August 25, 2025 • 16 mins
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's good news for South Carolina fans, this one coming
down the pipe literally minutes ago. I think it was
Matt Zenitz the first I saw updated. But the NCAA
has approved a waiver for South Carolina running back Rasul
Faison and it makes him eligible to play this season.
It's a huge development for South Carolina. As of course,
they open up with Virginia Tech in Atlanta on Sunday.
(00:21):
I'm heading down there Sunday morning to check it out.
And well, this makes things a bit more difficult and
complicated for Bryce Brent, for Brent Prying Company. So with
that in mind, it's time to welcome in and welcome
back a man who joins us every Monday during the
football season. That's how you know football season is back.
Former Clemson offensive lineman, ACC network analyst and the host
(00:42):
of an all new podcast that we have to promote here,
Mack and Murray The College Football Show, Eric McClain and
former George At quarterback Aaron Murray chopping it up. Mack
and Murray the Podcast coming into your earbuds wherever you
get yours. Eric McClain is back with us for his
Monday conversation. What's up, Big fella.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
How you been man, I'm great. It's week one. We're
finally here and it's showtime. Baby. I'm so excited, cannot wait.
The acc is man just loaded this week. Great opportunity.
How can they take advantage of it? I'm super excited
to see.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
All right, well plug the podcast, man, you got it.
I was looking at the fancy production this weekend. You
and Aaron Murray. I've seen some clips. It looks like
a good time. What should they what should we expect
and where can they find it?
Speaker 2 (01:24):
Yeah? Well, I really appreciate that. Man. It's something where,
you know, Aaron and I have known each other for
a long time and we finally got to work with
each other this spring kind of in the UFL, and
we just really hit it off greatly and see the
game similarly. And I guess that makes sense, right, a
quarterback and an offensive lineman, we're inseparable, right. It's just
it's like two magnets in the universe. We're always coming together,
(01:47):
it doesn't matter who it is. And so it's it's
a good time, man, and we're talking, you know, best
games around the country, which is super fun for me,
not just tied down to you know, one conference or
one particular team. Man, we get to hit all the
hides and talk about really really solid ball. And you know,
we're gonna bring some fun guest interviews. We're gonna do previews.
But then, you know, another piece and we're kind of
figuring out how legally we don't get sued for everything
(02:09):
we do or don't have, you know, trying to show
some some plays and some some pictures of look what
went wrong, this is what went right? Just just really
break things down from a technical standpoint, man, that I'm
really excited to bring to fans, and it's just going
to be a fun kind of inside the helmet type
production where you know, you're you're hearing two old ball
players talk it out.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
I can't wait. I'm gonna check it out after the
show on the drive home. So one of the things
that I hope you'll be getting into ahead of this
weekend is the game that I just mentioned. Let's go
ahead and start there, because it's a ton of great games.
This one's got plenty of local appeal South Carolina, Virginia Tech,
and Atlanta. I'm heading down there Sunday morning to take
it all in, and you know, I'm looking at it, Eric,
and I'll give you the floor. I give South Carolina
the advantage. They're favored by a touchdown. Maybe the hook
(02:53):
is there as well. I think maybe seven and a half.
But I do think that Kyrin drones and Philip Montgomery
now running the offense in Blacksburg, like, I think they're
going to be able to score, especially with a revamped
South Carolina defense. But I don't know if the Hokies
defense is going to be able to keep Lenora Sellers
under control on Sunday. What are you thinking about this
game and what does it come down to?
Speaker 2 (03:13):
Yeah, that's a great point, right who can stop Lenora's Sellers.
That's what is going to be the biggest, you know,
kind of question mark for most defensive coordinators, most coaches
when they line up and play against this guy. But
you know, I think if there's a silver lining about
the type of game games you're about to play, is
you have two very similar approaches back to back with
(03:33):
South Carolina and Vanderbilt. You've got two very active mobile
need to do a lot for their team to be successful.
