December 29, 2018 • 53 mins
Joe Lisi and Rich Cirminiello break down more of this week's bowl games including the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl. Then, they provide their best bets of the week and bring in FNTSY's Gabe Morency for his best bets and insights. #FNTSY #FNTSYRadio #CollegeFootball #NCAA #FantasyCollegeFootball #RoseBowl #SugarBowl #Bets #BestBets #SportsRage
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All our work. Let's go work college football today. Any
(00:51):
questions over here, any questions over here, Let's get it on.
It's the College Football Playoff live at four o'clock to right,
Joe Lesie, Ritz Ermonello and Gay Barenci breaking down all
the games straight through January one. Will turn our attention
to the big one u c F twenty five game
(01:11):
winning streak going up against the L s U Tigers.
A lot of players not playing for L s U
in this matchup. Reedy Williams out, can you CEF to
put a pressure on Joe Burrow to match them score
for score? And I think that's the the the actual
game plan for UH Central nights in this ball game.
Can they forced the tempo against L s US defense.
(01:34):
I don't think they can do it. I mean I
watched you c F defensively. They gave up rich four
hundred rushing yards to Darryl Henderson and Memphis. I think
it's gonna be a big day for Edwards Hillare. I
look for Brissette to break out, and I look for
Joe Burrow to really have an easy day because that
running game will get working early. L s U by
(01:54):
seventeen points in this ball game. I said it before
the break. I think this is as fascinating matchup as
last year's UCF Auburn game. Because you know that we
we have listened to UCF and u c F fans
for the better part of the past year saying that
they were national champions last year, that they deserve a
seat at the table in the playoff this year, and
(02:16):
and I respect that. I mean, they've won twenty five
consecutive games. Now, they've got the longest winning streak in
the countries. I got a I don't want to look
at my notes, but it's twenty five. It is longest
longest winning streak in the country. I have a ton
of respect for what the program has done. Feel for
(02:37):
Mackenzie Milton, Scott Frost now in Nebraska. Josh Hype has
done a great job. This is enormous because if you
go back to back years beating SEC powers in major
Bowl games, I think we have to really start paying
more attention to u CF. This is a big, big game.
But this is not last year. Last year Auburn took
(02:58):
UCF lightly. In my opinion, LSU will not have that problem.
L s U is basically fighting for everyone who has
grown sick and tired of hearing you ce F fans
on social media, in the media in general. L s
U has a chance to break that that winning streak
to end another back to back national championship season. And
(03:19):
there is no Mackenzie Milton. Darryl mack has only started
a couple of games in his career. Even without Greedy Williams,
Devin White is playing, Michael Divinity is playing. I think
l s U gets the victory and they do it convincing. Well,
here's the thing when you break down this game. You
look at Auburn last year they knocked off Georgia. They
looked up knocked off Alabama in almost three weeks. They
(03:41):
get to the SEC championship game and they lose. They
were not excited to be there against you c F.
They thought they should have been one of the top
four teams in the College football playoffs. So that's the
mindset of the Auburn Tigers last year heading into this matchup.
You look at LSU heading into this ball game ninety
three this year. Uh, they knocked off Georgia and beat
(04:02):
them by double digits in Baton Rouge at the earlier
part of the year. But this is still an l
s U team last year that lost to Notre damon
Ian book. So I don't think they're gonna overlook you
ce F in this matchup. And you look at you
CFS defense as a whole, they're given up two seven
rushing yards per game, but more importantly rich four point
eight yards per carry at the collegiate level. What grown
(04:24):
men SEC offensive line? I I'm sorry, it's an SEC
offensive line. Which separates the SEC from all the other
conferences is that they recruit on the interior bigger than
anybody in the Power five and outside the Power five.
And I think you'll see that play out in this ballgain. Yeah,
if this was any other group of five team, any
(04:46):
other group of five team, I would worry about l
s U s want to If it was Fresno State Boise.
If you yeah, I would say even Boise, even Boise,
I think LSU would be like, hey, we're an LSU power.
We played in bigger games during the regular season. Doesn't
mean anything where without a couple of our key players,
I would worry about their want to. It's UCF. UCF
(05:11):
is undefeated, the rank high, longest winning streak in the country.
I think Eddio will have this team ready. To your point,
the physicality the offensive line u CEF reminds me of
a group of five version of Oklahoma. They could score
on anybody, but they can allow points against anybody. And
l S who's gonna slow down the game, limit the
(05:32):
possessions for Mac and Adrian Killings and Greg McGray, who
has been outstanding out of the backfield for u CF
this year. I think getting Klein Edwards Hilaire who was
involved in a shooting, the fact that he made play
that that he'll play. Nick Brissette will play Burrows of
veteran doesn't make a ton of mistakes. Uh and they
don't have a great receiving Corps LS use receivers this
(05:53):
year came on at the end of the year. He
was I expected a huge season out of Texas Tech
transfer just right, didn't utilize Yeah, Mischigan by the way
up seven, nothing big. You're watching the game and I'm watching,
But well, I love this seat in the studio. That's
(06:15):
where Marshall sits there. You know when he when he's there.
So I am no Hall of Famer, but I am
sitting in Famer Texas A and m comes through for you.
What's your best bet? Now? L s U for me
in this matchup is right on the fringe. I give
you my top five Bowl picks. I won the first
two I had to lane. I had wake Forest, Mississippi
States in their Texas is in there along with Washington,
(06:38):
which we'll get you in a little bit. But um,
for me, L s U superior in this matchup, and
they want to win this ball game in a big way,
and oh this is just big for them. You know,
I think you could reverse psychology this same Auburn didn't
want to look at it that way because they had
their site set on bigger things. Because they knocked off
Alabama and Georgia. But L s U could say, hey,
(06:59):
you know, we could be the team that everybody's talking about.
Once we decimate u c F, everybody will be talking
about L s U. So the backups are saying, you
know what, look in their chops, let me get something
that's the mindset that couldn't play out in this content.
And again, just to do a side by side comparison,
because it is l it is h SEC versus UCF.
(07:20):
Like it was last year Auburn. Last year, beating UCF
was a no win or playing uc was a no
win situation. There was a no win situation. You lose
like they did, you're embarrassed and it hurts Gus malls on.
You win, nobody cares. We supposed to win. It's a
it's a it's an American Athletic Conference team. That is
(07:41):
not the case this year. UCF has been elevated to
a level, not SEC, don't get me wrong, but they've
been elevated to a level where they're a ranked team.
Every week they don't lose. We hear about the national championship.
This is no longer a no win situation. There's a
lot to gain for L s U and I think
they've been preparing accordingly. I love L s U in
(08:03):
this game. I'm not saying that it's gonna be a
three touchdown victory, but I think it's gonna be comfortable.
I think they I think they take U c F
behind the witch I put it one. Do you think
I can get the forty eight? Well? I think that yeah,
because I think I think it's gonna be one of
those games just like we see what Auburn, you know, yeah,
and where the defense can't contend and the U and
the U c F team has now become like the
(08:25):
Kim Kardash And you know, especially on the East Coast
now where in New York City, people are like, hey,
what's about this U c F team. It's almost like
when Johnny Manziel came to you know, was playing Alabama
and one it's all the East coast New Yorker is, hey,
who's this? Uh, who's this Johnny Manziel? Who is this
Johnny Manziel character Joe? You know, these public all of
(08:49):
a sudden wants to know about UCF, like, you know,
who is this Johnny Manziel? You know. So that's where
you CEF is at right now. And I think that's
what you see play out. My best bet all Ball.
You had Texas A and M the rose Ball, the
grand daddy of them all. This is mine all all
(09:11):
Urban does his coach damn up win one for the
gipper Urban Meyers last game for all Ohio State. He's
moving to take on an a D position. He's he's
teaching some sort of ethical class that uh for the
Buckeyes in and after this win, after he went, did
they carry him off on a throne? Because he he
(09:33):
won a national championship for the Buckeyes in two thousand
and fourteen. I think this game is gonna be a
lot harder for Ohio State. And I'll tell you why.
You look at Ohio State twelve and one this year.
That our only lost came against Perdue twenty nine points
in West Lafayette. But they have twelve wins against opponents.
What a combined overall record of seventy five and eighty two.
(09:53):
That's a four hundred and seventy seven winning percentage. On
the flip side, you have a Washington team that lost
three games by a total rich of ten points in
this matchup this year, ten total points. They don't have
a defense that's only given up a hundred eighty five
passing yards for the game. More importantly, only have allowed
nine passing touchdowns all season long. I think they can
(10:14):
play mantaband coverage against those Ohio State wide receivers. High scoring.
Though Washington gets a win. My best Bowl of the
year to thirty over the Buckey. I'm surprised. Yeah, I
I I like Ohio State. Um, I I think it does.
I know you're mocking Urban Meyer. He's a great code.
Oh he has a great coach. I think the players
(10:36):
will play for him. I I don't think there's been
any defections in this game. Yeah, you know, Nick bos
has obviously been out for most of the season, but
I haven't seen any defections. I think it's a full
compliment for Ohio boat matchups right, it should be great.
I mean the offensive Ohio State versus that that is
a legit Washington defense. I just love what that staff
has done at Washington with the defense. Year after year.
(11:00):
They have great defensive backs. This year it's Taylor rap,
It's Byron Murphy upfront. You got Greg Gaines, h Ben
Burke curving over a hundred and sixty tackles this year
from linebacker. It's an outstanding defense. But you know Ohio
State's offense, what they did against Michigan. Michigan's touchdown taking
off the board by the way, still zero zero kids
(11:20):
stepped out of bounds against Florida. Got working next to me. Yeah,
So I I like Ohio State I just think too
many weapons. Uh, Ohio States defense was vulnerable to the
big play all year. Washington doesn't have big play weapons.
That's a concern of mine. A big fan of Miles Gascon.
He's a blue collar grinder. I wouldn't be shocked if
(11:43):
he had a Philip Lindsay type year next year. He's
that kind of a back, you know, not that big,
but between the tackles, he'll work it. He's blue collar,
O grinded out. But I looked at Jake Browning a
little closer this year. I mean he's regressed year after year.
I mean, sixteen touchdown passes in ten picks. Now, I
know those three losses were by ten points. Come by
what his losses? The Cal? I know was the Cal?
(12:05):
What was the Auburn? You know when Auburn was he
didn't make halftime adjustments. I haven't liked the way Peterson's
coach this year. That's why I think this game matters.
I'll throw and you think he's emaciated too, he's too thin.
I think a mommy or something. Listen, you give me
a fit college football coach, and I'll support that guy.
Take Bronco nine goal or winning him that you ever
(12:26):
seen his jaw Larry Fedora. But but still Peterson. Peterson
looks like he could run a triathlon. Two stats that
jumped out to me when I broke this game down
the other day. I want to get your take on it.
Ohio State's average in a hundred and seventy five rushing
yards per game. They're giving up one sixty on the
ground to opposing offense. The worst offensive rushing attack and
(12:46):
defensive run stuffing defense for Ohio State since prior to
two thousand and nine. I mean that's a long time.
We're talking nine years, and it's by thirty footy yards.
We're not talking like you know, we're not splitting hairs
by five yards six yards. I mean, for years now,
Ohio States had a dual threat type of offense, rushing
for like to twenty per game and passing for now
(13:09):
well over to fifty. Now they're down to one. Does
that concern you against the secondary that can play man
to man coverage like the Husties can, because I think
it does, especially in third down type of situation. Yeah,
it should. I mean the offensive line came in with
with a lot of attention, a lot of accolades. Preseason accolades,
didn't get their job done. I mean, when you have
(13:30):
backs like j K. Dobbins and Mike Weber and they
were unable to establish the run, that's a big problem.
