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College Football Week 15 Preview: Conference Championships Week
31 Plays6 months ago
The 2025 college football regular season wraps up this weekend with a loaded slate of conference championship games, setting the stage for Selection Sunday on December 7. These matchups will decide automatic bids to the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, with high stakes for teams vying for top seeds and byes. Expect fireworks in the Big 12, SEC, and beyond—rankings are fluid, but powerhouses like No. 1 Ohio State are locked in, while others fight for survival
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Transcript
Conference Championship Week Overview
00:00:01
Mike Bell
Alright, welcome back to another episode of Blown Coverage. It is Conference Championship Week. And yeah, let's right off the bat, Caleb, I'm curious, we talked a little bit off air after our last last episode about how maybe we're feeling about this week.
00:00:18
Mike Bell
How excited are you for the weekend in general?
00:00:24
Kaleb
If you're meaning like. The debate right now about – not necessarily debate, but just feeling this towards conference championships like they do, they still matter or how much they still matter.
00:00:35
Kaleb
um Last year, whenever Texas was in it against Georgia, I mean, I was still really pumped for it. um I don't know. Like, I – I get both sides, but personally, I feel like I still get excited about it, like if my team were in it.
Key Matchups: Indiana vs. Ohio State & Georgia vs. Alabama
00:00:52
Kaleb
I'm still excited, like, for instance, the Indiana-Ohio State matchup. I'm really excited for that, to be honest with you. And honestly, I'm really excited for the Georgia-Alabama game, too.
00:01:03
Kaleb
um I would say those are the two matchups I'm most excited for. I think those could be the best games. We'll see. i mean, there could be some unpredicted things that happen.
00:01:14
Kaleb
I mean, it's college football. But what are your thoughts this?
00:01:18
Mike Bell
For sure. i mean
00:01:19
Kaleb
What are your most excited games?
00:01:22
Mike Bell
I mean, that's the thing, right? So if we're going to these super conferences, it's going to be the SEC and Big Ten. So there's kind of like two big games. Not to say the ACC and these other conferences couldn't have a Big 12. I think the Big 12 game could be interesting.
00:01:36
Mike Bell
I think they're all interesting. It just feels like, I don't know, maybe it's just me. the only game that I'm really like oh I gotta watch that is Ohio State Indiana and we'll talk about that I don't know it just feels like with the playoffs like how much is on the line and you know we'll talk about that ah as we go through each game I guess but I can't lie to you I just feel a little bit I don't know
00:01:50
Kaleb
Yeah.
00:02:08
Mike Bell
It feels a little bit dull to me, if I'm being honest. But that's just my opinion. I know not everyone would agree with that. And it depends on who you're rooting for. Obviously, Texas Tech doesn't feel that way. But I'm talking mostly from a neutral perspective, not as someone who's a fan of a team that's in the conference championship.
00:02:24
Mike Bell
So, okay. Well,
Should Teams Be Penalized for Championship Losses?
00:02:27
Mike Bell
let's just get right into it.
00:02:27
Kaleb
I definitely agree that like if your team is playing in this game and they lose, I don't think they should be penalized for that. you know Just because but mean there's 12 teams in the playoff and really and truly
00:02:45
Kaleb
the... 1, 2, 3, 4. I mean, for the...
00:02:50
Kaleb
So 25% of the team... Or, excuse me. eight So 66% of the teams will be in the conference championship. the the The other four won't. So i guess i guess it would depend.
00:03:05
Kaleb
I mean, the caveat to that maybe is like if BYU gets blown out against Texas Tech, maybe again, maybe. But generally speaking, depending on the situation, i think like if your team is in the conference championship, they shouldn't necessarily get penalized if they lose.
00:03:24
Kaleb
What's your thoughts on that, I guess?
00:03:26
Mike Bell
Well, I mean, I generally agree. i think it's kind of a case-by-case basis. Like, obviously, that is the case in the SEC or Big Ten. Do I feel the same way about the ACC?
00:03:39
Mike Bell
If you have two teams that were, like, right on the edge of the team, you know, that
00:03:41
Kaleb
yeah Yeah, that's true too.
BYU vs. Texas Tech Preview
00:03:46
Mike Bell
that's kind of the thing.
00:03:46
Mike Bell
But I guess on that note, let's talk about the first – game where that may matter and that is byu versus texas tech that's 11 a.m abc texas tech is opened as a 12 and a half point favorite obviously these two have already faced and texas tech pretty much handled them and i imagine byu will be going into the week saying to themselves we may need to win this game to make the playoffs they might be right i don't know what the committee is going to do
00:04:08
Kaleb
Hmm.
00:04:20
Mike Bell
But I think it's safe to say, well, actually, it's not safe to say. If BYU can keep this close, I think the committee will not penalize them.
00:04:33
Kaleb
Right, if it's actually a competitive game, yeah.
00:04:33
Mike Bell
But if they get blown out. Right, right. So that's the thing. What are your general thoughts on this game, being that we've kind of already seen it?
00:04:44
Mike Bell
Go ahead.
00:04:45
Kaleb
I know, I'm kind of torn. sir Texas Tech, you know, blew them out the first time they played, right? I'm torn in between like, okay, can BYU compete with Texas Tech?
00:04:59
Kaleb
I mean, they kind of got the underdog factor for sure now. um I'd probably err on the side of I think Texas Tech is just going to dominate them again, to be honest with you.
00:05:11
Kaleb
um
00:05:14
Kaleb
I don't know. I do think BYU is a good team. It may be from a mental mental perspective. Maybe they can be a little bit more competitive in the first half. But I think ultimately Texas Tech pulls away with it.
00:05:27
Mike Bell
I agree. the thing is, Texas Tech seems to be legitimately like they're not just like the best team in the Big 12. They seem legitimately like one of the better teams in the country. Exactly where they are.
00:05:37
Kaleb
Yeah. Yeah.
00:05:38
Mike Bell
I don't know, but they seem like probably top six, you know, in terms of like overall, if you just compare to all the teams, they're probably in that argument. So, you know, one thing about BYU that I've just got to give them credit for is they've been good now for the last two years.