Quarterbacks in Sellers in Diego Pavia there so their seams
or you would think that there's a really good plan
in place, that it's probably been installed you know, early
and often in camp, and something where you feel pretty
(03:53):
good just because you're seeing it so early. It's such
a big piece to the puzzle. And these guys have
to be at the most you know, respect and attention
to detail to stopping these guys. So you know, I
think you put your rangiest guy, whoever you think that is,
whoever Popps, whoever showed out, you know, during camp, and
you try to spy as much as you can without
totally eliminating that guy from coverage. And you know, at
(04:16):
the end of the day, you got to tackle in bunches.
And you know, I think when Virginia Tech is at
their best, when they're playing at the high level, that's
what they do. They stop the run and they run
the ball really effectively. And so you know, offensively, what
are we going to see from the Hokies? You know,
can Kyron drones take a step? Everything you just said
about coach Montgomery I think is true. I think we will,
(04:37):
you know, see him get better, which is something I've
kind of been waiting on, and I think under this
new tutelage, he certainly will all right.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Let's go to your game. But i'd say your, of
course is the Clemson alum. This is the biggest one
of the ACCU cannot wait for this Saturday night, seven
thirty ABC, under the lights, Memorial Stadium, the Real Death Valley,
which I'll go ahead and do it for you all.
Remind folks of that we know all about these two teams.
We know what they have coming back, we know what
the expectations are for Clemson. But when you start breaking
(05:05):
down the film or when you start, you know, strategizing
for your tigers taking on those Tigers, what does Dabo
need to do? Where do they attack LSU to ensure
they get out of there with a win on Saturday night.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
Yeah, it's a great question, right when when you look
at this team and specifically LSU's offense, Man, they've gotten
elite quarterback, like we're we're looking at the AP first
team quarterback and Kate Klubnick All American and the second team.
So it's the best quarterback match up maybe of the year.
I mean, we'll see if you know, others kind of
you know, play and grow into what we think they
(05:37):
might be. But you know, this is as good as
it gets and both guys are going to, uh, you know,
need to have their a game at a super high
level and play to the best of their abilities, and
and you know, just seeing what does that mean, what
does that look like, what does that get to? Is
going to be really fun. But if I'm coach Dabos
Sweeney and looking at that LSU offense, Okay, they couldn't
(05:58):
run the ball super effectively last year. Did they add
anybody in the portal? Not really do Did they get
better at offensive line? Absolutely not? So will they be
able to run the ball this year? Probably not? So
what are they going to do? Throw it forty five
fifty times a game. We've got to be aggressive defensively.
We have to get that guy off his spot. He's
not very mobile, hit him and blitz them, try to
(06:20):
heat up his process into making bad decisions. But also
just winning one on one matchups up front. I mean,
you're talking about Peter Woods, the best defensive tackle in
the country, and TJ. Parker, who I think is the
best true defensive end in the country. Let those guys
eat and how much can they affect this game is
going to be fascinating to see. And on the other side,
(06:42):
you've got a Clemson team, you know that that is
they're breaking in a new running back as well, Adam
Randall going to get the start there. But man, you've
got some dynamic weapons at the wide receiver position. Clemson
feels like they have six deep, you know, starting with
Antonio Williams kind of the alpha there, Bryant westco and
Moore to round out the starters. And then you know,
(07:03):
you just got a guy coming off the bench that
was a freshman All American, you know, just a year ago,
and so excited to see what Tyler Brown can do
fully back those four I'll put up against anybody in
the country and I'll take the Tigers. And so, honestly, KB,
it's going to come down to being a line of
scrimmage game. Who can protect their quarterback better, who can
(07:25):
run the ball better, and who can stop the run.
And that's going to be a huge piece of this puzzle,
is it?
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Are you among those who think if Clemson with what
they have coming back, anything short of a playoff berth
and a playoff win is a disappointment this year?
Speaker 2 (07:39):
No, no, no question. I mean that there is a
big old amount of pressure on the Tigers. This year,
and I think that, you know, how do you play
with that? Is it freeing to know that you're those
guys and you're that team, or is it you know,
suffocating and thinking, oh my gosh, we have to do this,
we have to do that. I hope it's the latter,
to just really, you know, take in how good you
(08:00):
are and to own it and to have that ownership
piece and to know this is the expectation, you know,
because after this year, a lot of guys are leaving.