And put a lot of onus on Dwyane Haskins, and
he delivered. He delivered all season long, accounted for more
than fifty touchdowns, Heisman finalists. It's got those great receivers,
has a ton of great receivers, So I I think
they'll move. It's a fascinating matchup, Joe, because these are
(13:50):
the best Bowl matchups. Yeah it is. And and you know,
I know you don't like it as much as I to.
You're some Bowl guy. I love the Rose Bowl. There's
something about you joked about Keith Jackson. But for me
growing up, there something about Keith Jackson. Late in the
day on New Year's Day, sun beginning to set over
the hills in Pasadena. Um to me that that was
the bowl season. There was nothing better than that. Traditionally
(14:13):
big ten versus pack twelve like we'll have in this matchup.
It's a great game. You have the subplot of Urban
Meyer's last game uh coaching. At least for now. I
think we'll come back again at some point college or NFL.
But Dwayne Haskins in that high powered offense versus a great, gritty,
bare knuckle defense of Washington. It's an interesting that it is.
(14:34):
I'm curious to see which team shows up because if
you'r Haskins, you want to challenge that defense because that
could raise your draft stock. Com happy that very good point.
I'm happy to that players haven't left this matchup. It
means to both programs for the Huskies and it matters
to the Buckeyes. So I'm all in in this matchup.
So I agree with you. I'll be locked and loaded
watching the Rose Bowl this year. We'll see how it
(14:54):
plays out. Because Washington is averaging seventy nine rushing outsper game.
Like you mentioned with Gaskin, he is an underrated running
back as well that not a lot of people are
talking about on the next level can catch the football
as well, so that is I think it's a five
thirty kick in the Rose Bowl. Last game is the
Sugar Bowl. No DeAndre Baker for Georgia in this matchup.
That's a concern for the Bulldogs going up against two
(15:17):
big play wide receivers and Colin Johnson and little Jordan Humphrey.
That's a conseru you know, all a Bulldog fan, but
I think Texas can challenge that Bulldog defense vertically. They're
giving up one eight per game through the air, but
they haven't seen an offense led by Sam Ellinger that
will attack them and put pressure on the perimeter. I
like Texas in the upset. Yeah, I won't go that far.
(15:40):
I like Texas to cover. I mean, we we talk
a lot during the season. Few better underdog coaches against
the spread than Tom Herman. I mean give him double
digits even against the team as good as Georgia, and
I have to take Texas. I think this will really
matter to the Longhorn shot at their first ten win
season since two thousand and nine. Sam l Inger has
(16:00):
had a very good, underrated season both as a passer
and a rusher. I think they need more help out
of the backfield. I think someone other than Ellinger's gotta
run the ball. Whether it's Trey Watson, uh, you know,
whether it's Ingram, Kanta Ingram. One of those kids is
gonna have to take some of the pressure off Ellinger.
Defense has a lot of talent. I think they could
slow down maybe the passing game. My biggest concern is
(16:22):
those backs. I mean the physical offensive line of Georgia
and those backs DeAndre Swift and Elijah holy Field. That
could be a handful for the Texas defense. But again
we have short memories. The defensive Georgia look great in
the SEC title game, but I would challenge you without
DeAndre Baker, who is the scary defensive star of the
Georgia defense, and they can't run sideline to sideline and
(16:45):
run support. That's why I like Ellinger because his ability
on read options to put pressure on that Georgia defense.
They really struggle with mobile quarterbacks. Look at Jalen Hurts
in the SEC and and we talked about it a
lot during the season. Joe obviously good defense, great coaching,
Kirby smart. Not the same defenses last year and now
you take Baker out that could open up opportunities for
those big wide receivers Hollin Johnson and George a little
(17:07):
Jordan Humphrey a hundred and forty four total receptions and
sixteen touchdowns this year. So I like Texas Rich does too.
So when we come back, we'll be joined by Gabe
Lorenci with his best picks for the day. Keep it
where it is they do that. You can listen to
(17:32):
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(17:52):
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(18:30):
We're rocking and rolling here. Early games have kicked. No
score in Florida and Michigan, no score in South Carolina
and Virginia. Will wait for GAMESO Lisie Ritz sermon l
all live on College Football Today, brought to you by
bet d s I some information came out from Vegas
rich that Vegas took a sixty thousand money line sixty
(18:51):
tho dollar money line bet on Notre Dame at plus
three forty right now that we're net around two d
and four thousand, So a lot of early late money
pumping in on the Irish right now. Isn't that what
we said to I think Jamie had said it that
the public loves Tibet, Notre Dame and and Notre Dame
just as fans across the country. The line, which I
(19:12):
think has slipped down to eleven, wouldn't be surprised if
that gets down to ten ten and a half with
more money coming on Notre Dame and Notre Dame is
trendy right now. Notre Dame is a trendy pick to
keep that close. I disagree. I think Clemson is is
an elite program. I think Clemson in Alabama or the
two elite programs in college football the next year includes
teams like Georgia, like Notre Dame, like Oklahoma, possibly Ohio State.
(19:36):
We'll see what they do in the Rose Bowl, but um,
I think they're a cut above. I think they win
by double digits. Yeah, we'll see. I mean, what's what's
more interesting is that Oklahoma is plus like around four
eighty on the money line. So if you want to
make some money, I mean, obviously Oklahoma is has more
value in terms of the money line that at least
right now when I left the house, it was plus
four eight. Haven't gotten a live updated line on that,
(19:58):
but we'll jump right into our best X will get
them out there. I would just talked about two of
mine Washington in the Rose Bowl. They're catching around six
and a half. I liked them on the money line
plus two oh five. I like that secondary. I know
Jake Browning, but to me, it does come down to
Miles Gaston, their ability to pound on that Ohio State
defense that's given up and during sixty rushing yards per game,
(20:19):
I think Washington does get a seven point win over
the Buckeyes in the Rose Ball. I talked about Texas,
the size of their wide receivers Colin Johnson Little Jordan Humphrey,
both of those wide receivers six five and six six, respectively.
Georgia doesn't see that type of size at the wide
receiver position playing in the SEC. I think that could
be a factor. A couple with the fact that Texas
(20:41):
has lost only four games this year by a total
of twenty one points. Twelve of those points came in
the Big Ten Big Twelve championship game. In the rematch
against Oklahoma, give me the long wounds, I think they
win outright over the Bulldogs. Not sold on the mindset
of Georgia. In that matchup Mississippi State, I think they
have the superior defense. Simmons and Sweat will play, the
(21:02):
mobility of Nikki Fits on the perimeter. I think they're there.
They challenge Idowa's defense vertically. A couple with the fact
that Moorehead, the former offensive coordinator of Penn State, knows
the personnel of Iowa. I like Mississippi State in that
ballgame by fourteen points or more. Virginia's underway. I like
him plus the four and a half. I like them
on the money line. I think they get to win
(21:24):
over will must chump in South Carolina. I like Pittsburgh
with the points in the Sun Bowl. Don't think it'll
be easy, but I think Kenny Pickett somehow, some way
makes enough plays. Pick gets the victory, the outright win,
high scoring in the Sun Bowl. And give me Clayton
Florson with the points catching seven against Shelley Hunky. To me,
it doesn't matter. I think Northwestern is a live dog.
(21:47):
I think they at least keep this game close over Utah.
Any games. During our discussion where you started saying I'd
like to add them to the best one, one would
be L s U. Okay, you know, just because I
I when I talk back, I said they were on
the fringe because I don't think they're gonna after watching
Auburn and knowing that they beat Auburn and now they're
an underfeed team, I would add L. Yeah. I know
(22:11):
it's fun to talk through them sometimes sometimes you Hey,
I like new opinions like that that happens on Okay,
my best bets again, I I uh, I hesitated to
pat myself on the back, but I've done well in
the bull season so far, hopefully fantastic. Yeah, I'll let
you pat me on the back, I'll probably break a
rib or something like the um okay uh they're starting
with today with the playoff. I love Alabama. I I
(22:31):
just I'm not. It's not not because of the Alabama
pedigree and not just Nick Saban. I just think that
Oklahoma defense scares the heck out of me. I don't
think Alabama punts today, I really don't. I maybe one
punt out of Alabama. They're gonna go up and down
the field, maybe slow it down with the running backs
pounded with Damian Harris, watch Josh Jacobs, who could be
(22:51):
the best of those backs. In terms of NFL potential,
I think Alabama gets north of fifty. Uh. Oklahoma maybe
scores thirty one, but I see it fifty to thirty
one Alabama. So I like the Tide to roll Uh.
Texas A and M again, there's gonna be a heavy
SEC and heavy favorite theme with my best bets for
the next couple of days. I like Texas A and M.
I think Jimbo Fisher, this is his propulsion into two
(23:13):
thousand and nineteen, has the better offense defensively, number two
run defense in the country. NC State losing their best
defense or defender to the NFL Jermaine Pratt of the linebacker.
I'm with Joe on Mississippi State defense allowing twelve points
per game. Better quarterback for the system and Nick Fitzgerald
didn't think about it, but Joe brough up a great
point and Joe Moorehead was a fish out of water
(23:35):
in the SEC this year. Had to learn a lot
of new teams. Not the case with Iowa knows that personnel,
knows that defensive personnel in particular from his days as
the Penn State offensive coordinator. Good point by Joe. I'm
on Mississippi State Virginia Tech to me, I think it's
an opportunity to sort of make amends for a horrible
regular season in Blacksburg. They did finish the season strong,
(23:56):
back to back wins over Virginia and Marshall to extend
their nation's best bowl streak. I think they get over
five in this game. I think Bud Foster is going
to have that young defense ready with a month to prepare,
almost a month to prepare. I think he does a
good job against a mediocre Cincinnati defense. Virginia Tech not
only covers, they're getting five and a half six. I
(24:16):
think they win this game out right. L s U
two makes to me makes more and more sense and
more we talk about the Fiesta Bowl, ls UCF is
not going to catch LSU by surprise. The want to
is gonna be there for the Tigers. The superior speed
and size. I think they shove around UCF and their
backup quarterback Darryl Max So. I like L s U
big and finally Rose Bowl, Joe and I butting heads.
(24:39):
I think it's the only best bet where we're going
against each other. I like Ohio State. It's not just
a motion with Urban Meyer, and there will be some
of that the fact that it's his last game. But
that offensive of Ohio State once they start to score,
Washington just doesn't have the offensive personnel to keep up
even in games that they want, like the pack to
(25:00):
of title game. Really struggled to score against Utah. So
I like Ohio State. They finished the regular season strong
with Dwayne Haskins. I think that continues in Pasadena. So again,
Alabama A and M, Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, L s U,
Ohio State. I really like SEC teams going forwards. Yeah,
great point, you were four and oh I went back
to the tape. I was three and three. I had
(25:21):
Boston College. That game was canceled against Boils and they
were winning that game, so you might you might have
won the game. One game that we didn't touch on
Rich I I think I overlooked it was UK and
Penn State. That's a that's a pretty big battle. Benny
Snell in that matchup going up against Trace McSorley, I
have and have six point favorites. This is I could
see this game going either way because I think if
(25:42):
Kentucky can run the football, they'll be in this matchup.
But I'm just not sold. I think the speed of
Penn State, to me, is the difference. James Franklin in
a bowl scenario. You look at last year they got
the victory over Washington. You look at his days going
back to Vanderbilt, always has his team's prepared for bowl games.
I like Penn State here because of the mobility of
(26:03):
Trace McSorley. Yeah, I I forgot about the Citrus Bowl
as well, But um, I really like Penn State in
this game. Came close to making it the best bet,
but didn't do it. Uh, you got the better quarterback
mc sorley, You got Miles Sanders kJ Hamler at wide receiver,
far better offense than Kentucky. Kentucky struggled all year long.
(26:23):
You want to compare him to somebody we just talked about, Washington, Kentucky,
Kentucky is like SECS Washington. Great defense, you know, airtight defense.
Josh Allen arguably one of the better, if not the
best defensive player in the country for Kentucky, the outside linebacker.
