Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "A Shador Sanders Deep Dive, Caleb Williams Concerns, and Bama and Ole Miss Surging in the SEC"

Release Date: November 12, 2024

In this action-packed episode of The McShay Show, NFL Draft and College Football Analyst Todd McShay, alongside Mel Kiper Jr., delves deep into pressing topics shaping the college football landscape. The episode primarily focuses on Caleb Williams' ongoing struggles, a comprehensive analysis of Shador Sanders, and the resurgence of powerhouse SEC teams Alabama and Ole Miss. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

1. Caleb Williams Concerns

Shane Waldron’s Departure and Its Implications

• [03:11] Todd McShay: Shane Waldron, the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, has been relieved of his duties. This move comes amid the Bears’ struggles with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.

• [07:05] Mel Kiper Jr.: The Bears' offense appears disjointed, lacking a cohesive strategy to support Williams effectively.

Caleb Williams' Performance Trajectory

• Early Season Promise:

  • [03:12] Todd McShay: Caleb Williams showed significant improvement after Week 3, displaying better decision-making and understanding of the offensive system.

• Recent Regression:

  • [04:00] Todd McShay: By Week 6, Williams experienced a downturn, culminating in a dismal performance against the New England Patriots, where he was sacked nine times (Timestamp: [04:00]).

• Impact of Offensive Scheme and Line Play:

  • [05:09] Todd McShay: The offensive scheme, combined with a struggling offensive line, has not provided Williams the necessary support, leading to increased pressure and decreased confidence.

Comparisons with Other Rookie Quarterbacks

• Drake May vs. Caleb Williams:

  • [06:30] Todd McShay: While Williams battles confidence issues, Drake May of the Patriots shows incremental improvement, becoming more decisive and comfortable in his role.

• [08:21] Mel Kiper Jr.: The contrasting performances highlight the importance of surrounding a rookie quarterback with the right support and coaching.

Coaching Changes and Future Outlook

• Potential Head Coach Replacement:

  • [09:57] Todd McShay: Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions emerges as a potential candidate to replace Waldron, bringing proven offensive success.

• Pressure on the Bears Organization:

  • [15:24] Mel Kiper Jr.: The Bears must act swiftly to capitalize on Williams' rookie contract, emphasizing immediate performance over prolonged development.

2. Shador Sanders Deep Dive

Initial Struggles and Game Adjustments

• [20:28] Todd McShay: Shador Sanders faced significant challenges in the first quarter against Texas Tech, being sacked four times and struggling to execute the run game.

• [21:15] Todd McShay: However, in the second quarter, Sanders made crucial adjustments, improving his decision-making and extending plays to gain momentum.

Strengths of Shador Sanders

• Mental Makeup and Competitiveness:

  • [32:57] Todd McShay: Sanders ranks 1 in mental makeup, showcasing elite competitiveness and toughness.
  • [33:43] Mel Kiper Jr.: Sanders exhibits exceptional intelligence, understanding of his offense, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.

• Accuracy and Football Instincts:

  • [35:09] Todd McShay: With a rating of 2, Sanders demonstrates above-average accuracy, particularly in anticipating defensive maneuvers and placing the ball effectively.

• Pocket Mobility and Decision-Making:

  • [35:26] Mel Kiper Jr.: His ability to extend plays and make informed decisions when under pressure adds value to his gameplay.

Weaknesses and NFL Comparisons

• Arm Strength Limitations:

  • [38:09] Mel Kiper Jr.: While Sanders possesses sufficient arm strength, it doesn't match the elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen.
  • [39:24] Todd McShay: Sanders lacks the arm power necessary to become a top-tier NFL quarterback, limiting his ceiling compared to luminaries in the league.

• Ball Retention Issues:

  • [40:38] Todd McShay: Sanders occasionally holds onto the ball too long, leading to negative plays such as interceptions and sacks.
  • [41:31] Mel Kiper Jr.: This tendency stems from his eagerness to make plays, sometimes at the expense of ball security.

NFL Comparisons and Future Potential

• Comparable to Tua Tagovailoa and Geno Smith:

  • [45:03] Todd McShay: Sanders exhibits traits akin to Tua and Geno in his distribution and decision-making but doesn't reach the elite levels of arm strength or mobility.

• Ceiling Assessment:

  • [46:44] Mel Kiper Jr.: Sanders' ceiling is comparable to Joe Burrow, potentially evolving into a solid NFL starter with the right development and support.

3. Bama and Ole Miss Surging in the SEC

Ole Miss’ Defensive Dominance

• Historic Victory Against Georgia:

  • [53:14] Todd McShay: Ole Miss secured a significant win against a top-ranked Georgia team, showcasing their formidable defense.

• Defensive Prowess:

  • [54:59] Todd McShay: Ole Miss boasts the fewest yards per carry and leads in sacks, making their defense one of the best in the country.

• Top Draft Prospects:

  • [62:24] Todd McShay: Six Ole Miss players are projected to be top 10 picks in their respective positions, highlighting the talent depth of their defensive squad.

Alabama’s Resurgence Under DeBoer

• Decorated Performance:

  • [55:31] Todd McShay: Alabama, led by Jalen Milroe, has displayed exceptional performance, particularly against LSU, emphasizing their balanced offense and stout defense.

• Jalen Milroe’s Role:

  • [70:05] Todd McShay: While Milroe excels as a passer and runner, concerns remain about his tendency to hold onto the ball, posing risks in high-pressure situations.

• SEC Playoff Implications:

  • [81:57] Todd McShay: With multiple SEC teams holding strong records, the playoff race is tightening, complicating the pathway to a national championship.

Playoff Hunt and Schedule Overview

• [82:10] Mel Kiper Jr.: The SEC is experiencing unprecedented competition, with numerous teams vying for limited playoff spots.

• FanDuel Hypothetical Odds:

  • [84:38] Todd McShay: The episode touches upon how sportsbooks like FanDuel are setting close odds for marquee matchups, reflecting the competitive uncertainty within the SEC.

Future Episodes and Continuing Coverage

• [81:29] Mel Kiper Jr.: Upcoming shows will feature deep dives into Tennessee’s performance and further analysis of the SEC playoff hunt.

• [82:10] Todd McShay: Listeners can expect detailed discussions on how these high-stakes games influence draft prospects and the overall college football landscape.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Caleb Williams’ Regression:

  • Todd McShay [04:00]: "It was ugly. The one stat that I'll say... nine sacks."

• On Shador Sanders’ Mental Toughness:

  • Todd McShay [32:57]: "The mental makeup is a one. And one. Let's give you the scale again. One being elite."

• On Ole Miss’ Defensive Strength:

  • Mel Kiper Jr. [54:59]: "If I asked you who gives up the fewest yards per carry in the country and has more sacks than any other team... this defense is legit."

• On Alabama’s Offensive Line:

  • Todd McShay [58:15]: "The protection held up. I thought Kiffin had a tremendous game plan."

• On SEC Playoff Complexity:

  • Todd McShay [83:56]: "This is a great problem to have."

Concluding Insights

Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. provide an in-depth analysis of the current state of college football, emphasizing the critical junctures teams like Chicago Bears (with Caleb Williams), Colorado’s Shador Sanders, Alabama, and Ole Miss find themselves in. The episode underscores the importance of coaching decisions, player development, and strategic adjustments in shaping the future success of these teams and their prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Listeners gain valuable perspectives on how individual performances and team dynamics interplay within the highly competitive SEC, setting the stage for an exciting culmination of the college football season and the impending NFL draft.