The McShay Show: Episode Summary

Title: Orange Bowl Instant Reactions: Natty-Bound Notre Dame, Drew Allar’s Draft Decision, and Abdul Carter NFL Comps
Release Date: January 10, 2025

1. Game Overview and Initial Impressions

The episode kicks off with Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. diving into their immediate reactions to the Orange Bowl, marking the first semi-final game in the newly adopted 12-team College Football Playoff format.

Todd McShay (00:22):
"It was a wild finish for a semi-final game. The first semi-final in this 12-team format certainly kept us on the edge of our seats."

Mel Kiper Jr. (03:07):
"Unbelievable. It started to have a feel of like an NBA game—back and forth runs, momentum shifts. Notre Dame just made a few more plays when it mattered most."

2. Key Players and Injuries Impacting the Game

Both analysts highlight the significant impact of injuries on the game's dynamics, particularly focusing on Notre Dame's roster.

Todd McShay (02:00):
"Riley Leonard was in the concussion protocol, Jeremiah Love was limping, and Abdul Carter was playing with one arm. Notre Dame also lost two starting offensive linemen around the game."

Mel Kiper Jr. (03:09):
"Tyler Warren got banged up, and Notre Dame was missing key offensive line players. This undoubtedly affected their performance in the first half."

3. Quarterback Performances: Drew Allar vs. Notre Dame's QB

The discussion shifts to the quarterbacks' performances, with a focus on Drew Allar's struggles and Notre Dame's adjustments.

Mel Kiper Jr. (04:11):
"Drew Allar missed crucial passes early on, including a flat route to Singleton and a 90-yard touchdown throw. His footwork and decision-making were off today."

Todd McShay (04:22):
"Allar's issues with footwork have been a recurring problem, though improvement was noted this year compared to last season."

4. Coaching Strategies and Adjustments

The conversation delves into the coaching decisions that influenced the game's outcome, particularly Notre Dame's halftime adjustments.

Todd McShay (04:46):
"It's challenging for college coaches after so many games to reinvent strategies. However, Andy Kolenicki from Penn State effectively recognized and exploited Notre Dame's weaknesses."

Mel Kiper Jr. (05:15):
"Notre Dame's adjustments in the second half were impressive. Steve Angeli came in and tailored plays that played to the team's strengths, shifting the momentum."

5. Penn State's Dominance and Drew Allar’s Draft Prospects

McShay and Kiper discuss Penn State's first-half dominance and the implications for Drew Allar's NFL draft prospects.

Todd McShay (15:51):
"If I were betting, I’d go with Penn State's Moneyline given their strong first-half performance."

Mel Kiper Jr. (17:55):
"Allar’s performance throughout the season was great, but the final game was a brutal way to end. It raises questions about his readiness for the NFL draft."

6. Notre Dame’s Resilience and Player Highlights

The duo praises Notre Dame’s resilience in the second half, emphasizing key players like Anas Williams and Jaden Greathouse.

Todd McShay (39:26):
"Anas Williams was phenomenal with a 36-yard reception that ignited Notre Dame's drive. Jaden Greathouse also stepped up with 7 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown."

Mel Kiper Jr. (38:36):
"Williams' long catch was pivotal. Notre Dame did an excellent job isolating Penn State's linebackers, exploiting their weaknesses in space."

7. Abdul Carter’s NFL Comparisons and Prospects

Abdul Carter’s performance is analyzed with comparisons to NFL stars, highlighting his potential despite physical limitations.

Todd McShay (25:34):
"Abdul Carter’s one-arm play was special. His ability to accelerate and bend demonstrates his elite pass-rushing potential."

Mel Kiper Jr. (26:36):
"He's on par with players like Von Miller and Micah Parsons in terms of explosiveness and flexibility. His unique traits make him a top prospect."

8. Running Back Class Analysis

The running back class is scrutinized, with a focus on Jeremiah Love and other top prospects.

Todd McShay (43:29):
"With Jeremiah Love healthy, he'd rank number two behind Ashton Jinty. The running back class is loaded with talent, making it one of the best in recent years."

Mel Kiper Jr. (45:18):
"I put Love in the mix alongside Johnson and Hampton. Both are absolute studs, making Love a significant contender."

9. Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Fixtures

The episode wraps up with enthusiasm for future shows and previews of upcoming games, including the Texas vs. Ohio State Cotton Bowl.

Todd McShay (46:38):
"Ohio State is buzzing right now, and the Texas vs. Ohio State matchup should be unbelievable. We’ll break it all down in our next episode."

Mel Kiper Jr. (46:03):
"I'm with you on Texas points, but I think Ohio State will clinch the win. It’s going to be a tight game."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Todd McShay (04:46):
  "Andy Kolenicki from Penn State effectively recognized and exploited Notre Dame's weaknesses."

• Mel Kiper Jr. (05:15):
  "Notre Dame's adjustments in the second half were impressive, shifting the momentum."

• Todd McShay (15:51):
  "If I were betting, I’d go with Penn State's Moneyline given their strong first-half performance."

• Mel Kiper Jr. (26:36):
  "Abdul Carter is on par with players like Von Miller and Micah Parsons in terms of explosiveness and flexibility."

Conclusion

Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. provide an in-depth analysis of the Orange Bowl showdown, highlighting key performances, coaching decisions, and the future prospects of standout players like Drew Allar and Abdul Carter. Their expert insights offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the game's pivotal moments and the broader implications for the College Football Playoff and upcoming NFL drafts.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the critical discussions and analyses presented in the episode.