August 27, 2025 • 19 mins
Tony talks College Football with former Ohio State QB and CBS College Football Analyst Cardale Jones on ESPN 1530!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Thirty.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
This is Cincy Shirts Cincy three sixty about Cincinnati from Cincinnati,
sponsored in part by Cincy Shirts. Cincy Shirts All Cincy,
all Day. This is ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
Welcome back since he three to sixty thanks to Cincy
Shirts on ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station. We get
into our number two. Let's start in a big way
because college football it's essentially back. Getting ready after this
conversation here, I am heading to the airport directly, flying out,
getting to Kansas City. We'll get there for Bearcats and
corn Huskers tomorrow. But it's a huge college football weekend
(00:41):
as a whole to kickoff to the season. Who better
to talk some college football with a man that knows
the game all too well. My good friend Cardell Jones
is joining us right now. Cardell, what's going on?
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Man? Tony? What's up? Guys? Good morning, Thanks for having
It's always a pleasure to catch up with you guys,
to talk about some college football, in particular some of
those catching buck guys, and.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
We uh before we get into the game itself. I
know that it's a busy year already for you. What
do you have going on as the football season gets closer.
What are some things you got going on? Or what
are you gonna be doing?
Speaker 1 (01:14):
You know, I don't even know where to start. I
think you know here, you're you're you're flying out right
after it is to go catch the ball in person
this weekend and start from me by seeing Texas come
to town and hopefully my Buck guys pull it off.
Then the following weekend back and forth in New York
with CBS, that getting in the studios inside college football
with CBS and CBS networking HQ. So looking forward to
(01:36):
everything that the ball has to offer. And Tony, you
know how it is. As former players, man, we try
to catch as many games as possible, just to keep
that just to scratch that, it's that we still have
when you're talking about football.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
You already feel it with the weather right now, it's
starting to get that crisp feel in the air. Let's
start with UH with your Buck guys, it is a uh.
It's a big one. It's big neon kickoff. It is uh.
The Texas Longhorns coming in the number one whan team
in the country. Before I even get to the game,
I want to know what's your feel on on big
game noon kickoffs.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
You know what, For me as a player, I liked
playing a new because you know it's not you don't
have to hurry up and wait all day. You know,
I three thirty wasn't as bad, but night game is
pretty much the worse because you know it's all the
anticipation in building up and hopefully you didn't burn out.
All your drilling was mitchellly preparing for the game before
(02:30):
the game is there. But as a fan, I'm not
as big as a fan of the new kickoffs, you know,
because you know that means you gotta tellgate about eight
thirty nine o'clock. If you hadn't done a campus, you
about to leave a little earlier than that, and that's
a little too early to enjoy some adult beverages. In
my opinion, you might not make it to the game
if it tailgate too much at that point. Uh.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
This Ohio State team loaded with talent again, but arguably
has two of the best players in the country Caleb
Downs at safety Jeremiah Smith at wideer receiver. You have
been around a lot of talented wide receivers. You have
watched a lot of talented wide receivers where do you
slot Jeremiah Smith into the likelihood of who you've seen
a man?
Speaker 1 (03:10):
He's up there, He's up there. And then, with all
due respects to guys like Devin Smith and Michael Thomas
and Chris Oliva and Garrett Wilson, in the lift goes
on of just guys. Now, I just played with just
being around with an nil space with Ohio State. I'm
not ready to put him in those conversations yet, just
because he's going to the second year. Those guys did
(03:31):
it for three or four years of their careers. Now
I have no doubt that Urmide Smith is going to
do that for the next two years. That Marrio Records said.
If he have passed the success he had last year
this year and half of it as the following year,
I think he stuld going to go down as one
of the greatest receivers in all the college football.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
We know all too well that the quarterback position is
kind of what makes this wheel spin. So at Ohio
State it feels like maybe the first time in a while,
that there's a little bit of a question mark, a
little bit of an unknown with what they have at quarterback.
What have you seen? What have you heard with the
quarterback position as you get ready for Texas.
