December 19, 2024 • 45 mins
Sean Brace and Ryan "BEEF" Coyle talk first round of the #CollegeFootballPlayoff that kicks off this weekend! They dive into #Indiana vs #NotreDame, #SMU vs #PennState, #Clemson vs #Texas, and #Tennessee vs #OhioState!
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
If you can wager on it, We're talking about it.
It's the Gambler, the Fox Sports Radio, The Gambler. Fox
Sports Radio in Philly is the Gambler, The Gambler, Philly's
home for all things sports gambling. The game is one
in the trenches.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
They just don't have to beef upfront.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
All right, so you better have beat up front. They
have the skill position players, they have the defensive backs,
they have the quarterback.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
They don't have to beef up front.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
They says, your weekly stop for all things college football.
Now here are your hosts, Ryan Coyle and Sean Brace.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Another edition Beef Upfront coming your way. We are now
closing in on the first ever college football twelve team playoff.
We'd had a playoff before, a matter of fact, this
is Notre Dame's third time in the playoffs. However, we
haven't had a twelve team playoff. Nothing ever resembled what
(00:59):
we were about to entering. Starting on Friday night at
eight pm, Battle of Indiana with Notre Dame and the
Indiana Hoosiers. The Battle of Indiana. Yes, Sean Brace, Ryan
Beef Cooyle a lot to discuss. Let's not waste any time,
Beef how we doing today, Sarah.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Two days away? Man, two days away? Until what We've
been talking about since since July, August, June, whenever we
were doing those summer ball previews. Everything's been leading up
to this and really excited. I'm really looking forward to
that Tennessee, Ohio State matchup Saturday night. But I think
Indiana Notre Dame can be a pretty good game too.
The other two on Saturday, I think might be a
(01:38):
little bit more of one sided, but it's gonna be awesome.
We're gonna see some chaos. We're gonna see one upset.
I'm looking forward to find out who.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Yeah, I got a lot of questions to fire your way,
and we're gonna dive into all four of these matchups
and of course talk a little bit more in depth
about some of the players that maybe for some people
out there that haven't been paying attention and even hand
in the air. Come on, man, I can name you. Look,
I got a top fifty list in front of me.
There's some names and then top twenty that I'm like,
(02:05):
oh yeah, that's right, I remember him. He's a badass.
So even for the most diehard college football fans out there,
it's a good reminder, good refresher. So we've got a
lot to cover here. Let's get right into it. And
for the first question here beef, as far as Indiana
and Notre Dame and once again draftings sportsbook still holding
(02:26):
steady at this point in time, let me just go
ahead and make sure that I get the correct lines
or the fresh updated lines. You are looking at a
seven and a half point line. Indiana catches seven and
a half. Fifty two and a half is our total,
and the hoogis damn good season. Nobody's denying that seven
wins of twenty plus points or more. You know, when
(02:49):
you look at college football as a whole, Beef, I
would say, yeah, that's a good football team. Maybe you
could even say a great football team. They had a
great season. But now that we are down to the
final twelve, where do they stack up in your mind?
Judging after the whole season in front of you. Of course,
they had the extra game with Penn State and Oregon.
Knowing what we do, know what we think we know
(03:11):
about these teams that are waiting, where does Indiana stack
up in that top twelve? Are He's still one of
the best team standing.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
I'd probably put them in at eleven, I think I'd
have them only. Ah, no, give me them at ten.
Give me give me Clemson at eleven, SMU at twelve.
I think SMU is a team that benefited a little
bit from from playing a week er schedule. And you
can say the same thing about Indiana. But when Indiana
was clicking and when Indiana was on a roll, they
were dominating anything in their path pretty much besides Ohio State.
(03:41):
This year that they took a part Michigan was a
bit of a tough game. But Indiana, I think the
great thing about them and like the really fun thing
about them why people kind of rallied around that team.
They just have that like killer instinct, like no mercy,
no letup. Like we're shedding that label of oh it's
just Indiana. We're gonna three nine, four eight. Like Signetti
(04:01):
said it when he went to the basketball game after
his first press conference, He's like, we're going to be
in that conversation with Ohio State. We're gonna be in
that conversation with Michigan. He let him here in the
first season. So they're the story of the year in
college football in my opinion, and they're here for a reason.
You don't just roll out of bed and get eleven wins.
You can say that about any sport. You have to
(04:22):
still go out there and play. So I probably put
them at ten. I think that they have a short run.
It probably ends Saturday or Friday night in South Bend.
But a historic season and a team to keep an
eye off for going forward because people are gonna want
to go and play for that coach in that program.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
I think now no doubt about that, all right. Staying
with the Hoosiers, of course, that tough loss to Ohio State,
can that be exposed from Notre Dame's angle? What Ohio
State was able to do effectively? Is there something that
the Irish can take from that game and say, you
know what, they had success doing that? The buck guys
(04:58):
ran this well whatever it maybe play the defensive front
some style. I don't know, but in your opinion, is
there's something that the Irish can take away from that loss.
Ohio State beating Indiana a few weeks ago.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
The thing with like Ohio State and the reason why,
like I'm so puzzled by them this year, Like I
was expecting their bread and butter and even with all
the great wideouts for their bread and butter to be
the running game and bringing him Chip Kelly and then
they brought in Judkins from Old Miss they brought it
or they had Henderson still in the backfield. They weren't
(05:31):
really able to get the running game clicking this year.
Like sure they were able to do it against the
likes of Purdue or something like that, but Ohio State
struggled to run the ball and they didn't really run
the ball that well on Indiana. When you look at Indiana,
they have a really strong rush defense statistically, but you
can also attribute that to they were up so many
times in these big games, like blowing these teams out
(05:53):
that teams had to throw from behind. They didn't really
have an option on them there. So like how good
is the Indiana defense? Like was Ohio State's rush offense
just a little bit overrated or did Indiana do a
pretty good job of containing them? Because I think Notre
Dame the biggest question mark with them. If they're forced
to play for them behind, if they're forced to throw
the ball, can they do that? They want to be
(06:15):
able to get out ahead and lean on that run game.
But if Indiana's able to stifle the run. That's going
to be able to keep them in this one. And
the adding the quarterback run game with Riley Leonard is
certainly a big thing for Notre Dame there. So I'm
interested to see that is Notre Dame able to run
the football because I think that is what they did
best throughout the season in Ohio State when you look
(06:36):
at them, they were able to kind of lean on
them as the game went on. But Indiana had self
inflicted wounds in that one. Two special teams mistakes, and
they went up seven to nothing. They had a third
and thirty three. Ohio State was able to get that
to like fourth and eight and then convert on the
fourth and eight. Indiana had the chance to get the
ball and go back up fourteen to nothing. So a
few weird bounces go different ways. Who knows what happens
(06:57):
in that one. But I'm looking at the running game
in this one and if Notre Dame's able to consistently
run the ball in Indiana.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
Hoosiers are a great season. No denying that they are
nine and three ats they didn't cover in the first
game against FIU they won thirty one to seven. They
were twenty six point favorites. They didn't cover. Against Michigan
back on November to ninth, they were fourteen and a
half point favorites. They won the game twenty to fifteen.
Game was at home, and then of course Ohio State
they were ten and a half point dogs, the only
(07:26):
time they were an underdog all season long, and they
did not cover the number. They did not stay with
the numbers, so of course losing thirty eight to fifteen
as a ten and a half point dog in that
one to Ohio State again the over and their season
nine and three to the over, and essentially in those
games as well, those were the ones, although the Ohio
(07:48):
State game did go over, that's right. The only other
one was Washington under fifty four thirty one to seventeen.
So knocking on the door there, interesting game, can't wait,
We're getting the party started with a great one at
eight o'clock. Your outlook for this game before do you
stand on it? Give me a final score prediction.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
I'm gonna go Notre Dame thirty one, Indiana seventeen. I
think it's a pretty tight game throughout the When you
look at Indiana, they've been a really good, fast starting team,
this year. I know that they went eleven and one,
but you look at the first quarters. I went and
looked at it yesterday, ten to one and one. If
you took them on the first quarter money line this year,
they're a team that was able to get up and
(08:27):
get up early on teams. They're plus one sixty four
in the first quarter this week. And you look at
the Ohio State game even too, the scripted plays of
scripted offense, that's where they were. That's where they did
really well and went right down the field and scored.
So I'm looking at potentially taking that Indiana there on
the money line in the first quarter. But I think
it's one of those games where the talent eventually is
going to figure itself out, sort itself out, and Notre
(08:50):
Dame is able to kind of just lean on them
throughout the game. I think it's a close one, but
I think Notre Dame's gonna have like a late drive
to really kind of push it over the top. Give
them the cover, but I'd do like the under in
this one. I think it's two pretty strong defenses and
a passing game with Notre Dame that don't think is
gonna have many explosive plays. You look at the weather
in this one too. This is probably the game that
the weather is going to be the most impactful. It's
gonna be cold, it's gonna be windy. I think we
(09:12):
see more slugfest in this matchup.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
Same temperature in Ohio state as well. Really don't worry,
we're gonna get into that one. Twenty seven degrees. Yeah,
twenty seven degrees. I believe they're all three. Yeah, because
the warmest one sixty one down in Texas. I want
to say the other three were all this the same
temper twenty seven degrees. I could be mistaken on that,
so you might be right. I apologize one quick one.
(09:35):
As far as DraftKings is concerned, they're rolling out an
interesting winner special here, and I bring it up because
Indiana was just mentioned, although you don't have them advance
the pass first round. So I don't know how you
feel about this wager. If you like Oregon to win
at all, what's Oregon's number to win it all? But
you can get Oregon Boise State, Arizona State in Indiana
(09:56):
to win the national championship at plus two seventy.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Oregon's plus three sixty Oregons plus three sixty. Yeah, there's
no show. Who are the other ones Boise State, Indiana.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
Arizona State, it's all first time winners.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Yeah, I'd rather take the I'd rather just take the
stab on Oregon there at plus four sixty because they're
none of those other teams are winning it. I will
come up with the crazy wager for me to do
if they lose that game, or if one of those
other teams win other.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Than Oregon, Boise, watch out for Boise.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
I don't think so. Boise was in a seven point
game with Wyoming just like three weeks ago. They're it's
gonna get figured out.
Speaker 3 (10:39):
Yeah, those games aren't being played under blue Terrify either,
so it would be a little bit different ballgain if
it was that case. I'm just looking at somebody's winner specials.
So very interesting stuff that DraftKings continues to roll out there,
of course, for the first ever twelve team football playoff
in college football. All right, let's go ahead and move
(10:59):
on here, and let's get up to the next game
up and of course that's Happy Valley we're heading. And
we talked about this one yesterday Penn State and SMU.
I did see a few people on my timeline be
that's saying that the biggest suspect team in their mind,
overrated team in their mind, was Penn State. A lot
of people trying to build up the hype for SMU
(11:21):
and the offense of attack that they've shown all season long.
