The McShay Show – Episode Summary
Podcast: The McShay Show
Host: Todd McShay (with Mitch Muench)
Episode: 10 Tape Truths From Week 10: Ohio State’s Challengers, the Loaded 2027 QB Class, Clemson’s Collapse, and More
Date: November 3, 2025
Overview
This episode delivers Todd McShay and Mitch Muench’s “10 Tape Truths” from a loaded Week 10 in college football, focusing on tape study that reveals the real strengths and weaknesses of teams and players beyond the Saturday scoreboard. They dive deep into Ohio State’s dominant status, the rise of the QB class of 2027, Arch Manning’s performance, the potential for upsets, defensive standouts, and disappointments like Clemson’s collapse.
Tone throughout is energetic, analytical, and engaging—balancing serious breakdowns with wry humor and behind-the-scenes stories.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Oregon on Upset Alert at Iowa (04:55)
Main Point
- Oregon is a 6.5-point favorite but the hosts warn not to overlook Iowa, calling them “the best unranked team in the country.”
- Iowa has been dominant recently, strong on both sides of the ball, disciplined, and great on special teams.
Details
- Iowa’s recent run: Beat Wisconsin by 37, Penn State by 1, Minnesota by 38, narrowly lost to Indiana.
- “They're averaging 31.1 points per game... they have one of the most dangerous, probably the most dangerous, return man in the country in Kaden Region.” (Mitch, 06:04)
- Iowa’s defense: Excellent run defense (2.64 yards per carry—tied with Ohio State).
Quote
“Don't have a bad week or you're going to be in trouble.”
— Mitch Muench, 08:22
Notable Moment
- Discussion on head coach Dan Lanning’s commitment to Oregon and how that boosts the team (09:32).
2. Arch Manning: Arriving as Texas QB (09:49 – 19:34)
Main Point
- Todd breaks down Arch Manning’s performance: a slow start, but then a showcase of NFL-caliber throws and poise.
- Texas is riding a four-game win streak with back-to-back top-10 wins, something they haven’t done in years.
Details
- Arch shook off early jitters in the Oklahoma game to settle in and lead with confidence.
- Tape analysis: Key throws to DeAndre Moore, anticipation and accuracy, mature pocket presence.
- Injuries loom (Wingo out with a thumb injury). Texas faces a gauntlet with Georgia next.
Quotes
“If I'm a Texas fan – or close with the Manning family... you breathe a sigh of relief because you see it's there. This is Arch.”
— Todd McShay, 17:55
“A month ago... you’d be worried about Arch, now it’s the defense you’re concerned about.”
— Mitch Muench, 18:57
3. Julian Sayin Is the Nation’s Best True Freshman QB (20:59 – 32:17)
Main Point
- Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, not Arch Manning, is the top young QB in CFB right now.
- Both Mitch and Todd agree Sayin is playing on a higher level—the conversation veers into the loaded 2027 QB class.
Details
- Sayin’s command of the offense, maturity, and ability to make NFL throws noted repeatedly.
- Extensive praise for Ohio State’s coaching staff for Sayin’s development and the system’s flexibility.
- Key weapons: Jeremiah Smith is all-time elite, Carnell Tate emerging.
- Sayin is FanDuel’s Heisman odds favorite (+175 as of this week).
Quotes
“If you give me one game, one quarterback for the biggest game – I’m taking Julian.”
— Todd McShay, 22:12
“He’s doing it with a little bit more. It just looks better. It’s cleaner, it’s crisper, it’s more confident.”
— Todd McShay, 28:57
4. The 2027 QB Class Could Be Legendary (32:17 – 35:41)
Main Point
- With Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, Dante Moore, Lenora Sellers, Ty Simpson, John Matier, and potentially more, the 2027 draft QB class stacks up to, or exceeds, the legendary 2024 class.
Details
- NIL and player eligibility rules will influence future draft declarations heavily.
Quote
“It could wind up being a better class than [the 2024 QBs: Caleb, Maye, Daniels, Penix, McCarthy, Nix].”
— Todd McShay, 35:32
5. Indiana’s Underrated Greatness—and Why OSU Should Fear Them (35:54 – 46:07)
Main Point
- Despite strength-of-schedule questions, the odds-makers (and hosts) see Indiana as the team most likely to upset Ohio State on a neutral field.
- Indiana’s defense is ferocious, deep at running back, and well coached.
Details
- FanDuel odds: OSU favored by 4 vs. Indiana, 5 vs. Alabama, 6.5 vs. Texas A&M—demonstrating respect for Indiana.
- Indiana’s defense ranks 3rd in points allowed, 8th in sacks, has an outstanding RB room, and rarely beats itself.
- Discussion of potential Big Ten title game strategy—should Indiana “hide” looks? Both agree: still play to win, then adjust for a rematch.
Quotes
“It tells me the odds makers view Indiana as the better football team than Alabama, better than Texas A&M.”
— Todd McShay, 44:08
6. Indiana Defense Standout: Lewis Moore’s Story (49:27 – 52:48)
Main Point
- Lewis Moore, Indiana safety, is a hidden gem: transfers, eligibility lawsuit, and now tied for FBS lead in INTs.
Details
- Background: Started at Navarro, transferred, left, returned, won NCAA lawsuit for eligibility.
- Five INTs, leads Indiana in tackles, plays all special teams.
- “Ball magnet more than hawk”—great closing/breaking on balls, physical, tough in run support (5 INTs, lots of overthrows/tips but makes plays).
Quotes
“No one knows who he is and his story is awesome... He’s tied for the FBS lead with five interceptions.”