Speaker 1 (04:07):
You know, ever since last year when we got Julian
Saying and actually Lincoln kingholes back and to the recruiting process,
people are forgetting that he was a big time recruit
where we almost lost to Washington. For the most part,
these guys are are more than capable enough to lead
this team to a lot of ways. They surrounded by
great talent. Julian was the guy that I recall them
being very high on the recruiting process as well before
(04:30):
he takes talent to Alabama and then finding his way
back with the Buckeyes. But two guys that bring a
lot of similarities to the offense. I know Julian and
everybody radive over his quick release in his pocket presence,
but people that I remember he's a number two dual
ThReD quarterback in his class, so he can get it
done outside the pocket. And just as we as Lincoln,
and I'm on record all already said, Lincoln is probably
one of the best athletes I've ever been around because
(04:52):
he can do it all in every sport and then
clearly he is deadly with improvising as well. At the
quarterback position. So even I think Ryan, they said after
his press cover for another name and the startup where
they see Lincoln keeam hosts and some type of packages
or some type of point in the game. And Ryan
was straight up he said, I think so, you know,
because he's that good of a talent where he's going
(05:13):
to bring you something else to the offense and not
necessarily just to behelm a shot if Julian were to
struggle in this game.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
On the other side of the ball, Jim Knowles is
gone and the defense that he brought to Ohio State,
Caleb Downs is still there on the back end. What
do you know about this defense this year? Is the
defense to question mark? Or are they still solid on
that side of the ball?
Speaker 1 (05:36):
You know, I think ten and wise solid Schematically, I
think yes, there's gonna be a question mark just because
this is the first year system for all these guys.
And then with that Al Rady, you having a first
year lot of first year players. Are Bill Reeve stepping
into the full time starting linebacker row, CJ. Hicks stepping
down to the full time defensive end row of new
position for him, and Sonny Stouns and a Rizzo STOs
(05:56):
boast on the field at the same time and finding
their way and finding their kind of new roles within
that defense. One thing, the one common theam that's been
coming out about it from the players about this new
defense is that it's a little simpler than what Jim
Knowles wanted to do, and it's really fitting a lot
of these guys playing style versus trying to fit them
(06:18):
into a structure now that they can't argue with the
result that Jim knows defense because the structure a Hawk
is one of the best defensive the country last year.
Hence all the guys was able to go out and
be drafted high pick in the NFL Draft. But I
think that is a question mark for me, not just schematically,
with a lot of new guys stepping into a lot
of new roles for the first time in their careers.
Speaker 3 (06:38):
For this game itself, a lot is made about arch Manning,
and rightfully so, because the pedigree is there, but what
has actually taken place on the field. Arch Manning obviously
needs to take the next step as well. We know
they're surrounded with a bunch of weapons, that's why they're
the number one team in the country. Yet Ohio State
is favored by one and a half currently in this
game on Saturday. In your opinion, what does Saturday come town.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Until, I think is who's going to make it and
the sub cliche who's going to make less at least
amount of mistakes. When you look at both teams, they
are young and some key positions, especially with Alabama Lusin
they're starting left tackle here to injury for the season
and an arch many Uh a guy that hasn't played
a lot of football, significant football. I'm not counting the
starts that he made. I think last year I forgot
(07:21):
that to a group of five schools that he started against,
and then he did show flashes. There's some big time
situations versus some set opponents when he was throwing the fire.
But my argument with arch mannying and a lot of
people thinking that he's gonna just come in and just dominate,
which I hope he come in to have success. Don't
get me wrong. If he was that good, he was
started last year right, So I really put him in
(07:43):
the same boat as Juliet saying, a guy with a
lot of potential that we haven't seen yet. It don't
really know what he's capable of. When the pressure is
really on. But when you say, I mean they're both
like I said, in the same position. Both guys are
surrounded by a lot of talent in at Ohios based.
They're young in key position as well, the quarterback position,
(08:05):
making a lot of shuffles at the office and line position,
a lot of guys that would experience but not experienced.
We're playing and taking that. We're starting to roll and
they got another guy on the side of the ball.
They got to go against Coline Simmons and a few
other of those guys were over on Texas front seven.
Who's going to be projected the top INFLD draft picks
here the next year and a half two years as well.
(08:25):
So I think the biggest storyline is not getting a
lot of attention to Ohio State reshuffled offensive line versus Texas. Really,
I would say solidify a front seven with the returning
National Freshman of the Year, a guy who won the
award over during Myiah myth as one of the top
pass rushers in the country.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
From a big ten standpoint, as we spend a few
more minutes here with Cardill Jones, everyone knows that the
top end Ohio State Penn State, where they're at. Do
you have a dark horse, Do you have a sleeper
that maybe you like in the Big Ten this year
that that could could make a little noise, you know, I.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
And I got them as a sleeper in the fact
that we can look up, you know, ten weeks down
the row and they can be the same position as
Indiana was last year going undefeated, only facing one of
the top three or four teams, and the Big Ten
may be dropping that one and making an argument for
the College FOOTBA playoffs or even representing their well not
their side, but being a top two team, top three
(09:20):
team and the Big Ten forst record wise, and that
team for me is Illinois. And another one is that
I know I sound crazy saying that it's Maryland. Maryland
avoid the three top big teams and the Big Ten
this year for the first time and they're Big ten
tenor and then also the tougher games, I would considered
that they haven't are at home, so they can look up,
(09:41):
We can look up at two weeks down a row,
and they can be easily you know, nine to one,
ten to zero. So I think those two teams right
there will be some sleepers and it will shake up
a lot of teams in college football playoffs to our
state of the year.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
I think it's so difficult it always has been, but
now more so than ever to really understand who a
team has at the start of the year because there's
so much roster turnover. And if I look at this
game tomorrow night with UC and Nebraska, I know that
year three for Matt Ruhle is normally the year things
click in. I know that Dylan Ryol is playing at
Arrowhead Stadium, which worries me with the haul Patrick Mahomes comparison.
