ESPN College Football Analyst Greg McElroy

19 Aug 2025 · 54 min · 26 chapters

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In short

The Rich Eisen Show episode centers on NFL and college football outlooks, with a major focus on quarterback jobs and season expectations. It discusses the Colts naming Daniel Jones the starting quarterback for the entire season, arguing the move is a safety plan for Anthony Richardson’s health/readiness concerns.

Key claims

Jones gives Indianapolis a defined role and reduces the risk of Richardson needing to play before he’s ready; the Colts’ early schedule includes many home/dome games, creating an environment to succeed.

Notable examples

the Colts’ Week 1 home opener vs Miami; Richardson’s limited NFL snaps and injury history; comparisons to Bryce Young’s unexpected bounce-back as a starter. Guest Greg McElroy (ESPN college football analyst) then previews Ohio State’s new starter (Julian “Arch”/Keenholz competition resolved in fall camp), praising decision-making as the main question and highlighting Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs. He also projects 15 teams that could win the national title, and names Arch Manning as Heisman front-runner.

Guests

Greg McElroy; Trevor Baptiste (New York Atlas face-off specialist); Andy Holloway (Fantasy Footballers co-host); Rod Woodson (Pro Football Hall of Famer).

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

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Rich's ESPN Debut Reaction

0:01 to 0:30

Rich shares his experience and reactions from his first ESPN hosting gig in 22 years.

“You know back to school is coming in fast.”

Rich's ESPN Debut Reaction

0:33 to 0:56

Rich shares his experience and reactions from his first ESPN hosting gig in 22 years.

“You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome?”

Rich's ESPN Debut Reaction

1:36 to 2:10

Rich shares his experience and reactions from his first ESPN hosting gig in 22 years.

“Everybody live on the Roku Sports Channel, live on this Rich Eisen Show, terrestrial radio affiliate.”

Discussion on Daniel Jones

2:10 to 3:19

Analysis of the Colts' decision to hire Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback.

“I got lots of fun stuff from last night.”

Colts' Expectations for Daniel Jones

3:19 to 4:19

Exploring what Daniel Jones needs to succeed as the starter for the Colts.

“I mean, there's all the things I like to do.”

Daniel Jones vs. Anthony Richardson

4:19 to 6:16

Comparison of Daniel Jones' situation with that of rookie Anthony Richardson.

“I'm sure they didn't say that because they don't know how Anthony Richardson was going to show up and show out.”

NFL Environment for Daniel Jones

6:16 to 8:12

Discussion on how playing in Indianapolis will differ for Daniel Jones compared to New York.

“Can you hear the howling laughter of Giants fans all the way from New Jersey?”

Anthony Richardson's Development

8:12 to 10:30

Examination of how Anthony Richardson's growth as a player is impacted by Daniel Jones' starting role.

“daniel jones daniel jones if something happens isn't gonna hear about it on the fan might hear from it from a fan you know might hear from it if he's walking past St.”

Future Outlook for Richardson

10:30 to 14:00

Speculation on Anthony Richardson's future in the NFL and potential paths forward.

“will Steichen turn to Anthony Richardson?”

NFL Quarterback Dynamics and Strategy

14:00 to 17:31

Explore the evolving roles and strategies of NFL quarterbacks as the season approaches.

“He actually finished strong last season, and he's going to be starting this year with a lot more confidence.”
Show all 26 chapters

Fantasy Football Strategy Discussion

18:31 to 20:48

Insights on drafting strategies and the dynamics of fantasy football leagues.

“raising more than$303 million and supporting over 40 ,000 children.”

Ohio State's New Quarterback

20:48 to 23:04

An analysis of Ohio State's new quarterback and the team's preparation for the upcoming season.

“It has been some time since we've had you on.”

Ohio State's Defensive Strength

23:04 to 24:47

Discussion on Ohio State's defensive capabilities and their key players for the season.

“That also includes a new defensive coordinator as well.”

Expectations for Arch Manning

24:47 to 26:57

A conversation about the high expectations surrounding college football quarterback Arch Manning.

“And Greg, this is rare for me to call time out in the middle of an interview because I'm a little confused.”

Predictions for College Football Playoffs

26:57 to 28:00

Identifying potential teams that could make it to the college football playoffs this year.

“I've got Greg McElroy here on the Rich Eisen Show.”

Analyzing the Potential National Championship Teams

28:00 to 31:20

Explore the 15 teams with potential to win the national championship this year and the reasons behind their chances.

“I actually genuinely believe, I think there are 15 teams that could legitimately win the national championship this year.”

Michigan's Playoff Chances and Quarterback Concerns

31:20 to 34:40

Discuss Michigan's prospects in the playoffs and the impact of their young quarterback on their success.

“You told me numbers, even though you just basically said, you know, you have trouble with numbers.”

Heisman Predictions and Fantasy Football Tips

34:40 to 39:30

Insights on the Heisman race this season and advice on fantasy football defenses.

“I just want to know who to draft in the seventh round.”

Belichick's New Role and College Football Predictions

39:30 to 41:00

Discuss Bill Belichick's prospects with North Carolina and predictions for the upcoming college football season.

“That's Greg McElroy here on the Rich Eisen Show.”

Belichick's New Role and College Football Predictions

41:30 to 42:00

Discuss Bill Belichick's prospects with North Carolina and predictions for the upcoming college football season.

“As you know, managing maintenance, repair, and operations is never easy.”

Reflections on Don Draper

42:00 to 43:39

The hosts discuss the character Don Draper from Mad Men and his potential fate.

“Where is Don Draper right now, do you think?”

Filming at Fenway Park

43:40 to 45:23

Insights into the challenges and experiences of filming a movie in Boston.

“The great thing about shooting in Boston and playing a cop is that they all hated me.”

Analyzing Joe Burrow's Performance

45:24 to 48:28

Discussion on Joe Burrow's potential and the Bengals' struggles in the NFL.

“Around five, six tonight, he should finally be done.”

Concerns About the Bengals Season

48:29 to 50:27

The hosts express concerns over the Bengals' season strategies and player contracts.

“And all I thought to myself was, Here we go again.”

Discussion on Team Dynamics and Player Contracts

50:28 to 53:39

The hosts delve into player contracts and their implications for team performance.

“He got a horse-collar tackle down to the ground.”

Discussion on Team Dynamics and Player Contracts

53:40 to 53:51

The hosts delve into player contracts and their implications for team performance.

