Podcast Summary: The Triple Option – Ohio State Smacks Tennessee, CFP First Round Fallout, Joel McHale Joins, Quarterfinals Preview

Released on December 23, 2024, "The Triple Option" hosted by Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone delves into the dynamic world of football. This episode covers the recent College Football Playoff (CFP) games, analyzes Ohio State's performance, anticipates the quarterfinals, and welcomes special guest Joel McHale.

1. Reaction to the First Round of the College Football Playoffs

The hosts begin by discussing the outcomes of the inaugural home CFP games, highlighting the lopsided results that have sparked debates about the fairness and competitiveness of the playoff system.

• Rob Stone opens the conversation by noting the "lopsided" results and the concerns surrounding conference realignment and team selections. (02:22)

• Urban Meyer emphasizes the flaw in the CFP system, stating, "The College Football Playoff is a flawed system somehow." He critiques the difficulty for teams with challenging schedules to secure a playoff spot. (03:09)

• Mark Ingram II concurs, pointing out that the lack of competitive games may dampen fan enthusiasm: "All of them were awful. I mean there really wasn't one good game." (04:18)

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer: "The College Football Playoff forever changed now and that means that if you don't play anyone, you're not going to get in." (03:09)

2. Analysis of Ohio State's Dominant Victory Over Tennessee

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Ohio State's commanding performance against Tennessee, exploring the strategic elements that led to the blowout.

• Urban Meyer shares his firsthand experience, expressing surprise at Tennessee's inability to control the line of scrimmage: "I thought the Tennessee could control line of scrimmage. It wasn't even close." (11:23)

• Mark Ingram II highlights Ohio State's offensive prowess, particularly praising their ability to distribute the ball effectively: "They got the ball to their playmakers, and that settled Will Howard down." (18:20)

• Rob Stone discusses the psychological impact of such a decisive win on both teams and the fanbase. (12:24)

Notable Quote:

Mark Ingram II: "This is the Ohio State team we've been looking for this entire year long that everyone's been talking about when they play like that." (18:20)

3. Critique of the CFP Structure and Scheduling Philosophies

The hosts delve into the implications of the CFP's structure on team scheduling, competitiveness, and the overall integrity of college football.

• Urban Meyer criticizes teams playing weaker non-conference opponents purely to boost their playoff chances, questioning the long-term impact on the sport: "Why would you ever play a tough team in the opening game?" (04:55)

• Rob Stone and Mark Ingram II discuss the balance between playing strong opponents and maintaining a viable path to the playoffs, reflecting on the experiences of teams like Alabama and LSU. (05:02)

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer: "It's great for the fans to a point. The games weren't great. The games are actually, I was, some of the games were awful." (04:18)

4. Quarterfinals Preview and Team Analyses

Looking ahead, the trio analyzes upcoming quarterfinal matchups, assessing team strengths, weaknesses, and potential outcomes.

• Mark Ingram II evaluates Texas's robust offensive and defensive lines, expressing confidence in their ability to dominate Arizona State: "I got Texas covering this one man. They haven't been playing. Quinn has been struggling with his health and he's going to get going." (43:32)

• Urban Meyer underscores Ohio State's offensive line, predicting a walk-off win based on their performance against Tennessee: "If the offensive line and know the whole unit of the Buckeyes, if they can play that way, then you have to think, wow, there might be another national title coming to Columbus." (47:25)

• Rob Stone provides insights into coaching strategies and player performances, highlighting the importance of maintaining pressure on quarterbacks. (49:33)

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer: "The offensive line did play well. This will be a different animal. I think the defense coordinator, one of the great motivators I've seen." (47:25)

5. Special Guest Appearance: Joel McHale

Joel McHale joins the hosts to share his passion for football and discuss his experiences, bridging the gap between entertainment and sports.

• Joel McHale reflects on his time as a University of Washington mascot and his deep-rooted love for college football: "There really is nothing like college football on this planet." (33:14)

• The hosts engage with McHale about the evolution of television shows like "The Soup," and his transition from sports to entertainment, showcasing the interconnectedness of sports culture and media. (28:25)

Notable Quote:

Joel McHale: "If there was a ball and someone put the ball 10ft away from me, I would run at the ball and bring it back to them." (25:52)

6. Final Thoughts and Season Outlook

Concluding the episode, the hosts summarize their perspectives on the current state of college football, the effectiveness of the CFP, and their predictions for the remainder of the playoff season.

• Urban Meyer expresses optimism about Ohio State's potential to secure a national title, citing their playmaking abilities and strategic advantages: "I think it's going to be a road for the best team." (50:59)

• Mark Ingram II emphasizes the excitement surrounding the forthcoming games, anticipating closely contested matchups: "This is going to be a straight-up dogfight. The football game that we all deserve as college football fans." (50:58)

• Rob Stone reiterates the importance of strategic play and consistent performance moving forward: "We welcome you back to the Triple Option presented by Wendy's." (42:31)

Conclusion

This episode of "The Triple Option" offers a comprehensive analysis of the College Football Playoffs' first round, critiques the current playoff structure, and previews the challenging quarterfinal matchups. With insightful commentary from seasoned experts and the engaging presence of Joel McHale, listeners gain a multifaceted understanding of the evolving landscape of college football.

For more in-depth discussions and exclusive content, follow "The Triple Option" on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and social media platforms @3XOptionShow.