(10:17):
But for you see, they get Brendan soarsby back, who
is one of the top twenty quarterbacks in the country.
He comes back. They get a guy in Dante Corleone
on defense who's been an All American that bypassed the
NFL to come back. Joe Royer was projected by some
to be a top couple round draft pick at tight end.
He broke Travis Kelsey school record last year for receptions.
(10:40):
What does it say to you in today's day and
age for a team that maybe didn't get the wins
they wanted last year, but so many core players decided
to come back to kind of write what they did
last year.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
Oh, they building something special. And you see and he guy,
he got those guys buying end. And you look at
the quarterback position. Not many teams are returning in a
second year or third year quarterback like Brendan. And then
at the top of that, you look at how he
played last year, throw for over twenty eight hundred yards,
but really stepping up and really coming on the second
half of the season and start to drop that touchdown
(11:12):
and intercession ratio. This is something where I guarantee that
coaching stuff is like man and we can keep our
corporate guy together, which they did despite losing a few
guys to this agent out of the NFL Draft, and
they return and always help returning to all Americans. It
tells you that these guys are bought in. I think
this is the year that they make that step, they
make that leap, like the years when the Fickle was
(11:34):
I think there was year three for Fickle when he
made that leap to I think a ten to two season. Yeah.
College football league, Yeah, exactly, exactly. So I expect fully
that type of year from Cincinnati and especially been in
a Big twelve in a conference that's very competitive. But
I think if you really looking at the returning guys,
(11:55):
they gotta be up there the top four, top five
returning team of the Big twelve. Just on the on
the experience, and just on the playmakers alone.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
I mean, there's a there's a lot of buzz. Arizona
State's number eleven in the country out of the Big twelve,
but Kansas State and Iowa State where two of the
teams ranked in the top twenty five. They were both
viewed as title contenders in the Big twelve. And if
you watch that game that they had in Ireland on Saturday,
I don't think either team looks unbeatable. I think the
Big twelve is completely wide open, and the dynamic for
(12:28):
UC changes so much if you win tomorrow night, because
it sets a tone for the rest of the season
for a team like Nebraska cardell out of the Big ten.
Is this one of those kind of put up or
shut up years for Matt Ruhle? Who uh, They've kind
of just hovered around that Bowl game six seven win mark.
They're right outside the top twenty five right now. How
much pressure is Matt ruling in Nebraska.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
I think he's under a lot of pressure. You look
at the recruiting last that they brought in last year
to think they did in the portal. You look at
Dylan Ryola going into the second year as a starting quarterback.
This is usually when you see guys make the biggest
jump from year one and year two at that position.
And you got the tools, and you've got the guys
that you can build the program around, and you've got
(13:11):
all the resources. So there's really no excuses for Nebraska
to be a seven eight win team when you have
every resource at your disposal to make sure you are
being competitive in a Big ten. The one thing I
love about the Big twelve, getting back Old Cincinnati a
little bit, is that, with all due respect, it's no
big dog in the Big Twelve. So each week for
(13:32):
the Big Twelve, it's almost like a championship week because
we know what that one loss and one win would
do to you far as in the long run, because
you know, just like last year, you're going to have
two three four way ties with teams when you talk
about the record and who's going to represent each opponent
in Big Twelve championship game, and clearly that person is
(13:53):
going to get the bier for the College Football playoffs
it's wide open. This is perfect for our Cincinati team
to fly lit the radar that going there and really
makes some noise. And we're looking up at week ten
eleven as well as then hold on you know they
went out or their team news since Netti's right there
in it.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
Lastly, from the college football side, Cardill, do you do
you have another team that stands out to you that
that we've not hit on. I know Clemson is a
trendy pick right now because of the quarterback position. LSU
lurks at number nine. Notre Dame coming off their great
season is number six. Is there a team that we've
not talked about or that you have your eye on,
that that you think can make some significant noise this year?
Speaker 1 (14:33):
Man, And I can't believe for the first time ever,
I'm really eating my words on this team is Penn State.