“I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00Hey Chicago, class it up with Crocs. You know back to school is coming in fast. So why wait to find your new fave footwear? Step into a local Crocs store and step into your new look. Try it. Style it. Make it yours. Because the right pair doesn't just show up, it shows off. First day fits, handled. Walk out ready for whatever's next. Visit your nearest Crocs store today.

0:30Rich Eisen:This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome? That's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required, compatibility and availability varies 18+. 3, 2, 1. Welcome to SportsCenter, alongside all of you. This is the Rich Eisen Show. It's time for the Beast Quake.

1:08Rich Eisen:Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. Joe Flacco is going to be the starter. I think we knew that. Today's guests. ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy. New York Atlas face-off specialist Trevor Baptiste. Co-host of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, Andy Holloway. Pro Football Hall of Famer, Rod Woodson. And now, it's Rich Eisen. Oh yeah, welcome to this edition of the Rich Eisen Show. Everybody live on the Roku Sports Channel, live on this Rich Eisen Show, terrestrial radio affiliate. Smart enough to have us on the Infinity Sports Network. Also, say hello to everybody out there in Sirius XM and Odyssey Land as well.

1:52Rich Eisen:844-204-RICH is the number to dial. Let's have a chat. But my gosh, the reaction. My phone does not stop blowing up based on the sports center that I hosted last night for the first time in 22 years on ESPN after Monday Night Football between the Bengals and the Commanders. We'll talk about it later. I got lots of fun stuff from last night. Lots of stories to tell. Lots of new colleagues of mine at ESPN who deserve a lot of kudos for pulling it off last night. And so just in general, I thank everybody for some of the feedback that I've already heard. Good to see you over there, Chris Brockman.

2:31Rich Eisen:How are you? Standing ovation. Thank you. Oh, look at you, man. All right. Stand up. Okay. Thank you. It was so sick. Thank you. And a sign that our nation is healing and will be healed in the future. Okay. Not too big. Not to make it bigger than it is, but we're back. We'll talk about it later. It's the truth, man. That was amazing. Thank you. It was rich. Thank you. It took me back. It was amazing. Awesome. I mean that, man. Thank you. I appreciate that. Great stuff, dude. TJ, good. Thank you. Good to see you, TJ Jefferson. How are you? Well, I'm great because I count your successes as our successes.

3:05Sure. Much like Spacola's pizza with Mr. Han was not just Jeff's. It was our pizza. Gentlemen, great job last night. Good job, TJ. You crushed it. We did. Thank you.

3:16Rich Eisen:And I agree. I agree. We're a team. It was awesome. It was awesome watching you. It was awesome. Thanks. The flashbacks and everything, man. great thank you i appreciate you saying that uh top of hour two let's dig into it a little bit more and i appreciate you wanting to hit that right now um but there's lots of sports going on in the world um and uh an opportunity you listen i i could talk about you know the sports center i did last night but to start the show it would cause me to turn down a chance to say i You told yourself. Oh, geez. And we know you love that. I mean, there's all the things I like to do.

3:56Rich Eisen:You know? Kind of like to tell you told yourself. When the Colts hired Daniel Jones, and Daniel Jones turned down other opportunities to go to the Indianapolis Colts, these things happen for a reason. I'm not saying the Colts told Daniel Jones, you sign here, you're the starting quarterback. Okay? can't say that, won't say that. I'm sure they didn't say that because they don't know how Anthony Richardson was going to show up and show out. They didn't know, but they definitely knew Anthony Richardson needed somebody there. And they also definitely knew they needed somebody there in case Anthony Richardson still was unready or unhealthy.

4:46Rich Eisen:And they hired Daniel Jones. And today, they named him the starting quarterback and not just for week one. Shane Steichen named Daniel Jones the Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback for the season. And it's not going to be, hey, Daniel, go on out there and take on the Miami Dolphins in week one in Indianapolis in Lucas Oil where we're putting Jim Ursa's name in the ring of honor and the whole place is going to be going absolutely ape.

5:27And good luck

5:29Rich Eisen:and keep looking over your shoulder for number five because we did draft him top five and we're very concerned about our futures here and if this doesn't work out with the kid, we're screwed. So you got only a couple games to figure it out. No, Shane Steichen has come out and he has said, Daniel Jones is the starting quarterback for the entire year. Just don't take my word for it. We have the soundbite. Okay. So how long will he show Jones out? Look, he's our starting quarterback for the season. You know, I don't want to have a quick leash on that. I feel confident in his abilities. There you go.

6:12Rich Eisen:There you go. Now, I understand. If you hear, like, if you want to, if you want, just take a minute. And I know this is not great for radio. Silence is bad. No. Not good. Just take a listen. Can you hear the howling laughter of Giants fans all the way from New Jersey? That said, Daniel Jones has a massive opportunity here. Daniel Jones has a massive opportunity and a massive amount of talent. Don't laugh. Don't laugh. Because Vikings fans weren't laughing that one day when they thought, we got Kirk Cousins and we got a home playoff game. And wait a minute, when did Colin Kaepernick show up here?

7:01Rich Eisen:Because that's what and who Daniel Jones looked like. That's what he channeled on that day where every pass was a rocket and every run was him running damn near 25 miles an hour, ticketed in a 20-mile-an-hour zone. And he made Saquon better. You heard what I said. The problem is is that was one day. And the problem for the Giants is that one day occurred when they had a decision to make on who to sign long-term and who to franchise tag, and we all know yada, yada, yada. Saquon has a 2 ,000-yard season and a trophy in the case of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Daniel Jones is now getting a new start on his quarterback life in Indianapolis, where, again, being an expert in the New York City area, having grown up there in Staten Island, New York, which, as you know, Mike, is attached to your home state by no fewer than three bridges in New Jersey.

8:03Rich Eisen:an expert in that area and having spent 20 uh winter slash spring weekends in indianapolis and you know uh i've been around that town i've been there uh that's not the new york market no daniel jones daniel jones if something happens isn't gonna hear about it on the fan might hear from it from a fan you know might hear from it if he's walking past St. Elmo's from a fan Cafe Patichu where Pat McAfee has a free meal for me anytime he wants and he knows it it's going to be different and it's going to be chill and it's going to be Daniel Jones with Jonathan Taylor behind him and Tyler Warren over there and Freeman and Pierce and Downs and Shane Steichen with an ability to coach it up.

9:05Rich Eisen:Crazier things have happened in the NFL than Daniel Jones hitting it in Indianapolis. And he can. Now, Willie, front row seat to that. You got the Colts scheduled? Oh, why not? I'm not going to play the win-loss game. But I'm telling you, that home date against Miami, it's going to be lit in there. Jim Ursa is going into their ring of honor. Then they're home for Denver. At Tennessee, at the Rams, home for Vegas, home for Arizona. Four of their first six games are at home. Five of their first six games are in a dome. Daniel Jones, zero elements. I know it's September and October. Nothing going on.

