Colin Cowherd (1:56)

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Joel Klatt (1:58)

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Colin Cowherd (2:13)

More at applecard.com Wasabi is purpose built to free your business from skyrocketing storage costs and fees from the big guys. Wasabi is the go to provider for professional and collegiate sports teams around the world. Check out Wasabi's AI enabled intelligent Media Storage Wasabi Air to the industry's only cloud storage service with triple protection against cyber criminals. Wasabi driving innovation in data storage for up to 80% less than the other guys try for free at wasabi.com, wasabi Hot Cloud Storage, proud partner of the Volume Podcast Network. 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 herd@foxsportsradio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Now let's get this party started. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Here we go. It's hour two. Rams come back and make it close. Stafford plays well. They win. Stafford struggles. They lose 11 and 5 on the season. McVay did say he's going to play the starters in week 18. Good to you in today. So the College Football Playoff tomorrow. Miami. I liked him to get into the playoff over Notre Dame. I like them over Texas A and M. I think they keep it close here. Can they move the ball consistently, at least win some field position battles against Ohio State? I think Ohio State will struggle to move the ball. Really good pass rush. Miami is old school physical, but I think the Buckeyes have so many interesting perimeter weapons. Brian Hartline's recruiting, they'll kind of outlast them over the course of time. They'll just make a couple of big plays down the sideline. So here we do it. The Herd hierarchy as we head into week 18. Here we go. Herd hierarchy time is now. Let's go. The top 10 NFL teams according to college. Number 10. Yeah, I'll put Buffalo once again at 10. They've trailed in each of their last nine games. Three of their five losses have come to Philadelphia, the Texans and the Patriots. I don't think they're going to be able to beat top end teams consistently. They can't defend the run. They fall into holes. I don't trust them situationally in big spots. They'd won five straight division titles and my guess going forward, Drake May and Mike Vrabel are going to own the division. I have the bills at 10, number nine. Yet I do think the Texans could play for the AFC Championship. Eight game winning streak, best fourth quarter differential in the league. They wear you out physically and can pull away in the final quarter. Now they've scored 20 or fewer points this year, but that's because if Woody Marks doesn't play, I I don't know If I trust their offense. I've always liked CJ Stroud, but I like this team. I would not not want to face this team in the playoffs. Would not at all. Texans nine. Number eight, the Bears. They lead the NFL in big plays on offense, but they've allowed the third most on defense. So they don't turn it over. Caleb does not turn the ball over. They don't take sacks nearly as much as last year. I think Caleb's had a very good season. I think Ben Johnson in an argument for coach of the year. The last two games, Caleb Williams has almost 650 yards, a bunch of touchdowns, no sacks, no turnovers and a passer rating at 100. I like what I see. The Bears at 8. Number seven, Denver Broncos clinched their first AFC west title since 2015. They are 7:1 at home and have been a great home team since Sean Payton arrived there. Twelve and one the last two years at home. Many of them close come from behind wins in the fourth quarter. They are four. Teams that play them are four and 11 the following week. That matters to me. What it says is Denver beats you up physically. You better strap the helmet on and be ready to play. I have Denver at seven. Number six, Philadelphia. Hard team to figure out. They are number one in the red zone and they've been the number one scoring defense since they traded for linebacker Jalen Phillips from Miami. He's a good player obviously. Here's an interesting one with Jalen hurts. Do you know he is 7 and oh against Mahomes. Alan Burrow, Lamar Jackson over the last three years, he just. He and Philadelphia may be uneven. They have a way of beating good teams. Homer away. Number five, the Rams don't trust their special teams. Lost three of five. Have not been a good one score game. All five losses this year in one score games. And their defense, maybe it's beat up, I don't know. But their defense is regressing. You saw it last night. Could not stop Bijan Robinson. They're very dependent on how Matt Stafford plays when he. When he throws picks. They don't. Which is discouraging because Seattle wins when Darnold throws picks. I've watched San Francisco win, win. Brock Purdy throws picks or Mac Jones plays. If Stafford struggles, the rams lose. Number four, the Jags. Seven game winning streak. During that streak, outscoring people by 17 a game. And Trevor Lawrence his last five games. 109.7 passer rating. They're for real. I mean, listen, if you don't watch him, here's all you need to know, they've hammered good teams. They go on the road and win. I know it's a odd franchise. I got the Jags at four, number three. I worry about the O line and the run game a little bit. I want to put the Patriots there. Only team in the league top five offense, top five defense. I mean Drake May is going to win the MVP and should he just. I mean he had a. Had a bad game I think on the road against Pittsburgh about three months ago. But they got a lockdown corner in Christian Gonzalez. They don't run the ball consistently, but they run it good enough. I have met three number two niners. I know six game winning streak. Do they have a whole. Yeah. Opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of 101. Caleb Williams had his best game as a pro. So Robert Sala's done a great job. They got a blitz to create pressure. They've got a massive hole but offensively right now they are on fire. And George Kittle didn't even play against Chicago. I got him at two. Number one, Seattle, four and two against winning teams. Darnold's the winningest quarterback in the NFL the last two years. Seattle may not be great at anything. They're not bad at anything. They don't have to have Darnold play great to win. They don't have to have a bunch of sacks to win. They win on the road, they win at home again in the playoffs. You can't be bad at stuff because the coaching so good they'll expose it. They remind me a little bit of New England. What's New England bad at? I wish, I wish the Patriots ran the ball more consistently. But New England's not bad at anything. The only other team I can say that about is the Seahawks. I have him at number one. J. Mac Thoughts?