But offensively, they just they're so hit and missed. So
I think once Penn State kind of breaks through and
(26:44):
starts to score, Kentucky will have a difficult time keeping up.
And then one other thing to keep in mind. We
spent a lot of time this year talking about the
Penn State weapons and the Penn State quarterback McSorley, But
little by little that defense really became a juggernaut forty
three sacks, lead the country in sacks forty three. They're
getting it from all angles. Uh, your tour gross Madest
(27:06):
is somebody the sophomore who really developed as a season
went on. So if the Kentucky offensive line is unable
to contain the pass rush of Penn State, that is
really gonna double down on their inability to score in
this Citrus Citrus ball. To your point about Penn State
in terms of sack totals, James Franklin and that defensive
(27:26):
staff have done that. Now in recent years, you look
at some of the players they lost, Carl Nazim led
the nation in sacks fifteen and a half. All of
a sudden, guess what, They came right back and recorded
like forty nine total sacks the next year. Now last
year they get decimated with defensive talent, they're back up there.
They're leading fc FBS. Not a lot of household names now,
(27:47):
but that's the one thing that that coaching staff has done.
And I think when you look at this game overall,
the way you have to beat Penn State is over
the top of their secondary. That's not the strength of
Kentucky With Terry Wilson. They want to run the football,
establish the line of scrimmage, work off of play action.
They couldn't do it against Georgia, and I think that's
the same type of recipe that plays out in this
(28:09):
ball game, because look for Fenn State to jump up
early and put the pressure on that offense to match
them score for sure, and I think there will be
a lot of emotion. You know, there's certain players that
are you know, uh, they're sort of symbolic of a program.
They're a face of a program. That has been the
case for Trace McSorley and and Nick Sorley and Franklin
together have done some nice things. Maybe didn't hit their mark,
(28:30):
couldn't win the big games this year. But the fact
that Tracey is playing in his last game and I
actually think he's gonna be a pretty good pro quarterback.
I think he will too. Mobilities Big Marshall said it,
get it, and it's not so much Michael Vickish type
of Lamar Jackson doesn't have to be designed plays per
se and Rogers type of pocket presence. Yes, we're he's
agile inside the pocket to escape the pass rush, and
(28:52):
he's also has the athleticism to make plays when the
pocket breaks down and just basically scowed out and pick
up a first down. He's a small art competitive athletic player,
won't have the strongest arm in the draft. But I
think you could certainly find a spot on a roster
for Trace McSorley and eventually could see him starting and
winning football games. Would be like a Taysom Hill. Ye
(29:14):
not as big, not as big or built or the
type of speed four two. I think Taysom Hill ran
like a four or four or four two type of speed.
But he is a burner and can put pressure on
opposing defenses and certain types of packages. So that's that
should be pretty jest like Penn State, Joe, Uh, it
would be huge for Kentucky and Mike Stoops. I mean
this would be the exclamation point. What's got that victory
(29:35):
last year against Northwestern they guess you know, yeah, that
was tough for them, that you beat Penn State in
a January one bowl game to get ten wins. That
would be the cherry on the top for what has
been a breakout season for Stoops and for Kentucky has
been a great season. I just worry about the offense
little too methodical these days when you're unbalanced. If you're
(29:57):
gonna be on balanced, you better be prolif pick on
the ground. But he still has been very good. But
it's not like, you know, it wasn't a two thousand
yard rusher or you're gonna have to run the triple option.
Terry Wilson's just not a great quarterback right now. Yeah,
getting some updates, Uh, Michigan couldn't move to football Florida
third and goal on the Michigan flour can't score. I
can't tell you what's going on lining up for a
field goal, Yeah, and Bronco Mendenhall roll the dice, fourth
(30:20):
and two on the six he goes for a Bryce
Perkins touchdown, up seven. Nothing on Jake Bentley and the
Cruise so early on first quarter. We'll see how those
games play out as the show progresses. I think when
you look at it in terms of coaching, UH matchups
in in the in these matchups that we see Prussia,
I look at Lincoln Riley in this matchup, and I
(30:41):
know he's playing for the most part with house money,
but you think he's thinking about last year in terms
of what he didn't do in terms of pulling that
victim second half against Georgia. Do you think that that
could play out? I'm as curious so he's feeling, you know,
when when you're a two touchdown underdog and you're and
you're playing Alabama, I don't think there's any added pressure
and I don't think it's house money per se. I mean,
(31:03):
you do have the Heisman quarterback. You were here last
year and blew a double digit lead against Georgia, a
game I think they should have won in the second
half with Baker Mayfield should have won that game, and
they just collapsed out coached in the second half. I
don't think there's any additional pressure. I I don't know
if any one coach to me, there's more pressure on
the coaches that are heavy favorites. I think there's more
(31:25):
pressure on Dabbo and Nick to get to Monday night
and to play for a champion to begin, because that's
what everybody expects. Yeah, I'm curious the first five minutes.
You'll know which team is is has a chance early on,
and you could see sort of the chess match between
these coaches, because if Kyler starts and he's completing his
(31:46):
first five passes, guess what, you know, Alabama better buckle
up because it's gonna be a long day if the
matchups are gonna be riveting. And granted, we do this
for a living, so obviously we're legitimately fired up. This
is this is why we have if, this is why
we have tuxed is on. This is like our holiday,
you know, this is what this is New Year's Eve.
We should you know, we pop in champagne later. But
(32:06):
these matchups really are fantastic. I mean, there really is
so much built into these games that make them more
than just playoff games, more than just games to bed on.
You know, Kyler Murray and that offense versus Nick Saban
in his defense. Uh the young upstar coach and Lincoln
Riley versus Saban and that staff. Over on the other side,
(32:26):
you have you know, Ian Book, who comes at two
quarterbacks who came in mid season, he and Book and
Trevor Lawrence. I want to see Trevor Lawrence in this spot.
I think he's up to the challenge. I think he
is one of the best young quarterbacks that we have
seen in a generation as a true freshman, and I
think he's gonna show it against that Notre Dame defense.
To me, Brandon Wimbush now has already stated that he
(32:47):
will transfer after the college football playoff. This is that
factor into this at all. I don't think that factors
in in any way, shape or form. He'll be ready,
just the way Jalen Hurtzer was ready in the SEC
champion Ship game stepping in for tah But I guess
the ankle could be a concern. Now, we don't know
how healthy Too is. The reports are he had a
(33:08):
minor surgery for a high ankle sprain. He should be
eighty five to eighty eight percent, whatever that means. But
as long as he could stand in the pocket. He's
not the type of quarterback that's gonna put utilize r
p O s like Jalen Hurt. So I think you
should be fine, but we'll see I mean, one bad
hit and then it could be the Jalen Hurt show
in the second half or during the course of the game. Yeah,
(33:31):
it's definitely a wild card. I mean, I'm under the
assumption that he's gonna play and be close to full strength. Uh.
I don't know if there will be any more rust
than anyone else would have because the layoffs since the
SEC title game is the same amount of time that
anybody else hasn't played. I I tend to think we're
gonna see the two who was spot on for most
(33:52):
of the regular season leading up to that finale against Georgia.
I think we're gonna see that guy. I I I
don't think there's a better quarterback at the college level
right now who goes through his progressions, who makes his reads,
who checks down to find the open man better, faster,
with more clarity than two a tongue baloa. I think
(34:13):
he's the best at that. And against an Oklahoma defense
that is ill equipped to handle that kind of a passer,
I think it's gonna be a very long evening. And
again I said it earlier, Kyler Murray is going to
have to essentially put that Oklahoma team on his shoulders
and carry them. I I think the potential is there.
He's that good as a dual threat quarterback, but it's
(34:35):
asking a heck of a lot against that Alabama defense.
And now Brown is suspended for this the offensive alignment
for Alabama. So but again I don't think it's that
big of a loss, like a lot of people have
been making out. I mean, especially when you have five
stars and you have the tackles that are that are
in place. I mean, we're talking about an offensive line
that is just dominating at the point of attack and
(34:56):
from a physicality perspective on the defensive front, I don't
think to that Oklahoma can challenge that. Now you look
at the running backs as well, Josh Jacobs, not j Harris,
Damian Harris. They're gonna be utilized as well, just the
way we talk about Trey Sermon and Kennedy Brooks in
the short team to media passing game. Let's not forget
the short team to media passing game for those backs
(35:17):
going up against the Oklahoma linebackers because they could not
contain Sony Michelle last year or so, well, we come back,
We'll be talking to game rency get the best bets
for the day. Also be wrapping up the college football
playoff Joe Lisi and Ritzermon Wall live from Studio thirty four.
Fantasy Sports Radio network from the NFL to the NBA.
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s I where players get paid. We're waiting for game.
Game is with us. He's been traveling around Toronto, Vancouver.
We got about eighteen minutes, gave and how are you
doing today? Always a pleasure guy, always a pleasure ready
(37:35):
to rock, and I guess we've got eighteen minutes, but
I think I have about thirty seven picks as well,
So I guess I guess we have enough time with
great job breaking down UH the national UH, the championship playoffs.
And you know, you read something interesting, Joe, And as
you were talking about I was thinking about it. I did.
I heard the last segment, and and it's true if
your Olkloholma, you've kind of been a weird spot with
(37:58):
this quarterback situation because they are both such unique quarterbacks
and they do different things, and they run different offenses,
and there's not a lot of teams they can do that.
Remember Marshall Funk brought that up earlier in the year
about how that was the thing that impressed in the
most about Alabama, that if something is not working, they
can just switch their scheme completely. They're not locked in
(38:21):
like you know, we play a cover two and you
know with that, that's that you know it's not working.
It's not working. Alabamaan scheme as games go along and
just completely change what they want to do. And we
see that with Hurts and we see that with TOAs
in in the game. But then you get the unknown.
Like Joe stated at about Toah, I mean, like you said,
I don't know what percent means. I mean, I guess
(38:43):
the guy is still pretty good. I think he's fifty
is better than a lot of other people's a hundred percent. Yet,
you know, we're talking about teams that haven't played nearly
a month. I think it's been twenty six days uh
this year, so it might be a little less than
it normally is. There's always unknowns, man, when teams haven't
played for this long as well. And we've seen Alabama.
Remember when you say we used to talk about it
(39:03):
on a weekly basis, it was free money Alabama in
the first half, Well, I wasn't the case. And when
they didn't cover against uh the Citadel in the first half,
they were tight um and then what hopping Auburn came
all they can handle the first half and then fell apart,
drop brought of passes UH Georgia early. So there has
been a pattern actually Abama's last three games that they're
(39:23):
not coming out and punching you in the mouth. They're
sort of starting off slow and other teams are getting
a quick start on them. So to me, that's that's
just massive if you're Oklahoma, and I know it sounds
simplistic guys about who early points are are important. But
if you're Oklahoma, you get some confidence. And I know
risk you brought it up where you think it's gonna
go the other way, where the Oklahoma are gonna be
(39:44):
on their heels all evening here. But if Oklahoma can
strike early and and just get some confidence, say, look,
we can score on these guys. It's just like playing
any other game. We can score. Put push on Alabama
to actually try to keep up, because yeah, I can listen,
Alabama gonna be able to move to football, but it
might be an instance where Oklahoma scoring faster, uh than
(40:05):
than Alapami had. So I acshurely legitimately believe I believe
that Olkloholma was gonna be able to trade points in
the igh scoring game. And this one, guys, I'm taking
the Oklahoma Sooners plus two points. I wonder how much
game that's gonna affect philosophy, because you know, obviously Oklahoma
can score. I think they will score in this game.
But how much do you think Alabama will look to
(40:25):
to change the tempo because Oklahoma can score so fast.
