Podcast Summary: CFP Quarterfinal Recap: Ohio State Routs Oregon, Texas Survives OT Thriller, and Penn State Slows Ashton Jeanty

Podcast Information:

• Title: The McShay Show
• Host: Todd McShay, Long-time NFL Draft and College Football Analyst
• Description: Todd McShay provides insights into the NFL draft, following top draft prospects, sharing insider information from NFL front offices, conversing with industry friends, and discussing mock drafts. The show airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Saturday game day reactions.
• Episode Title: CFP Quarterfinal Recap: Ohio State Routs Oregon, Texas Survives OT Thriller, and Penn State Slows Ashton Jeanty
• Release Date: January 2, 2025

1. Introduction and Current Events ([02:12] - [03:22])

Todd McShay opens the episode acknowledging the tragic events in New Orleans, which have affected the Sugar Bowl matchup. He expresses sympathy for the victims and mentions the rescheduling of the Georgia vs. Notre Dame game to 4:00 PM Eastern.

Quote:

“Tragically over 10 people lost their lives, dozens of people injured. The senseless act lot to still learn information wise on what's going on in that situation.” - Todd McShay ([02:24])

2. College Football Playoff Format Discussion ([03:23] - [05:51])

McShay and his co-host discuss the 12-team College Football Playoff format, particularly focusing on Nick Saban's perspective on whether teams should have a bye week or play in the first round to maintain momentum.

Key Points:

• Nick Saban’s View: Advocates for playing in the first round to keep teams in rhythm.
• Observations from Quarterfinals: Teams with bye weeks (Ohio State, Penn State, Texas) saw their opponents (Boise State, Arizona State, Oregon) leap ahead early in the games.

Quote:

“Ohio State just put it on. Oregon, the three teams that played in the first week absolutely jumped the opponents that were rewarded with the bye week.” - Todd McShay ([04:10])

3. Ohio State vs. Oregon Recap ([05:51] - [16:53])

The discussion delves into Ohio State's dominant performance against Oregon, highlighting both offensive and defensive prowess. McShay praises Chip Kelly’s innovative offensive strategies and Jeremiah Smith's standout performance.

Key Points:

• Dominance: Ohio State led 34-0 by the second quarter.
• Offensive Strategies: Emphasis on cutting-edge run game, short passing, misdirection, and playmaking.
• Player Highlights: Jeremiah Smith averaged 145 receiving yards and two touchdowns per game in the playoffs.

Notable Quotes:

“Ohio State is the best college football team in the nation this year.” - Todd McShay ([07:00])

“Chip Kelly came out gunning. They altered the passing attack philosophically and play-to-play, creating opportunities for their receivers.” - Todd McShay ([14:35])

4. Texas vs. Arizona State Thriller ([20:01] - [44:41])

McShay and his co-host analyze Texas's exhilarating overtime victory over Arizona State. They discuss quarterback Quinn Ewers's dual role as both an asset and a liability, emphasizing his aggressive play in high-pressure situations.

Key Points:

• Game Dynamics: Texas overcame a 14-3 deficit, forcing the game into double overtime.
• Quinn Ewers’s Performance: Showcased both strengths and areas needing improvement, particularly in deep-ball accuracy.
• Defensive Play: Arizona State's defense remained physical and strategic, limiting Texas's offensive effectiveness.

Notable Quotes:

“Quinn Ewers is both an asset and a liability. The unpredictable part is figuring out which role he’ll play when it matters most.” - Todd McShay ([49:18])

“They have to attack if they want to beat Ohio State. They can't run their conservative offense and expect to keep up.” - Todd McShay ([56:51])

5. Penn State vs. Boise State Analysis ([44:41] - [71:51])

The conversation shifts to Penn State’s solid performance against Boise State, with particular emphasis on their running game and cohesive offensive line.

