Greg McElroy & David Pollack PREVIEW Week 7 in CFB

Summary

---

See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: Greg McElroy & David Pollack PREVIEW Week 7 in CFB

Release Date: October 9, 2025
Host: David Pollack
Guest: Greg McElroy (ESPN Analyst, former CFB QB)

---

Overview

This episode dives deep into the storylines and matchups shaping Week 7 of the college football season. David Pollack and Greg McElroy, both respected for their on-field and analytical chops, dissect the landscape—from hot-button off-field topics like NIL interventions and private equity in college sports, to tactical previews of major games (Georgia/Auburn, Missouri/Alabama, Red River Rivalry, Indiana/Oregon), coaching hot seats, quarterback play, and much more. Delivered in a direct, amusing, and candid style, this episode pulls no punches on trends, traditions, and what makes college football unique.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Off-Field Chaos: NIL “Snitch Line” & Private Equity in CFB

• NIL Snitch Line:
  • Pollack discusses the recently-launched anonymous tip line for NIL violations.
  • Jokes about the comedic chaos sure to ensue:

    “NCAA's tip line will be comic gold. I hope they record all of it... anonymous tips with the accents from certain parts of the country. I think it'll be outstanding.” (03:02)

  • Draws parallels to call-in shows notorious for wild, unverifiable stories.
• Academic Standards Declining:
  • Noted that academic ineligibility is rarely discussed anymore:

    “We don't really do academics anymore. That's not really a part of the thing.” (02:35)

• Private Equity in the Big Ten:
  • The Big Ten’s rumored $2B private equity deal sparks concern about further commercialization.
  • Attorney Brent, guesting briefly, notes:

    "It's all going to be driven by money. Heck, even my own work today, there were decisions made that were completely idiotic and completely driven by money." (05:57)

  • Pollack laments eroding tradition and the business-first mentality driving playoff and conference expansion.

---

2. Podium Kings: Quirks and Rivalries

• Jerry Newheisel Moment:
  • Audio celebrating his son’s unlikely coaching success and win:

    “How can you not love college football when you have days like this? Special, special, special.” (09:41, Greg McElroy quoting)

• Kaylin DeBoer’s Black Hoodie Streak:
  • DeBoer’s sideline attire superstition:

    “Bama is 11 and 2 when he wears that black hoodie during the games and 1 and 3 when he doesn’t. So I guess I would wear the black hoodie.” (11:10, Podium Kings Host)

• Texas Tech Tortilla Tradition:
  • Joey McGuire urges fans not to throw tortillas, then hypes support for the defense:

    “It’s not about throwing tortillas...stand up, get loud." (11:55-12:18)

---

3. Superstitions & Pregame Rituals

• Greg’s Pre-Game Routine:
  • Elaborate left-side-first dressing ritual:

    "Everything on the left side of my body went on first." (13:54, Greg McElroy)

  • Detailed music selection evolving from “early pump up” (chill) to “mid pump up” (rap/rock) to “pregame” (intense).
• Pollack’s Approach:
  • Claims lack of superstition, with exception of a cross on his tape.

---

4. Game & Team Breakdowns

Georgia vs. Auburn (17:01)

• Auburn's Misjudged:
  • McElroy believes negativity around Auburn is “premature”, highlighting weapons like Cam Coleman (matchup nightmare) and offensive indecisiveness being the real issue.
  • On QB Gunner Stockton:

    “I think Gunner is a much better thrower than people realize...he’s Connor Shaw...not a first-round pick, but you can win with that guy.” (18:27-19:30, McElroy)

  • Both agree narratives around these teams are more negative than warranted.

The Case of Arch (Texas QB) and Sarkisian (20:07)

• Shared Blame:
  • Pollack slams people who pin struggles solely on Arch.
  • Offensive line and skill talent not living up to Texas’s recruiting.
  • On Sarkisian:

    “These are numbers that matter. So like I'm not, I'm putting blame on Arch...but I think Sark deserves some of that blame as well.” (21:08)

• Arch Analysis:
  • McElroy defends Arch's performance, noting constant pressure, minimal help from screens/receivers, and that not all mistakes are his:

    “He got hit how many times that game? 25 times. And we're still sitting in there and trying to throw darts. I respect how he played.” (23:52, McElroy)

Best Team in the Country? (24:27)

• Ohio State / Miami:
  • McElroy leans OSU but says it’s close with Miami, emphasizing OSU’s run-first mentality and offensive line play:

    “Their level of domination though, is, is pretty remarkable.” (24:27)

  • Praises defense, specifically versatility of Caleb Downs.

Illinois Resistance vs. OSU? (26:18)

• Not Likely:
  • Illinois’ OL and inconsistency cited as issues. Both skeptical due to early blowout loss (to Indiana) lingering in season narrative.

Indiana at Oregon: Elite QB Battle (30:08)

• Indiana’s Defense:
  • “Brian Haynes is the man...he's that good and that creative and that disruptive.” (31:50, McElroy)
  • Oregon’s youth at corner could be target for Mendoza’s passing.
  • Both think Indiana can hang, possibly push to a shootout.

Missouri vs. Alabama (36:29)

• Missouri’s Offensive Scheme:
  • Noted for stretching defenses and making linebackers play at tough angles.
  • On Alabama’s run defense struggles (second-level fits, not DL itself):

    “I don't feel like they've done a great job at the second level fitting the run. And they've especially done a poor job with their corners and safeties and fitting the run.” (39:56, McElroy)

  • Adjustments in the Vandy game have McElroy optimistic moving forward.
  • Both agree this will be a close, physical, run-first contest.

Florida vs. Texas A&M (43:38)

• A&M’s Defensive Edge:
  • “Mike Elko is just a pain in the butt on third downs...so creative.” (44:19, Pollack)
  • Florida’s OL showed life last week; A&M’s OL matches up better than Texas did in the prior week.
  • Watch for Florida’s grind and A&M’s adjustments; expect physicality.

Red River Rivalry: Oklahoma vs. Texas (48:44)

• QB Situation Could Dictate Game:
  • With Mateer’s injury, likely lower scoring, ball-control approach:

    “I don't see how this game becomes high scoring. I just don't. I think both defenses [are] too good...” (49:23, McElroy)

  • Expects Texas to bounce back, both teams keep it conservative, mistake could decide the game.

