Transcript
Caleb Call: What's up, everyone? This is Caleb. That's Ben. We're bringing you the first ever Blue vs. Red Holy War pod. Lots of voices in the state. usually tilted to the... blue tilted to the red.
Caleb Call: trying to combine it all into one for a holy war pod this could go terribly me and ben have plenty of disagreements lifelong friends and enemies at the same time But...
Ben: I was going to say. last year i don't think i talked to him for a week after the holy war so
Caleb Call: Yeah, it's ah I had to deal my entire childhood with Utah. just kicking the cougars ass and all of a sudden bou turns it around and Ben's getting a little soft over there with the...
Caleb Call: New King in town.
Ben: Hiya. The only reason I got soft is because we'd make wagers in junior high and he'd have to wear a Utah shirt after Utah beat BYU and he would put a hoodie on over it. That was part of his payment is he'd wear a Utah shirt and then put a hoodie on so nobody could see. so I deserve a little bit of softness.
Caleb Call: Was one year one year I got away with that good Okay. Well, we had kind of a Crazy season and offseason. Kind of funny, BYU and Utah coming into the Big 12.
Caleb Call: Both had five and seven years their first year and then jumped to 11 and two the next year. um obviously bou's had a third year where they went 12 -2 just barely but um 2025 season. both BYU and Utah.
Caleb Call: beat everybody on the schedule besides Texas Tech, and then obviously the Holy War matchup, which BYU won. Both teams record -wise. Could have been playoff contenders, BYU arguably. Should have, obviously, some controversy there with some of the SEC teams that got in.
Caleb Call: but Awesome season for both teams and then the offseason filled with some Coaching mayhem. Utah loses winning cam. maybe loses in the right word pushed him out i don't know if you want to comment in on that ben but Seemed like Winningham might have been kind of forced out a little bit there.
Ben: Yeah, it kind of seemed like he got pushed out. It was one of those things where... I mean, back in like 2021, when they first went to the Rose Bowl, there was rumors that if they would have beaten Ohio State in that game, he was stepping down there. So it's kind of one of those things where.
Ben: five years in the making you're kind of expecting him any of the years to go out and Finally. I mean, there's kind of like. It seemed like a little bit of bad blood. and um But I don't know. You got to have a mix of Utah fans. Grateful for.
Ben: All the years he spent. and at the same time. Some that are kind of bitter about. Him taking a... coaching Coaches, players, stuff like that. and so i ah I think for the majority of Ute fans, though, Morgan Scali is a Ute through and through, and so we're excited about that. Him and the...
Ben: the new offense. ah du The new offense coordinator and the coaches that he brought in.
Caleb Call: Losing Jason Beck is interesting. I feel like losing Whittingham is kind of expected. but Keeping Scali is awesome, obviously. He wasn't going to hang on forever as the head coach and waiting.
Caleb Call: right time to make the move, but then... Losing Jason Beck, losing a bunch of players to the portal might make for a slightly more complicated season this year than it could have been had everyone stayed at home. Who ended up, I mean, who would you say are the biggest losses to Michigan? I know you guys lost a few guys like Buchanan and Snowden.
Ben: Yeah, so JJ Buchanan was big -time freshman recruit he was a tight end that was his recruiting status but he kind of moved to receiver
Ben: and is listed as a receiver. He's actually the starting receiver on Michigan's depth chart. Now, he's a loss, but he didn't actually produce. He kind of came on late, had a big bowl game, but he didn't actually put up big numbers. I think it was 400. roughly 400 yards on the season. So it wasn't a ton of production that they had to replace with him. But then also you lose. the current mayor of sack lake city john henry daly he uh
Caleb Call: Is he still the current mayor while he resides in Michigan?
Ben: Yeah, he led the team with 11 in it. I... I think he's the current mayor. so um it'll be interesting the defensive line is a little bit uh up in the air so I don't think there's a front runner right now for...
Ben: somebody to take him. take his spot but uh you got like Ethan Day from North Texas and some other guys and um that might have a shot there to do it but He's gone, and then they lost Snowden to Michigan as well. and Um,
Ben: Das Teo. Tuh. UCLA and I think Just ah in general. I mean, like lost a big time. Recruit. from the state of Utah, Salisi Mola. He was...
Ben: ah He actually was enrolled in Utah and then kind of last second switched to Michigan too. So there was a few losses. um Big thing was we lost a offensive line coach, Jim Harding to Michigan too. and We had our highest recruit ever.
Ben: Kelvin Obott, we kind of thought. there's a chance he's going to go to Michigan too. and Luckily, his high school coach was high. He's former U, top 10 draft picked by the Panthers.
Ben: And he ah he was able to keep them. in Salt Lake. And so that was a big time gig because that's the highest, he's the highest ranked Utah recruit ever. And so. um The two highest offensive line recruits before that for Utah were ah Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano, and they were both just drafted in the first round this year. so big uh big shoes to replace so um obots the the next highest recruit or he's the highest ever, but.
Ben: Those two are the next. Next to highest that. It's going to be hard shoes to fill. and so um that was kind of a big big keep in the in the coaching carousel, losing the offensive line coach and being able to.
Ben: Kind of. keep him and hopefully It'll be interesting to see. he's He's not officially named the starter. I think he's listed on the. as the backup right now so it'll be interesting to see if he uh he actually can fight and want a job, but.
Caleb Call: It's funny, my whole life. You could always count on two things from Utah. they're gonna beat the crap out of you on the offensive line and on the defensive line. And it feels like right now those are the two biggest question marks on the team that you'd have are the offensive line and the defensive line.
Ben: mm -hmm
Caleb Call: Lose all five starters from last year's team, which had... Probably one of the three to five best offensive lines in the country. And then, obviously, Logan Fano. John Henry Daly, both BYU transfers, mind you. Both of them wreaking havoc last year. Both of them are gone now. so it'll be interesting to see i feel like
Ben: Yeah.
Caleb Call: obviously you're going to have a new head coach. And so there's going to be some change there, but then also it's going to be. weird to see the utah trenches be a question mark going into the year and so it'll Kind of excited to see, probably not the first game against Idaho, but week two against Arkansas to see.
Caleb Call: If the offensive and defensive line are. up to par compared to what they were last year probably won't be as good last year but they can still be good enough to help the skill position on offense and the linebackers and DBs that you guys have that are Should still be good this year. and Kind of ran out of team. On the BYU side, obviously... There was some drama with Kalani. still a drama with kalani you know eight months later him and Ryan Santiago still butting heads a little bit.
Caleb Call: um but
Ben: Yeah, big news today.
Caleb Call: Yeah. Thankfully, BYU managed to keep Kalani. maybe against Brian Santiago's wishes. Keep Kalani. They lose Jay Hill to Michigan. Brian might have wanted it the other way, but who knows?
Caleb Call: Regardless, J Hill is gone. Kalani stayed. One of the most surprising things to me this offseason for BYU was... that Losing Jay Hill, they managed to keep every single player on the roster. there was a a little bit of a worry there that we were going to lose Evan Johnson or Faletel Satawala out to Michigan. Both of them were talking with them. They lost their position coach, Gennaro Guilford, as well to Michigan. But the whole defense stayed home.
Caleb Call: big part of that is because we promoted from within with kelly papinga he was able to Keep the team together and kind of rally around. And obviously having a good season last year with a lot of momentum going into this year probably helps with that.
Caleb Call: As far as the defense goes. I don't think that Kelly is going to... make too big of a difference this year compared to Jay Hill last year. Jay Hill, obviously, is kind of seen as the mastermind and a big reason why BYU has had as good of a team the last two years as they have. And it's hard to say. how much of that impact is Jay Hill and how much of that impact was.
Caleb Call: getting better players because they're in the Big 12 now. An underrated piece of the pie that stayed as well is Gary Anderson. he was at big park last year he was in the booth next to jay hill And he's going to. still stay on the staff here with. ah Kelly Papingo as well.
Caleb Call: The offseason. Two years in a row now that we've had some. honor code slash misconduct situations. quarterback two years ago with Jake Ratzlaff and this year Parker Kingston under the microscope. and Thought there might have been a chance he could have played this year. Didn't end up working out that way. and so Biggest question mark for this BYU team, I mean, last year.
Caleb Call: The passing game was not great. And I think that was more Bear's fault than the receiver's fault. but by the end of the year. I've Besides the Texas Tech games, Texas Tech's defense was amazing. Bears struggled in those games big time for sure.
Caleb Call: But, I mean, against Iowa State and against Georgia Tech, BYU had no run game. LJ Martin didn't play in either game. Barrett slinging it over 300 yards in both games, put up plenty of points.
Caleb Call: But this year. The receivers are a big question mark. You've got Kyler Casper from Oregon. How's he going to do? It's hard to say. He was injured every year he was at Oregon. JoJo Phillips, is he finally going to step up and be a reliable receiver? He was injured for most of the year last year as well. You've got true freshman legend Glasker, who's kind of been the talk of camp this year.
Caleb Call: Wasn't a huge recruit. but he's somebody that the coaches trust. he was Maybe not as big in the recruiting rankings as he should have been. um The coaches, he was one of their... prize recruits this off season.
Caleb Call: And then you've got just a bunch of... solid players who haven't performed ah super well for BYU yet. Tiger Bachmar, Tate Nakua. So we'll see. I feel like receiver is a big question mark. but the I feel like the offense, the best thing that they did this offseason besides keep LJ and Bear in place.
Caleb Call: was go get the two tight ends, Walker Lyons and Roger Saliabaga. I would not be surprised to see 12 personnel or even 22 personnel on the field pretty often this season.
Ben: To go along with that, i I'd be curious from ah from a Utah perspective. i I've always thought Jay Hill was really underrated as a coach. and I actually sent you a text right when it there was like that one night where.
Ben: It seemed like Kalani was going to go to Penn State. It was like reported from the national media outlet that Kalani was out.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: And I actually texted you. I was like, I think BYU is better off. I think the best coach on their staff is Jay Hill. And then I. It ended up kind of switching. where Kalani stayed, and then J. Hill obviously follows Witt to...
Ben: to michigan So I'm interested to see the defense. And i I think it took that first year he took over the job. I think that was BYU's five and seven year.
Caleb Call: yeah
Ben: And. And then he kind of turned, it took him year two where the defense was legit. and yeah I'm curious to see if... I mean, obviously systems probably. the same or similar.
Ben: with Papinga, but I'm curious to see. I think Jay Hill's really underrated, and i I'd be curious to know and see how the defense... does if it takes a step back because of because no jay hill anymore so
Caleb Call: It's one of the things that's tough to quantify because I... I think that J Hill probably. is a better X's and O's coach than Kalani in a lot of cases. Kalani is like the face of BYU. There could not be a better representative of BYU than Kalani. And he's built this culture. where in the portal era when teams are turning over their roster every year where we kept every single starter from last year besides kids who went to the NFL.
Caleb Call: And that's with a bunch of coaching turnover. And. Obviously, I still trust Kalani as an X's and O's coach. He was great under Witt. Maybe there's an argument for how much of that was Witt versus Kalani as DC. Who knows?
Caleb Call: but Yeah, I think that that's fair that Jay Hill probably is a better X's and O's coach. but If we had lost Kalani and kept Jay Hill, what does the roster look like?
Caleb Call: KJ Hill. Have the talent come to Provo and stay in Provo long term I honestly don't know. if If I had to guess, if Kalani would have left to Penn State. I'm not sure what Aaron Roderick does. He might be the Utah offensive coordinator right now, had Kalani left.
Caleb Call: um Jay Hill, obviously he probably goes to head coach and maybe Kelly still gets the promotion. I bet you we lose a lot of our defense. I bet you we lose a lot of our offense to Penn State. I wouldn't be shocked if BYU would have gone through an offseason similar to Iowa State. where you lose your coach and you lose your roster. and Who knows how Iowa State's going to do this year. but Thankfully, that doesn't happen to BYU.
Caleb Call: I think Kalani keeping him, obviously, was important. I think J Hill could have been great. as the head coach a little part of me wanted to see what he could have done But... I'm not going to complain about the offseason that we had. I think that it's awesome, and there's still potential in the future if Kalani ever does leave that Jay Hill could still get a promotion to BYU as head coach.
Ben: Yeah. Jay Hill, it was kind of interesting. as the I feel like BYU kind of kept their guys, even with Jay Hill there. and Utah seemed to, even with Scali as the DC into the head coach.
Ben: They lost a ah chunk of their defensive guys. So it would almost like I would have probably thought it would have been the opposite where. Scali would have been the guy. to keep most of his guys. and And Hill would have been the guys to take more of his guys, but it kind of ended up being switch wit, pulled a couple of the defensive guys with him. and And Hill didn't actually pull any more, you guys. so That's a, yeah, it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out. and i'm curious i'm I'm interested to follow. ah Michigan, we got a little Utah BYU tie there. and so It'll be.
