See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: CFB Week 11 PICKS | College Football Playoff RANKINGS REACTION

Date: November 5, 2025

Host: David Pollack

Overview

In this episode, David Pollack dives into a detailed reaction to the newly released College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings and Week 11 game picks. Drawing on his extensive college football expertise, Pollack dissects the logic behind the rankings, highlights snubs and surprises, and breaks down major upcoming games with his usual mix of enthusiasm and straight talk. The episode is packed with analysis on playoff scenarios, "trap games," team performances, and candid commentary on the state of powerhouse programs.

College Football Playoff Rankings Reaction

Committee Logic and Chair Insights

David begins by recounting his process of analyzing the CFP rankings: "The thing I always do with the rankings every single year: the first thing I do is I start to listen to the committee chair..." (00:22)
Committee Chair Mack Rhodes (Baylor AD) noted the close comparison between Ohio State and Indiana, emphasizing their dominance and statistical performance. The committee leaned heavily on input from three coaches in the ranking room, especially regarding tape review and positional units:
- "They thought Ohio State was a little better up front on the offensive line and better defensively. So, clear separation." (02:27)

Notable Ranking Logic

The top three were considered clear by the CFP committee, with debate centering around Indiana and Ohio State's order.
Minor flips in the poll compared to expert pre-rankings (e.g., "Notre Dame, Oregon flipped; BYU and Texas Tech flipped... But it's the same 12." (03:26))
Discussion about the Big 12 being seen as a "quality league," while the ACC is the "quantity league" with more teams ranked but not as highly.

Conference Representation and Metrics

SEC has the most teams, but Big Ten dominates the lower Top 25, providing opportunities for upward movement late in the season (04:20-04:46).
Remark: "Not one G5 team ranked in the top 25. That's interesting." (04:47)

Group of Five Discussion

Both hosts agree Group of Five teams are unlikely to make a true playoff run through a "bracket": "There's levels…They got no shot." (05:11)

Head-to-Head and Resume Arguments

Committee rewarded head-to-head wins except Miami over Notre Dame: Miami’s recent inconsistency undermined head-to-head advantage. "Miami's starting to leak oil...I don't feel like it's been the same team." (06:20-06:59)
Mack Rhodes highlighted wanting to see more "consistency" from Miami. (07:04)

Playoff Scenarios and Importance of Ranking Slots

The show explores playoff positioning and potential conference champion scenarios, explaining how a Big Ten or SEC team’s trajectory into the playoff is shaping up and why the fifth slot isn’t a bad place for a G5 hopeful:
- “It’s not a bad spot to be…you don’t have to play your conference championship game likely. That is not a bad spot to be.” (08:10-08:12)
The “bye” week in the new playoff: “Last year how many teams that had byes won a single game in the playoffs? The answer is 0, 0, 0.” (08:16)

In-Depth Game Picks & Analysis

Texas Tech vs. BYU ("Game We All Want to See")

Texas Tech enters the playoff rankings for the first time ever

Pollack lauds Tech’s offensive production (third in FBS in points per game, 500 yards/game) and improvement as QB Morton regains health and deep-passing ability. "Cameron Dickey’s been really, really good..." (13:06)
Defensive star David Bailey (11.5 sacks this year) is thriving thanks to Tech’s team talent: "It’s amazing how when you play with other great players, you get singled up, you’re going to have more success." (13:32)
Lubbock described as "like Halloween—nuts, crazy, wacky," predicting a rough road environment for BYU (13:53).
Prediction: Texas Tech "big," potentially two touchdowns or more. "Sorry BYU. Sorry Bear. You’re my spirit animal, Bear, but sorry." (18:02)

Missouri vs. Texas A&M

Focus on Missouri’s true freshman QB Matt Zollers and the pressure of facing the nation’s top third-down defense (19:13).
Missouri’s run game has slowed, and they're dealing with injuries.
Texas A&M is 8-0, their best start in decades, showing explosive offense and stingy defense. "A&M’s had five games this season with 40 plus points." (19:13)
Both Pollack and his co-host pick A&M to win easily, with a prediction margin of about 10 points.

