Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "Ohio State’s Bad Day, A Texas Two (QB) Step, and South Carolina Makes Its CFP Case"
Release Date: December 1, 2024
In this engaging episode of The McShay Show, NFL Draft and College Football Analyst Todd McShay dives deep into the tumultuous landscape of college football as the playoff picture solidifies with the introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP). Hosted by Scott McShay and Connor, the episode covers a range of hot-button topics, including Ohio State’s struggles, Texas A&M’s resurgence, and South Carolina’s bid for playoff inclusion.
1. Texas A&M’s Resurgence
Timestamp: [06:25] - [23:56]
Scott McShay kicks off the discussion with an analysis of Texas A&M's recent performance. Highlighting a pivotal game against Texas, Scott notes the impressive play of quarterback Quinn Ewers despite his oblique injury:
"Quinn Ewers was not a world beater. Yet, Scott praises the composure and aggressiveness Ewers displayed in the first half, saying, 'His downfield touch tonight was awesome. He never looked rattled.'" [08:50]
Connor adds perspective on Ewers' performance, emphasizing his ability to drop the ball under pressure but commending his overall resilience:
"He threw the ball 33 times and was still impressive, especially for a guy that I do think is walking wounded." [09:35]
The hosts discuss Texas A&M’s offensive line stability, noting only eight teams in the FBS maintained all five offensive starters throughout the season. This consistency, coupled with standout players like Kelvin Banks Jr., has been crucial in their grind-down style of play:
"The offensive line really stood out to me because of their continuity and communication." [16:47]
2. Ohio State’s Struggles and Ryan Day’s Future
Timestamp: [23:23] - [42:56]
The conversation shifts to Ohio State, where Ryan Day faces mounting pressure after a disappointing performance against Michigan. Scott expresses concern over Day’s job security:
"After this, the only thing that saves Ryan Day's job is winning a national championship in January." [04:14]
Connor critiques the quarterback play, highlighting two critical interceptions by Will Howard:
"You cannot be late throwing that far across the field. Those are two spots deep in Michigan's territory where you can't make those mistakes." [31:35]
Scott addresses a recent on-field altercation between Ohio State and Michigan players, criticizing Ryan Day’s leadership during the incident:
"Ryan Day was the captain of this ship, and when you see all your players racing over the middle of the field, you better get involved, right? That's leadership." [36:04]
The duo debates whether Day deserves his position, with Scott ultimately suggesting that the program may need a fresh start despite Day’s successes in recruiting and player development.
3. Clemson and South Carolina’s CFP Ambitions
Timestamp: [42:56] - [75:44]
Scott and Connor delve into Clemson’s fluctuating status and South Carolina’s emerging CFP case. Connor expresses skepticism about Clemson's ranking, attributing it to name recognition rather than merit:
"They don't deserve [their ranking]. It was name recognition that's gotten them to the 12th spot." [60:06]
Scott counters by emphasizing South Carolina's potential, citing their close games and strong defense:
"South Carolina is slightly better than Alabama and deserves to be in." [75:43]
The hosts analyze South Carolina’s performance, noting quarterback Lenora Sellers' dual-threat capabilities and the team’s recent six-game win streak. They also discuss Clemson’s loss to SMU, questioning the validity of their earlier rankings.
4. College Football Rankings and CFP Implications
Timestamp: [73:31] - [77:03]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the current CFP rankings and predicting the playoff contenders. Scott outlines the ranking dynamics, suggesting that teams like Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina are strong contenders:
"Alabama has beaten Auburn, but South Carolina has everything to gain and nothing to lose." [71:06]
Connor supports this by highlighting South Carolina’s resilience and Alabama’s inconsistent performances against weaker teams:
"South Carolina is on a six-game win streak and looks good, while Alabama has weak performances against teams like Vanderbilt." [73:57]
The hosts predict that the final CFP spots will likely be contested by SEC powerhouses, potentially sidelining traditionally strong teams like Ohio State and Penn State in favor of rising contenders.
5. Georgia vs Georgia Tech Breakdown
Timestamp: [43:40] - [66:30]
The episode also covers the intense match-up between Georgia and Georgia Tech, highlighting Carson Beck’s standout performance:
"Carson Beck completed 28 passes to 10 different receivers and led Georgia Tech to an eight-overtime thriller against Georgia." [51:33]
Scott praises Beck’s leadership and adaptability, comparing his strategic play to legends like Tom Brady:
"He's allowed to get angry, and sometimes that fires up your teammates." [66:07]
Connor reflects on Beck’s dual-threat capability and the emotional intensity of the game, suggesting that Beck could be a game-changer in the playoff scenarios.
6. Final Thoughts and Future Projections
Timestamp: [77:03] - [79:14]
As the episode wraps up, Scott and Connor reflect on the season's trajectory and anticipate upcoming playoff ramifications. They express optimism about teams like South Carolina making a meaningful impact:
"If you're trying to get the best teams in, that's what we do." [76:58]
Connor agrees, emphasizing the need for strong performances from SEC teams to secure their playoff spots.
Notable Quotes:
- "Quinn Ewers was not a world beater. Yet..." – Scott McShay [08:50]
- "He threw the ball 33 times and was still impressive..." – Connor [09:35]
- "Ryan Day was the captain of this ship..." – Scott McShay [36:04]
- "They don't deserve [their ranking]..." – Connor [60:06]
- "South Carolina is slightly better than Alabama and deserves to be in." – Scott McShay [75:43]
Conclusion
In this episode, Scott McShay and Connor provide a comprehensive analysis of the current college football season, focusing on pivotal games, coaching dynamics, and the evolving playoff landscape. Their in-depth discussions offer listeners valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of top teams, making it a must-listen for college football enthusiasts keen on understanding the intricacies of the CFP race.