Ben: the next two three years see how long it takes them to really get that system up and running and Hopefully. I guess for Michigan's sake, hopefully going the right direction back from the mess that it was with Sean Moore.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: but
Caleb Call: Yeah. At the very least, Kyle Whittingham, Jason Beck, and... Jay Hill, three active members of the... lds church they should but at least be able to morally get michigan on the street in there we'll see if they can uh improve their win -loss record from last year. Michigan had a decent team. and I feel like...
Caleb Call: Their roster should be good. I'm excited to watch them too, like you said. Kyle Whittingham, the way he coached at Utah, the way Jay Hill coached the defense at BYU. it feels like that's a good fit for michigan stylistically what they like to do I can't wait to see Michigan go play teams like Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State this year to see how...
Caleb Call: our old coaches do out there in the Big Ten.
Ben: So I just lost you there. Now there we go.
Caleb Call: No word. I'm just talking about Michigan and following them into the Big Ten. um 2026 schedule for BYU in Utah. I feel like it's two very different stories for the two teams.
Caleb Call: We'll go through this just kind of game by game for BYU. You start with Utah Tech. Arizona both at home Go to Colorado State. Not very often you have. Power four team going out on the road to a G5 school. Don't mind it happening. Colorado State's an Old Mountain West rival. Fun game.
Caleb Call: And again, early by. and go to TCU come back home and host Iowa State. Go to Notre Dame. at UCF, ASU, at Utah. Baylor at Kansas Cincinnati.
Caleb Call: Um, probably the four biggest games there you got Arizona early at TCU early, Notre Dame right in the middle of the year, and then you got at Utah late. Maybe ASU ends up being the big game.
Caleb Call: But really. All the big games seem like they're kind of early and in the middle of the season. And they happen pretty quick for BYU. It's not the same case for Utah, really at all. If you want to give us a rundown of the Utah schedule and kind of go over the... runway that Scali has.
Ben: Yeah, so I think this is the perfect schedule for Utah for a new coaching staff and also ah an offensive line that. getting five new guys on it. And so. You've got Idaho to start, and then you're going you got hope you're hosting three games to start the year. You've got Idaho, Arkansas. Utah State.
Ben: And then you go at Iowa State. You just lost Matt Campbell. Home against Kansas. And then. at Colorado. And so that's the first six games of the year. I feel like. I mean, as ah as a Utah fan needing...
Ben: Needing a ah good start with the new The new coaching staff, the new off offensive line, even a defensive line.
Caleb Call: Couldn't have asked for a better runway than that.
Ben: Good. Couldn't have asked for a better one. and
Caleb Call: It reminds me of what...
Ben: I mean, and then you
Caleb Call: BYU had last year with Bear Bachmeier starting. He had a long runway before the big game started, and it gave him time to kind of get acclimated, and I feel like that's a big reason why BYU. was able to have the success they did later in the year.
Ben: Yeah, I couldn't agree more. I actually wrote this down. This is BYU's first five games last year. Portland State, Stanford. ECU. Colorado, West Virginia, all those teams were Not very good last year. And I guess ECU was all right as a G5, but.
Ben: um Those five teams, they, I mean, Bear Bachmar, you got a true freshman quarterback having to come in. He got the experience he needed to. to kind of get BYU going. You could argue that if their first six games switched.
Ben: BYU might have gone 8 -4. like without the without the experience, but. You flip, you get them rolling and then. Now he's more experienced against. the tougher games. and I mean, that sixth game, they...
Ben: They kind of snuck it out at Arizona. and then they They went and got Utah home. and Then they just kind of got rolling after they, besides tech, they... Take care. took care of everybody. And so I think for Utah, it's those six games to really get the offensive line.
Ben: ready to go and um big 12 ready so that they're ready to make a run and um after the After those six games, they get... ah their first ranked. Game on the schedule they get Houston and Houston should be tough this year But it's nice.
Caleb Call: I love Willie Fritz what he's doing over there.
Ben: It's in Salt Lake City. Yeah, Houston should be tough. ands ah So that will be the first tough game, but you get six games to kind of prep for it. and figure your identity out really and then now you're sitting there and
Caleb Call: And you get them coming to Salt Lake, probably a night game.
Ben: Mm hmm.
Caleb Call: It's going to be an environment that. definitely favors the utes there
Ben: Yeah, so that's a big Utah. It's a big home game. So that's a nice thing. And then after that, you go at Cincinnati with.
Ben: Um, as their eighth game before the Holy war. And so The nice thing is the Holy War is in Salt Lake too, so they're two biggest games. through nine games are both at home. And so um couldn't have asked for a, I mean, you couldn't have scheduled it better for Utah fans. And then it's kind of like, I, it looks like a three game, like a really big three game stretches. The starts with home against BYU. Then you got two big road games in a row. You go at Arizona at TCU.
Ben: And so those would be tough because I mean, right after the Holy war, it's. I mean, rivalry games are always crazy. Anything can happen in those. And a lot of energy goes into those. And so you never want to lose a trap game to Arizona right after. And Fifita's had Utah's number the last ah two matchups they've had. they've They've beaten. Two ranked Utah teams. Utah was a top 10 team one time when he came into Salt Lake and beat them.
Ben: We went to. Arizona a couple years back to like three years ago and when Fafita was the quarterback. and he He took it to Utah. So he's 2 -0 against Utah. So that's the game we're following, the the Holy War. So that's a big one. and And then you end the year at home against West Virginia on that Thanksgiving week on that we play a Friday game. and so uh short week but it's home so you feel pretty good about the schedule you have Six.
Ben: Six, what seems like pretty light games to start and you're going. um Home against Houston, got like a... a kind of a cushion at Cincinnati. And then you got that three game. stretched down the road. so um it's I mean, as a Utah fan, I couldn't have asked for it to be drawn up any better, and I'm excited about it. and I know we're talking.
Caleb Call: Normally with the...
Ben: a
Caleb Call: As I said, normally with a new head coach.
Ben: Normally.
Caleb Call: You know, you don't expect great results year one, but you're hoping year two, year three, that's where you really get to kind of. you know experience some of the highs of the new coach. Utah almost kind of has to do it this year because we were going over it. The other day, the 2027 schedule was kind of loaded. Utah has to go away from home and play.
Caleb Call: Miami. Take. BYU, ASU, Kansas State, and that's just their road schedule.
Ben: The nice thing Miami is in Vegas, so it is away from home, but it's close -ish.
Caleb Call: So.
Caleb Call: It'll be a partially home game for sure.
Ben: Yeah, it's a neutral game, but it's in Vegas.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: It's a nice little – Utah usually travels well to Vegas. so Yeah.
Caleb Call: It'll be interesting to see like Obviously with the five for five rule. there's a chance that you've got Devin Dampier coming back for another year for 2027 as well. The five for five even opens up like LJ Martin for BYU.
Caleb Call: It'll be interesting to see the ramifications of that across college football. But obviously with the Big 12, there's a lot of players that have the chance to. I think Avery Johnson and Noah Fafita are a couple that can play another year, too. so Guys, we thought we were going to go into their last year like Dampier. Obviously, they have another year here now.
Ben: Yeah. And I owe money to makes it so there's. Reason to stay, so.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: All right, over -unders. We're going over -unders on these schedules. Utah, BYU, both eight and a half. So walk me through BYU's eight and a half and how you're feeling on ah on their over under this year.
Caleb Call: Eight and a half.
Caleb Call: I'm going to go game -by -game for BYU. This one's pretty easy. Utah Tech at home. Blow them out. Nothing to talk about Arizona at home. I feel like. is going to tell me a lot about the wide receivers. Arizona had an amazing secondary last year. The first passing touchdown they gave up on the whole season was weak.
Caleb Call: six against BYU. um They lost. for members of the secondary to the NFL. So I don't know how they're going to rebound. But the coaching should still be solid, and I feel like that'll be a good test to see where these wide receivers are at.
Caleb Call: That being said, I think that LJ and Bear can get it done against Arizona and Provo. If that were in Tucson, I'd be more worried about it. You go to Colorado State. Should be a win. if That's not a win. You should be very concerned I still think it'll be a solid challenge.
Caleb Call: But. I don't think that's a game that BYU should lose Going to TCU after the bye. terrifies me. tcu for our byu and probably utah fans too we got some nightmares in the mountain west days I remember...
Caleb Call: As a kid. Getting all excited to because BYU was undefeated in 2008. playing against TCU. and getting absolutely blasted for our first loss of the season.
Caleb Call: 2009. We were ranked super high. We'd beat Oklahoma that year. Super excited to play TCU. I can't remember which year. One of those two years we hosted College Game Day. It was 2009. We got blasted again.
Caleb Call: 38 -7 and 32 -7. and then BYU's first year in the Big 12. We've just beaten Texas Tech. We're feeling great. We go to Dallas against TCU, who is down. a true freshman probably haven't heard of him josh hoover new quarterback for the uh defending champs.
Caleb Call: Josh Hoover comes out his first ever start and just destroys BYU. Another 30 -point blowout. So this trip to Dallas has me a little worried. I think if there's a game, BYU loses. in conference.
Caleb Call: I think TCU is probably the most likely them or Utah kind of. Both right there. I'm going to say win against TCU. Beat Iowa State. and then you host Notre Dame.
Caleb Call: Spreads 10 points. I think BYU covers. I think they lose. I don't think that. BYU will be able to produce enough offense to keep up with Notre Dame if I had to guess somewhere like a 23 -17 kind of game where BYU just couldn't get enough red zone opportunities to win.
Caleb Call: It's going to be one. The Texas Tech games last year, you could almost argue that field position and special teams play cost BYU the game. I think small things like that are going to have to really swing BYU's way to be able to beat Notre Dame. I'm going to call that one a loss. but Again, it's Provo. If we can get that game at night.
Caleb Call: Maybe the vampire goose can come out and do it. um at UCF right after the Notre Dame game. That's a win. If we beat Notre Dame, I would be more tempted to call it a loss because of coming off the high and then going across the country.
Caleb Call: ASU on Halloween right before the Holy war that's a Sneaky game. I think BYU wins to that one. And then the Holy War at Utah. I think Bear Bachmeier is just destined to beat Utah every year. He's at BYU. The main question is how many times is he going to put?
Caleb Call: Benny on a highlight reel. Last year he had the hurdle and dragging him five yards into the end zone. I'm thinking we might get three of those kind of plays this year. um BYU, for the first time in...
Caleb Call: Probably 20 years beats Utah by double digits in Salt Lake City And then they closed the year with three. trap games in a row. You can't really call it a trap game when there's no big game after, but you get Baylor at Kansas, Cincinnati.
Caleb Call: None of those teams should beat BYU. But if you're sitting there with your playoff life on the line, you're sitting there at. 8 -1 going into that stretch. Those games are brutal. And we learned in 2024 with that Kansas game and then the ASU game that...
Caleb Call: You can't take anything for granted. I think BYU wins all three of those games, but... That road trip to Kansas in late November, I guarantee you every single BYU fan is going to be sweating that one out because of what Kansas has done to us in recent memory.
Caleb Call: So I got BYU at 11 -1. I think that the TCU road game is probably the win that I. would most... um Most likely switch to a loss if I had to add a loss to there. But I'll go 11 -1 for BYU at the Big 12 Championship appearance.
Caleb Call: Probably against Texas Tech. I'll let you run through BYU and then I'll go do Utah after.
Ben: Okay, BYU, I got a... um I got him one in. Like you said, big against Utah Tech and then Arizona. Um, I mean, you had that double overtime game last year.
Ben: um down in Arizona. So you got. I mean, Fafita should be a tough game. This one in Lavelle Edwards. I'm going to leave BYU. I'm going to give BYU the edge there.
Ben: And then at Colorado State. I'm going to give them Starting up 3 -0. This TCU game is kind of a trap game. i I was kind of seeing early odds, and one of the early odds is BYU actually has a... Uh... a short dog actually in this TCU game.
Ben: Um, I probably would go TCU in a normal week, but coming off a bye week, I'm going to give them two weeks of prep. Um, I'm going to give BYU the edge again. to um
Caleb Call: This week zero game against North Carolina, I feel like getting to see Jaden Craig and just the team as a whole, new offensive coordinator.
Ben: to start 4 -0.
Ben: Yeah.
Caleb Call: I feel like that would give me a good feel for what to expect for TCU, but they definitely have me nervous. That's going to be a tough road trip.
Ben: They dominated Belichick's opener last year, his debut in the college.
Caleb Call: Yeah, no kidding.
Ben: So it'll be curious I'll be curious to see how it goes. but i i think ah I probably would lean. In Fort Worth, I'd probably lean TCU in a normal week, but... Give them bye week in between. I'm going to give BYU the edge there. And then Iowa State, no Matt Campbell again. and i'm I'm going five and O into that Notre Dame game. And I, ah I see Notre Dame as kind of like a.
