10 Tape Truths From Week 6: Notre Dame’s Playoff Push, Miami’s Case for No. 1, Alabama’s Rise, and More

Summary

---

The McShay Show: 10 Tape Truths From Week 6

Podcast: The McShay Show
Host: The Ringer
Episode: 10 Tape Truths From Week 6: Notre Dame’s Playoff Push, Miami’s Case for No. 1, Alabama’s Rise, and More
Date: October 6, 2025

---

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into Week 6 of the college football season, with Todd McShay and co-host Mitch breaking down their “10 Tape Truths”—the most important insights gleaned from extensive game film review. The show highlights Miami’s emergence, Alabama’s turnaround, Notre Dame’s playoff push, offensive line play, and key draft prospects, giving listeners granular analysis and bold takes grounded in tape study. The tone is energetic, expert, and laced with friendly banter, making the complex details of X’s and O’s accessible and engaging.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Miami’s Defense: Second Only to Ohio State

• Tape Truth 1 ([02:52]): Miami’s defense isn’t quite Ohio State’s, but it’s the closest thing in college football. The edges, Reuben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, are the best tandem nationally.
  • Reuben Bain Jr.: Stats don’t tell the whole story—his disruptive presence (2 QB hits, 11 pressures, 91 pass rush grade) changes games. "He is emerged as...the number one edge defender...He has been sincere." —Steve ([03:15]).
  • Bain’s Bend: "The thing with him that stands out all the time is the bend around the edge. So he's...powerfully built and he scares the death out of offensive tackles" —Steve ([04:44]).
  • Linebacker Praise: Wesley Besanth (smart, green dot guy) and Muhammad Toure (sideline-to-sideline, athletic) form an elite duo.
  • Defensive Weakness: The interior DT depth is average; Ahmad Moton is solid, but depth is a concern if injuries strike.
  • Epiphany: Jacoby Thomas (#8) has become the “X Factor,” flying around as a blitzing safety and thriving in coverage.
    • "Jacoby Thomas has become absolutely critical to this Miami defense...one of the most unheralded stars." —Steve ([11:45]).
  • Keonte Scott: Another versatile safety, both transfers targeted to fit DC Corey Heatherman's scheme.
  • Creativity: Simulated pressures and blurred assignments are “an absolute nightmare for an offensive line” —Mitch ([13:26]).
  • Game Film: Held fast after an early surge by Florida State, adjusted swiftly, and dominated defensively.

2. Miami Deserves To Be No. 1

• Tape Truth 2 ([14:20]): Miami’s resume—quality wins (Notre Dame, Florida, Florida State), strength of schedule—should put them atop the AP Poll.
  • "There is no way Miami shouldn't be number one in the AP this week. There is zero way." —Mitch ([14:20])
  • Steve caveats: eyes still tell him Ohio State is better, but Miami’s resume is “too good not to put them at one.” AP bias and lack of future statement games could matter.
  • Both hosts agree: neutral field, Ohio State wins, but Miami has earned No. 1 on merit.

3. Alabama’s Defensive Breakthrough

• Tape Truth 3 ([19:08]): Alabama’s coordinator Kane Wommack led a “program win” vs Vanderbilt, adjusting in-game to stop the run after a shaky start.
  • Problem area: Mobile QBs and misdirection have hurt Bama for years.
  • Turning point: After big early plays, Alabama adjusted LB depth and discipline (“hold your water”) and played true team defense, shutting down Vanderbilt’s run game.
    • "Vandy had five carries for 113 yards in the first quarter... third quarter, five carries, seven yards. You want to talk about...the effect [coaching] has on a defense, it's hard to beat that line right there." —Steve ([26:39])
  • “Sometimes it’s a simple game... sometimes you got to simplify it for your players.” —Mitch ([27:56]).

4. Alabama’s Offense Elevated by Jam Miller and O-line Shuffle

• Tape Truth 4 ([28:46]): Running back Jam Miller changes the offense—his patience, vision, and ability to maximize blocking were missing.
  • "It's night and day the way he reads his blocks versus the other Alabama backs." —Mitch ([29:58])
  • Right side of OL—Carroll and Formby—highlighted for technical, agile run blocking. “Made you emotional” watching their back-side inside zone technique.
  • Cautions about running back depth—need backups to develop.

5. Florida’s Offense Turns From Liability to Asset

• Tape Truth 5 ([34:48]): The Gator offense has finally clicked, rooted in cohesive O-line play.
  • "The Gators offensive line put together a performance that...was as good as you can expect from the highest level of college football as a group." —Steve ([34:48])
  • Miami-style “Big man ballet,” highlighted by five working as one, creates new possibilities for their offense and sticks together even as defenses adjust.
  • Jaiden Ball praised for physical, elusive running despite only 4 yards/carry: “The way he finishes runs...he’s got this jump cut...he's a damn good college running back.” —Steve ([39:25])
  • Presence of true freshman WR Dallas Wilson (“grown-ass man”) and a reinvigorated receiver group with depth—added vertical and intermediate threat.
  • Big question: Can Lagway and these weapons hit vertically as defenses adjust?

6. Texas’ O-line Issues Hamstring Arch Manning

• Tape Truth 6 ([45:07]): Arch Manning’s struggles attributed not only to his own learning curve, but also to glaring protection breakdowns, especially at left guard. Multiple blown assignments and stunts are giving him “bullets...flying at him” every dropback—Mitch ([47:31]).
  • "He was hit five times. I think that number might be low...when you get hit that much, how are you not lowering your eyes?" —Mitch ([47:45])
  • Texas cannot compete with Oklahoma unless pass pro improves immediately.

7. Oklahoma’s QB Hawkins: Electric Runner, Concerning Mechanics

• Tape Truth 7 ([49:46]): Michael Hawkins is a dynamic dual-threat (especially running), but mechanically he drops his elbow and relies on a sidearm, quick release—fine for RPOs, but problematic for deep outs and tight windows.
  • “I'm really concerned...can he actually make the throws when receivers get open?...even when...receivers can go and dig it out, they’re tough balls to catch.” —Steve ([55:41])
  • Arbuckle (OC) needs to protect him while not over-limiting the offense. Texas game will test how far Hawkins has come.
• Both teams (Texas & OU) enter Red River “wounded”—which one is actually more vulnerable?

8. Notre Dame’s Playoff Path Reopens

• Tape Truth 8 ([59:31]): After early, close losses to Miami and Texas A&M (combined 4 points), ND has worked its way back up to #16.
  • “Everything’s breaking their way...they seem functional this year.” —Mitch ([61:16])
  • CJ Carr, growing more comfortable as a passer, plus a functional WR group and strong running game, are helping.
  • Only huge potential resume win left: USC, but ND’s path and brand history help. If they win out, "hard to believe that they won’t find their way in to the college [playoff]." —Steve ([62:54])
  • Spirited debate about 12- vs 16-team playoffs.

9. Big Ten’s New Crop of Offensive Weapons

• Tape Truth 9 ([65:14]): The Big Ten is loaded at receiver in a way not seen in years—five of the top 17 in yards per game (equal to ACC, SEC, Big 12 combined).
  • Michigan: Omarion McCulley and Andrew Marsh—developing into NFL-level targets.
  • Ohio State: Carnell Tate, Jeremiah Smith—Tate with a breakout 183-yard game against Minnesota: “[This was] an important game...to get the confidence going for Julian Saint.” —Steve ([69:38])
  • Illinois: Hank Beatty; others include Makai Lemon (Illinois), Denzel Boston, Decorian Moore (Oregon), Ian Strong (Rutgers).
  • “Not our grandfather's Big Ten, man.” —Mitch ([71:41])

10. Malachi Tony (Miami WR): Elite Intelligence, Not Just Tools

• Tape Truth 10 ([71:55]): WR Malachi Tony is a standout not just for speed/YAC, but for rare football IQ at age 18—executive-level route adjustments, situational awareness.
  • “He knows exactly where he is on the field...he just understands the game. Man, at that age, knows how to get open, knows how to make plays.” —Mitch ([74:14])
  • Mario Cristobal: “If everybody did what Malachi does, their performance levels will go through the roof.” ([74:44])
  • Tony already being used as a focal point, despite expected "easing in," due to instant reliability and playmaking.

---

Standout Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Miami’s defensive emergence:
  "Tape Truth #1—Miami's defense is in Ohio State's, but it's the closest thing to it in college football." —Steve ([02:52])

• On Alabama’s defensive turnaround:
  "This is an 11 guy defense today. The only way we’re going to win has to be." —Steve ([24:29])

• OL geek-out:
  “Their backside blocking on inside zone...made you emotional.” —Mitch ([30:52])

• On Florida’s transformation:
  “The Gators offensive line put together a performance that...was as good as you can expect from the highest level of college football as a group.” —Steve ([34:48])

• On Malachi Tony’s IQ:
  “He just understands the game. Man, at that age, knows how to get open, knows how to make plays.” —Mitch ([74:14])

• Quick Take on Big Ten receivers:
  “Big Ten has five of the top seventeen in FBS in receiving yards per game. That’s equal to the SEC, ACC, and Big 12 combined.” —Steve ([71:11])

• Notre Dame’s playoff hopes:
  “I just, I find it hard to believe that they won’t find their way into the college [playoff].” —Steve ([62:54])

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Miami’s Defense: [02:52] – [14:16]
• Miami for No. 1: [14:20] – [19:01]
• Alabama’s Defensive Breakthrough: [19:08] – [28:44]
• Alabama Offense/Jam Miller: [28:46] – [32:44]
• Florida’s Offensive Turnaround: [34:48] – [45:02]
• Texas Pass Protection/Arch Manning: [45:07] – [49:03]
• Oklahoma QB Hawkins Tape Study: [49:46] – [57:26]
• Notre Dame Playoff Push: [59:31] – [64:27]
• Big Ten Offensive Weapons: [65:14] – [71:11]
• Malachi Tony’s Football IQ: [71:55] – [75:03]

---

Conclusion

This episode delivers a comprehensive, film-driven re-evaluation of Week 6’s college football landscape. Miami’s case for No. 1, the evolution of Alabama and Florida, Notre Dame’s advantage, and rising skill talent in the Big Ten are explained with context, numbers, and coach-speak turned plain English. Standout players and coaches alike get their due, and the episode finishes with a deeper appreciation for rising stars and underappreciated units.

