Podcast Summary: The Triple Option Episode: Alabama (and 4 other top teams) Go Down, Ohio State Quarterback Will Howard, and Week 7 Picks Release Date: October 9, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Triple Option, hosts Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone delve into the tumultuous Week 6 of college football, highlighting unexpected losses from powerhouse teams. They also discuss upcoming matchups for Week 7 and feature an insightful interview with Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. The conversation is rich with analysis, expert opinions, and notable moments from the games, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current college football landscape.

Major Upsets in Week 6

Week 6 was a rollercoaster for college football fans, marked by significant upsets that shook the rankings and playoff prospects of several top teams. The hosts meticulously break down these surprising outcomes:

• Alabama Falls to Vanderbilt: In a historic upset, Alabama suffered its first loss to Vanderbilt in 40 years. Mark Ingram expresses his disbelief, stating, “You don't lose to Vanderbilt. That's not what happens when you go to Bama” (04:25). The game was dominated by Vanderbilt's superior time of possession, controlling the ball for over 42 minutes compared to Alabama's 17:52 (06:20).

• Tennessee Upset by Arkansas: Tennessee fell to Arkansas with a score of 25-24, leading to fans storming the field (30:02). Mark notes the unpredictability within the SEC, emphasizing the high competition level.

• Missouri’s Defeat by Texas A&M: Missouri was overwhelmed by Texas A&M, conceding 512 yards and 67 points over the last six quarters (06:55). Mark Ingram vents his frustration, declaring, “I'm never picking Missouri ever again in my entire life” (30:38).

• Michigan’s Loss to Washington: Michigan struggled against Washington, falling out of the top 25 after a dismal passing game (22:08).

• USC Falls to Minnesota: USC, ranked as high as number 11, suffered losses that dropped them out of the top rankings, raising concerns about their transition into the Big Ten (22:08).

These upsets have significant implications for the playoff landscape, with Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri, Michigan, and USC all facing uncertain futures.

Alabama's Loss in Detail

The Alabama-Vanderbilt game was a focal point of the episode, showcasing Alabama's defensive shortcomings and the resultant chaos within the team:

• Defensive Breakdown: Alabama's defense, once tenacious, was in crisis mode, allowing 67 points and 784 yards over the last six quarters (06:55). Mark Ingram criticizes the defensive assignments, noting hesitancy and stagnation: “You got people that were stagnant sitting there, kind of hesitant” (05:01).

• Malachi Moore’s Meltdown: The loss triggered an emotional reaction from Alabama's Malachi Moore, who was visibly upset and later apologized for his behavior. Mark commends Moore's accountability: “He has held himself accountable for it. He was a leader in the locker room afterwards” (12:26).

• Time of Possession Impact: Vanderbilt’s control of the game’s tempo was highlighted, with 42 minutes and eight seconds of possession versus Alabama's 17:52 (06:20). This dominance underscored Alabama’s inability to manage the game effectively.

Notable Quote:

Mark Ingram (04:14): "It's actually quite comical... like, bro, my man, you can't comprehend it."

Other Teams' Losses

The episode further examines the struggles of other top teams:

• Tennessee: With a loss to Arkansas, Tennessee faces a precarious position in the playoff race. Mark and Matt debate whether Tennessee can recover, with Matt concluding, “I’d say no” regarding their playoff chances (39:24).

• Missouri: Missouri’s defeat was met with strong disdain from Mark, who vows never to pick them again. The team’s poor defensive performance, allowing 67 points and 784 yards, was a key factor (06:55, 30:38).

• USC’s Transition to the Big Ten: USC's integration into the Big Ten has been rocky, with losses to Minnesota and Michigan raising questions about their competitiveness. Matt criticizes their offensive line weaknesses and defensive issues, stating, “a lot of these teams, even a team like Minnesota and PJ Flex, done a really good job there” (26:07, 28:32).

• Michigan's Struggles: Michigan’s loss to Washington highlighted their offensive inconsistencies, particularly in their passing game, leading to their drop from the rankings (22:08).

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer (35:21): "They should always have the skill positions."

Implications for Playoffs

The cumulative impact of these upsets has significantly altered the playoff landscape:

• Alabama: Despite the loss, Alabama remains in playoff contention with their strong record, but the margin for error has vanished. Mark emphasizes, “you have no room for error” (09:57).

• Tennessee and Missouri: Both teams face uphill battles to qualify, with Tennessee likely missing out and Missouri deeply jeopardized (39:24, 39:53).

• USC and Michigan: USC still holds a path to the playoffs but with great difficulty, while Michigan’s position remains bleak (39:55).

• Washington’s Rise: Washington’s strong performance positions them as potential playoff contenders, challenging the dominance of traditional powerhouses (32:31).

Notable Quote:

Mark Ingram (39:28): "They still play. They still play Washington. They have Notre Dame."

