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This Week in College Football
5 Plays2 years ago
In this episode, the All Gas No Breaks team discusses Week 1 of a competitive CFB season, and looks ahead to Week 2.
Transcript
Introduction to Hosts
00:00:01
Speaker
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first all gas no break sports podcast. I am one of your co-hosts, Nicholas Bivona, and I am joined alongside Andrew Johnson and Grayson, Sheepy, Gio Marino. Guys, truly a groundbreaking start for us here on our first podcast here.
West Virginia vs Pitt Game Recap
00:00:20
Speaker
how you
00:00:40
Speaker
that pitiful, disgusting, but also beautiful West Virginia game that is going on. And you know, it's funny that you say pitiful considering that they played the Pit Panthers. So it sounds like you want to get into that game off the bat, Grayson. Oh, God, where do I start? When I talk about a beautiful college football atmosphere,
00:01:03
Speaker
I don't know if I could get better than that. It's outside the Iron Bowl and maybe the Ohio State Michigan game. That's about it. That atmosphere seemed electric. I mean, my Mountaineers played a pretty damn good game. Really unfortunate ending.
00:01:23
Speaker
I mean, what more could I say other than utter disgust? And I borderline cried for about an hour after that game because they had that game in the bag. Well, you know, it was actually very interesting. You know, the fans are into it because they ran out of beer by I think nine o'clock and that game went on for about an hour and a half after that. You know, the fans are really into that game. You know, they weren't happy, you know, about the ending, at least traveling West Virginia fans.
00:01:50
Speaker
It was certainly a good game, considering that both teams had new quarterbacks. West Virginia had the former Georgia standout JT Daniels. Pitt had the USC standout Keaton Slovis. And they both looked pretty good in their home openers for both teams. And it all just came down in one simple play, which unfortunately for West Virginia was just a simple, easy catch to make for the wide receiver. Doesn't name... I can't remember the name. I'm sure Grayson does.
00:02:17
Speaker
Well, there you go. And, you know, it just was a heartbreaking loss of West Virginia. They played a great defensive game in the first half. And, you know, the second half just saw a lot of, you know, that offense that we were expecting in the first half of that game. And, you know, CJ Donaldson had a great game as well. There was a controversial decision whether West Virginia should have went for it on fourth and one instead of taking the way of game and punting.
West Virginia's Big 12 Prospects
00:02:42
Speaker
So definitely an interesting week one for both West Virginia and Pitt, but at the end of the day, Pitt gets the win 38 to 31 and a struggling start for West Virginia, but they do have Kansas next week. So an opportunity for them to get a nice bounce back win. I'm going to say this, going off my beautiful Mountaineers.
00:03:04
Speaker
If they play half that well this season, they're winning the big 12 and I will not take no for an answer. If they play defense like that and the offense consistently could put up points, that team is winning
Appalachian State vs North Carolina Analysis
00:03:17
Speaker
the big 12. It's not even a thought in my mind.
00:03:20
Speaker
that's
00:03:40
Speaker
I mean it just seemed that every time that appalachian state was down and out it looked like they were going to be losing the game They just came right back and kept scoring There was no defense whatsoever, especially from a former big 12 coach himself and mac brown It just seemed like you saw the old big 12 defenses coming into play But thankfully to a non, you know to not commit a two-point conversion at the end. North Carolina barely hanged on to win that game and
00:04:08
Speaker
For what I heard, it was a very packed crowd for that game. It was, I think, the third highest grossing ticket for the weekend. And that's included the Notre Dame and Ohio State game, the Oregon and Georgia game. There's a hot ticket to get this past weekend in North Carolina. Now, what's even crazier about that is when you if you told someone this 10 years ago, even five years ago, that North Carolina football would be one of the
00:04:31
Speaker
top grossing football programs in the country at any point during any season, it would look like you crazy. It seems like Mac Brown is really bringing back North Carolina. He has to be maybe I don't think he should should be embarrassed about that game, because Appalachian State did have a really hell of a hell of a good season last year. And it looks like they're a team on the rise, you know, from a non-power five conference. So it's interesting, interesting to see how Appalachian State is going forward.
