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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Urban Meyer and Mack Brown predict the winner of Ohio State vs. Texas in Week 1
We're a little over a month from the college football season kicking off, and this year it opens with a bang, especially if you are an Ohio State fan, because the Buckeyes host the Texas Longhorns in Week 1. It's a game everyone has been pointing to in the offseason, and for good reason. There's a great chance that it'll be a top-three matchup and a rematch of the classic College Football Playoff semifinal from last season. It's a little too early for us to dissect this thing and provide a prediction, but that has stopped others from weighing in on the game, especially as the season draws nigh. The latest to pontificate on how this one will play out are two guys with ties to each school. On a segment from the Triple Option podcast, former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer and former Texas head coach Mack Brown each provided a prediction for the game. To nobody's surprise, really, each went with their rooting interests and allegiances. For Meyer, it boiled down to one player that will be the best on the field. 'They have Jeremiah Smith, the best player in college football, and I don't think it's really that close,' Meyer said on the podcast. 'You can roll up on him, you can double him, and you can slow him down. But you can't stop him. … But they have other weapons. They've recruited so well at the skill positions there.' For Brown, it had more to do with the experience at quarterback and when the game is going to be played that will swing the balance. 'I didn't like that it's the opening game for either team, especially when one loses in the (College Football Playoff) semifinals and one wins the national championship and loses its quarterback,' Brown said. 'We had Louisiana-Lafayette the week before we went to Columbus and to the Shoe (in 2005), so we had a warmup and won 60-3. So we at least had the routine of getting on the bus and getting all of those new players together and Friday before the game and pregame — you're not gonna have that. You have that young quarterback at Ohio State (Julian Sayin), and this is Arch Manning's really big deal and it's gonna be in front of millions of people. 'I like Texas because they've got Arch back and Ohio State's inexperienced at quarterback. And I like the fact that it's at noon for Texas. I played at 8 o'clock at night (in 2005)." Well then, that doesn't give us much insight into this one really, does it? You'd expect both to lean towards their emotions and look for a reason the team they want to win, to do just that. Not to take away from Meyer and Brown, but we'll continue to look at those in the media that don't have some ties to each program to see how they feel. In fact, ESPN's Heather Dinich has also already weighed in with a prediction. Let the countdown continue ... Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X. This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Urban Meyer, Mack Brown make early prediction for Ohio State vs. Texas
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Urban Meyer Says There's 1 Kind Of Job Nick Saban Might Take
Urban Meyer Says There's 1 Kind Of Job Nick Saban Might Take originally appeared on The Spun. Will Nick Saban return to coaching? That seems to be the No. 1 topic in the college football world this week. While at SEC Media Days this past Monday, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy said he heard from a "notable source" that Saban could return to the sideline. The seven-time national champion is currently an analyst on ESPN's "College GameDay." Although he seems happy with that role, we apparently have to stay alert for a comeback attempt. "A very much in the know person that I have a lot of respect for and have spent a lot of time around, and just really, really admire -- they seem to think Nick Saban is not done coaching," McElroy said. "He's pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again. If it wasn't someone notable, I would never say a word. He is of firm belief that Nick Saban will coach in college football again." During an appearance on "The Herd" this Thursday, former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer suggested that Saban is itching to coach again. "I have not talked to him about this. I could guess - because I know him fairly well - that it's not a little scratch, it's probably a pretty big scratch," Meyer told FS1 host Colin Cowherd. Meyer then suggested Saban would go to the NFL if he decides to coach again. "I would say there's very little to no chance he would get involved in college. But I think he would take phone calls from the NFL." Saban coached the Miami Dolphins from 2005-2006, owning a 15-17 record. He then went to Alabama and cemented his status as one of the all-time greats in the history of sports. It would be awfully fascinating to watch Saban coach an NFL team again. Will he be presented the opportunity though? Only time will Meyer Says There's 1 Kind Of Job Nick Saban Might Take first appeared on The Spun on Jul 17, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
There's Growing Talk About Nick Saban Returning To The NFL
