Each week Todd Blackledge and I get to sit down with head coaches, coordinators and players in advance of our games. It’s a time where analysts glean insight into scheme, players and the game.

This week at Y-Option, Todd joined me to dive into the Big Ten Championship Game as we discussed what questions we would be seeking answers to if we were calling the Ohio State vs Indiana match-up. As always, our conversation is podcast is fueled by our founding sponsor, 76® - keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.

It’s a fun conversation as Todd has called championship games before and both of us have recently called Ohio State and Indiana games so we try to paint a full picture of what each side is carrying into the biggest stage of their season.

We take a detailed look at Fernando Mendoza vs Matt Patricia’s defense and Brian Hartline’s offense against Bryant Haines’ defense, as well as the mental elements led by Ryan Day and Curt Cignetti.

The conversation evolves into a deeper look at Indiana’s rapid rise under Coach Cignetti, the disciplined way he has built the roster, and what his journey—from Alabama to IUP to James Madison to the Big Ten—reveals about evaluation, culture, and belief.

From there, the episode widens into the broader chaos of the sport: championship picks, coaching dominoes, portal season, and the looming sprint toward the Heisman and the College Football Playoff.

At its core, this episode is also a window into the fraternity of broadcasting—the camaraderie, the mentorship, and the genuine support that makes the profession special.

Be sure to subscribe to Y-Option as we have a lot of detailed analysis behind the paywall coming soon.

I’m off to Eugene to watch the title games and spend some time with the Ducks this weekend.

Much love and stay steady,

Yogi

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