We are (more or less) finished with the nonconference portion of scheduling, and Ryan and Clinton are taking stock of where some teams stand with a game of "Buy or Sell?"

Through three weeks UCLA's rush attack has been as advertised with the importing the James Madison scheme with Bob Chesney and Dean Kennedy. However can the Bruins keep it up as league play heats up?

Penn State had handed three G6 opponent to today but has looked mighty impressive offensively in two of the third games. Are the guys ready to declare the Lions playoff contenders?

Chip Kelly has lived up to the hype calling plays for Northwestern, and appears to have found another gear for QB Aidan Chiles. With Penn State, Oregon and Ohio State still ahead, can the Wildcats score a playoff-picture-altering upset?

Offensively, Purdue has appeared much improved through three games, though the defense remains a work in progress. With a not-impossible remaining schedule, can the Boilermakers score a P4 win for the first time since 2023? What about two?

USC arrived to this season with a now-open championship window and much hype. However old issues once again reared their ugly head against Rutgers. Are the Trojans truly a Big Ten conference title contender?

Does it help them that they top of the Big Ten looks less daunting than previously expected? Indiana has yet to face a test. But Oregon has already suffered a shocking upset, and Ohio State suffered a fourth-quarter collapse to Texas sandwiched between MAC scrimmages. Is it possible that neither the Buckeyes nor Ducks -- two preseason national title favorites -- are playing for a Big Ten title in December?

Michigan has been much maligned this season but is (officially) 3-0. However despite a strong defense, Bryce Underwood and the offense have had their share of issues. Is it possible the Wolverines finish 2026 with a bottom-five Big Ten offense, but a top-five Big Ten defense?

And finally, also in the state of Michigan, Pat Fitzgerald's Spartans made waves last weekend with a closer-than-expected loss to Notre Dame. The defense flashed at times, but aside from one long play the offense had no success against an elite Irish defense. With improved vibes through three games, is there a Spartan resurgence on the horizon?

Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. The season is back in swing and we will be back to our thrice-weekly shows. Midweek shows are live on Youtube around 9 pm EST on Monday/Thursday, with recap shows either Saturday night following the late games, or on Sunday, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on our fall preview episode schedule, to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform to get notified as soon as a new episode drops so you never miss a show.

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Week three is in the books and Ryan and Clinton reconvene during the late games to discuss the Saturday's action.

Unfortunately not much was going on in the Big Ten with the end of nonconference play featuring plenty of blowouts. However there is still plenty to discuss.

USC went east and showed that despite the hype and the open championship window, they still cannot play defense nor play well on the east coast, getting taken to the wire by Rutgers but coming away with a 42-35 win. Two interceptions condemned the Knights, who otherwise moved the ball well. Is it time to press the panic button on this SC defense?

In South Bend, the weather wasn't quite so frightful but Pat Fitzgerald still was able to ugly up the game. His defense played well but his offense could not get much going, as Michigan State fell to Notre Dame, 27-10. The Irish struggled running the ball most of the game, but did get a bit of a breakout from Nolan James in the second half. WR Micah Gilbert also exceeded 100 yards. Any concern for the Irish offense?

Heavy favorites won all weekend, while as of recording, Maryland trails Virginia Tech 35-20.

Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. The season is back in swing and we will be back to our thrice-weekly shows. Midweek shows are live on Youtube around 9 pm EST on Monday/Thursday, with recap shows either Saturday night following the late games, or on Sunday, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on our fall preview episode schedule, to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform to get notified as soon as a new episode drops so you never miss a show.

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Week Three is here, and unfortunately with the last weekend of nonconference play we have a plethora of Big Ten games with double-digit spreads. However, there are a couple of compelling matchups to discuss as well as the start of Big Ten play in a few cases.

In the game of the week, Maryland hosts familiar foe James Franklin and his new-look Virginia Tech squad. Both teams are 2-0 with similar starts to their season, with both teams' young QBs having strong outings in their most recent contest. Maryland is 21-3 in September since the 2021 season, and has won six consecutive September contests. Can Mike Locksley's squad extend that streak and score a crucial nonconfence win?

In Big Ten play, Purdue travels west to take on UCLA while USC travels east to take on Rutgers as both California teams look to remain perfect on the season. In P4 nonconference play, Northwestern hosts Colorado in what will be the final game for the Wildcats at the lakefront stadium. Michigan State heads to Notre Dame in a revival of the Megaphone Trophy rivalry, nearing the 20-year anniversary of the two teams' epic clash in the 2006 season.