9:53Rich Eisen:At the Chargers, another dome game. Home for the Titans, another dome game. This is going to be the type of stuff where you can control your environment.

10:05Rich Eisen:I'm telling you, folks, there's an opportunity here for the Colts and Daniel Jones. Now, Anthony Richardson, he's going to have to sit, and he's going to have to learn, and he's going to have to sit, and he's going to have to learn. And if Daniel Jones gets hurt, he'll be in there. because if Jones does start doing stuff that caused Brian Dayball to lose the remaining hairs on his head, will Steichen turn to Anthony Richardson? Will that leash get tighter? I mean, you're going to have to wonder. Certainly if it is one of those moments where let's see what Richardson's learned in the first half of the season and we can turn it around with the kid and he can do all of those incredibly athletic things more than Daniel Jones, and then the job can get saved there because we're assuming Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard's gigs, this is a very important year for them.

11:03Rich Eisen:I knew it. I just knew it. The minute Daniel Jones is like, you know what? I'm not going to stick around Minnesota with the coach of the year who's a quarterback whisperer because there's a kid here that they're definitely going to start. I'm going to go to Indianapolis and go to a spot where there's a kid there who I can beat out, and they're looking to maybe get out from under. That's the way it felt to me. And now he's a starter there. Now then. Can I ask you a question? Yes, sir. With the fifth pick, they take Anthony Richardson. That's happened, yes. Can confirm. He's had 348 snaps in his career, which isn't a lot.

11:43Rich Eisen:And he didn't have a lot in Florida either. Yeah, so how's this helping him? because he can't handle it. He can't stay healthy. He can't handle it. Listen, I know he had a nice run at it in the second preseason start. After all that time, remember we were talking about with Hawk, Anthony Hawkins here? All that time sitting around. Oh, Andrew Hawkins. Yeah, Andrew Hawkins here, right? About the lights coming off. David Achabo standing there, and he didn't see it. And he got blown up. And it's like, dude, this is the sort of stuff you should get past. But there's a lot of stuff that went down there.

12:19Rich Eisen:I don't know what, they clearly wanted Daniel Jones there for a reason. And it wasn't just to have, and plus, you do have to look at this. In New York for the Giants, starting Russell Wilson, moving to Jackson Dart, much easier than the other way around, if necessary. Okay? Got to figure that out. Right? Starting Joe Flacco and going with some of the rookies, much easier than the other way around. Right? in Indianapolis, starting Daniel Jones and going, okay, it's Anthony Richardson's time right now. Much easier than Anthony, we're giving you one last shot. One last shot. Now you're done. I don't know.

13:03Rich Eisen:That's got to be part of the thought process. But down the line, he's asking the question, how's this going to help Anthony Richardson? He's not ready. They don't have the confidence in him. They have more confidence in Daniel Jones than Anthony Richardson. It feels like his Colts career is over. He's going to have to go the way of Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield and a few of these other top draft picks who have kind of bounced around. Zach Wilson's on now, his third team. It's like whatever. It looks like that's the case. It's trending in that direction. But I don't think anybody, if I may, say anything as definitive as that about a quarterback anymore after what happened with Bryce Young.

13:49Rich Eisen:Bryce Young, last year, new coach. He's been the only one. I know it's very rare that he just gets flat out benched. Here's Andy Dalton, everybody. And then he comes back, and he actually is better. He actually did learn. He actually needed that sabbatical. He actually has turned things around. He actually finished strong last season, and he's going to be starting this year with a lot more confidence. Maybe that's the plan for Anthony Richardson. We thought Bryce Young was toast, and that he should ask to get out. There's no reason for him to stay in Carolina. What's the point of it? There's no future for him.

14:27Rich Eisen:And yet, he's the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers this year, without question, and a nice head of steam. into the season. Maybe that's the way things work for Anthony Richardson at the end of the day. But at the moment, Shane Steichen's got to say he's the starter for the entire season. And if he goes to Anthony Richardson because of ineffectiveness or Daniel Jones pulls some of the stuff in New Jersey, in Indianapolis, and he pulled a New Jersey that caused the Giants to just flat out cut him and say, we're done. We don't want to see you anymore. If that happens, then he moves to Richardson and like, well, you said back on August 19th that it was for the season.

15:11Rich Eisen:What happened? Things change. What's next? Richardson wins three games in a row and suddenly Shane Steikens like coach of the immaterial. This is the sort of stuff that can happen in the NFL. He's got to say what he said right now so Jones doesn't look over his shoulder and Richardson understands what his role is. And that's that. Clearly defined roles and a plan. You go into the plan And sometimes you can't really plan until you get hit in the mouth or something like that. Is that a phrase? Everybody's got a plan. Until they get hit in the mouth. And they might get punched in the mouth, and that may happen, and the plans change.

15:44Rich Eisen:I get it. But this makes sense to me. 844-204-RICH. Number to dial. We'll talk about what the Bengals and the Commanders looked like last night and what to take into the season on that front. Rod Woodson, who covers the Ravens, our buddy, will join us top of hour number three. I guess, Chris, we're in the fantasy footballers league. Oh, well, the fact that we're having Andy on, I would say yes. Still haven't heard back from anyone via email. I guess we'll ask Andy Holloway when he joins us. Yeah, we'll just come through the front door. I mean, he said yes to coming on the program and giving us some fantasy football advice.

16:25Rich Eisen:That's a really good sign, I think, that we're in the... I mean, we're the champions. Right. Unless he wants to break it to you. Honestly, it would be akin to the NFL kicking the Eagles out. Personally, I wouldn't mind that myself. That's just me, though. I'm okay with it. I don't understand why you're saying that, TJ. They're the champions of the national football. You don't just kick the champions out because they kicked everyone's ass. I could do without them. So I'll ask Andy later. Sure. And maybe get some fancy advice for our fans. Well, yeah, we're in the middle. Our best ball league draft has started.

16:52Rich Eisen:In the middle of the night. Because I finally picked up on that. So Joel Ochoa. Paul Rudd's on the clock. We're waiting on him. Oh, is he really? Oh, yeah. Good to know. Trevor Baptiste will join the program from New York Atlas. PLL Action in our number two. Love it. And then there's you at 844-204-RICH being the number to dial here on the program. Greg McElroy is going to join us next. Got to know about this new Ohio State quarterback who's just been named to be taken on Arch on August 30th. Greg McElroy from ESPN coming up next.

