The McShay Show: SEC Championship Reactions

Episode: SEC Championship Reactions: Kirby’s Best Coaching Job, Bama’s Bad Day, Ty Simpson’s Future, and More
Date: December 7, 2025
Host: Todd McShay (with guest Steve)
Podcast: The Ringer

Episode Overview

Todd McShay and Steve break down the 2025 SEC Championship, where Georgia convincingly defeated Alabama 28–7. This special edition focuses on the implications of the win, questions about Alabama’s coaching and trajectory under Kalen DeBoer, Georgia’s defensive development, arguments about the College Football Playoff field, and prospects like Ty Simpson. The analysis is rich with behind-the-scenes intel, passionate debate, and forward-looking draft insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Georgia’s Convincing Win and Kirby Smart’s Best Coaching Job

Georgia wins its third SEC championship in five years, decisively beating Alabama.
McShay emphasizes how personal the game was for Kirby Smart:

“This felt personal for Kirby Smart…he was 1-7 versus Alabama coming into this game. So on one end, you’ve got Kirby Smart kind of exercising his demons…” [01:02]
Georgia’s “next man up” mentality and coaching-up of young players highlighted:

“I’m convinced this is one of the best coaching jobs, maybe the best, that Kirby Smart has ever done…He had to coach up a lot of young players and he coached up depth.” [10:05]
Defensive depth and improvement:
- McShay spotlights players like C.J. Allen (“an absolute dude…top 40, top 50 pick” [11:28]), Raylen Wilson, Chris Cole, and the defensive line for emerging as a unit, even if not star-studded.
- The linebacking core and secondary’s improvement observed:
  
  “I’m seeing a secondary that’s protecting itself better and tackling better than it was earlier in the year.” [12:44]

Alabama’s Struggles, Questions About DeBoer, and What’s "Wrong"

Alabama’s offense sputtered, scoring only seven points and finishing with negative three rushing yards.

“Alabama finished with negative 3 rushing yards.” [09:46]
McShay raises concern about Alabama’s coaching, intensity, and pulse:

“Is something wrong? Because I was in denial and…Alabama was the more dialed in, better coached, more intense football team from top to bottom than Alabama.” [03:17]
Steve pushes back, framing Alabama’s struggles as inevitable after transitioning from the Nick Saban era:

"The only issue that Alabama has is they had Nick Saban…and anything that comes after that is going to be an issue." [06:46]
McShay floats persistent undercurrents of unease in Tuscaloosa about Kalen DeBoer’s fit and future:

“There seems to be a really mild undercurrent of is DeBoer the long term guy? Does he want to be there…does Alabama want him long term?” [05:38]
Insider info and rumors:
- McShay references connections with industry insiders, previous coaching searches, and the swirling “game of telephone” (30:46–34:10), but admits uncertainty about how real any “disconnect” is.

College Football Playoff Debate: Who Gets In?

Both hosts debate whether Alabama deserves a playoff spot despite a lopsided loss.
Arguments for Bama:
- Beat four ranked SEC teams in four consecutive weeks, something no other school matched.
  
  “No team in the country has a four-game run of beating four ranked SEC opponents. Nobody else.” [20:52]
- Shouldn’t be punished for losing to Georgia, possibly the national champion, in the title game. (Steve: [07:45], [16:15])
Arguments against:
- The noncompetitive loss leaves a terrible impression, especially in the era of twelve best teams debates, and “something feels off” about Alabama (McShay [17:03], [26:17], [34:10]).
Difference in weight given to when a team loses:
- Steve: “The Notre Dame loss to me is different than the Alabama loss tonight…the Alabama loss is a much bigger deal.” [37:40]
Poll result: 75% of live chat/voters say Alabama should be out of the Playoff. [40:03]

Broader Context: TV Money, Realignment, and Playoff System Flaws

McShay explains that TV money ultimately dictates the sport’s direction, including playoff selection politics:

“TV money drives the sport…They can’t let these championship games be irrelevant…money and TV money controls the sport.” [27:46, 29:07]
Commentary on the Playoff system and at-large spots: “All of our energies should be focused on these other seven teams in the at-large bids—can we get the best seven in?” [36:20]

Ty Simpson’s Future, NFL Draft Stock, and Player Development

Ty Simpson’s disappointing day and season:

