Transcript
Travis White: Hey everyone, welcome back to the Pack South podcast. And Pat, we have a bit of a special episode for how we've done things the last few years. uh we are going to Change? What we were originally going to do from last week, we were going to get in a soccer. We'll actually be doing that next week now. But this week we have something.
Travis White: new and fun. We're actually going to do our first ever preseason. Top 25. typically we've done our rankings for the first time in October We're going to start diving into it early this year.
Travis White: kind of follow it along a little bit closer before really like solidifying our october rankings like we have been in the past uh and then of course doing our playoff predictions like we have done in the past already.
Travis White: Um, Pat that being said. We got the AP poll the other day Can't... like expected some things definitely had some surprises Alabama fans, a lot of surprises.
Pat Q: has
Travis White: Um, But then it seemed like they still kind of stuck to their original preseason script. I mean, you have... Iowa 22, Missouri at 25. Um,
Travis White: Ohio State at number one, you know, just. typical things for the last few years. um But... We'll go into ours. i think we'll have some differences in the top 25.
Travis White: 11 through 25 we're going to kind of hit a little bit of rapid fire and then our top 10 for the preseason, we'll get a little bit more in depth on. But starting off, I'll go 25. right here.
Travis White: you're darling so you're probably gonna hate this game um i'm going louisville at 25 just sneaking them in i'm not sold on them but right now
Pat Q: So.
Travis White: There's too much hype to not have them there and also kind of running out of teams. have in that final spot. Um, i then go to a couple group teams i have new mexico out of the mountain west expecting them to have a very good season.
Travis White: um houston and the american Um, Very good year last year for them. I agree with The AP here went Iowa at 22 as well. Then a team that took a few steps back, Penn State.
Travis White: Lots of question marks. Yes, you are right. Thank you. Houston is in the Big 12 now. It's this American staple, usually.
Pat Q: Ha ha.
Travis White: um Big 12. Houston Cougars. Penn State. Lots of question marks there. Matt Campbell's first year. Not really sold on the roster right now and there's going to be a lot of question marks throughout the season with that Big Ten schedule um So I don't really...
Travis White: love them being in like high ti or mid -teens currently so
Pat Q: yeah i'm I'm kind of with you there.
Travis White: Yeah, I drop them back just a little bit. Then a team that I am actually very high on, Missouri Tigers.
Pat Q: oh
Travis White: They should have Ahmad Hardy back by week two. Um. Simmons coming over from Ole Miss. I think he is. Probably the most underrated transfer portal get this past off season. So I think that Missouri on the offensive side of the ball should be playing very, very good.
Travis White: Defense. To be honest, they really just need them to be serviceable. I think that that offense should be scoring over 30. points a game You can give up four touchdowns. as the Missouri defense, and I think...
Pat Q: It'll win.
Travis White: They'll win.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: um So I'm at the 20 spot, but still very high on them. I've been put in Tennessee. This is very similar to Penn State. Lots of question marks with the roster. Hypal obviously been there. multiple years now.
Travis White: But I don't know I mean SEC schedule. Lots of question marks. Matchups. Don't really love where to put them, but they're still a very good team SMU in there at 18.
Travis White: I think the most expensive roster or second most expensive roster in the ACC of this season. A lot to prove. Didn't make the playoff last year after making it two seasons prior. So Mustangs are definitely gunning for that and ACC title.
Travis White: Coming in at 18. I can see it Then I have a bit of... a run here of teams that And you could maybe throw SMU into this as well.
Travis White: They could kind of go anywhere here. um Going 17, Michigan. 16 Southern Cal. 15 Washington. Washington, I'm giving the slight edge to with...
Travis White: being in Seattle and seeing more and hearing more about the team.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: Um. Damond Williams coming back. Huge for this ranking. Otherwise, they are fringe top 25 without Devon Williams. He is a key point for them on offense.
Travis White: Just a great play, Mac. maker. He's able to use his legs. He has a great arm. it makes a good decision. so i mean Huskies have... an outside chance. Big 10, maybe not so much, but...
Travis White: Playoff at large, that they could be at play if they... play their cards right, especially the late in the season. um then 14 i'm actually showing even less love i have the crimson tide Again.
Travis White: Kalen Abor. Lots of question marks. Lots and lots and lots of question marks.
Pat Q: yeah I've Bama lower than that.
Travis White: He has opened.
Pat Q: So you and I are both out of school.
Travis White: Really? Okay.
Pat Q: on bam on
Travis White: Well... There you go, so we're not really sold on that Talented roster, great program. DeBoer has lost games and been... in closer games with teams that he had no business as an Alabama football coach. being that close in.
Travis White: so 14 He can prove us wrong, and they're right there. but Not fully sold on them to be top 12. Just outside of top 12 as well.
Travis White: Texas Tech. Hey, believe it or not quarterback away.
Pat Q: Ha!
Travis White: um Very good roster. Spent a lot of NIL money, but... We've covered it. A ton. The Soresby Saga. Well, it just has to see what kind of quarterback play we get out of the Red Raiders.
Travis White: um Here's the team. That's great. All round. I can't really say. i'm huge on their stars, but I have the Oklahoma Sooners.
Travis White: Again. Top team in the SEC. If they compete week in and week out, I think that they can. But I don't know if they will. I need some stars to really come out for the Sooners.
