The McShay Show

Episode: Rivalry Week Tape Truths: Bama’s D, A&M’s Title Shot, ACC Playoff Hopes, and More

Date: December 2, 2025
Host: Todd McShay
Co-host: Mitch

Episode Overview

This “Tape Truths Tuesday” centers on six in-depth, tape-driven observations ahead of college football’s championship weekend. Todd McShay and Mitch break down the strengths and concerns of potential playoff contenders, highlight overlooked units and players, and discuss conference playoff implications—especially for the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC. The episode’s tone is both analytical and conversational, with a persistent emphasis on what the film shows versus conventional wisdom.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Can Texas A&M Make a Championship Run? (08:21)

• Mitch makes the case for A&M: “I now believe that Texas A&M can make a championship run. Why not the Aggies?” (08:21)
  • Key arguments:
    • Despite QB Marcel Reed’s inconsistency (multiple multi-interception games), A&M maintains an “11-1” record through grit.
    • Strength of record is 3rd, strength of schedule is 15th (ESPN metrics).
    • Notable road wins: Arkansas, LSU, Missouri.
    • Getting a week off before the playoff (no SEC title game) may help key players get healthy.
    • Team is tied for FBS lead in sacks (41), indicating significant defensive upside.
    • Defense can be as up-and-down as the offense but has high-end potential.
  • Sample quote:

    “Why not the Aggies? They can get after the quarterback…They catch lightning in a bottle for four games, watch out.” — Mitch (11:42)

  • Potential concern: Can they be consistent enough game-to-game to win a tournament, given their erratic halves and sometimes poor tackling? (12:52, McShay’s caveats)
  • Playoff picture note: Previous playoff finalists (Notre Dame, Ohio State) benefited from sitting out conference championship week; A&M could similarly get healthy and focused.

2. Alabama’s Defense: Underappreciated and Ascendant (17:07)

• McShay’s assertion:

  “Alabama's defense is grossly underrated and it keeps getting better almost on a weekly basis.” (17:07)

  • Bama hasn’t allowed more than 24 points since August; rank 11th nationally in scoring defense.
  • The secondary—led by safety Bray Hubbard—stands out as maybe the most complete in college football.
    • Bray Hubbard: “He’s doing everything…He brings the wood as a tackler and he’s always around the ball.” — McShay (20:04)
    • Keon Sabb: “An awesome space tackler… You need that from a free safety.” (21:05)
  • Cornerbacks: Smart, zone-savvy, technical (Zabien Brown and Dijon Lee).
  • Linebackers: Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson—aggressive, versatile, and deep (never all on field together; quoted team-leading tackle stats).
  • DL: Freshman Yonzi Pierre is “the best pass rusher on the team.” (26:02)
  • Depth: “I don't know if there's a deeper unit defensively than there is in Tuscaloosa right now.” (28:26)
  • Outlook for Georgia (SEC Title): First to 24 points likely wins; it won’t be a shootout. Bama defense could be the X factor.

3. Ty Simpson: McShay Still Believes (32:20)

• McShay defends Alabama QB Ty Simpson despite modest box scores, citing the tape:
  • Multiple dropped passes and factors outside Simpson’s control hinder his stat line.
  • “His movement in the pocket continues to be beautiful. He has decisiveness and plays on schedule and has a mental clock that you rarely see from a college quarterback.” — McShay (33:59)
  • Impressive in adversity: 18 of 40 dropbacks under pressure vs. Auburn, frequently without a run game.
  • Game-defining moment: Minute 20 left, first quarter vs. Auburn—Simpson evades six-pass rush, navigates progressions and makes a remarkable touchdown throw under duress. (35:41)
  • Negative: One blatant missed read/should-have-been interception (third quarter vs. Auburn, 10:50).
  • McShay: “The tape tells a different story [than the stats].” (40:15)
• Ryan Williams concern: Why is one of Bama’s top WRs barely targeted? “Feels to me like something’s going on.” — McShay (41:48)
• Can Alabama beat Georgia if Williams is not a factor? Possibly, but would need others (Bernard, Horton, tight ends) to step up.

4. Texas Tech GM Anthony Blanchard: Unheralded Architect (46:02)

• Mitch highlights Blanchard’s role: “Few if any general managers across college football have the autonomy Blanchard enjoys.” (46:02, quoting bio)
  • Blanchard’s staff identifies every scholarship prospect, allowing coaches to focus on development.
  • Key additions: David Bailey (DL), Lee Hunter (DT), Romello Height (EDGE), AJ Holmes Jr (DT).
  • AJ Holmes Jr: Exemplifies Blanchard’s shrewd scouting; accustomed to high snap counts, scheme-flexible, “outstanding at stacking and shedding.”
    • “You know you got a guy who knows your scheme if you need him to come in and play. He can.” — Mitch (49:31)
  • McShay: The rise of college GMs/front offices is as transformative for football as Boston’s Seaport development was for the city (52:35).
• Takeaway: Texas Tech’s roster depth is the result of NFL-style roster management.

