Inside The Pylon: A Midwest College Football Podcast

Spring spotlights are over and we are back to once-weekly programming with rankings, debates, and other fun discussions to fill your time and preoccupy your offseason blues. Tonight, Ryan and Clinton discuss their preseason top-5 quarterbacks in the Big Ten conference. Who are the names they are looking at? Are they looking at the same group of players? How do they feel about the position at large in the conference this year?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Wisconsin.After another disappointing year, the Badgers retained head coach Luke Fickell with a promise to invest more heavily in the roster. Mission accomplished -- somewhat -- with 33 incoming transfers. Much of the work was done on the defensive side of the ball. The Badges could be looking at four transfers starting in the secondary when they take on Notre Dame to begin the season, with the goal of helping bolster a pass defense that finished 62nd in yards per game against last season. The rush defense was better, but seven DL transfers come in to help offset front seven losses to the NFL and portal.On offense, QB Colton Joseph is the latest portal add for Wisconsin and he will look to avoid the injury plague that befuddled his previous three predecessors. Joseph, from Old Dominion, was a competent passer last season -- 59.6% completion, 2,624 yards with 21 TDs to 10 INTs. But he makes plays in the running game, finishing last season with 1,007 yards and 13 TDs on the ground. Can he bring forth that running threat to the Big Ten and add another dimension to this Wisconsin offense?He will need help, and for better or worse the Badgers will see a makeover at the skill positions in 2026. Their top four receivers from last year have departed -- they bring in three portal adds at WR with varying levels of production at varying levels of competition. Leading rusher Darrion Dupree returns, though with only 363 yards he is hardly entrenched as a starter. The Badgers also add three RBs from the portal, including 750-yard rusher Abu Sama from Iowa State. Can any of the portal adds -- or the returning players -- step up to be a go-to guy for this offense? Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Washington.The story of the trenches for Washington in 2026 will be told by an experienced OL, and a young, but talented, DL. The Huskies return for OL starters from last year's team, and bring in 5-star freshman Kodi Greene to compete for the fifth spot. On the DL, added pieces in the portal and will look to several former 4-star recruits to step up onto more prominent roles this season to help carry over a defense that finished 11th nationally last season defending the run, but often struggled getting pressure on the QB.On the offensive side of the ball, RB Jonah Coleman is off to the next level after an injury-plagued and somewhat disappointing 2025. Is backup, Adam Mohammad, transferred to Cal. The Huskies brought in two portal additions -- including former Oregon Duck Jayden Limar -- but both are out for spring recovering from surgeries. Will their absence allow a returning player, or perhaps an incoming freshman, ascend to a prominent role in the offense?At WR, Freshman All-American Dezmen Roebuck returns but leading receiver Denzel Boston is off to the NFL. The room also suffers from portal attrition. Two portal receivers enter, as do a trio of incoming blue-chip freshmen. Can this room perform at a similar level to 2025 and help out star QB Demond Williams?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Notre Dame.In 2025, Notre Dame had one of the best runnings games in college football -- ranking 3rd nationally averaging 5.7 yards per carry -- on the strength of a generational backfield in Jeremyiah Love and Jadarian Price. They achieved this (2,046 combined rushing yards, 29 combined rushing TDs) despite below-expectations play from the offensive line. With both backs off the the NFL, can Notre Dame come close to replicating last season's rushing offense with an improved offensive line, and a still-capable stable of running backs on the roster?QB CJ Carr may be the best returning starting quarterback the Irish have had since Brady Quinn in 2006, and he is among the best returning QBs in the nation. However, he will need to get established with a new cast of WRs, as Notre Dame's 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th leading yards-producing receivers in 2025 are no longer on the roster. The room is as deep and talented as it has been in Marcus Freeman's tenure as head coach. However, can one (or two) of those players step up to be a true game-breaker for Carr out wide?On defense, the Irish secondary should be among the best in the nation. They were fine getting after the QB last year -- finishing 26th nationally in sack rate, and finished 12th nationally in rush defense. That defensive line gets a bit of a makeover this season via the portal and high school recruiting. Can returning players Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young take a step forward in 2026, and can the imports on the interior successfully replace the players lost to graduation?