Hour 3 - Ohio State vs Notre Dame

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 3 - Ohio State vs Notre Dame
Release Date: January 15, 2025

---

Introduction
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth discussion with sports analyst Adnan Virk, focusing primarily on the recent college football matchups, particularly Ohio State's triumph over Texas and Notre Dame's victory against Penn State. The conversation delves into game strategies, player performances, and broader implications for college football's future.

---

Notre Dame vs Penn State: Analyzing the Victory

The episode kicks off with a comprehensive analysis of Notre Dame’s win over Penn State. Colin Cowherd prompts Adnan Virk to dissect the reasons behind Notre Dame's success.

Key Points:

• Situational Soundness: Adnan emphasizes Notre Dame's ability to perform under specific game situations.

  "They are situationally sound... their execution ultimately won the game." (03:08)

• Riley Leonard's Role: The quarterback’s veteran presence and versatility are highlighted as pivotal to Notre Dame's strategy.

  "Riley Leonard, situationally is very sound... he's a pretty rugged runner." (04:11)

Notable Quote:

"I don't think they overwhelmed either Georgia or Penn State... But situationally, they really performed well."
— Adnan Virk (03:06)

---

Ohio State vs Texas: Decoding the Buckeyes' Dominance

The conversation shifts to Ohio State's impressive win over Texas, with Adnan Virk attributing their success to several key factors.

Key Points:

• Superior Defense: Ohio State's defense is lauded as the best in college football, making it exceptionally difficult for opponents to overcome.

  "They have the best defensive line in college football... they've got the best secondary in college football." (05:03)

• Offensive Dexterity: The Buckeyes' versatile offense, capable of both running and passing effectively, keeps opponents on their toes.

  "They have so much dexterity offensively... they can run, they throw, they can throw deep." (06:39)

Notable Quote:

"It's not just Jeremiah Smith and this, this offense that has been relied on in the past... they've got playmakers all over the field."
— Adnan Virk (05:38)

---

Notre Dame's Competitive Edge: Culture and Cohesion

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Notre Dame's unique advantages, particularly their handling of the transfer portal and the cohesive team culture.

Key Points:

• Transfer Portal Advantage: Notre Dame benefits from players choosing the school for more than just football, fostering a strong team chemistry.

  "Players don't transfer out because you go to Notre Dame for more than just football... there's a chemistry and cohesive advantage." (09:29)

• Academic Standards: While high academic standards present challenges, they also ensure that players are committed and focused.

  "The academic standards are harder than others, but once you're there, you choose to go to Notre Dame and commit." (10:23)

Notable Quote:

"It is a different environment... their unique nature... allows them to have more power and cohesion in the long run."
— Colin Cowherd (10:55)

---

Big Ten vs SEC: Shifting Power Dynamics

Colin and Adnan explore the evolving landscape of college football, particularly comparing the Big Ten and the SEC.

Key Points:

• Big Ten's Ascendancy: Recent performances suggest that the Big Ten may be slightly outperforming the SEC, challenging the long-held dominance of the Southeastern Conference.

  "This is the second year in a row I've watched the Big Ten and thought they're slightly better than the SEC." (12:10)

• SEC's Continued Strengths: Despite the Big Ten's rise, the SEC remains a formidable conference, especially in terms of depth and talent.

  "The SEC is a great conference... the idea that they are now clearly the best has died." (12:37)

Notable Quote:

"Notre Dame was faster and more physical in the second half than Georgia."
— Colin Cowherd (13:00)

---

Future of College Football: Suggested Reforms

Adnan Virk offers insightful suggestions on how college football could evolve to address current challenges.

Key Points:

• Season Structure Overhaul: Proposes separating roster building from the competitive season to enhance gameplay and reduce scheduling conflicts with academic calendars.

  "I would separate roster building and competitive season... finish the postseason closer to the regular season." (22:35)

• Single Transfer Portal Window: Advocates for limiting transfer opportunities to streamline team compositions and reduce mid-season disruptions.

  "Make one transfer portal window, not two." (24:18)

• Rebranding the Season Opener: Suggests positioning the Army-Navy game as the official kickoff to the college football season, adding prestige and tradition.

  "Army Navy would be like my big kickoff to the football season." (25:04)

Notable Quote:

"If I was commissioner, I would pull out and take more of a 30,000 foot view of college football."
— Adnan Virk (22:35)

---

Coaching Decisions: College vs NFL

The discourse transitions into coaching strategies, contrasting the stability and influence in college football versus the volatility in the NFL.

Key Points:

• Deion Sanders' Potential Move: Discusses the implications of a high-profile coach like Deion Sanders potentially shifting from college football to the NFL.

  "If you find the right fit in college football, you're going to make more money and have more power in the long run." (18:08)

• NFL's Volatile Environment: Highlights the precarious nature of NFL coaching positions, where success must be immediate to ensure job security.