UNC “Chapel Bill” Coaching Crisis (51:38)

• Coaching Malpractice:
  • Pollack and McElroy agree Bill Belichick’s college experiment at UNC is a disaster, citing schematic simplicity, refusal to adapt, and stagnant recruiting.
  • On playcalling:

    “They ran snag slant 12 times last week. Like the most horrible basic crap with nothing else to it.” (53:11, Pollack)

  • McElroy laments lack of adjustments and buyout realities:

    “It's been a hard thing to watch, man. I mean, it really has. I'm not sure how you can spin it.” (57:13, McElroy)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the NIL Snitch Line:

  “I hope they literally record it so we can hear it and we can play it back.” – Pollack (03:02)

• On Auburn's Perceived Weakness:

  “The negativity surrounding Auburn is a bit premature...They have guys that could take over the game.” – Greg McElroy (17:01)

• On Defensive Struggles in CFB:

  “I don't feel like they've done a great job at the second level fitting the run. And they've especially done a poor job with their corners and safeties and fitting the run.” – McElroy on Alabama (39:56)

• On the “Bill Belichick UNC Era”:

  “He ran snag slant literally 12 times last week, literally 12 times, which is absolutely amazing...” – Pollack (53:11)
  “Freddie Kitchens could coach some ball now...What I'm seeing is not it.” – McElroy (53:26)

---

Timestamps by Segment

• NIL Chaos & Tip Line: 00:22–03:30
• Private Equity/Big Ten Expansion: 04:25–07:30
• Podium Kings (Coach Antics): 08:36–12:18
• Pre-Game Superstitions: 12:28–14:57
• Ole Miss Play-Calling Props, Broadcasting: 15:11–16:20
• Georgia–Auburn Preview: 17:01–20:07
• Texas/Arch/Sark Analysis: 20:07–24:09
• Who’s Number One? OSU/Miami: 24:27–26:18
• OSU vs. Illinois: 26:18–29:26
• Indiana vs. Oregon Preview: 30:08–35:33
• Missouri–Alabama Preview: 36:29–43:13
• Florida–Texas A&M Preview: 43:38–48:44
• Red River Rivalry (OU–Texas): 48:44–51:38
• UNC/Belichick Era Collapse: 51:38–57:27

---

Episode Tone

• Direct, irreverent, and deeply analytical.
• Humor and old-school football sensibility, but up-to-date on trends and critical of mismanagement.
• Welcoming of fan traditions and quirks–embraces the chaos that makes college football unique.

---

Recommendation

This episode is a must-listen for college football fans seeking detailed, informed, and lively previews—packed with inside knowledge, sharp opinions, and genuine banter. Both host and guest excel at blending X’s and O’s with the cultural, institutional, and emotional aspects that stand at the heart of the sport.

---

Transcript

[Greg McElroy]

And how about that Pollock interception in the end zone?

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Well, it's David Pollack and I think people are going to learn what kind of ballplayer he is. He's got a heart of a lion.

[Greg McElroy]

I'm really proud of that kid. This is C Ball. Get Ball. College football's top show for football analysis, predictions and coach interviews. Now here's your host, three time All American, seven time Emmy award winner.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

All right, welcome everybody in Seabaugh. Get Ball. And we got a cool show tonight. We got Greg McElroy middle of the week. We always do a fun guest. He's got a great game. He's calling this week the Georgia Auburn game. Excited to pick his brains on that. We got podium kings like we always do. The coaches talking about the different things. But first a couple of off the off the field things. And these are very interesting. It's not the main story but it's important to know, like this is just funny to me. Like NIL created a snitch line. Literally a snitch line like that. There go a line that you can call direct. The College Sports Commission launched it. So you can give anonymous tips. Can you imagine like the anonymous tips in some of the areas of the country, just anyone calling like the amount of fraudulent calls, the amount of just insane things that they'll have to sift through and sort through. Like it will be incredible like to think about how they have to talk about the nil, the third party deals. You've probably all heard or seen the fine bomb show like in the Wild Call ins. It's probably extremely similar. Similar except maybe worse because you could really make up anything you want. And both from fans and you know, coaches and staffers because coaches have been doing this for years too. Like coaches will, will put a little bug in certain people's ears to get certain stories that, that will come out along the way to ask how certain things happen. It used to be eligibility. You know what's amazing? We don't hear about that anymore. We don't really hear about eligibility issues anymore. Like think about that. Like when is the last time that we heard about a student athlete being academically ineligible? That's weird. Never happens anymore because we don't really do athletics anymore or we don't do academics anymore. That's not really a part of the thing. So it's, it's going to be interesting to see how that all goes to see who's going to have to answer those calls, the text messages, the emails. It's, it's, it's going to be great. It's going to be crazy. From you think about like this week, the, the Red River Rivalry shootout, whatever you want to call it, the cocktail party week. And both sides having, you know, just the, the hatred, the NCAA, NCAA's tip line will be comic gold. I hope they record all of it. Like I, I hope they literally record it so we can hear it and we can play it back. The anonymous tips with the accents with certain parts of the country. I think it'll be outstanding. So tip of the cap for operating the, the snitch line, which we're going to call it from now on. And then tip of the cap from one of our sponsors, actually. Melon. These are fantastic. These lids are fantastic. It's got, it's the cool, it's the super comfy hat. Best thing though, period is somehow some way when my big butt sweats on the golf course, this hat doesn't get stains. That is probably the most amazing part about it. But if you, if you have a big melon like me, which I do, it's a great lid. You can use the promo code Pollock and get 30 off at melon.com m e l I m e l I n.com and thank you to them too, because they support the Pollock family foundation. So appreciate Melon. Appreciate you guys supporting Bill Belichick. I think that's an interesting one. We'll get into. We're going to talk to Greg McElroy about it. If you don't, if you don't know, there's not a lot good to talk about. But, but if you, if you look at the hires, if you look at the stuff that's going on in Chapel Hill with Chapel, Bill, Brent talked about it earlier in the year, thought it was going to go swimmingly. It hasn't. It's been a mess. And if you watched them last week, they ran snag slant literally 12 plays last week, literally 12 times, which is absolutely amazing that there was nothing else to it. So we'll get to that. But there's also this private equity thing that's going on. And Brent, you're like, you're, you're Mr. Attorney. You, you read this stuff like Brent, Brent wears all these different hats. It's amazing. Like besides the pro football focus we talk about, besides the on three watching tape, like he literally reads all these different cases and has all kinds of studies. And Brent, what's the most pages you've ever read in a study, by the way?

[Brent (Attorney/College Professor)]

Oh, that like thousands, hundreds of thousands of Documents for case, case reviews that I've done.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Big, big brain. So I know you read this thing. I think it's interesting because we're not going to kill a bunch of time on it. But like, obviously it's not a coincidence that the Big Ten comes out with this $2 billion private capital deal. And so to bring private equity, other things into sport. It's, it would be interesting to watch it because who's controlling then the scheduling and the part of the school. Hey, the school system. That is because, remember this, these are student athletes. But this is another, you know, another thing that another, another lawsuit, another bill, another part of the judicial system that's going to be talked about that probably goes absolutely nowhere. But what did you read when you saw it?

