College Football Live - The Pac is Back?

Episode Date: September 12, 2024

Host Victoria Arlen, Sam Acho, Trevor Matich preview some matches that may raise some eyebrows based on how the teams have been playing, with LSU heading to South Carolina and Alabama heading to Madison to play Wisconsin. Plus, Joe Fortenbaugh joins the show to give some of his best bets and Kyle Bonagura joins the show to explain the new additions to the Pac-12. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you're flying Emirates business class, sipping your favorite cocktail at our onboard lounge, you'll see that your vacation isn't really over until your flight is over. Fly Emirates, fly better. Welcome to college football live. I'm Victoria Arlen. It's Thursday. We're going out the tunnel because we have a big news out of the Pack 12 and we'll have the very latest on what these moves mean for the future of college football in just moments.

Plus, our analysts look ahead to the biggest matchups of the week. Are there more upsets in store for week three? And our weekly tradition is back. We give our tailgate tips about what you need to know at your upcoming parking lot party this weekend. College Football Live starts now. College Football Live is presented by Dr. Pepper. We kick things off today with breaking news. The PAC 12 Board of Directors unanimously approved applications from Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State, and Fresno State.

These schools will join Oregon State and Washington State, the remaining two teams in the PAC 12 for the 2026-27 academic year. And we welcome in now ESPN.com writer Kyle Bonagura, who has been working on this story. Kyle, what does this move now mean for the PAC 12? Most importantly, it means the PACTEL will continue to exist. That was certainly has been in question for much of the last year. And even last week when I was talking with Commissioner Teresa Gould, I asked her, you know, what is the likelihood that? the conference will exist after the two-year grace period that they're currently in to give it a chance to rebuild the conference. And she said it was premature for her to even speculate about that. And in conversations

with other sources around the West Coast this morning, you know, this came together very quickly. This week, a lot of the heavy lifting was done in order for the four schools to move over. And now that they have six, they're, you know, very confident that they'll get to the minimum threshold of eight schools to be able to last at the NCAA level. And now, becomes a question of who those other two schools will be, and then at what point do they stop? I think the wide-held expectation is it'll grow beyond that. And I guess the questions now are who will those schools be and how many of them will also make the move? And you mentioned that grace period, that two years. What do the next two years look like for the

Pact 12? Yeah, so this year they have a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West that saw Washington State and Oregon State add an additional six non-conference games against. Mountain West opposition to their schedules. There was negotiations about extending that for next year. Those fell apart really, really over the last couple weeks. And when that didn't, you know, when that process was unable to find kind of a new agreement, that's a little, that contribute to spur, you know, spur forward the, the acquisition of the four schools.

And so they'll play mostly independent schedule next year. And Kyle, we will keep a close eye on this. Thank you so much for joining us. The pack 12 now becomes the latest team reshaping the college football landscape. The six schools will now collaborate on future additions to the conference. From the pack 12 to the SEC Alabama is making a rare trip to the Big 10 country this weekend, squaring off against Wisconsin. This is the only the third time in program history playing a true road game at a

Big 10 school with the first happening in 1928 and the last being in 2011. I have got Sam and Trevor with me in studio, so you know it is going to be a good day. Now, we saw a lot of ranked teams over the weekend have some close calls, including Alabama. So Sam, what concerns you the most about them? They're discontinued, discontinue, in not being integrists, put it that way, on offensive line. Okay. Right? Like they're disintegrated on the offensive line.

You have Tyler Booker, who's a guard playing tackle, did a good job. Caden Proctor, the other tackles, but now maybe he'll come back. So just like the way I try to say that word, that's how their offensive line looked, right? The offensive line was struggling all the way across the board. Just only gave up a few sacks, but it was the tackles for loss. It was a quarterback pressures, the quarterback hits, the quarterback's hurries. That was what was frustrating about Alabama. Alabama, Jalen Miro was outstanding.

