The Solid Verbal College Football Show

Let's take a stroll down memory lane and discuss some of the wildest upsets over the last few seasons! In Part 1 of this two-part episode, and in honor of March Madness, we unveil our Upset Bracket, pitting the biggest stunners from 2024 and 2021 against each other. From Michigan’s improbable triumph over Ohio State to Kansas’ overtime insanity against Texas, we break down the chaos, the stakes, and the moments that left fans speechless. Which upsets should be in our Final Four?

Key Topics:

Michigan’s 2024 upset over Ohio State: How a limited Wolverines squad stunned the eventual national champs in Columbus, with a huge point spread and a Sicario-inspired vibe.

Kansas’ 2021 OT thriller vs. Texas: A 57-point explosion from a 2-10 Jayhawks team that humiliated the Longhorns in Austin—third-string QB heroics included!

Vandy’s historic takedown of #1 Alabama in 2024: Diego Pavia and the Commodores rewrite 40 years of history, complete with goalpost-tossing madness.

Northern Illinois stuns Notre Dame in 2024: A MAC team’s gritty road win over the Irish—a "ticker game" that defied a near-30-point line.

Stanford’s OT gut punch to #3 Oregon in 2021: A 3-9 Cardinal team derails the Ducks’ season in a lifeless Stanford Stadium.

Jacksonville State's takedown of Florida State in 2021: How a loss against an FCS program nearly upended Mike Norvell's rebuild.

Bowling Green's upset on the road against Minnesota in 2021: The Falcons overcame a 30+ point spread to dump the Gophers in Minneapolis.

Bubble upsets and honorable mentions: Kentucky over Ole Miss, Kennesaw State’s FBS debut win, and more chaos that almost made the cut.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

10:14 - 2024 Region

43:10 - 2021 Region

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Read transcripts & learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/episodes/the-upset-bracket-part-1/

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

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In this college football podcast episode, we dig into a very specific list of ailments for 10 college football teams. From Illinois’ third-down struggles to USC’s late-game woes, we diagnose teams’ glaring issues from 2024—including Wisconsin’s explosiveness, Colorado’s run game, Air Force’s slip—and their 2025 cures.

0:00 - Intro

6:11 - Illinois

13:14 - Wisconsin

20:12 - Colorado

25:41 - Kansas State

30:57 - Arkansas

34:23 - Texas Tech

41:59 - USC

49:35 - Virginia Tech

55:52 - Wake Forest

58:04 - Air Force

**Key Topics Discussed**

Illinois’ Third-Down Blues

Illinois shined in 2024, but abysmal third-down defense (100s nationally) left wins on the table—new DL transfers from Wisconsin aim to boost havoc and get off the field.

Wisconsin’s Explosion Deficit

Wisconsin’s offense fizzled (bottom 5 in explosiveness)—injuries (Tyler Van Dyke) and a mismatch with Phil Longo sank chunk plays; Jeff Grimes and Billy Edwards Jr could provide a spark.

Colorado’s Run Game Riddle

Colorado leaned on Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter and a good crop of receivers, but its leading rusher ran for just 373 yards. Is Kaidon Salter’s dual-threat style in conflict with Pat Shurmur’s offense?

Kansas State’s Turnover Tangles

Kansas State’s Avery Johnson dazzled but tossed double-digit picks—turnovers (BYU, Iowa State) cost winnable games. Johnson's development should mean better results in 2025.

Arkansas’ Fumble Fever

Arkansas’ Taylen Green fumbled 8 times (lost 4) and threw 9 picks—fuelling a negative-8 turnover margin, which sank the Hogs in close games (Mizzou, Oklahoma State); ball security drills loom large.

Texas Tech’s "Slipnosis"

Texas Tech’s tackling woes (133rd in success rate) led to a low havoc rate and plethora of other black eyes for the Red Raider defense—new DC Shiel Wood and portal DBs/DL aim to steady a defense that leads the nation in returning production.

USC’s Killer Instinct Void

USC faltered in late game situations in 2024. Did Lincoln Riley reset the team's culture this offseason?

Virginia Tech’s Narcolepsy

Virginia Tech went 3-and-out on 33% of its drives in 2024—a shaky OL and banged-up Kyron Dones dulled the attack, Will Phil Montgomery as offensive coordinator and a battery of West Virginia transfers equal better consistency.

Wake Forest’s Line Woes

Wake Forest’s lines cratered in 2024—new HC Jake Dickert grabbed 22 transfers (7th in FBS), beefing up the OL/DL.

Air Force’s Possession Slip

Air Force’s formula (possess the ball, suffocate with defense) faltered in 2024 with 7 straight losses (Weeks 2-10) and a young defense that was exposed. Is Quentin Hayes the answer at QB?

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We weren't done with your questions! In part 2 of our big March Q&A podcast episode, we answer more questions from around the Verballerhood. Is it fair to compare Penn State to 2023 Michigan? How close is college football to unequal revenue sharing in the Big Ten and SEC? What are the best short yardage plays in key moments? Who were the most disappointing QBs in 2024? What's the best way to be honored by your high school?

0:00 - Intro

1:22 - Killer Short Yardage Plays

8:46 - Now or never for Penn State?

11:57 - Unequal Revenue Sharing

19:50 - Greg Sankey & Tony Petitti's BS

21:21 - Group of Five Coaching Talent

25:21 - Disappointing 2024 QBs

33:24 - High Schools Honors

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring has sprung! Well, almost. In this college football podcast episode, we bask in the tropical 60-degree weather by diving into a two-part Verballer Q&A. Are cracks emerging in Georgia's foundation? What's the deal with Clemson's fan culture? Which college football team is this year's Indiana? We tackle these questions and more in Part 1.

