Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Colin Cowherd Podcast - Ohio State COOKS The Ducks, Texas Barely Escapes ASU, Can PSU Win It All? Saquon Sitting Out
Release Date: January 2, 2025

1. Introduction to the Special Edition Podcast

John Middelkoff and Colin Cowherd kick off this special Wednesday afternoon episode by delving into pressing college football matchups and NFL topics. They outline the key areas of discussion, including Ohio State’s dominance, Texas’ narrow escape against Arizona State (ASU), Penn State’s championship aspirations, and Saquon Barkley’s strategic resting.

2. College Football Committee Selection and Ohio State’s Dominance

[01:44] John Middelkoff
John expresses frustration over the college football selection committee's decisions, highlighting the exclusion of SMU and Boise State from significant rankings. He criticizes the committee for being biased towards stronger conferences, noting, "the failing of the committee and committees are created to innately fail."

[03:45] Colin Cowherd
Colin agrees, stating, “I clearly Oregon got a raw deal,” and discusses Ohio State’s impressive yet polarizing performance. He points out the unfair neutral site advantages granted to teams like Texas and ASU, questioning the rationale behind such decisions: “What’s the point of playing all season?”

The duo analyzes Ohio State’s gameplay, recognizing their ability to dominate despite early setbacks. John draws a parallel to the NFL’s playoff system, emphasizing that a single poor performance doesn’t negate a season’s excellence: “I think the narrative that it's going to kill college football... it's just what it means is if you're a good team with lots of blowouts, you can even lose a really ugly game late and you get in.”

3. Ohio State vs. Michigan: A Game of Extreme Importance

[06:13] Colin Cowherd
Colin underscores the monumental significance of the Ohio State vs. Michigan game, likening it to a multi-faceted encounter: “That game feels like five games in one.” He critiques Ryan Day’s handling of the team post-loss against Michigan, expressing doubts about Ohio State’s current standing despite their overall dominance.

[12:47] John Middelkoff
John complements Colin's perspective by commenting on the violent nature of the defenses showcased, remarking, “They look violent defensively.”

Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [06:13]: “I think there’s a magnifying glass... that game was one for the ages with the stuff.”

4. The Targeting Controversy in Texas vs. ASU Game

[13:39] John Middelkoff
John brings attention to a controversial targeting infraction in the Texas vs. ASU game, suggesting it significantly impacted the outcome: “If they call targeting... then Arizona State, do you believe they go on to win the game?”

[14:08] Colin Cowherd
Colin concurs, stating, “I think it would have changed, yeah. I mean, it would have dramatically changed the situation.”

[15:17] Colin Cowherd
He elaborates on his disdain for the targeting rule, arguing that it has become excessively punitive and no longer aligns with the current state of the game: “I think we need to get rid of that rule in general. I freakin’ hate it.”

Notable Quote:
John Middelkoff [17:14]: “We both agree... I thought it was targeting.”

5. Texas’ Narrow Escape Against ASU and Coaching Strategies

[21:23] John Middelkoff
Post-game analysis reveals Texas' offensive shortcomings despite having substantial talent. John praises offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham’s efforts but criticizes the quarterback’s performance: “The quarterback is just not that good relative to what they, their standard and the way they’re playing.”

[27:03] Colin Cowherd
Colin discusses the shortcomings of Texas’ quarterback, Purdy, highlighting his decision-making flaws and turnover issues: “He’s got to hang his hat on decision making because his skill set is not going to be outrageously special here.”

[36:29] John Middelkoff
John explores the depth of Texas’ running back roster, emphasizing the abundance of talent available: “There are just running backs everywhere.”

Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [27:03]: “He throws two interceptions and he threw two... the game unraveled on his watch.”

6. Penn State’s Championship Hopes and Player Evaluations

[31:03] John Middelkoff
John evaluates Penn State’s performance against Boise State, noting the pivotal roles of key players like Carter and Singleton: “Carter is a top five player... Singleton is a great running back.”

[35:19] Colin Cowherd
Colin discusses the NFL prospects of Penn State players, expressing confidence in their draft potential: “Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Smith... they’re not college players. They’re pros playing on Saturdays.”

[33:26] John Middelkoff
John likens Penn State’s program to a “poor man's Ohio State,” praising their coaching and player development despite not having as many NFL-bound stars: “They don't have quite as many NFL guys. They just don't have quite as good.”

Notable Quote:
John Middelkoff [35:19]: “Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Smith... they’re just not college players. I felt this about Jamar Chase at LSU.”

7. NFL Insights: Saquon Barkley and Running Back Safety

[41:23] John Middelkoff
John shifts focus to the NFL, discussing Saquon Barkley’s strategic rest and the implications for player safety: “I would not play Saquon. I didn’t like them feeding him the ball 31 times.”