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking USC.For whatever faults he may have as a head coach, developing QBs and prolific offenses is not one of them for Lincoln Riley. He returns a strong, experience signal caller in 2026 with Jayden Maiava returning after throwing for 3700 yards and 24 TDs a season ago. However, four of USC's top five pass-catchers in terms of yards from last season have either transferred or gone pro. Now-sophomore Tanook Hines is a key returning piece to the WR room. NC State transfer Terrell Anderson also figures to be a key piece. But the rest of the room is bereft of experience, albeit talented. Will a freshman pass catcher step up to help carry the load?What the WR room make lack in experience, the OL and RB rooms more than make up for. USC returns five OL with significant starting experience, and their top two rushers from 2025. Riley's offense ran the ball more often and more effectively in 2025 than the previous two seasons -- with a lack of experience out wide, will USC lead more heavily on this talented and experienced run game in 2026?On defense, former long-time TCU head coach Gary Patterson joins the staff as their defensive coordinator == replacing the departed-for-Penn-State D'Anton Lynn. The defense progressively improved in Lynn's two seasons, but was still middle-of-the-pack at best in 2025. However, the Trojans have stepped up their recruiting and portal game and despite some questions at LB and in the secondary, should have plenty of talented depth in 2026 across the board. Can they turn that talent into production? Can Gary Patterson snap Lincoln Riley out of his defensive trance? Or will it be same song, different chorus for the Trojans's defense in 2026?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking UCLA.The Bruins were a train wreck under DeShaun Foster last season, with a brief reprieve upon his firing and the promotion of Tim Skipper to interim head coach. That lasted three games before a five-game losing streak (with only one game being within three scores) saw them finish 3-9. In comes Bob Chesney from James Madison. He brings with him, among others, start RB Wayne Knight -- who rushed for nearly 1400 yards for the playoff Dukes. His import looks to bolster a UCLA rush attack that finished last season 85th in yards per game.In 2025 the entire offense ran through QB Nico Iamaleava. To help him, Chesney and staff brought in six transfer portal WRs. Who are the names to know here and will one (or more) of them step up?On defense, the Bruins's DL managed only 10 sacks last season. Sahmir West -- another JMU import -- was the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and was a freshman All-America last season, posting seven sacks and 14 TFLs last season. At 6-4, 270 pounds, he has the length and mass needed to carry that success forward into the Big Ten. Four other key transfers join West on the DL, as the Bruins look to better affect the QB in 2026. Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Rutgers.Athan Kaliakmanis took a big step forward in year two of Kirk Ciarrocca's offense last season, just in time to jump for the NFL. Replacing him will either be 2025 backup AJ Surace, or Boston College transfer Dylan Lonergan. Surace attempted only two passes against P4 competition last season, while Lonergan had an up and down season at BC. Can Ciarrocca squeeze enough out of the QB position to replicate last season's 27th-best passive attack?To help, they will need someone at WR to step up. Star WR KJ Duff returns, but running mates Ian Strong (Cal) and DT Sheffield (NFL) are gone. a group of young players appears poised to take the next step, but can one of them make a move to be a legitimate No. 2 option to take heat off Duff?On defense, Rutgers was catastrophically bad in 2025. To address this, head coach Greg Schiano went hard at the portal and brought in what could be upwards of seven transfers who will start game one. Edge rushers Malachi Davis (Toledo) and J'Dan Burnett (Tulsa) join the fray, and four new transfers come in at CB. Will that be enough to give the Scarlet Knights's defense a boost in 2026?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Purdue.Year 1 for Barry Odom felt like a step in the right direction for Purdue despite going 2-10. On offense, he relied on part-time 2024 starter (and spring 2025 portal addition) Ryan Browne at QB with mixed results. A strong start to the season (250+ yards in four of Purdue's first five games) ended with him not hitting that mark again once in the final seven contests, and included five games at fewer than 140 pass yards. Can a portal haul at OL and WR help turn the Boilers' fortunes on offense in 2026?That offense will continue out without -- for what seems like the first time in 15 years -- RB Devin Mockobee, who is off to the NFL Draft. Three RBs come in from the portal in Jerrick Gibson (Texas), Fame Ijejboi (Minnesota) and Travis Terrell Jr (Jackson St). On defense, Purdue snagged only four INTs last season and was PFF's worst-graded pass defense. With a slew of talented QBs on the 2026 schedule, Purdue attempted to bolster the back end with eight portal additions. Will that make a difference or will it be another long season for the Boilermakers's back end?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Penn State.Last season was an abject failure for the Nittany Lions. With it came a coaching change and an exciting new era with Matt Campbell. It also brings plenty of roster turnover, with 46 players heading out via the transfer portal and 39 coming in. We've seen roster flips and early success with several programs the last few seasons, but was the portal a net positive or net negative for Penn State?One of the key portal additions for Penn State was Iowa State QB Rocco Becht. After a strong 2024 season, he took a step back in 2025 after two of his top receivers left for the NFL. Much of that receiver room he struggled with follows him to Happy Valley. Can Becht rediscover his 2024 form? On defense, D'Anton Lynn returns to his alma mater to leave a defense that was fine in 2025 under Jim Knowles. They had their moments but underachieved relative to expectations. With a new scheme and a lot of new faces, what will this unit look like in 2025?