And I understand, I'm just as far as in a
way team this weekend that's going to be impacted the
most by the weather by being on the road, no offense,
but's about it. It's SMU, It's the Mustang. So therefore,
like if I don't think they can win this game,
(11:42):
which I don't, there's no way I'm backing them here.
I just am a little alarmed that everybody, like I said,
other than a few people I did see trying to
make the case Penn State was very suspect. Not to
say I'm the biggest Penn State fan, but I do
believe that this is a team that can put up
some points and oh, by the way, play a much
better defense than them Clemson did in that ACC Championship game.
(12:03):
So give me Penn State minus eight and a half
here fifty four and a half. Take me through your
thought process as far as Penn State what's the difference
for them in this game against SMU.
Speaker 2 (12:13):
Yeah, you just look at it historically, James Franklin wins
these games, and not only wins them, he covers them.
The games that he's supposed to win, he always finds
a way to do it. He's sixty two, forty three
and three against the spread since he took over as
head coach of Penn State as a favorite. That's a
fifth best in the country. Also, thirty six twenty six
and two as a home favorite against the spread, that's
(12:34):
fifteenth best. But then you look at just straight up
winning these games ninety two and sixteen straight up as
a favorite and fifty eight and six straight up as
a home favorite. Pretty freaking dominant in that regard. And
I'm just in the boat that, like SMU, your roster
has still comprised a lot of like former American level players.
This is a step up. Now we're going to play
(12:54):
with the big boys. The a SEC wasn't really anything
to write home about this year. You look at SMU,
who really is any dominant wins on their schedule, any
impressive wins, And you can look at Penn State and
say the same regards. But this Penn State team I
think is head and shoulders more talented. Penn State or
SMU's offensive tackles haven't seen an edge rusher like Abdul
Carter all year. They don't think they've seen a running
(13:16):
back duo like Nick Singleton and k Tron Allen and
Drew Aller. I think is potentially playing the best ball
of his career right now. He's pushing the ball down
the field. He's taken some more risk. I think there's
a lot of buzz and a lot of confidence with
him right now. And I wouldn't rule out Penn State
making a deep run once again. You got to get
to over the mental hurdle of James Franklin winning a
big game, and this certainly is a big game. But
(13:37):
when you look at the big games that hurt him,
it's when he's an underdog and he's a favorite in
this one a pretty big favorite too. I like Penn
State and this one to win this one comfortably. I
think this could be potentially the biggest win of the weekend.
Speaker 3 (13:50):
Ooh interesting, all right, we are going to dive in
into some of the players that we need to know
more about. Worse we're talking about and it's not even
about superstars' it's a list of ESPN put together, but
names that you should know and definitely you don't want
to miss throughout the course of the twelve team playoff.
(14:11):
Top five you know Tyler Warren's on that list, right,
m hm for sure. So how much of a difference
do you see him making going up against SMU's defense.
Do you think that they have anything like if Penn
State dedicates getting him the rock, which they have done
in many games, like the amount of touches makes Rock
Bauers look small for the Raiders. But you know when
(14:34):
Tyler Warren, do you think that that's going to be
the game plan because they don't have a defense, and
if they do, they're gonna have to expend a few
players to slow down Warren and maybe we'll open up
things downfield or of course underneath. Just as far as
getting Tyler Warren involved, how do you see that one play?
Speaker 2 (14:51):
Now? Yeah, SMU had a pretty solid defense throughout the season,
but over the last month they struggled and I think
teams have starting to find ways to kind of pick
them apart that you have thirty four in that ACC
Championship to Clemson they gave up twenty eight to BC
with their backup quarterback twenty five to PIT. All those
games have happened since November, so it's an SMU defense
that I think certainly has regressed as the year has
(15:12):
gone on. And for if, just say, if Travis Hunter
wasn't in the Wasn'tian college football this year, Tyler Warren
would have been talked about as the guy who's really
the most versatile player in all of college football. Runs
the ball, he throws the ball. We see sometimes. He
plays h back, plays receiver, he plays tight end. He's
your best player. And Penn State has done a damn
(15:32):
good job of finding ways to get the football into
his hands. So shout out to Andy colet Nicky. He
found a great way to really unleash Tyler Warren. He's
been a really good player at Penn State the past
few years, but this is a completely different animal this year.
Thousand over a thousand receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns. He
had one hundred think one hundred and ninety one rushing
(15:53):
yards I saw earlier for rushing touchdowns. He is just
an all round, all around complete player. So they're gonna
find a way to get the ball in his hands
no matter what, and he doesn't damage from there. He
certainly is the difference maker in this one. And I
think that Penn State's gonna be able to pick this
SMBU defense.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
Apart Abdul Carter on the defensive side. Is this a
game that maybe he shines, you know, and again he's
had a great season Philadelphia's own the South High School.
Is this a game that you know, because I'm trying
to think of, like, you know, big time matchups, big
time performances in the NFL, and you think about those
(16:32):
playoff games and all of a sudden, one of those
dobs like Micah Parsons has a day where he has
three sacks. You know, is there a player on the
defensive side of the ball for pennonce State that could
just light it up, and especially against an SMU team
that wants to throw the football a time.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
Yeah. When you look at ESPN's draft rankings right now,
they actually have Carter as their number one overall player.
So he's a guy that's, yeah, in discussion to be
the number one overall pick. The most fascinating thing about
him he played off ball linebacker the past years, kind
of like Micah did at Penn State, and this is
the first year they let him put his hand in
the dirt and rush to passer and he was the
Big Ten defensive player of the year. He is a
(17:09):
has a chance to make himself a ton of money
over these next two weeks because when you look at
the offensive tackles at SMU and Boise State, most likely
those are your two kind of teams in the way here,
he's got a chance to really make himself some money
and have a dominant performance. He could be a game
wrecker in these matchups. He's not playing the Big ten
offensive tackles that are usually pretty stalwarts out there. He's
(17:31):
got a chance to be a game wrecker in this one.
And another reason why I like Penn State because he's
able to rush the passer into the regard of he
can change the game on one play, on one strip
sack and flip the field if the offense is starting
out slow. So when you look at it at defensive
player like that that has the ability to change the game,
that's something that obviously SMU's game planning around trying to prevent.
(17:54):
But he's a stud and he has the chance to
potentially be you know, the defensive player of the entire
tournament with with multiple sack performances throughout this playoff.
Speaker 3 (18:03):
Run all right, ten double digit sacks ten for Carter
this season with Penn State. Are we sleeping on anything
from SMU's perspective as far as big time players on
the defense or offense. Is there a name that can
go out there on SMU's roster that you know what
will come away? And like, yeah, they kept it close
because that guy went off.
Speaker 2 (18:24):
Jennings is a really fun quarterback. That was an interesting
scenario at the ending of the year. Him and Preston Stone.
We're kind of going back and forth, and a lot
of the hype this offseason about SMU is because Preston
Stone would fit the offense perfectly and was able to
sling the ball around the yard. But Jennings showed that
he was just a better fit and he's a really
good athlete. But Brishard Smith out of the backfield is
(18:44):
a really good back as well. He's over twelve hundred yards.
First team All acc on the ground and Oregon, you know,
they showed the ability to go out and put some
points up. But I think and I talked about that
going into that big ten game. Having the ability to
play that game in Lucas Oil inside that benefited the offense.
Isn't that a ton? Now you're going into the twenty
degree where they're outside in the in the cold, in
(19:06):
the win. I think that's going to really harm the
offense's ability to kind of throw the ball around the yard.
So Smith might be counting on a little bit more
in this matchup that than usual weeks when SMU is
looking to throw the ball thirty five to forty times.
But the SMU offense has a few playmakers, but this
environment it just doesn't really fit. I think what they're
looking to do really.
Speaker 3 (19:27):
Smu're getting on the board. They scoring a bunch of points.
What's the final score here?
Speaker 2 (19:31):
I like the under. I really like the under. We'll
talk about the other ones, but I think I'm gonna
take the under in all four games. I think Penn
State's defenses is just a little bit too too talented
for this SMU offense really spread the ball around and
go put up a lot of points.
Speaker 3 (19:47):
No chance of panic from Penn State. You know, if
things get a little crazy, SMU hits a big time play.
They go up seven, they go up fourteen something. On
those lines, you feel like, here we go big game,
James coming up short, coming up small.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
I don't think so, because it's SMU Like I really
think the logo on the helmet plays a big factor.
Like it's out Michigan, it's not Ohio State. They just
got to be able to kind of step back, and
it's one hundred and six thousand people in Happy Valley.
It's a home game as well. You really have to
take that into regard in these situations. Next round we
go to the Neutrals. Maybe it's a little bit different
(20:25):
controlled environment and the weather and a lot of those,
but the home field advantage it is going to be
huge in this one. And you could make the argument
that Penn State has the best out of any team
in the first.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
Round eleven and two season by the Nitney Lyons. Last
time we saw them, they ended up losing forty five
to thirty seven, and it wasn't even that close if
we're honest. I think the late scores kind of made
it a little bit closer, but Oregon was the better
squad that night. We'll see what Penn State wants to
(20:55):
do on Saturday. Against SMU. We got Ryan Beef Coyle
live by, come in your way right here on the gambler.
All right, next game up, four o'clock, twelve point spread
Texas game being played in Austin. Fifty two's are total
Clemson plus twelve obviously on the road money line plus
three fifty minus four to fifty five for Texas. Here,
(21:19):
any chance we get a little upset here, Beef. You know,
Clemson get a little bit of some momentum with the
win in that ACC Championship game. Battle tested, This isn't
new territory for Dabbo quarterbacks played in big games before
even this year. You look at what they did against
of course, they played bad in those games with South
(21:41):
Carolina big game, Georgia big games. So the fact that
they've already been involved in these type of matchups with
all the eyes everybody, the build up, does that play
into your handicap at all here? Or is it just
strictly based off of who's on the roster, who's playing
for both teams, and we're gonna go ahead and make
our play on that assumption that play.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
Yeah, I think when you look at Clemson you can
certainly use that in their regard like they've been playing
kind of must win football for the past few weeks,
but like they got lucky to even be in that
ACC TOW game because they lost to South Carolina, but
they were lucky that the South Carolina loss wasn't a
conference off, so they kind of even just snuck in there.
Miami was up twenty one to nothing and they blew
it against Syracuse and Clemson finds their way in and
(22:26):
good for Clemson to make the most of their opportunity.
But once again, this is a step up now in competition,
a step up kind of to the big leagues. With
Texas in the SEC. Here, we saw Clemson in their
one game and I know that was the sum was
still out, it was ninety five degrees, and it was
Labor Day weekend, but that was an eye opening performance
and it was the first like real sit down college
(22:47):
football game of the season that you had the chance
to soak in noon on Saturday. That's a game that's
sticking in a lot of people's mind. And Clemson just
looked like they didn't even belong on the same field
as Georgia in that game. And I think the Texas
defense rivals Georgia as probably even better than Georgia. On
the defensive end, you could look at it. They have
the number two scoring defense in the country at twelve
(23:08):
point four points per game, only allowed twenty or more
in three games this season, and they ranked third in
total defense, only giving up two hundred and forty nine
and a half yards per game. Just an elite, elite defense,
and even if the offense is slicking, that defense is
good enough to keep them in the game and go
out there and force some turnovers as well. And I
watched Clemson a bunch down the stretch as well, like
they were very close to losing at pitt who really
(23:31):
fell apart down the stretch of the season. Kate Klubnick
had a superhero type of play, superhero type of run
and found a way to pull that game out out
of their hat. But I don't think this Clemson team
is good. They're my number twelve team out of if
you made me rank the twelve teams in this playoff.