[Brent (Attorney/College Professor)]

I have a very jaded opinion, actually, when it comes to this stuff.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

No, I can't believe that.

[Brent (Attorney/College Professor)]

Well, I have a day job. Remember that? I, I am a college professor by day, and so I'm in academia, in higher education, and I see a lot, so many decisions that are driven just strictly by money and business and.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

But college sports haven't done that, Brent. They've been driven by the love of the game. Like, not. No. Expansion. No, no, they haven't been driven by, by money.

[Brent (Attorney/College Professor)]

What's amazing is if you actually read the history of the ncaa, it was basically to, you know, it's a tax aversion thing. Like, it's a, it's a whole.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

I remember you did that a long time ago. I remember you talking about that.

[Brent (Attorney/College Professor)]

It's an article in the Atlantic. I think that was maybe like 15 years ago that looked at the whole history of the ncaa. It's just all this is jaded to me and it's, it's all going to be driven by money. Heck, even my own work today, there was decisions that were made that were completely idiotic and completely driven by money. So this does not shock me. None of it shocks me.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

I'm very jaded when it comes to, like that, man. Come on.

[Brent (Attorney/College Professor)]

It was a bad decision. I'll, if I'll tell those, I'll tell the president that if he asked me, but.

[Podium Kings Host]

Yes.

[Brent (Attorney/College Professor)]

No, that doesn't, none of this shocks me and it's only going to get worse.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

And it doesn't matter. I mean, it's just, but it's, it's interesting for fans, man, because do you want to keep private equity from changing the fabric of college football? Because if it happens like that, it's going to become more of a business. And I think that's what fans have been pissed about, like, right. Like, fans want tradition, fans want rivalries. And a lot of the decisions we've made, the good old days, man, they're, they're, they're not coming back. I mean, you've, you've seen the expansion of the College Football Playoff. You've seen conference expansion, you've seen teams go across the country now. And now coaches are complaining about it. Like, yeah, this sucks. James Franklin, like, we had to go across the country. It's terrible. Well, yeah, this is a part of the Big Ten expanding for more money. So you get paid more money as coaches and you have more money to split like it's a part of life.

[Brent (Attorney/College Professor)]

And part of the. Shout out to Mitch in the chat. Can I just get my D2 baseball kid paid before all this blows up? I know exactly who this is. And Mitch, I hope, I hope so. I hope so.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Attaboy, Mitch. Let's go, Brady. Yeah, it's definitely, it's definitely, it's definitely interesting. So we're going to talk, we'll talk to Greg McElroy about that, too. But, you know, one of the things that you've talked, we've talked about on the social media, but if you want to save a little money getting tickets to this game, like any game that you pick this weekend, to the concerts, to whatever you want to go to, go to gametime.com or get the Game Time app. It's a slip. It's a slick app, man. Like, it's been, we've been on it for a few weeks now and the responses are great. $20 off your first order with my Code Pollock. Check it out. Amazing games this weekend. Like, nothing you want to get, you get priced out of that sometimes, but you don't want to do that now. But go to gametime co to get the Game Time app. Really cool. We'll help you with that. Podium Kings. All right. We've got the procedural stuff out of the way. We're not going to do any more of that. We'll get to Greg, we'll get to all that stuff. But this, the, the pettiness, the weirdness of college football, the emotions, you know, Wesley, the podium kings are always fantastic when coaches are talking about other coaches and having having this stuff go on is amazing.

[Podium Kings Host]

Yeah, we got a little bit of that. I love Podium Kings and we had our first podium king over the weekend. I don't care that this happened a few days ago. We do like to get, you know, the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday stuff, but sometimes DP the sound bite is just too good to stay on the shelf. And we're going to start with Jerry Newheisel. And if y' all haven't seen this, you've probably been under a rock for the last few days. But let's just celebrate Jerry and celebrate the moment that the kid had, because he is a kid. I think he's probably 15.

[Greg McElroy]

I love UCLA more than anything. And the kind of kids that you see that played on that field today is exactly why you love a place like this. We had two days to practice the new game plan, and all they did was believe. And we came out and played as hard as we could for 60 full minutes. Had to take a safety at the end because we messed it up a little bit. But, like, how can you not love college football when you have days like this? Special, special, special.

[Podium Kings Host]

Have you ever heard a son that sounded more like his dad? I mean, holy cow.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

That.

[Podium Kings Host]

That was. That was crazy, huh?

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

The look at. The look in far off either. Me and Brent talked about that Sunday at church. We were like, the look. I mean, the throwback look of him and his dad. And the flowing locks. Listen, his dad can't have those flowing locks anymore because Father Time is caught up. But the hair is outstanding.

[Podium Kings Host]

I mean, getting carried off the field, getting called up to be the oc. He said he didn't even know how to use his headset yet, but he found a way. He figured it out for sure. And that big win over Penn State, if only they didn't have to fly so far across the country that maybe they would have won. All right, next one today. This is a coach call in King. The SEC coaches call. DeBoer was on answering questions from the media. And typically, you know, there's a lineup of coaches. And Coach Drinkwitz finished his time, or so we thought. He hung around to ask Kaylin DeBoer a question of his own about that infamous black hoodie that Kaylin DeBoer is pretty dang good in. Here's what Drink had to say on the sideline this.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

This game with us wearing black jerseys. Coach Drink.

[Greg McElroy]

I gotta.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

I gotta fit in somehow. Yeah, I'm more than likely. We'll see what the forecast is.

[Podium Kings Host]

So since the boar arrived in teat town, Bama is 11 and 2 when he wears that black hoodie during the games, and 1 and 3 when he doesn't. So I guess I would wear the black hoodie.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Like, is that debatable?

[Podium Kings Host]

Yeah, I. I don't think there's any doubt about it. You Got to wear it.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

McElroy's got any weird traditions he used to do. I bet he had like this. I bet he taped his wrist the same way. Like taped his ankles the same way. Like recited the same or watched the same plays the same way. I bet he was a. I bet he was a habitual guy.

[Podium Kings Host]

He's. He's in here. So we're going to get one more and then hop into that convo. Only in college football will you hear what Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire has to say to Red Raiders fans from the podium here.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

I think the role of our fans, Red Raider Nation. I really need you guys to one understand that it's not about throwing tortillas. Like, let's get it out of the way right off the bat. And then let's focus on when that defense, which is the best defense in.

[Greg McElroy]

The country, when that defense takes the.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Field, stand up, get loud.