[42:44] Colin Cowherd
Colin supports John’s viewpoint, emphasizing the importance of protecting key players to maintain team success: “If I'm the Eagles, my quarterback's already got concussion and... my star offensive linemen are out.”

[44:45] John Middelkoff
John predicts a resurgence in the demand for running backs, countering previous claims of their decline: “Running backs are back.”

Notable Quote:
John Middelkoff [41:23]: “The only position left in football, college or pro, that you can hit anybody, anywhere, anytime is a running back.”

8. Coaching Dynamics and Team Culture in the NFL

[46:49] John Middelkoff
John critiques Chris Ballard’s management of the Colts, highlighting the challenges of coaching under an impulsive owner: “If they hire Shane Steichen... it's a little bit Mike McDaniel who the media loves because he was kind of dorky and a little nerdy and very smart.”

[63:11] Colin Cowherd
Colin discusses the potential shortcomings of Shane Steichen’s coaching style, referencing past coordinators who failed as head coaches: “It's easier when you have like eight Pro bowl players on your offense. When you see him talk and listen to him, I don’t see... a culture changer.”

[69:46] John Middelkoff
John elaborates on the complexities of transitioning from coordinator to head coach, using examples like Norv Turner and Troy Aikman: “Some guys are vice presidents, some guys are presidents. Some coordinators just don't work as head coaches.”

Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [63:11]: “We just don’t hire these coordinators, everyone thinks you’re getting the next Kyle or McVeigh... But in the end, it's a disaster.”

9. Brock Purdy’s Performance and Future in the NFL

[49:21] Colin Cowherd
Colin critiques Brock Purdy’s recent performances, focusing on his turnover issues and physical health: “He threw two interceptions and he threw two. And he said his arm was on fire. Right. So the play had already really disturbed me.”

[51:46] John Middelkoff
John pairs Purdy’s struggles with broader expectations of quarterback performance, questioning his leadership and decision-making in critical moments: “He’s not a good fourth quarter quarterback. He’s not a good quarterback.”

[54:34] John Middelkoff
John discusses the cultural shift in quarterback training, suggesting that modern quarterbacks are better prepared but also facing higher expectations: “These kids are better now and faster at quarterback is... a cultural shift happening.”

Notable Quote:
Colin Cowherd [49:21]: “He’s got to hang his hat on decision making because his skill set is not going to be outrageously special here.”

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[74:35] John Middelkoff
John wraps up by highlighting the tragic event in New Orleans affecting the Notre Dame vs. Georgia game, expressing concerns about safety and logistics: “It's just, just beyond awful.”

[75:02] Eric Zimmer
The episode concludes with brief mentions of other podcasts and promotional segments, which are outside the scope of content-focused summary.

[75:42] Jon Stewart
Another promotional segment for the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast is mentioned.

Notable Quote:
John Middelkoff [74:55]: “Congratulations to Texas, Ohio State and Penn State. And let's get ready for Notre Dame and Georgia tomorrow.”

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Committee Selection Bias: The college football selection committee faces criticism for overlooking deserving teams from weaker conferences, leading to perceptions of bias and unfair advantages.

• Ohio State’s Strategic Dominance: Ohio State continues to showcase exceptional talent and coaching, maintaining a position as a powerhouse despite occasional setbacks.

• Impact of Targeting Rules: The stringent enforcement of targeting rules in college football remains controversial, with debates on their effectiveness and fairness in influencing game outcomes.

• NFL Running Back Safety: Saquon Barkley’s strategic rest underscores ongoing concerns about running back health and safety, emphasizing the need for protective measures in high-impact positions.

• Coaching Challenges: Transitioning from coordinator to head coach poses significant challenges, with team culture and leadership styles playing pivotal roles in success or failure.

• Quarterback Evolution: Modern quarterback training has evolved, producing more athletically capable and prepared players, though this comes with heightened expectations and scrutiny.

• Tragic Events and Sports Scheduling: External factors, such as tragic events, can heavily influence sports scheduling and the emotional landscape of major games.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Middelkoff [01:44]:
  “Nobody thought SMU and Boise State, they didn’t look the part in the regular season.”

• Colin Cowherd [06:13]:
  “That game feels like five games in one.”

• John Middelkoff [31:03]:
  “Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Smith... they’re just not college players. They’re pros playing on Saturdays.”

• John Middelkoff [41:23]:
  “The only position left in football, college or pro, that you can hit anybody, anywhere, anytime is a running back.”

• Colin Cowherd [49:21]:
  “He’s got to hang his hat on decision making because his skill set is not going to be outrageously special here.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights from the episode, providing an in-depth overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.