Because this guy does not win a lot of big games. He simply does not. And I, you could argue of all the coaches in this thing, who has more pressure on him than James Franklin to just win a couple games? Not just this game, but then they're going to be a heavy favor in the next game just to win a couple games. If he wins a couple playoff games, even if the next one would. Would be against Boise, right?

[Jackson]

Yeah.

[John Mittlekoff]

You don't get that much credit. Be like, well, he beat SMU in Boise and then he loses, let's say Georgia, right? It's like, well, he. I do think people would be like, listen, you won two playoff games, one game at home. It would be a big deal for him. I think of all the coaches in the first round, like, he's not in jeopardy of getting fired, like Ryan Day could get fired. But I do think people would be start being pissed off. Like, what's all this recruiting? What's all that? What's it all for? So I think there is and I like them. I think there are a sleeper team here. I actually was really impressed against Oregon and think if their offense was playing, like their defense would have to be better. But if they're playing Gunner Stockton, like they couldn't beat Georgia, right? So I like Penn State in this game. Well, I'm rooting for Penn State. Things get weird with James and this is another, like, this ain't going to be 60 degrees here. It's going to be cold. But Penn State doesn't care. They don't. Their receivers kind of irrelevant, right? They want to run the ball, throw it to their tight end. They got to play better defense and doesn't. I mean, one thing SMU has is explosive playmakers. Now does that work? And whatever it's going to be in, you know, where's Penn State? College Station where's that?

[Jackson]

Happy Valley.

[John Mittlekoff]

Happy Valley. Happy Valley.

[Jackson]

Yeah. I mean, Carter is one of those. Abdul Carter is one of those guys against Oregon that he was not seen at all. He's supposed to be a top five defensive end, so you think that he would be a big factor in that game. But it was weird though, because Oregon's is a great offense, but them to put up 40 plus points against Penn State, it was kind of of one of those puzzling things where in other games I think we talked about last week or two weeks ago, it was like, if you'd have told me Penn State would have scored 35, 38 points against Oregon, you think they'd win that game because how good Penn State's defense is. But yeah, their offense, their two running backs are definitely their strongest point. K. Tron Allen, Nicholas Singleton, their ability to get those guys in the passing game has definitely been the difference there. And then how about Tyler Warren, man? I mean, he finished seventh in the Heisman voting, seventh as a tight end. That's. That's unbelievable.

[John Mittlekoff]

I pulled up, I just typed in Happy Valley. Pennsyiavan Saturday high of 25, low of 13. I don't think people quite understand that. Don't live in some of these areas. Like how truly cold it is in some of these places in December and January. Like how cold South Bend is. How cold? Like when you come back from winter break to go to class at Penn State, like it ain't. It's cold where you went to school in Montana, but like it ain't that, right? I mean, it's frigid in the Midwest, like Ohio State. Like, it's fucking cold. It's going to have a huge impact. And I mean, I didn't watch that much SMU football, but they like to spread around and throw the football. Like, isn't that their offense?

[Jackson]

Yeah, their quarterback's fun to watch. Kevin Jennings, fun to watch.

[John Mittlekoff]

Well, it's. It's just hard to play like that if it's. Even if the sun's out, it's 23 degrees, you can't feel your hands. Who does that impact the most? The Whiteouts. Penn State's like, we don't even throw it to those guys.

[Jackson]

Yeah, their quarterback doesn't wear any gloves either. So he's. He's a Texas boy. You wonder how he's going to be in that cold weather. But speaking of another game that actually has the hottest weather, 60 degrees.

[John Mittlekoff]

You like upset.

[Jackson]

You like upset there for Clemson, Texas or for Penn State?

[John Mittlekoff]

First, the Penn State game Penn State.

[Jackson]

Should roll them, I think. I think if they get out to an early lead, it's going to be tough for smu. You mentioned the cold weather. Like I think Penn State should beat them by 14 plus. I think the lines like seven and a half, eight and a half. But 12, Clemson, five Texas. This was the one last two weeks ago you talked about how if there were to be an upset, you feel good about Clemson being a bad matchup for Texas. How do you see this one going?