The remainder of the Big Ten continues non-league play with G6/FCS matchups. The remaining 11 games all feature spreads that are three scores or greater. Will there be an upset?

Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. The season is back in swing and we will be back to our thrice-weekly shows. Midweek shows are live on Youtube around 9 pm EST on Monday/Thursday, with recap shows either Saturday night following the late games, or on Sunday, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on our fall preview episode schedule, to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform to get notified as soon as a new episode drops so you never miss a show.

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We are now through week two of the college football season, and while much is still to be learned about a fair number of teams based on their to-date level of competition, we have still learned a fair amount. Ryan and Clinton take stock on a couple of the biggest storylines of the early season.

Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. The season is back in swing and we will be back to our thrice-weekly shows. Midweek shows are live on Youtube around 9 pm EST on Monday/Thursday, with recap shows either Saturday night following the late games, or on Sunday, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on our fall preview episode schedule, to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform to get notified as soon as a new episode drops so you never miss a show.

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Week two is in the books and what a week two it was. We had a monster matchup live up to the hype and we also might have a national title contender officially on fraud watch.

While Texas/Ohio State lived up to the hype in the nightcap, with Texas executing their largest comeback win in nearly 20 years with a 24-23 defeat of Ohio State, the day started off with a bang, as Oklahoma State -- losers of 11 straight games and fresh off a week-one loss to Tulsa -- dominated and shocked No. 6 Oregon 39-31 in Stillwater. The Ducks benefited from a pain of tipped interceptions that led directly to 14 points but otherwise were stifled on offense. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker showed why so many draftniks are high on him, throwing for 300 yards and rushing for 100. Dan Lanning's early season issues continue, but now it costs the Ducks a shocking nonconference loss. Are the Ducks this year's version of 2025 Penn State?

In Ann Arbor, Bryce Underwood and Michigan pulled itself off the mat, sort of, in a 17-10 victory against No. 11 Oklahoma. John Mateer showed that any preseason hype delivered to him was unfounded, and his late-game interception seal the Sooners's fate. The Michigan defense was excellent, while Underwood did enough in the run game, to rebound after last week's debacle against Western Michigan. Is Michigan back? Or is Oklahoma also just a mediocre team?

In Minneapolis, Kamario Taylor balled out and Mississippi State accelerated away from Minnesota. Darius Taylor once again got banged up and Minnesota otherwise could not run the football, at one point in the game attempting 31-consecutive pass plays.

Elsewhere in the Big Ten, Iowa came back to win a hotly contested CyHawk game. UCLA ran away from San Diego St while Malik Washington had a massive day leading Maryland over UConn. Illinois struggled to contain Nate Sheppard in a 31-27 loss, while Purdue lost a 2OT heartbreaker to Wake Forest.

Nebraska ran all over Bowling Green. Indiana had no issues with Howard. Washington had lots of issues in a close win against Utah State. Penn State pulled away from Temple in the second half, and Michigan State easily dispatched Eastern Michigan. Wisconsin eventually pulled away from Western Illinois but not without some consternation. Notre Dame easily handled Rice.

Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. The season is back in swing and we will be back to our thrice-weekly shows. Midweek shows are live on Youtube around 9 pm EST on Monday/Thursday, with recap shows either Saturday night following the late games, or on Sunday, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on our fall preview episode schedule, to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform to get notified as soon as a new episode drops so you never miss a show.

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A week one slate devoid of quality matchups still delivered some Hot Take Fodder, but the week two slate features a large serving of conference bragging rights on the line. Ryan and Clinton reconvene to break down a certified Big Ten vs SEC challenge.

In the noon window, Michigan looks to put last week's embarrassing performance behind it, while exacting some revenge against Oklahoma. Can Bryce Underwood quiet the noise around his job security against a defense that had him bottled up a season ago? Or will Brent Venebles and his squad further add to Wolverines fans dismay?

In the afternoon slot, Minnesota takes on Mississippi State in a matchup between young, exciting QBs in Kamario Taylor and Drake Lindsey. Both looked exceptional against overmatched competition last week. Can the Gophers score a massive program win against Jeff Lebby's potential up-and-coming squad?

At night, Ohio State heads south in what could be one of the games of the season in a rematch of last year's early season tilt against Texas. Both QBs have a year of experience under their belts, while Jeremiah Smith and Cam Coleman are two of the top receivers on the sport. Can the Longhorns make a statement or will the Buckeyes once again show why they are the premier program in the sport?