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Oregon.Oregon has been a steady beacon in two seasons in the Big Ten, going 26-3 in two seasons, with two of those three defeats coming in the CFP. Now, Dan Lanning must wade through coordinator turnover with DC Tosh Lupoi and OC Will Stein both getting head coaching jobs. Lanning stayed in-house with replacements, promoting his co-OC (Drew Mehringer) and co-DC (Chris Hampton) to lead coordinators. Mehringer has one season of OC experience with Rutgers in 2016, while Hampton was DC at Tulane in 2021 and 2022. Can these two, with limited play calling experience continue the run of strong coordinators in Eugene?The Ducks are loaded with talent, but one question could be the linebacker spot. Bryce Boettcher is off to the NFL after leading the Ducks with 136 tackles last season. Fourth-leading (and leading sack-getter) tackler Teitum Tuioti returns, as does fifth-leading tackler Jerry Mixon. Can either take a step forward to be the leader of this defense that Boettcher was in 2025?On offense, Dante Moore gets the headlines but he is helped out by an excellent WR room. Evan Stewart missed 2025 with a torn patellar tendon but looks to return to form and should be healthy enough to participate in spring. Dakorien Moore had a strong freshman season and could be primed for a big 2026. Jeremiah McClellan led the team with 557 yards in 2025 and likewise could be primed for another big step forward this season. To further bolster the room, they import Iverson Hooks from UAB (72 catches, 927 yards, 7 TD in 2025).Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Ohio State.The Buckeyes OL bolsters 34 returning starts, and plenty of intriguing names come back in that room. How much position shifting will occur and what might the starting five look like in 2026?Perhaps the biggest change with Ohio State comes with the departure of one-year playcaller but long-time assistant Brian Hartline, who finally spread his wings and flew away from Columbus to a head coaching job with USF. The WR room gets a bit of a makeover, with Carnell Tate off to the NFL and Bryson Rogers, Mylan Graham and Quincey Porter hitting the portal. But Jeremiah Smith is back to dominate college football. Brandon Innis returns, and in come talented freshman Chris Henry Jr. and Jerquaden Gilford, in addition to transfers Kyle Parker (LSU) and Devin McCuin (UTSA). Can new WR coach Cortez Hankton keep the tradition of WRU moving forward?On defense, the Buckeye once again will lose a plethora of talented production. LBs Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese depart, as does S Caleb Downs. Jaylen McClain returns as safety but the Buckeyes also hit the portal to bring in Earl Little Jr (Florida State) and Terry Moore (Duke). How will the Ohio State back end shape up in 2026?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Northwestern.One of the most intriguing hires of the offseason was OC Chip Kelly, back in the Big Ten after a year in the NFL. He teams up with transfer QB Aidan Chiles, himself an import from Michigan State. With a good amount of skill talent to work with at RB and WR, will the marriage yield Will Howard-esque results for Northwestern in 2026, or will it look more like 2023 then-true freshman Dante Moore?Northwestern had a strong OL in 2025 particularly in pass protection, where they allowed 17 sacks in 13 games. Three (and maybe four?) of last year's starting OL is out the door. Starting LG Ezomo Oratokhai returns, while starting C Jackson Carsello is waiting on a ruling for a sixth-year waiver. The Wildcats brought in one of the portal's best OTs in Oklahoma State's Grant Seagren, but also return several part-time contributors from 2025 looking to slide into the starting lineup. Can this group help ease Chiles's transition?On defense, five of the team's top-10 tacklers from 2025 have graduated -- which does not include star DE Anto Saka's transfer to Texas A&M. However, the Wildcats return a key player at each level, bolstered on the back end by the Big Ten's leading solo tackler Robert Fitzgerald. Can this unit that was good in 2025, but only forced 19 turnovers, take a big step forward in 2026?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Nebraska.Rob Aurich joins Matt Rhule's staff as defensive coordinator. He had a largely successful run with San Diego State, where he called what was one of the nation's best defenses in both yards per game and points per game in 2025. How with this translate to Nebraska, which boasted one of the nation's best pass defenses in 2025, but ranked 100th nationally in yards per game against the run?At QB, favorite son Dylan Railoa left via the portal for Oregon. After a flirtation with Kenny Minchey, the Huskers landed UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea in the portal. He will compete with four-game starter TJ Lateef for the starting roll in 2026. What does Collandrea bring and how might he fit into Dana Holgerson's offense if he wins the job?One of the brightest spots of Nebraska's 2025 season was RB Emmett Johnson, who is off to the NFL. Despite Johnson's 1451 yards and 12 TDs on the ground, the Huskers otherwise struggled running the football. Who will step up to carry the load (no pun intended) in 2026?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Minnesota.Drake Lindsey took over under center for Minnesota in 2025 and had a fine season overall. He took care of the ball well with 18 TDs to 6 INTs, but the passing offense lacked explosiveness. The Gophers ranked 127th nationally at 5.9 yards per attempt for the season. Coupled with a rushing offense that struggled to gain momentum, and you have an offense that ranked in the bottom third in FBS in points per game. Lindsey will need to take his game to the next level, but would benefit from help out wide.Also helping would be a healthy Darius Taylor. After a mostly healthy 2024, the Gopher's star RB missed three full games in 2025 and large chunks of two others. Can he stay on the field and get back to the form he showed in 2024 where he had 12 TDs and 1300 all-purpose yards?New DL coach CJ Robbins enters and inherits an edge group that should be among the best in the Big Ten. Anthony Smith has a legitimate change to finish 2026 as the program's all-time sack leader, while now-sophomore Karter Menz had 6.5 sacks in 8 games last season. But 1400 snaps leave the interior DL. Can Robbins get this group up to speed? Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Michigan State.QB play was not a bright spot for this squad a year ago but neither start had help from his OL. The Spartans allowed 37 sacks a year ago, and struggled to consistently open run lanes. Can several transfer portal adds help shore up this unit?While they could not protect their own QB, the Spartans defense could also not affect any pressure on opposing QBs with only 22 sacks accrued in 2025. Is there a player on the roster who can step up to help turn that tide in 2026?In the secondary, CB Charles Brantley returns after a one-year run at Miami. He led MSU in INTs and PBUs in 2024. Can he help give a boost to a unit that struggled in 2025?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Michigan.A year ago Michigan won nine games despite a still-lacking passing attack and a head coach who was ... preoccupied. With a serious staff (and a real QB coach) what might be this offense's ceiling with Kyle Whittingham and Jason Beck calling the shots?Part of that depends on someone stepping up out wide. Andrew Marsh established himself as a No. 1 target in 2025. Will a transfer -- or a player already in toe -- step up beside him to give Michigan another pass-catching threat?On defense, Michigan had turnover in the secondary but plenty of talent remains. But at linebacker, top player Cole Sullivan leaves for Oklahoma. Who will step up to help fill the void?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Maryland.Maryland built its 2025 offense around true freshman QB Malik Washington and he delivered well. However he did not have much help from the run game and the Terps' top-three receivers are off to the NFL. What will this offense look like under new OC Clint Trickett?Maryland struggled defensively as 2025 progressed, particularly against the run where they ranked 15th in the Big Ten, allowing 175.6 yards per game on the ground. To address this, Maryland brought in a handful of interior DL transfers. What are we looking for from this unit?At the edge, Zahir Mathis and Sidney Stewart had big years in 2025, and they add class of 2026 5-start prospect Zion Elee to the mix. Could this fearsome attack off the edge help a Terps defense that finished 48th nationally in sacks per game a year ago?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, touching on Iowa. Another 9-win season in 2025, with a win against playoff-contending Vanderbilt in the bowl game showed the consistency of Kirk Ferentz's program. However, turnover will be abound with this team in 2026.That starts at the QB position. After portal shopping the last year years, and having good success with Mark Gronowski in 2025, the Hawkeyes will look to turn to an in-house solution (who also previously transferred in) in 2026 with Jeremy Hecklinski or Hank Brown. How with this alter the offensive identity?Out wide, we know Iowa has a case for TEU and they should be well-stocked at that position. But they turned to the FCS ranks to re-stock the WR position with productive players. Can they handle the jump in physicality of Big Ten defenses?One of the hallmarks of Iowa football has been special teams play. But for the first time since 2007, LaVar Woods will not be on this staff. Can the Hawkeyes special teams units remain elite game-wreckers?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, touching on Illinois. After a breakout 2024 led to a strong, but maybe short of expectations 2025, where will the team head in 2026?They will be led by a new QB with three-year starter Luke Altmyer off for the NFL. In comes ECU transfer Katin Houser, he of 2023 Michigan State lore. A big body with a strong arm and a more physical run style, will Illinois alter its offensive look in 2026 to accommodate the new signal caller?He will need help from his OL, which was not good enough in 2025 but replaces four of five starters. Who are names to know along this unit?On defense, new DC Bobby Hauck imports a 3-3-5 defense that will put more on an Illinois secondary that was injury-riddled in 2025 but returns a plethora of talent, despite several losses. Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Ryan and Clinton return from hiatus to begin a journey through the midwest as spring ball begins to kick off. The guys open with the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers, with three items to observe for in the spring.On the edge, Mikhail Kamara departs after a successful two year run in Bloomington following a transfer from JMU. To help ease his loss, along with several others, the Hoosiers hit the portal hard. Who are the names to know this spring.Out wide, Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper are off to the NFL, but 2025 breakout star Charlie Becker returns for new QB Josh Hoover. Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh enters, and who else should we be keeping our eyes on?In the backfield, Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black also depart. In what has been a running-back-by-committee in two years for Curt Cignetti in Bloomington, will we see more of the same in 2026 or will a bell cow emerge?Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

