Podcast Summary: See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack
Episode: CFP PREDICTIONS | CFB Overachievers in 2025 | SEC on Netflix
Release Date: August 7, 2025

Hosts:

• David Pollack: CFB Hall-of-Famer, three-time First-Team All-American, First-Round NFL Draft Pick
• Brent Rollins: Co-host, West Virginia Enthusiast

1. Introduction to Prediction Season

David Pollack kickstarts the episode by expressing excitement for the arrival of prediction season in college football. He acknowledges the challenges both he and Brent Rollins face in making accurate predictions, humorously likening it to "taking a dart and throwing it" due to the unpredictable nature of the sport.

David Pollack [00:00]: "Prediction season is here. Been racking my brain. I know Brent's been racking his brain."

2. Team Injuries and Early Season Schedules

The discussion transitions to the impact of injuries on key teams like Florida and Texas. Pollack highlights concerns about these teams starting strong without tune-up games, which could jeopardize their early performance.

David Pollack [00:50]: "Florida and Texas right now have injuries that probably will affect the start of the season for them."

Brent adds that the absence of players like Dallas Wilson due to injuries further complicates Florida's prospects.

Brent Rollins [01:28]: "If Dallas Wilson is out for any reason, it's a big blow."

3. Netflix Documentary: "Any Given Saturday"

Pollack introduces a Netflix documentary titled "Any Given Saturday," which provides an immersive behind-the-scenes look at college football teams. He praises the documentary for offering insights into coach and player dynamics that are usually hidden from the public.

David Pollack [03:34]: "Netflix takes a view behind the scenes during some of the biggest games and upsets, showing the real personalities of coaches like Billy Napier."

4. Coach Personalities and Team Dynamics

The hosts delve into the personalities of various coaches, emphasizing how these traits influence team performance. Pollack admires Billy Napier's consistent demeanor and DJ Lagway's honesty and leadership qualities, suggesting these attributes are crucial for a successful quarterback.

David Pollack [04:10]: "Lagway made mistakes as well, but Graham Mertz has 'juice'—he demands performance and inspires his team."

Brent comments on Brian Kelly's political demeanor and his straightforward coaching style, noting how these characteristics affect team morale and performance.

Brent Rollins [06:18]: "Brian Kelly's political background seemed appropriate. He needs to be demanding but not demeaning."

5. Podium King Segment: Coaches' Soundbites

Introducing a new segment called "Podium King," Pollack and Rollins analyze soundbites from various coaches, capturing their unique expressions and philosophies. This segment aims to provide listeners with authentic glimpses into coaching mindsets.

David Pollack [10:00]: "Polls are always accurate, so I think we should really lean into it. Listen to Dillingham's smirk when he says polls are always accurate."

6. Walk-Ons and Scholarships

The conversation shifts to the inspiring stories of walk-on players securing scholarships. Pollack highlights Cameron King from Auburn and a walk-on from Texas, underscoring the emotional and motivational impact these moments have on teams.

Brent Rollins [13:42]: "Cameron King from Auburn and another walk-on at Texas got their scholarships. The reactions are priceless."

7. College Football Playoff Predictions

a. Analysis of Preseason Polls

Pollack examines the preseason polls, noting the diversity in first-place votes as an indicator of increased competition and depth in college football.

David Pollack [19:39]: "Five teams received first-place votes, showing there's more depth and unpredictability at the top than before."

b. Top Teams Predicted

Both hosts discuss their top picks for the College Football Playoff (CFP). Pollack identifies Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Penn State, Ohio State, Clemson, Arizona State, Boise State, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma as strong contenders.

Brent Rollins [36:18]: "Those are the nine teams I felt confident about. Plus, Boise is our Group of Five pick."

c. Overachievers and Underachievers

Pollack and Rollins identify teams they believe will exceed expectations and those likely to underperform. Utah, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and North Carolina emerge as potential overachievers due to their strong lines of scrimmage and improved schedules.

David Pollack [21:34]: "Utah has been undervalued with a strong schedule and team structure; they could finish much higher than expected."

Conversely, teams like South Carolina and LSU are seen as possible disappointments due to loss of key players and challenging schedules.

Brent Rollins [32:01]: "LSU could fall back if they lose early games, and South Carolina has lost a lot of NFL-level talent."

8. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

As the episode wraps up, Pollack and Rollins reaffirm their predictions and look forward to upcoming episodes where they will delve deeper into weekly game analyses and refine their playoff predictions based on the evolving season dynamics.

David Pollack [53:07]: "Next week, we'll pick our top teams and maybe even challenge our listeners with some bold predictions."

Brent Rollins [53:48]: "Join us next Monday as we continue our in-depth analysis and make some exciting predictions."

Key Takeaways:

• Injuries and Early Schedules: Injuries to key players in Florida and Texas could significantly impact their early-season performance.
• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: The Netflix documentary "Any Given Saturday" offers valuable insights into team dynamics and coaching strategies.
• Coaching Personalities: Coaches' leadership styles and personalities play a crucial role in team success.
• Podium King Segment: Analyzing coaches' soundbites provides authentic insights into their approaches.
• Walk-On Stories: Success stories of walk-ons securing scholarships inspire and motivate teams.
• Playoff Predictions: A diverse set of teams across major conferences are predicted to make the CFP, with several Group of Five teams also in the mix.
• Overachievers and Underachievers: Teams like Utah and Illinois may exceed expectations, while others like South Carolina and LSU might underperform.

Notable Quotes:

• David Pollack [00:00]: "Prediction season is here. Been racking my brain. I know Brent's been racking his brain."
• Brent Rollins [01:28]: "If Dallas Wilson is out for any reason, it's a big blow."
• David Pollack [03:34]: "Netflix takes a view behind the scenes during some of the biggest games and upsets, showing the real personalities of coaches like Billy Napier."
• David Pollack [19:39]: "Five teams received first-place votes, showing there's more depth and unpredictability at the top than before."

This episode of "See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack" offers comprehensive insights into the upcoming college football season, blending expert analysis with engaging commentary. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to college football, Pollack and Rollins provide valuable perspectives to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the sport.