Pat Q: Yeah. yeah
Pat Q: That's definitely true.
Travis White: uh then Then number 11, my final team here before we get into our top 10 here in a few minutes, are the BYU Cougars. um
Pat Q: Yeah, me too.
Travis White: Okay, yeah. So they they took a big jump, probably in part to Texas Tech having the offseason that they did.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: um Nothing really BYU did except... Just kind of conference jockeying there Stop. Very good team. I'm a firm believer. I've said this in the last few weeks. and you know.
Travis White: I think the Cougars have a great chance of making the playoff. and There's a... chance that they're hosting. a playoff game this year.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: so We'll have to see. Pat, I'll throw it over you. 25 -11.
Pat Q: Yeah, um I heard some similar names in some similar places so that Kind of feels like we're on the same page with some of these. Some of them... It seems like you're a little higher on. I'm a little higher on. And. different places but like a lot of the same names i think we're gonna hear again um so my 25th team is actually The Houston Cougars. Um,
Pat Q: Have them slotting in kind of. finishing out our top 25. I only have one G. Um, I guess four at this point in team. And that is Boise State. So I think Boise State is going to have.
Pat Q: A pretty good season in the Pac -12. Spoiler alert. They're not the team that I have from the group to make the college football playoff. And we started talking about that. um But I think like. Roster wise, they are the most talented.
Pat Q: non -power team um so i'm just kind of giving them Tip of the cap for that. With that 24 ranking. 23, I've got Iowa. Kind of similar to what you were saying. 22, I'm a little lower on Tennessee than you are.
Pat Q: So I've got the walls down here.
Travis White: Okay.
Pat Q: 21. My sleeper pick? um For this year the cards of Louisville um I don't want to get crazy bold and put them like top 15 to start the year. That's a little much, but I think this is like a fringy top 20 team.
Pat Q: Without seeing them play, they can definitely move their way up. 20, I've got Penn State. Like you mentioned, there's some questions there with the roster, first year head coach. Um,
Pat Q: So that'll be interesting. 19, I've got... SMU? So a little bit lower on the stangs than you are, I think. Um. But again. right in that ballpark. And then.
Pat Q: I was trying not to laugh when you were doing your. I think it was... 17, 16, 15, because my...
Travis White: Yeah.
Pat Q: middle of the road, let's call them. um But obviously like. Very good in other conferences, big 10 teams.
Travis White: Yes.
Pat Q: um are kind of slotting in here as well. So I've got Michigan at 18.
Travis White: okay
Pat Q: At 17, this is going to upset some SEC fans. Got the Alabama Crimson Tide. Sure. I really am not sold on Bama this year.
Travis White: Outside of the top 15 is enough to get fired in Tuscaloosa.
Pat Q: Yeah, yeah. um I just... I don't know what they're going to be. Like, they could be really, really good and make the playoff. or they could flame out and... We'll see ya.
Pat Q: for a ReliveQuest bowl that you don't really care about. in January. um I don't know with this Bama squad. But then... 16, I've got Utah, actually.
Pat Q: um I like the Utes this year. actually have them higher than their old coach.
Travis White: Okay.
Pat Q: Kyle Whittingham. um So. I don't know We're cooking now. 15 of...
Travis White: Interesting. where I did. Not even on my board. ah The team that just missed was Boise for me.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: So Utah wasn't even right there for me either.
Pat Q: um 15, I've got USC.
Travis White: Okay.
Pat Q: 14, I've got UW.
Pat Q: 13, I've got LSU. So.
Travis White: Wow. Okay.
Pat Q: I think LSU is going to be good, but... Remember. From last week, those of you who like who might have listened. they were one of my cells i don't think that this is the year that they kind of like break through, make the CFP.
Pat Q: um Under Lane Kiffin in his first season.
Travis White: Interesting.
Pat Q: so this is kind of just reflecting that and I guess backing that up a little bit.
Travis White: Sure.
Pat Q: 12, I've got Texas Tech. I think Will Hammond's going to be better than people are expecting. And I think they'll be good. Like ah they'll be fine. And then my 11 team, like I said, when you were rounding us out is also the BYU Cougars.
Travis White: all right so yeah some similarities definitely some differences I mean, Utah not even being ranked for me and then being.
Pat Q: Yeah. Yeah.
Travis White: decently high for you. uh definitely a big point there um So, all right, we'll jump into the top 10 and the team that you're... Not sold on. But I think.
Travis White: Very good. for many. reasons um LSU Tigers. I got the Bayou Bengals in there right at number 10. um Lots of question marks. I think that this team can be very good. But the question marks being...
Travis White: There's so many eyes on this program.
Pat Q: Mm -hmm.
Travis White: They're such high expectations. They're spending so much money. They go get Lane Kiffin. basically having to like break him out of Oxford.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: um almost Knoxville part two for Kiffin.
Pat Q: Heh. Yeah.
Travis White: Um, So I mean, there's... High expectations. There's... a lot invested
Travis White: Number 10 feels right. I think any higher.
Pat Q: Yeah, that's fair.
Travis White: you're you're really, really getting into like, then they're going to win the national title. I think if top five are... closer they're you're expecting them to win a national title. Um, I'm just going to complete my run of SEC teams and I'll throw it back over to you.
Pat Q: For sure.
Travis White: um I then have the Aggies at number nine. very solid program i feel like they're slowly getting over that like a and m hump of We're really good through eight games.
