Let's Talk Ball!

Let's Talk Ball!

High-level football discussion for coaches and serious fans. Join Cody Alexander of MatchQuarters and Felix Johnson as they break down defensive schemes, offensive trends, and interview the best minds in the game — the home for real X's and O's talk. www.matchquarters.com

Episodes

December 24, 2025 67 mins

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» Join Felix and Cody each Wednesday as we dive deep into the game we love!

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Why poor linebacker play is wrecking NFL defenses, breaking down Brent Venables' plan for Alabama, and a TNF preview.

In this episode:

CFP Preview: A look at Alabama vs. Oklahoma, focusing on Brent Venables’ diverse defensive scheme, plus predictions for Miami vs. Texas A&M.

The End of the Chiefs’ Season? Analyzing the fallout of Patrick Mahomes’ ACL tear and why the Kansas City defense was already regressing before the injury.

The Li...

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Analyzing Indiana’s defensive disguise, Jalen Hurts’ issues against the blitz, and diagnosing the Chiefs' offensive collapse.

In this episode:

- CFP Bracket Reaction: We break down the playoff seeding, the “drunk” ACC, and preview key first-round matchups like Alabama vs. Oklahoma.

- Indiana’s Defensive Scheme: A deep dive into how Indiana’s defense utilized unique coverages to limit Ohio State and Jeremiah Smith.

- Coaching Carousel:...

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Breakdowns of the CFB coaching carousel, why Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson struggle vs. the blitz, and the Packers' defensive evolution.

In this episode:

Lane Kiffin to LSU: We break down the major coaching moves, including Kiffin taking the LSU job and John Sumrall heading to Florida.

Cowboys Upset the Chiefs: An analysis of how the Cowboys’ defense stifled Patrick Mahomes and why the Chiefs continue to struggle in the “middle eight...

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Cody and Felix analyze the Rams' "lie" defense and the Texans' physicality. Plus, previews for Ohio State vs. Michigan, Chiefs-Cowboys, and the full NFL Thanksgiving slate.

In this episode:

- Texas & Oregon’s Ascent: We discuss how Texas is peaking at the right time with Arch Manning and analyze Oregon’s evolution into a “new blue blood” under Dan Lanning.- "The Game" Preview: We break down the Ohio State vs. Michigan matchup, highl...

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Cody and Felix discuss James Franklin to Virginia Tech, the Broncos stun the Chiefs, and Josh Allen's historic day. Plus, film analysis on why J.J. McCarthy can't throw left.

In this episode:

* React to the breaking news of James Franklin becoming the next head coach at Virginia Tech and discuss the future of the program.

* Analyze the Broncos’ stunning upset win over the Chiefs, focusing on how Bo Nix handled Kansas City’s zone pres...

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A full NFL Week 10 recap! Are the Patriots the AFC's best? Plus: McVay's new offense, college's "singular toe" catch, and a Jets-Pats preview.

In this episode:

* Break down college football’s wildest moments, including Indiana’s “singular toe” game-winning catch and USC’s “cheeky” fake punt number switch that the Big Ten later admitted was illegal.

* Analyze the muddled AFC picture, noting the Dolphins “flipped the script” on the Bil...

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The Bills top the Chiefs, the Steelers' defense transforms with a new two-high look, and the Eagles trade for Jalen Phillips. Plus, could Nick Saban return to LSU?

In this episode:

* Analyze the “great quarters debate” on social media and discuss the trend of NFL owners, like the Colts’, using headsets for direct oversight.

* Break down the college football landscape, focusing on Arch Manning’s development at Texas and a deep dive in...

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Analyzing Brian Kelly's $54M LSU firing, Miami's "horrendous" uniforms, and if the Packers are a legit Super Bowl team. Full CFB & NFL weekend recap. Plus, a look at this week's Thursday Night Football matchup between the Ravens and Dolphins.

In this episode:

*We break down the shocking firing of LSU’s Brian Kelly, including the tense meeting with the governor and the staggering $54 million buyout.

*The crew debates Miami’s “horrendo...

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From the college coaching carousel and "Let Dak Throw" to Miami's "meme offense."

In this episode:

* Break down Billy Napier’s “inevitable” firing at Florida and speculate on the college coaching carousel, including James Franklin and Rhett Lashley.