I think Texas is going to win this one. I
don't know if I'm going to take the twelve, but
I'm probably going to pick the under a fifty two
(23:52):
in this one too. I think this is way too
many points, and I think Texas defense comes to play
yet again.
Speaker 3 (23:58):
All Right, we know about quinn U who else under
Texas offense, we need to be paying attention.
Speaker 2 (24:03):
To Isaiah Bonds, a guy that hasn't had a great
year for them. He was the transfer from transfer from Alabama.
He was the one that caught that fourth and a
prayer from from Jalen Milroe in the iron ball against
Auburn last season, but he hasn't really had that greaty year.
I was expecting him to come in and light it up.
It's been a really disappointing past couple of weeks for
(24:24):
this Texas team. They're gonna need someone to step up
and make some plays in court. And Clemson, as we know,
belts out cornerbacks, really good cornerbacks each and every year.
They got a few on this this roster this year
that are going to be potential NFL like first or
second round picks as well. So Isaiah Bond's a guy
that I'm watching for. He's got the deep speed to
make some plays over the top. Ken quinn Ewers or
(24:45):
Drek we say arch Manning potentially make a few deep
throws down the field and open this game up a
little bit because that Texas offense has really been struggling,
only averaging twenty one points over their last four.
Speaker 3 (24:57):
Is it a big drop off from quinn Ewers to
Kay Club.
Speaker 2 (24:59):
Nick at this rate, I don't think so. Like Club
Knicks had a really good year, but he's beat up
on a lot of the inferior opponents. And I know
you said, you know, a big game in the ACC
title game that they had. He's He's had a couple
kind of must win games on the stretch, but quinn
Ewers has played in some much bigger spots, much more poise,
Like look at what Clemson did last year. They weren't
(25:20):
anywhere near this. Club Nick's a fun player and an
exciting player. He's a really good athlete. But I think
even if viewers isn't the guy fully on Saturday, I'd
still rather would probably have Archer over Clubnick, just because
I think he's a more complete player.
Speaker 3 (25:35):
Club Nick four touchdowns against SMU. He was twenty four
of forty one for two sixty two, and of course
played really well in that one. South Carolina quite the
opposite had zero touchdowns one pick. But we got to
give a lot of credit to South Carolina's defense in
that one. Thirty three touchdowns I believe on the season,
and five interceptions. Pretty damn good season for club. Nick.
(25:56):
We'll find out if it really.
Speaker 2 (25:57):
Took care of the football better this year too. He
I think I saw you had thirteen fumbles last season.
I'm not sure what he did this year, but he
really cleaned up his turnovers. But once again, this is
a different beast with this Texas defense, and he really struggled.
I think they only put up fourteen points against South
Carolina a few weeks ago, and I think this Texas
defense is another step above that.
Speaker 3 (26:17):
Yeah, from the Texas side of things, and specifically on
the defensive side. They got a few names in his
top fifty. As far as the names that we need
to be watching out for, you want to go ahead
and take us through as far as the Texas defense,
who will be jumping off the screen at us on
Saturday afternoon.
Speaker 2 (26:36):
Anthony Hill. He's really the guy that is the main
force on that Texas defense. I think he's only a
sophomore too. He was I believe he was the red
shirt or the Big twelve freshman of the year last year.
Just a dominant player rushed the passer, he tackles well, yeah,
his stats are here seven and a half sacks, forty
seven solo tackles. But he's the guy that you'll see
(26:58):
kind of everywhere on the team the sideline is a
sideline linebacker. He's like, what you know Devin White looked
like back when he was healthy, kind of like he's
that type of player. He's going to be most likely
a first round linebacker in the NFL drafting, and next
year I think is one will be eligible. But he's
the guy that really makes that defense go. And they
just have a group that that's deep that they can
(27:19):
rotate four and five star guys up front. They don't
really have necessarily a stud kind of pass rusher on
this team, but they have a good group of guys
that play well together and they're they're solid from front
end to back end. There's no real holes on that defense.
Speaker 3 (27:32):
They got three names into the top ten here and
it opens up with offensive lineman Calvin Banks. But then
you go, as you said to Anthony Hill, he's listed
at ninth, and then jeday A Baron or Jedai Baron
excuse me, defensive back and he talks about he won
the Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back. Fifty
(27:55):
year senior thirty six starts for Texas, So a guy
that's been there, battle tested. Yeah, this to me is
the one game that I have no issues back in Texas.
As much as I would like to believe that the
offense isn't clicking, which it's not. I think quinn Ewers
are still dealing with a little bit of an ankle injury,
so he's not exactly the most mobile. That change pace.
(28:19):
Going to arts is definitely interesting, and you saw it
happen in the in the championship game, and I don't
think that Sark will be afraid to go to it
again in this spot specific especially since it's home. So
to me, yeah, if you're making me make a selection
on this one, i'd laid the number as well. Give
me a final score.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
I think it's another kind of low scoring affair. I'm
going to go twenty seven thirteen Texas, So in that scenario,
I do have Texas covering. But my bet on this
one's probably just going to be under a fifty two.
I don't think Clemson's going to be able to move
the ball that well. On this Texas defense.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
All right, let's get on over to eight pm Tennessee
and the Ohio stay Bob, guys, yeah, Valls, Let's go brights. Harper, Ohman,
come on, what do you think here? Right now? We're
still holding steady at seven and a half forty six
theres our total in this one. Some people are wondering
whether the weather's gonna have an issue on the on
(29:17):
the on Tennessee going up to Ohio State. As I said,
it's gonna be Chile, It's gonna be a night game
APM kickoff. Ear So, I think there is something to
be said about that. But the difference for me is,
I think the physical play of Tennessee, both running the
football and defense. I think that travels and that's gonna
be a difference. But if Nico is called upon, if
(29:37):
if Ohio State's able to get it going and they
got they have great receivers, and they throw up a
crooked number and Nico is called upon, do you have
confidence in him to step up and start, you know,
slinging it if need be to get them back into
a game.
Speaker 2 (29:52):
I do. I really think that over the year he
showed like some progression he got better. It was kind
of that middle point of this season where he was
struggling a little bit. But I don't really even think
that it was so much that he was struggling, but
more so that the team was just so damn good
at running the football, ninth best rushing offense in the country.
They just wanted to win the game. You can look
(30:13):
at it like the Eagles reguard, Like the defense is awesome,
the running games awesome, were winning, Why go away from it?
Like the quarterback when called upon, is capable of going
out there using his legs to get a first down,
or he can go and make a big throw on
a third down. We've seen him throw some dimes this year.
We've seen him make some big time throws. Even look
at the Alabama game. He missed a couple of deep shots,
(30:35):
but he hit a couple and that was the difference
in winning this game. You're going to have to hit
probably one or two deep shots over the top end
this one to really kind of put your foot on
their neck, I think, and I think he's more than
capable of doing that. But when we go back to
the beginning with the weather, like I think the weather
plays right into Tennessee's hands. You can say that they're
from the South or whatever, but this team wants to
run the football. They want to win on their defensive line.
(30:57):
They want Ohio State to run the football at them
because Ohio State doesn't really ran the ball that well
this year. And I think if there's one thing that
Ohio State could potentially exploit, it's their receivers for some
of these Tennessee d bags. But then you have Will
Howard kind of throwing the football more and how really
reliable and trust he is he so I think this
game is tailor made for Tennessee to pull off the upset.
Everything's kind of playing right into their hands. They just
(31:20):
have to be able to run the football on that
Ohio State defense, two top ten units there with the
Ohio State rush defense Tennessee rush offense. I think that's
really what this one's going to come down to. If
and if, like you said, if Tennessee needs you going
to step up and make a few big throws on
third downs to move the chains. Can he do that?
And I think he's shown us more than not over
the latter part of the season that he has the
(31:40):
ability to do that.
Speaker 3 (31:42):
Do you think Ohio State. A little bit more was
made out to you know, a little bit more hypeep
than what they should have gotten of course, to change
and we know they spent all the money. And again
I'm gonna ask you this point because last time we
saw them, they played against Michigan and they got smashed.
Michigan ran the football down their throats, Like, is that's
(32:06):
something that Tennessee needs to be looking at and taken
away from that Michigan game going you know what, it
wasn't There wasn't a lot of want from Ohio State.
They played a little bit better in that second half,
I understand, but not a lot of want. And Tennessee
is if they're physical, if that travels and that hits
on Saturday night, they could run the football effectively against
this Ohio State defense.
Speaker 2 (32:27):
Yeah, that's what I was saying. I think it was sitansy.
It was like, is Ohio State really that great or
is it more of just a hypothetical Like it's a
great roster of talent, but is it really a great team?
Like we look at their big matchup against Oregon. They
lose that one. They were a favorite at Oregon that
night as well. Then the game against Michigan, they play
(32:47):
right into what Michigan wants, Like I haven't seen. Sure
the Indiana game was good, but Indiana had two special
teams blunders in that one. And we'll see on Friday
night how good really Indiana was potentially, Like do they
get blown out by Notre Dame And that might even
discredit some more about what we think about Ohio State.
But what's this team ever really great? I think that
they were getting too much hype, too much publicity, and
(33:09):
not delivering. I was expecting that running game to be
the best running game in all of college football, and
they really struggled to be a consistent running team this year.
Like I agree with you that they are a little
bit more hype than actual production and they never really
fully put it together. And I think that goes back
to the coach, Like when you're that talented of a
team and you're not able to get this team to
(33:30):
perform to the fullest extent, that falls back on you.
Maybe they make a run here at the title in
the playoff, but I think all fingers go back to
the coach and Ryan Day and not having this team
fully prepared and fully ready to go. And I definitely
think the upset is in the cards on Saturday night.
Speaker 3 (33:46):
Team six and six ats this season, you know, and
I think that tells you a little something. I'm sure
that they were favorite, big time numbers in a few games,
but still pretty average. Of course, spot on average six
and six throughout the course of the season. Four Ohio
State ats all right, as far as Will Howard is concerned,
and you know, we know this story with what his
(34:08):
deal is and how he ended up getting to Ohio State.
But twenty seven touchdowns, eight interceptions, pretty damn accurate, seventy
two percent completion percentage. And of course, as I said,
the big one for me is the wide receivers for
Ohio State. You know, we just have to be honest
with our thoughts on that one. And they can mess
things up in a big, big way. They're very talented.
So is there a chance that maybe Ohio State plays loose?
