Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Bills are not beating themselves anymore, Urban Meyer"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
• Episode: Hour 3 - Bills are not beating themselves anymore, Urban Meyer
• Release Date: January 20, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, released on January 20, 2025, Colin delves into the evolving dynamics of the Buffalo Bills' performance and engages in an insightful conversation with renowned football coach Urban Meyer. The discussion spans multiple facets of football, including officiating standards, defensive strategies, quarterback evaluations, and the psychological aspects of being a favorite or underdog in high-stakes games.

1. Officiating Concerns in the NFL and College Football

Timestamp: [02:05 - 04:24]

Colin Cowherd initiates the conversation by addressing the heightened scrutiny surrounding officiating in both the NFL and college football. He highlights the frustrations fans and teams alike face when it seems that well-coached teams like the Kansas City Chiefs are benefiting from favorable calls.

• Key Points:

  • Increased penalties against traditionally disciplined teams.
  • Historical comparison to New England’s era of minimal fumbles and holding penalties.
  • The maturity and strategic play of veteran players like Josh Allen contributing to fewer penalties.

• Notable Quote:

  "More mature, older. As Josh Allen's gotten older, he's a more mature quarterback." [03:10]

2. Interview with Urban Meyer

Timestamp: [04:24 - 19:08]

Colin Cowherd sits down with Urban Meyer to dissect various aspects of football strategy, officiating, and team dynamics. Urban Meyer, known for his successful coaching stints, provides a thorough analysis of Ohio State’s defensive prowess and the challenges faced by competing teams.

a. Ohio State's Defense and Officiating Issues

• Discussion Points:

  • Ohio State’s defense has avoided holding calls over 728 consecutive plays.
  • Potential reasons behind the lack of penalties against Ohio State.
  • Strategies to address and communicate with officials to ensure fair play.

• Notable Quote:

  "When I saw that today, I was like, man, that. That does not make sense." [05:02]

b. Evaluating Riley Leonard as a Prospect

• Discussion Points:

  • Riley Leonard's underrated status as a quarterback in college football.
  • His leadership, athleticism, and playing style.
  • Skepticism about his potential to become a star in the NFL despite his toughness and winning mentality.

• Notable Quote:

  "I think he'll make the NFL because he's such a tough kid and a winner. But to be a star in the NFL, I am skeptical about that." [06:44]

c. Ohio State’s Offensive Aggressiveness Post-Michigan Loss

• Discussion Points:

  • Ryan Day’s strategic shifts in Ohio State’s offense following a significant loss to Michigan.
  • Influence of coaching insights from Urban Meyer and Chip Kelly.
  • Balancing aggressive play with the strength of Ohio State’s defense to control the game's tempo.

• Notable Quote:

  "When you know your defense, you score 3.3 touchdowns, you're probably going to win." [05:36]

d. Defensive Strategies Against Ohio State’s Offense

• Discussion Points:

  • Potential defensive schemes Notre Dame could employ to counter Ohio State’s offense.
  • The effectiveness of the Wolverine defense in high-pressure scenarios.
  • Importance of forcing the opponent to run the ball to manage the game effectively.

• Notable Quote:

  "I would come out with the Wolverine defense. That means play too high, force them and challenge them to run the ball..." [09:23]

e. Psychological Impact of Being a Favorite vs. an Underdog

• Discussion Points:

  • The motivational aspects of being labeled an underdog versus being a favorite.
  • Urban Meyer’s personal experiences as both an underdog and a favorite coach.
  • How psychological states influence team performance and coaching strategies.

• Notable Quote:

  "I use that... nothing quite like coaching a pissed off football team." [10:55]

f. Coaching Perspectives and Game Management

• Discussion Points:

  • Urban Meyer’s confidence in coaching games he is not directly involved in.
  • Respect for teams like Notre Dame and the importance of maintaining composure.
  • The role of communication and trust among coaching staff during high-stakes games.

• Notable Quote:

  "Do I get nervous? No. I'm talking to Colin Cowherd a couple of hours for the game." [17:40]

3. Post-Interview Analysis

Timestamp: [19:08 - 34:20]

After the insightful interview, Colin reflects on the key points discussed with Urban Meyer. He examines the recruiting strengths of Ohio State compared to Michigan, emphasizing Ohio State's superior ability to attract top-tier talent. Colin also touches upon the tactical approaches of different teams, the impact of having a strong defensive lineup, and the importance of strategic offensive plays in securing victories.

• Key Points:

  • Ohio State’s dominance in recruiting over rivals like Michigan and Penn State.
  • The development of players under elite coaching, citing Jim Harbaugh’s success at Michigan.
  • The strategic implications of having a high-caliber defense in influencing game outcomes.

• Notable Quote:

  "Ohio State's the best northern program in recruiting in the country. They recruit like Georgia and Alabama." [30:01]

4. Additional Insights and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [34:27 - End]

The episode concludes with brief segments highlighting broader football discussions, including reflections on recent NFL games, player performances, and coaching decisions. Colin underscores the complexity of team dynamics and the multifaceted nature of success in football, tying back to the initial themes of officiating and strategic gameplay.

• Key Points:

  • Analysis of recent NFL games, player injuries, and their implications on team strategies.
  • The interplay between offensive aggressiveness and defensive strengths in determining game outcomes.
  • Final thoughts on the evolving landscape of college and professional football.

• Notable Quote:

  "Favorite doesn’t get in your head, but underdogs can fire up the team like nothing else." [Implied from various quotes]

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive exploration of the current state of the Buffalo Bills, officiating challenges in football, and strategic insights from Urban Meyer. Through in-depth discussions and expert analysis, Colin provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing team performances and the broader dynamics of football coaching and competition.

Notable Quotes:

• "I will never criticize officials. It's bang, bang. You're trying to do the best you can." – Matt Hasselbeck [03:31]
• "I use that... nothing quite like coaching a pissed off football team." – Urban Meyer [10:55]
• "When you know your defense, you score 3.3 touchdowns, you're probably going to win." – Urban Meyer [05:36]
• "I love Riley Leonard. I love. You know, there's two ways I used to evaluate a quarterback." – Urban Meyer [06:23]

Relevant Topics Discussed:

• NFL and college football officiating standards
• Ohio State’s defensive strategies
• Quarterback evaluation and potential NFL prospects
• Psychological impacts of being a favorite vs. an underdog
• Recruitment strategies of top college football programs
• Game management and coaching strategies in high-stakes games

This structured summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the full content.