Jason McIntyre (10:01)

Three teams in the NFC west make your top five. That is insane. Colin, if I had said the Jags would be number four in the herd hierarchy heading into week 18, you probably would have kicked me off the show. Jacksonville, that is an unbelievable story. I was just doing some research here. Did you know they lead the NFL and drop passes this year?

Joel Klatt (10:23)

What?

Colin Cowherd (10:24)

Yeah, they crazy. Jacksonville is one of those teams if you know you can't. It just goes to show. I mean, Chicago hires a new offensive coach. Jacksonville hires a new offensive coach. San Francisco Rams offensive coach. We do like the Texans.

Jason McIntyre (10:42)

Yeah.

Colin Cowherd (10:42)

Because their defense is by far and away the best in the league. And again, variables. Drake May is going to work. Josh McDaniels Little bit of the secret sauce here with Brady and McG. It's a lot of offensive guys engineering it. Sean Payton in Denver. I mean, say what you want about Philadelphia, but I mean that offense, Jalen hurts, doesn't turn it over, doesn't take a lot of sacks. I'll tell you way if Philadelphia played the Rams, you mentioned this earlier, the game plan is going to be real obvious. You throw to AJ Brown 15 times because I don't think the Rams match up at all. I think Philadelphia is a tough matchup for the Rams.

Jason McIntyre (11:19)

By the way, Colin, on your list here, I'm counting four quarterbacks on their rookie deal. Drake May, Bo Nicks, C.J.

Colin Cowherd (11:27)

Stroud and Caleb Williams.

Jason McIntyre (11:28)

Interesting. No Mahomes, no Burrow, no Lamar. The tide has turned in the NFL pretty quickly, huh?

Colin Cowherd (11:35)

Oh, my gosh. Let's bring in Joel Clatt, voice of college football. Be calling the Holiday Bowl Friday in San Diego. Okay, so it's Miami and Ohio State. I think it's low scoring. I think it's close. What would Miami have to do to beat the Buckeyes?

Joel Klatt (11:52)

Well, they've got to get after the passer. You know, that front four, which is a great front four, you know, I'll give them that. Reuben Bain in particular, these guys are active. They can create pressure on the quarterback. They're going to need to do so. That was really what Indiana was able to do against Ohio State and Julian saying and, and it gave them a lot of trouble. And Indiana's defensive front creates a lot of pressure. And they, opposing coaches call them slippery when I talk to them. And so Miami is going to need to be slippery against Ohio State. I think that's, that's first and foremost. And then on, on the opposite side, they, they're going to have to create some field position. I just don't see this Miami team being able to drive the length of the field against this Ohio State defense to score points. So creating some field position, whether it's via special teams, maybe a blocked kick, a turnover here or there. Remember in the last two games, Julian saying has thrown really bad interceptions. Early in the game against Indiana, gave them a short field. Against Michigan, gave them a short field. So they're going to have to try, I think, to get one of those short fields in particular early and try to get a lead.

Colin Cowherd (13:00)

Ryan Day is going to be calling plays which he, which he hasn't done. I don't love it, but there are coaches that do it. Wait, wait, wait.

Joel Klatt (13:07)

Why don't you. Wait, why don't You. He's. He's like one of the best play callers in the country.

Colin Cowherd (13:12)

No, no, I know. I like my head coach to kind of be on the line of scrimmage. Macro, stay off the noise on the headset. He is uniquely qualified to be good at it. But I would prefer my head coach kind of like being an NFL head coach, kind of walk around, kind of feel the vibe of the team. I think he's one of those guys that can like Lane Kiffin. He's a good play caller, but I, I don't. He didn't do it all year, now he's doing it. Does it bother you?

Joel Klatt (13:43)

No, only because I know that he was involved with Brian Hartline pretty extensively. You know, whether it was third downs or red zone, it doesn't bother me. And by the way, this is a lot better than a situation where if a head coach was just a CEO, had really no idea about the offensive system and let an offensive coach kind of do what he needed to do, and then all of a sudden that offensive coach had another job. Right. Like, like, for instance, isn't Ohio State in a better position with their coordinator getting another job than, like, let's say Oregon? I think, yeah. That they are because they have Ryan. So in, in this situation, I would say that this is a huge benefit for Ohio State in the situation where you're going to lose your play caller or he's going to get another job, you know, rather than trying to have him serve two masters and have two jobs and, and continue to call plays, they can lean on. What I think is the best play caller in college football. Him, Lane, Kiffin, Lincoln, Riley. Those are the three best play callers in the sport.

Colin Cowherd (14:44)

Okay, so you've called more Ohio State games than any sportscaster in America. In fact, the Columbus. Columbus Dispatch should start paying you and just do reporting. If last, if last year's Buckeye team faced this Buckeye team, what's it look like? What's it look like?

