Drive11.4.26Hr2: Around Campus

0:03 You're tuned to The Drive on your 24-7 home of the black and gold.

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0:22 Good evening, Steelers Nation. How we doing? Well, that's good.

0:26 Us too.

0:27 Hour number two of The Drive here on this Wednesday. And that means it's time to chuck on that collegiate apparel. Because we're going around campus, baby. Into the final month of the college football regular season. Four games left for these teams. Matt, it is a big separation Saturday, as you always get this time of year in college football.

0:46 We'll get into some of those games to keep an eye on this weekend.

0:48 This is a great slate, huh?

0:49 Great slate. Namely, Notre Dame-Miami with two contenders.

0:53 Is that one and two?

0:55 No, it's one in five, one in seven. I forget what. Notre Dame lost, right? They did. They lost to BYU a couple weeks ago when we were down in Tampa.

1:04 But they've been in the top two and three pretty much all year.

1:07 Yes. I mean, these were two kind of proverbial favorites coming into the season. This was one of those. If you would have listed your top five must watch games, you know, back in August, this would have been on, this would have been on the list.

1:19 And it's living up to it. And it's two of the quarterbacks on our list.

1:21 And two of the quarterbacks that are in all likelihood going to be first round picks, maybe even both top 10 picks in April. We'll get into all that in a minute. Matt, there is a name that I want to throw at you that I am, that's starting actually two names, but one that we've discussed plenty. The other that I think I've only mentioned once or twice. I have mentioned Gio Lopez, the Wake Forest quarterback.

1:42 Okay. But I think he vaguely, but in passing.

1:44 Yeah.

1:45 Yes.

1:45 He hasn't really been in kind of the thick of any of our conversations. I think the first couple of weeks when I was still throwing 10 or 12 names at you every week, I might've mentioned him, Matt.

1:55 Is he coming on?

1:56 He is.

1:57 It's Wake Forest has been one of the stories of the college football season. Their only loss is to Miami who of course, you know, juggernaut this Gio Lopez guy, dude, I was looking into some of his numbers last night, Matt. I know you'll like this. Second best quarterback... EPA in college football... Behind Darian Mensah... Wow... The Miami quarterback.

2:15 And doesn't have the.

2:16 And doesn't have Tony.

2:17 And all the weapons.

2:18 That Mensah has... Now he's... He's a junior... So he can come out... He can also return... Is this his breakout year? This is his breakout year. So he strikes me as one of those prime candidates to be playing football at a big SEC or a Big Ten school next year. Maybe he'll be the Miami quarterback next year.

2:37 Maybe he'll be the Georgia quarterback next year or the Ole Miss quarterback or whoever. but he suddenly, I think, deserves conversation, deserves keeping an eye on, because, again, we're going to have to wait and see who all declares and what this all looks like, but I think he's another one of those guys that could be a top 32, top 50 draft pick if he does decide to declare.

3:00 Or he could look at it and say... Or even in the next two drafts, yes. He's got first-round potential in the next two drafts.

3:06 Yes.

3:07 It sounds like you believe that chances are he'll be in the league or on another team. Wake Forest fans shouldn't get too used to it.

3:14 And you know, I am the person that, I'm the person that hates saying that the most, but that's already like, it's, quarter retention season rich rodriguez was talking at his press conference on monday about how wvu's doing everything they can to resign mike hawkins our quarterback before the season ends i hate that that's a real thing that we have to talk about in college football but you bet your bottom dollar at mississippi state they're doing the same thing with camario taylor right now of course they're doing the same thing at wake forest with geo lopez it's an unfortunate state of the game but we've kind of world we live in that next wave of guys of camario taylor the mississippi state quarterback Uh, Russell, the Alabama quarterback,

3:53 Gio Lopez, again, he could, those two have to at least come back for another year. Gio Lopez could go pro if he, if he wants to, but I just wanted to mention him, the wake forest quarterback. They're one of the stories of the college football season. Um, and if, if they continue to kind of be that Cinderella who could find themselves in the playoff, uh, he will be the driving force and the reason why he's really good and, uh, and is doing it without proverbial five stars all around him.

4:19 Okay.

4:20 Great.

4:20 I mean, we want to make names in the pool as possible.

4:23 Absolutely right. Absolutely right. Matt, Drew Mestemaker, they had a tough loss. He threw a costly late interception against Iowa State, but he also threw five touchdown passes.

4:33 I thought he did some good stuff.

4:35 I mean, they lost 51 to 49, even with a late turnover. I don't think you can blame your quarterback when you score 40.

4:41 Doesn't sound like the offense is the issue.

4:43 Yes. 25 touchdown passes, over 2,800 passing yards already. Mestemaker, despite the loss in the costly turnover, I think continues to look the part and could be the first overall pick potentially in the draft.

5:00 Subject to change, but just reading the tea leaves and the people I trust and listen to, etc., He's starting to become the consensus QB one, right?

5:08 I think so.

5:08 Yeah.

5:09 And now there's change.

5:10 Mensah could still be that guy. CJ car could still be that guy, but he's, um, he's the, the, the, the one to, uh, you know, to keep an eye on. Trinidad-Chambers bounced back big time. Ole Miss destroyed Auburn after– Auburn.

5:26 Had a big win before that too, right?

5:27 Auburn beat Georgia the week before that. Trinidad didn't play his best against Texas. He did kind of will them back into that game, but they lost to Texas two weeks ago. He bounces back, played really well against Auburn. He's still, to me, looking the part of a clear-cut first-round quarterback.

5:43 He is coming out, folks.

5:44 He has to.

5:45 That one's no choice.

5:46 Yes, he has to.

5:46 He's one of the only ones that has to come out.

5:48 I should also mention he's not coming out this year, not eligible yet, but Brayden Atkinson, the, the Oregon state quarterback continues to just light the absolute world on fire. He's got Xavier Leggett, the insanely talented freshman wide receiver there. Leggett has already signed to return to Oregon state, which surprised me. But Brayden Atkinson, another name to kind of, if.

6:08 You know this, is he related to the, Panthers first-round pick, Leggett.

6:11 A couple years ago?

6:12 I think I actually, his name's Xavier Leggett, isn't it? I think I butchered the, yes. So it's not Xavier Leggett, the Oregon State wide receiver, different first name.

6:20 Oh, okay.

6:21 I'm not sure if they are, I'm not sure if they are related. That's a good question.

6:23 Whatever, I was just curious.