Ben: ah juggernaut this year. I i think they're... a physical team that's going to be able to kind of impose its will on. any of their opponents. And so I've got a, I've got BYU hanging around for a little bit, but I, I got it being a two score game.
Ben: um When it's all said and done, 10, 13, 14 -point game. And so I got BYU's first loss at Notre Dame. er against Notre Dame. and in uh
Caleb Call: There's a reason they're the Vegas preseason favorite to win the championship.
Ben: LaBelle Edwards. Yeah.
Caleb Call: CJ Carr, preseason Heisman favorite. That. is a game that would have been great last year when CJ was a freshman and maybe they were more vulnerable. But. All right. Yeah, Notre Dame and Provo, that might be the best team to ever play in Provo. I know we played Miami back in the 90s, and they were amazing as well. but this Notre Dame team could win the championship.
Ben: Yeah, they're good enough too. And so I think that's a, I mean, BYU's, I mean, they got LJ Martin back, they got Bear back. They, I mean. day. kept a lot of those defensive guys from transferring. and so They definitely got a team to do it, but I think Notre Dame just.
Ben: Fourth quarter pulls away, two -score game late. I think it's a good game for a while. but um That UCF game's a trap game late. right after the Notre Dame game.
Caleb Call: Absolutely.
Ben: i ah I still, I'm going to give BYU, BYU kind of. had this voodoo magic last year. They kind of just escaped all their close games. Like they even had a game. I think it was, was it in Boulder last year against Colorado? They escaped that one.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: Escape to Arizona.
Caleb Call: Last year, BYU had seven games that they either traveled trailed by double digits. or trailed by it trailed in the fourth quarter. And they went six and one in those seven games.
Ben: Yeah, so I'm going to give Kalani and kind of the the benefit of the doubt on those. Even though I think it's a trap game, they're probably i don't think they I don't know what the line is going to be, but I don't think they cover that game. I think UCF makes it close, but I think BYU ultimately. uses their uh
Ben: They're close game magic to win that one. And then I got them beat in Arizona state. um in provo i i think arizona state's gonna be all right but in provo i think They'll take care of business. And so really going into the holy war, you're sitting at, what is that? Three, four, five, five and one, six and one, seven and one. So you're sitting at seven and one going in to Salt Lake. and Um,
Ben: Salt Lake is, it's a different. um beast when they were five and seven last uh last time byu came down two years ago um they kind of gave them all they could handle with that was a pretty I think that Utah team was on.
Ben: quite a losing streak going into that one so they'll be up for it it'll be um They're actually a slight favorite early already. over uh over byu i think i got him knocking him off this year and um In Salt Lake, they're going to.
Ben: They're gonna send the The... the fans home happy this time, but. um
Caleb Call: I went home happy last night in Salt Lake, I'll tell you that.
Ben: So I think
Caleb Call: I expect to again this time.
Ben: Yeah, I... ah the The game was, everyone had already celebrated the win and it was crazy. Like the fans went from complete. ah A medlum to... Like her.
Ben: screaming about the refs. And so it was kind of, I think this time they're going to, they're going to go home happy with the Senate and BYU seven and two and down the rankings a little bit. and I think that's going to kind of be the the shutout that kind of eliminates them from the college football playoff contention there at seven and two.
Caleb Call: But the holy war this year in most years is gonna almost be a playoff elimination slash Big 12 championship elimination game.
Ben: yeah
Ben: Yeah, it ended up being it last year. So winner of the holy war was who got to
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: go to arlington and so I hope. Big 12 championship game on the line last year. I think it's the same thing this year. I think winner of the Holy war makes it to the. the big 12 championship game. and i
Caleb Call: We should pause here for a second and just talk about how annoying it is that this game is not on rivalry week.
Ben: I got you, Todd. I got you.
Caleb Call: I still think last year.
Ben: I know. It's got to be.
Caleb Call: If you would have had 10 -1 BYU in 10...
Ben: BYU's in if it's the last week of the season last year, for sure.
Caleb Call: Utah. Absolutely. Utah's probably ranked ahead to be BYU because they were blowing teams out. I bet you you got 10 -1 Utah around. Peace.
Ben: Mhm.
Caleb Call: BYU probably a spot or two behind them. And you could even make the argument that BYU beat Utah as close as they did. I don't think Utah makes the playoff in that case. But they probably don't fall back as far as they do. They probably sit around and are right there with Notre Dame, Miami, and that kind of mess right outside the playoff.
Caleb Call: The timing of that game was tough because... BYU didn't get the appropriate credit for beating a Utah team that ended 10 -2. Utah was ranked 23rd and fell out after the loss. the timing It's hard to make a perfect timing for any game, and I understand not wanting to have your contenders get late -season losses.
Caleb Call: But I think getting a late season big win. And it's it's rivalry week. That's when the game is supposed to be played.
Ben: Yeah, it's It was a 10 and one BYU, 10 and one Utah. You could argue they're both borderline top 10. I think last year. at the time with how Utah was beaten and everybody like they killed Cincinnati, who was ranked at the time. You probably have like a. 9th or 10th ranked Utah.
Ben: going into Provo against like 11th or 12th ranked BYU. And that probably puts them in with a win against a top 10 team. And so I agree with you. I think that game's kind of a, especially when Utah and BYU are like they are right now. And I i imagine they're probably going to be.
Ben: in this competitive. they'll be toward the top of the big 12 most years. And so I, yeah, it's one of those ones where I think it'd be kind of a, it's almost feels like a play in game. So I, I think it would help the big 12 more than it would hurt them, but.
Ben: Um, so that one, I got, it I got BYU, um, drop in Salt Lake and then. Um, I think I got Kansas a little down, or I guess Baylor's next. Baylor and Cincinnati. the two last home games. And then at Kansas, I got him taken care of all three of those. I, I think. BYU. Goes 10 -2, loses to Notre Dame, loses to...
Ben: utah They finished 10 -2, which... similar to last year which hits the over by
Caleb Call: Another chance for a Pop -Tart win.
Ben: And another Pop -Tart win. Yeah, we got Kalani doing his thing on the the stage again. and
Caleb Call: oh yeah
Ben: um so So now you're sitting at – so I think 10 -2. I think you're sitting in about where Utah was last year in the college football but playoff. around 15 ish
Caleb Call: somewhere 14 to 16 ish yeah
Ben: Yeah, and so that that keeps BYU just out. and But that's what I got for the Cougs this year.
Caleb Call: Yeah, I feel like... Both it seems like you mentioned they feel It feels like them and Texas Tech. have kind of separated themselves texas taking more so just because of their recruiting and NIL advantage that they've got. Shout out Cody Campbell for what he's willing to do today.
Caleb Call: Get his Texas Tech Red Raiders. relevant. As far as Utah goes this year, like you said, they've got the – The Great Runway. I cannot wait to see the trenches for Utah. specifically the offensive line they uh well We'll give you a little pop quiz here How many yards per carry do you think that they averaged? their two Rose Bowl seasons, and how many yards per carry do you think they averaged this last year that just happened?
Ben: The two Rose Bowl seasons. So you got. Well, I think there was ten for both years I think.
Caleb Call: Tevion Thomas, Mekhi Bernard kind of leading the way for both those teams.
Ben: Yeah. What was, you said how many yards per carry?
Caleb Call: yards per carry as a team.
Ben: Is that what the question was?
Caleb Call: So that's going to include quarterback carries and stuff too, just as a whole.
Ben: Let's go. Four. let's Let's go four and a half both the Rose Bowl seasons. And then last year, it was crazy. bird electric runs, Dampier making some crazy runs.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: I'm ready. I'm going to jump it up to, let's say. Six and a half. for the last year's season
Caleb Call: Last year, 6 .2. Not far.
Ben: Okay.
Caleb Call: Two Rose Bowl years were like 5 .0 and 5 .3 thereabouts.
Ben: okay
Caleb Call: And then every year for like the last five or six besides those three seasons, Utah was sitting at about. four to four and a half yards of carry. So obviously the 6 .2 is a huge outlier. Insane offensive line to pair with a good running back and two awesome running quarterbacks with Parker and Bert Ficklin.
Caleb Call: Keep all three of those guys. but the entire offensive line is new. I feel like. the story of this Utah team. is probably going to be completely dependent.
Caleb Call: on how they run the ball this year. Devin Dampier is who he is as a passer. He's good. He can have electric moments. but probably not the most consistent if he's thrown into... traffic He had a great year last year, and I feel like the running game is kind of why he was able to get wide open windows passing because teams were focusing so much on the run game.
Caleb Call: I'm going to go out and say Utah probably still averages. more than five yards of carry. But I think that... Against teams that have a competent enough defense to limit the run without having to stack the box.
Caleb Call: I could see some struggle. um my My Utah game -by -game prediction here, I'm going to go with... Big win against Idaho. I think that won kind of like the Wyoming game last year. I wouldn't be shocked if you go into halftime a little worried, like, oh, what's going on here? Idaho's a good FCS program. I think Utah still ends up winning. Bye. 28 plus You get Arkansas at home.
Caleb Call: making Arkansas play late at night. Their athletic director was crying about it because they had to go play Georgia six days later. but I think he's going to go home crying. I think Utah wins that game probably by two to three scores.
Caleb Call: Utah State, Bronco Mendenhall, Robert and I have another chance to go and beat Utah. I do not think they do it. I think that one ends up being an easy win. I don't think Utah starts 6 -0, and this is where it gets tough because the Arkansas game, Iowa State, Kansas, Colorado.
Caleb Call: I think one of those four games bites them, and it's hard to call which one. I'm gonna give it to Iowa State. Bringing in their coach one year at Washington State over at North Dakota State before then.
Caleb Call: i think that i mean what Washington State last year, they ran the ball more than anyone in the country. they are going to be playing a burn the clock kind of game. And that's the kind of game where if you have one or two turnovers and Iowa State's able just to capitalize and get.
Caleb Call: Seven to ten points that they weren't expected to all of a sudden you could be sitting in the fourth quarter and it's a 13 to 13. field goal wins it. I'm going to call Iowa State on the road a loss for Utah.
Caleb Call: Again, I think Utah's the better team, but I just think that one of these teams, first -year head coach, might have some... you know, coaching gaffes they might want to. get back later. I'm going to call the Iowa State game a loss.
Caleb Call: beat, Kansas Go to Colorado. Whoop Deion's butt. He might not even be coach at this point. I don't think Deion's going to make it out of this year. Then you get Houston. in salt lake houston probably has one loss to texas tech maybe two by the time this game happens Not sure they'll be ranked when it happens, but I think Utah's going to be up for it. And I think kind of like the Cincinnati game last year, I think Utah blows them out. I think that's a big win for Utah.
Caleb Call: At Cincinnati, I'm going to call it another win for Utah. Holy war. Like I said, I think Utah is going to be sitting there. what They'll be 7 -1 as well. With a rough Iowa State loss, they're probably ranked 18th to 20th, somewhere in that range.
Caleb Call: And I think that BYU is able to. i think I think it'll be a close game for a lot of it, but I think in the fourth quarter, BYU gets a touchdown or two to put the game out of reach. I'm going to call it a... 13 -point win for BYU.
Caleb Call: Then you get the two road trips, Arizona and TCU. I think Utah splits them. I'm going to call the loss in Tucson. and then you go in All right. get right against TCU at the end. West Virginia to close the year. I like this West Virginia team.
Caleb Call: bringing in Cam Cook, one of the nation's leading rushers last year. you got Hopkins he's the one who he came in and played a lot of the game against BYU and Provo last year That dude's an electric runner. I think West Virginia virginia could surprise a few teams.
Caleb Call: Utah, the way they always play, these teams that have these fancy running quarterbacks that aren't necessarily great passers, Utah is able to just absolutely shut them down. There's the famous game that...
Caleb Call: Jaden Daniels had when he was at ASU where he was like four for 19. Maybe I think it was four for 21 passing for 35 yards. I don't think it'll be nearly that drastic. but Even though I love West Virginia as a team and I want to pick West Virginia at the end of the year, I think Utah is able to shut them down and still win that game. but Watch out for the fighting rich rods. I like what they're doing this year.
Caleb Call: That puts Utah at 9 -3, hitting the over. Wouldn't it be shocked if Utah really did anything from... a seven win season too. I mean, they're capable of winning every game on their schedule. They could be up to 11 or 12 wins, but.
Caleb Call: I'm going to call it for them. 9 -3.
Ben: All right, you ready to feed families here? The bet of the season is Utah over eight and a half wins.
Caleb Call: Let's see.
Ben: If you want to be able to pay for your kids Christmas this year, this is the bet.
Caleb Call: Is it that simple?
Ben: You've got. Yes, it's that simple eight and a half you've only got
Caleb Call: okay
Ben: Let me walk through this schedule. You've got Idaho. FCS. Arkansas, I'm going to give you guys the over -under win totals for each of these teams. Arkansas, four and a half.
