The Pat McAfee Show Live | Friday August 29th 2025

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The following program is a collection of. stooges talking about happenings in the. sports world. It is meant to be comedic. informative. The opinions expressed on. this show do not necessarily reflect the. beliefs of their peers, their boss or. ESPN. There may be some cuss words. because that's how humans in the real. world talk. If you are a young, please. seek permission before watching any. further.

>> Hey, let's go. This show sticks and the fact that you. listen, we are very, very thankful for. the line with a gorgeous assist. >> The alltime leading tackler for the. Green Bay Packers. You pick. >> Damn it. >> Your friend, tell a friend something. nice could change their life. [Applause]. [Music]. sport.

>> Hello, beautiful people and welcome to. Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on this. feelgood Friday, August 29th, 2025. This. program begins right now. Football. It is absolutely magical. And that game. will be played on this field behind us. as one takes on three to kick off this. college football season that's going to. be remembered forever as the greatest of. all time. I'm obviously sitting next to standing.

next to a man who's going to be. remembered as one of the greatest. Buckeyes of all time. Calls this city. home still at this point. ran around. with that gigantic head in this. horseshoe and tried to CTE everybody. that he seen on the football field. College football national champion, Super Bowl champion, Rder Cup winner, proud Buckeye, former president of Ohio, AJ Hawk. AJ, good. >> Good to be here. Always good to be here. >> They're clapping. They're clapping. They're clapping. >> Thanks, boys. Appreciate you.

>> Come on. What a beautiful. >> Watch this. I can do this and just make. him incredibly uncomfortable camera. >> Oh, is this one shot? This here went. right down the barrel. Here we go. Yeah, that's needed. I'm sure we need that. one. >> Now, back to me, please. Uh, ladies and. gentlemen. >> Okay. Uh, whenever I say that today is a. great day, I say that because we have. actual football to react to. We had. massive games last night. College. football delivered exactly how we had. hoped that it would deliver. Now, let's.

go back to the Thunderdome in. Indianapolis, Indiana. the toxic tables. there at Boston Connor and at Tai. Schmidt. Ty, crazy life for you right. now. We'll get into that in a second. Then there's one half of the Hammer D. Cowboys AP Tone. Tone, um, last night. college football delivered in a massive. way. What are some of the highlights, big takeaways that we need to know? Other than the fact Taylor Swift, >> oh, >> football fan, >> unreal. >> Not just NFL, she's all the way in on. ball. Other than that, uh, what should.

we be thinking about, Tone, from last. night? It was an electric night. 17. total games and the best way to go. through that is to go to the highlights. We start down in South Florida, Raymond. James Stadium. We have the number 25. Boise State Broncos taking on USF and it. was a 7-3 game in the second quarter. until quarterback Byron Brown of USF. decided to go crazy. That was a 29yd. touchdown run on third and 10. And then. we go to the third quarter and he's got. it again in the red zone. 15 yardds out. Ah, Byron Brown into the end zone again.

South Yeah. South Florida goes up 24-7. there and kind of sealed the deal. Oh, but I I forgot something, Pat. I forgot. in the third quarter about 8 minutes. left. Punt. USF punting getting the ball. back. Uh-oh. It's a fake. >> It's not the punter, dummies. That's a. backup quarterback they ran out there. Little wiry looking white guy. Must be. the punter. No backup quarterback. Big. ass brain down there. USF. >> third string quarterback fresh fresh.

freshman Lachland Hulet comes in and. throws the touchdown there. That got him. to 17-7 before Byron Brown went in. again. USF with the big upset to start. this season in in week one over Boise. State. Who was favorite to make the. playoff? >> Okay, so obviously USF big surprise. AJ, you said you called that middle of that. highlight. >> Yeah, a little bit. I don't know if I. called it to be the blowout that it was, but yeah, I said USF and coach Alex. Galish are uh they're doing good things. down there. You actually called him UCF. while you were saying it yesterday. A. lot of people weren't able to understand. it. Do you remember that, boys? Get up.

Now, let's let's go to Nebraska. Cincinnati last night. A little night. cap. How do we feel about that one, Tone? It came down to a fourth and seven. at one point on a final drive. What a. game late there for Nebraska and Cincy. >> Yeah, let's go to Nebraska and Cincy, which was apparently a home game for. Cincinnati, but it didn't look like it. or feel like it at Arrowhead Stadium in. Kansas City. It was a packed Nebraska. crowd. Uh, and we will go to first half. 17 seconds left. Huge play right here. Riyola goes to Hunter for the huge.

touchdown to end the second half. We. always talk about that middle eight. That was huge for Nebraska there to go. up 13-3 heading into the half. And then. another huge play for Ryola and. Nebraska. We got a fourth and two early. fourth quarter. Ryola to Dane Key to go. up 20-10. Guess what though? Cincinnati did not. give up. Brandon Sorsby fought. Cincinnati fought all game long. Here we. are. 39 seconds left. Sorsby deep down. the right sideline. Picked off by.

Hartzog Jr. to end the game. That is a. game that Nebraska used to lose, but not. this year. Pat, this is year three of. our sweet, sweet prince. So, uh, huge. win for Nebraska there. >> Coach, Coach Matt Rule will be joining. us in about 10 minutes or so. Can't wait. to catch up with him. Uh Nebraska. getting a big- time win in these close. games is something that the Corn Husker. fans are not used to. That is certainly. a game that they end up losing. Going up. 10 in the fourth quarter. Then. Cincinnati starts creeping back to make. it a three-point game. Then there's a.

fourth and seven and this is game on the. line on that final drive. They pick it. up. It's like, oh no, is Cincinnati. going to break the hearts of Nebraska? is college football week one about to. start in electrifying fashion in front. of a Nebraska Corn Husker fan base that. was very loud throughout the entirety. and instead big- time pick to end it. It's beautiful. Love football. Now, let's get to some professional football. Yesterday, the world was rattled. Holy. hell. Jerry Jones just sent Micah. Parsons out of Dallas to the Green Bay.

Packers. Our instant reaction was filmed. uh obviously when we weren't live. You. can see that entire video on YouTube. During that entire reaction, Tai Schmidt. was very clearly on the side of Packers. are winning the Super Bowl. Okay, Packers will win the Super Bowl. And Tai. was basically calling this for a few. days. Tai was even saying, "Hey, if they. want to give him uh 45 million, 50. million, 55, we got it. And also next. year's first round pick, do it. The year. after that, do it. You want to give five. first round picks, do it, is what Tai.

Schmidt was actually saying. Turns out. all you got to do $47 million a year, $34 million guaranteed each year in the. highest uh guarantees in the history of. a non-quarterback in NFL history. Who. did the contract? Oh, David Muligetta. This guy, if all the records are broken. when it comes to contract, Mulageta's. name is on it right now. What an. absolute dog being able to get this deal. done with Green Bay before presenting. the Dallas Cowboys with an offer that I. guess Jerry thought he couldn't refuse. Kenny Clark, great football player. Not.

going to bash Kenny Clark at all in two. first rounders. I think with what Tai. was saying, I think that was more like. what we all thought it was going to take. for a guy like Michael Parsons, a game. breaker, a game ender, a guy who Green. Bay thinks is one player away, maybe. that player away from winning a Super. Bowl. And the odds the sports books 400. point turn for the Green Bay Packers. First you're plus 2,000. Now you're plus. 1,600 or whatever. That that's big time. swing in the sports books from the. addition of one player and all it. counts. I'm sorry. 600 point swing. All.

it takes is two first rounders and Kenny. Clark is what people were saying. Now, if this works out for the Green Bay. Packers, obviously everybody's going to. mock and ridicule Jerry for losing his. fast ball. Even though the documentary. about him, pretty nice. Pretty nice. Guy's a dog. >> Oh, yeah. >> But it feels like he lost this one is. what everybody's saying in the exact. moment. And everybody thought he would. get a deal done. He doesn't. AJ, let's. go to you, pal. What are your thoughts. on it all? >> I'm very happy as a Green Bay Packer. alum and a fan of the team. I I love it. I think it was a great move. But the.

thing about it is Jerry and you get two. first round picks. Obviously, it's a. Packers. What is this going to be? Late. 20s most likely for both those. >> 32 is what you're hoping. >> Yeah, I know. That's what I'm saying. Like best case scenario, something. happens and they they get up in the. teens or something because these first. rounders, uh, pick number three is not. the same as pick number 30. Now, you're. still getting great players, but it's. just a different level, I think, and you. have a lot better chance to hit at three. to 10, I guess, if you want a first. round pick on that one. But, I am very. happy for the Green Bay Packers. I think. Micah is going to fit in beautifully. I. think they will love Can you imagine the.

first time he runs out of that tunnel. when they introductions with the. defense? >> Well, let's talk to an owner of the. team, Ty Schmidt. Yesterday, you had uh. quite an animated response to this. entire thing. Now, you got a chance to. sleep on it. Maybe some wet dreams. >> Yeah, you never know. How was it, Ty? How are you feeling in the morning now. as a Green Bay Packer owner and a guy. that was saying, "Hey, whatever you need. to send to Jerry, send to Jerry.". >> Yeah, I'm on cloud nine to be honest. with you. I mean, it was just a. fantastic night. Had maybe one of the. best nights sleep I've had in a long. time. And not just because we have.

football this weekend that matters and. we had football last night, but I'll. tell you what, I was ecstatic coming in. the office today. I just it's it's nice. to finally be on the side of, you know, the Packers are in this situation. sometimes in the past and then I got to. be the one who be like, you know what, I. didn't want that guy. He's not going to. pan out. You know, this isn't this isn't. the right move for them. They got. fleeced or whatever. It was nice being. on the side of the Packers actually got. this guy. And I could just laugh last. night as as fans from other fan bases.

were saying like, "Oh my, yeah, you're. going to love this guy when you know. he's he's sitting out games or you know, whatever the case may be." So, I mean, you know, a lot of people talking about. the how much money it's going to cost to. pay him. The way I look at it is I mean, they're in their window right now and. they know that they paid the. quarterback, they paid the uh the, you. know, edge rusher. So, I I'm very like. AJ said, I'm very excited to see what. Jeff Halfley will do with him as well. So, yeah, it is it's go win a Super. Bowl. I mean, this is an aggressive. move. Let's go win a Super Bowl.

>> Yeah. Have to get the Super Bowl done. And then if you're Dallas on the other. side, obviously, everyone's going to the. oh my gosh, the Dallas Mavericks traded. Luca Donic and the Dallas Cowboys lost. Micah Parsons in the same year. That's. terrible. It stinks for Dallas Cowboys. fans, but it's another situation kind of. like Green Bay with Jordan Love. Like, you kind of have to wait and see. It. stinks right now and you had your best. player being Micah, but now you get two. picks in the future. You kind of have to. wait and see how it pans out. Very. similar to Jordan Love. Personally, I'm. thinking this might be Jerry's Swan.

song. Maybe Steven Jones does say, "Hey, maybe it's time for me to take the. reigns. I'm going to go get this done. for you, Dad. Okay, I'm going to go get. you. I'm going to make you proud. I'm. your firstborn eldest boy, Dad. Let me. take this team and take them back to the. Super Bowl." I don't know if that'll. happen, but if you're a Cowboys fan, just think like this. Hey, in two years. from now, we basically just guaranteed. ourselves either Arch Manning or. Jeremiah Smith with all the first round. picks we're going to have. >> I I saw that out there. I saw that. And. you know, Jerry said, "We got four first.

round picks in the next two drafts." And. who says that we ain't using that right. now to go get someone? He basically. drops a uh stay tuned at the end of this. thing. Go ahead and run that, Foxy. The. other thing that I want to say is we not. only gives us four first round picks. over the next two years, we not only do. that, nothing says we can't use some of. those picks right now to go get somebody. right now. Don't rule that out. >> Literally literally saying stay tuned,

okay? This [ __ ] ain't over yet. And this. is kind of exactly what everybody has. been chatting about with Jerry. And I. think the documentary kind of lays out. perfectly. This dude is a master. promoter in businessman. This guy is a. gambler. This guy even self admittedly a. little bit too good of a talker. Sometimes he writes some checks that his. ass can't cash. Like he even says that. in the opening of the entire thing and. during the premiere of this documentary. whenever he was on the red carpet, he. said, you know, the Cowboys will always. give you a little bit of drama. You. know, if there isn't much to talk about. Cowboys, we'll kind of go in there and.

stir up some controversy. And I'll tell. you what, a lot of the Cowboys fans, I. think, are saying that's what we're. talking about, Jar. That's the problem. Yeah, >> we need a football game, not worried. about driving up controversy. And if you. listen to Michael Irvin this morning on. Get Up, it is great to see Michael Irvin. back on TV. Michael Irvin needs to hear. that we are better as a sports world. with him talking in that documentary. He's phenomenal. And on Get Up this. morning, he was fantastic. And he. basically took some blame saying I. should have stepped in and said, "Jerry, we can't be making this type of. mistake." But he also said it looked.

like Jerry was hurt. He said it looked. like Jerry was hurt. Jerry was obviously. offended and felt disrespected by. Michael Parsons is what everybody around. him is seemingly saying. And when the. folks were saying he wasn't going to. budge, I think that's because he was. personally offended by the thought that. he thought they had a deal done. Now. that deal, you know, handshake deal, a. lot of people were saying that's what. Jerry bought the Cowboys on was a. handshake deal. That would have been. less money than what the deal would have. been for Mike Parsons for the entirety. of it all. And it's like uh that's an.

interesting situation because for Jerry. Jones, as great as a businessman as he. is, and I like that he's spinning it as. they can make some magic out of this, everybody's calling him an idiot. Everybody's saying he's lost his. fastball and everybody is saying that. he's no longer the guy to be running his. team that he created. That's a. fascinating time for Jerry, I bet, as he. looks in the mirror at night. >> I mean, and his his son, Steven, who's. going to be running, you know, in the. future whenever that comes. I I mean I. just want to know we always say you. don't want to mix like did he let his. emotions get in the way of business? Didn't Michael Irvin mention something.

about that? Like hey you can't Well I. don't know. I mean sometime Jerry's an. emotional dude. He's been running the. Cowboys I think with his emotions for a. long long time and it's worked out. pretty well. Obviously not the last 25. and 30. >> I believe in gut instinct. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And my gut you know he what he had. to have thought. >> you were him for a second. That's all. >> Close your eyes. >> Jeez. >> He had to have thought. Okay. Jerry kind. of has the same haircut as that guy from. Ruckers last night. >> That was sick. >> Thinking about doing that. >> Is that what Hawk's saving up for? I.

just figured that's why. >> that's my big surprise, man. Don't. bully. >> By the way, I love anybody that is that. confident. >> Amen. >> I do too. >> National TV. I'm going to stand right. next to the coach. Let's get some air. time on this thing. I like it. Maybe. that is a new cut. >> for everybody. But Jerry, like the. thought of him losing it is seemingly. what everybody is saying, man. Everybody's saying it. Even the sports. books, the sports books are saying the.