Their offensive line can play, but they have to play together. They have to be integrated, not disintegrated as a unit. Yeah, and Sam, that contributed to 13 penalties total for Alabama. And part of the problem was their reaction, their response. response Alabama's offensive line to what the USF defense was doing. That defensive front was moving. They were slanting, stunting. That forces the

offensive line to move their feet. Now here's the problem. If your feet are behind what the defense is doing, you tend to reach out and grab. And that caused a lot of penalties. Nine of their 11 drives in the first three quarters were either punts or turnovers. Those punts,

largely it was because of penalties, sacks, or tackles for loss that contributed to problems and sustaining the drives. A big theme this whole week has been maintaining composure that can help you win those games. Now, the tide is putting their 53 game win streak against unranked non-conference opponents. On the line, it's the longest active streak in FBS and the second longest streak in the AP poll era. All right, we're going to stay in the SEC number 16 LSU opens conference play at South Carolina this

weekend. Sam, with one loss already on record. What do you need to see from LSU in this? game. I need to see their defense play better when it comes to gap integrity. Going back to that word about integrity. Like this defense gave up 150 yards last week versus Nichols. It wasn't a good performance. And it was almost this performance. Okay, you get it. You played USC week one. And, you know, they've kind of played good, more talent. But this game wasn't that. I mean, you saw so many busted assignments,

misass assignments, big plays, long runs that Nichols was able to achieve versus an LSU defense. I have no concerns by LSU's offense, but defensively, specifically against the run. that's where they have to make some significant improvements and make them quickly. Sam, you were a great defender at Texas and then in the NFL. Gap integrity. Yes. What does that mean? It means everyone has a gap, right?

And so people talk about A gap, B gap. And usually for most defenses, everyone's assigned a gap. And sometimes they'll do what's called two gaping, meaning, hey, I want you just to knock them back and you can play off of one of the gaps. Well, gap integrity means that a safety or a linebacker has to fill when an inside, whether it's a defensive tackle or maybe a defensive end is in a different gap. And what's happening for this LSU defense is the safeties and the second level players, as in like not the guys up front, they're going into the wrong gap. And that's why you're seeing big, long gains by not only USC but also Nichols. And that could be fixed easily, right? It's just going back to film and saying, hey, you know what, hey, if he's in the A gap, you go to the B gap.

We don't want two guys in the same gap. That's the issue that you're seeing. This is a three alarm fire game for LSU against South Carolina because they've already got one loss. And with their schedule coming up, if they get two, they must. must win out if they don't win the SEC championship in order to have a chance at an at large bid for the playoffs. And there are some games in there

that are very tricky, including Alabama. And they don't want to have to, oh, miss, they don't want to have to win out after this game. And keep this in mind about South Carolina. They stomped Kentucky's offensive line with tackles for loss and sacks and things like that. And so the

offense of LSU is going to be challenged. And history might be on their side. LSU has won seven straight, against South Carolina since the team's tied in Columbia in 1995. So maybe, I guess we'll see. All right, for the first time in a decade, College Dame Day is headed back to Columbia Catch Reese and Company Saturday morning ahead of South Carolina's huge SEC matchup against LSU.

But let's take a look at our Dr. Pepper Championship Drive game of the week preview. This Saturday, Georgia faces Kentucky in a crucial SEC matchup. head coach Kirby Smart leads the Bulldogs with an astounding 27 straight conference wins, tying the SEC record. Can Georgia extend their dominant streak or will Kentucky pull off a stunning upset? That game wraps up a great SEC triple header on ABC Saturday and it all starts at noon with 16th ranked LSU at South Carolina. And don't forget you can find live sports with where to watch only on ESPN app and ESPN.com, the ultimate viewing guide to live sports. Coming up, after a disappointing loss against NIU,

we discussed what the Irish need to do to bounce back this week at Purdue. That's next. College Football Live is presented by Ice Cold Dr. Pepper. College football. It's a pepper thing. And in part by Inspire. No mask, no hose, just sleep. At Desjardin, we speak business. We speak startup funding and comprehensive game plans.

