Podcast Summary: The Triple Option – Featuring Eddie George & 2025 Penn State Preview

Episode Title: Heisman Winner & Bowling Green Head Coach Eddie George Joins, Plus 2025 Penn State Preview
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Presented by: Wendy’s
Hosts: Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, Rob Stone
Guests: Eddie George

1. Introduction of Eddie George as Bowling Green’s New Head Coach

The episode kicks off with a vibrant introduction of Eddie George, the celebrated Heisman Trophy winner, NFL veteran, and now the newly appointed head coach of Bowling Green University. The hosts express their excitement and admiration for George’s transition from a player to a coaching role, highlighting his impressive career achievements and recent accomplishments.

Rob Stone (00:26):
"We begin with a huge name making a major move just days ago... Eddie George joins us right now."

Urban Meyer (02:50):
"Eddie jumped into the coaching ranks a few years ago... now he’s the head coach at Bowling Green!"

2. Eddie George’s Journey into Coaching

Eddie George shares his unexpected path into the coaching profession. Initially involved in business and managing a wealth management firm, George received an unexpected call from Dr. Glenda Glover, the former president of Tennessee State and current president of the AKA Foundation. This serendipitous conversation led to his appointment as head coach at Tennessee State.

Eddie George (06:07):
"Dr. Glenda Glover called me out of the blue to be the next head coach for Tennessee State... I was flattered but had never coached before."

Mark Ingram II (05:45):
"I want you to share your amazing story on the podcast, Eddie."

George discusses the challenges he faced, including building a program from the ground up, making tough decisions, and instilling a winning culture. His tenure at Tennessee State saw significant improvements, culminating in a 24–22 record and a playoff appearance.

Eddie George (07:14):
"I started thinking about the impact I could have on these young men and give back to the game. It was a tough decision, but I fell in love with coaching."

3. Transition to Bowling Green University

The conversation shifts to George's recent move to Bowling Green University. The hosts congratulate him and delve into the specifics of his new role.

Rob Stone (02:50):
"Sunday he makes the big move to become the head coach of Bowling Green University."

George explains the whirlwind process of securing the Bowling Green position, emphasizing the pivotal role Urban Meyer played in his appointment by recommending him for the job.

Eddie George (09:32):
"Urban texted me about the Bowling Green job, and with his endorsement, I knew I had to explore this opportunity."

Urban Meyer adds context to the hiring process, highlighting the importance of culture and Eddie’s suitability for nurturing it at Bowling Green.

Urban Meyer (13:09):
"When Derek, the athletic director, gave me a call, I knew Eddie was the right fit for Bowling Green's culture."

4. Coaching Philosophy and Vision for Bowling Green

Eddie George elaborates on his coaching philosophy, focusing on creating a fast, physical, and disciplined team. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in playbooks and building a strong offseason to ensure championship success.

Eddie George (14:26):
"We want to be fast, physical, and disciplined. Everybody will know what we're running, and the question is, can you stop it?"

George outlines his plans for rigorous training, emphasizing the necessity of mental toughness and fostering a resilient team spirit.

Eddie George (15:19):
"The first two weeks, we're going to live in the pit and then hit that hill after practice. Feel bad before you feel good."
[00:15:19]

He shares anecdotes from his coaching stint at Tennessee State, highlighting the transformative impact of strong leadership and structured programs.

Eddie George (16:45):
"I had to address the elephant in the room and commit to building a strong relationship within the team. It’s about digging our heels in and getting the process rolling."

5. Strategic Insights on College Football Landscape

The discussion transitions to the broader changes in college football, particularly focusing on NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and conference realignment. Eddie George outlines his strategic approach to navigating these changes, emphasizing player prioritization and effective recruitment.

Eddie George (19:31):
"I have my players at the top of my blueprint. It starts with recruiting them and building the best staff to develop them both on and off the field."

George details his immediate plans to immerse himself in Bowling Green’s environment, including living in the office to streamline staff assembly and preparing for spring football.

Eddie George (19:57):
"I’ll be living in the office, sleeping on the couch until I get the staff right. Spring football is underway, and I want these fans to be proud."

6. 2025 Penn State Preview and Win Total Analysis

The hosts shift focus to the 2025 Penn State football season, analyzing their regular-season schedule and the associated win totals as predicted by BetMGM.

Rob Stone (37:02):
"We are Penn State's regular season schedule. BETMGM has set their regular season win total at ten and a half."

They dissect Penn State’s ambitious schedule, debating the likelihood of reaching the 10.5-win mark amidst tough matchups against teams like Oregon, Northwestern, Indiana, and Nebraska.

Mark Ingram II (38:46):
"They’ve got a ton of guys coming back, but with games against Oregon and Ohio State, it's going to be a challenging season."

Urban Meyer expresses confidence in Penn State’s potential to meet and possibly exceed the predicted win total.

Urban Meyer (40:31):
"I think they're going to get it with that schedule. Yeah, I’m sure they’ll get it."
[00:40:31]

The conversation is filled with playful banter and optimistic projections, underscoring the complexity and competitiveness of the upcoming season.

7. Closing Remarks and Final Banter

The episode concludes with light-hearted exchanges among the hosts and Eddie George, reflecting on team dynamics and future collaborations. They maintain a jovial tone while reiterating their support for Bowling Green and engaging in playful discussions about podcast traditions.

Mark Ingram II (32:27):
"You've got to fire back a question. You get one shot."

Eddie George (32:45):
"If Urban Meyer was a color, what color would he be and why?"

The hosts wrap up the episode by congratulating Eddie George on his new role and expressing enthusiasm for future episodes and collaborations.

Rob Stone (35:12):
"How great was it to have the legend Eddie George on with us this week? We'll see you again next week on the Triple Option."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Eddie George (07:14):
  "I started thinking about the impact I could have on these young men and give back to the game."

• Urban Meyer (13:09):
  "When Derek, the athletic director, gave me a call, I knew Eddie was the right fit for Bowling Green's culture."

• Eddie George (14:26):
  "We want to be fast, physical, and disciplined. Everybody will know what we're running, and the question is, can you stop it?"

• Eddie George (19:31):
  "I have my players at the top of my blueprint. It starts with recruiting them and building the best staff to develop them both on and off the field."

• Rob Stone (37:02):
  "We are Penn State's regular season schedule. BETMGM has set their regular season win total at ten and a half."

• Urban Meyer (40:31):
  "I think they're going to get it with that schedule. Yeah, I’m sure they’ll get it."

Conclusion

This episode of The Triple Option provides an in-depth look into Eddie George’s transition to head coach at Bowling Green University, offering listeners valuable insights into his coaching philosophy, strategic approach to the evolving landscape of college football, and his vision for transforming the Bowling Green football program. Additionally, the hosts’ analysis of Penn State’s 2025 season adds a compelling preview for fans anticipating the upcoming college football battles.

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