[John Mittlekoff]

I think this thing could get weird. I mean, that quarterback for Clemson's been playing well and he was a guy that was much maligned last year. And honestly, after the first week, week one Georgia, I was like, you know, the biggest difference in Dabos program is like he went from desean to Trevor, who were awesome college players, to DJ to this guy and it's like you just miss on the quarterback, it's going to screw you. They still have good players. And then as the season went on, you watched them. He's a big time athlete. Like how many long touchdown runs does he have this season? I feel like so many times you'd be watching the game in the ESPN ticker because they're playing Virginia or Duke or whoever. It's like, you know, Clint goes for 50, it's like he could run. And then you watch him against SMU and some of these big games, like he does have a big arm and when he's in rhythm, I like him more than whatever Texas is rolling out, which is obviously yours now we'll see if Arch plays way more in this game. But I don't know. I mean, obviously Texas is really talented. They're loaded on defense, their defense is good. And offensively from. Is it Bond, the running back, 26 is a good player. They got serious weapons as well. But like their quarterback and Sark takes some shit and listen, I've given them a lot over the years. I think it's hard to call plays when you don't trust your quarterback. And I feel like a lot of times, I mean, you went to the game, was it Georgia? He just calls games trying to coach around him. It feels like sometimes, yeah, it feels.

[Jackson]

Like that first Georgia Texas game, all they were throwing was check downs and he felt too, I guess hesitant, too scared to throw the ball down the field. They had that one corner blitz on him that he fumbled and ever since then he just seemed rattled. And then on top of that you got an ankle injury with Ewers. Like if things get a little frisky, early and it's a tight game with Clemson against Dabo and what they're going on like, I don't know, Sark, you pull the plug and you put Arch in just for a mobile quarterback just to have more options with the amount of weapons they have with the wide receivers and the two running backs that they roll out there too. But yeah, seems like a sketchy situation for Sark in Texas because you have so much talent on defense. Like the number one defense in the country bearing their stud corner just won the Thorpe Award. So you know they're going to hold their own. It's just offensively, you're right. They just been so mid this season with how much talent they have have team speed.

[John Mittlekoff]

And you and I have both seen them live. Their team speed on defense is impressive. The linebackers can all move their defensive lines huge. Like you said, the DBs are good. They hit. It's like, damn these guys. I don't know how many of these guys are top 50 picks, but they definitely got several of them. And if some of these guys are underclassmen, this guy might be a top 10 pick in two years. I mean, they got. They got serious dudes. I think, you know, when we talk about Ryan Day and James Franklin have like tangible pressure on him. I think Quinn Ewers like this is a big moment like Sar kind of shed that last year gets him to the playoffs, gets him back, gets him the SEC championship game. Like Sark's established himself. He's. He's good. I think the pressure in this game's on the quarterback. It's like. And like you said, does he. He's already shown he'll go to the pen.

[Jackson]

Yeah, I. My biggest worry though about Clemson is their wide receivers are so young. Like they're. There's their leading receiver against SMU as a true freshman. They've got another sophomore wide receiver.

[John Mittlekoff]

But then they're recruiting. These guys are elite recruits. Like, oh, 12, five star.

[Jackson]

Yeah. Wesco is a part of that amazing receiver, true freshman class. But you do wonder against those physical DBs. I mean George's wide receivers were pulling out to get open against them too. Like, and then Mafa, the running back hasn't been getting going. But Kate Klubnick has shown, which is crazy from the game one until now, that when there's a lot of pressure and things aren't rolling, that he's able to run with his legs and he's able to like the offense seems like it's centering more around Kate Club MC this Year versus in past it was always the running game with Shipley or you know, the stud wide receivers they have on the outside. But yeah, I, that's my only worry with Clemson is the receivers they have. And you mentioned those two edge rushers that Texas has. Sophomore Anthony Hill Jr. He'll be a top five pick. And then Colin Simmons, true freshman. So you got those guys on the edges too to try to stop Clemson's running.

[John Mittlekoff]

I remember watching them warm up in the Red river game like this. This team bigger than some NFL teams. Their D line. Huge.

[Jackson]

Huge. Huge. Yeah.

[John Mittlekoff]

So that's where it gets back to yours. Yours just can turn it over and look like shit. And you're like, if you just play, you could let this defense carry you, you know, save it A lot of savings. Teams like McElroy and McCarron game manager. Well, you are sometimes thinks I'm like I'm fucking Mahomes. It's like, bro, calm down.

[Jackson]

Yeah, they had those two, he had those two fumbles against A and M. Or the one fumble in the interception. They should have blown A and M out. They only won by like 10 points. Turned it over like back to back drives. Yeah. In the second half. And then he had that interception to Georgia in their own territory and Texas was able to hold him to field goal. But you're right, it's like those, once he starts get rolling, he feels like he gets a little too comfortable. Then he makes those errant throws.

