Podcast Summary: The Triple Option Episode: Trouble in Georgia, College Football Playoff Rankings, Week 12 Picks, & Colorado a Sleeper?
Hosts: Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, Rob Stone
Presented by: Wendy’s
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Triple Option, hosts Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone delve into the tumultuous state of the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, with a particular focus on Georgia's surprising drop to the 12th spot. They also explore Week 12 game picks, discuss Colorado as a potential dark horse, and tackle the controversial Jake Pope incident involving Georgia's head coach Kirby Smart.
College Football Playoff Rankings Shake-Up
The episode kicks off with a breakdown of the latest CFP rankings, highlighting significant movements and exclusions. Rob Stone (00:00) expresses frustration with derogatory language in coaching, setting the tone for a candid discussion.
Mark Ingram (03:11) emphasizes the dramatic fall of Georgia from the second seed to 12th, attributing it to a poorly viewed loss and the subsequent impact on their playoff aspirations. Urban Meyer (03:49) underscores the chaos within the SEC, noting, “The SEC thing is chaotic right now... They control their own destiny.”
Key Points:
- Boise State slips to the 13th spot but secures the 12th seed.
- SMU and Texas A&M also see downward movements.
- Ole Miss benefits from Georgia's drop, jumping to 11th.
- Indiana surprisingly climbs to the 5th spot after a narrow win over Michigan.
Urban Meyer (06:00) praises Indiana’s rise, “I was shocked what I saw because SMU... but Indiana clearly does belong up there at number five.”
Blind Resume Ranking Test
Presented by ZipRecruiter, the hosts conduct a "blind resume" ranking test, analyzing five teams based solely on their records, offensive and defensive rankings, and strength of schedule.
Notable Quotes:
- Rob Stone (40:21): “I think I know who that is.”
- Urban Meyer (40:54): “This thing is difficult.”
Discussion Highlights:
- Urban Meyer selects SMU as top team due to their ranked wins despite a challenging schedule.
- Mark Ingram picks Indiana, appreciating their recent performance and potential for immediate impact.
- The conversation underscores the complexity of evaluating teams beyond just win-loss records, considering strength of schedule and quality of victories.
Team Analysis and Predictions
The trio transitions into analyzing specific matchups and predicting outcomes for Week 12.
Colorado vs. Utah
Mark Ingram (47:45) expresses strong support for Colorado, citing their dynamic offense and high-powered receivers:
“Colorado's on fire. They're going to be on fire with us there.”
Urban Meyer (48:23) highlights Utah’s defensive prowess but remains inclined towards Colorado’s offensive strengths.
Virginia vs. Notre Dame
Rob Stone (50:02) evaluates Notre Dame’s impressive seven-game winning streak, despite a significant loss to Northern Illinois:
“They are doing it in convincing fashion.”
He anticipates a strong performance from Notre Dame, whereas Urban Meyer (51:01) favors Oregon against Wisconsin, emphasizing Oregon’s dominant performance and struggling Wisconsin defense.
Texas vs. Arkansas
Mark Ingram (53:11) confidently picks Texas to cover the 13.5-point spread over Arkansas, praising their elite defense and coaching:
“I think they're going to cover the spread.”
Clemson vs. Pitt
Rob Stone (54:09) analyzes Clemson’s recent performance and picks them to cover the 10-point spread against Pitt, noting their resilience and strong coaching.
Tennessee vs. Georgia
A critical segment revolves around Georgia’s dire position in the CFP rankings and their upcoming must-win game against Tennessee. Urban Meyer (55:49) comments on Georgia’s offensive struggles:
“They had 10 points on offense. They had three turnovers and allowed five sacks.”
Mark Ingram (58:11) discusses Tennessee’s robust defense and quarterback performance, ultimately predicting a closer game:
“I'm going with Tennessee to cover nine and a half.”
Controversial Incident: Jake Pope Celebration
A significant portion of the episode addresses the viral incident involving Jake Pope, a player celebrating on the field post-game, leading to Kirby Smart publicly calling him an "idiot."
Notable Quotes:
- Rob Stone (24:28): “What are you doing to me?”
- Mark Ingram (25:01): “What an idiot... just not real smart.”
Discussion Highlights:
- Urban Meyer (28:25) defends the criticism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism.
“Don’t call your player an idiot in front of the media.”
- Mark Ingram (30:02) reflects on his own experience with fines from the SEC for criticizing officiating, advocating for internal resolution rather than public shaming.
The hosts collectively express concern over the use of derogatory language and its impact on player morale, urging coaches to handle criticisms privately to maintain a positive locker room culture.
Betting Picks with BetMGM
Sponsored by BetMGM, the hosts share their betting picks for the upcoming games:
- Utah vs. Colorado: Mark favors Colorado despite Utah’s defense.
- Virginia vs. Notre Dame: Rob Stone leans towards Notre Dame covering the spread.
- Clemson vs. Pitt: Rob Stone predicts Clemson to cover.
- Tennessee vs. Georgia: Mark Ingram picks Tennessee to cover the 9.5-point spread.
Rob Stone emphasizes responsible gambling and the latest BetMGM promotions.
Final Thoughts and Upcoming Segments
The episode concludes with a playful discussion about the Baltimore Orioles and a teaser for upcoming segments, including a "blind resume" ranking test and future betting picks.
Urban Meyer (58:45) reflects on the emotional toll of coaching:
“Winning matters, but who you play matters too.”
Mark Ingram (60:39) wraps up with enthusiasm for upcoming games and a shout-out to Shelly, highlighting the importance of teamwork and support behind the scenes.
Conclusion
This episode of The Triple Option offers a comprehensive and spirited analysis of the latest developments in college football. The hosts provide insightful commentary on the CFP rankings, individual team performances, and ongoing controversies, all while maintaining an engaging and relatable conversation. Their balanced perspectives cater to both passionate fans and casual listeners, ensuring a rich and informative experience.
Follow the Triple Option Show:
- YouTube
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Social Media: @3XOptionShow on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook
Sponsors:
- Wendy’s
- BetMGM
- ZipRecruiter
Stay tuned for the next episode every Wednesday, where Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone continue to navigate the exciting landscape of college football.