Podcast Summary: The Triple Option – Ohio State Claims 9th National Title, AFC and NFC Championship Preview, & Joshua Perry Joins

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Triple Option, hosts Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone delve into Ohio State's historic ninth national championship victory, analyze the upcoming AFC and NFC Championship games, and welcome former Buckeye Joshua Perry to discuss the team's remarkable playoff run. The conversation weaves through leadership dynamics, fan base impact, conference rivalries, and reflections on the evolving landscape of college football. The episode culminates with congratulatory remarks as Urban Meyer is inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Ohio State’s Historic National Championship Run

The episode kicks off with a celebration of Ohio State’s monumental achievement in claiming their ninth national title after a stellar four-game playoff run, culminating in a decisive victory over Notre Dame in Atlanta.

Urban Meyer reflects on the significance of the win:

"What a stadium. The crowd, the fan base was incredible... football is a way of life... I landed in Sarasota. I see Ohio State flags everywhere." [01:41]

Mark Ingram concurs, emphasizing the enduring bonds formed through championship success:

"When you win, you walk together forever. When you win championships, you walk together forever." [03:17]

Rob Stone highlights Ohio State's powerful brand presence:

"Ohio State is just such a mammoth brand... they are the equivalent on the college football landscape to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL, bumped up 550%." [03:49]

The hosts unanimously agree that Ohio State’s playoff trajectory is among the greatest in college football history. Mark Ingram states:

"The best team in college football... their journey through tough opponents showcases their superiority and resilience." [05:05]

Leadership and Locker Room Culture

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the leadership within Ohio State and how it propelled the team to victory despite challenges, including a crucial loss to Michigan.

Urban Meyer questions the team's resilience:

"These guys, they got hit square in the jaw against the Wolverines... I can't wait. There's going to be a book on this." [06:00]

Mark Ingram praises the locker room’s character and leadership:

"It's through the type of players you have in your locker room... they lead each other and grow together. That's what champions are made of." [07:27]

Rob Stone shares an emotional moment captured on camera:

"Ryan Day finding his wife and kids post-game... that family embrace really resonated with me. Coach, can 100% relate to what's going on there right now?" [07:50]

Fan Base Impact and Safety Concerns

The conversation shifts to the intense passion of Ohio State’s fan base and the challenges coaches face in managing fan behavior, especially in the age of social media.

Urban Meyer recounts personal experiences with fan harassment:

"We had police officers follow us around during games... Shelly would go to my daughter's volleyball games and tear down these nasty signs." [11:21–14:07]

Mark Ingram echoes these sentiments, sharing a vivid story about his sister defending him against hostile fans:

"My sister... she was screaming, 'Don't talk about my brother.'" [15:58]

The hosts emphasize the importance of protecting family members from fan negativity:

"Family is off-limits. Leave my family out of it." [14:40–14:34]

College Football Playoff Format and Conference Dynamics

The hosts analyze the effectiveness of the current College Football Playoff (CFP) system and discuss the shifting power dynamics between major conferences, particularly the SEC and Big Ten.

Mark Ingram considers Ohio State’s playoff run as highly impressive:

"This team was probably one of the most talented... their championship run is one of the greatest in history." [26:03]

Chris Spielman, guest on the show, praises the expanded playoff while acknowledging areas for improvement:

"It's the most remarkable postseason run... needs tweaks, but ultimately, it validated the new structure." [36:59–38:04]

Rob Stone raises questions about the SEC’s dominance versus rising Big Ten programs:

"Is there an actual shift in the pecking order of college football away from the SEC and into the Midwest?" [38:24]

Urban Meyer discusses strategic coaching hires and the evolving nature of Big Ten programs:

"We got our next head coach in Ryan Day... the infrastructure is strong." [24:58–25:03]

Reflections and Hall of Fame Induction

A heartfelt segment honors Urban Meyer's induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. The hosts and guests share reflections on his illustrious career and impact on players and the game.

Urban Meyer shares his surprise and pride:

"I got the call from Steve Hatchell from the National Football Foundation... it was kind of cool." [48:00–49:30]

Mark Ingram and Chris Spielman extend their congratulations, highlighting Meyer's mentorship and legacy:

Mark Ingram: "You know, it ain't no Hall of Fame if Coach Meyer ain't in that thing." [49:30]

Chris Spielman: "Success you've had, the teams you've been a part of, and how you've contributed to the game..." [52:51]

The segment concludes with friendly banter and well-wishes as the trio celebrates Meyer's induction:

Mark Ingram: "Apart of and... Love you, brother." [52:43–52:53]

NFL Playoffs Preview: Pick Six Segment

Transitioning to the NFL, the hosts engage in their "Pick Six" segment, analyzing upcoming AFC and NFC Championship games with predictions and insights.

Mark Ingram predicts a tough game between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles:

"I think it's going to be a bloodbath... I'm taking the Commanders with the points." [56:18–60:23]

Urban Meyer defends his Chiefs pick, highlighting Patrick Mahomes and the team's strength:

"Patrick Mahomes is the best player in football... I'll have the Chiefs winning this game." [60:23–62:43]

Rob Stone humorously comments on Super Bowl preferences while supporting the Chiefs:

"They want Taylor Swift at the Super Bowl... I think it's gonna be a walk-off field goal." [63:05–63:48]

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with reminders to follow and subscribe to the podcast across various platforms, promising continued coverage of college football news and interviews with legends in future episodes.

Rob Stone emphasizes ongoing content:

"We're going to have next week off, but we are going to continue to release episodes weekly... plenty more of the triple option still to come." [63:42–64:41]

Mark Ingram and Urban Meyer express gratitude and enthusiasm for future discussions:

"Enjoy the NFL playoffs and college football never takes a break." [64:41]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mark Ingram: "When you win, you walk together forever... whenever you have that kind of pettiness." [03:17–03:21]

• Urban Meyer: "Football is a way of life... I see Ohio State flags everywhere." [01:41]

• Rob Stone: "Ohio State is just such a mammoth brand... 550%." [03:49]

• Mark Ingram: "The best team in college football... their championship run is one of the greatest in history." [26:03]

• Mark Ingram: "I think it's a walk-off field goal... they're gonna win by two or three points." [56:18–60:23]

• Urban Meyer: "They have the best general manager in college sports... If you make a mistake when you hire the strength coach." [24:58–25:03]

• Chris Spielman: "The most remarkable postseason run... needs tweaks but ultimately, it validated the new structure." [36:59–38:04]

Conclusion

This episode of The Triple Option offers an in-depth exploration of Ohio State's triumph, the importance of leadership and culture in athletic success, the evolving dynamics of college football conferences, and insightful NFL playoff predictions. Urban Meyer's induction into the College Football Hall of Fame serves as a poignant moment, highlighting his enduring legacy within the sport. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to football discussions, this episode provides a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the latest developments in the football world.