Podcast Summary: The McShay Show Episode: Ohio State’s Title Case, Colorado’s Closing Window, and SEC Playoff Scenarios
Release Date: November 24, 2024
Host/Author: Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr.
Presented by: The Ringer

1. National Championship Contenders

Todd McShay opens the discussion by narrowing down the teams he believes are capable of winning the national championship.

• Todd (02:04): "In my opinion, there are just four teams that are capable of winning the national championship."

He lists his top contenders:

1. Ohio State
2. Oregon
3. Texas
4. Georgia

Mel Kiper Jr. concurs, emphasizing the resilience and talent of these teams.

2. Ohio State’s Dominance and Upcoming Challenges

Ohio State is a central focus, with Todd highlighting their battle-tested nature.

• Todd (43:32): "Ohio State comes into the playoff the most battle-tested team."

He praises their ability to bounce back from losses and their performance in high-stakes games, including their rivalry matchup against Michigan.

Mel adds that Georgia has also been through the gauntlet similar to Ohio State, reinforcing their position as top contenders.

3. SEC Standings and Playoff Scenarios

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is in a state of flux, with multiple upsets altering the playoff landscape.

• Todd (04:13): "The SEC deserves five teams in the College Football Playoff is dangerously on thin ice."

Key points discussed:

• Alabama’s Struggles: Despite a strong defense, Alabama lost to Oklahoma due to poor offensive line performance.
  • Todd (09:35): "Alabama's offensive tackles... could not protect Milro at all."
• Florida’s Performance: Florida remains strong but inconsistent.
  • Mel (23:32): "He's inconsistent, but he just seems to know how to make plays in big moments."
• Ole Miss and Indiana Out: Both teams are deemed unworthy of playoff consideration.
  • Todd (03:42): "Indiana does not belong in the playoffs. Get out of here."

4. Big 12 Conference Chaos

The Big 12 is highlighted as an unpredictable conference with several teams vying for playoff spots.

• Todd (52:06): "The Big 12 is an absolute mess."

Key discussions include:

• Kansas’ Resurgence: Kansas has overcome a poor start to win consecutive games, defying expectations.
• Colorado’s Decline: Once a strong contender, Colorado has faltered, failing to control their running game.
  • Todd (56:46): "Colorado's defense... absolutely failed out of position."

Mel commends Kansas for their unexpected turnaround, especially considering their basketball-centric reputation.

5. Ohio State vs. Indiana Game Analysis

A detailed analysis of the Ohio State vs. Indiana game reveals strategic adjustments and key performances.

• Todd (29:10): "Jim Knowles... recognizing that the four-man rush just ain't going to work today."

Key Takeaways:

• Ohio State’s Defensive Strategy: Shifted to a five-man pressure, resulting in five sacks and putting constant pressure on Indiana's quarterback.
  • Todd (30:17): "They got home five times today. And it wasn't just the sacks."
• Indiana’s Offensive Struggles: Despite a strong start, Indiana couldn't sustain their performance against Ohio State’s aggressive defense.
  • Mel (33:05): "Rushing numbers look bad because their punter had negative rushing yards."

Notable Quote:

• Todd (07:22): "This was not like routine. It was not Oklahoma."

6. Heisman Trophy Predictions

The discussion shifts to individual accolades, focusing on potential Heisman Trophy candidates.

• Todd (63:22): "Travis Hunter is going to be the person who gets his name announced."

Highlights:

• Travis Hunter: Viewed as the frontrunner due to his exceptional performance and impact on games.
• Caleb Downs: Praised for his versatility and potential to become one of the best safeties in the NFL.
  • Mel (37:08): "Caleb Downs could be the best safety in the NFL."

7. Special Teams and Game-Changing Moments

Both hosts emphasize the critical role of special teams in the outcomes of games.

• Todd (19:32): "Why are we running? Peggy's off tackle. That is weird."

Key Points:

• Ole Miss’s Short Yardage Issues: Multiple failed attempts due to ineffective running strategies.
• Significant Plays: Highlighting Clemson's Travis Hunter’s impactful plays, despite overall team inconsistencies.

8. Upcoming Week’s Games and Playoff Implications

Looking ahead, Todd and Mel analyze the implications of upcoming games on playoff standings.

• Todd (62:30): "Colorado's got Oklahoma State on Friday night."

Key Matchups:

• Arizona State vs. Arizona
• Iowa State vs. Kansas State
• BYU vs. Houston

Playoff Spots:

• Big Ten: Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and potentially Indiana.
• SEC: Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.
• Big 12: Arizona State, Kansas, Iowa State, among others.

9. Final Insights and Conclusions

Todd concludes by reiterating his belief in the four main contenders, emphasizing Ohio State and Georgia’s readiness for the playoffs.

• Todd (46:20): "My four... Oregon, Ohio State, Texas, and Georgia."

Mel supports the tiered approach to playoff predictions, backing Ohio State and Georgia as primary contenders with Oregon and Texas as secondary options.

Closing Quote:

• Todd (75:36): "You can't give up return and you still can't watch that."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Todd (02:04): "In my opinion, there are just four teams that are capable of winning the national championship."
• Todd (07:22): "This was not like routine. It was not Oklahoma."
• Mel (23:32): "He's inconsistent, but he just seems to know how to make plays in big moments."
• Todd (43:32): "Ohio State comes into the playoff the most battle-tested team."
• Todd (56:46): "Colorado's defense... absolutely failed out of position."
• Todd (63:22): "Travis Hunter is going to be the person who gets his name announced."

Conclusion

In this episode of The McShay Show, Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. provide an in-depth analysis of the current college football landscape, focusing on national championship contenders, conference standings, and pivotal game performances. Their discussions emphasize the volatility of the playoff race, the emergence of unexpected teams, and the critical impact of individual performances and coaching strategies. The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners to understand the complexities and dynamics shaping the end of the college football season.