Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – CFP Quarterfinal Preview

Podcast Information:

• Title: The McShay Show
• Host/Author: The Ringer
• Episode: CFP Quarterfinal Preview: Ohio State–Oregon, Notre Dame–Georgia, Texas–Arizona State, and Penn State–Boise State. Plus, Quarterback Draft Thoughts.
• Release Date: December 30, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The McShay Show, NFL Draft and College Football Analyst Todd McShay dives deep into the upcoming College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals, providing comprehensive previews of the matchups: Ohio State vs. Oregon, Notre Dame vs. Georgia, Texas vs. Arizona State, and Penn State vs. Boise State. Additionally, McShay discusses the current landscape of quarterback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, highlighting key frustrations and insights from scouts.

Quarterback Draft Insights

Cam Ward’s Decision and Its Implications

Todd McShay opens the discussion by expressing frustration over recent decisions made by top quarterback prospects. He specifically critiques Cam Ward for sitting out the second half of the Pop Tart Bowl, questioning whether this decision might negatively impact his draft stock.

• McShay’s View: "Cam Ward deciding to sit out the second half of a bowl game... I just can't like playing beer pong or darts or pool and I've got if I've got a teammate, let alone 10 other guys, and you're in a back and forth battle that was new to me." [24:45]

McShay acknowledges the changing landscape where star players often choose their participation in games based on various factors but remains skeptical about the long-term effects on Ward’s draft prospects.

Carson Beck’s Early Departure

McShay criticizes Carson Beck's decision to forego his final year of college eligibility to enter the NFL Draft, labeling it as a "foolish" move based on feedback from scouts.

• Scout’s Feedback: "Foolish." [28:10]

He argues that Beck's UCL injury and inconsistent performance make his early entry into the draft a risky move, potentially limiting him to a second or third-round selection with lower guaranteed money compared to staying another year to develop further.

Shador Sanders’ Pocket Instincts

The discussion shifts to Shador Sanders, whom McShay praises for his competitiveness and passing accuracy but raises concerns about his pocket instincts under pressure.

• McShay’s Concern: "His pocket instincts are scary. They will stunt his growth big time." [35:50]

Despite Sanders' strengths, McShay highlights that his decision-making under defensive pressure could be a red flag for NFL teams, potentially affecting his draft position.

Quinn Ewers’ Future

McShay also touches on Quinn Ewers, suggesting that he should consider a graduate transfer to further develop his skills before committing to the NFL.

• McShay’s Suggestion: "Quinn Ewers would benefit... another year would help Quinn yours." [45:20]

CFP Quarterfinal Matchups

1. Ohio State vs. Oregon

Overview: This rematch in the Rose Bowl pits Ohio State against Oregon, a game highly anticipated due to their previous encounter in the Big Ten Championship.

Key Points:

• Ohio State’s Strategy: McShay and co-host Stanford Steve discuss Ohio State's reliance on a strong running game and the importance of balancing it with their passing attack to counter Oregon's defensive prowess.

  • McShay: "For Ohio State to strike the balance between run and pass better than they have all year long." [64:22]

• Oregon’s Defensive Challenge: Oregon's ability to adapt defensively is highlighted, with concerns about their offensive line's ability to protect their quarterback against Ohio State’s aggressive defensive front.

  • Steve’s Insight: "Oregon’s interior offensive line is a weakness, and Ty Lee Williams in that interior for Ohio State is going to have to play another great game." [71:02]

• Notable Players: The discussion emphasizes key players like Ohio State's Drew Aller and Oregon’s Quinn Ewers, their performances, and how they might influence the game's outcome.

  • McShay on Aller: "Drew Aller throws for 300 plus in every game." [87:43]

Prediction: Both hosts express confidence in Ohio State’s ability to dominate if they manage to effectively balance their offense, but acknowledge Oregon’s potential to leverage their skill players to challenge the Buckeyes.

2. Notre Dame vs. Georgia

Overview: This matchup features Notre Dame taking on Georgia, a team with a strong defensive reputation under coach Kirby Smart.