  "In the NFL, if it doesn't work out at the top end right away, boom, it's a turnover." (18:11)

Notable Quote:

"Being a college coach with a great fit is better than being in the NFL."
— Adnan Virk (19:10)

---

Quarterback Draft Insights: Quinn Ewers and Kellen Moore

The episode also touches upon the quarterback landscape, focusing on Quinn Ewers' decision to enter the draft and the potential of Kellen Moore.

Key Points:

• Quinn Ewers' Draft Decision: Analyzes the timing and implications of Ewers declaring for the draft amidst a perceived weak quarterback class.

  "He could have commanded north of $4 million in NIL and he's probably a fourth-round NFL pick." (20:52)

• Kellen Moore's Coaching Prospects: Examines Moore's potential coaching opportunities, particularly with the Dallas Cowboys, and his impact on team dynamics.

  "Being a college coach... you've got more power over who you take and what players are in the locker room." (33:43)

Notable Quote:

"Quinn's done an excellent job being a middle-round quarterback."
— Adnan Virk (21:05)

---

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with lighter banter between Colin Cowherd and Adnan Virk, touching on personal anecdotes and wrapping up the day's sports analysis. The conversation underscores the depth and complexity of college football, highlighting the strategic nuances that teams employ to secure victories in high-stakes games.

---

Selected Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "They are situationally sound... their execution ultimately won the game." — Adnan Virk (03:08)

• "I don't think they overwhelmed either Georgia or Penn State... But situationally, they really performed well." — Adnan Virk (03:06)

• "They have so much dexterity offensively... they can run, they throw, they can throw deep." — Adnan Virk (06:39)

• "It's not just Jeremiah Smith and this, this offense that has been relied on in the past... they've got playmakers all over the field." — Adnan Virk (05:38)

• "Players don't transfer out because you go to Notre Dame for more than just football... there's a chemistry and cohesive advantage." — Adnan Virk (09:29)

• "The SEC is a great conference... the idea that they are now clearly the best has died." — Adnan Virk (12:37)

• "Army Navy would be like my big kickoff to the football season." — Adnan Virk (25:04)

• "Being a college coach with a great fit is better than being in the NFL." — Adnan Virk (19:10)

---

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the discussion on The Herd with Colin Cowherd episode focusing on Ohio State vs Notre Dame, providing listeners with detailed insights into game strategies, player performances, and future directions for college football.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Acquired card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[NPR Host]

Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up First. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jon Stewart]

Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now this is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Adnan Virk]

What's up everybody? Adnan Burke here to tell you about a new podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's NHL Unscripted with Virgin Demers, Jason.

[Adnan Virk]

Demers here And after playing 700 NHL games, I got a lot of dirty laundry to air out. Hey, I got a lot to say here too, okay? Each week we'll get together chat with.

[Colin Cowherd]

The sport that we love.

[Adnan Virk]

Tons of guests are going to join in too. But we're not just going to be talking hockey, folks. We're talking movies. We're talking tv, food and Adnan's favorite wrestling. It's all on Le Table. Listen to NHL Unscripted with Vir and.

[Colin Cowherd]

Demers in the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts.

[Adnan Virk]

Or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports radio at noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

[Adnan Virk]

Now let's get this party.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Well, it's been a heads of state show Today, Adam Silver, last hour. Joel Klatt here. He's going to get to his reforms of college football. I gave you earlier four things that I love about the direction of college football because I think we had a spectacular year. Big noon Saturday. Saturday is in the fall. Joel Clapp, voice of college football here at fox. So let, let, I want to, I want to take a step back before we go forward.

[Adnan Virk]

Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

So Notre Dame beat Penn State. We all watched it. Fans always think if they lose, it's the refs, the team that wins. Don't want to talk about that. But let's go. Let's burrow down to one thing. If I said to you, Joel, why did Notre Dame beat Penn State?

[Adnan Virk]

They are situationally sound.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Adnan Virk]

And most games in college football are lost. Not one. And so, and really maybe even in the NFL. And I feel like a guy like Bill Belichick and Tom Brady and the Patriots made a living off of not beating themselves.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[Adnan Virk]

And that's kind of what this Notre Dame team does. I don't think that they overwhelmed either Georgia or Penn State, you know, with it, with anything crazy that those teams just couldn't overcome. But situationally, they really performed well. Third down, end of half, end of game. And that execution ultimately won the game, at least for me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Why doesn't anybody accept me like Riley Leonard?

[Adnan Virk]

Well, I don't think he can control the game throwing the ball from the pocket, and I think that's what, what people don't want. But here's what I, here's what I do love about Riley Leonard. Riley Leonard, situationally is very sound. Right. Because he's a veteran. So he understands how to operate the system and control and manipulate his own system per the situation of the game. And I think that's very important. He's also a pretty rugged runner.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, yeah.

