Inside The Pylon: A Midwest College Football Podcast

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.

LINKS:

Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

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.

LINKS:

Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

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.

LINKS:

Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

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:

Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

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:

Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

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:

Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

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:

Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Gameshow week continues at ITP, as Ryan welcomes Mitch Mason from The Three Tech pod to the show to play a game of "two truths and a lie." Six separate three-statement prompts. Which of the two does Mitch think will ring true during the 2026 college football season, and which will prove to be the lie?

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:

Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Clinton continues to be off galavanting with important things like taking care of his newborn, so Ryan continues his solo host journey with a week of special guests! First up, Ty Hildenbrandt from The Solid Verbal stops by to play a game of Midwest CFB over/under.

What will the Big Ten (and MAC?) representation in the playoff look like? Any Heisman favorites to keep an eye on? Can Rocco Becht rediscover his 2024 form? That and more in the first of two special pre-college football shows this week.

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:

Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue with fall previews, and Ryan Abraham from USCFootball.com rejoins the show to talk USC ahead of a massive season for Lincoln Riley's program.

The head coach made waves in the offseason, declaring the USC's championship window was now open. This surprised many, considering his first team featured Heisman and Biletnikoff award winners, and played for a PAC-12 title. Has Riley's own words made this a make-or-break season for his tenure in Southern California?

He returns plenty of talent on offense. QB Jayden Maiava returns for his three season with the program after a strong 2025. RBs Waymond Jordan and King Miller return, as do all five OL starters. The WR and TE rooms will feature a bit of a makeover, but Maiava will have all the tools needed to pilot what could be the Big Ten's best offense. Outside of the returning Tanook Hines at WR, who else can be expected to step up as a pass catcher? And after struggling to run the ball against their toughest competition in 2025, can the Trojans rely on the run to close out games against what will be one of the nation's most difficult schedules?

Defense has long been an Achilles Heel for Riley. Former DC D'Anton Lynn built this unit to "average" in 2025, but he is off to Penn State. In comes former TCU head coach and renowned defensive mastermind Gary Patterson to coordinate Riley's defense. Can the man who has not been a coordinator since 2000, and who has not held an on-field roll since the middle of the 2021 season, take the Trojan's defense to another level?

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:

Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI