See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack
Episode: Chris Fallica CFB PREDICTIONS | Ohio State Names QB1 | Michigan NCAA Ruling
Date: August 19, 2025
Host: David Pollack
Guests: Brent Rollins, Chris "Bear" Felica
Episode Overview
This episode is a college football fan’s dream, barreling into the heart of preseason storylines and predictions. Host David Pollack—joined by analytics expert Brent Rollins—welcomes acclaimed college football analyst and veteran handicapper Chris “Bear” Felica. The show digs into recent news like Ohio State’s QB announcement, the NCAA's Michigan ruling, and goes deep on bold predictions, conference breakdowns, playoff scenarios, and Heisman dark horses. The conversation is a rapid-fire mix of informed breakdown, sharp hot takes, humorous banter, and insight from three of the sport’s most plugged-in voices.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Buzz of College Football's Return
- Football Anticipation: David and Brent kick things off celebrating the excitement leading up to Week 1, joking about how college football dominates their lives for the coming months.
- Quote:
“If your woods not lit, your fire isn’t going—it’s time! If you’re not excited for Week 1, I’m out on you.”
—David Pollack (01:47)
2. Quarterback Announcements & Impact Injuries
- QB1 Reveal:
- Julian Sayin named as Ohio State’s starter.
- Noted no big surprises at other programs (Tennessee, Syracuse).
- Key Injuries:
- Devastating news for Texas Tech and Michigan:
- Quentin Joyner (Texas Tech RB, USC transfer) tears ACL.
- Michigan loses 5-star lineman, potentially significant for their depth.
- Devastating news for Texas Tech and Michigan:
- Quote:
“Two huge losses on teams that are going to be playoff contenders… depth is everything.”
—David Pollack (04:52)
3. Michigan NCAA Ruling – Critique & Satire
-
Massive Fine:
- Over $30 million levied, biggest disciplinary action of its kind.
- Sharon Moore suspended for games in awkward, staggered fashion.
- Jim Harbaugh’s extended ‘show cause’ period is dismissed with humor.
-
Quote:
“That’s an inordinate amount. The most we’ve heard of… Just what the funk are we doing? Why suspend for game one next year? If you think they should be punished—punish them!”
—David Pollack (06:32) -
Notable Moment:
- Brent’s reference: “Joke with multiple exclamation points.”
—(07:15)
- Brent’s reference: “Joke with multiple exclamation points.”
-
Connor Stalions as ‘modern day Frank Abagnale Jr.’
- The insider’s role in Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal becomes a running joke, with Felica noting Stallions “liked” his Twitter comparison.
(08:09)
- The insider’s role in Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal becomes a running joke, with Felica noting Stallions “liked” his Twitter comparison.
4. Cam Newton: The Greatest Live Player?
- Auburn to Retire His Jersey:
- David argues Cam is the best he’s ever seen in person; Brent agrees.
- Discussion hypes Newton’s unparalleled physical gifts and legendary 2010 title run.
- Quote:
“I’ve never seen a better football player… what he did with that 2010 team was unfreaking believable.”
—David Pollack (10:39) - Bear’s Take:
- Felica adds perspective, comparing Newton’s season to other all-timers: Ndamukong Suh (2009), Warren Sapp, Barry Sanders.
(15:59)
- Felica adds perspective, comparing Newton’s season to other all-timers: Ndamukong Suh (2009), Warren Sapp, Barry Sanders.
5. Playoff Format: BCS vs. 28-Team Proposal
- Big Ten’s “28” Proposal:
- Automatic bids for major conferences, removes conference title games in favor of expanded playoff.
- David is opposed:
- “No part of me wanted it.”
- Only advantage: earlier playoff, fewer regular season games.
- Brent sees it as negotiation posturing.
- Quote:
“I’m just not a changing kind of guy… 28 just jumped off. I didn’t love it.”
—David Pollack (13:18)
6. Enter Chris ‘Bear’ Felica: Predictions & Contrarian Picks (15:15 onward)
A. SEC & Playoff Hot Takes
-
Boldest Prediction:
- “South Carolina is going to go under their season win total of 7.5.” (17:41)
- Lays out brutal schedule and significant roster turnover as key factors.
- “South Carolina is going to go under their season win total of 7.5.” (17:41)
-
On Alabama:
- Bear is not placing Bama in the same tier as Texas and Georgia; skeptical on offensive rebuild.
- “I just think we’re automatically assuming, okay, it’s Bama, they got talent. Kalen DeBoer has got to fix the offense. They couldn’t run it last year… I’m not ready to put Bama in that same class with Georgia and Texas.”
—Chris Felica (23:10)
-
Danger for Georgia too:
- Warns that QB Gunner Stockton is unproven and there are questions about run game and OL—leaving open the possibility Georgia struggles more than expected.
- “There isn’t a non-zero chance Georgia could struggle.” (26:46)
B. Clemson Contrarianism
- Skeptical of Clemson Hype:
- Past playoff bid “stumbled” into; questions at key positions, tough road games.
