College Football Live - Championship Games Incoming...

Episode Date: November 30, 2023

Host Kelsey Riggs is joined by Tom Luginbill, and Sam Acho as they prepare for the Power Five championship games this weekend. The biggest matchup of Georgia and Alabama will be looked at in-depth, to determine whether or not history will repeat itself for both the Bulldogs and the Crimson Tide. Then, Tiffany Greene and Jay Walker join the show. Finally, Nebraska HC Matt Rhule gives his take on the transfer portal quarterbacks, as even more big names enter the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's V-Week on ESPN as we continue Jim Belvano's fight against cancer. Welcome into college football live. I'm Kelsey Riggs, and we're coming out the tunnel with this. We are just one day away from a rematch in the desert. Oregon and Washington battling it out in the Pack 12 and a spot in the CFP pretty much is on the line. Plus, championship Saturday will show us the path to the final four. New sound from Nick Sabin and from Kirby Smart ahead of this SEC showdown. And it is a really good time to be a quarterback, a transfer quarterback in the portal, according to one head coach. Seven figures for the player you want?

The price tag to get the good ones. That's next. College Football Live is presented by Dr. Pepper. Welcome in to college football live. CMAOCHO, Tom Luganville, Kelsey Riggs, hanging with you here on a Thursday to get you ready for a big championship weekend full of football. So let's start, guys, with you. what we're going to see on Friday now because we've got a big one plan out in the desert. A rematch between number five, Oregon and number three, Washington in Las Vegas.

The Ducks are making their six appearance in the Pack 12th title game, winning four of the last five, while Washington is seeking their most wins in school history. Then in the Big 12, Texas is back in the championship for the first time since 2018. They'll face an Oklahoma state team making just their second appearance in the Big 12th title game. The Cowboys are five and a half point dogs at ESPN bet. Georgia and Alabama will play in the SEC title game for the fourth time with the Crimson Tide winning each of the previous three. The Bulldogs have won 29 straight games since losing to Alabama in the 2021 SEC championship game. That is the longest streak in SEC history.

And Jim Harbaugh returns to the sideline for Michigan as they get together with number 16 Iowa at Lucas Oil Stadium. Our analytics give the Wolverines a 93% chance to win as they seek their third straight Big Ten titles, something they have it done since 1990 to 1992. And lastly, Louisville making its first appearance in a conference title game, while Florida State makes it six, but the first since 2014, the Seminoles have won. 15 ACC titles, the second most in conference history. So those are the big ones. But let's start with the rematch, because when there's two powerhouses, they get together for a second time, I think everybody really really. really likes a round two. So Washington and Oregon, we saw what happened the first time.

Washington is the team that is still undefeated. Sam, what's going to be the difference in Friday's Pac-12 championship? It'll be Michael Pennix, Jr., getting the ball to his receivers like he always does. Roma Dunez-A. Jalen Polk, Jalen McMillan. Michael Pennix Jr. leads FBS and passing yards, 3,903. And the reason why is that many of the pass-s-s-the-throves are contested catches. That's where Roma Dunes A excels in contested catches in the end zone, contested. And so if your Oregon, you have to be able to challenge, not just poke, not just a Dunezay, but also Jalen McMillan, you need three DVs that can challenge these receivers in passes that are contested.

Well, and how do you challenge them? Pressure burst the pipe, right? You played on the defensive side of the football. The secondary gets a lot of help if you come after the quarterback. Listen, the most effective, inefficient quarterback in all of college football on first and second down, with a clean pocket and a straight drop back, no play action is Michael Panix Jr. And it's not even close.

And it's not dinking and dunking. It is vertical and intermediate shots where you reference the contested catches, but even guys running wide open. I think Oregon's got to be aggressive here. I think they've got to come back and come after Michael Pennix Jr. Get him off schedule and off rhythm

and force him to make the underneath throw. They want to push it down field. Force him to take the underneath throw. can come up and tackle him, but you cannot allow him to have a clean pocket on first and second down. He has been outstanding for them this year. We all know what's on the line with college football playoff hopes, but also, the Highsman hopeful quarterback is going to be battling it out as you see Bow Nix right now.

Currently the favorite, and Daniels of LSU, not far behind, but he is not playing this weekend. Michael Pinnock Jr., 16 to 1 odds. And then Jalen Milrow, 100 to 1 odds. Let's stick with the guys that are going to be playing Friday night, because a massive stage for Bo Nix and Michael Pennix Jr. So, Lugues, what do these guys need to show on a stage like this?

Obviously, the main goal is winning the game and getting to the college football playoff. But if you win, you're putting yourself in a pretty good spot for Heisman as well. Yeah, you really are. It's a great window. A window Jaden Daniels doesn't have. And I think with how we've looked at the PAC 12 unfold throughout the entire season, this could likely turn into a one possession game. And we have seen Washington and Oregon play really well in that fashion.