[John Mittlekoff]

But I think obviously, you know, Notre Dame and Ohio State are probably, you know, the two biggest brands in college football in terms of like universal America. You could have put this game at night too. Like if one of those games like Notre Dame or Ohio State had put in this spot, you could easily put at Texas hosting Clemson Friday or Saturday night like this. I think Penn State SMU is the last one anyone would choose. But I don't think this one is very far away from the other prime time games like this. This is an elite football game. I would expect this thing to be pretty tight.

[Jackson]

Don't you almost think that Dabov's got the advantage here because he's got no pressure on him. They're a three loss team, barely sneaking the playoff. No one's really talking about him. Like I feel like for him, his play calling in this game, he's just going to air it out and try to just expose whatever Texas has defensively. And it's going to be interesting to see because it's 11 and a half right now is the spread why just.

[John Mittlekoff]

Pull up draft kings 12 like that. That seems how could SMU, Penn State be eight and a half and this thing be 12? Like to me that line. I'm tempted to put some cash, a lot of cash on Clemson. Like not only can Clemson win, I would expect this to be a close game. I would be surprised. Texas 1, they haven't been blowing teams out like they struggled to beat Arkansas. You watch them on random games post the Oklahoma game and after they got beat by Georgia, you thought, okay, they'll take a deep breath. They were in a lot of closer games, minus the Florida game where they beat the shit out of them. I felt like they were just like, what's going on with Vanderbilt? What's going on with Arkansas? They play in way more weird games than they do a team that's a 12 point favorite. Like that's that seems a little large to me. I don't know about you, it's it's the biggest spread by far. To me Notre Dame should be a 12 point favorite, not Texas.

[Jackson]

Yeah, I agree too.

[Doug Godley]

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[Jackson]

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[Jackson]

And then the last game. Nine, Tennessee at eight, Ohio State. The nightcap game. A lot of pressure on Ryan Day. Can they balance back after probably I would say the worst loss in Ryan Day's career. You would say maybe the best. Worst loss in Ohio, say the last 10, 12 years. Like, what do you see in this game?

[John Mittlekoff]

I saw Chip Kelly said yesterday or maybe a couple days ago that they have gone over with a fine tooth comb the tape to Michigan. And it's like what was really to go over, it wasn't, you know, players were like, you guys kept calling plays into the teeth of the defense. It's like it was an offensive philosophy that you don't trust your quarterback, you know, and you have these elite wide receivers. I mean, what's his name comes back this season, they get one of the best freshmen we've ever seen. They go all in on Will Howard, and let's face it, they don't trust him that much. And if they could have a redo, would they just rather have Kyle McCord? I think we've talked about that. Now Chip likes more mobile quarterback and Will Howard kind of like Your guy at Notre Dame is, you know, just a big, physical fucking runner. But I don't know. I mean, if they don't trust him and listen, in the transfer portal era, you lose a tackle and then your center snaps his Achilles like, that's, you know, 20 years ago, how State would have had the next first rounder that's a freshman and, you know, take it a little step back, but like, we're fine now. It's like, what if you look back and you go, this guy's not even going to be on our team next year that we have to play. So what does Tennessee thrive with? Defense and defensive line? I. I think this thing could get weird in Tennessee. I think we talked about this last week. You know, Rocky Top, Rocky Mountains. It's. They're not. This isn't Florida or Miami. Like, it's. It's cold in Knoxville, so that they're coming. It might not be Ohio State cold, but they are not sitting in 78 degree weather right now. So I think they're going to come. And defensive teams travel, right. If you have a good defense like the Rams play in la, but when their defense is good, they can play anybody. The 49ers play in fucking the Bay. They've had a good defense for five years. They've won road playoff games in Green Bay. Like that shit translates. Running game in defense now, you know, Sawyer freaking out. Maybe they rallied the troops on defense, but I don't know. I think this thing, Tennessee's offense with their quarterback, you watch them some games, you're like, what am I witnessing? And I wanted to have Nico be like the next great quarterback. And that didn't play out. But running game defense, running game defense, that's. This is a tough matchup for Iowa State. This would be a tough match for anybody. I mean, Tennessee could beat any of these teams, right? Like, if I told you Tennessee was going to Notre Dame, you'd be pretty nervous, wouldn't you?

