Transcript
Mike Bell: Alright, welcome back to another episode of Alone Coverage. I'm Mike Bell with my co-host Caleb Schwerer. Caleb, we're done with a another week of games, and let's get right into it.
Mike Bell: So, I imagine you're a little depressed today. i think we have to start off with Georgia, Texas. Georgia blows out Texas. And let's just get right into that. What what are your thoughts? How are you feeling?
Mike Bell: And are you on su suicide watch?
Kaleb: Well, you were about to be on Suicide Watch yourself yesterday. and You guys were able to come back, though. um So...
Kaleb: My only complaint with that... I feel like the turning point of that game was definitely... i don't know if you got to watch the game, but the turning point of that game was... Actually, think about it, maybe a toss-up between the...
Kaleb: Offside kick that they did in recovered or maybe even that drop beforehand because they just kept going for the fourth down a couple times and got it and then they scored. And um anyway, I think that was a kind of the turning point of the game.
Kaleb: i The whole time, though, because, I mean, in the second half, we started out running a little bit better or started running the the ball a little bit, and then we just kept going away from that. I feel like that was kind of a bad thing for us because, honestly, when we ran the ball, we got about five yards apiece, and we were doing, like, really well running the ball against them, to be honest.
Kaleb: And for whatever reason, we just kept pulling away from that. And... Listen, I really don't think Arch had a bad game, to be honest. Even on that, like, interception he threw, it just – it wasn't the worst throw, to be honest.
Kaleb: Um –
Kaleb: I don't know if I have question of play calling. I just wish that we ran the ball a little bit more, maybe just got the offense a little bit more in rhythm instead of just solely being reliant on the pass game. There was just too many mistakes in the first half by Texas just as far as, like, penalties.
Kaleb: think we had eight penalties in the first half. Miscues, like, just –
Kaleb: Drops by receivers. Now, Wingo kind of cleaned that up a little bit in the second half, but just whenever you play Georgia, and I kind of alluded to this like in the preview, like you just can't go in there and play Georgia no matter what the talent level is or anything like that and expect to get out of there.
Kaleb: and i And I was telling – another thing I was telling you was, you know, I don't care about the sacks. You know, Kirby Smart's going to be able to, like, ramp up the pass rush, and they did. And I feel like Texas has held up pretty fast pretty fine.
Kaleb: Against it, he wasn't, like – he was under pressure, yes. I want to say maybe, like, couple sacks or whatever. um
Kaleb: But, yeah, with the – Penalties, miscues, like drops, whatever.
Kaleb: Having a leaky secondary at times. I really, there shouldn't be and another expectation of winning, I guess. And it's fine.
Kaleb: Like, it obviously, it sucks. But...
Kaleb: As a team, we're probably not ready to like go all the way. I know for a fact we're not ready to go all the way. But I'm just saying like we need to take another step before we can actually be contenders.
Kaleb: Which we have the players. I think it's just a time thing in a sense. But that's all I have to say about the game. It did suck though because there for a second it looked like we were you know trying to make a comeback and then Kirby Smart ripped it away.
Mike Bell: Yeah, very beginning of the third quarter there, it was like, because it felt like, it did feel like Georgia was controlling the game, but then very beginning of the third quarter, Texas scores. It's like, oh, okay, you know, maybe this is going to be a game, and then it just wasn't.
Mike Bell: And you're right, the onside kick, ah once they got that, I mean, you know, it really, what it did feel like, okay, this is now too much for Texas to try to come back. It does seem like, first of all, Texas has a little bit of on-the-road problem, but then also,
Mike Bell: You know, are they the type of team that's going to be able to play from behind versus like a good team? Obviously they did versus Mississippi State, so maybe that's not even true or fair. But I agree with you that Arch Manning wasn't bad, and I once again see that people are all over him.
Mike Bell: I also say he wasn't great, but again, like whatever, like the drops in this game were ridiculous for Texas. Right.
Kaleb: Yes, they were. And they were very good balls, too. Like the ones that they dropped, honestly. um And then just like...
Mike Bell: Right.
Kaleb: um not I don't know how many rushing yards Trey Weisner had on the night, or even C.J. Baxter. I'm surprised he wasn't out there a little bit more. I just feel like it's solely being put on arch right now, and it doesn't really have to be.
Kaleb: Because, seriously, we were getting probably about four to five and a half yards a carry, which is really good. yeah So, anyway, I think that if we maybe committed to that a little bit better, knows?
Mike Bell: So if Texas, by the way, ah Texas should not be looking over looking past Arkansas, just by the way.
Kaleb: Yeah.
Mike Bell: But assuming they take care of business versus Arkansas, if they were to beat A&M, should they be in the playoffs?
Kaleb: Let me look at the rankings right now. They don't come out with the the football play or the playoff.
Mike Bell: Right now in the AP, y'all 17.