- “They were that close to being eaten-for last year and not even in the ACC title game… I think they’re being built up a little too much.”
—Chris Felica (21:48)
C. Big 12 & Sleepers
- Utah as Favorite:
- Likes Utah to win the league due to physical OL, improved trenches, and resolve post-Rising.
- Houston as Sleeper:
- Willie Fritz’s year-two impact with revamped roster; sees plus money value, especially related to scheduling.
(33:08)
- Willie Fritz’s year-two impact with revamped roster; sees plus money value, especially related to scheduling.
D. Heisman Approach—Look for Value
-
Against Betting Favorites Early:
- With huge uncertainty, Bear prefers waiting for better odds, rather than betting favorites (Klubnik, Arch Manning, Nussmeier) at low odds.
-
Three Heisman Sleepers:
- Carson Beck (Miami) at 37-1; high praise for his 2023 ability, O-line upgrades.
- Jeremiah Love (Notre Dame) at 45-1; suggested as a play.
- Last Year’s Win: Found value with Travis Hunter at 65-1, which he shared on a previous episode.
-
On Miami & Notre Dame:
- Miami prediction to beat Notre Dame in a close, low-scoring battle due to Miami’s offensive edge.
- Expresses slight concern about Notre Dame’s QB situation (possible internal politics influencing the decision).
(41:00)
E. Big Ten Picks
-
Minnesota Over 7.5 Wins:
- Trusts P.J. Fleck and stable culture.
- Notes favorable schedule—could win 8 of 10 outside heavyweights. (44:19)
-
Big 12 Playoff Teams:
- Expects only one Big 12 team in the playoff due to league parity and limited at-large potential.
7. Best Lee Corso Story: Origin of 'Bear' Nickname (48:02)
- A classic Corso restaurant story:
- “Look at you, Felica. Just like a bear—you eat, you sleep, you take a nap, you eat again. You’re just a bear.”
- Story cements the “Bear” nickname he’s carried throughout his career.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Michigan Penalties:
“Levy the fine. Levy the punishment. If you think they should be punished, punish them. But that, that was comical. I like almost laughed at that.”
—David Pollack (06:32) -
On Cam Newton:
“He was the best football player that I’ve ever seen. Hop on and Superman came out week in, week out.”
—David Pollack (11:26) -
Bear’s SEC Playoff Power Tier Skepticism:
“But there’s a big butt there. And that butt is sitting on the College GameDay set now… I just think we’re kind of automatically assuming, ‘Okay, it’s Bama.’”
—Chris Felica (23:16) -
On Betting Heisman Favorites:
“Club Nick and Nussmeier—one of them is going to lose right out the gate. Arch could lose right out of the gate... you’re gonna get a better price once those teams and players lose.”
—Chris Felica (39:09)
Key Timestamps
- 01:47 – David & Brent kick off excitement for Week 1
- 04:13 – QB1 announcements; impact injuries major playoff teams
- 06:01 – Michigan NCAA ruling – fines, suspensions, and “joke” punishments
- 10:39 – Cam Newton jersey retirement; discussion on his greatness
- 13:18 – Playoff formats: 28-team proposal panned
- 15:15 – Chris Felica (“Bear”) joins the show
- 17:41 – Bear’s bold take: South Carolina under 7.5 wins
- 21:48 – Clemson skepticism laid out
- 23:10 – Bear voices doubts on Alabama as elite playoff lock
- 26:46 – Georgia’s vulnerability explored
- 33:08 – Big 12 picks: Utah as favorite; Houston sleeper
- 39:09 – Heisman strategy—value over favorites; early sleeper picks
- 41:00 – Bear’s Miami-over-Notre Dame prediction and ND QB talk
- 44:19 – Minnesota over 7.5 wins, trust in P.J. Fleck
- 48:02 – Lee Corso story, origin of the “Bear” nickname
Tone & Style
Upbeat, fast-paced, unfiltered football banter with expert depth; plenty of inside jokes, playful jabs, and classic story time. The crew mixes sharp analysis with regular asides and personal anecdotes, delivering both entertainment and substance.
Summary Takeaways
- Ohio State, Michigan, Texas Tech all facing critical injuries and transitions entering Week 1.
- The Michigan ruling is seen as simultaneously severe and laughably executed.
- Cam Newton remains the gold standard for singular dominance in college football.
- Bear sees Texas and Georgia as upper-tier playoff favorites, Alabama a cut below; Clemson and South Carolina due for regression.
- Value in betting comes from patience and finding teams/players the market undervalues—Bear shares concrete picks and logic.
- Big 12 is wide open, with dark horses like Houston getting a nod, while Utah earns respect for their physical style and offseason upgrades.
- P.J. Fleck’s Minnesota, Miami’s transfer-infused roster, and UTSA as a group-of-five dark horse all get sleeper alerts.
- Best for fans who relish the inside baseball of CFB, betting angles, and the stories only real insiders can tell.