17:28Rich Eisen:Rich Eisen here with some advice. If high interest credit card debt is grinding you down, it might be time to call an audible with a SoFi personal loan. It consolidates your debt into one low monthly payment with no fees required. And with as soon as the same day funding, you can make the right play fast. Call an audible on your debt today at SoFi.com slash debt play. Loans originated by SoFi Bank N.A. member FDIC terms and conditions apply NMLS 696891 fast funds terms apply at sofi.com slash debt play O 'Reilly Auto Parts gets you back to savings buy five quarts of Syntec full synthetic motor oil and get a free micro guard select oil filter limits apply save 20 on a micro guard or micro guard select engine air filter when purchased with this Syntec special Rich Eisen here we talk a lot about battles in sports teams battling through adversity athletes fighting for every yard.

18:20Rich Eisen:The toughest warriors I've ever seen, though, aren't on the field. They're kids fighting cancer. They're families standing beside them. Doctors, nurses, caregivers. That's why I'm proud to support Hyundai Hope on Wheels. For over 28 years, they've helped fund pediatric cancer research, raising more than$303 million and supporting over 40 ,000 children. Learn more and donate at HyundaiUSA.com backslash Hope on Wheels. Paul Rudd just took Chase Brown during the commercial break. Damn it. See, he's been watching the show, and he wouldn't have taken him, but you kept mentioning it. Again, best ball is – And Tyree Kill back-to-back.

18:54Rich Eisen:But have you got Tyree Kill 25th overall in our world? Correct. Has Tyree Kill really fallen down in that regard? Kind of. It's still second round. Well, I mean, I – Best respect is real. Best ball, again, is you choose, and it doesn't matter if they're hurt. They're just the team. That's it for the rest of the year. Yeah, it's whatever. So this week has no trades, no pickups, no nothing. Whoever you draft, that's your team. And then you don't have to set a lineup. It just automatically puts your highest score in. Right. And the minute that everybody is in, the draft starts. And it's eight hours per pick.

19:30Rich Eisen:Eight-hour time. Which is absurd. The draft takes like five days. But because I was in Europe and the site that they use doesn't allow international. So I couldn't join. And apparently Rudd is telling Latrulio, saying, have somebody, you know, like you should have somebody in the States do it for you so we can start. And I'm like, what are we starting before the end of the preseason anyway? Yeah. What are we doing? I don't know. The draft takes a week. It's ridiculous. I don't know. It's the eight-hour thing. The Brock Winds are bad. And we all know Ham is the one who takes the longest. Ham usually takes the full time.

20:06Rich Eisen:Eight hours. Hey, that's insane. Well, it's just because sometimes you don't like, we'll text each other, hey, you're up. Hey, you're up. I made our pick last night at like 12.30 in the morning. So who did you guys take for your first two? We had the 10th pick. We took Derrick Henry. And then on the way back, Kyron Williams. We went running back. Yeah. I went Puka first up. And then on pick two, I took Bucky Irving. I chose Bucky Irving over Jonathan Taylor and Josh Jacobs. I figured, let's go. Bucky, the upside on Bucky is huge. Huge. That's why I chose him. Okay. Okay. Okay. Greg McElroy from ESPN back here on the Rich Eyes of Jerry.

20:48Rich Eisen:It has been some time since we've had you on. How are you doing, Greg? What's going on? Good to be with you, Rich. I like that you're already giving us some sleepers to be thinking about here come fantasy football season. Like, that was what I needed. I hadn't been thinking Bucky Irving early, but now. You have to. I might be front of mind. Well, Greg, I also. It's talking about fantasy football is like talking about your poker hand. And everybody's had bad beats. You know what I mean? But the bottom line, though, is we don't know what the hell we're doing. It's all a dart throw. You know that, right?

21:18Well, don't allow me to walk you through my 87 that I shot on Sunday either because nobody wants to hear about that either. You know what I mean? So that's kind of where we're at. Fantasy football, your golf round, your poker hand, all those things fall into the same umbrella. We don't need to worry about it. Just keep it to yourself. Nobody wants to hear about it, right?

21:35Rich Eisen:I like it. Greg McIlroy, let's jump in. And August 30th, as big as a start to the college football season, as anybody can remember, Texas versus the Ohio State. The Ohio State has just named a new starting quarterback. Tell me about this individual, please, Greg McElroy. Well, Julian's saying is he started his career at Alabama. Nick Saban retires. He transfers to Ohio State. He's had ridiculous pedigree. Really, really talented young man. Throws a beautiful football. the big question with Ohio State is really about decision making. They have such good players, such good personnel, really all over the field.

22:12A running back, wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith's the best player, pound for pound in college football by a mile at wide receiver. They have a really good foundational center along the offensive line. They just need a guy that's not going to turn it over because they are breaking in a few new pieces on defense. They're going with the redshirt freshman. That, I think, was the biggest holdup in what took so long because Julian Sands is maybe trying a few things early in camp that he probably shouldn't have been trying. And when you have Texas week one, you don't have the luxury of kind of learning on the job.

22:41You've got to be ready to roll week one. But it sounds like in the last seven days, he's kind of separated himself from Lincoln Keenholz, who was a junior, been in the system for a while. And he now has the highest ceiling by a mile of those that were involved in the quarterback competition. So it sounds like they're kind of banking on the future, but the fact that he won the job outright in fall camp might have you feeling pretty confident about what he might be able to do to Texas.

23:01Rich Eisen:New parts on defense for the Buckeyes, the defending national champions. That also includes a new defensive coordinator as well. It's good that they have potentially the best player in college football on that side of the ball and Caleb Downs, who I think we're going to hear his name quite quickly next April in Pittsburgh. What about that side of the ball for Ohio State, Greg? It should be really good. I mean, they bring in an experienced defensive coordinator that has coached at all levels of Matt Patricia. A guy's got a ton of experience. He obviously has been a head coach at the NFL level and has been with Belichick, understands tendencies, and he's got great personnel.

23:36They've recruited so well, Rich, that it's even though there's a huge drop off in returning production, they have superstars at certain places. They have a superstar that you referenced in Caleb Downs, who, while he might not make your fantasy draft next year as a defensive back, probably a guy that if he played offense, he might be the best player on the field if he played offense. He's just that talented. They have great linebacker play, and they have a very disruptive defensive front, but they're going to be young. And when you are going with a lot of young players, relatively speaking, you're probably going to have a few mistakes.