00:05:47
Kaleb
yeah
00:05:55
Mike Bell
And the fact that they've been able to do that consistent consistently, because you know, a lot of these big 12 schools, they kind of rise and fall and it changes a lot year to year. And the job Satake has done, this is ah kind of another talking point, you know, he Penn tried to hire him i can this week, and he chose to stay with BYU, which is pretty interesting.
00:06:12
Kaleb
Yeah, let me turn it down.
00:06:16
Kaleb
That says something too.
00:06:19
Mike Bell
Right, right. so So, yeah, just got to give a lot of credit to just BYU as a program for doing what they've done over the past couple of years. And don't forget, their quarterback is a freshman quarterback, you know?
00:06:32
Mike Bell
So...
00:06:32
Kaleb
I think it's true. Yeah.
00:06:34
Mike Bell
Yeah, right, right. So, you know, watch out for them in the future. They're probably going to stick around a bit. But I will tell you, I will tell you no matter what happens in this game.
00:06:42
Kaleb
Probably so. Mm-hmm.
00:06:47
Mike Bell
especially if Tech wins, I'm excited to see Tech versus elite competition. Like how are they going to fare versus like Oregon if they face them or really anybody else other than BYU?
00:06:55
Kaleb
a
00:07:01
Mike Bell
And it's not a knock on BYU. It's just like, let's face it, the talent profile of these other schools that are in that top 12 other than like Virginia if they get in or the, you know group of five school.
00:07:12
Mike Bell
How will Tech fare versus elite?
00:07:13
Kaleb
for the most part, they're pretty one-dimensional too, you know, offensively. Whereas, let's say, like, theoretically, you know, like, okay, well, Alabama's a, ah for the most part, a one-dimensional team, but ah there's definitely a huge disparity in the talent level there between Alabama and BYU, right?
00:07:18
Mike Bell
Right.
00:07:33
Kaleb
So, um
00:07:35
Mike Bell
right
00:07:37
Kaleb
anyway, that's the only thing I would say with BYU now. if I think they could maybe win a game in the playoff. It just depends on who they match up with. like maybe a Maybe an OU by chance, maybe.
00:07:50
Kaleb
I don't know. just depends.
00:07:54
Mike Bell
I don't know. I kind of think Texas Tech match matches up pretty well with just about every school. Like, there's no one that they face, that they're going to face.
00:07:59
Kaleb
Sorry, BYU. BYU with the OU. Okay.
00:08:05
Mike Bell
Right, right. Oh, you're talking about BYU.
00:08:06
Kaleb
Okay.
00:08:07
Mike Bell
Yes, yes, yes, yes.
00:08:07
Kaleb
yeah But yes, Texas Tech.
00:08:09
Mike Bell
Oh, right. Yes, I do.
00:08:10
Kaleb
Yeah, yeah. Texas Tech, I think, could match up with the majority of the teams. I think there would be few teams I would say, okay, you know, be on the lookout here.
00:08:21
Kaleb
You know, like maybe maybe ohio State, Indiana.
00:08:29
Kaleb
I'm almost on the verge of like saying maybe Notre Dame, Miami. Yeah. And I mean, I would probably say Notre Dame maybe be a lock in potentially. I'd be curious to really that actually may be a good matchup because I'd be curious to see how Texas Tech's I think their defense is still ranked in the top five run defense. You know, I'd be curious to see how they'd be able to contain Notre Dame's running backs.
00:08:51
Mike Bell
Right, agreed. I guess last thing on this game, and we we mentioned this last time Texas Tech and BYU faced off, but this is kind of the key matchup. It is Tech's run defense versus BYU's ground game.
00:09:03
Mike Bell
And I just think, like, BYU, good luck. They seem to have, you know, something that isn't talked about a lot, though, with BYU is that they can score. Like, if you look at their overall, like, points that they put up, they do put up points, but it's the way that they do it.
00:09:14
Kaleb
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:09:19
Mike Bell
It seems like they've gotten a little better passing the ball as the season's gone on. But, you know, if they can't run the ball, it's just hard to imagine them keeping this close with Tech.
00:09:30
Mike Bell
And Tech's run defense is just elite. So, That's the kind of key matchup to watch. I think it'll be exactly like the last game in terms of we're going to know how this is going to go in the first quarter.
00:09:42
Mike Bell
If BYU is just stuffed immediately, Tech scores, stuffed immediately, Tech scores, well, then that's just kind of the game. My prediction, I do think this will be a closer game than last time, but I think Tech kind of handles the game.
00:09:48
Kaleb
Yeah,
00:09:54
Mike Bell
So that's what I have to say.
00:09:54
Kaleb
yeah I would agree. If I had to bet, i'd probably like I said a few minutes ago, maybe BYU just makes it more competitive in the first half, but then Tech ends up pulling away with it. Whereas the first game, it was pretty much just right out of the gate. Tech was just manhandling them, basically. Yeah.
00:10:11
Mike Bell
Yeah, yeah. Okay, so the next game I want to go to is the game I think we will probably have the least to say about. So i kind of wanted to just get it done, but it is
ACC Championship: Virginia vs. Duke
00:10:22
Mike Bell
very relevant. And that is 7pm. It'll be on at the same time as Indiana, Ohio State, the 7pm, the ACC Championship, Duke,
00:10:31
Mike Bell
Versus number 17, Virginia. Virginia is a three and a half point favorite. You know, I've watched bits and pieces of both these teams. Virginia, maybe more so. And the one thing I will say about Virginia is they have a a very good offense.
00:10:46
Mike Bell
And that works out because Duke has one of the worst defenses in the country. If you look at their stats, like they're like one hundred and fifteenth in like every category. The problem is chaos theory says Duke wins this game because the ACC is just, you know, it's been impossible to actually predict
00:11:03
Kaleb
Yeah.
00:11:08
Mike Bell
This year. And the thing is, it opens up some spots, but what it actually does, because you have to put in the fourth highest ranked a conference champion, and that would probably bring JMU in the mix.
00:11:24
Mike Bell
And they have had a very impressive season, James Madison. The problem is, and we don't have to talk about this yet, because I do want to focus just on this game, but Now we're talking like, okay, so now we're going to get two group of five teams in there and we're leaving out some of these other squads that I would say are more deserving, whether that be Miami, Vandy, Texas, whoever take your pick.
00:11:49
Mike Bell
And that's the problem. And the ACC, I mean, they really have just fumbled the back. So, It is going to be interesting. it It would make the committee have some interesting decisions.
