The McShay Show – Episode Summary

Podcast: The McShay Show by The Ringer
Episode: Carson Beck's Renaissance, Garrett Nussmeier's Master Class, and Everything Else that Mattered in CFB Week 1
Date: September 1, 2025
Host: Todd McShay
Theme:
A comprehensive breakdown of the most critical storylines and standout performances in Week 1 of college football, focusing on quarterback play, high-profile matchups, emerging prospects, and the shifting landscape for top NFL Draft candidates.

1. Carson Beck’s Miami Renaissance (02:52–12:46)

Carson Beck’s Transformation at Miami

• Beck’s Move from Georgia to Miami:
  • Beck struggled at Georgia, appearing uncomfortable and heavy, both in mood and playstyle.
    • "Every time he dropped back to pass, it was like the weight of the world was on his shoulders." — Todd McShay (03:26)
  • At Miami, he rediscovered his love for football and seemed transformed: lighter, more decisive, and emotionally expressive.
    • "Carson Beck loves football again. He said it. Those are his words." (03:03)
    • His mobility improved, and he took more risks, leading to big plays, especially against a top-tier Notre Dame defense.
  • The Miami coaching staff and teammates reported a new, freer Beck during preseason.

Supporting Cast & Scheme Fit

• Malachi Tony's Breakout (07:38–08:32):
  • True freshman WR Malachi Tony had six catches that “felt like 20.” (07:57)
  • Tony’s connection with Beck was instant; his dynamic playmaking elevated the entire offense.
    • "He's different… It took like two or three plays." (08:00)
• Miami’s Offensive Freedom vs. Georgia’s Structure:
  • Georgia’s more rigid, run-focused offense may have hampered Beck’s play, whereas Miami’s system allows more freedom and confidence at the line, improving Beck’s decisiveness.

Key Quote

• "I saw a Carson Beck that I kind of had always been wanting to see… relaxed, playing ball, the game he loves." — McShay (05:20)

2. Notre Dame vs. Miami: Critical Takeaways (12:46–19:03)

Notre Dame’s Resilience and Areas for Growth

• Fighting Spirit:
  • Notre Dame battled back from 10 down, reflecting their coach’s mentality.
    • "They are unconscious in terms of the scoreboard." (12:46)
• CJ Carr’s Learning Curve:
  • QB Carr had two intentional grounding penalties, and the offensive line struggled in Miami’s heat and humidity.
• Need for Playmaker Engagement:
  • More touches are needed for RB Jeremiah Love (17:28); offensive adjustments are expected.

Miami Defense’s Leap

• Standout Defensive Front:
  • Miami’s DL, including transfer David Blade and linebacker Torte, dominated up front.
    • "That Miami front’s gonna be so good." (17:51)
• New Defensive Coordinator Corey Heatherman:
  • Instilling discipline, edge, and a tough Northeastern mentality, further elevating Miami’s defense.

Key Quote

• "This is why I love big game first game… you jump into the ultra deep end and go back and watch the tape." — McShay (15:39)

3. Lenora Sellers & South Carolina’s Flash (19:03–25:17)

Sellers’ Developmental Arc

• Ups & Downs:
  • QB Lenora Sellers shows flashes but is still developing—big, strong, with a live arm but inconsistent and sloppy at times.
    • "If you forgot how big, strong, fast, and the big arm he has… some special things." (19:03)
• Clutch Performer:
  • Sellers has become clutch in fourth quarters: a 64-yard TD to Nick Harbor and a time-draining final drive.
• Physical Uniqueness:
  • Nick Harbor (WR) compared physically to D.K. Metcalf; still raw but making strides (4.3 speed, 6'5", 235 lbs).
    • "He went three for 99 with a touchdown… he runs in the four threes." (24:27)

4. Garrett Nussmeier’s "Master Class" at LSU (28:00–40:58)

Nussmeier Elevates to NFL-Ready

• Growth Beyond '23 Tape:
  • Nussmeier looks like an NFL QB returning to college—“what elite, elite looks like mentally at QB.” (38:30)
• Pre-Snap Mastery:
  • Controls the protection, manipulates coverage with motions, sets up the offensive line, and quickly diagnoses defenses in real time—even in hostile, loud environments.
    • "What he's handling mentally is so unique and so special." (38:31)
• Elite Processing and Timing:
  • Even missed throws were correctly placed (e.g., back shoulder fade).
  • Compared to Andrew Luck (mentally), not the toolsiest, but mentally ahead of most peers.

Debate on Physical Tools (40:06–42:07)

• Not the biggest or fastest, arm is “good, not elite.” Compared to Baker Mayfield, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees for style rather than flash.