For fans, draftniks, and college football obsessives, it’s a must-listen—the kind of episode that leaves you feeling both smarter about the game and hungrier for next week’s matchups.

---

Transcript

[Steve]

It's Monday and you know what that means. It's tape truths from a wild week six in college football. Alabama and Miami are surging. Is Florida prime for another resurgence? And what the hell is going on with Penn State? 199 days on the wall. 199 days. Just 199 days until the NFL Draft. Mitch, you good? I'm good, man. All right. Roll that thing, Tuck. This is a jam packed show. We got no time to waste. The McShay report. Google it in a really good. We're gonna start doing this every Sunday morning if you haven't seen it already. It's kind of a recap. Summarizes a little bit of what we did on on Saturday night in the reaction show but dives a little deeper. Some prospects in there, some thoughts on James Franklin and the leadership issues State college and all of that. So check that out. We'll have another another newsletter this week. We're going to dive deep into some take. This episode is presented by Duluth Trading Co. Ready to give rival tailgates the foam finger. Duluth Trading Co. Crafts hall of fame game day gear to help you grill hotter, cheer louder and tailgate longer. Bibs loaded with pockets, gusseted pants so you can crouch without snuffing out your coals. And free swinging shirts tailor made for cornhole tossing. Stay comfortable from preseason to playoffs in the toughest tailgate attire around. Only at Duluth Trading company did a lot of tape work yesterday mention. I know you did as well, right?

[Mitch]

Sundays are four, man.

[Steve]

Yeah. So we, we're. That's why we're here. It's Monday. We've had a minute to kind of decompress. We've had a lot of minutes to to get into the tape and let's just share with you. And that's what we try to do here on Mondays with our tape truths. Everything that we saw on tape is we went back and specifically targeted 10 different things that we wanted answers to and we're going to share it here. So this episode is brought to you by Fox 1. Fox 1 is now live stream all your fox favorites together in one place from major league baseball postseason to NFL on fox to to big noon Saturdays with fox one. You get it all live. Start your seven day free trial today. Offers are subject to change. Go to fox one for complete terms and conditions. Fox one streaming now. Tape truth one mensch. Let's get it kicked off. Want me to start or you. You go. All right. You're always deferring to me.

[Mitch]

I like mine builds off yours, though. I know mine builds off yours, so.

[Steve]

All right, tape truth number one, Miami's defense is in Ohio State's, but it's the closest thing to it in college football. After going back and watching this tape, and we had kind of watched tape throughout the season so far. Let's start up front. And there's a lot of things on social media right now, you know, Reuben Bain Jr. Akeem Messador. This is the best edge tandem in all of college football. I don't disagree. I don't think they're perfect. I think Reuben Bain might be the closest thing to perfect and certainly in the 2026 edge class, he's. He's the number one edge defender. He is emerged as that. He has been sincere. You know, it was interesting, Steve, when I went back and watched the tape, like, I thought he had a quiet night.

[Mitch]

Right? The numbers, he's chaotic, man. The numbers don't necessarily reflect it all the time, but he is always making an impact in the game.

[Steve]

I went and like, so, like, the sack numbers weren't there and so it didn't jump out on the stat line. And while watching the game, like, I saw him flash and do a couple things, but it wasn't like, you know, sometimes you watch an edge rusher who's. Who's on a heater that night and he shows up and there's big hits and there's sacks and there's tackles for love, there's a force fumble, there's a tomahawk chop, all those things. I didn't get that sense watching the game. Then I went back and watched a tape and then I looked at some of, like, the deeper numbers. Two quarterback hits, 11 quarterback pressures. Yeah. Like a 91 pass rush or a 32 win rate is pass rush. So, like, all those numbers. But what I'm seeing on tape is the same stuff. We did a whole breakdown last week on Ruben Bane and Carson Beck. Right. Trying to in preparation of the Florida State game. And it's the same thing.

[Mitch]

It's power.

[Steve]

It's that quickness. It's the thing with him is you're not getting elite speed off the edge. And that's about the only part of his game that he's maybe missing compared to some other, like, you know, elite edge rushers. But as I talked about, look at the Bosa brothers. Look at like, some, like a lot of the top sack guys in the NFL were not like 4, 5, 4, 6 edge rushers. The thing with him that stands out all the time is the bend around the edge. So he's. So he's powerfully built and he, he scares the death out of offensive tackles with his ability to get in their pads and drive them back. So then when he gets in the pads and works half a man, meaning like that outside shoulder of a tackle, then had that body lean at 275 pounds, shaving the edge, advancing the rush while engaged. And then in the run game, it's like you got to block him with two or run away from him or else. Or option him or else it's going to be a problem. Now Messador, on the other side, really good player. I don't want to downplay. The dude is active and the numbers popped and he made some, some, some flash plays in the game. He is a really disruptive player, but if you really watch him like isolated on an offensive tackle, and this is why I think his, his grade for NFL scouts is not nearly as high as Bain and he's not considered one of the top five seven edge rushers in the, you know, in the 2026 draft. But with Messador, there are times when he gets kind of, you know, if they, if a tackle gets into his pads, it's kind of over. Right. So what he does as a player, I've really, really noticed is he stays active and on the move as much as he can. The downside with that is he leaves the defense vulnerable at time with the, with gap discipline. The upside is he makes a lot of tackles in pursuit on the move, and he's highly disruptive. So Those are your two edge rushers, right?

[Mitch]

Yep.

[Steve]

These linebackers, man. Wesley Besanth, 31, Muhammad Torre, number one.

[Mitch]

I love Torre.

[Steve]

I was just gonna say I'm glad you, I'm glad you popped that in.

[Mitch]

Yeah.

[Steve]

The Saint is like, is the veteran. He's smart. I don't want to say smarter than Torre, but like, he'll get Torre lined up. He's the, he's the green dot guy. He's. He gives, you know, the communication runs through him and, and he's like, just like what you would think. Good with his hands, works off of blocks. He's where he needs to be and fills the gaps and all that stuff. Torre is the, is the guy he plays. If they, if they spread you out, he's gonna, he's gonna climb outside the box. He can cover a little bit. He's sidelined to sideline. As long as he's pointing the right direct, he goes and gets it. So those are your two, and he's faster and he's longer, he's just a more athletic, physically gifted player than Besant. And Besaint's a really good player. Okay, so those are your off the ball linebackers and your edge guys. The defensive tackles is kind of the reason why I look at this, this team and say this unit and say Miami's outstanding. Probably second best defense in the country from what we've seen so far. Okay. And against Florida State, like after the first drive and a half, they really like more discipline. They locked in and quite honestly, watching it, Gus Malzan, they had a couple big plays on that first drive. Malzan just dialed it up beautifully. They blitzed them on the one, they don't blitz a whole lot because they've got four pass rush and he caught him. Right. And so it was. They had in the, in their defensive design with a safety blitzing off. Coming up in the SE gap, they had a linebacker that was forced to read, react and then turn and run. And by the time he, he did all those things, he couldn't get back and make the play. So they had that throw down the side and then, and then they followed it up with Castellanos with the chunk run. So it was a great game plan. It was scripted and they understood what the tendencies were. They knew in that situation Miami was likely to blitz, try to get a big play, and they, they attacked and it was the perfect play call for the, perfect for the, for the situation. But beyond that, man, this defense was flying around. This defense played fast, they played loose. The defensive tackles were solid. And I think that's what they are. They're, they're solid college football defensive tackles. They're not great. And the depth of that defensive front is not outstanding either. And so if, if Miami's ever going to run into trouble, it's going to be because their, their interior is not outstanding and the depth behind, they're not like rolling in eight, nine guys like Tennessee a year ago. Okay. And I, you know, and I don't want to sit like 99. Ahmad Moton, the defensive tackle is better than, better than 11. 11's just a guy, right?

[Mitch]

Interesting. I think 11 flashes David Blay, I think he flashes, but he's not consistent.

[Steve]

There you go. That's the thing. I can rely on Moton more than I can blay 100. So, but, but anyway and so like, and I could give you a whole scouting report I have on them, but I don't want to wear us down. The epiphany, to me this is like we knew About Bane and everyone's talking about Macedor. We've known about these linebackers for a while. The epiphany to me, and I think to Corey Heatherman, who's done a sensational job as a defensive coordinator, coordinator is. And, and we've seen the progression each and every week. The epiphany to me is eight. Number eight. If you watch him on tape, that's your guy. Oh my gosh. Jacoby Thomas not high on scouting boards. He's bounced around, right? He was a middle. He's a fifth year player, Middle Tennessee to Tennessee for one year to Miami. And it's like he finally found a home in the right defense, utilized the right way. He is, quote unquote, a strong safety. He's 6 foot 2, 200 pounds, but my goodness, does this dude snap. He. When they turn him loose on a blitz. He's 200 pounds M against 300 pounds offensive lineman. It's whack. He flies in and he'll. He'll jack his ass, that offensive lineman and then be able to work off of that. He flies around and makes plays all over the field. And you know what he is, he's really good in coverage. Like, he'll get. He's still kind of developing his eyes and every once in a while because he's so aggressive, he'll kind of get like looped around and all that. But his coverage grades really good. His blitzing grade is highly disruptive and. And he's become that, like, call him a star. Call him, you know, whatever you want.