00:12:01
Mike Bell
I'll let you say whatever you want to say on that. I guess my only thoughts for this game itself is exactly what I said. i think Duke... Keep in mind how they kind of earned this spot.
00:12:12
Mike Bell
They earned it through like a five-way tiebreaker or whatever. And it just so happened that they won that tiebreaker.
00:12:16
Kaleb
Yeah.
00:12:18
Mike Bell
I think Virginia should win this game. And I think they will put up a lot of points. And it'll be a bit of a playoff preview for Virginia and probably the last win of the season because there's kind of a gap between Virginia and whoever they're going to play.
00:12:32
Mike Bell
But that's all I've got for this.
00:12:35
Kaleb
Yeah. I mean, i know for a while we were discussing Duke's quarterback being, you know, I wouldn't say like necessarily an underdog for anything by chance, but, you know, he's, he's had pretty decent year, you know, 3,400 yards, 28 touchdowns, four interceptions.
00:12:53
Kaleb
So, you know, you could argue that these two teams, it's two offensive power teams, I guess you could say. So maybe it's a shootout.
00:13:04
Kaleb
I'll be going for Duke just because, you know, Miami's probably going to be in. And I mean, should two ACC teams be in there? I don't know. Probably not. But
00:13:18
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:13:19
Kaleb
that's really all I have to say.
00:13:19
Mike Bell
Yeah. Agreed. Okay. So let's go let's go to the next game at 3 p.m.
Georgia vs. Alabama Rivalry Analysis
00:13:29
Mike Bell
ABC.
00:13:30
Mike Bell
Georgia has opened up as a two-and-a-half point favorite over Alabama. And, you know, Georgia's been the favorite over Alabama, it seems like, a few times now. And Alabama seems to figure out a way to win these games.
00:13:43
Mike Bell
I think you would probably agree with me, even though Alabama –
00:13:44
Kaleb
Mm-hmm.
00:13:48
Mike Bell
has been impressive this year. you know They've kind of had their lulls, and we've talked about how they're one-dimensional. It feels like Georgia is the better team, but you just don't know with these games.
00:14:01
Mike Bell
like Let's face it, Alabama has just owned Georgia, and it's kind of like I don't know what matchup to point to other than I think Georgia can probably run the ball pretty well.
00:14:14
Mike Bell
But it's just like these do end up being usually great games. Like, you know, the one's not going to blow the other one out. And yeah, I will say me personally, and this goes back to just how I just feel about championship weekend this this weekend.
00:14:32
Mike Bell
I have a little bit of fatigue with this game. And I think it's probably an unpopular opinion. Because it is like always a great game. But it's just like I've seen it, you know, what really is on the line, like Georgia could miss out on a bye, but Alabama is not missing the playoffs, you know, so i don't know.
00:14:42
Kaleb
Yeah.
00:14:53
Mike Bell
That's just kind of my thoughts. But I'm sure it'll be a good game to see.
00:14:58
Kaleb
so earlier in the year, Alabama won 24-21.
00:15:03
Kaleb
From my perspective, I think that was when or that was before Georgia really found their offensive rhythm because it was pretty much after that is when they found their offensive rhythm.
00:15:13
Mike Bell
Mm-hmm.
00:15:15
Kaleb
And Alabama, I mean, for the most part, they have been pretty consistent, okay, in a really grueling schedule. um So won't take anything against that.
00:15:28
Kaleb
I just think which team, since that matchup, has excelled more, I'd probably say Georgia. I think Kirby Smart is just the best coach in football, arguably, if not top one, number two.
00:15:44
Kaleb
Situationally, I don't think there's gonna be a better coach.
00:15:50
Kaleb
um With offense, pretty much being on the level it has been for the last month, I think it's going to be hard for our Alabama's defense to contain them.
00:16:02
Kaleb
And um I think Kirby Smart's just going to have that defense ready for this game. So I think it's going close game, but I think it's the opposite ending. I think Georgia's going to come out and win this.
00:16:13
Mike Bell
I probably agree with you, and it is weird to think about it, but you know Alabama could be looking at a four-loss season. you know In fact, that is probably what is going to happen because their favorite...
00:16:25
Kaleb
Well, if they lose, yes. is I mean, can we see them win the championship? Probably not, just because – and I hate to say that because they have a – they arguably have – well, I mean, I don't know off the top of my head.
00:16:31
Mike Bell
Right.
00:16:38
Kaleb
I would have to look. But they probably have a top three, like, strength of schedule record – or strength of schedule ranking in their record.
00:16:45
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:16:45
Kaleb
I mean, hey, man, it speaks for itself. So I hate to say that. But, yeah, they very well – what are they, 9-3 right now? Or, wait, 10-2, I guess? nine and or white ten and two i guess
00:16:54
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:16:55
Kaleb
Yeah, so yeah, they could be 10-4. and I hate to say that because it's going to look like, oh, wow, that's not a good year by Alabama standards. But that's pretty good year considering who they've played in the gauntlet of a schedule they had.
00:17:05
Mike Bell
yeah
00:17:07
Kaleb
so
00:17:08
Mike Bell
It really is. i know everyone's talked about it and there's no need to beat a dead horse, but it still is just shocking they lost to Florida State. Just being how bad Florida State is.
00:17:19
Mike Bell
It's like, yeah, teams could put together like good games, but it's not like Florida State even went 8-4, because we'd still be saying that if Florida State went 8-4. Florida State went 5-7, and they were very, very bad.
00:17:34
Mike Bell
So it really is just wild to me. And maybe it's a case study of, and I hate to say this, because this is kind of like the Miami Notre Dame argument, i don't think this completely applies to that, but I think it just shows the first game of the season has to be treated a little bit differently.
00:17:52
Mike Bell
Maybe. and Not everyone would agree with that, but there's just something about that first game of the season where teams aren't who they are yet. i don't know. Just something that they
00:18:01
Kaleb
I'd probably fair with that for the most part. I mean, would probably depend on the case, yes. But here's the thing. Does Florida State have some, like, enough talent to be competitive? Yeah.
00:18:12
Kaleb
And, I mean, if you have all offseason to prepare for that first game, you're potentially could be systematically the most prepared you're ever for a game.