I mean, Kay club Nick gone, a lot of these
receivers gone, defensive guys I just mentioned gone, and so
others are gonna have to step up and fill those shoes. Now,
certainly Clemson is in a great spot, but man, there's
a ton of expectation, a lot a lot of media
(08:22):
outlets picking the Tigers to win it all man, which
is fun, And it's just it's kind of comical to me.
A year ago we were telling us for everybody was
telling me how bad Debos Sweeney is, doesn't know what
he's doing, lost the Dynasties over and now they're being
picked to win the Natty by a lot of people.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
They sure are. Eric McClain acc Network analyst, former Clemson
offensive lineman. New podcast out Mac and Murray with Aaron Murray.
He's with us for his Monday conversation. Let's go to Thursday.
I was just informed a little while ago that this
NC State East Carolina's line has moved three points today.
I don't know what they know that we don't know yet,
but apparently NC State now up to a two touchdown
(08:59):
favorite in this game against the ACU. They're at home,
but that's a big number. Eric, how do you feel
about this game?
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Yeah, I feel like that line, first of all, has
moved all over the place for the past two days.
It's been up, down, and it sounds like it's back
up now. It's a fascinating situation because when you look
at at Dave Dorn and what he's done in open
is he's been really successful. I believe only lost one
opener in his entire tenure, which is obviously a big deal.
(09:26):
But man, they've just struggled against the spread as of recently.
So if you're a numbers guy, if you're into that
sort of thing, do you, you know, take an NC State
team to you know, kind of be what they usually
are and not over deliver like we kind of think
they might. They just played these guys in East U
and the bowl game and they freaking lost. Are you
kidding me? Ended in a fight? Was really embarrassing for
(09:49):
both teams. And honestly, you've double that down with the
embarrassment of losing to a team that you should beat.
And here's the other thing. If you're not a Carolina person,
if you're in town, listen into this great radio show
and you're like, what the heck is he talking about?
This is a hated rivalry. These two teams cannot stand
each other. It means something in that state of North Carolina,
and so this is a big deal. At the end
(10:11):
of the day, I think this is a different team
with CJ. Bailey at the helm for an entire offseason
and entire summer and entire camp, and I think they're
gonna show that. I think the skilled players they have,
I feel really good about. The biggest question, and it's
been my question for five football seasons now in a row.
Can they run the ball? Can NC State get positive push?
(10:32):
Can they utilize those running backs and get great push there.
I think the defense is going to be relatively back.
It's hard to get back to the great standards that
they were. Tony Grimes, excuse me, Tony Gibson moving on,
and then the you know, the great linebackers on to
the NFL. I think they have some good guys, but man,
I think they cover. I think CJ. Bailey is a
huge difference maker at quarterback, and those guys get it
(10:55):
done and win in dominant fashion. Week one, A couple
of big things.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
We'll get you out of here. Miami Notre Dame on
Sunday Night, seven point thirty ABC in Miami. But the
Canes are three two and a half, three point underdogs
at home right now. I do think Notre Dame has
the better team, but Miami's at home here. I'm never
a Miami believer, obviously, I never buy into it preseason,
but you know some people are buying into the Carson
(11:19):
Beck led Miami Hurricanes. Where are you and do you
think there's a chance they pull the upset in this game?
Speaker 2 (11:25):
You're talking to said person? A year after year, Man,
I'm giving out national championship, or at least ACC championship
to the Miami Hurricanes. I don't know what it is.
I just like them. I just like the Canes. Man,
it's one of those things. But you know, I saw
them in person. Man, they are freaking big. Their offensive
line is huge, and they've got some dudes. I think
(11:46):
they've got a chance to be one of the best
in the entire country. SODA's Notre Dame. So that's gonna
be a fun, kind of gritty rock fight, heavyweight matchup.
