It’s finally here, Ohio State at Oregon.
The game we have all been talking about and with both teams ranked #2 and #3 respectively in the AP Poll, its the first ever AP Top 5 matchup at Autzen Stadium. ESPN College GameDay is en route to Eugene (a 2nd straight week on the West Coast!) for 2 teams that mirror one another AND with Chip Kelly returning it’s safe to say this game will have everyone's eyes on it this Saturday.
In advance, thanks to our founding partners at 76, we welcome former Duck and NFL safety Verone McKinley III. In 2021, he had the game-clinching interception on the road against then #3 Ohio State in an epic game. Three years later, the Buckeyes visit the Ducks in a now Big Ten conference game in what will be a phenomenal stage.
We dove into all things “big game” mentality. How do players block out the ‘noise,’ what will Verone and I be looking forward to on Saturday and will these teams meet again in the postseason?
In addition, Jim Thornby and I discuss what was “Upset Saturday” with 5 of the top 11 teams losing - all on the road, the environment as Minnesota beat then #11 USC and some surprises at the top of each conference in college football and how they could impact a potential Pac-12 trip to the CFP.
Be sure to follow @Yoption all week as we preview games in college football through the lens of the West Coast, with a little extra attention paid to the Ducks and the Buckeyes.
Much love,
Yogi
This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren.
This podcast is a Best Coast Media production.
Manifesting into Reality - Verone McKinley III