[Mitch]

X factor, whatever you want to do.

[Steve]

Yeah. Yeah. Like what? The way we were talking about Harold Perkins early in the year, I'm not saying they played the exact role because it's not. But there's some similarities in. He's kind of our matchup piece, right? So number eight to me, like a flat out epiphany on tape. Jacoby Thomas has become absolutely critical to this Miami defense. And I don't even think they knew coming into the year that he was going to kind of, because each and every week it's like he gets a little bit more put on his platter. Okay. And then Keonte Scott's a really good player too. So their safeties, as much as we talk about the edges and the off ball linebackers, we talk about Bane all the time and Mesadore, we talk about the Saint and we talk about Tory, but the two like critical pieces to this defense and their ability to be flexible and multiple and to match up and still support the Run and to blitz and catch you off guard every once in a while. The two key pieces are Keonte Scott and especially Jacoby Thomas. Keonte Scott has the versatility as well. And, and I'm telling you, Jacoby Thomas is one of the most unheralded stars on the defensive side in college football this year.

[Mitch]

Both transfers, by the way. Great guess.

[Steve]

Yeah, yeah. He's a six year player, started at Snow College. This is Keonte Scott. Six year players, started at Snow College, went to Auburn and transferred to Miami. They targeted these two guys to fit what Corey Heatherman wants to do on defense. And Corey Heatherman found two perfect matchup pieces and they're making a massive difference.

[Mitch]

Yeah, they're simulated pressures where they walk up guys and drop guy. They're an absolute nightmare for an offensive line. And, and running backs, whatever, the pass protection, the entire pass protection, even quarterbacks trying to figure out who's going, who's going where is just a nightmare. And they're only bringing four. At the end of the day, it's only four coming. So it's not like you have these, you know, these, these, these gaps or voids in the coverage to exploit because again, they've David counter for all of that. It's, it is a nightmare. But you need those versatile pieces to pull that off.

[Steve]

Especially against a Malzon defense that has so much, so much eye candy, so many personnel matchup issues, exploit defenses that don't have those kind of pieces that can match up but also support the run. Those two players were as critical as any two players on the defensive side in that Florida State game. And I, I suspect that that will be the case moving forward.

[Mitch]

Love it.

[Steve]

You're right.

[Mitch]

Turn.

[Steve]

Yes, sir.

[Mitch]

Well, tape truth one leads into tape truth two. There is no way Miami shouldn't be number one in the AP this week. There is zero way. And, and let me be clear about a couple of things. If you were to ask me who's going to win the national championship right now there's three teams that I think are in it. I think it's Ohio State, Miami and Oregon. I think they would have to be considered the favorites. If you asked me who I like the most, I would say Ohio State. I think Ohio State is the favorite to win the national championship. So don't get mad at me, Buckeye fans, but right now Miami's played the 15th toughest schedule in the country so far. And I know some of the teams that they played now have like two losses. But look at the wins, man. Against a Notre Dame team that I think, you know, barely lost to Texas A and M and is handling everyone since, since then. So you look at that, then you look at South Florida who beat Florida and Boise State at the time. You know, they handle Florida State on the road. They beat, they beat a Florida team that beat Texas. Miami's resume is too good not to put them at one. And it could matter down the stretch. I think it could matter in terms of seating. We're going to see how these teams play out. I don't think Oregon plays. I love Oregon. I'm, you know, it's well known how much I love Oregon. If you listen to this show, they don't play the schedule that Miami's played. They just don't. If they both win out, if Oregon and Miami both won out, I guess the Big Ten championship game would be something you'd have to consider, but you would have to argue that maybe Miami has the better strength of schedule. So when you're looking at this or even with Ohio State or Ohio State has a blip, I think Miami should be number one. And the problem for them now is they don't have a lot of games left on their resume where they can make a statement and say now you should move us ahead. The fact that the AP doesn't have them there now to me is just wildly unfair.

[Steve]

Where, where's Miami in the AP2.

[Mitch]

And I know there's a lot of football left. I get it. There's a lot to sort out.

[Steve]

Here's.

[Mitch]

Don't know what's going to happen.

[Steve]

Here's the problem I have and the problem I would have if I was an AP voter or whatever. I watch too much and I trust my eyes and like, I absolutely love Miami. I just went on like a 10 minute rant about Miami's defense and that wasn't even about Carson, Beck and Malachi, Tony and, and all the things on the offensive side. So I clearly love. But like, I also have watched Ohio State and I know the level of competition is not as good, but I feel like I trust my eyes. And so I hear you like strength of, strength of record. If I was to trust anything as a voter to counteract what I'm seeing on tape because I can also tell you that Florida team that I just, just watched, like They're a top 20 team in the country. The way they're playing right now and the way they're ascending and what I think is going to continue to happen. But, but do they belong? And that's always the, the Juggling of like, if you're actually watching the tape and studying all these teams and really do know what the personnel is and really do know, like the. The why in the beginning of the season versus the why they aren't, you know, why they are where they are now and where they're headed. It. It's hard to kind of balance those two things. So I would have Ohio State one with the caveat that I would have. It would be 2a, 2b with. With. With Oregon and Miami.

[Mitch]

Who have they beaten? Like, listen, it's not that I don't give them any credit.

[Steve]

I don't. It's not that I don't give Oregon or, or Ohio State.

[Mitch]

Oregon and Ohio State. Ohio State is now. Their win is a. Their. Their signature win is a 147 win over a Texas team that is now out of the top 25. And I don't even think got any top 25 votes this week.

[Steve]

I'm not saying you're wrong. Like, I would tell you if I thought you were wrong. I'm not saying you're wrong. And it's a good thing. It's October 6th and we have plenty of time to sort this all out.

[Mitch]

I hear you. But you don't know. You don't know. With the seating. You don't know. And don't tell me. I know Ohio State was 6 last year. Mentioned Ohio State had to run the gauntlet, which they did. What Ohio State?

[Steve]

Well, I don't give a. About last year. I'm on a 20 year campaign and I've said this all like, stop with the stuff last year.

[Mitch]

Stop. So this is about.

[Steve]

But yeah, absolutely. Miami absolutely.

[Mitch]

Has earned the right to be number one.

[Steve]

Yes, absolutely. I don't disagree with that, but I also would argue. And you argued it too. So we're saying the same that you. That like neutral site, Miami, Ohio State. I think we're both picking Ohio State.

[Mitch]

We are. What a. Oh, I want to see it, though. That'd be a great game. Give me that game. By the way, no disrespect to Oregon.

[Steve]

They're right there. No, no, I know that. And you're the, You're. You're a Duck through and through. All right, tape truth number three. Kane Womack in the Alabama defense had a breakthrough performance against Vanderbilt and. Why do I say breakthrough? This was a program win, man. This was an Alabama team that was winning, that. That stumbled against Florida State, the mobile quarterback, and looked overwhelmed defensively. Looked like. Look at all the gifts and social media and all the Clips and different things. They're not trying. The effort's not that. No, they, they, they weren't playing with their eyes. They weren't trusting what they were supposed to do. And they have grown up a whole hell of a lot since week one, man. And it's awesome to watch on tape. Okay? And we can. And trust me, I'm a Ty Simpson guy. Love their receivers, love Jam Miller, getting, getting going now in the second week that he's back. So like I see all the things on offense but to me this game, this win against that Vanderbilt team was about Womack and his defense. And I say that because has been a pro problem dating back to Nick Saban, the mobile quarterback. Some of the misdirection stuff, as disciplined and as like gap sound up front as, as Alabama's always been. They've had trouble against these mobile kind of guys. And then you saw Castellanos in week one and you thought okay, here we go again. And, and then, then here's the thing. I started getting nervous man. Remember I came on last week Steve and I said I watched the tape for Vanderbilt and I went back and watched the tape from Alabama and it's like not a fair fight. Now I know Vanderbilt is going to nickel dime, they're going to misdirect, they're going to do all these things, but this year's different. And then they come out Diego Pavia, right? They come out Cedric Alexander 65 yard touchdown run. And I went back and watched the tip. I actually took a, a picture just for myself and, and they had bunch form. I know I did. I love it. Just to kind of remind me. And then, and then I took a picture of play like 20 and then 40 to, to show the difference because I wanted to make sure I was, I was accurate in saying this early in the game like against that bunch for when they bring everyone in. And I think it was, it might have been one or two tight ends but they kind of bunch formation. It was a third and I want to say third and 4ish right on that 65 yard touch. No, it might have been second. It was second in four or five, something like that. But they came in with that bunch tight formation, right. And Alabama was pinching. They, you know, like, like they're all close to the line of scrimmage. 18 Hubard, Brad Hubard was the, was the furthest guy back and it was maybe only like 8, 9 yards. But my point is they were all bunched in and so with a quick misdirection and all that stuff, everyone kind of. There was no second, third level support and trust behind you. Okay.

[Mitch]

Yeah.

[Steve]

So they hit that big one, but then they come back out on the next drive and it was the very first player, the next drive and, and Pavier goes for, for, for 30. 36.

[Mitch]

It was a long one.

[Steve]

Yeah, yeah, 36. I just, I was looking down my notes, but then Keen Tim Keane in the third defensive lineman recovers that fumble later on that second drop. It could have easily been because remember, touchdown Vandy. Alabama drives down, misses a field goal. It's like, here we go again. Because remember last year in 2024, it was, it was 15 nothing. Like, like they jumped him like, like the alley. It was like Pavia and his whole gang just jumped Bama in the alley. 15 nothing before you get like, it was like disorienting.