So I think the quarterback with the ball in his hands, late in the fourth quarter, it's going to have an opportunity to have a Heisman-style moment to march his team down and win the game. All right, well, we'll be keeping an eye on that on Friday night on ABC big-time window.

We've got another big game to get to, and that's what's going to happen on Saturday in the ACC as you take a look at the ACC title game matchup. Seminoles lead the conference in scoring, putting up just under 40 points per game while holding teams under 17 points. That's an ACC best. Louisville, they've scored at least 30 points

and four straight games. Here's what they had to say about what's at stake this weekend. There's never been, you know, an expectation from the outside that's bigger than the ones that we have within. And, you know, I believe in this team. Obviously, a lot of steps along the journey to be able to accomplish all that I believe that we can. Coach Norville in the Seminoles, notch a birth in the conference championship game for the first time since 2014. I'm probably crying that moment because, you know, coming from Where I came, when we started at my freshman tonight, is definitely a major step.

And just to end that way, I feel like that would be, like, I'm going out like how I want to. Jeff Brum, the job his coaching staff has done to be a team right now that's going to be in their first ACC championship game is amazing in year. There's only going to be one champion in the conference at the end of the year. ACC championship, just taking that step forward. That would be huge anytime you win a championship. We've got a lot of really hungry players on our team. on our team. Touchdown, Seminels.

It's a great celebration. Anytime you get to hold a trophy and a symbolic part of being able to accomplish what you set out for. I love coaching this team and to see them finish what we start for,

it would be really special. A big time opportunity for both of these programs and for Florida State, the biggest storyline heading into this is, of course, win and get in, but also playing without their quarterback. Tate Roddemeaker is now the guy.

So Sam, who needs to step up to help this offense and help Tate Rodomaker win? in the game. It's going to be Keon Coleman. Their star wide receiver transfer from Michigan State. Sure, you could say, man, running back, Trey Benson, three touchdowns last week. But no, I want to see Keon Coleman dominate.

Why? Because in week one, when he jumped on the scene, nine catches, over 120 yards, three touchdowns versus LSU, a top-ranked team. Fast forward against Syracuse, nine catches, 140. Kion Coleman took over versus Clemson as well, even in overtime. And so when you have a young quarterback, a freshman quarterback, and the talent of Keon Coleman, I think he needs to step up and take over in this game for Florida State to cruise into the playoff. Well, I'll tell you, Sam, I think the one thing you've got to be careful of if you're Florida State on defense is Louisville's ability to create explosive plays.

Double-digit explosive plays of 50 or 60 yards or more on the season. Now, they're a little bit banged up. I get that. But Johar Jordan, Jamari Thrash, and they actually got a nice cupboard full of running backs and wide receivers to compliment those two guys who, may not be fully 100%. If you look at Jack Plummer in this Louisville offense, when he has been pressured, he has completed less than 50%

of his passes. When he's faced a three or four man rush, they have gone bombs away on people. I think if you Florida State, you zone pressure Jack Plummer and you force him to take the underneath throw and defend the deep half of the field so that you limit those explosive plays, give you a chance

to win the game. And listen, as much is on the line for Florida State, this is a Louisville team that just lost to their rivals at home. They want to out and win their first ACC championship and ruin Florida State's playoff hopes. We'll see what happens this weekend. But meanwhile, let's get to some coaching news breaking here on college football live. And according to our Pete Bamel, Indiana is finalizing a deal to hire Kurt Signetti as their new head football coach.

Signity has spent past five seasons at James Madison, where he led the Duke's transition from FCS to FBS. He's gone 52 and 9 and won three conference titles there, finalizing a deal now to be the head coach at Indiana. Speaking of head coaches, still ahead on college football live, a look at to the SEC championship game. And you'll hear new sound from the head coaches. That's coming up next. College Football Live is presented by Dr. Pepper, the one fans deserve.

And impart by Liberty Mutual Insurance, only pay for what you need. Welcome back. to college football live presented by Dr. Pepper. Let's take a look at our Dr. Pepper, Big 12 championship game preview in Texas is looking to snap. It's 13-season drought since its last conference title in 2009. The Longest Gap Program History, the Longhorns, are four and nine against Oklahoma State since 2010, but are 15 and a half-point favorites at ESPN bet against the Cowboys on Saturday. Texas really looking for a statement and a big win in order to put them in a good spot ahead of the college flipball playoff.

