*Bonus Episode* Ohio State vs. Texas Preview with David Pollack

Summary

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See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Bonus Episode: Ohio State vs. Texas Preview

Date: August 29, 2025
Host: David Pollack
Special Guest Panel: Brian Browning, Chinny Chekwa

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Episode Overview

This bonus episode dives into one of the most anticipated matchups of the college football season: Ohio State vs. Texas. David Pollack teams up with former Buckeyes Brian Browning and Chinny Chekwa to offer an in-depth preview, focusing on both teams’ off-season changes, strategic matchups, and what’s at stake in this 1-vs-3 preseason clash. The conversation covers quarterback storylines, the impact of new coordinators, conference power dynamics, recruiting, and closes with detailed score predictions and player evaluations.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Why This Game Matters

• Intensity of the Matchup:
  • Both Ohio State and Texas enter the season highly ranked and with high expectations, making this opener especially consequential.
  • “Having a team out the gate like Texas, the off-season is more focused, it’s more pointed… That will help with the transition.” (David Pollack, 02:16)
• The Transfer Portal & Leadership:
  • Both teams have reshaped themselves with key transfers and emerging leaders like Caleb Downs (Ohio State).

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2. Quarterback Battles & Offensive Outlooks

Texas: Arch Manning’s Big Moment

• Manning Hype and Reality:
  • “I think he can [be that No. 1 guy]. I'm not ready to say that... You didn't see anything a year ago that said, like, he is the superstar now. He had flashes.” (David Pollack, 03:43)
  • Pollack highlights how Texas’ system and supporting cast, including new transfer weapons and the play-calling of Sarkisian, will elevate Manning.
• Athleticism Advantage:
  • “He’s definitely the most athletic Manning.” (David Pollack, 04:00)

Ohio State: The Julian Sayin Era Begins

• Concerns Over Inexperience:
  • Both co-hosts and Pollack note the risk of starting a new quarterback (Julian Sayin) and a new offensive coordinator (Brian Hartline) vs. an elite Texas defense.
• Go-to Playmaker:
  • “Whoever plays quarterback, whoever calls play four works... If I'm in trouble, throw it to [Jeremiah Smith].” (Pollack, 07:14)
  • Confidence in generational freshman WR Jeremiah Smith as a pressure valve for the young offense.

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3. Defense Wins Championships: Examining Both Units

Texas Defense

• Pollack’s High Praise:
  • “Best defense in the country.” (David Pollack, 05:18)
  • Key defenders: Anthony Hill (LB), Colin Simmons (Edge), Taz (secondary)
  • System continuity and high-level recruiting provide stability.

Ohio State Defense

• Coordinator Transition:
  • Matt Patricia steps in for Jim Knowles. Concerns about week one adjustments, but excitement over returning talent and new faces.
  • “Here's what I like about Patricia... he's used to [NFL-style] longer seasons... that's a good thing. But I don't know what this defense is going to look like.” (Pollack, 13:45)
• Caleb Downs, The Game-Changer:
  • “You've got the best defensive player in all of college football…He’s the ultimate chess piece.” (David Pollack, 15:05)

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4. The Linemen Factor: Offensive Line Questions

• Both teams are breaking in new starters:
  • Ohio State and Texas have major questions, especially given injuries and NFL departures.
  • “Hardest thing to do in college football is play on the road, especially for an offensive lineman.” (David Pollack, 10:55)
  • Texas will likely use Arch Manning’s legs to ease early OL struggles via designed runs.

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5. Coaching & New Coordinators: Unknowns and Pressure

• Strength Last Year — A Question This Year:
  • Ohio State lost both highly-respected coordinators, increasing uncertainty
  • “If you gave me Chip [Kelly] and you gave me Knowles, I would feel so much better… With that gone, it’s a little more unknown.” (David Pollack, 13:45)

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6. The Stakes: Playoff, Prestige, and Conference Strength

• Pollack’s Perspective on Playoff Implications:
  • “This game is a lot more important for Texas than it is for Ohio State, because Texas’ schedule's not going to be fun. Ohio State, at least, you get Penn State at home...” (David Pollack, 08:42)
• Expanded Playoff Takes Off the Pressure:
  • “It’s not really the end of the world if we go out, play well, but just don’t get it done… Now you have an actual playoff [so] a lot of teams get in.” (Brian Browning, 09:46)

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7. National Power Dynamics: Big Ten vs. SEC

• Conferences Compared:
  • Pollack acknowledges the Big Ten’s recent rise and national championships, but still sees the SEC as deeper overall.
  • “There used to be a huge discrepancy [in first-round picks]… now it's within like five.” (David Pollack, 19:20)
  • “The only debate people are going to legitimately have… is the list [of teams] in the Big Ten a lot shorter than the list in the SEC? I think the SEC is more wide open.” (David Pollack, 20:50)
• Big Ten Depth Improving:
  • “When you throw in Oregon…Washington…they got a trio…that can probably rival just about anybody in the country.” (Pollack, 20:07)

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8. Spotlight on Penn State: A Real Threat?