In part four of our four part February series, Ryan and Clinton talk coaching carousel. In the Big Ten, four new head coaching jobs start in 2026: Pat Fitzgerald returns to the Big Ten at Michigan State; Matt Campbell takes the next step in his career moving to Penn State; Bob Chesney jumps from James Madison to UCLA; and Kyle Whittingham stepped down at Utah and took Michigan's vacant posting. What are aspects of these hires we like that could indicate coming success? What are some potential trepidations with these hires that give us cause for pause. Additionally, the guys talk a couple OC/DC new hires to watch for. Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

In part three of our four part February series, Ryan and Clinton talk transfer portal. In the Big Ten, who are key names to know for each team, and who is a player who might be flying under the radar ready for a big breakout?Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

In part two of our four-part February series, Ryan and Clinton reminisce and eulogize the Southeastern Football Conference, which has now gone three consecutive seasons without playing in a national championship game. What has led to this shift in the power dynamics of college football, and will the shift in power toward the Midwest continue moving forward?Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

You have questions, we have answers (mostly). In part one of four of the guy's February pre-recorded series, the guys tackle user questions. From early playoff predictions, to past dream jobs, the guys tackle a wide range of topics.Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

The Indiana Hoosiers are champions of the college football world for the first time in program history, To commemorate the occasion, friend of the show Sammy Jacobs of Hoosier Huddle re-joins the show to talk about Indiana's unprecedented season. How did this come together? When did he know that this year's team had a chance to be special? How does one react to being a national champion? And what comes next for Curt Cignetti and this program?Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

The CFB season is at an end and Ryan and Clinton return to recap Indiana's magical run to national champions with a 27-21 win against Miami. Where does this rank in terms of "best CFP stories of all time," and what staying power do the Hoosiers have?Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

The CFB season is at an end and Ryan and Clinton return for their last preview of the 2025 season for the National Championship game between Miami and Indiana. The Hoosiers are looking to win their first national title in program history, and finalize the first 16-0 season in the history of the sport. To do so they will have to take down the Hurricanes in Miami. The guys break down key matchups and give their last prediction of the season. Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

Ryan and Clinton reconvene to recap Indiana's 56-22 win in the CFP semifinal against Oregon. How did we get here? What is next for the Ducks? And is an Indiana national title inevitible?Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

We have reached the college football semifinal, and we are graced with a rematch of one of the premier games of the regular season with Indiana taking on Oregon with a spot in the National Title Game on the line. Will the Ducks avenge their midseason defeat at the hands of the Hoosiers, or will Curt Cignetti's squad continue their undefeated run? Ryan and Clinton break down the matchup and pick the winner.Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

