The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Prime Cuts:

College Football Playoff Reaction, Bills “One & Done” In Playoffs? Steelers & Tomlin Headed For Divorce?

Episode Date: January 3, 2026

Episode Overview

Colin Cowherd is joined by John Middlekauff for a sharp, opinionated rundown of the latest big games and storylines at the intersection of NFL and College Football. This “Prime Cuts” episode breaks down the wild College Football Playoff semifinals, analyzes whether the Buffalo Bills are built for a playoff run, and digs into the Pittsburgh Steelers’ mounting end-of-season frustrations (and what it means for Mike Tomlin’s future). The conversation is lively, deeply informed, and keeps the Herd’s signature bold, conversational tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Eagles vs. Bills: NFL Week 18 Breakdown

[03:51 - 16:04]

• Going for Two: The Right Call for Buffalo?

  • The Bills, trailing 12–13, went for a two-point conversion rather than the tie. Cowherd approves:
    • “I like going for it. I think that’s the play at home… you have Josh Allen, you have momentum.” (Colin Cowherd, 03:51)
  • Middlekauff agrees, emphasizing poor special teams as the real culprit for Buffalo’s predicament.

• Eagles’ Talent Wins Out, But Offense is Streaky

  • Philly’s superior roster and pro bowl defenders (including Cooper DeJean’s “unbelievable” performance) keep them afloat, but they grow conservative with leads and stop “throwing to AJ Brown” in the second half.
    • “Their offense just dies. The offense just dies.” (Colin Cowherd, 06:38)
    • “With 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Hurts was 0 for 6… that’s one reason I don’t think Philadelphia wins the Super Bowl.” (John Middlekauff, 07:55)

• Bills’ Roster Limitations & Josh Allen’s Burden

  • Both agree Allen is forced into “Superman” mode to keep Buffalo competitive—his supporting cast is weak, and the WR group is “maybe the most average in the league.”
    • “I’m thinking, guys, this is an average roster. You have a good left tackle and James Cook’s a nice player. That wide receiving core is Hammond Eggers…” (John Middlekauff, 05:31)
  • Allen’s injury and a shaky O-line are major red flags. Middlekauff doubts Buffalo can get past the first round.

• Are the Bills a One-and-Done Playoff Team?

  • Both hosts project a short postseason for the Bills:
    • “It would not stun me at all if they’re a one and done team, which is crazy to say because they have this quarterback in his prime.” (Colin Cowherd, 15:39)

2. Steelers Collapse: Loss to Cleveland and Tomlin’s Reign

[16:04 - 25:30]

• Pittsburgh’s Stumble in a Must-Win, Playoff-Deciding Game

  • The Steelers’ loss to a depleted Browns team exemplifies a frustrating trend:
    • “Steelers are winless in their past five games against teams entering eight-plus games below .500—longest streak in NFL history. Mike’s always been a great underdog… but his motivational rah rah stuff doesn’t work [as a favorite].” (John Middlekauff, 16:04)
  • The Steelers’ offense is toothless without DK Metcalf (suspended) and tight end Darnell Washington (injured).

• Tomlin’s Tenure: Is It Time to Move On?

  • The hosts acknowledge Tomlin’s strengths but highlight a lack of playoff wins and repeated late-season fizzles:
    • “There’s a group of people in the media out there that will just defend Mike Tomlin to the end… but today is one of the reasons Tomlin gets heat—it’s the way seasons end perpetually. No playoff wins in eight years.” (John Middlekauff, 21:24)
  • Cowherd notes, “This thing’s run its course, hasn’t it?” (24:18)

• Aging Roster and Vision for the Future

  • Both agree Pittsburgh needs to pivot, as the current mix is “beholden to every game, every year” with diminishing returns.

