CFB LIVE - ALEX GOLESH JOINS THE SHOW

Summary

College Football Live - “Alex Golesh Joins the Show”

Date: August 11, 2026
Host: Reese Davis (plus analysts Sam Acho, Dusty Dvorachek, Curtis)
Special Guest: Alex Golesh, Auburn Head Coach

Episode Overview

This episode is all about college football rivalries, preseason shake-ups, and a special spotlight on new Auburn head coach Alex Golesh. The show kicks off with passionate talk about famed college rivalries (Purdue-Indiana, Texas-Oklahoma, Michigan-Ohio State), dives into the transfer portal’s impact on power programs, discusses playoff expansion drama, and wraps with a candid chat with Golesh about his unconventional journey to big-time coaching.

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Key Segments & Discussion Points

Rivalries: Old and New (00:31–06:53)

• Purdue vs. Indiana

  • Reese Davis jokes about Purdue AD Tommy McClelland’s unscripted rivalry remarks and how Indiana has dominated under Kurt Signetti (00:31–01:00).
  • “Since Sig got to Indiana, Hoosiers 121, Purdue 3. But hey, at least the rivalry is back.” — Reese Davis (01:00)

• Oklahoma vs. Texas – Red River Rivalry

  • Detailed breakdown of team strengths and transfers by the analysts:
    • Oklahoma Outlook:
      • If QB John Mateer stays healthy and with new offensive weapons (Parker Livingston—Texas WR, Trail Harris—Virginia transfer, Rocky Beers & Hayden Hansen at TE), offense may finally keep up with their elite defense.
      • “They don't have to be great offensively... If they're just much better this season with that defense, Oklahoma is going to be a handful for a lot of teams.” — Sam Acho (03:30–04:06)
    • Texas Transfer Additions:
      • Riley Brown (RB, Arizona State), Cam Coleman (WR, Auburn), Hollywood Smothers (explosive playmaker). Sam touts their potential with demonstrative video breakdown:
        • “We call this taking people’s ankles...Anytime Hollywood’s mother touches the rock, he’s trying to find the end zone.” — Sam Acho (05:40–06:05)
  • Texas offensive line noted as a key to unlocking big plays for their new weapons.

• Ohio State vs. Michigan

  • 110 days to “The Game.”
  • Michigan’s offense: Bryce Underwood—his development under new OC Jason Beck is key.
    • "You’re going to see a lot of running the ball… but the ability to throw the ball downfield…" — Sam Acho (06:53–07:35)
  • Ohio State offense loaded with weapons:
    • Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Ennis, Chris Henry Jr. at WR; Bo Jackson at RB in the new Arthur Smith offense.
    • "Good luck trying to deal with this Buckeyes offense for a team last year that leaned so much on its elite defense." — Dusty Dvorachek (08:15–08:41)
  • Expectation is Ohio State will shift to being more offense-heavy this year.

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College Football Playoff Expansion Talk (08:41–10:53)

• Status update from CFP Insider Pete Thamble:
  • No major decisions in this virtual meeting; discussions are centered on logistics for a possible 24-team playoff structure.
  • Significant financial hurdles: Championship games could cost $200–$250 million.
  • "Nothing of particular substance happened in this meeting today that's going to affect the college football fans sitting on the couch..." — Pete Thamble (09:16)
  • 20-team playoff idea mentioned, but not developed or likely.
  • Key deadline: December 1 for further decisions.
  • “When you give college leaders a deadline, they will press up to the very moment before that deadline.” — Pete Thamble (10:42)

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Coach Kurt Signetti & QB Transition at Indiana (12:34–17:06)