00:04:58
Speaker
Yeah, I probably agree with that statement. I mean, Appalachian State, though, I mean, they're known for giving some pretty good teams a great run for their money. I mean, we go back. I mean, that Michigan game a long time ago, but, you know, they love being an underdog and they love winning those big games for them. I was actually really surprised that they win that game.
00:05:22
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, like you said, they always put out a fight, especially when it comes to these Power Five schools. They seem to always give their 100% effort. And not for that missed two-point conversion, they very much well could have won that game. But they'll have a chance this upcoming weekend for another big potential shocker. They go...
00:05:42
Speaker
to face the Aggies of Texas A&M. And I know you two love those Texas A&M Aggies, so it is going to be a great atmosphere for that game. Texas A&M, number 16 in the country, could be an upset alert for that game.
Georgia's Dominance and Oregon's Woes
00:05:55
Speaker
So definitely tune in to watch that one. This upcoming Saturday, 3.30, should be a great game to watch.
00:06:03
Speaker
If you want to segment into games that don't matter, how about we talk about that Oregon UGA game without the absolute embarrassment that occurred in Mercedes-Benz Stadium down in Atlanta? Well, I wouldn't say that it didn't matter. Going into the game, there was definitely high impact for the game. I mean, Georgia's first game since winning the national championship. Oregon has a whole new coaching staff, new quarterback and Bo Nix, but they just
00:06:28
Speaker
They were just not there at the beginning of that game. Bonex threw two early interceptions. One went back for a pick six. He just did not seem to have anything going. He tried to escape the SEC by leaving from Auburn to go to Oregon. He gets an SEC opponent of week one, and he just once again did not show the stuff that they were hoping to see. And because of that, Oregon goes from the 11th ranked team in the country. Now they're not even ranked coming into this week. So it's going to be an uphill battle for the Ducks going into the season.
00:06:57
Speaker
but a great start for the defending national champion, Georgia. They looked absolutely dominant. They did not look like they lost a step and they very much well could be still the favorite to win the national championship. Yeah, I would definitely say sets in Bennett might be the second best college quarterback I've ever witnessed. That kid does nothing but win games. He's a bold sandwich. Who would be number one?
00:07:24
Speaker
I mean, you might, you gotta go with Johnny football. I mean, legend, legend. That guy literally took out the Alabama dynasty basically for a hot second there. John football certainly was the talk of the town in 2012, 2013.
00:07:46
Speaker
Didn't have that big of an impact in the NFL, but you're right. He was one of the most dominant quarterbacks in college football. And it showed Texas A&M was on the map then. They're trying to get back on the map now. They're doing a great job of it so far. But as you said, I mean, great effort by stats embedded now. He's got to be considered one of the favorites to potentially win the Heisman Trophy behind CJ Stroud and Bryce Young. We both had pretty solid efforts this weekend.
00:08:12
Speaker
and we'll have to see if Georgia continues its meta,
Florida's Triumph Over Utah
00:08:15
Speaker
but you're right. They should definitely be in the national championship consideration just because of how sets have been played this past weekend. Staying with the SEC being on top and the Pac-12, of course, being on the bottom. Let's talk about that Florida Utah game. Let's talk about how the Gators of the University of Florida upset the Utah Utes. Looking at that game,
00:08:39
Speaker
I wasn't a fan of Utah going into it because I believe they were one in six all time on the road against SEC opponents. So you're going to the swamp, seventh ranked team in the country. A lot of people would say Utah is not a real team. They don't really play that big competition, because they're in the Pac-12. And Florida has Anthony Richardson, who is potentially going to be drafted this year in the top 10 in the NFL. And from what I saw, and everyone can attest to it,
00:09:08
Speaker
He looks like Lamar Jackson 2.0. He is that good. He can run the football. He can throw the football. Now, I know you two aren't big Lamar Jackson fans, but for what I saw from this kid, he looks like he could be a tank. And I'm a New York Giants fan. I would love to see him in a New York Giants uniform for the next season. He was unbelievable. That 2.2-point conversion he had where he faked the defender and rolled out, the kid was unbelievable. Played a solid game.