Pat Q: And then we A and &M it, yeah.
Travis White: Yeah, and then, yeah, they're either like 7 -1 or 8 -0, and the next thing you know, they're like 9 -3, 8 -4.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: Um, They're slowly getting over that hump. I think they're... just about there, hence this number nine spot.
Pat Q: Yeah, that's it.
Travis White: Number eight. A team that I'm... I'm very high on this team. It's the Ole Miss Rebels. I'm
Pat Q: Okay. We're very similar in this ballpark, by the way.
Travis White: I have them in order.
Travis White: Okay, okay. So I have them at number eight. um Love the Rebs. We talked about... uh Coach Golden last week. Um, Eight.
Travis White: Not putting too much high expectations on them just just feels right.
Pat Q: Feels right. Yeah.
Travis White: Um. Maybe a team that I'm giving a little bit too much benefit of doubt here because of AP voters. 17 of my final SEC team is... The Longhorns. um I don't love this one But the thing is, is that I'm pulling them back to eight, nine, possibly even 10.
Travis White: I could have done it. And I think in the past I would. could, would have, especially if this was our October rankings.
Pat Q: yeah
Travis White: With this still being preseason, I'm giving in to the hype a little bit. Um. but If. I was to see any of these top 10 teams that I have.
Travis White: not be ranked. is Texas.
Pat Q: copy ranked. Oh, wow.
Travis White: Not be right.
Pat Q: Okay. Okay. okay That's bold.
Travis White: Not be ranked.
Pat Q: Um. I'm very similar We have one difference that I've kind of noticed here.
Travis White: Okay.
Pat Q: in teams uh that we were kind of talking about like obviously you were higher on lsu than i was i had them at 13 you had them at 10. Um, My number 10 team is Texas A and &M.
Pat Q: So. kind of the same logic you were given.
Travis White: yeah
Pat Q: um I really like Marcel Reed. I think Mike Elko is a great football coach, but like. Are they going to get us over the line here?
Travis White: coach
Pat Q: right like Is this the year that they can break through and actually make the CFP? Or are we going to see them? do what happened last year and kind of like wheels fall off the bus and you fumble a cfp appear well you make it but don't really show up you know?
Pat Q: um
Travis White: right
Pat Q: You don't take advantage of the position that you're in. So I've got A and &M at 10. Number nine is a team that I am higher on, it seems like, than you. and That's Oklahoma for me.
Pat Q: Um, I think that. The offense will be better this year. um Of course, last year, it was kind of like if John Mateer's not playing. Watch out because it's not going to be pretty.
Pat Q: Um, But I think it'll be a smoother year two.
Travis White: Right.
Pat Q: Um, Kind of like with Mateer, with Ben Arbuckle, figuring things out. We know that Brent Venables is going to have a good defense. So I do have faith in this Oklahoma team. But.
Pat Q: For both A and &M and Oklahoma, like I would not be shocked if either of them missed the college football playoff. right like
Travis White: Sure.
Pat Q: I have many teams from, or not many, but a few teams from outside of the... top 10 that I have making it over some of these fringy teams that we're listing out.
Pat Q: Um, Number eight, I've got Ole Miss as well. um for a lot of the same reasons you mentioned i think it's a really good position for them a really fair ranking for them not overestimating what they're going to do With Pete Golden and Trinidad Chambliss.
Pat Q: um in their first full season together. but also not discrediting. that amazing run that they had last year. And especially like the way that Pete Golden was. ah able to get them.
Pat Q: through. um some really rough patches after lane kiffin left um that that was impressive to me
Travis White: Yeah. he He had more than just football to worry about.
Pat Q: Yeah, yeah, exactly. So I want to reward Ole Miss with that, give them that eight spot. Seven for me is also Texas. I am not as confident as you are.
Pat Q: that they're going to totally fall out of the top 25.
Pat Q: But I feel like we... to this year is really going to show us. who this Texas team is. Bye.
Travis White: Yeah.
Pat Q: Are they ready for primetime? um or Is Arch just going to look super confused again, despite having better weapons? um Amen.
Pat Q: I would say he doesn't have as much hype this year, but I would argue Texas has more hype this year. This preseason? kind of than the whole program did last season.
Travis White: I would. I would agree with that. I feel like a lot of it's just been... Arch Manning. This is... the guy, freshman year, sophomore year, it's like, This is the Heisman campaign. He's going to click it all together.
Pat Q: Amen.
Travis White: He's going to do it. Now I think people will realize. maybe not as much there's so many eyes on them the pressure isn't The best for him. I mean he was a young kid Junior, senior year, he's getting that kind of eyes, you know, whatever. He gets established. But he had eyes on him immediately, even coming out of high school.
Travis White: That's what happens when your last name is Manning.
Pat Q: My name, yeah
Travis White: but I agree. Like I think the program itself. Has more hype around it, which is very funny to think you know. The year before. Well, I guess his freshman year as his backup.
Travis White: Texas makes the playoff. and has a decent showing.
Pat Q: Thank you.
Travis White: um I would say this year I agree. more hype than last year. Um, All right, then that leads to number six and the team that had a very good showing in. Last year's college football playoff.
Travis White: I have the Hurricanes.
Pat Q: Okay. Okay.
Travis White: I'm putting in the U at number six. This is my highest ACC team. um Very good team. spending a lot of money i feel like they're playing the game the way that The current.