On both lines of scrimmage, I do tend to give
Miami the lead or the nod on the defensive side
of the line of scrimmage. I think they've got some
great quality depth. I think that, uh, you know, Reuben
(12:07):
Bain and you know Mesador are going to reintroduce themselves
to kind of the college football world. And what a
better way to do it than than against the national
champs runner up, you know. And and so how will
they be able to make that happen? Will they you know,
really get it going, you know, on both lines of
scrimmage and be able to dominate. I think that it's
(12:29):
something that we're gonna see that step taken, and that's
where it's gonna be. Now, the other piece of that
puzzle is how healthy is Carson Beck? Is he fully
Back when I was there. He looked electric, pushing the
ball down field with urgency, big bombs, like big time
throws down the field, and just managing the game and
being super accurate. I think one of his biggest issues
(12:51):
I'm talking with my boy Aaron Murray, is you've given
us some great love here. Last year, he just felt
like he had to do everything. George's run game was
horrific in regards to what it's been, and he just
felt like he had to be Superman. That is not
going to be the case at Miami. They have a
great running back backfield, they have a great offensive line.
So can he just manage the game and still make
(13:12):
some big time plays. I think that answer is yes.
So I'm in with the Hurricanes. I think that Carson
is going to go on a bit of a revenge
tour and remind people, you know who he was a
year ago, which at this point in time, a lot
of people saying he's the best quarterback in the country.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
Now, let's go to Monday, TCU North Carolina. I'm still
trying to figure out what we know about North Carolina.
We'll start to find out on Monday. But TCU on
the road in Chapel Hill, is currently a three point favorite.
I do think that TCU. They're talented on both sides
of the ball. They're pretty set at key positions. But
I don't know about North Carolina. I don't know if
(13:49):
Go Lopez can throw it well enough to win games
at a high level. I just don't know. Take your
best stab at this game. What you think we'll see?
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Yeah, seventy plus new players for Carolina? How the heck
could we ever imagine telling you what's going to happen.
I think at the end of the day, Belichick's the
greatest NFL coach to ever walk the earth. I think
that he is going to find situations, find ways, particularly
if this is closed, that will help this football team
(14:17):
win some games. Does that happen Monday night? Maybe? And
if it does, I think he makes the right one.
I think he makes it happen. And I'm excited to
see that. So from a playing standpoint, leve what we
saw from Go Lopez a year ago. Does that translate?
Does it work? We'll see, we'll find out. I know
this team's going to be disciplined. I assume they'll play very,
very tough and be a physical football team. The rest
(14:40):
you and I will be figuring that out. At the
exact same time, I.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
Had a listener ask you an interesting question, so I'll
pass it along. He wants me to ask you, you know,
what the ACC effectively needs to accomplish this weekend? How
many games they need to win to gain national respect?
None of this all happens in a single weekend. But
I do think it would certainly help the ACC's case
to come out of this weekend with a couple of
marquee wins. Where do you think they can get them?
And what would that mean?
Speaker 2 (15:05):
Yeah, no, there's no question about that. And it's one
of those things you know, me and my partners, you know,
usually talk about of this where man, what a great
opportunity for the ACC, And it seems like we've been
saying that year after year, particularly at week one. But
how do you win them? And how do you come
away with that? You know? Syracuse Tennessee I think is
(15:27):
a dog fight. It's right now, it's thirteen and a half.
I would be all over that. I mean, I don't
know what this Tennessee offense is going to look like.
Quarterbacks in La running back, which was pretty much your
whole offense last year's in the NFL. I know the
defense is going to be electric, but I think Syracuse
is gonna be able to spin it. And when you
have a team that can throw the ball and will
(15:47):
throw the ball as frequently as I think Syracuse can,
you're never out of a game. So I like them
to cover that thirteen and a half. I think that Alabama,
Florida State stay away from that one. It might get
ugly in a hurry. So if Clemson, if you know,
Virginia Tech can mess around, if Miami the biggest one,
those are the two. If Miami and Clemson get it done,
(16:08):
then man, it's going to be a good showing for
the ACC really kind of help us in pole position
for the rest of the year.
Speaker 1 (16:14):
Brother, I appreciate it. Been looking forward to this conversation
all weekend. You have a great week. We'll talk to
you next Monday.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
No doubt, Brother, cannot wait. It's going to be electric.