Joel Klatt (15:02)

You know, last year's Buckeye team was just so uniquely talented from an NFL perspective. Look at all the draft picks, right? What was it? 14 running backs. Running backs. I was just going to get to like, that's the biggest difference to me is the, is the two running backs. Travion Henderson has been incredible for New England. He's been outstanding. I know Quinn Shawn got hurt and that's unfortunate. Quinton Judkins was a tremendous player and also the one thing that last year's group maybe had over this year's group is a quarterback that could be rugged in short yardage. Really the only problem that has crept up for Ohio State the entire season is short yardage, run game and the inability to capitalize. And we saw it creep up against Michigan inside the 5. We saw it creep up against Indiana. It's really the reason that they lost to Indiana. And you think back and, and Will Howard was that guy last year in the playoffs. He's a, he's a big, sturdy quarterback and he would get those third and shorts, fourth and shorts. And they don't have that with Julian saying now they're more explosive throwing the football, but they don't have that short yardage. And so that's the biggest difference. I'm not saying last year's team was better. I think this year's defense is better. I think it's better schematically under Matt Patricia and, and I, I, I do think that we underestimate how good their linebackers and their safety Caleb Downs are. Like these, all three of these guys. Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs, they're all going to be top 15, 20 picks in the NFL draft. That's, that's pretty astounding. And then they also have a first round defensive tackle and Kaden McDonald. You know, the last time a defense in college football calling had four first round draft picks right down the middle, tackle, linebacker and safety was those great Miami teams in the early 2000s. So like they're, they're historically good. This Ohio State.

Colin Cowherd (16:47)

You know what? One of the signs of a great coach or a really good coach, your team gets better. Mario Cristobal's taking heat for years. He didn't win a lot of big games. This team got better. They beat Notre Dame. They went on the road and won when the offense struggled. We got to be honest about Miami. I think the country's sleeping on them. I think they're the most physical team. I think they have a shot to win this. Am I what, Is their offense good enough?

Joel Klatt (17:13)

I think that there's two ways to look at Miami exactly how you're viewing them right now, that they've gotten better and better and better. And then in particular on the offensive line that they've been able to, to form an identity and a physical identity with Mark Fletcher running the football, which he did so well against Texas A and M. The ability to not make mistakes and management games, manage games on the road, which they really had an inability to do in previous years. But this year, one on the road in November in pit one on the road in the playoff against Texas A and M. So there's that way to view Miami and then there's the other view of Miami, which is they took advantage of a team that was playing really poor football in Texas A and M. You know, A and M, if you actually look at their last four games, in particular against FBS opponents, it was really bad. They were down 30 to South Carolina. They got beat by Texas. Now they obviously got beat by Miami. And. And that was a game that was pretty sloppy. And. And do we really believe that Miami is all of a sudden at Ohio State's level, in particular with their offense and their ability to potentially score points? So two different versions of Miami. Where do I sit? Well, I tend to sit a little bit on that last description. I think that Miami had the benefit of playing against a team that was overmatched, had an incredibly easy SEC schedule in Texas A and M, and a quarterback that really played poorly, and they. And they won barely in a game in which they had to have a pick right at the end in order to seal the victory. So while that was impressive, and I don't want to take anything away from Miami, this Ohio State team is different. You know, they've got absolute dudes on the outside on the offensive side. They're going to have a whole month to prepare. We saw what they did in the playoffs a year ago. They've got a quarterback that throws it accurately in a defense that's the best defense since the 2011 Alabama team. You know, the 2011 Alabama team gave up 8.2 points per game. That's exactly what Ohio State's given. That's the best in the last 25 years. Like, is. Is Carson Beck all of a sudden going to turn into a world beater against this Ohio State defense? I don't know. Maybe it's low scoring and they can win the game. I have my doubts.

Colin Cowherd (19:20)

Okay, so Thursday got Oregon at Texas Tech. I think it's low scoring and close. Alabama, Indiana. I like Indiana. Ole Miss, Georgia. They played a close game the first time I watched that. Georgia is going to win, I think by about a touchdown. I think there is some influence with Kiffin leaving the building. Let's talk Oregon for a second. This is a really good physical defensive front. It's a step up in class for Texas Tech. They haven't played a team like this. Here's what I'm rooting for, is that Dante Moore wins, but he struggles and it becomes a.

Joel Klatt (19:54)

You want to see him come back?

Colin Cowherd (19:56)

Well, I think he has to. He's 20 years old with 18. I think he should, he should abs now Mendoza is a different ballgame. Two years at Cal getting beat up goes to Indiana. He and he played really good in spots this year. Dante Moore is a kid. He's like, he's a kid. He should not be in the NFL. If he, if he got drafted by like somebody to the jets, he'd be like 20, 21 years old. In New York it's like, oh, man overboard. That's a disaster. So Dante Moore I think is really good. What do you think happens transpires in that game? Because this is a big boy pass rush. Texas Tech, it's got Sunday dudes up front.

Joel Klatt (20:34)

Yeah, they do. The defensive line is tremendous. Romello height. I, I look at this defensive front seven for Texas Tech and I think it's one of the best in the country. Jacob Rodriguez, the linebacker and, and they're going up against an offense in Oregon that's the number two rush yards per. Per rush offense in the country. They've been running the football in particular in the back half of the year as well as anybody. And so that's a good on good matchup. And, and I can't wait to see how it plays out. To me, I think that Oregon has the ability to be more explosive on offense, which is going to be the difference in this game is that they can score. They can score in a hurry. Not that Texas Tech can't, but you set it there in your setup. And I think that this is going to become kind of the biggest issue in this game and in particular early when Texas Tech lines up in this game, they're going to look across the field and they will have not seen anybody like Oregon. Not all year. Not all year. All due respect to Utah and byu, the best quarterback that Texas Tech faced, they lost to that was Sam Levitt from Arizona State. Meanwhile, Oregon's going to line up and they're going to be like, yeah, we've seen this, we've done this. We just faced Ohio State in the Rose Bowl Last year, we faced Indiana this year they're the number one team in the country. Played in the wideout. You know, we played USC late in the season. We've seen these type of players and I don't think they're going to be overwhelmed. And I think Dan Lanning also has this team thinking about this game as a start to the season. Remember, it was 12 months ago. They got run out of the building at the Rose bowl and to them they've been waiting to get back to this point. This is the start of Oregon season and I don't know if you can say that about Texas Tech, but man, I do think this is going to be a good game, a really good game. Tech is an excellent team.

