See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack
Episode: CFB Week 9 PICKS: Ole Miss-Oklahoma, Missouri-Vanderbilt, Texas A&M-LSU and MORE
Date: October 22, 2025
Host: David Pollack (w/ co-host Brent Rollins)
Overview
This episode delivers an in-depth preview and picks for key college football matchups in Week 9. Hall of Famer David Pollack and analyst Brent Rollins break down high-stakes SEC, Big 12, and Group of Five conference games. Their conversation centers not only on X's and O's and players to watch, but also the growing clarity of the playoff picture as the regular season nears its final stretch. Expect bold takes, insider stats, and sharp banter on everything from defensive schemes to the psychology of desperate teams.
Key Games & Analysis
1. Ole Miss at Oklahoma
“Whoever loses is going to fall well out of contention.” — David Pollack (03:10)
- Playoff Stakes: This isn’t a “loser leaves town” game, but the loser’s margin for error for playoff hopes vanishes. (03:32)
- Schedule Difficulty: Ole Miss’s schedule down the stretch may be more manageable than Oklahoma’s, but Oklahoma is a 4.5-point home favorite. (03:58)
- Ole Miss Close Calls: Ole Miss has played five of seven games decided by eight points or less (4-1 in those). Pollack cautions that such luck rarely lasts. (04:38)
- Key Matchup: Brent Venables (OU) blitzes like no other—Lane Kiffin’s ability to disguise calls and use tempo is a must-watch subplot. (05:00)
- “Venables wakes up and blitzes. That’s how he starts his day.” — David Pollack (05:00)
- OU Defense: Massive improvement—allowing just 13 points a game, with 28 sacks.
- “You take on the personality of your coach. To have your lead guy with that much juice ... that’s why they're leading the nation.” — Pollack (07:11)
- Prediction: Both hosts pick Oklahoma; Brent (26–24 OU), David (27–17 OU). (09:35)
2. Missouri at Vanderbilt
“Vanderbilt is a different animal. Yes, you heard me. I just said that out loud.” — David Pollack (15:56)
- Brackets Picture: Loser drops out of playoff/top 12 conversation. (12:18)
- Vandy’s Defense: Notable for turnovers and stopping the run—11 players have forced turnovers this year. (13:20)
- Missouri on the Edge: Probula’s performance is trending downward; offense is less explosive than last season. (15:56)
- Tight End Impact: Brent notes Vandy’s Cole Spence adds a new wrinkle.
- Picks: Both hosts pick Vanderbilt to win (Vandy 30–24 Brent, David leans Commodores).
- Quote: “Their defense is good enough to absolutely keep them in it. ...Vanderbilt is a different animal.” — Pollack (15:56)
3. Texas A&M at LSU
“This might be the best showcase you’ll see all year of receivers vs. DBs.” — David (18:49)
- Showcase: Elite matchups between A&M wideouts (Concepcion, Craver) and LSU’s strong secondary (Delane, Halsey, Pickett). (20:07)
- A&M Concerns: Only a 2.5-point favorite on the road; have eked out two prior road wins by a combined four points. (20:55)
- Physical Issues at LSU: O-line injuries, Nussmeier hobbled at QB—raises serious doubts. (17:54)
- Trend: Home team has won every meeting since 2017—a major Death Valley advantage. (22:43)
- Brian Kelly Pressure: “Even my pastor at church…doesn’t want [Kelly] there. That’s not a good thing.” — Pollack (23:18)
- Predictions: Both reluctantly pick A&M in a close one (David: 27–23, Brent: 30–24). (22:00)
4. G5 Game: USF at Memphis
“USF is not just going to beat Memphis, they’re going to make a statement.” — David Pollack (28:55)
- USF’s Scorching Offense: Averaging 57 points per game since the Miami game. QB Byrum Brown is a “freak show” with running and passing TDs galore. (27:31)
- Coach Buzz: Alex Golesh “one of the best coaches in college football” and a rising star. (25:05)
- Big Guy Alert: USF’s OL Cole Skinner has rushing TDs in back-to-back games.
- Memphis Woes: Injuries at QB, offense less dangerous.
- Spread Pick: Favorite is USF -4.5. Brent: USF 38–31, David: USF by “45+.” (30:12)
Big 12 Breakdown
BYU at Iowa State
- Stakes: BYU still undefeated in conference play; Iowa State hasn’t lost to BYU in five tries. (30:59, 32:45)
- Matchup Details: BYU’s offense is “very new school mixed with old school,” relying on ground game and ball control. Iowa State has two road losses after a strong start.