Iowa vs. Oregon

Iowa acknowledged for their physicality and time-of-possession control: “Here’s how Iowa can win: they can control the line of scrimmage and clock.” (25:58)
But the consistent lack of a passing game makes it tough to pick them in a big spot.
Score predictions: 27-24 (Pollack), 23-20 (co-host) for Oregon.
Notable quote: "If they just had a throw game...every year..." (23:34)

LSU (Interim Coach) at Alabama

Explores the unpredictability of LSU after firing their coach, but notes their pass defense and Alabama's unreliable run game.
Pollack: “Can Alabama lean on running the football?... If they want to win a national championship, they have to have just a little more balance.” (29:12-31:56)
Both select Bama comfortably. "Bama by 10." (31:56)

Georgia at Mississippi State (“Trap Game”)

Discussion of “trap game” narratives with an early noon start in Starkville, alluding to constant talk on fan forums.
Mississippi State’s path to victory is through the air; can they exploit Georgia’s pass defense?
Pollack: “Georgia can win multiple ways. Mississippi State’s going to have to outscore you.” (35:06)
Both confidently pick Georgia, but co-host sticks to “30-23, every game the rest of the season.” (36:40)

Tulane at Memphis ("Chips and Dip North")

Memphis snubbed from playoff rankings but favored at home.
Both hosts highlight Memphis’ physical running game and pick the Tigers, citing reliability over Tulane’s inconsistency. (37:52)

Quick Hitters & Sneaky Matchups

San Diego State at Hawaii: Called a "sneaky playoff team," both hosts enjoy the aesthetic of a Hawaii road game but side with SDSU.
Florida State at Clemson: The rapid decline of both programs this year makes for a historically ugly matchup.
- Notable exchange: "Have you ever picked a team to win the whole thing that not end up being bowl eligible?" (40:06)
Notre Dame at Navy: Both bullish on Notre Dame’s potential playoff run.
- David: “When you look at Price and Love, best one, two punch in the country. Not even close.” (43:19)
- Predict a blowout, as Notre Dame is "scarier than last year’s."

Upset Alerts & Under-the-Radar Games

Four "most likely upset" games discussed:
- Auburn at Vanderbilt (highlighted as most likely)
- Indiana at Penn State
- Northwestern at USC
- Wake Forest at Virginia (Pollack: "I put Virginia on upset alert every week." (44:16))
Auburn’s QB situation is a significant factor. If they play the young guy, their chances for an upset improve—discussion of what these coaching changes mean for game outcomes and team dynamics.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Playoff Selection Logic:
"Head to head, common opponents, strength of schedule, strength of record. Like, you kind of get a criteria from them..." (11:09)
On Texas Tech's Defensive Star:
"David Bailey...had 14 [sacks] in three seasons at Stanford. Now 11½ in one year—it's amazing how when you play with other great players...it matters so, so much." (13:32)
On Iowa’s Style:
“Here’s how Iowa can win—control the line of scrimmage and clock. You’re going to look up and it’s going to be like, ‘what the freak just happened to the first quarter?’” (25:58)
Fan Humor:
“Clay in the chat says that he has a fever and the only prescription is less cowbell.” (35:31)
On Clemson’s Downfall:
"This is a fall. This is a big fall....They haven’t played a great game this season.” (41:16)
On Consistency and Identity:
“They never get it together at the same time ever.” (41:16)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Rankings Reaction & Committee Analysis: 00:22–11:09
Texas Tech vs. BYU Picks: 11:41–18:25
Missouri vs. Texas A&M: 18:25–22:18
Iowa vs. Oregon: 22:54–28:05
LSU at Alabama: 28:31–32:56
Georgia at Mississippi State: 32:56–37:09
Tulane at Memphis / G5 games: 37:09–39:04
FSU at Clemson / Notre Dame Discussion: 39:12–43:58
Upset Alerts / Auburn at Vanderbilt: 44:16–47:47

Final Notes

David ends with preview notes about upcoming episodes and an apology for schedule shifts due to technical travel issues.
C.J. Carr will be a guest later to discuss Notre Dame and playoff insights.

This episode balances in-depth analysis with personality, showcasing David Pollack's sharp insight into college football's moving parts, committee logic, game-day scenarios, and inside jokes that make the show both educational and fun for diehard fans and casual listeners alike.