Colin Cowherd (22:21)

Okay. I think Indiana is going to beat Alabama because I watched Indiana play six times and I got the exact same team every time.

Joel Klatt (22:27)

Yep.

Colin Cowherd (22:27)

I didn't watch exact same team. I watched Alabama. I love Kaylin DeBoer. I didn't see a game where I got four consistent quarters. You get good team or bad team. I think Indiana is kind of being disrespected. The odds makers have said Indiana by a touchdown. It's hard to find anybody in the media that likes Indiana to win. I think they could win. I think they could win going away.

Joel Klatt (22:52)

Possibly.

Colin Cowherd (22:53)

Possibly.

Joel Klatt (22:53)

No, I, I had it at a close game. I've gotten Indiana win this. I think it was 24, 21. And the reason is because I think Ty Simpson's elite. Colin, he is an elite quarterback. You should see him on film because they don't protect him very well. His footwork is incredible. He throws the ball really well down the field. Hyper, accurate, big boy throws. These are not just bubble screens on the outside that you see. Some of these quarterbacks throw huge throws down the field. And, and that's the only concern for Indiana is the fact that Ty Simpson in that passing game is elite. Now in every other area of this game, Indiana has the, the advantage. They've got great players. They're going to play in the NFL. I don't think they're going to be overmatched from a personnel standpoint. You know, and there's one other thing that I think normally when we get to this type time of year, people start talking about, and in the past this was absolutely accurate. And I'm sure you did the same. They would say, like, well, they haven't seen that SEC speed. Right. Well, look at what's going on in the bowl season in the last two and three years is that the, the SEC has gone out in bowl season and gotten drilled around the county. Virginia beat the SEC. You know, like everybody's beating the SEC also. I think they're 2 and 4 in bowl season and last year, you know, they, they haven't played for a national championship in the last couple of years. I think what's, what's fascinating for the media types, maybe us included, is that we still look at the brand.

Colin Cowherd (24:28)

That's right.

Joel Klatt (24:29)

And we don't look at the players. The fact of the Matter is, is that Indiana is a, is a better football team and probably by a substantial margin.

Colin Cowherd (24:38)

I'll say it right now. I think Indiana blows Alabama out. I think it's 3323 and I don't think. I think it's a late Bama touchdown to make it close. I think Indiana blows. If Indiana was called Ohio State, you'd have Ohio State winning by three touchdowns.

Joel Klatt (24:52)

Yeah, of course you would. Of course you would. And by the way, Indiana is more balanced. And if they get to the quarterback like they got to Dante Moore and Julian saying, it's over. Remember, like Ohio State and Oregon have given up. No sacks, almost no pressure. Colin. All year until they faced Indiana, no one wants to talk about the fact that Indiana is the second best defense in the entire sport. So watch out for that defensive front seven getting after the quarterback because if Ty Simpson is under duress, we've already seen that Florida State did that. You know, a lot of teams have done that to Alabama. So I think Indiana wins the game.

Colin Cowherd (25:25)

Yeah. I'm going to say Indiana in a route. Indiana in a route. Okay. I don't know if you caught the courageous Lincoln Riley. I don't use Curry. I don't throw courage out very often, but willingness to say, because I've, I've defended. If you and I went into business and I had a side deal that could literally, at the end, the conclusion of our business partnership, I could take away your profits. Well, I had a side deal. You'd be like, colin, I'm not going into business with you. The fact that you. Yeah, the fact that USC is like, we could be 10th, you could be 12. You knock us out, we'll play. But it's going to be on our terms. You got side deals. We're fully committed. You're not to your conference. I don't even understand the argument. Every USC fan and donor is screaming, I don't understand it. You would never go into business with anybody with a side deal that could steal profits. What am I missing?

Joel Klatt (26:29)

I don't think that that is inaccurate. I mean, honestly. And listen, it does not behoove anybody. I can't believe I'm saying this, but like to schedule Notre Dame because they have such an advantage over these teams that are playing in, in the Big Ten, in the SEC's cases, much more difficult schedules. And now there's this bar, like a minimum bar where all Notre Dame has to do is be in the top 12 with their schedule.

Colin Cowherd (27:06)

Brutal.

Joel Klatt (27:07)

That's crazy. Meanwhile, we have seen, we have Seen that in the selection based model and the invitational that we have in college football. It really comes down to just number of wins and losses. We saw that this year. We saw it last year when those nine and three teams in the SEC were left out and similar this year. And if so, if you're usc, you're like, hold on a second. So we're gonna have to play nine Big Ten games, which by the way, the last two national championship champions came from the Big Ten. Yeah, they've got, they've got three. It could be a third. You got three teams that have a potential to be in the college football semifinals. And we're just going to add Notre Dame because. And they have this sweetheart deal. So I don't disagree with that.