Ben: Utah State, five and a half. Iowa State, four and a half. Kansas. five and a half. Colorado four and a half. If you notice, I haven't said a bowl. a bowl eligible team yet. It's five and a half and under so far. Then you go Houston at home. eight and a half.
Ben: Cincinnati, 5 .5. BYU, 8 .5 at home again. And then. arizona tcu bull six and a half and then you end with west virginia five and a half so View. Followed along there, eight of the 12 teams are not bowl eligible.
Ben: um that Utah's got on the schedule. Two of them are six and a half. win totals at at Arizona at TCU. And then your two toughest games, Houston and BYU, both have eight and a half win totals.
Ben: Those are both in Salt Lake City, which is all you could ask for. So this schedule ramp up is.
Caleb Call: The schedule lines up. perfectly for you, Ty.
Ben: It.
Caleb Call: You could not ask for it better.
Ben: is as good as it gets.
Caleb Call: our big club schedule.
Ben: And so I got, I got Indiana or I got a Idaho, they beat Idaho. Bigger, at least a 1 -0 Arkansas. They're kind of the bottom of the SEC. I think it'll be a good game for the offensive line and the defensive line to kind of.
Ben: get their bearings on. and be able to go against some big bodies and But I think ultimately Utah takes care of Arkansas at home too.
Caleb Call: Arkansas' season last year, I know it's a new coach, new quarterback, new everything over there, but they, wait. I think they were 2 -10 last year. and they just lost so many close games in the SEC. They were a weird team, and I feel like – I could see that just being kind of a weird.
Caleb Call: Lots of just strange late -night Pac -12 after dark kind of vibes going on with Arkansas, but I don't think Utah should lose that game for sure.
Ben: Yeah, so we got I got Utah 2 -0, Utah State. I think they played one of their worst games last season against Utah State in that win and still were able to pull it off. so i think they I think they play better this year than they did last year, and they take care of Bronco, and they go 3 -0.
Ben: The Iowa State game. No Matt Campbell. They're projected four and a half games. It's at Iowa State. um One of the points you made was. New coach. I mean, Iowa State's got a new coach, too. Washington State.
Ben: the old guy over there and he, they went seven and six last year. So it wasn't even that great of a year. And I don't, I don't think Iowa state's got anything for the upcoming year.
Caleb Call: If you remember, though... let's Let's go back to that Washington State team. They played
Ben: Okay.
Caleb Call: Ole Miss. and they played of Virginia. And I don't know if you remember those two games. Both of those teams won 11 games last year, Ole Miss in the quarterfinals. Washington State had both of those games won and blew it in such painful ways. That Washington State team, that's what that's when I'm telling you with Jimmy Rogers as coach.
Caleb Call: They may not have the talent to go and win every game on their schedule. But they can get up and they can make you play dirty with them. All right. Not to say that Utah is going to be the team that they go out and upset. It could be BYU for all I know.
Caleb Call: But I just... Having watched that Virginia and Ole Miss game last year. Washington State playing with both of them late. And really, they should have won both of those games. don't Don't count Iowa State out yet.
Caleb Call: Just because.
Ben: I couldn't disagree more.
Caleb Call: what Washington State.
Ben: i got I got Utah by multiple scores in that game. I mean, I think Iowa State's line at four and a half is.
Caleb Call: We'll have to have some sort of wager on that game here with each other. cause i
Ben: All right. All right.
Caleb Call: I think Iowa State's more dangerous than you give them.
Ben: What do you? Let's let's.
Caleb Call: credit for.
Ben: Bet number one on the year. Let's put whatever the spread is. um At kickoff, we'll just take the spread. Utah versus Iowa State. Put that down as bet number one on the year
Caleb Call: Deal.
Ben: Okay.
Caleb Call: Iowa State.
Ben: All right, so.
Caleb Call: when you'll ever see you talk.
Ben: Not money line just the spread so like
Caleb Call: Or, yeah, spread.
Ben: whatever like Utah minus 14 and a half or whatever it ends up being.
Caleb Call: I am going to sprinkle some on the Iowa State money line because I'm sure the odds are going to be good.
Ben: well
Caleb Call: and I am. I'm telling you. Don't count out. Iowa State.
Ben: I just went damp here in this. this squad i just I saw a lot of it last year. And with McGivens coming here, his stats are actually very similar to Beck's stats from New Mexico. at Utah State. So I'm excited about the.
Ben: Um, the new offense. I think. I think they can still pour it on. and I think Iowa State, I think the line at four and a half for them is set for a reason. i don't think're good. So I think you're sitting at 4 -0. Kansas you get them at home.
Ben: they're over under five and a half like i said before that puts them at five and oh and then at Colorado. i I've heard through a buddy that. Dion was missing. fur. several weeks and months in. Oh.
Ben: the middle of the summer nobody knew where he was and i think that place is a train wreck and it's i think You're sitting in here, you're... None of those teams are projected to make a bowl game. You're sitting at 6 -0. you've just like byu had last year they had that ramp up with bear to kind of get his um Because I thought Bear looked...
Ben: I early in the year, I thought he didn't look very good. and
Caleb Call: Looked like a freshman for sure.
Ben: he uh he He looked like a true freshman. Yeah. And I mean, it was nice because they got those easy games early. So he was able to kind of figure it out. and Um, kind of get settled. And um that for the offensive line is what I'm hoping for as a Utah fan. You got six teams that aren't going to go.
Ben: I mean, betting wise. to a bowl game and so you kind of have that ramp up and hopefully Going into that Houston game, now you're sitting there. more experience, feeling good about the year. And luckily it's a home game.
Ben: And so you get them to come into Rice Eccles. And like you said, hopefully it's one of those 815, 830 night yeah ESPN games that you.
Caleb Call: BYU and Utah love those.
Ben: ah You gotta give me.
Caleb Call: yeah ESPN, please just keep giving them to the state of Utah.
Ben: Yeah.
Ben: Yeah, Rice Eccles is rocking, and it seems like they do give those. ah It's BYU or Utah every single. late night. So I think, ah I think. With the ramp -up, that's the first big game of the year. I think Utah gets up for it, and they go 7 -0 there. and Cincinnati, no, Sorsby.
Ben: that's ah That puts them at 8 -0. They dominated Cincinnati with Swordsby last year. Also fun nugget for you. um Stores be six turnovers last year only.
Ben: Five picks, one fumble on the year. Two of them were against Utah, so you can argue maybe there were some. some betting odds for Sorsby with the, he took the Utah line that day, but.
Caleb Call: I saw people talking about maybe him trying to throw the BYU game too. He had one of the worst interceptions I've ever seen to Tanner Wall early in the second half. By the end of the year, he was playing for wagers more than playing for Cincinnati, maybe.
Ben: Yeah, I
Caleb Call: yeah
Ben: Yeah, we had one third of his turnovers were against the Utah, so. You're going to see what happens there. So 8 -0. Now you're going into the Holy Moor 8 -0. You've ah obviously. um Didn't play very good last year. Honestly, got outplayed. but felt like it was kind of the first time. Um, in a while where Utah walked onto to the field with BYU and left.
Ben: Thank you. man, they actually just came and beat us. And so I think they get up for that game. Last time they were in Rice Echoes, like I said, they got up. as a five and seven team. and gave them all they could. And I think. ah I think Utah with.
Ben: I mean, this new roster, you got the ramp up. um New offensive coordinator, I think they they bring out all the tricks and all the gadgets for that game, and they go 9 -0. Those are two big games, Houston and...
Ben: BYU and Now you're sitting at 9 -0. You're in November. And we saw BYU collapse two years ago. They lost two. two out of three down the stretch in November. So these these next two, if you go.
Caleb Call: Remember, it's a tough month, and it's not been kind to Utah in the past either.
Ben: Yeah. Yeah, and so at 9 -0, you're sitting there, you're feeling good, but I'd like to think Utah's going to get up for potentially getting to Arlington. and Really, you just got to go. No.
Ben: 2 -1 the rest of the waiting.
Caleb Call: Two and one, probably.
Ben: Yeah, to get to Arlington. and You're at Arizona, at TCU. home against West Virginia. I like to think they're rolling at that point. I'll probably, the two road games at Arizona at TCU.
Ben: um I probably there's I think there's a lot there might be a loss somewhere in there. I i think. I'm going to give the trap game. Fifita's 2 -0 against Utah. We're going to Arizona right after BYU. Smell it. all the all the energy all
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: The offseason, trying to get right for that game. So they probably I'm going to give them that drop. at arizona and just like you said the mountain west days with tcu man those are Those are some of the funnest games and some of the most brutal. I went to the i went to some of those, like the 2008 game where they barely hold on against a ranked team where a TCU's kicker misses a bunch of field goals. and then two years later i went back to the college game day game where TCU beat them by like 40, I think it was like 47.
Caleb Call: This is when, yeah, 47 to 7 in Utah were the most disgusting.
Ben: Seven. Yeah.
Caleb Call: camo black uniforms I've ever seen in my life.
Ben: that's ah That's up for debate. But anywho.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: i think I think Utah takes care of TCU this year. I mean, they just lost Hoover to go to Indiana too. and so It'll be interesting to see what TCU's like. I think they'll be a tough team, and I think it'll be a tough game. but i think they I mean, in all an eye.
Ben: Those are two tough road games back -to -back weeks. I'm going to give them one -on -one between the two. I'm going to guess Arizona has the loss. but Fafita's just got their number for some reason. they they handled us in Arizona a couple years ago too. and But then I think i think home.
Ben: Short week, Friday, Thanksgiving, they got. West Virginia, they dominated West Virginia last year. I think they do it again. um and so I'm sitting here. I'm i'm going 11 -1. I was being 6 .5 win over under Arizona as my projected loss on the road. and so feeds families eight and a half right now book it eight and a half over Utah if you want to
Caleb Call: Okay.
Ben: do you wanna
Caleb Call: So here's a question for you. Do you think that Utah?
Ben: Okay.
Caleb Call: talent -wise. Don't even think about coaching right now, talent wise. do you think that they are a full step above
Ben: Okay.
Caleb Call: teams on the schedule like Houston, Arizona, TCU? like Do you think that... They could show up play their B game and just go and win those games.
Ben: um I think. I think the B game. No, i would I wouldn't say. I mean, I think they have to play a good, solid game against those teams. I i think Fafita has proved that.
Ben: Fafita can go beat anybody when he's on. And so they got hot late last year. They started out slow, but then got hot late. And you see that kind of Arizona team.
Caleb Call: They're a fun team to watch. Yeah.
Ben: Yeah, i think I think that team's capable of beating anybody. I think Houston's tough. Like you said, Fritz it does a good job down there. and So I think they've got to play well to do that.
Caleb Call: Connor Wegman's a weird quarterback, too. I can't figure out. how much I trust him. to go lead a good Houston team. but They've got. Five -star waiting in the wings ready to go play, so if he struggles or gets hurt.
Caleb Call: There's not many teams in the conference that I think could withstand a quarterback injury. Houston's probably one of them.
Ben: Yeah, that big. yeah um big five -star kid he's good and so they've got somebody ready to go if in case that happens but so anyways i'm sitting here going They're playing eight teams that aren't. projected to go to a bowl game and so Theoretically, you've got eight and a half games for Utah. If they go 8 -0 against the non -bowl -eligible teams, they've got to go 1 -3 to pay off that bet. and so i think that's a
Ben: That's a smash as you can get. go put ah Go put the wagers in. Go drive to Wyoming and send the shoot the waivers. The wagers are off right now, you fans.
Caleb Call: Oh, man. Only reason to go to Wyoming. Fireworks. And gambling.
Ben: Yeah.
Caleb Call: Outside of that.
Ben: You stop, you stop right across the line, get your draft Kings out and start.
Caleb Call: Get out. as fast as you can.
Ben: Start shooting those off. Utah, go pound it. Go pound a couple hundred dollars into that. That's going to pay go pay your your mortgage this year. so
Caleb Call: I do think Utah goes over the eight and a half. I think it'll be closer. Like I said, nine wins. I think Utah talent -wise is going to be more comparable to the teams on their schedule this year than they were last year, losing all the NFL guys.
Caleb Call: Both. on the offensive line, plus Henry Daly and Bono on the defensive line. I think Utah last year they were blowing teams out. I think that'll be a lot more rare this year. I think they're going to have to play some close games. And I think playing close games, new head coach.
Caleb Call: First time he's going to have to do things like manage the clock himself. Figure out late game strategy. Am I going forward on fourth? Am I kicking a field goal? it I mean. We see head coaches, me and you are always talking about it, make.
Caleb Call: mind -numbing mistakes that lose them games.
Ben: Time out, bad time outs in situations.
Caleb Call: first year head coach. Oh, yeah, yeah. it's Yeah, and so I think that Because there's gonna be more close games. I just don't think that I'm ready to give them eight wins in those eight.
Caleb Call: easy games that you're talking about. the potential losing seasons with all those. um but
Ben: What one thing one thing I do
Caleb Call: Utah is going to be favored at all.