Kaleb: That's fine. I can't necessarily argue with that. um
Mike Bell: It just depends on a lot of things, right? You have to see what other teams do.
Kaleb: Yeah, I think it depends on a lot, but I feel like...
Kaleb: Listen, yes, we do have three losses. Who are those losses to? Yes, I swear, though the whole narrative would be different if we didn't have the Florida loss. I get we got it, but our other two losses are against two top five teams, right?
Kaleb: And that sucks. I know that, but if we were able to beat you guys...
Kaleb: I think it'd be kind of hard to argue not to just because would bring up the whole like non-conference schedule argument. Like why would we even and schedule them to begin with? If we lose, we would get penalized for that.
Kaleb: Because honestly, we could have just put a cream puff in there and we would just have the two losses and instead of the three. Right. But we didn't, we lost. So we do have three losses, but we would also have three wins against a top 10 teams, which I also think is kind of another component that can't be ignored.
Kaleb: So not necessarily from a bias standpoint, but,
Mike Bell: Yeah, it's an it's an interesting conversation for sure. but
Kaleb: Yeah. I mean, is it like ideal to have a three loss team in the playoff? Probably not, but just glancing at it, but you really, and it doesn't matter who it is, but if they schedule really hard teams, not conference, maybe lose a game to that.
Kaleb: And then I just don't see how, i don't want to say fair necessarily, Because there's very unfair stuff that happens every single year, you know, as far as the rankings go sometimes.
Kaleb: But I feel like it would be kind of hard to not put Texas in there if we're able to beat Texas A&M. Because Oklahoma was six, Vandy was 10, and you guys are – are you guys still three, probably?
Kaleb: Yeah, three.
Mike Bell: yeah
Kaleb: So,
Mike Bell: Yeah, it's an interesting conversation.
Kaleb: Yeah.
Mike Bell: So and let's, ah I guess we'll talk about my team now. And um before I get into what I have to say about it, did you get to watch this game?
Kaleb: So I will say I watched the first half and then I was like, and but don't go any further because I have a question after the statement. um I was like, okay, there's something in my gut telling me that like A&M is going to make this a little bit of a fight, but I still thought South Carolina was going to pull it out, to be honest with you.
Kaleb: So that being said, did you turn the TV off yet at that point?
Mike Bell: No. No.
Mike Bell: no
Kaleb: That's actually, i probably wouldn't have done, that I probably would have done the same. Just, ah I would want to see how they would have done the first two drives. Because I went running during the second half, so I didn't get to see the comeback.
Kaleb: But I was like, oh my gosh. I was pissed. Well, actually, here's your deal. I was balancing it.
Kaleb: I was like, huh. But then at the same time, I really wanted you guys to win too. in my own selfish reasons, not because I like to eat him, but...
Mike Bell: Because you want to have the potential to be a top five team at the end of the season for you guys to get in the playoffs? Is that the reason?
Kaleb: Exactly.
Mike Bell: um So you didn't get to see any of the second half?
Kaleb: No, I was running, yeah. I saw
Mike Bell: Well, yeah, so...
Kaleb: that was a dick i saw Marcel Reed's like stats, though.
Kaleb: I was going to feel really bad for him, honestly, like if he didn't come back in the second half and have a good game, because I feel like for the most part, he has been pretty good this year. yeah mean, he's, I don't know, just the expectations people have quarterbacks now, it's like kind of absurd, to be honest.
Kaleb: And there's not enough grace given to like a young quarterback.
Kaleb: Was it the worst half of football ever? No. It was a pretty bad first half, and he came back and did pretty well. So, you know, ah you have to give mental props for that because that's not an easy task.
Mike Bell: Well, tell you what, I'm being serious. That may have been one of the worst first halves I've seen a quarterback play. I mean, he was very, very bad.
Kaleb: Well, what I know he had the two picks, but would you attribute –
Mike Bell: And not just him, but...
Kaleb: like Obviously, I think that was a big part of like the reason how y'all got down so far, right? But I think you have to look at it from a whole team standpoint because the defense ended up like letting them score and that kind of stuff, of course.
Kaleb: And obviously, the huge momentum swings for the two interceptions with Marcel Reed did help for sure. But anyway...
Mike Bell: Well, don't forget also the reason we went down seventeen three is because Marcel threw a backwards pass. So it really was three, you know, turnovers on him.
Mike Bell: That's what made A&M go down seventeen three And then all the pressure. So there's like any extra pressure. It was really on his fault. The A&M defense allowed like two big plays.
Mike Bell: And South Carolina scored on those. But the rest I attribute really to the offense allowing South Carolina to score either through a short field or whatever. So South Carolina would have all the momentum. No, literally the first half was the worst first half I think I've ever seen team play.
Mike Bell: Like it was so it was like it was almost like it was scripted. It was so bad. Like, I mean, everything that could have gone wrong went wrong.
Mike Bell: on both sides of the ball. And I, have blamed the coaches for that. Like they were just not ready to play on any level.