24:09Now, with young players, you have high highs, you have low lows. We've seen it in the NFL. We've seen it in college. We've seen it in high school. It doesn't matter. You just can't allow those lows to get you beat. And while they might run into a hard game against Texas, who does have a lot of returning production, they still, I think, down the road will be playing their best football in November, in December when it really matters. And with where we've gone from a playoff format, we're now getting to the point where it doesn't really matter how well-oiled you are as a machine in September. But if you're cooking with gas in November, December, January, and you're peaking at the right time, those are the teams that will win the national championship like Ohio State did a year ago.

Read the full transcript

24:47Rich Eisen:Okay. And Greg, this is rare for me to call time out in the middle of an interview because I'm a little confused. Matt, Matt, Patricia, Chris, he's the new defensive coordinator at Ohio State. Isn't he an offensive coach though? Oh, Yeah. Once upon a time, he was an offensive coordinator. Like a quarterback coach, right? Yeah. I think he was actually the offensive coordinator. Where was that? That was for the Patriots. Sorry, Greg, we're back here on the Rich Eyes Show with Greg McIlroy. Your expectation level for Arch Manning is what, Greg? All of our expectation level is through the roof. It's probably unfair, Rich.

25:24You followed the Manning family for as long as you can remember, I would imagine. My favorite player of all time is Peyton Manning. It doesn't matter what Mahomes does from this point forward, Peyton will always be number one. And for me, I have just kind of long expected Arch to be the next guy up in the lineage that is the Manning family. And it's a little unfair because this is a young man that is still going to be starting his first game against quality competition on the 30th of August. We've seen him play two teams. Well, start against two teams. That was Mississippi State last year. They had the 126th ranked defense in the country and against Louisiana Monroe.

26:05He also got ample amounts of time against UT San Antonio. So we've never really seen him play against the top tier competition in a significant role in meaningful snaps. Now, he's had situations where he's been utilized with quarterback run and things like that, and he's really athletic. That's what I don't think a lot of people realize with Arch. He's one of the more athletic quarterbacks in the entire SEC. But our expectation level is for him to walk away with the Heisman Trophy. He's just 6-1 right now from an odd standpoint to take home the Heisman. For a guy that's only started two games in his career and against lower-level competition, that's absurd.

26:38And while the name and the recognition and the hopes are really high, there might be some growing pains early in the season. That's to be expected. But right now he's starting here. There's really only one way to go before maybe we level out and come back to reality. So I think he's going to be amazing. I really believe that. But at the same time, if there are a couple struggles early on, I'm not going to panic because that's to be expected for a young starter that has never really been in this situation before.

27:06Rich Eisen:I've got Greg McElroy here on the Rich Eisen Show. Who, I guess, outside of Texas and Ohio State, do you think have the shot? How many are there? Let's walk me through. Tell me the schools that you think really have the shot to go into the playoffs, go on a run, and win it all. Because it's now a different world, right? It is. Even with Texas and Ohio State, we were talking about the other day, if this was five, ten years ago, the loser could be out, period. End of story. They will not make the final podium. Different story now, though. So who do you have for me, Greg? As we learned last year, Notre Dame went all the way to the championship game and lost to Northern Illinois.

27:51So what you do early is not necessarily an indicator of future results. This, though, Rich, and this is not me being a water carrier for the sport. because I want people to be invested. I actually genuinely believe, I think there are 15 teams that could legitimately win the national championship this year.

28:10Rich Eisen:15 teams. 15. Okay. And what's even more remarkable, Rich, is that if you want to just talk about making the playoff, I have as many as 37 teams that could make the playoff this year. And that includes nine in the Big 12, because the Big 12 will send their champion. I think there's nine teams in the Big 12 that could win that conference overall. The SEC has 12 teams that could make the playoff this year. Because if you look at last year, No one had Indiana going 11-1 and making the playoff. They were 3-9 the year before. No one had Arizona State at 4-8 the year before making the playoff and giving Texas all they want.

28:42They lost in double overtime in the quarterfinals of the Longhorns. Nobody really saw those teams doing those things. So I think the opportunity is there. And with the transfer portal and new rosters looking the way they look, you can totally be different from what you were the year before. So if we're going to go through it, teams that I think could win it, the obvious and usual suspects. You mentioned Ohio State. You mentioned Texas. Those go without saying. I would add Penn State to that mix this year. They bring everybody back. I would add Clemson to that mix this year. They are fantastic.

29:09Like Penn State, bring just about everybody back. Notre Dame, they got to figure out quarterback. I think they're going to be fine there. They just need a manager at that position. Could be great on defense and good along the offensive line. Great run game. They're in the mix. George is in the mix, as always. Bam is in the mix, as always. LSU has arguably the best quarterback returning in college football. They're in the mix, assuming their offensive line plays really well. I would put Oregon in the mix. They're very, very young, but they're outrageously talented. So if they mature quickly, they could be one of the players at the very end.

29:37Carson Beck's at Miami. He replaces Cam Ward, but Carson Beck two years ago was supposed to be the first overall pick last year. Didn't materialize. He now gets a fresh start at Miami, and they have everything else you could possibly want along both lines of scrimmage. I think South Carolina has Lenore Sellers, who has one of the highest ceilings at quarterback in the entire country. I also think Oklahoma is a team that not enough people are talking about right now. But their quarterback, John Mateer, he was at Washington State. That's where Cam Ward was a couple years ago. His numbers were far superior to Cam Ward at Washington State.

30:10Now, Cam Ward went on to become the fourth-place Heisman Trophy voter getter last year, went on to become the first overall pick. Now, John Mateer's at Oklahoma. They're going to be good on defense, but if they can just figure out quarterback, they were 91st last year in total QBR. John Mateer was top 25. That's a 55-spot improvement, or a significant improvement, 75 spot improvement, 25, 60, whatever, whatever the numbers are. Alabama guy here. Don't know the math. Doesn't matter. Nice. But if they improve drastically at that spot, that could be a contender as well as kind of one of those dark horse teams.

30:41There's a few others that I didn't list, but man, there are a lot of teams that could legitimately bring it home this year.

30:45Rich Eisen:There's one team I didn't hear you mention. Didn't hear you mention Michigan. I know you wanted me to say Michigan. There has been two true freshman quarterbacks that have won the national championship. One was Trevor Lawrence in 2018. If you look at his supporting cast, vastly different than that of what Bryce Underwood's going to be taking the field with and Jamel Holloway in 1985. So if you have a true freshman quarterback, with all due respect, I'm going to play the odds in this scenario. And I just have a hard time thinking that they're going to be good enough to win the 90 this year. So I hate saying that on your program.

31:19No, it's OK, Greg. These are facts. These are facts.