The CFP quarterfinals have come and gone and with a lone exception the first-round bye was once again unkind to teams, with the purported top-4 seeds falling to a combined 1-7 in the two-year history of the 12-team playoff. However, a midwest school was able to buck that trend, set up an anticipated semifinal rematch, and ensures the Big Ten will be playing for a national title for the third consecutive season.In the first game, Ohio State was befuddled by a violent Miami front seven. The Hurricanes, with few exceptions, kept Ohio State's offense bottled up with seven tackles for loss, including five sacks. Heisman finalist Julian Sayin threw for 287 yards, but had two interceptions -- including a crucial pick-six in a decisive second quarter that gave Miami a 14-0 lead. Has Clinton recovered? And where does he think things went wrong for Ohio State?In the early New Years Day game, Oregon's defense out-dueled Texas Tech's elite unit with a 23-0 win. Dan Lanning seemingly had little concern for the Red Raiders's offense with multiple fourth-down conversion attempts near midfield. Like Miami, the Ducks had seven TFLs, including four sacks, and picked off Texas Tech Behren Morton twice.In the catharsis matchup of the day, Indiana did to Alabama what so many Saban-era 'Bama teams did to others, with a smothering 38-3 win that was never in doubt. The Hoosiers stifled the Tide running game, and battled QB Ty Simpson out of the game. The win sets up a rematch with Oregon in this Friday's Peach Bowl.Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

The quarterfinals are here and a trio of Big Ten teams will took to extend their seasons and keep national title hopes alive.In the Cotton Bowl -- for just the fifth time in history, and the first time since 2011, Ohio State faces off against Miami. The 'Canes boast strong offensive and defensive line play -- which gave the Buckeyes trouble in the Big Ten title game. However, Miami's offense struggled in the wind against Texas A&M in the first round. Can Ohio State keep its national title defense hopes alive?In the Orange bowl, Oregon takes on Texas Tech's vaunted defense, which is led by All-Americans David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez. The Red Raiders also boast a strong rush offense, 26th nationally with 191 yards on the ground per game. Can Dante Moore and the Ducks' offense continue their recent ascent?And in the Granddaddy of Them All, newblood Indiana takes on blueblood Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Can the Hoosiers avoid the No. 1 see curse the befuddled Oregon a year ago against a Crimson Tide team that came out of its shell in the last 2.5 quarters against Oklahoma, but still cannot run the ball?Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

Round one of the playoff is finished and the semifinal field is set. Many things were learned this weekend, mostly not for the better.In the lone midwest action of the weekend, Oregon predicably thrashed James Madison in a game that was 34-6 at halftime. Dakorien Moore returned for the Ducks but he was unneeded, with Dante Moore hitting explosive pass plays to Trey Benson, Jamari Johnson and Dierre Hill. Did we actually learn anything from this game? And how will the Ducks match up with Texas Tech.Elsewhere in the playoff Ole Miss crushed Tulane for the second time this season. Alabama Oklahoma'd Oklahoma. And Miami defeated Texas A&M in a mid-off.Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

Ryan and Clinton return for a first-round playoff pick 'em. With a light midwest flavor, the guys briefly talk all four first-round games.The big question of the weekend: will chalk prevail or will we get chaos? In the later games Friday, we get Tulane (+17.5 vs Ole Miss) and James Madison (+21 vs Oregon) as three-score underdogs in games both appear to be heavily outmatched, but stranger things have occurred. Will either team cover, let alone win outright?Friday night, we get a rematch of 9-seed Alabama vs 8-seed Oklahoma, but this time in Norman. The Sooners came away victorious only a month ago, despite being out-gained by nearly 200 yards, thanks to a 3-0 turnover advantage. Can a Crimson Tide team that is 1-2 its last 3 FBS games and has not exceeded 30 points against an FBS foe since mid-October right the ship against an Oklahoma defense that is among the best in the nation, but also boasts a offense that has struggled mightily since QB John Mateer's hand injury?In the first game Saturday, Miami takes on Texas A&M for a brunch affair at Kyle Field. Both teams have shown elite flashes, but also have bottomed out abysmally at separate points this season. Which version of each team shows up, and will the crowd noise in College Station play a factor?Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

Dale Bliss from Autzen Zoo returns to the show to help the guys break down Oregon's encore season in the Big Ten and look ahead to its first-round playoff matchup vs James Madison.After winning the league with a perfect 13-0 season in year one of their Big Ten journey, the Ducks had a masterful follow-up campaign at 11-1. However, that loss to Indiana ended the Ducks' chances at defending their Big Ten title. Did the regular season meet expectations? And how far do the Ducks need to go in the postseason for this season to be considered a success?Few, if any, are giving James Madison a chance of upsetting the Ducks at Autzen in round one of the CFP this weekend. For the Ducks to advance, what will the keys to victory be?Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