Travis White: atmosphere and environment of college football is to be played, I think they're doing it.
Pat Q: Indicative of, yeah.
Travis White: So I think Miami's doing a very good job. Chris Balls. Heck of a coach. Um... They're doing the little things right. and Keep them at number six and not maybe five or four.
Travis White: maybe partly just because the ACC is a bit weaker and also we talked
Pat Q: questionable. Yeah.
Travis White: in depth last year about how they probably should have made it they make the playoff run they showed it but for a full season They're a little bit lower for me Plenty of plenty time.
Travis White: to make it happen. They run the table in the ACC regardless of how strong or weak that conference is. You're a top two team in the country. so Miami right there at number six. I'll go number five here real quick.
Travis White: The dogs. You cannot count out.
Pat Q: Oh okay.
Travis White: Kirby Smart. I'm... Tentative. with the roster Georgia has this year still. Lots of dudes. Obviously, I'm still very high on them. I put them at number five. but That five ranking also is very much in part two. Kirby Smart being the head football coach there in Georgia.
Travis White: If not for Kirby, I think this is probably a... 10 or 11 team for me for roster. um but i mean He just wins. He's done it ever since he's gotten to Athens, and I think Georgia still can be a contender this year, maybe just not.
Travis White: Georgia like maybe two three years ago
Pat Q: Yeah, that's fair. um You and I, I feel like are different uh in our perspectives On my number six team. I presume they're going to be possibly in your top three.
Travis White: Okay.
Pat Q: I had to take a guess. ah For me, it is our reigning national champions, the Indiana Hoosiers. So they're number six, mainly because like, I think Josh Hoover will be fine.
Pat Q: Like I don't think he's going to have. the same level of turnover problems that he had at TCU. The talent's always been there.
Travis White: Totally agree.
Pat Q: Um, I just don't know if he's... Fernando Mendoza good? right like Does he fit that system as well? um So I still think they're going to be a really good team.
Pat Q: I mean, with Curtis Rourke, they made the. college football playoff. No disrespect to a Mac legend, but. You know, like. Little bit different competition.
Travis White: Sir.
Pat Q: um So I've got Indiana at six mainly because of. hoover and kind of waiting to see what he gives us i feel like they can skyrocket up if he plays really well Or if he looks kind of lost at times, they can maybe fall into like that 8, 9, 10 range.
Pat Q: Um. At number five, I've got the U. So Miami is my number five team. for a lot of the same reasons you listed.
Travis White: Okay.
Pat Q: I think this is...
Pat Q: pretty comfortably the preseason favorite to win the ACC. Um, In both of our rankings, it's a pretty... Pretty healthy gap between Miami and our closest.
Pat Q: ACC. Let's say competitor. Um. So I do think Miami is in a really good position. They proved, like you said last year, that they can win when they get to the playoff.
Travis White: Yep.
Pat Q: um So yeah, I've got Miami at five.
Travis White: Okay. Now our... top four we have the same top four teams which i guess Is it a good sign? No, no we don't. One -off. Sorry.
Pat Q: Yeah, love I think...
Travis White: One off.
Pat Q: I've... Got one in my top four that... You didn't. Vice versa.
Travis White: No, I'll Because... here's why you'll see why i want top four there is the same because to me,
Pat Q: Okay, okay.
Travis White: A certain team. Does not. have any effect here, but... Anyway. I'll go into my top four here. I'll just run the table on four.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: Um... And I just flipped these teams literally as we were talking. So I have. Oregon coming in at number four. um I do love the ducks. I think the ducks have.
Travis White: A great roster. a chance to finally Finish the season just the issue being Dave. kind of been Texas A &M with just a little bit more success in the last few years.
Pat Q: That's fair.
Travis White: Very good team. They're playing really good conference ball. They're taking... conference title here and there. they're finishing the regular season undefeated multiple times. Like, they're just... playing really good and they're They're beating good teams, too. uh the year they were the number one overall seed They played multiple playoff teams.
Travis White: They beat...
Pat Q: Played really good against Penn State.
Travis White: Boise State.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: Like they played. All these... great teams a year they went undefeated and then just lose first round just Let down probably from it all So number four, I have Oregon. I just switched them with my now number three team.
Travis White: And that's Notre Dame. Um, Notre Dame, I didn't like the snub. Again, another thing we talked about. in depth last year.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: um I didn't love the decision not to play in the bowl game just to get some extra practice, but also like... You somewhat get it. You really got snubbed. You really should have been in.
Travis White: It's a sending a message clearly to the committee like. You messed up. We're not in. um Marcus Freeman. Heck of a coach. I remember when they first made that hire from D coordinator to head coach, when Brian Kelly decided to go spend time with his family.
Pat Q: Heh.
Travis White: in Baton Rouge. um I didn't love it Um... About six games in, though, things were like... We'll see. And then he turned it around the second half of that first season. so Marcus Freeman kind of sold me there second year.
Travis White: from then on. Great head coach. He is the guy for Notre Dame. um So I trust in Freeman's coaching ability. Then at number two. AP's number one.
Travis White: Ohio State.
Pat Q: ah wow Okay.
Travis White: Wait. which leaves Indiana my number one team.
Pat Q: okay
Travis White: I'm a firm believer in...
