The McShay Show – CFP Semifinal Reactions: Indiana Stays Perfect and Dominates Oregon

Podcast: The McShay Show
Host: Todd McShay, with recurring guest/co-host Steve Coughlin
Date: January 10, 2026
Focus: Detailed reactions to Indiana’s rout of Oregon in the CFP semifinal, implications for the national championship matchup, and deep NFL Draft talk

Overview

This episode dives into Indiana’s shocking and historic College Football Playoff semifinal victory over Oregon, analyzing what made the Hoosiers’ run so exceptional. Todd McShay and Steve Coughlin examine the game’s draft and talent landscape, compare Indiana’s dominance to historic teams, and preview the coming national title game. There’s extended debate about quarterback prospects, the dynamics of coaching, and key lessons for the NFL Draft—all with sharp, opinionated, and occasionally irreverent banter.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Indiana’s Astonishing Dominance and Team Building

• Indiana’s Talent Disparity: Despite having just 8 four- or five-star recruits compared to Oregon’s 55 (04:09), Indiana trounced national powers Alabama and Oregon, scoring 94 points over two games and allowing just 25 (09:29).
• Focus on Team Over Talent:
  • “Are you building a collection of talent? Are you building a team? And they’re building a team.” — Steve (04:28)
  • McShay lauds Coach Kurt Signetti’s culture and coaching: “I can’t come up with a comparison in terms of a coaching job in a single season.” (07:31)
• NFL Talent on Indiana:
  • McShay lists a handful of Indiana players who might be drafted, notably WRs Suratt & Cooper, C Coan, and LB D’Angelo Pons (04:34).

Timestamps

• Indiana vs Bluebloods: 02:24, 03:25
• Team-building versus recruiting: 04:09 – 05:51
• NFL draft implications & player rundown: 04:34 – 05:51

2. Comparisons to 2019 LSU and Historic Teams

• The only modern comparison for Indiana’s dominance is 2019 LSU, but McShay points out the stark difference in NFL talent (07:31 – 10:54).
  • Example: LSU had 10 players drafted in the first three rounds; Indiana may have one or two (11:52).
• “I think this might be the best, most dominant team in a single season since LSU 2019 ... But that’s where the similarities end.” — Todd (07:31)

Timestamps

• LSU Comparisons & Draft Recap: 07:31 – 12:00

3. Game Notes: Indiana vs Oregon Semifinal Recap

• Indiana started strong with a pick-six; Oregon responded, but were overmatched in trenches and outcoached (18:45 – 25:06).
• Crowd Estimate: “80% was being kind to Oregon” in the stands (20:29).
• Indiana’s physicality, discipline, and line play overwhelmed Oregon:
  • “This is the best coached team in college football ... as a collective unit, no team is doing the detail, old school stuff ...” — Todd (23:52)

Timestamps

• Pick-six & game script: 18:45 – 23:00
• Indiana fans' wild presence: 20:29 – 21:47
• Indiana OL/DL performance: 23:20 – 25:06

4. Quarterback Debate: Mendoza vs Moore

• Draft Stock Talk:
  • McShay: “Mendoza is about to be the first overall pick in the NFL draft.” (24:38)
  • Steve pushes back: “Let’s calm down with just making, like, announcing this guy is the first overall pick. He is in the driver’s seat right now. He’s earned the right to be in the driver’s seat.” (24:50)
• Prospect Nuance:
  • Mendoza isn’t Burrow, Maye, Daniels, or Williams—but this draft class lacks a clear superstar (30:23).
  • Steve: “At worst, Fernando Mendoza, I think goes second over on this draft. And I’m happy if my team drafts him.” (31:35)
  • Moore has high upside, but only 20 starts; history suggests more experience breeds success (38:27 – 42:03).
• Quarterback Class Weaknesses:
  • “There’s not a Miles Garrett staring at you ... It’s a nightmare matching positional value with talent.” — Todd (34:14)
  • Debate about whether Moore should stay another year: “I hope Dante goes back.” — McShay (53:58)

Timestamps

• QB comparison & mock draft: 24:38 – 36:11
• Starts/experience for QBs in the NFL: 38:27 – 43:06
• Mendoza’s NFL readiness & locker room fit: 51:31 – 53:47

5. Oregon Program, Coaching, and Concerns about Dan Lanning

• Dan Lanning’s record scrutinized for failing to win playoff/critical games despite talent (45:49 – 49:52).
  • “Oregon is at a crossroads.” — Todd (53:47)
  • Loss of top offensive mind Will Stein seen as a huge blow for Ducks.

Timestamps

• Oregon’s track record under Lanning: 45:49 – 49:52
• Will Stein’s impact and departure: 48:03 – 49:52

6. Deeper Dive: Indiana’s Offensive Execution & Efficiency

• Mendoza described as “surgical,” with nearly error-free execution, back-shoulder throws, and the offense's “death by a thousand cuts” style (56:12 – 62:07).
  • Steve: “His efficiency is a superpower ... If you’re a football fan, man, it’s fun to watch.” (57:41)
• Offensive line and role player anecdotes highlight Indiana’s team chemistry, e.g., center Coogan’s first-down celebration loved by the team (59:04 – 60:11).