(34:31):
If they do, they're at home and take a sigh
of relief and they just say, Will Howard Lee is
to the Promised Land and sling it. Do you think
that's an effective way to go up against Tennessee eight
o'clock on Saturday night?
Speaker 2 (34:42):
I don't think that Ohio State and Ryan Day trust them,
Trip Kelly trust them. They played right into Michigan's strength,
which was running their run defense and being able to
kind of stop the run and up the middle in
the trenches. That's where Michigan was built. Well, and what
did I State do? They tried to go like right
out them and Will Johnson the quarterback for Michigan and
wasn't even in that game a potential top five, top
(35:02):
ten pick. There you got all these athletes, all these
future first round picks on the outside, and they just
went out there and said, We're going to just try
and run the ball at you, and they just showed
that they don't trust Will Howard. He's put the ball
in harm's way. I think too many times. He had
a really bad pick in that Michigan game. He had
a really bad pick excuse me, at the beginning of
the Penn State game as well. When you do look
at Will Howard though, the thing that he does bring
(35:23):
kind of like Riley Leonard. He adds that kind of
rushing ability, but not to what he used to be.
He's a lot slower and a lot less mobile, I
think than he was back in his Kansas State days.
So I think Tennessee would would invite them to go
out there and kind of throw the ball and be like,
all right, you know, our receivers are excuse me, our
corners have to be able to show up. Our defensive
(35:43):
line is going to be able to get to them.
We just got to play solid coverage for a couple
of seconds, don't get beat over the top, really trying
and keep everything in front of you, and our defensive
line is going to get there. Because that Ohio State
offensive line pass blocking is their main issue with all
their injuries. I think Tennessee's going to be able to
get home. Man if Will Howard is forced to drop
back and throw the ball thirty five forty times, that
(36:04):
plays right into what Tennessee wants at the end of
the day.
Speaker 3 (36:07):
Final score, Beef, what do you got?
Speaker 2 (36:09):
I got the Orange going in there and winning. I
really think this is another defensive battle. I think we're
gonna see at least one upset and I haven't in
this one. I'm going twenty four seventeen Tennessee wins. So
Tennessee plus seven and a half under forty six and
a half, and the Ryan Day questions become even louder,
and I think if that is the result, I don't
think there's any way you can bring him back next season.
(36:31):
But I think I got the Volves going on to
win this one. I mean, in the one upset of
the first round.
Speaker 3 (36:36):
Yeah, I think that question is answered if they lose.
I don't think anyone's wondering out loud anymore. I think
it's pretty much the next day that you're out, slip
will be delivered to his offense, and you know what,
probably it might be the best thing for Ryan Day.
And I mean that, as weird and chaotic as that sounds,
it's just it doesn't feel like.
Speaker 2 (36:57):
It's it took a scart over there.
Speaker 3 (37:00):
Yeah he does. He looks like, you know, just the
way people feel about him, that fan base feels about
him and eggshells, and then some next season, you know,
it's like, oh and then So I just don't think
he's been good enough either at the end of the
day to put up the fight for him. So I'm
gonna roll with Tennessee on this one as well. We're
(37:20):
seeing the eye to eye on this edition of Beef Upfront.
Don't know if that's a good thing, but at the
same time. Look, man, it's college football. It's the first
time you know. These home fields are going to matter.
You know, some of these teams aren't going to be
able to travel well and play like I just I
think SMU is going to be effected, and deep down
in my soul, I think they're going to be effected. Now,
(37:40):
will Penn State capitalize? We'll see, you know. But if
that Penn State team that played like they did against Oregon,
albeit they lost, they are a better team than SIMU.
And as you said, I like what you said. As
far as the logos on the helmet, that's a huge difference.
And as we went down the list, look it ends
for me. I think Tennessee goes up there and covers
the number. I don't know if I'm gonna get too
(38:01):
crazy and say they went out right like you, but
if you made me make a selection for my bracket,
I would take Tennessee on that one. So good luck
on all those plays. Man, we're exciting, all right, We'll
get you out of here on this one, beef. Top
three players for you? Give me your top three players
out of the twelve teams that are remaining in college football.
If you had to recommend three players for this list.
(38:22):
They're probably listed here. Who are the three players on
your mind that you would put out there that we
should not miss when they get the opportunity to play
this weekend or moving forward.
Speaker 2 (38:31):
Yeah, so if we're doing the entire playoff, my favorite
player to watch in college football this year, and it
was awesome to see them make the run all the
way to the title game and make the playoff. But
that's came Skattabou at Arizona State. Just an awesome player,
like even that Big twelve championship game. Just three like
crazy Marshawn Lynch, Beast Moode type rons. He's just such
(38:52):
a fun player watching his story coming from an FCS school,
It's been an awesome year to watch for them, and
probably the team I've had the most fun watching this year.
So it's gotta be the running back there. I think
he should have been in New York for the Heisman.
But my favorite player in college football to watch this
year Jeremiah Smith. He's he's a beast. Like if if
(39:14):
Ohio State is gonna win, they need Jeremiah Smith, I
think to make a couple of big plays over the top,
and we just talked about with Will Howard. Do we
trust him to go out there and throw the football.
It's very questionable. But Jeremiah Smith has the ability to
beat guys over the top but also break multiple tackles
on plays underneath. So Jeremiah Smith, the wide receiver of
High State, You're gonna be hearing that name a lot
more going forward. And then we'll stick with it with
(39:36):
that game. With the running back Dylan Sampson out of
out of Tennessee, I think the most underrated player in
the entire country this year. He had a year not
that far off from Scataboo, not that far off from
from Ashton Genty as well. Ashton Genty was certainly in
a league of his own. Well, like I said at
the being with Travis Hunter, if you take Ashton Genty
(39:58):
out of the game this year, Dylan Sampson, it is
probably right up there in the mix for the best
running back in all of college football, and probably in
the Heisman discussion as well. Tennessee had the ninth best
rushing offense in the country this year, and it was
led by that running back, Dylan Sampson. So, Dylan Sampson,
camp Scattabuu and Jeremiah Smith, all three guys on the
offensive side. Look forward to watching them probably over these
(40:19):
next couple of weeks. And one of those guys that
is going home on Saturday night.
Speaker 3 (40:23):
Yeah, we'll see how this one shakes out. Great list there.
Skataboo has been just tremendous. The only person he trailed
this year as far as scrimmage yarders concern was gent
and we know how dominant he was. He had over
twenty four hundred yards. He ever seven point three yards
per carry and rushed about three hundred and forty four
times this season. Ashton genty for Boise State has the
(40:47):
week off, relaxing, getting getting those legs ready for whoever
he'll be faced in the next week, and Soul will
Scataboo as well. But can't wait for these games and
everything gets started Friday night at eight pm. I'm here
to play football for the Irish.
Speaker 2 (41:02):
Who we got one at all.
Speaker 3 (41:06):
I got Notre Dame in the final.
Speaker 2 (41:08):
I have Tennessee beating Notre Dame.
Speaker 3 (41:10):
That's my final.
Speaker 2 (41:12):
You can get the matchup right now at one hundred
to one on DraftKings. I really like Notre Dame out
of that bottom part of the bracket with the injuries
to Georgia, and then you know, you get James Franklin
there in a semi final matchup. Notre Dame is probably favorite.
I would say the top I think is going to
be really interesting. I think you could make an argument
(41:32):
that the winner of this eight nine game has a
good shot to beat Oregon in Tennessee and Ohio State Oregon.
You know, everyone's probably gonna come on here and say
Oregon and Georgia, so let's have a little fun with it.
But that top could be fun. I could see any
of one of Texas, Oregon, Ohio State, or Tennessee going
to the final from that top part. But I really
like Notre Dame in their path there at the bottom.
It's weird to say that with Georgia, but I think
(41:54):
that the injuries at the quarterback spot are going to
be a little bit too much.
Speaker 3 (41:57):
I do believe in Arizona State.
Speaker 2 (42:01):
Then they only have to win two games to make
it there. That is the big thing as well.
Speaker 3 (42:06):
I you know, I think that Arizona State can beat Texas.
I just feel like the juice is going to be there.
Arizona State's gonna pull a rabbit out of their hat
and and look, you know, Texas has to build up
the hype. But I think having this extra game, you know,
it's it's going to be a difference maker for Texas
and it's it's going to hurt them. So Arizona State,
(42:28):
I have advance in in that game. I'm having a
hard time not picking Oregon, you know. And if you
gave me an Oregon Notre Dame final, oh man, that
would be tremendous. I really do think that'd be a
great college football game, and it probably through the best numbers.
Maybe Ohio State Notre Dame might do better, I don't know,
(42:49):
but yeah, as far as that's concerned, I would say
Notre Dame in the final or Penn State, of course,
and I think the numbers would be there, but yeah,
Notre Dame coming out of the bottom of the bracket,
top of the bracket. Man, I'm just having a hard
time not picking Oregon at this point in time. So
I'll go Oregon Notre Dame in the final. Hate to
(43:10):
do it, but I'm gonna go. Chalk I got Oregon
win it at all.
Speaker 2 (43:13):
Yeah, I mean we can definitely see that happening. Undefeated, Yeah, undefeated,
start to finish. They probably have been the best team
in the country. But that's why we play the games.
I think that is a regardless of who wins this
eight to nine game, I think that's gonna be a
tough matchup. Tennessee. I think can definitely go beat them
talent for talent. And then when you look at Ohio State,
(43:34):
they already had a really good game against them earlier
this year. Put up a good fight. Can Oregon beat
them twice? It's gonna be fun, and that's why we
so we watch, that's why we get to talk about it.
Speaker 3 (43:44):
Oregon to make the final, plus one ninety, Notre Dame
to make the final, plus four hundred. You said, Tennessee
to make the final. Yep, Tennessee to make the final. Yes,
plus two thousand, beef.
Speaker 2 (43:58):
Wow one for Tennessee to play Notre Dame. I put
a little sprinkle on that.
Speaker 3 (44:04):
All right, Well you need to get a little sprinkle
on that twenty to one as well, just to make
an appearance in the championship game.
Speaker 2 (44:09):
Have I have the ticket from September two for them
to win it all?
Speaker 3 (44:13):
Twenty two is mine's not quite as much. I am
holding two tickets at this point in time, I did
have a quinn Ewers Heisman Trophy loser. My only two
plays that I had from future from college football was
the I made it end season. I have Texas and
Tennessee to win the national championship. Small plays, but you know,
(44:33):
pays out a couple of bucks and you know have
them invested at that point in time. But I am
I think I might even throw a little sprinkle on
that twenty to twenty to one to get to the final.
I like where that is. Definitely Notre Dame four to one.
Need to get in on that one. But again, if
you believe, probably should just be firing on Notre Dame
weekend week out as well, starting on Friday night against Indiana.
(44:55):
Looking forward to it. Beef always a pleasure, man, It's
been a great ride. We're just getting started twelfth teen playoff.
Good luck in the GBC. Everybody, make sure you're following
Ryan at Ryan Occoyle thirty five. Subscribe to the pod
Beef upfront, and as always if you miss anything at
foxphl Gambler dot com.