— Mitch Muench, 49:44
“I love when you throw on your Perrones Italian gourmet hat and start storytelling with Draft Santa.”
— Todd McShay, 52:48
7. Ole Miss X-Factor: Keon Lacy (53:00 – 60:39)
Main Point
- RB Keon Lacy is pivotal for Ole Miss. The offense and defense’s success often rest on his consistency and health.
Details
- Lacy transferred from Missouri, took over at Ole Miss (189 carries, 863 yards, 13 TDs).
- Games where Lacy wasn’t right saw Ole Miss struggle offensively and lose defensive balance.
- His ability to grind out carries, create yards, and control clock is crucial.
Quotes
“If he’s not right... they don’t have enough balance as a team.”
— Todd McShay, 55:43
“He’s 96th percentile in missed tackles forced... He’s a damn good running back.”
— Todd McShay/Mitch Muench, 60:34
8. Georgia Tech and Haynes King—Astounding but Alone (60:56 – 65:14)
Main Point
- Haynes King’s heroic play at QB (511 total yards, 4 TDs vs. NC State) is being wasted because GT’s run defense can’t hold up.
Details
- GT’s D is 16th of 17 in ACC in rush yards allowed: gap fits, tackling, discipline issues.
- King is exceptional, elevates team but needs help.
Quotes
“He’s carrying a program and doing some of the things… the leadership and the toughness and the dual threat.”
— Todd McShay, 64:02
9. Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez: The Unsung Hero (65:21 – 73:23)
Main Point
- LB Jacob Rodriguez is the heart of the best run defense in the country but gets little national love.
Details
- Tech allows just 74.6 rush yards/game; Rodriguez has 77 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 2 INT, and 7 forced fumbles (over one forced turnover per game!).
- Not the biggest/fastest, but elite instincts, quickness, impact plays—pro scouts should reconsider his draft value.
Quotes
“He’s taking the ball away at a clip greater than one per game... between forced fumbles and interceptions.”
— Todd McShay, 68:25
“All the traits are average by NFL standards but his read and react skills are exceptional.”
— Todd McShay, 69:18
10. Clemson’s Defensive Collapse (73:25 – 77:41)
Main Point
- Clemson’s defense, once dominant, is now in free-fall. The secondary, especially, is a liability.
Details
- Since Venables’ departure, numbers have plummeted—now 54th in total D, 64th in PPG.
- Even blue-chip talents like Avion Terrell, Peter Woods, and TJ Parker are underperforming.
- Duke’s Menza picked them apart; secondary has allowed several big plays, communication break-downs.
Quotes
“Darian Menza... walked into that stadium and saw that secondary and was like, ‘It’s time to eat.’”
— Mitch Muench, 74:05
11. College Tight Ends – The Next NFL Wave (77:41 – 85:33)
Main Point
- McShay highlights the surge of NFL-ready tight ends from college—paying homage to stars like Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt) and Michael Trigg (Baylor).
Details
- Stowers: Converted QB, reliable, tough to bring down (7 catches, 146 yards, 2 TD vs. Texas).
- Trigg: 40 catches, 607 yards, emerging as 2026’s TE2 behind Kenyon Sadiq.
- Three of top 7 NFL rookie TEs in receiving yards this year—shows trend.
Quotes
“We’re seeing an evolution of tight ends in the league—Bowers, McBride, Kincaid. There’s another batch coming.”
— Mitch Muench / Todd McShay, 85:15
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Arch Manning’s bust potential:
“All the people who are on X and media... showing the low-level high school competition and the short arming: That’s stuff he can keep developing, but I know it’s there.” – Todd McShay, 17:41
-
On Julian Sayin's processing and touch:
“I’m seeing a quarterback who has complete understanding of what they’re trying to do, where his eyes should go, and in doing that he’s gaining confidence every week.” – Todd McShay, 24:18
-
On the potential chaos in playoff scenarios:
“There’s an opportunity for the SEC to get five in.” – Todd McShay, 17:55
-
On unsung heroes:
“Nobody knows who [Lewis Moore] is. His story is awesome. He’s tied for the FBS lead with five interceptions.” – Mitch Muench, 49:44
-
On the unheralded impact of a running back:
“Keon Lacy becomes the best asset for an Ole Miss defense that is not up to snuff this year.” – Todd McShay, 57:16
-
On the linebacking class and Rodriguez:
“This might be... one of the better off-the-ball linebacker drafts in at least a decade.” – Todd McShay, 67:28
Timestamps (HH:MM:SS)
- 00:00 — Show open, Week 10 setup, brief banter
- 04:55 — Oregon upset alert at Iowa
- 09:49 — Arch Manning, Texas performance, QB evolution
- 20:59 — Julian Sayin vs. Arch Manning, freshman QB breakdown
- 32:17 — 2027 QB class outlook
- 35:54 — Indiana as OSU’s top challenger, odds analysis
- 49:27 — Lewis Moore feature (Indiana safety)
- 53:00 — Keon Lacy’s value to Ole Miss
- 60:56 — Georgia Tech’s Haynes King: talented but let down by defense
- 65:21 — Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) — best run defense, unsung hero
- 73:25 — Clemson’s secondary struggles, program decline
- 77:41 — College tight ends: new generation, Stowers & Trigg
Conclusion
This episode packs in rich, detailed tape analysis, revealing the stories behind the scores: overlooked standouts, coaching masterstrokes, and concerns for highly-touted programs. The hosts blend serious scouting with personality, keeping the tone brisk, passionate, and accessible for both hardcore and casual fans.
If you missed Week 10 or want to see beyond the highlights, this is your roadmap for the playoff chase and the next wave of NFL stars.