College Football Live - Time to Get Rid of the Leftovers

Episode Date: December 3, 2024

It was a weekend that left you full on turkey and saying "oh snap and maybe a few other choice words" Welcome in to College Football Live -- Victoria Arlen is Alongside Sam Acho -- Harry Lyles and Pete Thamel to go over Rivalry Week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

38 seconds to go. All going to come down to this. And the kick is good. Michigan stunned. Percy punches this might get ugly. Came up short here again today. Not easy to swallow it all. A stunter at Syracuse. Come from 21 down and take down. That's about as good of a half of football in this environment and a rivalry game. Sark could have hoped for. Texas falls on it. Makes the recovery should secure Texas's spot. The robbery is one thing that is allowed to go. Compete for an SEC championship. Our first year is pretty exciting. Indeed. Welcome into college football live. Now, there was a lot that happened over the weekend that had you saying some choice words, maybe some words that aren't TV appropriate. But I'm Victoria Arlen alongside Sam Macho, Harry Liles Jr. and Pete Thammell. But let's get to one of the reasons that left you saying, oh, snap. Michigan stunned second ranked Ohio State 13 to 10 handing Ryan Day in the Buckeyes, their fourth straight defeat in the rivalry series and ruined the big 10 times. title chances that they were hoping for. Now, Michigan came in as a 20 and a half point underdog, which is the second biggest spread in the rivalry, dating back to 1978, according to our research

group. Now, Harry, what was the most surprising thing that stood out to you regarding this loss? I think it was just the manner in which Ohio State loss. I mean, coming into this game, we know in rivalry week, you have to kind of just throw records out and things of that nature. It felt like this was the most rivalry-proof game of it. the weekend, right? Ohio State came into this one. We know they've got one of the most talented rosters in all of college football. Michigan won 15 games last year, lost most of their roster, lost their coach. So, you know, we came into this year with tempered expectations of Michigan, but the way that Ohio State lost, and it seemed like the way that they were insistent on losing,

was running between the tackles, which their offensive line has been one of their weak spots of their entire team this season. And then you look in the second half, Jeremiah Smith had just two targets in the third quarter and none in the fourth quarter. So to me, it seems I don't even want to call the loss inexcusable, but it's certainly disappointing. And I think if you're Ohio State, look, it's a bad loss. It's tough for Ryan Day. It does not help his 1 and 4 record now against Michigan.

But I think when we put the brackets up and you look at this Ohio State team, their best day matches up with anybody else's best day. They just have to bring it once that time comes. But it is a little bit worrisome, Harry, because what if they're not on their best day? I look at the example of the offensive line that you talked about. The offensive line struggled against Michigan's defensive front. Ohio State couldn't run the ball.

Ohio State was getting sacked. You saw interceptions in the red zone. Interceptions, what we call the black zone, backed up, both of which led to points. You also saw some missed field goals, missed opportunities. If Ohio State continues to play this way, it doesn't matter who they play. They could still get beat, no matter how talented their roster is. And so it seemed as if Ohio State did not meet the moment. Offensive line struggled.

Also, the inconsistencies with the interstances. interceptions at quarterback and also the missed field goals when the pressure mounted. And that largest upset, that largest upset loss since 2017 is going to haunt them for a very long time. But Pete, what's been the vibe around the buck guys since that loss? Well, Victoria, I think Sam used the phrase right, missed opportunity, right? Obviously, Ohio State had an opportunity to end this streak and it didn't happen. And as Sunday came into Monday and now into Tuesday, I've been told that that missed opportunity vibe is now colliding with the fact that there's going to obviously be some opportunity that lies ahead here in the next few weeks. The Buckeyes of scaleback practices this week.

They're looking at this as an opportunity to get fresh, to get a little bit healthier. And look, they could get a shot in the arm come this weekend with a potential home playoff game. Our Heather Dinnich has them ranked sixth in her projected bracket. they could end up, you know, eighth. They could end up ninth, maybe with a road game. Some people have matched up with Tennessee, but they could have an adrenaline jolt soon, finding out where they go in the playoff

and if they potentially have a home game. And at least they don't have to face Michigan this time around. But keeping on the theme of Michigan, this is not uncommon facing a foe like this. In each of Ohio state's last four losses to Michigan, the Buckeyes were ranked in the AP top five. That streak of four straight losses is tied for the most consecutive losses against a single opponent well ranked in the AP top five in each game all time.