[Podium Kings Host]

So throw tortillas at the opening kickoff, but after that we need you to get loud. That's podium kings. Here is Greg Mac. Yeah.

[Greg McElroy]

All right.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Well, I tell you what, Greg, I know you wanted that, that introduction with tortillas. I'm sure it makes you hungry. Um, but, but the rituals. Go back to rituals, Greg. Did you have, did you tape the, the, the wrist? Did you tape the fingers? Did you take like, what did you, what did you do pre game, like maybe high school to college on first.

[Greg McElroy]

Of all, like, dp, I know there's no way on earth you were superstitious about anything. Like, you were not a single thing. You went out of the way to be. To lack any superstition. Like, I know you like that. Just that you would almost like even if you were superstitious, like you would intentionally not to do something the way you did it the week before, make sure like your body clock was right. Am I wrong?

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

I'm not smart enough to have superstitions. Like, I didn't. I just, I just, I mean, I, I did do a cross on my, on my tape every week. But like, I didn't know. I didn't have those thought process or nerves or any of that stuff that went into it. Did you have anything though?

[Greg McElroy]

No, for sure. I mean, absolutely. I had the exact same. So I had like CDs. It started with like CDs back in the day. I had early pump up CD, which is about an hour. So usually it started in high school. We're on the bus, we're going to play, right? So however long we were on the bus, that was early pump up you get in the locker room, you had mid pump up and then you have pre game. So like mid pump up was like a series of rap and hard rock. Early pump up was like easy listening, chill, like pretty much low key and then a lot of country and then.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

And then Limp Bizkit, like just Headband.

[Greg McElroy]

And then it went hard. I listened to three songs. What's funny is like, I still remember the songs for the era, you know what I mean? One was Presidential. Remember that song? Like that song. I don't know why. I just like that song that started in high school though. So that was one of the songs. It was always in the pregame mix and then always everything on the left side of my body went on first. So my left leg went through the pants. My left tape. My left leg had to get taped first race if I was doing it first. Left shoe first. All that stuff before the right side. And then eye black paint. Eye black. Not, not the stickers, not that nonsense. Like the real authentic baseball.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Left side first.

[Greg McElroy]

Always left side everything. Left side first, baby. Like I was Lucy. Left eye lopes there for a minute before I fixed the other side. But it was perfect. I had good paint. That was one thing I was solid at. I was always good at that.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

I, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that they got dressed on their whole left side first. Like, I, I, I didn't, I've never heard of that.

[Greg McElroy]

That was, well, it was, was on the left side. Like shoe was on, leg was in. And then I did the right side. It was like left leg, right leg, left shoe, right shoe, left hand, left, right hand, whatever it was. So, yeah, left that first, then right.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Yeah, that's, that's, that's good. There's a million in the locker room. We know that. But Greg McElroy from, from ESPN, by the way. I, I didn't, we didn't get you on last week. I really wanted to. The call of the finishing touches of the, of the Ole Miss game. You deserve props because you called the exact play. It was like, watch the tight end in the flat right here on fourth down. Knew it was coming. I, I guess you had studied some tape. I guess Lane might need to have a counterpunch to that in the future too, but knew it was coming in a big moment. Man, that was sweet.

[Greg McElroy]

I appreciate it. No, I mean, it's been fun diving into the tape and stuff and like this year focusing so much on like situational football, like more than ever before. It used to be like, just knowing the team, generally speaking, and, like, understanding. I focus so much on, like, third down, fourth down, red zone. That's where I'm living right now. So it's been a lot easier to pick up the tendencies, frankly, and to have kind of an idea what the team is about to do, who they're going to target, what have you. So it's been fun. It's changed my process, but it's been kind of like playing where, like, every day is a very specific situation. So I almost feel more at home and more comfortable this year than I have even in the first 10 that I did this well.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

So. So what's the. So you got Georgia, Auburn this week. So what's the. Just the first, you know, snapshot view. I'm not asking you to go in the weeds and tell us everything, but, like, what's the. What's the. I think a lot of people look at this and they go, auburn sucks because they've lost two games. I don't, because I'm like, they could have won both those games. It's not like it was that bad. They get to play at home. A lot of strengths of, like, obviously rushing the passer of Georgia is not a strength. Auburn protecting is not a strength. The two big games were. Were not at home, which obviously offensive linemen play better at home. So, like, there's a lot of things that carry over. I think this is going to be a great game. But what's your. What's your first view of it?

[Greg McElroy]

You know, first thing is I think the negativity surrounding Auburn is a bit premature. You know, just to be honest with you. Like, they have guys that could take over the game and. And I think it's probably three or four on offense. I could really do it. I mean, Cam Coleman's probably the best example. He's a matchup nightmare. He's got length. He can get over the top, he can win the contested catch. And if it's anything like the Tennessee game, for example, I know different styles, different offenses, whatnot, but if you want to put Cam Coleman out there on your number two corner, like, look out, it's. That's a problem. That's a huge problem and something that George has had to deal with already. I look at the offensive line for Auburn now. While I don't think it's great, I think a lot of this had to do with indecisiveness from time to time. Jackson Arnold, new offense, not trying to make a mistake. He think he's trying to be perfect. I think at some point though, when you're a dog, like, let it fly, you know what I mean? Like, just go like, do you throw a pick? Who cares? Like, let's, like we'll, we'll pick you up. Our defense is great. You know, they just got to get rude to him. And I, I think that that's, that's probably been a huge message this, off this bye week for Auburn to kind of get aggressive, say the same thing about Gunner.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Like, like Kirby's been saying that same thing too about letting it rip and being more aggressive and take, I mean, man to man shots. He's not Cam Coleman, but Colby Young ain't bad like Noah Thomas ain't bad.