“My stance on him and his NFL potential has not changed…He needs to go back to school. I truly believe that.” [43:39]
McShay’s QB advice: Simpson flashes brilliance (“his processing is exceptional for his lack of game experience” [44:33]), but must fix ball security, accuracy, and composure.
Projection: “This guy can be a damn good starting quarterback in the National Football League…but he’s not ready yet, man.” [45:21]
Light mention of Dante Moore’s situation and other QB draft class factors. [45:27–46:45]
Possible silver lining for Bama: This loss could push Simpson to return and help long-term program trajectory. [39:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Georgia’s Defensive Coaching:
McShay: “This is one of the best coaching jobs, maybe the best, Kirby Smart has ever done…he had to coach up a lot of young players and he coached up depth.” [10:05]
On Alabama’s Future Under DeBoer:
McShay: “There seems to be a really mild undercurrent of is DeBoer the long term guy? Does he want to be there long term? Does Alabama want him there long term?” [05:38]
On Nick Saban as the Gold Standard:
Steve: “The only issue Alabama has is they had Nick Saban…and anything that comes after that is going to be an issue.” [06:46]
On Bama’s Resume:
McShay: “No team in the country has a four-game run of beating four ranked SEC opponents. Nobody else.” [20:52]
On Ty Simpson’s NFL Readiness:
McShay: “His processing is exceptional for his lack of game experience…but he’s not ready yet, man.” [44:33, 45:21]
On TV Money Driving Decisions:
McShay: “TV money drives the sport…they can’t let these championship games be irrelevant.” [27:43, 29:07]

Key Timestamps

[01:02] – Explaining the personal stakes for Kirby Smart against Bama
[03:17] – Alabama’s injuries & questions about intensity/leadership
[06:46] – Steve’s nuanced defense of Alabama's post-Saban transition
[09:46] – The shocking stat: Alabama finishes with negative rushing yards
[10:05] – Praise for Kirby Smart’s coaching job and Georgia’s defensive maturity
[11:28] – C.J. Allen singled out as a future top NFL draft pick
[17:03] – Debating whether Alabama’s résumé or best-team status should matter for playoff selection
[20:52] – McShay on Bama’s unique accomplishment: four-game ranked SEC win streak
[26:17] – McShay struggles to pinpoint Alabama’s fundamental issues
[29:07] – TV revenue’s influence on Playoff/selection decisions
[34:10] – Is there something really “wrong” inside Alabama’s football program?
[39:40] – Steve suggests the Ty Simpson silver lining to Bama’s loss
[43:39] – McShay’s definitive advice: “Ty Simpson needs to go back to school”
[44:33–45:21] – Deep-dive into Simpson’s strengths, flaws, and NFL trajectory

Closing Thoughts

The episode brings passionate, insightful, and candid analysis from insiders who blend what’s on the stat sheet with rumors, politics, and personality. Georgia’s rise, Alabama’s crossroads, the Playoff’s existential debates, Ty Simpson’s journey, and the ever-present shadow of TV dollars—this recap covers the emotional and sporting stakes of another wild SEC season.

For more: Todd McShay’s latest NFL draft analysis is available via The McShay Report newsletter.

The McShay Show: SEC Championship Reactions

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Georgia’s Convincing Win and Kirby Smart’s Best Coaching Job

Georgia wins its third SEC championship in five years, decisively beating Alabama.
McShay emphasizes how personal the game was for Kirby Smart:

“This felt personal for Kirby Smart…he was 1-7 versus Alabama coming into this game. So on one end, you’ve got Kirby Smart kind of exercising his demons…” [01:02]
Georgia’s “next man up” mentality and coaching-up of young players highlighted:

“I’m convinced this is one of the best coaching jobs, maybe the best, that Kirby Smart has ever done…He had to coach up a lot of young players and he coached up depth.” [10:05]
Defensive depth and improvement:
- McShay spotlights players like C.J. Allen (“an absolute dude…top 40, top 50 pick” [11:28]), Raylen Wilson, Chris Cole, and the defensive line for emerging as a unit, even if not star-studded.
- The linebacking core and secondary’s improvement observed:
  
  “I’m seeing a secondary that’s protecting itself better and tackling better than it was earlier in the year.” [12:44]

Alabama’s Struggles, Questions About DeBoer, and What’s "Wrong"

Alabama’s offense sputtered, scoring only seven points and finishing with negative three rushing yards.

“Alabama finished with negative 3 rushing yards.” [09:46]
McShay raises concern about Alabama’s coaching, intensity, and pulse:

“Is something wrong? Because I was in denial and…Alabama was the more dialed in, better coached, more intense football team from top to bottom than Alabama.” [03:17]
Steve pushes back, framing Alabama’s struggles as inevitable after transitioning from the Nick Saban era:

"The only issue that Alabama has is they had Nick Saban…and anything that comes after that is going to be an issue." [06:46]
McShay floats persistent undercurrents of unease in Tuscaloosa about Kalen DeBoer’s fit and future:

“There seems to be a really mild undercurrent of is DeBoer the long term guy? Does he want to be there…does Alabama want him long term?” [05:38]
Insider info and rumors:
- McShay references connections with industry insiders, previous coaching searches, and the swirling “game of telephone” (30:46–34:10), but admits uncertainty about how real any “disconnect” is.

College Football Playoff Debate: Who Gets In?

Both hosts debate whether Alabama deserves a playoff spot despite a lopsided loss.
Arguments for Bama:
- Beat four ranked SEC teams in four consecutive weeks, something no other school matched.
  
