Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – Week 13 Tape Truths: Dante Moore’s NFL Comp, Alabama X Factors, Underwood Evaluations, and More

Date: November 24, 2025
Host: Todd McShay (A), with Steve (B)
Podcast: The Ringer

Overview

This episode of The McShay Show is dedicated to “Tape Truth Monday,” where Todd McShay and his co-host Steve break down pivotal Week 13 college football storylines, prospects' recent performances, and their potential NFL Draft implications. As the regular season nears its end and the College Football Playoff field begins to crystallize, the duo digs into six key “tape truths” after a lopsided slate of games, illuminating which players and teams are trending and which personnel are crucial for the high-stakes matchups ahead.
The episode keeps the analysis focused and spirited, blending tape study insights with humor and on-the-ground scouting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alabama’s Passing Game X-Factor – Jeremy Bernard

Segment Start: 07:02

• Alabama’s Challenge: Their run game is ineffective against SEC-quality defenses (3.1 ypc in conference), and now they face Auburn—a defense giving up just 2.5 ypc at home (5th best in FBS).
• QB Ty Simpson’s Recent Issues: Pressing too much, holding the ball too long, forcing throws—has thrown picks, taken sacks, and fumbled in five straight games.
• Jeremy Bernard’s Importance: Not always the WR1 but the “security blanket” receiver. His chemistry on timing outs helps Simpson stabilize.
  • Steve (B): “I think he's the most reliable...you can argue that it's Ryan Williams [as the top talent], but as a quarterback, you want your most trusted guy.” (09:21)
  • Bernard missed last week for precautionary reasons but is expected back.
• Ryan Williams Trend: Noted for contested drops earlier, but recent tape is encouraging—making tough catches and showing improved focus.
• Coaching/Usage Notes: Bernard can be deployed all over the field; his versatility and YAC ability are highlighted.
• Takeaway: Alabama’s success against Auburn, and possibly beyond, depends on Ty Simpson protecting the ball and relying on Bernard to get into rhythm.

Notable Quote

• Todd McShay (A): “He has lost a fumble in each of the last five games...he has got to now make it a concerted effort—ball carriage, protection inside the pocket when it starts to collapse.” (13:29)

2. Isaiah Sategna (Oklahoma WR) – Spotlighting a Rising Prospect

Segment Start: 17:54

• Background: Sategna, an Arkansas transfer, has quietly outperformed teammate Deion Burks (a top-100 prospect) since transferring to OU.
  • 56 catches (10 more than Burks), nearly double his yards, and 12.7 yards per punt return.
  • After the first two games, Sategna became the go-to—averaging 6 catches, 85.2 yards, and all 6 touchdowns over his last 9 games.
• Trait Analysis: Incredibly fast (hit 22 mph in game), explosive after the catch, but slight in build and not elite at contested catches. Shows exceptional feel in scramble situations and is integral to the quick screen game, somewhat masking OU’s OL and run deficiencies.
  • McShay (A): “He’s both quick and fast and his confidence continues to rise...he’s become invaluable to Ben Arbuckle and John Mateer.” (21:13, 22:21)
• Draft/Scouting Take: If Deion Burks is considered a top-100 player, Sategna deserves more national and NFL Draft attention.
• Impact on OU: He’s singlehandedly responsible for critical offensive sparks and is a big part of why Oklahoma remains in the playoff conversation despite offensive limitations.
• Special Teams: Averaging 12+ yards per punt return, he’s a threat to score and a field-position weapon.

Notable Quotes

• McShay (A): “If he's the guy, and Dion Burks is a top-100 prospect, why aren't we talking about him in the same vein? You know, and I think we need to start to.” (27:09)

3. Tennessee’s Defensive Front – A True X-Factor

Segment Start: 30:03

• Sack Attack: Tennessee is tied for 6th nationally with 35 sacks. Their pass rush is built on:
  1. Talent (especially Joshua Josephs)
  2. Depth (still runs four deep on the edge, though less than last year)
  3. Scheme (Tim Banks’ multiple front/simulated pressure)
• Unselfish Play: The defensive line is adept at sacrificing individual stats to create pressure lanes for blitzers.
• Run Lane Integrity: They pressure the QB without losing rush discipline, rare in aggressive pass rushing teams.
• Upcoming Matchup: They face Vanderbilt and Diego Pavia, who is coming off a historic game (484 yards, 5 TDs). Tennessee’s pass rush will be vital to victory.

Notable Quote

• Steve (B): “When these guys...it's their job to create a lane for a linebacker...they are unselfish about it, man...just doing such a great job of bringing offensive linemen with them and creating seams. I look at all of that and to me it's, it's just oppressive.” (33:19)

4. Dante Moore’s NFL Comp: C.J. Stroud

Segment Start: 40:04

• Moore’s Profile: Elite natural passer, stays in the pocket, quick to process, not eager to run but can when needed—very Stroud-like from college.
  • McShay (A): “He's the best pure passer in the country...everything is thrown, catchable, layering the ball, hitting spots, leading receivers open.” (41:10)
• Toughness: Some outside critique that he “doesn’t like to get hit,” but McShay and Steve clarify this isn’t about guts—it’s about trust in his arm and system.
• Character/Coachability: Moore is described as a true team player, willing to adapt to a run-heavy approach this year without ego; his relationship with OC Will Stein is strong.
• System Praise: Will Stein’s offense is highlighted as cutting edge, maximizing Moore and others.
• NFL Draft Context: If he performs well in the CFP, especially with a thin upcoming QB class, Moore could face intense pressure to go pro—even though both hosts feel another year at Oregon would best serve his development.
  • Steve (B): “If you have a chance to be the first quarterback and the first overall pick taken in this draft...assume you’re going to be a New York Jet and factor that into your decision...Do you want to be a Jet?” (59:05)
• McShay’s Take: His comp to Stroud is a positive; Moore’s draft fate will hinge on performance and the wisdom of patience.