Speaker 1 (45:15):
Spreads totals and all the prop that's in the tweens.
Speaker 2 (45:18):
It's the Gambler
If you can wager on it, We're talking about it.
It's the Gambler, the Fox Sports Radio, The Gambler. Fox
Sports Radio in Philly is the Gambler, The Gambler, Philly's
home for all things sports gambling. The game is one
in the trenches.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
They just don't have to beef upfront.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
All right, so you better have beat up front. They
have the skill position players, they have the defensive backs,
they have the quarterback.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
They don't have to beef up front.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
They says, your weekly stop for all things college football.
Now here are your hosts, Ryan Coyle and Sean Brace.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Another edition Beef Upfront coming your way. We are now
closing in on the first ever college football twelve team playoff.
We'd had a playoff before, a matter of fact, this
is Notre Dame's third time in the playoffs. However, we
haven't had a twelve team playoff. Nothing ever resembled what
(00:59):
we were about to entering. Starting on Friday night at
eight pm, Battle of Indiana with Notre Dame and the
Indiana Hoosiers. The Battle of Indiana. Yes, Sean Brace, Ryan
Beef Cooyle a lot to discuss. Let's not waste any time,
Beef how we doing today, Sarah.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Two days away? Man, two days away? Until what We've
been talking about since since July, August, June, whenever we
were doing those summer ball previews. Everything's been leading up
to this and really excited. I'm really looking forward to
that Tennessee, Ohio State matchup Saturday night. But I think
Indiana Notre Dame can be a pretty good game too.
The other two on Saturday, I think might be a
(01:38):
little bit more of one sided, but it's gonna be awesome.
We're gonna see some chaos. We're gonna see one upset.
I'm looking forward to find out who.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Yeah, I got a lot of questions to fire your way,
and we're gonna dive into all four of these matchups
and of course talk a little bit more in depth
about some of the players that maybe for some people
out there that haven't been paying attention and even hand
in the air. Come on, man, I can name you. Look,
I got a top fifty list in front of me.
There's some names and then top twenty that I'm like,
(02:05):
oh yeah, that's right, I remember him. He's a badass.
So even for the most diehard college football fans out there,
it's a good reminder, good refresher. So we've got a
lot to cover here. Let's get right into it. And
for the first question here beef, as far as Indiana
and Notre Dame and once again draftings sportsbook still holding
(02:26):
steady at this point in time, let me just go
ahead and make sure that I get the correct lines
or the fresh updated lines. You are looking at a
seven and a half point line. Indiana catches seven and
a half. Fifty two and a half is our total,
and the hoogis damn good season. Nobody's denying that seven
wins of twenty plus points or more. You know, when
(02:49):
you look at college football as a whole, Beef, I
would say, yeah, that's a good football team. Maybe you
could even say a great football team. They had a
great season. But now that we are down to the
final twelve, where do they stack up in your mind?
Judging after the whole season in front of you. Of course,
they had the extra game with Penn State and Oregon.
Knowing what we do, know what we think we know
(03:11):
about these teams that are waiting, where does Indiana stack
up in that top twelve? Are He's still one of
the best team standing.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
I'd probably put them in at eleven, I think I'd
have them only. Ah, no, give me them at ten.
Give me give me Clemson at eleven, SMU at twelve.
I think SMU is a team that benefited a little
bit from from playing a week er schedule. And you
can say the same thing about Indiana. But when Indiana
was clicking and when Indiana was on a roll, they
were dominating anything in their path pretty much besides Ohio State.
(03:41):
This year that they took a part Michigan was a
bit of a tough game. But Indiana, I think the
great thing about them and like the really fun thing
about them why people kind of rallied around that team.
They just have that like killer instinct, like no mercy,
no letup. Like we're shedding that label of oh it's
just Indiana. We're gonna three nine, four eight. Like Signetti
(04:01):
said it when he went to the basketball game after
his first press conference, He's like, we're going to be
in that conversation with Ohio State. We're gonna be in
that conversation with Michigan. He let him here in the
first season. So they're the story of the year in
college football in my opinion, and they're here for a reason.
You don't just roll out of bed and get eleven wins.
You can say that about any sport. You have to
(04:22):
still go out there and play. So I probably put
them at ten. I think that they have a short run.
It probably ends Saturday or Friday night in South Bend.
But a historic season and a team to keep an
eye off for going forward because people are gonna want
to go and play for that coach in that program.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
I think now no doubt about that, all right. Staying
with the Hoosiers, of course, that tough loss to Ohio State,
can that be exposed from Notre Dame's angle? What Ohio
State was able to do effectively? Is there something that
the Irish can take from that game and say, you
know what, they had success doing that? The buck guys
(04:58):
ran this well whatever it maybe play the defensive front
some style. I don't know, but in your opinion, is
there's something that the Irish can take away from that loss.
Ohio State beating Indiana a few weeks ago.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
The thing with like Ohio State and the reason why,
like I'm so puzzled by them this year, Like I
was expecting their bread and butter and even with all
the great wideouts for their bread and butter to be
the running game and bringing him Chip Kelly and then
they brought in Judkins from Old Miss they brought it
or they had Henderson still in the backfield. They weren't
(05:31):
really able to get the running game clicking this year.
Like sure they were able to do it against the
likes of Purdue or something like that, but Ohio State
struggled to run the ball and they didn't really run
the ball that well on Indiana. When you look at Indiana,
they have a really strong rush defense statistically, but you
can also attribute that to they were up so many
times in these big games, like blowing these teams out
(05:53):
that teams had to throw from behind. They didn't really
have an option on them there. So like how good
is the Indiana defense? Like was Ohio State's rush offense
just a little bit overrated or did Indiana do a
pretty good job of containing them? Because I think Notre
Dame the biggest question mark with them. If they're forced
to play for them behind, if they're forced to throw
the ball, can they do that? They want to be
(06:15):
able to get out ahead and lean on that run game.
But if Indiana's able to stifle the run. That's going
to be able to keep them in this one. And
the adding the quarterback run game with Riley Leonard is
certainly a big thing for Notre Dame there. So I'm
interested to see that is Notre Dame able to run
the football because I think that is what they did
best throughout the season in Ohio State when you look
(06:36):
at them, they were able to kind of lean on
them as the game went on. But Indiana had self
inflicted wounds in that one. Two special teams mistakes, and
they went up seven to nothing. They had a third
and thirty three. Ohio State was able to get that
to like fourth and eight and then convert on the
fourth and eight. Indiana had the chance to get the
ball and go back up fourteen to nothing. So a
few weird bounces go different ways. Who knows what happens
(06:57):
in that one. But I'm looking at the running game
in this one and if Notre Dame's able to consistently
run the ball in Indiana.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
Hoosiers are a great season. No denying that they are
nine and three ats they didn't cover in the first
game against FIU they won thirty one to seven. They
were twenty six point favorites. They didn't cover. Against Michigan
back on November to ninth, they were fourteen and a
half point favorites. They won the game twenty to fifteen.
Game was at home, and then of course Ohio State
they were ten and a half point dogs, the only
(07:26):
time they were an underdog all season long, and they
did not cover the number. They did not stay with
the numbers, so of course losing thirty eight to fifteen
as a ten and a half point dog in that
one to Ohio State again the over and their season
nine and three to the over, and essentially in those
games as well, those were the ones, although the Ohio
(07:48):
State game did go over, that's right. The only other
one was Washington under fifty four thirty one to seventeen.
So knocking on the door there, interesting game, can't wait,
We're getting the party started with a great one at
eight o'clock. Your outlook for this game before do you
stand on it? Give me a final score prediction.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
I'm gonna go Notre Dame thirty one, Indiana seventeen. I
think it's a pretty tight game throughout the When you
look at Indiana, they've been a really good, fast starting team,
this year. I know that they went eleven and one,
but you look at the first quarters. I went and
looked at it yesterday, ten to one and one. If
you took them on the first quarter money line this year,
they're a team that was able to get up and
(08:27):
get up early on teams. They're plus one sixty four
in the first quarter this week. And you look at
the Ohio State game even too, the scripted plays of
scripted offense, that's where they were. That's where they did
really well and went right down the field and scored.
So I'm looking at potentially taking that Indiana there on
the money line in the first quarter. But I think
it's one of those games where the talent eventually is
going to figure itself out, sort itself out, and Notre
(08:50):
Dame is able to kind of just lean on them
throughout the game. I think it's a close one, but
I think Notre Dame's gonna have like a late drive
to really kind of push it over the top. Give
them the cover, but I'd do like the under in
this one. I think it's two pretty strong defenses and
a passing game with Notre Dame that don't think is
gonna have many explosive plays. You look at the weather
in this one too. This is probably the game that
the weather is going to be the most impactful. It's
gonna be cold, it's gonna be windy. I think we
(09:12):
see more slugfest in this matchup.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
Same temperature in Ohio state as well. Really don't worry,
we're gonna get into that one. Twenty seven degrees. Yeah,
twenty seven degrees. I believe they're all three. Yeah, because
the warmest one sixty one down in Texas. I want
to say the other three were all this the same
temper twenty seven degrees. I could be mistaken on that,
so you might be right. I apologize one quick one.
(09:35):
As far as DraftKings is concerned, they're rolling out an
interesting winner special here, and I bring it up because
Indiana was just mentioned, although you don't have them advance
the pass first round. So I don't know how you
feel about this wager. If you like Oregon to win
at all, what's Oregon's number to win it all? But
you can get Oregon Boise State, Arizona State in Indiana
(09:56):
to win the national championship at plus two seventy.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Oregon's plus three sixty Oregons plus three sixty. Yeah, there's
no show. Who are the other ones Boise State, Indiana.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
Arizona State, it's all first time winners.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Yeah, I'd rather take the I'd rather just take the
stab on Oregon there at plus four sixty because they're
none of those other teams are winning it. I will
come up with the crazy wager for me to do
if they lose that game, or if one of those
other teams win other.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Than Oregon, Boise, watch out for Boise.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
I don't think so. Boise was in a seven point
game with Wyoming just like three weeks ago. They're it's
gonna get figured out.
Speaker 3 (10:39):
Yeah, those games aren't being played under blue Terrify either,
so it would be a little bit different ballgain if
it was that case. I'm just looking at somebody's winner specials.
So very interesting stuff that DraftKings continues to roll out there,
of course, for the first ever twelve team football playoff
in college football. All right, let's go ahead and move
(10:59):
on here, and let's get up to the next game
up and of course that's Happy Valley we're heading. And
we talked about this one yesterday Penn State and SMU.
I did see a few people on my timeline be
that's saying that the biggest suspect team in their mind,
overrated team in their mind, was Penn State. A lot
of people trying to build up the hype for SMU
(11:21):
and the offense of attack that they've shown all season long.
And I understand, I'm just as far as in a
way team this weekend that's going to be impacted the
most by the weather by being on the road, no offense,
but's about it. It's SMU, It's the Mustang. So therefore,
like if I don't think they can win this game,
(11:42):
which I don't, there's no way I'm backing them here.