Green Bay Packers won this trade. Tone, what? This seems to be a massive jump. for a player. This has to be the biggest. jump uh documented for a defensive. player getting traded as opposed to an. offensive player like a quarterback or. something. This feels like big movement. Has that been chatted about? Yeah, I. mean it's huge movement because like you. said yesterday we like there's times. like when Rogers came to the Steelers, the Steelers super odds didn't move at. all and that's a quarterback and now you. have Michael Parsons who you know is. moving these odds insanely not only for. the Super Bowl but also for the division. and conference and everything like that.

and making the playoffs but also for. Michael Parson he is the def he is now. odds on favorite to win defensive MVP. I. can't remember the last time that it's. probably never happened that the odds on. favorite to be the defensive MVP has. been traded to a team. And for a guy who. roots for a team that has an elite edge. rusher, like everyone can say like, "Oh, the Cowboys are going to get better at. rush defense and all this and Jerry can. try to spin it like that, but when you. have an elite edge rusher versus not. having an elite edge rusher, it makes. everything so much easier for your.

defense. Not only just him, okay, but. Rashan Garry's going to get his now. Lucas Vaness is going to get his now. the corners like the there's some. questions about the Packers corners. They're not going to have to cover as. long. It helps the entire team. So, that's probably why one all those odds. moved because of that because of his. impact. Two, because there's going to be. a lot of money coming in on the Packers. because that's just kind of what. happens. And then three, just overall. that defense is just going to be so much. better. >> Yeah, Tone, I I appreciate what you said. there because, you know, we all talked. about Revas Island and how much that.

affected every defense he was a part of. because he can just take care of one. guy. What does an elite pass rusher do. for the rest of the defense, AJ? >> It's unbelievable. I play with Clay. Matthews, a guy that every offense had. to game plan around every single week. The guy is so explosive. It just Yeah, like you said, okay, say we have a Revas. Island type situation. We We're going to. lock this corner up on this guy. He's. going to follow the best receiver. Yeah, it makes it much more difficult. The. other 10 guys can kind of play more of a. a shell situation and take advantage of. of the matchups that you have. But when. you have one guy that can come, not only.

that's the thing about Micah, he's so. versatile. It would give me nightmares. as a D coordinator because you know this. guy like okay where's he lined up? Okay. sometimes he's standing up in a. two-point he's lined up a gap. He's. mugged a gap like he's an inside backer. and then when he's on the edge he's just. he's such a pure and he's an unorthodox. pass rusher. I feel like how he can bend. and move. It's not normal. Most people. are not born with the capability to move. like Michael Parsons can move. And when. you couple that with work ethic, this is. what you get. A guy that can wreck the. game every single time he's on the.

field. So, it uh it will free up those. other guys on defense a lot and it will. create opportunities, I think, for the. other guys on defense to uh to make. plays and and to make impact plays. >> You know, the whole worry about him not. being able to stop the damn run. Jerry. Jones said that. >> Where did that come from the last couple. days? I think. >> Jerry Jones, how do you feel about how. do you feel about playing Mike uh you. know, this season? Well, I know we got. to get a lead and run the ball. I know. it's what we That was a He said it three. times. >> I know. >> Well, you just run right at these types. of guys and things like that. How? So, when was it that Jerry started trying to.

nitpick everything? Was it after the. deal in his eyes wasn't upheld? Was he. so offended? Okay. Was he so offended. that then he started looking back? Yeah, this guy doesn't stop to run. Actually, does he start googling what people say. bad things about Michael? Like, what are. the bad like I do believe these things? Like, when did that all start happening? Because he was like the face of the. Cowboys for a little bit and then it was. there. I love Micah talking to his mom. and then when did it all become like guy.

can't stop damn run guy's not I mean. guy's not we're going to run right at. him that's we can't win the game like. that our team got better because of this. like that is not how Jerry operates with. his stars ever it feels like. >> it's not it's I mean Jerry is a master. marketing guy we know that. >> he he's supposed to be in the wrestling. business. >> oh yeah he could believe in what he. could do what if he was. >> what if he was going back through his. old. >> he could go back through his old grade. like you know so you get graded every. single play and you have in a game and. you get like an overall grade and I bet.

what if Jerry went back through some of. Micah's old grades from his linebacker. coach or his outside his edge coach he's. like hey Mike it says all your negatives. are on run plays what's going on here we. go we can run with that. >> ma ma ma see that loaf trader. yeah I mean that's I guess if you want. to any great pass rusher you could say. >> find some negative. >> you could always find something but it. doesn't matter the the positive. outweigh everything when it comes to. Mike. >> It feels like that's how Packers fans. feel and it feels like Jerry's like,

"We're moving on and stay tuned." Now, uh, last night, college football was. awesome. Very late. And I'm I'm I'm not. going to lie here. I I fell asleep. second, third, and most of fourth. quarter of the Nebraska Cincy game. >> Woke up minute 30 left. >> What a great time to wake up. >> Great time to wake up perfectly. >> It is a perfect wakeup call. And I think. it's maybe because the energy in the. wakes me up like gives me a little. rattle and I'm always half asleep while. watching this [ __ ] Last night I watched. this man get the first win of the season.

and win one of those close games that. have potentially broken the hearts of. Nebraska fans for the last 100 years. Ladies and gentlemen, in his third year. at Nebraska, the head coach of the Corn. Huskers, currently undefeated after a. massive win last night, Matt Rule, >> what is up? What is up, man? Good to see. you guys. >> I like it. I like that you're standing. We're standing. You know, it's good. energy here on this feel good Friday, especially being undefeated, I assume. How did it feel getting that win last. night? Obviously, a close one. You pull. it out in front of a packed house at.

Arrowhead. How do you feel this morning, boss? >> Well, we got home about uh 3:30, 4:00, so I feel pretty I feel pretty alive. right now. But uh No, you're right. I. mean, it was it was unbelievable. Arrowhead was packed. Uh Andy Reed's out. there shaking every kid's hand. Patrick. Mahomes is on the sidelines. Uh Travis. Kelce, Taylor Swift are up in the. stands. I mean, it's uh it was a who's. who last night. So, it was it was a cool. environment and to pick the ball off to. win the game was uh pretty special. >> That was a Cincinnati home game, coach.

That that was I'm sure they I'm sure. they felt that. Obviously, we know the. Nebraska fan base is one of the things. that you were so pumped up about. whenever you decided to take that job. three years ago. What did you see from. your team last night? What did you see. from the quarterback last night that. maybe makes you believe this could be a. year that's special for your team? Like. most thirdyear rule coach teams, Temple, massive jump in third year, the cultures. implemented. Baylor, third year culture. implemented. Huge, huge jump. And then I. actually jump off a boat there in that.

particular third year. Now in your third. year in Nebraska, what did you see last. night that makes you think this team. could be special or what do you think. you need to work on? Well, I mean, we obviously we have a lot. to work on, but uh I I thought I thought. the biggest thing was our best players. made plays. Our tailback Emma Johnson. ran for over 100 yards. You seen Isaiah. Hunter here uh transferred in for us, made a big play to to score a touchdown. And then like I said, Malcolm Hartzog. picks that ball off to win the game. And. you know, you said it earlier, Pat, like. I think the biggest thing like when you. watch the best teams in college.

football, you know, take take out the. talent obviously, but I mean the the. best teams, they they go in expecting to. win, man. They don't panic. um a team. comes roaring back, a team makes a. couple plays and they go out there and. they they just make a couple more plays. And so I felt for the first time last. night a bunch of guys on the sidelines. that were like, "Man, no, we're not. going down. We're going to go out. We're. going to find a way to make a play." And. uh uh they uh their quarterback Sorsby. was awesome. He competed at a really. high level, but uh at the end of the. day, you know, like I said, Malcolm went. up and and took the ball away and and.

and we got to celebrate. So. >> yeah, insane interception to end the. game. Great way to kick off this college. football season. It's going to be. electrifying. Really late at night, but. it was still an awesome thing. You know, got me out of my bed a little bit there. Um, fourth and seven. You call that. timeout. I was half asleep while you had. to make that decision. They have no. timeouts. You potentially could win the. game. I knew there had to be some sort. of uh what do we want? Best play Kodak. What goes into that decision? And how. many people were kind of in your ear at. that moment?

>> Yeah. No, Kod Kodak's exactly right, man. Hey, let's take a picture. Let's. see what they're in. Let's uh let's. let's get the best defense possible. Let's get our guys a chance to so that. we can see all of our guys can see what. they're in and try to go make a play. Um. John Butler's our DC uh really smart guy. and and he he asked for it so we did it. And you know, you only have timeouts, you know, at the end of the game if uh. if your guys did things right in the in. the third and fourth quarter. And you. know, uh we played clean. We didn't have. any massive massive errors. So we were. able to save our timeouts down the.

stretch. They they had to use up all. theirs to get the ball back. And uh we. did that. Now they went and made that. play on fourth and seven as you know and. uh great play by them. I I can't say. enough about their quarterback, man. I. thought he was a warrior last night. >> Yeah, it was fun to watch him especially. in that moment. That's a huge moment. Fourth and seven game on the line. Throws a strike. But I enjoyed the joust. that was happening between you and. Cincinnati. First week of the season. AJ. has a question for you. Coach. >> Yeah, coach. I I hear you uh this year. was one of the first times you actually.

uh have captains. you got voted on and. you you have captains now for this team. What made you uh do that? What does this. team I guess what's the culture like to. where you felt like this is something. that you should do? >> You know, AJ, I think uh I think a lot. of times nowadays uh guys guys are like, "Hey, you know what? I'm going to lead. by example. You know, I don't want to if. I say this, I don't know how people are. going to react. I don't coach. I'm not. really up for all that." So, we've. always kind of done like, "All right, we'll have a game captain, a game. captain, let you know, let leadership. emerge." But, you know, when you have a. quarterback like we have in in Dylan, when you have uh the guys we have on our.

back end, um you know, we have we have, you know, a bunch of seniors in in the. secondary, we have an offensive line. that wants to impose themselves. Um they. they they came to me and they're like, "Hey, we we want to lead." And so, they. recognized that, you know, nothing's. going to be easy in college football. nowadays. I mean, these conferences are. hard, travel's hard, everyone wants to. play well. Um but they wanted to be the. guys that that that led the whole thing. and and and they asked for it. So, you. know, I I don't want to be one of those. coaches who set in my ways. If if the. guys come to me and they say, "Coach, we.

want to vote for captains," man, I'm. going to slap a C on someone's chest and. then hold them accountable and tell them. to go do it. And so, that that's what. I'm fired about up about today. Like, you know, some of the football has to. get a lot better. But, but the fact that. our guys didn't panic and and the. leaders stepped up and led, um, that. makes my job a lot easier. >> Yeah. Let's talk about some of that. leadership. Connor has a question for. you, coach. >> Yeah, coach. I believe it was the second. quarter, maybe the first, and it was. first and goal from the one and there. was a false start. Uh, and you I believe. you guys ended up with a field goal. instead of a touchdown. Um, after that.

false start, you can see Raola kind of. look back towards the sideline, then. come back to the huddle and, uh, you. could actually they showed him not not. yelling at, but clearly holding the, uh, player that I won't name or tell his. number that went that went off sides, kind of letting him know like, hey, can't have that. you know, you could see. him give him a few some words to him and. then um obviously that's the kind of the. leadership you were just talking about. You mentioned the accountability you. have with your captains. What about your. captains to the rest of the team? That.

seems like a very important kind of uh. leadership down the line, if you will. >> Yeah, no doubt, man. I mean, I I think I. think that's that's the key, right? I. mean that that game came down to um you. know one play and what what we're always. trying to teach him like you know. typical coach but it's so true is it's. not always the the one play that. happened at the end of the game. I mean. that that that touched that field goal. that was instead of touch that that was. a four-point play and so you know we. don't want to embarrass people in. public. We don't want to embarrass.

people on camera. I mean, you know, we're not, you know, we're not trying to. do that, but I mean, as a brotherhood, when we step on that field, like, we've. got to we've got to have a mentality. that iron sharpens iron. And we got to. hold each other to a high standard. And. that that's the word that we try to talk. a lot about nowadays is just standards, you know, it's not your feelings. It's. it's it's what we're what we expect. And. so, you can't fall start on the one. I. mean, we were literally on the one inch. line. Yeah. >> And um you know, those are the plays. that in the past have sent us into like. a freef fall, right? And so, um hey, we. you know, we we we we dealt with it. We.

went out, we kicked a field goal, we got. off the field and and we reset and uh so. that's the growth I think at Nebraska. But yeah, we're going to hold each other. accountable. We're tough, you know, we're we're tough toughminded. Uh we we. don't need a soft environment where. we're all, you know, walking on. eggshells. >> I love everything about that. Okay. We. like that that's happening again. Feels. like that's coming back into style. It. does. >> It is coming back. Coach, do you feel. that? Do you feel like it's uh you know, the tough hard-nosed kind of mentality. is coming back into the sport a little. bit? >> I I think absolutely. So, I think um I I.

think we're all we're we all gravitate. towards those people, man. Like, you. know, my guys get up in the morning, right? You know, I I hear them. They. listen to Inky Johnson, you know, the. the hip-hop preacher, they listen to uh. David Gogggins, Jo, like they they they. want to be that. Like, I think as men, like we want to we want to go out and we. want to do hard things. And so, you what. we're just trying to do is build a. culture where we tell them like it it's. okay to do hard things. you know, like. people wake up every day and pay like, you know, a h 100red bucks a month to go. do CrossFit and do jump jump around like. ninjas and do all this hard stuff like.

like we're going to try to do that in. our football program. And so I 100%. think it's coming back and and I think. it's a good thing. I think uh you know I. want my kids I have three kids. I want. my kids to grow up not looking at. everything in life as a threat like oh. my god. I want them to see things as a. challenge for them to overcome and so I. want my players to see it the same way. opportunity there. You know, that is uh. that is what it's all about. Hearing you. old school dudes talk about that and the. thought that it was almost going to. disappear for a little bit. And I love. the fact that you're like, "Let me see.

your algorithms, boys. Let me see the. algorithms. What's on the explore page? What's on the explore page? I need to. see motivation. I need to see fighting.". Okay. Little golf is fine. Don't know. what all this stuff is, boys. Okay. A. lot of this seems like you guys need to. stop following certain things. I I love. that you're I Everybody's Explore page. kind of looks the same at some point, but I like that you're like listening to. what the boys are getting jacked up to. It's so I can learn about them. Now, there was some questions about something. that has seemingly been a staple at. Nebraska for a long time. The black. shirts. Tone has a question for you,

coach. >> Yeah, coach. It's no secret that the. first two years at Nebraska for you, uh, the defense carried your team and they. were they've been unbelievable. And then. this year it felt like everyone was. like, "Oh, the we got no worries about. the offense. Feels like the offense is. going to be good. the new OC. But on the. defense, also a new offensive. coordinator. You lost a couple dogs off. the Dline. So, there was some questions. about the defense that has carried the. team. You talked about Sorsby. You made. a couple of plays, but it felt like the. defense, like you guys looked really. good on the defensive side last night. How did you feel about that side? How.

did it feel for them to close out the. game? >> Yeah, you know, I thought we had some. really good moments on defense, you. know, and and to your point, you know, we lost Ty Robinson who was I mean, he. didn't get nearly enough credit. The. Eagles got themselves an unbelievable. player in tie and always. >> We had the polar bear Nash last year, you know, he's in Tampa Bay, so we had. some great ones. >> Um, you know, there was some stretches. in that game. I I think it was when Pat. was sleeping. So, Pat, I'm glad you. slept through this part, brother. >> Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. >> No, no, I'm glad. I'm glad because, you. know, there were some parts of that game. where we, you know, we like we we went.