See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: CFB Week 11 PICKS | College Football Playoff RANKINGS REACTION

Date: November 5, 2025

Host: David Pollack

Overview

College Football Playoff Rankings Reaction

Committee Logic and Chair Insights

David begins by recounting his process of analyzing the CFP rankings: "The thing I always do with the rankings every single year: the first thing I do is I start to listen to the committee chair..." (00:22)
Committee Chair Mack Rhodes (Baylor AD) noted the close comparison between Ohio State and Indiana, emphasizing their dominance and statistical performance. The committee leaned heavily on input from three coaches in the ranking room, especially regarding tape review and positional units:
- "They thought Ohio State was a little better up front on the offensive line and better defensively. So, clear separation." (02:27)

Notable Ranking Logic

The top three were considered clear by the CFP committee, with debate centering around Indiana and Ohio State's order.
Minor flips in the poll compared to expert pre-rankings (e.g., "Notre Dame, Oregon flipped; BYU and Texas Tech flipped... But it's the same 12." (03:26))
Discussion about the Big 12 being seen as a "quality league," while the ACC is the "quantity league" with more teams ranked but not as highly.

Conference Representation and Metrics

SEC has the most teams, but Big Ten dominates the lower Top 25, providing opportunities for upward movement late in the season (04:20-04:46).
Remark: "Not one G5 team ranked in the top 25. That's interesting." (04:47)

Group of Five Discussion

Both hosts agree Group of Five teams are unlikely to make a true playoff run through a "bracket": "There's levels…They got no shot." (05:11)

Head-to-Head and Resume Arguments

Committee rewarded head-to-head wins except Miami over Notre Dame: Miami’s recent inconsistency undermined head-to-head advantage. "Miami's starting to leak oil...I don't feel like it's been the same team." (06:20-06:59)
Mack Rhodes highlighted wanting to see more "consistency" from Miami. (07:04)

Playoff Scenarios and Importance of Ranking Slots

The show explores playoff positioning and potential conference champion scenarios, explaining how a Big Ten or SEC team’s trajectory into the playoff is shaping up and why the fifth slot isn’t a bad place for a G5 hopeful:
- “It’s not a bad spot to be…you don’t have to play your conference championship game likely. That is not a bad spot to be.” (08:10-08:12)
The “bye” week in the new playoff: “Last year how many teams that had byes won a single game in the playoffs? The answer is 0, 0, 0.” (08:16)

In-Depth Game Picks & Analysis

Texas Tech vs. BYU ("Game We All Want to See")

Texas Tech enters the playoff rankings for the first time ever

Pollack lauds Tech’s offensive production (third in FBS in points per game, 500 yards/game) and improvement as QB Morton regains health and deep-passing ability. "Cameron Dickey’s been really, really good..." (13:06)
Defensive star David Bailey (11.5 sacks this year) is thriving thanks to Tech’s team talent: "It’s amazing how when you play with other great players, you get singled up, you’re going to have more success." (13:32)
Lubbock described as "like Halloween—nuts, crazy, wacky," predicting a rough road environment for BYU (13:53).
Prediction: Texas Tech "big," potentially two touchdowns or more. "Sorry BYU. Sorry Bear. You’re my spirit animal, Bear, but sorry." (18:02)

Missouri vs. Texas A&M

Focus on Missouri’s true freshman QB Matt Zollers and the pressure of facing the nation’s top third-down defense (19:13).
Missouri’s run game has slowed, and they're dealing with injuries.
Texas A&M is 8-0, their best start in decades, showing explosive offense and stingy defense. "A&M’s had five games this season with 40 plus points." (19:13)
Both Pollack and his co-host pick A&M to win easily, with a prediction margin of about 10 points.

Iowa vs. Oregon

Iowa acknowledged for their physicality and time-of-possession control: “Here’s how Iowa can win: they can control the line of scrimmage and clock.” (25:58)
But the consistent lack of a passing game makes it tough to pick them in a big spot.
Score predictions: 27-24 (Pollack), 23-20 (co-host) for Oregon.
Notable quote: "If they just had a throw game...every year..." (23:34)

LSU (Interim Coach) at Alabama

Explores the unpredictability of LSU after firing their coach, but notes their pass defense and Alabama's unreliable run game.
Pollack: “Can Alabama lean on running the football?... If they want to win a national championship, they have to have just a little more balance.” (29:12-31:56)
Both select Bama comfortably. "Bama by 10." (31:56)

Georgia at Mississippi State (“Trap Game”)

Discussion of “trap game” narratives with an early noon start in Starkville, alluding to constant talk on fan forums.
Mississippi State’s path to victory is through the air; can they exploit Georgia’s pass defense?
Pollack: “Georgia can win multiple ways. Mississippi State’s going to have to outscore you.” (35:06)
Both confidently pick Georgia, but co-host sticks to “30-23, every game the rest of the season.” (36:40)

Tulane at Memphis ("Chips and Dip North")

Memphis snubbed from playoff rankings but favored at home.
Both hosts highlight Memphis’ physical running game and pick the Tigers, citing reliability over Tulane’s inconsistency. (37:52)