Key Points:

• Offensive Line Excellence: Penn State’s offensive line showcased exceptional blocking, enabling running backs Ashton Genti and Catron Allen to excel.
• Running Game: Ashton Genti accumulated 104 yards, with 81 yards after contact, demonstrating elite vision and strength.
• Quarterback Performance: Drew Aller's improvement noted, though concerns remain about his passing consistency and supporting cast.

Notable Quotes:

“The run game was unbelievable. They had one of the better run blocking performances I can remember watching this year.” - Todd McShay ([65:39])

“Ashton Genti’s ability to hit the ground running and accelerate makes him a standout future NFL prospect.” - Todd McShay ([75:02])

6. Player Spotlights and Draft Implications ([71:51] - [82:13])

McShay highlights key players like Caleb Downs and Colin Simmons from Penn State, discussing their development and potential impact in the NFL Draft. He also touches on the challenges facing Texas's quarterback Quinn Ewers and the need for strategic adjustments against top-tier defenses.

Key Points:

• Caleb Downs: Compared to Ed Reed for his coverage skills and playmaking ability.
• Colin Simmons: Noted for his speed and versatility, valuable assets in defensive schemes.
• Quinn Ewers’s Future: Debated whether he should transfer or return another year to refine his skills before entering the draft.

Notable Quotes:

“Caleb Downs is Ed Reed to me. He’s always around the ball, making pivotal plays in coverage.” - Todd McShay ([21:13])

“Jeremiah Smith’s improvement and Colin Simmons’ development are similar to the awakenings we've seen in Chip Kelly and Will Howard.” - Todd McShay ([57:46])

7. Upcoming Matchups and Predictions ([82:13] - End)

As the episode nears its conclusion, McShay and his co-host discuss upcoming games, including the Sugar Bowl between Notre Dame and Georgia, and the potential national championship matchup. They predict Ohio State remains the favorite for the national title, emphasizing their momentum and talent.

Key Points:

• Sugar Bowl Preview: Notre Dame vs. Georgia expected to be a pivotal game affecting playoff seeding.
• National Championship Outlook: Ohio State projected as the heavy favorite due to their consistent performance and motivation stemming from earlier losses.

Notable Quotes:

“Ohio State is favored by five and a half over Texas. They are a freight train right now, and I don’t see that momentum going away.” - Todd McShay ([27:05])

“If Ohio State maintains their current form, they are the team to beat for the national championship.” - Todd McShay ([72:35])

8. Conclusion and Show Promotion ([82:13] - End)

Todd McShay wraps up the episode by thanking the live audience, promoting upcoming live reaction shows for the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl, and encouraging listeners to subscribe and engage with the show.

Quote:

“Thank you for being here. We appreciate it, truly. We’ll be back with live reaction shows after the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl. Don’t forget to subscribe and spread the word.” - Todd McShay ([82:15])

Key Takeaways:

• Ohio State’s Dominance: Their strategic offensive play and defensive intensity position them as national favorites.
• Texas’s Resilience: Despite inconsistencies, their ability to perform under pressure in overtime showcases their potential.
• Penn State’s Strong Run Game: Exceptional offensive line performance supports a promising running back duo, enhancing their draft prospects.
• Player Development: Rising talents like Caleb Downs and Colin Simmons are drawing attention for their NFL potential.
• Upcoming Challenges: The Sugar Bowl and potential championship game will be critical in determining the ultimate college football champion.

Notable Highlights:

• Ohio State’s Chip Kelly: Praised for innovative offensive strategies and adapting after setbacks.
• Quinn Ewers: His dual role as a quarterback adds both strengths and uncertainties to Texas’s gameplay.
• Caleb Downs’ Performance: Compared to NFL legend Ed Reed for his coverage and playmaking abilities.

Final Thoughts: Todd McShay provides an in-depth analysis of the CFP quarterfinal games, emphasizing team strategies, player performances, and the implications for the upcoming matches and the NFL Draft. The episode offers valuable insights for football enthusiasts looking to understand the current landscape of college football and its transition to the professional level.