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This is College Football Live, presented by Dr. Pepper. Welcome back Florida. Starting quarterback, Graham Mertz is back from concussion protocol. But Florida Gators head coach, Billy Napier, didn't tip his hand whether Mertz or freshman quarterback. DJ Lagway will start on Saturday in their SEC opener against Texas A&M. Here's what he had to say Monday on the idea of playing two QBs.

Well, I think that's where the gamesmanship is, right? I don't want to put the playbook on the streets here. But, yeah, I mean, I think ultimately, We intend to, because it's one of our better players, we're going to give him an opportunity to impact the game and contribute to the team. That's our intention. Well, well, well, all right. Let's bring in Joe Fortinbaugh, our sports betting analyst,

who is in Vegas for the very epic noce UFC event going down this Saturday. Live from the sphere, you can check that all out on ESPN Plus. But Joe, before we get to you, Trevor, is this a good idea to play two QBs? Yes. All right. Because the future is DJ Lagway, the freshman, and they need to continue to give him time. Now, we've seen how he can throw the ball down the field and stretch the field in ways that Graham Mertz is not able to do as well. But it's the small details that he did against Sanford when he started last week that impressed me more than anything else.

Now, he's got that big arm. And most people will watch this play and they'll see the throw. Heaves it downfield, hits his receiver, almost perfectly in stride. But let's take another look and see the small details that he does early. On this fake pitch, look at his head. He's looking at the runner. Now, keep looking at his head. He's still looking at the runner with that ball tucked away,

and it delays the transition from playing the run to rushing the passer of these defenders. That's why he had so much time to set up and make that outstanding throw. And then he keeps his head in the game. Most young quarterbacks who are under pressure will see this temptation and take off and run. Just pull it down, but he keeps problem solving him. When that starts to close up, he throws it.

Now look at this goofy throw. He's in the air. He does this a lot. So this ball will probably end up in some random place, right? That's not very random, right? So he's got really tremendous natural talent. He will make freshman mistakes, Joe, but he can stretch the field and the hope for the future right now looks strong. You know, normally when you hear about the increased role of a backup quarterback or a backup quarterback starting out.

right. The point spread is going to move against that team. Look at Utah, for example, dealing with the Cam Rising injury. That point spread's gone from minus 21 down to minus 18. Not in this case. Texas A&M was a four point road favorite. That's come down to three and a half. We've seen Florida money largely because of DJ Lagway. Trevor makes a lot of good points on that. One more that I'd add on top, his ability to make plays with his legs, both in the running game, but also extending plays inside the pocket. Florida has a very shaky offensive line. and if Lagway can use those legs to extend these plays, he can help the passing game. We can add more explosives like we saw last week, and the team's going to have a better chance to matriculate the ball down the field.

I like Florida here. I would take the points in this spot. I like Florida. I also like that Napier recruited Lagway, too. So of course he's not going to give up on him. Now, every game is a big when you're playing in the SEC, but take a listen to what Paul Feinbaum had to say about this game on Always College football yesterday. Well, I think must win is really an understatement. Should Billy Napier fail to win this game and Florida loses, again, I don't see how he can survive. I know that sounds like, you know, we're going for the headline. We're not. We can sugarcoat it all we want, but it's a waste of time.

I mean, he better win this game. I don't think we sugarcoat anything. Now, we've talked quite a bit about how he is in hot water right now. But would you say, Sam, that this is. is a must win game game i can't even talk that's how nervous i am for nefier would you say this is a must win game game for him yeah i don't think it is to be honest victoria it's not a must win gim or a must win game it must win anything and the reason why i'm nervous for him but you don't have to be yeah okay and not only did he come out and looked look okay he looked pretty good i mean looking at

