The McShay Show – CFP Semifinal Reactions: Beck Delivers in Miami's Dramatic Win over Ole Miss

Podcast: The McShay Show (The Ringer)
Episode Date: January 9, 2026
Hosts: Todd McShay, Tucker

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal between Miami and Ole Miss, featuring dramatic analysis and raw reactions from Todd McShay and Tucker. The pair dissect Miami’s nail-biting victory, highlight standout performances (notably Carson Beck’s growth under center), and reflect on gutsy efforts, underdog stories, and the lingering implications for the national title and NFL Draft. The tone is lively, candid, occasionally self-deprecating, and deeply rooted in the hosts’ longstanding perspectives as football analysts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Miami’s Identity Crisis (01:41–06:09)

• Miami’s Path to Success:
  Tucker emphasizes Miami’s winning formula: “Run the Rock, play great defense, get solid play from your quarterback, get Malachi, Tony the ball in space and this is the recipe for you to get to the championship.” (01:41)
• Sloppy Execution:
  Despite success, Miami “almost beat themselves” with penalties, late hits, and dropped passes/interceptions.
• Ole Miss Resilience:
  Ole Miss’s defense earns respect for staying tough despite being outmatched on paper and overworked on the field.

“Miami was, they were the toughest opponent they had tonight was themselves. And they better clean it up. And if they do, they've got a shot.” — Tucker (01:41–02:58)

2. Game Flow and Sloppiness (03:42–06:09)

• The hosts break down the wild scoring pattern: slow 1st quarter, explosive 2nd, quiet 3rd, and a firework-laden 4th.
• Ole Miss managed 27 points with just 18 minutes of possession — a testament both to their grit and Miami’s mistakes.
• Miami constantly shot itself in the foot, preventing a potential blowout.

“This game was Miami Be all miss by 14 or 17 points tonight. Except they… didn’t.” — McShay (05:49–06:09)

3. Tribute to Trinity Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss QB (06:58–09:37)

• McShay offers an extended, heartfelt tribute to Chambliss, emphasizing his underdog narrative:
  • Transferred as a low-rated recruit, overcame personal and medical challenges.
  • Persevered through public failures, coaching turnover, and adversity.
  • Showed leadership and resilience, nearly pulling off a miracle.
• Calls for NCAA flexibility to allow his return if health permits.

“There isn't a better story in College football in 2025.” — McShay (08:57)
“This guy's what's good in college football.” — McShay (09:28)

4. Pete Golding’s Coaching Impact (09:39–11:25)

• Praises Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s influence and personal approach.
• Credits Golding for turning around an often-maligned defense during this playoff run.

“He may not be the next like Saban Tree guy, but man, I love sitting in his meetings and I learned stuff from him.” — McShay (09:39)

5. Miami’s Redemption & Cristobal’s Growth (11:25–13:56)

• Miami’s coach Mario Cristobal is lauded for overcoming a reputation for late-game and late-season collapses.
• Senior leaders and emerging stars (Beck, Bain, Messador, Keonte Scott, Malachi Toney) highlighted as culture-setters.
• Team’s attitude seen as “fun,” “energized,” and potentially championship-caliber.

“This is an awesome, fun team to watch.” — McShay (11:25)

6. Carson Beck Evaluation – NFL Draft Implications (11:25–14:52)

• Beck’s performance:
  • Stat line: 23/37, 268 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT (not his fault).
  • Growth in decision-making and trust, protecting the ball, reading the situation.
• McShay expresses increasing belief in Beck as a pro prospect:
  • “It’s always been about trust with Carson Beck. ... I’m starting to trust Carson Beck more.” (11:57)
• Beck moving into day two/round two draft discussions.
• Miami’s playoff run fuels his rise: “He looks like he's playing more free. I'm trusting him more. ... I'm not talking about first round, but ... in that top five.” (13:56)

7. Miami’s Keys to Victory Moving Forward (13:53–16:27)

• Run game is the identity: RB Mark Fletcher Jr.’s playoff numbers are highlighted.
• Playmaker spotlight: Malachi Toney’s relentless impact, both offensively and potentially in the return game.
• Veteran contributions: Keelan Marion’s clutch performance in place of C.J. Daniels (19:33–20:31).
• Blockers get love: Miami’s receiver room gets props for physical play.

“That should be their identity. That's when they're at their best.” — Tucker (13:53)

8. Program Culture, Legacy, and Swagger (21:01–22:59)

• Miami is compared to the Pete Carroll USC era:
  • Embraces legends (Ray Lewis, Michael Irvin) on the sideline — becoming part of the team atmosphere.
  • Emphasis on not running from the school’s history, but leaning into it.

“Michael Irvin is the only person involved that doesn't know that he's not really on the staff. And good luck telling them.” — McShay (21:28) “They seem to be leaning into, yeah, we are… we are back.” — Tucker (21:44)

• Ray Lewis’s sideline moment at the coin toss is recounted and goes viral on social media (22:28–23:15).

9. Can Miami Win the Title? (23:58–25:58)

• Direct Question: “Can this team win it?” — McShay (23:58)
• Direct Answer: “Yes, 100%. They can.” — Tucker (24:01)
• Miami’s championship-caliber defense and physical run game give them a “formula” to upset Indiana or Oregon.
• The X-factor: Malachi Toney’s potential impact in the return game.

10. NFL Draft Angle: Quarterback Showdown Looms (15:12–18:27)

• The remaining QBs (Dante Moore vs. Fernando Mendoza, plus Beck) set up high-stakes NFL audition drama.
• The semifinals/finals viewed as "Senior Bowl on steroids" — a unique and history-making pre-draft showcase.
• Ty Simpson’s recent exit in context of this "elimination bracket" for top QB prospects.

11. Betting, Odds, and Predictions (02:58, 25:58–28:37)

• Live odds discussed for possible matchups (Miami-Indiana, Miami-Oregon).
• Slight edge to Indiana but Miami’s physicality and playmakers keep things close.
• Hosts’ picks: Tucker likes Oregon to win, McShay is less sure but leans that way too.
• Prediction that the next semifinal will also be a close, dramatic finish.

12. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• McShay on Beck’s NFL Stock:
  “I'm talking about on day two in a class that has Mendoza, Dante Moore, Ty Simpson... I think he's putting himself in the mix in that top five.” (13:56)

• On Miami’s Swagger:
  “They seem to be leaning into, yeah, we are… we are back. ... We're not gonna run away from that. We're not gonna be scared of that. We're gonna embrace the history here in what we could be.” — Tucker (21:44)

• On Trinity Trinidad Chambliss:
  “There isn't a better story in College football in 2025.” — McShay (08:57)

Noteworthy Timestamps

• 01:41 – Miami’s identity and self-inflicted wounds
• 06:58 – Emotional tribute to Chambliss’s season and college football values
• 11:25–13:56 – Carson Beck’s trustworthiness, growth, and draft status
• 19:33 – Keelan Marion’s emergence for Miami
• 21:01 – Miami’s culture, sideline legends, and embracing swagger
• 23:58–24:33 – Can Miami win it? The recipe for beating Indiana/Oregon
• 25:58–27:31 – Betting lines, spreads, and predictions

Conclusion

This episode is a comprehensive, passionate breakdown of the Miami-Ole Miss semifinal. McShay and Tucker blend hard analysis, draft speculation, and the human side of the game, spotlighting both the tactical nuances and the personalities that define college football. The broadcast is a lively look at what makes playoff football so riveting: storylines, stars, slip-ups, and the rare chance to see legends being made in real time.