Is this the time where you sort of, you know,
kind of pull back on the passing game and go
back to those backs a little bit and just punish
the Oklahoma defense. That's what I'm thinking. Uh, we know
saving is very Belichick like. I mean, they're good friends
and they're most successful for the same reasons. They'll attack
(40:48):
the weakness of the other team. As I was saying earlier, Rich,
They're not gonna get locked into one if the passing
games working. Hey, we'll throw the ball if the running
games working. But I get the same feeling. You know,
we saw it us year in the title game where
Georgia's big backs and the big SEC offensive line just
sort of started to wear Oklahoma out. I mean, Oklahoma
(41:08):
is one of a speed based defense, so when let's
not care ourselves than a physical defense. Um, but you know,
sometimes it's hard to ridiculously go down the field on
these eight and ten and twill play drives. Mistakes can happen.
But that's just the thing. Oklaholma. I mean, Oklahoma is
in toff here. Alabama just don't beat themselves. Yeah that's
a problem. Man. We can pretend who they haven't played
(41:29):
in nearly a month, but it's still Alabama. I just
think that Oklahoma is gonna give. I think it's gonna
be a fun football game. I really like the over
of this game. From a betting perspective, I do believe
it's gonna be points in this contest today. But ultimately,
you know, I sort of think we were looking at
sort of like a game like that Georgia game last year.
You know, uh, fifty to forty one, you know what
(41:54):
I mean, high scoring game, but that fourteen points, It's
just just too many points for me. Guys. I'm gonna
take the Oklahoma is doing this plus the points, and
I'm gonna go over the number in that game and
the next game. And you know, it's amazing, isn't it.
We've talked so much. You're not just us, but everybody
in the media, and everyone's talks so much about about
Clem Saying, and about Oklahoma and Kyler Murray and obviously
(42:16):
about Alabama. It's amazing to me that a school sort
of as public and as popular as Notre Dame not
getting any any love and not goody any talk at all.
And it's almost like there's no pressure on the Iris
coming into this thing. There's pressure on everyone else. There's
pressure on Dabo Sweeney there's pressure on on Kyler Murray,
there's pressure on saving to defend the den. Here so
(42:38):
to speak, seems like nowhere to in come in here
with house money. And you know, as the game approaches,
I was thinking, Man, I've underestimated Notre Dame all year long, guys,
and here we are. We're getting twelve points and and
and if with a defense as good as these guys are, uh,
you know against the run, against the past, very common
composed on offense. You know, they don't have a great
(42:59):
try record in big games. But I'm taking the double
digit points with both underdogs today and the and the
playoff games. Yeah, speaking of points, you should be happy.
Donovan People's Jones just scored for Michigan. So they're up
seventy three on Florida early on in the first quarter.
So we'll see if Jim Harbor on the crew can
can wear down the Gators in that matchup. I told
(43:20):
Rich before that, you know, somebody came in and and
play sixty thousand on the money line in Vegas at
three forty for the Irish, that's two and four thousand
if they win. How much does the public perspective or
I want to say uh, persona or you know the backers,
you know, play into the line movement of both of
these matchups. When you look at Alabama Oklahoma, it's down
(43:43):
to thirteen and a half, and you look at now
Notre Dame only catching around eleven points in this ballgame. Well,
I started the starter trickle into we've seen. Man, if
you saw the vandal of sports books this week, they're
taking to massive bets. Somebody dropped like a hundred and
fifty eight thousand up or something like that on Syracuse
and it was a real sweat job four of them
(44:04):
as well. But you've seen that. It's just like we
geted about double five. Boy, where is that guy? Anyways?
Did he disappear? We haven't heard about him like that.
He didn't make it to the playoffs, I guess. But yeah,
I think the money right now, Joe, I think generally
I hate to use the square in the sharp angle,
but generally, you know the guy that's bet in twenty
bucks or fifty bucks, and you know, the public guy,
(44:26):
the fan guy is gonna be laying the points with
the favorite. So there's no way alcohol about. Oh, there's
no way Notre Dame is gonna hand with Clemson, but
guys did that big money. Generally, it's so like the
old school Woody Hayes and both sham Beckler, right, we
saw the football too about things too, about you know
three or two. It about the things out of the
three things gonna happen are bad. And it's sort of
(44:48):
like when you're laying points. It's the same way, you know.
I mean, you're laying points. You gotta win the game
and you've got to cover the points spread as supposed to,
just you know, covering the number and losing with the points.
So you'll see people at that bigger will generally the
under dog show. At least they know that that's what
we've seen. Alabama's a little different just because there's such
a machine. But as they stated, man, they haven't covered
(45:08):
as much as people think they have. And if stiff
you can move to football on these guys. I think
the over that's gonna be my best bet because I
know it's dangerous getting in front of Alabama, but I'm
gonna be pulling the trigger on the over in this
football game, and the total in an ordered end game,
I don't know, man, It's it's a tough one and
you can't force it beat on every side or total here, guys,
(45:29):
it's fifty six and a half or so, I tend
to fit. It's gonna be more of a smash mouth
nfval style football game, you know, and the seventeen range
or maybe I don't know. I don't think they get
into the high sixties. I don't think club said the
order names are shootout, but I'm gonna pass on the
total there. Hey game, Uh we talked about the two
(45:50):
playoff games. We have two games that started already. One
game that you know, I think everybody will forget about
unless they have some some kind of wager on it
would be the Arizona Ball. I think it's an interesting
match up. I don't know if you have an opinion
on it or a pick. But Arkansas stayed in Nevada.
Joe and I went over at two very similar teams
that are in quarterback ability to get to the quarterback
on both sides. Any thoughts on that Sun Belt Mountain
(46:13):
West game. It's a fun game, it is, and you know,
it's one of the better sun Belton Mountain West games.
But I remember, I don't you know, I don't understand
man the method to their madness this year with these
Bowl games and and how they schedule of them. You
have these games sort of you know, sandwich d in before,
before these big title games. You've had a lot of
(46:33):
these fun games going head to head with NFL games.
You're the game canceled solely because it was just well,
you know, we only have this game to kill a
couple hours on TV, and you know we don't want
to go through the headachre rescheduling it, so let's just
move on. I didn't understand did anybody did anybody answer
to that game? I was shocked. I mean, lightning doesn't
move out of the area that first respondible. Do you
(46:55):
have any idea why they just shot that down? The
dirty secret was the dirty secret was it was an
esp own game and they didn't have room to play it,
you know, schedule one. It's literally made for TV rights
and stuff. So to me, I don't know why they
didn't say, all right, listen, we're putting it on ESPN.
(47:16):
You we're putting it on you know you have ESPN
Plus now with the online stuff. I think you did
a disservice to the kids. But essentially it was ESPN
it said, well, listen, we restart this game in five hours.
We got NBA games tonight and went about in the
NBA game for the cur Pro Bowl, right, So that's
(47:38):
basically what it came came down to. From what I understand,
that they consulted with ESPN and not to mention ESPN crews,
they're onto the next game. You imagine a logistics, logistical
nightmare of this type of stuff. But what did this
service to the kids? You know, no bowl rings, no
one wins, families go there. That that was just the
(47:58):
ultimate of frustrate ship. Yet you know, the TV numbers
for the balls have been pretty good, even though the
attendance is down. Like HESPNS defending it and they're saying
there's not good many bowl games and everything everything is great.
But I said, we'll have some good quality football today.
But you know, I'm not rich enough rich part in
the part be forcing bets on Mountain West and health games.
(48:20):
Where where where where? We've got so much, so much
great action coming up. But I want to be laying
the points. So I'll gonna be taking a point with
the Irish. I'm gonna be taking me over the Oklahoma game.
And I don't gonna running out of real estate because
you guys gotta get to your picks for the upcoming
games this week as well. But you're good, You're good.
We actually our best bets already. You're good. It's all.
It's all you. It's all you. Okay, good good, So
all you can, you know, share your thoughts on somebody's
(48:41):
But I'm all about the underdogs. And we've talked about
this last year, the first seventies of the bowl games,
double digit routes, and for the most part, we've seen
the same thing. I mean, next year, I'm actually gonna
make money on this stuff because now, now, now, and
really start to understand these balls a little bit better.
It's only taking me four the eight freaking years. Um.
(49:02):
But looking at these games like Northwestern in Utah, you
know what I mean, the Pac twelf, it sound like
these guys have been Bowl killers. That's a lot of
points to be laying against football teams that are extremely
similar to me. You talked about you know what what
a good coach winning him as is, but I'll tell
you Northwestern, you know he's They're just so similar to
their programs, the style of play. To me, there's this
(49:25):
mirror images of each other. And I'm expecting a really
close game. So I'm gonna take north Western plus two points.
I'll go u c F. You know, I'm not gonna
overthink things. That teams won twenty five football games in
a row and I've got to seven out points. I
don't care who the quarterback is. I think they'll be ready.
I think they'll feed off it. I don't love the
match up against l s U. I would to prefer
(49:46):
to mix it up and would have seen UCF versus
the Florida Gators and LSU in Michigan, uh play each other.
My I reiterate, I thought Wazoo is there to be
in one of these bigger h New Year's Day Bowl games.
But digress. But so I'm gonna be taking u c
F plus the points as well. I'm taking the Iowa
Hawk Eyes plus the points. And I think we would
(50:08):
look at the big tin man and yeah, I know
Perdue got tat too, but that's Perdue, all right. Um,
it's a little bit different. You get these programs like Wisconsin,
like Iowa, they they they lived for these bowl games
like they're gonna they're gonna show up, and you're gonna
get an a effort from every every few bowls. I
Iowa will get tat too. But for the most part,
(50:31):
you know what, you have these memories of crazy flee flickers.
Remember the game against u US you years ago with
with with you Tate as as quarterback. So you know
we've seen a lot of us you know, a lot
of magic and bowl games for the Iowa Hawkeyes over
the years. I'm gonna jump in on Iowa plus the
points and I'm fascinated by this Urban Meyer Bowl game
(50:52):
and the public is just like steaming on Oklahoma State
on Allow State right now, where it's like Urban Meyer's
last game. You know, every minas track record in big
games and bowl games has been great. Yet I think
Washington have the athletes to be able to trade points
with Ohio State. I think the total is a little
(51:13):
role there in the fifty seven and a half range.
I'm gonna be betting over. I'm gonna put a nice
skull chuck on that game to go over the number.
In the Rose Bowl over last year, we had a
real fun uh Penn State and Washington Rose Ball got
over the number. I see similar style of football game here.
But I think people are sleeping on the Washington Huskies
a little bit in this game. You know, Washington didn't
(51:35):
have a great year. You know, they were there, they
were expected. A lot of people thought they're gonna make
the playoffs. They lost that first game to Auburn. But
I like the way that days they fought through. They
end up handling the business um taking care of business
in the Pact twelve. Here they are down the Rose
Bowl and it's a big game for them. We'll see
if Browning just has one real big win on the
(51:55):
way out. And I don't know if they win the game, right,
they're gonna trade points with and finding a clothing another
team to Yeah, I get it. Georgia. Georgia are like this,
like MS Universe and miss run around. Basically, Georgia are
that good. I think Georgia have to be a little
bit disappointed that they're not playing in in the in
the in the in the playoffs. That they know they're
(52:18):
so good, but they're still they still just can't get
over that help right now. And I know Texas offense
is so freaking simplistic, and I really wish they'd get
a quarterback. I'm not comfortable with the Texas quarterback situation.
But I am comfortable with Tom Hermans against the spread
situation as a head coach, as an underdock. And when
I'm getting thirteen points with a coach that is the
(52:41):
best coach in college football and pro football, you know,
and Empire football, any leagual football as an underdog, give
me the double digit points with the Texas long Horns
and the over in our football game are there will
be a ton of points, great insight, great picks. We
wish you the best. We wish you save travels and more. Buy.
(53:03):
I hope, buddy, I hope we also we also wish
you're very happy New year. From Rich and I will
see you next week. For Rich Sermonello Gamer, I'm Joelsie.
Have a great weekend, everyone, enjoy the games. We'll see
you next Saturday. Happy New Year, Happy, Happy New Year.