00:18:16
Mike Bell
Right.
00:18:22
Kaleb
Now, the key is, can you be, like, that effective every game of the season? And we've seen what, you know, how Florida State handled that question. But – I don't know. i mean, I could see that from both angles. You know, like, I'd probably say, like, yeah, don't necessarily take it take the first game of the year, however, win-loss with a grain of salt, you know.
00:18:45
Kaleb
do You still have to look at it for sure. I mean, you know, you still got to account for it, but...
00:18:51
Mike Bell
So here here's sorry but here's a question for you.
Alabama's Playoff Prospects
00:18:57
Mike Bell
If Alabama wins this game, should Alabama get a bye?
00:19:05
Mike Bell
So in other words, jump into the top four.
00:19:15
Mike Bell
Because let's face it, normally when the number nine team beats the number three team, they probably would not just jump into the top four. But the consequences of not putting...
00:19:25
Kaleb
I'd probably say so, yes.
00:19:27
Mike Bell
Okay, so you would.
00:19:28
Kaleb
Here's my reasoning why. So number one, number two or the Big Ten Championship, i don't think any I don't think either one of them will move.
00:19:36
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:19:37
Kaleb
um nor Nor should, maybe unless Ohio State or Indiana just beat the crap out of one or another, you know what I mean? um But... and maybe that could happen. i don't I have no idea about the Big Ten Championship, to be honest with you. It's actually, I'm most intrigued about that. But my point is, I mean, I think Georgia's one of the best teams. I think they they could put a run on whoever's money ah to win the championship, I think.
00:20:04
Kaleb
For Alabama to win tomorrow's game, or not tomorrow's game, this weekend's game, could you argue...
00:20:20
Kaleb
I don't know. I mean, if just Alabama wins this weekend, who's to say they aren't a top four team?
00:20:21
Mike Bell
It's tough.
00:20:26
Kaleb
You know, they beat Georgia twice. um You know, there's BYU, Miami, Notre Dame, Texas Tech. um
00:20:36
Mike Bell
Morgan.
00:20:37
Kaleb
Yeah, Oregon, A&M.
00:20:40
Kaleb
Could you any of them do that? I don't know. I think it'd be pretty hard. I mean, I know it sounds like a stretch because they'd be moving up five spots.
00:20:46
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:20:49
Kaleb
I know that. But think about all the people that aren't playing in a championship game, you know?
00:20:56
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:20:57
Kaleb
i guess that's the only thing. Like, I mean, listen, it sounds like a stretch, I know. But to me, it doesn't sound too crazy to have, like, move like for them to beat Georgia in the SEC championship, I think they would deserve a bye.
00:21:13
Kaleb
I'll put it to you that way.
00:21:14
Mike Bell
I agree. Look, it's obviously debatably the best conference. And if you don't think that it's the second best conference.
00:21:20
Kaleb
Yeah.
00:21:20
Mike Bell
So then if Alabama were to beat them to not have an SEC team represented in that top four.
00:21:27
Kaleb
By the way, i would say that the Big Ten, comparative comparatively speaking, the SEC, I still think the SEC is deeper than Big Ten for sure.
00:21:36
Mike Bell
Well, I agree, but there is like a lot of debate about that.
00:21:40
Kaleb
Yeah.
00:21:40
Mike Bell
you know, as far as who has the better conference and and just all that.
00:21:40
Kaleb
Yeah.
00:21:43
Mike Bell
I would agree with you, though. But the point being, it just feels like the SEC has got to be represented there in the top four. But no matter what, the committee is going to have a tough time with whoever wins this game because, you know, how if Alabama loses, how far do you drop Bama?
00:21:57
Kaleb
Officer. Mm-hmm.
00:22:02
Mike Bell
Like, they're still going to be in the playoffs. I don't think there's really any actual debate about that. So it's just like, well, so where are they exactly going to be seeded? And then obviously if they win, do they go into the top four? So that's going to be an interesting storyline to watch.
00:22:16
Mike Bell
But I'm sure as always, it is going to be a great game. I guess quickly, what are your thoughts on, or maybe you already said this, you you expect Georgia to win this game, right?
00:22:28
Kaleb
Yeah. Well, i would say yes, but I think it's going to be close.
00:22:35
Mike Bell
Yeah, well, i mean, the line's two and a half. So, I mean, i would expect that.
00:22:37
Kaleb
Yeah.
00:22:38
Mike Bell
I agree. i agree. It's hard to imagine Alabama beating Georgia twice in the same year. But we'll see.
00:22:44
Kaleb
And the only reason why I say that really and truly, and I'm not saying this necessarily as bad thing because Alabama did well this year, just I feel like they've been the same team the entire year.
00:22:55
Mike Bell
Mm-hmm.
00:22:55
Kaleb
like I just have seen more improvement since Alabama-Georgia game from Georgia.
Ohio State vs. Indiana Showdown
00:23:00
Kaleb
you know Offensively, defensively, I think they're just more of a complete football team back from that game.
00:23:00
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:23:06
Kaleb
and Maybe there is some to that same thing with Alabama. I just feel like Georgia's really grown pretty quickly.
00:23:16
Mike Bell
Yeah, agreed. Okay, so I agree with you. The best the or the most intriguing game is going to be number two, Indiana versus number one, Ohio State on Fox.
00:23:29
Mike Bell
Ohio State opens as a four and a half point favorite. That line actually went to six and a half and now it's back to four and a half. So people are expecting this to be a close game. I'm excited. I think it's fair to say like no one would really debate these are the two best teams in the country.
00:23:45
Mike Bell
like at least to this point, like they are the best to, and to me, this seems like destiny versus dynasty. You know, it's like what Indiana has been able to do is incredible.
00:23:58
Mike Bell
Everyone knows that, but then obviously Ohio State looks like one of the best teams of all time. What's really cool about this when you compare to stat the stats and all that is they faced similar competition.
00:24:09
Mike Bell
and I don't know if you got a chance to look at like where these teams rank in terms of like you know all their individual stats. They're both like in all ah categories, like in the top 10 and like most of the categories, defense, offense, you know, yards per play points, all that. So to me, like this is, I mean, this is what the national championship used to be, right? Just the number one versus two team. And I don't think there'd be any debate this year on who number one and number two should be. So I'm excited for it. What are your thoughts?