6:24 But Brayden Atkinson out of Oregon State is another one. Keep an eye on him because, again, it's not the best competition because the Pac-12 is obviously a shell of its former self, but they have been just absolutely on fire. He's kind of gone that Trinidad shameless Cam Ward path. where he started at a D2 school. Oh, okay. Cam Ward went incarnate word to Washington State, to Miami. Trinidad Chambliss went Mercer. No, sorry, that's where Brayden Atkinson was.

6:53 I forget where he was.

6:54 A very small program.

6:55 Fresno State, I think it was, won the D2 National Championship, then transferred to Ole Miss. Brayden Atkinson started his career at Mercer, now at Oregon State. We'll see what his next move is, but he's another one of these kind of next wave guys.

7:08 We should know that name.

7:09 That I think deserves conversation. Ferris State, that's where it was. Thank you, TV.

7:15 Fresno didn't sound right. It wasn't small enough.

7:17 Yeah, that's not a Division II school either. Ferris State is. That's where he was. Matt, I continue to not know what to really think about Jaden Meava. He played well enough for USC to beat Ohio State, but he wasn't the driving factor as to why they won. And if Julian Sayen plays for Ohio State, they probably win that game.

7:37 This isn't my final answer, but The more I watch my Ava, the more I think he's a day two, maybe, but I'm not putting all my eggs in that basket type of guy yet.

7:48 Yes, exactly right. Connor Wegman, the Houston quarterback that I've mentioned that deserves.

7:53 A lot of buzz.

7:55 Around this guy. He's coming off a bye week. He's been unbelievable. His metrics are out of control. 20 passing touchdowns, just two interceptions. He's also ran for six touchdowns. He's got that kind of.

8:07 You know, can come out. He doesn't have to.

8:09 He can come out, but doesn't have to. So he's another one. Again, we'll get a better picture on this. I think as we roll into about a month from now, Matt, I think we'll have a lot of a better picture on this because quarterbacks whose team don't go to the playoff. You know, they're going to shut it down and start making their decisions if they're transferring, if they're going pro.

8:27 And then as quarterbacks who do make the playoff and their team start to lose. they'll be, you know, making, making those decisions as well. But a lot, a lot.

8:35 Of rumors and stuff too. Oh, he's leaning towards going.

8:38 Exactly. Right. Exactly. Right.

8:40 Um, and so, so yeah, so that, um, you know, to me is kind of where we're at with a lot of those big names. Uh, as I mentioned, two of the biggest names, probably right there with Mesta maker, CJ car of Notre Dame, Darian Mensah of Miami. They square off Matt Saturday night in South bend at seven 30, uh, that's your game to watch this week.

9:01 Before we get into the games, I got two questions for you.

9:03 Hit me.

9:04 UCLA, I'm going to leave him, is injured, right?

9:08 He is, yes.

9:08 As is Julian saying, the Ohio State quarterback. So UCLA has been, they're another one with Wake Forest, kind of one of the stories of the college football season.

9:19 And Kentucky, baby.

9:20 Should we talk about Michi? Should we talk about Kenny Michi?

9:23 They love him out there, I can tell you that.

9:25 He's been impressive. They are 7-0 undefeated when he doesn't throw an interception. Um, you know, he transferred, he transferred from Notre Dame cause he was going to have to sit behind CJ car.

9:35 That is, they have some D linemen. They have a left tackle. They have a center. They have a tight end. They're going to have a lot of dudes.

9:40 You're not, you're not as highly as they are without, uh, you know, without, without some, some studs.

9:46 Um, They're definitely my new favorite team to watch.

9:48 As much as I hate the transfer portal and all the jumping around that happens now, you wouldn't be seeing Kenny Michi if that was the case. He'd be sitting at Notre Dame behind CJ Carr.

9:57 Yeah, right. There are some good things.

9:58 You wouldn't see Austin sit. at Missouri lighting it up. He'd be sitting behind Chambliss at Ole Miss.

10:03 See, I kind of like the old way. That's kind of like the old way of transferring. Like back in my day, Flacco leaves Pitt to go to Delaware and becomes a first-round pick. That's a success story. That's how it's supposed to go.

10:11 Troy Aikman leaves wherever he was to go to UCLA.

10:15 He was with Switzer.

10:17 Yes.

10:18 At Oklahoma.

10:18 That's right.

10:19 And then he became his coach later. Here's a big picture college question that I just heard McShay and Mensch talking about, and I'm just curious if you agree. This is not draft related. The SEC is the number one conference right now. Clearly, right? I don't think it's the best year.

10:35 So if you go, if you go top to bottom, I think the sec still is the best conference in college football. They also don't haven't had a team in the national championship game for three straight years.

10:45 Yeah. And they don't have, there isn't really a number one team.

10:47 Georgia and Alabama aren't what they have been. And LSU hasn't quite, I still think LSU might be the most talented team in college football on paper. Wow. And they, maybe they're like a LA Rams where they're kind of laying in the weeds right now and no one's talking about them.

11:03 But yes, it does sound like the LSU quarterbacks and playing better, too.

11:05 Like, well, he has.

11:07 He absolutely has.

11:07 I think we talked about that last week.

11:09 Right.

11:09 How him and Sellers were kind of the two that all of a sudden.

11:12 Let's not forget about them.

11:13 Sellers, little buddy, especially. But yes, you are correct. I mean, the SEC, I think it drives me crazy how much they talk about how tough their schedule is. okay, well, my brother in Christ, maybe you shouldn't have gone out and raided the big 12 and all these other, you know, maybe you shouldn't have added Oklahoma and Texas and Nebraska and Missouri. You know, I guess Nebraska's in the big 10.

11:35 You get what I'm saying? Maybe you shouldn't have cannibalized yourself by adding all these other. Yes, exactly right. But yes, I don't think the SEC has its juggernaut program like it's had for so long.

11:46 That's kind of where it's going.

11:48 Top to bottom, it is certainly the deepest conference in college football, without a doubt.

11:51 That's exactly what McShay and Mensch were saying. It's the best conference, top to bottom, we're talking about. Not necessarily the best team.

11:57 And in terms of NFL talent, too, no doubt.

11:59 Of course.

12:00 And they thought the gap between them and the Big Ten is greater now than the gap between the Big Ten and the ACC.

12:10 Interesting.

12:12 Basically saying the Big Ten's down.

12:14 The Big Ten is definitely down.

12:15 Ohio State's taking a beating.

12:16 Oregon is not what anybody thought they were going to be.

12:18 Indiana's not quite as good.

12:19 Indiana's not quite as good.

12:20 Michigan's bad.

12:21 Michigan and Penn State are kind of down as programs.

12:23 Yeah, yeah.