Hey, thanks for downloading the podcast, and remember, if you
want to listen live, download the I Heart Radio app,
download the tune and app and just search for Fantasy
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(00:23):
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All our work. Let's go work college football today. Any
(00:51):
questions over here, any questions over here, Let's get it on.
It's the College Football Playoff live at four o'clock to right,
Joe Lesie, Ritz Ermonello and Gay Barenci breaking down all
the games straight through January one. Will turn our attention
to the big one u c F twenty five game
(01:11):
winning streak going up against the L s U Tigers.
A lot of players not playing for L s U
in this matchup. Reedy Williams out, can you CEF to
put a pressure on Joe Burrow to match them score
for score? And I think that's the the the actual
game plan for UH Central nights in this ball game.
Can they forced the tempo against L s US defense.
(01:34):
I don't think they can do it. I mean I
watched you c F defensively. They gave up rich four
hundred rushing yards to Darryl Henderson and Memphis. I think
it's gonna be a big day for Edwards Hillare. I
look for Brissette to break out, and I look for
Joe Burrow to really have an easy day because that
running game will get working early. L s U by
(01:54):
seventeen points in this ball game. I said it before
the break. I think this is as fascinating matchup as
last year's UCF Auburn game. Because you know that we
we have listened to UCF and u c F fans
for the better part of the past year saying that
they were national champions last year, that they deserve a
seat at the table in the playoff this year, and
(02:16):
and I respect that. I mean, they've won twenty five
consecutive games. Now, they've got the longest winning streak in
the countries. I got a I don't want to look
at my notes, but it's twenty five. It is longest
longest winning streak in the country. I have a ton
of respect for what the program has done. Feel for
(02:37):
Mackenzie Milton, Scott Frost now in Nebraska. Josh Hype has
done a great job. This is enormous because if you
go back to back years beating SEC powers in major
Bowl games, I think we have to really start paying
more attention to u CF. This is a big, big game.
But this is not last year. Last year Auburn took
(02:58):
UCF lightly. In my opinion, LSU will not have that problem.
L s U is basically fighting for everyone who has
grown sick and tired of hearing you ce F fans
on social media, in the media in general. L s
U has a chance to break that that winning streak
to end another back to back national championship season. And
(03:19):
there is no Mackenzie Milton. Darryl mack has only started
a couple of games in his career. Even without Greedy Williams,
Devin White is playing, Michael Divinity is playing. I think
l s U gets the victory and they do it convincing. Well,
here's the thing when you break down this game. You
look at Auburn last year they knocked off Georgia. They
looked up knocked off Alabama in almost three weeks. They
(03:41):
get to the SEC championship game and they lose. They
were not excited to be there against you c F.
They thought they should have been one of the top
four teams in the College football playoffs. So that's the
mindset of the Auburn Tigers last year heading into this matchup.
You look at LSU heading into this ball game ninety
three this year. Uh, they knocked off Georgia and beat
(04:02):
them by double digits in Baton Rouge at the earlier
part of the year. But this is still an l
s U team last year that lost to Notre damon
Ian book. So I don't think they're gonna overlook you
ce F in this matchup. And you look at you
CFS defense as a whole, they're given up two seven
rushing yards per game, but more importantly rich four point
eight yards per carry at the collegiate level. What grown
(04:24):
men SEC offensive line? I I'm sorry, it's an SEC
offensive line. Which separates the SEC from all the other
conferences is that they recruit on the interior bigger than
anybody in the Power five and outside the Power five.
And I think you'll see that play out in this ballgain. Yeah,
if this was any other group of five team, any
(04:46):
other group of five team, I would worry about l
s U s want to If it was Fresno State Boise.
If you yeah, I would say even Boise, even Boise,
I think LSU would be like, hey, we're an LSU power.
We played in bigger games during the regular season. Doesn't
mean anything where without a couple of our key players,
I would worry about their want to. It's UCF. UCF
(05:11):
is undefeated, the rank high, longest winning streak in the country.
I think Eddio will have this team ready. To your point,
the physicality the offensive line u CEF reminds me of
a group of five version of Oklahoma. They could score
on anybody, but they can allow points against anybody. And
l S who's gonna slow down the game, limit the
(05:32):
possessions for Mac and Adrian Killings and Greg McGray, who
has been outstanding out of the backfield for u CF
this year. I think getting Klein Edwards Hilaire who was
involved in a shooting, the fact that he made play
that that he'll play. Nick Brissette will play Burrows of
veteran doesn't make a ton of mistakes. Uh and they
don't have a great receiving Corps LS use receivers this
(05:53):
year came on at the end of the year. He
was I expected a huge season out of Texas Tech
transfer just right, didn't utilize Yeah, Mischigan by the way
up seven, nothing big. You're watching the game and I'm watching,
But well, I love this seat in the studio. That's
(06:15):
where Marshall sits there. You know when he when he's there.
So I am no Hall of Famer, but I am
sitting in Famer Texas A and m comes through for you.
What's your best bet? Now? L s U for me
in this matchup is right on the fringe. I give
you my top five Bowl picks. I won the first
two I had to lane. I had wake Forest, Mississippi
States in their Texas is in there along with Washington,
(06:38):
which we'll get you in a little bit. But um,
for me, L s U superior in this matchup, and
they want to win this ball game in a big way,
and oh this is just big for them. You know,
I think you could reverse psychology this same Auburn didn't
want to look at it that way because they had
their site set on bigger things. Because they knocked off
Alabama and Georgia. But L s U could say, hey,
(06:59):
you know, we could be the team that everybody's talking about.
Once we decimate u c F, everybody will be talking
about L s U. So the backups are saying, you
know what, look in their chops, let me get something
that's the mindset that couldn't play out in this content.
And again, just to do a side by side comparison,
because it is l it is h SEC versus UCF.
(07:20):
Like it was last year Auburn. Last year, beating UCF
was a no win or playing uc was a no
win situation. There was a no win situation. You lose
like they did, you're embarrassed and it hurts Gus malls on.
You win, nobody cares. We supposed to win. It's a
it's a it's an American Athletic Conference team. That is
(07:41):
not the case this year. UCF has been elevated to
a level, not SEC, don't get me wrong, but they've
been elevated to a level where they're a ranked team.
Every week they don't lose. We hear about the national championship.
This is no longer a no win situation. There's a
lot to gain for L s U and I think
they've been preparing accordingly. I love L s U in
(08:03):
this game. I'm not saying that it's gonna be a
three touchdown victory, but I think it's gonna be comfortable.
I think they I think they take U c F
behind the witch I put it one. Do you think
I can get the forty eight? Well? I think that yeah,
because I think I think it's gonna be one of
those games just like we see what Auburn, you know, yeah,
and where the defense can't contend and the U and
the U c F team has now become like the
(08:25):
Kim Kardash And you know, especially on the East Coast
now where in New York City, people are like, hey,
what's about this U c F team. It's almost like
when Johnny Manziel came to you know, was playing Alabama
and one it's all the East coast New Yorker is, hey,
who's this? Uh, who's this Johnny Manziel? Who is this
Johnny Manziel character Joe? You know, these public all of
(08:49):
a sudden wants to know about UCF, like, you know,
who is this Johnny Manziel? You know. So that's where
you CEF is at right now. And I think that's
what you see play out. My best bet all Ball.
You had Texas A and M the rose Ball, the
grand daddy of them all. This is mine all all
(09:11):
Urban does his coach damn up win one for the
gipper Urban Meyers last game for all Ohio State. He's
moving to take on an a D position. He's he's
teaching some sort of ethical class that uh for the
Buckeyes in and after this win, after he went, did
they carry him off on a throne? Because he he
(09:33):
won a national championship for the Buckeyes in two thousand
and fourteen. I think this game is gonna be a
lot harder for Ohio State. And I'll tell you why.
You look at Ohio State twelve and one this year.
That our only lost came against Perdue twenty nine points
in West Lafayette. But they have twelve wins against opponents.
What a combined overall record of seventy five and eighty two.
(09:53):
That's a four hundred and seventy seven winning percentage. On
the flip side, you have a Washington team that lost
three games by a total rich of ten points in
this matchup this year, ten total points. They don't have
a defense that's only given up a hundred eighty five
passing yards for the game. More importantly, only have allowed
nine passing touchdowns all season long. I think they can
(10:14):
play mantaband coverage against those Ohio State wide receivers. High scoring.
Though Washington gets a win. My best Bowl of the
year to thirty over the Buckey. I'm surprised. Yeah, I
I I like Ohio State. Um, I I think it does.
I know you're mocking Urban Meyer. He's a great code.
Oh he has a great coach. I think the players
(10:36):
will play for him. I I don't think there's been
any defections in this game. Yeah, you know, Nick bos
has obviously been out for most of the season, but
I haven't seen any defections. I think it's a full
compliment for Ohio boat matchups right, it should be great.
I mean the offensive Ohio State versus that that is
a legit Washington defense. I just love what that staff
has done at Washington with the defense. Year after year.
(11:00):
They have great defensive backs. This year it's Taylor rap,
It's Byron Murphy upfront. You got Greg Gaines, h Ben
Burke curving over a hundred and sixty tackles this year
from linebacker. It's an outstanding defense. But you know Ohio
State's offense, what they did against Michigan. Michigan's touchdown taking
off the board by the way, still zero zero kids
(11:20):
stepped out of bounds against Florida. Got working next to me. Yeah,
So I I like Ohio State I just think too
many weapons. Uh, Ohio States defense was vulnerable to the
big play all year. Washington doesn't have big play weapons.
That's a concern of mine. A big fan of Miles Gascon.
He's a blue collar grinder. I wouldn't be shocked if
(11:43):
he had a Philip Lindsay type year next year. He's
that kind of a back, you know, not that big,
but between the tackles, he'll work it. He's blue collar,
O grinded out. But I looked at Jake Browning a
little closer this year. I mean he's regressed year after year.
I mean, sixteen touchdown passes in ten picks. Now, I
know those three losses were by ten points. Come by
what his losses? The Cal? I know was the Cal?
(12:05):
What was the Auburn? You know when Auburn was he
didn't make halftime adjustments. I haven't liked the way Peterson's
coach this year. That's why I think this game matters.
I'll throw and you think he's emaciated too, he's too thin.
I think a mommy or something. Listen, you give me
a fit college football coach, and I'll support that guy.
Take Bronco nine goal or winning him that you ever
(12:26):
seen his jaw Larry Fedora. But but still Peterson. Peterson
looks like he could run a triathlon. Two stats that
jumped out to me when I broke this game down
the other day. I want to get your take on it.
Ohio State's average in a hundred and seventy five rushing
yards per game. They're giving up one sixty on the
ground to opposing offense. The worst offensive rushing attack and
(12:46):
defensive run stuffing defense for Ohio State since prior to
two thousand and nine. I mean that's a long time.
We're talking nine years, and it's by thirty footy yards.
We're not talking like you know, we're not splitting hairs
by five yards six yards. I mean, for years now,
Ohio States had a dual threat type of offense, rushing
for like to twenty per game and passing for now
(13:09):
well over to fifty. Now they're down to one. Does
that concern you against the secondary that can play man
to man coverage like the Husties can, because I think
it does, especially in third down type of situation. Yeah,
it should. I mean the offensive line came in with
with a lot of attention, a lot of accolades. Preseason accolades,
didn't get their job done. I mean, when you have
(13:30):
backs like j K. Dobbins and Mike Weber and they
were unable to establish the run, that's a big problem.
And put a lot of onus on Dwyane Haskins, and
he delivered. He delivered all season long, accounted for more
than fifty touchdowns, Heisman finalists. It's got those great receivers,
has a ton of great receivers, So I I think
they'll move. It's a fascinating matchup, Joe, because these are
(13:50):
the best Bowl matchups. Yeah it is. And and you know,
I know you don't like it as much as I to.