It's good news for South Carolina fans, this one coming
down the pipe literally minutes ago. I think it was
Matt Zenitz the first I saw updated. But the NCAA
has approved a waiver for South Carolina running back Rasul
Faison and it makes him eligible to play this season.
It's a huge development for South Carolina. As of course,
they open up with Virginia Tech in Atlanta on Sunday.
(00:21):
I'm heading down there Sunday morning to check it out.
And well, this makes things a bit more difficult and
complicated for Bryce Brent, for Brent Prying Company. So with
that in mind, it's time to welcome in and welcome
back a man who joins us every Monday during the
football season. That's how you know football season is back.
Former Clemson offensive lineman, ACC network analyst and the host
(00:42):
of an all new podcast that we have to promote here,
Mack and Murray The College Football Show, Eric McClain and
former George At quarterback Aaron Murray chopping it up. Mack
and Murray the Podcast coming into your earbuds wherever you
get yours. Eric McClain is back with us for his
Monday conversation. What's up, Big fella.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
How you been man, I'm great. It's week one. We're
finally here and it's showtime. Baby. I'm so excited, cannot wait.
The acc is man just loaded this week. Great opportunity.
How can they take advantage of it? I'm super excited
to see.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
All right, well plug the podcast, man, you got it.
I was looking at the fancy production this weekend. You
and Aaron Murray. I've seen some clips. It looks like
a good time. What should they what should we expect
and where can they find it?
Speaker 2 (01:24):
Yeah? Well, I really appreciate that. Man. It's something where,
you know, Aaron and I have known each other for
a long time and we finally got to work with
each other this spring kind of in the UFL, and
we just really hit it off greatly and see the
game similarly. And I guess that makes sense, right, a
quarterback and an offensive lineman, we're inseparable, right. It's just
it's like two magnets in the universe. We're always coming together,
(01:47):
it doesn't matter who it is. And so it's it's
a good time, man, and we're talking, you know, best
games around the country, which is super fun for me,
not just tied down to you know, one conference or
one particular team. Man, we get to hit all the
hides and talk about really really solid ball. And you know,
we're gonna bring some fun guest interviews. We're gonna do previews.
But then, you know, another piece and we're kind of
figuring out how legally we don't get sued for everything
(02:09):
we do or don't have, you know, trying to show
some some plays and some some pictures of look what
went wrong, this is what went right? Just just really
break things down from a technical standpoint, man, that I'm
really excited to bring to fans, and it's just going
to be a fun kind of inside the helmet type
production where you know, you're you're hearing two old ball
players talk it out.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
I can't wait. I'm gonna check it out after the
show on the drive home. So one of the things
that I hope you'll be getting into ahead of this
weekend is the game that I just mentioned. Let's go
ahead and start there, because it's a ton of great games.
This one's got plenty of local appeal South Carolina, Virginia Tech,
and Atlanta. I'm heading down there Sunday morning to take
it all in, and you know, I'm looking at it, Eric,
and I'll give you the floor. I give South Carolina
the advantage. They're favored by a touchdown. Maybe the hook
(02:53):
is there as well. I think maybe seven and a half.
But I do think that Kyrin drones and Philip Montgomery
now running the offense in Blacksburg, like, I think they're
going to be able to score, especially with a revamped
South Carolina defense. But I don't know if the Hokies
defense is going to be able to keep Lenora Sellers
under control on Sunday. What are you thinking about this
game and what does it come down to?
Speaker 2 (03:13):
Yeah, that's a great point, right who can stop Lenora's Sellers.
That's what is going to be the biggest, you know,
kind of question mark for most defensive coordinators, most coaches
when they line up and play against this guy. But
you know, I think if there's a silver lining about
the type of game games you're about to play, is
you have two very similar approaches back to back with
(03:33):
South Carolina and Vanderbilt. You've got two very active mobile
need to do a lot for their team to be successful.