• High Hopes for the Nittany Lions:
  • “I’m buying the Nittany Lions. … The talent discrepancy, I would say, between Ohio State and Penn State is as even as it’s been.” (Pollack, 25:40)
  • Both coordinators (Andy Kotelnicki—offense, Jim Knowles—defense) are “superstars.”
  • Penn State’s experience and schedule set up well for a playoff run.

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9. Predictions & X-Factors

• Vegas Perspective:
  • Ohio State is a slim favorite at -2.5; O/U is 47.5.
• Score & Result Leanings:
  • Pollack:
    • “Texas has more back that I know about, so I would probably lean Texas, but [it’s] just a perfect showdown.” (David Pollack, 28:34)
  • Co-hosts:
    • Lean Ohio State in a low-scoring, defense-driven affair.
• Quarterback Spotlight, Again:
  • “If you're choosing a quarterback for Ryan Day, [Sayin’s] the exact type… my only concern is week one.” (Co-host, 30:51)
  • “Beautiful football [Sayin throws], special talent… as long as he can handle everything else.” (Co-host, 31:08)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the challenge of opening with a tough game:
  • “The off season is more focused, more pointed… the bar isn’t as high when you open with an easy opponent.” (Pollack, 02:10)
• On defending top-tier success:
  • “It says everything you need to know about the program… 14 guys drafted, both coordinators gone, and still in the top three.” (Pollack, 16:13; 31:37)
• On the unpredictability:
  • “That’s college football. You gotta love it.” (Brian Browning, 34:08)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:10] – Importance of high-profile openers, player leadership
• [03:43] – Arch Manning’s development and pressure
• [04:50] – Texas’ defense and staff continuity
• [07:10] – Key to Ohio State’s offensive success: Jeremiah Smith
• [10:55] – Big questions on both OLs entering the game
• [13:05] – Matt Patricia’s impact as new defensive coordinator
• [15:05] – Versatility of Caleb Downs on defense
• [19:04] – Conference power debate, Big Ten vs. SEC shifts
• [24:37] – Penn State’s chance to reach elite status
• [28:16] – Predictions, point spread analysis
• [30:13] – Ohio State’s new QB, Julian Sayin, under the spotlight

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Summary Flow & Tone

The episode was characterized by a mixture of sincere football analysis, good-natured ribbing, and respect for game-changing talent on both squads. Pollack’s approach was frank but positive, emphasizing deep knowledge over typical media hype. The co-hosts offered strong, but not blind, support for Ohio State while warmly debating conference and program strength, and everyone celebrated the return of meaningful football.

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Final Word:
This episode is a must-listen for fans wanting tactical breakdowns, honest assessments of roster challenges, and a preview imbued with genuine anticipation for a heavyweight football showdown.

Transcript

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[Brian Browning]

This is Believe in Buckeyes. I'm Brian Browning with automaker cornerback Chinny Chekwa. This show is brought to you by fanduel. We got a very special guest because it is finally, finally game week. We got David Pollock of C Ball Get Ball podcast here, joining the Believe in network here. I don't know, a handful of months ago or so now, but we very excited that we got David with us. How you doing out there, man?

[David Pollock]

Doing great, man. Good to be on and yes, it is great to have football, boys. Real life football. Come on.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yeah, real life football. And you know, to get started a big time game, right? Big time game to start off the college football year for Ohio State. So I'm pumped up. I'm super excited, really looking at a lot of new things on the Ohio State front in terms of players and then Texas as well. I'm interested, David, how much have you kind of followed the off season of those two teams and what they bring to the table here early on?

[David Pollock]

This, this is all we do, brother. So that we do this a lot. No, this is, this is what we've been following all year, man. Just watching these teams and you watch the transfer portal and you watch the additions and you watch the subtractions and then, you know, the cool, the coolest thing about these teams is, man, y' all know this playing the game. Like when you have a. A team that's less than a challenge to start the year. Like say that you opened with Ohio instead of, you know, instead of Texas. Like y' all play a Couple weeks later, like the, the, the bar isn't as high. Like the off season. You don't, you don't work as hard. I mean, you just don't focus as hard and it's not a disrespect to them, but you, you know, you're way more talented and you're going to beat them, you're going to win in the end. So I think having a team out the gate like Texas, the off season is more focused, it's more pointed. Having leaders on your team like Caleb Downs is exceptionally beneficial. Like that dude, he comes to my golf tournament every year. He's from right down the road here in Georgia and just, he's just built different. Like he's a stud, man. Like, I love that kid. Just, he's not a kid. He's a grown up. He's more, he's more mature than I am at his age. So it's, it's impressive to watch and I think that will help with the transition. But man, you pay attention to all of it. And they get the show at week one in a huge debut. One versus three, Both of them getting preseason poll number one ranking. So it's going to be pretty awesome.