Kaleb: Who do y'all play this coming week?
Mike Bell: And I was wondering what ah Samford it's something like FCS.
Kaleb: Who do y'all play this coming week?
Kaleb: Okay.
Mike Bell: Yeah. Yeah. so So, you know, i was thinking coming into the week. So first of all, I sat down and thought, okay, finally an A and M game where I can kind of just sit down and relax I was like, I'm just going to sit down and relax. We're going to win this game easy because I just don't respect South Carolina.
Mike Bell: And even when it was like 3-3 or when South Carolina was up 10-3, I was like, yeah, whatever. You know, A&M is going to pull this off. It's not even an A&M thing just because I don't respect South Carolina. And then, of course, when it went down 17-3, it was just like, what is happening? And just very bad.
Mike Bell: But I was thinking coming into the week, like, This is A&M's first 11 o'clock kickoff in like three months. Or maybe not three months, like two and a half, so something like that.
Mike Bell: And it's a small thing. But, you know, when most of your games are like 2.30 or 6.30, it's like, okay, it's an early kickoff. And I don't know if you remember me telling you this, but NBA basketball players say like some of the toughest games they play are the first home game after a long road trip because they're too relaxed.
Mike Bell: And a lot of times they'll drop that game. And I thought about that coming into this like, okay, A&M hasn't played at home in like a month or something like that. So those things were on my mind, but was like, yeah, but i just don't respect South Carolina.
Mike Bell: And then the game was what it was. Second half, I was thinking like, okay, if A&M can just put together a couple of drives, then maybe they can make this competitive. And they did. They just went right down the field every single time. And there's something about A&M in the second half.
Mike Bell: They've been just very, very good. But they've got to figure it out because they're not going to be able to do that against like Georgia or whenever they're facing like an actually elite team. They've got to put it together like a full game of football.
Mike Bell: And I will say when they go against Texas, they're, you know, they're not going to be asleep. It's, I think they're going to be awake for big games, but the Texas game does kind of concern me in the sense that, you know, I think Texas can do a good job of kind of shutting down, not shutting down, but A&M could have a tough time running the ball.
Mike Bell: And I don't know. well We'll discuss that game later, but I think, It was impressive for A&M to come back the way they did, but it was absolutely unacceptable the first half.
Mike Bell: Like, I'm not going to sit here the way, you know, you were kind of saying when Texas came back versus Mississippi State. oh great culture win. I know what you mean by that. Fine. But I think it was unacceptable, completely unacceptable.
Mike Bell: I give A&M credit for coming back, but you just cannot do that. So that's
Kaleb: but they'll get me wrong well you can already always argue it's unacceptable but there's two paths that you think have gone down like the resilient path buy back win or the path you just say screw it and
Mike Bell: That's absolutely true, but if you're the type of team that even allows that to happen in the first place, then that's a major problem. And I would say for A&M, I've seen that out of them.
Mike Bell: It hasn't cost them yet, but they'll just do like dumb stuff. And you look, they're undefeated. They figured it out, but yeah they got to clean that up.
Mike Bell: They got to clean that up. But yes, you're right, and they deserve credit. They deserve credit for the comeback. So that's that.
Kaleb: I feel like if you guys if you guys have...
Kaleb: Do that against the wrong kind of team, though, obviously, right? And you'll lose.
Mike Bell: Yep.
Kaleb: There was something else was going to say.
Mike Bell: Okay.
Kaleb: I think, honestly, because I bet a big storyline would have been like Elko getting that extension in a loss to it.
Mike Bell: Right. Right.
Kaleb: I bet people would have gone crazy with that you know like How much does that factor into it?
Mike Bell: I know.
Kaleb: I mean, you I don't um really don't think it would have been, to be honest with you, I'm just saying people would have ran with that. you know oh this guy, he gets his payday and already loses or something, which would be an annual thing, by the way, but
Mike Bell: Right.
Kaleb: Yeah.
Mike Bell: Yeah. I mean, I wouldn't even argue with that. But ah you speaking of coaches, let's let's maybe talk about that for a second. so So are you seeing a lot of this Lane Kiffin stuff, a lot of this drama going on?
Kaleb: No. What well what exactly?
Mike Bell: So basically, there's rumblings out there that Lane Kiffin may leave Ole Miss for Florida like right now, like during the season, and like he will not continue to coach the team.
Mike Bell: And he hasn't outright denied that. ah You know, I don't know, but it's being talked about now, like on a high level to expect like something crazy to happen with that.
Kaleb: How... mean,
Mike Bell: who it would be ah It would be crazy, and everyone's had the same reaction, like no, no way he'd do that. But apparently that's actually
Kaleb: would just be really disrespectful, though, to be honest. If you really think of... I mean, it really would be because it's like basically saying, screw all these players he's cultivated there in...
Mike Bell: Yeah.
Mike Bell: Yeah.
