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.