31:22Rich Eisen:You told me facts. You told me numbers, even though you just basically said, you know, you have trouble with numbers. I understand. I understand all that. So Bryce Underwood's level of expectation for him is what? Like giving Michigan a chance at the playoffs and not winning in the playoffs? Making the playoffs? Are they, what do you got for me on that front? They can make the playoffs for sure. If you really look at them last year, think about this, okay? Yards per dropback, which is the number one indicator right now because of the quarterback spot, yards per dropback, rush yards are affected by sacks, all those things.

32:04Yards per dropback last year, Michigan was 130th out of 135 teams. That is unthinkable when you really look at things. Trust me, it was difficult to watch.

32:17Rich Eisen:I can't even believe those numbers, to be honest with you. The other teams behind them were some schools you might not even know existed or played high-level football. I get it, Greg. You made your point about last year. Not trying to twist the knife, but it's going to be vastly improved. I still think they'll be good on defense. They should be good running the football. I don't know about his weapons. That is a legit concern. But he's going to be a significant upgrade over what they had last year. So it wouldn't surprise me at all if Michigan is dangerous. And it wouldn't surprise me at all if they get to an 8-4, 9-3, which would have you right on the edge of playoff consideration.

32:51Right. I just have a hard time thinking they could win four games in the postseason with a young quarterback that's still kind of trying to figure things out.

32:57Rich Eisen:I know. He does quarterback a team that did, however, win a fourth consecutive game against the Buckeyes. Just saying, not, you know, Julian saying, just saying, you know, Greg McIlroy here on the Rich Eisen Show. All right. And the Heisman race, give it to me. Well, I know it's silly mid-August, but we like setting stages at this part of the year. So what do you got for me there? I'm still voting for Shador this year. I don't even care if he's playing. I'm just still voting for him now. Okay, I get it. I see you, Greg McElroy. You know what's funny is the Heisman is a popularity contest, and that's okay.

33:37But I do think this could be a year in which it's going to be determined by Heisman moments like most of the time is. Last year, the sheer quantity of snaps played by Travis Hunter, it was unthinkable that anyone could be able to unseat him. This year, there's a number of guys that would consider. It's going to a quarterback. Didn't go to a quarterback last year. I think it reverts back to a quarterback award this season. Arch Manning is without question the man to beat because he just has so much recognition and so much built-up goodwill amongst the voter pool. The one guy, if I'm going to give you a bit of a sleeper, it would be John Matera at Oklahoma.

34:08Keep an eye on him. Then I would also keep an eye on DJ Lagway at Florida. They have a bunch of big games this year at LSU, at Miami, a game against Georgia there at the neutral side. Florida's schedule is ridiculous. He also plays against Arch Manning head-to-head there in Florida, at Gainesville, in the Swamp. So I do think that there are just so many potential Heisman moments that DJ Lagoe could have that I wouldn't be surprised if his name's entered in the conversation as well.

34:36Rich Eisen:All right, Greg McElroy, greatly appreciate your time. Anything I didn't ask you that I should be asking you about? I just want to know who to draft in the seventh round. What defense should I take this year in fantasy? Denver. Yeah. What if they're gone? Give me another one. Pittsburgh's always my go-to safe. I mean, the Ravens are always a good one, right? Philly Ravens, Steelers. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, Minnesota might be a good sleeper. Yeah. We're not, we're not telling anything that he doesn't really already know. Who are you in a fantasy league with? We have a handful of buddies on the block and I have not won ever.

35:11a little too close to it I think so I think I need to just pull back maybe take the reins off maybe allow my wife to pick a few rounds and she'll do great because I clearly have no chance.

35:22Rich Eisen:Is Saban in your fantasy league? Occasionally you know we try to sneak him in we send it to his email and it gets bounced back that that email doesn't exist who would have thought that you know Nick Saban at Bama wouldn't respond. We all know he has AOL, Greg. Come on. They did away with dial-up, though. I saw that recently. We all know. Is he an Earthlink guy? Earthlink in GeoCities? Did we ever ask them this question? I don't know, actually. You both just got in my ear independently and asked, the maddest you ever made Nick Saban? Probably recently when I said that it was a possibility and just talking to folks like maybe coach would come back.

36:12You know, it's like, and it was kind of like a throwaway line. It wasn't, I wasn't trying to break news. Like I'm an analyst, I'm not a reporter. Like I don't try to break news. I asked Paul Feinbaum, hey, Paul, do you think coach would ever come back? Essentially. And it became Greg McElroy indicates that Nick Saban might return to coaching. So I think maybe that was it. Did you hear from him?

36:30Rich Eisen:No, did you hear from him? Did Nick call you up and say, what the hell are you saying that for? No, but last night at the Nick Saban Legacy Award, he did say that I need to get my ASS kicked. So maybe, you know, I've had it kicked many times by him. So I'm perfectly fine by that. Very comfortable at 37 years old. I got plenty of chewings back in college for sure. There are a handful that stand out, but I don't know if we have the time nor if we're allowed to say those stories. You're on a few minutes. I think we could squeeze one in, Greg. I mean, you know. Or we could follow up. Do you really think Nick is retired?

37:08Rich Eisen:I mean, because I think he would never come back. He wins every single weekend right now. I think life is good if you're Nick Saban. Play a lot of golf, and the only losses he's experienced right now are$4 to Brad Fax in the putting contest. I think he's in pretty good shape. Actually, here's one last one for you. What does Belichick's first season look like in North Carolina? What do you think? It's going to be better than you realize. When you really look at their schedule, Rich, It's kind of amazing because we are all in the media. We're all looking for that next, hey, Coach Prime type of experience.

37:42Like we're something to kind of rally around to have something that's polarizing. And then I'm starting to kind of dive into their personnel. The personnel will tell you nothing. There's too many new faces, too many new pieces. There's no telling what they're going to look like offensively or defensively. But then you look at the schedule. And amongst the power four schedules in college football this year, it might be one of the most manageable. And I'm not saying it's easy. I'm just saying it's manageable with how it lays out. They have TCU on Labor Day night. That's Monday night. It's at home.

38:12That's one of their toughest games. They get through that one where they're a slight dog. TCU is going to be pretty good. They get through that one. They're going to be 4-0 coming off a bye with Clemson coming to them. There'll be a double-digit dog in that game. But at home, you never know. Throw your best punch and we'll see what happens. After that Clemson game, let's say they lose it. They're 4-1. They will be favored in every game right now. I'll look ahead lines so it could adjust. They'll be favored in every game up until the final game of the season where they go on the road to NC State.