two straight drives where I don't even. think they threw a pass and they went. down and scored and they just they went. tempo and, you know, you're in the Big. 10, you don't see a lot of tempo and. that's not an excuse. That's like a that. we we we we put on tape that if you go. tempo against us, um we didn't stop it. last night, man. Like they just went. play play play. And some of it was the. quarterback dropping back and then just. escaping up the middle and he was he was. running. And so, um we we we made the. plays to close it out. We took the ball. away twice, you know, which led to the.

win and led to a touchdown. But man, we. got we got to tackle better. We can't. give up 200 yards rushing, especially, you know, you get into the Big 10. You. face the teams that we're going to face. All this football right now is fun, but. you know, when it gets to be 40 degrees, when it gets to be 30 degrees, you you. better be able to stop the run. So, we. we got some work to do this week. >> Yeah, it's Big 10 football, baby. Always. will be. Hey, look out for that Iowa. Hawkeye team. They got more Granowski. now. Ain't that right, T? >> Yeah, well said. Well said. And that a. lot of people are saying, hey, that Iowa. Nebraska game at the end of the year.

could decide a playoff spot from the Big. 10. Coach, obviously massive win last. night. Like you said, you got to clean. some things up. But going into this. year, like is there maybe a different. message to the team with, you know, everyone knows about the rule third year. that team's going to, you know, go on. and do great things and then a lot of. people nationally are saying, you know, hey, Nebraska, look at this team to. maybe slip into the playoffs this year. Like, does that change the message to. the team at all or or not really and you. guys can't pay attention to that kind of.

stuff, >> you know? Um, I think it's a great. question. I I think um I think I think I. think to some degree yes. I mean to to a. major degree yes. It's like you know we. we we want to have our guys walking. around this facility expecting to to go. win and expecting for good things to. happen and and you know we're a better. team now than we were the last two. years. We'll be you know we I think. we're on this great path of ascension. that will continue on for years to come. But man I like you you have to expect. good things to happen. You can't just be.

like oh I hope I hope we get you know. some crumbs at the table this year. here. I mean, you have to go out and. fight for it. So, my message to the guys. is like, man, you have to take ownership. of this. Uh, I I'm going to do the best. I can. I'll take ownership of my role, but you got to go out and you got to go. make the plays to win the game. And, you. know, that was what was so great. The. message for last night was, you know, Malcolm coming over the top in cover. two. It's him and another player and. it's, you know, 50/50 ball and we won. the game because of him. And so, I I. I've always believed that like, you. know, players win games. You know, I'm a. much better coach when I have great.

players. And so I want my players to go. out there with a little bit of swagger, a little bit of confidence, a little bit. of energy, and and go make plays that. maybe the last two years they were like, "Oh, what if I make a mistake that we we. don't live we don't live in what if. anymore. We're trying to live in what is. and be in the moment and just just go. out there and and play ball the way we. know we how the way we know we know. how.". >> Feels like Feels like the culture is in. Does it feel like that with the boys? I. mean, obviously we got a lot to learn. We got to play better ball and Big 10. football is going to happen at some. point. You're going to have to win very. tough games. That's everybody all season.

long. But the third year thing that's. because you feel like that is kind of. instituted in at this point. >> Yeah. I I I love the culture that we. have. I mean like I ran out of the. tunnel for the first time ever cuz the. guys were like, "Hey coach, you need to. run out of the tunnel." I said, I don't. really believe in it. I think coaches. should be in the side and let the. players run out. But like, man, I love I. love this group of guys. And and you. know, um they're not they're like. they're they're a gritty tough group. They're not they're not entitled.

They're not soft. They're tough and. they're tough- minded. And so, I mean, that's, you know, I mean, I'm I'm just a. former walk-on that's just, you know, trying to make my way in coaching. Like, I'm not one of these, you know, bigname. guys. >> Trying to make your way. Yeah. Yeah. Trying to make your way. Yeah. Just. trying to make my way, Pat. I mean, >> just trying to, you know, feel Yeah. >> But, but I love I love them. Like, it's. like, you know what? like, hey, we're. just we're just, you know, we're just. going to quietly stand over here, the. Corn Huskers, you know, and and uh and.

and battle our way. But like nothing, like I said, I don't believe anything. will be easy in the Big 10. But I I like. that this the the like as coach PNO used. to say, this group has moxy. They they. got they got toughness. And so like even. getting in that locker room last night, I I tell our guys all the time like. there's no greater feeling in the world. You guys know this, there's no greater. feeling in the world than being in the. locker room after a big win. And a win. like that was pretty dang cool. >> Hell yeah. Especially in Arrowhead. I. mean, you talk about being in a. legendary place in the history of the. game and everything like that. It was uh. it's a cool way to start the season. And. on that note, I'd like to officially.

announce to the world that we are. incredibly lucky that we'll be riding. alongside the Nebraska Corn Husker. season this year, catching up with you. every single week. We appreciate you. agreeing to do that. >> We are very, very, very, very, very. pumped about that. And uh we love you, man. We're big fans. So, we appreciate. you doing this. We appreciate you. believing that our show could be a. potential additive. And also, congrats. on all the weight loss. You look. remarkable out there. >> I love that. I love that thing you just.

put. There was a fat picture of me and. then a skinny picture of me. >> Yeah, that's exactly why I said that. That was my first time seeing that. graphic and I said, "Holy [ __ ] there's. the before and the after right there. You look unbelievable." And we're. thankful you're doing this, coach. >> Uh, no. First of all, I'm grateful. I. mean, I think you know this, but I'm I'm. a fan of the show uh when I'm not on. I. mean, I it's on in this building all the. time, and I love I love the way you guys. uh speak uh authentically about what's. going on in sports. And so, I'm I'm so. excited uh for to represent Nebraska,

but also to represent just football, college football. I mean, I I was up. this morning reading about the Parsons. deal in case I got some questions about. that. Man, I want to I want to I want to. be uh I want to be a good member of the. show. >> And uh if if I get boring, you can just. do a weigh- in and just see if I'm on. the fat side or the skinny side. We can. just see where I'm at as the season goes. on. >> I like you're coming with ideas. That's. a solution. We like that ideas. Hey, if. it gets bad, just put me on a scale. Everything will work out. It's not going. to get bad cuz you're incredible with us. every time you're on. We appreciate you.

Congrats on the big win last week or. last night. We'll see you next week. >> Thank you, guys. Hey, who's house? Rules house. See you, brother. >> I think that's the name of this podcast. Rules house. >> Are you 100%. >> Cool. >> Should be now. It is now. >> That is now. >> I didn't know if you wanted me. Uh I. wasn't going to bring anything back. I. was I say our house. I have seen the. promo video where he does the walk and. talk. It's amazing. >> Thank you. Yes. So follow the product.

We're trying to be the best. >> Okay. Rules house for sure. I thought. house rules. Oh no. >> Oh no. No. I'm just kidding. I got no. idea. >> I think I think it is house rules. >> It's house rules. Confirmed. >> Oh, it is. So close. >> Wait, was he on when you said whose. house are rules? >> Rules house. >> Did he repeat it or. >> No, no, no. He didn't know what I was. doing obviously cuz it doesn't make. sense. >> That could be changing at the rules. house.

>> You sold me though. Like if you Yeah, that was impressive. He's going to join. us. I can't wait for that. Him. Him him. with the parson stuff. We should have. asked him. >> We missed it. >> Yeah. Pot him back up. >> Ah, it's Nebraska season. It's Nebraska. season. >> Yeah, you're right. You're right. It is. Okay. Uh, joining us now is a man who's. 6'7, maybe 7 foot tall, and he's a he's. a national champion at this particular. institution. He's a guy who's a. currently a Pittsburgh Steeler. Ladies. and gentlemen, Will Hard.

>> Will you be on there? Well, >> hey, strong death with that thumb. Just. I just would like to let everybody know. that was a very very strong strong gap. You can move in a little bit if you want. inside that helmet. >> Yeah, here we go. >> Let's see if we got you. >> What's up, gentlemen? >> Oh, yeah. He looks tall right there. Dude, how are you doing? >> Uh, cameraman, can you just uh Buck, can. you have AJ and Will on that particular. shot? >> I'll be like, >> zoom in, cameraman, >> you look tall. You look tall. You don't. look that bad. You look pretty tall. >> Down 6 in. >> Yeah, very kind of you to do that. Uh, Will, thank you for joining us. This.

your first time back. uh since being. drafted to the Pittsburgh Steelers. >> Yeah. Uh I I think I stopped by for a. little bit uh in like July, but really. first time being back, you know, obviously um under under these. circumstances with a with a big game on. the line. Um you know, I think it was. like a two-day thing that I stopped by. for so good to be back, man. It feels. like home. >> How does it Yeah, you said it feels like. home. Obviously, you transfer in here. and have this magical run last year. which had a couple, you know, obstacles. in it, obviously early in the season at. Oregon. We don't have to talk about the. whole thing that happened on this.

particular field, but then you guys. became the hottest team in football. We. were watching some highlights uh from. last year's game day and from last year. whenever we were doing a Simo cast and. it was evident to us that you guys were. the best football team in America like. you guys steamrololled through that. playoff run. What did it feel like in. the moment and when did you guys know. that you were uh proverbally in your bag. if you will last year? Cuz we saw it. immediately it felt like. Yeah, that's a. I mean, you know, obviously all the. things that we went through throughout. the season, you know, it wasn't ideal. It wasn't how we drew it up, you know,

losing that Oregon, losing here, uh, you. know, to that team up north. But I think. all those things that we did go through. really did set us up for that run. And I. think, you know, once we kind of came. out in that Tennessee game, uh, you. know, and we started, you know, putting. it on those guys and then the Rose Bowl. came and, you know, we we start making. some plays. I felt really confident. going into both of those games. But. really, I think I was after that Rose. Bowl or during that Rose Bowl where we. we all kind of looked at each other. like, "All right, man." Like, nobody's. stopping us right now, just the way that. we're playing and, you know, the way.

that we were clicking on all cylinders. Um, I mean, it was a hell of a run. It. was it was one of the most memorable. four games that, you know, I think a lot. of people could say they have been. through. And, um, so I'll cherish it for. a long time, but I learned a lot. throughout that whole run of, you know, that the playoffs. And you know, obviously nobody thought we were going. to do anything for those first three. weeks leading up to the Tennessee game. And then, you know, we really found it. in ourselves and and uh it's a credit to. the the leaders that we had on that team. last year and the seniors and all those. guys that came back and I'm just excited.

to to watch these guys running it back. and and hopefully do it again this year, man. >> What's your relationship like with coach. Ryan Day? Cuz obviously he was under. immense amount of pressure just being. the Ohio State coach. That's going to. happen. I think. >> every Ohio person understands. >> Got to win every game. Yeah. >> The job is going to be difficult, but. yeah. And obviously that is. I don't I don't think it's unique just. to Ohio, but here I think it is vastly. different than. >> I mean it's every citizen in the state. of Ohio is expecting the Buckeyes to win. every single game. Every coach that has. been here has won a national. championship. Ryan, what have you done?

What have you done? What have you done. is all he was feeling. I think you guys. had a team meeting or a player meeting. or something and you guys really It was. like a gut check type situation from. what I've been told. Ryan Day kind of. how he was being viewed and talked. about. How did that kind of motivate you. guys or generate you your energy? And. how was the re relationship through. playoffs with him? Because he was. getting thrown under every bus in the. state of Ohio. I think elementary. school, >> junior high, >> high school buses, Greyhound buses. >> Yeah. Shorter buses, longer buses. He.

was getting thrown under every bus in. Ohio. How much was that a part of the. whole story? >> It was uh it was a big part of it, man. And like you know me obviously I don't. have the same relationship that maybe a. Jack Sawyer or an AMCA you know coming. into the season had with him but coming. out of it I feel like honestly I I mean. we all were in that thing together last. year and you know Ryan Day like he he. gave me a chance and I kind of think. about you know what what I owed to him. and you know he when he when I sat down. with him coming out of the transfer. portal process and and how he you know.

really took me in and wanted to make me. a better player like I felt like I owed. him and and I made sure, you know, I was. like, man, I got to I got to get back to. this guy, man. Like, he he's given me so. much. Um, you know, he's given me this. chance. Like, I can't let him down. And, you know, we all obviously, you know, you don't want to listen to the outside. noise and everybody says that, you know, like, hey, don't go on social media, but. we all you have to, you know, it's 2024. >> It's 2024. It it, you know, it gets hot. and you see it. It's true. Yeah. But,

but it, you know, you hear it and, you. know, it pissed us off. you know, we. didn't I I wouldn't say we used it as. motivation, but you know, it did it it. put a little chip on our shoulder and I. think it it gave us really the spark. that we needed like to come together and. that like you said that players only. meeting that we had, it was just all of. us players and coach day and we hashing. things out, you know, guys said their. piece, you know, it was it got real, you. know, and there was no sensitivity about. it. Everyone was just honest. They they. stated their case. Um and no one really.

got uptight about it and that I think. >> how did it come about? Did the coach did. coach day bring it in or how? >> So yeah, so the day after that, you. know, after that day out here, um we got. together as a leadership council and we. talked and we were like, hey, we got to. get we got to get this group of guys. together and talk about it and just, you. know, lay lay everything out on the. table. you know, if anyone has any. questions about how we did what we did. on on on that day, what happened, why, you know, why does this keep happening. kind of deal, um, you know, we wanted to.

hash all that stuff out and we went into. that room and and I mean it it there. were times where it got ugly. Um, you. know, guys are yelling at each other. and, you know, tempers flared, but like. at the end of it, we all came together. and hand in hand in prayer and I feel. like a moment like that is so defining. for a team. Absolutely. a less mature. group would have taken that and just I. mean, you know, but we had such a good. group of guys that were all mature and, you know, motivated and didn't want that. to be the the way that we were.

remembered. And that was what we kept. talking about, like what's our legacy. going to be? What do you want to be. remembered for here at Ohio State? And. um you know, we could use that last game. to just crumble and make everything kind. of fall on top of each other, but like. at the end of the day, we were just. like, man, we got to we got to we got to. set the record straight and and go out. here. And we knew the only way that we. could make what we did right is by. winning a national championship. >> Crazy that it was all still available. for you as the entire state was kind of. crumbling. There was still this magical. opportunity that everybody is hunting. for. That is literally the only thing.

that is on the top of the mountain. You. guys have it forever. Congratulations. That is a wonderful thing. Tone back at. the Thunderdome has a question for you. >> Yeah. Well, first and foremost, uh I. love you. Just wanted to get that out. there. Just want to say that. Um first, secondly, can you can you grow a beer? Cuz I you're giving me Big Ben vibes. When I was watching you the in the in. practice and stuff like that, I got Big. Ben vibes. And then thirdly, more. importantly, how has uh how has this. year's expectations changed, if they. have at all, um with the hand injury?

cuz um I know that that was a bummer and. didn't get to see you in preseason, but. has anything changed as far as your role. or expectations uh for this season? >> You know, I think all along I was. looking at this season as a uh as a. developmental year and I think we all. kind of were uh with the Steelers. Um. you know, obviously you don't bring. Aaron Rogers for no reason. Like he he's. a he's a guy that's coming in to be the. be the guy um you know, at least for for. this year for this year and and we don't. know what it'll look like going forward. But um right now, you know, I'm I'm. going into this season saying I want to.

learn everything I possibly can from. from Aaron and just watch the way that. he goes about his business. Like. obviously, like you said, Tone, like I I. killed me that I couldn't be out there. for the preseason. I felt like I was. having a really good fall camp and. wanted to kind of carry that into the. preseason and show Steelers Nation um. you know, what I was capable of. But. obviously um you know, you got to you. got to trust the plan and and you know, God wasn't didn't want me out there this. preseason for what reason. I I don't. know why, but I got to trust it and. understand that, you know, this is all. part of my development and uh in the.

long long term, in the grand scheme of. things, um you know, I just got to keep. working and um use this year as a. developmental year. And on the on the. facial hair note, I'm working on it. Uh. I I I I shall get back in on that buck. Can we get back in on that buck? The. cameraman's name is Buck. He's from. Canada. He's got he's got great control. of the shirt. >> I like the close up there. That's a. little too close. But yeah, I went I. went clean shaving this weekend. But. hey, going forward tone, I I'll think.

about I'll think about you when I'm uh. when I'm doing my. >> in the mirror. Yeah, you got a nice baby. face, brother. I think the entire thing. You're like super jovial baby face. But. we saw you out there dancing with the. boys. We saw you out there dancing with. the boys whenever you were uh doing your. thing. They loved you. Uh new teammates, I assume, do as well. Go ahead, AJ. >> So, Aaron Rogers, obviously in the room. with him. You get to see him on the. field. I I guess what is it really like. watching him operate on the field like. even in walkthroughs? We were there for. one day and I was peeking out the the. window watching your guys' walk through.