- Prediction: David picks BYU, Brent narrowly favors Iowa State due to bye week and freshness (Iowa State 24–20). (33:52)
Baylor at Cincinnati
- QB Play: Sawyer Robertson (Baylor) leads in passing yardage but lacks wins. TE Michael Trigg (Baylor) is an unheralded star. (35:45)
- Cincy Offense: Praised for physicality and creative outside zone runs. Dual-threat Sorsby keeps defenses on edge. (37:42)
- Picks: Both take Cincinnati to outscore Baylor in a shootout (David: 37–31, Brent: 38–34). (39:25)
Houston at Arizona State
- Road Factor: “Arizona State is beat to crap... their best players out.” — David (39:51)
- Houston’s Identity: Run-first team with QB Connor Wegman taking on more carries at Houston.
- Emotional Hangover: Arizona State off big win, field storming, and battered roster. Hosts question their bounce-back ability.
- Picks: Both lean ASU by a hair (Brent: 24–20 ASU, David: 23–20 margin but tempted to pick Houston). (44:11)
Other Picks & Noteworthy Games
Illinois at Washington (Playoff Elimination Game)
- Line: Washington -4.5
- Analysis: Washington’s run defense must contain Demond Williams; Illinois leans on Altmeyer but lacks surrounding talent.
- Prediction: Both pick Washington, close but with margin: Brent 31-27, David 35-27. (49:29, 50:37)
Upset Watch
- Texas at Mississippi State cited as “most likely” upset. “Hale State has been one of the most improved teams in the country, man. ...Every game they're in, they're competitive.” — Pollack (52:24)
- Other potential upsets discussed, none seen as likely as Texas/MSU.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Venables wakes up and blitzes. That’s how he starts his day.” — David Pollack (05:00)
- “You take on the personality of your coach, man, and to have your lead guy having that much juice... that's why they're giving up, leading the nation.” — Pollack (07:11)
- “Vanderbilt is a different animal. Yes, you heard me. I just said that out loud.” — Pollack (15:56)
- “This might be the best showcase you will see all year of receivers versus DBs.” — Pollack on Texas A&M-LSU (18:49)
- “USF is not just going to beat Memphis, they’re going to make a statement... Byrum Brown is an absolute baller.” — Pollack (28:55)
- “Their defense is good enough to absolutely keep them in it... and obviously with their offense they do their job. But I got the Commodores.” — Pollack, on Vanderbilt (14:36)
- “Even my pastor at church... doesn't want [Brian Kelly] there. That's not a good thing.” — Pollack (23:18)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 03:10 — Ole Miss-Oklahoma Playoff Impact
- 05:00 — Oklahoma D vs. Ole Miss Offense; Venables’ blitzing
- 09:35 — Picks for Oklahoma-Ole Miss
- 12:18 — Missouri-Vanderbilt Stakes
- 14:36 — Vanderbilt Defensive Turnaround
- 17:54 — Texas A&M at LSU: Injury Issues
- 18:49 — A&M-Receivers vs. LSU-DBs
- 22:43 — A&M-LSU: Home Field Trend & Pick
- 25:05 — USF’s Coach Alex Golesh’s Rising Star
- 27:31 — Byrum Brown Profile, USF
- 30:12 — USF at Memphis Picks
- 33:52 — BYU vs. Iowa State Analysis
- 35:45 — Baylor Passing Offense, Michael Trigg
- 37:42 — Cincinnati’s Outside Zone & Sorsby’s Impact
- 39:25 — Cincy-Baylor Picks
- 39:51 — Houston Injuries, Arizona State Preview
- 44:11 — Houston at Arizona State Picks
- 49:29 — Illinois-Washington Playoff Stakes & Picks
- 52:24 — Upset Watch: Texas at Mississippi State
Final Thoughts
Pollack and Rollins' analysis skillfully weaves together statistical detail, locker-room insight, and season context. They consistently spotlight not just stars but key matchups (WRs vs. DBs, pressure packages, rushing attacks) that will define Week 9’s biggest outcomes. The energy is grounded but fun, with plenty of light ribbing and outright honesty—especially when it comes to SEC chaos, the Big 12’s unpredictability, and looming playoff showdowns.
[For those who couldn’t listen: This summary highlights all major matchups, predictions, standout performances, and narrative threads essential for understanding the landscape of CFB Week 9 as seen through Pollack’s candid, expert analysis.]