[Adnan Virk]

And so when you need him to pick up first downs with his legs, he can. And then when called upon, he does throw the ball requisitely down the field to make a big play here or there. Now, do I think he can control the game from the pocket throwing the football? Probably not. And maybe they don't have quite the wide receiver group to do that.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't think they do.

[Adnan Virk]

But in all those other areas, when called upon, like, he makes plays with his legs with a scramble with a timely throw here or there. And, and his veteran presence, I think, is really important for that team. I don't think that they're in this situation without him.

[Colin Cowherd]

So Ohio State beats Texas big. It felt big. And Fast.

[Adnan Virk]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

It felt like I was watching. To me, the two most talented teams in the country, arguably with George is up there. Why did the Buckeyes. Let's, let's, let's. Again, let's burrow down to. What was the difference?

[Adnan Virk]

Well, Ohio State's just better than ever. And they were better late, and they were better late. And I thought that Texas's path in that game was narrow. Even as talented as they were, I thought it was a narrow path because of the difference in roster. Ohio State has a better defense than Texas has ever seen. At least this season has seen this season. Their offense can play at a level higher than Texas has seen all. All season long. And so it was going to be a very specific way that Texas had to win. And guess what? It was happening. Ohio State did not play well offensively and kept shooting themselves in the foot. In fact, four times in the first half, they had second and 20. Four different possessions, they had second and 20, which you can't come back from. So after, like the Trayvon Henderson penalty, they kind of stall out. And then Texas. Texas is doing what they need to do. They finally figured out Ohio State's defense, namely thrown to the backs into that short side, and they made it a game. And so here it is. And you've executed a blueprint that is a very narrow path. Texas has done everything right. They've put themselves in a position to win, and they still don't win. Why? Well, because Ohio State has playmakers and people that make plays all over the field, both units. So their defensive line stops first and goal, then Caleb down stops second and goal. Then Sawyer takes over and tips a pass. Then Sawyer takes over again and it's a sack, scoop and score. It's not just Jeremiah Smith and this, this offense that has been relied on in the past. Now they have the best defense in college football. They've got the best front seven in college football. They've got the best secondary in college football, and that's. That's tough to overcome.

[Colin Cowherd]

Ohio State should be favored. I think they're a hard team to trail because I think they have so much dexterity offensively. The quarterback moves, they can run, they throw. They can throw deep, they can throw underneath. They also have good edge rusher. Sawyer. Yeah, I think there's an avenue for Notre Dame to win. I think they have to start quickly. What is something. If you were coaching Notre Dame, what is the soft spot on Ohio State that you could manipulate or you.

[Adnan Virk]

That's a good one.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think they're off the question. Yeah, well, where's this? Every, every college team, even in the NFL, everybody, the Chief's offensive line's not great. Everybody's got a soft spot.

[Adnan Virk]

I think that the soft spot for Ohio State is actually a mental bl and it is the desire to be balanced and, or tough.

[Colin Cowherd]

They're too worried about that.

[Adnan Virk]

I think so. I think so. And, and when teams bait them in to running the football on first down, they're not as good as they, they could be. Now you can claim that like, well, the only teams to stop their running game are the ones that have a chance. So you got to stop the run. No, no, you got to invite them to try to run the football where they're overmatched. You see what's the, what's the common thread between Nebraska, Michigan and Texas is that in the interior of the defensive line, all three of those opponents felt like they could handle Ohio State's offensive line. So all three of those opponents invited Ohio State to just run the football. So they played soft coverage, they gave them numbers meaning like they didn't have enough hats in the box to stop the run. And yet they relied on defensive line and tackle play to stop the run. And at times Ohio State can fall into that trap. You see, when Ohio State's at their best, it's quick game, it's lateral, it's creative. The ball is out of Will Howard's hand. He's out of the pocket, he's rolling, he's half rolling. They're taking shots down the field. It's not static run game and drop back pass. And in those three matchups they got into a situation where they were trying to prove they could run the football and then they were just dropping back and throwing from the pocket. And, and that's not candidly their strength, their strength is in their creativity and in their skill on the outside. So their weakness is actually baiting them into a game that they would like to prove themselves in the run game. If I was Notre Dame, I would beg them to run the football on first down. Begum, Begum. Put five guys in the box, beg them to run the football and then if you can stop it, you got a chance. You survived the first quarter. You beg them to do something that gets the ball out of those skill position players hands. And, and that's exactly what Nebraska did. That's exactly what Michigan did. And to, to an extent that's what Texas was able to do.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, it's interesting with Notre Dame transfer Portal, they have one Huge advantage over the country. And I think it's understated.

[Adnan Virk]

What is it? Because the last time, like, every time you talk about Notre Dame on here, you talk about how cold it is and like, this has been devastating for your, like, northern teams can't win.

