The Solid Verbal

In this episode, we touch base with Ben Jones to make sense of the lofty expectations for Penn State football ahead of the 2025 season. Could this really be the top team in the country? Are fans being fair to Drew Allar? Who's to blame for the late of WR production? How will the addition of Jim Knowles impact the Nittany Lion defense? Did James Franklin get the monkey off his back by winning two CFP games? And will the construction at Beaver Stadium effect the home field environment in Happy Valley?A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcastPocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcastsPodcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addictCastBox:&nb

In this college football podcast episode, we touch base with Manny Navarro of The Athletic to discuss the trajectory of the Miami Hurricanes after three years under Mario Cristobal. What are expectations in 2025? Can the defense be fixed? What's the overall vision for the program? How will the offense look with Carson Beck instead of Cam Ward? And how close is the "U" to fully recapturing its old swagger?A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcastPocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcastsPodcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addictCastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castboxOur college football show is also available on YouTube.&n

After a two-year hiatus, we’re reviving one of our favorite concepts. In this episode, we pitch the future prospects of teams and players to our pool of sharks -- err, “Sarks” -- and make the case for why each is worth an emotional investment. Featuring special guest Sark: Andy Staples from On3, we pop the hood on North Carolina, Texas Tech, Wisconsin, Auburn and Florida State in addition to Carson Beck's situation at Miami and the beginning of the Dante Moore era at Oregon.Timecodes:0:00 - Sark Tank Intro6:02 – North Carolina14:04 – Texas Tech24:09 – Wisconsin36:41 – Carson Beck46:42 – Auburn55:32 – Dante Moore1:03:17 – Florida StateA fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/over

It's time for our monthly Q&A. In today's episode, we field questions from the Verballerhood about Nick Saban's role in saving college football from itself, the effect of NIL on "elite" teams, the prospect of a 9-game SEC schedule and a Group of Five playoff, how college football compares to international soccer, and the potential of birthing a good luck charm for your favorite team.00:00 - Intro02:20 - Exciting Things About the New Season15:54 - Watching Auburn with a Newborn21:34 - Nick Saban & the College Sports Commission35:53 - NIL-Induced parity43:05 - A Group of Five Playoff50:20 - College Football Fans vs. Soccer FansA fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overc

In this college football podcast episode, we're joined by Eddie Radosevich from SoonerScoop.com to get a sense for the vibes at Oklahoma ahead of the 2025 college football season. Is this the offseason when Brent Venables harnessed his inner cutthroat? What's to blame for the Sooners' lousy offense last season and how big an impact will John Mateer, Jaydn Ott and Ben Arbuckle have? And, after one year, is Oklahoma still happy it joined the SEC?(00:00) - IntroDan and Ty introduce the episode, setting the stage for a vibe check on Oklahoma football with Eddie Radosevich.(04:46) - Brent Venables’ Evolution and Coaching ChangesEddie discusses Venables’ growth as a head coach, the hiring of Ben Arbuckle, Jim Nagy’s GM role, and the defense coordinator shift, addressing fan concerns about his progress.(11:23) - Oklahoma’s New Offense: Mateer, Arbuckle, and OttEddie details the revamped offense with John Mateer, Ben Arbuckle’s system, Jaydn Ott’s addition, and young receivers like Zion Kearney, plus the offensive li

In this college football podcast episode, Dan is joined by ESPN’s Bill Connelly to dive into the mysterious world of college football luck—turnovers, close games, and injuries—that shaped 2024 and could define 2025. From Clemson’s run to Auburn’s bad breaks, Bill talks through the numbers and what they mean for teams ranging from Alabama to UCF. Plus, a deep dive into Clemson’s top-five potential, the chaotic state of the sport, and Bill’s upcoming book, Forward Progress. Plus, Bill’s Japan travel tips, from Kit Kats to Kyoto.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(02:05) - Luck in 2024 College Football: Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, and More(25:29) - Clemson’s 2025 Outlook: Top-Five Hype or Bust?(30:40) - Predictive Metrics and the Chaos of Modern CFB(31:47) - Bill’s Book: Forward Progress and CFB’s Future(42:29) - Is CFB Too Far Gone for Unity?(50:28) - Bill’s Japan Trip: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kit KatsKey Topics DiscussedDefining Luck in College Football: Explore Bill’s methodology for quantifying turnover luck, close-game

In this college football podcast episode, Michael Felder (Bleacher Report, Stadium, Substack, et al) joins the show to give his perspective of Bill Belichick's first few months as head coach at North Carolina. Felder, given his proximity to the UNC community as a former player and alum has thoughts on the hire itself, the current distractions involving the head coach's girlfriend Jordon Hudson, his CBS interview, and much more.A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcastPocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcastsPodcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addictCastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castboxOur college football show is also