Kaleb: Listen, if that were his intentions, would it be better for him to do that so he could go ahead and get a grip on the situation down there and do everything much more efficient and stuff? Sure, but you just don't do that to the kids that are already there with you at Ole Miss.
Kaleb: Right? In my opinion.
Mike Bell: Yeah.
Kaleb: and what Honestly, because they're, I guess they're 9-1 now, huh?
Mike Bell: Yeah, I mean, I'm with you.
Kaleb: Yeah, they're, yeah, 9-1.
Mike Bell: Yes.
Kaleb: And let me look at their ranking real quick. They're 5. Yeah.
Kaleb: Are they going to be in the last two rounds of the playoffs? I don't know. But, I mean, they have potential to go pretty deep in the playoff. It just depends on who they play. Main thing being, like, if they're going against two offensive teams and not a defensive team, then, yes, I think Ole Miss could go pretty far. But if they play, I don't know.
Kaleb: A team that's got a really good defense and a good offense, I think they may be in problems or in a trouble situation there. But –
Kaleb: I couldn't fathom that, to be honest with you. And just with his history, as far as like the Tennessee, the USC move and everything like that, I feel like he'd be much more cautious.
Mike Bell: Yeah. So also another coaching thing to talk about, I don't know if you've seen this, but ah James Franklin being linked to the Virginia Tech.
Kaleb: Yeah, been Virginia Tech.
Mike Bell: I don't, I'll just tell you, i don't understand that if I'm James Franklin, like I feel like you can get a better,
Kaleb: Well, he could be better, i think.
Mike Bell: You think what?
Kaleb: I think he could do better.
Mike Bell: I could do a lot better. i think he could get the Auburn job. I think he could get some of these SEC jobs. I think Arkansas is a better job. I think every job actually just about is better than Virginia Tech.
Mike Bell: So I'm surprised.
Kaleb: ah Yeah. The only thing I thought of maybe was just like the recruiting aspect of it. Like maybe the some of the areas that they recruit in overlap maybe.
Kaleb: And so wouldn't necessarily be like this bipolar situation to be going into.
Mike Bell: Yeah.
Kaleb: But still, I think the pros of going to like Arkansas, LSU, or whomever, whatever SEC school would have him or whatever other openings there would be would be better than just to be more comfortable at Virginia Tech.
Mike Bell: Right. Right. So, yeah, that's one to watch. So this coaching carousel is definitely going to be an interesting one. So I guess maybe...
Kaleb: Yep.
Mike Bell: Let's get back to the games. I think the big game to talk about, obviously, is OU beating Alabama. And I did get to see most of the game. And it kind of went... You know, we were talking about it, and it kind of went...
Mike Bell: somewhat as expected you know I mean I expected OU to keep this competitive and credit to OU they could have died like they could have just like fallen off a cliff been like a seven and five team and they're not done yet they still have to face Missouri and LSU and obviously those teams aren't as good as we thought they were at this point in the season they have a problem but you know you never know how games are going to go but and listen they've done it they are loss team that is
Kaleb: yep
Kaleb: Right. Yeah, that's exactly what I was came that close from picking them too, like for the outright.
Kaleb: I came very close to it because it's like,
Mike Bell: Yeah.
Kaleb: man
Mike Bell: It just made sense. Like, it's like, okay, this is kind of a good matchup for OU. And Alabama, you know, they've been going through that gauntlet schedule. It's like, okay, are they going to you know, fall anywhere? And it was just, think I was just thinking like, OU, the thing is like, OU beat them last year.
Kaleb: Yeah.
Mike Bell: And now you've got them at home. It's like, are they going to do that twice?
Kaleb: Which that was very – like that – this year, is it all that surprising? Maybe just a little. Last year, that was super surprising because last year their offense sucked horribly.
Kaleb: Right?
Mike Bell: Right. Right.
Kaleb: Like to your point, I would have figured Alabama would have been a little bit more like pissed off about that and like really thought about that and going to this game.
Kaleb: I don't think it's necessarily a bad loss for Alabama, just because like we both talked about before pre-John Motier hand injury, we both really were pretty high on Oklahoma.
Kaleb: Now, don't get me wrong.
Mike Bell: right
Kaleb: therere i think the one of the I think oklahoma Oklahoma's main flaw is just the run game. They've got to get that better and not at the expense of their quarterback running it.
Kaleb: if they could They probably can't figure something out you know because we pretty much know how these teams are going to be now. But if they had somewhat of a good running game, Oklahoma would be dangerous and definitely like a title contender. And I still think they potentially have the chance to be. But each week after Matier has gone through that hand surgery, he has progressively gotten better.
Kaleb: And we're kind of seeing that now. So I don't think it's as bad as a loss as some people are viewing it for Alabama just because I think Oklahoma – Just happened to be down for a couple weeks, just given the nature of being human at the quarterback level.
Mike Bell: Yeah.
Kaleb: And recovering from an injury.