* Analyze what’s wrong with Trevor Lawrence, suggesting he has a “mid-ceiling and a mid-floor” and lacks a “killer instinct”.

* Argue that the Miami Dolphins are a “meme offense” facing cu...

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A deep dive into Matt Patricia's "NFLized" Ohio State defense, the Cowboys' defensive struggles under Eberflus, and why Mike Vrabel has the Patriots looking like a legit threat.

In this episode:

*Penn State’s season is considered a “total collapse” after starting the year with national championship expectations. The team’s struggles, which began at halftime of the Oregon game, ultimately led to the firing of Head Coach James Frankli...

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Breaking down the Cardinals' unbelievable loss, the schematic genius of Kyle Shanahan and Shane Steichen, and Penn State's stunning choke.

In this episode:

*A Historic Collapse: Learn about the Arizona Cardinals’ “wildest loss” to the Tennessee Titans, which featured a player fumbling before the goal line and a dropped interception that became a Titans touchdown.

*Elite Offensive Coaching: Understand the impact of top offensive coach...

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From college upsets to pro comebacks, the crew discusses Lamar Jackson's struggles, the Eagles' gritty win, and why you should always have 11 players on the field.

In this episode:

* Break down the Oregon vs. Penn State game, highlighting the theme of “Penn State going Penn State” and analyzing the game-ending interception against Oregon’s four-down, three-high defensive front.

* Discuss Lamar Jackson’s struggles in big games, noting...

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A deep dive into why Dallas's defense is struggling, how Caleb Williams compares more to Aaron Rodgers than Patrick Mahomes, and which college sleeper teams like Texas Tech could be dangerous.

In this episode:

* Break down the strategic implications of the Eagles' "Tush Push," which effectively gives their offense an extra down and changes how defenses must game plan.

* Analyze the major shifts in college football, focusing on Clemso...

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In this episode:

* Why Clemson and Head Coach Dabo Swinney need a "complete reset" due to a "vanilla" offense and a refusal to properly utilize the transfer portal.

* Analyze the Green Bay Packers' dominant 2-0 start, debating if they are currently the best team in the NFL thanks to their formidable defense.

* Break down the Kansas City Chiefs' surprising 0-2 start, with a discussion on whether opponents have figured out their offense...

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In this episode:

* The hosts break down the "ugly wins" from Week 1, including the Broncos' win despite two interceptions from Bo Nix and the Buccaneers' victory over the Falcons by a missed FG.

* A look at Aaron Rodgers' surprising performance, where he threw four touchdowns against his former team, the New York Jets.

* Discussion on the Cleveland Browns' dominant defensi...

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In this episode:

The hosts provide a deep dive into the defensive slugfest between Ohio State and Texas, comparing it to the classic 2011 LSU vs. Alabama game and analyzing the immense hype surrounding Arch Manning's first start.

They break down Bill Belichick's rough coaching debut at North Carolina, pointing to schematic issues and predictable defensive calls that TCU's offense easily exploited.

It's declared a "defensive coordinato...

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Our guest: Danny Heifetz is the host of ‘The Ringer Fantasy Football Show.’

In this episode:

- Danny Heifetz of The Ringer Fantasy Football Show takes over as host to ask a series of questions about the upcoming NFL season.

- A hypothetical Micah Parsons trade is used to break down the Dallas Cowboys' roster, revealing why the defense could be a "disaster waiting to happen" with significant questions at defensive end, linebacker, and...

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In this episode:

The Quarterback Unknowns: Arch Manning makes his first major start after playing behind Quinn Ewers for three years. On the other side, former Alabama five-star Julian Sayin takes the reins for Ohio State with very little experience.

Ohio State's Elite Receivers vs. Texas's Secondary: Can the Longhorns' defensive backs, featuring Malik Muhammad and walk-on standout Taff, contain future top-10 NFL draft pick Jeremiah...

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In this episode:

* Arizona Cardinals: The team’s success hinges on Kyler Murray’s performance in his seventh year and the development of their unique defensive scheme under coach Jonathan Gannon.

* San Francisco 49ers: With concerns about receiver injuries and defensive line attrition, the hosts suggest hitting ‘pause’ on Super Bowl expectations.

* Los Angeles Rams: We know what Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford can do, but can their yo...

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