• Reese Davis visits with Signetti; breakdown with analysts Curtis & Dusty:
  • Signetti’s patience and method:
    • Didn’t get a Power 4 head coach opportunity until age 63.
    • Loves to study film instead of traditional coach hobbies.
    • “You know, I don’t golf anymore. I don’t jog anymore. I don’t hunt, ski, fish. I just love watching tape.” — Kurt Signetti (16:52)
  • QB Play & Recruiting:
    • Fernando Mendoza (2025 Heisman winner) praised for remarkable poise and throws under pressure.
    • Analyst Dusty explains Mendoza’s ability to diagnose defenses and make tight, quick throws.
      • “How he saw this, I’ll never know...Look at how quick he got rid of that ball. And toughness.” — Dusty Dvorachek (14:30–14:59)
    • New QB: Josh Hoover (TCU transfer)—strengths include strong arm and comfort with RPOs, but needs to reduce turnovers.
    • “Quarterbacks have got to be able to do something special...Preparation of the opponent is essential to playing your very, very best.” — Dusty Dvorachek (15:23–16:29)

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Feature Interview: Alex Golesh, Auburn Head Coach (19:26–24:03)

Alex Golesh shares his unique path and coaching philosophy:

• Background and Roots
  • Born in Russia, raised in New York and Dublin, Ohio.
  • Didn’t play college football—became a coach at a young age.
• On Life Journeys and Storytelling:
  • “Your story can be really powerful when somebody tells it, but you got to do something to make them tell it...It’s a lot more powerful if you and somebody else tells your story.” — Alex Golesh (20:27–20:53)
• The Atypical Path, Early Start:
  • Started on the Ohio State staff at age 19, quickly rose (full-time coach in MAC at 23, Big Ten at 25).
  • “I started coaching younger...I had opportunity to do a lot of real, actual coaching, a lot of work really young.” — Alex Golesh (21:10–22:00)
• How to Build Quickly—But Not Rush:
  • Importance of roster management and not ‘skipping steps’ in laying foundation.
  • “As fast as we can while still laying a foundation for something sustainable long term. And that was the expect and that’s what we’re fighting for.” — Alex Golesh (23:17–23:43)
• Auburn Outlook:
  • Excitement for offensive potential, particularly with personnel from his previous South Florida squad.
  • “Thanks for having me. War Eagle.” — Alex Golesh (24:03)

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Lightning Round: Iron Bowl Preview (24:06–24:58)

• Alabama vs. Auburn Outlook:
  • Auburn: Analyst Sam Acho touts new offensive firepower, highlighting Byron Brown’s transfer from South Florida.
  • Alabama: Sam predicts Keelan Russell to win QB job, brings winning and dynamic playmaking.
  • “Explosive, dynamic playmaker. Can’t wait to see if he gets the job, what he’s able to do with it.” — Sam Acho (24:34)
  • Iron Bowl and Ohio State-Michigan both set for November 28.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you don’t want to win championships, go to Indiana.” — Reese Davis (joking about rivalries) (00:31)
• “They don’t have to be great offensively.... Oklahoma is going to be a handful for a lot of teams.” — Sam Acho (04:06)
• “We call this taking people’s ankles...” — Sam Acho describing Texas' Hollywood Smothers (05:40)
• “Your story can be really powerful when somebody tells it, but you got to do something to make them tell it.” — Alex Golesh (20:53)
• “As fast as we can while still laying a foundation for something sustainable long term.” — Alex Golesh on rapid but smart program-building (23:43)
• “When you give college leaders a deadline, they will press up to the very moment before that deadline.” — Pete Thamble (10:42)

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Key Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:31 — Show opens; Rivalry talk, Purdue-Indiana
• 02:48 — Oklahoma-Texas Red River Rivalry deep dive
• 06:05 — Ohio State-Michigan preview
• 08:41 — College Football Playoff expansion discussion (w/ Pete Thamble)
• 12:34 — Indiana’s rise, Signetti & QB breakdown
• 19:26 — Alex Golesh joins for Auburn profile
• 24:06 — Iron Bowl snapshot, closing rivalry roundtable

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Takeaways

This episode is a can’t-miss for college football fans craving deep dives on classic rivalries, early insight on key team improvements via the transfer portal, and personal stories behind the new faces of major programs. Alex Golesh’s interview provides inspiring perspective on what it takes to rise in the coaching ranks. With loaded teams and shifting playoff structures, the stage is set for a wild college football season.

