Ohio State’s Turnaround, How Texas Should Feel, and the State of the SEC with Van Lathan. Plus the Unfair Hatred of Notre Dame.
Jan 11, 2025
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Van Lathan, a sharp commentator on sports and culture, joins to discuss Ohio State's thrilling victory over Texas as they head to the national title game. They delve into Texas fans' mixed feelings and the playful jibes at coaching dynamics with Notre Dame. The episode tackles the shifting sands of college football, debating the SEC’s waning dominance and rising rivalries. Lathan shares humor-laden life advice, illuminating the balance between chaos and leisure amidst intense sports discussions.
Ohio State's victory over Texas highlights their remarkable comeback and strategic prowess as they advance to the national championship.
Texas demonstrated competitive spirit despite defeat, but costly mistakes and quarterback performance raised concerns about their future prospects.
The upcoming national championship matchup between Ohio State and Notre Dame is set to be thrilling, fueled by both teams' recent successes.
Deep dives
Ohio State's Journey to the National Championship
Ohio State has demonstrated remarkable resilience as they march on to the national championship after defeating Texas in the Cotton Bowl with a score of 28-14. The victory signifies a full-circle moment for the Buckeyes, who rebounded impressively after facing a tough loss against Michigan earlier in the season. Their performance showcased a high level of skill and determination, particularly highlighted by pivotal plays such as Trevion Henderson's touchdown right before halftime. With this win, Ohio State solidifies their status as a formidable team, setting the stage for their upcoming clash with Notre Dame.
Texas' Competitive Spirit
Despite the loss, Texas exhibited a commendable competitive spirit, proving they could hang with one of college football's elite teams. Their defense faced challenges against Ohio State's talent-laden roster, but they managed to put forth a valiant effort and stay in the game until the final moments. The Longhorns were plagued by costly mistakes, including a key screen pass that led to a touchdown and another potential touchdown opportunity that slipped away. These missteps ultimately cost Texas the game, but the team's tenacity highlighted their potential for future success.
Quarterback Play Under Scrutiny
The performance of Texas' quarterback, Quinn Ewers, drew criticism as he struggled with decision-making and pocket awareness during critical moments. His inability to effectively handle pressure from Ohio State's defensive line seemed to hinder the team's offensive rhythm. While Ewers had flashes of composure, such as a pivotal third-and-11 conversion, his overall performance raised questions about his readiness for high-stakes games. The pressure on him during the game revealed vulnerabilities that Texas must address if they hope to compete at a higher level in the future.
Game Strategy and Execution
Both teams' strategies played a crucial role in determining the game's outcome, particularly concerning how Ohio State adjusted to diminish Texas' strengths. Ohio State's ability to exploit gaps in Texas' defense, while simultaneously maintaining discipline, demonstrated their strategic acumen. The Longhorns, on the other hand, struggled to find consistent offensive execution, jeopardizing their chances to capitalize on opportunities during crucial moments of the game. It became apparent that fine-tuning their game plan and execution would be essential for Texas to build upon their performance in future contests.
Looking Ahead to the National Championship
With Ohio State now set to face Notre Dame in the national championship, both teams will carry storylines and motivations into this much-anticipated matchup. Ohio State, eager to redeem themselves after last season, will look to capitalize on their momentum from the Cotton Bowl. Conversely, Notre Dame's recent win against Penn State has positioned them as a serious contender, showcasing their own formidable talent and resilience. The game promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the college football season, with both teams vying for glory.
Russillo starts the show with Van Lathan as they react right after Ohio State’s win over Texas to advance to the national title game (00:52). They discuss the Buckeye’s turnaround, how Texas fans should feel about how their season played out and a little on the Marcus Freeman-Brian Kelly jokes being thrown at LSU fans. Then, Ryen breaks down Notre Dame’s win on Thursday night over Penn State including why the Irish haters are unfair (43:50). Finally, Ceruti and Kyle join for some life advice including an email the guys are afraid went over their heads (53:01).
Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, livestreams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenRussilloPodcast
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Host: Ryen Russillo
Guest: Van Lathan
Producers: Steve Ceruti, Kyle Crichton, and Mike Wargon