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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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 - Intro6:11 - Illinois13:14 - Wisconsin20:12 - Colorado25:41 - Kansas State30:57 - Arkansas34:23 - Texas Tech41:59 - USC49:35 - Virginia Tech55:52 - Wake Forest58:04 - Air Force**Key Topics Discussed**Illinois’ Third-Down BluesIllinois 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 DeficitWisconsin’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 RiddleColorado 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 TanglesKansas 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 FeverArkansas’ 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 VoidUSC faltered in late game situations in 2024. Did Lincoln Riley reset the team's culture this offseason?Virginia Tech’s NarcolepsyVirginia 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 WoesWake 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 SlipAir 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?A fan of our college football podcast?&nbsp;Leave us a rating and review, and don't forget to subscribe or follow so you don't miss any of our podcast episodes:Apple Podcasts:&nbsp;<a href="https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcasts</a>Spotify:&nbsp;<a href="https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://play.solidverbal.com/spotify</a>Amazon Music:&nbsp;<a href="https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-music</a>Overcast:&nbsp;<a href="https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://play.solidverbal.com/overcast</a>Pocket Casts:&nbsp;<a href="https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcasts</a>Podcast Addict:&nbsp;<a href="https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addict</a>CastBox:&nbsp;<a href="https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://play.solidverbal.com/castbox</a>Our college football show is also available on YouTube.&nbsp;Subscribe to the channel at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal?sub_confirmation=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbal</a>Want to get in touch?&nbsp;Give us a holler on Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twitter.com/solidverbal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@solidverbal</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twitter.com/tyhildenbrandt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@tyhildenbrandt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twitter.com/danrubenstein" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@danrubenstein</a>, on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/solidverbal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/solidverbal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. You can also find our college football podcast out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@solidverbal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TikTok</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.threads.net/@solidverbal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Threads</a>. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter:&nbsp;<a href="https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe</a>.College football has been our passion since we started The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast back in 2008. We don't just love college football, we live it!See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.

College football in all its glory. Ditch the mainstream and break the huddle with The Solid Verbal. Since 2008, Ty Hildenbrandt and Dan Rubenstein have been shaking up the college football podcasting scene with their fun and unique blend of commentary. Whether you're a diehard or a casual observer, the show taps into your fandom with spirited debates, fresh perspectives, and segments you won't hear anywhere else. Recognized as trailblazers in the podcasting world, The Solid Verbal isn't just another college football show—it's America's College Football Podcast. Become a Verballer today and join thousands of others who don't just love college football, they live it!

Follow The Solid Verbal College Football podcast on your favorite app today and download everything you need to know this offseason.

College football in all its glory. Ditch the mainstream and break the huddle with The Solid Verbal. Since 2008, Ty Hildenbrandt and Dan Rubenstein have been shaking up the college football podcasting scene with their fun and unique blend of commentary. Whether you're a diehard or a casual observer, the show taps into your fandom with spirited debates, fresh perspectives, and segments you won't hear anywhere else. Recognized as trailblazers in the podcasting world, The Solid Verbal isn't just another college football show—it's America's College Football Podcast. Become a Verballer today and join thousands of others who don't just love college football, they live it!Follow The Solid Verbal College Football podcast on your favorite app today and download everything you need to know this offseason.

The Solid Verbal College Football

Spring Diagnosis: Fixable Flaws for 10 College Football Teams  - 2025 College Football Podcast

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9f38459d-17c6-421e-9904-b30d011e2fc0/transcript

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