I could just see his little how he just. bounces down the field. He got I'm sure. he got everything. Especially when he's. feeling good. You definitely know when. he's feeling good or if he's pissed off. out of the ground. >> Oh, yeah. So, like what is it like I. guess? What's it been like to observe. that not only meeting room but on the. field and just how he he commands the. huddle and kind of has it has everybody. like all on the same page. >> Yeah, I think that's a that's a great. point. I think the the biggest thing. about Aaron that that I have been like. amazed by and I feel like when you think. about Aaron Rogers, everyone talks about. the arm strength and the arm talent and.

the ability to that he has physically, but nobody talks about what he's capable. of up here up here and his his mental. capacity for the game and the the things. that he's thinking about every single. play like just watching his process is. crazy. like I mean all the cadence. operation that he does and and just you. know his knowledge of the game and the. fronts and how that you know correlates. to the pressures and the structures in. the back end and I mean everything that. he talks about it just makes sense and.

he has taught me a ton and he's been. super super open like even if he you. know he has a a bad play at practice. where he might be pissed off and you. know if I ask him hey like what you know. what was your thought process there like. he he'll come over to me no matter how. pissed off he is and he'll he'll tell. me. And he's very open with not just me, but you know, Skyler and Mason and. everybody else on the offense. He'll. talk to a practice squad tight end the. same that he talks to DK, you know. >> No, I I swear. I mean, I'm He's He's. like, >> you know,

he's he's a Well, no, he I mean, he he. gets on everybody and he he expects. >> excellence and, you know, he he's. demanding and he's a great leader. I've. just it's been great to just sit back. and watch the way that he operates and. um I've been learning from it and trying. to pick his brain as much as I can. >> Yeah, smart. You're even doing mimicking. his motions on the field. Feels like. you're watching his every move. Feels. like the right guy to do that with, especially with your leadership style, brother. We got to watch that on. display. A lot of alphas on that team. You know, that could have went one way.

Instead, it went the other with you. being the guy that guides the ship to a. national championship. Now, on that. note, Connor has a question for you. >> Yeah, thank goodness it went the utter. way. will because it was nice to see you. guys kind of just coast to a national. championship. One of the guys on that. team who's going to be playing tomorrow, Jeremiah Smith, what is it like. seriously playing with a dude like that? And as you've been in training camp in. these preseason games, do you ever look. on the field and say like, "Oh yeah, Jeremiah Smith's better than that guy, that guy, that guy, that guy." And then.

get to DK Medaf and think like, "Okay, that's probably exactly what Jeremiah. Smith is. Just an absolute freak of. nature.". Yeah, it's uh it's a sight to behold, man. Like watching number four play. football. Uh you know, both with the. Steelers and with the with the Buckeyes. Um I mean, they're both unbelievable. players and they're very very comparable. uh in a lot of ways. Um but yeah, I mean. JJ is he's he's a he's a freak, man. And. I was telling people before the season. last year like this kid's going to be. one of the one of the best in the.

country as a freshman. And they were all. like, you know, we'll believe it when we. see it. And I mean, I think everyone saw. it pretty pretty loud and clear last. year. I mean, he's he's unbelievable. I. mean, he he can do everything. He's big. Uh he catches freaking everything every. single ball you throw at him. I mean, I. think when it's all said and done, he he. could very very well be and I know. that's saying a lot, but he could be one. of the best to to ever do it. Um, but he. he's so talented and I'm excited to. watch him ball out this week. Uh, obviously sad it's not me throwing the. ball to him, but I'm excited to watch.

Julian, too, man. I think I think those. two are going to have a good connection. and uh looking forward to it. >> What do you think about Julian? >> That's my guy, man. He's California. Cool. You know, he's he's um he's got. one of the best releases I've seen. >> Ball comes out pretty. >> Oh, it's pretty, man. It sure is. I. mean, he he can spin that thing and. there's no doubt about that. But I'm. excited to go out there and watch his, you know, his demeanor and the way that. he leads these boys like that. That's, you know, when you really talk about. being the quarterback of a football. team, especially a football team like. this, like that is one of the marquee.

things that you have to do is you got to. lead those guys. You got to make sure. that you're taking them from from point. A to point B every every single game and. they're riding with you. And I think I'm. excited to see that come out of him, you. know, cuz I know he has it inside of. him. And and I think he's been. developing that all camp. and and I mean. he can he physically like he's up there. with with everyone. But I'm I'm just. excited to see him, you know, go out. there and be the guy and and lead these. guys, man. It's uh I'm looking forward. to it, man. Jules is a great kid. And. >> is he tough? He's got to be tough. >> Oh, yeah. >> It's Ohio State. You got to be tough.

They're running the uh the little blow. up smashy thingy out here on the field. I mean, it is. >> nice. >> They I mean, they got Yep. Yep. Yep. Boom. >> Boom. Eat some. Eat some legs in the. air. >> This is preparation for one verse three. This is Ohio and this is uh this is what. it's all about. What perfect timing to. cut to that. Ryan, great shot cuz uh. really really awesome stuff. Ty has a. question I think to follow up on. everything we're talking about with the. quarterback. >> Yeah, Will. Obviously, you know, Julian.

and you had massively different paths, you know, ahead of your first start. Have you talked to him at all uh in. terms of like what can he expect on. Saturday? I mean, your first game was. against Akan, so it's a little bit. different, you know, and you're not. getting thrown right into the belly of. the beast like he will against Texas. Uh, but have you talked to him? Have you. given him any advice? And, you know, just like how much different was it for. you putting on that Ohio State uniform. for your first start? Yeah, it's uh obviously very different. circumstances for me and him, but I mean.

at the end of the day, it's a football. game, you know, and uh and I I told him. and I, you know, I texted him when, you. know, when the news officially came out. and I' I've you know, I I stay in. contact with him and with Lincoln and. all the quarterbacks really. I try to um. but you know, the thing that I told him. is, man, there's there's not a lot of. people that that understand what we're. going through as as being the Ohio State. quarterback. So, you know, I just said. like if you ever need to talk to me. about anything, you know, just let me. know just like a lot of the guys ahead. of me did for me. Um, you know, and and.

it's a different place. You know, Ohio. State being the guy, being the. quarterback, there's a lot of eyes, there's a lot of pressure, but you can't. treat it like that. You got to just. treat it like it's another game. And you. know, obviously this being his first. collegiate start, collegiate game, you. know, it's a big one, but you know, I I. know that he has it in him and um that. you know, he he got to watch us go on. that whole run last year and he was a. part of it. So, he got to see really big. games. So, I'm excited to see him go out. there and take the step, you know, with. with him actually doing it cuz I know. he's he's a dude, man. He's a stud. And.

uh No, he's got a lot of weapons at his. disposal. >> He's too tall. He's too tall, isn't he? I was just shot here. >> Yeah. Yeah. You you you guys are kind of. sisoing AJ a little bit. Sorry, AJ. >> I'm okay with that. I'm okay. I'm. perfect size. My my forehead to go right. into their chin. That's what. >> my kids call me short all the time. Like. this exact height I wanted to be. actually wins. >> Hey, that was a big thing I was talking. about whenever it was going through the. draft thing. Yeah. >> By the way, shout out to you throwing at. the hotel late at night Indianapolis.

Yeah, that somebody out of the blue. called and said that like this guy's out. in the middle of a parking lot, middle. of the night getting a throwing session. in. Yeah, shout out to that guy. Uh out. of the blue, you said, but. >> who was it? I I just out of the blue was. a very interesting way to put it. Who. was it? >> Well, it was what I'm saying is it was. not like a it wasn't I didn't follow up. and say like, "Hey, if you see anything, Don time, let me know.". >> That's what it was. Nowhere is what I'm.

saying. >> And then I got attacked and then I got. attacked for lying about you. But so I. want to let you know like I I was a big. supporter of yours through the whole. draft process cuz I didn't think you. were getting enough love from what we. watched with the playoff run. And we. were we were first on the CJ Stra, not. the first, but we saw CJ Stra play and. we're like that's a Sunday guy right. there. Like right in front of our eyes. I've had the opportunity with my. position to stand on the sidelines of a. lot of football games. Oh yeah. Okay. So, with Simo Cast, I'm getting a chance. to see a a lot of positions that I've.

been in before and like your size was. the big thing. I thought you're [ __ ]. gigantic. You can move and then your. leadership. I hope it all works out. I. hope the thumb gets better. I like that. he came in for a really strong dap here. with me. Oh, yeah. >> So, we're not worried about that, right? We're feeling good. >> Oh, good, man. It's It's, you know, back. to throwing this week, so it's feeling. good. Going in the right direction. But, I really appreciate you guys, man. Seriously, like I saw I saw all the all. the love and I do appreciate you guys, man. I. >> You could have said something. I was. getting. >> Thanks a lot. I should have spoke.

>> Yeah. I mean, I was getting murdered out. here, bro. >> I'm just letting you take it, man. I. should actually It's a reason why I like. you. It's cuz you did. Yeah. Hey, listen. I'm saying there's no reason to. add any spotlight, which is what I. appreciate about you. You're a. superstar. You're a national champion. and you're a cool dude. And uh I think. your story is an inspiring one, and I. can't wait to see what you write for. your professional career. Are you. getting celebrated here this weekend? >> Uh I don't not that I know of. I think. we, you know, we all we kind of did that. for the spring game when we had, you. know, all our rings given out and all.

that cuz, you know, I know I know they. want to focus on this year and beating. the Longhorns. >> Oh, you're talking about, hey, new team. This team hasn't won anything. >> Don't be a distraction, Will. Okay. Please don't stay out the way. >> Ladies and gentlemen, national champion, Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Willard. >> They will. >> Appreciate you guys, man. Thanks for. having me on, fellas. >> Easy on that hand. Easy on that hand. That's That's your. >> I was just raking on it pretty good. No. reaction. >> Yeah, I I just want in on it. He looks. like he's a bowler, you know. >> Yeah, it looks cool. Like Rick Chemmore.

>> Oh, Pat, you know what he should do? He. should go live in Seven's basement like. Sid lived in Mario's basement. >> Hey, Will. Tone says you should live in. Rothersburgger's basement like Sydney. Crosby did with Mario. >> [ __ ] amazing. >> Yeah, it's the nicest basement I've ever. seen. >> He's in actually. I think he likes it. Why does Why doesn't Seven do that for a. city, by the way? >> He would. I think he would. Well, Spence, I think Spence might be living. down there. >> Yeah, that's a good point. >> You got a chef, too. That chef's really. good. Spank obviously awesome. That is.

the nicest basement I have ever seen. Um. AJ, that guy won you guys a national. championship there. I like that he feels. like he's at home because boy, for a. little bit last year, that was not the. case at all. This entire Ohio State team. was getting run out of the state of Ohio. and then they win a national. championship and it's like, "Thank you. for your service." And then to his. point, hey Ryan Day, that means nothing. right now. That is kind of how I feel. like every school feels, but definitely. this school. >> Yeah, definitely. And it's Yeah. What is. it to where when you win, it's so people.

almost get uh they get more anxious, more nervous when it comes to like the. coaching staff and everything. They want. to make sure you don't let your your. foot off the gas and you continue and. don't get comfortable, all that stuff. That's what college football is, though. It's a great It's a great situation to. be in. Hey, let's not get uh complacent. We just won the national championship. That's all. >> Well, well, well, you well in you a lot. of pressure. I guess it's a lot of heat. >> I'm just saying well just cuz like to. AJ's point like M Brown talked about at. Texas like towards the end even though. they were winning a ton. It doesn't. become like fun to win. It just becomes.

a relief. And I'm not saying Ohio. State's there just yet. I do have a. question for you two. Um why is Tibittle. sound like such [ __ ] Because whatever's. being played in your background sounds. terrible. >> Bunch of dying ducks. >> They're just warming up, pal. They're. just all warming up scattered. throughout. >> Did they lose it? People are saying. >> there's individual horns all over the. place, you know, like right there, just. random horn players around the stadium. It has been wild. We are thankful and. lucky to be here. The sun is shining. directly on our backs. Hour two on the. other side.

The college football playoff is. obviously in the middle of a transition. era, but we go back in time into a movie. like setting to battle in the Big 10 to. see who gets to move on and who goes. home. Our UFO just flew over top. bomber and in the national anthem. And. on a day in the United States of America. where a heinous act has happened, it's a.

nice reminder that we'll get your ass. You might take a shot, but you're never. going to win a 10 for Howard. Same exact. play action. Drops it off to Jeremiah. Smith with space. He's a monster. Jeremiah Smith first touches a. touchdown. time. Shot down. Oh, touchdown. >> See the split safety is right here. So, Will Howard knows his room, looks small, steps up in the pocket. Great throw.

>> Takes a shot and what happens? Jeremiah. Smith comes up with the ball. Hand off. to the left. Jordan. >> Well, Howard time. Oh no. Jeremiah. Smith's wide ass open. That's a. touchdown. Ohio State is kicking the. living shite out of the Oregon Ducks. If. Jeremiah Smith is on your team, I think. you can win every game. Tavon Henderson.

He's at the 30, the 20, the 10. Touchdown. They can run it. They can spin it. They. can kick it. This Buckeye's team is. playing football at a level nobody else. in the country is playing right now. gathers a little snap. Rolls left, throws bounce to the right. Jerem field. So that's another first down. Thus far, this game has been absolutely. shining.

him. Stop him. Oh my god. >> Wow. >> That is so beautiful. >> You got Matt Hardy on the left there. I see at the 47. Unfortunately, my. youngest son uh puked all over himself. and went to the hospital, so my whole. family's not here anymore to hear that. >> But I'm getting some updates every once. in a while. He seems to be doing not. much better.

>> He puked over the whole section. >> Jeez. >> Instant urgent care. Instant hospital. >> Oh no. >> What type of shite was he eating? Is. someone making salmon down here? We came. down here and smelled like fish. Look at. this. >> For those that have never been here, I. would recommend coming and checking it. out. Although this particular game was. absolute. >> shoo. [Music].