[Colin Cowherd]

We'll get to that in a second. So they're the one college football power. Players don't transfer out because you go to Notre Dame for more than just football. It is a chemistry and cohesive advantage. It's almost like everybody else in the NFL has free agency. And like, if the Chiefs didn't, we get our players forever, which was like the 1970s NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers you and I grew up with, it was the same guys for like eight years. Right. And I think this is the way it is. The culture, I thought for a while hurt Notre Dame and now the culture, they're rich. The academic umbrella helps them because the players they get are interested in more. Could I make an argument?

[Adnan Virk]

Well, it helps and hurts, right? I mean, because where does it hurt? The standards, like, you still have to get. Academic standards are harder than others, period. And so that's, that's been a difficulty throughout the past. But once you're there, I do think you're right. There's this idea like you, you choose to go to Notre Dame, you choose their independence. So once you're in there, you're kind of like, I'm in. Like, it's more of a chips in the middle of the table type of commitment.

[Colin Cowherd]

It is a different environment.

[Adnan Virk]

Totally, 100%. I think that their unique nature. And listen, let's be very honest, NIL has completely leveled the playing field. It has been widely theorized that a section of the country was involved in NIL for a long time.

[Colin Cowherd]

Certainly I've heard, I would submit to you that I never, I never reported that. No, I believed it to be true.

[Adnan Virk]

There you go through the churches.

[Colin Cowherd]

But nonetheless, there are those that now say, hey, everybody can pay players now.

[Adnan Virk]

Yeah. And, and listen, the, the, the results are bearing that out.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm watching the game. I said this last year, Michigan, Michigan had more good players than Georgia and Bama and lsu. I watched this year and I'm like, no, no, I don't think Texas or Georgia are nearly as good as Ohio State. We have a chance for not only back to back Big Ten champions, but remember this, Oregon's role, and they're going nowhere. Washington, which whenever they have the right coach as a top 10 program, has had a really good, by Washington standards, recruiting class.

[Adnan Virk]

Yeah, they Have. Penn State's getting everybody back.

[Colin Cowherd]

Usc. I know, I know. So Washington had their least talented team in probably 10 years. Oregon's going nowhere. Michigan will not be in a complete rebuild. It'll be the second year. Ohio State will still be Ohio State. Penn State brings everybody back. I don't believe this is just, what, a zany year. No. This is the second year in a row I've watched the Big Ten and thought, my eyes tell me they're slightly better than the sec.

[Adnan Virk]

I mean, it's certainly leveled off. I think that the SEC is a great conference. Yeah, it's a great conference, and it's probably deeper than any other. Now, you bring up a good point about next year at the top. And. And I think that the drafts will still be heavy to the sec.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Adnan Virk]

And I'm not going to sit here and not give them their flowers. They're a great conference. They absolutely are. The. The idea that they are now clearly the best.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, they're just not.

[Adnan Virk]

I think has. Has died. And. And you're starting to see that. That play out. Even Notre Dame was faster and more physical in the second half than Georgia.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Adnan Virk]

And that's why they were able to.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, no. Notre Dame secondary has got NFL dudes.

[Adnan Virk]

Oh, yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Like, you watch them and you're like, georgia guys are not pulling away.

[Adnan Virk]

So I don't want to bounce around on you. But, like, the matchup, I think is going to be so great because Notre Dame loves to run man coverage, and nobody runs man coverage against Ohio State. They're scared to death to try to cover Jeremiah Smith and man to man coverage. It's obvious, right? Because then you have to cover a Mecca. You have to cover Carnell Tate. You got to cover all of these guys in man to man coverage. Last year in that matchup, there was a low scoring affair that Ohio State won, remember? Late, they drive down and they win. Notre Dame ran man coverage against Marvin Harrison and Mecca Buka. They were not scared off from playing their defense against the Buckeyes. I'm so interested to see if they do that again because they played really well in that matchup last year.

[Colin Cowherd]

Even though Jeremiah Smith is great, he won't be open by a lot, and the pressure will be on Will Howard to make great throws.

[Adnan Virk]

The blueprint, however, against Ohio State from Michigan and from Texas, is to double Smith and invite them to run, which is not exactly Notre Dame's MO which should be fascinating. I think Monday night's gonna be very fascinating.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app hi, it's Colin JLab audio is changing the audio game for good, producing some of the best earbuds and headphones designed for everyday life without breaking the bank. And they are made in the same location as some of the other popular earbuds on the market that are triple the price. Don't overpay for quality headphones and earbuds. I don't for those looking to conquer their fitness goals in 2025, JLab recommends the JBUD Sport ANC4, offering a secure fit and super long battery life for those tough workouts. For small ears, check out the JBuds Mini so small they fit on your keychain so you're never without headphones. And if you're looking to zone out with a podcast or get in the zone at the office, check out their active noise canceling headphones. It's a true luxury feel. Discover your perfect pair of headphones just like I did and upgrade your audio game today. Look for the JLab Blue Box at retailers everywhere or visit jlab.com Omaha Steaks is America's original butcher and has been bringing people together with the world's best steak experience for more than 100 years of family owned experience. From handcrafted steaks to hearty roasts, family style sides and quick convenient comfort meals, Omaha Steaks delivers everything you crave to reset and relax after the holidays and now during their end of season sale you can taste the difference and get 50% off site [e-mail] plus our listeners get an extra 20 bucks off with a promo code heard at checkout. Omaha Steaks offers unrivaled quality and variety and every bite is backed by their 100% guarantee. They also carry mouth watering burgers, chicken, pork, seafood, dessert and easy to prepare comfort food. Bring home the world's best steak experience with Omaha steaks. Visit Omaha steaks.com for 50% off site wide during their end of season sale and for an extra 20 bucks off with a promo code heard at checkout. That's 50% off@omaha steaks.com and for an extra $20 off with a promo code heard at checkout, you can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption Required card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[NPR Host]

Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up first. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

If I was Deion Sanders, Colorado's been fun. But I do wonder now that I'm in the Big 12, which is you win the conference or nobody's paying attention to you, could I not argue that now is the time to move to the greener pastures of the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL?

[Adnan Virk]

So you can get fired in two years?

[Colin Cowherd]

That's how you view it?

[Adnan Virk]

What Dallas Cowboy coach doesn't get fired within a few years, you can win the super bowl and get run out. Am I wrong?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I think Jerry's more patient than say, like the jets or there are other less patient teams. I mean, Dallas is not if you.

[Adnan Virk]

Want to go to the NFL, okay, then go to the NFL. I don't believe that Dallas is somehow a better destination. In fact, I view it opposite and I view this by this is not a Colorado and Dallas thing. This, this is also just an NFL versus college football. If you find the right fit in college football, where you're comfortable and, and you can win even in the Big 12, you're going to make a lot more money in the long run and have a lot more power in the long run than going to the NFL. Because even if the NFL can pay you more, maybe, maybe per year, that's that's going to be a short Runway and you have very little to no power. You cannot be yourself. You're not going to turn the Cowboys into your own image. If you're Deion Sanders and you've got this fit at Colorado where they've given you the keys to the castle and you you've remade the program in your image, Colorado is prime. Prime is Colorado. At this point. It is a great fit. He can be totally authentically himself. He can recruit the players that he wants to recruit and he can build something in the future of college football. I think by 26, the Big 12 will have two automatic bids into the playoff of a 14 team playoff. I think that that's coming. And, and now you've got more access to the playoff. I think that you can have top end success. It's a good fit. Now all of a sudden he's there 8 to 10 years getting between 8 and 11 million dollars a year. And now you've made more money in the long run, if it's about money than going to the NFL. I think that the NFL is a short Runway. It really is. And that's proven over and over and over again. Really good coaches in the NFL go to a place and if it doesn't work out at the top end right away, boom, it's a turnover. Because it's too easy to turn over. In the NFL you can turn over a roster fairly quick, dump a bunch of guys, go back into the draft and all of a sudden a couple of years later you're back and you got no power over who you take, what players are in the locker room. I don't know, man. I just, I think being a college coach with a great fit is better than being in the NFL.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right. Quinn Ewers turned down nil cash and cache. He declared for the draft. It is a weak quarterback class this year. He'll get drafted. Would you have done that?

[Adnan Virk]

I, I wouldn't have because I think he could have commanded north of $4 million in nil and he's probably a.

[Colin Cowherd]

Fourth round NFL pick.

[Adnan Virk]

Yeah. But if you in in his defense and you brought it up, if you're him, you need a weak quarterback year with the way that this.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I think he may be looking reading the tea leaves. Correct.

[Adnan Virk]

And at that point, you know, maybe this is the time to go out there and let's face it, like a guy that's played a ton of football, that has had a lot of success. He had a better college career than Brock Purdy.

[Colin Cowherd]

Is Arch Manning any good or is it just the name thing?

[Adnan Virk]

No, Arch is very good.

[Colin Cowherd]

He's mobile.

[Adnan Virk]

There were points during this season that I thought that they should have put Arch in the game. He's more mobile. I think that he drives the football into smaller windows down the field. He's got a much higher ceiling. Quinn was very experienced and veteran. It sounds like a knock against Quinn. I'm not trying to knock Quinn. I think Quinn's done an excellent job being a middle round quarterback. Let's say he gets even selected like back into the second or third round. If he goes to a team that actually has a plan or a veteran or some semblance of success around him, like he could easily find himself on the field. He's experienced enough, he's smart enough, and he's good enough. Like I said, he had a better college career than Brock Purdy. So you go to the right situation. Maybe that's what he's thinking, is there's a better chance to go to the right situation in a quarterback draft that is not strong.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, finally, I don't want to get too much into the weeds, but we had Adam, Adam Silver on. If you were commissioner of football, give me a couple changes you would make with all the fluidity of the sport over the last couple years.