3. College Football Playoff: Indiana’s Rise, Miami Dominance, and Alabama’s Downfall

[30:28 - 54:48]

• Indiana’s Physical Dominance over Alabama

  • Indiana dismantled Alabama with a relentless pass rush and a highly disciplined, physical brand of play.
    • “This is the best coached team in the country… They run an NFL operation. They bring an offensive lineman in the backfield. They have a physical presence in their run game.” (Colin Cowherd, 31:22)
  • Coach Kurt Signetti is highlighted as a “CEO type” who has mastered every aspect of program-building.
    • “When I watched Signetti’s team, I’m like, it’s like Saban without the yelling, without the volume. He just sits on that sideline. He’s almost a mad scientist.” (John Middlekauff, 33:18)

• Fernando Mendoza: The New Prototype QB

  • Indiana’s Mendoza is “the number one pick” in their eyes:
    • “He doesn’t miss the layups… this kid gives me—he’s like Herbert. He doesn’t miss the layups. All the stuff underneath, the drag routes, the flats, he’s 100 for 100.” (John Middlekauff, 38:37)
    • Cowherd: “He’s just a high level guy… If he didn’t play football and had gone to Cal, Indiana would be running, taking over for Jamie Dimon in 15, 20 years.” (40:25)

• Miami Pushes Around Ohio State

  • Miami out-physicals and “bullies” Ohio State, exposing problems at the tackle positions and leaving young QB Julian Sayin looking overwhelmed.
    • “Ohio State scored 14 points against Texas, 10 against Indiana, and 14 against Miami.… they almost intimidated Ohio State’s offensive line.” (John Middlekauff, 43:41)
  • Mario Cristobal’s team building and trench emphasis is praised as “the Harbaugh mold.”

• New Era for College Football Playoff

  • The hosts love the unpredictability:
    • “This new college football is a little like the NFL. You have to watch all the games…. You didn’t have to watch them all [before], if Alabama beat LSU and Georgia…” (John Middlekauff, 51:57)
  • “If you aren’t a physical team in the trenches, you’re not… Alabama can’t run the ball.” (Colin Cowherd, 52:22)
  • The best teams (Indiana, Miami) are tough, disciplined, and loaded on both lines rather than finesse-driven.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 03:51 | Cowherd | “I like going for it. I think that’s the play at home… you have Josh Allen, you have momentum.” | | 06:38 | Cowherd | “Their offense just dies. The offense just dies.” (On Eagles’ second half) | | 07:55 | Middlekauff | “With 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Hurts was 0 for 6… that's one reason I don’t think Philadelphia wins the Super Bowl.” | | 13:08 | Cowherd | “Houston already did kick their ass on a Thursday night game.” (On Bills’ playoff chances) | | 16:04 | Middlekauff | “Steelers are winless in their past five games against teams entering eight-plus games below .500… Mike’s always been a great underdog.” | | 21:24 | Middlekauff | “There’s a group of people in the media out there that will just defend Mike Tomlin to the end… but today is one of the reasons Tomlin gets heat—it’s the way seasons end perpetually.” | | 31:22 | Cowherd | “This is the best coached team in the country… They run an NFL operation… They have a physical presence in their run game.” (On Indiana) | | 33:18 | Middlekauff | “When I watched Signetti’s team, I’m like, it’s like Saban without the yelling, without the volume…he’s almost a mad scientist.” | | 38:37 | Middlekauff | “He doesn’t miss the layups… this kid gives me—he’s like Herbert. He doesn’t miss the layups.” (On Mendoza) | | 51:57 | Middlekauff | “This new college football is a little like the NFL. You have to watch all the games….” |

Timestamps & Segment Guide

• Eagles-Bills Deep Dive: 03:51 – 16:04
• Bills Playoff Ceiling: 10:54 – 16:04
• Steelers’ Collapse & Tomlin’s Future: 16:04 – 25:30
• Indiana-Alabama Playoff Analysis: 30:28 – 41:53
• Mendoza’s NFL Projection & QB Talk: 37:00 – 41:53
• Miami-Ohio State, New Playoff Dynamics: 43:41 – 54:48

Final Thoughts

This episode encapsulates The Herd’s signature style: incisive, unsparing, and deeply engaged with today’s most meaningful football storylines. Whether discussing the hyper-dependence on quarterbacks like Josh Allen, the cultural crossroads for the Steelers, or the ways the College Football Playoff is upending dynasties, Cowherd and Middlekauff emphasize that great teams—pro and college—are still built in the trenches and led by head coaches with total command. It’s a must-listen for fans who crave more than just box scores.