[Brian Browning]

Yeah, yeah. So I guess let's get right into it. As you say, you, you do this week in and week out, right. Obviously you're a college football hall of Famer, so if anybody know ball, David, you know ball. When you're looking at what Arch brings to the table, can he get there? Is he that guy that everyone is kind of hyping him up to be the, the, you know, essentially number one pick going into the draft, number one quarterback in college football. Can he reach those hikes, in your opinion?

[David Pollock]

I think he can. I'm not ready to say that. I think it's a perfect culmination of being a Manning, being at Texas, Texas going to final fours in the last two years and everything at Texas, you know, growing and building. But, you know, he didn't show you anything a year ago that said, like, he is the superstar now. He had flashes in his two starts with, you know, throwing the deep ball. You're like, okay. He had flashes with his legs that were like, dang, okay. He's definitely the most athletic Manning. So I think you saw some good things. Here's another thing. If you follow this game long enough, you start to trust coaches. So you Ohio State people, you feel the same way. You trust your coach to provide great quarterback play because that's what you do. I mean, you go back to the lineage. There's very few misses, there's very few. Like Kyle McCourt is the outlier from the last whatever seasons that you want to go back with Ohio State of like just elite quarterback play. It's no different for Texas with Sarkeesian. Like Steve Sarkeesian is that guy, he knows how to pull the strings. He knows how to make the game very easy. He doesn't over complicate it, but he puts his quarterback in a position to succeed. Texas has weapons just like Ohio State offensive line, rebuilding, retooling a lot of pieces up front that they got to figure out. But. But I think they're going to be really good. They bring in some transfers at wide receiver, that and tight end. You don't know them, but you'll know them. Like you'll figure them out. They'll be big names. You'll be like, where did he come from? Golly, that dude's really good. So I think the offense will be good. I think the offense will be better than it was a year ago. It was a pretty good offense. But the biggest thing about Texas is their defense. They're the best defense in the country. So like you can split it however you want. Anthony Hill is one of the best linebackers in the country. Colin Simmons one of the best edge players in the country. Like we can go to Taz in the secondary, we can go to all the different positions. Like they're really good. System is in place, recruited at a high level. Both coordinators have been there with these guys for extended period of time. So it's going to be an extreme challenge for Ohio State out the gates.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yeah, I want to kind of stay there because you talk about Texas defense. We saw, I mean Texas last game was against Ohio State. So we saw some of what that defense was capable of. They bring a lot of guys back. They've added to that defensive line in the transfer portal and others. And then on the Ohio State side, you have a new quarterback, you have some new running backs in the fold. Right. But you mentioned coaches, what we expect from coaches. And as you mentioned, I expect Ryan Day to put out a talented quarterback who develops into potentially a first round pick at some point. Right, but this is week one. Right? This is a week one. But this is where the challenge comes for Ohio State in that, you know, you have a new offensive coordinator and Brian Hardline, a guy we played with. And then you have Ryan Day really beginning the same era to be able to go out there against one of the most of what you Say is the probably the best defense in the country? I don't know. I might say, I'll say it's the best defense in the country. But that's mostly my bias, right? That's most of my bias.

[Brian Browning]

Bias, right.

[David Pollock]

100% your bias? Yes.

[Co-host/Analyst]

From your perspective, the, the challenge that Ohio State faces with new quarterback, new offensive coordinator and that offense is operating against a talented Texas defense. What do you think the key for Ohio State is to be able to get the win and oper and put on an offense that's can be effective in edging out a Texas defense.