Colin Cowherd (27:53)

Now.

Joel Klatt (27:55)

There'S a huge side of me that just says like, no, I just want to see the game. I want, I want to maintain this game. I'm sure there's a piece of you that feels like that and everybody.

Colin Cowherd (28:04)

Of course, of course, of course.

Joel Klatt (28:06)

But it doesn't make any sense. It doesn't make any sense for USC and because that they've got to look out for themselves and until I think Notre Dame should join a conference and I get a lot of heat for always saying that, but it's time, it's time they. I think that them joining a conference would be better for, for college football.

Colin Cowherd (28:28)

All right. It's good seeing you. I think we both like Kyle Winningham. I Wish he was 56, not 66, but I still think it's a good for four years. Sure.

Joel Klatt (28:36)

But think about it now you've got it. You were up against it timing wise. They had to retain their play identity and yet reset the culture in the building. That's very difficult to do all in one swoop. And you get a guy that's a College football hall of Famer and has won. I mean, that's about as good as they could do at the back end of the carousel. And I mean, like, I thought that was a tremendous hire.

Colin Cowherd (28:59)

Yeah. Ethical, tough. I always said Utah was the most big 10 like pac12 team for the last 20 years.

Joel Klatt (29:08)

Now he doesn't have to fight uphill, you know, like he can go to a place where he can win. Not that you, you talking win, but I'm talking about like national championship win, playoff.

Colin Cowherd (29:16)

He's, he's never had a player offensively as good as Underwood just in terms of talent or Marsh. You could make an argument.

Joel Klatt (29:24)

Well, I mean, he did have. Hold on now. He did have good tight ends.

Colin Cowherd (29:29)

Tight ends.

Joel Klatt (29:30)

Well, the quarterback, Alex Smith, was the number one overall pick.

Colin Cowherd (29:32)

Yeah. Pretty good. Pretty good. It's good. All right, buddy.

Joel Klatt (29:37)

Steve Smith was pretty good, so.

Colin Cowherd (29:39)

Oh, you're. Yeah, you got me on that one. Steve's good, I'll give you that.

Commercial Announcer (29:42)

All right.

Colin Cowherd (29:43)

All right, My man.

Joel Klatt (29:44)

I'll hear from Steve. Steve, I got your back. I got your back.

Colin Cowherd (29:47)

Good. Steve was good. All right. Joel Clapp.

Joel Klatt (29:51)

Great to see you, brother.

Colin Cowherd (29:52)

Good to see you. I. I'm glad. It's crazy to me. I don't understand all this sentimentality. Notre Dame gets to play five conference games in a weaker conference. They can. They can, you know, I mean, they can basically control like half their schedule. USC gets to control, like three out of conference games. Notre Dame could put a buy in front of every USC game in October. USC can't do that. They play them when they play them. I don't even understand it. I really don't. It's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.

Jason McIntyre (30:35)

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Colin Cowherd (33:56)

So let me get this straight. Your company has data here, there and everywhere. But your AI can't use the data because it's here, there and everywhere? Seems like something's missing. Every business has unique data. IBM helps your AI access your data wherever it lives. To change how you do business, let's create Smile to Business. IBM. Make your game day legendary with MGM Rewards. From unforgettable tailgate and viewing parties to world class dining, thrilling nightlife and entertainment that keeps energy going long after the final whistle, this is where fans come to celebrate, show off your team spirit, cheer with friends, and earn rewards on every experience you love because every play is bigger and every moment feels unforgettable in Las Vegas. So what are you waiting for? Make your game day legendary with MGM Rewards. Visit mgmrewards.com for details. There are those speculating that was seven job openings or eight. There aren't enough good candidates. I would, I would argue we'll have our coaching tree, our Christmas coaching tree. I think there are six or seven really good candidates and we'll talk about that coming up. J. Mack with the news. No, no, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the Herd line news.

Jason McIntyre (35:27)

Well, I can't wait to see that list. Colin. Let's get started with Raven Steelers Sunday Night Football. Usually this history between these two teams is phenomenal. But this one, not great. Especially because Lamar Jackson is tbd. According to John Harbaugh on whether or not he'll play. Following the back contusion. Here is Harbaugh on his two time mvp.

Colin Cowherd (35:50)

Well, it's to be determined, you know, I mean still he's coming off, he's coming off a very serious injury and, and he's working at it. So I'm in here today working at it. So I think we'll know a lot more on Wednesday.

Jason McIntyre (36:05)

I know you're Mr. Tinfoil Hat Conspiracy theory guy. You want one?

Colin Cowherd (36:09)

Okay, sure.

Jason McIntyre (36:10)

So remember before Christmas that story came out in Baltimore about Lamar and practice habits and video games and all that nonsense?

Colin Cowherd (36:18)

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Jason McIntyre (36:20)

Wasn't really addressed by Lamar. Harbaugh I think tried to shoot it down. He gets hurt the next day, right. Christmas Day. Haven't heard much from Lamar since. If he's 50, 50, he's like, you know what? Screw these guys are planting stories about me in the media. I don't need this. Is there a quiet quitting going on with Lamar Jackson thinking I'm done in Baltimore, I don't need this place anymore.

