Podcast Summary: The McShay Show

Episode: Coach Prime’s NFL Influence, a College Football Playoff Confidence Draft, and Previewing Tennessee-Georgia
Release Date: November 14, 2024
Host: Todd McShay
Produced By: The Ringer

1. Introduction

In this episode of The McShay Show, NFL Draft and College Football Analyst Todd McShay delves into the significant influence of Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders on the upcoming NFL Draft, introduces the inaugural College Football Playoff Championship Confidence Draft, and provides an in-depth preview of the pivotal Tennessee vs. Georgia matchup.

2. Coach Prime’s NFL Influence

Deion Sanders' Impact on Shador Sanders and Travis Hunter

Todd McShay opens the discussion by addressing Deion Sanders' recent comments regarding his son, Shador Sanders, and Travis Hunter, another standout player under Sanders' mentorship. The conversation centers on how Coach Prime's involvement could influence their draft positions and future roles in the NFL.

Todd McShay [02:01]: "We're not going to ram it down your throat for the sake of ratings. It's just not who we are."

McShay emphasizes that Coach Prime aims to have a discreet yet impactful role in where Shador and Travis land in the draft, highlighting the strategic nature of Sanders' actions.

Steve Mensch [05:10]: "There's never been a time in this guy's career where... He just does what's right for his family and what's right for him."

The hosts discuss the potential consequences if a team drafts Shador Sanders against Coach Prime's wishes, drawing parallels to historical NFL incidents involving player-coach dynamics.

3. College Football Playoff Confidence Draft

Introducing the Confidence Draft

This episode marks the debut of The McShay Show’s first-ever College Football Playoff Championship Confidence Draft. Todd and co-host Steve Mensch engage in a playful yet insightful draft, selecting teams they believe have the highest confidence to win the national championship.

Draft Picks and Rationale:

• Steve Mensch:

  • 1st Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes

    Steve Mensch [33:53]: "No offense to Dan Landon and the Ducks, but we're going the Ohio State Buckeyes."

  • 3rd Pick: Texas Longhorns

    Steve Mensch [36:32]: "I think Texas at three... I love their defense."

• Todd McShay:

  • 2nd Pick: Oregon Ducks

    Todd McShay [35:02]: "I'm taking Oregon. I believe in Dan Landon."

  • 4th Pick: Alabama Crimson Tide

    Todd McShay [35:16]: "I think Alabama figured something out... they dominated seven teams."

The hosts continue to fill out their draft selections, discussing teams like Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Indiana, Penn State, Miami, and Texas A&M, providing their insights and reasoning behind each pick.

Todd McShay [36:16]: "I think he has a chance to be a top five tight end. I have him in the middle rounds right now."

Both hosts commit to revisiting and adjusting their confidence drafts as the college football season progresses, ensuring dynamic and updated predictions.

4. Previewing Tennessee vs. Georgia

Analyzing the Big SEC Matchup

The heart of the episode revolves around the highly anticipated Tennessee vs. Georgia game, a game with significant implications for the College Football Playoff standings.

Georgia’s Offensive and Defensive Analysis:

Todd McShay critiques Georgia's offensive struggles, particularly their pass protection and the impact of losing key wide receivers to the NFL draft.

Todd McShay [58:28]: "Georgia is going to have to run the football... They lost their top weapons."

Conversely, Georgia's defense, led by standout players like James Pierce Jr. and Omar Norman Lot, is lauded for its depth and ability to pressure opponents consistently.

Steve Mensch [55:38]: "Their defensive line is good and getting better. There are some holes in the secondary, but overall, it's devastating."

Tennessee’s Strategy and Key Players:

The discussion highlights Tennessee's reliance on running back Dylan Sampson, who has amassed over 1,100 rushing yards this season.

Todd McShay [67:34]: "Dylan Sampson's rush for 1,126 yards and 20 touchdowns has been Tennessee's savior."

Concerns about Tennessee's quarterback, Nico, are raised due to potential concussion protocols and inconsistent performance.

Todd McShay [62:14]: "There have been a lot of reports that he's most likely in concussion protocol."

Betting Insights and Predictions:

McShay and Mensch explore betting strategies for the game, advising listeners to consider the under 48.5 total points given the defensive strengths of both teams.

Todd McShay [73:31]: "I just don't see a ton of points in this game. It looks like a low-scoring defensive battle."

5. Where Scouts Are Heading

Key Game Locations and Player Evaluations

The hosts identify significant games and locations where scouts will be present this weekend, including:

• Clemson vs. Pitt
• Missouri vs. South Carolina
• Arkansas vs. Texas

Steve Mensch [75:41]: "Bowling Green tight end Harold Fanon Jr. has been getting a lot of buzz..."

They discuss standout players like Harold Fanon Jr. and running back Cam Scattaboo from Arizona State, highlighting their performances and potential in the draft.

6. Spotlight on Chuck's Fish Restaurant

Connecting Football with Culinary Delights

Towards the episode's end, Todd McShay shares the inspiring history of Chuck's Fish, a restaurant with deep ties to the college football community. Founded by Chuck Morgan in honor of his civil rights legacy, the establishment has become a beloved spot for fans and players alike.

Todd McShay [86:27]: "Chuck's Fish is named in his honor... it's a must. Stop."

He recounts the restaurant's expansion from Tuscaloosa to Athens, emphasizing its role as a communal hub for football enthusiasts.

7. Conclusion and Upcoming Shows

Todd McShay wraps up the episode by promoting upcoming content, including the live Saturday night game day reaction show on YouTube. He encourages listeners to engage with the show’s content and participate in the ongoing confidence draft.

Todd McShay [97:15]: "Saturday night we're back and... join us on our live show."

Notable Quotes:

• Todd McShay [02:01]: "We're not going to ram it down your throat for the sake of ratings. It's just not who we are."
• Steve Mensch [05:10]: "There's never been a time in this guy's career where... He just does what's right for his family and what's right for him."
• Steve Mensch [33:53]: "No offense to Dan Landon and the Ducks, but we're going the Ohio State Buckeyes."

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the intricate dynamics of the NFL Draft influenced by Coach Prime, strategic forecasting through the confidence draft, and a thorough analysis of one of the season's most critical games. Additionally, it enriches the football experience by highlighting community-focused ventures like Chuck's Fish, blending sports insights with cultural engagement.