*Key Topics Discussed*

(0:00) - Intro

(7:04) - Georgia’s Reign: Cracks or Just Human?

Raul (Florida fan) asks if Kirby Smart’s Georgia dynasty is cracking—less explosive in 2024, tired vibes, and Mike Bobo loyalty

(16:47) - Strategy for Power Two Mid-Tiers?

Brandon wonders how a mid-pack SEC & Big Ten teams thrives in the NIL era—big personality or cash?

(26:00) - Clemson’s Fan Culture?

Grey (Clemson fan) laments a shift from “good guys” to toxic vengeance. Can it change back?

(41:00) - Next First-Time National Champ & This Year's Indiana?

Harrison asks who’s the next first-time title winner. Zach seeks 2025’s Indiana-style surprise

(52:40) - How to break a program

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACC ain't dead yet! In this college football podcast episodes, we go inside the ACC's new deal with ESPN’s David Hale and discuss how Florida State and Clemson were are enormous winners, how Jim Phillips sold smaller schools on the idea of taking less money, what happens in the 2030s when exit fees are more managable, and more!

Key Topics Discussed

• The ACC’s New Money Split. David Hale details the ACC’s deal—60% of TV cash now ties to ratings, favoring Florida State and Clemson, while 40% stays equal; exit fees drop to $75M by 2030.
• FSU and Clemson’s Big Win. Florida State and Clemson came away with higher payouts and a cheaper exit with each passing season, giving them flexibility in the future. Also, schools like North Carolina and Miami benefit (and didn't have to drop millions in legal fees).
• Ratings Rule: A Trendsetter? The ACC’s ratings-based payouts spark debate—could Big Ten (Ohio State vs. Northwestern) or SEC (Alabama vs. Vanderbilt) mimic this model?
• 2030’s Looming Reset. The new ACC deal sets a 2030 exit fee at $75M, syncing with Big 12, Big Ten, and playoff shifts—David pegs a 25-33% shot at a football-only super league.
• Small Schools’ Survival Play. Boston College and other smaller programs took less money to avoid being left behind like Oregon State and Washington State.

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Read transcripts & learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/episodes/inside-the-accs-new-deal-with-espns-david-hale/

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kick off March with a vibe check of 8 college football teams with ‘State’ in their names. In this college football podcast episode, we take a look around college football, from Ohio State’s title glow to Oklahoma State’s tumble. Join us as we dive into Arizona State’s swagger, Penn State’s high hopes, Iowa State's best season ever, NC State's disappointment, Mississippi State's reboot, and Fresno State's new era. Where are vibes strong, and where are they all wrong?

0:00 - Intro

5:21 - NC State

12:32 - Iowa State

20:44 - Arizona State

26:31 - Mississippi State

33:00 - Fresno State

39:34 - Ohio State

47:55 - Penn State

56:55 - Oklahoma State

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Read transcripts & learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/episodes/state-of-the-states-vibe-checks-for-8-college-football-programs/

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been quite a redemption arc for college kickers over the last few years. In this episode, we chat with Jamie Kohl (kohlskicking.com) and learn why kickers at all levels are getting better with each passing year. From technology to technique, we get a crash course from the foremost authority on the modern art of kicking.

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Read transcripts & learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/episodes/how-college-kickers-went-from-punchlines-to-powerhouses/

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

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Dan is joined by Geoff Schwartz as they break down the Oregon Ducks’ 13-1 run in 2024 and look ahead to a pivotal 2025 season. Was the Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State a fluke, or a sign of bigger challenges? From Dan Lanning’s coaching evolution to Dante Moore’s rise as QB1, they dissect the Ducks’ reloaded roster—featuring stars like Evan Stewart and a revamped offensive line. Will Oregon’s young defense step up against teams like Penn State and Ohio State? Plus, they explore new Big Ten rivalries, the transfer portal’s impact, and why 2025 could be the year Oregon claims a national title.

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Read transcripts & learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/episodes/oregon-ducks-2024-rewind-unpacking-the-rose-bowl-loss-and-whats-next-for-2025/

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our latest college football podcast episode, we dive into how the Big Ten and SEC are using their influence to steer college football’s future. What do they want? What problems are they solving—or creating? And what does it all mean for the rest of the sport?

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Read transcripts & learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/episodes/the-big-ten-sec-power-play-what-it-means-for-college-football/

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Dan out of town, Ty chats with Pete Sampson of The Athletic and The Independent Podcast about Notre Dame’s journey to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game and how Marcus Freeman navigated a season that was nearly over before it started after a Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois. Some topics discussed include:

• Marcus Freeman's Evolution: They delve into Marcus Freeman's growth as Notre Dame's head coach, moving from a first-time leader to a confident strategist with a hard-edged, old-school approach.
• Injury Challenges and Roster Management: How Freeman effectively navigated a season plagued by injuries, leveraging improved roster management and strategic use of the transfer portal.
• Riley Leonard's Performance: A candid evaluation of Notre Dame’s transfer quarterback, Riley Leonard, highlighting his running ability and leadership while discussing why his passing game didn’t fully materialize.
• Home Playoff Game Atmosphere: Pete shares his firsthand experience of Notre Dame's electric playoff environment against Indiana, with a personal anecdote comparing it to a Taylor Swift concert.
• 2025 Season Preview: Who’s the smart money on for starting quarterback next season? How will Notre Dame cope with key departures on defense? Pete and Ty look at CJ Carr's potential and the challenges awaiting Notre Dame in a front-loaded schedule.

Read transcripts & learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/episodes/marcus-freemans-masterclass-and-notre-dames-journey-with-pete-sampson/

A fan of our college football podcast? Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:

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Our college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal

Want to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.

College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.