38:41So they beat TCU. They lose to Clemson. They could be 10-1 before they go on the road to Raleigh to play against the Wolfpack. And we know that if you're 10-1 or better, 10-2 or better, you're going to be in the playoff mix. I'm not suggesting that happens because there's too many questions about the personnel, but the schedule is really favorable. and if he beats the teams he's supposed to beat, they might find themselves in like the top 15 this year, which would be mind-blowing to think what he might do in college football.

39:07Rich Eisen:Let's get Belichick's Carolina Tar Heels in the playoffs and see what happens. Seriously, Belichick is – and that would spook any opposing coaching staff. Bill Belichick in a win-or-go-home situation, you versus him. Okay, let's roll. I can't wait to see it. Greg, thanks for the time. We'll chat down the line certainly during the college football season. Appreciate the time. Thanks, guys. Appreciate y 'all. That's Greg McElroy here on the Rich Eisen Show. Wow. By the way, Chris Brockman, Syracuse versus North Carolina. On Halloween night. You will not see the game. Why is that? It's at 4.30 our time on Halloween.

39:45Rich Eisen:You're going to tell your son we are not trick-or-treating because dad's got to sit and watch Syracuse take on the coach that's made me the happiest of any human being ever. Sorry, Cage. I mean, will Cage, I mean, I don't, it doesn't say where that game's going to be. Oh, no, it's on ESPN. Will Cage dress as the ESPN direct-to-consumer app? Is that going to be his costume? Perhaps. Is that going to be his costume? Daddy's going to be walking around with a phone that night. With a phone that night? Syracuse versus Belichick. Let me check that candy real quick. Reese's Cup. iPad. And it's in Syracuse.

40:23Rich Eisen:Yeah. It's in the dome. Belichick's going to the dome. North Carolina, 60. He's the one to make the playoff. That's a good bet. Nobody's talking about that. No, we've been talking about all the other stuff. I understand. I understand. No, I know. But nobody's talking about North Carolina football right now. No. Yeah. TCU. By the way, TCU was how Colorado started a couple years ago. Monday night. It's Labor Day night. Yeah. Okay, baby. Back. We are back. Football's back.

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42:02Rich Eisen:Where is Don Draper right now, do you think? Six feet under. You think so? Easily. Come on. He'd be in his 80s, and there ain't no way that guy's getting to his 80s without a massive lifestyle shift, which maybe he did at the end of the show, but I don't think that stuck. I don't think that Zen moment of understanding of anything really stuck. That leopard is not changing his spots. Yeah, because that gave you the impression that maybe he was about to. Yeah, maybe. As he's at the ashram at the very end there. I think he was more about, he just had a really good idea for a commercial. And so you, that he did come up with one of, I thought that was a neat ending.

42:42Rich Eisen:I did too. I thought it was very poetic and a very nice way to end the show. and also very cryptic, which also sort of serves, you know, sticks in the realm of the show's vocabulary anyway. So it was very cool. I liked it, and I loved being that guy for as long as I got to do it. Right. I mean, because it was born out of the Sopranos era. Yes. And it was a very Sopranos, in a way, type wrap-up. Anti-hero kind of situation, and also, yeah, very kind of what does it all mean kind of situation. And that's great. It's nice to be able to talk about a show that you like and not have it sort of be spoon-fed to you.

43:19Rich Eisen:Well, I'm sad to hear that you don't think Don Draper could have somehow had some sort of an epiphany. Gotten his act together, gotten off the sauce. I don't know. Lived into his 80s. I don't know. I hope so. And look, again, I root for the best in everyone, but I don't know about this guy. He was pretty damaged. Right. And when you shot the town in that film, Fenway Pack being part of the denouement of that film. The great thing about shooting in Boston and playing a cop is that they all hated me. Not because I wasn't from Boston, but because I played a cop. And Ben was the robber, so they were mad because I was anti-Ben.

44:02Sounds about right. I'm law enforcement. They're like, yeah, we don't like you anyway.

44:06Rich Eisen:Ben's our guy. And then that was the cross you had to bear when you're shooting that. But were you around Fenway Park for that shoot? Were you in it? You were locked in there? The Red Sox had like a 15-day road trip. So we had to get all of our shooting done in those two weeks. And we hoped it didn't rain or, you know, whatever. It was the Northeast in the fall. Anything could have happened. Right. But we had pretty much full access to Fenway Park, which was awesome. We also got to shoot like 250 ,000 rounds of fake ammunition. Not one phone call from any locals. That scene is so insane. They were like, that's probably fine.

44:47Like, really?

44:48Rich Eisen:Because I'm pretty sure that's an awful lot of ordinance going on. Wasn't there like a YouTube video of people just strolling around Boylston Street while you're shooting that thing? And no one's batting an eyelash? It was crazy. All of Jon Hamm's appearances can be seen on our YouTube channel, youtube.com slash RichEyes, and she'll be careful. There's a lot of them. You can go down a wormhole, but it's not as long as it takes for Jon Hamm to make one selection in our fantasy league. He's up in two picks, so we'll see how long it takes. Okay, here we go. So around five, six tonight, he should be done.

45:23Rich Eisen:Say it again? Around five, six tonight, he should finally be done. Should I just break into his house, It's friends and neighbors style. Yes, make a pick for him. Steal a watch that you won't miss. That's a fun show. Take T. Higgins and move on, Jon Hamm. He won't miss this artwork. Wait a minute. Terzo's on the phone. In Iowa. What's up, Terzo? How are you, sir? Terzo. Doing well, Rich. Hey, man, that was pretty cool seeing you on SportsCenter last night, man. That brought back a lot of memories. I love that. Thank you. I grew up watching you guys. I love it. Thank you for saying that, man. Love you for saying that.

45:58Yeah, Rich, it was really touching with what you said about Stuart Scott, man. That kind of brought a tear to my eye as well, too, my man. Thank you. I've got to give a shout-out to that. That was awesome.

46:09Rich Eisen:Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. We're going to talk about it a little bit more top of the next hour. What's on your mind, though, otherwise? So watching Joe Burrow last night and just watching him all last year, I'm having a really hard time thinking that he is not the best quarterback in the NFL. and it's just because he feels different to me and it just seems like the Bengals are not doing him justice and that's just sad because I really do think that he has what it takes to win a Super Bowl. I just don't think that organization can do it themselves. I hear you Terzo. Thanks for the call. I'll give you my two cents here on the Monday nighter.

46:55Rich Eisen:As always, sitting there watching, getting ready to do SportsCenter.