Just when we thought the couching carousel was done spinning, Wednesday afternoon brought another bombshell with news dropping of Michigan's dismissal of head coach Sherrone Moore (and his subsequent arrest). Ryan divulges on some of the rumblings around Ann Arbor, and the guys talk where Michigan goes from here.Later in the show, the guys revisit their preseason playoff brackets and laugh at how incorrect their fields were, and Ryan talks through his preseason Big Ten record predictions vs actual results. The guys also reveal their bracket picks.Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

In what would have seemed fictitious two years ago when Indiana hired Curt Cignetti away from James Madison, the Indiana Hoosiers are champions of the Big Ten, 13-0, and the No. 1 team in college football. The guys talked about the Hoosiers stymying previously-unbeaten Ohio State en route to their first outright Big Ten title since World War II.The playoff field is set. The guys talk about the bracket, the paths for Oregon, Indiana and Ohio State, and the spineless Committee protection of Alabama. that found Notre Dame on the outside looking in. Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

Championship week is here and we have been blessed with a matchup between Nos. 1 and 2 in the country for the Big Ten Title Game. Ohio State and Indiana face off for conference supremacy. The guys discussed the matchup and keys to look out for. Who has the advantage, and do both teams have a first-round bye locked up anyway?The guys also discuss the penultimate CFP rankings and their implications, and pick the other conference title games. Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

The guys take a break from breaking down the games to talk some off the field stuff. With the regular season finished, the coaching carousel is spinning and it has already affected the midwest.The headliner was Michigan State parting ways with Jonathan Smith and quickly tapping former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald as it's next head coach. How will Fitzgerald fit with the Spartans?Elsewhere, UCLA is looking to tap into past JMU magic by hiring Dukes' head coach Bob Chesney. While not in the midwest for his next job, Oregon OC was hired by Kentucky to be its next head coach.The big one still on the board is Penn State. Where are the Lions at and who are names to know?The guys finish the show by breaking down what to watch for in the penultimate college football playoff rankings Tuesday night, and what could transpire this weekend to affect the field? Ryan also pontificates on the debate surrounding the tail end of the field.Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

Rivalry week has come and gone, and with it another college football regular season. Conference title matchups are set, the playoff field is taking shape, and we know who gets a bowl and who is in offseason mode.For the first time since 2019, Ohio State was victorious against Michigan with a suffocating 27-9 victory, reminiscent of how Michigan has won this game in the past. Is it the Buckeyes vs the field for the national title?Indiana took care of business against Purdue to set up a 12-0 Big Ten Title Game. Oregon dispatched Washington to punch its playoff ticket. Meanwhile, Notre Dame crushed Stanford to cement its bubble status.Iowa defeated Nebraska for the 10th time in 11 seasons. USC and Minnesota once again won rivalry games against UCLA and Wisconsin, respectively. Penn St got bowl eligible with a shootout win against Rutgers. Michigan St ended an eight-game losing streak (then fired its coach), while Illinois won a snow bowl against Northwestern.Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

Rivalry week is here and the stakes could not be higher. Several games feature implications for either bowl games, or potential playoff berths. In Ann Arbor, Ohio State looks to end a four-game skid against Michigan that extends to pre-COVID times, and clinic a berth in the Big Ten title game for the first time since 2020. With both teams banged up on offense, what will keys to this game be?Out west in Seattle, Jedd Fisch and Washington have already surpassed last season's win total, but could throw a wrench in Oregon's postseason hopes. The Ducks look to clinch a first-round playoff home game with a win.Indiana and Purdue battle for the Old Oaken Bucket, a suddenly hot Wisconsin battles Minnesota looking to reclaim Paul Bunyan's Axe, and USC and UCLA battle for the Victory Bell. Iowa takes on Nebraska, looking to hand the Huskers a third loss in four games to end the regular season, and win the Heros Game for the 10th time in 11 tries.Elsewhere, Penn State and Rutgers battle for bowl eligibility. Michigan State and Maryland battle in Detroit, carrying a combined 15-game losing streak into the contest. Northwestern and Illinois face off. And Notre Dame battles Stanford in a game that will end Sunday morning.Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