Colin Cowherd (36:45)

Would you read that somewhere?

Jason McIntyre (36:47)

No, I just came up like hatched it. Talking to Zach here over what we're going to talk about and I'm like.

Colin Cowherd (36:51)

Did you get that with like Tucker Carlson is on his Reddit board or something?

Jason McIntyre (36:55)

I think it was J.D. vance's finest work.

Joel Klatt (36:57)

I don't, I don't know.

Jason McIntyre (36:58)

I'm just kidding. But in all seriousness, like we know that there is some kind of issue with Lamar. He wanted that full money guarantee. Now he takes a knee to the back and he's. And he's not back in miss. This guy's a warrior, isn't he?

Commercial Announcer (37:14)

I don't know.

Colin Cowherd (37:14)

I have to let that bake. I Think he's hurt and Lamar's not somebody who seeks microphones and I mean, he's not. He'd never been that kid. If you ask him a question, he gives you a thoughtful answer. I, I don't know. I think that that makes Lamar look like he's deceptive and devious and I think he likes being a Raven. I think I would want to be a Raven if I was an NFL quarterback. I think it's great ownership. I mean, I think it's a first class operation. I can't believe he wants to get out of there. Go play for the Jets.

Jason McIntyre (37:46)

Well, no, no, listen, by the way, stop peddling Lamar to my jets, okay? Two years ago when I wanted.

Colin Cowherd (37:51)

It makes sense for them, not.

Jason McIntyre (37:53)

No, not for the Jets. What are we doing taking on the most exciting, expensive guy in, in the league?

Colin Cowherd (37:56)

What would.

Jason McIntyre (37:57)

I don't need that, Colin. I. I just don't. This off season is gonna be fun. Maybe it's the media trying to gin up this game with this Tomlin stuff, but between Tomlin, Lamar Kelsey leaving the.

Colin Cowherd (38:09)

Chiefs demise two games this weekend. I can't wait to watch. That's one of them.

Jason McIntyre (38:14)

Yeah, I. Unfortunately, I think I like the Steelers here and you know my guy Aaron.

Colin Cowherd (38:18)

Rodgers, I like, I like the three and a half. I like Baltimore to win but I'm taking the hook every time in this game. It's going to be close and low scoring.

Jason McIntyre (38:25)

Now this is too hot of a take but if you're the Steelers, do you want to face Snoop Huntley or Lamar?

Colin Cowherd (38:30)

I would rather face Snoop Huntley, but I like Snoop Huntley. I think he's one of the better. I think the two. There's three backups in this league that are good. Mac Jones is a good backup, Malik Willis is a good backup and Snoop Huntley is a good backup. Those are pros. You can win games with those guys. I like those guys.

Jason McIntyre (38:46)

I mean Davis Mills has been solid.

Colin Cowherd (38:48)

He's been solid, I'm saying. But I. Cousins solid. Kirk Cousins made it a starter going forward.

Jason McIntyre (38:54)

Expensive, but yeah, no, there's a couple of. Marcus Mariota was okay at times anyways. All right, let's move on to the Houston Texans. Colin. One of the hottest teams in the league. Eight straight dubs for Demico Ryan's and company. Nice win over the Chargers. Kind of held on for victory. Remember they started 03 and they're headed to the playoffs. They could win the division. D' Amico Ryan's pinpointed the moment the season turned around here we go.

Joel Klatt (39:19)

From.

Colin Cowherd (39:19)

My viewpoint, the turning point for our entire season. I go back to our Jacksonville game. For us to be down as far as far as we were in that game, and for to have our backup quarterback, Davis Mills, to have such a.

Joel Klatt (39:33)

Clutch performance to get us into a.

Colin Cowherd (39:36)

Position to win that game, I feel like that's the game that flipped our season and just showed us like, no matter what, matter what we're up against, no matter who's on the field, if we stay together, stay connected, like, we can overcome anything. He's young. How old is d'? Amico? Ryan's.

Jason McIntyre (39:52)

He's got younger than both of us.

Colin Cowherd (39:54)

That's really all the matters.

Jason McIntyre (39:56)

How about this for a young guy, first three years in the league, him and Stroud are going to the playoffs.

Colin Cowherd (40:01)

Oh, pretty good. Not just that. This was a bottom three laughing stock in the league. He's 41 years old. That dude's got his wits about him at 41. Like D' Ameco is buttoned up at 41. That's a guy I'd want to play for. I mean, that's one of the few defensive coaches. He's basically LeBron 41. And D', Ameco, Ryan, LeBron's birthday today.

Jason McIntyre (40:24)

We'll talk about that in, like, you know, three minutes. Colin, just as of now, based on the standings, the Texans would go to Pittsburgh in the first round.

Colin Cowherd (40:33)

Pittsburgh couldn't score 100.

Jason McIntyre (40:36)

That's. I like them. Now, if somehow Jacksonville slips against Tennessee and Houston gets the three, they would host the Chargers. That's still a great matchup for the Texans. Colin, this is a dangerous team.

Colin Cowherd (40:48)

I mean, I think they. I think Houston matches up with everybody.

Jason McIntyre (40:51)

So if we did a draft of teams that you think would go to the super bowl out of the afc. I mean, I'll give you first pick.

Colin Cowherd (40:57)

I mean, I. My take. I think Denver.

Jason McIntyre (41:00)

Take Denver. They got the buy.