00:24:44
Kaleb
Well, just to add some more layers to it, like, i have no idea who's going to win this game, to be honest with you. You know, like, does or does Indiana just come out there and just go, go, go on offense? And, you know, I would say stop that. Now they have the like arguably the best defense in the country overall.
00:25:06
Kaleb
But, has ohio state really faced an offense like indiana
00:25:13
Kaleb
not really so i think nnna' goingnna really test matt patricia in that defense and i mean you could say the same thing for the indiana offense have they faced an offense like ohio seats no so i think there's maybe some questions that you could argue on both sides like okay then ah let's see who's the best here. Because you're right. you know they're Statistically, they're both very good, right?
00:25:37
Kaleb
um I do think that it's a pretty impressive that
00:25:45
Kaleb
Ohio State went out and handled business the way they did against Michigan. So, I think that's a pretty good like pre-test before Indiana.
00:25:56
Kaleb
Just because I don't know, if I forgot off the top of my head if Indiana played anybody last week or not, but If they did, it wasn't anybody like...
00:26:07
Kaleb
Was anybody like Michigan?
00:26:07
Mike Bell
The last week, Purdue.
00:26:08
Kaleb
Yeah. Yeah. indian I mean, Michigan-Purdue? yeah I don't know. So, Ohio State's got talent all over the field on both offense and defense. So does Indiana, too. And, like listen, two Heisman candidates, right?
00:26:26
Mike Bell
Right.
00:26:27
Kaleb
So, I don't know. It'll be a very intriguing game. I have no idea where to go with this game.
00:26:33
Mike Bell
Agreed. So this is the battle of the Heisman frontrunners, which is pretty cool to see.
00:26:36
Kaleb
Oh, yeah.
00:26:37
Mike Bell
I don't know how often you get that. So that'll that'll be cool. Also, so the thing is about this Ohio State defense is people are talking about it like, and i I'm not saying I disagree. I don't disagree at all. But it's not only a great defense. It's not only the number one defense in terms of points allowed, but it might be one of the best defenses of all time, like a top five defense of all time.
00:27:01
Mike Bell
Now, we'll really get to see that in the playoffs because, like you've said, have they faced the offenses?
00:27:01
Kaleb
oh yeah
00:27:07
Mike Bell
Hard to say, but they can avoid everybody in the playoffs. And Indiana is, in terms of points, the second-best offense in the country. So that's going to be...
00:27:16
Kaleb
Right. So it's definitely a good test for him.
00:27:19
Mike Bell
Right, right. So I'm curious to see. Hopefully this is a close game, and this isn't going to be like Ohio State really is just so much better than everyone. They blow them out. I don't see that happening.
00:27:31
Kaleb
Yeah.
00:27:31
Mike Bell
But – I want to see if, because so far Ohio State has pretty much looked flawless. And you talked about with Georgia, how Georgia seems to be ascending. I would say the same with Ohio State.
00:27:43
Mike Bell
Because at first you could say, well, their offense was maybe struggling a bit. Who is this Julian Sane guy? And second half this season, now he's like the favorite to win the Heisman or, you know, at worst, like the second favorite. So,
00:27:56
Mike Bell
You know, they're ascending. Can Indiana expose any flaws in this Ohio State team on either side of the ball? And even if they lose, are they able to give other teams kind of ideas on how they might be ah beat Ohio State?
00:28:14
Mike Bell
Or is it just going to be Ohio State is that much better than everybody? I do think this will be a close game. Don't forget the other side of the ball. Indiana has an elite defense. And I know this horse has been beat to death, but...
00:28:26
Mike Bell
Just amazing how far Indiana has come. Obviously, they were good last year, but they're not good this year. They are legitimately the second best team in the country. Like, they are just that good. So, I agree with you. i don't know where to go with this game.
00:28:42
Mike Bell
I'm really looking forward to it. If I had to guess, though... I think this could come down to the fact that Ohio State just has more talent and Indiana hasn't quite faced a team like this.
00:28:50
Kaleb
They do.
00:28:53
Mike Bell
So I think that's just going to give Ohio State the edge.
00:28:59
Kaleb
And I would agree with you. But as far as a quarterback standpoint goes, I think I would give the edge to Mendoza. think senior versus basically, i don't i think Sainz, like maybe a redshirt sophomore or something like that, but this is his first year starting versus Mendoza's.
00:29:08
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:29:17
Kaleb
At least three years. I don't know if he's been a four-year starter. So I do think that experience as far as quarterback goes. And here's the deal. I mean, has Julian Sayan really been pressed this year to really step up and put it on his shoulders to lay his team?
00:29:31
Kaleb
Not yet. You know, I think the closest game was against Texas. But even in that game, ah he really didn't have to do too, too much to keep his team ahead. So it'd be very interesting to see, like, if Indiana got out at like, 10 points ahead at some point, and it really puts pressure on saying, can he deliver?
00:29:48
Kaleb
That's a good question. And if he can, I mean, hey, who's to say he could not be the – who's to say he shouldn't be the Heisman at that point? I mean, obviously, I guess it would depend on the playoffs, but um as far as, like –
00:30:02
Mike Bell
Right. well Well, what he has going for his receivers, you know, I mean, Cornell Tate and Jeremiah Smith, I mean, it's
00:30:06
Kaleb
Yeah, um right, exactly. um And the most important position of football, quarterback. But, man, Ohio State has just freaking players everywhere, elite players.
00:30:21
Kaleb
Jeremiah Smith, Cardinal Tate, their running backs are really good. Yeah. trying to think I forgot the other player that I really kind of have watched and like, well, wow, this guy's good. But anyway, they have talent all over the field, man. So I typically would favor the team that has a better quarterback matchup. But Ohio State, there's just talent everywhere, dude.
00:30:47
Mike Bell
Right. Okay. Well, you know, we kind of, we're 30 minutes in and we kind of covered, I think everything we want to talk about in terms of the games themselves. I think we both agree.
00:30:57
Kaleb
Yeah.
00:30:58
Mike Bell
The one we're looking forward to most is Ohio state, Indiana. And yeah, you know, in terms of the games, that's all I had to talk about. Is there anything else you want to talk about in terms of, you know coaching rankings, anything that comes to mind?