[Adnan Virk]

Yeah. So I think everyone would dive into a specific problem and I think that, that a lot of our specific problems are actually symptoms of something that's much larger in college football. So. So I would, I would actually pull out and take more of a 30,000 foot view of college football. If I was commissioner. The very first thing that I would do is everything in my power to separate roster building and competitive season. Right now we mix the two, which is crazy. We have transfer portal and early signing in season. We're still not done with a national championship game. And yet the spring semester has started. Ohio State is in class for their spring semester and trying to play a national championship with guys that are not going to be in school in the spring semester. It's. It's crazy, right? You have, you have waivers or something. I think that we should finish the regular season closer to the. Finish the postseason closer to the regular season. At worst, we should be playing the national championship game about January 7th or 8th.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I think, I feel, I always felt this about baseball is if you shaved off some games, you could get into the postseason by like August 20th.

[Adnan Virk]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

And so you play playoff baseball in the same weather as the regular season. I don't want late October baseball. I think college football wastes a couple of weeks early and a couple of weeks late.

[Adnan Virk]

That's right.

[Colin Cowherd]

Just wasted.

[Adnan Virk]

And then you battle with the NFL playoffs, which is not great for anybody. So that's the first thing. And then, then the very next thing that that does is it allows you to fix roster building. And then so the number two thing would be I would make one transfer portal window, not two.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. You know what's interesting though? As the NFL expands its games, we saw this year, that week 18, it was a lot of just play backups.

[Adnan Virk]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

So as you extend to week, you'll have a week 19, you'll have two weeks as it's become more quarterback centric of like, who cares? Yeah. I mean this last week, 18, there were like two games I had to watch. So there's a little window of college football is paying attention. The last two weeks of the regular season are not great in the NFL. Like, like contract your sport.

[Adnan Virk]

So, you know, the, the craziest idea.

[Colin Cowherd]

What's that?

[Adnan Virk]

Is in order to contract, in order to start the playoffs right after conference championship game week, I would actually move Army Navy to the beginning of the season. It'd be the first football game played in our country. Every football season.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, I love that.

[Adnan Virk]

And it would be the national anthem to our sport. Every level we would not play. It wouldn't be the dumb, you know, like Canton preseason game. No, no, no. We start the year in our country with Army Navy, the national anthem and commissioners of every conference in the NFL are there and dignitaries and we. The president would be there and we'd have flyovers and. And it's. It has become the de facto new year for our country. Anyways, everyone's going back to school. We love football. So Army Navy would be like my big kickoff to the football season for college and the NFL. That way late in the year, they have their own standalone game. We can celebrate the heck out of that game. And then we can start the college football playoffs right away in the month of December.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's one of your better ideas.

[Adnan Virk]

I appreciate that. I really do. I'm not even going to say anything like I just going to take the compliment and say thank you.

[Colin Cowherd]

Just let it.

[Adnan Virk]

Yeah. Just let it be there. I appreciate that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Well, you're welcome.

[Adnan Virk]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

I got to tell you today, not a lot of lifting for me. I had a couple of stewards of the game controlling J. Mac sitting over here. He's been just a viewer today.

[Adnan Virk]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

He had these long.

[Adnan Virk]

He was all upset with how much we weigh before we came on.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, yeah. He's over old Mr. You know, physical fitness over Mr.

[Adnan Virk]

Fitness over there. 173.

[Colin Cowherd]

I still think there's an age limit on when you can wear an NBA jersey on the beach.

[Adnan Virk]

Oh, interesting. What is that? What's the limit?

[Colin Cowherd]

Seven.

[Adnan Virk]

I've taught my boys. I've got three boys.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Adnan Virk]

And I've taught them like, hey, you should never have another man's name on your back.

[Colin Cowherd]

I love that I wear.

[Adnan Virk]

That's it. That's the rule.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's just so I embroider heard on the back of most of my dress shirts.

[Adnan Virk]

I thought you were about to say you have heard tattooed on your back.

[Colin Cowherd]

That too. All right, we break. We're back in a second. Joel Klatt, it's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. Hey, it's Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything, life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking.

[Adnan Virk]

About the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss.

[Colin Cowherd]

And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich. Hi, it's Colin. JLab audio is changing the audio game for good, producing some of the best earbuds and headphones designed for everyday life without breaking the bank. And they are made in the same location as some of the other popular earbuds on the market that are triple the price. Don't overpay for quality headphones and earbuds. I don't. For those looking to conquer their fitness goals in 2025, JLab recommends the JBUD Sport ANC4, offering a secure fit and super long battery life for those tough workouts. For small ears, check out the JBuds Mini. So small they fit in your keychain so you're never without headphones. And if you're looking to zone out with a podcast or get in the zone at the office, check out their active noise canceling headphones. It's a true luxury feel. Discover your perfect pair of headphones just like I did and upgrade your audio game today. Look for the JLAB Blue Box at retailers everywhere or visit jlab.com you can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile Keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com Keep and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption exemption required. Cart has no cash access and expires in six months.