Transcript

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[Host (Reese Davis)]

Every recruit, every current student athlete will hear this message repeatedly. We are here to win championships. If you don't want to win championships, go to Indiana. You know I made an offhand unscripted comment about an in state rival that didn't land well. Okay, the comments from Tommy McClelland and his opening presser last week kind of

[Co-host/Analyst (Curtis)]

take a little shot.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

Didn't know if you had any comments on that at all.

[Analyst (Dusty Dvorachek)]

Not really.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

What a surprise. Welcome Inside College Football live. You know, Purdue and Indiana have been playing for the old oak and bucket since 1925. And last week at that press conference, Purdue's new AD was playing for some laughs. But much like the 2025 Boilermaker season, it fell flat. 0 and 9 by the way, for them in the Big Ten. Bottom line, since SIG got to Indiana, Hoosiers 121, Purdue 3. But hey, at least the rivalry is back. And that's what today's show is all about. Rivalries throughout the great sport of college football. And here in the house, Dusty Dvorachek and Sam Acho. Dusty, of course, an Oklahoma legend, two time consensus, all Big 12 selection. To add to the drama, he's from Texas, but went to Oklahoma. And of course Sam is from Texas. Played for the horns on that 09 Big 12 title team, played in the national title game on that 08 team that won the Fiesta bowl and was ranked number one for a large portion of the season. We've got them in different locations just for their own safety. As you take a look at the Red river rivalry, you know how intense it could be. Eleven national titles, nine Heisman Trophy winners. Texas has the edge and oh should I mention, we are only and it never stops the countdown, 61 days away from them meeting on your local ABC station. That will be October 10th. We can hardly wait. Both guys are here. And as we go from Purdue and Indiana to Texas and Oklahoma with a pair of guys that know all about it, let's just break down this rivalry, one of many in today's half hour Dusty, let's start with you. Mattier played in that game last year against Texas banged up. But if he's healthy and has the right weapons that were added, you really think this could be the year Oklahoma really pops under Venables?

[Analyst (Sam Acho)]

Well, look, the defense is going to be elite. The question is can the offense make strides. That was a group that really struggled last year. Was it was wasn't just the health of the quarterback John Mateer, a youthful offensive line that started three freshmen a season ago, but there are 94 overall in total yards, 79 and scoring offense and I do think the pieces are in place for this to be a much improved unit here in the second season for Ben Arbuckle as the offensive coordinator. Interesting. A Texas wide receiver, Arch Manning roommate Parker Livingston comes over, get some sides and speed outside. I really like Trail Harris, the Virginia transfer and a tight end room that really was non existent a year ago. They bring in Rocky Beers from Colorado State who could really catch the football. And Hayden Hansen is a gargantuan of a tight end. He's almost six foot eight, he's £270. He could put his hand on the ground he and move people. He's going to help bolster that offensive line. Don't be surprised to see more multiple tight end sets this year for Ben Arbuckle. And year number two Lloyd Avant, a Colorado State transfer will help a rushing attack who was 13th in the SEC be much better. They don't have to be great offensively, Zubin. If they're just much better this season with that defense, Oklahoma is going to be a handful for a lot of teams.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

Well, one of the things you just invoked is a guy that can make some catches. Speaking of a guy that could make some catches, you guys see this piece of video that's gone viral all over the last few weeks. This is Sam Coleman catching a tip pass from Arch with the pirouette. Look at the body radius and then the 360 spin. There's a reason everybody wanted him out of the portal from Auburn. And by the way, we got a lot more Auburn Alabama discussion coming up as our rivalry week continues here, especially on the program today. Sam, let's go to you. I know you've got some video to really go inside the some of the transfers that Texas has that could maybe help them get the edge on Oklahoma when they meet in 61 days.