00:31:17
Mike Bell
I'll briefly go, and then if you don't have anything, that's fine. Just a quick little quibble. A&M should not be the seventh team. They should be the sixth team. And that's really going to suck for A&M because they are probably, we'll have see the way it works out, but there's a good chance you have to face Notre Dame.
00:31:35
Mike Bell
And I've been saying for a while, the last team I want to face is Notre Dame. Like, it literally the last team in terms of teams that are like are possible. It's them. And It's BS. Now, I am curious to see what the committee does. It feels like the committee is going in a hard spot, and they're going to end up putting Miami over Notre Dame.
00:31:54
Mike Bell
And I will just say as an A&M fan, I will take that. But i just just quickly, so here's a talking point, just out of conference games. We've talked about it with Texas, but you could say the same thing with A&M. So A&M has one loss, and the other one-loss teams are Ole Miss,
00:32:15
Mike Bell
and Oregon and Texas Tech. I'm okay with Texas Tech and Oregon being above them. But at the end of the day, a and m fa ah scheduled Notre Dame and won.
00:32:27
Mike Bell
What's the point in scheduling Notre Dame if we're going to be behind Ole Miss, which doesn't have that win, like we could have just scheduled Sam Houston state, we'd still be 11 and one, and we would still be ranked exactly where we are. So do we not get extra credit for scheduling Notre Dame and winning that game?
00:32:45
Mike Bell
And you you see that like with other, other examples too. And it does feel like what the committee is in danger of is not valuing the, these out of conference games enough.
00:32:59
Kaleb
Well, exactly, and that's what I was saying with the Texas team. You know, like, you know, and Steve Sarkeesian said this, you're basically valuing a pretty record over who that team plays.
00:33:11
Kaleb
It's very dangerous because really it's just basically telling the coaches, as soon as you can, schedule the easy games, right? And honestly, between the two of you, you know, you'll have pretty comparable goals
00:33:22
Mike Bell
Yeah. I see.
00:33:27
Kaleb
like schedule, like probably strength of schedule rankings, like Ole Miss and you guys. I mean, maybe a slight edge to A&M, just because of Notre Dame and ah Texas game, and ah I think there's like one, ah oh, Missouri, okay, whereas Ole Miss, do what?
00:33:44
Mike Bell
i yeah I still say LSU. I think in context of when that game was at LSU, LSU fighting for it all, I get it.
00:33:56
Mike Bell
i get it.
00:33:56
Kaleb
it It's, yeah, I mean, I get it. Maybe from a storyline perspective, I guess. I mean, but...
00:34:03
Mike Bell
I'm not saying storyline. I'm saying just in terms of like, I mean, LSU had the new days it.
00:34:06
Kaleb
No, no, I'm just saying, like, maybe from a mental perspective, I don't know. they're They're kind of mid, you know, I mean...
00:34:15
Kaleb
But I think you guys are better all-around team than Ole Miss, though. I mean, for sure. Like, Ole Miss is definitely, like, offensively minded. And, you know, the the question is, are they going to get counted?
00:34:27
Kaleb
Are they going to – now their offensive coat offensive coordinator is going to call plays.
00:34:30
Mike Bell
Exactly. I think that's one more reason you move them down.
00:34:32
Kaleb
Now that's –
00:34:33
Mike Bell
They said that they were going to take that step into consideration, you know? So, I mean,
00:34:37
Kaleb
Right. But, well, here's the deal. I know Lane Kiffin's not there, but the offensive coordinator will be there, with who I'm assuming probably –
00:34:44
Mike Bell
yeah.
00:34:45
Kaleb
The majority of the time he had he had called plays. And maybe Lane put in his own sprinkles here and there. But, I mean, overall, should Ole Miss be over you guys? Probably not. I don't i don't think so. I don't think so.
00:34:58
Kaleb
um I'm trying to think.
00:35:04
Kaleb
Who's other team you said? are Here, let me just look, I guess.
00:35:07
Mike Bell
It was just those two. And then, you know, we talked a little bit about Texas, although I think Texas is a little bit different. I think it's an interesting argument.
00:35:13
Kaleb
i mean Trust me. I mean, it is. It is different. Don't get me wrong. It just, I mean, as like I said, man, it's a hard decision.
00:35:26
Kaleb
I think we have a pretty good resume. It's just, if we didn't play, I think if we didn't play Mississippi State, or, yeah, Mississippi State and Kentucky close, I think we'd be in.
00:35:43
Kaleb
You know, if we just beat them, even with that Florida loss.
00:35:44
Mike Bell
Right.
00:35:48
Kaleb
But, you know, we didn't do that. We didn't do that. It's fine. And honestly, as a Texas fan, I'm still happy with how this season ended out. Because, frankly, first-year quarterback, we had to replace practically almost our whole offense.
00:36:03
Kaleb
I think just people had really unrealistic expectations. Why are you smirking?
00:36:12
Mike Bell
Just starting it again for next year. I'm just saying. I'm just saying. But, I mean, we'll see.
00:36:18
Kaleb
No, I'm not going to sit there and say, I'm not going to sit, I'm not sitting there saying like, hey, you know, watch out for us to be in the championship.
00:36:18
Mike Bell
I agree with you. I agree.
00:36:27
Kaleb
Not saying that, but with what we had to do this year and what we've accomplished and with the schedule we had, I mean, I do think that is saying something.
00:36:37
Kaleb
you know So regardless if we get in or out, you know we should be proud of this year.
00:36:39
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:36:42
Kaleb
And yes, I do think there's an argument for – here's the deal i would say. I think if I'm not mistaken, Notre Dame, they played three top 25 teams.
00:36:53
Kaleb
They won one, lost two. Okay, there's an argument against Notre Dame. Miami, I think they're they won one and maybe lost one or something like that, being in the ACC.
00:37:07
Kaleb
I still think Miami, I think if Miami were to play Texas, maybe Miami would win. But the thing with Miami is like what Carson Beck are going to get out of the game? Notre Dame, I do think they have improved.
00:37:21
Kaleb
However, you have to ask about like, okay, is it just because they they look so good because of the talent that they've played? I don't know. um Not to say that they would lose to Texas. I don't know if we could beat Notre Dame. ah I mean, think it'd be an interesting game.