There's Growing Talk About Nick Saban Returning To The NFL originally appeared on The Spun. Nick Saban has been retired from coaching for well over a year now, but that hasn't stopped people from speculating about his future. During this year's SEC Media Days, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy said he heard from a "notable source" that Saban could return to the sideline. McElroy's source said the seven-time national champion will coach college football again. Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, however, could see a world where Saban returns to the NFL. Saban was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2005-06, owning a 15-17 record. "I would say there's very little to no chance he would get involved in college. But I think he would take phone calls from the NFL," Meyer said on FS1 last week. Fox Sports radio host Colin Cowherd agreed with Meyer's take. In fact, he took things a step further and said Saban will coach "America's Team" at some point in the future. "I am convinced Nick Saban is returning to coach in the NFL and it will be with the Dallas Cowboys," Cowherd said. On Monday's episode of "The Dan Patrick Show," NFL insider Albert Breer added fuel to the fire with his remarks about Saban. "I think the possibility exists that maybe he looks at it and says, 'If there is a situation where I can win quickly, where there's a QB, I don't feel completely satisfied with what happened in Miami 20 years ago.' Every time he talks about the NFL, he brings up the Miami doctors and their assessment of Brees," Breer said. Clearly, the rumors regarding Saban's future just won't go away. Until he publicly shuts them down, people will question if he's contemplating a comeback attempt. Saban is on track to be on ESPN's "College GameDay" every Saturday during the 2025 college football Growing Talk About Nick Saban Returning To The NFL first appeared on The Spun on Jul 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Urban Meyer adds fuel to speculation of Nick Saban to Cowboys or Giants in 2026
Former Ohio State and Florida coach Urban Meyer doesn't believe Nick Saban would return to being a coach in college football. However, he thinks it is very possible he will listen to calls from interested NFL teams later this year. Former Alabama star quarterback Greg McElroy created a huge story recently when he suggested his former coach is looking to get back on the sidelines after retiring last year. 'A very much in-the-know person that I have a lot of respect for and have spent a lot of time around, and just really, really admire — they seem to think Nick Saban is not done coaching. He's pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again,' McElroy said. Related: Since then, there has been a lot of talk about where he could land in college football or the NFL. However, former contemporary Urban Meyer believes that when he returns, it will be in pro football. Not the college ranks. 'I know him fairly well, because I've competed against him. It's not a little scratch. It's probably a pretty big scratch,' Meyer said on The Herd about Saban's itch to return to coaching. 'I don't think he'd go back to college. I don't see that fit… Very little to no chance he would get involved in college. But I would say he'd take calls from the NFL.' Dak Prescott could play a key role in Nick Saban joining the Dallas Cowboys? There has been speculation that the New York Giants could be an option if they move on from Brian Daboll after this season. However, NFL insider Albert Breer fanned the rumor flames this week when he suggested — also on The Herd — Saban would listen to Jerry Jones about taking over the Dallas Cowboys job if Brian Shottenheimer disappointed in his first season. Meyer added to the possibility of a Saban and Dallas pairing when he agreed with Colin Cowherd about how working with an elite QB — like Dak Prescott — would play a big role in luring him back to the NFL. Nick Saban record (College): 297-71-1 'If Nick Saban can get in that kind of position where he believes this is a future Hall of Fame quarterback or a world champion quarterback, the more I think about it, the more I think he's gonna take that call. I really do… He's a competitor, and I think he'd do very well.' Saban served as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns for four seasons under fellow coaching icon Bill Belichick. And he was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins for two seasons. Posting a 15-17 record. Related: Related Headlines New York Mets analysts detail likely cost in blockbuster trades for Eugenio Suarez or Corey Seager Ohio State recruiting expert reveals details on Jakob Witherspoon misleading program, how much North Carolina spent to flip him Kirk Gibson discusses leaving Detroit Tigers' TV booth in 2025 Baltimore Orioles listening to trades for Trevor Rogers, Felix Bautista
Washington Post
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Barstool, Fox, and a marriage made for modern sports media