[Greg McElroy]

Right. And I actually think when you watch, I think Gunner is a much better thrower than people realize, to be honest with you. Like just watching him, like his ball placing is pretty good. He's been good down the field. I don't think he's like a, you know, first round pick, you know, but to me, we get way too enamored with prospects. Like, to me, I, I think he's Connor Shaw and Connor Shaw's dang good college football player and, and did play in the league, but isn't going to be the guy that scouts are just ruling over. Right. But to me, it's not that dissimilar to, to a guy like Jake Fromm from a few years ago. I think he might have a little more arm and I think he actually is more mobile. But I think you can win with that guy. I mean, that guy is a, is a 1/2 away from a national championship as a starting quarterback as a true freshman. So I think Gunner Stockton's just fine. I don't think he's hesitant. I just don't think they've really asked him to open it up that much. And against Alabama, that game in particular, like the run game was going pretty good, so I didn't really have to do a whole lot. I think there's more in the tank there in the passing game, their offense in general, from a route scheme concept. There's more there. I'd like to see more, frankly, in a few spots. But I like Bobo's stuff. It's just, I don't feel like he's been as aggressive as he probably needs to be or wants to be here moving forward. And I think it's just a process of feeling out and trusting his guy. So I think Georgia and Auburn are both really good. I just, I think the narrative kind of surrounding both teams is A bit. It's kind of negative and I'm not, I'm not really sure why that is because the whole season's still in front of him.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Yeah, speaking of negative, I guess, I guess you talk about negative. A lot of people negative on Arch. I was pretty vocal this week, man. I just, I get frustrated with. It's when it's always attacking the kid. So where would you. I put a lot of blame on Sark. Like Sark's job is to, to call the place to put him in a great position. He's getting hammered. Like he got pressured on 60% of his drop backs. Let's be honest. The line's not great. The running back spot's not great. Tight ends not great. Receivers not great. Besides that, they're excellent on offense. So like, I mean, I don't see a lot of greatness helping him out either around him. But like, it's starting to be a trend too. Greg, he's 2 and 8 in Big Ten or in top 10 games. Like, yeah, he's 9 and 15 in one score games. Like, these are numbers that matter. So like I'm not, I'm putting blame on Arch. He hasn't done what he's. What he's supposed to do and he could be a lot better. But like Texas and all the resources and what they've been able to accomplish, like, I think Sark deserves some of that blame as well.

[Greg McElroy]

Well, to me, if you're going to blame Sark, I think it has to be all right. Why is it that the offensive line full of five star guys isn't playing to their potential? You know, it's not like these guys were under recruited. You know, it's like they're forcing, you know, true freshman three stars into the lineup. You know what I mean? To me, why are those guys not playing better? I mean, Kyle Flood there are o line coach, one of the best in the country. Like, what's, what's the deal? I think there's probably more they can do from a plan standpoint. But the way the people are discussing Arch right now, man, it's like I'm wondering how many people have actually, I'm wondering how many people really watched the game against Florida, like, like from a quarterback's lens. And I look, I am not making excuses because if you look at his performance against utep. Terrible. If you look at his performance against Ohio State, he missed a lot of layups and it took him a couple weeks to get back on track from that performance. I thought he played pretty well, against Sam Houston, I thought there were some throws made in that game that were pretty impressive, but it was Houston, so I didn't, I didn't really put a lot of stock into it. But I think the last two games and last week especially, that was his best game. Last week he did have one interception over the middle, but the receiver didn't get his head around. He had to get rid of the ball too early because he knows he's going to get hit. So he's got to get rid of it quick. And they're saying get the ball out, get the ball. He's getting it out quick. Well, the receiver doesn't get his head around, is picked by safety because he's not where he needs to be. The last pick was really just a phenomenal play by def the back. Like any Tom Brady would throw that same ball and it would have gotten picked. It was just a great play. The guy undercut a V route is going to be perfect and he just went up and high pointed it beautifully. So I don't necessarily apply a lot of blame to that decision. There were a couple misses in the game, but he was under duress the whole time. Like the guy didn't have a clean pocket, not one time where he could just stand and deliver the ball downfield. I think they got to be a little better for sure up front. I think Sark could probably help because their screen game has not been anywhere near as good as the been in the past. I don't know why that is, but it's not as good. I don't the receivers are anywhere near what I thought they'd be this year.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

No.

[Greg McElroy]

And I think the tight ends are average at this point compared to what they had last year especially. So I think just talent wise across the board on offense. What's around Arch is nothing like what they've had in the past or what we thought they'd have coming into the season. So. Okay, you can't play quarterback by yourself. You, you have to have help. And Arch right now I don't think is getting proper help in many, many areas. But it still means that when things are perfect, he's got to make those throws too. And he hasn't done it as often as he needed to to really have me feeling great about the offense moving forward.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Now I knew you, I knew you take the quarterbacks back. I figured, I mean like, dude, did.

[Greg McElroy]

You see like the interior pressure, the.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Interior pressure by the defensive tackles for.

[Greg McElroy]

Florida defensive line coach the whole time say it affect the quarterback Affect the quarterback. Hit the quarterback. Like, please. Like, he got hit how many times that game? 25 times. And we're still sitting in there and like trying to throw darts. Like, I, I respect how he played. I really did. I think he played pretty well under the circumstances.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Yeah, they got, they got beat in the interior so many times, so clean. You just. How does that happen? I mean, credit to Florida, but that, that hasn't even been their M.O. this season. All right, Greg McElroy is with us, ESPN analyst, always college football podcast. Always got great stuff, great opinions. Who's the best team in the country? Greg?

[Greg McElroy]

Ohio State. But I go back and forth between them and Miami. Like I've literally flip flopped them multiple times. And part of what I've loved so much about Ohio State and albeit like I'm not 100% sold on who they've played up at this point, including Texas. Their level of domination though, is, is pretty remarkable. And what I've liked most about Ohio State this year is how they've adjusted who they are offensively. Like, this is not like a high flying, we're going to pitch it all over the yard. This is not a CJ Stroud style of attack. It's not, it's like a run first outfit. And the offensive line is the strength. Like that's, I love that because to me, the last couple years the offensive line's been fine.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

That's been the only weakness though. Really.

[Greg McElroy]

Yeah, they've had talented guys, but it's not been a strength. You know, they've like, you can have a first rounder, but the group as a collective talent, sure. As a unit, not by, not by any means their best attribute. I think this year you can make a case that might be their best personnel group with how they're playing together and the physicality they're playing with. So I love that. I think they're playing, they have a quarterback that's playing really smart, they're taking care of them. They have a running back that's a bonafide dude. We know what they have on the outside from a matchup standpoint, so they get favorable looks in the run game, which is always helpful. And then defensively, I think as far as how they're playing as a unit is very, very impressive. I would say last year's group from a, from a, from a ceiling standpoint, probably slightly higher, but they're covering better. I think on the outside they're not having as many penalties or at least.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

No, they were holding, they were holding group last week. Last year.

[Greg McElroy]

I also like how they're using Caleb Downs. I mean, he's one of the more versatile players in the country. They're allowing him to be that. So I just think they're playing at a ridiculously high level right now, and it's been, it's been a lot of fun to watch. It really has.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Do you expect any, any. Do you expect any resistance from Illinois this week?