[Analyst (Sam Acho)]

Yeah, Dusty was talking about Oklahoma and he was saying a lot of words, right? A lot of words. But they say a picture is worth a thousand words. I'M going to show you some video that may be worth millions of words. Check out what we're going to watch the additions that Texas has. Start with Raleigh Brown, a transfer from Arizona State. He's a downhill runner and outside zone runner. Look at the offensive line that's going to be the dominant offensive line for Texas is going to be make holes for him and as soon as he get that one cut downhill, Riley Brown's going to give you a big play. And so that's one addition to running game that struggled last year at Texas. But it's not just the downhill run, it's also over the top in the air. Cam Coleman, transfer from Auburn, 6, 3, 2, 10. Very good when it comes to contested catches a la this one right here. That's what Cam Coleman is going to do. Not just 20ft in the air but also down in the end zone so they can get you over top but also in space. Hollywood Smothers. Get used to that name because it's going to make a lot more plays like this. We call this taking people's ankles. This is Notre Dame, a team that might be the national championship. That's one ankle taken. He's going to take another one, a second or two.

[Co-host/Analyst (Curtis)]

Boom.

[Analyst (Sam Acho)]

Another ankle taken right there. Anytime Hollywood's mother touches the rock, he's trying to find the end zone. By the way, he got the name Hollywood because his freshman year, first game on varsity. This Is stat line. Three carries, two touchdowns, over 100 yards. So he's a big time player.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

There's no doubt about that. Great info there. Again, 61 days away from Oklahoma, Oklahoma and Texas. We are 110 days away from Ohio State and Michigan. Remember Ohio State finally getting over that bugaboo. They lost four in a row to the Maize and Blue, but they go into Ann Arbor. Saiyan throws for 233. Bo Jackson was great. Bryce Underwood was not through for 63 yards. And the Ohio on the way out the door in the snow again. They'll play November 28, 110 days. But now Sam, let's start with you here. We had Bryce Underwood on the show last week here on College Football Live. He was perplexed. Why everyone was saying he couldn't play for Kyle Whittingham like it would be oil and water. What do you make of these two hooking up year one together?

[Analyst (Sam Acho)]

Well, I'm more excited not necessarily about Kyle Whittingham, the head coach, but about their offensive coordinator who they brought in in Jason Beck. We saw that Bryce Underwood struggled Last year. But Jason Beck last year with Devin Dampier led Utah to a top five offense. Year before with New Mexico another top offense, Bryce Underwood has an opportunity to grow. This is a major opportunity. There are going to be a lot of, it's a lot of running the ball we're going to see from a Kyle winning hand led offense, but the ability to throw the ball downfield. When you're playing against an Ohio State team that loves, that has a guy named Jeremiah Smith that loves to try to put points on the board, that's going to be the difference. It's not just the physicality that Michigan can show, it's the development that Bryce Underwood will have or should have under new OC Jason Beck.

Well, Sam, when Michigan comes to Columbus, they're going to need Bryce Underwood to put up some points because one thing I can assure you, the Buckeyes, this season's offense is going to be as elite as anybody in the Big Ten and in college football. And you just look at the weapons that they have outside. Jeremiah Smith is the best player in college football. He's going to be a problem. Brandon Ennis also there at wide receiver and we're going to see Chris Henry Jr. For the first time this year with his 6 foot 5 link catch radius. He's going to be another option yet for Julian saying one of those accurate quarterbacks in college football tribute. The football to Bo Jackson though, I think is the one that's going to make a big jump in this Arthur Smith offense. Going to be more of an emphasis on running the football. Lean on that offensive line that's got four starters back and a more impact from the tight ends. Look for Nate Roberts, the sophomore, to have a bigger impact both in the run game and as a pass catcher. Good luck trying to deal with this Buckeyes offense for a team last year that leaned so much on its elite defense. Zubin I think this year it's going to lean more on this elite offense as the defense gets better with new pieces once again.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

110 days away. November 28th for Michigan and Ohio State. We're 113 days away from deciding whether this playoff is going to be expanded. The College Football Playoff management committee met today. There is a December 1st deadline. But remember last year, December 1st, they just kicked the can down the road. But there's so much more on the line here besides whether the playoff is going to expand. Many things they discussed. Our Pete Thamble is here. Pete, I know there were so many things going on. They were going to hold it in person. They held it virtually so much on the line. What are the biggest takeaways our viewers need to know about what went down there today?