Penn State as a team that is I think all
the expectations is there for them. They have legit national
championship expectations for the first time and probably pretty much
my lifespan of watching football and being a fan of
(14:55):
the big team where they just did the you know,
copy and paste recipe from WHI stay. Last year, retaining
all your guys and bringing in a great coordinator and
let's say, hey, let's go make a run for this team.
And they got all the tools in place to really
do that. Where the quarterback that's projected, you know, a
top ten pick, and then pretty much too all American
(15:16):
style running backs returning five returning three offens alignment from
last year starters, and then also pretty much seven returners
on defensive side of the ball. You lose my goal,
I mean, you lose a dual carter, but you got
other guys in wing that's just like him, right, So
I think they have the perfect recipe to really have
(15:38):
the ability to run the table this year. And for
the first time in a long time, I'm drinking I'm
drinking the tea on Pennce Dave as a legit threat,
you know, to win the national title this year.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
Jim Knowles is going over as a decordinator that as
we mentioned, I just I need to see it from
James Franklin before I can believe it, but they certainly
have the talent there. Before I let you go, I'll
be remiss because I know this was in the headlines,
and I know that we've talked about it on this
show and and the levels of where it goes, and
Austin brought up a comment about urban Meyer and talking
(16:10):
about what what the n c a A has or
has not done. We found out the penalties that that
were levied against Michigan and essentially the slap on the
wrist that came down with with everything that they had done,
essentially uh owning up to to lying and cheating and
and and what they were able to get away with.
What did you make of of the NCAA, because I
(16:33):
know the NCAA is in a weird spot right now
because of n I L and the portal and and
what even a governing body they look like. What did
you make of of the decision that came down on
on Michigan last week?
Speaker 4 (16:45):
You know, I think the anc A completely dropped the
ball on this one. And this is not a typical
Ohio State Michigan thing where a man I hate and
I want them to you know, I'll get the don
And this is not this because in Ohio State or
the school was going through this and they got this
generally obviously saying the exact same thing what Michigan did.
(17:06):
It put in question the integrity of the game, and
there's no place in any sport for what they were doing.
You look at some of the other punishments from other schools,
ironically Ohio State with the tattoo, kay USC, the Regulus situation,
North Carolina, what they had got up. It just continues
to show the NCAA that they're One thing they're consistent
(17:26):
about is the inconsistency about ruling and discipline areas. When
you come across things.
Speaker 1 (17:31):
Like this, These aren't things guys did off the field
that helped their family or just helped them personally, that
had nothing to do with the outcome of a game.
And schools were stripped, wins, Higatsman trophies were taken away,
coaches were fired, Schools was penal life, couldn't play in
bowl games, coaches were taken But this university did something
(17:55):
that changed the outcome of games. And you got people
calling up there said they're still their national championship. I'm
not for punishing future recruiting classes and future players had
nothing to do with this. But you still look at
Jim Harball, how he still deny it, acts like he
didn't know what was going on and all this other stuff.
It was complete slap on a risk, and you know,
(18:18):
everybody pretty much came out unscaled and said, hey, you
know what, twenty million. It looked like it was worth
it for us to win a national championship because how
much money do they make through that?
Speaker 3 (18:28):
I take that right now, me.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
They basically risk Yeah, you're telling me they risked twenty
million to make two hundred for the school and give
them a national title. And I stuff, I think a
lot of people would take that deal.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
Yeah, I'm I'm I'm first in line at the parade
if that's U see, if that's if that's my god,
I mean, if that's the slap on the wrist, absolutely,
and it does. It sets a terrible precedent going forward
and something that obviously you're gonna have to keep an
eye on, Cardell. I can't thank you enough. I know
it's a busy time of the year, best time of
the year with football getting ready to start for listeners
(18:59):
and and those following along. What's the easiest way that
that folks can follow along with everything you got going
on for the season.
Speaker 1 (19:06):
Yeah, I know, this is the unbelievable U see crowd
that I love and hell deer dear to my heart
as well. But you know got a podcast, the Script
OSCU basically talking about everything OSU. We'll leave that one
with all the college athletics as well, So follow up
on wherever you guys get your podcasts from and subscribe
and that Tony is always I appreciated. Man. Can't wait
(19:27):
to get down there see you in person.
Speaker 3 (19:29):
Yeah, let's do it, man, Thank you so much. Enjoy
the college football weekend and we'll talk soon.
Speaker 1 (19:35):
Appreciate it. Have a good one, guys.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
That is Cardile Jones. This is since he three p
sixty and I'm heading to the airport. I gotta go.
I gotta catch a flight to Kansas City. I'm joining
Mowegger on the plane. So Austin has it next. He'll
start with talkbacks and then finish up the show this
afternoon right here on ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
Yeah.