[Jackson]

Yeah, I mean, Dylan Sampson, the running back, like we talked about it last week, how if you had to face any team in the first round, Tennessee's the least one that you would want to pick if you're Ohio State, because they've got a dominant running back with Dylan Sampson, who's got almost 1500 yards, 22 touchdowns, like he leads the SEC. And that's what they bank on. And on top of that, the defensive line is their biggest strength for Tennessee. And you mentioned Ohio State missing two of their biggest offensive linemen. Their center, I think, won center of the year didn't even play the last three games for Ohio State. So I think it's a bad matchup for him. Nico. I'm just up and down with. I don't know what to think about him. Like sometimes some games, that Oklahoma game in the beginning of the season, he had some big time throws, some deep balls and you're like, man, this guy could be that guy for Tennessee. He could be that guy that, you know, can make him two dimensional. And then you got some games like Georgia just making errant throws, not really seeing the defense. So I wonder if Ohio State somehow is able to run the foot or able to stop the run, I should say, and put the hands on Nico. They're going to be at a big advantage in this football game.

[John Mittlekoff]

You know, people forget. But up until Hypo got there, Tennessee was in bad shape. They had been bad for a long time. It's why a lot of people were like, you know, obviously George is an elite program, but Florida's down and Tennessee's down and it's way easier for him. And he was at UCF 12 and 1, 10 and 3. Then I don't even count the COVID year at a place like ucf. Then he gets the Tennessee job. And after that first year going 7 and 6, 11, 2, 9 and 4, 10 and 2. And he's won the last two bowl games. So it's like, who did he play last year in the Citrus Bowl? He played Iowa.

[Jackson]

He was Iowa, yeah.

[John Mittlekoff]

Which has an elite defense. And two years ago in the Orange bowl he played Clemson and he won 31 to 14. So this is a guy that going back to his playing days when he won the natty with Bob Stoops to as a coach, you know, I think people overlook him. It's weird because his, he's pretty big right now, you know, he doesn't look like his former skinny quarterback self. And he looks closer to like 58 than he does 46, which actually how old he is because he's just, he's large but he can fucking coach, man. And he's one of those offensive coaches like McVeigh or Kyle or something where it's like the offense is his baby, but his defenses are tough. Like those are scary guys. I mean, that's the thing with Ryan Day. It's not like you go, obviously he knows what to do with the quarterback in the passing game. Like he's good with that. But you don't say his teams are tough. If anything, they've gotten soft and who have but who has given Ryan Day trouble? Tough teams. Tennessee's built a lot like their quarterback is sexier than I would say JJ because like five star number one recruit behind Arch, he's like Jamarcus, he could throw it like 700 yards but he's not that great right now. But their team is built a lot like Michigan. Run the ball, play D line, let's go. Like I think Tennessee would gladly play a game like 17 to 15. Deep down, Ohio State we've seen wants no part of that type game. They want to, they want to play like they played against Oregon. They go, if we play like we played against Oregon, we win that game seven out of 10 times. That was, we were comfortable and they have been really since in the Ryan Day era. Shootouts, shootouts, shootouts, when they start getting leaned on, they have crumbled under Ryan Day and only the good teams can lean on him. Right.

[Jackson]

Do you think Ryan Day and Chip Kelly, I mean what happened with Michigan, you think they're going to try to still establish the inside running game against this defensive line or you think they may start a little early and then say, okay, we're going to abandon it, maybe go what they did against Penn State, trying to get those guys out in space and if Jeremiah Smith, I mean, can they get this guy the football and this is the most explosive player on their team. He had under 30 yards against Michigan. It seems like if they do that again, Ohio State's going to be in the same situation against Michigan or it was against Michigan.