I just am a little alarmed that everybody, like I said,
other than a few people I did see trying to
make the case Penn State was very suspect. Not to
say I'm the biggest Penn State fan, but I do
believe that this is a team that can put up
some points and oh, by the way, play a much
better defense than them Clemson did in that ACC Championship game.
(12:03):
So give me Penn State minus eight and a half
here fifty four and a half. Take me through your
thought process as far as Penn State what's the difference
for them in this game against SMU.
Speaker 2 (12:13):
Yeah, you just look at it historically, James Franklin wins
these games, and not only wins them, he covers them.
The games that he's supposed to win, he always finds
a way to do it. He's sixty two, forty three
and three against the spread since he took over as
head coach of Penn State as a favorite. That's a
fifth best in the country. Also, thirty six twenty six
and two as a home favorite against the spread, that's
(12:34):
fifteenth best. But then you look at just straight up
winning these games ninety two and sixteen straight up as
a favorite and fifty eight and six straight up as
a home favorite. Pretty freaking dominant in that regard. And
I'm just in the boat that, like SMU, your roster
has still comprised a lot of like former American level players.
This is a step up. Now we're going to play
(12:54):
with the big boys. The a SEC wasn't really anything
to write home about this year. You look at SMU,
who really is any dominant wins on their schedule, any
impressive wins, And you can look at Penn State and
say the same regards. But this Penn State team I
think is head and shoulders more talented. Penn State or
SMU's offensive tackles haven't seen an edge rusher like Abdul
Carter all year. They don't think they've seen a running
(13:16):
back duo like Nick Singleton and k Tron Allen and
Drew Aller. I think is potentially playing the best ball
of his career right now. He's pushing the ball down
the field. He's taken some more risk. I think there's
a lot of buzz and a lot of confidence with
him right now. And I wouldn't rule out Penn State
making a deep run once again. You got to get
to over the mental hurdle of James Franklin winning a
big game, and this certainly is a big game. But
(13:37):
when you look at the big games that hurt him,
it's when he's an underdog and he's a favorite in
this one a pretty big favorite too. I like Penn
State and this one to win this one comfortably. I
think this could be potentially the biggest win of the weekend.
Speaker 3 (13:50):
Ooh interesting, all right, we are going to dive in
into some of the players that we need to know
more about. Worse we're talking about and it's not even
about superstars' it's a list of ESPN put together, but
names that you should know and definitely you don't want
to miss throughout the course of the twelve team playoff.
(14:11):
Top five you know Tyler Warren's on that list, right,
m hm for sure. So how much of a difference
do you see him making going up against SMU's defense.
Do you think that they have anything like if Penn
State dedicates getting him the rock, which they have done
in many games, like the amount of touches makes Rock
Bauers look small for the Raiders. But you know when
(14:34):
Tyler Warren, do you think that that's going to be
the game plan because they don't have a defense, and
if they do, they're gonna have to expend a few
players to slow down Warren and maybe we'll open up
things downfield or of course underneath. Just as far as
getting Tyler Warren involved, how do you see that one play?
Speaker 2 (14:51):
Now? Yeah, SMU had a pretty solid defense throughout the season,
but over the last month they struggled and I think
teams have starting to find ways to kind of pick
them apart that you have thirty four in that ACC
Championship to Clemson they gave up twenty eight to BC
with their backup quarterback twenty five to PIT. All those
games have happened since November, so it's an SMU defense
that I think certainly has regressed as the year has
(15:12):
gone on. And for if, just say, if Travis Hunter
wasn't in the Wasn'tian college football this year, Tyler Warren
would have been talked about as the guy who's really
the most versatile player in all of college football. Runs
the ball, he throws the ball. We see sometimes. He
plays h back, plays receiver, he plays tight end. He's
your best player. And Penn State has done a damn
(15:32):
good job of finding ways to get the football into
his hands. So shout out to Andy colet Nicky. He
found a great way to really unleash Tyler Warren. He's
been a really good player at Penn State the past
few years, but this is a completely different animal this year.
Thousand over a thousand receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns. He
had one hundred think one hundred and ninety one rushing
(15:53):
yards I saw earlier for rushing touchdowns. He is just
an all round, all around complete player. So they're gonna
find a way to get the ball in his hands
no matter what, and he doesn't damage from there. He
certainly is the difference maker in this one. And I
think that Penn State's gonna be able to pick this
SMBU defense.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
Apart Abdul Carter on the defensive side. Is this a
game that maybe he shines, you know, and again he's
had a great season Philadelphia's own the South High School.
Is this a game that you know, because I'm trying
to think of, like, you know, big time matchups, big
time performances in the NFL, and you think about those
(16:32):
playoff games and all of a sudden, one of those
dobs like Micah Parsons has a day where he has
three sacks. You know, is there a player on the
defensive side of the ball for pennonce State that could
just light it up, and especially against an SMU team
that wants to throw the football a time.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
Yeah. When you look at ESPN's draft rankings right now,
they actually have Carter as their number one overall player.
So he's a guy that's, yeah, in discussion to be
the number one overall pick. The most fascinating thing about
him he played off ball linebacker the past years, kind
of like Micah did at Penn State, and this is
the first year they let him put his hand in
the dirt and rush to passer and he was the
Big Ten defensive player of the year. He is a
(17:09):
has a chance to make himself a ton of money
over these next two weeks because when you look at
the offensive tackles at SMU and Boise State, most likely
those are your two kind of teams in the way here,
he's got a chance to really make himself some money
and have a dominant performance. He could be a game
wrecker in these matchups. He's not playing the Big ten
offensive tackles that are usually pretty stalwarts out there. He's
(17:31):
got a chance to be a game wrecker in this one.
And another reason why I like Penn State because he's
able to rush the passer into the regard of he
can change the game on one play, on one strip
sack and flip the field if the offense is starting
out slow. So when you look at it at defensive
player like that that has the ability to change the game,
that's something that obviously SMU's game planning around trying to prevent.
(17:54):
But he's a stud and he has the chance to
potentially be you know, the defensive player of the entire
tournament with with multiple sack performances throughout this playoff.
Speaker 3 (18:03):
Run all right, ten double digit sacks ten for Carter
this season with Penn State. Are we sleeping on anything
from SMU's perspective as far as big time players on
the defense or offense. Is there a name that can
go out there on SMU's roster that you know what
will come away? And like, yeah, they kept it close
because that guy went off.
Speaker 2 (18:24):
Jennings is a really fun quarterback. That was an interesting
scenario at the ending of the year. Him and Preston Stone.
We're kind of going back and forth, and a lot
of the hype this offseason about SMU is because Preston
Stone would fit the offense perfectly and was able to
sling the ball around the yard. But Jennings showed that
he was just a better fit and he's a really
good athlete. But Brishard Smith out of the backfield is
(18:44):
a really good back as well. He's over twelve hundred yards.
First team All acc on the ground and Oregon, you know,
they showed the ability to go out and put some
points up. But I think and I talked about that
going into that big ten game. Having the ability to
play that game in Lucas Oil inside that benefited the offense.
Isn't that a ton? Now you're going into the twenty
degree where they're outside in the in the cold, in
(19:06):
the win. I think that's going to really harm the
offense's ability to kind of throw the ball around the yard.
So Smith might be counting on a little bit more
in this matchup that than usual weeks when SMU is
looking to throw the ball thirty five to forty times.
But the SMU offense has a few playmakers, but this
environment it just doesn't really fit. I think what they're
looking to do really.
Speaker 3 (19:27):
Smu're getting on the board. They scoring a bunch of points.
What's the final score here?
Speaker 2 (19:31):
I like the under. I really like the under. We'll
talk about the other ones, but I think I'm gonna
take the under in all four games. I think Penn
State's defenses is just a little bit too too talented
for this SMU offense really spread the ball around and
go put up a lot of points.
Speaker 3 (19:47):
No chance of panic from Penn State. You know, if
things get a little crazy, SMU hits a big time play.
They go up seven, they go up fourteen something. On
those lines, you feel like, here we go big game,
James coming up short, coming up small.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
I don't think so, because it's SMU Like I really
think the logo on the helmet plays a big factor.
Like it's out Michigan, it's not Ohio State. They just
got to be able to kind of step back, and
it's one hundred and six thousand people in Happy Valley.
It's a home game as well. You really have to
take that into regard in these situations. Next round we
go to the Neutrals. Maybe it's a little bit different
(20:25):
controlled environment and the weather and a lot of those,
but the home field advantage it is going to be
huge in this one. And you could make the argument
that Penn State has the best out of any team
in the first.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
Round eleven and two season by the Nitney Lyons. Last
time we saw them, they ended up losing forty five
to thirty seven, and it wasn't even that close if
we're honest. I think the late scores kind of made
it a little bit closer, but Oregon was the better
squad that night. We'll see what Penn State wants to
(20:55):
do on Saturday. Against SMU. We got Ryan Beef Coyle
live by, come in your way right here on the gambler.
All right, next game up, four o'clock, twelve point spread
Texas game being played in Austin. Fifty two's are total
Clemson plus twelve obviously on the road money line plus
three fifty minus four to fifty five for Texas. Here,
(21:19):
any chance we get a little upset here, Beef. You know,
Clemson get a little bit of some momentum with the
win in that ACC Championship game. Battle tested, This isn't
new territory for Dabbo quarterbacks played in big games before
even this year. You look at what they did against
of course, they played bad in those games with South
(21:41):
Carolina big game, Georgia big games. So the fact that
they've already been involved in these type of matchups with
all the eyes everybody, the build up, does that play
into your handicap at all here? Or is it just
strictly based off of who's on the roster, who's playing
for both teams, and we're gonna go ahead and make
our play on that assumption that play.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
Yeah, I think when you look at Clemson you can
certainly use that in their regard like they've been playing
kind of must win football for the past few weeks,
but like they got lucky to even be in that
ACC TOW game because they lost to South Carolina, but
they were lucky that the South Carolina loss wasn't a
conference off, so they kind of even just snuck in there.
Miami was up twenty one to nothing and they blew
it against Syracuse and Clemson finds their way in and
(22:26):
good for Clemson to make the most of their opportunity.
But once again, this is a step up now in competition,
a step up kind of to the big leagues. With
Texas in the SEC. Here, we saw Clemson in their
one game and I know that was the sum was
still out, it was ninety five degrees, and it was
Labor Day weekend, but that was an eye opening performance
and it was the first like real sit down college
(22:47):
football game of the season that you had the chance
to soak in noon on Saturday. That's a game that's
sticking in a lot of people's mind. And Clemson just
looked like they didn't even belong on the same field
as Georgia in that game. And I think the Texas
defense rivals Georgia as probably even better than Georgia. On
the defensive end, you could look at it. They have
the number two scoring defense in the country at twelve
(23:08):
point four points per game, only allowed twenty or more
in three games this season, and they ranked third in
total defense, only giving up two hundred and forty nine
and a half yards per game. Just an elite, elite defense,
and even if the offense is slicking, that defense is
good enough to keep them in the game and go
out there and force some turnovers as well. And I
watched Clemson a bunch down the stretch as well, like
they were very close to losing at pitt who really
(23:31):
fell apart down the stretch of the season. Kate Klubnick
had a superhero type of play, superhero type of run
and found a way to pull that game out out
of their hat. But I don't think this Clemson team
is good. They're my number twelve team out of if
you made me rank the twelve teams in this playoff.
