The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Arch Manning STRUGGLES vs. Ohio State, Miami & ND Are Playoff Teams, Week 1 NFL Lines, Micah Parsons Trade, DeBoer Too “Chill” For SEC?

Date: September 2, 2025

Overview

In this Labor Day special, Colin Cowherd is joined by John Middelkauff to dissect a packed slate of college football and NFL topics. The conversation centers on Arch Manning’s disappointing showing against Ohio State, Miami and Notre Dame's playoff credentials, the Dallas Cowboys’ blockbuster Micah Parsons trade, culture clashes for new SEC coach Kalyn DeBoer, and week 1 NFL betting lines.

Cowherd and Middelkauff bring a sharp, unfiltered mix of analysis, inside info, and front-office perspective, making this episode a must-listen for sports fans looking to get ahead of the curve on the new football season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Arch Manning's Struggles vs. Ohio State

[02:58 – 13:56]

• Cowherd’s Take:

  • Colin did not bet on opening weekend, preferring to watch and observe, especially focusing on how young QBs fare in hostile environments without preseason ramp-up. His main concern about Arch Manning: missing easy throws and basic mechanics.
  • "It wasn't that I thought he was... I mean, he didn't really have a great feel in the pocket... he missed layups, like the easy stuff..." (04:08, Cowherd)

• Analysis by Middelkauff:

  • John urges caution against overreacting but notes Arch looked “extremely average” from a throwing standpoint.
  • "To me, from a throwing standpoint, they look pretty average." (09:15, John)
  • Compared Arch's arm to Peyton and Eli, arguing he doesn’t match even their wobbly-but-accurate or powerful tendencies.
  • Cowherd and John agree neither are worried about interceptions or "nerves"—what stood out were mechanics and inconsistent ball delivery.

• Coaching Decisions:

  • Colin and John defend Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, who’s facing criticism. Sark adjusted his play calls in reaction to Manning’s struggles, running the ball more and limiting risk—“that is on the quarterback, not Sark.” (13:10, John)
  • Both note that Texas and Ohio State looked like two of the most talented rosters in week one—besides their quarterback situations.

• Notable Quote:

  • "His quarterback was completely over his head. I don't even think that's debatable." (13:10, John)

2. Notre Dame vs. Miami – Are Both Playoff Teams?

[13:56 – 19:14]

• Cowherd's Assessment:

  • Both teams impressed, especially Miami’s improved defense. ND's offensive line struggled in Miami's humidity; Miami's O-line gave Carson Beck ample time.
  • "I felt like we're watching two playoff teams now... especially in the second half." (15:41, Cowherd)

• Middelkauff’s Perspective:

  • Mario Cristobal praised as an elite recruiter, though in-game coaching is still a work-in-progress.
  • Carson Beck "not a #1 pick" but a solid college QB.
  • ND’s team profile mirrors Stanford under Harbaugh—strong defense, run-first offense.
  • The disadvantage of northern teams playing in Miami humidity is highlighted.

• Key Insight:

  • Miami and Florida State are “SEC teams playing an ACC schedule”—fewer tough matchups week to week, potentially paving the way for double-digit win seasons.
  • Both believe Miami could be a 10-win team and playoff contender.

3. Cultural Fit: Kalyn DeBoer at Alabama and the SEC

[23:25 – 33:27]

• Confusion Over Alabama’s Stagnation:

  • Colin confesses, "I don't know the answer to solve this because DeBoer is... it's off center." (25:52, Cowherd)
  • He notes issues with NIL money, lack of big donors, and how SEC fundraising differs from Big Ten/Pac-12 schools.

• Regional Coaching Fit:

  • John argues that in college football, regional context matters more than in the NFL—DeBoer's “mellow” West Coast demeanor contrasts sharply with the “dictator” style (Saban/Urban Meyer) that thrives in the SEC.
  • "Kaylin's not like that. And I think these guys at the program... are used to Nick and his style is the polar opposite." (27:42, John)
  • Discussion of culture shock for both staff and players used to Saban's intensity.

• Broader Point:

  • The “personality mismatch” is not easy to fix, and DeBoer’s long-term future at Alabama is in doubt not just because of on-field results but organizational fit.
  • High cost and risk of firing DeBoer and the financial realities of the current college football coaching landscape.