[Pete Thamble (College Football Playoff Insider)]

Well, Zubin, let's lead with the headline. Nothing of particular substance happened in this meeting today that's going to affect the college football fans sitting on the couch who loves ball and wants to know what's going to happen with the playoff. This was an incremental meeting. In part of that is magnified by the fact that it was held virtually. It was not an in person meeting. The main topic of discussion, zubin, was what 24 would look like. A drill down into calendar, drill down into schedule, a drill down into how all that would work. The consultants for the CFP brought in some basic financials of what a 24 team college football playoff would look like and what some of the general viability would be financially if they brought it out to market. Now they obviously are not. They did not give specific dollar amounts today, Zubin. They didn't say it would be worth this much and that there is a lot of skepticism because any 2014 playoff would have to overcome the cost of championship games which are valued somewhere around between 200 and 250 million. So today was a lengthy call. There was a lot of drilling down. There was some chatter online about a 20 team format being presented. I was told that would not manifest itself in any significant way. There's Big Ten pushback on that. That's not quite a fully baked idea in anyone' yet. So today is a logistics day for the cfp. No big decisions or big news out of this call, Zubin, and we will push down. As you know, Zubin, when you give college leaders a deadline, they will press up to the very moment before that deadline. And I imagining here that's the projection of what's going to happen with this CFP discussion.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

Yeah, deadlines make deals. How about 200 to $250 million in one day for college football on the way? It's the one moment that Signetti looks back with our Reese Davis about Fernando Mendoza that will shock you. Not the dive in the end zone against Miami. It's another throw you've got to see from the Heisman winner as Indiana gets ready to replace him this season.

[Analyst (Sam Acho)]

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[Host (Reese Davis)]

NFL Preseason Back everywhere you look, including NFL Network, working our way till the Monday night regular season opener and the likely return of Mahomes with Denver and Kansas City. But first, that trifecta on the way. At the top of the show, I mentioned the old oaken bucket. Purdue has traditionally dominated their rivalry with Indiana, but since Signetti got on the scene, it's been complete domination for the Hoosiers. Consider the irony. The guy that absolutely changed the expectation and the timetable to turn around a college football program was, of all things, patient. Keep in mind, Kurt Signetti didn't get his first Power 4 head coaching opportunity until he was 63 years old. And on the first stop of Rhys Davis official visit tour, he found out Coach Sig unofficially loves doing one thing more than anything else.

[Co-host/Analyst (Curtis)]

All right, Curtis, we've done these the last couple of years. We've done things. We've played ping pong, we've hit tennis balls, played video games. So we always look and say, what do these guys like to do? Like to watch tape. That's what you do, right?

[Analyst (Dusty Dvorachek)]

This is what I this is my thing.

[Co-host/Analyst (Curtis)]

Let's start with Fernando Mendoza from last year. Show me some things that you think he did particularly well as you watch tape that really stand out.

[Analyst (Dusty Dvorachek)]

Okay, so we opened the season with Illinois. The Big Ten play game before. This is the next game at Iowa. Really a tough game, a hard place to play. We're in the second half here. Second and ten. Okay, they've got a blitz coming. They're playing fire zone three, we call it. Behind safety number four is a little late getting back the middle.

[Co-host/Analyst (Curtis)]

Okay, that's him, right by the Hawkeye logo.

[Analyst (Dusty Dvorachek)]

There. Yep. You got it. Yep. The other one's dropping down, so, you know, we've got an over dig coming from the right side, and on the left side we got a hitch and a slot fade. We don't do a great job of picking this blitz up. He's got pressure in his face right now. How he saw this I'll never know because we normally throw that inside slot. The Surratt versus man coverage, this is his own. He sticks it in there like it's. Like it's a vertical. And it was two guys on the same. Look at this throw with a guy in his face. Look at that. How quick he got rid of that ball. And toughness. I mean, you talking about. Look at that.

[Co-host/Analyst (Curtis)]

It's a great how he got it out and didn't get it knocked down.