[John Mittlekoff]

Well, I'm just clicking on the weather. Saturday winds about 10 miles an hour, but high of 30, low of 15. Well, it's going to be closer to low because when are they playing? They're playing at night. So it's, I mean are you just slinging the pill all around with 22 degree weather now? If it's raining or windy, obviously it makes a lot harder than just freezing cold. But is are there wide receivers comfortable with just dominating in 20 degree weather? It is harder to play like that. Especially like it's one thing being a pro and being in it for years doesn't mean being a 17, 18 year old true freshman who's supposed to be the greatest thing since life spread. It's like I can't feel my hands, coach. So I don't know, I mean you kind of have to run it in these games like playoff football in the NFL, right? Especially AFC football, Green Bay, Philly, like the running game matters, you know, we don't. It doesn't. Usually matter in college football because they're always playing in controlled environments. This is the first time it's like you have to change your game plan a little bit because Tennessee is like, we'll hand it to them 30 times a game. Or, you know, on Saturday night, we had no problem. Penn State, like, 13, 10, get ready. We're going to give it to you 40 times tonight. What are they going to do? Fucking slink. They're going to attempt 40, 50 passes. Well, we can rush the passer. So I. I think weather plays a enormous factor this weekend. Enormous. And I wonder, Ohio State, now I understand, like, they live in it. But how many cold, cold games does Ohio State truly play in a year?

[Jackson]

They always play at noon or like 9am, 10am always playing those noon slots.

[John Mittlekoff]

And it feels like we years against the last game of the season against Harbaugh in the conference championship, whenever they haven't been in a while. Because Michigan has. But is in a dome right at Indy in their games the last couple years, Michigan, Ohio State, like, it's been cold, but like you said, sun's out. Sun ain't out in this game. That's a lot colder when that sun's not out. Because Even if it's 25 degrees with the sun's on, you feel like, yeah, a little warmth. Get to the sideline if it's fucking ice cold. I like Tennessee in this game.

[Jackson]

If Tennessee wins, what happens with Ryan Day talent?

[John Mittlekoff]

I respect Ohio. Like, I don't think that, you know, I don't look at them like I do SMU or obviously Indiana, like, their talent. It's not going to be that much different, but, like, the key missing the offensive lineman. Like, you've seen Minnesota, like, their offensive line got hurt and all of a sudden Sam Darnold's under duress. It's just there's a reason one guy starts and the other guy's the backup. There's a gap and there's usually a wider gap. Like, you know, certain positions, like the linebacker or corner and be like, I think I'm just as good as that guy. And there might be some truth to that. On, you know, college and pro teams, there usually is not like the backup offensive tackle or the backup center. It's like, I'm better than that guy. It's like, no, this guy's better and everyone knows it. I think with the line of scrimmage in quarterback, like, it's always pretty clear. It's like, yeah, this guy starts for a reason. And the backups might Be solid players. But like there's a gap, there's usually a huge gap with like your starting offensive lineman. Especially in the transfer portal era. It'd be a big. On the flip side, it'd be a great win for Ryan Day. It'd be a good win. I'm not just trying. People think I'm just shitting on the guy. I mean I, I don't like him and I'm rooting against them. But I can also acknowledge you beat Tennessee at night at home. That's a good ass win.

[Jackson]

Do you think? Because like the whole playoff as a whole we talked about all the quarterback position and we talked earlier about Carson, Beck, Milroe, about them returning. There's no real elite quarterbacks in this playoff. Is there any of them that you trust and do you think, I guess the deciding factor in all these games is just going to be old smash mouth football line of scrimmage play from all these teams because it feels like all these quarterbacks, some of them, their teams don't really trust in a big time moments they may have to pull through. But it seems like all these teams have one thing in common. It's going to come down to both sides of the trenches for every one of these 12 teams.

[John Mittlekoff]

Well yeah, I mean it gets back to the weather thing is a pretty big factor in three of the games. I like Drew Aller the most but I'm also looking that from like more of a scouting perspective like he can be a roller coaster ride in the game. Yeah, I think there are major question marks on Will Howard. There's a question mark like the one way Indiana could get into it, right. If they stop the run and they force you to like second and third along. Like all of a sudden he turns the ball over. He's not, he's not accurate. Like he could keep you back in the game. I think Riley Leonard and Will Howard are pretty big wild cards because I think their team ideally would not want to put it on their shoulder. But the game dictates that like what if Indiana would jump up like 10 to 3, right. And they're slowing down the run, all of a sudden you have to pass. Same thing with Ohio State. I think those two guys and Quinn Ewers, like when it's off you kind of know it. Like now the difference is Will and Riley can run like Quinn Ewers. I mean I know he's had running plays like a breakout, a scramble, but he's not like a runner like those guys. Like you can just call quarterback Power for those two guys, which I would do to settle down the game, I would guess like over under carries for your guy. If you're just, you know, if it's just a solid, like you're not blowing them out, but you're in control. I mean, they're going to rely on him running the ball, right?

