Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: College Football Playoff Bracket

Release Date: December 9, 2024
Host: Colin Cowherd
Contributors: Matt Hasselbeck, Joel Klatt, LeVar Arrington

1. Introduction to the College Football Playoff Bracket

The episode delves deep into the intricacies and controversies surrounding the College Football Playoff (CFP) Bracket, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by top-seeded teams like Oregon in navigating the newly structured 12-team playoff system.

2. Critiques of the 12-Team Playoff System

Matt Hasselbeck opens the discussion by highlighting the inherent flaws in the current playoff structure. He asserts, “[03:31]...if you have the best regular season, Oregon, and the best conference championship performance, Oregon, your reward shouldn't be potentially Ohio State, Texas, and Georgia.” Hasselbeck questions the fairness of Oregon facing such formidable opponents early in the playoff, suggesting that the system may inadvertently disadvantage strong teams.

LeVar Arrington echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the mismatch between the old and new paradigms of college football. He critiques the attempt to “renovate” rather than overhaul the playoff system, stating, “[07:00]...the bowl system and the playoff system doesn't really work together.” Arrington argues that the overvaluation of conference championship games has led to an "artificial floor," which subsequently forces better teams down tougher paths within the bracket.

3. Team-Specific Analyses

Oregon’s Playoff Path:
The conversation zeroes in on Oregon’s challenging route to the semifinals. Hasselbeck points out that Oregon, despite its stellar regular season, is set to face powerhouses like Ohio State and Texas, making their path to the championship arduous. He questions the logic behind penalizing the best teams by subjecting them to tougher matchups early on.

Ohio State’s Vulnerabilities:
Hasselbeck critiques Ohio State’s performance, highlighting their offensive line issues and defensive weaknesses. “[09:16]...Ohio State, that is the worst team,” he states, noting their inconsistent performance against strong defenses like Michigan and Nebraska. Arrington concurs, pointing out that Ohio State's offensive struggles make them a susceptible target in high-stakes playoff games.

Texas’s Playcalling Issues:
The discussion shifts to Texas, where Hasselbeck expresses frustration with their overtime playcalling, criticizing decisions like the fade route in crucial moments. “[10:06]...I didn't like the play calling in overtime,” he remarks, emphasizing how such strategies have cost Texas games against athletic teams like Georgia.

4. Coaching and Strategy Insights

Dan Lanning and Oregon’s Approach:
Arrington praises Oregon’s head coach, Dan Lanning, for his resilient and no-complaint attitude despite the playoff hurdles. “[14:44]...Dan Lanning is going to say, order the buses and let's go,” he notes, appreciating Lanning’s focus on preparation and execution rather than dwelling on systemic flaws.

Future of Coaching in College Football:
Arrington also speculates on the evolving landscape of college football coaching, suggesting that success will hinge more on roster construction and in-game strategy rather than traditional recruiting. He envisions a shift towards coaches who excel in evaluating talent and building cohesive teams amid increasing parity in the sport.

5. NFL Discussions

Kirk Cousins’ Future:
The podcast transitions to NFL topics, with Matt Hasselbeck and Joel Klatt discussing Kirk Cousins’ declining performance. Hasselbeck speculates on Cousins’ potential retirement, stating, “[26:51]...he’s not going to backup. I think he retires.” Both hosts express doubt about Cousins’ future as a starting quarterback given his recent struggles.

Arizona Cardinals and Kyler Murray:
Fresh off Arizona’s disappointing performances against the Seahawks, Clatt questions whether Kyler Murray will remain the Cardinals’ starting quarterback. “[27:17]...Kyler took responsibility for the loss,” he mentions, while Hasselbeck attributes some of the team’s woes to poor quarterback play and defensive shortcomings.

6. MLB News: Juan Soto’s Landmark Contract

Shifting to Major League Baseball, the hosts discuss Juan Soto’s unprecedented 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. Hasselbeck lauds the deal as a transformative moment for MLB, stating, “[30:24]...Juan Soto is signing the largest deal in pro sports history.” Clatt adds that Soto’s move positions the Mets as a dominant force in New York sports, potentially surpassing the Yankees in relevance and competitiveness.

7. Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with reflections on the discussed topics, reinforcing the complexities of the College Football Playoff system and the dynamic nature of professional sports leadership and contracts. The hosts emphasize the need for strategic adjustments both in college and professional leagues to accommodate evolving challenges and capitalize on emerging talents.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Hasselbeck [03:31]: “If you have the best regular season, Oregon, and the best conference championship performance, Oregon, your reward shouldn't be potentially Ohio State, Texas, and Georgia.”

• LeVar Arrington [07:00]: “The bowl system and the playoff system doesn't really work together.”

• Matt Hasselbeck [09:16]: “Ohio State, that is the worst team.”

• Matt Hasselbeck [10:06]: “I didn't like the play calling in overtime.”

• LeVar Arrington [14:44]: “Dan Lanning is going to say, order the buses and let's go.”

• Matt Hasselbeck [26:51]: “He’s not going to backup. I think he retires.”

• Joel Klatt [27:17]: “Kyler took responsibility for the loss.”

• Matt Hasselbeck [30:24]: “Juan Soto is signing the largest deal in pro sports history.”

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Hour 3 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," providing listeners with an insightful overview of the key discussions on the College Football Playoff Bracket, NFL quarterback performances, and MLB's significant contract developments.