But Luges, they've got to deal with Ali Gordon. How much of a priority is it to try and contain him? Priority number one. But good news for Texas fans is they've got the defensive front seven. I think to pull off the task. Listen, it's the number one ranked rush defense, Texas in the Big 12, top five overall in the country. They are built for this style of game between the tackles. I think they've got the two best defensive tackles in Byron Murphy and Devonre

sweat on one team of anybody in college football. If you win on first and second down and you force the game into the hands of Alan Bowman, then that's the recipe for success for Texas. And by the way, Texas, best third down defense of anybody in all of college football, get Oklahoma State in third and long, and that's the recipe to win the game. Well, Tom, you talked about first and second down and third down. I'm talking about the four, number four. the fourth quarter, that's what's going to matter in this game.

Ollie Gordon last week scored five touchdowns. Four of them came in the second half in overtime. And yes, Devon Dre Sweat, Big 12 defensive player of the year is on defense. Byron Murphy, Baron Sorrell, Jalen Ford, they've got some dogs at linebacker and it on the defensive line. But the Oklahoma State Cowboys will run the ball to and through Ollie Gordon. And so Tevonre Sweat and the rest of that defensive front, including some of the DBs and corners, are going to.

to have to play a four-quarter football game, maybe even more, because this Oklahoma State football team is relentless in giving the ball to their best back. Going to be a big one Saturday, noon on ABC. Let's get to another matchup that all eyes are going to be on, and that's what's happening in Atlanta in the SEC championship game. Georgia's won 29 straight games since losing to Alabama in the 2021 SEC championship, long a streak in SEC history. But the Bulldogs looking to become the sixth FBS team in the past century to win 30.

straight games. Nick Saban, 7 and 0 at Mercedes Ben Stadium, including three wins against Georgia and Irby Smart. And Nick Saban just spoke to the media. It's new on college football live. Our guys are excited for an opportunity to play.

And what I've talked about all week is one of the best venues and just incredible environments in all of college football. We're working hard at preparing for what is a really unique physical Alabama team and our guys are got another day's work and another day's work

tomorrow to put in to be ready for it. Our team is trying to focus on what they need to do to go play the kind of game that we'll need to play to beat a very, very good team. Probably the best team we played all year.

I think the challenge for you as a player is you've got to be ready to play and assume that the guy you're playing against is the best player you played against all year. And I think if you take that approach and channel your energy and enthusiasm into execution on the field, that'll give you the best chance to be successful. Speaking of the best players you've played against all year, this is definitely the best version of Jalen Milro that we've seen all year. Because he has, let him, let him gotten better and better.

What does Georgia need to do to try and contain Jalen Milrow and not let him get going with his arms or his legs? Well, the biggest thing is trying not necessarily keep him in the pocket. but when he breaks, be physical with him. We've seen Jalen Miro be a physical runner. Think about the LSU game, running people over and doing it with his legs, but he also does it with his arms. And so when he does break the pocket, be physical with him. But the issue is he becomes a pocket passer, throwing it deep.

You have to contest those catches as well. He's one of the best deep ball throwers in all of college football. Keep him in the pocket. And when he does throw it, contest. You know, Sam, I think one of the X factors in this is one defense has to defend a running quarterback and the other one doesn't. And the one that does is the University of Georgia. So we're all student athletes here, right?

Let's do a little math. Let's go to math class here. So why is it so difficult to defend the quarterback run, the designated run, not the improvisational place? It's because it's a sheer number game. So if you can defend the run with six players in the box, and let's just say offensively, the Alabama Crimson Tides and 21 personnel,

two tight end, one back. And they decide to run quarterback counter or quarterback league. So now you've got six or seven in the box, but guess what? They've got one more number than you have because the tailback now becomes the blocker because the quarterback's the lead runner. So it's about numbers. It's about defensively Georgia having to account for the quarterback in the run game. Now, the more bodies you add into the box, the more one-on-one opportunities there are outside for play action pass, which makes it more difficult to do what you said, Sam, and that is defend those one-on-one matchups downfield.

I didn't know we were going to math class. I got my binder out or quick, started writing things down, X plus Y equals Z. He's the X. We'll see if Shalin Milro is able to get it going this weekend. Meanwhile, it's going to be a fun two days of college football. And it's time for our weekend lineup. Brought to you by Wendy's Beef all day Saturday. We have you covered with four title games on ABC.

But of course, let's not forget about the Mac and SWAC Conference Conference Championship, which will be played on ESPN. For more on the SWAC championship, here's Tiffany Green and Jay Walker, guys. Thanks, Kelsey. Well, excitement is running high in Tallahassee as Florida A&M set to host their first ever swag championship. And the Rattlers have had an outstanding season thus far. But Jay Walker, you know that doesn't matter because Prairie View A&M comes in the town and they want a shot at that swag title. Absolutely, you have to.