You're some Bowl guy. I love the Rose Bowl. There's
something about you joked about Keith Jackson. But for me
growing up, there something about Keith Jackson. Late in the
day on New Year's Day, sun beginning to set over
the hills in Pasadena. Um to me that that was
the bowl season. There was nothing better than that. Traditionally
(14:13):
big ten versus pack twelve like we'll have in this matchup.
It's a great game. You have the subplot of Urban
Meyer's last game uh coaching. At least for now. I
think we'll come back again at some point college or NFL.
But Dwayne Haskins in that high powered offense versus a great, gritty,
bare knuckle defense of Washington. It's an interesting that it is.
(14:34):
I'm curious to see which team shows up because if
you'r Haskins, you want to challenge that defense because that
could raise your draft stock. Com happy that very good point.
I'm happy to that players haven't left this matchup. It
means to both programs for the Huskies and it matters
to the Buckeyes. So I'm all in in this matchup.
So I agree with you. I'll be locked and loaded
watching the Rose Bowl this year. We'll see how it
(14:54):
plays out. Because Washington is averaging seventy nine rushing outsper game.
Like you mentioned with Gaskin, he is an underrated running
back as well that not a lot of people are
talking about on the next level can catch the football
as well, so that is I think it's a five
thirty kick in the Rose Bowl. Last game is the
Sugar Bowl. No DeAndre Baker for Georgia in this matchup.
That's a concern for the Bulldogs going up against two
(15:17):
big play wide receivers and Colin Johnson and little Jordan Humphrey.
That's a conseru you know, all a Bulldog fan, but
I think Texas can challenge that Bulldog defense vertically. They're
giving up one eight per game through the air, but
they haven't seen an offense led by Sam Ellinger that
will attack them and put pressure on the perimeter. I
like Texas in the upset. Yeah, I won't go that far.
(15:40):
I like Texas to cover. I mean, we we talk
a lot during the season. Few better underdog coaches against
the spread than Tom Herman. I mean give him double
digits even against the team as good as Georgia, and
I have to take Texas. I think this will really
matter to the Longhorn shot at their first ten win
season since two thousand and nine. Sam l Inger has
(16:00):
had a very good, underrated season both as a passer
and a rusher. I think they need more help out
of the backfield. I think someone other than Ellinger's gotta
run the ball. Whether it's Trey Watson, uh, you know,
whether it's Ingram, Kanta Ingram. One of those kids is
gonna have to take some of the pressure off Ellinger.
Defense has a lot of talent. I think they could
slow down maybe the passing game. My biggest concern is
(16:22):
those backs. I mean the physical offensive line of Georgia
and those backs DeAndre Swift and Elijah holy Field. That
could be a handful for the Texas defense. But again
we have short memories. The defensive Georgia look great in
the SEC title game, but I would challenge you without
DeAndre Baker, who is the scary defensive star of the
Georgia defense, and they can't run sideline to sideline and
(16:45):
run support. That's why I like Ellinger because his ability
on read options to put pressure on that Georgia defense.
They really struggle with mobile quarterbacks. Look at Jalen Hurts
in the SEC and and we talked about it a
lot during the season. Joe obviously good defense, great coaching,
Kirby smart. Not the same defenses last year and now
you take Baker out that could open up opportunities for
those big wide receivers Hollin Johnson and George a little
(17:07):
Jordan Humphrey a hundred and forty four total receptions and
sixteen touchdowns this year. So I like Texas Rich does too.
So when we come back, we'll be joined by Gabe
Lorenci with his best picks for the day. Keep it
where it is they do that. You can listen to
(17:32):
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(17:52):
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(18:30):
We're rocking and rolling here. Early games have kicked. No
score in Florida and Michigan, no score in South Carolina
and Virginia. Will wait for GAMESO Lisie Ritz sermon l
all live on College Football Today, brought to you by
bet d s I some information came out from Vegas
rich that Vegas took a sixty thousand money line sixty
(18:51):
tho dollar money line bet on Notre Dame at plus
three forty right now that we're net around two d
and four thousand, So a lot of early late money
pumping in on the Irish right now. Isn't that what
we said to I think Jamie had said it that
the public loves Tibet, Notre Dame and and Notre Dame
just as fans across the country. The line, which I
(19:12):
think has slipped down to eleven, wouldn't be surprised if
that gets down to ten ten and a half with
more money coming on Notre Dame and Notre Dame is
trendy right now. Notre Dame is a trendy pick to
keep that close. I disagree. I think Clemson is is
an elite program. I think Clemson in Alabama or the
two elite programs in college football the next year includes
teams like Georgia, like Notre Dame, like Oklahoma, possibly Ohio State.
(19:36):
We'll see what they do in the Rose Bowl, but um,
I think they're a cut above. I think they win
by double digits. Yeah, we'll see. I mean, what's what's
more interesting is that Oklahoma is plus like around four
eighty on the money line. So if you want to
make some money, I mean, obviously Oklahoma is has more
value in terms of the money line that at least
right now when I left the house, it was plus
four eight. Haven't gotten a live updated line on that,
(19:58):
but we'll jump right into our best X will get
them out there. I would just talked about two of
mine Washington in the Rose Bowl. They're catching around six
and a half. I liked them on the money line
plus two oh five. I like that secondary. I know
Jake Browning, but to me, it does come down to
Miles Gaston, their ability to pound on that Ohio State
defense that's given up and during sixty rushing yards per game,
(20:19):
I think Washington does get a seven point win over
the Buckeyes in the Rose Ball. I talked about Texas,
the size of their wide receivers Colin Johnson Little Jordan Humphrey,
both of those wide receivers six five and six six, respectively.
Georgia doesn't see that type of size at the wide
receiver position playing in the SEC. I think that could
be a factor. A couple with the fact that Texas
(20:41):
has lost only four games this year by a total
of twenty one points. Twelve of those points came in
the Big Ten Big Twelve championship game. In the rematch
against Oklahoma, give me the long wounds, I think they
win outright over the Bulldogs. Not sold on the mindset
of Georgia. In that matchup Mississippi State, I think they
have the superior defense. Simmons and Sweat will play, the
(21:02):
mobility of Nikki Fits on the perimeter. I think they're there.
They challenge Idowa's defense vertically. A couple with the fact
that Moorehead, the former offensive coordinator of Penn State, knows
the personnel of Iowa. I like Mississippi State in that
ballgame by fourteen points or more. Virginia's underway. I like
him plus the four and a half. I like them
on the money line. I think they get to win
(21:24):
over will must chump in South Carolina. I like Pittsburgh
with the points in the Sun Bowl. Don't think it'll
be easy, but I think Kenny Pickett somehow, some way
makes enough plays. Pick gets the victory, the outright win,
high scoring in the Sun Bowl. And give me Clayton
Florson with the points catching seven against Shelley Hunky. To me,
it doesn't matter. I think Northwestern is a live dog.
(21:47):
I think they at least keep this game close over Utah.
Any games. During our discussion where you started saying I'd
like to add them to the best one, one would
be L s U. Okay, you know, just because I
I when I talk back, I said they were on
the fringe because I don't think they're gonna after watching
Auburn and knowing that they beat Auburn and now they're
an underfeed team, I would add L. Yeah. I know
(22:11):
it's fun to talk through them sometimes sometimes you Hey,
I like new opinions like that that happens on Okay,
my best bets again, I I uh, I hesitated to
pat myself on the back, but I've done well in
the bull season so far, hopefully fantastic. Yeah, I'll let
you pat me on the back, I'll probably break a
rib or something like the um okay uh they're starting
with today with the playoff. I love Alabama. I I
(22:31):
just I'm not. It's not not because of the Alabama
pedigree and not just Nick Saban. I just think that
Oklahoma defense scares the heck out of me. I don't
think Alabama punts today, I really don't. I maybe one
punt out of Alabama. They're gonna go up and down
the field, maybe slow it down with the running backs
pounded with Damian Harris, watch Josh Jacobs, who could be
(22:51):
the best of those backs. In terms of NFL potential,
I think Alabama gets north of fifty. Uh. Oklahoma maybe
scores thirty one, but I see it fifty to thirty
one Alabama. So I like the Tide to roll Uh.
Texas A and M again, there's gonna be a heavy
SEC and heavy favorite theme with my best bets for
the next couple of days. I like Texas A and M.
I think Jimbo Fisher, this is his propulsion into two
(23:13):
thousand and nineteen, has the better offense defensively, number two
run defense in the country. NC State losing their best
defense or defender to the NFL Jermaine Pratt of the linebacker.
I'm with Joe on Mississippi State defense allowing twelve points
per game. Better quarterback for the system and Nick Fitzgerald
didn't think about it, but Joe brough up a great
point and Joe Moorehead was a fish out of water
(23:35):
in the SEC this year. Had to learn a lot
of new teams. Not the case with Iowa knows that personnel,
knows that defensive personnel in particular from his days as
the Penn State offensive coordinator. Good point by Joe. I'm
on Mississippi State Virginia Tech to me, I think it's
an opportunity to sort of make amends for a horrible
regular season in Blacksburg. They did finish the season strong,
(23:56):
back to back wins over Virginia and Marshall to extend
their nation's best bowl streak. I think they get over
five in this game. I think Bud Foster is going
to have that young defense ready with a month to prepare,
almost a month to prepare. I think he does a
good job against a mediocre Cincinnati defense. Virginia Tech not
only covers, they're getting five and a half six. I
(24:16):
think they win this game out right. L s U
two makes to me makes more and more sense and
more we talk about the Fiesta Bowl, ls UCF is
not going to catch LSU by surprise. The want to
is gonna be there for the Tigers. The superior speed
and size. I think they shove around UCF and their
backup quarterback Darryl Max So. I like L s U
big and finally Rose Bowl, Joe and I butting heads.
(24:39):
I think it's the only best bet where we're going
against each other. I like Ohio State. It's not just
a motion with Urban Meyer, and there will be some
of that the fact that it's his last game. But
that offensive of Ohio State once they start to score,
Washington just doesn't have the offensive personnel to keep up
even in games that they want, like the pack to
(25:00):
of title game. Really struggled to score against Utah. So
I like Ohio State. They finished the regular season strong
with Dwayne Haskins. I think that continues in Pasadena. So again,
Alabama A and M, Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, L s U,
Ohio State. I really like SEC teams going forwards. Yeah,
great point, you were four and oh I went back
to the tape. I was three and three. I had
(25:21):
Boston College. That game was canceled against Boils and they
were winning that game, so you might you might have
won the game. One game that we didn't touch on
Rich I I think I overlooked it was UK and
Penn State. That's a that's a pretty big battle. Benny
Snell in that matchup going up against Trace McSorley, I
have and have six point favorites. This is I could
see this game going either way because I think if
(25:42):
Kentucky can run the football, they'll be in this matchup.
But I'm just not sold. I think the speed of
Penn State, to me, is the difference. James Franklin in
a bowl scenario. You look at last year they got
the victory over Washington. You look at his days going
back to Vanderbilt, always has his team's prepared for bowl games.
I like Penn State here because of the mobility of
(26:03):
Trace McSorley. Yeah, I I forgot about the Citrus Bowl
as well, But um, I really like Penn State in
this game. Came close to making it the best bet,
but didn't do it. Uh, you got the better quarterback
mc sorley, You got Miles Sanders kJ Hamler at wide receiver,
far better offense than Kentucky. Kentucky struggled all year long.
(26:23):
You want to compare him to somebody we just talked about, Washington, Kentucky,
Kentucky is like SECS Washington. Great defense, you know, airtight defense.
Josh Allen arguably one of the better, if not the
best defensive player in the country for Kentucky, the outside linebacker.
But offensively, they just they're so hit and missed. So
I think once Penn State kind of breaks through and
(26:44):
starts to score, Kentucky will have a difficult time keeping up.
