The Triple Option Podcast Summary Episode: Michigan vs Ohio State, AJ Hawk and Charles Woodson Join, #CFBPlayoff Rankings & Mack Brown Fired
Release Date: November 27, 2024

Hosts: Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, Rob Stone
Guests: AJ Hawk, Charles Woodson
Presented by: Wendy’s

1. College Football Playoff (CFP) Rankings and Playoff Implications

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the latest College Football Playoff rankings. Urban Meyer outlines the CFP structure, emphasizing that 12 teams will advance, with the five highest-ranked conference champions securing automatic bids and the remaining seven spots filled by the next highest-ranked teams.

Key Highlights:

• Significant Fluctuations: Mark Ingram notes, "10 teams fluctuated four or more spots in the top 25," including Clemson climbing five spots to number 12 but missing the playoff bracket.
• Indiana’s Surge: Despite a five-spot drop to number 10 after a loss, Mark expresses optimism, stating, "If you hadn't had those losses, they probably would have been on the outside looking in. But because of all the upsets, Indiana is in right now."
• Top Four Stability: The top four rankings remain unchanged with Oregon, Ohio State, Texas, and Penn State occupying the premier spots.

Notable Quote:

Mark Ingram [03:02]: "So right now Indiana is in. So that's a huge beneficiary of this, like, last movement, because if you hadn't had those losses, they probably would have been on the outside looking in."

2. Impact of Recent Upsets on Playoff Dynamics

The discussion delves into how recent upsets have reshuffled the playoff landscape, benefiting teams like Indiana and Tennessee while challenging traditional powerhouses.

Key Highlights:

• Tulane’s Potential: Urban Meyer highlights Tulane's rise, mentioning, "Tulane is lurking out there as that absolute bid stealer, tucked in right behind Arizona State."
• SEC’s Position: With teams like Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina holding three losses each, there's speculation on their playoff viability despite high talent pools.
• Big 12 Chaos: The Big 12 remains unpredictable with "nine programs still alive," making title predictions exceedingly complex.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer [05:02]: "Insanity. We just all assumed, all right, the conference winner from the Big 12, the SEC, the SEC, the Big 10."

3. NIL and the Transfer Portal: Shifting College Football Dynamics

The hosts explore the ramifications of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and the increasing activity within the transfer portal.

Key Highlights:

• Player Movement Concerns: Discussions revolve around star players like Shadow Sanders and Travis Hunter potentially transferring if they don't secure playoff spots, impacting team stability.
• Coaching Challenges: Mark Ingram raises concerns about coaching strategies shifting focus from player development to managing transfers and recruiting under NIL pressures.

Notable Quote:

Mark Ingram [21:08]: "Are your great players who are underclassmen going to enter the portal and go somewhere else because of this NIL in this new world where somebody might come and offer them more money?"

4. Coaching Changes and Leadership in College Football

A significant portion of the episode addresses the recent firing of Mack Brown from the University of North Carolina, highlighting his illustrious career and the reasons behind his departure.

Key Highlights:

• Mack Brown’s Legacy: Rob Stone pays homage to Brown’s achievements, noting his 282 wins and induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
• Circumstances of Firing: The team endured a disappointing season with a significant loss to James Madison, leading to Brown’s dismissal despite his storied career.

Notable Quote:

Rob Stone [66:55]: "Mack Brown, thanks for everything you did for college. An awesome human being and let me tell you, North Carolina, that is a great job."

5. Guest Segment: AJ Hawk and Charles Woodson on the Michigan vs Ohio State Rivalry

The latter part of the podcast features former NFL players AJ Hawk and Charles Woodson, who provide their unique perspectives on the storied Michigan vs Ohio State rivalry.

Key Highlights:

• Personal Anecdotes: Charles Woodson shares his first memory of the rivalry, recalling a pivotal win that propelled Ohio State to a national championship.

  Charles Woodson [42:32]: "We knew we were going to the national championship after we beat Michigan 14 to 9. Like, talk about trust, old school ball control, defense."

• Mindset as Underdogs: AJ Hawk discusses the mentality of being underdogs in big games and how humility and resilience are crucial.

  AJ Hawk [28:33]: "What do you learn from this moment? Where do we go from here? Because this moment just ain't about football. It's about life."

• Impact of Coaching and Team Dynamics: Mark Ingram and Urban Meyer engage in light-hearted banter while discussing the importance of coaching philosophies and team cohesion in high-stakes games.

Notable Quotes:

AJ Hawk [28:33]: "What do you learn from this moment? Where do we go from here?"

Charles Woodson [44:16]: "We felt like, yeah, we want to be the spoilers. We want to mess up whatever they got going on."

6. Game Previews and Predictions

The hosts provide their insights and predictions for upcoming marquee matchups, including the Iron Bowl, Iowa State vs Kansas State, Clemson vs South Carolina, and Notre Dame vs USC.

Key Highlights:

• Iron Bowl Analysis: Mark Ingram highlights the unpredictability of the Auburn vs Alabama matchup despite Alabama being favored by 11.5 points.

  Mark Ingram [71:53]: "Three of the last five meetings between these two teams have been decided by three points or fewer. This is going to be a dog fight."

• Big 12 Turmoil: Urban Meyer and Rob Stone discuss the chaotic state of the Big 12, emphasizing the mathematical improbability of predicting the championship game with nine teams still alive.

• Rivalry Game Under the Microscope: The podcast scrutinizes Notre Dame vs USC, considering coaching changes and team performance metrics.

Notable Quote:

Rob Stone [75:32]: "How does a team go from one of the great teams of all time? Momentum on your side, they're going to cover. I think you're going to get better and better versions of Texas Longhorns as they run out this season."

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with reflections on the intensity of college football rivalries, the evolving nature of the sport due to policy changes like NIL, and the enduring legacy of legendary coaches like Mack Brown.

Key Highlights:

• Legacy and Future of Coaching: Emphasis on the need for balance between competitive success and personal well-being for coaches.
• Positive Outlook Amidst Chaos: Despite the unpredictability of rankings and playoff scenarios, the hosts express optimism about the passion and quality of college football games.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer [86:50]: "Absolutely, that is someone who you want your child to play for."

This episode of The Triple Option offers a comprehensive exploration of the current state of college football, blending analytical discussions on rankings and playoff implications with personal insights from seasoned athletes like AJ Hawk and Charles Woodson. The conversation underscores the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of the sport, influenced by recent policy changes and coaching shifts, while celebrating the enduring passion and competitive spirit that define college football.