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

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.

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).

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.

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)

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.

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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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

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.

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.