And then one other thing to keep in mind. We
spent a lot of time this year talking about the
Penn State weapons and the Penn State quarterback McSorley, But
little by little that defense really became a juggernaut forty
three sacks, lead the country in sacks forty three. They're
getting it from all angles. Uh, your tour gross Madest
(27:06):
is somebody the sophomore who really developed as a season
went on. So if the Kentucky offensive line is unable
to contain the pass rush of Penn State, that is
really gonna double down on their inability to score in
this Citrus Citrus ball. To your point about Penn State
in terms of sack totals, James Franklin and that defensive
(27:26):
staff have done that. Now in recent years, you look
at some of the players they lost, Carl Nazim led
the nation in sacks fifteen and a half. All of
a sudden, guess what, They came right back and recorded
like forty nine total sacks the next year. Now last
year they get decimated with defensive talent, they're back up there.
They're leading fc FBS. Not a lot of household names now,
(27:47):
but that's the one thing that that coaching staff has done.
And I think when you look at this game overall,
the way you have to beat Penn State is over
the top of their secondary. That's not the strength of
Kentucky With Terry Wilson. They want to run the football,
establish the line of scrimmage, work off of play action.
They couldn't do it against Georgia, and I think that's
the same type of recipe that plays out in this
(28:09):
ball game, because look for Fenn State to jump up
early and put the pressure on that offense to match
them score for sure, and I think there will be
a lot of emotion. You know, there's certain players that
are you know, uh, they're sort of symbolic of a program.
They're a face of a program. That has been the
case for Trace McSorley and and Nick Sorley and Franklin
together have done some nice things. Maybe didn't hit their mark,
(28:30):
couldn't win the big games this year. But the fact
that Tracey is playing in his last game and I
actually think he's gonna be a pretty good pro quarterback.
I think he will too. Mobilities Big Marshall said it,
get it, and it's not so much Michael Vickish type
of Lamar Jackson doesn't have to be designed plays per
se and Rogers type of pocket presence. Yes, we're he's
agile inside the pocket to escape the pass rush, and
(28:52):
he's also has the athleticism to make plays when the
pocket breaks down and just basically scowed out and pick
up a first down. He's a small art competitive athletic player,
won't have the strongest arm in the draft. But I
think you could certainly find a spot on a roster
for Trace McSorley and eventually could see him starting and
winning football games. Would be like a Taysom Hill. Ye
(29:14):
not as big, not as big or built or the
type of speed four two. I think Taysom Hill ran
like a four or four or four two type of speed.
But he is a burner and can put pressure on
opposing defenses and certain types of packages. So that's that
should be pretty jest like Penn State, Joe, Uh, it
would be huge for Kentucky and Mike Stoops. I mean
this would be the exclamation point. What's got that victory
(29:35):
last year against Northwestern they guess you know, yeah, that
was tough for them, that you beat Penn State in
a January one bowl game to get ten wins. That
would be the cherry on the top for what has
been a breakout season for Stoops and for Kentucky has
been a great season. I just worry about the offense
little too methodical these days when you're unbalanced. If you're
(29:57):
gonna be on balanced, you better be prolif pick on
the ground. But he still has been very good. But
it's not like, you know, it wasn't a two thousand
yard rusher or you're gonna have to run the triple option.
Terry Wilson's just not a great quarterback right now. Yeah,
getting some updates, Uh, Michigan couldn't move to football Florida
third and goal on the Michigan flour can't score. I
can't tell you what's going on lining up for a
field goal, Yeah, and Bronco Mendenhall roll the dice, fourth
(30:20):
and two on the six he goes for a Bryce
Perkins touchdown, up seven. Nothing on Jake Bentley and the
Cruise so early on first quarter. We'll see how those
games play out as the show progresses. I think when
you look at it in terms of coaching, UH matchups
in in the in these matchups that we see Prussia,
I look at Lincoln Riley in this matchup, and I
(30:41):
know he's playing for the most part with house money,
but you think he's thinking about last year in terms
of what he didn't do in terms of pulling that
victim second half against Georgia. Do you think that that
could play out? I'm as curious so he's feeling, you know,
when when you're a two touchdown underdog and you're and
you're playing Alabama, I don't think there's any added pressure
and I don't think it's house money per se. I mean,
(31:03):
you do have the Heisman quarterback. You were here last
year and blew a double digit lead against Georgia, a
game I think they should have won in the second
half with Baker Mayfield should have won that game, and
they just collapsed out coached in the second half. I
don't think there's any additional pressure. I I don't know
if any one coach to me, there's more pressure on
the coaches that are heavy favorites. I think there's more
(31:25):
pressure on Dabbo and Nick to get to Monday night
and to play for a champion to begin, because that's
what everybody expects. Yeah, I'm curious the first five minutes.
You'll know which team is is has a chance early on,
and you could see sort of the chess match between
these coaches, because if Kyler starts and he's completing his
(31:46):
first five passes, guess what, you know, Alabama better buckle
up because it's gonna be a long day if the
matchups are gonna be riveting. And granted, we do this
for a living, so obviously we're legitimately fired up. This
is this is why we have if, this is why
we have tuxed is on. This is like our holiday,
you know, this is what this is New Year's Eve.
We should you know, we pop in champagne later. But
(32:06):
these matchups really are fantastic. I mean, there really is
so much built into these games that make them more
than just playoff games, more than just games to bed on.
You know, Kyler Murray and that offense versus Nick Saban
in his defense. Uh the young upstar coach and Lincoln
Riley versus Saban and that staff. Over on the other side,
(32:26):
you have you know, Ian Book, who comes at two
quarterbacks who came in mid season, he and Book and
Trevor Lawrence. I want to see Trevor Lawrence in this spot.
I think he's up to the challenge. I think he
is one of the best young quarterbacks that we have
seen in a generation as a true freshman, and I
think he's gonna show it against that Notre Dame defense.
To me, Brandon Wimbush now has already stated that he
(32:47):
will transfer after the college football playoff. This is that
factor into this at all. I don't think that factors
in in any way, shape or form. He'll be ready,
just the way Jalen Hurtzer was ready in the SEC
champion Ship game stepping in for tah But I guess
the ankle could be a concern. Now, we don't know
how healthy Too is. The reports are he had a
(33:08):
minor surgery for a high ankle sprain. He should be
eighty five to eighty eight percent, whatever that means. But
as long as he could stand in the pocket. He's
not the type of quarterback that's gonna put utilize r
p O s like Jalen Hurt. So I think you
should be fine, but we'll see I mean, one bad
hit and then it could be the Jalen Hurt show
in the second half or during the course of the game. Yeah,
(33:31):
it's definitely a wild card. I mean, I'm under the
assumption that he's gonna play and be close to full strength. Uh.
I don't know if there will be any more rust
than anyone else would have because the layoffs since the
SEC title game is the same amount of time that
anybody else hasn't played. I I tend to think we're
gonna see the two who was spot on for most
(33:52):
of the regular season leading up to that finale against Georgia.
I think we're gonna see that guy. I I I
don't think there's a better quarterback at the college level
right now who goes through his progressions, who makes his reads,
who checks down to find the open man better, faster,
with more clarity than two a tongue baloa. I think
(34:13):
he's the best at that. And against an Oklahoma defense
that is ill equipped to handle that kind of a passer,
I think it's gonna be a very long evening. And
again I said it earlier, Kyler Murray is going to
have to essentially put that Oklahoma team on his shoulders
and carry them. I I think the potential is there.
He's that good as a dual threat quarterback, but it's
(34:35):
asking a heck of a lot against that Alabama defense.
And now Brown is suspended for this the offensive alignment
for Alabama. So but again I don't think it's that
big of a loss, like a lot of people have
been making out. I mean, especially when you have five
stars and you have the tackles that are that are
in place. I mean, we're talking about an offensive line
that is just dominating at the point of attack and
(34:56):
from a physicality perspective on the defensive front, I don't
think to that Oklahoma can challenge that. Now you look
at the running backs as well, Josh Jacobs, not j Harris,
Damian Harris. They're gonna be utilized as well, just the
way we talk about Trey Sermon and Kennedy Brooks in
the short team to media passing game. Let's not forget
the short team to media passing game for those backs
(35:17):
going up against the Oklahoma linebackers because they could not
contain Sony Michelle last year or so, well, we come back,
We'll be talking to game rency get the best bets
for the day. Also be wrapping up the college football
playoff Joe Lisi and Ritzermon Wall live from Studio thirty four.
Fantasy Sports Radio network from the NFL to the NBA.
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(36:30):
just a couple of hours away from the first semifinal
game between Notre Dame and Clemson. If you'd like to
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s I where players get paid. We're waiting for game.
Game is with us. He's been traveling around Toronto, Vancouver.
We got about eighteen minutes, gave and how are you
doing today? Always a pleasure guy, always a pleasure ready
(37:35):
to rock, and I guess we've got eighteen minutes, but
I think I have about thirty seven picks as well,
So I guess I guess we have enough time with
great job breaking down UH the national UH, the championship playoffs.
And you know, you read something interesting, Joe, And as
you were talking about I was thinking about it. I did.
I heard the last segment, and and it's true if
your Olkloholma, you've kind of been a weird spot with
(37:58):
this quarterback situation because they are both such unique quarterbacks
and they do different things, and they run different offenses,
and there's not a lot of teams they can do that.
Remember Marshall Funk brought that up earlier in the year
about how that was the thing that impressed in the
most about Alabama, that if something is not working, they
can just switch their scheme completely. They're not locked in
(38:21):
like you know, we play a cover two and you
know with that, that's that you know it's not working.
It's not working. Alabamaan scheme as games go along and
just completely change what they want to do. And we
see that with Hurts and we see that with TOAs
in in the game. But then you get the unknown.
Like Joe stated at about Toah, I mean, like you said,
I don't know what percent means. I mean, I guess
(38:43):
the guy is still pretty good. I think he's fifty
is better than a lot of other people's a hundred percent. Yet,
you know, we're talking about teams that haven't played nearly
a month. I think it's been twenty six days uh
this year, so it might be a little less than
it normally is. There's always unknowns, man, when teams haven't
played for this long as well. And we've seen Alabama.
Remember when you say we used to talk about it
(39:03):
on a weekly basis, it was free money Alabama in
the first half, Well, I wasn't the case. And when
they didn't cover against uh the Citadel in the first half,
they were tight um and then what hopping Auburn came
all they can handle the first half and then fell apart,
drop brought of passes UH Georgia early. So there has
been a pattern actually Abama's last three games that they're
(39:23):
not coming out and punching you in the mouth. They're
sort of starting off slow and other teams are getting
a quick start on them. So to me, that's that's
just massive if you're Oklahoma, and I know it sounds
simplistic guys about who early points are are important. But
if you're Oklahoma, you get some confidence. And I know
risk you brought it up where you think it's gonna
go the other way, where the Oklahoma are gonna be
(39:44):
on their heels all evening here. But if Oklahoma can
strike early and and just get some confidence, say, look,
we can score on these guys. It's just like playing
any other game. We can score. Put push on Alabama
to actually try to keep up, because yeah, I can listen,
Alabama gonna be able to move to football, but it
might be an instance where Oklahoma scoring faster, uh than
(40:05):
than Alapami had. So I acshurely legitimately believe I believe
that Olkloholma was gonna be able to trade points in
the igh scoring game. And this one, guys, I'm taking
the Oklahoma Sooners plus two points. I wonder how much
game that's gonna affect philosophy, because you know, obviously Oklahoma
can score. I think they will score in this game.
But how much do you think Alabama will look to
(40:25):
to change the tempo because Oklahoma can score so fast.