Quarterbacks in Sellers in Diego Pavia there so their seams
or you would think that there's a really good plan
in place, that it's probably been installed you know, early
and often in camp, and something where you feel pretty
(03:53):
good just because you're seeing it so early. It's such
a big piece to the puzzle. And these guys have
to be at the most you know, respect and attention
to detail to stopping these guys. So you know, I
think you put your rangiest guy, whoever you think that is,
whoever Popps, whoever showed out, you know, during camp, and
you try to spy as much as you can without
totally eliminating that guy from coverage. And you know, at
(04:16):
the end of the day, you got to tackle in bunches.
And you know, I think when Virginia Tech is at
their best, when they're playing at the high level, that's
what they do. They stop the run and they run
the ball really effectively. And so you know, offensively, what
are we going to see from the Hokies? You know,
can Kyron drones take a step? Everything you just said
about coach Montgomery I think is true. I think we will,
(04:37):
you know, see him get better, which is something I've
kind of been waiting on, and I think under this
new tutelage, he certainly will all right.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Let's go to your game. But i'd say your, of
course is the Clemson alum. This is the biggest one
of the ACCU cannot wait for this Saturday night, seven
thirty ABC, under the lights, Memorial Stadium, the Real Death Valley,
which I'll go ahead and do it for you all.
Remind folks of that we know all about these two teams.
We know what they have coming back, we know what
the expectations are for Clemson. But when you start breaking
(05:05):
down the film or when you start, you know, strategizing
for your tigers taking on those Tigers, what does Dabo
need to do? Where do they attack LSU to ensure
they get out of there with a win on Saturday night.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
Yeah, it's a great question, right when when you look
at this team and specifically LSU's offense, Man, they've gotten
elite quarterback, like we're we're looking at the AP first
team quarterback and Kate Klubnick All American and the second team.
So it's the best quarterback match up maybe of the year.
I mean, we'll see if you know, others kind of
you know, play and grow into what we think they
(05:37):
might be. But you know, this is as good as
it gets and both guys are going to, uh, you know,
need to have their a game at a super high
level and play to the best of their abilities, and
and you know, just seeing what does that mean, what
does that look like, what does that get to? Is
going to be really fun. But if I'm coach Dabos
Sweeney and looking at that LSU offense, Okay, they couldn't
(05:58):
run the ball super effectively last year. Did they add
anybody in the portal? Not really do Did they get
better at offensive line? Absolutely not? So will they be
able to run the ball this year? Probably not? So
what are they going to do? Throw it forty five
fifty times a game. We've got to be aggressive defensively.
We have to get that guy off his spot. He's
not very mobile, hit him and blitz them, try to
(06:20):
heat up his process into making bad decisions. But also
just winning one on one matchups up front. I mean,
you're talking about Peter Woods, the best defensive tackle in
the country, and TJ. Parker, who I think is the
best true defensive end in the country. Let those guys
eat and how much can they affect this game is
going to be fascinating to see. And on the other side,
(06:42):
you've got a Clemson team, you know that that is
they're breaking in a new running back as well, Adam
Randall going to get the start there. But man, you've
got some dynamic weapons at the wide receiver position. Clemson
feels like they have six deep, you know, starting with
Antonio Williams kind of the alpha there, Bryant westco and
Moore to round out the starters. And then you know,
(07:03):
you just got a guy coming off the bench that
was a freshman All American, you know, just a year ago,
and so excited to see what Tyler Brown can do
fully back those four I'll put up against anybody in
the country and I'll take the Tigers. And so, honestly, KB,
it's going to come down to being a line of
scrimmage game. Who can protect their quarterback better, who can
(07:25):
run the ball better, and who can stop the run.
And that's going to be a huge piece of this puzzle,
is it?
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Are you among those who think if Clemson with what
they have coming back, anything short of a playoff berth
and a playoff win is a disappointment this year?
Speaker 2 (07:39):
No, no, no question. I mean that there is a
big old amount of pressure on the Tigers. This year,
and I think that, you know, how do you play
with that? Is it freeing to know that you're those
guys and you're that team, or is it you know,
suffocating and thinking, oh my gosh, we have to do this,
we have to do that. I hope it's the latter,
to just really, you know, take in how good you
(08:00):
are and to own it and to have that ownership
piece and to know this is the expectation, you know,
because after this year, a lot of guys are leaving.