But we're going to bring in our expert, Heather Dinnet. It was ranked number two going into the weekend. Now we all know what happened over the weekend. We don't need to keep pouring salt on an old wound. I'm assuming things are going to fall a little bit. How far do you think they're going to fall tonight? Well, I have them projected as the eighth seed in the bracket. That means they would be the last team to earn a first round home game,

which is awarded to team seated five through eight. But I would expect the selection committee to at least have a healthy debate about whether Georgia or Ohio State should be ranked ahead of each other. And I gave the edge to Georgia because of three wins against CFP top 25 opponents, Texas, Tennessee, and Clemson.

Ohio State, though, has two top 10 wins against Penn State and Indiana, so that's why I don't think they will sink much further than I have them projected as the eighth seed. All right, we'll keep a close eye on that. Thank you, Heather. Let's get to our Capital One rewarding performance. So we're going to shift over to Miami.

Former Buckeye Kyle McCord in his Syracuse squad, knocked number six Miami out of ACCC title contention and possibly ended the Hurricanes College Football Playoff hopes by rallying from a 21 and O deficit for a 42 to 38 win on Saturday. Let's welcome in the leader of the Hurricanes head coach, Mario Cristobal, now coach. With all the noise surrounding your team now, how are you keeping your guys focused as you potentially prepare for a playoff run? Our guys are excited. You know, we won 10 games this year and we're really close than the other two games.

And our guys know that we have a really good football team. They've invested a ton into it. And they were working out earlier today. And the energy is like it's always been all year. Just really high. or just ready to go to work. Now, how would you state your case to the committee on why your team should be in the playoff?

Well, with the committee, I would go right to the facts. I think like you're doing anything else in life. And the facts are that our team won 10 football games this year and the two that we didn't win came down to one position, maybe one play. And nowadays, the margins in college football, they're just, they're razor thin, razor thin. And there's actual parity now in college football.

football. You look at the fact that we've won 10, the teams that were, I believe, battling for in that last spot of only one nine. And you look at our opportunities against teams in the SEC. We had one and we won convincingly at an SEC site. And I think the one other comparable game with one of the other teams in contention was a game that we won convincingly in a game that they struggled in. And when you put that all together with the fact that the ACC has a winning record against the big 10th. the Big 12, and that we won our opportunity against the SEC. I think it all points to the fact that a 10-win Miami team with the number one offense in the country,

and actually our offense and total defense are both in the top 25 in the country, one of only 17s, mind you, that have actually qualified underneath that metric. I think Miami is an absolutely perfect candidate to be in the playoff and we're ready to play. And what is that final message you want everyone to know about your mind? Miami squad coach. Well, just look at the tape. Every single game, Miami's either winning or in it all the way to the very end. And not many teams can say that they've done that, okay?

And we are led by arguably the best football player in college football right now with a generational offense and a defense that is in the top 25 from a total defense perspective. So Miami is poised and ready to be on full display in the playoffs. Well said, coach. Look at the tape. Double-digit wins. Thank you for joining us. Thank you very much. Miami is one of the teams battling for a final CFP at large birth. Their chances are down to 24% after its second loss. Now, SMU would be in with a win over Clemson in the ACC championship game. But if they lose, their chances drop to 31%. And we've got a pair of SEC teams, Alabama and South Carolina, battling for a final spot in the CFP. Now, Sam, Miami started out so strong.

How did they get here? Their defense. I mean, Miami's defense struggled mightily down the line. Look at one of the games they lost versus Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech controlled the game, controlled the clock, and controlled the ball. They were running all over Miami defensively. Then go to Syracuse. Again, there was big plays left and right all season long.

Miami has been a team that could put up a lot of points, but they also give up a lot of points. And what ended up hurting them the most in their most recent game was that in the red zone, instead of getting a touchdown, they were held to a field goal. And those three points proved pivotal. And so for me, the Miami defense has been the struggle. Offense has been great. Number one offense, number one passing offense. But defensively, they can't stop anybody.

Yeah, Sam, honestly, I think that leaky defense is part of why Cam Ward's Heisman campaign was going so well because he made up for a lot of mistakes that this team had along the way. I will say this, though, too. This, to me, is not a terrible loss by any means for Miami. Even when you look at the Georgia Tech game, I think schematically there are things that you could look at and say, hey, perhaps they should have defended it differently, given Haines King, couldn't really throw the ball five yards down the field and then had a true freshman quarterback and Aaron Fylo who was playing when they knew they were on obvious passing downs.

But as it relates to Syracuse and Kyle McCourt, this is somebody that told me earlier this year, he is having the most fun that he has had in his college career playing football. he said they just really are playing to win. He said it doesn't matter who gets the football. And he said that has been sort of freeing for him. And even Fran Brown told me when they met with him when he entered in the transfer port. He said, look, I need you and you need me.