Mike Bell: Yeah. Right. And I don't, yeah, I don't look at it as a bad loss for Alabama. I just look at it as a great win for Oklahoma.
Kaleb: Oh, for sure.
Mike Bell: And that that's ah Honestly, could be a very dangerous team. I mean, obviously they're dangerous because they just beat Alabama, but look, that defense is going to give everybody fits no matter who it is.
Kaleb: Oh, yeah. they're They're one of the best, for sure.
Mike Bell: So, right. Right. So yeah, that's going to be, it's going to be interesting to see how these, ah how the playoff rankings are going to be in the end when it comes to the SEC teams that get in there because now OU's kind of forced their way in.
Mike Bell: And Alabama's a story because they got at Auburn and you just never know how that game's going to go.
Kaleb: Yeah.
Mike Bell: Can you imagine after the comeback Alabama has made this season after the Florida State loss and just like going through and beating these opponents and it looking like Alabama being back.
Kaleb: yeah Yeah.
Mike Bell: And we talked about it. They're a little one-dimensional on the offensive side of the ball. And what if they drop that last game to Auburn? Like if they drop it, so they're number 10. I'm to see what the committee is going to do, but in the AP, they're 10.
Kaleb: Right.
Mike Bell: And you would think if they lose, they're probably out of it, but they've got some decent wins, but they've got some bad losses technically according to the rankings. So i I don't know.
Mike Bell: i think they're probably out of it if they lose at Auburn. So that's just going to be another great game to watch the final weekend of the year.
Kaleb: Right. I think so too.
Mike Bell: Yep.
Kaleb: umm Just because it's like, now I remember when it was just like Alabama just beat the crap out of them every year. But honestly, man, it's, there might be a year like that here and there the last 10 years, but it's actually, one I think one of the more competitive rivalries, to be honest, definitely one of the craziest in recent years, but competitive too.
Mike Bell: Right. um Okay, so let's see. So the, you know, the Newton games, in Notre Dame, and Pittsburgh, you know, I was thinking maybe Pitt can keep this one close because, you know, game day, they'll give the best shot.
Mike Bell: I think this says two things. One, I think it really goes to show the ACC is just not that great, which we already knew. But I am telling you, and I don't think they're getting talked about enough just because they're blowing out opponents, but Notre Dame is one of the best teams in the country.
Mike Bell: They are the team I probably want to face the least in the playoffs, although Georgia is kind of becoming that. Again, talking outside of like the Ohio States.
Kaleb: yeah
Mike Bell: But um like actual matchups are good.
Kaleb: Did you single did they see that meme where – I guess it was ah it must have been a kicker or a punter for Pittsburgh was holding on to – I don't know.
Kaleb: Does Jeremiah Love return punts for kickoffs off the top of your head?
Mike Bell: I think so. think so.
Kaleb: I wouldn't think so either, but just the way this guy looked, I swear, he has like the body of like a punter or a kicker, okay?
Mike Bell: Yeah.
Kaleb: Yeah.
Kaleb: Jeremiah Love was just running and they drugged the guy like the guy was holding on to a shirt and he was pulling him for 10 yards until somebody else tackled him. It was hilarious. The guy was just back there just going along for the ride.
Kaleb: It was hilarious.
Mike Bell: yeah
Kaleb: You'll have to go look at that. but oh Anyway, yeah. It was a pretty cool game day atmosphere there in Pittsburgh.
Mike Bell: ah well
Kaleb: I think that was the best thing out of the that whole matchup was just the game day atmosphere and just the stories, I guess could say. Because I didn't realize Pittsburgh had that many like Hall of Fame NFL players, I guess.
Mike Bell: I didn't realize that either. Like, I, yeah, I didn't realize Pittsburgh had that kind of, I guess, football history.
Kaleb: Like college, not ah pro. I mean, pro, it's like, yeah, yeah.
Mike Bell: That's what I'm talking about. Yeah. Right, right. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that was, that was interesting. Yeah, yeah, I'm glad game day went there. Did you see they're going to James Madison this week?
Kaleb: I did not, okay. okay
Mike Bell: Fair enough. They could have gone to the Oregon-USC game, but I understand their, you know, why they want to go to just like places they don't usually go, so whatever. But just, you know,
Mike Bell: Quickly on this game, Notre Dame, I'm telling you, watch them. I think they could legitimately win it all. And Jeremiah Love ah is like one of my favorite players in college football. That dude is just different.
Kaleb: He's a beast, honestly.
Mike Bell: Amazing. Yeah.
Kaleb: But what's – so what's crazy is – now, I didn't see the – what ranking Mel Kiper had him on the big board or whatever for the running back. I mean, i imagine it probably one or two. But –
Mike Bell: Mm-hmm.
Kaleb: ah his backup or Copart forgot his last name off the top.
Mike Bell: right
Kaleb: He's the third. So could you imagine just being on a football team where you have like the one, two, and then a third running back, like best running back in college football, like from a draft standpoint?