Key Moment

• "Garrett Nussmeier is setting a new bar for what elite elite looks like in terms of the mental game at the quarterback position." — McShay (38:30)
• "[LSU] deserves to be if not 1, then 2 in the rankings this week." — McShay (43:36)

5. Cade Klubnik & Clemson’s Setbacks (43:50–55:51)

Klubnik Analysis

• Pressure Management Issues:
  • Struggled under LSU's plan to keep him in the pocket—runs right too quickly in big moments (44:56).
  • Missed game-winning read by locking onto the wrong side, influenced by fear of LSU star Harold Perkins.
• Good and Bad:
  • Had flashes, but missed high-leverage plays; losing WR Antonio Williams early hurt.
  • "That offensive line… they were overmatched physically, they were not ready for that." (51:10)
• Blake Baker’s Defensive Adjustments:
  • LSU's DC customized pressure and used Perkins as a chess piece.

Defensive Standouts

• Mansoor Delane (LSU):
  • Shutdown performance, looked like a first-round corner. (52:20–53:15)

6. Quick Hits: Other Noteworthy Prospects & Teams (69:51–71:38)

Stock Up

• Joshua Joseph (Tennessee, EDGE): Popped on tape.
• Aral Reese (Ohio State, LB): “He had a day.” (70:14)
• Preston Zachman (Wisconsin, S): Two INTs.
• Robert Henry (UTSA RB): 177 yards rushing vs. Texas A&M despite late eligibility clearance.
• Michael Trigg (Baylor, TE): Made a series of tough, resilient plays despite exhaustion toward the end.

7. Arch Manning & Texas – Reality Check (58:24–68:51)

Arch’s Difficult Night

• Concerns:
  • Struggled with easy throws, but McShay and guests urge patience and proper context.
    • “If you want to make comments… you better have experience… He did not play at a level acceptable for anyone… But everyone chill the fuck out.” (60:03)
  • Patricia and Ohio State’s defense offered a “masterclass” of NFL looks.
  • Texas needs to design for Manning’s mobility and let pocket maturity develop over time.
• Improvement Path:
  • McShay expects Sark to evolve the offense with more RPO and mobility options for Arch.
• No Fundamental Flaws:
  • Most struggles tied to mechanics, not tools; can be fixed with time and reps.

Key Quote

• "Everyone chill the fuck out… he did not play at a level that is acceptable… But he can get there." — McShay (60:03)

8. Miscellaneous Memorable Moments

• Effort Matters:
  • Todd highlights Bower Sharp’s hustle after a fumble (LSU TE) and Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami DL) on an INT, emphasizing that small moments of effort are valued by teammates and evaluators (55:58–58:02).
• Heat and Humidity Stories:
  • Nostalgic anecdotes about brutal summer camps at Richmond, drawing parallels to teams struggling in Southern heat. (15:12)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Carson Beck loves football again. He said it." — McShay (03:03)
• "He's different… It took like two or three plays." (Malachi Tony) — McShay (08:00)
• "Notre Dame battled back… unconscious in terms of the scoreboard." — McShay (12:46)
• "I'm telling you, this Miami football team… playing with an edge now. That's a good Miami football team." — McShay (18:20)
• "If you forgot how big, strong, fast, and the big arm [Sellers] has… some special things." — McShay (19:03)
• "Garrett Nussmeier is setting a new bar for what elite elite looks like in terms of the mental game at the quarterback position." — McShay (38:30)
• "It's hard to watch that tape… and say Garrett Nussmeier is not the top quarterback in this NFL draft class." — McShay (39:36)
• "That offensive line… they were overmatched physically, they were not ready." — McShay (51:10)
• "[Arch] did not play at a level acceptable for anyone… but he can get there." — McShay (60:03)
• "Everyone chill the fuck out…" — McShay, addressing Manning’s critics (60:03)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Carson Beck's Miami impact: 02:52–12:46
• Notre Dame v. Miami analysis: 12:46–19:03
• Lenora Sellers & South Carolina: 19:03–25:17
• Garrett Nussmeier at LSU: 28:00–40:58
• Cade Klubnik & Clemson: 43:50–55:51
• Effort/Emerging names: 55:58–58:02, 69:51–71:38
• Arch Manning/Texas: 58:24–68:51

Tone and Style

The conversation ranged from analytical and detailed (play breakdowns, draft implications, systems) to candid and humorous (personal playing anecdotes, riffing on effort and toughness, sharp language addressing fan/media overreactions). McShay and his guest blend deep football knowledge with storytelling and an unfiltered delivery, ensuring both die-hards and casual fans get context as well as key takeaways.

In Summary

• Carson Beck’s resurgence at Miami is both schematic and cultural: he’s thriving in a looser, pass-friendly offense.
• Notre Dame and Miami look like top-10 teams but have definitive areas for growth.
• Lenora Sellers and Nick Harbor are raw, tantalizing breakout threats at South Carolina.
• Garrett Nussmeier’s mental command at quarterback now sets the standard for CFB and NFL scouts alike.
• Cade Klubnik faced his own heat—both literal and schematic—but remains a top prospect.
• The episode balances player scouting, scheme dissection, and broader team outlooks, providing instant context for Week 1’s implications in the NFL Draft process and CFB playoff races.