00:09:36
Speaker
So definitely a great start for the Gators and a tough loss for Utah on the road. Yeah, I mean.
00:09:44
Speaker
But yeah, going back onto it, I mean, a great way for Florida to win that game. You know, it looked like they were going to give up a game when he touched down, but thankfully got an interception with 10 seconds left. Gators get a strong win. And now they're ranked going into this weekend. They got another big upcoming matchup with Will Levis in Kentucky, matchup of two ranked SEC teams. So definitely going to be another interesting game coming up this weekend at the Swamp.
Syracuse's Strong Season Start
00:10:10
Speaker
Yeah, I mean,
00:10:11
Speaker
The fact that it gets to be in the swamp back to back weeks is just what I could say is deadly for people going in there, because when Florida is good, that place is rocking. And when that place is rocking, they are a very tough team to beat. OK.
00:10:30
Speaker
You were talking about rocking? How about the Carrier Dome this weekend, Grayson? They were rocking this weekend. I am a Syracuse fan myself. Absolutely stellar start this season. Every year I go into the year thinking that they're going to be terrible. They were an underdog at home this week against Louisville. Malik Cunningham was one of the best quarterbacks in the nation right now.
00:10:52
Speaker
And they were just dominant. I mean, they were able to run the ball, pass the ball. They actually played defense. They held them to seven points. I literally thought I was witnessing things. This is by far their best win since 2018, where they won 10 games and beat. No offense, Grayson. They beat West Virginia in a bowl game. This is their best start since that season. So a great Syracuse for myself. This is a great optimistic win to start off the season.
00:11:19
Speaker
Now I don't want to jump ahead or jump the gun or anything, but you know, Syracuse football has been good in the last, you know, probably since Donovan, Donovan McNabb was there. You know, McNabb was a legend both in the NFL and in college. But it seems like since McNabb has left, there's been kind of a void for really all North Eastern football outside of Pitt.
00:11:42
Speaker
But as a Syracuse fan, if you think they're going to be bowl eligible, is it a pinstripe bowl kind of year or is it something higher? I think if you're a Syracuse fan, you'll take any bowl at this rate. They haven't been into a bowl game since that West Virginia game. So they'll take any bowl as they could take. For what I saw yesterday.
00:11:58
Speaker
They looked like the team from that season of 2018. They had an up-tempo offense. They actually played very well defense. Probably the best defense I saw all week in the ACC. And that's even including the Clemson game against Georgia Tech. They just were dominant. Malik Cunningham, they're saying Mike could have been a Heisman candidate, you know.
00:12:17
Speaker
And they just held him to nothing. They held him in check. It looked like at points that Syracuse was going to bend and not break, but they did a fantastic job on both sides of the ball. And for a guy that's one of Dino Babers fired for a couple of seasons now, I have to give him credit. He just he coached the hell of a game this weekend. I'm going to say this about that West Virginia game, we
Michigan's Quarterback Dilemma
00:12:39
Speaker
had zero of our top 10 players on that in that game. Just going to say it.
00:12:45
Speaker
Doesn't matter who you play as long as there's a w at the end of the day. You'll take it as it is Now if you want to if you want to flip the w and make it an m we can talk about michigan's home opener Which was this past weekend? And you know michigan another team that you know lost a bunch of talent in the off season You know biggest one obviously being aden hutchinson But they did start off the season with the w at home at the big house so
00:13:13
Speaker
A good start for the Wolverines, they actually moved up in the polls because they're one of the top four teams now. So definitely a strong start for the Wolverines, beating Colorado State. The question is, will they keep this momentum going on for the rest of the season? That's to be determined. I mean, there's not much more to say about that, to be honest. I mean, the only conversation there is the quarterback controversy. Who the hell is going to start the rest of the season?
00:13:43
Speaker
I want to say Cade McNamara. I want to say he's the favorite. But you think it's gonna be like another Tom Brady situation where the veteran is going to be taken out, you know, early on the season, maybe has to come back in to dig them out of holes. I mean, it's gonna be really interesting to see what goes on with Michigan. People, a lot of experts are expecting them.