>> The following program is a collection of. stooges talking about happenings in the. sports world. It is meant to be comedic. informative. The opinions expressed on. this show do not necessarily reflect the. beliefs of their peers, their boss or. ESPN. There may be some cuss words. because that's how humans in the real. world talk. If you are a young, please. seek permission before watching any. further. >> Hey,

let's go. >> This show sticks and the fact that you. listen, we are very, very thankful for. Mcaby on the line with a gorgeous. assist. >> The alltime leading tackler for the. Green Bay Packers. You. >> stop. Damn it. >> Your friend tell a friend something nice. could change their life. [Applause]. [Music]. Hello, beautiful people, and welcome.

back to Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, the home of the current national. champions. Hour two begins now. >> Football. A is amazing. And that man is a national. champion head coach of the Ohio State. Buckeyes, Ryan Days. Coach, the boys back in the Thunderdome. Both the toxic tables at Ty Schmidt and. at Boston Connor and one half of the. hammer dot.

>> Cowboys AP tone to see you. We're. thankfully. Hey, we thought he hated us. Is that not accurate? >> Very accurate. We don't have. >> We love you guys. >> No. Well, we want to let you know that. we are that way though. That is how we. operate. We always will. It's not uh. >> I think it's a good trait, but a lot of. the food is not great. >> and it's probably put me Exactly. It is. like the Buckeyes last season. So, we. thought you hated us, so we in return. had to hate you. Very thankful that you. don't hate us because we did not want to. hate you strictly because what you have.

done here and what you've had to battle. through. Now, granted, I'm just getting. baptized into college football over the. last 5 years. I understand the state of. Ohio has loved the Buckeyes for a very. long time, but what we have watched you. have to go through with the success that. you've had and then the failures that. have happened and then the reaction and. the criticism and how it felt like the. entire state was on fire and then you. were able to lead the boys to get a. national championship. It's like you. should be commended. You are somebody. that we like. You are a dog. You need to. know that. And uh we just want to. officially say cuz we didn't get a.

chance to interview him after the. national championship if you do recall. Uh three requests. Uh congratulations, dude. Congratulations from all of us. >> Thank you. Thank you. I'm glad I'm here. and no, love you guys. You guys are. unbelievable and uh you know, you're. great for the sport, you know, and just. the positivity that you guys bring every. day and and just pumping up the game. It's it's something we all respect here. in Columbus. >> You don't have to say that. Let's talk. though about everything I mentioned. >> It got loud and I know you're not. supposed to listen to the press. clippings or hear what's outside, but in.

Ohio, I think it's everywhere. So, you. had to have heard it. Obviously, families involved. There's everything. echo real loud. Whenever you're trying. to motivate the boys, how much of it is. there like a why do I dedicate so much. time for this fan base that literally is. trying to run me out of town anytime I. we take one misstep? Was there any of. that thought or how do you kind of stay. focused while it's getting real loud and. negative outside? >> I mean, that's part of the job. You. know, I remember during the press. conference when you know um Urban kind. of handed the whistle over to me and I. you said you you got to win the rivalry.

game and then you got to win every game. after that. That's how it works at Ohio. State and that's the expectations and so. along the way there's going to be things. that are difficult and you got to work. through those and if you're going to let. it crumble you or you know fall apart. then then you're not going to make it. and so this this job is for tough people. who can handle it and so you know last. year I think was a great example of that. but you know when you talk about the fan. base like the these people love Ohio. State it's. >> love it and and there's a responsibility. that we have and it's bigger than any. one person any one player any one coach.

And the guys understand that and they. understand what comes with that and and. when we lose a game around here, it's. not good. You got to figure it out. because there's a lot riding on every. single game and that's that's how it. works. And you know, but if but if. you're willing to stick together, tough. times aren't going to last, but tough. people do. And that's that's something. that we learned last year with our guys. >> I love to watch that. I love to hear. that. And the run you guys went on. We. had a chance to be on the sideline for. all of it. Your team was obviously. together. Will Howard just chitchated. about the players only meeting and you. and how it got a little ugly in there. for a little bit. feels like people can.

come together after there is a little. bit of a uh tussle, I'll say, or some. disagreements. Did you know your team. had the ability to win the national. championship still at that moment in. that meeting? Was it like this is good. for the boys to kind of get after it, narrow out all the grievances? Like when. did you know the team could go and maybe. get to the top of the mountain? >> Well, when we got done with that game, I. mean, there's no there's no reason we. should have lost that game. We knew it. And coming out of it, it was like, all. right, are you going to focus on the. results or or where you are in the. process and identifying what has to get. fixed? Because at the end of the day, we.

can sit there and complain about what. happened or sit back and look at that. game and say, "Okay, now you know, let. it beat you twice." Can't do that. Got. to learn from it and figure out what the. things are that we need to get fixed. It. was like in the Oregon game and we got. some things fixed in that Oregon game. and then we had to sort some some things. out with our offensive line. And when. you lose Simmons, who you know, who was. a a first- round draft pick at left. tackle and then you have to move Donovan. out and then two weeks earlier now. you're losing Remington award winner at. center and and there was a lot going on. right there and and we we knew we had to. make some changes to get some things.

fixed if we were going to make the run. that we went on. But then, you know, the. last time we were in the stadium against. Tennessee, you know, our backs were. against the wall and we felt like coming. out of that game, if we could play the. way we played in that game, then there. wasn't anybody in the country that was. going to beat us. >> Nico Malava cracked three helmets. I. think your defense is doing a okay uh in. that particular game. What was it? Negative 55 degrees out here too. Love. that the North, you know, got a big time. win. Go ahead, AJ. >> Yeah, coach, I actually mentioned the. Tennessee pregame to you before we got. on air here. So, Pat and I and the boys.

were all standing on the sidelines. Jack. Sawyer's down here talking to every. Tennessee player walking off the field. There's a couple ladies that were saying. some very hurtful things to the. Tennessee players, but it was very, it. was tasteful but hurtful. It would hurt. your feelings. She's yelling. You don't. even look like you live. What are you. the JV team? She had some good stuff. But then. >> Ohio. Yeah. Yeah. Much Yeah. Much deeper. than that. But it Have you been a part. of a pregame that felt that I don't know. what I I don't even know how to describe. what it felt like? Just so much. It was. just like, "Hey, these dudes are ready.".

Like everybody was ready on the. sideline. It felt like and it felt like. the game was already over before it. started. >> Yeah. Um Yeah. Hard to explain. Um, when. you think about a playoff game in Ohio. Stadium, um, you know, you you think. about having cold weather, you think. about, you know, being in the middle of. December and you think about a rowdy. crowd and everything that would come. with that. And, you know, for all of us, whether it was the fans or, you know, alums or or players or coaches, like our. backs were against the wall there. And. and we just we had that mentality right. out of the gate. And, you know, there. was a decent amount of orange here in.

this this stadium. And like, you know, >> game day, they took over game day. I. just want to let you know, I was coming. out ready to do the whole. H I Oh, I was ready to do all that and. they say it was Rocky Top, brother. It. was orange everywhere. I was a little. tired because we came from Notre Dame. the night before. It was freezing ass. cold and it was a big moment. But there. it was Tennessee had invaded almost. That's what it felt like in the morning. It felt like that in the morning and. then we got in here. It wasn't as. prevalent as there certainly was, but in. the morning it felt like this is going. to be a Volunteers home game in the. horseshoe. We started talking [ __ ] to.

him very loudly. Buckeyes fans, >> stay calm the whole time though, coach. In the moment I was like, it doesn't. matter. Just kickoff's in 10 hours. We'll be all right. Our fans will be. here when it matters. >> And they were, but this place was. rocking that night. And I think it was a. good It was a good moment between your. team and the fans, I think. Don't you. think so? >> And a lot of Yeah, no question. And a. lot of people came up to me and say. that's one of their favorite games that. they've been a part of, just the. atmosphere and everything that came with. it. And it it just kickstarted us. You. know, after you win that game, you're. going to the Rose Bowl and it's like, okay, yeah, we got we got three more. games we got to win here. We got to go. on this run. And it it allowed us some.

confidence coming out of the game, but. it was good to see us, you know, respond. that way. And so now, you know, the next. game that we're here, we're playing. Texas. And so you think about the way we. we ended last season with some of these. monster games and here we are, you know, about to kick it off against a great. team here and and, you know, another. monster game to start the season. >> One verse three. We love that your. team's doing it because this is. obviously a big part of the conversation. is playing in these big games. Okay. Cuz. the schedule, the record, the losses. Obviously, you guys were right in the. middle of that the first year with the. expanded college football playoff. Let's.

talk about the young buck you got. playing quarterback here. Obviously not. young, been around, has experienced. things. We talked to Will Howard. He was. on the sideline in a massive piece of. that playoff run. What are our. expectations? What should we see? Guy. can spin it. I I'm watching these. highlights. These balls are coming out. great. What is your expectation and what. are you telling him before he goes out. there? >> Well, the the thing that I've said to. him and I've really said to our team is. that there there's no expectation other. than winning the game. Because when you. go into a first start like this as a. quarterback or any position, especially. a game like this, it's easy to start. saying, well, you know, I need to throw.

for this many touchdowns or have this. many tackles or whatever it might be. And then all of a sudden, when the game. doesn't go the way you expect, you can. find yourself kind of getting. distracted. That can't be the case here. You know, we have to figure out a way to. win the game. That's it. You got to play. really, really hard. But for him, you. know, he's got to trust what he does. every day in practice. Um, he got a. chance to see Will lead last year and. see his command in the huddle and and. how he handled those types of things and. and every day he's growing more and. more. Once we named him a starter, I. feel like he's picked up some momentum. So, he's got to go play in the game. This is going to be his first start ever.

at Ohio State. >> against Texas week one. >> I mean, how about that? Welcome to Ohio. State. But, this is why you come to Ohio. State. This is why you come into the. horseshoe and and playing games like. this. And so, it's going to be a hell of. a start. >> Yeah, we're very excited about it as. college football fans. He's got a new. weapon. Uh, obviously everybody's a new. weapon for him because it's his first. time starting, but there's a tight end. that you guys have got. Go ahead, Tone. >> Yeah, coach, I wanted to ask you about. Max Clair because obviously you brought. him in from Purdue, you brought in a DN. from North Carolina. Some teams use the. portal because they they like they need.

to. I don't know if the Ohio State needs. to. So, how do you guys um how do you. guys feel like how do you decide that. you want to what positions you want to. supplement and what guys are right for a. team that is, you know, you got you. recruit so well, you're already loaded. Like, so how do you decide what guys are. right and what positions are right? >> Well, I think the first thing is, you. know, now more than ever, you have to. recruit really well and then retain the. guys that you're developing because if. not every year, the turnover just is too. much to handle. And so, if you want to, you know, sustain a culture, it's it all. starts with high school recruiting. But.

along the way, you know, the transfer. portal can also, you know, take from. you. So if you look at last year when we. got done with our our our game on. January 20th and for the the portal was. open for 5 days. It wasn't open for. anybody else other than us in Notre Dame. and you know we lost seven guys in the. portal in that in that that stretch. right there. And so we have to replace. those holes. So when you look at uh the. guys that we've had over the years, it's. it's to replace holes that are in our. roster. And so we hand select those guys. and first off make sure they fit our. culture because that's the most.

important thing. And then obviously if. they can help us on the field. Let's. talk about another guy you stole from. West Virginia. >> Yeah, >> good player. >> Yeah, >> great player. >> Well, he's uh he's gotten bigger, he's. gotten stronger, he's in he's he's in. great shape. Uh I'm just telling you. best shape. >> doing a great job, man. Um he's excited. to play in this game. I I think for him. coming in, uh there was a lot to adjust. for him in in understanding exactly how. we do things here. U but he was a very. good player at West Virginia and and you. know, I'm excited to see him run. tomorrow. >> Yeah, CJ's a dog. It was very nice to.

watch him and I'm actually like kind of. proud of him. Like yeah, he went and got. good luck, you know, like it is a uh. great time to be here in Columbus. I. think everybody understands that it is. crazy that you're playing Texas tomorrow. to start the season. >> Uh Tai has a question for you. >> Yeah, coach, obviously you're no. stranger to the pomp and circumstance of. a massive game, you know, with game day. being there and all that kind of stuff. You've had those experiences several. times at the horseshoe, but how excited. are you to be able to throw your team. into the fire week one against the. number one ranked team in the nation and.

kind of see what they're made of? And on. the flip side, how much can you actually. learn from about your team from a week. one game like this? >> Yeah, I I'm I'm extremely excited to. play in this game. I mean, it's it Texas. is excellent. You know, they they're. super talented. They're very well. coached. I think Stark does a great job. I think their coaches do a great job. Certainly Arch is a tremendous player. and they have great players on in all. three phases. But, you know, for us week. one to get some real feedback on where.

we are to kind of start our journey into. this season is going to be tremendous. And um to have this game at home um you. know, the atmosphere is going to be. crazy and a noon kickoff. I you know, I. just think that for our fans to get back. together again early in the season for a. game like this is going to be. tremendous. And it's going to give our. team a reference point, a younger team. You know, when you look at all the guys. we lost last year, there's a lot of guys. are going to be doing it for the first. time here tomorrow. And then it but it's. going to give them a reference point as. they move throughout the season. >> Yeah. And it's got to feel good that. these types of games are going to be. possible going forward for teams. Uh.

because feels like college football. playoff is understanding that this is. good for the sport for you guys to. battle early. So it doesn't mean. season's over here after week one. It's. gonna feel like it here in you know you. won a national championship. I don't. care is what some Ohio guy is going to. say. Saturday night if you guys don't. get the dub. You've become noon kings. Okay. You you certainly have. This place. is going to be insane. I would assume. tomorrow. That's all expectation. Tomorrow is going to be absolutely Texas. travels. >> Yeah. No, they they got a great fan.

base, great team. It's going to be it's. just an awesome day for college. football. And uh here we go. We're about. uh 24 hours out. >> Let's talk about it. Coach Corso's last. game day. Your thoughts on that as a. whole cuz you're going to be on the show. which is awesome. We're very thankful. you're coming through course, but it's. going to be a celebration of a guy who. really changed the shape in the face of. college ball and certainly college game. day off. I think when when it's all said. and done, we all want to have an impact. and and Lee Corso's had an impact, not. only as a coach and the the players and. the coaches that he was around, but then. also here, you know, on game day and.