[Greg McElroy]

I don't like the matchup for Illinois at all. I know what Illinois wants to be. I know what Illinois it will intend to be to try to grind them out. That offensive line from Illinois to me, has not been overwhelmingly impressive. I look at some of the gash plays they had against sc. There were some busted plays in the back end. Defensively from sc, we've seen that. That's been a bit of a trend and I feel like SC kind of played their way out of position a few times. It led to some gash moments in that one as well. I do not like the matchup for Illinois. Ohio State will make you earn it, and I don't know if Illinois can with their offense. I think they're going to have to win some matchups and I'm not sure they can do that consistently enough. I like Hank Beatty, the, the receiver. I think he's a, he's a real one. I don't know if they'll be able to create consistency running the football. And when they get in obvious past situations, I don't like their office line holding up. And then defensively, I think they'll battle. But Ohio State doesn't have to do too much. As long as they don't turn it over, they should be in good shape.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

And Luke Baltimore is a stud. He's just protected and he doesn't have the greatest weapons outside. But that dude, he gets rid of the football. He doesn't waste a lot of plays. He avoids sacks. Like his feet in the red zone become a big deal. And you're right, Batty's thrown it. He's. He's caught it.

[Podium Kings Host]

He's.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

He's been in special teams. He's. He's been all over the field for him. He's been really, really good, man. It's been fun to, fun to watch. But I do think if they struggle with Indiana speed, they might just a little bit struggle with Ohio State speed as well. Because they got some guys on the outside that are, I mean, they're pretty decent. Like, they'll be okay. Like, Jeremiah Smith's good. I mean, he's, he's a little.

[Greg McElroy]

He's got a chance. Well, let me ask you this about the Indiana Illinois game, because that one is one that's like burned in my memory. You know what I mean? Like, that's a, that's a hard game to forget. I know that we live in a world now where you can kind of just take that performance, just throw it away like in the new era, 12 team playoff. But that one to me is just really hard to forget. And I'm probably going to have a hard time trusting Illinois all season as a result. Like, do you see it similarly?

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Yeah. And. And it started with Duke. Yeah, they were getting, I mean, Altmeyer was getting hammered like crazy and Duke shot. They blew off all of their toes on their foot. They literally gave him as many chances as humanly possible. And then I listen, we're gonna. Illinois schedule. The rest of the way is good too, which is crazy. So they're gonna have a chance to look up and maybe they are at that 10 and 2 mark. But like, I'm not gonna get that taste out of my mouth. Like, I still got that pucker face. Because you lost by 50. Like, it wasn't. That was a demile. That was a demolition that was in the special teams, offense, defense, like, everything about it. Yeah, I don't like Notre Dame losing by one to A and M. Like, I'm good with that. Notre Dame being in the game with Miami. Like, those are two good teams you lost. Indiana's a good team. Indiana's a really good out. Like, Ohio State's a really good team. But. But to me, if you're going to be talking about debating these teams down the road, when you got that on your resume, that becomes an albatross. Like, that becomes the reason that I'm not putting you in.

[Greg McElroy]

I'm with you. And I love, by the way, I love Indiana. I think they're legit. So, like, to have a bad day against that group, there's no shame in that at all. Like, no shame. But to have a day that was that bad is a. Is a tough one for me to forget. And that goes for anybody you get run out of the gym. Like, to me that's a hard, that's a hard pill to kind of get over. So it's not that. It's not that Illinois can't make the playoff. Like they can absolutely make the playoff. I'm not saying they can't. Not saying they should. I'm not saying they shouldn't. I'm just saying that's one that's going to be hard for me. Like in a weekend like this, like, hey, Buckeyes are coming to town. How do you feel about Illinois? Like, I don't feel good about them. I just don't trust them after that. You know what I mean? I hate that's the case, but it's just they're a hard team to back right now.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

100. So let's go to Indiana at Oregon because I think that both these quarterbacks are playing at such an elite level and they both make it go for their team. They're both, they're both athletic. Now, Dante Moore looks a little bit different than Mendoza, but Menoza is a big, strong sucker who's athletic. But I mean, a great quarterback battle at Oregon. What are your thoughts on this, Sam?

[Greg McElroy]

I've gone back and forth like, I love Oregon, I do. I think they're the real deal. I, I also wonder too, like when I watched, when I watched the Oregon Penn State game, there were parts of that game to me that I was so impressed with. And now one week removed from having seen Penn State play UCLA and some of the flaws that we saw on the back end and tackling some of the issues I saw in and the angles that those players took and frankly, like I took, I put that game on with Penn State and I thought I was going to see a flat performance. I didn't see a flat performance. I saw a team that just got out, executed and got outperformed and were especially bad in situational football. To me, that's a reflection of coaching, not effort. And that to me was, was troubling. So since I watched that, my impressions of Oregon have shifted just ever so slightly. Not that I don't really like them, but I might. I was 100 confirmed this is a legit national championship contender. I still think think they are, but I don't know if it's at 100% confirmation anymore. I think it's at about 98% confirmation. Like, I'm really close to being all in again. But this might be the week that I think that Indiana matches up better to me with Oregon than Penn State did. Like just seeing both teams, the athleticism on both teams, seeing the confusion and the disruption that Indiana can cause, how well coached they are, how they will move up front defensively and yet not be out of gaps because of how good their linebackers are plugging with, how they can kind of, they can kind of somehow mess with the quarterback's eyes and create some conflicts with what they do defensively. Like Their defensive coordinator to me is like, Brian Haynes is the man. Like, I voted for him last year to win the broils. And like, I knew, I know nobody was going to give him that credit, but he's that good. I think he's that good and that creative and that disruptive. So I think that can be a group that could give Oregon problems offensively. I think their movements and stuff can. Can cause some issues. Now. They can get gashed too, because that movement does lead to potential vulnerabilities against these explosive running backs.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

I got.

[Greg McElroy]

There's really.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

I got some questions on the other side too, man. Like, I'm with you. Morgan's playing a true freshman corner and a red shirt freshman corner. And I'm like, I think they're pretty good, but I really don't know because they haven't played people that can beat them. And I think, you know, you thought Drew Aller, but if we're watching Drew Allen, we're grading him. Honestly. He's not winning because of timing and rhythm and passing game. That's just not. I would love to see more of that from him. I just, I don't think he's that kid right now and maybe grow and get better. But like, listen, he'll improv and he'll. And he'll make plays, but, like, Mendoza is going to get the ball out. Mendoza will take hits. And so I'm. I'm really curious to find this pass rush for Oregon's really good. They stunt well. Like, I see that. But I think they're going to get tested in the back end as well.

