Episode Details

Ohio State Call-in Show 80 Presented by FanDuel Hosts: Garrison Gaddy & Denzel Jones | OhioStateVOCFB Focus: Texas news (linebacker departure), Chris Vannini coach tier list reaction, OSU linebacker interviews/depth, caller Tyler on Arch Manning/Cam Coleman/Texas matchup & betting angles, player development notes.

Intro & Housekeeping (0:00–1:30)

• Garrison welcomes viewers to the Ohio State call-in show. Promotes VOC FB site/writers, shop (hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, koozies, etc.), and the call-in link in chat. Open for Ohio State or broader CFB talk/questions.
• Denzel: Doing well after a solid 3.5-hour nap. Casual Friday vibe.

Breaking Texas News: Linebacker Departure (1:30–5:30)

• Garrison shares fresh report (via Anwar Richardson, ~30–40 minutes old at airtime): Sources say as of Friday afternoon, Texas junior linebacker Dante Smith (later referenced in discussion as Ty Anthony Smith in places—transcription variance) is no longer with the team. Notes fluidity of his practice presentation the past couple weeks; possibility of further changes remains open.
• Context: Smith was viewed as a potential starter.
• Hosts’ take (strong OSU fan angle):
  • Excited for the run game. Texas LB room showing cracks is a positive for Ohio State’s ability to run the ball and attack gaps.
  • Not wishing injury/ill will—hope players are fine mentally/physically—but happy if a good player is unavailable. “You want your team to win… any means necessary.”
  • Broader point on fans/media pretending to care about opposing players vs. pure competitive interest.

Chris Vannini (The Athletic) Coach Tier List Reaction (5:30–11:30)

• Both hosts furious at the rankings, especially top tiers and Ryan Day’s placement.
• Key points of disagreement:
  • Curt Cignetti (Indiana turnaround) and Kirby Smart belong in the conversation, but Day should be right there with them (interchangeable top group).
  • James Franklin in the next tier feels way too high—hasn’t won big games; viewed as most “above average.”
  • Kalen DeBoer / Alabama: underachieved relative to resources; program hasn’t looked the same for years.
  • Head-to-head lens vs. Day: Mario Cristobal (2-0), Sarkisian (2-0, playoff win), Whittingham (1-0), Freeman (3-0 + title), Lanning (1-1, later blew them out), Franklin (6-0). Still doesn’t justify Day being grouped with Franklin.
• Why Day gets so much disrespect: Ohio State brand + loud/critical fan base makes it easier for outsiders to pile on. Resources argument is circular (anyone in that seat would face the same). Day has raised the floor in play and recruiting post-Urban Meyer. Rarely loses to unranked teams (one notable exception they try to forget, offset by a title that year).
• Close losses (Georgia with Marvin Harrison Jr. injury + kicking issues; Indiana by a field goal) don’t support dropping him far.

OSU Linebacker Interviews & Depth Chart Chatter (11:30–14:30)

• Positive vibes from recent media availability (LBs, tight ends, OL).
• Christian Allegro: Essentially confirmed Riley Pettijohn as the third linebacker / rotation piece. Hosts love the versatility (inside/outside).
• Denzel big on Pettijohn: Wants him to push for more (or take a bigger role). Freak athlete who can blitz off the edge, fill the Quay Walker-type role, and do everything Allegro/Pierce can. James Laurinaitis confidence shows.
• TJ Alford: Confident, fun interview energy; seems free and playing loose. Rangy, long athlete who’s been on the radar since recruitment.
• Coverage questions remain on some of the bigger/inside guys (need to see Allegro and Pierce in space), but run-stopping looks solid. Overall room feels interchange