Pat Q: okay
Travis White: especially Indiana is 16 -0. They're bringing in... um a bunch of good portal talent.
Pat Q: Bunch of talent. Yeah.
Travis White: um They're spending more money than they had. Last season, before going 16 -0, you still have Cignetti. facilities are only continuing to get better year after year. They're spending so much money on that program on and off the field.
Travis White: They're doing everything the right way. in Bloomington. and I'm a firm believer you win the national titles. Especially if you're 16 -0.
Pat Q: Should be no problem.
Travis White: You earned the spot to be number one until you lost.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: Hands up. That's just what I believe. Buckeyes, very good number two team. um Definitely the biggest threat to Indiana, again, in the Big Ten this season.
Travis White: Kind of unfortunate that these teams, I mean, obviously historic Big Ten teams. If these teams were in different conferences, man, that'd be... Just. David, or not David. goliath Just... Two juggernauts, rather.
Pat Q: Yeah, yeah
Travis White: um facing off without having a regular season matchup. Um, But... Clearly to me, these are one and two, no matter how you slice it going into the season.
Pat Q: Yeah, no. I understand the logic there. Like I said, I mean... I'm not a huge Josh Hoover believer, but I'm... willing to see him prove me wrong.
Pat Q: um you know I think Indiana is going to be really good. I have them. as a playoff team. Um. I just don't know if they can replicate. last year.
Pat Q: To the fullest, you know, um so. Our top fours are really similar. Three out of the four. I've got the dogs at four. I do think this is going to be a good team. They're my pick to actually win the SEC. Spoiler alert.
Pat Q: Um,
Travis White: okay
Pat Q: This season, and I think they're going to be a force come playoff time. I don't. really have a projection on exactly how the playoff is going to play out, but I think they're going to be one of those top four seeds.
Pat Q: um at the end of the year.
Travis White: okay
Pat Q: and My number three is also Notre Dame. I think that this team should, keyword should, ah progress to 12 -0 in the regular season and get themselves a comfy little rest before.
Pat Q: um The playoffs begin, you know, no conference championship. army navy week that's a big little gap that you can get to get healthy get right um before that stretch run i think that's going to be huge and i think it's really really important that cj carr I believe he'll make the step this year, but takes that stride forward um from a really talented freshman to.
Pat Q: one of college football's superstars. Um, And then my two and one are.
Travis White: okay
Pat Q: The same. In terms of like who's one and two in the AP poll. But I did flip it a little bit. So I've got Oregon actually as my number one. All right.
Travis White: oh wow Okay.
Pat Q: Yeah. So the Ducks are my number one preseason. Ohio State's my number two. um I really really like Oregon this year. I feel like every year is hashtag Ducks year.
Pat Q: but it just never comes to fruition. Feel like this could be the season, but... Also could be the year where. Dante Moore implodes.
Pat Q: Again. And we're just kind of like, well. Dan Lanning gonna Dan Lanning.
Travis White: Interesting. Okay, organ number one. I... Can't say I've personally seen that. in a lot of polls, but it's very intriguing. i mean i put them at four so i'm not very far off um But very interesting.
Travis White: I want to pose you before we go to our playoff predictions here.
Pat Q: absolutely sure
Travis White: a potential interesting question. Um... You know, Notre Dame we talk about. You think that... That amount of time off getting healed up is... Good for them.
Travis White: We just saw... The first. bi -week win in Indiana. um this past
Pat Q: and
Travis White: playoff. Do we? Let's say Notre Dame whether they have a first -round buy or they just go in they Like you say, they don't have a conference championship game. There's a lot of time in between.
Travis White: They take a loss, and we see a lot of the bye week teams. lose. Do we think? Especially with how teams like... Vanderbilt we're floating an extra game to boost a resume at the last second do we think that exhibition games might become a thing for these top playoff teams.
Travis White: Because you know if you're a smaller program Like. Allah. in Eastern Michigan at Kent State. You get.
Pat Q: Need some rats?
Travis White: Million. Million and a half. Get some reps. You're not going to a bowl game. just to make some money and have some more practice that it's not a bad thing for them and
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: The big teams, they get... to stay warm. Do you think we see that?
Pat Q: Yeah, no. I feel like we could see that. um at some point down the line especially if we see another year where like you mentioned our Bye teams. Lose.
Pat Q: all right because That clearly would show that. This gap is not really conducive to sustaining that momentum long term, right? Keeping your team on track, especially if you're like a late surger.
Pat Q: right? Like if you, I don't know, let's say lose early. And then just. go on this crazy run, win your conference, but then have... two weeks off um and that just
Travis White: Maybe maybe you lose your first two
Pat Q: derails your momentum.
Travis White: games to playoff teams and then go 10 in a row yeah
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: You get the playoff and you get in, right?
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: Yeah.
Pat Q: I don't know. i don't know
Travis White: I'll get Marcus Freeman on the phone.
Pat Q: Ha! hats
Travis White: Yeah.
Pat Q: Hey. It's going to be interesting, I think. um And I mean, like, I feel like. the fact that the NCAA keeps talking about tweaking the playoff format, potentially adding more teams, like that just makes it more confusing as to where this is going to go in the future. Cause like.
Pat Q: You also don't want to see these teams say, all right, yeah, like let's start doing these scrimmages. And. Then all of a sudden. It's like a 2014 playoff, right? And these guys are just dead.
Pat Q: Not literally.