Barstool Sports is back on TV. Eight years after ESPN cancelled a Barstool late-night show, the digital sports media company that has spawned devoted fans and fervent critics is coming to Fox and Fox Sports1 for the upcoming football season. 'Barstool Sports, myself, we are joining 'Big Noon Kickoff',' Portnoy said in a video posted to social media Thursday, referencing Fox's Saturday morning college football show. Portnoy has long been a divisive figure in sports media and beyond, building a massive digital following with commentary on an array of subjects, including sports, politics, gambling, finance and pizza. He also has a history of misogynistic and racist comments and has been the subject of sexual misconduct accusations. Now, he will appear alongside Matt Leinart, Urban Meyer and others during college football season. Barstool, meanwhile, will produce a daily morning show for Fox's cable sports network. As one high-level media executive told The Post: "It's insane! How can you put [Portnoy] on TV next to Urban Meyer? Of course, I'm going to watch.' Here's what to know about this seismic move for sports media. Industry insiders spoke on the condition of anonymity for this story, to offer candid thoughts without jeopardizing working relationships. When ESPN launched a show with the hosts of the popular Barstool podcast, 'Pardon My Take,' in 2017, ESPN staffers revolted over Barstool's treatment of women. Portnoy has made degrading comments about women, including once suggesting some 'kind of deserve to be raped.' The ESPN show was canceled after a single episode. (Portnoy has said many of his comments were jokes.) Much has changed since then. As other digital sports outlets have struggled or disappeared, Barstool still claims a rabid fan base of mostly young men who consume content, buy merchandise and show up at events. It leaned into gambling ahead of others and helped to launch the careers of several media superstars, including Pat McAfee, now at ESPN, and Alex Cooper, among the most popular podcasters in the country. Go to any college football tailgate and you will find Barstool flags flying in the parking lots. 'Pardon My Take,' featuring Dan Katz and Eric Sollenberger (better known as Big Cat and PFT Commenter) is going on a decade as one of the country's most popular sports podcasts. Portnoy has become the most important pizza influencer in the country. Barstool's ESPN show also came during President Trump's first term, right before the #MeToo movement gained prominence. Trump since has been re-elected, and Portnoy is now a regular guest on Fox News and Fox Business. After the Barstool partnership was announced, one Fox Sports staffer told the Post, 'I think from a business proposition this is probably smart, and I don't love that that is true.' ESPN has re-made its business around the industry's biggest personalities, most notably McAfee and Stephen A. Smith. Portnoy is arguably better at generating attention than either. "Dave has built a one-of-a-kind brand that connects with a new generation of sports fans – authentic, bold, and original,' Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks said in the company's announcement. A buzzword among so many executives today is relevance. Portnoy has mastered the attention economy with more than 9 million followers between X and TikTok. (Katz and Sollenberger each have more than 1 million X followers, too.) On Fox, Portnoy likely will deliver his share of viral moments, perhaps along the lines of McAfee doing a backflip into the Tennessee River when ESPN's college football pregame show visited Knoxville. ESPN licenses McAfee's show for two hours every afternoon. It will soon license TNT's pre- and post-game show for its NBA coverage. Now Fox, after canceling three of its daytime talk shows earlier this month, is turning to Barstool to develop a morning show. (According to people familiar with the deal, Barstool is building a TV studio in its Chicago headquarters.) Sports networks are showing a reluctance to develop new programming outside of live sports, outsourcing what used to be a core function of a network. That leaves Barstool a chance to make a morning show that looks nothing like traditional TV. It's reasonable to assume that whatever Barstool produces won't look anything like ESPN's 'Get Up' or Fox's now-canceled 'Breakfast Ball," shows consisting mostly of ex-athletes and talking heads debating the day's biggest sports stories from behind desks. Whether Barstool's fans — and other sports fans — will watch on linear TV is another question. McAfee, for example, has a big digital footprint, but his TV ratings have lagged. (ESPN has said that doesn't matter because McAfee is part of the company's direct-to-consumer strategy.) Barstool will now confront similar questions to the networks: Can they take a digital concept and translate it to TV? But also: Can anyone make a successful linear TV show in 2025? Many have compared Portnoy's role at Fox to something similar to McAfee's — a big-energy presence with a strong connection to young male sports fans. But one media executive said Portnoy also reminded them of ESPN's hiring of conservative pundit Rush Limbaugh on its Sunday morning NFL coverage in the early 2000s. If you watch McAfee's show, he often isn't delivering the most provocative takes the way Portnoy does or Limbaugh once did. (It's often McAfee's guests making news.) Limbaugh lasted just a few episodes after he suggested quarterback Donovan McNabb was overrated because he was Black. But it felt then like Limbaugh was interested in the ESPN platform for his own visibility. This has been the cause of some tension at ESPN with McAfee, too. Is what is good for McAfee always good for ESPN? And in the same vein, will what is good for Portnoy, the executive wondered, always be what's good for Fox Sports?