ESPN and what he's done and just brought. so much enjoyment and, you know, celebration to the sport and and again, another guy who's very positive about. builds people up and, you know, in day. and age where it's easy to rip people. down and tear people down and be. negative, this is not somebody who's. done that. He's built people up and uh. he certainly made an impact as a coach. in the game, but but then actually as an. ambassador later on in his life and just. done so many so many great things. He's. got a lot of respect for everybody here. >> Yeah, I think everybody I think that's. been very evident. Very rarely is the. whole world unified in an opinion. It.

feels like everybody's behind coach. Corso. It's going to be electric. tomorrow. I I got a little bit of uh. insight on what's happening tomorrow. It's going to be electrifying tomorrow. as we celebrate the [ __ ] out of him. And. then between now and then, any hobbies? Any hobbies? What is uh. >> I know you're a big tennis guy, right? >> I I go over there and. >> good. I just actually I wonder what's. your what's your opinion on pickle ball. I hear the tennis players hate pickle. ball people. >> No, pickle ball's great. >> Okay. >> Yeah, pickle ball's great. You're a. tennis player. >> So, uh the tennis facilities right. across the street and Ty Tucker, who's.

uh an unbelievable coach, uh during co. he started inviting me over there and so. for about 30 minutes about two or three. times a week, I go over there and just. hammer the test. >> Great exercise, right? >> Unbelievable. And and the team's really. good. I mean, they hammer in the ball. 80, 100, 120 mph and just getting after. it for about a half hour. It's a great. workout. Come back in and you're in a. better head space when you come back. >> It's quite a range. 80 to 120 mph. They. sort of feel like an off speed pitch. >> These guys hammer the hammer the I mean, you watch the US Open, you see how hard. they hit the ball. It's unbelievable. >> You fighting anybody over there? Like.

we're seeing the uh the two women in the. >> Oh, yeah. They did. >> You got to eat beef. You get beef. >> There's no beef going on over there. >> All right. All right. Something to think. about. Uh congrats to you on becoming a. national champion. And let's remember. that means nothing. Ain't that right, boys? >> That means nothing, coach. Means. nothing. Everybody's at the bottom of. the mountain. >> I think you should take in that you were. the way you won, how you won, the. circumstance in which you won. I hope. you cherish that and uh realize how. special it is for the rest of your life.

And good luck trying to do it again as. it starts tomorrow against Texas. You're. the man. Thank you for stopping by. Thank you for not hating us. And also, thank you for the hoodies. Got me a. couple. We got a couple hoodies. >> Oh, here we go. >> We can't be bought that easily, coach. >> I can. >> Whoa, whoa, whoa. Uh, >> con man, I think you wear size 12 as. well, right? >> Yeah. All right, fine. If they're shoes, we can be bought that easily, coach. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yep. I'm a size 12 and. these bad boys were brought in here and. uh. >> Oh, [ __ ] There it is.

>> Oh, yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. I think we. >> National Championship right there, man. >> Yeah, I think maybe we can be purchased, you know. Oh, baby. >> Couple more couple more XL hoodies. >> Couple more XL hoodies. >> Yeah. Um, there's there's multiple here. There's multiple here. We are very. thankful. We are happy you don't hate. us. I I think. >> No, seriously. Especially cuz you're a. New Hampshire guy. >> Very serious. >> Yeah, New Hampshire. >> We liked you a lot. >> That's right. >> Yeah. >> No, no, no. I all love here and um I'd.

love to come on the show as many times. as I can, guys. Appreciate you. >> We appreciate you. Good luck, ladies and. gentlemen. National Champion Ryan Day. >> That was very cool of you to do that. >> Thank you. >> Really cool for those guys to keep. playing, too. >> They sound great. >> Yeah. I you Hey, these horns playing. over you. I think we need to do a little. bit of a check in the uh totem pole. Just a little heads up. Just something. to think about. We don't want to start. any more problems. >> That's a middle culture. >> We'll start. >> We don't want to start any more. problems. We don't want to start any. more problems. >> That is the problem. Tiddle thinks.

they're bigger than the head coach of. the football team. They have to have that type of moxy that. would dot the [ __ ] eye out here. >> Good point. Yeah. 118 on a Friday. They're in the upper bowl practicing. You kind of have to respect it. I mean, >> yeah, I appreciate. Now, granted, could. it. >> Nothing. >> Could we do it at 11:18? Yeah. >> No, we we don't have Nobody should be. stopping anything for us. So, that is. first and foremost. Whatever they need. to do to get ready for tomorrow, that's. cool. That is an interesting thing to. do. And it it it sounds pretty shite. It.

sounds tuning their instruments. >> They may be tuning them. I think it. sounds I don't think they're they're. trying to play a little number. They're. not trying to play the hits. >> Yeah. But do they know a lot of people. are hearing it like like that is the. maybe there's communication. >> A lot of people are hearing it and it. does not sound up to to standards cuz we. got individual solo performances. happening in 45 different places. throughout the horseshoe here. I think. it's going to be tough to be on the same. page. They need somebody in the. >> Yeah. Where's the ma? >> Where's that guy? >> Yeah. Keeping them all on the same page.

That's a big horn right there. I don't. know what that one is. That's a big. >> tuba, I believe. >> That's a big horn. Carry that thing. around. They're doing the stairs. He's. gone. We missed him. Sorry, Ryan. Solo. tub. >> Um, all right. Before Coach Sabin joins. us, which is going to be awesome. Cannot. wait to chat with him again. >> That that was a really cool thing last. year, getting a chance to just watch. Sabin be Sabin. He is um he's one of the. goats, you know. So whenever you get the. chance to watch a goat, talk a goat, learn from a goat, it's like you got to. do that. He was so cool to us last year.

Don't you think, boys? >> Too cool to us. >> Too cool. >> And the stuff that he was saying, like. the amount of game he was just giving. was incredible. I mean, of course, the. Vanderbilt situation happened, but. that's going to happen. And and yeah, still it made it even cooler, but just. hearing Sabin talk like ball is it's an. honor. It's like Bellich. And he also. pretended to like us utter guys at at. dinner when we went out. >> Good point. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And in Ireland, didn't he say, "You guys ask good questions.".

>> Yeah. Cuz football guys, he respects us. >> Yeah. He saw you drinking beers and then. he was like, "It's crazy cuz the other. guys are kind of They even ask good. questions.". >> And that's you guys, right? >> Yeah, we're the other guys. Well, and. and that's the cool part. >> You guys are the other guys. I I didn't. know that that you guys were the other. guys. >> In this situation, we are the utter. guys. >> We're the Bugle Boys. were the utter. guys. >> Yeah. It's like when you and AJ and. Debbud are like when we were in the. locker room, >> even though the other guys weren't in. the locker room, they're still allowed. to talk about. It's like, thank you guys.

for allowing us to be the utter guys. >> Yeah. >> So, is every day another day then? If. you guys are the utter guys, cuz I I. didn't know that that was what you guys. were doing. >> Yeah. You got to wake up every morning. and treat it as another day. >> Yeah. But but you you. >> do you see what's going on here, Age? Do. you see what's happening here? Do you. understand what's going on? >> A little bit. Does Stanford Steve have. any idea? Yes, he definitely. >> the impact that he has on this show. >> We love Stanford, Steve. We just hope. that he loves us, don't we? >> From one another guy to another guy. >> Have we asked him yet? Did you ask him.

this morning by chance? >> He said he didn't expect the graphic. >> Yeah. Yeah. We saw we saw that he didn't. expect it. >> Like you always say, you know, play. played the hand a little too hard, a. little too firm, >> too close to the sun. No, >> you know when we overdo it, it always. that's always the problem. >> We thought it might be a chance like Lou. Holtz the second time, you know, >> shouldn't have done it. We We had it. We. had the moment and then we had Well, we.

got a one-on-one with Marcus Freeman and. Ryan Day. Need to bring in Lou Holtz. National Championship. >> Need to barge in Lou Holtz. >> Yeah. Ty actually had to rush that mask. on, too, cuz we were late. We almost the. universe almost sold us not to do it. Like, hey, not enough time. No. Hey, we. will. >> I think I talked to you shortly before. You think we should do? I'm like, >> yeah, why not? It seems like a great. time. >> Yeah. CFP gives us time to sit with the. coaches. How you going to spend it? Mask.

now. >> I mean, that's something you look back. on like no matter for forever and it's. like that was one of the most ridiculous. things probably that's ever happened is. >> Marcus Freeman. Marcus Freeman knows. what's going on. Oh jeez, I can't. believe this is happening. We're at the. national championship right now. Yeah, that's on us. We're learning as we go. Speaking of learning as we go, we. haven't talked about a lot of things. that have happened around the NFL that. aren't just Michael Parson. Michael, sorry. Michael Parsons says Jerry Jones. uh to the Green Bay Packers. Con man,

what are some other headlines that we. need to hit? Varel's handling business. up there, huh? >> Yeah, Vel's handling business. Very. weird. Jabril Peppers breaking news was. released today from New England. This. was uh the last captain actually. remaining from the 2024 New England. Patriots. I was still on the team. So. now 2025 New England Patriots will have. brand new captains. Uh very interesting. We'll see what happens. Definitely was. one of the leaders in New England and. was one of our best players. Uh this was. stunning to me, especially because all. the trade rumors with the Patriots that.

were going around when it came to, you. know, Terry McLaren or Trey. Hendendrickson. Jabrell Peppers was. never a player that was kind of up in. the air for that. So that's what's going. on. New England and Vable Rabel's making. his turnover. Who knows what we'll see. happening. The other thing in New. England, you could argue, is the new NFL. Nike Rivalries jersey. This was uh kind. of took the internet by storm a little. bit last night. Uh NFC or yesterday NFC. West, AFC East, they got all their new.

jerseys. That should be sweet. Uh, something that we really haven't seen as. far lately in the NFL, which I think. some people might be worried about, would be the Las Vegas Raiders only. announced three captains. Now, I thought. you had to have seven captains to have a. good football team. The Raiders only. have three. It's defense, offense, special teams. I'm worried there might. not be as much leadership in Vegas as. they might want to for Pete Carol and.

the boys. Uh, I love that there's only three that. they're all three. I think in their. minds the best in the world. Uh, Cole's. the best punter in the world right now. in his mind. He's representing the. special teams. Max Crosby thinks he's. the best defensive end in the world. He's clearly the leader of that defense, as is Cole at special teams. And Gino. Smith with Pete Carroll had the best. offense in the NFL. He's thinking he's. the best in the world. And I like that. Pete Carol says these three are our. leaders by far. We only need three C's. That's old school. They'll probably have.

a week to week one if I had to guess. where there'll be a rotating cast, but I. think it's good that there's only three. They know who's who as opposed to seven. captains. Now, joining us now is a man. who knows leadership better than anybody. on earth. Uh ladies and gentlemen, a man. who's won a thousand national. championships and now is uh the man on. college game day, our friend Coach Sab. >> Thanks, Pat. Good to be here, man. >> It's great to see you. How was the. offseason? It. >> was great. It was great. I miss some of. my partners here and the team,

especially you. >> Well, we missed you as well. You were. talked about a lot in the Thunderdome. The boys and I have such a high regard. for you. Not only because of what you've. accomplished, but how you've. transitioned into speaking in. microphones has been flawless. You need. to know that. You think that this is. just easy. I think because you've been. great at it. You're [ __ ] great for. football. Is that not right, boys? >> Without a doubt. >> Yep. Huge. >> No questions. You are great for. football. So, I appreciate the fact that. we get to talk to you and I guess we'll. make the announcement now. Coach Sabin.

will be joining us every single Friday. [Applause]. >> Glad to do it, man. >> Yeah, you're great for football, though. So, >> glad to be here. >> Okay, let's talk about this season. We. got Texas, Ohio State to kick this thing. off. Three top 10 matchups in the first. weekend. How do you feel about that. potentially becoming a thing going. forward? And what should we expect from. these teams that are ranked very high in. your eyes? Well, you know, first of all, I think it's great that we have games. like this, and I wish we had them every. week. I I I wish that, you know, some.

way somebody could control the schedule. a little bit, that we had some. interconference games and the best. games. So, it's great for the fan. experience, you know, when it comes to. this season. And I mean, this is one of. the most difficult seasons to really. predict, you know, who's going to do. what, especially after the first few. teams because there's so many changes on. rosters. There's so many quarterback. changing teams and who's going to fit in. the best, where's the leadership, the. chemistry going to come from, how they. going to fit in with the players that. they have. Um, what's the production. going to be? Hard to figure out.

>> How do you feel about quarterbacks going. to be? Uh, now granted, Sain's been here. for a little bit. Starts with you. Uh. Arch has been there for a few years. That's good. But there's a lot of teams. that got brand new quarterbacks. Obviously, we've seen it go in one. particular direction with uh Florida. State. Whenever they have DJ Oangallay, it doesn't work out. They go down. They. will Howard comes here, they go up. How. do you feel about the new quarterback. coming in maybe for a year just to see. if the good team can maybe win an Attie? >> Well, you know, I think it's all about. the guy. You know, if the guy's got.

maturity and leadership and the team's. going to sort of respond to him, that's. a big thing. But also maturity to me is. the the definition of can you stay. focused on the right stuff, you know, and as a competitor, you got to be able. to stay focused on the right stuff, especially at quarterback because you. got the ball, you're distributing the. ball every play. So, it's important that. you can gain the respect of your team by. making good choices and decisions and. communicating well with the team. >> Do you miss you miss it? You're It was. reported like four times you're going.

back to coaching this season. >> You know what? And that came out of. nowhere. I mean, Miss Terry said, "Where. did that come from?" I mean, she. wouldn't let me do it, number one. I've. never thought about doing it, number. two. And I I don't know how somebody. could just come up with this out of thin. air. >> Now, you're running a government arm, too. Remember that? What was that, boy? Nick Saven's going to head up the uh new. college football committee as. >> commission. Commission. You remember. that? Congratulations. Hey, thank you, coach. >> You know, what you can do. >> I didn't know anything about that.

either. And Miss Terry sees it on, I. don't know, the internet somewhere and. she says, "Why didn't you tell me about. this?" Tell you about what? I didn't. know anything about it. >> Oh, no. The internet's getting you some. [ __ ] at home. I love that. Uh, you would. be the right guy for the job, which is. why it went so viral, cuz as soon as. they said, "Uh, Coach Sabin's going to. run a college football commission with. the government." Everybody's like, "Yes, he's the right guy." So, everybody was. pumped that it was massive amount of. work. Massive amount of work to do it. all. Now, obviously, you're going to be. an ear. You will certainly help. I feel.

like you love college football. want to. see it succeed. You're still in the. Alabama building, I think, on a a weekly. basis or daily basis. Who knows what. your schedule is, but I saw you speaking. to them. You're still very much involved. in college football, want to see the. best for college football. You're not. going to be running to commission, but. are you getting ideas run by you? Are. you a part of what the future of this. thing looks like? Cuz the game, I think, is immaculate, and that's all anybody. wants to kind of keep pure. >> Yeah. And and you know, I'm very much. committed to it in every way. And and I. I would be a part of a commission if it. was a real commission created by the.

government that was actually going to. enforce some rules and regulations and. guidelines that would help the game and. promote the players in the game. I'm all. for players making money, but you know, you need some guidelines relative to. competition and uh creating some parody. in the league. I mean, every competitive. venue has it. Uh I'm all for players, but but I am really all for college. football. You know, there's so much. enthusiasm, so much interest in college. football and um you know, it's still.

pure in a way and sometimes we can't let. that purity sort of leave what it has. always been. >> Yeah, I love college football. The. environment, it's what we have to. represent America whenever you talk. about best fanhoods like uh over in. Europe, they got the Hooligans. They're. they're they're crazy. Gumpy was. actually over there in Spain. experiencing, you know, I was over there. as a young lad watching the game. We're. talking about flares being shot off in. the crowd. Like they are chanting, going. insane. America's representation,

college football fans. And uh we got a. great venue here for tomorrow to kind of. kick off this incredible season. Go. ahead, AJ. >> Yeah, coach. Tomorrow with these. quarterbacks, we always hear the cliche, hey, what do you do to a young. inexperienced guy? Oh, heat up. Get move. him off the spot. Try to throw some. pressure at him. I guess if you had if. you have a young like in I say. inexperienced quarterback, how do you. get them think about every other. position like we get all jacked up and. you get excited and you you're all your. adrenaline is going go out and hit. somebody as a quarterback it's kind of. the opposite. How do I how do I hone it. in and kind of dial in all of this.