[David Pollock]

Well, let's start with the good like actually let's start with the great all time good Jeremiah Smith. Like right. It's nice to retool and reload and rebuild with the best player in college football and maybe the best freshman we've ever seen in our life. Like so that's a great place to start. So fundamentally, whoever plays quarterback, whoever calls play four works like, yeah, what's the route four. What's the, what's the play four. Like I'm in trouble for throw it to four. So that's the good thing. But, but there's a couple of reasons to if, if you're a fan, there's a couple of reasons to doubt Ohio State this year. Like now I'm not saying doubt them to win 10 games. They're going to win 10 games. To me it's a matter do they win 11? Like is that the number that they get to. So new coordinator, what did you see last year? I saw, I'll tell you what I saw last year. I saw elite offensive coordinator status. Elite a guy in Chip Kelly that completely changed what they were, who they were. When you had the, when you had Simmons go down at left tackle, like completely change who you were as an offense because offensive line, you couldn't get it done, man. You weren't pushing people around like. And two of those guys, you know, one's gone obviously in the Jackson Donovan got drafted. So the offensive line to me is another place where we'll go to next. But running backs to replace two dudes that could touch it and go the distance at any point in time. Like there's a lot to replace man. There's a lot and, and it start if we didn't have four, I think this, this would be a totally different conversation. And if we didn't have the, the past history of, of what Ohio State quarterbacks are, I think saying is going to be really good. Like I know he's got A quick release. I know he's going to have good accuracy, but you're right, he's got to do it week one and against a really good defense. So I think it's, you know, both coordinators being replaced. I think I got to see some of this, man. Like, what does it look like? What does it develop into? And much credit to Ohio State and Texas, like, throwing it out there week one like this. Like, I just. I love that they're willing to go do this. And both these teams probably feel very confident about making the playoff. And I would argue this game is a lot more important for Texas than it is for Ohio State, because Texas schedules not going to be fun. Ohio State, at least you get Penn State at home. Like, I know you go at Illinois, you got Michigan, who's. Who's tough to play every single year. But the schedule sets up pretty dang well for Ohio State. That's why I'm pretty sure I know what I'm going to get the rest of the season. Texas has got a little bit more difficulties and a few more challenges, but, man, kudos to both the teams for what they're coming out the gates with.

[Brian Browning]

Yeah, Yeah. I think that makes a lot of sense because me as a fan, obviously, I'm chairing for Ohio State. I think we could win the game. But like you say, it's not really the end of the world if we go out play well. But we know, you know, we just don't get it done because. Because of the playoffs. Right. You know, back in the day, every game was a playoff. Now you have an actual playoff with a lot of teams get in or how they can kind of play themselves back into that position. But I want to kind of touch on the off of the line because like you stated, you know, it's. It's new, it's different.

[David Pollock]

Yeah.

[Brian Browning]

But, you know, I'm the off the line guy here on this podcast between you two. So, you know, watching the guys, I think we got a lot of depth there, a lot of talent, a lot of guys that can kind of go out there and get it done. Now we have to see it. Like you say, Colin Simmons is. Is coming, and we know what type of speed and. And power he bring off the edge. But I want to kind of hit a little bit about Texas off the line.

[David Pollock]

I know.

[Brian Browning]

I believe they're bringing in four new starters as well.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yep.

[Brian Browning]

Do you think there's a chance that. And obviously when last game of the season, the officer line essentially lit them down. Right. And that Would kind of was the N for Ohio State to kind of get that victory. Do you know anything about that bunch? Is it a good bunch, experienced bunch, or is something that you think Ohio State could maybe exploit a little bit getting them on the road with a younger offensive line?

[David Pollock]

Man, y' all know this. I'm not. I'm preaching to the choir. The hardest thing to do in college football is play on the road, especially for an offensive lineman, especially with the crowd noise, going crazy, trying to communicate 100%. And one of the guys that was battling for that starting spot, you know, he went down with a knee injury in camp. So Texas has already taken one shot there to their depth. So, yeah, I think they're all. They're all highly recruited guys, just like Ohio State. But the experience isn't there. I mean, now there's a shoot ton of experience around those guys, and that obviously helps. The difference between Texas's offensive line, where I might say I might have a little bit more confidence is because. Because of last year. What were you able to do at Ohio State with the offense you had Will Howard's legs. Will Howard's legs were huge. Saying I don't think is that type of athlete. And I know he's not that big and strong, so I'll be very interested to see how that works. In the run game. You can immediately have speed going one direction, Arch pull it and run the football. So I think. I think you'll be. You'll see smart use of Arch Manning's wheels and his ability to run the football to get a little bit of advantage to settle them in, especially early in the season. That will be something I think that they'll have to do. But no, they're just as big of a question mark up front with their offensive line as Ohio State is. And so those are the answers. When you. When you get those answers on the road. And to go week one on the road, that is not a fun assignment.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yeah, yeah. You hit on that Arch man using his legs. And I think, you know, on the defensive side of the ball, you mentioned new coordinator and Matt Patricia and then also a lot of new defensive linemen.

[David Pollock]

Right.