Timestamps

• Breaking down Mendoza’s play: 56:12 – 62:07
• OL camaraderie & field of dreams vibes: 59:04 – 60:11

7. Physicality: "Biggest Bully" Wins

• The final will be decided by which team imposes its will up front (64:11 – 66:25).
  • “Last year and this year, the two most physical teams in the country are in the final ... It was bully ball.” — Steve (64:11)

Timestamps

• Physicality in CFP and formula for winning: 64:11 – 66:25

8. Draft Nuggets, Trends, and Deep Cut Evaluations

• McShay drops day-three and rising prospects: likes Baron Morton as a potential backup and DJ Stribling as a riser (65:16, 72:03).
• Extended Carson Beck talk: questions about deep ball, potential late first-round buzz, and how the market for QBs will rise due to demand versus supply in this class (76:32 – 82:07).

Timestamps

• Baron Morton and Day-three buzz: 65:15 – 66:22
• Carson Beck debate: 76:32 – 82:07

9. Discussion: Trinidad Chambliss, NCAA Fairness, and Advice

• Reflection on Chambliss’s journey from Division II, injury hardships, NCAA eligibility issues, and advice to shift focus fully to an NFL future (84:42 – 91:57).
  • “Do not ... put your fate and your future into the hands of a bunch of people that don’t care about you. ... Start training for the draft.” — Todd (90:05)

Timestamps

• Injustice to Chambliss and NCAA: 84:42 – 91:57

10. National Title Preview: Indiana vs Miami

• Indiana opens as nearly a touchdown favorite (“seven and a half point favorite for Indiana”, 95:22).
• McShay wants a true test for Mendoza: “I so desperately want ... for so many selfish reasons ... to see Miami’s defense that we saw against Ohio State ... what do you got, Mendoza?” (97:28)
• Steve: The battle will come down to the trenches—“Which is the biggest bully?”—with Indiana’s offensive line and Miami’s defensive front matching up (98:31).

Timestamps

• Title game preview & key storylines: 95:22 – 99:41

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:09 | Todd McShay | “Indiana’s got eight. Eight. Are you here? Are you building a collection of talent? Are you building a team?” | | 07:31 | Todd McShay | “I can’t come up with a comparison in terms of a coaching job in a single season ...” | | 24:38 | Todd McShay | “Mendoza is about to be the first overall pick in the NFL draft.” | | 24:50 | Steve Coughlin | “Let’s calm down with just making, like, announcing this guy is the first overall pick. He is in the driver’s seat right now.” | | 30:23 | Todd McShay | “He’s not that guy. And he sure as is not Joe Burrow.” | | 38:27 | Todd McShay | “Bill Parcels was ahead of his time, man. Got to graduate, got to win a certain amount of games, 25 starts is like the bare minimum.” | | 53:47 | Todd McShay | “Oregon is at a crossroads.” | | 56:15 | Todd McShay | “Searching, surgical.” (On Mendoza’s play) | | 57:41 | Steve Coughlin | “His efficiency is a superpower ... If you’re a football fan, man, it’s fun to watch.” | | 62:05 | Todd McShay | “A million paper cuts. Yeah, he just slices you—pick up seven, pick up nine ...” | | 64:11 | Steve Coughlin | “The two most physical teams in the country are in the final ... It was bully ball.” | | 90:05 | Todd McShay | “Do not ... put your fate and your future into the hands of a bunch of people that don’t care about you. ... Start training for the draft.” | | 97:28 | Todd McShay | “I so desperately want ... to see Miami’s defense that we saw against Ohio State ... what do you got, Mendoza?” |

Segment Timestamps (For Key Moments)

• Indiana’s talent versus Oregon’s: 04:09 – 05:51
• LSU 2019 comparison: 07:31 – 12:00
• Semifinal game script (pick-six to finish): 18:45 – 25:06
• Draft expectations and those with limited experience: 38:27 – 42:03
• Coach Dan Lanning scrutiny: 45:49 – 49:52
• Trenches, physicality as the path to victory: 64:11 – 66:25
• Carson Beck as riser/faller, draft debate: 76:32 – 82:07
• Chambliss, NCAA hardship: 84:42 – 91:57
• National title game preview: 95:22 – 99:41

The Tone & Interplay

The episode maintains a punchy, conversational tone. McShay and Coughlin shift between analysis and light-hearted jabs—with Coughlin persistent in holding McShay accountable, especially on quarterback declarations, while McShay alternates between humility and passionate conviction. Both keep the energy high through personal anecdotes and direct address to their digital audience.

Final Take

This is a must-listen (or read) for college football and draft junkies, with high-level analysis, honest sentiment on the realities of building a winner (on the field and in NFL war rooms), and infectious enthusiasm for the sport’s stories and personalities. The Indiana story in particular is celebrated as a testament to the power of coaching and team building—“a field of dreams” in modern college football.