Summary:

Hosts Rob and Eli recap Big Ten bowl games and playoff action in this episode, expressing disappointment over Michigan's loss while highlighting strong performances from teams like Washington, Northwestern, and Indiana. They analyze key matchups, including Michigan vs. Texas in the Citrus Bowl, and dive into playoff results up to the Peach Bowl semi-final where Indiana dominated Oregon. The discussion ends with predictions for the national championship between undefeated Indiana and Miami, favoring a Big Ten win.

Key Points:

• Big Ten teams went 6-1 in non-playoff bowls, dominating opponents' rushing attacks (e.g., Washington over Boise State 38-10, Northwestern over Central Michigan 34-7).
• Michigan fell to Texas 41-27 in the Citrus Bowl; Bryce Underwood showed promise but threw late picks amid coaching changes.
• Playoff highlights: Ohio State upset by Miami, Texas Tech shut out by Oregon 23-0, Indiana crushed Alabama 38-3 and Oregon 56-22 to reach the title game undefeated at 15-0.
• Hosts predict Indiana beats Miami in the championship (e.g., 30-7 or by 10+ points), securing Big Ten's third straight national title.
• SEC struggled at 3-8ish in bowls; Big Ten and ACC shine, with Miami advancing.

Summary:

Rob and Eli dive into Big Ten playoff action and coaching drama amid a hectic holiday season, blending detailed game analysis with their signature Michigan-Ohio State rivalry banter. They highlight Oregon's dominant yet sloppy win over James Madison, predict chaos in the opt-out-riddled Michigan-Texas Citrus Bowl, praise Michigan's surprise hire of Utah's Kyle Whittingham, and forecast an Ohio State rout of Miami.

Key Points:

• Oregon Ducks crushed James Madison 51-34 in playoff Round 1, with QB Dante Moore throwing 4 TDs, but allowed a late JMU surge after coasting in the second half.
• Michigan (9-3) faces depleted Texas (9-3) in Citrus Bowl on NYE; massive opt-outs (20+ for Texas), QB showdown Arch Manning vs. Bryce Underwood, plus Michigan's coaching upheaval.
• Michigan fired Sherone Moore for staff issues, snagged 66-year-old Kyle Whittingham from Utah—praised for elite defenses, player development, and Harbaugh-like physicality.
• Whittingham's hire seen as a coup; brings OC Jason Beck, fits Michigan's roster with power spread and dual-threat schemes for Underwood.
• Ohio State-Miami playoff preview evokes 2002 Fiesta Bowl rematch vibes; Buckeyes favored by 10-17 points over Hurricanes despite strong RB Mark Fletcher Jr. and WR Malachi Corley.

Summary:

Rob and Eli react to Indiana's 13-10 upset over Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship, securing the Hoosiers' first title since 1967 and a perfect 13-0 record behind Fernando Mendoza's MVP performance, while the Buckeyes drop to 12-1 amid O-line woes and play-calling critiques. They preview Big Ten bowl matchups like Washington and Boise State and Michigan v Texas in the Citrus Bowl, then break down the CFP bracket with Indiana at #1 and where does Ohio State land.

Key Points:

• Big Ten Title Breakdown: Indiana's defense forces turnovers and stops short-yardage; Ohio State sacked 5 times, goes 2/4 in red zone with heavy 13-personnel usage; Mendoza's 222 yards/TD named MVP.
• Mendoza's MVP Edge: Indiana QB overcomes early injury for 15/23, 222 yards, key 17-yard TD to Elijah Serat and 33-yard strike to Charlie Becker in clock-managing drive.
• Bowl Matchups: Washington (8-4, -8.5) vs Boise St (9-4); Northwestern (6-6, -12.5) vs Central Mich (7-5); New Mexico vs Minnesota (-3); Penn State (6-6) vs Clemson (7-5, +3); Tennessee (-5.5) vs Illinois (8-4); USC (9-3, -6) vs TCU (8-4); Vanderbilt (-4) vs Iowa; Michigan (9-3) vs Texas (9-3, -4.5); Utah (-14.5) vs Nebraska (7-5).
• Final CFP Bracket: #1 Indiana vs #8 Alabama; #2 Ohio State vs #10 Miami; #3 Georgia vs #6 Ole Miss; #4 Texas Tech vs #5 Oregon; #12 James Madison (Sun Belt champ) over Duke; rematches include Alabama-Oklahoma, Ole Miss-Tulane