[Jackson]

Yeah, I'd say 15 carries at least with the two running backs they have. Yeah, they're just going to run the ball with that three headed monster. My next question for you. You mentioned Penn State earlier. Would that say, would you say that's your dark horse to win the national championship? Is Penn State or is there any another team that you think can maybe make a run that not a lot of people are talking about or do you think it's just going to be pretty much chalk when it's all said and done?

[John Mittlekoff]

I was looking at the bracket yesterday. I was. God, I hope could Arizona State take out Texas or Clemson, whoever wins that game, you know, you'd hope that'd be cool. But it just does feel like it's going to be Georgia, Oregon, Ohio State, you know, Penn State would have to win games. It'd be one thing to beat SMU and then be Boise. It'd be another thing then rattle off Georgia, Ohio State or Oregon. I mean, that even Texas. I mean, I think they would be. If Texas is there, they would be the underdog in that game. It would be one of the craziest turnarounds for, you know, a coach. Like I'm gonna be rooting for him. I want to see them play well because I just think they have a pretty fun team. They have explosive defensive players. You know, Warren's an awesome story. He's a good player. Running backs are fun, but it's like their coach. I have no trust in my fellow bald man, but I don't really like any of these teams. Oregon clearly is the best team, but like all of a sudden they got to play Tennessee or Ohio State again. You could, you could. And you got Penn State playing Boise, in Texas playing Arizona State, which, no disrespect, Kenny, but your team's just not as talented as it's like. I don't know. I think it's going to come from one of the four or five top teams. I think one of the biggest stories in the playoffs would be if Boise, Arizona State, Indiana or SMU were to win a game like that. That would be like a pretty feel like a historic upset, right? Indiana, big underdog. Smu, big underdog. Clemson's a huge underdog on the number. But it wouldn't feel like those teams, right? Arizona State, Boise, SMU. It would be like you'd get. If you bet $1,000 or $100. I mean, you'd make a lot of money. I mean, especially if you took a money line. But I don't think the narrative would be like, yeah, dabble. Sweeney's won multiple national championships. He's got a bunch of NFL guys on his team. But if like Arizona State or boy, if, if. Can you imagine if Penn State lost.

[Jackson]

To Boise Fiesta bowl right here in town too. Oh my goodness. Ashton Jetty has a great day. To him losing the Heisman Trophy, their inability to run the football or their inability to stop Ashton Gentee. I mean that would definitely put a lot of people puzzling for James Franklin. Then you mentioned Arizona State. I don't know, man. This team, it just seems like they just play with so much grit. But I don't think they match up with Texas very well. I know they're probably praying for Clemson that second round.

[John Mittlekoff]

Well, could they, I mean, could they run the ball on Texas?

[Jackson]

Oh, that'd be tough. Cam Scott was fun, but that offensive line against Texas is D line. They haven't faced anyone in the Big 12 like that. I'm trying to think of a dominant defensive line. Maybe K State. I can't really think of one that they face in the Big 12.

[John Mittlekoff]

Well, if Texas beats Clemson by 10 plus points and they are 12 point favored against Clemson, what are they against Arizona state? We're talking 17 points. Yeah, 15. Because it would be more than Clemson. Right. Clemson is going to get more respect in a game against Texas than Arizona State. Even off a buy, which essentially these games are off buys too. It's a longer buy, but it's not like this team's well rested. I think that number would be massive if Texas were to look good against Clemson, let's say win, you know, 30 to 15 or something. But you know, kind of like similar to the. I think the Georgia Texas game was like 31, 17 or whatever but like a dominant fashion. I think that number would be massive against Arizona State. You could convince me if they win by like 20 plus points against Clemson that it's a 20 point spread or something.

[Jackson]

Yeah, it's huge. Who's your.

[John Mittlekoff]

There is a scenario where Arizona state has like 150 yards of offense against Texas.

[Jackson]

Yeah, that defense would be not a fun matchup for Arizona State. Who is your. I know it's. We're about to Start the cfp. Everyone's coming out with their predictions and stuff like that. Do you have a final four or a champ that you're looking at?