  “No team in the country has a four-game run of beating four ranked SEC opponents. Nobody else.” [20:52]
- Shouldn’t be punished for losing to Georgia, possibly the national champion, in the title game. (Steve: [07:45], [16:15])
Arguments against:
- The noncompetitive loss leaves a terrible impression, especially in the era of twelve best teams debates, and “something feels off” about Alabama (McShay [17:03], [26:17], [34:10]).
Difference in weight given to when a team loses:
- Steve: “The Notre Dame loss to me is different than the Alabama loss tonight…the Alabama loss is a much bigger deal.” [37:40]
Poll result: 75% of live chat/voters say Alabama should be out of the Playoff. [40:03]

Broader Context: TV Money, Realignment, and Playoff System Flaws

McShay explains that TV money ultimately dictates the sport’s direction, including playoff selection politics:

“TV money drives the sport…They can’t let these championship games be irrelevant…money and TV money controls the sport.” [27:46, 29:07]
Commentary on the Playoff system and at-large spots: “All of our energies should be focused on these other seven teams in the at-large bids—can we get the best seven in?” [36:20]

Ty Simpson’s Future, NFL Draft Stock, and Player Development

Ty Simpson’s disappointing day and season:

“My stance on him and his NFL potential has not changed…He needs to go back to school. I truly believe that.” [43:39]
McShay’s QB advice: Simpson flashes brilliance (“his processing is exceptional for his lack of game experience” [44:33]), but must fix ball security, accuracy, and composure.
Projection: “This guy can be a damn good starting quarterback in the National Football League…but he’s not ready yet, man.” [45:21]
Light mention of Dante Moore’s situation and other QB draft class factors. [45:27–46:45]
Possible silver lining for Bama: This loss could push Simpson to return and help long-term program trajectory. [39:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Georgia’s Defensive Coaching:
McShay: “This is one of the best coaching jobs, maybe the best, Kirby Smart has ever done…he had to coach up a lot of young players and he coached up depth.” [10:05]
On Alabama’s Future Under DeBoer:
McShay: “There seems to be a really mild undercurrent of is DeBoer the long term guy? Does he want to be there long term? Does Alabama want him there long term?” [05:38]
On Nick Saban as the Gold Standard:
Steve: “The only issue Alabama has is they had Nick Saban…and anything that comes after that is going to be an issue.” [06:46]
On Bama’s Resume:
McShay: “No team in the country has a four-game run of beating four ranked SEC opponents. Nobody else.” [20:52]
On Ty Simpson’s NFL Readiness:
McShay: “His processing is exceptional for his lack of game experience…but he’s not ready yet, man.” [44:33, 45:21]
On TV Money Driving Decisions:
McShay: “TV money drives the sport…they can’t let these championship games be irrelevant.” [27:43, 29:07]

Key Timestamps

[01:02] – Explaining the personal stakes for Kirby Smart against Bama
[03:17] – Alabama’s injuries & questions about intensity/leadership
[06:46] – Steve’s nuanced defense of Alabama's post-Saban transition
[09:46] – The shocking stat: Alabama finishes with negative rushing yards
[10:05] – Praise for Kirby Smart’s coaching job and Georgia’s defensive maturity
[11:28] – C.J. Allen singled out as a future top NFL draft pick
[17:03] – Debating whether Alabama’s résumé or best-team status should matter for playoff selection
[20:52] – McShay on Bama’s unique accomplishment: four-game ranked SEC win streak
[26:17] – McShay struggles to pinpoint Alabama’s fundamental issues
[29:07] – TV revenue’s influence on Playoff/selection decisions
[34:10] – Is there something really “wrong” inside Alabama’s football program?
[39:40] – Steve suggests the Ty Simpson silver lining to Bama’s loss
[43:39] – McShay’s definitive advice: “Ty Simpson needs to go back to school”
[44:33–45:21] – Deep-dive into Simpson’s strengths, flaws, and NFL trajectory

Closing Thoughts

For more: Todd McShay’s latest NFL draft analysis is available via The McShay Report newsletter.

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SEC Championship Reactions: Kirby’s Best Coaching Job, Bama’s Bad Day, Ty Simpson’s Future, and More

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Summary

The McShay Show: SEC Championship Reactions

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Georgia’s Convincing Win and Kirby Smart’s Best Coaching Job

Alabama’s Struggles, Questions About DeBoer, and What’s "Wrong"

College Football Playoff Debate: Who Gets In?

Broader Context: TV Money, Realignment, and Playoff System Flaws

Ty Simpson’s Future, NFL Draft Stock, and Player Development

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Closing Thoughts

Summary

The McShay Show: SEC Championship Reactions

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Georgia’s Convincing Win and Kirby Smart’s Best Coaching Job

Alabama’s Struggles, Questions About DeBoer, and What’s "Wrong"

College Football Playoff Debate: Who Gets In?

Broader Context: TV Money, Realignment, and Playoff System Flaws

Ty Simpson’s Future, NFL Draft Stock, and Player Development

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Closing Thoughts