Mike Bell: Yeah.
Kaleb: I mean, and anytime you watch a guy, dude, he is just insane.
Mike Bell: yeah
Mike Bell: I know. It's crazy. That's why i was telling you, and I'm not trying to get in an argument here. But you were saying that, you know, you wouldn't, I think if you matched up with Notre Dame, how all you wouldn't worry about their run game that much.
Mike Bell: i I think everybody should worry about that run game. I think they can run on anybody. I just think they are that good.
Kaleb: I don't... I forgot exactly what I said last week or whatever. I don't think they'd be able to run on us like they run on like the typical person. like Do I think Jeremiah Love will give 167 against us?
Kaleb: I can't say with 99% confidence that. i would like to think not. That is the one thing our defense is good at is continuing to run. But... Anyway.
Kaleb: But that would be a hard one to do because they have...
Kaleb: I actually wonder where their rush offense ranks. Just because it's like no other team in the country has two backs like that. you guys have really You guys have two really good backs?
Kaleb: I think...
Mike Bell: Yeah, the ones hurt, so.
Kaleb: Right. That's what i'm saying.
Kaleb: And honestly, i feel I feel like we would have a good...
Mike Bell: Yep.
Kaleb: running back duo as well, but both of them have been hurt off and on, just not enough consistency. But anyway, yes, I agree with you. i think a and m our ah Notre Dame is very good.
Kaleb: I think they could, I think it will be a shock when they're in the playoff. How will they do?
Mike Bell: Yeah. I'm curious to see where they're going to be ranked, who play. I'm literally watching to make sure doesn't have to play. But did like I said, the two teams i want to face, Georgia Notre Dame,
Mike Bell: So, you know, the last game, I mean, there's a few games to talk about, but the game that we kind talked about preview show, Iowa-USC. So I only got to watch the first half of this game. I was able to catch up on like every other game.
Mike Bell: So I didn't get to see the second half, but I was disappointed to see that Iowa couldn't pull this one off because I saw the first half and I saw Iowa be the better team.
Mike Bell: And their defense was great. And they were moving the ball ah to my surprise, kind of, although you know it's not surprise that they were able to run on you USC, I guess, because they struggle with that.
Mike Bell: so i don't know how much of this game you were able to watch, but I guess obviously you USC has a good enough offense to where they were able to pull this thing out late. So credit to the to them. That does set up a great game this weekend and maybe the only great game this weekend in USC, Oregon.
Mike Bell: But It sucks for Iowa, you know, because they're but it just feels like they're better than that, you know? But whatever they did for the games,
Kaleb: You know, really and truly, the like,
Kaleb: here's the deal for Iowa. This year they have got to go in the portal and just go get – they're probably to the best quarterback available in the portal, but they have got to get somebody that can just give them a consistent enough passing game.
Kaleb: It's the same problem with them every single year.
Mike Bell: Thank you.
Kaleb: and okay and like A couple years ago, when they were ranked four or whatever, or pretty high in the top ten, it's that's the last time they were able to somewhat pass the ball okay.
Kaleb: These guys could go compete for championships every year if they could just get consistent quarterback play. not made Not elite, just consistent.
Mike Bell: Yeah, they do need to do that. The thing is, like, are you at Iowa going to get a good portal quarterback?
Kaleb: Well, exactly.
Mike Bell: i know you don't have to do that, but you can get somebody. i don't know. yeah I mean...
Kaleb: I think they could. I mean, well, let me, okay. So kind of a, I think a different, well, actually here's the deal with interesting thought I just have here.
Kaleb: Think about Indiana getting Mendoza. And I think Mendoza came from the same school that Kurt Cignetti was at.
Kaleb: Could be wrong, but I think he came from the same school.
Kaleb: Before these last two years, you would have definitely put Iowa over Indiana.
Mike Bell: Right.
Kaleb: So my point is, I think
Kaleb: Iowa historically just has a little bit more of a reach in the Big Ten than Indiana. Now, I think that's rapidly changing, and it's probably the other way around for sure. Like, Indiana's going to start going to get some actually big-time players.
Kaleb: that maybe they haven't gotten there before. But I do think Iowa has the firepower enough to get them a serviceable quarterback compared to this year, whether it high school, college, FCS, just something.
Mike Bell: Yeah. Well, I mean, that would be good to see because it I feel like the Big Ten is better with a competitive Iowa. I just like those teams that are usually kind of in the middle when they start getting good, like the Iowa, Nebraska.
Kaleb: but you're just called to They played that Big Ten brand of offense. Not necessarily pass happy, just really run smash-mouth football, really good defense.
Mike Bell: Mm-hmm.
Kaleb: that's what always really like That's the reason I always really like Iowa.
Mike Bell: Mm-hmm. Okay, so that was that game. Is there a few different options to discuss? I guess I would just say Navy ah so really surprised me.