[Mitch]

Right, right.

[Steve]

And so, so it's so now that now seven nothing, miss field goal, get the ball back. First place POV going 36 yards and it's like, here we go again. This, we could have 14 nothing.

[Mitch]

Right, right.

[Steve]

And so, and so when, when Tim Keenan gets that fumble recovery, it was like, okay, everyone reset, relax. You know, like what, what's. It's not this, this mad rush. We didn't get jumped in the alley again. And then they come back out defensively the next turn and you saw it wasn't a massive difference. And I have like pictures taken on my phone. It's not a massive difference, but I saw the linebackers like a yard, yard and a half back. I saw it was still a lot of single high, but you could see a little bit more depth and you could tell and I'm sure it's what they practiced during the week and I'm sure they got in the game early on. They were all the, the back seven guys were aggressive, like they wanted to make a play. It became a team defense and Womack did a brilliant, and his staff did a brilliant job of like forcing these back seven guys. Don't be a hero, right? We're not going to win this game because of one defensive lineman. This isn't going to be a Reuben Bain show for Miami. This isn't going to be one safety coming up like Jacoby Thomas and making a bunch of plays. This is an 11 guy defense today. The only way we're going to win has to be.

[Mitch]

Yeah.

[Steve]

Is 11 guys. And how do we make it 11 guys? We're going to back off a little and hold our water. That's a word, the phrase that kept going through my mind as I'm watching the linebackers for Alabama. Instead of read, rack, react, go, it was hold your waters just a quarter count. It was. You could see them literally like, like and then go right, right. And so by doing that, the play developed so the misdirection didn't get them one way. They still were waiting for it. And so like that patience for just a quarter count led to a whole different result. And now all of a sudden you look at these guys, like Keon Sab was star in coverage, right. But it was the other defensive backs that played the supporting role the because of their run support and their eye discipline. And I looked at it and I'm watching desean Jones, the big nickel and he's making a lot of plays versus the run, staying patient, going up, rapping. Damani Jackson, highly regarded cornerback for his cover skills. He's involved in, in, in the run support. And the most important guy, I mentioned his name already, Bray Hubbard. Bray Hubbard was the single. When they were in single high, which was a high percentage of the game. Bray Hubbard was the guy who, who was one or two yards deeper than the first couple series. Read, react, hold my water. But when I fill that alley, I'm filling it like bad intentions.

[Mitch]

Yeah.

[Steve]

Yes. And so he made a lot of plays in the secondary. Okay. So it became this team defense. And then what after a couple series they started to trust it and they start like, then they lived in it. And it was really cool to see because this Bama defense for a long time, for as great as the defense has been in all the first round draft picks and all the success under Nick Saban, like this had been a problem for a long time. And so when I say it's a breakthrough performance, I want you to hear these numbers mention. Vandy had five carries for 113 yards in the first quarter. The second quarter, six carries for 13 yards.

[Mitch]

Wow.

[Steve]

The third quarter, five carries, seven yards. You know what? Vandy had rushing and I get it, they were playing from behind. But fourth quarter, zero carries, zero yards. Alabama forced Vanderbilt to abandon their run game in the second half. And it wasn't just because of the score. Nobody comes out even if you're down 21. Nobody runs the ball only five times for seven yards in the second half. And it's because of Womack and that back seven and the way that they game plan and adjusted in game and it was pretty awesome to see.

[Mitch]

Yeah, those are goes are, you know, there's certain stats or numbers that are clear indicators. If you told Me about the in Miami, Florida State, the Castellanos was going to have to drop back that much before the game. I would have said that's bad news for Florida State. And if you're telling me that Vanderbilt doesn't run the ball in the fourth quarter, I would have said that's bad news for Vanderbilt.

[Steve]

You know what I mean?

[Mitch]

Those are, those are numbers that just.

[Steve]

That just jump out the improvement to what like I typed it up and did like, like you know, paragraph down paragraph. So I'm looking at 113/1370. You want to talk about like CO to be able to statistically see in game coaching and, and the effect it has on, on a defense, it's hard to beat that line right there.

[Mitch]

Yeah. And sometimes we think of these big time coordinators and we think about well what scheme are they running and how are you know, how are they defending certain things and sometimes it's a simple game, sometimes you got to simplify it for your players. It's a, let's back up a yard. Let's. It's. Some of it's just, let's tweak our alignment. Some of it's just reminding players that you have it's run defense at its core is pretty simple in terms of schematics.

[Steve]

It's.

[Mitch]

You have to fill your gap. You know, there's got to be a defender for every gap. Make sure you're defending your gap. And if you remind players and get players to just focus on and I hate to say this with the old Patriots saying of doing their job, I mean there's really something to it. It's not overreacting and oh, we got to get out of this run or we got to go to this. Sometimes it's just, you know, take a step back, player gap, we're good. Don't panic. You know, it's that kind of thing that can get, you know, leads to close wins or big wins.

[Steve]

All right, get us to truth four.

[Mitch]

Tape truth number four. I had a number two on my list but number four overall. Alabama's run game is different with Jan Miller the running back. Jam Miller back in the lineup. He went for 20. He had 22 carries for 136 yards against a Vanderbilt run defense. It's giving up 3.2 yards per carry. It's a pretty good run defense, man. And it's really simple. When you watch the tape, they are inexperienced at running back. They and without Miller was by far, I think by far their most experienced back. And when you watch the tape, it Jumps out immediately. How patient he is in allowing blocks to set up and defenders to commit to a gap before he makes a cut and accelerates. He is really helping that offensive line. He's making the most of the blocks that he gets. Listen, I don't think Jam Miller is, is an elite running back prospect. I don't think he. I don't know if he has breakaway speed. I don't know if he's going to make a lot of guys miss. But I do know this. He's patient. He makes the most of that blocking. He's got good feet for his size. He's got the size to wear guys down where defense is down. He's got the ability to carry a heavy workload which I think is important for them. You know, you look at that 16 play, 69 yard drive, that was 8 minutes and 29 seconds. They gave him the ball six times. He got 30 yards. The very next, very next drive, they want to ice the game. Four, four plays, four carries for Miller and he breaks a 20 or 20 yard touchdown on fourth down. I mean they are different with him in the lineup though I will say the interesting thing about this is they're not deep there now. They need those younger running backs to develop so they can get a complimentary guy. Because like I said, Miller already missed the first three games of the season. It is night and day the way he's reading his blocks versus the other Alabama back. So it's really good for them to get him back. I'm excited to see what he does going forward. I will also say this and I'll try not to throw out my shoulder patting myself on the back. Freshman right tackle Michael Carroll got a team high. I got a season high 41 snaps yesterday or on Saturday.

[Steve]

Yep.

[Mitch]

And I am, forgive me if this sounds weird, I don't know how else to say it, but I will. I don't know if I've been happier than watching him and Wilkin Forby, who's also lining up at right tackle was slid into right guard. Their backside blocking on inside zone in the third quarter last night or third quarter on Saturday made you emotional. I was like literally before we came on, I said don't be weird about it, Steve. Like don't say weird stuff about it. Like this is going to get clipped. Like it was. It was so good. When you're talking about angles and you're talking about working as a tandem and form, be making sure to punch the three technique onto Carol's frame so he can square him up and then form he working up to the second level now for me is a pretty good right tackle. He's not bad, but he could be an outstanding right guard. I really think that's going to be their lineup. On the right side is going to be Carroll at right tackle, Formby at right guard. That offensive line is only going to get better, I'm telling you. I was geeking out about it in there. And again, not to get into the weeds too much. They were reaching. They were able to get Carroll right tackle to scoop a 2i, which from a alignment standpoint is really hard to do and still get that guard up until the on the linebacker. And they were making it look easy. I mean it was. I don't know how to put it into words. If you're an offensive line guy and you're watching that tape, you're. You're sitting there and you're bringing that to high school kids in other colleges and saying this is what you want to do on inside, inside zone. This is how we work up to the second level. This is how we secure the line of scrimmage. And a running back loves that.

[Steve]

Alabama's schedule doesn't get a whole lot easier, but this is a team. I picked him preseason to win the national championship. I wasn't feeling well and it made like. It made me like throw caution to the wind, I think. But. But I had a feeling that we could get here. But then after week one I was like, gosh, I'm such an asshole.

[Mitch]

That offense is a rocket ship, man. That offense is in absolute rocket ship.

[Steve]

I totally agree. The McShay show is brought to you by FanDuel. The FanDuel Sportsbook app is your home for all your favorite NFL bets from yards to touchdowns to who will win and when. The Chiefs and Jaguars play tonight, FanDuel is giving all customers a 50% same game parlay PBT or a 30 any bet type PBT. Listen, I'll be honest. I was leaning Jaguars tonight and then I heard them come out and say this. This game's about the Jaguars on Monday night Football and you get the Chiefs coming in now they're underdogs. You get Mahomes on the road. Like not a smart play. Don't wake the giant. I'm taking the Chiefs minus three and a half. I also like Xavier Worthy anytime touchdown in this game. So visit FanDuel.com McShay to bet the Chiefs versus the Jaguars with a 50% same game parlay PBT or. Or 30% any bet type PBT play your game with FanDuel. An official sports betting partner of the NFL must be 21 and older and present in select states or 18 and older and present in DC, Kentucky or Wyoming. Opt in Required rewards are non withdrawable. Restrictions apply including bonus and token expiration leg requirements and max wager amount. See [e-mail] gambling problem. Call 1-800-Gambler or visit rg d help.com call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org chat in Connecticut. Speaking of offensive line, it kind of takes me to tape truth number five and that's the Florida Gators offense was a complete liability and now it has become an asset and, and I think it's here to stay. And the reason it stems and there's a lot of individual players and all that stuff it stems from the Gators offensive line put together a performance that like was as good as you can expect from the highest level of college football as a group. Okay. And it was, you know, number 71, the right guard moves well and is like is dominant in the run game. The center who we we love is going to be an NFL draft pick. Number 66 is Scrappy Smart. Maybe they won't overpower you but my goodness is he consistent from down to down. The left guard 77, a massive MERS just, just road grading guys. Left tackles got some prick in a man. I love it. He's got snap in his hands. He moves well. Both tackles look like almost like bigger blocking tight ends of their frames. So but it wasn't about the individual and that's the reason why I didn't go through each guy's name this group as a collective and that's what I know like thrills you to no end. They've clicked. They like they're, they're protecting, they're making the right calls. They're, they're working in unison. They're get, they're zone blocks. They're kind, they're working together. It just, it looks what it looks the way it's supposed to look so cool.