Key Points:

• Georgia’s Defensive Strength: McShay praises Georgia's defensive line for their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, stressing the need for Notre Dame to protect their quarterback Gunner Stockton.

  • McShay: "Georgia doesn't have the perimeter weapons either... they have to do that on the edge." [81:00]

• Notre Dame’s Offensive Challenges: Concerns are raised about Notre Dame’s offensive line and their ability to consistently run the football, which has been a stumbling block in previous games.

  • Steve’s Observation: "Riley Leonard has the drop off in perception that people created." [80:59]

• Player Highlights: The discussion highlights key players like Notre Dame’s Running Back Love and Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, debating their impact and potential vulnerabilities in the game.

  • Steve on Running Backs: "That's 10 NFL running backs we get to watch in these four games." [83:22]

Prediction: Both hosts lean towards Georgia’s experience in high-stakes games and robust defense, predicting a tight contest where the under might prevail due to defensive dominance.

3. Texas vs. Arizona State

Overview: Texas faces off against Arizona State in a game where both teams have shown strong offensive capabilities but different defensive strengths.

Key Points:

• Arizona State’s Offensive Prowess: Arizona State’s quarterback Sam Levitt is highlighted for his ability to adapt and improve, making Arizona State a formidable opponent against Texas.

  • Steve on Levitt: "Levitt has taken so many strides... a credit to them." [47:35]

• Texas’ Defensive Strategy: Texas’ defensive front is praised for its ability to dominate the run game, with specific emphasis on their edge rushers like Sawyer and Chase Abraham.

  • McShay: "Texas only gave up four touchdowns through the air." [46:50]

• Betting Insights: The hosts discuss betting trends and the potential for Arizona State to upset Texas based on their offensive versatility and Texas’ red zone inefficiencies.

  • Steve on Betting: "If I got to take one of the underdogs in these games between Boise and Arizona State, I would lean towards Arizona State." [51:17]

Prediction: Todd McShay and Stanford Steve view Arizona State as having the edge due to their adaptable offense and Texas’ occasional defensive lapses, predicting a possible upset with Arizona State coming out on top.

4. Penn State vs. Boise State

Overview: Penn State takes on Boise State in a matchup where Penn State’s balanced offense faces Boise State’s strong defense.

Key Points:

• Boise State’s Defensive Weaknesses: McShay and Steve discuss Boise State’s struggles with tackling metrics and their impending challenge against Penn State’s versatile defense.

  • Steve on Boise State: "Boise State's the worst tackling team in the country." [34:59]

• Penn State’s Offensive Strengths: Emphasis is placed on Penn State’s offensive line, talented running backs like Drew Aller, and wide receivers like Singleton and Allen, who have proven NFL potential.

  • McShay: "Drew Aller throws for 300 plus in every game." [87:43]

• Game Dynamics: The hosts analyze how Penn State can exploit Boise State’s defensive lapses and the importance of maintaining aggressive offensive plays throughout the game.

  • Steve: "It feels like Penn State could just bully the chess match anytime they want." [41:48]

Prediction: Both McShay and Steve favor Penn State’s superior offense and defensive versatility, predicting a comfortable win for the Nittany Lions against Boise State.

Conclusion

In this episode, Todd McShay provides an in-depth analysis of the CFP quarterfinal matchups, coupled with a critical examination of the top quarterback prospects nearing the 2025 NFL Draft. Through detailed breakdowns and insightful commentary, McShay equips listeners with a thorough understanding of the upcoming playoff games and the factors that could influence the next NFL class.

Notable Quotes:

• Todd McShay: "Cam Ward deciding to sit out the second half of a bowl game will have zero effect on where he winds up getting drafted." [28:10]
• Stanford Steve: "Boise State's the worst tackling team in the country." [34:59]
• Todd McShay: "Shador Sanders just getting absolutely annihilated in that bowl game against BYU and holding onto the ball too long and not making the right decisions." [35:50]

For listeners seeking a comprehensive preview of the CFP quarterfinals and insights into the NFL Draft prospects, this episode of The McShay Show is an invaluable resource.