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? 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: https://play.solidverbal.com/apple-podcastsSpotify: https://play.solidverbal.com/spotifyAmazon Music: https://play.solidverbal.com/amazon-musicOvercast: https://play.solidverbal.com/overcastPocket Casts: https://play.solidverbal.com/pocketcastsPodcast Addict: https://play.solidverbal.com/podcast-addictCastBox: https://play.solidverbal.com/castboxOur college football show is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to the channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@solidverbalWant to get in touch? Give us a holler on Twitter: @solidverbal, @tyhildenbrandt, @danrubenstein, on Instagram, or on Facebook. You can also find our college football podcast out on TikTok and Threads. Stay up to date with our free weekly college football newsletter: https://quickslants.solidverbal.com/subscribe.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 https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/solidverbalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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