12:23 Wisconsin was always good growing up.

12:25 The Big Ten's biggest problem is that they're kind of tier two programs like Wisconsin, like Michigan State.

12:30 They were always good my whole life.

12:32 Always good our whole life.

12:33 Hard to play against.

12:34 They've been really down.

12:35 Like Iowa's good.

12:36 Iowa is good absolutely okay and indiana is still good and ohio state is obviously yeah yeah but yes.

12:42 It seems like a down year for the big 10 yeah.

12:45 I think it's a little bit of a down year for both but the sec still has the if you line up all the conferences okay maybe sec is number one and number two and number three teams aren't as dominant as they used to be but four through ten absolutely are loaded.

12:59 I actually misspoke they thought you'll like this better The gap between, they think the Big 12 is the third best, not the ACC.

13:06 Big 12 is very good this year.

13:07 They think the Big 12 is closer to the Big 10 than the Big 10 is to the SEC.

13:12 Big 12 is closer to the Big 10 than the Big 10 is to the SEC. Yes, I would agree with that.

13:15 Okay.

13:15 In terms of just gaps.

13:16 Yes. Okay. I'll also say, though, right now, I mean, could be a year for ACC to get another national championship.

13:24 Miami is looming, yeah.

13:25 Miami is looming large. Matt, before we get to a couple of those games to keep an eye on this weekend, one more name. It is funny. And I, you and I have kind of talked about this off air, but WVU plays Texas tech on Saturday. So it really has me thinking about it. Brendan Sorsby still factors into this quarterback conversation too.

13:43 Yes.

13:44 So we can not forget.

13:45 We can not forget about it.

13:46 You get less talented.

13:48 So I already, I still remain. I told you this.

13:50 He is definitely coming out.

13:51 He's absolutely coming out. There are all, I would be, I'd be confident betting the mortgage that Mensa, CJ Carr, a mess to maker and shameless are all four first round picks.

14:05 Yeah.

14:06 Okay.

14:07 We all know all four. We'll say yes to the draft.

14:10 Correct. Like still go back. I think CJ car could still go back. Shameless has to go.

14:14 He's definitely going.

14:15 I think Mensa does, but again, there's a lot of gray area.

14:18 Yeah.

14:18 Now if Mensa wins the national championship in the Heisman and he's going to be the first or second or third pick, but then again, we were saying the same thing about Dante.

14:25 Moore last year. Right.

14:26 Right.

14:26 There's no guarantee, but those four, I think are nailed on first round picks.

14:30 I think Moore and Manning are their own thing.

14:32 Moore and Manning are.

14:33 Kind of their own thing, but that's six. Austin Simmons from Missouri, what's he end up doing? There's some Ty Simpson, you know, such a small sample size, but you can really see it.

14:40 But he can definitely get in the first round mix.

14:41 That's seven. Sellers, I think, is back in that conversation. That's eight. Sorsby's going to be in that conversation. That's nine.

14:49 I don't think Leavitt or UCLA will get to that level.

14:53 Not to that level, I don't think.

14:54 I think they're probably going back for.

14:55 A year or two. But what if a Gio Lopez throws himself into that conversation? Yeah, yeah. What if a Jada Meava or a Connor Wegman in the final quarter of the season throws his name into that conversation?

15:04 I mean, it's, I don't think it's insane to say eight go in the top 50.

15:08 I do not think that's insane at all. Four or five in the first round, two or three in the second round. I think that's what we're looking at.

15:16 Yeah.

15:16 I mean, I didn't even mention Gunnar Stockton from Georgia, you know, I think Lincoln Kleinholz from Louisville, who these guys I think have some real pro potential.

15:25 Um, I, I, those, those, not every one of them would I say I'm, moving up in the first round for, for the Steelers. We'll make those determinations.

15:34 Those four, I think are nailed on again, more in arch or kind of their own category. They could both still return if they wanted to, but if they both declare, I think they'd end up being first round picks. That's six.

15:43 I think so too. I mean, like, and then if you have Austin.

15:45 Simmons and sellers, Matt, I mean, that could be eight in the top 40.

15:48 Yeah, it could. It could. I know that they have their warts right now, but I just know how this draft works. I've been doing this too long. I know how the league thinks too much. I can't believe Manning or Moore would not be a first-round pick.

16:02 It's the same.

16:02 I mean, someone's going to be like, I'll take that.

16:05 I might trade the Steelers first-round pick for Dante Moore right now. I would not for Arch.

16:10 I think I'd do it for both.

16:11 I might for Dante Moore. In other years, I would have done it for Arch. A year ago, you would have. Yeah. This year, there's just... five or six guys that i like more than well.

16:19 That's things you might be turning your back on chambliss to do it correct or other years.

16:22 You're just happy to get one yes uh but matt it's very it's it's you know i mean you see it i i just love having these conversations this is where you get me as giddy about nfl draft stuff as matt typically.

16:33 Big time i can't wait to dig into other positions too i mean like everyone talks about how it's such a good draft Like I said, safety class is rare, you know.

16:41 Big time. So here's what you got to watch this weekend, Matt Williamson and audience. How about a holy war at noon? Utah and BYU at noon on Saturday.

16:51 That's a massive rivalry, right?

16:53 Dude, I think the.

16:54 Most underrated rivalry in college sports. They call it the holy war.

16:59 Yeah, yeah, yeah. Rightfully so.

17:01 Rightfully so. And Utah's ranked number three and BYU's ranked number nine.

17:05 And they both play hard.

17:06 Whole body. Physical teams that do not like each other with playoff implications on the line. Matt, that's a 10 a.m. local start in Salt Lake City. That's rough on those fan bases. New game, that's 10 a.m. in Salt Lake City. WVU plays at 9.30 our time, which is 7.30 in Lubbock. against texas tech okay i'm like can we switch those yeah can you give can you give utah and byu the night game let my mountaineers.

17:31 Play and then i can get on with my weekend watch it yeah.

17:34 Uh also at noon texas versus missouri matt arch versus uh versus uh versus austin simmons two quarterbacks to keep an eye on there two of the eight uh drake lindsey another one that we should probably mention the minnesota quarterback that nate tice loves they host you i hear.

17:50 He's kind of immobile old school pocket he's old school pocket doesn't mean he stinks it's just a I don't like hearing that off the bat.

17:56 They host UCLA at noon. And with no Nico, I think that's there. And it's in Minnesota. I think UCLA could be on upset alert.

18:04 Okay.

18:05 That's also at noon.

18:07 We were talking about how big 10 teams, the tier two hasn't been great, but Minnesota is decent, right?