I mean, Kay club Nick gone, a lot of these
receivers gone, defensive guys I just mentioned gone, and so
others are gonna have to step up and fill those shoes. Now,
certainly Clemson is in a great spot, but man, there's
a ton of expectation, a lot a lot of media
(08:22):
outlets picking the Tigers to win it all man, which
is fun, And it's just it's kind of comical to me.
A year ago we were telling us for everybody was
telling me how bad Debos Sweeney is, doesn't know what
he's doing, lost the Dynasties over and now they're being
picked to win the Natty by a lot of people.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
They sure are. Eric McClain acc Network analyst, former Clemson
offensive lineman. New podcast out Mac and Murray with Aaron Murray.
He's with us for his Monday conversation. Let's go to Thursday.
I was just informed a little while ago that this
NC State East Carolina's line has moved three points today.
I don't know what they know that we don't know yet,
but apparently NC State now up to a two touchdown
(08:59):
favorite in this game against the ACU. They're at home,
but that's a big number. Eric, how do you feel
about this game?
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Yeah, I feel like that line, first of all, has
moved all over the place for the past two days.
It's been up, down, and it sounds like it's back
up now. It's a fascinating situation because when you look
at at Dave Dorn and what he's done in open
is he's been really successful. I believe only lost one
opener in his entire tenure, which is obviously a big deal.
(09:26):
But man, they've just struggled against the spread as of recently.
So if you're a numbers guy, if you're into that
sort of thing, do you, you know, take an NC State
team to you know, kind of be what they usually
are and not over deliver like we kind of think
they might. They just played these guys in East U
and the bowl game and they freaking lost. Are you
kidding me? Ended in a fight? Was really embarrassing for
(09:49):
both teams. And honestly, you've double that down with the
embarrassment of losing to a team that you should beat.
And here's the other thing. If you're not a Carolina person,
if you're in town, listen into this great radio show
and you're like, what the heck is he talking about?
This is a hated rivalry. These two teams cannot stand
each other. It means something in that state of North Carolina,
and so this is a big deal. At the end
(10:11):
of the day, I think this is a different team
with CJ. Bailey at the helm for an entire offseason
and entire summer and entire camp, and I think they're
gonna show that. I think the skilled players they have,
I feel really good about. The biggest question, and it's
been my question for five football seasons now in a row.
Can they run the ball? Can NC State get positive push?
(10:32):
Can they utilize those running backs and get great push there.
I think the defense is going to be relatively back.
It's hard to get back to the great standards that
they were. Tony Grimes, excuse me, Tony Gibson moving on,
and then the you know, the great linebackers on to
the NFL. I think they have some good guys, but man,
I think they cover. I think CJ. Bailey is a
huge difference maker at quarterback, and those guys get it
(10:55):
done and win in dominant fashion. Week one, A couple
of big things.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
We'll get you out of here. Miami Notre Dame on
Sunday Night, seven point thirty ABC in Miami. But the
Canes are three two and a half, three point underdogs
at home right now. I do think Notre Dame has
the better team, but Miami's at home here. I'm never
a Miami believer, obviously, I never buy into it preseason,
but you know some people are buying into the Carson
(11:19):
Beck led Miami Hurricanes. Where are you and do you
think there's a chance they pull the upset in this game?
Speaker 2 (11:25):
You're talking to said person? A year after year, Man,
I'm giving out national championship, or at least ACC championship
to the Miami Hurricanes. I don't know what it is.
I just like them. I just like the Canes. Man,
it's one of those things. But you know, I saw
them in person. Man, they are freaking big. Their offensive
line is huge, and they've got some dudes. I think
(11:46):
they've got a chance to be one of the best
in the entire country. SODA's Notre Dame. So that's gonna
be a fun, kind of gritty rock fight, heavyweight matchup.