Ben: One thing I do ah Utah's offensive line doesn't have much experience, but they did get ah a big -time tackle from Montana State. that's ah He's a national champ in the FCS level. he he's listed to be the right tackle right now he's a I mean...
Ben: those Those guys can play down there in the FCS and the top the top end of the FCS. you see North Dakota State all through all these years play really well.
Caleb Call: We watched James Madison players are just go and win a championship.
Ben: and Hi. Mm hmm. Exactly. And I i think that.
Caleb Call: Granted they are FBS, but they were FCS recently. with Cignetti there too.
Ben: So I think this. I think this tackle for Utah is legit. Everybody else that's listed as a starter currently are these seniors, like homegrown Utah guys that haven't. Got a lot of experience and then you got this freshman Oba that's he's a 24 -7 composite five -star guy, highest recruit ever.
Ben: so i i yeah I think. And one of the guys is
Caleb Call: I think they'll be good I think it'll be similar to most Utah teams where they can bully a bad team.
Ben: Yeah, I think they'll be better than.
Caleb Call: They can beat a good team, but they I don't think they're going to be. Blowing out. all these teams on the schedule like they did last year. It'll be interesting to see.
Ben: And the thing is... Yeah, I agree with you, but I just think their schedule is easier than last year. So that's my that's where it comes for me is I.
Caleb Call: it's true
Ben: i think they I mean, they've got two ranked teams on the schedule right now, which I guess it was similar last year. but I guess they had three.
Caleb Call: And honestly.
Ben: I think they played three. but
Caleb Call: It's the Big 12. Two years ago, I thought the ASU game in November was going to be the easiest game on the schedule. Turns out...
Ben: Yeah.
Caleb Call: They almost beat Texas in the playoff and won the Big 12.
Ben: Preseason, yeah.
Caleb Call: For all we know, Colorado and Deion is going 11 -1 this year.
Ben: Yeah.
Caleb Call: Hard to say with the Big 12. Maybe you could say that's not going to happen.
Ben: That's not happening. it That's not happening But I can put that down, book it.
Caleb Call: All right. So you have Arizona. Granted, it could have been TCU, but you picked Arizona to beat Utah.
Ben: Yeah, I got him 11 -1.
Caleb Call: Arizona schedule is tough enough to where I think that even with the win against Utah. Arizona's probably not. making the conference championship. They play v BYU. They play Texas Tech. They play TCU. They play Utah. They play Kansas State.
Caleb Call: There's enough losable games there that they're probably losing multiple in conference. I'm going to end up probably still getting an 11 -1 Utah to Arlington. I think both of us are going to have Texas Tech in Arlington. I assume you do too.
Ben: Yeah, yeah, I got Texas Tech, Utah.
Caleb Call: One interesting thing that... consider here let's go back to your predictions you had byu going eight and one in conference Let's say Texas Tech.
Ben: mm -hmm
Caleb Call: Drops one randomly maybe it's against kansas state maybe or not kansas state Maybe it's against Arizona or Arizona State. 11 -1 Texas Tech, 8 -1 at conference, 10 -2 BYU, 8 -1 at conference.
Caleb Call: I don't know the tiebreakers. I'm not going to dive into those right now. But there's a chance you get two Holy Wars this year if Texas Tech can drop a game. With what you're saying, bear with your prediction.
Ben: And Texas. yeah And with Will Hammond, I mean, he came in late in the fourth quarter and. It was a close game, but then it ended up. torching Utah, but then he didn't actually look very good the rest of the year.
Caleb Call: He looked so good for one half against Utah and that looked so bad against ASU
Ben: Mm hmm. bad the rest of the year.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: and so And he's coming off of an ACL. And so it' I'm curious to see how Texas Tech does. And I mean, they just got this guy out of the portal too. and so I'm curious to see how their quarterback play is. I i think it'll be a step down. and I think they're good. they I mean, they're always pouring. They just landed. ah The top five.
Ben: five -star kid for this next class and they're always getting guys out of the portal so they'll be good but like I wouldn't be surprised. I mean, they got a pretty easy schedule this year, but I mean, if they drop a game or two, I. I wouldn't be terribly shocked because of the quarterback play.
Caleb Call: Yeah. So... a potential holy war in Arlington Is that the biggest game? and Holy War history.
Ben: Oh yeah. Oh yeah.
Caleb Call: I don't think there can be a...
Ben: No, no doubt about it.
Caleb Call: a bigger one than that
Ben: the The only one I thought of. off the top of my head was 2000.
Caleb Call: 08.
Ben: 2008, yeah. Going into the season, it was kind of projected to be 11 -0, 11 -0.
Caleb Call: yeah
Ben: It ended up being 11 -0 Utah versus 10 -1 BYU.
Caleb Call: 8 verse 14.
Ben: That was, I mean. Yeah, ranked on ranked.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: Utah won, ended up going to the Sugar Bowl. and ended up that was um That was probably the highest ranked matchup. Off the top of my head of the holy war.
Caleb Call: Yeah um
Ben: Ranked on highest for, I guess, both.
Caleb Call: Last year, if they would have played last year at the end of the year, that would have been the highest ranked matchup.
Ben: but
Ben: It would have been hard.
Caleb Call: We're at your mark. I still think Kyle Whittingham had a big hand in it not being. rivalry week the first year it sounded like he pushed for it not to be
Ben: All right. I think. i think that's just the conference but i you've i've heard your theory on this but
Caleb Call: maybe
Caleb Call: So. We both have. BYU and Utah versus Texas Tech. Let's run through. Big 12 Conference champ. Let's go through the other conferences and then our playoff predictions.
Ben: Okay.
Caleb Call: So I can go first on this. I've got BYU playing Texas Tech. Both teams sitting at 11 -1. Both teams probably right on the fringe of the playoff. I would say BYU probably 8 or 9. Texas Tech probably right there with them.
Caleb Call: um I think BYU gets revenge. Kalani in Revenge Games has been shockingly... effective at BYU. Loses to Arkansas bad at home.
Ben: Tiff for last year against Tech.
Caleb Call: Yeah, and that's true. And that's one of the few times. But I will say. Revenge games where he's had an offseason. to go and adjust his team.
Ben: Okay.
Caleb Call: it's been incredible what he's been able to do so like for example the arkansas game 2017 against Wisconsin, BYU gets murdered. hide your wives and kids from what Wisconsin was doing to BYU. They go to Wisconsin the next year and beat them.
Caleb Call: There you go.
Ben: That Wisconsin was cons highly ranked too.
Caleb Call: Yeah, that number six. I think that BYU this year. having seen what Texas Tech did. And already having played Notre Dame earlier in the year, who's probably just a better version of Texas Tech.
Caleb Call: I think they figured out beat Texas Tech. So I've got... BYU winning the Big 12. I've got in the Big Ten, I was going back and forth. I suppose there's three obvious teams, Indiana, Oregon, Ohio State.
Caleb Call: Ohio State plays both Oregon and Indiana. So I feel like... I feel pretty confident putting Oregon in the big. 10 championship game. I think with them bringing Dante Moore back, I think they'll be in there.
Caleb Call: I've got Indiana beating Ohio State at home and going to the Big Ten championship game. And I've got Oregon beating Indiana. getting revenge for what happened last year twice.
Caleb Call: I've gotten the SEC. Alabama and Texas. Now, I do not think Alabama is the second -best SEC team. They might be the fourth or fifth -best SEC team. But their schedule, they've got a four -game season.
Caleb Call: Their schedule could not have been any better than what it's set up to be. They've got Georgia, Tennessee. and I think it's LSU and Missouri. that It's four relatively easy.
Caleb Call: games right in the middle of the season. You go 2 -2 in those games and you're putting yourself in the conversation. I think Texas gets the win in that game, so I've got Texas winning the SEC. The SEC is tough because I feel like there's really six to seven teams that are all pretty similar to each other. I think Georgia is probably the best of the bunch, but I think that their schedule.
Caleb Call: catches him with a few losses. ACC. Miami's the obvious pick. Feels like the obvious pick in the ACC does not always get it done when their name is not Clemson.
Caleb Call: I've got Miami still in there and winning it, and I've got them playing Virginia. um yeah The ACC not all playing the same amount of conference games is one of the most wild things I've ever seen. I can't believe they're doing this.
Caleb Call: Watching their standings is going to be a mess. Having to figure out if a 7 -1 or a 7 -2 or an 8 -1 and 7 -1, who's making the conference championship game. i hope we get some chaos and i hope that they get bullied into fixing that Easy fix, go invite UConn, get their basketball, get another team in the region. get 18 teams and just have a normal conference. but We'll see. So anyways, Miami winning the ACC, BYU winning the Big 12, Texas SEC, Oregon Big 10.
Caleb Call: And I've got... UNLV being the group of six champion. Really, if I could put a caveat, the winner of UNLV Memphis I think will be in the playoff. I'm going to lean you and Ali there with Dan Mullen.
Caleb Call: Let's run through your
Ben: I was gonna say giving Dan Mullen some love.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: I love it
Caleb Call: Who do you got winning your conferences?
Ben: Okay, I got a, like I said, Utah Tech. i yeah Utah is one of those ones where. I think the runway gets them going. i i I think if Utah at that point is 11 -1, 12 -0, if they can kick.
Ben: couldn't figure out a way to get Arizona. I think. um i think tcu drops Sorry, not TCU. Texas Tech drops a game somewhere. So we're sitting at 11 and one versus 11 and one. And I just think quarterback play isn't going to be as good as. as it was last year. I don't think that defense is going to be quite as good as it was last year. and i think Um,
Ben: I think it's a close game. i I'm going to give Utah the edge there. in Texas and...
Caleb Call: Scali punishes bad quarterbacks.
Ben: So that.
Caleb Call: I don't know if you remember when we went to Vegas together to go see Utah -Oregon.
Ben: Mhm.
Caleb Call: Anthony Brown, who preseason, he was a good quarterback.
Ben: Yeah. He was bad.
Caleb Call: People considered him to be even the Heisman contender. And he just could not do anything against that Utah defense. And I think maybe Hammond or... castellanos or whoever they end up starting Might be better than Anthony Brown was, but...
Caleb Call: Utah defense against a quarterback who's not ready for it. can definitely be punishing.
Ben: I think it's a muddy game. like I think Utah probably wins a lower scoring game if they're going to do that, like a 2017 game. but i I like Utah on that one. I don't think Tech's going to put up a lot of points.
Ben: I think it's going to be. Pretty similar to that game in Salt Lake last year where it was really low scoring for the first three quarters. I'm going to just keep pushing. I'm going to push it one more quarter this time.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: Texas Tech doesn't go score three touchdowns in the fourth. it's that tight game like it was last year. And then I got in the Big Ten, I got a Ohio State, Oregon. um This one's this one's a little bit ah Amen.
Ben: i was Ohio State's got a tough schedule. they got They're playing in Austin.
Caleb Call: They really do.
Ben: They're playing in Austin at a conference, and then they got home against Oregon at Indiana, and then they're playing. I mean, they got the rivalry of the game. and so That was...
Caleb Call: Don't forget at USC.
Ben: I mean.
Caleb Call: That.
Ben: And at USC.
Caleb Call: because they're listening to the forum too.
Ben: Yeah. So they got to go get Lincoln Riley. And yeah, so it's a tough schedule. I i do think. ah I mean, Julian saying back for another year. Another year. year of experience. and Jeremiah Smith's that dude. And so I just think. talent wise they're they're gonna get they're gonna find their way into the the championship game. and Um, But then, because that Texas game also doesn't, even if they drop that Texas game, it doesn't affect them getting in.
Ben: to the Big Ten Championship. and so i got oregon and I got Ohio State beat in Oregon the first time. I got Ohio State dropping one game somewhere. So I got them sitting at 11 -1, call it the, I don't know, the Texas game. or maybe even that.
Ben: A game at, I guess the game, like they always drop a game in Michigan because Ryan Day is just.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: Terrible.
Caleb Call: Kyle Whittingham loves his rivalry games.
Ben: that mm -hmm
Caleb Call: We'll see if he can. Get off to a good start there with Ryan Day.
Ben: Yeah. that ah
Caleb Call: who do you think As an aside, who do you think Urban Meyer is cheering for in that game?
Ben: I think.
Caleb Call: Because he loves Whittingham, and he loves Ryan Day.
Ben: I think he said I think he says I think he says Ohio State. I think he's probably, you'd think it's 100 % Ohio State from his. pass but i think it's one of those things where if michigan wins the game i think he probably is a little bit happy for wit yeah um So I got, I don't know.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Caleb Call: He's probably happy for Witt.
Ben: And I mean, the Oregon game, even at home, like. you You saw Orton. um beat him a couple years back too and so Hiya. I mean I I think they drop a game somewhere. but i So I like Oregon. Ohio State in that game.