the tape the Trevor just showed i'm like wow there's talent there all of a sudden people want hope right that's what people want for a program where they understand man the schedule is tough this year. They want hope. And so Graham Merck may have been successful, but now you're seeing a peek into and peering really into the future. So even if you lose this game, let's say Lagway plays and plays great, doesn't play well. And he's promising. If DJ Lagway is promising, it gives you some hope for the future. So I don't think by any means to say must win game for Billy Napier. Well, they need some hope because Florida has lost six straight games against FBS opponents since beating South Carolina lost last October. And that's tied for the Gators

longest streak since losing their final nine games in 1979. But a team that is looking for some hope is, well, Notre Dame. They really need a win. They're coming off of a shocking loss to NIU. And they're really trying to rebound. They're facing Purdue this weekend. And when it comes to renewing that rebound or that rivalry, if you will, Trevor, would you say that this is a big win game for them?

It's a big win because, again, their goal. our playoffs and then make noise in the playoffs. And now they've got what may end up being the worst loss in the committee's eyes in terms of all the potential teams that could sneak into that top 12 and that's at home against a group of five team, Northern Illinois.

And what they need to do is get their downfield passing game going. They've only got one completion of 20 or more yards in the first two weeks so the defenses can come up and crowd the line against that young offensive line. That's really bad and they need to get that field stretching ability

cranked up. But some of that Trevor just comes with confidence. I understand. If you watch Riley Leonard, some of it looks like maybe there's that there's that you talk about the injuries. Maybe there's some doubt that's within him. But once you get past that doubt and go to the confidence, you know, Riley Leonard was outstanding last season, pre-injury. And this he got injured and it was a little bit of a struggle. But the confidence in the passing game needs to improve. Confidence from a young offensive line can improve. Mind you got some freshmen starting for the first time, at least earlier in the season. And so as they get more reps, they'll become more confident. And even the defense, which has had a high level of success.

We didn't really see that success last week, per se. But we know who they are. The standard is the standard. So I think all those guys on the defense, Xavier Watts, being one of a measurement Morrison, being another, they know what the standard is. They may not have played to it last week. They'll be back up to it next week. Stock market, sports betting, Girl Scout cookies. You're not going to make money buying high and selling low.

Although now they think about Girl Scout cookies, you'll probably make money. Either way, those thin mince are absolutely incredible. But neither here nor there. Neither here nor there. Point being, I think this is a good buy-low opportunity on Notre Dame. Everyone's checked out after the embarrassment against Northern Illinois. Fine. So the bookmakers adjust the price.

Plus 360 to make the playoffs. When you convert that, what does that mean? It means 21%. So ask yourself, does Notre Dame have a greater than, less than, or equal to 21% chance in making the playoff? I would say greater than. You'll look at the rest of the schedule. They're going to be a favorite in every single game,

possibly with the exception of the USC game. they should be double-digit favorites in eight of those 10 games, and that defense can still play. So ultimately, I'd be buying on Notre Dame right now to make the playoffs. It's a 12-team field, even a two-lost Notre Dame team. I think the committee is going to want them in there. A big thing we do need to see from Notre Dame is Riley Leonard actually throwing a touchdown. He is one of two quarterbacks with zero passing touchdowns and 60 pass attempts this season,

along with Northwesterns Mike Wright, who was actually benched for this weekend. So we shall see. All right, it is time for our weekend lineup brought to you by Wendy's saucy nugs. And rivalry week comes early this season. A trio of great rivalries at 3.30 highlighted by the backyard brawl at 3.30 Eastern on ESPN2. And for the first time since 2015, number 12 Utah faces Utah State in the Battle of the Brothers. So Joe, we love a good rivalry. Which one are you most excited for?

