The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: Hour 1 - Notre Dame Moves On
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the focus is sharply on college football, especially highlighting Notre Dame's impressive journey to the national championship. Colin Cowherd delves deep into the strategies, coaching, and pivotal moments that defined Notre Dame's season, while also touching upon broader topics in the NFL and upcoming playoff scenarios.

Notre Dame's Triumph: Overcoming Adversity

Notre Dame's Resilience and Strategy

Colin Cowherd inaugurates the discussion by analyzing Notre Dame's recent victory over Penn State, emphasizing the myriad challenges the team overcame to secure their spot in the national championship. Despite facing penalties, injuries, and questionable officiating decisions, Notre Dame showcased remarkable resilience.

• Key Challenges:
  • Penalties and Bad Calls: "There was a million excuses for Notre Dame... They had two balls intercepted. Intercepted. They were both taken away on penalties." (04:49)
  • Injuries: The team grappled with a hurt quarterback and significant injuries along the offensive line, yet they maintained composure on pivotal third-down situations.

Marcus Freeman: The Defensive Maestro

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Notre Dame's defensive coordinator, Marcus Freeman. Colin lauds Freeman's coaching prowess, drawing parallels to NFL's Sean McVay in terms of energy and leadership.

• Notable Quote: "Marcus Freeman, to me, feels like you're watching the college version of Sean McVay. The energy, the presence, the intensity..." (07:10)

Freeman's ability to motivate and strategize under pressure was highlighted as a cornerstone of Notre Dame's success, particularly in their final drive against Penn State.

James Franklin's Penn State: Struggles Under Pressure

Contrasting Notre Dame's triumph, Colin critiques Penn State's coaching under James Franklin. Despite Franklin's reputation as a competent coach, the team's performance against top-tier opponents raised questions about Franklin's adaptability and in-game decision-making.

• Critical Insights:
  • Decision-Making Flaws: "They make too many in big games... Why are you throwing the ball with 33 seconds left in that game?" (07:45)
  • Quarterback Trust Issues: Penn State's reluctance to trust their quarterback led to rushed and unplanned plays, undermining their chances against a strategic Notre Dame squad.

The College Football Playoff Format: A Balanced Approach

Colin expresses approval for the current College Football Playoff structure, commending it for allowing deserving teams like Notre Dame to advance despite not having the highest number of star recruits.

• Balanced Competition: "The playoff has allowed teams to stumble... Now you get both." (24:05)
• Inclusivity: The format ensures that overachieving teams aren't sidelined due to a couple of losses, promoting a more competitive and fair championship race.

NFL Insights: Player Injuries and Team Dynamics

Deshaun Watson's Career Implications

Transitioning to NFL news, Colin and co-host J. Mac discuss the severe injury of Cleveland Browns' quarterback Deshaun Watson, who suffered a torn Achilles for the second time in three months. The consensus leans towards this being a career-ending injury for Watson.

• Notable Quote: "This is probably the end of his career, wouldn't it?" (27:15)

The conversation underscores the Browns' strategic move to pivot away from Watson, signaling a potential rebuild with young talents like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.

Sam Darnold's Performance and Future Prospects

The duo also touches upon Sam Darnold's fluctuating performance this season, highlighting his critical role in upcoming games and the implications for his career trajectory.

NFL Playoffs Preview: Buffalo vs. Philadelphia

Colin provides an in-depth analysis of the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles, both boasting impressive 27-7 records. He speculates on the high stakes of their upcoming playoff encounters, emphasizing the potential for these teams to clash in the Super Bowl given their consistent performances.

• Strong Team Dynamics: Both teams have maintained dominance in their divisions, making their playoff run highly anticipated.

Best NFL Job Openings: Franchise Rankings

In a unique segment, Colin ranks the top NFL franchises based on their desirability as job opportunities for coaches and executives. Leading the list are:

1. New England Patriots: Praised for stability, ownership, and ample cap space.
2. Chicago Bears: Highlighted for having a talented quarterback and significant draft picks.
3. New York Jets: Noted for roster strength despite aging offensive lines.
4. New Orleans Saints: Recognized for a winnable division and stable ownership.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Valued for Trevor Lawrence but criticized for lack of stability.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ranked lowest due to ongoing organizational issues.

• Notable Insight: "The Patriots is the best job now... Chicago is a great job opening." (28:33)

Community Appeal: Support for California Wildfires

Towards the end of the episode, Colin shifts focus to a pressing humanitarian issue—the devastating California wildfires. He urges listeners to support affected families by donating to the Red Cross, highlighting Fox's substantial contributions to relief efforts.

• Emotional Appeal: "Everything burned down, every house, every business. Absolutely devastating. Give to the Red Cross if you can." (40:07)

Closing Remarks

Colin wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the discussed topics, from Notre Dame's strategic gameplay to the unfolding NFL playoff scenarios. He emphasizes the importance of resilience in sports and life, leaving listeners with a blend of sports insight and a call to community support.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd (04:49): "There was a million excuses for Notre Dame... They had two balls intercepted. Intercepted. They were both taken away on penalties."

• Colin Cowherd (07:10): "Marcus Freeman, to me, feels like you're watching the college version of Sean McVay. The energy, the presence, the intensity..."

• J. Mac (27:15): "I think it is probably the end of his career, wouldn't it?"

• Colin Cowherd (28:33): "The Patriots is the best job now... Chicago is a great job opening."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from The Herd with Colin Cowherd episode, providing readers with a clear understanding of Notre Dame's strategic triumph, NFL playoff expectations, and broader sports management insights.