I think Texas is going to win this one. I
don't know if I'm going to take the twelve, but
I'm probably going to pick the under a fifty two
(23:52):
in this one too. I think this is way too
many points, and I think Texas defense comes to play
yet again.
Speaker 3 (23:58):
All Right, we know about quinn U who else under
Texas offense, we need to be paying attention.
Speaker 2 (24:03):
To Isaiah Bonds, a guy that hasn't had a great
year for them. He was the transfer from transfer from Alabama.
He was the one that caught that fourth and a
prayer from from Jalen Milroe in the iron ball against
Auburn last season, but he hasn't really had that greaty year.
I was expecting him to come in and light it up.
It's been a really disappointing past couple of weeks for
(24:24):
this Texas team. They're gonna need someone to step up
and make some plays in court. And Clemson, as we know,
belts out cornerbacks, really good cornerbacks each and every year.
They got a few on this this roster this year
that are going to be potential NFL like first or
second round picks as well. So Isaiah Bond's a guy
that I'm watching for. He's got the deep speed to
make some plays over the top. Ken quinn Ewers or
(24:45):
Drek we say arch Manning potentially make a few deep
throws down the field and open this game up a
little bit because that Texas offense has really been struggling,
only averaging twenty one points over their last four.
Speaker 3 (24:57):
Is it a big drop off from quinn Ewers to
Kay Club.
Speaker 2 (24:59):
Nick at this rate, I don't think so. Like Club
Knicks had a really good year, but he's beat up
on a lot of the inferior opponents. And I know
you said, you know, a big game in the ACC
title game that they had. He's He's had a couple
kind of must win games on the stretch, but quinn
Ewers has played in some much bigger spots, much more poise,
Like look at what Clemson did last year. They weren't
(25:20):
anywhere near this. Club Nick's a fun player and an
exciting player. He's a really good athlete. But I think
even if viewers isn't the guy fully on Saturday, I'd
still rather would probably have Archer over Clubnick, just because
I think he's a more complete player.
Speaker 3 (25:35):
Club Nick four touchdowns against SMU. He was twenty four
of forty one for two sixty two, and of course
played really well in that one. South Carolina quite the
opposite had zero touchdowns one pick. But we got to
give a lot of credit to South Carolina's defense in
that one. Thirty three touchdowns I believe on the season,
and five interceptions. Pretty damn good season for club. Nick.
(25:56):
We'll find out if it really.
Speaker 2 (25:57):
Took care of the football better this year too. He
I think I saw you had thirteen fumbles last season.
I'm not sure what he did this year, but he
really cleaned up his turnovers. But once again, this is
a different beast with this Texas defense, and he really struggled.
I think they only put up fourteen points against South
Carolina a few weeks ago, and I think this Texas
defense is another step above that.
Speaker 3 (26:17):
Yeah, from the Texas side of things, and specifically on
the defensive side. They got a few names in his
top fifty. As far as the names that we need
to be watching out for, you want to go ahead
and take us through as far as the Texas defense,
who will be jumping off the screen at us on
Saturday afternoon.
Speaker 2 (26:36):
Anthony Hill. He's really the guy that is the main
force on that Texas defense. I think he's only a
sophomore too. He was I believe he was the red
shirt or the Big twelve freshman of the year last year.
Just a dominant player rushed the passer, he tackles well, yeah,
his stats are here seven and a half sacks, forty
seven solo tackles. But he's the guy that you'll see
(26:58):
kind of everywhere on the team the sideline is a
sideline linebacker. He's like, what you know Devin White looked
like back when he was healthy, kind of like he's
that type of player. He's going to be most likely
a first round linebacker in the NFL drafting, and next
year I think is one will be eligible. But he's
the guy that really makes that defense go. And they
just have a group that that's deep that they can
(27:19):
rotate four and five star guys up front. They don't
really have necessarily a stud kind of pass rusher on
this team, but they have a good group of guys
that play well together and they're they're solid from front
end to back end. There's no real holes on that defense.
Speaker 3 (27:32):
They got three names into the top ten here and
it opens up with offensive lineman Calvin Banks. But then
you go, as you said to Anthony Hill, he's listed
at ninth, and then jeday A Baron or Jedai Baron
excuse me, defensive back and he talks about he won
the Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back. Fifty
(27:55):
year senior thirty six starts for Texas, So a guy
that's been there, battle tested. Yeah, this to me is
the one game that I have no issues back in Texas.
As much as I would like to believe that the
offense isn't clicking, which it's not. I think quinn Ewers
are still dealing with a little bit of an ankle injury,
so he's not exactly the most mobile. That change pace.
(28:19):
Going to arts is definitely interesting, and you saw it
happen in the in the championship game, and I don't
think that Sark will be afraid to go to it
again in this spot specific especially since it's home. So
to me, yeah, if you're making me make a selection
on this one, i'd laid the number as well. Give
me a final score.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
I think it's another kind of low scoring affair. I'm
going to go twenty seven thirteen Texas, So in that scenario,
I do have Texas covering. But my bet on this
one's probably just going to be under a fifty two.
I don't think Clemson's going to be able to move
the ball that well. On this Texas defense.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
All right, let's get on over to eight pm Tennessee
and the Ohio stay Bob, guys, yeah, Valls, Let's go brights. Harper, Ohman,
come on, what do you think here? Right now? We're
still holding steady at seven and a half forty six
theres our total in this one. Some people are wondering
whether the weather's gonna have an issue on the on
(29:17):
the on Tennessee going up to Ohio State. As I said,
it's gonna be Chile, It's gonna be a night game
APM kickoff. Ear So, I think there is something to
be said about that. But the difference for me is,
I think the physical play of Tennessee, both running the
football and defense. I think that travels and that's gonna
be a difference. But if Nico is called upon, if
(29:37):
if Ohio State's able to get it going and they
got they have great receivers, and they throw up a
crooked number and Nico is called upon, do you have
confidence in him to step up and start, you know,
slinging it if need be to get them back into
a game.
Speaker 2 (29:52):
I do. I really think that over the year he
showed like some progression he got better. It was kind
of that middle point of this season where he was
struggling a little bit. But I don't really even think
that it was so much that he was struggling, but
more so that the team was just so damn good
at running the football, ninth best rushing offense in the country.
They just wanted to win the game. You can look
(30:13):
at it like the Eagles reguard, Like the defense is awesome,
the running games awesome, were winning, Why go away from it?
Like the quarterback when called upon, is capable of going
out there using his legs to get a first down,
or he can go and make a big throw on
a third down. We've seen him throw some dimes this year.
We've seen him make some big time throws. Even look
at the Alabama game. He missed a couple of deep shots,
(30:35):
but he hit a couple and that was the difference
in winning this game. You're going to have to hit
probably one or two deep shots over the top end
this one to really kind of put your foot on
their neck, I think, and I think he's more than
capable of doing that. But when we go back to
the beginning with the weather, like I think the weather
plays right into Tennessee's hands. You can say that they're
from the South or whatever, but this team wants to
run the football. They want to win on their defensive line.
(30:57):
They want Ohio State to run the football at them
because Ohio State doesn't really ran the ball that well
this year. And I think if there's one thing that
Ohio State could potentially exploit, it's their receivers for some
of these Tennessee d bags. But then you have Will
Howard kind of throwing the football more and how really
reliable and trust he is he so I think this
game is tailor made for Tennessee to pull off the upset.
Everything's kind of playing right into their hands. They just
(31:20):
have to be able to run the football on that
Ohio State defense, two top ten units there with the
Ohio State rush defense Tennessee rush offense. I think that's
really what this one's going to come down to. If
and if, like you said, if Tennessee needs you going
to step up and make a few big throws on
third downs to move the chains. Can he do that?
And I think he's shown us more than not over
the latter part of the season that he has the
(31:40):
ability to do that.
Speaker 3 (31:42):
Do you think Ohio State. A little bit more was
made out to you know, a little bit more hypeep
than what they should have gotten of course, to change
and we know they spent all the money. And again
I'm gonna ask you this point because last time we
saw them, they played against Michigan and they got smashed.
Michigan ran the football down their throats, Like, is that's
(32:06):
something that Tennessee needs to be looking at and taken
away from that Michigan game going you know what, it
wasn't There wasn't a lot of want from Ohio State.
They played a little bit better in that second half,
I understand, but not a lot of want. And Tennessee
is if they're physical, if that travels and that hits
on Saturday night, they could run the football effectively against
this Ohio State defense.
Speaker 2 (32:27):
Yeah, that's what I was saying. I think it was sitansy.
It was like, is Ohio State really that great or
is it more of just a hypothetical Like it's a
great roster of talent, but is it really a great team?
Like we look at their big matchup against Oregon. They
lose that one. They were a favorite at Oregon that
night as well. Then the game against Michigan, they play
(32:47):
right into what Michigan wants, Like I haven't seen. Sure
the Indiana game was good, but Indiana had two special
teams blunders in that one. And we'll see on Friday
night how good really Indiana was potentially, Like do they
get blown out by Notre Dame And that might even
discredit some more about what we think about Ohio State.
But what's this team ever really great? I think that
they were getting too much hype, too much publicity, and
(33:09):
not delivering. I was expecting that running game to be
the best running game in all of college football, and
they really struggled to be a consistent running team this year.
Like I agree with you that they are a little
bit more hype than actual production and they never really
fully put it together. And I think that goes back
to the coach, Like when you're that talented of a
team and you're not able to get this team to
(33:30):
perform to the fullest extent, that falls back on you.
Maybe they make a run here at the title in
the playoff, but I think all fingers go back to
the coach and Ryan Day and not having this team
fully prepared and fully ready to go. And I definitely
think the upset is in the cards on Saturday night.
Speaker 3 (33:46):
Team six and six ats this season, you know, and
I think that tells you a little something. I'm sure
that they were favorite, big time numbers in a few games,
but still pretty average. Of course, spot on average six
and six throughout the course of the season. Four Ohio
State ats all right, as far as Will Howard is concerned,
and you know, we know this story with what his
(34:08):
deal is and how he ended up getting to Ohio State.
But twenty seven touchdowns, eight interceptions, pretty damn accurate, seventy
two percent completion percentage. And of course, as I said,
the big one for me is the wide receivers for
Ohio State. You know, we just have to be honest
with our thoughts on that one. And they can mess
things up in a big, big way. They're very talented.
So is there a chance that maybe Ohio State plays loose?
(34:31):
If they do, they're at home and take a sigh
of relief and they just say, Will Howard Lee is
to the Promised Land and sling it. Do you think
that's an effective way to go up against Tennessee eight
o'clock on Saturday night?