[Mitch]

It's just so cool when it work it's like choreograph choreography. You know what I mean? Like it's when it comes together or what did our, our guy Joe Douglas call it? The Big Man Ballet.

[Steve]

Big man ballet. Yeah.

[Mitch]

Yeah. It's, it's again if you know what you're looking at in watching these, this is going to turn into a weird podcast. These just massive athletes with great intelligence and the Way they work together and the way they support each other. I mean, offensive line play, man, it's just different. It's. It's. It's. It's amazing to me. And it's. And again, when they work together, when they work together as a group of five, it's just. There's nothing like it.

[Steve]

All right, so now we. We. Mench is happy, so we can move on. Now let's start. Let's start. Start talking about the. The guys who are making plays. The reason I. I say it's here to stay is because, first of all, I just want to, like, just. Just nod. Give a quick nod. Okay? And I know we saw it last year from Billy Napier and his team, and, and I know we. We'll talk a lot about. They don't quit quit on him. And it'. And people talk about culture and it's overused and all that, and they clearly have a culture there where they believe and they buy in and they work for one another and it's. It's a. It really is a beautiful thing to watch, but what matters is the product on the field at the end of the day, right? Florida absolutely dominated Texas in the trenches on both sides of the ball in this game. And my tape truth is about the offense, so I don't. But, like, how many people have been. How many programs have been able to say that after a game with. With Texas in the last couple of years? Not many. Like, they don't get dominated in the trenches on both sides of the pole, okay? And so that's what we saw in that game. So a nod to Napier, a nod to that, that coaching staff, a huge nod to. To the, to the offensive and defensive line play. But the, but in addition to the offensive line. And that's part. A major part of why I think it's here to stay, because they're just getting better and better each week. It's. It's different on offense now, man. And the wide receiver position and the commitment to the run are different. And the third element to it is they figured out a way to keep Lagway comfortable and in his comfort zone and make him more decisive. So let's start with this. The run game. When you have an offensive line that's winning up front, you can stick with the run and rely on it, right? And when your quarterback's not making massive turnovers and you're not playing from behind, that helps, too. But I like Jaden Ball. He's not the fastest, not the most explosive, but he is so quick. In his cuts like he's a 231 pound back at six foot. Okay. He had 27 carries in this game. And I've been bitching all season long about, you know, feed him, feed this guy. He's talented. And even when he doesn't get big chunk runs or it's not, he. The way he finishes runs at 231 pounds. Like he's got this jump, this jump. Like he's got this jump cut. Sorry. That if a guy penetrates, he's going to get away from him. I want you to go sometime when you're watching anyone on that offense and just keep track. How many times does one tackler bring him down? Whether it's that jump cut or quick move or just at the end of the run when he's, when it's over and there's guys converging, he's still picking up 2, 3 at the end. So he's.

[Mitch]

He.

[Steve]

I don't want to say he's special because he's not like Bijan or Saquon or one, but I'm saying he is a damn good college running back. And by giving him 27 carries is only 107 yards, only 4 yards per carry. But it kept that balance in the offense and it kept Texas respecting that run throughout the game. It wasn't this sporadic thing where it's six carries in the first drive and then it's only 12 carries the rest of the game, which I, I chronicled earlier in the season. Yeah, but the real, the real difference, honestly, I mean it's all of it. It's just, it's all of it working together. But when you, when you have a Dallas Wilson, who's healthy now, is a true freshman and he is a grown ass man, as we talked about on Saturday night, he's awesome to see it on the. Like, he's not polished yet and he's going to keep getting better as a route runner and, and he's not in terms of like he tried to double move and he's not like he's not the most sudden, but at 6 foot 3, 213 pounds I looked at, he's actually 213 now. He's listed at 195. He said coming in as a high school.

[Mitch]

Oh, you saw that he is up to 213. There was no way he was 195.

[Steve]

No, he. Yeah, yeah. He had six catches, 111 for two. Right. First catch, by the way, get the nerves out. Kind of caught a break, fumbled and he went and Recovered himself. But then the second catch, like simple stop but drags defenders for four or five extra yards. Two defenders at the end of that run. Then, then he had a sideline. Route 6, 35, second quarter. The catch radius, high pointing body control. Feet on the sideline. Gets the feet in. Good throw by Lagway but great catch by by Dallas Wilson Then, then just a few plays later breaks off this red zone post. Shows some, some subtleties to it. You know, selling the corner back to the post. Touchdown, nice outside in move high points and plucks that for a touchdown. They didn't have that guy. And so when Verne. Vernell Brown the third is. Is your number one. It's a misfit. He's not a number one. And that's okay. He's a great compliment to, to an ex receiver like that. And we talked about this on Saturday night but I'm watching it and it's not just Brown. They got four receivers. Sturd Event is a good player, man. He's not great or elite or anything like that, but he's a good player. And then. And he's number nine, right. And he's a reliable slot receiver for Lagway. And then Aiden Michel back from injury, hasn't played since lsu. Men like nifty feet Miselle.

[Mitch]

I think it is. Yeah. But yeah, so myself.

[Steve]

Yeah. Yeah. There's a typo. Yeah. Mizel. Sorry. Yes. He's number 11. So you got 11 and 9 working this slot and moving them around and you get your X receiver and then you got an. You got Vernell Brown on the reverse. He had. Brown had an awesome reverse. It was a third and four. First drive takes reverse. 15 yard. They got weapons now but it all. They had to have that ex go to guy that brings a safety over to his side.

[Mitch]

Yeah.

[Steve]

The reason why. And, and, and they're smart. Now the, the biggest question I have for Florida is defenses are going to start pinching, defenses are start crowding and they're going to take away a lot of that short stuff and they're going to take away ball. And it's not dissimilar from what I was talking about. Like that's the way to, to defend Penn State and Drew Aller right now. Can they, can they hit vertically? Are they going to be able to hit vertically? And that's going to come down to Wilson and protection and all those things. But this, this offense is. I don't think it's going to look back. I don't think it's elite. But I think this is a very functional offense that now has all the pieces together, starting with that offensive line to be really good.

[Mitch]

Wouldn't have said that a week ago.

[Steve]

And that's what I'm saying. This is like, yeah, another epiphany on tape, right?

[Mitch]

But also think about it. GJ Legway, I think, is a great downfield passer. The deep ball for him is really one of his real strengths. And if you're looking at one of. One of his maybe weaknesses is the intermediate passing and you're talking about those defenses, pinches. Well, now you have with the. You got linebackers playing on their toes and you got Dallas, you got safeties on their heels because of Dallas Wilson. That space you're creating on those intermediate passes is kind of taking some pressure off a leg. We on those. And that's where Vernel Brown III is going to do all his damage. I think he's awesome, by the way. He's so dangerous with the ball in his hands. But now you're creating these huge windows in that intermediate gap where now legally doesn't have to be as accurate. He can just, you know, like lay it in there. And I think that's going to be a real positive for him. I think you're going to see like those deep crossers like they were for Florida last year are going to start coming into play again for him.

[Steve]

Yeah, they run a lot of crossers.

[Mitch]

They love that cross.

[Steve]

A lot of crossers. But they've been effective. Texas adjusted by doubling the other underneath, like identifying which guy was. Because what they do is they like to. They like to send almost like a sale concept, but it's not. It's like a layers, levels, two receivers.

[Mitch]

Off, clear it out and then flood.

[Steve]

Yeah, they'll drag. Yeah, they'll flood and then drag underneath this crosser. And. And typically they get Texas started identifying who the crosser guy was and double teaming that guy. And that actually led to a lagway and his interception was exactly that. Texas identified correctly. The crosser doubled him and then Lagway just like made a really bad decision to throw into double coverage and hope that his guy who's like 511 was going to go up and make a play. And it's just. It wasn't the deal.

[Mitch]

Yeah.

[Steve]

All right, moving on. Six right tape truth number six.