energy I guess. What do you tell a young. quarterback going into games like this? >> Well, I think the most important thing. is you got to play one play at a time. and you can't let a bad play affect you. But, you know, I always try to tell our. quarterbacks, they all want to make. plays. They all talk about making plays, making plays, making plays. I said, "How. about eliminating a bad plays?" You. know, if we don't have drive stopping. mistakes, whether it's a sack we. shouldn't have taken, whether it's a. turnover that we shouldn't have had, cuz. the number one thing for a quarterback. to me is can I identify what the defense. is doing? Can I communicate it to my.

teammates? And once I get the ball in my. hands, can I execute with good judgment. and decision making and accuracy with. the ball for throwing it or handing it. off or whatever it is? So, I think those. things are really, really important to. stay focused on. And there's so much. noise, you know, I call it rat poison. out there relative to these quarterbacks. at these kind of programs that that. makes it even more difficult for these. guys to stay focused on the right stuff. >> Modern Will Howard actually admitted to.

us, which every player, it's not really. an admission at this point. He was like, "We're told not to read the stuff, but. it's impossible." Like nowadays, it's. impossible. It's literally everywhere. have to have a very mentally tough. quarterback to lead the team. Tone has a. question for you about another. quarterback. >> Yeah, coach. Obviously, it's year two. for uh for Kayla D'Vor and he brought in. his OC Ryan Grub to be back this year, but obviously the biggest question right. now is Ty Simpson who's a new. quarterback who obviously you know you. know well I just I saw an article. recently about how you called and you. were talking to his dad who's also a. head coach like hey you know Tai needs.

to stay here when he gets to play here. Things can be can be great with him. What do what do we need to know about Ty. Simpson that we don't know? uh the the. the guy and then also the player on the. field. >> Yeah. Well, I think Tai is, you know, a. a great young man who has and I have all. the respect in the world for these guys. that, you know, stay in a program for. three years, develop, wait their turn, and I think that's the thing that Tai. has done extremely well. You know, Tai, there's so many of these guys that grow.

up now being outcome oriented, you know, and they're always looking at results. You know, how many passes did I. complete? how many touchdowns did I. have? And then they they create these. expectations for themselves and when. they don't live up to them, they get. frustrated very easily. And that body. language is not good for a quarterback. It's not good for a team. So that's the. big thing that Tai's had to sort of work. his way through is, you know, not get. affected by a bad play, stay focused on. the next play because he's got all the. talent in the world. He's got legs that. are real. He's a very accurate passer.

He's a good decision maker. He's smart. He's a good leader. So, it'll be. interesting to see how he can maintain. the consistency and performance that. define success by not getting affected. by ups and downs in a game. >> Do you think that there's going to be. any quarterback changes uh early? Like, how long do you think these great teams. who have new quarterbacks are giving. them a leash? What do you What do you. think? >> Well, I think it depends on who the next. >> Julian saying. Oh, okay. Okay. >> I I think it depends a lot on who the. next guy is. You know, I mean, sometimes. if you have a young guy that you really. have a lot of confidence in that you.

think he may not be ready, kind of like. the Tua Jaylen Herz thing that we went. through a few years ago, you know, we. kept playing, you know, Tua thinking. that one of these days he's going to be. ready and he actually went and was ready. in the national championship. All right. But. >> that that was the plan. Yeah, it. >> worked out. we were trying to bring that. guy along and you know Jaylen was. struggling a little bit toward the end. of the season, beat up a little bit and. all that. So, uh, if you can bring a guy. along and you have a really good player.

behind your quarterback, then you can. afford to have a little bit of a short. leash if you think it's not um the. team's not moving in the right. direction. >> There's uh a lot of difficult decisions. that are made. It feels like nowadays. college football a little bit more like. pro football than it's ever been. And if. you have some pro football experience, it might help you. Uh, Ty has a question. for you. Yeah, coach, for the last eight. months or to a year, however long it's. been, everyone's got to weigh in on Bill. Bichc in North Carolina and have an. opinion about, you know, whatever. Um,

we had Michael Lombardi on yesterday and. he said that they had a couple. conversations with you, reached out with. you, you know, just just for advice or. or, you know, whatever the case may be. Now that we're a couple days ahead of. them actually taking the field and we're. going to see the product on the field, what are your expectations for this. North Carolina football team and do you. think the whole situation will feel. different to Bill or is coaching. ultimately just coaching? >> No, I think coaching is coaching, but I. do think there's some what I would call.

operational differences. You know, in. college, I mean, just take the sidelines. for instance. You got 45 guys on the. sidelines in the NFL. You know, in. college you could have a hundred. >> So that. changes a lot of how how do you manage. that? How does it affect you? How does. it impact you? But that's just a sort of. a stupid operational. >> Oh my god. It sounds like you hate how. much congesture is around. Yep. Congestion on the side. >> I I made certain guys stand behind the. bench cuz I hated the traffic on the.

sidelines. But my point is this. They've. got 70 new players at North Carolina on. their roster. You know, Bill is a great. coach. He's a great teacher and he's. great at developing players. So, if you. have that many new players, you really. don't have a chance to develop them. So, you know, my expectation it's going to. be a little bit of a work in progress. and he's going to make all these players. better and they're going to benefit and. create more value for their future. because of Bill, but it's going to take.

a little time. So, uh and I think. everybody should understand that. >> Yeah. And we're going to be there on. Monday uh for TCU UNC. Uh big kickoff. for them on Monday night down at Chapel. Hill. Michael Lombardi just keeps saying. how beautiful it is. You need to come. down and see us. It's beautiful down. here. He's always selling. You have to, I guess, as a college football coach. That's kind of what they're doing now. Nobody did it as good as you, brother. Connor has a question for you. >> Yeah, coach. We just had Ryan Day on and. we kind of talked about the mentality of. the team going into this year. How, you. know, last year's great, but they didn't.

do anything. And we were kind of talking. about how it almost turns into a relief. of winning versus, you know, wanting to. win in that type of, you know, mindset. But for your teams with Bama, you know, I'm I'm assuming after you guys won. national championships, it was very. similar. Hey, now that that season's. over, we haven't done anything. I think. you've mentioned before, you know, I. take 20 I've took taken 24 hours after a. national championship and then you're. right back to it. Um, what do you think. that uh will do for Ohio State? Do you.

think that is probably the smartest way. to go about it for both the coach and. the team? And uh do you think that. they'll have a lot of success in you. know going on to try and repeat this. year? >> Well, I do think it's something you have. to overcome. Uh I and you mentioned the. word relief. I call it relief syndrome. >> Oh yeah. >> In other words, you do something special. which society promotes this. So, we all. grow up this way and then we should get. rewarded for that and we should be able. to rest on our laurels, you know, kind.

of like when we all made an A on the. first test and we jacked around for the. next two weeks and made a C on the next. test and we were happy to have a B. >> But I started at C though. Yeah, that's. the issue. So you had to make an A on. but but this whole concept of having to. deal with success because you know. success is not a continuum and nothing. in the past that's going to that you had. success with is going to really affect. your ability to have success in the. future. So this this is not normal. I.

mean it's something that you you know. players have to be aware of. Uh you have. to coach it into them that they can't. rest on their laurels because. everybody's shooting at you. you become. the mountain. Ohio State won the. national championship. Everybody wants. to beat them even worse now than ever. before. So players have to understand. that it's a new team. Everybody's got to. be buy into the new role that they have, the leadership that they have. And you. got to replace that hunger that's. created by not having success. Like Ohio. State getting beat by Michigan last year.

probably had as as much to do with them. winning a national championship as. anything. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. I mean perspective. >> Yeah. you coming out and yelling at. their fan base after that was awesome. >> Sweet game day. >> Yeah, they needed it. >> Listen, they need to get in line and. shut up. This team can win a national. championship and. >> Right. Yeah. And and and they got this, you know, psychological disposition. about Michigan that's just killing them. Killing them. >> Yeah. Michigan's dancing uh the entire.

time cuz even when Ohio State wins the. national championship, now Michigan's. getting credit for it. And that is. certainly something they dance with all. offseason. AJ has a question for you, coach. Yeah, college football rivalries. It's a unique world we live in, I guess, in this whole situation. But for. tomorrow, noon, kickoff out here, what. are you expecting to see? Like what do. you I guess in the first game too when. you're coaching, your first time you. guys go on the field, what do you want. to see out of your team? >> Well, you know, you want to see your. team execute with discipline and not. make the kind of errors in the game that. are going to affect the outcome of the.

game like last night in the Nebraska. game. First and one at the one, guy. jumps off sides, get penalized, then you. end up kicking a field goal. I mean, those kind of things just absolutely. kill you. Um, and those are the kind of. mistakes that you want to have the. discipline to be able to execute in a. game so you don't have those issues and. you don't have those problems. But let. me just tell you something. No coach in. the country really knows exactly how his. team's going to respond in the first. game. You know, because you don't even. know based on how your offense did.

against your defense. Maybe your defense. is really good and you think you don't. have a lot of confidence in your. offense, but the fact of the matter is. is just because your defense is pretty. good, your offense may not be that bad. So, you have all these questions running. around in your mind and you can't really. know what's going to happen until they. go out there and play, you know, and one. of the things that I used to do that, you know, my assistants used to get mad. at is they wanted to coach all the time. And Bellich did this to me. All right? I. coached all the time and every now and.

then we'd have a team session uh where. Bill said, "Let the players play. You're. not allowed to make calls for them. You're not allowed to correct them. You're not allowed to do anything. Let. the players play." So that's what. happens in the game. Nobody tells you. what to do. Nobody makes the call at. linebacker which way you're slanting or. what coverage we play in. So you got to. let the players play so they can take it. to the game and they have confidence in. what they're going to do, which is. really important in the first game. And. the more maturity your team has, probably the better chance you have to.

do that in the first game. >> Returning starters is always something. we look at. And then amount of starts. that players have during the transfer. portal era now is something that's. looking at, especially with what Sig was. able to do at Indiana, even though he's. talking all that [ __ ] all the time. He. was certainly able to turn over that. roster and that culture pretty quickly. Are we going to see more of that, you. think? Like Vandy was obviously awesome. because of everything that happened with. that their entire run. Arizona State. comes out of nowhere. They win the Big. 12. They get into the dance. Indiana, nobody expected ever to be good at. football in the Big 10. Feels like it.

does provide for that this modern era. that we have here. >> Yeah, there's no question about it. And. everybody's choosing how to build a. team. And I think it's interesting that. Clemson has kind of built their team. developing the players that they. recruited and have very little coming. out of the portal or going into the. portal. where LSU who has a lot of. people coming back. They have the most. players that started six games or more. at a major college. 18 guys in a portal. have started six games in, you know, power four.

>> Yeah. Big games. >> Yeah. So, they've added a ton of people. to their team that can have an impact on. the game. But how are those pieces going. to fit together, especially early in the. season? >> Yeah. If you pay the wrong guy, >> pay the wrong guy, get out of luck. Yep. >> Yep. >> That was a great moment last year. That. was a great moment. You've been paying. attention to any of the NFL stuff right. now with Micah. >> How do you know Jerry Jones? Well, >> how can you not? >> Yeah, it's everywhere. We. >> I do not know Jerry Jones very well. But.

man, I tell you what, when you got a. significant dominant player, especially. pass rusher, I mean, those guys are so. hard to find. I mean, boy, it' be just. hard for me as a coach to let a guy like. that go, but it is what it is. >> It is what it is. And there's been a lot. of great clips coming out of all of it, including Micah celebrating around the. house and uh telling his mom she's. retired forever, obviously. And uh. that's cool for him from a personal.

side, but the Green Bay Packers feel the. exact same way you do. They go, "Hold. on. We just picked up out of two first. and Kenny Clark, great player. Nobody's. talking about that enough. >> Great player. is a great player. >> Kenny's got to stop the run. >> Kenny's a great player and Jerry said he. got to stop the run. But I think there's. a lot of teams saying is this is that we. all know this is what it took to get. Michael Parsons. I think anybody would. want a dominant pass rusher on their. team. Jerry's getting judged pretty hard. right now by everybody. Yeah, I think so. because you know there's certain play. there's certain guys that affect the. game and you know wide receivers can.

affect a game, quarterback can affect a. game, great runner can affect the game, but pass rushers in this day and age of. football when over 60% of the plays in. the NFL are passes and that guy can. impact the game. Not just in sacks, but. how many times do you affect the. quarterback and how much is he worried. about you as a rusher? I I I just think. that's the one place on defense that a. guy can really make an impact. Like you. could say our whole secondary, we got to. cover five guys. You got one pass. rusher, you don't have to cover anybody.

except the quarterback. >> Yeah, you're right. Ball's coming out. quick. >> Coming out quick. >> Coming out quick, too. I mean, that that. makes everybody else's life very easy. And that's how Tai feels as a Green Bay. Packer fan. And we as football fans. can't thank you enough, brother. How. about tomorrow, Coach Corso's final game. day? That's go. We I just we just went. through the meeting a little bit ago. They'll be paying their respects to the. man who did a lot for college ball. What. are your thoughts about him before you. get on the show and then now being able. to work with him last year? >> Well, you know, the one thing I think. Lee Corso did and and he did it with.

such grace is, you know, we used to just. watch games and people would, you know, call the game. He brought entertainment. to this business, which is what you do. Uh and we all have an opportunity to do. for the fans. It made it better for the. fans. It was more enjoyable. Um, he's. got a great personality. I still. remember, I mean, when I was playing at. Kent State, we had Jack Lambert and we. played his Louisville team and they had. Howard Stevens and, you know, Tom.

Jackson and all these guys. I mean, they. had a really, really good team and they. beat the [ __ ] out of us. It was, it was. something. So, I know him from the. coach's side, too. Yeah. All right. playing against him and seeing what he. did at Indiana. We played him when I was. here at Ohio State and but what he did. for the for the entertainment business. part of it is to me the greatest. contribution that he made to college.

sports and I think I think people don't. realize the value of that. >> Yeah. Yeah, I think college football uh. on a rocket ship obviously because the. tradition and the pageantry and the game. and football is the greatest sport on. earth, but like what he did to help you. watch what game day's growth was with. Lee Corso and college football's. popularity and it's like there was a. driving force behind a lot of it and Lee. Corso's face is synonymous with it and. it's like getting a chance to watch him. work here the last couple years has. obviously been an honor. He's been. incredibly kind to me and just as a fan.

whenever I watch it before I like. somebody that, you know, not scared to. go in there and spin it up a little, you. know, mix it up a little bit. And it's. not just like me that is benefiting from. that. You think about everybody. >> Charles Barkley obviously is a massive. person that I look up to in his business. because the way he speaks his mind, the. way he delivers, the way he entertains. every single time he speaks. It's. >> like Lee Corso, Charles Barkley are the. two in my eyes that are up there in the. Mount Rushmore of sports entertainment. And uh yeah, tomorrow's going to be a. sweet day honoring them, you know.