Let's give knee-jerk reactions to Andy Staples' way-too-early, post-spring top 25. In this episode, we examine Andy's rankings and debate the case for Texas as the preseason No. 1 team, get a little to excited for Clemson, discuss the downside for Notre Dame and Penn State, try to make sense of Alabama and Georgia, and pick out some unranked sleepers. Who's too high, who's too low? Plus, some final thoughts on the 2025 NFL Draft a quick look at PFF's early big board for the season ahead.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro & Post NFL Draft Thoughts11:10 - Andy Staples' Way-Too-Early, Post-Spring Top 2553:19 - PFF's 2026 Big Board

Let's close out the week on a fun note with a game of college football trivia, henceforth known as JeoparDedeWestbrook. In this college football podcast episode, Dan realizes his eventual fate and plays an affable game show host asking Ty a series of increasingly esoteric questions about college football and, eventually, the lore of the podcast itself. Then, Ty flips the script and tests Dan's acumen at naming player alma maters. A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcastPocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcastsPodcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addictCastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castboxOur college football show

Let's dive into the wild world of college football’s transfer portal with Pete Nakos, On3’s transfer portal reporter extraordinaire. In this college football podcast episode, Pete pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes drama of the Nico Iamaleava saga, the constant bartering behind the scenes, and the evolving landscape of NIL and roster management. From coaches reclaiming power to the stress on players and parents, Pete shares insider insights on how the portal is reshaping the sport and much more.TIMESTAMPS(0:00) - Intro(14:45) - Pete Nakos Interview

It's time for our annual NFL Draft preview! In this college football podcast episode, we welcome back Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports for an in-depth look at this year's class. Can Cam Ward's "jazz player" style translate to the pros? Where do Shedeur Sanders and Riley Leonard fit in this QB class? What trends are emerging while evaluating college tape? Who are Nate's pet players, and who are the "Purple Chips" in this year's Draft. Plus, Ty looks for advice for the New York Giants and Dan debuts "The Shania Line."

In this episode, we tackle the breaking news of Nico Iamaleava transferring from Tennessee after an (alleged) failed NIL renegotiation. Now, Nico’s looking for a new home, and the Vols are suddenly in the market for a quarterback ahead of the 2025 season. We break down what went wrong, where he might land, and whether Tennessee could turn its sights toward a Big 12 starter.Later, John Kurtz from The John Kurtz Show and the Open For Business newsletter joins the show to preview Kansas State’s 2024 season, the development of quarterback Avery Johnson, and share broader thoughts on how the Big 12 fits into an increasingly chaotic college football landscape.A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.

Join us for an electrifying conversation with Jason Benetti, the uber talented Fox Sports college football broadcaster and voice of the Detroit Tigers. In this college football podcast episode, Jason takes us behind the scenes of his career, from calling the quirky ESPN Ocho events to mastering the art of CFB play-by-play. We discuss how he builds chemistry with analysts, navigates the chaos of live broadcasts, and finds the perfect balance between preparation and in-the-moment storytelling. Take a peek behind the curtain as Jason takes us inside the world of college football broadcasting, two-minute "timeouts", covered bridges in Oregon, Sean McDonough impressions, and what broadcasting has in common with comedy.Key Topics DiscussedJason Benetti’s Broadcasting Career: Follow Jason’s journey from quirky ESPN Ocho events to his role as a top-tier Fox Sports broadcaster and Detroit Tigers voice.Mastering College Football Play-by-Play: Learn how Jason perfects the art of calling fast-paced college football games

It's time for our April Q&A, driven by your questions. In this episode, we wonder when college football becomes too much like the NFL? What does Arch Manning need to accomplish to live up to the hype? How does the Bryce Underwood Hype Train compare to others? Who were the biggest losers with the new playoff format? What's your ideal overtime format? Which two coaches would you want with you on a deserted island? And, most importantly, do you consider mermaids to be humans or fish?A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcastPocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcastsPodcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addictCastBox: https://play

How close is USC football to turning the corner? In this episode, we welcome back USCFootball.com's Ryan Abraham to break down the Trojans’ transition into the Big Ten, why Lincoln Riley’s offense faltered in 2024, and whether the defensive gains under D'Anton Lynn are real or illusion. We dive into the quarterback situation, the evolving recruiting strategy under Chad Bowden, and the vibes around the program heading into a crucial 2025 season.A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:Apple Podcasts: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcastPocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcastsPodcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addictCastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castboxOur college footb