00:37:37
Kaleb
um It's just going to a hard year. I mean, every year is hard, right? Actually, you know, honestly, I think this year is harder than last year. What would you say to that as far as the playoff committee?
00:37:46
Mike Bell
Yeah, I don't think it gets much tougher than this year.
00:37:48
Kaleb
Yeah. I mean, there's just so many teams, so many teams on the fringe of who gets in and who doesn't, you know.
00:37:50
Mike Bell
Like, it is...
00:37:55
Kaleb
then because i mean And mean, you got Vandy right behind Texas, too, you know.
00:38:01
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:38:02
Kaleb
And what pisses me off, honestly, man, is just like the group of high person and the ACC team, you know, you could put both, you know, and I know it would probably, I mean, it would really show bias them, you know, but you could put
00:38:02
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:38:09
Mike Bell
Yep.
00:38:17
Kaleb
and potentially TBYU, I guess, if they got railed by Texas Tech. But, you know, whatever. You know, you could have both Texas, Vanderbilt, Utah. Okay.
00:38:33
Kaleb
um
00:38:33
Mike Bell
Yeah, they're out.
00:38:35
Kaleb
Do what?
00:38:36
Mike Bell
Yeah, but they're out. You know, i don't think anyone...
00:38:37
Kaleb
Well, yeah, but I'm just saying, having Texas and Vanderbilt in there would be better better for the playoffs, or they'd be better games versus the group of five person and the ACC champion.
00:38:48
Mike Bell
I agree. and I don't think enough people are talking about that, actually, as like a problem. i Maybe it'll get sorted out, but I am curious to see what they're going to do with the format going forward because this does feel a little untenable.
00:39:00
Mike Bell
Like, there's just so many people complaining,
00:39:02
Kaleb
Well, for sure. Because ah it seems well what it's coming down to is like they're kind of putting a cap on how many teams from each conference can be in there almost in a sense.
00:39:04
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:39:13
Mike Bell
yeah
00:39:13
Kaleb
And it's just like if ah if a group of five person is maybe like a one loss team, like against like a semi decent team or whatever, fine, whatever, um or undefeated.
00:39:13
Mike Bell
yeah
00:39:23
Kaleb
Sure. You know, they should have a shot. um ACC, I mean, obviously a little bit more lenient depending on if the ACC is like really good. I mean, of course, that's a slippery slope because then you'll look at every conference. Or are they good or are they not good? You know, that's a slippery slope just because everyone's opinions. But and ACC does have strong years, you know, or stronger years.
00:39:43
Kaleb
They have potential. I mean, they've got pretty good teams in there. um But this is just a weak year for the ACC, frankly. So, anyway.
00:39:56
Mike Bell
Yeah, no, I think well said, and I don't really see any great solutions coming, so I think this will just be something everyone has to deal with every year.
00:40:04
Kaleb
Hopefully pfully next year. i mean, there's, you know, last year, the thing that I remember was South Carolina getting left out, but that was like the really, really the only team I felt like, like, dang, they should have been in probably.
00:40:16
Kaleb
This year, it's like you got three to four, depending on what happens this weekend, but.
00:40:21
Mike Bell
Right, right. Would you... Would you support Texas canceling the Michigan series that's taking place in two years? The home and home.
00:40:35
Kaleb
Wow. Honestly, I didn't realize that.
00:40:39
Mike Bell
That was talked about today on Reddit. And basically the meme was the, oh, is it?
00:40:42
Kaleb
If we played them last year, huh?
00:40:46
Mike Bell
Maybe I'm getting a team confused. I thought it was Michigan.
00:40:48
Kaleb
I think we've only played them one year though.
00:40:48
Mike Bell
Maybe I'm thinking of Notre Dame.
00:40:50
Kaleb
when
00:40:52
Kaleb
Okay.
00:40:54
Mike Bell
I don't know. I'll have to check. But let's just say that it's one of those two and that you have to face those two. The meme was that Steve Sarkeesian was, you know, threatening to, but you know, not play the out-of-conference game.
00:41:06
Kaleb
Yeah, right. Yeah.
00:41:06
Mike Bell
Like, yeah, you don't have the balls to actually do that.
00:41:07
Kaleb
um
00:41:09
Mike Bell
But then a Texas fan was saying in the comments, it's like, well, honestly, like as a Texas fan, I'd support it because we have to play nine SEC games anyway.
00:41:17
Kaleb
Yeah, right. Exactly. I mean, it's not like we would have an easy schedule to begin with. Right. So and I mean, especially with this treatment, like, you know, yes, I'm a Texas fan, but it's kind of like, why the hell would you want to schedule that for your team?
00:41:37
Mike Bell
Yeah, agreed. i'm gonna
00:41:38
Kaleb
I mean, listen, if we lost to...
00:41:45
Kaleb
Like, if we got blown out by that said team or whatever, fine. Okay, sure, get penalized for that. Okay? And even if we lose, like, yes, I do get a little penalization.
00:41:57
Kaleb
But...
00:42:00
Kaleb
I don't know. To be honest with you, like, yes, I probably would say, yeah just if you can back out, do it, you know?
00:42:10
Mike Bell
Yeah, I agree. And the thing is, and I would have to say too, I think it's unfair to say that you just can't lose to unranked teams. Obviously, it's not ideal. And that's why i say in Texas' case, like it is a little bit different because they didn't just lose to an unranked team.
00:42:21
Kaleb
Yeah.
00:42:24
Mike Bell
They looked bad in those games after too against bad teams. And they they've won, but whatever. But my thing is like... You know, in a way, losing to Florida at Florida isn't as bad as the way they actually won the game against Kentucky and Mississippi State.
00:42:42
Mike Bell
The loss to Florida was actually the least bad because, like, if you look at the whole season, Florida had a bad year. If you look at where they were at the time Texas faced Florida, Florida was in a must-win situation. They were at home. Texas hadn't, I think, been on the road yet other than Ohio State.
00:43:00
Mike Bell
You know, it's like Florida has a ton of talent. Some people thought they were going be a top 10 team this year. It didn't work out for them. Billy Napier, they still had the coaching structure. And then Billy Napier was fired shortly after that.
00:43:11
Mike Bell
So they didn't have the coaching structure anymore. So I don't know. I actually think just saying, well, they lost an unranked team.
