PROVO, Utah – Former Ole Miss and New York Giants star Eli Manning got a deep-dive look at BYU football quarterback history.
Over the summer, the two-time Super Bowl Champion was in Provo to record an episode for his digital streaming series, “Eli’s Places.” The episode of Manning at BYU drops today, Wednesday, September 6, on ESPN+.
This is getting ridicules. Everywhere I go, more football players. @JimMcMahon and Ty Detmer. pic.twitter.com/utXnRpQdRJ
— Eli Manning (@EliManning) June 22, 2022
I got an advanced screening of the episode, and the theme of Eli’s visit to BYU centers around the history of quarterbacks that have come through the BYU football program.
The show is executive produced by Omaha Productions, which is Peyton Manning’s –Eli’s brother– company. NFL Films also produce it. Some of the classic NFL Films music makes its way into the episode. Which is an excellent touch to the nostalgic vibes you get while watching old highlights of BYU’s storied quarterback factory from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
“When you think of football factories, Brigham Young University may not be the first place that comes to mind,” said Manning in the episode. “Some say Stanford or Michigan are QBU. But I think BYU has a pretty good case.”
The episode is compact and easy to consume, lasting 20 minutes. In addition, Manning interacts with two of BYU’s legendary QBs, Ty Detmer and Jim McMahon.
Eli Manning puts BYU in “QB U.” conversation
With Detmer, Manning takes a hike up “Y Mountain.” They reminisce about Detmer and BYU’s win over No. 1 Miami in 1990.
The banter and punchlines throughout the episode are pretty funny. For example, during Manning’s conversation with McMahon inside LaVell Edwards Stadium, he asked Jimmy Mac how he lasted five years at a school with an honor code with no alcohol, tea, coffee, or sexual contact.
“I was stealth before stealth technology came in,” McMahon said.
McMahon, who once started his BYU career as a punter, then described all the infamous Monday meetings he had with legendary coach LaVell Edwards while he was a player for the Cougars.
The two also discussed where BYU’s quarterback factory stacks up among programs.
“Do you think BYU has the greatest list of quarterbacks in college football history,” asked Manning.
McMahon replied, “Well, if not, they’ve got to be in the top three.”
Go to episode 5 of Eli’s Places on ESPN+ or Hulu to see the entire episode.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