Ben: I uh... I would give Ohio State, I think just. I've got. I don't know if nightmares is the right word for Dante Moore. I watched him his true freshman year when he was playing at UCLA, come into Salt Lake, first play of the game, throw a pick six.
Ben: And I just, in my head, I just don't think.
Caleb Call: I'm telling you. a quarterback who's not up to par playing that Utah defense.
Ben: I just don't think he's that
Caleb Call: they ah You cannot have a bad quarterback play and beat Utah.
Ben: A true freshman, too. That's tough. Yeah. And so I just, I think I got Ohio state and I liked their, I mean, they just always got dudes everywhere. And so I think Ohio state wins that one.
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: And then. This one I got. ah I got Louisville making it to the ACC championship game against Miami, and I got Miami. Um, They've got a tough game. Miami's got a tough game against Notre Dame. It doesn't affect their ACC play. And besides that, you look at their schedule and see. It doesn't seem very hard. I think even you drop a game somewhere, you're playing in the ACC title, and you win, and you're in the playoffs. So I think Miami wins the ACC pretty easily.
Ben: um The last one I got. sec Um, I got. Texas versus Georgia. And the reason I got Georgia is I actually think their schedule is.
Ben: um very favorable i think they got two big games and the two big games are both on the road And the first one though is. a game against Ole Miss. and It's at Ole Miss, and you got no Lane Kiffin anymore, and...
Ben: If you remember, they actually played in the college football playoff last year. in beat Georgia. So Ole Miss knocked him out. And I think Georgia, just from that, it it's kind of like a revenge game. Like you said, I think it.
Ben: they're going to get up for it more than Ole Miss did. and i think I think Georgia goes and gets that game. um at Ole Miss. And so you got that one. And then. You got out Alabama, and I just don't think Alabama, new quarterback this year. I i like Georgia in that game, too. They're both on the road.
Ben: And so if you take care of those two games, You're now sitting out. Yeah. Really the, you gotta. Beat Oklahoma at home. And that's really the. next toughest game. And I don't think.
Caleb Call: Alabama's on there too.
Ben: They're it. Yeah, I guess Alabama for me. Well. Alabama is, it's at Alabama, so. That's the one I was just talking about where I just don't think they're... Um,
Ben: But a new quarterback, I think Georgia's just... with Gunnar Stockton there. I just think he's third. better, more talented than Alabama. I think they go in. win both those road games.
Ben: And if they win both those road games, they're going to beat Oklahoma at home. I think there's a real shot they go 12 -0 this year. and um
Caleb Call: Do you think that Kalen DeBoer is still a Bama three years from now?
Ben: I guess it depends on how, I think they'll always kind of be in the mix, but I don't think they'll ever get Nick Saban level. So I guess it's just how picky they are with that. Um, I'd probably go
Caleb Call: I'm not sure there's a single team in the country in the n NIL era that can be at Nick Saban level winning a championship every year. Plus, the 12 -team playoff complicates it.
Ben: It's true.
Caleb Call: but Ohio State is probably the closest thing you have these days to that.
Ben: Yeah. Yeah. So anyways, that's their, they got. Those two big really they got three games they got They get the home game against Oklahoma. i I didn't think Oklahoma looked great last year. At the end of the year, it looked like they were, I know a tear was heard, but.
Ben: And coming back from injury, so maybe they look better this year than they did. but They can take care of it. Between the hedges, they win that game. Now you guys got to go beat a... a new quarterback at Alabama, and then you go get that revenge game at Ole Miss. You drop one of them, you're still in the SEC title game. So I got Georgia there. I think they're scheduled. I think it lines up pretty nicely. and and then texas i got texas um just talent wise arch i think this is This is kind of one of those years where I think Texas has kind of been.
Ben: underperformed the last few years and I think they make it. I got to make it a 10 -2 with a loss to Ohio State though. um And so they drop a. They drop a game. in the sec, drop a game to Ohio state. And then I got Texas dropping the game to Georgia too. So I I'm high on Georgia this year. right I, I.
Ben: 12 -1, 13 -0, SEC champs. ia I lean 12 -1 just because it's tough to go 12 -0. any college football era.
Caleb Call: Kirby Smart kind of got embarrassed to two playoffs in a row, losing to Ole Miss without Lane Kiffin, losing to Notre Dame in a way that made them. really just not look almost even competitive in that game, at least on offense.
Caleb Call: Purpose Mart's got something cooking.
Ben: ah Yeah, that's why that's why I like them is I think I mean We're not too far out from them going. and just dominated. It seemed like they were going to be the next Nick Saban era. And in the last two years, they've kind of been a letdown. So I think Georgia is...
Ben: i'm I'm high on Georgia this year. I think they're going to bounce back. I think they win the SEC. I think they take Texas down. and That's what I got. And then I. Yeah, that's my 4P4 champions.
Caleb Call: but What would you five team?
Ben: so
Caleb Call: Do you have me in the highest ranked at the end?
Ben: I got Boise State. So I got Boise State because one, I think they're going to be ranked the highest from the get -go. And I think, say, lose to Oregon, first game of the year. And then I think even if they drop a game somewhere in the Mountain West, they've got, I mean, that gives them 10 and two.
Caleb Call: Woah woah woah. Pac -12 They got the Pac -12.
Ben: Oh, sorry, Pac. Back 12, yeah.
Caleb Call: Jersey patch now.
Ben: Yeah, Pac -12.
Caleb Call: Doesn't feel like it.
Ben: um I'm still saying Mountain West. I said Mountain West on the phone earlier today too. and So anyways, I i think 10 -2 Boise State probably still gets in just because I think they're going to be the highest ranked team from the start. and so Unless somebody.
Ben: Goes 11 -1 -12.
Caleb Call: Someone would have to have a better record than them. in the Boise State. If they get blown out by Oregon... That's one thing, but if they can even hang around for a half and make people think.
Ben: again
Caleb Call: twice that boise is competitive with them kind of like the one year with genti where they almost beat oregon I think you almost. You know you can get some credit for a loss there if you're Boise State.
Ben: Yeah, and that's why I think like a 10 -2 Boise would maybe like kind of would go over 11 -1. like American Conference champ or something like that. And so I give them the benefit of the doubt just because that Oregon game, I don't think they're going to get penalized for it as much. And I still think they run through the Pac -12 and they got that flex game late in the year where they're going to schedule them against a tough game. Ciao.
Ben: bolster their resume. and so I think Boise State, as long as they take care of business, go win the Pac -12, then I think they're in. I think they're in the G5 spot.
Caleb Call: The Boise out of conference is going to be interesting because they play Memphis too.
Ben: but Yeah.
Caleb Call: And then maybe.
Ben: Yeah, that'll be a fun.
Caleb Call: a Yeah. sneaky under the radar game Boise State playing Western Michigan. Western Michigan is one of the... betting favorites in the MAC. They played. Most everyone they played last year tough.
Caleb Call: I mean, Boise State's playing one of the American favorites and one of the MAAC favorites. None of the MAACs are going to have a playoff team most likely this year. but Adding those to Oregon, those are some potential losses on there, but those could also be the kinds of wins. If Memphis wins the American and you beat Memphis, well, then you're in by default.
Ben: i just yeah I guess that Memphis game is going to be a huge game then. for Is that week two or week three? I can't remember which one, but week three, that's that's a big one.
Caleb Call: Week three. Yeah.
Ben: for uh for boise and if you take care of that one then you're probably as long as you win the pac -12 it feels like you're in so
Caleb Call: And my G5 pick, UNLV, they also play Memphis.
Ben: No.
Caleb Call: Memphis kind of controls that play. More than any of team else, they control their own destiny because if they can go beat UNLV and go beat Boise, you're beating the two favorites of probably the two conferences that are going to have a contender with you to go to the playoffs.
Caleb Call: Not that Memphis with the new coach is going to be expected to go 10 -2 or 11 -1. win their conference, but... i mean The American's wide it open. Let's give them a shot of it. as anyone so if they can even to steal one of those.
Caleb Call: They'll be in the mix. the g5 the portal era feels hard to predict because You don't know whatever your options are.
Ben: I'm just giving the Utah boy Maddox Madsen some love at Boise.
Caleb Call: Maddox Madsen.
Ben: i i ah I like him. I've always liked him. and I mean, he's made it to it. uh playoff before two years ago he's beat out a five -star malachi nelson like i just think he's
Caleb Call: That Malachi Nelson that couldn't even control the UTEP starting quarterback job for the whole season, yeah.
Ben: I think he's a dude, and I think... so Yeah. It seemed like you everyone was like, oh, he's going to Boise State. And it's just like Maddox Mattson just.
Ben: took care of the job. and
Caleb Call: yeah
Ben: He's going to go do it. And so I, ah yeah, it's Boise. I think it that's my pick. I like Boise. so we'll see if uh i got them coming in as the 12 seat not like last time where they were ranked a little bit higher
Caleb Call: got buy
Ben: Yeah.
Caleb Call: All right, well, my playoff here. We've got one Oregon at 12 -1. You've got Oregon's loss. I'm not exactly sure who I'm going to have them lose to yet. Not Ohio State because I'm beating them. meeting then probably a loss to USC early in the year and rebounding it one in the rest after. Um,
Caleb Call: 12 -1 Oregon just ahead of Notre Dame. I think that they'll get credit for a Big Ten championship win over Indiana and an Ohio State win. Colvin on Notre Dame at two. um Texas going 11 -2 and getting the three spot with a big Ohio State. um loss early in the year, one SEC loss and one in the SEC.
Caleb Call: Indiana, I've got 11 -2, getting the fourth spot and last bye. Then I've got five Ohio State sitting at 10 -2, playing 12 -1 UNLV.
Caleb Call: Georgia is the sixth seed at 10 -2, and I think that they... Ohio State and Georgia at the five and six. are probably the two teams if I had to pick two to win the championship out of my playoff. Not getting buys, I think I'd still pick both Ohio State and Georgia.
Caleb Call: Georgia at 10 -2 is the sixth, playing 11, Oklahoma at 9 -3. I'll talk a little bit about that here in a second. 7 Miami at 11 -2. I think they lose to Notre Dame.
Caleb Call: I think they lose a random game somewhere. um I've got them playing Alabama at 10 -3. And then the 8 -9 game, BYU at 12 -1 hosting. Ole Miss at 10 -2.
Caleb Call: That's where I got the playoff. That is, if you're counting at home, five SEC teams, more than I'd like to see. They cried all year about strength of schedule. They talked about how...
Caleb Call: Texas Tech and BYU and these other conferences aren't playing. the right kinds of games in that. People need to look more at strength of schedule than record. And I get that to a point. But I've got a debate here where your last team.
Caleb Call: in is 9 -3 Oklahoma. And I have Oklahoma beating Texas here. So they've got a win over the SEC champ. And they're competing with 11 -2 priorly.
Caleb Call: uh 11 -1 Texas Tech team. And I think that that'll be a debate that lasts the whole week between the big 12 championship game and the selection show of. Does Texas Tech fall out of the playoffs at the loss to BYU and let in a 9 -3 Oklahoma team?
Caleb Call: And I think that the committee... With. All of the. Propaganda about strength of schedule. I think they give the spot to Oklahoma instead of Texas Tech I would rather Texas Tech be in there.
Caleb Call: Texas Tech probably could have been if they had scheduled. I know it's not fully their fault, but they had a better out -of -conference schedule. Even a win against... a mid -level Big Ten or SEC team could have been enough to keep them in at 11 -2.
Caleb Call: But yeah, I've got Texas Tech first team out and I've got 9 -3 Oklahoma last team in. And then if maybe, gun to my head, pick a national champion right now, I'm taking Ohio State.
Caleb Call: I don't think that they'll get through their schedule. Not scared. I think they'll lose one or two. kind of like they did back in 2004 when they won the championship.
Ben: and they want it
Caleb Call: I think a 10 -2 Ohio State team goes in. wins championship this year.
Ben: Are they 10 and 2 when they want to? Two years ago, too.
Caleb Call: Got it too. Yep.
Ben: Yeah.
Caleb Call: Because, yeah, it was Penn State and Oregon in the championship game.
Ben: Alright.
Ben: That's right. James Franklin. Um, Okay, here's my... ah Here's my playoff. I got. number one seed 12 and 0. Notre Dame.
Ben: going in and Winning your two big games against the ACC champ Miami and then beating BYU ends up 10 -2 in Miami. Um, my rankings and so We're sitting at 12 -0, only undefeated team in college football. And. I think they just get the nod there at one.
Ben: two I'm going with. 12 -1 Georgia. So 12 -1 Georgia wins the SEC. They get the bump there. Um,
Caleb Call: If Georgia goes 12 -1.
Ben: And so.
Caleb Call: I would not be shocked if the committee has him above Notre Dame. I think it'll be close, but... it'll It'll be tough with the Miami win. That's big for... notda But Georgia would have two or three wins of that caliber.
Ben: Yeah.