[Co-host/Analyst]

All new starters on defensive line for Ohio State. I think what we saw in that playoff game is the ability to contain and really slow down the run from Ohio State and not have to commit a lot of guys to do it. Right. They didn't have to send a bunch of extra blitz. They could play mostly coverage. Seemed like the offensively Texas, most of their gains were check downs and Short passes that became bigger gains from. From Ohio State. Defensive side of the ball, Matt Patricia coming into college, I mean, I don't know when the last time he coached in College, Syracuse, maybe 20 years ago.

[David Pollock]

Been a hot minute.

[Co-host/Analyst]

So what I'm interested in, I want to get your perspective on this, you know, him coming into college, even though I have an expectation that he's going to do great and he's going to be able to get those guys playing at a high level again. It's week one, you know, how much does he implement in week one to be able to handle the rushing attack and how much does he focus on really containing Arch Manning and being able to. Because I honestly think. I think the key to Ohio State really being able to slow down his offense is being able to stop the rushing and being able to handle both the running backs and that quarterback. And I think an easy way for Texas to really get going on the road is just being able to run the ball consistently against Ohio State.

[David Pollock]

Yeah, I think it's a legit question mark for. For Ohio State is both coordinators, man. Like, I think if, if you gave me Chip and you gave me Knowles, I would feel so much better about what they're walking into this season. And. And I think y' all will, too, because that was the best one two punch in all of college football. Like, it was the best one two punch at the coordinator position. And so with that being gone, it's a little more unknown. Here's what I like about Patricia. I like that the college game has become more and more like the NFL and the lengthened season. Like, he's used to that, like dealing with more games, dealing with that stuff. I think that's a. That's a good thing. But I don't know what this defense is going to look like. Y' all loved it with Knowles, but again, I'm going to do the same thing that I did with. At the offensive side of the football with. You've got the best defensive player in all of college football. Like, that's a great place to start, man. I mean, because here's another thing, too. Like, I don't need 11 elite players on defense. I don't need 11 elite players on offense. Like, but specific speaking from a defensive perspective, like, I need a couple ballers, a couple go getters, a couple of dudes that they make plays and they're outside the X's and the O's. It's about them. It's about being elite. It's about freestyling a Little bit. It's not about being in the right gap all the time, like I'm allowed to do. I was allowed. I was allowed some liberties at Georgia because I would make plays. So you're allowed to do some of that stuff. Caleb Downs can make plays all over the field, like he can. He's a. He is so good in coverage. He's so good against the run. You could spin him down at backer if you want to. He show he's got so much versatility, that he's the ultimate chess piece about where you want to move him. So that's what makes you feel better, is having that guy. That's really fun. And then, you know, listen, losing JT and losing Sawyer, like those guys, man, just so many snaps, so good, so physical, so tough in the right spot, like leadership. And if we go back to that Texas game a year ago, like that wasn't Ohio State lighting Texas up. They didn't light them up. They scored 21 points. Scored 21 points. The defense scored seven, right? Sawyer got that. It took him 35 seconds, but he got all the way across the field and sport on that, right? Like that. Like, he got in the zone. So, I mean, I think that it's. It's just that that's the beauty. This shows you how much respect there is for Ohio State and what they've done. The fact that they're ranked this high with all. With 14 guys drafted, which is a record in the history of college football. 14 guys drafted. Lose both coordinators, and you're still in the top three. Like that says everything you need to know about the talent that's at Ohio State and what everybody believes.

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[Brian Browning]

Now I want to kind of take it a little bit outside of the game a little bit. Obviously, you know, you're a SEC guy, you're from Georgia, you know, and all the records of things you've done there. Obviously we big team in guys and we have our own biases on how the, the conferences kind of align. Right. First off, I guess it's a two part question. One for Texas, obviously this is just their second year in the sec. Do you guys, have they done enough for you guys to put your arm around them even though Georgia beat them twice last year? Throw that out there. And secondly, the way things have lined up over the last couple years, obviously the two last two national champions being from the Big Ten, is there a swing here in college football on, you know, the level of things and your perspective on, you know, that's the, you know, who's the best, who's the top conference, top 10 in college football?