[Analyst (Dusty Dvorachek)]

Unbelievable.

[Co-host/Analyst (Curtis)]

Okay, so now he's off to the NFL and you've got to go through and scout and find somebody to replace him.

[Analyst (Dusty Dvorachek)]

Yep.

[Co-host/Analyst (Curtis)]

You've got Josh Hoover played at tcu. What is it that you look for when you're looking for a guy to come in and fit your system to make the kind of plays that you want from the quarterback position?

[Analyst (Dusty Dvorachek)]

Quarterbacks have got to be able to do something special. When you find out he's available, I'm going to Google his name to see what his career stats are, how he did last year. They've got the tape ready for me to watch. They'll be able to push the ball down the field. They're in a sprint out type concept, and, you know, they're running an over and kind of a copper out, but we would call this a copper out. He makes a nice outside nod to that slot receiver and wins to the post. So this one for Josh was about 56 in the air, 55. Threw it on minus 40, got caught on five, right on dime. Nice throw. You know, we're probably going to run the ball a little bit more than Josh has in the past now. He did a lot of RPOs, which we do a lot of RPOs, and that was great. I was really happy to see that when I watched him. So we're going to take some pressure off of him because, you know, he did turn the ball over a little too much at tcu, and he'll be the first to admit that.

[Co-host/Analyst (Curtis)]

Can you make guys fall in love with watching tape? Maybe not to the level you do, because that this is your thing.

[Analyst (Dusty Dvorachek)]

I think if guys want to be great players, they're going to do that. Great players want to be as good as they can. They understand that tape. Preparation of the opponent is essential to playing your very, very best. Allows you to anticipate, react quicker and respond. What a two years under Kurt Signetti. I'm always looking for the edge, something to help us get better. There's no doubt in my mind what I do in here has helped us be successful. You know, I don't golf anymore. I don't jog anymore. You know, I don't hunt, ski, fish. I just love watching tape.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

You thought Signetti came out of nowhere. How about Trinidad Championship? Tomorrow Reese takes a walk on the famous Oxford Square. Hopefully they'll stop at St. Leo for some pizza. Looking like they're getting some ice cream there down in Oxford on the way. How did a guy that never played college football end up coaching one of the blue bloods in the entire sport? I'll ask Alex Golis just that when College Football Live continues. Shohei Ohtani's interpreter was fired today.

[Analyst (Sam Acho)]

Ippei Mitsuhara ran up gambling debts to a Southern California bookmaking operation.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

The inside story of the biggest scandal in modern baseball. He was absolutely bananas.

[Co-host/Analyst (Curtis)]

The amount of bets he was making. I've never seen anything like it.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

From 30 for 30 podcasts this is the Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani.

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[Coach (Alex Goligoski)]

This is like my juice swat down here.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

Hey, ball security, job security. Left hand.

[Coach (Alex Goligoski)]

That's right. Have a day.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

Have a day.

[Coach (Alex Goligoski)]

Lead, lead. Have a day. How'd it go over there? Good is just good enough to get us beat.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

It went elite.

[Coach (Alex Goligoski)]

Fourth quarter situational football. Tighten up. Everything matters. Listen, I'm telling you, you got something special in here, man. You guys keep coming together, keep competing like crazy. Be critical yourselves. I love you. I appreciate the hell out of you.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

Hey, God is good.

[Analyst (Sam Acho)]

All the time.

[Coach (Alex Goligoski)]

All the time.

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[Coach (Alex Goligoski)]

Thank you. Hey, family 02 family 02 y2 family.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

That's an unbelievable access on the way to the beginning of the goal ish era when Auburn takes on Baylor September 5th. And it is a pleasure to be welcomed into college football live. Great to have coach here with us. First things first, Coach. Simply put, born in Russia, New York for your formative years, then Dublin, Ohio, not Ireland. How would kind of you describe just the journey that you've had to get to this point?