00:43:16
Kaleb
But Florida has had a health problem too. Some of those offensive players,
00:43:18
Mike Bell
Yeah.
00:43:23
Kaleb
some of their offensive studs kind of had some health issues too this year. you know I'm not going to say that's an excuse, but um maybe their season could have been a little different if everybody had stayed healthy. But I mean, that's every team, an argument for every team, right?
00:43:40
Kaleb
um I'd probably say the worst game is probably that Kentucky game, like you're saying, just because of how adept everything looked. you know like Our defense was fine. It was good. um But yeah, that Kentucky game.
00:43:54
Kaleb
Because at the when we played Florida, everything to you said yes, but our offense was still trying to figure it out. you know So honestly, it's kind of a shocker that we didn't lose that game by more. Because I think it was like, what, 20-29 21-29, something like that. But Anyway, Mississippi State well, no, I mean, don't get me wrong.
00:44:09
Mike Bell
Well, the thing is, you guys really did lose the game by Mark. Remember that Florida kind of controlled the game, and then it was like a late comeback type thing. But yeah.
00:44:18
Kaleb
They did control – they did control the game.
00:44:23
Kaleb
wasn't saying like, oh, we barely lost. I'm not saying that. I'm just – Really just, you know, thinking about it at the time where offense was, I'm kind of surprised we only lost by nine points or eight points, whatever it was.
00:44:36
Kaleb
And really and truly, I don't want to like really knock us too far for the Mississippi State game just because I know the record says otherwise, but they really didn't play close. It's kind of almost the same scenario as Arkansas in a sense.
00:44:51
Kaleb
But I mean, the first half looked horrible. Yes, but.
00:44:54
Mike Bell
Right. I mean, that's the thing. that's ah Quickly, because I don't want to get too lost in Texas' a schedule. But yeah in two years, you guys do face Michigan.
00:44:59
Kaleb
Yeah. yeah. Yeah.
00:45:02
Mike Bell
And here's the thing. I'm looking at y'all's schedule in two years. You guys host Michigan. and We don't know what type of team mission is going to be, but they could be good. And it's ah you know a power program.
00:45:13
Kaleb
well
00:45:13
Mike Bell
you guys have at hang on You guys have at Alabama that year. You host Georgia. You have the Cotton Bowl.
00:45:23
Mike Bell
So, obviously, Cotton Bowl, but it's at the Cotton Bowl. You have OU, and that game's always going close, and you have A&M. You host A&M. You don't know how this was going to be, and then you just have, like, the rest of the SEC schedule where you never know if Auburn's going to be good.
00:45:35
Mike Bell
You have Vandy at South Carolina, at Arkansas, which I know is a big game for you guys. So, right away, like, why would you guys play Michigan? You guys have Bama and Georgia in the same year, and A&M's going to give up three teams the country by then. So,
00:45:50
Mike Bell
It's going to it's goingnna be like a pretty wild season. twenty That's 2027, and I imagine y'all scheduled next year is also tough. So, yeah, I don't know why you guys would keep Michigan, honestly.
00:46:05
Kaleb
Well, I don't know if we can back out from a being this close, right? I mean, i don't i mean i i don't know how that works.
00:46:11
Mike Bell
you Why not? I bet you could do something. I mean, but I'm looking at that.
00:46:16
Kaleb
Well, I mean.
00:46:18
Mike Bell
And that i would mean like Texas would have to – I mean, you guys would have to be really good to go 10-2 on that schedule, you know?
00:46:27
Kaleb
Well, here's the deal, and that almost sets it up for the same situation as this year, right? I mean, right now, those are.
00:46:35
Kaleb
You said Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, A&M, and probably let's just say another another random person on that schedule, and it could be even me too.
00:46:42
Mike Bell
Right, Auburn, at Arkansas.
00:46:45
Kaleb
So, you know, you're looking at four to five really, I mean, really good schools.
00:46:47
Mike Bell
Oh,
00:46:52
Kaleb
Okay. um I mean, it's hard to say, but like, you know, pretty similar to like this year's schedule. And like,
00:47:04
Kaleb
Who's to say what will come out? But how many teams, I mean, I know that, like, you know, there's going to some other SEC schools that probably have a very similar schedule and see how they fare out, you know, to kind of determine, like, the validity to the wins and losses or whatever. But,
00:47:20
Kaleb
yeah, frankly, it's kind of stupid.
00:47:24
Mike Bell
Yep. Yeah.
00:47:25
Kaleb
ah It's better for the sport.
00:47:25
Mike Bell
So that is something good. It is, it is better for the support. I agree.
00:47:29
Kaleb
It's better for the sport, but if you're not going to get grace for that, then why do it?
00:47:30
Mike Bell
It is something they're going to.
00:47:38
Mike Bell
Yep. Agreed. Okay. Well, we talked a lot about that. That was a fun little conversation, I guess, but that's pretty much all I have. um And yeah, are you ready to wrap it up or do you got anything else?
00:47:53
Kaleb
that was it. i was trying to think if there were any more coaching changes or anything like that. but Well, I saw Auburn speaking to
00:47:58
Mike Bell
I want to say somebody else signed an extension. benefit
00:48:03
Kaleb
do what?
00:48:04
Mike Bell
I want to say somebody else signed an extension besides Satake.
00:48:08
Kaleb
Oh, ah I was about to say Jerry Maguire.
00:48:09
Mike Bell
it was
00:48:11
Mike Bell
Oh, yeah, that's actually he is that is who I was going to say. but and So he signed an extension, and that's all I know of, honestly. Okay.
00:48:18
Kaleb
I didn't see the details on it for how long and how much or whatever, but... Him and Auburn's keeping their defensive coordinator, which is good. think
00:48:30
Kaleb
that was really it. I mean, I could be missing something, but anyway.
00:48:37
Mike Bell
Okay.
00:48:38
Kaleb
Sucks were already at the end football season, I guess.
00:48:38
Mike Bell
All right.
00:48:40
Kaleb
but
00:48:41
Mike Bell
I know very sad, but we still have playoffs and that'll be exciting.
00:48:44
Kaleb
Yeah, we still got another month, roughly.
00:48:48
Mike Bell
Agreed. All right. Well, this has been another episode of Blowing Coverage and I'll talk to you next week.
00:48:55
Kaleb
All right.