And McCourt has been playing because he feels like he has had something to prove because he did not like how things ended at Ohio State. So I say all that to say, I think the Syracuse team is a lot better than people are giving them credit for. And I think that still, despite the two losses that Miami has, I personally would still be putting them in the playoff because we have seen what they can do when Cam Ward is at his best. But the point you made, Harry, is that you said they're not terrible losses, but it's not about how terrible they are compared to maybe the general public. It's compared to the teams

that they're going against. Teams like Indiana, only has one loss to a top five, top, top, you know, end up being a top 10 team, top five team right now. And so then you think about other teams, right? Teams like, let's say Clemson and SMU play, and let's say Clemson wins. Well, now SMU is going to be a two-lost team. one of their losses is going to be to the ACC champion. And so I think Miami's struggle is that there are two losses, at least before this last week, were the two teams that weren't ranked. And so now we've seen Syracuse going to be ranked, obviously, with this win especially,

but that's going to be the struggle for a team like Miami because Tennessee ranked loss as well. You know what could help us with this is Heather. So Heather, what are the chances that Miami makes it into the CFP? Victoria, I love this because Sam and Harry are giving everyone the picture of the committee debate, right? There are two sides to this, and they are talking about exactly the same things. The reason I gave Miami a slight edge and kept them in the bracket this week is based purely on how the committee has acted to this point, and what selection committee chair Ward Manual has said in regards to losses. These are two decent losses, close losses, and when compared against Alabama's three losses,

I mean, that could be the difference right there in the meeting room, but two of those three losses have come to Oklahoma and Vanderbilt, which each have six losses. And being able to score just three points against Oklahoma, those are things that will come up, along with the fact that this committee has made clear publicly. they like Cam Ward and this number one scoring offense. And I will remind everyone of Lincoln Riley's Oklahoma team. I think it was 2019, number one scoring offense and literally the worst defense in the country. You can get into the playoff with those stats.

Can't win it. That's why you're our expert, Heather, and that's why we ask you these questions. And look, the debate is going to be settled Sunday as the final rankings and 12th. team CFP bracket will be revealed on the CFP selection show presented by AT&T. Check it out at noon on ESPN. We're just getting started here on college football live. Pete Famill joins us to give us all the top stories and news going into week 15. Plus who is going to win the Heisman? Get your poses ready. We're going to give you our thoughts on who will be the next to hold the Heisman trophy. This Heisman update is brought to you by

Nissan, premier partner of the Heisman Trophy. Here's a look at the Nissan Heisman Update. Travis Hunter putting an exclamation point on his regular season with 10 catches for 166 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception, and another dominant showing on the ground for Ashton Genty. He ran for 226 yards and a touchdown in a win over Oregon State. And he's got one more chance to prove himself. Now, Sam, is there any chance that Jendi can make a jump this weekend?

end. You can make a jump. I don't think it's going to be high enough to catch Travis Hunter. The great thing about this opportunity is that Ashton Gentie does get one final stage where Travis Hunter is at playing. He gets to play in a conference championship game against their ranked opponent, UNLV. So let's say Ashton Jente runs for 350 yards and scores three touchdowns, like crazy numbers. I think that would be enough to get a couple voters because not everyone has voted yet to maybe change their votes. But if you look at the overall body of work, Travis Hunter, I think has just been a cut above. And so Ashton Jentee's been outstanding. I just don't think it's going to be enough for him to be able to jump over.

Travis Hunter. Outstanding all around. Now, speaking of this weekend, here's this weekend's ABC College Football Conference Championship lineup, kicking things off Friday in the American at 8 with Tulane taking on Army. Then Saturday, Iowa State squares off against Arizona State in the Dr. Pepper Big 12 title game at noon, followed by Georgia and Texas for the SEC Crown. And we end the night with Clemson and SMU for the ACC title. Now let's get to some top stories.