[NPR Host]

Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up First. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jon Stewart]

Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition Podcast. The Daily show podcast has everything you need to stay on top of today's news and pop culture. You get hilarious satirical takes on entertainment, politics, sports and more from John and the team of correspondence and contributors. The podcast also has content you can't get anywhere else, like extended interviews and a roundup of the weekly headlines. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[JMac]

Saturday Jaden Daniels looks to continue an incredible rookie season as he leads the Commanders against Jared Goff and the top seated Lions in a divisional playoff matchup Saturday 7:30 Eastern on Fox.

[Colin Cowherd]

JLab best audio products in the game go to jlab.com Blue Box at Walmart Target Best Buyer More Here's JMAC with the news.

[Adnan Virk]

Turn on the news.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is the Herdline news. Now we're going to start off with.

[JMac]

A little pop quiz.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hot shot.

[JMac]

So there are eight quarterbacks left in the playoffs. Colin Seven were first round picks. One was the second round pick.

[Colin Cowherd]

Quick.

[JMac]

Who was the second round pick?

[Colin Cowherd]

Jalen Hurts correct this thing. Well done. Flip of the switch.

[JMac]

Now I know people are oh you got to have first round quarterback. I will say last year Brock Purdy was a seventh rounder. Everyone else was a first. Here's the list of quarterbacks that are still playing several number one overall picks.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know there's two positions offensive. A great offensive tackle is almost always first round. Quarterbacks are overwhelmingly the great ones first round. But it's the Tom Brady, Joe Montana argument some outliers. Right. But. But by and large the scouting now is really good. You're great quarterbacks, you're great left tackles and your great interior defensive tackles. Jalen Carter, they're off the board by the 15th 18th.

[JMac]

It's still interesting that like a Mahomes slip to where'd he go 10. Josh Allen went 7.

[Colin Cowherd]

Lamar was end of the first round. Yeah, I think quarterback is the single hardest position. Like there's certain positions I think that easy to scout. Cornerback and running back, plug and play. You can either. You're either fast, twitchy and can cover guys. I mean I remember the Sauce Gardner draft. I said on the air I said the best football player I saw was plays at Cincinnati. Yeah, running back again you're. I can get your time, your shuttle. Can you make people miss then I think you have tougher positions. For instance left tackle. There's about one great one A class. This class does not have a great left tackle. It's got a lot of good left tackles. And so it's hard to judge unless you have like a Trent Williams or a Jonathan Ogden where you just know Rashawn Slater for Northwestern like that's a really good tackle. There's a lot of guys you take it because the position so valuable but it has a weight issue or what was the competition. And I think quarterback has a another layer. That's why it's the toughest position. Is he a good leader? Is he unselfish? Will he be good at the podium? Like as you don't need my. I don't need my left tackle to be a leader of men. We ask a lot of quarterback and a lot of it's intangibles. A lot of what Mahomes does is talent. But he is also an incredibly competitive, relentless and conscientious leader.

[JMac]

Speaking of quarterbacks, how about Kellen Moore? The former Boise State signal quarterback was the Eagles OC this year and guess what? He's getting linked to the Cowboys job right now.

[Colin Cowherd]

Is that exciting?

[JMac]

Obviously it's well to the Cowboys fan base, I don't know. Is Robert Salah exciting? According to Ian Rapaport, Salah's gonna interview there. But Kellen Moore's the guy right now the focus. I think Mosley said it yesterday on our show. Right now though, Kellen Moore has a big focus on the Rams. Eagles already worked them 37, 20 in the first meeting. But Moore, this version of the Rams defense is much better.

[Adnan Virk]

Saquon had a great day out there. You know, long time between Those two games, a bunch of other games. They're playing as well as any defense in the league right now and they're playing really confidently. And so obviously they'll stress us in a lot of different ways. There'll be challenges associated with our run game based off of them having that film and the film that they put out the last month and a half, which has been really, really impressive. So it'll be a challenge.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't think it's their offense. I think their defense is playing out of its line good. I think their offense is hit and miss. They played when they have extra time or. Or when Stafford has time. He'll dice you up. That defense. That Jared Verse is unbelievable.

[JMac]

He has to go up against the number one. I know tackle all pro.

[Adnan Virk]

My.

[Colin Cowherd]

I like Phil. I do like Philadelphia in this matchup. It's a little short week for the Rams. I like Philadelphia here. I do.

[JMac]

I'm just curious. It's Kellen Moore. You know, obviously he's got to dial up some stuff for the Rams. It's not only that he's interviewing with the Cowboys or they want to talk to him. He's got to build out a staff. He's got to be texting his buddies.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, hey.

[JMac]

Would you want to come to Dallas if I got the job? You got to think about stuff like that, like building the staff.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's a good point.