18:11 Yes.

18:12 Yes.

18:12 They're usually a two or three team.

18:13 Yes, they are.

18:14 And they're well coached under PJ Fleck. I think he's one of the more underrated coaches in college football. Matt, South Carolina is back ranked again at number 21 overall. They host Texas A & M. Big spot for Sellers to keep that momentum going for him.

18:27 He still seems like a roller coaster. Yes, he does. I don't know that I'm giving you the Steelers' first-round pick this second for Sellers.

18:32 I'm not, but I might be singing a different tune in another couple weeks.

18:37 He reminds me of Steve McNair.

18:39 What?

18:39 Good for better and for worse?

18:41 Mostly for better part. I mean, just impossible to tackle, build.

18:45 You know. 330. Dude, this Saturday, it's a perfect bye weekend for the Steelers. For me, I'm not going to Morgantown for a game because WVU's on the road. WVU doesn't play until 9.30, so I got all Saturday to watch these games. My wife's going to hate me. LSU-Alabama, always a lot of fun. It's a top 15 matchup.

19:03 That's a monster. 3.30 at Death Valley, and obviously Keelan Russell, who's not draft eligible.

19:09 Highly relevant quarterback.

19:10 And then Sam Levitt, so two highly relevant quarterbacks.

19:13 You agree, though, that Levitt has started to level up a little bit more.

19:16 Yes, he is.

19:16 Started the season rough.

19:18 Started the season rough. And like I said, LSU's 6-2. They're ranked 14th in the country. Nobody's really talking about them. They could win the national championship? They absolutely could.

19:26 I mean, there's one of the teams you'd say they could.

19:28 Now, if they lose this game, they're probably on life support. Because you can still make the playoff at 9-3. It's happened a couple times. But that's about as low as you can go. Matt, a real bummer at 3-30, Ohio State hosts Oregon. Are they going to the playoffs? Whoever loses this game is not.

19:44 Okay.

19:44 It's definitely not.

19:46 I didn't realize that. I meant Ohio State, but then when it came out, I'm like... I wonder if either team.

19:50 This in an alternate universe would be a great quarterback matchup to keep an eye on, but no saying, no saying no more.

19:56 But there's definitely a lot of prospects out there.

19:59 There are certain, without a doubt, without a doubt.

20:01 But you really do think that's a lose or leave home match?

20:04 Yeah. Yeah.

20:05 Well, especially for Oregon, because they'd have four losses. See you later. If Ohio State's six and three, they would basically have to win out to make the play. Again, you can make it at nine and three, but that's the line with four losses. You're not making it to the college football playoff.

20:17 And if anybody would make it with three, it'd be Ohio State.

20:19 It's true.

20:20 Yeah.

20:20 Yeah.

20:20 And I think the two teams that have made it with three have been like Alabama and Clemson.

20:23 They're letting Pitt in.

20:25 Yeah, correct.

20:27 Um matt 615 tennessee versus kentucky not necessarily from a quarterback standpoint but another top 15 separation type matchup baby dude i'm telling you that's a.

20:37 Lot closer drive than i ever knew and my son really really wants to go pull back the curtain he said dad it would cost me a grand yeah you know like it's such an expensive ticket and it's also the the pledges are getting in that day and it's fraternity. And if you miss that, it's like a $ 200 fine. He's like, I'd have a lot of, I'd have a lot of expenses, but he's like, he wants to go so bad. And Kentucky's losing their mind over this game.

21:03 Multiple top 10 matchups this weekend, multiple top 25 matchups. The slate is so good, Matt.

21:09 Tennessee's got a defensive tackle that they're getting a lot of first round buzz.

21:12 Tennessee has a couple guys that are getting a lot of first round buzz. Matt, The big one, well, there's two really big ones, two top ten. Notre Dame, I guess, I think technically is 11th right now, actually.

21:25 Okay.

21:26 But Miami, number one, Miami at Notre Dame, 730 in South Bend. Notre Dame's a touchdown favorite, actually.

21:33 I was going to say, who's favorite?

21:34 At home, they're favored by seven. I thought they'd be favored at home, but by a touchdown, you're giving me Miami plus seven.

21:39 I don't think so. Or any environment?

21:42 I don't think so. Now, there is some questions about if Tony's going to play or not. He's been banged up.

21:48 That line leans towards the won't.

21:51 But seven points, man, that's a lot. And then also at 730, No. 2 Georgia, No. 10 Ole Miss. Ole Miss, not Ole Miss. Ole Miss. This one, whoever wins, is going to have a great track to the college football playoff. Whoever loses certainly isn't eliminated, but is going to.

22:07 Have some work to do. But this is a playoff-type battle, though.

22:11 Both of those, yeah. Chambliss and Gunnar Stockton from Georgia, two quarterbacks to keep an eye on.

22:16 Stockton's not knocking on the door to being part of the eight, though.

22:21 No.

22:21 He seems like a third-round pick.

22:23 Yeah, but he's at least interesting.

22:25 Yeah, yeah, yeah.

22:25 Has played well. But, yes, he's not part of that group quite yet. Although, you know what? If he lights it up against this good Ole Miss defense. What if they win the national title?

22:34 And what if they win the whole thing?

22:36 Matt, most expensive get-in price of the weekend. It'll cost you $ 701 just to get in to Notre Dame Stadium.

22:44 Oh, okay. Yeah.

22:45 Tennessee's second most expensive, $ 336. I bet Georgia Ole Miss isn't cheap either.

22:48 It's $ 300.

22:48 Okay.

22:49 But $ 700 for the cheapest ticket right now.

22:54 For the Catholics versus the convicts, baby. Matt, three.

22:58 Those two are going to the playoffs.

23:00 Yes.

23:01 If Notre Dame were to get blown out and they lost their two biggest games of the year to BYU, but I think a 10-2 Notre Dame is still almost always going to get in. Matt, I'm going to count Notre Dame at 11 as a top 10 team.

23:15 Yeah, yeah.

23:16 I'll cheat a little bit. Three top 10 matchups this week, Matt. Four, five, six. Seven top 25 matchups this Saturday. Three top 10, seven top 25. It is a great Saturday for college football.

23:33 And needless to say, the quarterbacks that we want to see are going to be featured.

23:36 And pretty much all of them are playing in some type of a big game, some type of a big spot. So get your collegiate apparel ready, get your popcorn ready, and watch some college football on Saturday.

23:46 So one thing... we get a lot of fan participation via Twitter and the YouTube stuff. You know, we do a lot of questions, especially by week. I have not gotten a lot of questions about, or I love CJ car from our listeners or, you know, I get a lot of people saying, which we can have this conversation a later date, but don't draft the quarterback. Just hours.