Thirty.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
This is Cincy Shirts Cincy three sixty about Cincinnati from Cincinnati,
sponsored in part by Cincy Shirts. Cincy Shirts All Cincy,
all Day. This is ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
Welcome back since he three to sixty thanks to Cincy
Shirts on ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station. We get
into our number two. Let's start in a big way
because college football it's essentially back. Getting ready after this
conversation here, I am heading to the airport directly, flying out,
getting to Kansas City. We'll get there for Bearcats and
corn Huskers tomorrow. But it's a huge college football weekend
(00:41):
as a whole to kickoff to the season. Who better
to talk some college football with a man that knows
the game all too well. My good friend Cardell Jones
is joining us right now. Cardell, what's going on?
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Man? Tony? What's up? Guys? Good morning, Thanks for having
It's always a pleasure to catch up with you guys,
to talk about some college football, in particular some of
those catching buck guys, and.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
We uh before we get into the game itself. I
know that it's a busy year already for you. What
do you have going on as the football season gets closer.
What are some things you got going on? Or what
are you gonna be doing?
Speaker 1 (01:14):
You know, I don't even know where to start. I
think you know here, you're you're you're flying out right
after it is to go catch the ball in person
this weekend and start from me by seeing Texas come
to town and hopefully my Buck guys pull it off.
Then the following weekend back and forth in New York
with CBS, that getting in the studios inside college football
with CBS and CBS networking HQ. So looking forward to
(01:36):
everything that the ball has to offer. And Tony, you
know how it is. As former players, man, we try
to catch as many games as possible, just to keep
that just to scratch that, it's that we still have
when you're talking about football.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
You already feel it with the weather right now, it's
starting to get that crisp feel in the air. Let's
start with UH with your Buck guys, it is a uh.
It's a big one. It's big neon kickoff. It is uh.
The Texas Longhorns coming in the number one whan team
in the country. Before I even get to the game,
I want to know what's your feel on on big
game noon kickoffs.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
You know what, For me as a player, I liked
playing a new because you know it's not you don't
have to hurry up and wait all day. You know,
I three thirty wasn't as bad, but night game is
pretty much the worse because you know it's all the
anticipation in building up and hopefully you didn't burn out.
All your drilling was mitchellly preparing for the game before
(02:30):
the game is there. But as a fan, I'm not
as big as a fan of the new kickoffs, you know,
because you know that means you gotta tellgate about eight
thirty nine o'clock. If you hadn't done a campus, you
about to leave a little earlier than that, and that's
a little too early to enjoy some adult beverages. In
my opinion, you might not make it to the game
if it tailgate too much at that point. Uh.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
This Ohio State team loaded with talent again, but arguably
has two of the best players in the country Caleb
Downs at safety Jeremiah Smith at wideer receiver. You have
been around a lot of talented wide receivers. You have
watched a lot of talented wide receivers where do you
slot Jeremiah Smith into the likelihood of who you've seen
a man?
Speaker 1 (03:10):
He's up there, He's up there. And then, with all
due respects to guys like Devin Smith and Michael Thomas
and Chris Oliva and Garrett Wilson, in the lift goes
on of just guys. Now, I just played with just
being around with an nil space with Ohio State. I'm
not ready to put him in those conversations yet, just
because he's going to the second year. Those guys did
(03:31):
it for three or four years of their careers. Now
I have no doubt that Urmide Smith is going to
do that for the next two years. That Marrio Records said.
If he have passed the success he had last year
this year and half of it as the following year,
I think he stuld going to go down as one
of the greatest receivers in all the college football.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
We know all too well that the quarterback position is
kind of what makes this wheel spin. So at Ohio
State it feels like maybe the first time in a while,
that there's a little bit of a question mark, a
little bit of an unknown with what they have at quarterback.
What have you seen? What have you heard with the
quarterback position as you get ready for Texas.
Speaker 1 (04:07):
You know, ever since last year when we got Julian
Saying and actually Lincoln kingholes back and to the recruiting process,
people are forgetting that he was a big time recruit
where we almost lost to Washington. For the most part,
these guys are are more than capable enough to lead
this team to a lot of ways. They surrounded by
great talent. Julian was the guy that I recall them
being very high on the recruiting process as well before
(04:30):
he takes talent to Alabama and then finding his way
back with the Buckeyes. But two guys that bring a
lot of similarities to the offense. I know Julian and
everybody radive over his quick release in his pocket presence,
but people that I remember he's a number two dual
ThReD quarterback in his class, so he can get it
done outside the pocket. And just as we as Lincoln,
and I'm on record all already said, Lincoln is probably
one of the best athletes I've ever been around because
(04:52):
he can do it all in every sport and then
clearly he is deadly with improvising as well. At the
quarterback position. So even I think Ryan, they said after
his press cover for another name and the startup where
they see Lincoln keeam hosts and some type of packages
or some type of point in the game. And Ryan
was straight up he said, I think so, you know,
because he's that good of a talent where he's going
(05:13):
to bring you something else to the offense and not
necessarily just to behelm a shot if Julian were to
struggle in this game.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
On the other side of the ball, Jim Knowles is
gone and the defense that he brought to Ohio State,
Caleb Downs is still there on the back end. What
do you know about this defense this year? Is the
defense to question mark? Or are they still solid on
that side of the ball?