NIL and Conference Realignment Impact

The hosts discuss the evolving landscape of college football influenced by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and conference realignment:

• Parity in College Football: Mark and Urban agree that NIL is contributing to greater parity, allowing more teams to remain competitive by spreading financial resources more evenly among programs. Mark notes, “Now you're getting good players across the country now” (38:05).

• Player Retention and Movement: The transfer portal and NIL deals are keeping players longer at programs while allowing others to move, enhancing the competitiveness across conferences.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer (38:05): "It's just means more."

Interview with Will Howard (Ohio State QB)

A significant portion of the episode features an interview with Will Howard, the quarterback for Ohio State University:

• Role and Leadership: Will discusses his role as a facilitator and leader on the team, emphasizing the importance of decision-making and distribution of the ball to empower his teammates. He states, “I feel pretty good about where we're at as an offense” (45:48).

• Offensive Strategies: Highlighting the versatility of Ohio State’s offense, Will mentions running the ball more and utilizing quarterbacks' mobility: “I'm going to need to be out there using my legs” (54:21).

• Coaching Influence: Will credits the coaching staff, particularly Ryan Day and Chip Kelly, for his development and the offensive system's sophistication: “Chip Kelly does a lot with the run game stuff” (50:07).

• Preparation for Key Matchups: Discussing the upcoming game against Oregon, Will underscores the focus on matchup specifics such as rushing yards, turnovers, and third-down conversions: “You have to win all those things” (52:54).

Notable Quote:

Will Howard (44:27): "I think I've done a pretty good job of that so far."

Betting Picks for Week 7

The hosts offer their predictions for upcoming Week 7 games, integrating their expertise with BetMGM lines:

• BYU vs. Arizona: Mark favors BYU, citing their top-ranked pass defense and strong overall performance against Arizona (65:37).

• Kansas State vs. Colorado: Mark picks Colorado, applauding their defense and recent performances, including a significant win over UCF (65:48).

• Penn State vs. USC: Mark believes USC has a path to the playoffs despite their struggles, recommending optimism for their upcoming matchup (67:51).

• Ole Miss vs. LSU: Mark takes Ole Miss, highlighting their stout defense and LSU’s offensive strengths (70:18).

• Texas vs. Oklahoma: Mark supports Texas, emphasizing Texas’s balanced offense and Oklahoma’s offensive identity crisis (71:00).

• Oregon vs. Ohio State: Mark trusts Ohio State to win and cover the spread, focusing on their physical play and improved offensive line (73:45).

Notable Quote:

Mark Ingram (65:37): "The Buffs. Aura. It’s because Kansas State's defense has been kind of like their backbone."

Viewer Questions

In the first-ever "Viewer Questions" segment, Mark and Urban address audience inquiries:

• Favorite Big Noon Kickoff Stops: Mark shares memorable stops, including Colorado with Lil Wayne and UCF’s energetic crowd (59:21).

• Balancing Soccer and College Football: Discussing their interests, Mark reveals a passion for soccer, much to Urban's amusement: “It's a beautiful game” (61:24).

• Favorite Opponents: Mark highlights his favorite college and NFL opponents, expressing a particular fondness for Florida and the Baltimore Ravens, among others (61:54).

Notable Quote:

Mark Ingram (59:21): "I'm blessed to be going to these campuses and spending time with the best college football fans in the world."

Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts discuss future plans, including a road trip to Washington, D.C. for the Army-Navy game, and extend heartfelt thoughts to those affected by Hurricane Milton in Florida. They encourage listeners to engage via social media for future show locations and previews.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer (76:21): "We love be safe. Get out."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mark Ingram: “You don't lose to Vanderbilt. That's not what happens when you go to Bama” (04:25).
• Mark Ingram: “You have no room for error” (09:57).
• Will Howard: “I feel pretty good about where we're at as an offense” (45:48).
• Mark Ingram: “I'm never picking Missouri ever again in my entire life” (30:38).
• Urban Meyer: “It's just means more” (38:30).

Time References

• 00:00–01:49: Introduction and initial banter.
• 01:50–05:01: Discussion on Alabama's historic loss to Vanderbilt.
• 05:02–12:26: Detailed analysis of Alabama's defensive issues and locker room reactions.
• 12:27–22:00: Examination of other teams’ losses and their implications.
• 22:01–38:30: In-depth conversation on USC's struggles and broader conference dynamics.
• 38:31–55:23: Discussion on NIL impact, statewide events, and upcoming playoff scenarios.
• 55:24–76:25: Interview with Will Howard and betting picks analysis.
• 76:26–End: Viewer questions, final thoughts, and episode wrap-up.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and expert analyses presented in The Triple Option episode, providing listeners with an extensive understanding of the current state of college football and its implications moving forward.