24:08 The man, you know, I think that's a little blind black and gold colored glasses, but I, we don't get many comments about, uh, this is the guy the Steelers should get. You know, I don't think a lot of our listeners have a real strong lean towards one specific player.

24:24 I don't either.

24:25 And now.

24:26 Nor should they at this point. I don't either. You know, I'm right, but.

24:30 I just, I.

24:31 I just figured there'd be tons of Notre Dame fans out there being like, cars be a Steeler or, you know, whatever.

24:35 Yeah, yeah, yeah.

24:36 Listen, there are a lot of guys right now that I think would look really good in the black and gold. And guess what? If Drew Aller ends up hitting, champagne problem.

24:44 Oh, yeah, yeah.

24:45 Then you could have Ben and Batch for the next decade. Or you could trade somebody for a high pick.

24:51 Or a big-time receiver or whatever.

24:52 Yes, yes. So, again.

24:54 Being loaded a quarterback would not be a problem.

24:56 No, it's not a problem. Not a problem at all. In fact, for certain organizations, the Packers, the Eagles, we've seen them do that, overdraft the quarterbacks, flip them for first and second round picks, and have a lot of success doing so. I am so intrigued by this group. There's so much to like. And I know it's been my own personal agenda since July, but I want to see the Steelers pick up that bat, step into the batter's box, and swing for the fences on a quarterback in April.

25:23 Last note on that, and I very much agree with you. We've gone over this many times. But they handled it well last year in training camp, and Coach McCarthy did a tremendous job of allocating resources to get everyone the proper reps. But could you imagine trying to get Aller, Howard in a first round pick?

25:40 Well, if you take a first round pick, you got to cut bait with one of Aller or Howard. You just do.

25:44 I don't think they would. I think they'd like them. I don't think they would have kept them all year because they like them so much. And I think you better have a veteran too. Maybe like a Rudolph. I mean, not like that.

25:53 You can't have three quarterbacks that have never taken a snap in an NFL regular season game.

25:59 I would think you need a Rudolph type, a Brissette to Rudolph, not a Rogers or a Baker or somebody like, or Gino even. But I mean, like, somebody that's played football.

26:07 Yes no you can't have three quarterbacks that have never taken a snap in a regular season game i don't.

26:12 Think they would just cut howard or they wouldn't have kept him this year.

26:16 I don't know but what if they get i mean what if they get to the end of this year and they're like drew's clearly the better prospect you know we're not sure if either of these guys are going to be the guy but drew's the better one i don't know we got a lot of time.

26:27 I say but you're right that conversation is on the horizon It is.

26:30 I think everybody already knows where Wes Euler's personal agenda is.

26:35 Oh, yeah, just go get talent.

26:36 Just go get talent. All right, we've got to table this for now. That was a beefy segment here to get us started in the second hour. Let's hit on some of your participation. Let's hear what Ben Roethlisberger had to say with Max and Willie earlier today. All that as we roll along here in hour number two. Euler and Williamson, it's The Drive.

26:56 And now a word from our sponsor, Bud Light. There's nothing better than the clean, crisp... There's nothing better than the.

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27:25 I used to have cable internet, but I'm a 100% kind of fan, so I switched to Verizon Fios. It's 100% fiber internet that's super reliable. So I streamed 100% of the NFL draft live with ultra low lag. And after what went down in the first round, still getting video calls from my best friend, rubbing it in that he called all the picks.

27:42 I told you they were building their own line.

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28:01 You're tuned to The Drive on your 24-7 home of the black and gold.

28:05 Steelers Nation Radio.

28:19 Rolling along here on The Drive on this Wednesday. We are going to hear from Ben Roethlisberger in just a few minutes. He, this afternoon, joined Max Starks and Willie Colon right here on the Steelers Audio Network and with plenty of things to say about the state of the Steelers. He was there, Matt. Ben was the honorable, terrible towel twirler.

28:38 Hope bringing home the win.

28:40 Nice little salt in the wound for the Cleveland Browns, reminding them who their daddy is.

28:44 They're so young, they don't remember playing against that guy.

28:47 That's a good point. But the fans do, baby, certainly, and the people in the front office. And so obviously Ben had a lot of good things to say about this offense, this new regime, the Steelers' offensive line, and the run game. We'll hear all of that in just a few minutes, but we wanted to hit on some of your questions, comments, concerns. and reactions in the meantime.

29:06 Ian asks, if you had to pick a percentage for the Steelers to make a trade for a wide receiver, you know, i.e. 60-40, what would you think it is? Seems to be conflicting reports for insiders nationally and locally. I would agree with that second part.

29:21 So, to answer this question, 50% is a really big number.

29:27 Yeah.

29:28 You know what I mean?

29:29 I would go under 50%.

29:30 Yeah, like if Vegas odds were like, every team's chances of making a trade, I bet 50 is like a high number.

29:39 Oh, you know what I mean?

29:40 In like the 20s or 30s yeah.

29:41 Yeah yeah so i'm gonna put it like 40 though.

29:44 I was just thinking 40 60 yeah maybe even 35 65 it might.

29:49 Not be an earth-shattering move it might be like when they traded for big mike williams and like we'll throw them in the mix and see what happens and but i think it's quite possible i mean the other aspect you don't bring, there's two things you got to bring up here too, is what are you ever going to get from Pittman? You know, if he returns to see the same version, that's been sluggish and, or did this break, turn them into the Colts version. That's what we're all hoping.

30:14 That'd be wonderful. Then you don't really have a problem. Cause then Roman comes back and you got four dudes. You can live, you can play, but we've had this issue when Pickens was the lone guy or when Metcalf got suspended, there are more injuries to come.

30:27 Always is.

30:27 You know what I mean? Like, I wouldn't mind having somebody that's more than capable.

30:34 I agree.

30:35 And if you give him a fifth or sixth round pick, that's not going to influence your ability to get a quarterback next year.

30:39 I still think, correct. I still think even 50% is way too high.

30:42 It probably is, yeah.

30:44 Angry Bike Lane asks, is there any chance Aaron Rodgers plays one more year next year so he's eligible for the Steelers Hall of Honor?

30:51 Highly doubt it.

30:53 We've joked before, and I've made this joke to Labs, and he's on the committee. And actually, big news for everybody out there. I wanted to make sure to say this today. Bob Labriola will join us on the show.

31:03 Tomorrow, baby.