No April Fools' Day around these parts! We're back with latest news around college football, as Stanford has a new (interim) coach, Deion Sanders has a new contract, Coastal Carolina has a new concessions policy, and spring football has to wait another year to fully plunge into intersquad scrimmages. Plus, some early QB rumors at places like Michigan, Oklahoma and Alabama.Key Topics Discussed:Stanford’s Coaching Carousel: Troy Taylor’s firing after allegations of misconduct leaves Stanford in flux, with GM Andrew Luck appointing Frank Reich as interim coach. We unpack the unique power structure at Stanford and what it means for recruiting and rebuilding the program.Deion Sanders’ Colorado Cash-In: Coach Prime secures a five-year, $54 million extension, making him the fourth highest-paid coach in college football. We debate whether Colorado’s portal-heavy strategy is working and if it can sustain success post-Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders.Spring Game Shenanigans: The NCAA shuts down Deion Sanders’ and Fran

Dan’s soaking up the California sun, so Ty’s flying solo with Extra Points’ Matt Brown to unpack the wild business side of college football. From the House settlement’s $20M payouts to EA Sports’ CFB 25 windfall and Matt's adventure sponsoring the Extra Points Bowl, they dive into the cash, chaos, and novelty jackets (hopefully) shaping the sport. Plus, what's the next big asteroid headed towards college sports?Key Topics Discussed:House settlement unleashed: Schools can now shell out $20 million to athletes—Matt breaks down how it’s not quite revenue sharing and what it means for rosters.Rise of the College GM: From NFL vets to Excel wizards, schools scramble to master roster chaos, while some, like Kirby Smart, aren't sold on the idea.EA Sports’ windfall: College Football 25 crushed sales, boosted smaller schools, and sparked sequel hype.Extra Points Bowl: Matt’s D3 bowl saga—blue jackets, teary dads, and a trophy too small but full of heart.Asteroids ahead: Employee status and higher ed funding cuts—Ted Cr

The upset bracket showdown concludes! In Part 2, we dive into the wildest college football upsets of 2022 and 2023, from Marshall’s stunning takedown of Notre Dame to Colorado’s shocker over TCU in Deion's first game. We then debate the Final Four, crowning the ultimate chaos king of the last four seasons. Packed with rivalry drama, Cinderella stories, and cottage cheese metaphors, this episode is your March Madness fix for college football fans. Who’s your champ? Let us know!Chapters:0:00 - Intro4:03 - 2023 Region30:36 - 2022 Region1:01:58 - Final FourKey Topics Discussed:Marshall stuns Notre Dame (2022): A Sun Belt squad invades South Bend, topples the Irish, and sparks Marcus Freeman doubts—complete with a viral Ty rant.Colorado shocks TCU (2023): Deion Sanders’ debut ignites a media firestorm as the Buffs outgun the national runners-up in a Week 1 shootout.App State humbles Texas A&M (2022): A G5 giant slays a loaded Aggies rost in Kyle Field, in a game that helped lead to Jimbo Fisher's ouster a year

Let's take a stroll down memory lane and discuss some of the wildest upsets over the last few seasons! In Part 1 of this two-part episode, and in honor of March Madness, we unveil our Upset Bracket, pitting the biggest stunners from 2024 and 2021 against each other. From Michigan’s improbable triumph over Ohio State to Kansas’ overtime insanity against Texas, we break down the chaos, the stakes, and the moments that left fans speechless. Which upsets should be in our Final Four?Key Topics:Michigan’s 2024 upset over Ohio State: How a limited Wolverines squad stunned the eventual national champs in Columbus, with a huge point spread and a Sicario-inspired vibe.Kansas’ 2021 OT thriller vs. Texas: A 57-point explosion from a 2-10 Jayhawks team that humiliated the Longhorns in Austin—third-string QB heroics included!Vandy’s historic takedown of #1 Alabama in 2024: Diego Pavia and the Commodores rewrite 40 years of history, complete with goalpost-tossing madness.Northern Illinois stuns Notre Dame in 2024: A MAC tea

In this college football podcast episode, we dig into a very specific list of ailments for 10 college football teams. From Illinois’ third-down struggles to USC’s late-game woes, we diagnose teams’ glaring issues from 2024—including Wisconsin’s explosiveness, Colorado’s run game, Air Force’s slip—and their 2025 cures.0:00 - Intro6:11 - Illinois13:14 - Wisconsin20:12 - Colorado25:41 - Kansas State30:57 - Arkansas34:23 - Texas Tech41:59 - USC49:35 - Virginia Tech55:52 - Wake Forest58:04 - Air Force**Key Topics Discussed**Illinois’ Third-Down BluesIllinois shined in 2024, but abysmal third-down defense (100s nationally) left wins on the table—new DL transfers from Wisconsin aim to boost havoc and get off the field.Wisconsin’s Explosion DeficitWisconsin’s offense fizzled (bottom 5 in explosiveness)—injuries (Tyler Van Dyke) and a mismatch with Phil Longo sank chunk plays; Jeff Grimes and Billy Edwards Jr could provide a spark.Colorado’s Run Game RiddleColorado leaned on Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter and a good c