Speaker 2 (34:42):
I don't think that Ohio State and Ryan Day trust them,
Trip Kelly trust them. They played right into Michigan's strength,
which was running their run defense and being able to
kind of stop the run and up the middle in
the trenches. That's where Michigan was built. Well, and what
did I State do? They tried to go like right
out them and Will Johnson the quarterback for Michigan and
wasn't even in that game a potential top five, top
(35:02):
ten pick. There you got all these athletes, all these
future first round picks on the outside, and they just
went out there and said, We're going to just try
and run the ball at you, and they just showed
that they don't trust Will Howard. He's put the ball
in harm's way. I think too many times. He had
a really bad pick in that Michigan game. He had
a really bad pick excuse me, at the beginning of
the Penn State game as well. When you do look
at Will Howard though, the thing that he does bring
(35:23):
kind of like Riley Leonard. He adds that kind of
rushing ability, but not to what he used to be.
He's a lot slower and a lot less mobile, I
think than he was back in his Kansas State days.
So I think Tennessee would would invite them to go
out there and kind of throw the ball and be like,
all right, you know, our receivers are excuse me, our
corners have to be able to show up. Our defensive
(35:43):
line is going to be able to get to them.
We just got to play solid coverage for a couple
of seconds, don't get beat over the top, really trying
and keep everything in front of you, and our defensive
line is going to get there. Because that Ohio State
offensive line pass blocking is their main issue with all
their injuries. I think Tennessee's going to be able to
get home. Man if Will Howard is forced to drop
back and throw the ball thirty five forty times, that
(36:04):
plays right into what Tennessee wants at the end of
the day.
Speaker 3 (36:07):
Final score, Beef, what do you got?
Speaker 2 (36:09):
I got the Orange going in there and winning. I
really think this is another defensive battle. I think we're
gonna see at least one upset and I haven't in
this one. I'm going twenty four seventeen Tennessee wins. So
Tennessee plus seven and a half under forty six and
a half, and the Ryan Day questions become even louder,
and I think if that is the result, I don't
think there's any way you can bring him back next season.
(36:31):
But I think I got the Volves going on to
win this one. I mean, in the one upset of
the first round.
Speaker 3 (36:36):
Yeah, I think that question is answered if they lose.
I don't think anyone's wondering out loud anymore. I think
it's pretty much the next day that you're out, slip
will be delivered to his offense, and you know what,
probably it might be the best thing for Ryan Day.
And I mean that, as weird and chaotic as that sounds,
it's just it doesn't feel like.
Speaker 2 (36:57):
It's it took a scart over there.
Speaker 3 (37:00):
Yeah he does. He looks like, you know, just the
way people feel about him, that fan base feels about
him and eggshells, and then some next season, you know,
it's like, oh and then So I just don't think
he's been good enough either at the end of the
day to put up the fight for him. So I'm
gonna roll with Tennessee on this one as well. We're
(37:20):
seeing the eye to eye on this edition of Beef Upfront.
Don't know if that's a good thing, but at the
same time. Look, man, it's college football. It's the first
time you know. These home fields are going to matter.
You know, some of these teams aren't going to be
able to travel well and play like I just I
think SMU is going to be effected, and deep down
in my soul, I think they're going to be effected. Now,
(37:40):
will Penn State capitalize? We'll see, you know. But if
that Penn State team that played like they did against Oregon,
albeit they lost, they are a better team than SIMU.
And as you said, I like what you said. As
far as the logos on the helmet, that's a huge difference.
And as we went down the list, look it ends
for me. I think Tennessee goes up there and covers
the number. I don't know if I'm gonna get too
(38:01):
crazy and say they went out right like you, but
if you made me make a selection for my bracket,
I would take Tennessee on that one. So good luck
on all those plays. Man, we're exciting, all right, We'll
get you out of here on this one, beef. Top
three players for you? Give me your top three players
out of the twelve teams that are remaining in college football.
If you had to recommend three players for this list.
(38:22):
They're probably listed here. Who are the three players on
your mind that you would put out there that we
should not miss when they get the opportunity to play
this weekend or moving forward.
Speaker 2 (38:31):
Yeah, so if we're doing the entire playoff, my favorite
player to watch in college football this year, and it
was awesome to see them make the run all the
way to the title game and make the playoff. But
that's came Skattabou at Arizona State. Just an awesome player,
like even that Big twelve championship game. Just three like
crazy Marshawn Lynch, Beast Moode type rons. He's just such
(38:52):
a fun player watching his story coming from an FCS school,
It's been an awesome year to watch for them, and
probably the team I've had the most fun watching this year.
So it's gotta be the running back there. I think
he should have been in New York for the Heisman.
But my favorite player in college football to watch this
year Jeremiah Smith. He's he's a beast. Like if if
(39:14):
Ohio State is gonna win, they need Jeremiah Smith, I
think to make a couple of big plays over the top,
and we just talked about with Will Howard. Do we
trust him to go out there and throw the football.
It's very questionable. But Jeremiah Smith has the ability to
beat guys over the top but also break multiple tackles
on plays underneath. So Jeremiah Smith, the wide receiver of
High State, You're gonna be hearing that name a lot
more going forward. And then we'll stick with it with
(39:36):
that game. With the running back Dylan Sampson out of
out of Tennessee, I think the most underrated player in
the entire country this year. He had a year not
that far off from Scataboo, not that far off from
from Ashton Genty as well. Ashton Genty was certainly in
a league of his own. Well, like I said at
the being with Travis Hunter, if you take Ashton Genty
(39:58):
out of the game this year, Dylan Sampson, it is
probably right up there in the mix for the best
running back in all of college football, and probably in
the Heisman discussion as well. Tennessee had the ninth best
rushing offense in the country this year, and it was
led by that running back, Dylan Sampson. So, Dylan Sampson,
camp Scattabuu and Jeremiah Smith, all three guys on the
offensive side. Look forward to watching them probably over these
(40:19):
next couple of weeks. And one of those guys that
is going home on Saturday night.
Speaker 3 (40:23):
Yeah, we'll see how this one shakes out. Great list there.
Skataboo has been just tremendous. The only person he trailed
this year as far as scrimmage yarders concern was gent
and we know how dominant he was. He had over
twenty four hundred yards. He ever seven point three yards
per carry and rushed about three hundred and forty four
times this season. Ashton genty for Boise State has the
(40:47):
week off, relaxing, getting getting those legs ready for whoever
he'll be faced in the next week, and Soul will
Scataboo as well. But can't wait for these games and
everything gets started Friday night at eight pm. I'm here
to play football for the Irish.
Speaker 2 (41:02):
Who we got one at all.
Speaker 3 (41:06):
I got Notre Dame in the final.
Speaker 2 (41:08):
I have Tennessee beating Notre Dame.
Speaker 3 (41:10):
That's my final.
Speaker 2 (41:12):
You can get the matchup right now at one hundred
to one on DraftKings. I really like Notre Dame out
of that bottom part of the bracket with the injuries
to Georgia, and then you know, you get James Franklin
there in a semi final matchup. Notre Dame is probably favorite.
I would say the top I think is going to
be really interesting. I think you could make an argument
(41:32):
that the winner of this eight nine game has a
good shot to beat Oregon in Tennessee and Ohio State Oregon.
You know, everyone's probably gonna come on here and say
Oregon and Georgia, so let's have a little fun with it.
But that top could be fun. I could see any
of one of Texas, Oregon, Ohio State, or Tennessee going
to the final from that top part. But I really
like Notre Dame in their path there at the bottom.
It's weird to say that with Georgia, but I think
(41:54):
that the injuries at the quarterback spot are going to
be a little bit too much.
Speaker 3 (41:57):
I do believe in Arizona State.
Speaker 2 (42:01):
Then they only have to win two games to make
it there. That is the big thing as well.
Speaker 3 (42:06):
I you know, I think that Arizona State can beat Texas.
I just feel like the juice is going to be there.
Arizona State's gonna pull a rabbit out of their hat
and and look, you know, Texas has to build up
the hype. But I think having this extra game, you know,
it's it's going to be a difference maker for Texas
and it's it's going to hurt them. So Arizona State,
(42:28):
I have advance in in that game. I'm having a
hard time not picking Oregon, you know. And if you
gave me an Oregon Notre Dame final, oh man, that
would be tremendous. I really do think that'd be a
great college football game, and it probably through the best numbers.
Maybe Ohio State Notre Dame might do better, I don't know,
(42:49):
but yeah, as far as that's concerned, I would say
Notre Dame in the final or Penn State, of course,
and I think the numbers would be there, but yeah,
Notre Dame coming out of the bottom of the bracket,
top of the bracket. Man, I'm just having a hard
time not picking Oregon at this point in time. So
I'll go Oregon Notre Dame in the final. Hate to
(43:10):
do it, but I'm gonna go. Chalk I got Oregon
win it at all.
Speaker 2 (43:13):
Yeah, I mean we can definitely see that happening. Undefeated, Yeah, undefeated,
start to finish. They probably have been the best team
in the country. But that's why we play the games.
I think that is a regardless of who wins this
eight to nine game, I think that's gonna be a
tough matchup. Tennessee. I think can definitely go beat them
talent for talent. And then when you look at Ohio State,
(43:34):
they already had a really good game against them earlier
this year. Put up a good fight. Can Oregon beat
them twice? It's gonna be fun, and that's why we
so we watch, that's why we get to talk about it.
Speaker 3 (43:44):
Oregon to make the final, plus one ninety, Notre Dame
to make the final, plus four hundred. You said, Tennessee
to make the final. Yep, Tennessee to make the final. Yes,
plus two thousand, beef.
Speaker 2 (43:58):
Wow one for Tennessee to play Notre Dame. I put
a little sprinkle on that.
Speaker 3 (44:04):
All right, Well you need to get a little sprinkle
on that twenty to one as well, just to make
an appearance in the championship game.
Speaker 2 (44:09):
Have I have the ticket from September two for them
to win it all?
Speaker 3 (44:13):
Twenty two is mine's not quite as much. I am
holding two tickets at this point in time, I did
have a quinn Ewers Heisman Trophy loser. My only two
plays that I had from future from college football was
the I made it end season. I have Texas and
Tennessee to win the national championship. Small plays, but you know,
(44:33):
pays out a couple of bucks and you know have
them invested at that point in time. But I am
I think I might even throw a little sprinkle on
that twenty to twenty to one to get to the final.
I like where that is. Definitely Notre Dame four to one.
Need to get in on that one. But again, if
you believe, probably should just be firing on Notre Dame
weekend week out as well, starting on Friday night against Indiana.
(44:55):
Looking forward to it. Beef always a pleasure, man, It's
been a great ride. We're just getting started twelfth teen playoff.
Good luck in the GBC. Everybody, make sure you're following
Ryan at Ryan Occoyle thirty five. Subscribe to the pod
Beef upfront, and as always if you miss anything at
foxphl Gambler dot com.
Speaker 1 (45:15):
Spreads totals and all the prop that's in the tweens.
Speaker 2 (45:18):
It's the Gambler
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