[Greg McElroy]

I don't disagree. I think the receivers at Indiana are real. Like, real real. And I really like their backs. I think all three of those guys are good. They serve a distinct role. They have a legit one, two punch and they have a hammer. So I think they're just. And I love their offensive line. I think their offensive line is the real deal. It's a really good group. Now, I love Oregon from a personnel athleticism standpoint. I love all that. I think they're very, very good up front. I don't know if they're as good as they were a year ago, but that's okay. I can live with that right now. I think if this becomes a perimeter game, though, I do think that Indiana can cause some problems. I do. I believe that. I am also curious, too, if if for whatever reason, it becomes a bit of a track meet. If it becomes a track meet and I don't know if it's Like, I lean towards it being a high scoring affair. That's where I lean. But if it becomes a track meet, at what point do the veteran receivers, do they have a huge impact? Because you're relying on a guy that's had nine starts in his college career offensively. And your quarterback, your best receiver is a true freshman. Freshman. I love your tight end, but he was a little banged up. I don't think it's going to be something that lingers, but he was a little banged up. He might be at less than 100. Hopefully Ken and Sadiq is not your other receivers. I think Gary Bryant's rock solid, but I, you know, I'm, I'm not 100% sold on Malik Benson. I think your backs are incredible, but you do have youth on that team. And if it gets tight, if it becomes a game down the stretch at home especially, it's a little easier, I think, to play a tight game on the road. In my opinion, when you're at home and it's tight and you don't think it should be, that's when things get a little uncomfortable, too. So I think Indiana is going to play with them. Like, I think Oregon will win a game. I think Indiana keeps it close, though.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

I think those facts for Oregon are going to be fun all year because they're fresh. I think Hill's going to be a next, the next superstar. And they ask him, they ask him to carry the ball. When he does, he does it with bad intentions. And it's really fun. All right.

[Greg McElroy]

I love, like, how they answer me this. Like, they're probably my favorite backs. And it's, it's like they found one that works so well for them and Bucky Irving and it's like, all right, find whatever you do, find guys that mirror Bucky Irving's attributes. Like, their acceleration in the contact is absurd. Like, those guys hit the hole at a hundred miles an hour. I don't think any backs in college football accelerate like the Oregon backs have the last couple of years. It's just so fun to watch.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

And I love, I think, the offensive line. After I watch that Penn State game, I'm like, they're playing with a little nasty. I like that. Like, I like having a little. I like people that don't like people that. That's my favorite part of people in football. When you look at this week, man, everybody had it on the bingo card. Greg McElroy had it on always college football. You had it on ESPN when you were doing everything. You had the teams that Were undefeated in the sec. It was going to consist of the teams that are there right now. Right? You. You had Missouri. We all had Missouri and.

[Greg McElroy]

Oh, you.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

And like, we all had them instead of the other squads that. That are at the top. Missouri's got a big opportunity this week. Bama playing so good. Missouri at home. I know you, I know you've studied Ty Simpson and you've got to love what you see from him and where he's going. I mean, does. Does little old Missouri have a chance? I mean, they're not even going to be in this game with big bad Bama. I mean, they've got no shot.

[Greg McElroy]

So I love Missouri. My problem with Missouri, though, is I don't know for sure. Like, that's. That's where I'm struggling because while I have respect for Kansas, I do. I think Kansas has a super dynamic quarterback. I think Kansas does have a couple guys with speed on the perimeter. I like their 1, 2 punch at running back. I like Kansas. I do. I just don't think Missouri has seen a team that is quite like this. And I'm not sure it's close, frankly. The big thing that I think Missouri does well, though. We know how they want to run the football. They want to capture the edge. They want to stretch. They want to stretch you. And, and you can speak this better than. Than anybody when teams are running that outside zone stuff and you are forced as a linebacker unit, for example, to tackle at angles. Like, how much harder is that to make a tackle on a back that's hitting at 100 miles an hour? Like, how hard is that?

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

It's. It's. It's next to impossible because I have to go so flat. I don't have power downhill. I have that power. I have my base when I'm trying to catch that sucker who. Ahmad Hardy, who is fast. And then I got our speed up and accelerate. Everything it takes for me to get there now he's on that track and he cuts back and it's like, crap. Like, he's gone. So it's. And man, it's been fun to watch them for years at Missouri because Cody Schrader a couple years ago, out of nowhere, like, right, like, they just, they're just so good at getting on tracks. Like, they're so well coached. And then their offense, man, it's so much crap to look at. Like, there's so much, you know, sniffer over here on the left, motion this way, zone blocking, you know, left and then the sniffers going right. QB is going to roll the other direction. Like, it's literally a lot to look at. And I. I like what I saw from Bama in the second half versus Vandy. I like, for the first time I saw good eye discipline. For the first time, I saw really good tackling. For the first time I saw a team. And on the other side, like, it felt like I was watching Greg McElroy's teams. Like, it was ground and pound. It was. You know what I'm saying? Like, they finished the game like they used to. They finished the game by taking the heart out of your chest and eating it. And I love that. Like, it's so. It was so good to see them be physical and now a chance obviously again to show. But yeah, it's just so much to look at and try to stop.

[Greg McElroy]

Well, here's what I like about what Bama did, because if you look at their issues, it's not really along the defensive line. Like, I think there's misconception. Well, like, oh, you're getting run on your defensive line must be bad. Like, that was not really the. The issue with Alabama. If you watch them in the chunk yardage, they've. The problem is, like they're stopping people, you know, one, two, three yards downfield and they give up a 23 yarder. Oh, they're stopping people one, two, three yards down field and then boom, they give up a 65 yarder or whatever. They're getting gashed on chunk yardage plays. So when I see that it's not because the defensive line is just getting absolutely worked, that's not the case. It's been challenging for Alabama is. I don't feel like they've done a great job at the second level fitting the run. And they've especially done a poor job with their corners and safeties and fitting the run.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Georgia made those corners tackle all game. Oh, my gosh, we're very bad at it.

[Greg McElroy]

They want.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Very bad.