Speaker 1 (05:36):
You know, I think ten and wise solid Schematically, I
think yes, there's gonna be a question mark just because
this is the first year system for all these guys.
And then with that Al Rady, you having a first
year lot of first year players. Are Bill Reeve stepping
into the full time starting linebacker row, CJ. Hicks stepping
down to the full time defensive end row of new
position for him, and Sonny Stouns and a Rizzo STOs
(05:56):
boast on the field at the same time and finding
their way and finding their kind of new roles within
that defense. One thing, the one common theam that's been
coming out about it from the players about this new
defense is that it's a little simpler than what Jim
Knowles wanted to do, and it's really fitting a lot
of these guys playing style versus trying to fit them
(06:18):
into a structure now that they can't argue with the
result that Jim knows defense because the structure a Hawk
is one of the best defensive the country last year.
Hence all the guys was able to go out and
be drafted high pick in the NFL Draft. But I
think that is a question mark for me, not just schematically,
with a lot of new guys stepping into a lot
of new roles for the first time in their careers.
Speaker 3 (06:38):
For this game itself, a lot is made about arch Manning,
and rightfully so, because the pedigree is there, but what
has actually taken place on the field. Arch Manning obviously
needs to take the next step as well. We know
they're surrounded with a bunch of weapons, that's why they're
the number one team in the country. Yet Ohio State
is favored by one and a half currently in this
game on Saturday. In your opinion, what does Saturday come town.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Until, I think is who's going to make it and
the sub cliche who's going to make less at least
amount of mistakes. When you look at both teams, they
are young and some key positions, especially with Alabama Lusin
they're starting left tackle here to injury for the season
and an arch many Uh a guy that hasn't played
a lot of football, significant football. I'm not counting the
starts that he made. I think last year I forgot
(07:21):
that to a group of five schools that he started against,
and then he did show flashes. There's some big time
situations versus some set opponents when he was throwing the fire.
But my argument with arch mannying and a lot of
people thinking that he's gonna just come in and just dominate,
which I hope he come in to have success. Don't
get me wrong. If he was that good, he was
started last year right, So I really put him in
(07:43):
the same boat as Juliet saying, a guy with a
lot of potential that we haven't seen yet. It don't
really know what he's capable of. When the pressure is
really on. But when you say, I mean they're both
like I said, in the same position. Both guys are
surrounded by a lot of talent in at Ohios based.
They're young in key position as well, the quarterback position,
(08:05):
making a lot of shuffles at the office and line position,
a lot of guys that would experience but not experienced.
We're playing and taking that. We're starting to roll and
they got another guy on the side of the ball.
They got to go against Coline Simmons and a few
other of those guys were over on Texas front seven.
Who's going to be projected the top INFLD draft picks
here the next year and a half two years as well.
(08:25):
So I think the biggest storyline is not getting a
lot of attention to Ohio State reshuffled offensive line versus Texas. Really,
I would say solidify a front seven with the returning
National Freshman of the Year, a guy who won the
award over during Myiah myth as one of the top
pass rushers in the country.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
From a big ten standpoint, as we spend a few
more minutes here with Cardill Jones, everyone knows that the
top end Ohio State Penn State, where they're at. Do
you have a dark horse, Do you have a sleeper
that maybe you like in the Big Ten this year
that that could could make a little noise, you know, I.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
And I got them as a sleeper in the fact
that we can look up, you know, ten weeks down
the row and they can be the same position as
Indiana was last year going undefeated, only facing one of
the top three or four teams, and the Big Ten
may be dropping that one and making an argument for
the College FOOTBA playoffs or even representing their well not
their side, but being a top two team, top three
(09:20):
team and the Big Ten forst record wise, and that
team for me is Illinois. And another one is that
I know I sound crazy saying that it's Maryland. Maryland
avoid the three top big teams and the Big Ten
this year for the first time and they're Big ten
tenor and then also the tougher games, I would considered
that they haven't are at home, so they can look up,
(09:41):
We can look up at two weeks down a row,
and they can be easily you know, nine to one,
ten to zero. So I think those two teams right
there will be some sleepers and it will shake up
a lot of teams in college football playoffs to our
state of the year.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
I think it's so difficult it always has been, but
now more so than ever to really understand who a
team has at the start of the year because there's
so much roster turnover. And if I look at this
game tomorrow night with UC and Nebraska, I know that
year three for Matt Ruhle is normally the year things
click in. I know that Dylan Ryol is playing at
Arrowhead Stadium, which worries me with the haul Patrick Mahomes comparison.