[David Pollock]

First of all you, you won the last two championships. Like respect deserves to be point. And here's another thing too, like there used to be a huge discrepancy in draft. When you looked at the draft, it was like overwhelmingly first round picks, straight sec. Like Big Ten was way down here. And now like you see the Big Ten wasn't that far off this year. Like it was within like five first place or first round draft picks. Like that's the talent is absolutely, the talent is spreading across the country more than we've ever seen it now. So like the, the biggest, here's the biggest difference to me why the Big Ten is better the Big Ten with expansion. I mean they Got way better. Like the bottom half of the Big Ten is still the bottom half of the Big Ten and you're not. I don't care what show you're on or who, what, who. Whatever conference you want to talk to or whatever conference you want to talk about. There's a lot of teams in the SEC that you don't want to see that you don't want to play. There's very few that you go, man, they're really terrible, like they can't beat us. And I think in the Big Ten you've got more of those teams. Like you've got several. Ohio State can play their sea game in a lot of games and still be just fine. But when you throw in Oregon and you throw in USC and UCLA and Washington, by the way, Washington is going to be really good this year. If people don't realize that, they're going to see it when the season comes around because I think they'll be much improved this year. They might double their win totals and be a team that people start to respect a lot more because they got a trio at running back, quarterback and wide receiver that can probably rival just about anybody in the country. So I think it's a conference that's definitely been growing and the difference between the sec, the Big Ten and everybody else, it's huge, right? Like, it's definitely. They run the sport now and they're making the decisions now. But I think the only debate people are going to legitimately have and I would love to hear you guys opinion, like if you took all the teams and you said the teams that could beat you on any given Saturday, I guess Thursday, Friday, Saturday, whatever days we're playing nowadays, I think the list in the Big Ten is a lot shorter than the list in the sec. There's more teams. Like I think the SEC is more wide open this year with really good play. But I don't have a team that I'm going, yes, I'm all in on them. Like I think there I can do that with the Big Ten and I can give you three. But for the, for the sec, I could legitimately give you eight. Like eight or nine that I think could at least be in the com. In the. In the mix to go play for a conference championship. And I would argue probably more.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yeah, I don't think it's that long, honestly, for the sec. I think. I think the SEC has a much. I think they're a deeper conference in the Big Ten. I agree with that point. But I think the teams that are near the top or kind of top tier, mid tier change every year. But we don't find out till about mid season who it is, right? Like you know, some of these brands, like a University of Florida, like a South Carolina, like a Tennessee, right. They look pretty good because they have, they have some history. And then the year comes and we find out, oh, this year is going to be South Carolina, it's not going to be Tennessee. Right. And I think that happens, happens every season. But I do think, I think it's, I think the SEC is, is deeper. I think they do have a lot more, I think they have more teams in that mid to, you know, mid tier level than.

[David Pollock]

I love that you don't have a bias. I love that you can admit that just like I can admit the Big Ten is really, really good football conference. But like when you say that, just, just think about that, what you just said. Tennessee, yeah, they might not be great, but they just, they just made it to the College Football Playoff, right? Like it's. And you look at lsu, they could get there. A and M could get there. Like Ole Miss was, was so close. South Carolina was so close. Like you think about the teams that have lost, lost their real luster. Like Mississippi State, ain't nobody clowning nobody. Like Mississippi State is not a perennial power. Nobody expects anything from them this year. Arkansas, probably low standards, expected. Vanderbilt, not really high perspective. Kentucky. Everybody else in that conference can beat you on any given day. Everybody else in that conference can beat you. When we go to the Big Ten, that ain't the same conversation. Now the top can compete 100 million percent twice on Sundays every day of the week. The top absolutely can compete and beat anybody. But when you start to go to the bottom tier, I just don't think those other teams are going to. There's a lot more teams that ain't really going to put up that much of a fight. But there are good teams too, man, like Iowa. Cons model of consistency like PJ Fleck. Minnesota. Love the program. Absolutely. Love what they do year in and year out. Do they have elite talent? No, but they freaking develop, man. Like they're a good squad. And now Indiana takes a huge jump last year. I think Indiana is here to stay. Illinois, I think Illinois is here to stay. Like Nebraska, can they get back up? But then you got the Marylands and the UCLA's and obviously Wisconsin's really down. Purdue's down, Northwestern, Michigan State, like all those teams, you know, I want to see those teams, they've had moments in the Past before, but I'd love to see them be, you know, more consistent and, and be good teams on a regular basis.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yeah, I mean, I agree. I think, I think the Illinois and Nebraska, I think because of their coaching, I think those are teams that are here to stay. Never, never getting to that elite level, but also not, not falling too far below that mid tier. There's one team that I think has a roster and I want to get your perspective on this team. They have a roster that's built for a national championship. They have the coaching that is also built for a national champion championship. But I always call them a second tier Big Ten team. That's Penn State.

[David Pollock]

All right.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I see Penn State as a team that they've taken the formula of Ohio State and Michigan, keeping some of those good guys there for another year. Brought in Jim Knowles from Ohio State. Obviously they've had an issue with being Ohio State. They bring Jim Knowles over from Ohio State to lead the defense. But they, to me, they always feel like a team that operates better as an underdog or as a team that everybody forgets about. But when they're thrust into the spotlight like they are this year as a team that's, you know, one of the teams to beat, I just think they fall short. I want to get your perspective overall on Penn State and their, their opportunity to go all the way or just compete for a national championship at that level.