31:03 The Dean of Doom, the Lord of Living in his Fears, will be back with us tomorrow. Many of you have asked where's Labs been this season. We'll ask, and you shall receive. He will be on the program with us tomorrow. I've joked with him, it's you have to be a Steeler for three years to be eligible for the Hall of Honor. I used to joke that's the Kevin Green clause.

31:21 Is that why it's three and not four?

31:24 I'm just saying, sometimes you can read the tea leaves.

31:26 Five's a nice round number, but we'll go three.

31:30 Aaron Rodgers is getting a gold jacket. I don't know how much he would ache to be in the Steelers Hall of Honor one day. I'll also say, if this season ends up going well enough for the Steelers, maybe they could amend that clause, put him in there. If he ends up taking this team to an AFC championship game or a Superbowl.

31:48 Wouldn't shock me someday. Maybe if the Packers are in town that he comes walking out or something too, or, you know, something, I mean, maybe you'll see him again. I don't think he'll be the Steelers quarterback next year.

31:58 Yeah.

31:59 I agree.

32:00 Agree. And I side note, and this isn't really even a shot at him. I think it's time to move on as an organization. i do quarterback wise i do we just had a whole segment about it.

32:10 You you're matt you're not even you're not speaking to the choir you're speaking to the pastor yeah on this one i've been preaching that since july i want to find a 10-year starter i i i do not want to live in our in our fears maybe there's still some kenny pickett fears there maybe there's just some overall you know always keeping that contending window open fears.

32:29 I just don't want it to be a year-to-year position same you know like I don't want to live paycheck to paycheck.

32:34 No, I want, I want my next, uh, I don't want these, I don't want these presidential terms.

32:39 All right.

32:39 I want my next emperor. I want my next dynasty here. Who's going to, who's going to hang for 15 to 20 years. Uh, plenty of more good questions and segment ideas for the buy that I have bookmarked and we'll start getting more into those tomorrow. But when we return Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger number seven in your programs, but number one in your hearts. He joined this network just a few hours ago. We're going to play some of what he had to say with Max and Willie. We'll do that and more as we wrap up the show on the other side, Euler and Williamson. It's The Drive, Steelers Nation Radio on the Steelers Audio Network.

33:34 Yeah.

33:34 Yeah. Content to fill.

33:44 And things like that. But when Ben Roethlisberger joins the network.

33:49 That changes things.

33:50 This afternoon, that certainly changes things. I think especially off of a big win against the Browns, a team that he used to own. And heading into a bye week and kind of just a good time to evaluate the state of the Steelers and what he's seen so far this year.

34:03 Love it.

34:04 Yeah.

34:04 Can't wait on this one.

34:05 So basically what happened earlier was Willie Colon on the fly was like, hey, let's see if we can get Ben on the show. Texted him and Ben hopped on the show with Willie and Max Starks. And here's what number seven had to say.

34:18 Welcome on back to the locker room with me and Big Max Starks.

34:24 Max, we've been talking about it, and one thing I like to do is tap into the phone book and see who's available. And so I said, let me talk. Let me see what the gods can throw me. Let me put the finger in the sky and see if I can tap on the Valhalla of Pittsburgh Steeling Nation door. And somebody answered. Not only is he a son of Ohio, but he's a god in Pittsburgh, two-time Super Bowl champ, our quarterback. Our number seven, from my heart to yours, the one and only Big Ben Roethlisberger. What up, seven?

35:01 Oh, I think you got the wrong number. What's up, fellas? What's up, handsome?

35:14 What you got cooking?

35:15 It's a pleasant surprise to hear from you two.

35:19 Well, you know, they gave us the keys, so we're driving, trying not to crash it.

35:24 And so we decided to call and see what Devin's up to. Not that I just picked the kids up from school, got home, got them some lunch and get them started on some homework. So I said, don't bother me. I'm going to talk to my boys. I don't care what's going on. Even if the house is burning down, don't bother me. I'm talking to my fellas. Okay.

35:44 So are you in the basement, though? Are you in the main cave? That's what I need to know. Are you up on the main level? Are you still visible?

35:51 I am outside.

35:52 Are you kidding me?

35:52 It's Pittsburgh. It's sunny. It's 80 degrees. I'm sitting outside right now. It's beautiful. Oh.

35:57 Yeah.

35:58 Yeah.

35:58 I know.

35:59 It's nice out here. Just enjoying this beautiful fall day here in the bird.

36:04 Seven, are you golfing it up, or are you just straight dad mode?

36:09 Uh, I'm dadding it right now. Um, because of you guys and my priorities to you guys, I, um, have my wife take my daughter to volleyball and basketball so that I could do this with you guys. Um, and then I'm going to go to the golf course with my son.

36:24 Hey man, let's get right to it.

36:29 Awesome.

36:29 Seeing you in the stadium Saturday, man. Uh, obviously the folks love you. They appreciate your career and everything he was able to do thus far. Um, you still doing the podcast football with Ben Rosberger.

36:40 Great.

36:40 Listen to everybody. Check that out on YouTube and find it on all platforms. Uh, still in the six and two going into the buy. Um, great. How do you feel about this team? And what, what, what's, you know, what makes you excited about this team moving forward? Yeah.

36:56 You know, it's it was great being there on Sunday. You know, they asked me, Chinney asked me a couple of times to do the terrible towel twirl. And you know me, I like to be at home. I'm a homebody. I watch the games on TV, sit on the couch, have me a course banquet and just kind of relax a little bit. And he was like, Danny, you know, we do this once a salute to service. We're having a three-star general. I'm like, you know what? You got me.

37:19 You know, we, I think all three of us all feel the same way about our military and, We're going to help support.

37:24 So I went out there.

37:25 It was fun to do that with him and be there in person to watch the game. And, you know, it was fun. I did– you know, you mentioned my podcast. I had Charlie Batch on last night, which was great because we got to kind of break down the game in the first half of the season. So it's still fresh on my mind. And I would say this. I think going into the season, obviously– when you look at, you know, when the schedule's released, everybody looks at the whole season. Okay, when's the buy? The first thing I think I looked at as a player is when's the buy week? How far into the season, right? Is it early week 3-1 where the NFL really got you? Or is it midway? So I think this buy comes perfect.

38:04 But I think, you know, what you looked at when you looked at this schedule was, okay, what kind of a start can we get off to because the back end looks like a little hairy? You were thinking Baltimore twice. You've got the Texans. You've got Carolina, which at one point was looking good. It looked like it could get a little dicey on the back end. Well, I think all of a sudden– so I would say this. It's like we have to get off to a fast start.

38:28 Got off to a fast start, got to 6-2, and now that back half that all of a sudden was looking kind of– the Eagles, right? The Eagles were in there.