Ben: I know. The thing about Georgia, though, is is really weird. is I think right now they've got three like legit ranked games, and I think they've got a number 25 team. on their schedule too. And so You have three ranked games and then you have ah an SEC title and then you have a loss in there too. and I think the loss carries the day. I mean, it it hasn't in the past a lot of the time for SEC teams, but that's why I have two there.
Caleb Call: Thanks for the SEC team's caveat.
Ben: um
Caleb Call: It's different rules for them.
Ben: Yeah it is. and then I gotta... This is a, this is, I got Ohio State at three. I got that borderline 12 -1, 11 -2. I think they're probably. um,
Ben: It's a tough schedule. I think 11 -2, they're probably still ranked third. just because they're playing Texas, they're playing Oregon, they're playing... indiana They're playing Michigan. i'm gonna um I'm giving them the three. If they end up 12 -1, they'll be ahead of Georgia.
Ben: And they might be at another game at that point, but I'm going Ohio State three, Oregon four. um Oregon, get um I've got Oregon at 11 -2 with their two losses to Ohio State right now. and so um Those are kind of the the four buys I got. So two Big Ten teams getting some love after they won the last few natties.
Ben: um Last three, I think, right? Three different teams.
Caleb Call: Last three. Three different teams.
Ben: And Indiana, Ohio state, Michigan.
Caleb Call: Orban can make it 4 -4.
Ben: Yeah. So those are my four teams. I got a, so playing Notre Dame, I got eight. Utah. hosting in Rice Eccles Stadium Rice Eccles Texas. So you got 10 and three Texas runner up in the SEC. They dropped three games this year. They're kind of like Bama. They landed in that eight, nine game after they lost the SEC title as well with an out of conference loss. And so they have to travel into, to Utah. And then I got the five seat. I got you your ACC champ.
Ben: Miami. And. I don't think they're, even if they go 12 -1, beaten. are losing to Notre Dame. I don't think ah i don't think they get a bye. I think Oregon still edges them out. just because I don't think they're going to be considered as as tough of an opponent.
Caleb Call: If they lose to Notre Dame. their best win is probably going to be you. a 20th or so ranked ACC team.
Ben: yeah
Caleb Call: That's not going to be a... big enough window.
Ben: So I think.
Caleb Call: both of them ahead.
Ben: Yeah, so I think even 11 -2 runner -up Oregon kind of still stays ahead of them. but So I got Miami, and i like I said earlier, I got them playing Boise. Boise State to play in that 5 -12 matchup and then 7 -10 I got a um Pete Golding and crew 10 and 2. I don't mind ah what they got going on. I still got them losing to Georgia.
Ben: at that home game. And it'll be a tough schedule. You got to take care of Lane Kiffin in that. ah That fun early game. Wow.
Caleb Call: You get him at home, thankfully.
Ben: in Oxford. and
Caleb Call: Lane Kiffin going to Oxford early in the year.
Ben: Yeah.
Caleb Call: You could not have drawn that up any better.
Ben: So i I am banking on. Ole Miss taking care of that LSU game. If they don't, they're not going to be. in this situation, but I didn't tend to.
Caleb Call: I think the winner of that game. is probably a favorite to make the playoff at that point and i think the losers out I think that's almost an elimination game in week three.
Ben: Yeah. I agree.
Ben: I was actually, when I was putting this in, I had LSU in for a second. And as I was looking in, I, I like to admit, I, I initially said. Two or three weeks ago to you, actually, I said I thought I had LSU winning the game. And as I was prepping this, I actually switched. i got a I got Ole Miss taking care of business and winning that game. So I got them going 10 -2.
Ben: um hosting uh tech i got texas tech i think from last year to this year i think
Caleb Call: Sneaking in at 10.
Ben: I got them sneaking in at 10. They lose to Utah in the Big 12 championship game, I think. The SEC's nine -game schedule beats them up a little bit, and I think you've got less teams that are. Um, 10 and two. And I think.
Ben: Like you saw last year, those 9 -3, I think you're kind of going to be out at 9 -3. Like Texas last year was 9 -3, and they're just out. And I think the only way a three -loss team gets in is if you're your conference you're in a conference championship game where you're 10 -2 and then you lose a conference championship game. and so i got a Yeah, that's who I got. I got Tech ah hanging on. I think they get a little bit more respect this year as they as they build up their wins.
Ben: from back -to -back seasons, I think as much as we don't want to say it. compounds from year to year. I think it does. i think
Caleb Call: It for sure does.
Ben: that. the committee sees the success. And I think they. jump up the rankings like they did i mean they had a pie last year and i think uh i think they'll be a top. five or six team, even if they're 11 and one. and And then if they drop that game to Utah, I think they they drop down. and end up at that 10 seed.
Ben: Sneak in. so then uh my 60s indiana i got uh all love for kurt i uh signetti he uh i got him 11 -1 with a loss to Ohio State.
Ben: um
Caleb Call: You don't think 11 -1 Indiana is...
Ben: They got him dropping that game.
Caleb Call: higher in the rankings than that.
Ben: No, just because i ah Indiana doesn't play. i mean they don't got um They play Ohio State. They miss Oregon. they Amen.
Ben: They missed Michigan too. I'm trying to remember off the top of my head if they missed Michigan.
Caleb Call: They played Michigan.
Ben: They play Michigan out. Is it in Ann Arbor?
Caleb Call: I'm pulling it up right now
Ben: Or is that at home? So anyways, you got Indiana, I think.
Caleb Call: So yeah.
Ben: I think 11 -1 Indiana. I think they're not playing in the Big Ten championship game.
Caleb Call: They go to Michigan.
Ben: I think it keeps them.
Caleb Call: They go to Washington, and they host USC. So those are the three big games outside of the Ohio State loss that you have them taking.
Ben: Okay. Yeah. i I just think at the end of the day, i i think 11 because you got oregon 11 -1 indiana 11 -1 and i got oregon strength to schedule i looked it up would What? most likely right now be projected to get him into the Big Ten Championship. So I think Oregon has the four seed. edges them out and then i got i'm giving the acc Championship, just a nod in Miami. given ahead of the third big 10 team is just all it was was
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: them and then this is my sleep uh my sleeper pick right here getting the 11 seed the last uh Power 5 or Power 4 team now that gets in is Penn State from the Big 10. So you got Penn State sitting here. They're kind of my dark horse.
Ben: Penn State, the reason I like them is I think they're they're got a... one of the easiest schedules I've seen this year and they they avoid. Ohaste! Oregon, and Indiana. So all three teams I just said. that I have in for the Big Ten. They don't play any of the three they have.
Ben: Three. kind of that middle tier of the big 10, the middle of the upper tier, they play three tough games.
Caleb Call: yeah
Ben: They've got. Michigan USC. and Washington and they got two of them on the road. And so you got a three game schedule there. and I think if you go one and two in those three games and end up 10 and two, I think you're in.
Caleb Call: Do you think a 10 -2 Penn State?
Ben: And. Sight.
Caleb Call: is going to make it in over a 9 -3 LSU. 9 -3 Oklahoma kind of team.
Ben: Yeah, just because I think in the past we've seen no 9 -3 teams get in. and I just think. Nine and three teams is just, I think the three loss is going to keep you out.
Caleb Call: You don't think the SEC's...
Ben: like i
Caleb Call: whining and crying this offseason about their schedule and Penn State having a notably soft schedule. light i mean I've got 11 -2 Tech missing it for 9 -3 Oklahoma. i think that The narrative is going to be.
Caleb Call: All about the SEC, strength of schedule, strength of the record. It'll be a big debate and I'm curious to see how it goes.
Ben: Hi. Bye. Yeah. For me, the SEC, the nine games in the SEC, I think adds more losses than we've seen before in the past for the SEC teams.
Caleb Call: It will.
Ben: and those those top teams. And the reason I ended up picking Penn state there is I think there's a real shot. They go 11 and one, two. I, yeah you got a three game.
Caleb Call: It's true.
Ben: a big three game schedule with ah just USC, Michigan, Washington. And I mean, if you, i ah I'm a big Matt Campbell guy. and um I mean, he brought in a crew from an Iowa State team and a lot of guys that played in the Big 12 championship game two years ago. and I mean, they had some injuries last year and had a little bit of a down year at Iowa State. but He's done a good job, and I'm a big fan of him. i Would I be that shocked if they end up going 2 -1 in one of those games and end up 11 -1?
Ben: no i wouldn't be so that's why i end up i got penn state sleeper playoff team book it right here
Caleb Call: I like it. What happened? I was in the same boat as you earlier in the offseason. I was like, man, Penn State's scheduled. I was thinking about putting them into the playoff as well.
Caleb Call: But... the more I thought about it and looked into it. the more I realized I... didn't really even know or Love too much the Penn State football team. I just loved the schedule.
Caleb Call: And so I think that. Even though we look at it and we say oh, yeah, they should be able to run through this I wouldn't be shocked if all of a sudden you turn on the TV and they're losing 17 -3.
Caleb Call: in the fourth quarter to minnesota like it David. Kept a bunch of guys from a Penn State team that went 6 -6 and had a bunch of struggles. Obviously they were probably more talented than that, but the wheels fell off.
Caleb Call: But then they bring in a bunch of Iowa State players who did make the Big Ten championship or Big 12 championship game. And then they went eight and four this last year. Rocco Becht is a quarterback. I think he's good. I don't think he's...
Caleb Call: Good enough to. You know clearly be better than a team like in Minnesota or a Wisconsin or Northwestern so I found myself kind of veering off of the Penn State train just a little bit because if ignoring their schedule, the team I still have some question marks about, but you're right. that The schedule, if I were a Penn State fan,
Caleb Call: I would be beating the Penn State drum, too, because... Obviously, you buy into your own team's hype, and then the schedule looking like that, it's easy to pencil in Ws during the offseason.
Ben: Amen. You got a QB that led the team to the Big 12 Championship two years ago. Running. I mean you got If you're asking me. if All I had was Washington, Michigan. in USC.
Ben: you gotta go two and one i mean most fan bases would take that and sign up for that from the get -go so
Caleb Call: Oh, for sure.
Ben: It'll be interesting to see. That's Maya. Penn State, book it, 11 -1, 10 -2. playoffs.
Caleb Call: We might have our second. bet of the day here because I with Penn State I think I'm willing to say 9 -3 or worse with Penn State. And even if they do go 10 -2, I do not think they're a playoff team.
Caleb Call: um Okay. I would even go so far to say I would be. less surprised at an 8 -4 Penn State. than I would be at a 10 -2 Penn State.
Caleb Call: So let's let's draw a line. We'll call 10 and 2 a push.
Ben: No.
Caleb Call: They go better, you win. Nine and three or worse, I win. 10 -2 a push.
Ben: what's What's the line on that? Is it eight and a half or nine and a half?
Caleb Call: I'm not sure and maybe we even called nine and ten both the push and if they ate or less then all went on that 11 or more you in on it.
Ben: since since you're I guess since you're Minnesota. and Northwestern takes, you're not high on Penn State at all. Let's call 9 -3 a push. 10 -win season, I win. Eight and four and below, you got Penn State.
Caleb Call: My... Penn State. Take. in my Utah take are nearly identical. I... think both teams. are probably above average in their conference talent -wise.
Caleb Call: I think both teams have a schedule that's easy to pencil in wins during the offseason. But you start playing it and all of a sudden. You're in a 17 -17 game with Wisconsin late with Northwestern.
Caleb Call: Can you win every single one of those games? utah can they do the same thing against kansas iowa state um Cincinnati and everyone else. I don't know.
Caleb Call: you you kept Every single time you talked about Utah, you talked about the runway, and I got thinking, do you like the runway or do you like the Utes? It sounded like you liked the runway, and all of a sudden, well, if we win all these games, we're going to win this game too.
Ben: Both. <unk> Have you?
Caleb Call: Yeah.
Ben: Don't we reread the runway? It's pretty nice.
Caleb Call: but But that's the thing, because i while I think Utah and Penn State are probably... on average going to be better than most of the teams they play, I don't think they're going to be good enough to sweep them. Because I mean...
Caleb Call: You got a 75 % chance to win six different games. The odds say you're more likely to lose them. lose one, then win them all. so
Ben: it's above 75 for most of those but
Caleb Call: We'll see. At the very least. Penn State with the new head coach, I'm intrigued to see. Virginia Tech's got a rough schedule with James Franklin though. I'm ready for Virginia Tech to be relevant again. I think that the whole...
Ben: Yeah.
Caleb Call: show coaching shuffle that happened this offseason.
Ben: That'll be fine.
Caleb Call: Whittingham to Michigan. Campbell to Penn State, Franklin to Virginia Tech. Those are gonna be some fun teams to pay attention to. maybe my favorite team we haven't talked about him a single time yet today Oklahoma State with Eric Morris and Drew Mestemaker.