Rivalry week is upon us and we are kicking off the week previewing the Cascade Clash between Washington and Oregon. To help us break down the game, Roman Tomashoff from Locked on Huskies, and Dale Bliss, from Autzen Zoo join the show.Oregon scored its marquee win of the season a week ago, dispatching USC. The Ducks dominated the lines of scrimmage in that game. But this week they get a much stiffer test against a Washington defense that 18th nationally in yards per game allowed on the ground, and 29th in yards per carry surrendered. How can the Ducks counter this stout Washington defense? And how can the Huskies make life difficult for Will Stein and Dante Moore.On the other side of the ball, Washington has been dealing with key injuries on the offensive line, and to RB Jonah Coleman and WR Denzel Boston. Can we expect the Huskies at full strength? How will they utilize dynamic QB Demond Williams, Jr. to counter the aggressive Oregon defense?Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

In a week 13 that was devoid of marquee matchups, outside of Eugene, chalk took hold with most of the top teams which sets up a massive rivalry week to close the season.In the game of the weekend, Oregon kept USC at arms length most of the game and gave itself an emphatic resume boost with a 42-27 victory. Lincoln Riley once again failed to lead his team on the road against a ranked team. Meanwhile, Dan Lanning's squad is a win away from returning to the CFP.Both Michigan and Ohio State won against overmatched foes, setting up a showdown with massive playoff implications. However both sides emerged with questions sure to make their own fanbases uneasy heading into next week.Northwestern got bowl eligible with a barn-burner win against Minnesota. Penn State kept bowl hope alive by dispatching Nebraska. Washington easily handled UCLA, while Notre Dame obliterated Syracuse.Iowa was able to fend off Michigan State. And Wisconsin might actually be on track for a good-ish season? Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

There are two weeks left in the regular season and seemingly everyone has something to play for, to varying degrees. The playoff race is tightening up, with seemingly more 1- and 2-loss teams coming down the pipe than playoff chairs to seat them. That heightens the stakes in our game of the week.USC (8-2) travels to Eugene to take on Oregon (9-1) and would could effectively serve as a playoff elimination game for the loser. Can the Ducks' top-rated pass defense stifle Jayden Maiava and the USC pass attack? Or will Lincoln Riley (finally) achieve a signature road win for his program?The stakes elsewhere aren't as high but several teams still have benchmarks on the line. Northwestern takes on Minnesota looking to secure a bowl berth. Maryland (vs Michigan) and Penn State (vs Nebraska) both need wins to ensure bowl eligibility remains on the table.Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

Another wild week in the Big Ten has set forth a clear contender class with now two weeks to go in the regular season. While Indiana and Ohio State both control their own destiny for a Big Ten Title Game (and CFP) berth, three other teams scored victories to ensure they to have a shot to qualify for the CFP as an at-large berth.The Hoosiers and Buckeyes cruised to wins against Wisconsin and UCLA, respectively. USC stayed alive with a come-from-behind 26-21 win against Iowa after falling behind 14 points early. Likewise, Michigan improved to 8-2 with a 22-21 come-from-behind win against Northwestern with a FG at the buzzer. In Eugene, Oregon thrashed Minnesota to improved to 9-1 and set up a ranked showdown (and possible CFP elimination game?) with USC next week.Also in CFP news, Notre Dame destroyed Pitt to improve to 8-2 and further bolster its playoff resume.Illinois improved to 7-3 by running all over Maryland in a 24-6 win. Washington thrashed Purdue, 49-13, despite playing without four offensive starters. And Penn State won its first P4 game of the season with a 28-10 win against Michigan St.Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp

Week 12 of the CFB season is upon us and we have a special Monday preview episode for you, as the guys are hitting the road this weekend to check out Autzen Stadium for the Oregon vs. Minnesota contest. The Ducks -- fresh off a thrilling win against No. 20 Iowa -- return home to take on a 6-3 Gophers squad coming off a bye. Can Dante Moore and Oregon stay on track and set up a likely top-15 showdown in week 13 against USC? Or will Drake Lindsey and the Gophers play spoiler?Elsewhere, College Gameday heads to Pittsburg for a contest between Pitt and Notre Dame which, despite Pat Narduzzi's objections, is a big game with significant playoff implications.In the Big Ten, USC hosts Iowa -- while Michigan travels to Chicago to take on Northwester -- with the former teams looking to keep its playoff hopes alive. Indiana (-30.5 vs Wisconsin) and Ohio State (-31.5 vs UCLA) are heavy home favorites as they both look to continue marching to Indianapolis undefeated. Maryland takes on Illinois, while Penn State and Michigan State battle to remain bowl-hopeful, and Washington looks to get back on track vs. Purdue.The guys also break out the MAC Minute.Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show.LINKS:Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaIBattle Bets league: https://www.battlebets.app/itp