Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (December 4, 2024)

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode released on December 4, 2024, host Colin Cowherd, alongside co-hosts LeVar Arrington and guest Joel Klatt, delves deep into the tumultuous landscape of college football. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolving playoff structures, team dynamics, coaching strategies, and the passionate rivalries that define the sport today.

1. College Football Playoff Structure and Team Selection

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the impending introduction of a 12-team playoff system in college football. The trio examines the controversies surrounding team selections, particularly focusing on traditional powerhouses like Alabama and Miami.

• Alabama vs. Miami Debate:

  • LeVar Arrington emphasizes the strength of Alabama’s conference play, stating, “The SEC is better than the ACC. Well, that's not fair. Well, it's not fair. Some people are born rich and some people are born middle class.” ([12:30] 12:30).
  • Joel Klatt counters by highlighting Miami’s performance, noting, “Bama's got a better win, it’s a better conference,” but also acknowledges Miami's recent inconsistencies.

• Playoff Criteria Critique:

  • Colin Cowherd points out the inherent biases in the selection process, saying, “In pro sports and in college football where you play who you play. It may not be your fault.” ([22:03] 22:03).
  • The hosts debate the fairness of allowing three losses for Alabama versus two for Miami, ultimately leaning towards favoring Alabama due to their tougher schedule and significant conference victories.

2. Coaching Dynamics and Potential Shifts in Teams

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to the strategic movements of head coaches within college football, with a spotlight on Kyle Shanahan and the Chicago Bears.

• Kyle Shanahan’s Potential Move:

  • LeVar Arrington speculates on Shanahan’s future, asserting, “I would give up multiple picks for Kyle Shanahan because even first-round picks, you don't really know what you're getting.” ([30:22] 30:22).
  • Joel Klatt discusses the Bears’ potential acquisition of Shanahan, evaluating the financial and strategic implications: “Are the McCaskeys smart enough to offer it? Draft picks? Are you kidding me?”

• Impact of Coaching on Team Performance:

  • The conversation shifts to how coaching decisions influence team dynamics and performance, with references to other NFL coaches like Jim Harbaugh and Sean Payton: “Sean Payton in Denver takes over Chernobyl. Now they’re going to make the playoffs.” ([37:55] 37:55).
  • Joel Klatt emphasizes the importance of having a “culture creator and a schematic genius” for teams aiming for championships.

3. Ohio State vs. Michigan Rivalry Analysis

A central theme of the episode is the intense rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, particularly focusing on recent game outcomes and coaching strategies.

• Game Breakdown:

  • LeVar Arrington critiques Ohio State’s gameplay against Michigan, highlighting missed opportunities and strategic errors: “They didn't exploit their best players, wide receivers.” ([32:52] 32:52).
  • Joel Klatt analyzes Ohio State’s defensive lapses and offensive hesitations, stating, “They allowed that path to take place,” referencing key interceptions that swung the game in Michigan’s favor.

• Emotional Toll and Fan Reactions:

  • The hosts discuss the emotional investments of fans, with Joel Klatt asserting, “Why do we love college football? Passion. Wild tribalism.” ([44:36] 44:36).
  • They explore how deep-seated rivalries heighten reactions and sometimes lead to over-the-top sentiments, acknowledging the intensity of college football culture.

4. Impact of Transfer Portal and NIL on College Football Parity

Arrington and Klatt delve into the transformative effects of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies on the competitive balance within college football.

• Parity Enhancement:

  • LeVar Arrington remarks, “The transfer portal allows for that freedom to go to different places,” indicating that these changes have leveled the playing field by enabling talent redistribution. ([50:55] 50:55).
  • Joel Klatt adds, “Now all of a sudden you’ve got teams like Indiana in the playoff and Arizona State playing for a right to go to the playoff,” highlighting increased competitiveness among previously underdog programs.

• Sustained Dominance vs. Emerging Teams:

  • The discussion points out that while traditional powerhouses like Alabama and Ohio State remain influential, the landscape is more dynamic, allowing for unexpected contenders to emerge.
  • Joel Klatt identifies Texas as a newly dominant force, noting, “I think the closest thing that we've got to a team that could really dominate for a few years is Texas right now.”

5. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

As the episode draws to a close, Colin, LeVar, and Joel reflect on the current state and future of college football. They express optimism about the increased competitiveness brought by structural changes and technological advancements in the sport.

• Future Playoff Predictions:

  • Joel Klatt offers his projections for the first-round matchups, suggesting potential clashes like Tennessee vs. Penn State and Alabama vs. Ohio State, based on ongoing season performances. ([53:16] 53:16).

• Cultural Reflections:

  • The hosts emphasize the enduring passion and tribalism that fuel college football, recognizing both its unifying and divisive aspects: “If I'm going to love the sport because it goes up to that line, I cannot be upset when it inches over that line.” ([45:06] 45:06).

• Final Thoughts:

  • The episode concludes with a harmonious note, despite earlier disagreements, illustrating the camaraderie among hosts: “You did. That's it. The snarky greeter. Bama's resume is not great, but to me, the bubble was those four teams from 11 to 14.” ([43:28] 43:28).

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• LeVar Arrington: “The SEC is better than the ACC. Well, that's not fair. Well, it's not fair. Some people are born rich and some people are born middle class.” ([12:30] 12:30).

• Joel Klatt: “Why do we love college football? Passion. Wild tribalism.” ([44:36] 44:36).

• Colin Cowherd: “In pro sports and in college football where you play who you play. It may not be your fault.” ([22:03] 22:03).

• Joel Klatt: “Sean Payton in Denver takes over Chernobyl. Now they’re going to make the playoffs.” ([37:55] 37:55).

• LeVar Arrington: “The transfer portal allows for that freedom to go to different places.” ([50:55] 50:55).

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a thorough examination of the current and future state of college football. Through engaging discussions, Colin Cowherd, LeVar Arrington, and Joel Klatt provide listeners with insightful perspectives on playoff structures, team and coaching dynamics, and the passionate rivalries that continue to shape the sport. This episode serves as a valuable resource for fans seeking to understand the complexities and emotional depth of college football in 2024.