The McShay Show: Episode Summary

Episode Title: CFP Reactions: Ohio State’s Second Act, The Dominant Nittany Lions, and Texas Holds The Line. Plus, Notre Dame Cruises to 11th Straight Win
Release Date: December 22, 2024
Host/Authors: Todd McShay ("A") and Co-Host/Analyst ("B")
Knowledge Cutoff: October 2023

Introduction and Opening Remarks

The episode begins with Todd McShay expressing gratitude towards the show's growing audience and supporters. Emphasizing the significance of the recent College Football Playoff (CFP) games, Todd sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of the weekend's matchups.

Ohio State vs. Tennessee: A Resurgence

Key Highlights:

• Ohio State's Performance: Todd commends Ohio State's dramatic turnaround after a disappointing loss to Michigan. He praises their offensive line's resurgence and believes this version of the team is the best in college football.

  • Quote: "If you guarantee I'm getting that version of Ohio State, the one I just saw, that's the best football team in college football." ([04:49])

• Player Spotlight – Jeremiah Smith: Both hosts highlight Jeremiah Smith's exceptional performance, predicting him as the top pick in the upcoming NFL draft due to his unparalleled talent.

  • Quote from Todd: "Jeremiah Smith is the number one pick in April's draft, if he's eligible." ([27:12])

• Coaching Strategies: Chip Kelly's aggressive play-calling and renewed confidence in quarterback Will Howard are lauded. Todd notes that Kelly's decisions were instrumental in Ohio State's dominant display.

  • Quote from "B": "And he [Chip Kelly] could do whatever he wanted on the back end because of that front four." ([22:46])

• Notable Moments: The defensive line's impactful plays, including Jordan Yamaliava's helmet crack and Dylan Sampson's early exit from the game, are discussed as pivotal moments influencing the game's outcome.

Clemson's Dominant Display

Key Highlights:

• Quarterback Performance – Club Nick: The hosts admire Club Nick's leadership and clutch performances, emphasizing his ability to rally the team in crucial moments.

  • Quote from "B": "Club Nick seems like you're gonna get everything I got." ([34:23])

• Team Analysis: While Clemson showcased their offensive prowess, criticisms are aimed at their inability to stop the run consistently throughout the season.

  • Quote from Todd: "You got to stop the run, man. You got to be able to stop the run and they haven't been able to stop the run all year." ([36:32])

• Defense Evaluation: The defensive line, particularly players like Ty Lee Williams and Baron Sorrell, received praise for their explosive performances and ability to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

  • Quote from Todd: "They have not had a lot of them, if you really look at it." ([22:46])

Texas Holds The Line Against Arizona State

Key Highlights:

• Offensive Line Strength: Texas's offensive line is highlighted as a cornerstone of their victory, showcasing dominance despite various injuries.

  • Quote from Todd: "The Texas offensive line. They were absolutely dominant." ([42:03])

• Quarterback Analysis – Q. Wisner: While Q. Wisner demonstrated resilience and effective play-calling, Todd questions his consistency in critical moments.

  • Quote from "B": "The backup quarterback, right?" ([69:12])

• Defense's Role: Texas's defense made crucial plays when it mattered most, including a game-ending goal line stand, underscoring their ability to perform under pressure.

  • Quote from "B": "They made plays when it mattered, man." ([51:04])

Notre Dame Cruises to 11th Straight Win Over Indiana

Key Highlights:

• Team Dominance: Notre Dame's comprehensive victory over Indiana is celebrated, with particular emphasis on their balanced attack and stout defense.

  • Quote from Todd: "It's just not enough." ([75:19])

• Player Spotlight – Jordan Faison: Although Faison had a solid game, Todd notes the lack of support from other receivers, which could be a concern moving forward.

  • Quote from Todd: "Jordan Faison, 7 for 89, he had a really good game." ([75:19])

• Defense Evaluation: Notre Dame's defense held strong against Indiana's offensive efforts, limiting key players and maintaining control throughout the game.

  • Quote from "A": "They held Ellison and Tyson Lawson." ([80:20])

Penn State vs. SMU: An Uneven Battle

Key Highlights:

• Game Analysis: The mismatch between Penn State and SMU is discussed, with both hosts agreeing that SMU did not belong in the top 12 teams, citing their lack of competitiveness and defensive vulnerabilities.

  • Quote from Todd: "The reality is they just didn't belong in the top 12 teams in the country, and that's obvious." ([65:15])

• Defense Evaluation: Despite SMU's efforts, Penn State's superior talent and defensive play overshadowed their performance.

  • Quote from "A": "They gave Drew Aller fits early in that game." ([67:06])

Draft Prospects and Player Evaluations

Key Highlights:

• Top Prospects: The episode extensively covers draftable players from the featured teams, emphasizing Ohio State's 15 prospects and the standout performances of players like Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs.

  • Quote from Todd: "This Ohio State roster boasts the best and most NFL-ready players." ([56:23])

• Notre Dame's Jeremiah Love: Highlighted as a potential star of the playoffs, Love's explosive running style and versatility make him a noteworthy prospect.

  • Quote from "B": "Jeremiah Love, the running back from Notre Dame, might be the star..." ([76:47])

Future Matchups and Playoff Predictions

Key Highlights:

• Upcoming Games: The hosts preview the next round of the CFP, discussing potential matchups such as Ohio State vs. Oregon and Texas vs. Arizona State. They analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each team, offering predictions on outcomes and key factors that could influence the results.

  • Quote from Todd: "Ohio State will have had to beat Tennessee, then beat Oregon..." ([34:36])

• Playoff Structure Critique: Todd voices concerns over the current 12-team playoff structure, advocating for better seeding and representation of conference champions to avoid mismatches and ensure competitive balance.

  • Quote from Todd: "The seating should absolutely not have been the seating with the conference champions." ([32:55])

Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

The episode concludes with Todd and his co-host reflecting on the weekend's games, expressing anticipation for the upcoming playoff rounds, and hinting at a special episode featuring a redraft of the 2024 NFL Draft. They encourage listeners to stay engaged, subscribe, and support the show as they continue to provide expert analysis and insights into college football.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [04:49] Todd: "If you guarantee I'm getting that version of Ohio State, the one I just saw, that's the best football team in college football."

• [27:12] Todd: "Jeremiah Smith is the number one pick in April's draft, if he's eligible."

• [32:55] Todd: "The seating should absolutely not have been the seating with the conference champions."

• [75:19] Todd: "Jordan Faison, 7 for 89, he had a really good game."

• [65:15] Todd: "The reality is they just didn't belong in the top 12 teams in the country, and that's obvious."

Conclusion

This episode of The McShay Show delves deep into the outcomes and implications of the recent College Football Playoff games, offering expert analysis on team performances, standout players, and future prospects. Todd McShay and his co-host provide listeners with comprehensive insights, blending tactical evaluations with draft projections, ensuring fans are well-informed and engaged as the playoff excitement continues.