Quick Hitters & Sneaky Matchups

San Diego State at Hawaii: Called a "sneaky playoff team," both hosts enjoy the aesthetic of a Hawaii road game but side with SDSU.
Florida State at Clemson: The rapid decline of both programs this year makes for a historically ugly matchup.
- Notable exchange: "Have you ever picked a team to win the whole thing that not end up being bowl eligible?" (40:06)
Notre Dame at Navy: Both bullish on Notre Dame’s potential playoff run.
- David: “When you look at Price and Love, best one, two punch in the country. Not even close.” (43:19)
- Predict a blowout, as Notre Dame is "scarier than last year’s."

Upset Alerts & Under-the-Radar Games

Four "most likely upset" games discussed:
- Auburn at Vanderbilt (highlighted as most likely)
- Indiana at Penn State
- Northwestern at USC
- Wake Forest at Virginia (Pollack: "I put Virginia on upset alert every week." (44:16))
Auburn’s QB situation is a significant factor. If they play the young guy, their chances for an upset improve—discussion of what these coaching changes mean for game outcomes and team dynamics.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Playoff Selection Logic:
"Head to head, common opponents, strength of schedule, strength of record. Like, you kind of get a criteria from them..." (11:09)
On Texas Tech's Defensive Star:
"David Bailey...had 14 [sacks] in three seasons at Stanford. Now 11½ in one year—it's amazing how when you play with other great players...it matters so, so much." (13:32)
On Iowa’s Style:
“Here’s how Iowa can win—control the line of scrimmage and clock. You’re going to look up and it’s going to be like, ‘what the freak just happened to the first quarter?’” (25:58)
Fan Humor:
“Clay in the chat says that he has a fever and the only prescription is less cowbell.” (35:31)
On Clemson’s Downfall:
"This is a fall. This is a big fall....They haven’t played a great game this season.” (41:16)
On Consistency and Identity:
“They never get it together at the same time ever.” (41:16)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Rankings Reaction & Committee Analysis: 00:22–11:09
Texas Tech vs. BYU Picks: 11:41–18:25
Missouri vs. Texas A&M: 18:25–22:18
Iowa vs. Oregon: 22:54–28:05
LSU at Alabama: 28:31–32:56
Georgia at Mississippi State: 32:56–37:09
Tulane at Memphis / G5 games: 37:09–39:04
FSU at Clemson / Notre Dame Discussion: 39:12–43:58
Upset Alerts / Auburn at Vanderbilt: 44:16–47:47

Final Notes

David ends with preview notes about upcoming episodes and an apology for schedule shifts due to technical travel issues.
C.J. Carr will be a guest later to discuss Notre Dame and playoff insights.

CFB Week 11 PICKS | College Football Playoff RANKINGS REACTION

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Summary

See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: CFB Week 11 PICKS | College Football Playoff RANKINGS REACTION

Date: November 5, 2025

Host: David Pollack

Overview

College Football Playoff Rankings Reaction

Committee Logic and Chair Insights

Notable Ranking Logic

Conference Representation and Metrics

Group of Five Discussion

Head-to-Head and Resume Arguments

Playoff Scenarios and Importance of Ranking Slots

In-Depth Game Picks & Analysis

Texas Tech vs. BYU ("Game We All Want to See")

Missouri vs. Texas A&M

Iowa vs. Oregon

LSU (Interim Coach) at Alabama

Georgia at Mississippi State (“Trap Game”)

Tulane at Memphis ("Chips and Dip North")

Quick Hitters & Sneaky Matchups

Upset Alerts & Under-the-Radar Games

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Notes

Summary

See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: CFB Week 11 PICKS | College Football Playoff RANKINGS REACTION

Date: November 5, 2025

Host: David Pollack

Overview

College Football Playoff Rankings Reaction

Committee Logic and Chair Insights

Notable Ranking Logic

Conference Representation and Metrics

Group of Five Discussion

Head-to-Head and Resume Arguments

Playoff Scenarios and Importance of Ranking Slots

In-Depth Game Picks & Analysis

Texas Tech vs. BYU ("Game We All Want to See")

Missouri vs. Texas A&M

Iowa vs. Oregon

LSU (Interim Coach) at Alabama

Georgia at Mississippi State (“Trap Game”)

Tulane at Memphis ("Chips and Dip North")

Quick Hitters & Sneaky Matchups

Upset Alerts & Under-the-Radar Games

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Notes