[Coach (Alex Goligoski)]

Man, it seems like a natural path to Auburn, Alabama, right? Man, you know what? You don't take a whole lot of time to reflect. At least I don't. But these opportunities have kind of brought the story to a forefront. I'm really proud of kind of where this all started and where we are. Fell in love with the game and then had a bunch of incredible people that helped me, helped me get to this point. You know, I had obviously a unique path, but a cool story to go with it. And I tell our guys all the time, tell our team religiously. Man, like, your story can be really powerful when somebody tells it, but you got to do something to make them tell it. And in, in a society, in a culture where everybody wants to tell their own story and you want to put it on Instagram, you want to. You. You want to say, man, here's what I'm doing and, and put it out there. I tell these guys all the time, and it's a lot more powerful if you and somebody else tells your story.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

One last thing on that. Before you got the USF job, you hadn't been a head coach, you didn't play college football, which is kind of a unique thing in and of itself. How would you think that atypical route maybe helped you where other people would never even experience anything like that?

[Coach (Alex Goligoski)]

Yeah, you know, I started coaching younger and, you know, I had a really, really cool opportunity. I coached high school ball for a year and then had a really cool opportunity where a staff at Ohio State took me under their wing and coach Tressel and a bunch of guys there allowed me at 20 years old and really 19 years old, man, to be in charge of a lot. This was back in the day where you had two gas and so they were always looking for a little free help. And I had the opportunity to do a lot of real, actual coaching, a lot of work really young. And so I think it helped me in that sense. I think helping helped being around an incredible staff and a bunch of really good coaches, that. That made me see a love for. For the coaching side of it and then, and then obviously got. Got going. But I had the opportunity to be young. You know, I was, I don't know, maybe 23 years old as a full time coach in the Mac, 26, 25 in the Big Ten. And so I started young, gave me a head start and allowed me to see the game maybe in a little bit different way.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

Last one for you. You said your goal at SEC media days. I guess this is for every team, but you said specifically for you guys, we have to get as good as we can as fast as we can because that's what college football now demands. How do you do that?

[Coach (Alex Goligoski)]

Yeah, I think, I think really a couple of things. You, you have the opportunity now with roster, with roster management, roster structure to make changes really quickly. I think it allows you to be able to change the trajectory of a program really quickly. You've seen it in college football the last couple of years. I think the biggest thing for us is when I said as fast as we can is not skip a step, you know, and you take over a program. And this is for me, my sixth time being a part of taking a program over and my second time as a head coach. You can't skip a step if you're going to lay a foundation for something elite. And this is a place where, where the standards are really high. This is a place that's won at the highest level and you're talking about at the national level. The expectation is that you, you compete at a really, really high clip every year. And so you can't skip a step because the one thing you don't want is to have success one year taking a step back, success another year take a step back. So as fast as we can while still laying a foundation for something sustainable long term. And that was the expect and that's what we're fighting for.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

There's no question about it. This is your second goal round in the sec. If you take a look at those offensive stats from your year, call in plays at Tennessee in 2021. Auburn fans will get jacked up just looking at some of those numbers as we move towards September 5 and the opener against Baylor. The goal is on the plains. Coach, thanks for joining us.

[Coach (Alex Goligoski)]

Thanks for having me on War Eagle.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

Here's the short version of the Iron bowl this century. Before Saban got to Tuscaloosa, it was all Auburn. Since he got there and DeBoer has taken over, it's been all Bama Sam. Give me a reason for Auburn to at least be bullish now.

[Analyst (Sam Acho)]

Oh, it's going to be a lot of explosiveness on offense. Byron Brown and his entire offense that was in South Florida that ranked top five nationally is now transferred over to Auburn and so that's going to be the type of offense downfield shots.

Zubin I'm going with Keelan Russell and the Alabama quarterback who I think is going to win that job. Explosive, dynamic playmaker. Can't wait to see if he gets the job. What he's able to do with it.

[Host (Reese Davis)]

He'll have to fend off Austin Mack to get there that game. The Iron Bowl 110 days away November 28th the same day as Ohio State takes on Michigan. And that's our rivalry episode. We'll see you tomorrow.

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