I mean, anytime you lose to a team during the regular season, all you want is some get back. And I think for head coach Bubba McDowell, he and the Prairie View, Panthers, they want some get back. They've got an opportunity to do it. Conditions are going to be sloppy there in Tallahassee. We know that Florida A&M and head coach Willie Simmons will have the Rattlers ready to complete this dream season. They're one step away from the cricket celebration bowl in Atlanta where they can win their

ultimate prize, which is a cricket celebration bowl national championship. But the job won't be easy for the Rattlers. They've got to defend home turf and what's going to be a fantastic football game. All right, Jay. You know, Ice Cube said a little shake them up, shake them up, shake them. And that's what's happening in the swag, a round of firing. Hugh Jackson, the latest to be let go. Yeah, very surprising move.

You know, the most storied HBCU program in the country is Grambling State. They part ways with head coach Hugh Jackson after just two seasons. They won some games this year, but not enough for the folks down there in GFAM land. So they had to make a change. Surprising to see that they made the move this early. But that's one of the better jobs than HBCU coaching. And also what else is going on in Louisiana? Eric Dooley let go by Southern University prior to the Bayou Classic.

That was a statement firing. Dooley had only been there for two scenes as well. I don't know what's going on in Louisiana, but those are two jobs that I know a lot of people are going to be very interested in. It will be a very active offseason. All right. That sums it up for us now. Kelsey, back to you.

Guys, thanks so much. Don't forget it's a V week here at ESPN when we partner with the V Foundation to highlight the urgent need for cancer research. This is game-changing research that helps save lives. You can join the fight against cancer by visiting v.org slash donate. And remember, 100% of your donation goes directly to cancer research. More college football live on the other side of this break. College Football Live is presented by Dr. Pepper, the one. fans deserve and impart by Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Welcome back to college football live. Here's our featured lineup coming your way starting Friday on ABC, Pact 12 championship at 8 Eastern, then Saturday, Big 12 championship at noon, ACCC championship at 8 Eastern and Sunday. We'll have the exclusive reveal of the college football playoff selection.

Catch it at noon Eastern on ESPN and the app. Let's take a look now with the one. One final team vote brought to you by Dr. Pepper, and 39% of the voters believe Florida State Seminoles should be the final team that makes the college football playoff, followed by Oregon at 31%. The win on Saturday, Florida State will have its third 13 and 0 start in program history. Our analytics give Florida State a 74% chance to beat Louisville a game that you will see on ABC. And the big question this offseason is, who's going to be the next team in that all of these quarter? quarterbacks are landing with. And one of them is Riley Leonard after two seasons as Duke starter

and the departure of his head coach, Mike Elko to Texas A&M. Riley Leonard says he is going to enter his name in the transfer portal. As is Oregon State, DJ Louis Ungle. The second time in his career, he is now headed in a new direction. His career started to clinch him through for over

2,600 yards and 21 touchdowns in his one season, though this season with the Beavers. What's the price you pay though for the best players nowadays? Nebraska's Matt Rule weighs in with his thoughts. Making a mistake that a good quarterback of the portal costs, you know, a million to million five to two million dollars right now. So just just one the same page, right?

So let's make sure we all understand what's happening. So, you know, there's some teams that have six or seven million dollars playing for him. Six or seven million dollars. That's what he said. Six or seven million dollars, you guys. I mean, you got any. eligibility left? You want to go back and play? What do you think about this one, two,

six million dollar price tag we got on some players? I'll tell you one thing. Free agency is one hell of a thing when you don't have a salary cap, ain't it? Not all college football programs are created equal. I would ask this one question, though. Sam, I don't know how you feel. How many of those quarterbacks that are in that portal played like a million dollars? Or two million dollars? Yeah, my response, not necessarily to the question, but even to The comment from that rule is, sure, there might be one or two million dollar quarterbacks, but there's $76 million coaches that are getting that money, regardless of whether they're coaching or not.

And so I think it still comes back down to recruiting and relationships. Think about Dan Lennon. Got a chance to spend time with him at the Pact 12 Media Day last year, the year before last, and he talks about relationships. That's what he's built. And so think about Bo Nix. We love the fact that he's at Oregon right now. Michael Pennix, Jr.

Love the fact that he's at Washington. Jane Daniels, love the fact that he's at LSU. So all these quarterbacks who have transferred, have actually made the game better. And if you're a good enough recruiter and have great enough relationships, it won't matter what the price tag is. It is just interesting. It's such a different college football right now.

I mean, the main question that I have, I got no problem with the players making all kinds of money. But I mean, don't you think here on college football live? Is anybody like, I'm not the quarterback, but like can we find a way to get just the million dollar, a million for you, a million for me, a million for Lou? Because, I mean, something going around. There's some sponsors out there, right?

The donors, Texas A&M, throw some money at us, Anybody from the ACC? I don't know. We'll see. Guys, college football live tomorrow at 5 o'clock. You've also got the PAC 12 championship. Tomorrow on ABC should be a great weekend for college football.