[David Pollock]

I'm buying. I'm buying the Nitley lines. I'm buying the stock. Let me ask you this question and answer this question for me honestly. Okay? We talk about Penn State, you talk about them. First of all, I cannot defend the James Franklin's top five record against top five opponent. It's not good. It's very ungood. I can't defend that. Let me ask you a question. In those games, how many times has he ever had more talent on the field?

[Co-host/Analyst]

Not very much.

[Brian Browning]

That's a good point.

[David Pollock]

Doesn't happen. They don't line up with Ohio State and go, clear talent advantage. Like, I'm a high school football coach, guys. I'm a really good coach. When I got good players, like, when I got better players, I can slap you like I'm better than you. Like there's nothing you can do about it. So I think that's a little bit unfair this year. It's not. That ain't no excuse. That ain't no excuse for Penn State, man. Like, they've got a bunch of dudes back with experience. They've got a bunch at the right Spots, man. Like, you got your quarterback who's played a ton of ball. Like you got some running backs that you can lean on. You got a defense, you got a defensive coordinator now who's going to be best in the country, hands down. Y' all have experienced that. Like, here's, here's what makes Penn State difference from different to me this year than in the past. The experience like we just talked about. But here's the second thing. What did Ohio State say I had? What did I say last year? They had. They had the best one, two punch at coordinators in the country. Penn State has that now. Penn State's got that. Andy Coltonecki is a superstar on the offensive side of the football. Like, they had very little wide receivers last year to brag about. Very little. Like they were not good on the outside, but what did he do? Okay, I'll use my tight end. A tight end is a superstar and they did an unbelievable job. So I think second year in the system with him, Jim Knowles get that defense a little bit better, grow as it goes along. The talent discrepancy, I would say, between Ohio State and Penn State is as. Even as it's been now because of all the guys that return, all the experience, the coaching on both sides of the football now. Like, James Franklin's got his CEO on offense, he's got a CEO on defense. So now, like the games played in Columbus, that's not good for. For Penn State. If they rematched in Indianapolis, that could be a different story. So I'm, I'm really. I'm high on the Nate Lions. I think this year is definitely one of those years that I believe in them. I believe in their coaching staff. I believe in the right players coming back at the right time. And I'm not, I'm not upset with that schedule, guys, because go ahead and find me some losses, man. Like, yeah, I don't see. I'm not going to sit there and go like, oh, man, they got four or five tough games. Like, they've got way more talent than everybody they play except for two matchups this year.

[Brian Browning]

And now, now to kind of put you on the spot and kind of wrap up here, FanDuel has. Ohio State is the favorite, 2.2 and a half points favorite versus Texas going into this weekend. Also with an over under of 47 and a half. I wanted this real quick. Get your pick. And also what. Where will we end up on that over under and who's. And who do you think that favorite?

[David Pollock]

I don't gamble I don't know anything about gambling. I ain't learned that world yet, man. It's too hard for me to make money to give it away. It's just a tough deal for me. I'm just telling you.

[Brian Browning]

I hear you, I hear you.

[David Pollock]

But here's the thing. Here's something to, to know about. I've learned a lot over the years about the point spread stuff because we talk about ad nauseam now you get three for home, home field advantage. So the fact that the numbers at two and a half should tell you something like that means these teams are very even. Like very even and maybe obvious. Obviously Ohio or Texas is the number one team. So people think Texas is number one. I think it's, it's just a perfect showdown. I think whoever can, can replace those pieces the fastest. I think it's, I don't think it's going to be a high scoring game. I don't, I think both defenses are going to be really good. I think both quarterbacks being broken in in a big moment, one on the road, one at home, which is still a tough place to, tough place to play because Ohio State fans don't get a few first downs. Julian, it ain't going to look good. I mean, so, so I think it's, I think it's going to be a, I don't, I don't know about the gambling purposes, but I think it's a. Texas has more back that I know about, so I would probably lean Texas, but Texas last year came in, came into the home of the national champion Michigan Wolverines a year ago, went up there, took care of business and now they get a second chance to visit a national champion in their place.

[Brian Browning]

Yeah, they made that game look easy too. Yeah, real quick on the spot. Throw out a, a pick, throw out a score.

[David Pollock]

You got anything you can hit me with anything you want, dog.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I, I agree with the lower score. I think they might, might be the under. I, I, I mean it doesn't, I think Ohio State's going to win the game and I think, I think it really comes down to the defenses who, what defenses outplay is the other. I think Ohio State being able to hold the Texas run game to limited opportunities is what really gets them the win at the end of the day.

