Matt Leinart on USC’s resurgence and Klatt’s Tiers in the Big Ten, SEC, ACC and Big 12
Sep 18, 2024
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In this lively discussion, Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, now an analyst for Big Noon Kickoff, dives into USC's impressive season start and their challenging matchup against Michigan. He highlights key player performances and coaching changes that sparked the Trojans' resurgence. Joel Klatt ranks the top teams in the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12, categorizing them by tiers. They also analyze Florida and Florida State's recruitment woes, suggesting it's time for Miami to capitalize on their rivals' struggles.
USC's resurgence this season is attributed to significant defensive improvements and promising offensive leadership from quarterback Miller Moss.
The upcoming Michigan-USC matchup is critical for Michigan to showcase their adaptability amid quarterback transitions and gameplay challenges.
Florida and Florida State's struggles highlight the need for strategic overhauls in recruitment and management to regain their historical success.
Deep dives
The Exciting Start of College Football Season
The current college football season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling in recent years, rekindling excitement among fans and stakeholders. There is a growing belief that college football is entering a golden age, with attendance and engagement at an all-time high. The podcast mentions a particularly thrilling weekend of games that reminded many listeners why they love the sport. This dynamic atmosphere sets the stage for exciting discussions and analyses throughout the season.
USC's Significant Improvement
USC football has made noticeable strides this season, particularly in its defensive performance, which has become a key point of discussion. The defense's improvement is viewed as one of the most significant turnarounds in college football, with new coaching strategies contributing to this success. Fans are optimistic, as the combination of a solid offense led by rising quarterback Miller Moss and a strengthened defense positions USC as a formidable contender. The upcoming game against Michigan is anticipated as a true test of their capabilities and overall improvement.
Michigan's Challenges Ahead
Michigan football finds itself under pressure to perform amid a series of notable challenges, including quarterback changes and inconsistent gameplay. With Alex Orgy stepping in as the starting quarterback, the team aims to rebuild its offensive structure while facing a tough opponent in USC. Concerns persist regarding the team's ability to establish a strong running game and maintain physicality throughout the match. The upcoming game serves as a crucial moment for Michigan to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in response to these shifts.
Tiers of Power: Conference Rankings
The podcast delves into conference rankings, categorizing teams across power conferences based on observed performances so far this season. In the Big Ten, Ohio State is highlighted as the clear frontrunner, with USC and Oregon following closely behind. The rankings solidify USC’s rise as a competent team, bolstered by their newfound defensive prowess. This structured analysis continues with insight into the SEC and other conferences, illustrating the competitive landscape and shifting dynamics within college football.
Struggles of Florida and Florida State
The disappointing performances of Florida and Florida State in recent seasons provoke a deeper analysis of their underlying challenges. Both programs have historically struggled to maintain consistent success outside of their peak eras, leading to ongoing struggles with recruitment and team management. The reliance on the transfer portal has proved precarious, resulting in significant drops in performance when new recruits fail to meet expectations. As Miami rises with promising prospects, Florida and Florida State are urged to rethink their strategies and rebuild to reclaim their once-dominant statuses.
FOX Sports’ lead College Football analyst Joel Klatt welcomes Big Noon Kickoff Analyst and USC Heisman Trophy Winner Matt Leinart to the show to discuss the Trojans’ hot start to the season before getting into his thoughts and prediction for the upcoming matchup with Michigan in Ann Arbor on Saturday.
Klatt then goes around the Big Ten, SEC, ACC and Big 12 and ranks his Top 8 teams in each conference. He then places those teams in Tiers within their conference. He considers which Tier to place teams like Nebraska, Alabama, Michigan and Ole Miss within their respective leagues. Klatt also ranks his Top 5 Group of 5 teams that will be vying for the automatic berth in the College Football Playoff.
He finishes the episode by discussing the falls of Florida and Florida State - how they got to this moment and why it’s time for Miami to strike while their two in-state rivals are down.