Notable Quotes

• Steve (B): “There are quarterbacks that like to be hit...Drake May, Baker Mayfield...but I don't mind a quarterback that doesn't like to get hit. I'm okay with that.” (43:02)
• McShay (A): “That's not a guy who's not tough... He trusts his passing skills, as he should.” (45:06)

5. Ohio State’s Wild Card: TE Max Claire

Segment Start: 61:02

• Injury-Riddled WR Room: With top receivers banged up, Claire (tight end) is the “zone buster” and third-leading receiver, quietly leading all Big Ten TEs in catches.
• Traits: Great size, awareness for soft spots in zone, above-average route runner, improved since arriving at OSU, and trusted by QB Julian Sayin.
  • Steve (B): “He can make plays. I'm interested to see what the situation is with Tate. Jeremiah Smith was probably more of a precautionary reason...they’re going to need someone...and Claire’s that guy.” (62:03)
• Question Mark: Needs to cut back on drops, but is a reliable go-to with WRs injured.

6. Bryce Underwood (Michigan QB) – Where Are We Now?

Segment Start: 63:43

• Physical Profile: Huge upside, cannon arm, superb mobility—a Josh Allen-level physical prototype.
• Freshman Warts: The offense is choppy, mainly due to personnel issues (RB Justice Haynes out, thin skill-position depth) and Underwood’s inexperience. Coordinator Chip Lindsay installs guardrails but is starting to trust Underwood more.
• Operational Issues: Timing/footwork breakdowns, forcing bad throws, zone misreads—several notable mistakes in recent games.
• Upside vs. Risk: Underwood’s flashes are elite, but his consistency and reading of defenses are not yet NFL-caliber. Against Ohio State’s high-level defense (Matt Patricia/Caleb Downs/Arvell Reese), mistakes could be fatal for Michigan’s chances.
  • McShay (A): “It will take something unexpectedly brilliant scheme-wise, utilizing his legs. He’ll have to play the best game of his career to pull off the upset that Michigan has become notorious for.” (73:13)
• Supporting Cast: Michigan is down to just two competent outside receivers; sophomore Marlon Klein a marginal threat at TE.

Notable Quotes

• McShay (A): “The more I dove into it, the more I realized it’s not a Chip Lindsay thing...he’s putting in guardrails to protect his freshman quarterback...but young quarterbacks have got to grow up at some point.” (66:53)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On Dante Moore vs. C.J. Stroud:

  • McShay (A): “He can run a little bit...but doesn't love to. He did finally, in that Georgia game, if you remember, but throughout his career, it was the biggest knock on him.” (42:28)

• On OU’s special teams transformation:

  • McShay (A): “Special teams has been one of the best groups in the country. And if you're an Oklahoma fan...after that filthy mess a year ago, you would be stunned.” (27:35)

• On Tennessee’s D-Line:

  • Steve (B): “It's just oppressive...the way these guys sacrifice to create seams for blitzers. Unselfish—it's a team that wins with defense.” (33:19)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Alabama’s Offensive Woes & Jeremy Bernard: 07:02 – 16:35
• OU’s Isaiah Sategna Analysis: 17:54 – 27:33
• Tennessee Pass Rush & Vanderbilt Preview: 30:03 – 38:10
• The College Football Playoff Picture/Rant: 34:57 – 38:10
• Dante Moore’s NFL Future (Stroud Comp): 40:04 – 60:53
• Ohio State’s Max Claire Emergence: 61:02 – 63:33
• Michigan & Bryce Underwood Deep Dive: 63:43 – 74:38

Language & Tone

Conversational, insightful, at times irreverent but always grounded in tape analysis. Both hosts blend scouting jargon with frank, relatable sports talk aimed at both diehards and fans looking to catch up on the rapidly evolving CFB landscape.

Takeaway Summary

• Alabama’s path rests on Ty Simpson’s decision-making and Jeremy Bernard’s dependability.
• Oklahoma’s offense is far more reliant on Sategna than the national media has credited; he’s a legit NFL prospect.
• Tennessee’s pass rush isn’t just productive—it’s a schematic weapon and the key to defeating red-hot Vanderbilt.
• Dante Moore is this draft’s natural thrower, evoking C.J. Stroud, and faces a pivotal stay-or-go NFL decision.
• Ohio State’s offense quietly pivots to tight end Max Claire as wideout injuries pile up.
• Bryce Underwood is exceptionally gifted, but Michigan’s offense remains a work in progress, setting up a daunting challenge versus Ohio State’s rebuilt defense.

For Next Episode

• Urban Meyer joins to break down “The Game”—Ohio State vs. Michigan.
• Further updates on playoff scenarios post-rivalry weekend.

For full mock drafts, in-depth evaluations, and more, subscribe to The McShay Report at mcshay-report.beehiiv.com.

End of Summary