00:14:02
Speaker
to make the college football playoffs. And that's going to be very hard. They made it for the first time ever last year. Unfortunately, they ran into a much better team and they really didn't stand a chance against any really SEC team. But a lot of experts expecting to get back, maybe even get a win in college football playoffs. That's going to be very, very interesting with that new quarterback controversy.
Impact of Expanding College Football Playoff
00:14:27
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, speaking of college football playoff, the fact that they're moving to a 12-team format is an absolute fucking joke. I hate the curse, but it's an absolute joke. 12 teams to make a playoff in college football is disgusting. There's not normally, eight was the max. 12 is ridiculous. They were watering down what the college football playoff was meant to be.
00:14:55
Speaker
in my personal opinion. I don't know. I think I like this 12 playoff format. And the reason being is if you're a fan of March Madness, you love seeing the most amount of teams possible getting that opportunity to potentially play for a national championship. And you love to see that underdog upset. Think about it if I forgot how the format was. Think of it if it was a nine seed or whatever the number 19 in this country, they get to play Alabama and they upset Alabama.
00:15:24
Speaker
in the first round. How big that would be. Anything is possible. Credit, will it probably happen? I don't know. I think it will depend on what the rankings are at the time. But I prefer to say, I think I love this idea and this concept. Is 12 a lot? Maybe. But I like the concept that they're going for. We'll have to see how it implements when it comes down the line in 2026.
00:15:49
Speaker
Nick though. Let's say this. I mean, look at last year's rankings. They would have had, what, three non-power five teams in the playoffs if it was in this format?
00:16:00
Speaker
I believe so, yes. Yeah. Come on. But hey, listen, it brings exposure for these teams that don't really get national media. You know, yeah, that's great, but they're going to get walked by Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan. Those top four teams in in the end, I mean, the SEC will work or go and be in every year. I mean, let's be honest. I mean, even the two.
00:16:28
Speaker
Maybe even the three seeds in the SEC Easter gonna be in In this playoff then so what you're gonna have three SEC teams At the minimum every year. I mean, I don't know If it was up to me, there'd probably be six SEC teams in college football players each year I mean take a look at what happened if Alabama last year, you know Texas A&M upset Alabama everyone, you know
00:16:54
Speaker
Everyone said it won't happen in Alabama. Obviously they lost to Georgia, eventually for the championship. But if you take a look at anything that can happen in the SEC, so yeah, maybe this SEC team that is the seven or eight seed ends up beating the two of the three seed, or the nine SEC. There's an SEC team that ends up as the ninth seed.
00:17:15
Speaker
Alabama or Georgia. It's definitely possible. Is it likely? I wouldn't call it likely, but it's definitely possible. And it's just gonna make these guys show up for more games. And ultimately, like, you know, this comes down to money. They want the advertising. They want the game revenue. They want the ticket sales. They want concession sales. They want everything that comes along with more college football playoffs.
00:17:35
Speaker
If you take a look how the bowl game schedule currently works It wouldn't be that much of a stretch being that there's pointless bowl games going on all the time I think people want to and if it's actually gonna have something towards the college football playoffs
00:17:50
Speaker
I mean, you're absolutely right. I mean, the bowl games the last couple of years have not really meant as much as it was, you know, per se during the Tim Tebow era. I mean, everyone was looking forward to the Sugar Bowl and stuff. Now that's all a part of the college football playoff. I think adding these teams can, you know, make some of these other bowl games, you know, more prestigious and give those, you know,
00:18:11
Speaker
those companies that are sponsoring the bowl games, a big opportunity to host some of the biggest names in college football, some of these teams. And you got to remember, we have all these expansions coming up, so Texas and Oklahoma and the SEC, USC and UCLA are going to the Big 10. Now, there's going to be opportunities for teams that don't really get to see
00:18:33
Speaker
a lot of media exposure and stuff like that have an opportunity to potentially either play for a national championship or just be in these different networks like the Big Ten network or the ACC network, the SCC network, stuff like that. It's definitely a huge opportunity. Like I said, it would be definitely interesting to see how it comes about in 2026. As of right now, I'm going to
00:18:56
Speaker
keep all optimism out there. I think this could be a great idea. It just needs to be seen how it will be implemented down the line.