Elsewhere in the conference, Oregon heads to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State in an intriguing matchup that lost a bit of luster when new coach Eric Morris's squad were upset a week ago by Tulsa. Iowa and Iowa State face off in the CyHawk game, while UCLA looks to continue its early-season California success against San Diego State.

Duke and Illinois rematch last season's contest, while Mike Locksley's Maryland takes on Jason Candle's UConn squad. Purdue welcomes Wake Forest in an intriguing P4 nonconference matchup.

Eight other matchups feature double-digit spreads, while Rutgers takes on Boston College on Friday night in the Red Bandana Game.

Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. The season is back in swing and we will be back to our thrice-weekly shows. Midweek shows are live on Youtube around 9 pm EST on Monday/Thursday, with recap shows either Saturday night following the late games, or on Sunday, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on our fall preview episode schedule, to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform to get notified as soon as a new episode drops so you never miss a show.

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Ryan and Clinton recap the full slate of week one in the Big Ten. Plenty of heavy favorites covered and overall the "upset meter" was dialed to low, but college football always delivers and a juicy controversy had us all talking.

Michigan stunned heavy underdog Western Michigan 13-12 on a Hail Mary with no time on the clock, which only occurred after a video review gifted the Wolverines a second chance. Are we buying the Big Ten's explanation?

Elsewhere, Oregon found itself in another battle with Boise State. Washington won the Apple Cup but continues to shoot itself in the foot with undisciplined penalties.

It was, however, a very chalky weekend. Sixteen of 18 Big Ten games finished with a double-digit margin of victory.

Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. The season is back in swing and we will be back to our thrice-weekly shows. Midweek shows are live on Youtube around 9 pm EST on Monday/Thursday, with recap shows either Saturday night following the late games, or on Sunday, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on our fall preview episode schedule, to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform to get notified as soon as a new episode drops so you never miss a show.

LINKS:

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We have finally made it. Week one is upon us and everyone is back in action. Ryan and Clinton stroll through a busy first week in the Big Ten and break down the action.

Perhaps the headliner of the weekend is a nonconference showdown between former Pac-12 foes in UCLA/Cal. An intriguing QB matchup pits new Bruins head coach Bob Chesney against new Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi. Both teams reloaded through the portal. Can new RB Wayne Knight provide enough of a spark to the Bruins to awaken a rush attack that struggled most of the past two seasons?

Elsewhere in the conference, Purdue (-36.5 vs Indiana St), USC (-21.5 vs Fresno St), Nebraska (-23.5 vs Ohio), Indiana (-40.5 vs North Texas), Ohio St (-50.5 vs Ball St), Oregon (-24.5 vs Boise St), Penn St (-24 vs Marshall), Iowa (-31.5 vs NIU), Michigan (-28 vs Western Michigan), Maryland (-45.5 vs Hampton) and Washington (-23.5 vs Washington St) all take the field as massive favorites.

Michigan State takes on Toledo on Friday night in another contest between two new coaching staffs. Northwestern takes on South Dakota St in a trickly P4 vs FCS contest. Wisconsin takes on Notre Dame as a long-shot underdog in a game that will be played at Lambeau field.

Ryan and Clinton also discuss the just-finished or in-progress Thursday night games featuring UMass vs Rutgers; Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota; and UAB vs Illinois that they forgot to discuss Monday.

Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. The season is back in swing and we will be back to our thrice-weekly shows. Midweek shows are live on Youtube around 9 pm EST on Monday/Thursday, with recap shows either Saturday night following the late games, or on Sunday, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on our fall preview episode schedule, to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform to get notified as soon as a new episode drops so you never miss a show.

LINKS:

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Clinton makes his triumphant return to the show just in time to uncork a round of stinky predictions, as the guys talk through their playoff brackets and seedings. How many Big Ten teams will make the field? Who will come out on top as national champs?

The guys also talk through brief week 0 takeaways from Saturday.

Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. The season is back in swing and we will be back to our thrice-weekly shows. Midweek shows are live on Youtube around 9 pm EST on Monday/Thursday, with recap shows either Saturday night following the late games, or on Sunday, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on our fall preview episode schedule, to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform to get notified as soon as a new episode drops so you never miss a show.

LINKS:

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Ryan continues his solo journey for one more week, and tackles the most compelling conference of all: The Mid-American. The Luke and Justice from The G5 Hive join the show to talk big-picture MAC stuff and break down the 2026 season.

Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. We are back into fall preview season. Episodes will be live on Youtube throughout the week as schedule permits, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on our fall preview episode schedule, to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform to get notified as soon as a new episode drops so you never miss a show.

LINKS:

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040

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