[David Pollock]

Tell me about Julian saying you, you believe in him as, as replacing Will Howard and this offense and what he needs to be.

[Brian Browning]

I am, I'll take it first, Jim. Yeah. So just real quick, he came in with a great head on the shoulders. What you want to hear from any great, you know, high school guy coming to college, came in with a great head, willing to learn, and everyone speaks on this talent. So now he got to show the world his talent. And obviously we get to see it in some practices and things of that nature. But now it's time for him to show it. So if it's me, I think he'll hold on, hold on to it, go out there and play well and, you know, kind of put his name up there with some of the grace around college football.

[Co-host/Analyst]

He, he throws a beautiful football. I mean, he thought he is the. If, if you're choosing a quarterback for Ryan Day, he's the exact type of quarterback that you wouldn't want in a Ryan Day system. And I think the exact type of quarterback that Ryan Day would want to put out there to get the ball to all that talent on the outside. My only concern is week one, right. I remember having my week one right, and I feel like my feet didn't touch the ground till like the second half. Right. Which is not what you want for the quarterback. But yeah, I think long term, throughout the season, his development and growth is going to be special to watch. I actually think, you know, just watching him throw the ball, man, I'm like, wow, this is a special, a special talent. And as long as he can handle everything else, everything else that comes with being on Ohio State quarterback, I think he, he's going to be one that's, that's a great here at Ohio State.

[David Pollock]

Here's my, my, my last thing and then we'll get out of here. My. Mine is last year, I think the, the biggest, the most undersold part about this team was Will Howard's legs. Because if we're being honest, the offensive line was very average. Like, very average. A lot of those guys are back a year more experience. That doesn't mean you're a great player all of a sudden. So, like, just because you're experienced and you come back. So I'm excited to see maybe some new faces. Obviously transfer portal recruiting developing. Um, but that better turn into a strength because he is not the athlete that Howard is. He is not the size that Howard is, that could break tackles. Like when you started to get in the red zone, good luck. Like Jeremiah Smith, Abuka Trevion, Henderson. I mean, my judkins. Just Will Howard, like, just pick one, flip a coin and you were going to get beat. And now all those names I mentioned, besides Jeremiah Smith are gone. And so just super curious to see how it unfolds. And how they do. But, I mean, Ohio State, it says everything you need to know about the program. How great they think everybody thinks they are, and how great they've been because they're still at number three with 14 players drafted. 14. Not five, not seven. 14.

[Brian Browning]

Yeah.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yeah. Before we wrap up. Before we wrap up, the tight end. The tight end room at Ohio State is a. Is a really good room. Addition of Max Claire coming in, he's going to be a key weapon for Ohio State to be able to utilize him now. I mean, it comes down to saying, getting him the ball, but I think what Ohio State was able to do in continuing to upgrade that tight end position is going to be key, especially with the weapons on the outside as well.

[David Pollock]

Yeah, you'll need that if he's. Because you losing the Buca, obviously. Tate's good moving up. And Chris Henry Jr.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Ain't there yet.

[David Pollock]

He'll be there next year.

[Brian Browning]

That's right. That's right. We got to keep reloading. That's right. That's right. But then we really appreciate the time. We really appreciate time for our. For our guys out there. Please feel free to lock in with David on Seaboard. Get ball his pot. I believe you go live on Monday nights, I think every week or so. Something like that.

[David Pollock]

Something like that. I've learned this world. Like, you guys are definitely, definitely doing the YouTube and the. The live shows. And now it's now. Now it's here, man. So now we get to talk about all the good stuff like this game next week. We'll be breaking it down. And all of us, obviously, the. The world will be falling for one set of fan bases, whoever that is. It'd be like, whoever they suck.

[Brian Browning]

But that's college football. You gotta love it. You gotta love it. But we gonna end this in this show, as always, David, you can participate or you can. I. It's up to you. But we're gonna end the show, as always, with a nice.

[David Pollock]

Oh, if I was Des, I would know what that is. Desmond Howard, I saw from for years and years. Every time he said, oh, he did not end it the way you guys would like.

[Brian Browning]

Nah, I would say IO, yeah, we really appreciate this. Was fun. We gotta link up some maybe later time in the year. Maybe we see each other in the playoffs or something of the sort if we do something there.

[David Pollock]

Absolutely appreciate y'.

[Co-host/Analyst]

All.

[Brian Browning]

Appreciate the time.

[David Pollock]

Keep doing it, guys.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Thanks.

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