(10:17):
But for you see, they get Brendan soarsby back, who
is one of the top twenty quarterbacks in the country.
He comes back. They get a guy in Dante Corleone
on defense who's been an All American that bypassed the
NFL to come back. Joe Royer was projected by some
to be a top couple round draft pick at tight end.
He broke Travis Kelsey school record last year for receptions.
(10:40):
What does it say to you in today's day and
age for a team that maybe didn't get the wins
they wanted last year, but so many core players decided
to come back to kind of write what they did
last year.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
Oh, they building something special. And you see and he guy,
he got those guys buying end. And you look at
the quarterback position. Not many teams are returning in a
second year or third year quarterback like Brendan. And then
at the top of that, you look at how he
played last year, throw for over twenty eight hundred yards,
but really stepping up and really coming on the second
half of the season and start to drop that touchdown
(11:12):
and intercession ratio. This is something where I guarantee that
coaching stuff is like man and we can keep our
corporate guy together, which they did despite losing a few
guys to this agent out of the NFL Draft, and
they return and always help returning to all Americans. It
tells you that these guys are bought in. I think
this is the year that they make that step, they
make that leap, like the years when the Fickle was
(11:34):
I think there was year three for Fickle when he
made that leap to I think a ten to two season. Yeah.
College football league, Yeah, exactly, exactly. So I expect fully
that type of year from Cincinnati and especially been in
a Big twelve in a conference that's very competitive. But
I think if you really looking at the returning guys,
(11:55):
they gotta be up there the top four, top five
returning team of the Big twelve. Just on the on
the experience, and just on the playmakers alone.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
I mean, there's a there's a lot of buzz. Arizona
State's number eleven in the country out of the Big twelve,
but Kansas State and Iowa State where two of the
teams ranked in the top twenty five. They were both
viewed as title contenders in the Big twelve. And if
you watch that game that they had in Ireland on Saturday,
I don't think either team looks unbeatable. I think the
Big twelve is completely wide open, and the dynamic for
(12:28):
UC changes so much if you win tomorrow night, because
it sets a tone for the rest of the season
for a team like Nebraska cardell out of the Big ten.
Is this one of those kind of put up or
shut up years for Matt Ruhle? Who uh, They've kind
of just hovered around that Bowl game six seven win mark.
They're right outside the top twenty five right now. How
much pressure is Matt ruling in Nebraska.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
I think he's under a lot of pressure. You look
at the recruiting last that they brought in last year
to think they did in the portal. You look at
Dylan Ryola going into the second year as a starting quarterback.
This is usually when you see guys make the biggest
jump from year one and year two at that position.
And you got the tools, and you've got the guys
that you can build the program around, and you've got
(13:11):
all the resources. So there's really no excuses for Nebraska
to be a seven eight win team when you have
every resource at your disposal to make sure you are
being competitive in a Big ten. The one thing I
love about the Big twelve, getting back Old Cincinnati a
little bit, is that, with all due respect, it's no
big dog in the Big Twelve. So each week for
(13:32):
the Big Twelve, it's almost like a championship week because
we know what that one loss and one win would
do to you far as in the long run, because
you know, just like last year, you're going to have
two three four way ties with teams when you talk
about the record and who's going to represent each opponent
in Big Twelve championship game, and clearly that person is
(13:53):
going to get the bier for the College Football playoffs
it's wide open. This is perfect for our Cincinati team
to fly lit the radar that going there and really
makes some noise. And we're looking up at week ten
eleven as well as then hold on you know they
went out or their team news since Netti's right there
in it.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
Lastly, from the college football side, Cardill, do you do
you have another team that stands out to you that
that we've not hit on. I know Clemson is a
trendy pick right now because of the quarterback position. LSU
lurks at number nine. Notre Dame coming off their great
season is number six. Is there a team that we've
not talked about or that you have your eye on,
that that you think can make some significant noise this year?
Speaker 1 (14:33):
Man, And I can't believe for the first time ever,
I'm really eating my words on this team is Penn State.