[JMac]

So perhaps a little distracted. I. I don't know. I'm with you. I think the Eagles are the side final story. Colin is what broke earlier this morning. Quinn Ewers has decided I don't want to stay in college anymore. I don't want to transfer. I want to go to the NFL draft. He is declared clared. He had another year of eligibility. I'm a little surprised. I know he did get. Have interest from Oregon, Notre Dame, Michigan State. I heard was interested but Joe Clapp brought up a good point. Maybe because it's a down class that. That yours thinks, hey, I could go but I'll go back to this.

[Colin Cowherd]

The. The.

[JMac]

The middle class of quarterbacks in the draft. It does. It's starting to get less and less. Last year in the draft, no quarterbacks taken in the second and third rounds.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. We want you keep your eye on Kyle McCord at Syra and then keep your eye on yours and Riley Leonard in the fourth round.

[JMac]

Kyle McCord from Syracuse.

[Colin Cowherd]

He was the Ohio State kid that transferred to Syracuse.

[JMac]

Hey, thank you for your service. You can go see.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm just. I'm just going to Tell you I'm going to look something up real quick.

[JMac]

Yeah, I know.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm doing this live on the air.

[JMac]

No, we've done. You and I have talked behind the scenes. I know you like McCord a lot. He put up great numbers at Syracuse, fits a lot of pro style.

[Colin Cowherd]

You just look at his, you know, he's 22 years old. I would say there's stuff percolating on Kyle McCord in my executive contacts and I think Riley Leonard and yours will be interesting. And I also believe, I am hearing now the belief is Cam Ward is just viewed as more dynamic and bad teams are looking for quick solves and shedeur could be better long term, but immediately Cam Warren will make plays that you can't design. And that's what bad teams. New York Giants are looking for somebody to solve some offensive issues.

[JMac]

So do you have Milroe going first.

[Colin Cowherd]

Round or no Milroe? Oh, Milroe's absolutely going first round.

[JMac]

I believe that as well.

[Colin Cowherd]

Mid first round.

[JMac]

I don't know if I can get there with McCord yet.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I think he's a second rounder, but he's not a Hammond Egger. He can play. Are you. Are you done?

[Adnan Virk]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

J. Mac with a news. Okay, well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the herd lie news. I love today's show. It was fun. Listen, this. I got to get some stuff going on here. I was gonna do a haircut, but you know, sometimes. Listen, we're busy.

[JMac]

Just admit it. You were rattled by the Adam Silver interview. You were very nervous thinking about it.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I. Last night I went to bed early and I wrote down. No, no, no. When you get a presidential candidate or a commissioner, I gotta. I gotta be ready to go.

[JMac]

Walk in.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, yeah.

[JMac]

No time to comb the hair.

[Colin Cowherd]

I didn't have time.

[JMac]

The unkempt look is kind of tech executive, you know?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[JMac]

You're trying to act like Zuckerberg.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. I'm not sure about that guy.

[JMac]

No comment.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I'm not. I'm not sure. I get. Think all these tech guys, Musk and Zuckerberg, they're all a little squirrely. I mean, listen, they control the world, so I guess. I mean, they really do. So it's like our Supreme Court and our tech founders basically control America.

[JMac]

Well, it's basically football controls America as well as the app developers for TikTok, which may be on the way out this weekend.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think Friday is the last day this weekend. Yeah.

[JMac]

Pour some out.

[Colin Cowherd]

Where am I. Where am I going to see my funny dogs talking videos. There are so many great animal videos. I don't need. I don't need to see all these guys with perfect.

[JMac]

You may be able to survive without the dog videos. I don't. It's possible.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I think Tick Tock takes otherwise busy, successful people and waste time. Oh.

[JMac]

Oh my gosh.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think it's a time waster. I don't think it adds anything to most people's lives. Unlike our show, which I mean enriches America on a daily basis. Monday through Friday, we'll see whether you're ordering wings for the game, whipping up a seven layer dip, or ordering pizza. There's something about football that makes me want to eat. And this football season, Uber Eats has the best deals for me on game day food no matter what I'm craving. From two for one pizza to buy one get one Wings. Uber Eats will be dropping new deals each week. All season long, I'm in Uber Eats, the official on demand delivery partner of the NFL. Order now for game day. Terms and conditions apply. See app for details.

[NPR Host]

Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breath. Breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up First. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jon Stewart]

Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now this is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Adnan Virk]

What's up everybody? Adnan Vir here to tell you about a new podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers.

[Adnan Virk]

Jason Demers here. And after playing 700 NHL games, I got a lot of dirty laundry to air out. Hey, I got a lot to say here too, okay? Each week we'll get together to chat.

[Colin Cowherd]

About the sport that we love.

[Adnan Virk]

Tons of guests are going to join in too, but we're not just going to be talking hockey, folks. We're talking movies, we're talking TV food, and Adnan's favorite wrestling. It's all on Le table. Listen to NHL Unscripted with Virk and.

[Colin Cowherd]

Demers, the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or.

[Adnan Virk]

Wherever you get your podcasts.