4. Micah Parsons Trade: Cowboys and Packers

[33:27 – 46:42]

• Cowherd’s Rationale:

  • Dallas needed roster flexibility, and couldn't justify paying Micah Parsons $47M/year when other key needs remained.
  • "The time to move a superstar is in a rebuild year—and isn't it clearly a rebuild year?" (36:13, Cowherd)
  • Defends the trade for both teams: Packers get a needed edge rusher for their playoff window; Cowboys accumulate four firsts over the next two years.

• Middelkauff’s Critique:

  • Highlights the risk of trading a star for future picks, as outcomes are unpredictable.
  • Points out Parsons is a "tradable player," not a truly untradeable Hall of Fame-level game-changer.
  • Discusses internal Dallas culture and how Parsons’ big personality will now be the face of Green Bay’s locker room, a potential risk but also a fit for what the Packers want at this moment.

• On Value and NFL Economics:

  • Modern player empowerment (leverage in contract negotiations) means players like Parsons get a say in their destination, impacting trade value.
  • The lack of a true owner in Green Bay allowing for a record-setting contract.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "Why are people acting like they just traded Lawrence Taylor? Because that's not what they just did." (42:18, John)
  • "Micah Parsons dictated the terms by the contract." (45:48, John)

5. NFL Week 1 Odds & Betting Discussion

[50:57 – 61:08]

• Seattle vs. San Francisco:

  • Cowherd is higher on Seattle than Vegas ("my favorite pick of the week is Seattle at home, plus points," 51:36). Thinks they have more athletes in their prime, Niners are aging, and division games are usually close.
  • John sees market skepticism on Seattle, but agrees they offer the best division-longshot value. Both see Week 1 divisional games as tricky.

• 49ers' Roster & Draft Notes:

  • Niners need their late-round picks to step up, echoing previous team-building success.
  • "That's how you get good in the NFL... you make your hay in the third through seventh rounds." (54:32, John)

• Chicago vs. Minnesota, Caleb Williams' Debut:

  • Cowherd flags this game as a major story for either team, especially the Bears—"if Chicago loses at home, it'll be a huge, huge night in Chicago. That shit could unravel fast." (56:21)
  • John expects a competitive but low-scoring game. Believes Kevin O'Connell and Flores have the coaching edge, and points out that Minnesota simply has the better roster.

• On Young QBs' Pressure:

  • Parallels between Arch Manning's week one and the challenge Caleb Williams now faces—a hostile environment, high expectations, and a defense that can complicate a young QB’s day.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Arch Manning's Performance:
  • "I mean, I think he'll be fine athletically... he'll succeed at some level. But, you know, what do they say the first eight minutes for a woman, she makes a decision. The first eight throws. You're a former scout, it's kind of like, whoa, this isn't even close to what it was billed." (07:45, Cowherd)
• On the Culture Gap in College Football:
  • "There's a reason... Andy Reid could coach Tampa, Kansas City, the Rams. Like, it doesn't matter in the NFL. In college it does." (25:52, John)
• On Why Dallas Moved on from Parsons:
  • "All the problems here start... you massively overpaid a B quarterback." (43:00, Cowherd)
• On NFL Draft Strategy:
  • "That's how you get good in the NFL... you make your hay in the third through the seventh rounds." (54:32, John)
• On Week 1 Pressure for the Bears:
  • "There's not a game in the league, week one where there's just more on the line because of the quarterback situations, the hopes..." (60:04, John)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Topic | Approx. Time | |---------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | 02:58 – 13:56 | Arch Manning’s struggles, signs of concern | 02:58–13:56 | | 13:56 – 19:14 | Notre Dame vs. Miami; playoff ceiling for both | 13:56–19:14 | | 23:25 – 33:27 | Kaylin DeBoer, Alabama’s culture clash & SEC fit | 23:25–33:27 | | 33:27 – 46:42 | Micah Parsons trade breakdown (Cowboys-Packers, NFL value) | 33:27–46:42 | | 50:57 – 61:08 | NFL Week 1 lines, Seattle vs. 49ers; Bears vs. Vikings | 50:57–61:08 |

Final Thoughts

Colin and John's banter stands out for its authentic mix of wonky football knowledge and locker room storytelling. The episode deftly tackles immediate headlines, deeper cultural dynamics in the NCAA and NFL, and the business of team-building, all while previewing a pivotal opening week. Essential listening for those who want to understand not just the scores—but the forces shaping the 2025 football season.