Travis White: Now I will say a 2014 playoff that probably does
Pat Q: physically.
Travis White: Eliminate. the big break. I figure you have conference title. week.
Pat Q: And then just.
Travis White: You have Army, Navy.
Pat Q: know
Travis White: and then everyone goes that week. I feel like 2014, because otherwise you are really bumping up to the Super Bowl.
Pat Q: It's way too big of Yeah, yeah. And. i don't know i feel like army navy is in danger. of losing that exclusivity. Um,
Pat Q: Which is really unfortunate. But I feel like we could see. The committee, maybe, or the NCAA? Ask Army, Navy to move that to either. maybe like
Pat Q: I don't know, some point. After conference championships, but still before. If they expand the 24. round of the playoff or they get boosted to like a weak double zero um and they play before everybody else and that's the opener
Travis White: Yeah, it would be interesting to see that.
Pat Q: Yeah, I don't know.
Travis White: came to food I was about to say, oh we may have just opened a can of worms.
Pat Q: I don't know
Travis White: We'll we'll get into that.
Pat Q: We'll go back, yeah.
Travis White: Maybe another rule Thumbtack that one Thumbtack out. Alright, so we'll go into our playoff predictions here as we wind down this episode. um I have an interesting note. I do have like a first team. out.
Travis White: Do we want to go into that before jumping in and then do 12 -1, or what do you?
Pat Q: o Um,
Pat Q: Yeah, yeah, let's do that. Let's do that
Travis White: Okay. So my first team out is a team that I'm... high on being a dark horse, which is an oxymoron. um I have the Washington huckey Huskies.
Pat Q: huckies
Travis White: Huckies. Washington Huskies just missing the playoff. I think that they do have a good season. However, i mean they have Oregon on their schedule. They have Indiana late on their schedule.
Pat Q: yeah
Travis White: I think unfortunately that Indiana game might be a nail in the coffin for them. Um, 10 -2 with a poor timed loss I think does keep the Huskies out of the playoff, but just barely, obviously.
Travis White: That then moves me to number 12. You heard me say earlier I had... New Mexico in at number 24.
Pat Q: in Mexico. Yeah.
Travis White: I have the UNLV rebels.
Pat Q: bo Okay.
Travis White: The Fighting Dan Mullins, I have them actually sneaking in here. I think this is going to be Dan Mullen's full announcement. Like I'm back in coaching. I can win games.
Travis White: He won at Mississippi State. He won at Florida, whether they want you to know that in games or not.
Pat Q: Ha!
Travis White: um i think this is his announcement i'm back and i think truly if he really wants to come back fully into the premier coaching scene. This is his chance if he just wants to enjoy his time UNLV win some conference titles Maybe make a playoff here and there.
Travis White: you know. that's his own progress but i think this is his announcement like hey big program you want me Come get me. This is the season. Bye then. At large, I'm getting in here. i haveve LSU.
Travis White: LSU I just have sneaking in. I feel like this is one of those years where like one way or another. whether it's LSU. There's other Thanks.
Pat Q: programs
Travis White: in the SEC and programs and all that stuff, they are somehow going to find their way in.
Pat Q: right
Travis White: I don't know if they're. 9 -3, 10 -2, whatever. This may be the first 9 -3 team that gets into the playoff. There's just so much hype and love around this team. So many eyes. I think LSU gets in there at number. eleven Pat, I'll throw it over to you.
Pat Q: All right. um i don't know I feel like my last team to miss out is kind of Actually, between LSU and another SEC team. um But I'm going to go in the other direction and I'll say Texas A and &M is my team that. just misses the playoff.
Travis White: Oh, you're gonna... Hate my playoff.
Pat Q: Oh. Okay, okay. ah you're You're higher on the Aggies than I am then.
Travis White: Absolutely.
Pat Q: Um, I think. I replaced A and &M with a different school from the same state. um Where? You have A &M probably in that.
Pat Q: position.
Travis White: I don't think TCU is that good
Pat Q: Hey, we'll see you in Ireland. Um...
Travis White: herha
Pat Q: But regardless, my ah my number 12, my group team is...
Pat Q: Probably dumb pick. Hand up. I understand this So if people are looking to... ah Laugh at me when the season's over. That's fine. I'll laugh with you.
Pat Q: I'm going with the team from the Pac -12. That is not. The Boise State Broncos. This is the San Diego State Aztecs.
Travis White: oh wow Okay.
Pat Q: I feel like. They took a big step last year. um Obviously. That game in New Mexico kind of... ruined their plans to go out with the Mountain West title and things like that.
Pat Q: But we showed that this was a team that could win. Jaden Denigle. Played really, really well last year, so I expect him to... continue that play hopefully like make a stride this year And that's why I'm. backing the Aztecs as my group team to represent.
Pat Q: Our non -power friends. ah
Travis White: ah back
Pat Q: So I don't know bold take i understand that i feel like unlv is probably the likely outcome here Um. But I'm rolling with the Aztecs. My 11 team. is The Louisville Cardinals.
Pat Q: had to Had to sneak my... Dark horse is in there somehow. um Talked about them at length last week, but I'll just say. Isaac Brown is the main reason why I feel this way. Great running back, which I feel will give them a lot of depth. And we just got to hope that Jeff Brom has learned how to coach a defense this year for this too.