[Mitch]

No one's letting Arch Manning off the hook, but it's time that we hold Texas pass protection issues accountable for some of the stuff that's going on with that offense. Look, Arch on both Interceptions that Arch through, he had a fairly clean pocket, which is weird because most of the day he didn't. And I'm not going to get into names here, but they have a real problem at left guard. The starting left guard was pulled is my understanding. I didn't see that he had an injury, but they brought in a freshman at left guard and it's tough when you put in that situation. But he was swimming, he was getting be clean consistently. Even the Wingo touchdown down the seam, Arch had to avoid pressure from the, the left guard getting beat clean. Now that's, that's, that is a, A, a real issue that has to get fixed immediately. They cannot be competitive against Oklahoma unless they do something about that. Unfortunately for them, that's not the only problem. They are. They're getting beaten other places, too. This offensive line that, you know, was rebuilt after they lost all those guys in the draft is not coming together, is not playing well. They are having a hard time picking up some of these stunts. Some of these blitzes. Guys aren't reacting quick enough. They look a little unsure about who they're supposed to block. On top of that, running backs are. They're competing, but they're giving too much ground or they're not being enough, not being aggressive enough about stepping up. Look, again, no one's letting Arch off the hook, but he's, it's tough to play quarterback and I actually like the way he's moving around the pocket and climbing. The problem is every time he moves around, he's going to get hit in the mouth again. According to, I think it's Burnt Orange Nation, Westcott Eberts, he was hit five times. I think that number might be low. I think he was hit more than that. And when you look at, I think what, I forget what his drop backs, but I think it was 20. Yeah, 29 drop backs. He was like consistently pressured, consistently hit. And by the way, now his shoulder is an issue. After the game, Star came out and said he had a stinger. So now the, now the shoulder is a problem because he's taking so many hits and the pro. And it also, it's, it. There's a waterfall effect here, right? We always give. When we evaluate quarterbacks of the draft, we'll always talk about, well, he's starting to lower his eyes, right? Or he's getting some happy feet in the pocket. True, that's true. But when you get hit that much, how are you not lowering your eyes when your left guard is getting consistently beat off the snap, how are you not lowering your eyes to see what's going on there. And he missed some throws because of it. He missed some open targets because of it, because he just didn't have the time to make the throw. Look, this is. These are my notes for all the plays that I identified where someone was getting beaten. Pass protection. Okay, that's through the first play of the third quarter. That's the first play of the third quarter. That is not the whole game. I stopped. I stopped writing. I was like, this is a joke. Like, there's almost something on every single play where he's just. It's. It's. Bullets are constantly flying at him.

[Steve]

And.

[Mitch]

And I got news for you. Like that. That Florida defense is good. And we've talked about some good defenses today. Ohio State's the best. I think you're right. Miami second. By the way, Oklahoma is in the conversation. Oklahoma, so far, they want to be. They want to be a part of that conversation. And. And it doesn't matter who's playing quarterback for Oklahoma if you can't.

[Steve]

They're like, I just saw a thing on Venables taking over play calling, and they're like, first or second or third in.

[Mitch]

Like, that defense is a. Yeah. Is a nightmare.

[Steve]

Yeah.

[Mitch]

And they're going in, and I'm sure Sark and his staff are looking at that tape and saying, oh, boy. Like, we got to figure out what we're going to do here. Like, there's. There's some things, you know, there's some things they can do in terms of simplifying their past protections. They like to run a lot of. Like, they love to run the playoffs play action after pow. Off of power, where a center's got a block back and guards pulling over to pick up this guy. But the problem with that is you end up with tight ends on edges. I'm getting into the weeds here. I understand that, but.

[Steve]

Sorry.

[Mitch]

There's some things where they can simplify protections and maybe that'll help.

[Steve]

But.

[Mitch]

But, man, they are in a bad way in terms of taking care of that quarterback.

[Steve]

That's interesting. Well, I mean, yeah, it's Red river. And. And today's. Today's about looking back. Right. But.

[Mitch]

But, like, I don't want to get too into it.

[Steve]

No, no, no, no, no. But with all of these, like. And I failed to mention, like, I think part of the reason why I was, like, excited to get back and study the tape yesterday is not. It's not just some. Some weeks you're reacting, and it's like, well, they Got to buy this week so I'm not doing any work for next week. Like Alabama who I went into a big rant about the defense and you went into a long thing about their offense. Like we obviously watched a lot of tape on them last week. Well guess what, they're at Missouri this week.

[Mitch]

Could be a hell of a game.

[Steve]

So. So like it's applicable to what's next and the continuance of the schedule. Florida just talked about their offense and I think they're like, I don't think they're elite but I think they went from a total liability to an asset. Well they're at A and M so like hope like we're about to find out if all this tape study was that a one week deal or is this like right tracking towards something. Okay. And the Red river now and you're talking about the pest protection for, for Texas. Well, let me transition to tape truth number seven. Tape truth number seven is the quarterback Michael Hawkins for Oklahoma. I have my concerns. It's the best way I can put it. And I know he had the breakthrough during fall camp and I've talked to people there and I can see like the improvement from a year ago. But there are some fundamental things that are a little. That are, that are. That are concerning when you start to look at Texas's defense and the tight fits in zone and some of the things that you have to do in order to defeat that defense. As a passer. Let me just get into the tape. Let's start with the positives. Like this guy is an absolute threat as a runner. He extends plays and beyond just that, he is a legitimate extra piece in that run game. He gives you a numbers advantage. Okay. He is so damn quick and elusive. He's a guy. Okay. And then you have like he. The. The zone read option, the, the quarterback draws and the powers and the leads and like that. That is very much. Now a, A like Matier is a scrambler and Mater can, will get involved in. Mater we've talked about. Like I say he's a 4 or 5 maybe he's a 4 6. Every time I talk about Mater and his running ability he goes from a 46 to a 45 to a 44. He's. But, but at the, at the crux of it, he is a, he is a absolute sniper from inside the pocket. Right?

[Mitch]

Agree.

[Steve]

This guy's opposite. He is a runner first and then he is a scrambler. One of his other positives outside of just the elusiveness and the extending plays and the Creativity and the defensive flat out like run game with the quarterback as an extra number. He's got a very quick release. And so that RPO game they do. Right. Especially with the quarterback like this. You see, I saw a lot of it. The, the impetus is they just pounded Kent State. Right. And I'm like, what am I going to gleam from this? But I also haven't seen Hawkins since last year and if I'm being honest, I didn't study very much of Hawkins last year. Right. Like that offense was a train wreck in every way from the offensive line to the five injuries of wide receivers. Like I just, they weren't on the radar of important things, whether it is in college football season or for the NFL draft. So this was my first like dive into Hawkins. And yes, the level of competition wasn't there, but I wanted a baseline and the baseline was troubling in that while he has this quick release and they do that RPO thing.

[Mitch]

Right.

[Steve]

And then it's great to be able to sling it sidearm because that allows you to come out of it, get the ball out quickly. Turning. Turning to as a shortstop, as we always have, middle infielder, get it out. Bang. So that part of it's really good. And there were some awesome throws. This kid can kid this young man. Can I say that so affectionately. It's annoying that people get frustrated by like this kid. Like this kid. That's a good thing, you know, and he can almost submarine it. And, and that there were a couple plays where. And I've got all these notes and certain plays and you know, yeah, whatever. But. And that allows him with the defensive lineman to get their hands up. He kind of almost fits it in underneath. Okay.

[Mitch]

Right.

[Steve]

The problemo here is that that's there's a difference between having an arm. Being able to change your slots of your arm angle as a passer. Okay.

[Mitch]

Yeah.

[Steve]

And like coming here or even being here, if I can show being here. But then, you know, being as you're like primary, you know.

[Mitch]

Right.

[Steve]

But then also. But. And being able to do a little bit of this. Right.

[Mitch]

Little shortstop.

[Steve]

But when you're throwing a deep out that's on time and it's. It's shotgun, you know, 1, 2, 3, back foot sticks in the, in the turf and you. And drive it and you're still there, it's going to lead to inconsistencies. So I saw a lot of throws, man, where. And, and Arbuckle did a great job. Now it's Kent State and it's not Going to be to that level. And now we're playing Texas and their zones and all that stuff. So there's. It's going to be tighter windows and there's going to be like discipline throws and it's got to be on time and you got to locate where they're going from one zone to the next and. And then like there's some recklessness to his game. Like that first touchdown pass that he, he threw. It was a terrible decision. He was like in the grasp and. And he is 10, 10, oh 9, first quarter in the grass, ball up for grabs, gets away with it. Right. So that's part of it and that he's first start of the year, all that stuff. But I'm really concerned about can he actually make the throws when receivers get open? Because it's not going to be. He had like, let's call it eight, ten times receivers are open and that only may be four or five times that they were open like to that extent.

[Mitch]

Right.

[Steve]

And he's still slinging it sideways. And his. What I notice is. And you see this a lot with the elbow dropping balls, nose dive. And even when they're in a position where receivers can go and kind of dig it out, they're tough balls to catch. And so there were, there were a handful. I sent, I sent Dan because I, we might like look at some of the stuff. But I just, I sent Dan so he had an understanding of what I was talking about. Like throws that were really off, off the mark. But then there were also some throws that were like within the strike zone. Missing within the strike zone. But the receiver couldn't make the catch because, like, it's such a hard. When the ball's coming in and he goes, you know, those are hard to catch. So it's going to be very. Now the, the upside is Tori Blaylock and even Jade Knott is out of witness protection. It was nice to see combined 26 carries, 127 and Hawkins added another 9 for 35 from the, from the quarterback position. But it's going to be interesting to see our buckle. What kind of. I always talk about like the bowling alley when you go with your kids and you put up the, the. The. The gutter things, you know, whatever they called the, the. What are they called?

[Mitch]

The bumpers.

[Steve]

Maybe the bumpers. Thank you. The bump.

[Mitch]

Okay.

[Steve]

What kind of bumpers? Arbuckle is going to be able to put in against this Texas defense to keep Hawkins effective and at his best, but without having to limit the offense so much. That it becomes debilitating. Yeah, I mean, it's going to be fascinating. I'm excited to see because I know he's a special athlete and he's going to make some chunk plays and they're going to be able to run the ball with some effectiveness. But at some point, if they can't throw the ball and hit open receivers down the field, Texas is going to keep creeping and creeping and creeping, you know. Yeah.