[John Mittlekoff]

Yeah, I mean I. I was tempted to go Arizona State. I think Clemson can win this game and if Clemson wins this game and I know you said Arizona State would want him, I would then pick Dabo to beat Arizona State. So like I do think that's got sleeper potential to be in the final Four. Clemson, I think it's hard to bet against Oregon. I think it's hard to bet against Oregon regardless of their path and to not win the national championship. Right. If you're just betting against them, you're basically just saying, I don't like their path because the way they've been playing, I mean they look better than everybody. You know, it's these guys have kept so quiet and dabbled or I mean Kirby doesn't have to say anything like what is their quarterback situation like? Is Carson Beck like, have you seen anything? He's kept it pretty mum. If this was the NFL news would already broke. He's out for the season. He tore it. He's week to week. I think the more quiet they are, I think it's pretty clear he's probably not playing because they would announce Carson Beck's fine. Whatever he's going to be playing. That's a pretty big wild card to bring in if a backup quarterback has to play several games. Like this isn't, you know, the BCS where he's got to play one game or even two. Like Georgia would have to play three games and I think that's. I don't even know if I would have liked him with Carson Beck. Who knows? Maybe Gunner Stockton's better in Carson Beck. But it's hard. I don't know that. It's like Carson Wentz might start this Saturday for the Chiefs. Your guess good as mine. I could see him throw a couple touchdowns. Could see him throw three interceptions. That's what like Gunner Stockton is to me. I do think Penn State's in pretty good position. And if you tell me Penn State like they got lit up by Dylan Gabriel, well, Dylan Gabriel's fucking good. So if they get Georgia in that final Four and it's Gunner Stockton, like, how would you not give him a chance? The game would be ugly. I mean it would. It could look a lot like Ohio State, Penn State. But that game was close. Like Penn State. I think a lot of people got on James like James, that was a winnable game. You got your Ass kicked in some of these. That was not like you had a chance. You were on the goal line like you didn't give it to Tyler Warren. You ran the ball straight up the middle. You're up 10 nothing in that game. The Oregon game was weird because their offense, you know, was, or excuse me, their defense was giving up so many points. That was a Penn State thing. But they hadn't really looked like that all season. Like their defense had played well in Georgia. Ain't Oregon on offense? So what if Oregon were to get knocked out and they never have to see him again? Maybe they match up pretty well against everybody else. I think Penn State's a little bit of a sleeper.

[Jackson]

Georgia the wild card too. You're right. I mean besides Trevor etn, Trevor Etienne doesn't even play that game against Texas. You wonder if they're able to run the football and win that football game. And then it's like they're wide receivers. You can definitely tell they miss Vlad McConkey and Brock Bowers. It's like if they were to get in a situation about with Stockton, I don't know how much I feel about them. And then they got a really good defense with Jalen Walker and Mikel Williams. It's like they're just a wild card. You're right about if Penn State and they make their way all the way national championship and face an Oregon team rematch. I mean it seems like a pretty realistic chance on that side of the bracket.

[John Mittlekoff]

I think all these teams are. Oregon probably is the one team that isn't based on how they're coming in playing. But what if their first two games are Ohio State, Texas, just to get to the national championship. Even if we all agreed these those two teams have flaws, that is a fucking pounding on a 60 minute game. I mean even if you beat Texas by 10, that's a long day playing those guys. Dylan Gabriel probably getting hit a couple times by those NFL guys. Same thing with Ohio State. It's just, it's tough if Oregon wins. It's a remarkable season. If they go through in unscathed to not lose a game, it won't be as sexy as the Borough LSU 150 team but it would be as impressive of like this team just kind of dominated everybody and even when they had their one scare against the smaller opponent, it was the best running back in the country. I think that Boise game doesn't look as crazy when we go. Yeah, this guy's going to be one of the first running backs off the board in the draft. He's had a 2,000 yard season and like had a legit chance of the Heisman from Boise State.

[Jackson]

So you think Oregon would be your pick? 16 and I to win it?

[John Mittlekoff]

I pick Oregon.

[Jackson]

Yeah, it seems, I guess what are they?

[John Mittlekoff]

Yeah, the 130 right now. So they 16. That'll be impressive.

[Jackson]

It seems like all the futures though for Oregon, Ohio State, Georgia, maybe Penn State's the fourth team and Texas seems like they're all so low, like plus 200, plus 300, plus 400. That doesn't seem normal from past years where it's that low, does it? Does it seem low to you or.