Colin Cowherd (41:02)

No, I mean, New England, Houston and Jacksonville are a handful. Denver is fascinating because they win a lot of close games and they're great at home. Sammy, we keep. We're glossing over this. Denver gets to play at home. The whole AFC playoffs. They've won 12 or 13 at home. They're great at home.

Jason McIntyre (41:22)

Okay, so Denver. Denver would be your pick, Is that what you're saying?

Colin Cowherd (41:25)

Whatever.

Jason McIntyre (41:26)

You're leaving Josh Allen on the board. The Houston Texans defense.

Colin Cowherd (41:30)

Houston beats Buffalo three out of four times.

Jason McIntyre (41:33)

Jacksonville just went to Denver and smoked him by two tutties.

Colin Cowherd (41:36)

Yeah, wait. Wait till you go back to Denver and it's Snowing. And you bring your board shorts from Jacksonville and it's 7 degrees blowing sideways in Jackson dark.

Jason McIntyre (41:46)

Go up and down the field again. I'm just telling this Denver defense is overrated. Big guy, just be care, I know you're excited. Sean Payton, blah, blah, blah. I don't know about the Denver Broncos. Finally, Colin, let's wrap up with, as you alluded to, the birthday 41 for the big guy. LeBron James, greatest player in NBA history. JJ Redick called it remarkable what LeBron's doing at 41. Colin, this is insane. LeBron, this is season 23. He's averaging 20 points, six assists, four rebounds on 50% shooting.

Colin Cowherd (42:23)

I mean, what a.

Jason McIntyre (42:24)

This is insane. A lot of guys have stuck around way too long. It's not too long for LeBron.

Colin Cowherd (42:28)

Well, I do think this is, I do think this should be his last year.

Jason McIntyre (42:31)

Wait, hold on. Should be his last year or you think it will be? Because there's are two. He's not declining to the point that he's like a negative on the court.

Colin Cowherd (42:40)

Well, let's be honest, the next year he's not getting an extension. Bronnie James, it's been a Great story. If LeBron left, Bronnie's not necessary on the roster. The former ownership has played in the LeBron, this ownership is about JJ Redick and Luca and maybe Austin Reaves. So I think it's been a nice soft landing in LA business. Brawny. I think it's gonna, I think it's gonna end. I think it's gonna end.

Jason McIntyre (43:10)

I largely agree. Let me posit a scenario. The lakers go to LeBron and say, LeBron, we can't build a championship winning team with you at 40, 50 million. How low are you willing to go to stick around here? Well, what if LeBron says I'll play for the mid level exception or I'll play for like 4 million a year?

Colin Cowherd (43:28)

He, he's not doing that. Why? And secondly, they have defensive issues. One of them is LeBron. They gotta, they gotta switch this roster up and go get athletes and three and the guys, they don't have enough three guys and they got no three and the guys. So he, at this point, he gets in the way defensively, I mean, just does he hurts. They have plenty of offense. Austin, Reeves, Luca and deandre Ayton, if you kept him, I'm not sure he loves basketball, but whatever. Offense is not the issue. The issue is defensively they have holes And I think LeBron's one of them.

Jason McIntyre (44:02)

They just got to get young Colin watching the spurs and Thunder. It's like all young dudes running around. It's like me trying to play with the young guys.

Colin Cowherd (44:09)

Tiger Woods. Tiger Woods. 50 today.

Commercial Announcer (44:12)

Who?

Colin Cowherd (44:13)

Tiger Woods.

Joel Klatt (44:14)

I'm just kidding.

Colin Cowherd (44:14)

Yeah, congrats J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the Herd lie news. I think the coaching tree is better than people think. Next, the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite processors are made to go the distance with blazing fast performance. Next level efficiency Snapdragon processors are built to tackle it all, from highlight reel editing to intense player research, making it all feel effortless. And with multi day battery life, you got true freedom all right, without being tethered to an outlet. So from long video calls to all day fantasy drafts, your laptop stays ready so you can be at the top of your game. It's the kind of performance your lifestyle demands. So make sure your next PC is powered by Snapdragon. Learn more at snapdragon.com laptops snapdragon the heart of your PC battery life varies significantly based on devices, setup, usage and other factors. This product contains nicotine that's an addictive chemical. What are you reaching for? If you're a smoker or dipper, you're reaching for nicotine satisfaction. And all the problems that come with smoking are dipping. But you could be reaching for Zyn nicotine pouches. Let's talk about what Zyn helps you reach for. First variety 10 flavored and unflavored Zyn varieties in either 3 milligrams or 6 milligram strengths. Also, because Zyn nicotine pouches are smoke free and spit free, you don't have to think about lingering smells or unsightly spit bottles. Then there's living life on your terms, where you don't have to step away from good times because you need a smoke or a dip. Or you can be part of every moment. And hey, there's more. Zyn offers a robust rewards program, opportunities to break free from your routine, membership in a unique nationwide community. Whatever you're reaching for, reach for it with America's number one nicotine pouch brand. Find your zyn.com that's z y n.com.

