The Solid Verbal College Football

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?

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