Mike Bell: They faced USF, and you know USF was a 9.5 point favorite coming into the game. And Navy, at one point, was ahead like, I think 20, something like that. Maybe it was less.
Mike Bell: And USF made it a game, but Navy pulls it out. And I think right now, the way the rankings would have it, Navy would technically be that that playoff team, the 12th team in.
Mike Bell: So that's an interesting one to watch. Still a lot to go there. But there's that.
Kaleb: Clemson-Louisville game.
Mike Bell: And yeah, anything? What's that?
Kaleb: Clemson-Louisville game. Feel really bad for that Louisville kicker. Nice.
Mike Bell: Yeah. Yeah, they had a chance to pull that one out and just...
Mike Bell: Louisville had a great opportunity, you know, this season really, once they beat Miami and they just couldn't do it.
Kaleb: Yeah.
Kaleb: Well, dude, and we're very close from Georgia Tech losing, too.
Mike Bell: i mean, um was
Kaleb: um
Mike Bell: yeah.
Kaleb: Almost losing to Boston College. And for you know for some odd reason... I literally had a weird thought about that game. Like, I really did. I know that wasn't one of the games that we, like, put – not a bet, but whatever.
Kaleb: i remember looking at that, and i was like, I'm getting a weird feeling about this. But then Boston College is so I was like, okay, that's just being that's just a weird thought then. And I was like, oh, my – and then I saw the score. i was like, oh, my gosh, dude.
Kaleb: Don't let Boston College ruin in this year for you.
Mike Bell: Right. Yeah, that in Billy O on Boston College, he's a good coach. So you never know. But I would give credit to BYU.
Mike Bell: They blow out TCU. And, you know, they have a they're going to have a legitimate argument. If they can run the table here, and even if they lose to Tech twice to be in the playoffs and for the Big 12 to have a have two bids.
Mike Bell: And I'm starting to just say like maybe BYU should be in because they're really handling their business well. The Utah win is looking better and better.
Mike Bell: ah You know, Utah's ranked pretty highly. They go at Cincinnati this week. Cincinnati just lost to Arizona. And, yeah, it's it's a team to watch.
Mike Bell: Bachmeier threw for, I think, 293.
Mike Bell: And, yeah, so I want to say right now, the Big 12, with all the tiebreakers, it's pretty much, I don't believe it's locked up, but it's pretty much a guarantee it's going to be Tech and BYU. Like, i don't get me wrong, if BYU loses, they they're not going to be in.
Mike Bell: But, I think they can afford actually to drop a game with the way the tiebreakers work. But if they lose two, then obviously they're out. But yeah, I think BYU could be that second team in from the Big 12. Something to keep an eye on.
Kaleb: I think just for the Big 12 teams, I think it just really depends on who they played that first round, really. like
Kaleb: I think Texas Tech could probably compete with just whatever school they would face in the playoff.
Mike Bell: Yeah.
Kaleb: I don't know, BYU by chance. Because, I mean, if they just did exactly what Texas Tech did to them, I mean –
Kaleb: I know that the guy just had 293 passing yards this past game, but that's just not what they do. They just run the ball and use that to set the pass.
Kaleb: And
Kaleb: Tech, really good defense. And listen, I think BYU has a pretty good defense too, but Texas Tech, really good defense.
Kaleb: Two of the best defensive players in college. Their offense is good. They've got good weapons.
Kaleb: The only question, like we've talked about, is who have they played that they could actually...
Kaleb: Tech's best win, BYU. How would that stack up against other conferences, like big ten some Big Ten schools or SEC schools, I guess is my question.
Mike Bell: Well, yeah that is true, but I mean, Tex, they also have Utah. I mean, that's a pretty good one.
Kaleb: that's Yeah, that's true. And Utah is kind of, in my opinion, i think Utah is just such a well-rounded school as far as just hard-nosed, tough-fought games no matter what. They don't beat themselves. They make you beat them.
Kaleb: I actually think they're probably, just the last five years, probably one of the most consistent team in the Big 12. and could potentially be a sleeper like in the playoff if they were to get in.
Kaleb: Maybe, and it would depend on who they played. but
Mike Bell: Okay, well, listen, what else do you want to talk about? I admit and we talked kind of talked about how this may be a shorter show. And while you were talking, I was kind of looking at next week just to see, like, what are the games? And and there's not going to be a lot next week. The game of the week is, you know, actually – It's not as big of a game anymore, but I guess because there's not going to be a lot of great games. Louisville SMU, just for ACC implications. But other than that, the game of the week next week is obviously USC Oregon.
Mike Bell: And I guess also Arkansas, Texas. And I told you before, you know, watch out. Arkansas, the thing is, they cannot win games. I don't know what it is. They can put up all the stats, but they find ways to lose games.
Mike Bell: What is your scared meter like on a scale of 1 to 10? How confident are you in that game?