Commercial Announcer (46:08)

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Colin Cowherd (47:12)

So you're telling me that the AI that's meant to make everyone's job easier to manage just adds more to manage? On top of the thousands of apps the IT department already manages? Funny how that works. Any business can add AI. IBM helps you scale and manage AI to change how you do business. Let's create Smile to Business IBM. Make your game day legendary with MGM Rewards. From unforgettable tailgate and viewing parties to world class dining, thrilling nightlife and entertainment that keeps energy going long after the final whistle. This is where fans come to celebrate. Show off your team spirit, cheer with friends and earn rewards on every experience you love. Because every play is bigger and every moment feels unforgettable in Las Vegas. So what are you waiting for? Make your game day legendary with MGM Rewards. Visit mgmrewards.com for details. People say there's gonna be seven, eight job openings. Are there any good coaches out there? And so I thought, you know what, many of you still have the Christmas tree up. In fact, I asked Ann when are we taking the Christmas tree down? And I think, I think Friday's the day. So here's our coaching Christmas tree. I think there's a lot of interesting presence in this one. Let's start with what I view as the top candidate. That would be Brian Flores. Now, he's got a lawsuit currently against the Giants, Broncos and Dolphins. So he's not getting the Giants Dolphins job. But I think he was 19 and 14 over two seasons with the Dolphins. He has been as capable as any coordinator. I think Brian Flores, he's the star at the top of the tree. I say Robert Salah, number 13 scoring defense this year, having lost Fred Warner and a Bosa has got to be on that coaching tree. Mike McCarthy, 12 winning seasons and 12 playoff appearances has to be on that coaching tree. Jesse Mentor. The defense was the worst in the league. It's been number three in the two years since he arrived after winning a natty with Harbot Michigan. Jeff Halfley, he's been a head coach before Boston College, so he gets that. Not a guy that wants the spotlight. Halfley's really bright. You know, he lost Micah Parsons and Kenny Clark in a trade. That's not easy. But they have a top 10 scoring defense and the Green Bay historically doesn't do defense like they do offense. And Brian Dabel, who worked under Saban and Belichick also won coach of the year in New York, won a playoff game with Daniel Jones. I would keep your eye on an interesting present that has not been unwrapped yet. Ryan Day, Eagles and 49ers assistant, is probably a year away from being open. But what if he wins? Back to back Natties. He's conquered college football, wants to take the next big career leap. Flores, Sala, McCarthy, Minter, Halfley. Day Ball. Ryan Day. I'd have no trouble hiring any of these guys this year or next with a Miami. Now I also think that a Kevin Stefanski should keep his job in Cleveland. I think it's ridiculous. Hopefully that win over Pittsburgh maintains the leadership between the GM Andrew Barry and Kevin Stefanski. But I actually think there's some really interesting coaches. Jeff Halfley was a head coach that Boston College and said I want to go to the next level and has crushed it. You know, it's interesting that you'd give up Boston College money for coordinator money, but the NFL coordinators now probably make as much as a Boston College coach. I wonder if we see that going forward. Chip Kelly said, I don't want to be the coach of ucla. I'm going to be a coordinator at Ohio State and he won a national championship. So that's, that's interesting. Are you going to see some of these college coaches at lower tier programs like BC say, you know, we can't compete in the nil world. I'm going to go be a coordinator at college for two or three years with a stable operation. Green Bay, certainly that and then I become a head coach. Jeff Halfley may be what a lot of coaches are seeing out there. Like why plan the nil world at Purdue, Go be a coordinator with Demi Ryan's in Houston or a, you know, like a high level guy, like a variable in New England and then do it for two or three years and become a head coach.

Jason McIntyre (51:54)

Colin. I'll just ask. Halfley has been good with Micah Parsons. I mean, the Ravens ran up what, 300 yards on the ground, right? As soon as Micah goes out last week with a backup quarterback. I'm sorry. You know, it's just an uninspiring list of candidates this year. There's just not anybody great. I mean, Brian Flores at the top. What's up with his lawsuit against the NFL? How's that working out? Like, I remember the Giants were so serious about him that, you know, they interviewed also Brian Dable and ended up picking Dable. Remember the whole Belichick texting thing? Like, I don't. I don't think anybody's touching Flores yet. Sounds like o' Connell thinks he's coming back. It's just not a great year to fire your coach.

Colin Cowherd (52:34)

Mike McCarthy.

Jason McIntyre (52:35)

He's not doing a rebuild though, is he? He's not taking the Jets. They got no quarterback.

Colin Cowherd (52:40)

Not college rebuild called free agent money. Keep your eye on Ryan Day. PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite processors are made to go the distance with blazing fast performance, next level efficiency and multi day battery life. Snapdragon processors are built to tackle it all. From highlight reel editing to intense player research. So you can be at the top of your game wherever the day takes you. Learn more@snapdragon.com laptops Snapdragon the heart of your PC. Battery life varies significantly based on device settings, usage and other factors. What a matchup we got, y'.

Commercial Announcer (53:27)

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Colin Cowherd (53:27)

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Joel Klatt (53:31)

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Colin Cowherd (53:34)

Chance echo drum beat everybody showing that school pride. A game like this, yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans. School colors everywhere. And in ice cream cold Coca Cola.

Joel Klatt (54:00)

That's a winning combo.

Colin Cowherd (54:02)

No matter the sport, no matter the yard.

Joel Klatt (54:04)

Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work.

Colin Cowherd (54:07)

So grab a Coca Cola and keep.

Joel Klatt (54:09)

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Joel Klatt (54:29)

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Colin Cowherd (54:33)

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Joel Klatt (54:39)

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Colin Cowherd (54:42)

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Joel Klatt (55:53)

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