5. The Unsung Glue of Ohio State’s D: Caden McDonald (53:23)

• McShay’s view: “Kaden [sic] McDonald's is kind of the glue that stirs it all at Ohio State and nobody’s talking about him.” (53:23)
  • “If you want to run the ball in the A and B gap, you got to think long and hard about it.” — McShay (55:20)
  • 6'3", 326 lb DT, fifth on team in tackles (rare for an interior DL).
  • Makes it almost impossible to run inside; enabling OSU’s edge stars (Reese, Stiles, Downs) to flourish.
  • “You can make an argument…he is the best interior run defending defensive tackle in all of college football.” (55:46)
  • NFL comp: Derrick Brown (Auburn/Carolina) — not huge sack numbers, but a consistently disruptive force.
• Importance vs. Indiana (Big Ten Title):
  • Indiana’s lethal play-action game depends on their run game—if McDonald controls the trenches, Indiana may be forced out of their comfort zone, revealing what QB Mendoza can truly do under pressure (“I am here for finding out some stuff.” — McShay, 62:24)

6. ACC Playoff Hopes: Jamari Taylor as the Savior? (63:02)

• Mitch details the perilous ACC scenario:

  “The ACC needs Virginia running back Jamari Taylor to bail them out.” (63:02)

  • If Duke (8-5) wins the ACC, the conference may not get a playoff spot—better mid-majors (James Madison, North Texas) would likely leapfrog them.
  • Jamari Taylor’s backstory: Walk-on at NC Central, had to win a roster spot, then posted a historic rushing season; now, Virginia’s lead back, tops ACC in rushing.
  • Style: “He excels at pressing the front side and then cutting up or cutting back when he gets a scheme. Thing of beauty…That short area burst turns into explosive power.” (64:34)
  • Taylor’s big first meeting vs. Duke: 18 carries, 133 yards, 2 TDs.
• If Taylor and UVA can beat Duke: The ACC would likely get a playoff spot; otherwise, their fate is out of their hands.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On A&M’s Upside & Inconsistency:

  “My biggest concern is in a tournament like this, can they be consistent enough to make that run?” — McShay (12:52)

• On Alabama’s Defensive Secondary:

  “I can make an argument right now this is the best secondary in college football.” — McShay (19:21)

• On Alabama’s Depth:

  “I don't know if there's a deeper unit defensively than there is in Tuscaloosa right now.” — McShay (28:26)

• On Ty Simpson’s QB Play:

  “His movement in the pocket…decisiveness…a mental clock you rarely see from a college quarterback.” — McShay (33:59) “The tape tells a different story” — McShay (40:15)

• On Caden McDonald:

  “He is the best interior run defending defensive tackle in all of college football… Fifth on the team [in tackles at 326 pounds]. That doesn’t happen very often, folks.” — McShay (55:46) “Let me give you my NFL comp on him… slightly shorter Derrick Brown.” — McShay (60:08)

• On Virginia RB Jamari Taylor:

  “He will uncoil on your ass. … That short area burst turns into explosive power when he gets squared up in tight space.” — Mitch (64:34)

• On the ACC’s Dilemma:

  “If you’re a college football fan at large, you are praying that Jamari Taylor has a big game and Virginia wins that game because again, an 8 and 5 Duke team I don't think is getting in.” — Mitch (66:33)

Important Segment Timestamps

• A&M Playoff Case: 08:21–14:51
• Alabama’s Defense Deep-Dive: 17:07–30:27
• Ty Simpson Discussion: 32:20–43:33
• Texas Tech GM / Transfer Portal Talk: 46:02–53:20
• Caden McDonald & Ohio State: 53:23–62:41
• ACC Playoff Math & Jamari Taylor: 63:02–68:32

Additional Context & Tone

• The episode is highly analytical but laced with playful banter, especially as McShay and Mitch rib each other about their takes and college football culture.
• Both hosts emphasize tape over takes, repeatedly returning to actual game film to support their arguments.
• There is frequent acknowledgment of football’s structural changes: transfer portal, rise of GMs, playoff expansion.
• The show is fan-interactive, referencing analytics, audience engagement, and encouraging followers to subscribe and support their work.

Summary Takeaways

• A&M and Alabama are being underrated in different ways: A&M for their grit despite inconsistency, Alabama for a defense that looks as good as any Bama unit in recent memory (even sans mega-star draftees).
• Ohio State’s interior defense is a game-changer for the entire playoff field.
• Texas Tech’s front office structure may be a template for the sport’s future.
• Both the SEC and ACC playoff spots are more up for grabs than casual fans might assume.
• Watch out for unsung players: McDonald at Ohio State and Taylor at Virginia could tip conference-title and playoff races.
• The game and the playoff field are as unpredictable, and as deep, as ever.

This summary captures the full arc and detail of the McShay Show’s “Rivalry Week Tape Truths,” with an emphasis on what makes this week—and this stage of the season—so critical for contenders, prospects, and the ever-evolving college football landscape.