The McShay Show | Week 14 Reactions: Buckeye Vengeance, Latest on Lane, and More Rivalry Reactions

Date: November 29, 2025
Host: Todd (Pat) McShay
Analyst: Dan Comber
Notable Topic Areas: Rivalry Week reactions, Lane Kiffin coaching news, College Football Playoff implications, and top player/coach performances.

Episode Overview

This high-energy, live "Rivalry Weekend" episode brings immediate reactions to Week 14's biggest college football storylines. Todd McShay, joined by Dan Comber and the rest of "the gang,” dives into Lane Kiffin’s coaching decision drama, breaks down the latest seismic results from Ohio State’s win over Michigan and Texas edging Texas A&M, and sprints through the ever-shifting College Football Playoff (CFP) landscape. The show is interactive, with frequent audience engagement via chat.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Lane Kiffin Situation: LSU or Ole Miss?

Summary:
The Lane Kiffin coaching sweepstakes dominate the episode's opening. McShay shares both his personal insights and breaking news elements about Kiffin’s likely move to LSU, as well as the family and legacy factors that weigh into the decision.

Key Points:

• Sources indicate Lane Kiffin decided to leave Ole Miss for LSU, although McShay clarifies this is not confirmed journalism, more trusted chatter. (13:41)
• Florida is out of the running for Kiffin. Family history (Layla Kiffin’s Gainesville roots) is discussed as possibly influencing that decision.
• Ole Miss is matching the financial aspect; the move is about legacy and a unique challenge, not money.
• The SEC’s shifting coaching landscape, fueled by super-agent Jimmy Sexton, creates ripple effects for schools including Florida, Penn State, and UCLA.

Notable Quotes:

• "When you’ve had this renaissance and worked so hard to cut out the negative in your life ... there’s an element of, 'Do I want to step outside of this? Because man, it’s never felt better than this.'" – Todd McShay (09:48)
• “You take Lane in this program ... and you put it into that [LSU] machine. That’s what LSU is banking on.” – McShay (12:56)
• “I was told last night, based off some text threads ... Lane has made his decision. He’s going to LSU.” – McShay (13:41)
• “If I’m Ole Miss, my sole job is to do what’s best for Ole Miss ... I’m not letting this guy leave to go in-conference and coach my program in the College Football Playoff.” – McShay (23:07)

Timestamps:

• 04:24–12:56: Kiffin’s evolution, decision factors
• 13:41–17:09: Reporting Kiffin’s likely move, confirmation process
• 22:26–23:42: Coaching transition, playoff implications

2. Rivalry Reactions: Ohio State’s Statement Over Michigan

Summary:
In-depth breakdown of the Buckeyes finally getting revenge against Michigan, with insights into key moments, coaching strategies, and standout players.

Key Points:

• Early emphasis: Michigan must start fast; they take early leads but only manage field goals (32:51).
• Bo Jackson (OSU RB) is spotlighted as the game’s MVP (36:11), carrying the Buckeyes in the second half.
• Ohio State’s offensive balance and late-game physical dominance “flipped the script” of the series; traditionally Michigan was the more physical side.
• Michigan QB Bryce Underwood’s struggles highlighted, with Ohio State’s scheme (Matt Patricia as DC) neutralizing Michigan’s favorite runs.
• OSU QB Julian Sayin bounces back from early adversity, showing poise in a hostile road environment.
• Brian Hartline’s play calling and offensive coordination get high praise.

Notable Quotes:

• “Late in this game, Ohio State was the more physical team, and Bo Jackson allowed them ... That’s the difference now for Ohio State.” – McShay (38:40)
• “Ohio State decided they were going to be themselves. ... They asserted themselves, that they were the deeper, more talented team and took care of business.” – Dan Comber (43:11)
• “How about being a first-year starting quarterback on the road, game turns to snow, big crowd ... and to be like, ‘I got this—no problem.’” – McShay (53:42)

Timestamps:

• 32:51–43:11: Game recap, Bo Jackson focus
• 53:42–55:02: Sayin’s composure, OSU distribution

3. CFP Picture & Playoff-Contenders Debate

Summary:
Who should make the College Football Playoff? Debates around “winner” vs. “resume,” the head-to-head Michigan/Notre Dame/Miami cluster, and the unique scenarios posed by the results.

Key Points:

• Miami impresses with a blowout at Pitt—Malachi Tony and Carson Beck star (59:33–60:22).
• The “resume comparison” between Miami and Notre Dame: both with two losses, making arguments difficult for the committee (64:15).
• “Does Miami deserve a College Football Playoff berth without winning the ACC?” Polling shows a split audience.
• Discussion of timing and context of losses (when you lose matters).
• Potential for two ACC teams in the playoff if the championship scenarios break right.
• Alabama, Oklahoma, and others in a crowded “last spots” mix.

