Podcast Summary: The Triple Option – Episode: The Next CFB Playoff Format, Michigan's Ward Manuel Joins, plus Who Goes #1 in the NFL Draft?

Release Date: March 5, 2025
Hosts: Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, Rob Stone
Guest: Ward Manuel, Athletic Director at the University of Michigan and Chairman of the 2024 College Football Playoff Committee

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Triple Option, hosts Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone delve deep into the evolving landscape of college football. The primary focus revolves around the recent changes in the College Football Playoff (CFP) format, the potential for expansion, and the fairness of conference representations. Additionally, the episode features an insightful conversation with Ward Manuel, offering expert perspectives on the CFP's current and future states. The episode concludes with a light-hearted segment on NFL Draft predictions.

2. Evaluating the 12-Team College Football Playoff

Successes and Challenges

The newly implemented 12-team playoff format has sparked considerable discussion among the hosts. They reflect on its inaugural season, highlighting both its successes and areas needing improvement.

• Urban Meyer praises the overall success but critiques the seeding process:

  "I think it was fantastic... [but] the seeding was not. And I'm sure that's going to be changed."
  (04:35)

• Mark Ingram echoes Urban's sentiments, emphasizing the enjoyment derived from the expanded playoff:

  "I think the expansion was extremely successful and I think it was something that everyone enjoyed."
  (05:45)

However, concerns arise regarding the dominance of certain conferences in the playoff selections, potentially sidelining deserving teams from other conferences.

Seeding Issues and Conference Dominance

• Rob Stone points out the disproportionate representation of the Big Ten and SEC:

  "It slightly devalues winning your conference championship... pushing the Ohio States back."
  (06:15)

• Urban Meyer reiterates the influence of major conferences:

  "College football now is synonymous with money... I can imagine the commissioner, Sankey and Petiti at the Big Ten just said, we're going to take the ball and go play."
  (18:13)

The hosts discuss how the current format may inadvertently favor teams from powerhouse conferences, raising questions about fairness and the true merit of selections.

3. Proposals for a 14-Team Playoff Format

The 442211 Model

As the conversation progresses, the hosts introduce a proposed 14-team playoff structure, affectionately dubbed the "442211" model. This format aims to balance representation while expanding the playoff field.

• Rob Stone describes the model:

  "44, 22, 11 sounds like a great play... four automatic bids to the Big Ten and the SEC, two automatic bids to the Big 12 and the ACC, one to the highest ranking, you know, Group of Six program and then one out there if Notre Dame should finish high enough..."
  (16:36)

• Mark Ingram supports the proposal, citing conference expansions:

  "With the expansion of the Big Ten and SEC... I think the 442211 is a great kind of method, a great kind of outlook on this playoff."
  (25:25)

Addressing Potential Pushback

While the model receives support from Meyer and Ingram, Rob Stone anticipates resistance from smaller conferences:

"There's going to be pushback... from the Big 12, Mountain West... too much power in too small."
(19:26)

The hosts acknowledge the challenges in implementing such a format but remain optimistic about its potential to create a more inclusive and fair playoff system.

4. Interview with Ward Manuel: Insights into the CFP

Evaluating the First 12-Team Playoff Season

Ward Manuel shares his perspective on the initial season of the 12-team CFP, emphasizing the increased engagement and the committee's adherence to a consistent selection process.

• Ward Manuel highlights committee resilience:

  "I'm very proud of the way that we went about doing our business to rank the teams... you could talk about upsets, but there was a lot of engagement towards the end of the year."
  (40:04)

Challenges in Ranking and Scheduling

He discusses the complexities involved in evaluating teams with varying schedules and strengths, acknowledging the difficulty in maintaining objectivity.

• Ward Manuel explains:

  "It's hard because of the increase in the number of teams in these conferences... it's still challenging to evaluate teams fairly."
  (45:29)

Proposed Adjustments to Seeding

Manuel advocates for seeding adjustments to ensure that rankings reflect the true performance of teams without being skewed by automatic bids from dominant conferences.

• Ward Manuel suggests:

  "Add the five conference champions and leave them ranked where they are unless they're outside... set the playoff from there."
  (48:08)

Handling Heated Discussions

He also sheds light on the intense debates within the committee, emphasizing the professionalism and dedication of its members.

• Ward Manuel states:

  "Yes, it can get heated... every one of the 13 committee members care deeply about wanting to get it right."
  (53:03)

5. The Michigan vs. Ohio State Rivalry in the CFP Era

Tactical Breakdown of the 2022 Game

The hosts and Manuel analyze the recent Michigan vs. Ohio State game, focusing on defensive strategies and key moments that influenced the outcome.

• Urban Meyer compares Michigan's defense to professional standards:

  "They forced Ohio State... similar to Vic Fangio against the Chiefs."
  (38:29)

• Ward Manuel attributes the win to strategic defensive plays:

  "We were able to run the ball and stop the run, keeping their powerful offense off the field."
  (34:10)

Enduring Importance of Rivalry

Despite playoff expansions, the rivalry remains a cornerstone of college football, symbolizing the enduring competitive spirit between the two institutions.

• Ward Manuel emphasizes:

  "It's the greatest rivalry in college sports... it elevates it to another level."
  (60:27)

6. NFL Draft Predictions: Who Goes #1?

Debate Over Combine Performance vs. On-Field Skills

In a lighter segment, the hosts discuss the importance of NFL Combine metrics versus actual football performance. Mark Ingram humorously defends his combine results while emphasizing his on-field prowess.

• Mark Ingram jokes about his combine performance:

  "I did great in the meeting room when they handed me the ball... not to play football really well, that wasn't me."
  (63:49)

• Urban Meyer underscores the significance of a quarterback's fit:

  "If you take a quarterback, there has to be 0.00 doubt that that guy... it's not like a corner or linebacker."
  (69:01)

Number One Overall Pick Predictions

The hosts engage in a playful debate over potential number one picks for an expansion NFL team, ultimately agreeing unanimously on Travis Hunter due to his versatile skill set.

• Urban Meyer selects Travis Hunter:

  "I'm taking Travis Hunter, I just think he's... the elite human being on and off the field."
  (73:11)

• Mark Ingram adds his own preference:

  "I'm going with a playmaker at the wide receiver and cornerback position, Travis Hunter."
  (73:24)

• Rob Stone concurs, highlighting Hunter's dual-threat capabilities:

  "I'll take Travis Hunter for the sweep... He is an elite human being on and off the field."
  (74:33)

7. Conclusion

The Triple Option wraps up the episode by reaffirming the hosts' commitment to providing in-depth analysis and engaging discussions on the pressing issues in college football. They encourage listeners to follow the podcast on various platforms and stay tuned for future episodes that continue to explore the intricacies of the sport.

Notable Quotes:

• Urban Meyer:

  "College football now is synonymous with money... I can promise you that there will be four FCC teams in the playoff."
  (18:13)

• Ward Manuel:

  "We are there 7, 11 to 12 hours, we're sitting in a room arguing over the top 25... people really care deeply about wanting to get it right."
  (53:03)

• Mark Ingram:

  "These young athletes are getting paid and deservedly so. But now you talk about it's a business. It truly is a business..."
  (10:20)

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This detailed summary encapsulates the crucial discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the topics covered without needing to listen to the full podcast.