Caleb Call: yeah I had Texas Tech at 11 -1. That one loss, I have it to Oklahoma State. I think that they're going to be an up -and -down team this year. But I think that their highs are going to be fun. I think they're going to be a... A team that I wouldn't be shocked if next year we're talking about them as one of the favorites in the Big 12 with BYU, Utah, and Texas Tech.
Ben: Yeah.
Caleb Call: Let's...
Ben: right
Caleb Call: ah Two things before we close.
Ben: What do we got cooking for this natty title? Snake. Yeah.
Caleb Call: So, yeah, let's let's do it a snake draft for national title contenders. But let's also, if you were to be told at the end of the year. That a new head coach So you can have Lane Kiffin, Pete Golden, Kyle Whittingham.
Caleb Call: Matt Campbell a new head coach. were to make the playoff and winning game. Who do you think is most likely to do that?
Ben: I think it's got to be number 11 LSU right now. I guess. I mean, if you think about it, if they go. He goes, gets that revenge. I don't know if revenge game is the right word, but he goes and gets that Ole Miss game.
Caleb Call: Don't forget, Pete Golding is in this too, and we both had Ole Miss make it in the playoff. Pete Golding's the new head coach as well.
Ben: Yeah. Yeah, so I mean if they take care of that business that Ole Miss game early they do have some tough games but Um, If you're sitting there, I think they got Ole Miss, A and &M, Texas, Bama. So, I mean, they got a tough schedule. But if you could find 10 -2, like I could see them getting in and winning the games. I'd bet.
Ben: I'd bet Lane Kiffin and LSU.
Caleb Call: I think I'd still go Pete Golding. I wouldn't be too shocked if you told me, like, we I know we talked about Penn State with Matt Campbell, but I think Pete. Golding. And honestly, Michigan. If the...
Caleb Call: If they can go and beat Oklahoma week two. I wouldn't be shocked if we're talking about 10 -2 or even 11 -1 Michigan by the end of the year.
Ben: It'll be a big one.
Caleb Call: Bryce Underwood, I still have some. concerns about him but the coaching staff I trust. the uh
Ben: Jason Beck, baby.
Caleb Call: Roster outside quarterback I trust. Jay Hill, that's who I trust. um So, yeah, let's close this off with a snake draft. Let's each let's let's call it seven teams each that will draft.
Ben: Okay.
Caleb Call: and let's ah
Ben: Okay.
Caleb Call: national title contenders, not just making the playoff, but if we're trying to. get the national champion on our side of the snake. um
Ben: Okay.
Caleb Call: You want to go first or second on this? And I'll take that. the next time.
Ben: I'll go. ah I'll go first and I'm going to take the... Actually, I'll go second here. you get You go take the The first, I'm going to take the leftover of my top three teams.
Ben: I'm going to get two picks in a row.
Caleb Call: I'll go first.
Ben: Hmm.
Caleb Call: And I'll take Ohio State. Julian saying.
Ben: Okay, I'm taking Notre Dame and...
Caleb Call: Jeremiah Smith.
Ben: Out.
Ben: Give me Notre Dame in Georgia. I like ah i like Notre Dame's Chance's Death. to be right in the thick of things and like i was talking about with georgia earlier i think God. Gunner Stockton back, I think.
Ben: Just their their trenches, I think. ah It's been a couple of years since Georgia's been in the mix. I like Georgia, so. Give me a.
Caleb Call: I think that's the clear top three here.
Ben: Give me Georgia and Notre Dame.
Caleb Call: And now you're going to have Texas fans, Miami fans get mad at that, maybe even Indiana.
Ben: Yeah.
Caleb Call: Texas. Talent wise as good as anyone but their schedule is brutal. I wouldn't be shocked if they're outside of the playoff. And Arch Manning had some rough games.
Ben: Yeah.
Caleb Call: if If they get upset by anyone that's not one of the five contenders that they play. they They really could be out of the playoff despite being that good of a team. um My fourth and fifth.
Ben: You saw it last year, too.
Caleb Call: Yeah, it's true. My fourth and fifth pick here.
Ben: Lost a game to Florida, lost a game to Ohio State.
Caleb Call: Yeah. Give me Kurt Cignetti. in Indiana at four. And give me, I'm just going to take last year's national championship matchup. Give me Miami at five.
Ben: Okay. All right, sitting at six. i think ah I think the best team left is pretty clear. It's Oregon. I, uh... I like organ there as a...
Caleb Call: It was tough to leave them off, but. Until I see Oregon do it and everyone championship. Doesn't mean they can't, but...
Ben: I mean, this was a one seed two years ago. The number one team from the CFP the first year. It was a 12 -teamer. And so I like Oregon. And then I'm going to – Go with Texas here. And I think. They're one of those teams where if they find a way in there. They're talented enough. They're going to be challenged enough where they're going to be ready for the big stage if they get in. I mean, if we're trying to pick a natty, I think they're one of the teams that's ceilings high enough to go win a natty. So give me Texas.
Caleb Call: So we're up to that seven picks now. And I think the consensus across the country is we just.
Ben: yep
Caleb Call: named the seven teams. probably most capable of winning a championship. The next year gets a little dicier.
Ben: Yep.
Caleb Call: for my fourth and fifth pick. I am going to go with Oklahoma. If Mateer can get back to his... If his hand can work, if he can actually palm and throw the football, I think Oklahoma with their defense is good enough to go and get it done.
Caleb Call: With Sorsby, I probably would have taken Texas Tech here at nine, but instead I'm going to go and get Ole Miss. with Trinidad Chambliss. Keep on Lacey. I think Ole Miss is going to be. They'll be capable of beating any team in the country. Doesn't mean they can beat them all consecutively in the playoff, but I trust the talent there. Pete Golding showed last year he can win playoff games. so Yeah, I'll take ah Oklahoma and Ole Miss for...
Caleb Call: Four and five.
Ben: Okay, my fifth pick. Yeah. Beside Jeremiah Smith, I'm saying the next the second most electric player in college football right here. Give me Malachi Toney in Miami.
Ben: You got transfer quarterback Mensah from...
Caleb Call: Miami, I took fifth.
Ben: Duke.
Caleb Call: don't Don't forget, I already took my...
Ben: Oh, did you take... Oh, I missed.
Caleb Call: They're off the board.
Ben: Sorry, I missed.
Caleb Call: I took Indiana and I took Miami.
Ben: the
Caleb Call: Nice try there.
Ben: I was just so excited. I was so excited about my 2028 Dynasty first round picks with Tony right now.
Caleb Call: That's what's hard about Utah fans.
Ben: i was
Caleb Call: They don't listen.
Ben: ah I mean, why would I listen to a coug? So you're sitting in here. So your picture right now, you've got. Um,
Caleb Call: Ohio State.
Ben: So right now.
Caleb Call: Indiana.
Ben: Have a nice day.
Caleb Call: Miami.
Ben: Indiana.
Caleb Call: And then I just added Oklahoma.
Ben: Miami.
Caleb Call: And I added Ole Miss.
Ben: Okay. I, uh, well... i Guess capable of winning a natty
Ben: Wait, who was your last pick besides?
Ben: um
Caleb Call: to Oklahoma and Ole Miss.
Ben: Who was your last? And Ole Miss. Okay. I'm going to go Lane Kiffin and LSU. I think. They're one of those Team Zeds. Like if we're playing for a natty, I think. Um, With Sam Levitt there, Lane Kiffin there.
Ben: um This is kind of... outside of the range of like the the favorites, I think.
Caleb Call: They spent the money to contend for a natty this offseason.
Ben: They're kind of one of those teams that's... Yeah. Yeah. So I think just talent wise and you got the quarterback in that. I mean, Sam Levitt played in the college football playoff already at Arizona State and won a Big 12 championship, and so now you're sitting at he's sitting at LSU. I know it was kind of a down year for Arizona State. and He was.
Ben: I mean, he didn't even play the game in Salt Lake this year. so i He kind of had up almost a missed year. so If he's back and he's right, I think LSU's got a chance to do it. Yeah.
Caleb Call: LSU turned an ASU quarterback into a Heisman winner before. Can they do it again with Sam Levitt?
Ben: And then I'm going to go. ah I'm going to go sleeper pig, I think. um physically, I think they got the. the dudes to do it up front. I think it's one of those things where they got to take care of their... ah Big schedule if they get in, I think.
Ben: Bryce Underwood, he's going to be. He's going to be good enough to – if they get him right, if Jason Beck's got that thing rolling, I think Michigan's got a shot to – to make a little run and I'm going to take them as my sixth pig.
Caleb Call: I was hoping you were gonna leave Michigan for me. I like the pig. to close it out for me with my sixth and seventh picks. I think I'm gonna go Texas Tech here. I know. Love.
Caleb Call: quarterback situation. With Swordsby, they probably would have gone a few spots higher. But I think that. The running back room, I think the defense are both good enough to do it. And that's the thing about a playoff is you never know.
Caleb Call: If the matchups work out right and Texas Tech's not playing someone that... Oregon was able to overwhelm them on defense last year. and Baron Warren wasn't a good enough passer to... Score any points.
Caleb Call: The matchups fall more in their favor this year. Who knows? Maybe they can make a run. So I'll go Texas Tech at six. and I hate myself for doing this, but I think I'm going to stay in the state of Texas and go Texas A and &M. it's seven I don't think that They will win the championship.
Caleb Call: Even me just saying this out loud. i almost would have preferred just to have taken the cougs but the recruiting rankings. Obviously the blue chip ratio is a big thing. Texas A &M more than qualifies on that side.
Caleb Call: Marcel Reed, not a believer yet. I think maybe they could get it done. a couple years down the road when he's a little more experienced. I do like Elko a lot. So yeah, give me Texas Tech, give me Texas A &M.
Ben: Last pick of the draft. I'm sitting here with. Pick number 14, I've got the the rankings up here next to it. We've picked the top 12 teams. And then down we pick the 16th -ranked Michigan. So we're sitting here. These are the available teams. We've got Bama, USC.
Ben: BYU, Washington, Penn State, SMU, Tennessee. um I think just sitting there, I don't think anybody's got the firepower to do it. I mean, you'd think Alabama probably is the best, most likely right there with just.
Caleb Call: how insane is it by the way that we just drafted 13 teams and Bama wasn't one of them. And I honestly, I probably should have taken Bama over both the teams I just took.
Ben: ie
Caleb Call: but Even then, it's not like they're a top of mind team anymore. They are a team that you don't trust to go win every big game like they did under Saban.
Ben: and that's why i'm not going bad we're going with the utes baby there's nobody there that's uh that's capable of doing it so That's a Devin, Dan Perry's electric enough to make plays. and um And Scali's going to have that ah Scallion. New defense coordinator Colton Swan is going to be.
Ben: uh up for the task i uh i think they've got as good as a shot as bama so i think just cracks me up that with bama's history we're still uh they went undrafted
Caleb Call: you know my My number one honorable mention isn't even going to be Alabama. USC with Mayaba coming back for his last year. Lincoln Riley in a year where he's got to get it done.
Caleb Call: bringing in the DC over from Penn State. I think that USC... This year, I mean, it's Lincoln Riley's make it or break it year. He might be out of a job if he doesn't at least make the playoff this year.
Caleb Call: I wouldn't be shocked if we're talking about that semi -final.
Ben: Which is crazy to think about.
Caleb Call: It is crazy. But I... I think USD could be in the semifinal this year. I think that. they might have the power power on offense to withstand a bad defense, but I think it might be good enough on defense to...
Caleb Call: We're used to Lincoln -Roddick being soft on defense and just trying to outscore him. it might be more more well -rounded this year.
Ben: I can't get behind the Trojans. Cam risings. uh kevin's daddy just remember that
Caleb Call: I mean, it's not just Cam Rising. What about Mr. Pig Farmer?
Ben: And Bryson Barnes. Yeah, welcome.
Caleb Call: Yeah. Utah State legend, Bryson Barnes.
Ben: ah
Caleb Call: All right. Well, we are two days out from some week zero football.
Ben: um
Caleb Call: We'll have a little bit of a recap next week with. ah Some of the results from week zero, obviously we're going to have our eyes on TCU, North Carolina. You've got some fun ones, Memphis UNLV at night, Hawaii Stanford could be interesting, Virginia NC State. So it should be a fun day of football.
Ben: Yeah, it should be.
Caleb Call: And yeah.
Ben: ah Should be a fun week zero. There's a couple games that'll be... definitely a couch worthy.
Caleb Call: Oh, absolutely. And then we'll get a ah week one preview. BYU and Utah playing FCS teams doesn't make it too much fun to preview. but those games and then a pretty soft week once late for what we're used to but it's week one it's opening weekend i'm watching no matter what i don't care if i'm watching cream puff state play alabama i'll tune in and watch it
Ben: Yeah, I'll be down at Rice Eccles on Thursday. We're one week away from the Utes playing, so that'll be a fun one.
Caleb Call: Well, go Vandals. Get the win in ah Rice Eccles. All right. Well, until next time.
Ben: Go Utes.