Penn State as a team that is I think all
the expectations is there for them. They have legit national
championship expectations for the first time and probably pretty much
my lifespan of watching football and being a fan of
(14:55):
the big team where they just did the you know,
copy and paste recipe from WHI stay. Last year, retaining
all your guys and bringing in a great coordinator and
let's say, hey, let's go make a run for this team.
And they got all the tools in place to really
do that. Where the quarterback that's projected, you know, a
top ten pick, and then pretty much too all American
(15:16):
style running backs returning five returning three offens alignment from
last year starters, and then also pretty much seven returners
on defensive side of the ball. You lose my goal,
I mean, you lose a dual carter, but you got
other guys in wing that's just like him, right, So
I think they have the perfect recipe to really have
(15:38):
the ability to run the table this year. And for
the first time in a long time, I'm drinking I'm
drinking the tea on Pennce Dave as a legit threat,
you know, to win the national title this year.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
Jim Knowles is going over as a decordinator that as
we mentioned, I just I need to see it from
James Franklin before I can believe it, but they certainly
have the talent there. Before I let you go, I'll
be remiss because I know this was in the headlines,
and I know that we've talked about it on this
show and and the levels of where it goes, and
Austin brought up a comment about urban Meyer and talking
(16:10):
about what what the n c a A has or
has not done. We found out the penalties that that
were levied against Michigan and essentially the slap on the
wrist that came down with with everything that they had done,
essentially uh owning up to to lying and cheating and
and and what they were able to get away with.
What did you make of of the NCAA, because I
(16:33):
know the NCAA is in a weird spot right now
because of n I L and the portal and and
what even a governing body they look like. What did
you make of of the decision that came down on
on Michigan last week?
Speaker 4 (16:45):
You know, I think the anc A completely dropped the
ball on this one. And this is not a typical
Ohio State Michigan thing where a man I hate and
I want them to you know, I'll get the don
And this is not this because in Ohio State or
the school was going through this and they got this
generally obviously saying the exact same thing what Michigan did.
(17:06):
It put in question the integrity of the game, and
there's no place in any sport for what they were doing.
You look at some of the other punishments from other schools,
ironically Ohio State with the tattoo, kay USC, the Regulus situation,
North Carolina, what they had got up. It just continues
to show the NCAA that they're One thing they're consistent
(17:26):
about is the inconsistency about ruling and discipline areas. When
you come across things.
Speaker 1 (17:31):
Like this, These aren't things guys did off the field
that helped their family or just helped them personally, that
had nothing to do with the outcome of a game.
And schools were stripped, wins, Higatsman trophies were taken away,
coaches were fired, Schools was penal life, couldn't play in
bowl games, coaches were taken But this university did something
(17:55):
that changed the outcome of games. And you got people
calling up there said they're still their national championship. I'm
not for punishing future recruiting classes and future players had
nothing to do with this. But you still look at
Jim Harball, how he still deny it, acts like he
didn't know what was going on and all this other stuff.
It was complete slap on a risk, and you know,
(18:18):
everybody pretty much came out unscaled and said, hey, you
know what, twenty million. It looked like it was worth
it for us to win a national championship because how
much money do they make through that?
Speaker 3 (18:28):
I take that right now, me.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
They basically risk Yeah, you're telling me they risked twenty
million to make two hundred for the school and give
them a national title. And I stuff, I think a
lot of people would take that deal.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
Yeah, I'm I'm I'm first in line at the parade
if that's U see, if that's if that's my god,
I mean, if that's the slap on the wrist, absolutely,
and it does. It sets a terrible precedent going forward
and something that obviously you're gonna have to keep an
eye on, Cardell. I can't thank you enough. I know
it's a busy time of the year, best time of
the year with football getting ready to start for listeners
(18:59):
and and those following along. What's the easiest way that
that folks can follow along with everything you got going
on for the season.
Speaker 1 (19:06):
Yeah, I know, this is the unbelievable U see crowd
that I love and hell deer dear to my heart
as well. But you know got a podcast, the Script
OSCU basically talking about everything OSU. We'll leave that one
with all the college athletics as well, So follow up
on wherever you guys get your podcasts from and subscribe
and that Tony is always I appreciated. Man. Can't wait
(19:27):
to get down there see you in person.
Speaker 3 (19:29):
Yeah, let's do it, man, Thank you so much. Enjoy
the college football weekend and we'll talk soon.
Speaker 1 (19:35):
Appreciate it. Have a good one, guys.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
That is Cardile Jones. This is since he three p
sixty and I'm heading to the airport. I gotta go.
I gotta catch a flight to Kansas City. I'm joining
Mowegger on the plane. So Austin has it next. He'll
start with talkbacks and then finish up the show this
afternoon right here on ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
Yeah.
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