Utah, Utah State. bet here is that it's a low scoring game. I go under 43 and a half. Just came down from this morning at 44.5. It does not look like Cam Rising's going to play. The point spread reflects that. It was 21. It's down to 18. We saw what happened to Utah's offense in the

second half against Baylor last week with no rising. Zero points. Now, if Isaac Wilson, Zach's brother, has a week of practice under his belt, it should be better, but that Utah state team just hung zero at USC. Utah can play defense. I think this is a lower scoring

game, I'd go under 43 and a half. I'm excited for the backyard brawl. I'm excited for West Virginia versus Pitt. The main reason we talked a little bit about some of the players last year, but Des Reed, outstanding. Eli Holstein, the freshman transfer from Alabama, struggling the first half last week for Cincinnati played really great. And then that guy on your screen, Cade Bell, young offensive coordinator, but a brilliant

mind. He's one of the best. He had the number one offense in FCS last year. But when we talked to him, he said, man, I love getting first downs. How do you get first downs? Put the ball in your playmaker's hands. That's Desreys on your screen, 70 plus yard touchdown, punt, return. turn in week one. There's a guy named

Canate Mufffield had multiple touchdowns on that team. And so West Virginia has a, it's going to have their hands full, but I'm excited about the rivalry because you never know how those games end up. Oh, and the hatred. Hatred in a healthy football way. Yeah, we love healthy. It has to be the healthy. That's what we'll say

anyhow, because it's real. Oregon, Oregon State. I can't wait to see this because there's extra juice involved for the beavers. Oregon went off to the riches of the SEC or excuse me the big 10 and left Oregon State to desperate to try to figure out how to make money how to continue with their program.

There's some hope though. They're two and two in the last two years. I mean, Oregon State beats Oregon. And Oregon right now is struggling to run, especially with their interior offensive line. There will be a bunch of angry fire breathing beavers out there to try to take down the duck. So are you rooting for the beavers?

Are you for the fire breathing beavers? Yeah. Well, listen, don't you want to see a fire breathing beaver? You can chop down the tree and roll some more. That's on my bingo card I didn't know existed. Well, with conference realignment, there are chances that we may see certain rivalry games disappear. But we're going to take a break because that's a great note to end on.

All right. Coming up, it's almost time for us to give our tailgate tips to help you out at your team's pre-game bash. Find out what you need to know next. Ford was built on the belief that the world doesn't get to decide what you're capable of. You do. So ask yourself, can you or can't you? Can you load up a Ford F-150 and build your dream with sweat and steel?

Can you chase thrills and conquer curves in a mustache? Can you take a Bronco to where the map ends and adventure begins? Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right. Ready, set, Ford. College Football Live is presented by Ice Cold Dr. Pepper. College Football. It's a pepper thing. Have you ever gone to a tailgate and realized you don't have anything to contribute to the discussion? Well, we here on College Football Live have something for you, and we call it tailgate tips,

where we give you some necessary tips of knowledge to sound smarter and impress your friends every Saturday. You can thank us later. Where have the ball, you wear the ball. You need a better quarterback. That's all. Thank you. Yeah. I need a better. Apparently, apparently the first one did knock the air out of my chest. All right, Trevor, what's your tailgate tips aside from catching football?

You want to see a slippery quarterback, embarrassing defenders. John Mateer, Washington State, averaging 11 yards per carry. Not the passer that Cam Ward was when he was there last year, but as a runner, he leaves guys in the dust. And it is fun to watch. You know what? One team is leaving in the dust. Vanderbilt may be leaving their win total from last year in the dust. If they get a win, if they get a win, it'll be their first three and no start since 2017.

New quarterbacks in town, Diego Pavia, new head coach of the offenses in town, Jerry Kill. And all of a sudden, Vandy is moving. All right, for me, the new Big 12 rivals, Arizona and Kansas State will be meeting this weekend. And this game is not considered a conference matchup for purposes of Big 12 standings. This is because it was agreed before Arizona left the Pack 12. It is, however, important for both teams who are trying to make. make that coveted 12 team playoff. So when you think about it, they're going, pleasantries.

You know, hello, hello. We're not playing for pleasantries. About that pleasant. It's some type of, you know. It means something. Yeah, it's something. It's something. Yeah, you're hoping.

All right. You handle that. That's your job. All right. Enjoy the games this weekend. Trevor, San, Victoria. Thanks for watching.