On both lines of scrimmage, I do tend to give
Miami the lead or the nod on the defensive side
of the line of scrimmage. I think they've got some
great quality depth. I think that, uh, you know, Reuben
(12:07):
Bain and you know Mesador are going to reintroduce themselves
to kind of the college football world. And what a
better way to do it than than against the national
champs runner up, you know. And and so how will
they be able to make that happen? Will they you know,
really get it going, you know, on both lines of
scrimmage and be able to dominate. I think that it's
(12:29):
something that we're gonna see that step taken, and that's
where it's gonna be. Now, the other piece of that
puzzle is how healthy is Carson Beck? Is he fully
Back when I was there. He looked electric, pushing the
ball down field with urgency, big bombs, like big time
throws down the field, and just managing the game and
being super accurate. I think one of his biggest issues
(12:51):
I'm talking with my boy Aaron Murray, is you've given
us some great love here. Last year, he just felt
like he had to do everything. George's run game was
horrific in regards to what it's been, and he just
felt like he had to be Superman. That is not
going to be the case at Miami. They have a
great running back backfield, they have a great offensive line.
So can he just manage the game and still make
(13:12):
some big time plays. I think that answer is yes.
So I'm in with the Hurricanes. I think that Carson
is going to go on a bit of a revenge
tour and remind people, you know who he was a
year ago, which at this point in time, a lot
of people saying he's the best quarterback in the country.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
Now, let's go to Monday, TCU North Carolina. I'm still
trying to figure out what we know about North Carolina.
We'll start to find out on Monday. But TCU on
the road in Chapel Hill, is currently a three point favorite.
I do think that TCU. They're talented on both sides
of the ball. They're pretty set at key positions. But
I don't know about North Carolina. I don't know if
(13:49):
Go Lopez can throw it well enough to win games
at a high level. I just don't know. Take your
best stab at this game. What you think we'll see?
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Yeah, seventy plus new players for Carolina? How the heck
could we ever imagine telling you what's going to happen.
I think at the end of the day, Belichick's the
greatest NFL coach to ever walk the earth. I think
that he is going to find situations, find ways, particularly
if this is closed, that will help this football team
(14:17):
win some games. Does that happen Monday night? Maybe? And
if it does, I think he makes the right one.
I think he makes it happen. And I'm excited to
see that. So from a playing standpoint, leve what we
saw from Go Lopez a year ago. Does that translate?
Does it work? We'll see, we'll find out. I know
this team's going to be disciplined. I assume they'll play very,
very tough and be a physical football team. The rest
(14:40):
you and I will be figuring that out. At the
exact same time, I.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
Had a listener ask you an interesting question, so I'll
pass it along. He wants me to ask you, you know,
what the ACC effectively needs to accomplish this weekend? How
many games they need to win to gain national respect?
None of this all happens in a single weekend. But
I do think it would certainly help the ACC's case
to come out of this weekend with a couple of
marquee wins. Where do you think they can get them?
And what would that mean?
Speaker 2 (15:05):
Yeah, no, there's no question about that. And it's one
of those things you know, me and my partners, you know,
usually talk about of this where man, what a great
opportunity for the ACC, And it seems like we've been
saying that year after year, particularly at week one. But
how do you win them? And how do you come
away with that? You know? Syracuse Tennessee I think is
(15:27):
a dog fight. It's right now, it's thirteen and a half.
I would be all over that. I mean, I don't
know what this Tennessee offense is going to look like.
Quarterbacks in La running back, which was pretty much your
whole offense last year's in the NFL. I know the
defense is going to be electric, but I think Syracuse
is gonna be able to spin it. And when you
have a team that can throw the ball and will
(15:47):
throw the ball as frequently as I think Syracuse can,
you're never out of a game. So I like them
to cover that thirteen and a half. I think that Alabama,
Florida State stay away from that one. It might get
ugly in a hurry. So if Clemson, if you know,
Virginia Tech can mess around, if Miami the biggest one,
those are the two. If Miami and Clemson get it done,
(16:08):
then man, it's going to be a good showing for
the ACC really kind of help us in pole position
for the rest of the year.
Speaker 1 (16:14):
Brother, I appreciate it. Been looking forward to this conversation
all weekend. You have a great week. We'll talk to
you next Monday.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
No doubt, Brother, cannot wait. It's going to be electric.
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