[Mitch]

You made a very interesting point about how it's always the wounded team coming into this rivalry. But who's more wounded right now? It's tough to tell which. Which. It's tough to identify, I swear. Yeah, obviously Oklahoma's ranked higher, but you know, they haven't played. Sorry, apologies. Can't State. They haven't played, you know, a quality opponent since they lost material. So I thought, I thought that was, that was one of the lines that stuck with me from Saturday night. Who's more wounded in this game? I don't know. Are you ready for tape truth number eight?

[Steve]

Yeah. I just like Oklahoma fans because you're right and it's, it's, it's all because your star player and John Matier is not going to be there and that. And the quarterback is super talented. But there's some concerning things on tape. Like I get it, like the, the receivers have been really good and you've got some run game semblance and hopefully that keeps getting better with the extra number of the quarter. And the defense has been outstanding and Venables has, has done all the right things and press the right buttons and the. I love this Oklahoma team. I was on with Dari the other day. Darienoka. And like, like I'm a with. With Mater here. I absolutely love this whole team. Not just Mater, but. And so to say they're wounded. They're undefeated. We just blew out Kent State. I get it. I'm just saying you're only wounded because you've got a backup quarterback in there. And it's going to be interesting to see now against this defense what it looks like. That's the, that. That's my only thing here. It's. It's throwing caution in. That's it.

[Mitch]

Let me ask you this. If Bier is healthy right now, do you have that, do you have that Oklahoma team in the same tier as the Oregon, Ohio State and Miami?

[Steve]

I don't know that I'm there yet, but I have, like, I. Yeah, okay, fine. I have them on the fringe. I have them a bit above Ole Miss.

[Mitch]

Yeah. No, I do, too. I love that team.

[Steve]

So. So, yeah, so, yeah, I mean, I basically, I'd have them at the bottom of that tier or the very top, but, yeah, they're right there. They'd be in that, like, old. Yeah, it would be Oklahoma, Ole Miss right there if. If. If Mater was healthy coming in into this week. Yeah.

[Mitch]

Cool.

[Steve]

All right, go ahead. What do you got? Eight Tape Truth.

[Mitch]

Number eight. Notre Dame is taking care of business, and things are breaking their way for them to get back into the playoff. I mean, you just look at this. They. After week three, they started the season at six. They dropped to nine after that tough loss to Miami, and then they dropped to 24 after losing to Texas A M, which, by the way, I think is a wild job considering on how good Texas A M is. So what's breaking their way? We'll just go with this. This. This week, they passed Penn State, Texas, Iowa State and Florida State in the rankings. That's four teams they leapfrogged. They're all the way back up to 16 now.

[Steve]

Okay.

[Mitch]

Also, in the meantime, Miami's the number two, should be the number one team in the country. Texas A and M is five. So the only losses and by a combined four points are to two top five teams. And by the way, I think you really need to take the Texas A and M loss into context for two reasons. One, they missed an extra point. That's why they lost that game, which is unbelievable. And two, everyone could yell at me for this. I don't care. There was a blatant holding call at the end of the game that they missed. I mean, blatant. Just blatant where the defensive tackle got. Got tackled, and all of a sudden we're going from the nine team in the country to 24. So then you look at the team. Look, C.J. carr has never been short on confidence. I was writing my notes, and I was like, it seems like CJ Carr is getting more confident as the season progressed. And I was like, nah, that's not the right way of saying that. Because I think C.J. carr, like, was born confident. I mean, he just seems like a guy who's just. That kind of carries himself that way. But he does look like he's getting more conf. Comfortable with the passing. Yes.

[Steve]

Yeah.

[Mitch]

I think that's a better way of saying it. And he's got some weapons. I think. Malachi Fields, the numbers are good, and they're not great, but I think he's a nice addition and lets everyone fall into the role and the receiving core and then Jeremiah Love and Prince and that running game and that offensive line.

[Steve]

They seem functional this year. Whereas I didn't think until the very end of the year that Notre Dame's wide receiver core was even like all that functional. Is that fair?

[Mitch]

That's fair. And you could also say this is a different offense. I don't want to compare the two because it's apples and oranges. What Riley Leonard did last year was awesome. And how much of a just gritty player the R. Leonard is in the running game. And I don't think C.J. carr gives you that, but I also think he's a more functional passer. I think that's fair to say. The defense looks like it's settling in. Like, look, they still need some help, but this is a team that really shouldn't have been knocked back that far. They played the 8th toughest schedule in the FBS and again those two losses are early in the season. Teams that are. Are playing super well right now and are super talented.

[Steve]

No men, if they went out, they're. They're in that.

[Mitch]

I think so too. I think so too. Everything's breaking their way in.

[Steve]

And people who say conspiracy and all this stuff but like there's Illuminati.

[Mitch]

Illuminati, yeah, it's Notre Dame and it's.

[Steve]

For money and all that stuff. But. But they were early in the season. It was with the first year starting quarterback. They did have a bunch of injuries which everyone's going to claim. But most importantly they were against really good opponents and those opponents are continuing to win and I don't see a total collapse for either of them. And, and they've. You finished the year. You lose two games and you finish the year on a nine game win streak and you're. And yeah, you're Notre Dame. I just, I find it hard to believe that they won't find their way in to the college.

[Mitch]

I agree. But here's.

[Steve]

They can't afford to stop who's left on their schedule. It's not us.

[Mitch]

They have usc. No, USC is the only. That's the thing. They actually. Glad you brought this up because this is the point I wanted to make. I know Navy's playing well, but it's just not enough. In last year they kind of helped them out by the way. But anyways, they have usc, which I. I'm. That may not be the win that they had hoped it would be at the beginning of the year. What we thought two weeks ago. I think USC is going to get Beat up by their schedule. But they have USC and that's by far the best. It's Boston College, it's NC State, Boston College, Navy, Pitt, Syracuse and Stanford outside of that. So they really, you know, they've done everything they need to do. They can't afford the Northern Illinois noi loss. So that'll be interesting to go. Going to see going forward. But you're right, the strength of schedule is not good. But let me, let me just bring up this point because I've already made the argument that I think it should be a 16 team playoff. Okay. There are some. Right now, if we're looking at the landscape, if you go with the 12 model, there's going to be some teams that get left out. Okay. We're not even going. Yeah, like, but if you went with a 16 model, think about this. You would have Ohio State, Miami, Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas A and M, Oklahoma, Indiana, Alabama, Texas Tech, Georgia, lsu, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Missouri Michigan and Notre Dame in the playoff. Obviously Memphis would block or whoever else is the at large would knock one of those out. That playoff sounds freaking awesome to me. That playoff sounds awesome. And then Illinois, like, like LSU could.

[Steve]

Be, could be a four loss team by the end of the year.

[Mitch]

I know.

[Steve]

And they're. And there may be like USC could win out or. You know what I mean? So like, yeah, we'll see what happens. But I mean it's really hard to travel from one coast shot. It's from, from one coast to the other side of the country and, and, and to win. If you're defending usc, just ask James Franklin. Right.

[Mitch]

Shots fired. Just snapshot with me though. Just have fun with it. I mean that would be an awesome like right now.

[Steve]

Absolutely would be. And I'd be awesome that the powers to be if for no other reason, money. And that's fine. If that's the motivation. As I think we're headed towards that.

[Mitch]

I saw a model like it was, it was. I don't remember the exact number, but it was a, it was a big number. And I was like that. I don't want. I don't know. This doesn't turn into March, Matt. Yeah. It doesn't need to turn into March Madness.

[Steve]

All right. Truth number nine. News flash. The Big Ten has weapons too. I know I get yelled at. I'm an SEC guy. I love south football in the south and all that stuff. Well, I grew up a Michigan man, young man, baby. And, and I have some deep rooted love for the Big Ten and throw all of that stuff aside, man. Talent is talent. Skill is skill. If there's talent out there, we'll find you. Right?

[Mitch]

Yes.

[Steve]

And I'm telling you there's some. And, and yes, there's a bunch of them in the south too this year. And I said coming into the year, that's one of the big differences. I'm gonna, we're gonna see some like, legitimate wide receivers. Like there were some young pups. Last year's wide receiver class wasn't that good in the NFL draft. Like, it's getting better and better again. We had like this one year lull and I love seeing it, but the Big Ten, I just like, I feel like it's my responsibility to point out like when, when we start to see and you're watching games and then you're studying tape and you're like, wait a second. The big, like don't overlook the Big Ten and some of the weapons don't get lost in like, yeah, Wisconsin doesn't have anyone who can break a tackle. Sorry, Big Cat. We were texting about the other day. I sent him a video of the. Remember the special that NFL films did on like some of the awesome athletes in the the NFL and where. And. And the, the rabbit chasing in that one county in Florida and they talk about like the one time a year that they would burn down all the, all the brush from the sugar canes. They would burn it down and so all the, all the kids would run. It was like Norris Jenkins and some of those guys, they would chase rabbits in the field. They're like, that's telling you the quickness and some of the. Like that because from when we're children.

[Mitch]

Another way of training, to be honest. Yeah.

[Steve]

So I send him a video of that. Like maybe Wisconsin needs to recognize like this county. Like let's start getting. Because I saw a receiver who had like a 40 yard gain if he was. And they turned out to be like 4. Anyway, I want to rip through this fast. Michigan. I'm watching that game and I'm watching this. McCully and Marsh, those two wide receivers. Andrew Marsh is a freshman. He only had 4 for 80, I think it was. But McCully is a big receiver. 6 3. The body control. You have to say he came into the year not a very high grade. We talked about him a lot on, on Saturday, so I don't need to go into a deep dive. But McCully's a legit like number one in college football and I think he's going to wind up being an NFL draft pick. So I'M seeing those. Seeing things from those two. Even though it's been a lot of run and it's been a lot of Justice Haynes and it's been Underwood and they're kind of bringing him along. Mission Michigan's got some guys on the outside. Okay.