Kaleb: Well, here's the deal, dude. So that is a rivalry game. And you could argue it's even ah deeper hate between like you and A&M in Arkansas.
Kaleb: Like when we played them in 2021 and they beat the crap out of us, like I forgot what this shirt said. It was like, ah I forgot what it was, but it was actually pretty hilarious and stuff. Like they're pretty rabid against us.
Kaleb: I'd maybe say, here's the deal though. What I will say, we're definitely in do or die mode now. Like there's just no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Kaleb: So I think Texas' is best ball is gonna be played like these next two weeks.
Kaleb: And don't get me wrong, I'm still scared. Maybe a six. Six. Just because it's a rivalry game.
Kaleb: Deep Roots. um
Kaleb: Where's this at, too? I forgot.
Mike Bell: The game?
Kaleb: Yeah.
Mike Bell: It's at Texas.
Kaleb: That definitely helps.
Mike Bell: Yeah, you are at home.
Kaleb: Yeah. That definitely helps.
Mike Bell: I think Sarkeesian going to have the players believing that you guys can still get in the playoffs if you win out.
Kaleb: The problem is we can't mess up. And that's been, that's honestly been the only plugging thing to our team, really.
Mike Bell: Yeah.
Kaleb: Like, take away our penalties and just the sloppiness. Like, not necessarily like, We could probably live with our secondary giving up big plays here and there.
Kaleb: Okay. And probably be just fine for the season. What's getting us is that in combination with with the ah plays like the drops, ah not really fumbles, have had a couple.
Kaleb: Or interceptions and the penalties. I think the penalties is like the egregious part of it. I know we're a young team, but still, ah it is ridiculous.
Kaleb: And that's like a pet peeve of mine. And it's just every week is just so annoying to deal with. So, yes,
Kaleb: if we just go out there flat against Arkansas, I mean, it's really just going to piss me off, to be honest. You know, if we go out there and worst case scenario, we lose a very close one.
Kaleb: It's still going to hurt. Rivalry game in Arkansas, like we said, is probably the best. whats What's the record now?
Mike Bell: 2-8.
Kaleb: two and Probably the best 2-8 team aside from the Nebraska team a couple but couple years ago that went three nine
Mike Bell: Yeah, I agree with you. I know what you mean by that. At this point, and I said the same thing, at this point, I don't know if I think that anymore because they like they will compete with every team, but they will lose to every team. They just find ways. like I don't know if you were able to watch any of the out ah the LSU game,
Mike Bell: And like, and they did the same thing.
Kaleb: That was with their backup too.
Mike Bell: um Yeah. They did the same thing against Auburn when they faced them. Like, it looks like they're out playing them, but they just like find ways to just have like crazy fumbles, crazy bad penalties.
Mike Bell: So I find it hard to believe they're going to go into Texas and win when I do think Texas knows they have to win. I just do wonder how does Texas respond after the loss, and is i don't know i i think texas is probably going to respond well because i think they know that if they win the next two they're going to have a pretty good case and honestly it's probably a good thing for them that ou beat alabama
Kaleb: Oh, yeah, makes it boosts our resume for sure.
Mike Bell: right right and you know we'll see how vandy does against tennessee so if vandy pulls that one out against tennessee that also helps texas so
Kaleb: ah think that'll be an interesting game, too.
Mike Bell: Right, right.
Kaleb: Devandy-Kennessey game.
Mike Bell: So, so yeah, I, I'm really looking forward to two weeks from now. That's going to be an insane week. I'm curious. I don't know how the days are going to be like, what games are on Friday, what games are on Saturday.
Mike Bell: and know our game is on Friday, but it's going to be, it's going to be great. It's going to be great for sure.
Kaleb: Oh, yeah.
Mike Bell: But okay. It's,
Kaleb: There may even be some games on Thursday, too.
Mike Bell: Right. True.
Kaleb: bet there will.
Mike Bell: I got it.
Kaleb: so Yeah, it's going to be like three days of crazy awesome football for the most part.
Mike Bell: was
Kaleb: It's always one of my favorite weeks of the year for sure. Just because the food and festivities and just the amount of good football that's on there. um
Mike Bell: Definitely. yeah Okay. Well, is there anything else you wanted to talk about before we got off here?
Kaleb: Well, was just going to ask, just remember this, 4.05, or 4.04.05.
Kaleb: With there only being two games that maybe are worth talking about, did you want to go ahead and just talk about those here? and Or how did you want to do that, I guess?
Mike Bell: Um, I say we talk about him later.
Kaleb: All right, that's fine. That's cool. Because when I was just skimming to... We've got BYU, Cincinnati, and maybe we could talk about other things like just look at the conferences or whatever.
Kaleb: But that's cool. I'll have to get with you.
Mike Bell: right.
Kaleb: Oh, crap. We're actually on the timer now. Okay. No, that'll be it. All
Mike Bell: All right. Well, that's been another episode. I'll talk to you later in the week.
Kaleb: all right. Bye.