38:36 Yeah, the Eagles, yeah.

38:37 That back half of the schedule that was looking dicey all of a sudden maybe doesn't look so dicey with some quarterbacks going down. Lamar hurts. The Texans maybe aren't playing– maybe they aren't who we thought they were. They're not playing well. So– Right now, if I'm a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, I'm in that locker room, I'm pretty happy with where we are. I think the bye week comes at a good time without any crazy major injuries. Obviously, receiver, you know, you're a really thinner receiver, but you might start getting some guys back at the right time, get guys healthy to really make that run on the back half that is really what it's going to take to make that push to the playoffs.

39:15 Yeah, no, I really like that approach, and you're absolutely right, Ben. You kind of look at it, and trust me, all of us were looking at when the schedule release was, when is the bye.

39:26 Week, because you know, you know, we always we always we always made some plans.

39:30 We want to know when was the bye week and when was that Thursday night game? Because we knew that was many.

39:34 That's right.

39:35 So, yeah, exactly. Love the mini bye.

39:38 We took full advantage of many buys.

39:41 But kind of, you know, I think my question is not only when we look at kind of just Aaron, but but you said it right there. just quarterbacks in general around the league, like so many guys have gotten injured this year. I mean, you referenced Lamar. Then Snoop Huntley, his backup is even out, and they're going on a short weekend playing Jacksonville. You look at Jalen Hurts' injury.

40:03 Jane Daniels has been up and down, and we've seen injuries around the league. Deshaun Watson's in concussion protocol, and guys are just like, what is it about this?

40:12 I mean, is there anything you could say?

40:13 Like, has the quarterback position changed?

40:16 Kind of been less protected, or is it a personnel thing?

40:21 But a lot of quarterbacks have been injured this season. Well, I'll say a couple things, Max. They don't make them like they used to.

40:28 Here we go.

40:32 Because you because honestly, it's interesting because you can't say they're not protecting them.

40:36 Right.

40:36 The rules nowadays protect quarterbacks. I mean, how many times have we seen hits where it makes us even as even as a quarterback? I'll be like, wait, what? I got a head scratcher like that. That's that's unbelievable.

40:47 So.

40:48 You know, I think sometimes it's just fluky. I mean, obviously, who could have predicted the Hertz thing and Klotz? I mean, that's so crazy and hitting the phone. I mean, some of the stuff feels just kind of kind of crazy and situationally unique. But, you know, I think in general, though, the game. has gotten even though they've tried to protect and it's, you know, we, we joke that the players have gotten soft and the league's gotten soft and this, that, and the other. I also think there's something to be said about how much more physical, like these, these guys nowadays are bigger, faster, stronger. It feels like, I mean, look at, look at Pittsburgh. I mean, they, they have a tight end that's in the big Mount Washington. I mean,

41:30 he's a monster.

41:31 You know what I'm saying?

41:32 You've got guys that, that can run and hit and do things. So, I'd like to maybe think the game has gotten more physical, and maybe that's why some of these things happened. But, again, it could just be nothing more than just fluky things, you know?

41:45 Ben, I want to talk about Jared Burse. I know it's behind us. There's so much been wrapped around it and how much smack he talked going into that game and obviously didn't have a response. It just ended up Mason McCormick dumped him on his head. But I think one thing that happened, we saw, and I don't think we've talked about it enough, The fact that this team, Valet, went into that game, beat him in all three phases, answered to his whole thing about being dirty, where they slammed him on his head, he didn't do anything. But what I think was exposed, that we saw a mature team respond at a real, and in a real mature level, meaning they look like a contending outfit, right? The Steelers look like, yeah, they play bully ball, but they look

42:27 like a mature outfit. Do you contribute that? Because I remember Omar Khan starting the season, he said, listen, We kept 11 rookies, but we still have the old guys on the team. And the reason we have the old guys is because we want the old guys to teach the young guys how to be Steelers and how to be professionals. And so I thought Sunday's game was a good example of the plan coming into fruition. If you used to look at Mike McCarthy and his office and the team as a whole, do you now see this team as a contender? And do you now think this team has what it takes to really have a place at the table come January and make a run?

42:59 Yeah, I think you make a good point. So I didn't realize at the time that that because I'm, you know, me, I don't do the social media stuff that that verse was talking all that noise after the first game. And I was trying to figure out, like, what was going on. You know, he got dumped on his head. And I'm like, man, this guy's chirping a lot. I was trying. I said it last night. Like, I don't I don't I never want to attack a player. Right. Attack the play, not the player. But numbers and stats speak for themselves. I mean, he really hasn't done much. And so he's doing a lot of chirping and this, that, and the other. And so I like the fact that the guys kept him between the lines. You know what I'm saying? Like you

43:36 just said, being a professional, being mature, it's kind of like one of those things like, okay, I hear you. You don't need to hear me. We don't need to give you multiple material. You're going to get your bulletin board material when they take a picture of me dumping you on your head.

43:51 In between the.

43:53 Lines, right? What more do you need in terms of bulletin board material than a picture of you upside down? And honestly, here's what I like about it. Both you two will appreciate this. What I like about this group is, yeah, you've got some veterans that know how to play and do this, that, and the other tough. But to me, and one of the things I said last night on my show is, as we did like a kind of a midway recap, we talked about an offensive MVP, a defensive MVP, and a surprise. Like, what's my surprise so far?

44:23 Going into this season, my biggest question mark was going to be the O-line. Can the O-line protect Aaron? Can they open the holes in the run game? What can they do? And to me right now, the O-line... is my... I mean, the way that they are playing is my biggest surprise in the sense that... And I don't mean the surprise like I thought they were going to play bad, in the surprise that there was a question around it, right? Sure, sure, sure.

44:50 And so why I say that is... This group right now is– sure, there's been some hiccups. You get IMAX in there, and IMAX– you knew you were going to get your growing pains, right? But the best thing they could do is throw them in and get your growing pains early, get them out the way, and now what are we doing? We're not saying his name. And when your name's not getting called during a game as alignment, that's a good thing.

45:13 100%.

45:14 Because we're not talking.

45:15 About getting beat. So wrapping all that up, Willie, what I'm going to say is, The group right now that not only is leading the charge in terms of protecting Aaron and allowing Jalen Warren and Rico to run for as many yards as they're running for is they're leading this charge in bully ball. They're the ones that are slamming dudes on their heads and not dirty, not penalties, not cheap. They're the ones just that little extra, right?

45:42 The neighbor, that little, let me give you a little something here. Let me kind of push up off you. Oops, my knee accidentally got you across the face mask on.

