The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 3 - Urban Meyer

Release Date: December 6, 2024
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Participants: Urban Meyer, Anya Packer, Madison Packer

1. Introduction to Urban Meyer’s Insights

In this episode, Colin Cowherd sits down with former college football coach Urban Meyer alongside Anya and Madison Packer to delve into the latest happenings in college and professional football. The discussion primarily centers around Urban Meyer’s perspectives on recent games, coaching philosophies, and the evolving landscape of football.

2. Ohio State vs. Michigan: A Critical Analysis

Timestamp [03:15 - 04:40]

The conversation kicks off with a detailed analysis of the Ohio State vs. Michigan game. Urban Meyer expresses his disappointment with the performance, highlighting strategic errors and quarterback confidence issues.

Notable Quote:
Urban Meyer [04:09]: “As a coach, you're there on the sideline, your defense is playing phenomenal. The opponent is really struggling. You throw a turnover early in the game and give them a freebie, you know, and you maybe lose a little confidence in your quarterback.”

Meyer discusses the decision-making process during the game, attributing Michigan's resurgence to strategic adaptations by Coach Ryan Day after early setbacks.

3. Handling Devastating Losses

Timestamp [04:56 - 06:02]

Urban Meyer reflects on his personal response to significant losses, emphasizing resilience and forward momentum.

Notable Quote:
Urban Meyer [05:06]: “I lose. Shoot, I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep for months after that. Here's the problem. When you lose that game to the Wolverines… you got to rinse and repeat, man. You got to go. You got to not worry about it.”

He contrasts his own approach with that of current coaches like Ryan Day, who encourage players to move past defeats swiftly to maintain focus on upcoming challenges.

4. Perspectives on Top College Football Teams

Timestamp [06:02 - 07:22]

The discussion shifts to the top-tier college football programs: Texas, Oregon, and Georgia. Meyer praises Texas’s disciplined coaching and robust defense, drawing parallels to his successful 2008 Florida team.

Notable Quote:
Urban Meyer [07:22]: “They are the number one team in the country. They play faster than anyone else in the country.”

He lauds Oregon’s speed and defensive prowess, particularly highlighting coordinator Tosh Lepoi’s impact.

5. Spotlight on Quarterback Will Howard

Timestamp [10:01 - 11:20]

Anya Packer brings attention to quarterback Will Howard’s performance, analyzing his potential and consistency. Meyer commends Howard’s stamina and ability to perform under pressure despite early critiques.

Notable Quote:
Urban Meyer [10:26]: “This kid is legit. I can't wait to see him tonight. We're here. I can't wait to see him.”

6. Comparisons with NFL Coaching: Belichick and Future Prospects

Timestamp [11:05 - 12:40]

The conversation veers into comparisons between college and NFL coaching, with special mention of Bill Belichick’s enduring legacy. Meyer expresses admiration for Belichick's commitment despite age and acknowledges the challenges of transitioning between college and professional coaching roles.

Notable Quote:
Urban Meyer [12:13]: “I couldn't do that. I'd have to say, get out. Get out of the office. You know, let's have a chat.”

He candidly states his intention not to return to coaching, valuing his current life and career balance.

7. NFL Coaching Landscape: Chicago Bears and Deion Sanders Speculation

Timestamp [21:05 - 24:49]

Anya and Madison shift focus to the NFL, discussing the Chicago Bears' coaching situation and speculating on potential hires like Deion Sanders for the Raiders.

Notable Quote:
Anya Packer [22:07]: “Harbaugh was the perfect fit because he's great with quarterbacks, young quarterbacks. He's a culture creator and he wins immediately.”

Madison and Anya debate the implications of coaching changes, the Bears' current strategies, and the broader NFL coaching market.

8. Sports Betting and Game Predictions: "Tomorrow's Headlines Today"

Timestamp [29:00 - 37:55]

The segment introduces “Tomorrow's Headlines Today,” where Anya and Madison provide their predictions and betting insights for upcoming NFL and college football games. They discuss key matchups, player performances, and strategic outcomes.

Notable Highlights:

• Dolphins vs. Jets: Favoring the Dolphins due to Jets' struggles and player doubts.
• Panthers vs. Eagles: Predicting a strong performance by the Eagles, especially against a weak Panthers run defense.
• Chargers vs. Chiefs: Leaning towards the Chiefs based on Chargers’ offensive inconsistencies and injuries.

For college football, the focus is on the Texas vs. Georgia game, with Anya supporting Georgia’s robust performance and Texas’s disciplined approach.

9. College Football Playoff Outlook

Timestamp [33:41 - 37:55]

Urban Meyer's insights on the College Football Playoff are discussed, highlighting team strengths, coaching strategies, and player potentials. The conversation underscores the importance of quarterback performance and team resilience in securing playoff victories.

Notable Quote:
Anya Packer [38:17]: “I think if their first playoff game December 20th, you know, that's when it starts. If they're in Columbus, they'll win.”

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp [39:57 - 42:48]

As the episode wraps up, Anya and Madison reflect on the day's discussions, reiterating key points about coaching strategies, team performances, and future prospects in both college and professional football. Urban Meyer offers closing remarks on his satisfaction with his current endeavors and leaves listeners with thoughts on the dynamic nature of football coaching.

Key Takeaways:

• Urban Meyer’s Coaching Philosophy: Emphasizes resilience, quick recovery from losses, and maintaining focus on future games.
• Team Analyses: Texas, Oregon, and Georgia are highlighted as top contenders with specific strengths in speed, defense, and disciplined coaching.
• Player Spotlight: Will Howard is recognized for his potential and consistency as a quarterback.
• Coaching Comparisons: Urban Meyer appreciates Bill Belichick’s legacy while expressing contentment with his retirement from coaching.
• NFL Speculations: Discussions include potential coaching hires and the Chicago Bears' strategic directions.
• Betting Insights: Anya and Madison provide informed predictions on upcoming NFL and college football games, focusing on key matchups and player performances.

Notable Quotes:

• Urban Meyer [04:09]: “As a coach, you're there on the sideline, your defense is playing phenomenal. The opponent is really struggling. You throw a turnover early in the game and give them a freebie, you know, and you maybe lose a little confidence in your quarterback.”

• Urban Meyer [05:06]: “I lose. Shoot, I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep for months after that. Here's the problem. When you lose that game to the Wolverines… you got to rinse and repeat, man. You got to go. You got to not worry about it.”

• Urban Meyer [07:22]: “They are the number one team in the country. They play faster than anyone else in the country.”

• Urban Meyer [10:26]: “This kid is legit. I can't wait to see him tonight. We're here. I can't wait to see him.”

• Urban Meyer [12:13]: “I couldn't do that. I'd have to say, get out. Get out of the office. You know, let's have a chat.”

• Anya Packer [22:07]: “Harbaugh was the perfect fit because he's great with quarterbacks, young quarterbacks. He's a culture creator and he wins immediately.”

• Anya Packer [38:17]: “I think if their first playoff game December 20th, you know, that's when it starts. If they're in Columbus, they'll win.”

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers an in-depth look into coaching strategies, team dynamics, and the future of football, enriched by Urban Meyer’s experienced perspectives and the insightful analyses of Anya and Madison Packer.