[Mitch]

The Titan's good, too.

[Steve]

The tight end is good, too. Yes. Really nice plays. Ohio State. We know about Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate. I just went back and watched that tape and I get. I get it was Minnesota and they're not. But Minnesota is not terrible on defense.

[Mitch]

No, no.

[Steve]

His route running was good last year. He's more refined, man. Heartline Brian. And I know he's calling plays now, but he's. He's still working with these receivers and he's still. And it's like every year when you're at Ohio State, you graduate from 101 to 201 to 301, and that's why guys stick around. And a Mecca Buka goes in the league and he's dropping like 176 yards. Like, he's unbelievable. I know.

[Mitch]

So I said it was second rounder. I didn't say it was like a.

[Steve]

That actually, that actually wasn't a cut. Until I saw you smile, I didn't realize what I was doing.

[Mitch]

I apologize. I won't make the same mistake again.

[Steve]

But. But Carnell Tate comes out this week and he had like one of those days that you get used to seeing from these guys who are like number two, number three receiver, Jackson Smith and Jigba, like, is he talented enough? Is he fast enough?

[Mitch]

Right?

[Steve]

Look at what he. Look at what he just did for. Look at what he's doing week in and week out for Seattle, one of the best receivers in the NFL, A Mecca Abuka is having like, he's on the track for unbelievable setting rookie year, these guys know and. And Tate's next. And this past week he had 183 against Minnesota, 252 in his first four games. And the reason is Ohio State's starting to open things up and this. They picked the right opponent. They got out to a lead and they're like. And our defense is like off the charts. Outrageous. But let's get Carnell. Let's, let's let. Let's let Julian saying show what he can do and saying was pretty sensational, man.

[Mitch]

By the way, how about Brian Hartline, first year as a play caller? Yeah, no problem. I got this so far.

[Steve]

Yeah, yeah. But we'll, we'll. But you know, he's been outstanding But. But this was an important game to get that, get the receivers going, get Carnell Tate involved. Most importantly to get the confidence going for Julian Saint. So that was. So you got McCully and Marsh at Michigan. You get Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate at Ohio State. I'm watching. It's Illinois cat. Right. Hank Beatty was my very first.

[Mitch]

Your guy all time Saturday, monster game.

[Steve]

But he got nicked up and there was like this three week fast start. He had 13 for 236 in the first two games. First ever Saturday Spotlight player talked about him like not. Not highly projected. He's going to be on the rise this year. Could wind up being a top 100 pick. Well then I say it and it's like, you know, the analyst jinx, lingering issues. The next just 66 receiving yards in the next two games. Started to turn the corner against USC and he's back. So Illinois's got a dude. Okay. And then you. And like. So I'm watching all these Big Ten guys and that's just what I saw from Saturday as we're watching games.

[Mitch]

Don't forget about what Makai Lemon did against Illinois.

[Steve]

So I'm like. That doesn't even include Makai Lemon, who's second nationally in receiving yards per game. Denzel Boston, who's going to be around 1 of the NFL Draft. Decorian Moore, who's a true freshman sensation. Dante Moore's go to guy for Oregon and that offense. And this the overlooked star of all of them. Ian Strong at Rutgers.

[Mitch]

Yeah.

[Steve]

Fifth nationally in receiving yards. Fifth. I'm going to leave you with this dude.

[Mitch]

Indiana has playmakers on the outside.

[Steve]

Indiana, well, they didn't play this last week, so they. Cooper like, so I'm saying they're freaking weapons in the Big Ten. I'll leave you with this. In all, the Big Ten has five of the top 17 in the FBS and receiving yards per game. That's equal to the SEC, ACC and Big 12 combined. Wow. All right.

[Mitch]

Not our grandfather's Big Ten man.

[Steve]

Tape truth number 10. Yeah, no, I hear you.

[Mitch]

You're. I love it. It's. It's the way the game is evolving and the Big Ten had to do that. They can't just. You know, as much as you want to go back to those old days, Big cat, you can't just pound the rock all day.

[Steve]

Yeah.

[Mitch]

Anyways, tape truth number 10. There's a lot to like about Malachi. Tony, the wide receiver from Miami, there's a lot to like about his traits. But the best part of his game is his feel for the game and his intelligence. And it jumped out to me. I'm going to go through a few plays with you because we can talk, listen, some of the things, you know after the catch, how explosive he is. You mentioned the touchdown that was called back against Florida State, how ridiculous he was after the catch. He had another 40 yard touchdown catch in that game where he pulls away after the catch. He could take the top off. He's not really a big target, but he can take the top off like he did in the flea flicker. There's a lot to like about Maleconi's Malachi, Tony's game, but remember this guy's. And I know we're going to say this. You already know. You already said that. We're going to say this all year.

[Steve]

I'm going to say Ryan Williams was 17 last year, too.

[Mitch]

Yeah. And Tony, it's either 17 or 18. I couldn't get an example.

[Steve]

He just turned 18 like he did just turn 18.

[Mitch]

Okay. That's what it was. So Tony reclassified, should still be in high school. Just turned 18. Couple of things that really jumped out to me. Okay, play 20. It's a minute 34 left of the first quarter against Florida. He turned. He's lined up. It's third and seven. He turns and points at the defense to back. This is a freshman who's 18 years old turning to the. The veteran quarterback and saying, are you seeing what I'm seeing? He runs a route right to the sticks, catches it, falls backward. First down. Okay, Herbie. Herbie pointed this one out on the broadcast, but it's play three. It's 8, 51, first quarter, third and five this past week against Florida State. He runs across her again. A third. Yeah, third and five, runs across her. If it's man coverage, he's got to continue across the formation and run away from the defender. If it's zone, he's got to sit. He sees zone, sits right at the sticks. We pick up another third down. He knows exactly where he is on the field. Another one that really kind of jumped out to me. And it's a little thing. Opening night against, against Notre Dame. He catches a ball downfield. Okay, it's a 28 yard touchdown catch. It ends up being he is running along the goal line and Beck gets flushed to his left and can't get everything he needs to do on it. A lot of receivers will wait on that ball. Not Tony. He drifts back to the ball, cuts down the angle, makes it impossible for defenders to Jump him, catches it and works himself into the end zone. Look, I love what he's doing for them in terms of his ability. Oh, and this after the game, Crystal Ball. I wanted some of the things that Mario Cristobal said about him. I don't like handing out praise, especially for young guys like that. But, man, if everybody did what Malachi does, their performance levels will go through the roof. He's an early, early, early guy. He is. He'll try to correct it before he even gets to the sideline. So you're talking about a kid who's naturally gifted again, doesn't have great size. That's the one fallback for him. But all these natural tools. Contact balance after the catch, too, by the way, for his size is great, but all these natural tools. And the thing that jumps out to me is he just understands the game. Man, at that age, knows how to get open, knows how to make plays. It really like, because we were texting back and forth about what we're going to do today. You're like, do something on Malachi, Tony. I was like, what else are we going to say about Malachi, Tony? And then I'm watching him like, damn, this kid's smart. He just gets it. And I'm not sure people, enough people are talking about it.

[Steve]

I love it. And I think it's so cute that, like, Crystal Ball and the staff were like, yeah, we're going to ease them in. We're not sure what we're going to get out of them. And then the first game, bright lights, right? Notre Dame, and he's just to the guy, the guy. Let me give you a little quick bonus one. There are a couple pass rushers in the state of Texas that I want everyone to keep their eyes on as we, as we now hit. Coming up on the midpoint in the college football season, David Bailey, who we talked about a lot, and I know he's not great versus the run and he's got improvement in his game and all that. David Bailey now leads the FBS with 31 pressures this year. The Texas Tech edge rusher transfer from Stanford, part of that, like 22 Red Matador Club bringing in money, 50 something million spent, whatever it was.

[Mitch]

Bailey, yeah.

[Steve]

Prize possession. And he's paying it off.

[Mitch]

Yeah, he's gonna get some love. Yeah.

[Steve]

Cass Howell. Cassius Howell. Seven sacks this year. This guy's a terror.

[Mitch]

I'm excited to watch History 3 on Saturday, man.

[Steve]

I've seen like, I've seen things where I'm like, so that's interesting. This is awesome. Ten tape truths. Great week. It's always the weeks you don't expect that like have so much going on. Great week this week, Thursday. We've got a big show coming up on Thursday. Chris Fowler, good friend, long time teammate at espn. Very good teammate. Not all of them, but no, Chris Fowler is going to join us on Thursday. And, and he's, he's just, he's a wealth of knowledge and I'm excited to actually just talk to him, pick his brain on what he's seen so far, what he's got coming up on Saturday. And also we'll, we'll get you ready with the, the preview for the, for the weekend as we always do. Saturday night. Saturday night we're gonna, what are the primetime games? Let me look. Let's look right now. Is it, oh, my gosh. Michigan, usc, Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina, lsu. So we'll be breaking into those late games, but the live show has become the whole deal like this. It's the best part of our week.

[Mitch]

It's another big week.

[Steve]

It's so, it's so good that some of our good friends are stealing the concept and trying to do it at the worldwide. All right, big five stars for you today.

[Mitch]

Let's go. You too, brother.

[Steve]

Must be 21 plus and present in select states. For Kansas in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino or 18 + and present in D.C. kentucky or Wyoming. Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit rg-help.com, call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org chat in Connecticut or visit mdgamblinghelp.org in Maryland. Hope is here. Visit gamblinghelplinema.org or call 1-800-327-5050. For 24. 7 support in Massachusetts or call 1-877-8-HOPE NY or text Hopeny in New York, Sam.