45:50 The way up.

45:51 You know how that's, I know you guys, you guys know this and you guys love it.

45:56 You're right.

45:56 And so, again, it's not dirty, but it's like I was at the game, and if you weren't there, you might not have saw this. I think the end of the first quarter, we were driving, and the quarter was running out, and we were on like the four or five-yard line going to the open end zone, okay? Well, Max, you might have saw this.

46:14 Yeah.

46:14 Open end zone, 15 seconds on the game clock, and it's like, okay, is Aaron going to try and do something crafty? Next thing you know, I see either two or three of our linemen on a full jog to the other end of the field. like quarters over, but we're like, let's go. Like, like I can't wait for this quarter to be.

46:32 Yes.

46:33 Yeah. I can't wait for this quarter to get old. Like the, the, the, the timeout to get over because I want to jam this down your throat. And to me, they're leading the charge and that's where it's going to keep going. They can stay healthy and they can keep growing together and learning those two. Zach Frazier, man, we can't talk enough about that. That young man, he needs to start getting recognition for pro bowls, nods for all pro.

46:56 I mean, he's going to be, he's going to fall right in the line with the tradition of the Steelers grades at center.

47:04 Yeah, no, I completely agree.

47:06 I think Zach is, You know, and he's not the most boisterous. He's not the most talkative. But, like you said, I mean, his nickname that Wolf gave him was Morgantown Mauler. Like that was the name that he coined him. And that's exactly what he does. I mean, he's had some of the biggest matchups, you know, this season.

47:25 Think about this.

47:25 Dexter Lawrence, you've had to deal with him. You've had to deal with other big dudes in the middle. It just seems like every single week there's a new challenge. that he's going to have to go up against Mason Graham last week. He's gone against him twice. And that's just in our division.

47:40 Well, Max, let me tell you something, too. Sorry, Max, I'm going to interrupt you because I want to echo this. When he got drafted, Blaine Stewart, who was at West Virginia, texted me and said, Ben, he will remind you of Marquise Pouncey. Enough said.

47:54 Really? Wow.

47:56 That's what he said. That was the text I got. He will remind you of Marquise Pouncey. And I was like– I kind of was.

48:02 Like– Right, right, right.

48:09 But if you're going to compare people and you're going to compare someone to Sol 53, here we go.

48:16 Real quickly, Seven, because I know we're pressing on time, and I appreciate your time, brother, seriously. How would you grade Mike McCarthy up until this point? I've asked a couple people that. Some people feel like he's done a great job. A lot of people feel like he's really started imprinting you know, put his imprint on his team.

48:35 And then some people are making a, you know, I saw something in the headlines earlier this week when I was kind of combing through stuff, combing through, I think Bill Simmons has said something on his podcast along the lines like, you know, with the success of the Steelers, it looks like you could say Mike Tomlin was holding his team back last year. Do you think that's true?

48:53 Do you think any of that is relevant? Or is it just Mike McCarthy saying, hey, this is my team now, watch us work?

48:59 Yeah, I mean, I'm not going to sit here and criticize Tom or say this to compare one or the other. What I think we're seeing is McCarthy saying this is the way that I'm going to do it now, right? Like I'm not, this is, this is what I'm doing it this way. This is my, my prints are gonna be all over this team. I mean, I think he's doing a great job. I mean, the man didn't even make it to halftime locker room. One time he spent in the blue tent and they still like, what are we doing? I mean, when's the last time you heard of a head coach getting hurt and can't even make it off the field.

49:32 Right.

49:37 So, but no, in all seriousness, I think he's doing a great job. Obviously we're, we're hearing about some of the, you know, you, you, the biggest news that gets made is, you know, the him and the Aaron, the, the kind of the looks they give each other, the riff and they give each other all that kind of stuff. But honestly, winning football games, no one cares about anything.

49:55 Right. Right.

49:57 No, you, yeah, no, you're absolutely right. Seven.

49:59 And I think that that's what you got to be. We're all weighed against that, right? How many games did you win? How many did you lose? And, and, I think that's one of the things. That's why I appreciated also why you were there, Seven, because you were literally the Browns killer.

50:14 I don't know.

50:14 They were trying to have that takeover, and they're like, oh, all these Browns fans. I imagine when you came out with the terrible towel, they were like, oh, God, this is the impending dread that was going to happen.

50:25 Max, you know.

50:27 This, and I don't ever want to be a finger pointer, but I'll point the thumb that when I walked in there, the Browns got deflated quickly.

50:38 And after that, nothing left to be said.

50:41 Nothing left to be said.

50:42 Nope.

50:42 Go ahead. Take a break, Will.

50:44 Hey, thank you, bro. Appreciate you, man. Thank you for taking the time. Have a great day. Have a good time with Junior on the golf course, man, and talk to you soon.

50:54 Fellas, I love you guys.

50:55 Anything for you guys.

50:55 Have a good one, all right?

50:58 There it is, Matt. Ben Roethlisberger, pretty great stuff with him on just kind of the state of the offense, and I think Ben would have... Now, to be fair, not necessarily at the very end of his career, but for the vast majority of his career, Ben Roethlisberger obviously had some great offensive linemen in front of him.

51:12 Oh, yeah, yeah.

51:13 Alan Fanica, Pouncey, DeCastro, Max Starks, a lot of really good players.

51:17 Those two fellows he was chatting with, you know, right?

51:18 Yeah, exactly right. But you hear Ben gushing about the offensive line and the run game there, and I think Ben would have fit in with this group just fine.

51:24 Just the attitude in which they play with, and... That was awesome. I didn't walk in the studio today thinking I was going to hear from Big Ben.

51:31 Love it. Always a nice surprise. And a big thanks to a producer of In the Locker Room, Justin Miller, for securing that audio for us. But that will do it for Matt and I today. We'll be back tomorrow on Thursday where we've got some fun bi-week ideas that we've come up with that you've all suggested. We'll have a fun Thursday show as we'll close down the week because we're off Friday. And we will also have the much anticipated return of the Dean of Doom, the Lord of Living in His Fears.

51:55 Yeah, that's cool too.

51:56 Bob Labriola. But that will do it for us today. Thanks to Brian Bacco for joining us in the first hour. And as always, a big shout out to intrepid video producer of this program. Mr. TV, Tyler V. For Matt Williamson, I'm Wes Shuler. Take care, everybody. We will talk to you soon. As always, you know where to find us.

52:10 It's on your 24-7 home of the black and gold. Steelers Nation Radio on the Steelers Audio Network.