Pat Q: actually work out and come to fruition. Then my number 10 team, um this is probably going to surprise you, TJ, but I have a second Big 12 team actually making the playoff here.
Pat Q: And it is the... Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Travis White: Okay.
Pat Q: So I Like I said, I think Will Hammond will... be fine. Like he's not going to be Brandon Sorsby. But... I think he's going to be. a good alternative to that. And I think like.
Pat Q: This team probably. I had to guess loses one game in the regular season. And then I have BYU beating them in the big 12 championship, but. I feel like. Two losses, one of them in a conference championship in a major conference is good enough to get you in, or should be, sorry, good enough to get you in. So that's why I'm going with the Red Raiders there.
Travis White: wow Okay. Um, Red Raiders at number 10. Texas Tech. Spoiler.
Pat Q: boiler
Travis White: Not in my playoff.
Pat Q: Ha ha!
Travis White: Not in my playoff. ah However... Like you mentioned, another team from the same state. Um, I have SMU getting in.
Pat Q: Ooh,
Travis White: I think. I think that this is going to be kind of like the ACC using up what's left of its... kind of like power, goodwill.
Pat Q: fair
Travis White: um Clemson's getting a lot of hype after a 7 -6 season. They are very much on a downward trajectory under Dabo in the NIL era. just don't seem to want to adapt but pollster still give them that extra boost i think smu is able to capitalize on this um you also have teams that you know.
Travis White: defending conference champion duke Not going to be as good without Darien Mensah. UVA who should still be serviceable, but not a conference. title game appearing team this year.
Travis White: But there's a lot of teams in ACC that I think have a higher image going in. You're high on Louisville. I think SMU can capitalize on this sort of thing and be a second ACC team in. So I have them in there at number 10.
Travis White: I'll finish my away teams here real quick for that first round. Um, organ ducts. I think that they're a little bit lower. They're still in the playoff. I think that they're unfortunately going to take on a couple losses.
Travis White: Um... But still, very good team. and very much good enough to be in the playoffs.
Pat Q: Yeah, rounding out my away teams is Ole Miss. Um, So again, really good team. Both of us were high on them in our preseason rankings. um I just feel like they might take a loss or two.
Pat Q: during the regular season and that could bring them down to visiting rather than hosting.
Travis White: Okay. Noted. Um... All right, I'll move over my first hosting team. I'll go eight through five. We'll just knock that out like that.
Pat Q: Yeah, yeah.
Travis White: we all home teams I have the BYU Cougars. They're going to host this year, just barely. It's going to be a tough matchup with Oregon, but I think... Big 12 champion they get into their first playoff definitely deserve to host a game here.
Travis White: I then move over to the SEC. um Surprisingly, this is only the second SEC team here.
Pat Q: Mm -hmm.
Travis White: um Coming in, I have A and &M. I think A and &M could see a conference title game appearance. I don't have them winning it.
Pat Q: wow
Travis White: But I think Mike Alko is really doing. Everything he possibly could. be doing in College Station. Um, I think A and &M is continuing to grow. They might take one or two. steps back on conference championship week but I think they are going to be in Atlanta this year.
Travis White: A team. That's not going to be in Atlanta. But it's basically in Atlanta. I have the Georgia Bulldogs at number six. um Once again, you just can't count out Kirby Smart.
Travis White: Kind of doesn't matter. like The guy just wins. Same way as like Nick Saban. Alabama's. playing football, they're probably winning under Nick Saban. Obviously.
Travis White: As you can tell, Alabama. Not in my playoffs so far.
Pat Q: Not in there. No.
Travis White: um But Saban's not there. I mean, it's very clearly Kirby Smart has very much filled the void. and It does not matter what team he trots out there with. You just expect him to win. I think that they will be.
Travis White: Very good team. Probably one loss, but... That one loss probably keeps him out of Atlanta for me. My number five team.
Travis White: Indiana. I think. Very good team, very good roster. Signetti just wins, but they have... proven now. I mean, obviously they go 11 -2.
Travis White: the first year under him, I want to say, with the playoff appearance losing at Notre Dame. then going 16 -0 and winning the national title. They've proven They win. Um,
Travis White: So I think... All targets will be on... them period not just on their back just
Pat Q: Yeah, yeah, no, for sure.
Travis White: All eyes, all targets, everyone's gunning for him. They will take one or two losses here. but Very good team. uh not good enough to have to buy but they will be the first team out.
Travis White: and hosting the playoff game.
Pat Q: We have two similar teams in there in Indiana and BYU, just in different places. uh but i'll run through my eight through five a little quick that way we can kind of jump into our you know top fours
Travis White: Sure.
Pat Q: ah So at eight, I've got Indiana. So I'm a little lower on them than you are, but still hosting a playoff game. You're having a really good season. Seven, I've got Texas.
Pat Q: um' I'm backing the Longhorns to actually live up to the hype a little bit this year. Put together that complete season.
Travis White: Okay.
Pat Q: Make. the SEC championship, but ultimately lose. Uh, to my future SEC champion, who we'll get to. A little bit. At six, I've got BYU.
Pat Q: winning the big 12 championship. I feel like that'll boost them a little bit. um They might take a loss this year. Maybe they'll lose to Utah. Maybe they'll lose another big, big 12 game this year on the road. But I think.
Pat Q: winning a conference championship offsets that a little bit and gets them into that sixth slot. And then my number five team is my ACC champion. The Miami Hurricanes.
