The McShay Show: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame National Championship Preview with Kirk Herbstreit
Episode Release Date: January 16, 2025
Host: Todd McShay, NFL Draft and College Football Analyst Guest: Kirk Herbstreit, Renowned College Football Commentator
1. Introduction and Guest Welcome
The episode kicks off with Todd McShay welcoming Kirk Herbstreit to discuss the impending College Football Playoff National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame. Todd emphasizes Kirk's esteemed position in college football commentary and his dedication to preserving the integrity of the sport.
Todd McShay ([57:22]):
"I've always had an unbelievable appreciation for what he does. He's the best, isn't he?"
2. Quinn Ewers Declares for the NFL Draft
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers officially declaring for the NFL Draft. Todd analyzes whether this decision is a strategic move or a hasty mistake, considering Ewers' potential and the current NFL draft landscape.
Todd McShay ([05:00]):
"Quinn Ewers is not the draft pick that he wants to be. Probably a third or fourth round draft pick. That's a wide range and it's not a range you want."
Kirk supports the viewpoint that Ewers might benefit more from staying in college, citing factors like NIL deals and the need for further development.
Kirk Herbstreit ([12:17]):
"There's something special about college football and the dreams you have as a young man... I want to be remembered as the Texas quarterback."
3. NIL Deals and Their Impact on Draft Decisions
The conversation shifts to the influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on players' decisions to enter the draft. Todd highlights how lucrative NIL opportunities might tempt underclassmen to declare early, potentially at the expense of their draft stock.
Todd McShay ([09:00]):
"With NIL deals potentially offering up to $3–4 million, Ewers could be looking at over a million dollar pay cut to enter the NFL now."
4. Penn State's Underclassmen Declarations and Impact on 2025 Season
Todd and Kirk delve into Penn State's scenario, where multiple underclassmen like Drew Allar decide to stay, bolstering the team's prospects for the upcoming season and positively affecting the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Todd McShay ([18:32]):
"Penn State's got all the players back and they're in a great position to build off next year."
5. National Championship Game Preview: Strategies and Analysis
The core of the episode centers on the national championship matchup between Ohio State and Notre Dame. Todd and Kirk provide an in-depth analysis of both teams' strategies, strengths, and potential weaknesses.
Ohio State Analysis:
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Coaching Adjustments: Ryan Day's late-season coaching changes have galvanized the team.
Kirk Herbstreit ([37:45]):
"Chip Kelly and his aggressive strategies have transformed Ohio State into a powerhouse this season." -
Defense Dominance: Ohio State's defensive line, featuring NFL-caliber players, poses a significant challenge.
Todd McShay ([46:00]):
"Ty Leak and Ty Hamilton are playing their best football this year, making Ohio State's defense formidable."
Notre Dame Analysis:
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Offensive Strategy: Mike Denbrock's play-calling emphasizes a balanced attack, but the team faces challenges against Ohio State's stout defense.
Kirk Herbstreit ([47:56]):
"Notre Dame needs to find rhythm on offense and exploit Ohio State's defensive gaps to stay competitive." -
Defensive Adjustments: Notre Dame employs a strong man-to-man coverage but may struggle against Ohio State's dynamic offense.
Todd McShay ([50:13]):
"Notre Dame's defense will need to be versatile and proactive to counter Ohio State's offensive threats."
6. College Football Landscape Discussion with Kirk Herbstreit
Beyond the game preview, Todd and Kirk discuss the broader changes in college football, including the expansion to a 12-team playoff, NIL rules, and the transfer portal. They express concerns about maintaining the sport's traditions amidst these shifts.
Kirk Herbstreit ([29:59]):
"We need leadership and a unified voice to navigate the changes in college football. Preserving traditions is crucial."
Todd McShay ([36:13]):
"Balancing modern advancements like NIL with the sport's rich history is a delicate task that requires thoughtful leadership."
7. Game Strategy Insights and Predictions
As the episode progresses, Todd and Kirk share their predictions and betting insights for the national championship game, discussing potential game scenarios and standout players to watch.
Predictions:
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Ohio State Favorability: Both analysts lean towards Ohio State covering the 8.5-point spread, citing their defensive prowess and recent coaching success.
Steve Levy ([68:20]):
"I think Ohio State covers, and Will Howard's your MVP in this game." -
Notre Dame's Challenges: Notre Dame must execute a precise game plan to counter Ohio State's strengths, relying on strategic play-calling and key defensive stops.
Kirk Herbstreit ([48:50]):
"Notre Dame has to blend their man coverage with simulated pressure to keep Ohio State's offense in check."
Key Players to Watch:
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Will Howard (Ohio State): Expected to be a game-changer with his improved consistency and decision-making.
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Quentin Judkins (Notre Dame): His pass-blocking and physicality will be critical in protecting Notre Dame's quarterback.
8. Conclusion and What's Next
Todd wraps up the episode by highlighting upcoming shows, including reaction segments post-national championship and further draft analysis with experts like Jim Nagy. He encourages listeners to join the conversation on YouTube and stay engaged with the latest in college football and the NFL draft.
Todd McShay ([73:03]):
"Join us on Monday night for the national championship reaction show. Stay connected and be part of our community as we dive into the outcomes and what they mean for the future."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Todd McShay ([05:00]):
"Quinn Ewers is not the draft pick that he wants to be. Probably a third or fourth round draft pick." -
Kirk Herbstreit ([12:17]):
"There's something special about college football and the dreams you have as a young man..." -
Todd McShay ([09:00]):
"With NIL deals potentially offering up to $3–4 million, Ewers could be looking at over a million dollar pay cut to enter the NFL now." -
Kirk Herbstreit ([37:45]):
"Chip Kelly and his aggressive strategies have transformed Ohio State into a powerhouse this season." -
Steve Levy ([68:20]):
"I think Ohio State covers, and Will Howard's your MVP in this game."
Key Takeaways
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Quinn Ewers' Decision: While lucrative NIL deals offer immediate financial benefits, staying another year could enhance Ewers' draft prospects and long-term career.
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Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: Ohio State's defensive strength and coaching adjustments give them an edge, but Notre Dame's strategic play-calling and athletic talent make the game highly competitive.
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College Football Evolution: The sport is navigating significant changes with playoff expansion, NIL, and transfer portals, necessitating strong leadership to preserve its traditions and integrity.
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Draft Implications: The decisions made by underclassmen like Quinn Ewers and Penn State's Drew Allar will shape the upcoming NFL draft and college football landscape.
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with valuable insights into the national championship preview, draft-decision reactions, and the evolving landscape of college football. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, Todd McShay and Kirk Herbstreit's discussion offers a thorough understanding of the key issues and exciting prospects in the world of college football.