47:01Rich Eisen:We'll just take the Bengals side of things. They just got to start fast. How are they going to start fast? How are we going to start fast? How are we going to come out of the gate and beat the Browns, right, if you're the Bengals here? How are you going to come out the gate, beat the Browns, and then they come home and take on the Jacksonville Jaguars before visiting Minnesota, and then they got a Monday nighter at Denver? How are we going to avoid going one and three? How are we going to avoid starting 0-2? What can we do? You've got to hold on to the football, and you've got to stop the other team.

47:32Rich Eisen:And the way that the commanders came out and hit them in the mouth in four plays, Debo and around, right? Chris Rodriguez for 40 yards. Two plays later, Jaden Daniels loses his freaking mind. Go down, bro. I couldn't believe that. Come on. And by the way, middle of the field. And instead of sliding down on the three-yard line, because it's, you know, wait a minute. Still the preseason. I love that Chex Notes bit. It's good. It's good. Don't stop. I couldn't believe it. And he cuts in and goes in the end zone, and Lisa Salter's like, why don't you go down? She's so awesome at her job. Sometimes the best question is just the simplest, most human question.

48:13Rich Eisen:Like, why didn't you go down? He's like, because I wanted to score. And that just shows her again. That's Jaden Daniels living life. Yeah. Okay. As Jaden Daniels. But the Bengals gave up that score real easily, and the running game of the commanders is deep and strong and playable. And all I thought to myself was, Here we go again. Pay the guy standing on the sideline, please. And Trey Hendrickson is rushing the passer, so it's not like he's going to maybe help you stop the run. He can stop the run on the way to the passer. But him having something to do with the defense, is better than him not.

48:51Rich Eisen:It's kind of real simple. Pay the man. Pay that guy his money. Can we just go in? Because that's the way you don't start fast. You don't have everybody. And not everybody's up to speed. Now, this Mitch Tinsley kid caught two passes that just made you, you know. Go yo. And Jake Browning threw perfect footballs. Yeah, he did. And so you know Burrow's going to throw him perfect footballs. Okay. So are we going to have to win games 40 to 30? Is that what's going to have to happen here? Seems like it. Are they capable? Hell yeah, they are. Yes. But you don't want to keep doing that each week. Yeah, it's not sustainable.

49:36Rich Eisen:Best way to handle your business is to get everyone freaking signed. Just, you know, midnight needs to strike now. None of this garbage of like, let's make them wait. Let's play it out. Let's call around the league. Let's do this. Let's do that. Can we just sign people? I know that sounds so naive. And easy. Sounds like an easy thing. But the best way to make sure you start fast is to start with everybody. And you're practiced up. But no, we got to make a point because we got to make sure the guaranteed dollars are in our favor. and sign the guy. Pay that to manage. That's what I thought watching that Monday night game in the first quarter last night.

50:24Rich Eisen:That's what I thought. And I also watched Burrow run around for his life. He got a horse-collar tackle down to the ground. Like twice. He was just back there running around. And it's just like, get rid of it. Like, does anybody not know it's August 18th and not September 18th? What the hell? At one point, the first one where he was really stuck, The center didn't touch a single person in the burgundy uniform. Well, they also didn't really keep their, I don't know. I may have to go all 22 on you here, but there was some run gap deficiencies on defense. So what I assume if Trey Hendrickson's out there, you might be a little bit more buttoned up.

51:01Rich Eisen:And of course, when you don't pay your guy, you're asked about it. And by the way, McLaurin, it was kind of crazy. McLaurin's a hold in on the commanders. They're home. He was not there. Not there. And Hendrickson's the road team. He was there. Yeah, we didn't think he'd show up. That was wild. So he got on a plane, which means he's got to be close. He's got to be close. Can we just get this thing done so Joe's not asked about it? Hit it.

51:31Rich Eisen:I had technical difficulties. Please stand by. I'd imagine Joe ain't happy. So, what the hell, man?

51:42Rich Eisen:Even our playback machine's pissed off about it. I mean, look, if Trey wants to come to Foxborough, I'm okay with that, too. That's not happening. It's not happening. It's wishful thinking, though. Just sign him. Can't say it's not happening. It's August 19th. Just sign a guy. He's playing somewhere. We know the Cowboys are going to wait forever today. It might not get done. I don't know, man. Adam Schefter's saying it's over. Is he saying that? Yeah, he said it this morning. They're likely to split. Does not see a reconciliation possible. Well, somebody told him that. That his information is buttoned up.

52:25Rich Eisen:We'll talk about that later on. I still don't believe it. How does that sound? I still don't believe it. You've been right many times. I mean, Aikman said it. He said it is plain as day last night. They can't win without him. I don't get it. And the numbers keep going up and up and up. Is this going to happen every single year? Kids 26. The other guys are in there. You know, one's about to be 30. McLaurin's got to be signed too. Because, you know, I mean, the run game is deep and playable. But you look at their, you know, their roster at the wide receiver position. You know, all due respect to Luke McCaffrey, K.J.

53:08Rich Eisen:Osborne, Jalen Lane, and Noah Brown, Michael Gallup. I mean, Terry McLaurin kind of raises the boat a little bit here and keeps Daniels in the pocket and not running up the middle. And August 18th.

53:27Rich Eisen:Close your eyes, exhale, feel your body relax, and let go of whatever you're carrying today. Well, I'm letting go of the worry that I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1-800-CONTACTS. Oh my gosh, they're so fast. And breathe. Oh, sorry. I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry. Namaste. Visit 1-800-CONTACTS.com today to save on your first order. 1-800-CONTACTS.

From the publisher

Rich reacts to the Indianapolis Colts naming Daniel Jones their starting QB over incumbent QB1 Anthony Richardson.

ESPN College Football analyst Greg McElroy and Rich discuss the huge #1 Texas Longhorns vs #3 Ohio State to kick off the season with untested QB Arch Manning and Julian Sayin going head-to-head, explains why this year’s field of College Football Playoff title contenders is wide open, reveals his Heisman sleeper candidates, and explains how Bill Belichick could win double-digit games in his inaugural season coaching North Carolina.

Rich recaps the Bengals vs Commanders preseason game that featured some hold-your-breath moments for QBs Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow, and weighs in on the contract standoff between DE Trey Hendrickson and Cincinnati’s front office.

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Overreaction Monday: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://apple.co/overreactionmonday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

What the Football with Suzy Shuster and Amy Trask: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://apple.co/whatthefootball⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Jim Jackson Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jim-jackson-show/id1770609432⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

No-Contest Wrestling with O'Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-contest-wrestling/id1771450708⁠⁠⁠⁠
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