Pat Q: so I think you might have them a little higher in your rankings.
Travis White: and
Pat Q: um But I have Miami just on that sort of. Outer cusp. Kind of similar to like what you said with Indiana. not quite getting over the hump um into being.
Pat Q: a buy team, right? And um hosting at a bull site. But... Still a fantastic season.
Travis White: so just slightly ahead of you there. I have Miami coming in at number four. my ACC champion. Um, They're just going to continue off the momentum from last season, obviously. Yes, no Carson Beck, however.
Pat Q: But maybe you get it.
Travis White: I've already said that. length. This roster is good.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: And Mario Cristobal has done everything right in Miami in this era. And I think that you will. You'll see that with the ACC title. and probably another decent showing in the college football playoff.
Pat Q: Probably.
Travis White: Then I have my SEC champion.
Travis White: Ole Miss Rebels.
Pat Q: Wow. Okay. Wow.
Travis White: I'm going all in now.
Pat Q: al
Travis White: I really thought about it after last week too, really thought about like looking at the schedule and all that stuff. I think. You have such... a emotion going into that LSU game, mainly from the LSU side. You have $50 million dollars roster. You have Lane Kiffin coming over. This is his first return to Oxford. The thing with Oxford is...
Travis White: Yes, they're going to hate his guts, and there might be some golf balls and batteries thrown, just like in Knoxville. um But... I feel like from... Pete golding standpoint They're just playing football.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: you know. That guy left. Screw em. We're going to play football and they're coming to their house. So I think Ole Miss is in a much better spot for that game I still think that they don't get out as unscathed. I think they do take a loss in there.
Travis White: Um, but a one -loss SEC champion with...
Pat Q: Definitely time for that.
Travis White: what on paper looks to be just an insane conference. And obviously our top 25 is. Also back that up.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: um Ole Miss at number three, kind of. No doubt. um Number two. I think this team is... Ticked off.
Travis White: I have the fighting Irish. I have them running the table. 12 -0, I think they're number two. only behind Another team I have running at the table, and that's the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Pat Q: That's right, yeah.
Travis White: I think Ohio State is going to finish what they just slightly missed out on last year. But those are two teams. undefeated 1 -2. Um, and you know Looking at it. minus Ole Miss. Top four is kind of party like it's the 80s.
Pat Q: Ha!
Travis White: So. um Should be good football. Should be good football.
Pat Q: Good.
Travis White: That's my top four, Pat.
Pat Q: Shit.
Travis White: What do you have?
Pat Q: We have the same top two. So I have Ohio State as my one as well. And Notre Dame is my two. But we are differing on three and four. So...
Travis White: Okay.
Pat Q: Number four for me. is my preseason number one. Although I do. kind of eventually see them falling Right. Whether that's. um In the regular season, whether that's in the Big Ten Championship. and that is the Oregon Ducks. um I am really, really high, like I said, on this Oregon team.
Pat Q: I think. This could be the year for Dan Lanning to like. kind of finally get over that. metaphorical hump like yes they made a semi -final last year um i don't want to discount that But.
Pat Q: They also got smoked, so. There's that. Um. And then my number three team is my SEC champion. The Georgia Bulldogs. Um, So.
Pat Q: We have.
Travis White: So three is the SEC champion.
Pat Q: Yeah, yeah. We're slotting that in. Write it down. Book it. Get your tickets, folks. um I don't know. I feel like we have a pretty similar like top end but i like the differences that we're seeing on the bottom end of our brackets
Travis White: Yeah. And obviously. i mean my difference in where you put Georgia versus where I put Georgia is Georgia takes a loss in the regular season and that keeps them out of Atlanta. Ole Miss is the team that gets to Atlanta and wins it.
Travis White: So, I mean, that's essentially my difference from yours there.
Pat Q: wins. Yeah.
Travis White: so Very similar teams. Obviously, we... differ in our group, and then you sneaking in Texas Tech there.
Pat Q: Yeah.
Travis White: It would be interesting. I don't... Not here. I mean Texas Tech is probably one of those teams that I still think is Top 16
Pat Q: For sure.
Travis White: Um, They're obviously going off of expectations and results from last year. But I really... really think the quarterback play. I think that.
Travis White: You're not as concerned about it.
Pat Q: It's going to be.
Travis White: I'm...
Pat Q: then.
Travis White: I'm a bit concerned about it So. Wow. There you have it. We'll probably only get six, maybe.
Pat Q: Yes.
Travis White: um You actually did pretty good last year. I very much did not in our... predictions so we'll have to see how that goes and we will give a quick little shout out uh number two team in the fcs we have the slobber and bear right there in montana again we'll be there for their senior night against Idaho State. a team receiving votes in the FCS. so Could be a fun, possibly a playoff eliminator, Pat.
Travis White: We'll see.
Pat Q: yeah
Travis White: Hopefully we get the snow falling in Missoula.
Pat Q: Fingers crossed. Fingers crossed we're partying in Missoula.
Travis White: come Come November so should be a good time. We have Lots of football between now and then, and then obviously we'll see how our top 25 and our playoff prediction. kind of shakes out so Until next week when we...
Travis White: We'll be talking about soccer this time.
Pat Q: Yes
Travis White: including some last second football stories. We will see you all next time. Thank you all so much for tuning in.