with Pete, starting with some notable players news. What do you got for us, Pete? Well, in that Big 12 title game, Victoria, Arizona State will be out its leading receiver, Jordan Tyson. He has an injured shoulder, and Kenny Dillingham said this week that he's going to be out indefinitely with that injury. That leaves a huge void for the Sun Devils. He's got 71 passes for over 1,100 yards. Those two totals are nearly double the rest of Arizona state's entire wide receiving crew. So look for Sam Levitt to possibly look for Kim Skadaboo out of the backfield. He's the second leading pass catcher for the Sun Devils this season. As for the portal, it's heating up Victoria, and we have USC quarterback Miller Moss officially in

the portal. He told the SPN yesterday that he was planning to enter. And after 10 starts at USC, including the first nine games this season, Moss is in. He's going to have a high profile list of suitors expect things to move quickly with visits starting as early as next week. And then finally, we have our first big NFL draft splash of the year. Luther Burden told me over the weekend that he's headed to the NFL draft. Missouri's store receiver is among Mel Kuyper's top 20 picks. Matt Miller has him sixth overall on his board in the number one receiver. Burden's a St. Louis kid who went to Missouri leaves a legacy as a former top five overall

recruit, staying home and making a huge difference for the Tigers. A big old difference maker right there. What about on the coaching side, Pete? Well, the coaching carousel has me a little bit dizzy right now, Victoria. We've got four jobs open in the power conferences right now. We've got North Carolina, West Virginia, UCF, and Purdue. Again, not exactly a crew of Blue Bloods, but some very good jobs. And that list is obviously headlined by UNC. All eyes are there. this week, Arthur Smith, the Steelers, offensive coordinator who's a UNC grad, is politely turned UNC down. They're looking at college coaches. John Summerall at Tulane has been the top of that

speculative list. Obviously, this time of year, coaching realities meet championship games. Tulane plays for the AAC title game on Friday night. In coordinator news, there was a big move. We reported last night that Ben Arbuckle has finalized a three-year deal to be Oklahoma's new offensive coordinator. He comes from Washington State, where he tutored Cam Ward two years ago. He tutored John Mateer this year. Heck, even his backup went to San Jose State was a very good player this year for San Jose. Look for him to reignite that Oklahoma offense that led to their 6 and 6 record this season. And then finally, Victoria, we've got some sad news.

Dana Dimmel, a longtime coach. He was the head coach at Houston. He was the head coach at Utep. He was the head coach at Wyoming. Passed away in his sleep last night. He was 62 years old. Dimmolas worked for Illinois as an analyst, and this really sending shockwaves through the college football world. He's a former Kansas state player, was a longtime assistant coach and offensive coordinator there.

There are a lot of very sad people around college football, Victoria. Dana Dimmell touched a lot of lives and was really a good man. I got to know him over the years, cover him at different spots. It's just really shocking and sad news today. Of course, our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Dimmell's friends, friends, family, and loved ones. And thank you, Pete. And we'll be right back. Teams. One championship along the line.

The game day crew will be live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Catch Reese and the crew 9 a.m. on ESPN. Now, the practice of winning teams planning their flags was a common theme of a rivalry weekend, with many fights breaking out at a handful of, well, mostly of the games, but also notably between Michigan and Ohio State. Now, both teams were fined $100,000 by the Big Ten. And after their post-game brawl, there was also a Trident at the Arizona State game. Now, when it comes to planting flags or tritons, are we for it or against it, Harry? I'm for it.

You have an opportunity in the 60 minutes before that that action happens to make sure that doesn't happen. And obviously, a lot of teams did not take care of that on Saturday. I think the only thing that I saw this weekend that I absolutely did not like. And I think there's no place for it was the pepper spraying of the student athletes. I think that was a step too far, even though things did get chipped. at the end, I think that there are ways for you to de-escalate that without harming those guys. So everything else I think is fair game. I agree with you, Harry.

I think that the 60 minutes in the game is the opportunity to try and win the game. And then if you lose the game, well, the other team has an opportunity, especially in a rivalry game, to go and plant their flag. And then what you do as a team, as a player on that team, has been the next year trying to get better so that doesn't happen again. And so for me, spend your time trying to defend your turf during the same. 60 minutes of the game, don't go and defend your turf when the game is over when you didn't do it beforehand. I agree with you. I think it's when you can respectfully learn how to lose.

You also learn how to respectfully win as well. All right, we've got one for the road. While he is not here. What we miss him today, our very own Desmond Howard, a proud Michigan alum was celebrating the upset very proudly with the Superman Pose. And this was an upset that had our, our show. show group chat blowing up quite literally all day. And it was a very, very special day. What are your thoughts on it, Sam? Well, first of all, that looked like it was Photoshop.

Des did that a little bit too perfectly. That was real. But no, shout out to Michigan. And shout out to the fact that, yes, you never know what's going to happen in rivalry games, but Michigan was outstanding beating their rival when they probably shouldn't have. It was one that we called at the end. All right, for Sam, Harry, Heather, Pete. I'm Victoria. Thanks for watching.