[John Mittlekoff]

I don't want exposure. I mean I think they think all these teams are the same would be my guess. You know the NCAA tournament is where you can get a lot of guys, you know, 15 to 1 that are the equivalent of Texas or whatever, but you got to play more games. Like Oregon only has to play three games. So if you go they're the best team and they only got to play three games. And where's their second game or I mean their first games at the Rose Bowl. Right. So that's going to be a home game. So that's a pretty sweet Rose Bowl. If it's Oregon, Ohio State or Oregon.

[Jackson]

Tennessee, bring it back to the PAC 12 Big 10 days. And that's why, that's what I think of. I mean the granddaddy of them all. My last question for you. We wrap this one up. Travis Hunter wins the Heisman. I know we expected that. Talking about it last week it was kind of puzzling how Ashton Jente won the popular vote. I was just curious your thoughts about all this buzz going on with how the Heisman Trophy voting should be changed. And I think I saw there was 11 players that had first place votes. I know it's not a big deal in terms of like the whole grandscape of college football, but do you think the voting method maybe should get adjustment or if it's just one of those things where I guess I don't know that just is going to be the same. We just kind of have to deal with the consequences of the media driven.

[John Mittlekoff]

It's always been weird. I think it's a remarkable accomplishment that a guy from Boise State could even be in the mix. You know, I think the right guy won. I think if you have Ashton Jente season at Ohio State, Georgia, lsu, Bama, he's the champion. Just like if you put Travis Hunter season at one of those schools, he wins in a landslide. I think the Reason it was so close because both of them, one guy plays in the Mountain west, the other guy plays in the Big 12. If you put them at Ohio State and one of those guys in the Big Ten or the sec, I think they. They separate. It's not even close. But you could also. Is anyone running for 2,000 yards in the SEC or the Big Ten? Probably not. Could you play 110 snaps every single game in the SEC? I think it'd be pretty difficult. It's a little easier against, you know, playing Arizona State and playing LSU just aren't the same thing. I know they didn't play Arizona State, but you know what I mean? So I had no problem with it. Very cool moment. And, yeah, I think I got it right.

[Jackson]

His fiance got a lot of backlash on the Internet. I don't know if you saw that stuff. The puzzling thing.

[John Mittlekoff]

She's been getting shit on since the. The games, right. When they're not hugging, you know.

[Jackson]

Yeah. And she's got a. She's got a money tattoo, like the money symbol on her ring finger. So people think that, oh, she's just going for the money. And yeah, it was one of those things. She's sitting down and he just won the award. All that pajama going on, backlash. People thinking that she's just a gold digger or something. For Travis. They've been together for like five years. Years. But it's.

[John Mittlekoff]

Maybe she's. Maybe she's an influencer. Maybe she's making her own money now with Travis.

[Jackson]

She's definitely is.

[John Mittlekoff]

Yeah.

[Jackson]

Funny to see. Okay, my. My last thing. Do you see the Pop Tarts bowl trophy? You big fan of the Pop Tarts Bowl?

[John Mittlekoff]

I. I'm a big fan of all that. You know, pouring mayonnaise on somebody. Big Pop Tart. I'm into it.

[Jackson]

I like it, man. I mean, they're doing everything possible. A lot of people last year watched it. They unveiled, like, the new Pop Tart and they had people, like, peeling off the Pop Tart in an edible Pop Tart mascot. I think it's fun for college football. It brings some kind of light to the bowl games where people are going to watch that game with Miami, Iowa State. I think Cam Ward is going to play in that game. So I like that the Pop Tart bowl is trying to do everything to bring more attention to him, but hopefully more bowl games can do that same thing.

[John Mittlekoff]

Okay, Jackson, you're the man. Enjoy the games and for your own sake, go Irish. And hopefully you guys get a big win.

[Jackson]

Appreciate you man. Happy holidays. See you soon.

[John Mittlekoff]

Talk to you soon buddy.

[Jackson]

The Volume.

[Lavar Arrington]

Hey what's up everybody? It's Lavar Arrington here from up on Game and I need you to listen for a moment, all right? And get serious. The hate in this country is getting out of control. It's at an all time high. It's going to take all of us to stop it. I mean think about it. We're all on the same team in this country, right? Let's take a break from hate so our team can regroup. We need to take a time out against hate. Visit standup to all hate.org to help and join me in calling for a timeout against hate by following at what's up with Hate or posting the Blue Square Emoji.

[Narrator]

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[John Mittlekoff]

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[Lavar Arrington]

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[Narrator]

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[John Mittlekoff]

The.

[Jackson]

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[John Mittlekoff]

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[Jackson]

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