Notable Quotes:

• “If Miami doesn’t get in the ACC Championship Game, I’m convinced they’re winning it ... and there’s one ACC team in.” – McShay (61:34)
• “Notre Dame is a better team than they were at the beginning of the year ... where Miami is now, I give Notre Dame the nod.” – Comber (65:24)
• “It is a masterclass in how to make a push for a playoff spot at the end.” – Comber on Miami (62:36)

Timestamps:

• 59:33–62:36: Miami, Beck, and playoff resume
• 64:15–66:53: Miami vs. Notre Dame playoff debate

4. Texas-Texas A&M Rivalry Breakdown

Summary:
Thorough breakdown of Texas vs Texas A&M, with QB evaluations and strategic adjustments highlighted.

Key Points:

• Texas defense “is for real” when Michael Taft is at safety.
• Texas RB Quinn Wisner runs for 155 yards; running game change vital in second half (68:53).
• Both praise and critique for Arch Manning: legs kept Texas alive early, but showed freshman flaws under pressure.
• Marcel Reed (A&M) described as “magic but inconsistent”—A&M has extreme upside but can’t be trusted to win multiple top games consecutively.
• Must-watch TV: volatility of A&M means they could beat or lose to anyone.

Notable Quotes:

• “If both teams, the other 21 starters play equally, I give a big edge to Arch in this game.” – McShay (73:40)
• “That 48-yard run ... you could feel like a sigh of relief on the Texas sideline and on Arch’s helmet specifically.” – McShay (76:19)
• “Texas A&M is NASCAR—you’re watching for the crash.” – Chat (79:27, relayed by hosts)

Timestamps:

• 68:53–73:42: Texas run-game, Arch Manning, Reed breakdown
• 76:19–79:27: Critical run, volatility of Texas A&M

5. Live TMS Top 12 CFP Rankings & Open Debates

Summary:
Real-time top 12 rankings, with debates over Oregon, Texas Tech, and SEC at-large scenarios.

Key Points:

• Ohio State locks the #1 spot, Indiana #2, Georgia #3.
• Debate: Oregon vs. Texas Tech for higher ranking, especially given quality of losses (loss to #2 Indiana for Oregon vs. TTU’s loss to Arizona State).
• The bottom of the list includes Miami and Texas, with Miami’s upside but lack of title game appearance an ongoing point.
• Projections and an open mind—rankings may change based on the chaos of late games (Auburn/Alabama, Oklahoma/LSU, etc.).

Notable Quotes:

• “I got Oregon ahead of Texas Tech ... I mean, I don’t know why we wouldn’t have Oregon ahead of Texas Tech.” – Comber (86:34)
• “If you can see it in there ... [showing his notebook to camera: ‘double arrow sm’]” – McShay (87:35, as they debate the ranking order)

Timestamps:

• 80:19–87:38: Top 12 rankings, debate, and interaction with the live chat

Additional Memorable Moments

• Chat Shoutouts & Community Culture:
  • “For the first time in the history of us doing this, we had [trolls] on the chat ... and the way the rest of the people responded was freaking awesome.” – Comber (88:41)
• Family Life & Chaos Commentary:
  • “Maybe we’ll stay another half hour. Maybe we’ll just stay on until it calms down up there.” – McShay, on kids’ chaos at home (83:55)
• Stories and Analogies:
  • Lane Kiffin and the “renaissance coach” narrative gets personal, with parallels to McShay’s own life and career—reflecting on big decisions, family, and happiness.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Lane Kiffin’s Mindset:

  • “Do I want to step outside of this? Because, man, it’s never felt better than this.” (09:48, McShay)
  • “I was told last night ... Lane’s going to LSU. It’s a matter of when this is going to all be announced.” (13:41, McShay)

• Ohio State's Statement:

  • "Late in this game, Ohio State was the more physical team." (38:40, McShay)
  • “Ohio State was the deeper, more talented team and just took care of business.” (43:11, Comber)

• Playoff Debate:

  • “Does Miami deserve a College Football Playoff berth without winning the ACC?” (65:59, McShay reads poll results)

Episode Flow – Key Segments

| Segment | Topic | Timestamp | |---|---|---| | Opening/Intro | Setting up Rivalry Weekend & urgency | 00:00–04:24 | | Lane Kiffin Situation | In-depth insights and scoop | 04:24–25:12 | | Coaching Dominoes | Trickledown with Sexton, Penn State, UCLA etc. | 25:22–31:11 | | Ohio State vs Michigan | Recap, Bo Jackson, Hartline, Sayin, Underwood | 32:51–55:42 | | Miami’s Playoff Push | Recap of win, Tony, Pringle, Beck | 59:33–62:36 | | CFP Debate | Miami vs Notre Dame, timing of losses | 64:15–66:53 | | Texas-Texas A&M | Game flow, QB evaluations, volatility | 67:47–79:27 | | TMS Top 12 Rankings | CFP rankings and debate | 80:19–87:38 | | Community/Closing | Fan community, family chaos, wrap up | 88:41–end |

Final Thoughts

This episode epitomizes “big game, big stakes” college football analysis—blending inside info, personal storytelling, instant tactical breakdowns, and live, passionate community. The show moves rapidly from breaking news (Kiffin) to granular game breakdowns (Ohio State/Michigan, Texas/Texas A&M), always with a keen eye on what these moments mean for the Playoff and the sport’s shifting landscape.