Podcast Summary: "See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack"
Episode: Early CFB Games That Will ROCK the CFP | Podium Kings: Nebraska Cornhuskers & More
Release Date: August 14, 2025

In this high-energy episode of "See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack," host David Pollack and co-host Brent Rollins delve into the pivotal early-season college football games poised to shape the College Football Playoff (CFP). The duo combines expert analysis with engaging conversations, providing listeners with a comprehensive preview of the season's most consequential matchups.

1. Season Kickoff and Early Game Importance

The hosts begin by emphasizing the significance of early-season games in determining playoff trajectories. David Pollack remarks on the excitement surrounding the upcoming schedule:

"The season gets closer. We got some cool games to play... early season schedule and the games that really matter for the playoffs."
[01:15]

Brent Rollins echoes this sentiment, highlighting the impact these initial matchups will have on team standings and playoff seeding.

2. Gambling Influence in College Football

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the rising concern of gambling within college sports, particularly its effects on athletes and teams. David brings up the case of Oklahoma and John Mattier:

"The gambling thing is really real... It's something that teams are addressing like crazy."
[04:07]

Brent adds personal anecdotes, sharing his experience with his 17-year-old son who expressed interest in gambling apps, underscoring the pervasive nature of betting culture among young athletes:

"He asked me... 'Can I get this DraftKings app?' And I was like, 'No. It's illegal.'”
[04:38]

The conversation highlights the NCAA’s stance on such issues and the importance of maintaining integrity within the sport.

3. Financial Contributions and Their Impact

The episode shifts focus to the remarkable $300 million donation by alumnus David Booth to the University of Kansas. Brent Rollins praises Booth's generosity:

"When you think about this person individually, he gave the University of Chicago $300 million in 2008. Now, $300 million again... that's a lot."
[08:53]

David Pollack discusses the implications of such donations on athletic programs, particularly questioning how Kansas allocates these funds between basketball and football.

4. Podium Kings Segment: Spotlight on Nebraska's Archie Wilson

In the Podium Kings segment, the hosts shine a light on Nebraska Cornhuskers punter Archie Wilson. Brent introduces Wilson's exceptional punting skills:

"Archie Wilson, the punter for Nebraska. Pat McAfee would be proud. It's actually exciting to watch a punter."
[10:04]

David Pollack delves into Wilson's versatility and the strategic advantage of having an ambidextrous punter:

"He can kick with both feet... That's a big advantage."
[11:48]

The segment underscores the evolving role of special teams in modern football strategies.

5. Top 10 Teams and Playoff Predictions

The hosts engage in a detailed analysis of the top 10 college football teams, presenting "more likely" scenarios to predict the season's outcomes. Each team is evaluated based on potential wins, losses, and key player performances.

a. Texas vs. Ohio State

David Pollack and Brent Rollins debate whether Arch Manning will secure the Heisman Trophy or if Texas will suffer two losses before playing Georgia:

"I don't think Texas is going to lose two or three games."
[24:34]

Brent Rollins supports the likelihood of Arch Manning winning the Heisman, aligning with traditional strengths of the Texas program.

b. Penn State

The discussion shifts to Penn State's prospects, debating whether the team will finish undefeated or miss the Big Ten Championship:

"I think this is Penn State's year... they can win the national championship."
[26:07]

Pollack emphasizes Penn State's veteran roster and strategic advantages, positioning them as strong contenders for the national title.

c. Notre Dame and Oregon

Focusing on Notre Dame, the hosts analyze their quarterback situation and potential challenges against Miami and A&M:

"I think they could have gotten somebody with experience instead of a bunch of guys on your roster that haven't played a lot."
[32:10]

Oregon's likelihood of switching quarterbacks is compared against their schedule difficulties, with both teams' potentials being scrutinized.

d. Alabama and LSU

A debate ensues over Alabama's game against Auburn and LSU's playoff aspirations versus potential coaching changes:

"I think LSU's got a chance to be... in the College Football Playoff."
[35:30]

Pollack remains optimistic about LSU's defensive improvements, countering concerns about Brian Kelly's tenure and potential buyouts.

e. Georgia and Tennessee

Georgia's home game against Tennessee is evaluated, considering their historical performance and current offensive strategies:

"Georgia has the longest home winning streak... but they might lose one game."
[29:59]

The hosts acknowledge Georgia's defensive prowess while recognizing the challenges posed by formidable opponents.

6. Personal Stories and Coaching Insights

David Pollack shares personal experiences related to coaching and player development, emphasizing the importance of mental effort and accountability:

"If you're not dialed in mentally or you're not giving great effort, I'm going to come down on you."
[20:10]

Brent Rollins discusses coaching philosophies, highlighting the balance between controlling player effort and dealing with innate talent limitations.

7. Listener Engagement and Future Episodes

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts interact with listener comments and prepare for upcoming content. They tease future live segments and encourage audience participation:

"If you're not joining, I will be like, I'm going to be watching this crap and going, I'm going all in because it's such a great weekend."
[54:14]

They also address a previous scheduling mishap, assuring listeners of more structured and timely future releases.

8. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

David Pollack wraps up the discussion by reiterating the excitement for the season's opening games and their implications for the CFP:

"Early season games that will shape the playoff... live after all the games on that first weekend."
[53:11]

Brent Rollins and David Pollack thank their audience, encouraging ratings, reviews, and continued engagement on various platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• "There's so much fake news nowadays... you gotta worry about that crap now."
  [03:10] - David Pollack on misinformation in sports reporting.

• "It's going to be really interesting to see where they're going."
  [49:17] - Brent Rollins on the Michigan vs. Oklahoma showdown.

• "If you get run out of the building, obviously, it could be disrespectful."
  [22:05] - Discussing the balance between coaching pressure and team morale.

Conclusion

This episode of "See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack" offers an in-depth look at early-season college football games that are critical for CFP considerations. Through expert analysis, personal insights, and engaging discussions, Pollack and Rollins provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the unfolding season, setting the stage for an exciting year in college football.