>> Yeah, I know. You know, my first. experience at Texas A&M, I'm a coach, so. I'm serious about the game. All right. And I get there and you know, they're. singing to you when you come on stage. >> Okay. >> Country roads. >> Exactly. >> All right. And then you were standing on. a chair. >> Yeah. And then he's dancing the jig with. Notre Dame stuff and I'm saying, "What. the hell did I get into here?". >> Uh, you're great. You're great, though. You are a phenomenal You're one for one. You won an Emmy. >> Yeah.

>> Boom. >> That's a That's a I mean, that's. >> must have been. >> a couple of them. Didn't he win a couple. of them? He won the uh. >> Yeah. Did. newcomer, right? And then before I. thought uh before too, Sabin and Bill. when they had their sit down one-on-one. for an hour, they won an award for that. as well. >> You're just collecting these things. I. guess they know, well, yeah, might as. well. Is there trophies? I'm going to. win them. >> Don't shave in football. >> It was a little bit of a bummer though. I. >> He's only said. once.

>> All right. only go. >> I really just want to make an impact and. help people understand the game better. and enjoy the game better. >> All right. >> All right. >> Is it fun? Has it been fun? Sounds like. you was told not to do this. >> Got it. AJ, >> have you been having fun with it for. real? Like. >> Yeah, I love it. I It's been very. enjoyable. And I like the preparation. part of it, too. It keeps me watching. film, evaluating players, looking at. schemes. I love it. keeps you in it. without having to, you know, uh,

>> work 14 hours a day. >> Yeah. Or go to the press conference. afterwards or have to recruit a kid back. to your team. I mean, there's a lot you. don't have to do. You've earned this. position and, uh, we're all lucky to. watch it. Can't wait to see you tomorrow. on game day. And, uh, every single week. joining us on Fridays. We're very. thankful for that. >> Good. I appreciate you having me. Thank. you so much, >> ladies and gentlemen. The goat coach. >> locked in. >> Coach, coach, coach. >> All right, guys. There it is. See, why.

couldn't we get a couple of those? >> That's what I'm saying. >> Clean fit. Always like a clean fit. >> Oh, yeah. >> He looks pretty jacked. >> He's jacked. >> Might might have been squatting. >> You ever seen him with his shirt off? >> 12 pack. >> Did you get better this offseason or no? >> The abs that like go. >> Mollins. I sure. >> kind of like a. >> what a twice. >> He's shooting scratch golfer now. Say hi. to Pat. >> Oh, Coach Patricia. Matt. Patricia is. over here. I don't want to say.

>> nice. Is he coming on or. >> coach? Coach, coach, coach, coach, coach. Hey, will you step up here? >> Yeah, he was trying to come on and say. hi. [Music]. >> Oh, that was a great hug. >> It was That was a great dap up hug. >> By far. >> Coach looks great. >> He does look good. Let's go. >> He does look good. >> Unbelievable. Nice healthy spot. >> He looks really good. He's got a good. beard on him right now, too. Yeah. Yeah. >> Does he have his wallet and keys on him. or. That was an amazing moment. Epic moment. Absolutely epic moment.

>> That defense is going to be pretty good. with Matty P at the helm. >> Well, and also Caleb Dons is out there. You know, we forget about that. You. start diving back into all this college. football stuff and uh Tone's guide was. obviously phenomenal at it, but also. like just. >> diving in watching film from last year. You forget that Caleb DS is the best. player on the field when he's on the. field. Like. >> he's a genius on there. Think about that. as a safety too. Like a guy that can. great safeties can cover up a lot of. mistakes if there are any kind of.

mistakes early. >> Yeah. And then on the offense side, Jeremiah says, "See you, coach. Good. luck, man. >> Good luck. >> Good luck.". >> Oh, coach. It's going to be fun. >> You too, bro. Hey, Arch can move, bro. This ain't another Manning. >> Spy on him. >> This ain't another Manning. Yeah, this. ain't another Manning. >> Arch does like to wibble. >> Arch took a shot last year in the. playoffs, too, and popped right up. >> Yeah, I. >> I'm impressed with him. >> Yeah. did not whine at all about, "Hey, I got a concussion." He was right back. in Obviously. >> What? You think he was so concussed he.

didn't know he was concussed? >> Yes, >> he definitely knew. He had to get up. Oh, [ __ ] Cuz he bobbled a little bit. He did. >> Oh, yeah. They thought it thought it was. going to be a fumble. >> He did wobble. >> Bit wobbly. >> How about when he I mean, he's got the. He's got the mocks. >> Oh, yeah. The cookout this summer. >> Exactly. >> New age Manning. >> Yes, he is. He is the modern evolved. Manning. that he's been at the Manning. Passing Academy since he's 10 years old. All these guys go to the Manning Passing. Academy to try to learn stuff. He's been. doing it since he's 10. So, like there's. so many things that I think are going to.

be showcased this season, especially in. a SARC offense. Remember what he was. able to do with M. Jones? Whenever you. have a quarterback that is so dynamic. and can understand everything that's. going on, not that Quinners couldn't, but they got four twos everywhere. >> And Sarkc and uh Arch have been together. for a while now. >> That's huge. Arch is speaking the same. language as Sarkc has been since he's. 10, but definitely now in this entire. thing. It's like I'm very eager to see. this offense for Texas because obviously. you're going to have to be great to win. a Super Bowl, but or win a national.

championship, but it's like Arch is the. Heisman favorite for a reason. And uh to. start with Ohio State in Columbus is a. pretty wild move. I I mean that is a. wild start to your career. kind of. dropped into the fire with Matt. Patricia, multiple times Super Bowl. champion, defensive coordinator kind of. scheming against you. I'm eager to see. what this Texas offense looks like. because I know the possibilities are. huge for them. >> Oh yeah. And think if you are the Texas. offense and you're s you're thinking, okay, what kind of what kind of defense.

is Matty Patricia going to put in. install for this Ohio State team? Like. we know they're replacing a lot of great. players, but they have a lot of great. players coming back. That's the thing, too. Like the whole first quarter, whole. first half might be kind of a feeling. out process. Let's see how we're going. to respond to each other. >> What uh what have we not talked about. that we need to talk about today, boys? On this feel-good Friday, couple people. have kind of come into the stadium. Got. a West Virginia Mountaineer guy up here. Good to see him. Couple lads in the back. just got here. Uh I believe the AD was. here. Brady Quinn's here. He looks. unbelievable. Brady Quinn looks. unbelievable. I don't even know if we're.

allowed to show him because, you know, >> definitely don't. Yeah. >> Big rivalry situation. >> I mean, if we show him, I I would not. have a problem with it, but there's. potentially. >> I get it. There's a lot of stuff going. on. >> So weird. >> Hey, can you show Brady Quinn right. there? >> Okay, just here. Give him a thumbs up, Brady. >> Show Brady Quinn right there. I'm sorry. Let me cut to that. >> Oh, he's hiding. Oh, he Oh, no. He got a. woods. Oh, he's scared. Not allow. Not allowed. Not allowed. Not allowed. Not allowed.

Too handsome. Too handsome for the show. >> with Brady Quinn. Uh Pat, did you see. the new Notre Dame promo with Shane. Gills? >> Come back. Come back. Yes. Yes, I did. see that. Um I enjoy that his dad had a. major speaking role in that entire I. like that. Uh I like that dad's in there. and uh I like he's wearing Notre Dame. stuff. >> They also appreciate that. >> They also just put out um their uh. injury report for Sunday's game and he. is actually on the injury report. I. believe he is out. Uh and the reason.

they listed was tailgating. >> Like he's actually. >> he's on the injury report with real. players. I don't want to I don't want to give. anything away, but he was the guy that I. facetimed that was watching the. Catholics versus Convicts documentary. the other day. Yeah. >> And I'll tell you what, >> he did have a uh he is an athlete, too. He's no longer that offensive line size. He's slimmed down a little bit. He's. doing arenas now. He's doing arenas now. You know, he's got to be able to be. mobile. He's got to be active. ATTH. before Shane Gillis is how it's always.

supposed to be. And you know, whenever. he's taken a pass, people think this. guy's an absolute stud. But what he's. eager for is to see if this Notre Dame. team can get through week one. This is a. massive week one. The rest of their. schedule, if we've looked at it, it's. going to get real loud for the people. that don't like Notre Dame. >> Mhm. >> They're go people that don't like not. I'm not saying I'm one of those people. My name's Patrick McAfee. Okay. I love. when the Irish are fighting. >> Sure. >> I love it. Bang. >> Just like him. >> Bang. >> Lot of dogs. >> I do love that. I do love that. But if.

you look at their schedule, there's. going to be a lot of people in the Big. 10, in the SEC, and certainly the Big. 12, West Virginia's conference, that are. going to say, "Where's the where's the. where's the where's the schedule?" And. uh Notre Dame, obviously, it's not their. fault. They are in a great position with. how big their fans are. But this is a. big one, I think, for the old resume for. the rest of the season for Notre Dame. >> Yeah, you don't want to get behind. behind the eight-ball early on, but also. going back to that Shane Gillis. commercial, like how about Marcus. Freeman's performance? Great job.

There's not many college coaches that. could perform. It was long, too. That. wasn't just like a short thing like. that. That took some time to film. >> It was a full content piece. Yeah. >> Yeah. It was full content piece. It. wasn't just, you know, a 30-se secondond. commercial. Marcus Freeman, his hair is. growing in real strong. >> He looks good, man. Marcus looks uh he's. aging in reverse, too. Like, and I was. with him here at Ohio State. He was two. years younger than me. The guy looks. awesome. Looks like he's 25. I'm excited. to see Miamiy's Carson Beck le team down. there because obviously if Miami.

continues to run like they did last year. with Cam, maybe the Miami fan base is. back. Maybe the U is back. Maybe Gumpy. and the boys can get excited for the U. kind of coming into college football. relevancy again, pal. >> Yeah, I don't think this. >> Mike's of course. >> Of course. >> Dumpy, you want to come up here? You. should come up here. >> Wonder if there will be any fans. >> traveled. coming right here. Goop, >> there's going to be fans. Tone. >> Miami has a hard time filling that place. up. >> Very, very hard time. >> Bunch of bunch of no people go to that.

>> Yeah. >> Um Yeah, that especially take it as a. trip down to Florida. All right, let's. go get burnt in South Florida and watch. the boys play against Miami. Uh we'll. get after it again. It uh we're going to. run out of time, too, if you don't. >> We're going to need a sense of urgency. out of you, Gump. >> And how's the microphone's backwards? Dead backwards on that. >> That's good. You're good. >> Yeah, >> there it is. Dick tick tick tick tick. was up here. >> Ladies and gentlemen, that's Gumpy right. there. >> Don't sleep on Miami now.

>> Miami who? >> Hurricanes. >> Okay, we won't sleep on them. How's it. been over there in the sun? Pretty hot. >> Yeah, the uh my computer was actually. kind of crashed a few times. No. >> TV just crashed out actually here. >> It might be me. >> Yeah, there's people yelling back here. Uh. >> okay. I just drove 16 and a half hours. to watch Ohio State kick their ass. >> That came through a little bit. That was. awesome. >> It is an honor to be here. College. football week one kicks off in a huge.

way tomorrow. Three top 10 matchups. College game day. Coach Corso's final. headgear pick. We're lucky as hell to be. here. We'll be enjoying college football. and football being all the way back. Shout out to Buck D and Ryan, the camera. people here. Shout out to all the ESPN. people that set this up for us to be. live. Shout out to you boys back in uh. Indie for making this happen. And uh. football's all the way back. Let's. celebrate the [ __ ] out of that. We'll be. here for overreaction Monday. Let's. enjoy this greatest weekend of all time. Goodbye.

>> Feel like I really nailed it. Nailed it. Timing is. >> okay. Are you Speaking of the cameras, >> are these brand new like 16K cameras? Cuz this is the clearest you guys have. ever been. >> Yep. >> So I think this is the actual game day. camera set up. And also the lighting. The lighting is very good. Cuz remember, I think lighting is a big deal. You know. what else has been great? The audio. >> Yeah, >> the audio has been fantastic. And uh. >> yeah, this has really gone off without a. hitch. It feels like except for the. talkback, but we were able to work.

through all that. This was amazing. So, thank you everybody. >> Horns. >> Yeah, >> the bottom of the barrel of. >> Yeah, those did sound like shite the. entire time. >> Do you think that's like punishment? You. know how like football players have to. run? These guys have [ __ ] up their. notes so many times that they just got. to go sit in the top of the stadium and. blow their whole. >> like the wonder. >> Yeah. Is it I don't I I genuinely don't. know what was going on there. Uh they. couldn't have wanted that to be. >> they had to be tuning their instruments. is my guess.

>> Is it a music hall or something? >> You guys ever heard stadium tomorrow? You got to get your reps in. >> No. Now, Gumpy, now you're kind of. getting uh. >> Well, that's I'm used to that. You know, >> they did that over in Spain a few times. >> I tell you what, I don't know if I would. stand on a box if it was the option. >> Uh. >> I think that's almost worse. No, >> no, I'm with you. >> The chat is saying you're way too close. to a right now. >> Well, he moved over close to me. >> Oh, look at that. Wow. >> Door Dashump.

>> Door Dash. A new bud. >> Gumping his hawk. >> What's up, Harer? >> Win every week with Door Dash streak. Save up to 250 bucks this season when. you order on game days. Door Dash. bringing everything to you. That's good. new uh L wrap right there. I like that L. wrap. >> Whose hands? >> I like that. >> Is that the duck? >> Yeah. Is that the SC? >> You can kind of line your arm. >> Yeah, you're right. Gumpy, you can maybe.

got to get your arms down a little. lower. Yeah, you got lower sink down. There you go. Boom. >> Yeah, >> that's it. >> It is. >> Thank you for holding that pizza for our. friends at Thorad. What does it feel. like? >> It's a delicious piece of We moved it. We moved it. >> Get back in there. >> Get back. Get back. Get back to where we. were. >> Got it. >> There a little higher. A little higher. Arms got to go down a little higher. Higher. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Got it. >> Shout out to Gumpy and Door Dash. Shave. off that 250 bucks this season when you.

order on game day. >> Delicious piece of pie. >> That is right. We call it pizza in. America, but if you want a pizza pie in. your eye, Door Dash will deliver that. Tai, >> that's how Canadians hold pizza. >> Door Dash. >> All right. >> Want you to put it back on. It went with. the joke. >> I got lunch. >> I got to go to a lunchon that started. Uh. >> Oh, yeah. >> Grand entrance. >> What time? >> You're coming in with Tiddle, right?

>> Leading you in, right? you and all those. poopy uh trumpet players. They're the. ones leading you in. >> All right. Um it's been an honor to be. here. We are so thankful to be a part of. college football in a tiny way. Thank. you all so much for watching. Have the. greatest weekend of all time, boys. Great work. Way to battle through the. technical difficulties early in the. back. ZTO, I do believe we pushed it a. little bit close today. I think we. should have probably turned left uh. whenever we decided to turn right, but.

the fact that you decided to dive right. into it, I respect and appreciate that. That is what a ZTO production is. 1. minute and 30 seconds before we went. live, everything in my ear started. working and uh and in their ear. So like. that is great work, Z. Appreciate doing. that. >> Great work. And and the fact that you. said, "Yeah, I should attempt to do this. at the time in which you did." I was. alarmed, but it worked out. So, I. appreciate you doing that. And to. everybody that made this possible, you're the best. All right, have a great. weekend. Be a friend. Tell a friend. something nice. It might change their.

life. We're in this thing together. Team. on me. Team on three. 1 2 3. Goodbye.