Is this the time where you sort of, you know,
kind of pull back on the passing game and go
back to those backs a little bit and just punish
the Oklahoma defense. That's what I'm thinking. Uh, we know
saving is very Belichick like. I mean, they're good friends
and they're most successful for the same reasons. They'll attack
(40:48):
the weakness of the other team. As I was saying earlier, Rich,
They're not gonna get locked into one if the passing
games working. Hey, we'll throw the ball if the running
games working. But I get the same feeling. You know,
we saw it us year in the title game where
Georgia's big backs and the big SEC offensive line just
sort of started to wear Oklahoma out. I mean, Oklahoma
(41:08):
is one of a speed based defense, so when let's
not care ourselves than a physical defense. Um, but you know,
sometimes it's hard to ridiculously go down the field on
these eight and ten and twill play drives. Mistakes can happen.
But that's just the thing. Oklaholma. I mean, Oklahoma is
in toff here. Alabama just don't beat themselves. Yeah that's
a problem. Man. We can pretend who they haven't played
(41:29):
in nearly a month, but it's still Alabama. I just
think that Oklahoma is gonna give. I think it's gonna
be a fun football game. I really like the over
of this game. From a betting perspective, I do believe
it's gonna be points in this contest today. But ultimately,
you know, I sort of think we were looking at
sort of like a game like that Georgia game last year.
You know, uh, fifty to forty one, you know what
(41:54):
I mean, high scoring game, but that fourteen points, It's
just just too many points for me. Guys. I'm gonna
take the Oklahoma is doing this plus the points, and
I'm gonna go over the number in that game and
the next game. And you know, it's amazing, isn't it.
We've talked so much. You're not just us, but everybody
in the media, and everyone's talks so much about about
Clem Saying, and about Oklahoma and Kyler Murray and obviously
(42:16):
about Alabama. It's amazing to me that a school sort
of as public and as popular as Notre Dame not
getting any any love and not goody any talk at all.
And it's almost like there's no pressure on the Iris
coming into this thing. There's pressure on everyone else. There's
pressure on Dabo Sweeney there's pressure on on Kyler Murray,
there's pressure on saving to defend the den. Here so
(42:38):
to speak, seems like nowhere to in come in here
with house money. And you know, as the game approaches,
I was thinking, Man, I've underestimated Notre Dame all year long, guys,
and here we are. We're getting twelve points and and
and if with a defense as good as these guys are, uh,
you know against the run, against the past, very common
composed on offense. You know, they don't have a great
(42:59):
try record in big games. But I'm taking the double
digit points with both underdogs today and the and the
playoff games. Yeah, speaking of points, you should be happy.
Donovan People's Jones just scored for Michigan. So they're up
seventy three on Florida early on in the first quarter.
So we'll see if Jim Harbor on the crew can
can wear down the Gators in that matchup. I told
(43:20):
Rich before that, you know, somebody came in and and
play sixty thousand on the money line in Vegas at
three forty for the Irish, that's two and four thousand
if they win. How much does the public perspective or
I want to say uh, persona or you know the backers,
you know, play into the line movement of both of
these matchups. When you look at Alabama Oklahoma, it's down
(43:43):
to thirteen and a half, and you look at now
Notre Dame only catching around eleven points in this ballgame. Well,
I started the starter trickle into we've seen. Man, if
you saw the vandal of sports books this week, they're
taking to massive bets. Somebody dropped like a hundred and
fifty eight thousand up or something like that on Syracuse
and it was a real sweat job four of them
(44:04):
as well. But you've seen that. It's just like we
geted about double five. Boy, where is that guy? Anyways?
Did he disappear? We haven't heard about him like that.
He didn't make it to the playoffs, I guess. But yeah,
I think the money right now, Joe, I think generally
I hate to use the square in the sharp angle,
but generally, you know the guy that's bet in twenty
bucks or fifty bucks, and you know, the public guy,
(44:26):
the fan guy is gonna be laying the points with
the favorite. So there's no way alcohol about. Oh, there's
no way Notre Dame is gonna hand with Clemson, but
guys did that big money. Generally, it's so like the
old school Woody Hayes and both sham Beckler, right, we
saw the football too about things too, about you know
three or two. It about the things out of the
three things gonna happen are bad. And it's sort of
(44:48):
like when you're laying points. It's the same way, you know.
I mean, you're laying points. You gotta win the game
and you've got to cover the points spread as supposed to,
just you know, covering the number and losing with the points.
So you'll see people at that bigger will generally the
under dog show. At least they know that that's what
we've seen. Alabama's a little different just because there's such
a machine. But as they stated, man, they haven't covered
(45:08):
as much as people think they have. And if stiff
you can move to football on these guys. I think
the over that's gonna be my best bet because I
know it's dangerous getting in front of Alabama, but I'm
gonna be pulling the trigger on the over in this
football game, and the total in an ordered end game,
I don't know, man, It's it's a tough one and
you can't force it beat on every side or total here, guys,
(45:29):
it's fifty six and a half or so, I tend
to fit. It's gonna be more of a smash mouth
nfval style football game, you know, and the seventeen range
or maybe I don't know. I don't think they get
into the high sixties. I don't think club said the
order names are shootout, but I'm gonna pass on the
total there. Hey game, Uh we talked about the two
(45:50):
playoff games. We have two games that started already. One
game that you know, I think everybody will forget about
unless they have some some kind of wager on it
would be the Arizona Ball. I think it's an interesting
match up. I don't know if you have an opinion
on it or a pick. But Arkansas stayed in Nevada.
Joe and I went over at two very similar teams
that are in quarterback ability to get to the quarterback
on both sides. Any thoughts on that Sun Belt Mountain
(46:13):
West game. It's a fun game, it is, and you know,
it's one of the better sun Belton Mountain West games.
But I remember, I don't you know, I don't understand
man the method to their madness this year with these
Bowl games and and how they schedule of them. You
have these games sort of you know, sandwich d in before,
before these big title games. You've had a lot of
(46:33):
these fun games going head to head with NFL games.
You're the game canceled solely because it was just well,
you know, we only have this game to kill a
couple hours on TV, and you know we don't want
to go through the headachre rescheduling it, so let's just
move on. I didn't understand did anybody did anybody answer
to that game? I was shocked. I mean, lightning doesn't
move out of the area that first respondible. Do you
(46:55):
have any idea why they just shot that down? The
dirty secret was the dirty secret was it was an
esp own game and they didn't have room to play it,
you know, schedule one. It's literally made for TV rights
and stuff. So to me, I don't know why they
didn't say, all right, listen, we're putting it on ESPN.
(47:16):
You we're putting it on you know you have ESPN
Plus now with the online stuff. I think you did
a disservice to the kids. But essentially it was ESPN
it said, well, listen, we restart this game in five hours.
We got NBA games tonight and went about in the
NBA game for the cur Pro Bowl, right, So that's
(47:38):
basically what it came came down to. From what I understand,
that they consulted with ESPN and not to mention ESPN crews,
they're onto the next game. You imagine a logistics, logistical
nightmare of this type of stuff. But what did this
service to the kids? You know, no bowl rings, no
one wins, families go there. That that was just the
(47:58):
ultimate of frustrate ship. Yet you know, the TV numbers
for the balls have been pretty good, even though the
attendance is down. Like HESPNS defending it and they're saying
there's not good many bowl games and everything everything is great.
But I said, we'll have some good quality football today.
But you know, I'm not rich enough rich part in
the part be forcing bets on Mountain West and health games.
(48:20):
Where where where where? We've got so much, so much
great action coming up. But I want to be laying
the points. So I'll gonna be taking a point with
the Irish. I'm gonna be taking me over the Oklahoma game.
And I don't gonna running out of real estate because
you guys gotta get to your picks for the upcoming
games this week as well. But you're good, You're good.
We actually our best bets already. You're good. It's all.
It's all you. It's all you. Okay, good good, So
all you can, you know, share your thoughts on somebody's
(48:41):
But I'm all about the underdogs. And we've talked about
this last year, the first seventies of the bowl games,
double digit routes, and for the most part, we've seen
the same thing. I mean, next year, I'm actually gonna
make money on this stuff because now, now, now, and
really start to understand these balls a little bit better.
It's only taking me four the eight freaking years. Um.
(49:02):
But looking at these games like Northwestern in Utah, you
know what I mean, the Pac twelf, it sound like
these guys have been Bowl killers. That's a lot of
points to be laying against football teams that are extremely
similar to me. You talked about you know what what
a good coach winning him as is, but I'll tell
you Northwestern, you know he's They're just so similar to
their programs, the style of play. To me, there's this
(49:25):
mirror images of each other. And I'm expecting a really
close game. So I'm gonna take north Western plus two points.
I'll go u c F. You know, I'm not gonna
overthink things. That teams won twenty five football games in
a row and I've got to seven out points. I
don't care who the quarterback is. I think they'll be ready.
I think they'll feed off it. I don't love the
match up against l s U. I would to prefer
(49:46):
to mix it up and would have seen UCF versus
the Florida Gators and LSU in Michigan, uh play each other.
My I reiterate, I thought Wazoo is there to be
in one of these bigger h New Year's Day Bowl games.
But digress. But so I'm gonna be taking u c
F plus the points as well. I'm taking the Iowa
Hawk Eyes plus the points. And I think we would
(50:08):
look at the big tin man and yeah, I know
Perdue got tat too, but that's Perdue, all right. Um,
it's a little bit different. You get these programs like Wisconsin,
like Iowa, they they they lived for these bowl games
like they're gonna they're gonna show up, and you're gonna
get an a effort from every every few bowls. I
Iowa will get tat too. But for the most part,
(50:31):
you know what, you have these memories of crazy flee flickers.
Remember the game against u US you years ago with
with with you Tate as as quarterback. So you know
we've seen a lot of us you know, a lot
of magic and bowl games for the Iowa Hawkeyes over
the years. I'm gonna jump in on Iowa plus the
points and I'm fascinated by this Urban Meyer Bowl game
(50:52):
and the public is just like steaming on Oklahoma State
on Allow State right now, where it's like Urban Meyer's
last game. You know, every minas track record in big
games and bowl games has been great. Yet I think
Washington have the athletes to be able to trade points
with Ohio State. I think the total is a little
(51:13):
role there in the fifty seven and a half range.
I'm gonna be betting over. I'm gonna put a nice
skull chuck on that game to go over the number.
In the Rose Bowl over last year, we had a
real fun uh Penn State and Washington Rose Ball got
over the number. I see similar style of football game here.
But I think people are sleeping on the Washington Huskies
a little bit in this game. You know, Washington didn't
(51:35):
have a great year. You know, they were there, they
were expected. A lot of people thought they're gonna make
the playoffs. They lost that first game to Auburn. But
I like the way that days they fought through. They
end up handling the business um taking care of business
in the Pact twelve. Here they are down the Rose
Bowl and it's a big game for them. We'll see
if Browning just has one real big win on the
(51:55):
way out. And I don't know if they win the game, right,
they're gonna trade points with and finding a clothing another
team to Yeah, I get it. Georgia. Georgia are like this,
like MS Universe and miss run around. Basically, Georgia are
that good. I think Georgia have to be a little
bit disappointed that they're not playing in in the in
the in the in the playoffs. That they know they're
(52:18):
so good, but they're still they still just can't get
over that help right now. And I know Texas offense
is so freaking simplistic, and I really wish they'd get
a quarterback. I'm not comfortable with the Texas quarterback situation.
But I am comfortable with Tom Hermans against the spread
situation as a head coach, as an underdock. And when
I'm getting thirteen points with a coach that is the
(52:41):
best coach in college football and pro football, you know,
and Empire football, any leagual football as an underdog, give
me the double digit points with the Texas long Horns
and the over in our football game are there will
be a ton of points, great insight, great picks. We
wish you the best. We wish you save travels and more. Buy.
(53:03):
I hope, buddy, I hope we also we also wish
you're very happy New year. From Rich and I will
see you next week. For Rich Sermonello Gamer, I'm Joelsie.
Have a great weekend, everyone, enjoy the games. We'll see
you next Saturday. Happy New Year, Happy, Happy New Year.
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