[Greg McElroy]

They want to know. And that is not something like, if you look at the guys, even the guys that are back from last year, like Damani Jackson, Xavier Brown, those guys, I mean, not. Look, corners are never going to be a lead against the run. They're corners for a reason. But they were willing to go in and like kind of sacrifice their body and throw a shoulder at a guy, like, they would do that 100%. However, that was not there those first few weeks and Georgia got him a handful of times. I mean, Damani Jackson probably had three or four plays that he didn't set the edge appropriately or contain the run. Next thing you know, it's out the gate. So I do think there was such progress made in the second half against vandy. If you look at the first two runs, they hit Cedric Alexander on touchdown, Diego Pavia to the right hand side. Big play. Getting on the fringe of the red zone again. I might have been in the red zone, whatever. It was long game anyways. You get two massive runs, probably 100 yards worth of rushing on just two plays alone. And all of a sudden they back their linebackers up just a hair. They backed them up a yard. Now these guys can see it a little better because Diego pavia is not very tall. So they would lose him behind the line. All of a sudden you couldn't find him and he's out. So they back him up a touch. They actually had the free safety because they're selling out against the run. They had the safety plan like 6, 7 yards. They backed him up to 12 and now Bray Hubbard is able to actually see what's going on the backfield and then boom. He can go up, fit the run appropriately and make the play. There's a reason why they go for 120 yards in the first half or the first quarter, running the football to then just nine yards rushing in the second half of that football game. It's like it became just a aerial assault from Vandy either. I mean, Vandy was still very committed to the run, very committed to their traditional offense until the final drive of the. Of the half. So I think they just did a much better job of adjusting. And I'm so much more confident now moving forward because I did see those adjustments. I did see a willingness to come up and fit the run at the secondary. That to me is huge.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

So you think it's a close game or you think Bama just rolls?

[Greg McElroy]

No, super close. Like, I think it's gonna be a super close game. Cause I really like Missouri defensively. I think if Bama has a hard time running the football and they're an obvious pass situation, like Missouri's got some heat off the edge and that I think has given Bama some fits because this will probably be the best edge presence that they've played since Florida state. And I don't think. And I don't think Florida state was great, but I think this will probably be the best edge presence they played. Now I will say this. I do think Wisconsin has guys off the edge that can go, but that didn't really materialize because Ty was playing so decisively that game that didn't really matter. The ball was out before those guys could even get home. So I think that'll be the big key. If Bama can stay on schedule and run the football, I think they'll be in good shape. But if for whatever reason they get behind the sticks, then it becomes a challenge. I also am curious about Mizzou covering these whiteouts. I'm curious about anyone covering these White House. I think they're that good.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

They're a problem.

[Greg McElroy]

They're legit. I think it'd be a great game. I think it's coming out of the wire. I could see it going either way. I'd lean Bama just because they're battle tested, they've beaten or They've played against four Power Four teams, whereas Missouri's played the 109th ranks train schedule. I think there's something about having a callus at this point of the season.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Yeah, I think. I think there's also something too, to playing a lot of hard games in a row. And I think now Bama's. Bama's done that. And I think Prabula's legs is going to be a big deal in this. He's not had to run the football a lot. I think they'll be smart enough to use him in this game. You think Lagway puts it together now? You think we see the lagway we expected the rest of the season and obviously a pretty good challenge this week and a pretty tricky defense and a team that's hot.

[Greg McElroy]

Am I crazy that I kind of like Florida this week? Not to get the outright upset, but I'd be shocked if that game's not tight.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

No, I mean, everything about A and M seems to be clicking, right? Because the first thing we said about to start the season was like, defense ain't that good. Like, that's the first thing. Everybody said they played some pretty good offenses to start the season, too, but then they started to get that together. The passing game was pretty solid. The running game was it. But now you're starting to see, man, the. The. The running game for A and M going better. The. The run defense going better. And you know, this Mike Elko is just a pain in the butt on third downs. Like, it's just. It's so much fun. Like, I watch him and I literally get jealous, like, because there's so many schemes you play and that you just ask a guy to go win. Well, he's so good at, like. No, it looks like five guys are coming and then four comes and it's five on four or six on four sometimes, and you're like, there's two guys at the quarterback. That should never happen. But, you know, a guy drops off, they cover him. They might even drop both defensive tackles and come off the edge, like, just so creative. So I don't know. I think. I think Florida rode the momentum of being at home. They handed Jaden Ball a ball early, and he had a great game to start. Now they started to come back down to earth a little bit, and I think A and M at home, I don't think Florida has that kind of magic. They might. They might have some success, but I don't think you're going to line up. I don't think they're going to line up and stop. I think. I think A and M will have a little bit more. I think it'll be a little easier for A and M to move the football and to stop Florida this week.

[Greg McElroy]

Well, I think A and M's offensive line will hold up a lot better that I think, compared to what we saw from Texas last week. So I think A and M matches up better up front, which is helpful. The one thing I'm curious about, curious about, though, is the strength that this Florida team is supposed to be. Offensive line. It's finally started to play like it last week.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Is that.

[Greg McElroy]

Is that a sign of things to come? Because if you look at A and M, they have at times been. Maybe he's a little bit too aggressive with some of their stuff up front defensively, and they get got every once in a while as a result of that. We saw it in the UTSA game. The UTSA should never run for 200. Why did they run for 200? Because guys were doing too much. And whether it was called or it was improvised, they were doing too much. So I think that is an indicator. Like, I think they'll play it smart. I think they'll stay at home. I just think Florida's heavy, man. Like, they are just a heavy football team. And you're going to have to get against some big, big bodies and look D lineman like yourself. Y' all don't like playing the run. Like, I don't care what anyone says. Like, you've been me. Two tight ends give me wing. Wing like no guy. Y' all all look pretty with your 47 jersey on. Y' all want to get after the passer and do spin moves and all kinds of fun stuff. Like, y' all don't want to set the edge against a wing wing and have them Run mid zone right at you. Like, that's a beast. Like, who wants to do that?

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Colin Simmons, three plays in a row. That didn't work out too well last week. Literally tried him three in a row. But I understand, I understand what you're saying.

[Greg McElroy]

That's all I like, I think, I.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Don'T think you have any experience with. I don't think you have any experience with this, Greg. But like, like, how nice is it to have, you know, an elite wide receiver out wide now? And how much does that make it so much better for Lagway? Like, I know you don't. I know you never got to taste that. You never got to have a guy out wide that was big, huge, strong, could run by everybody. I know that wasn't part of your gig. How much does Dallas Wilson, man, help that offense?

[Greg McElroy]

It's just so big, dude. I mean, it's like you can't single the guy. I mean, I like the 6, 3, 2, 15. Everyone, you know, wet their pants last year about Jeremiah Smith because of how physically mature he is. Like, that's what Dallas Wilson's like, not that different at all. He almost looks a little thicker. I think Jeremiah Smith's a little longer, but Dallas Wilson just looks a little thicker. Like he plays at least in one game. He looked like Anquan Bolden to me. He looked like a big, physical wide receiver that's gonna go up and make plays and it's gonna like give the elbow like this and DBs fall like they fall down. I mean, like that, that doesn't happen. You know what I mean?

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

He's just, he's just out there punking people.

[Greg McElroy]

It's unbelievable. Like it was unbelievable. So I think that is going to open things up in the run game because you got to keep a guy over the top. Like you got to double the guy. And they also have VB3 in the slot who I think is really good and I think he can cause some problems as well. The thing that I think will be really interesting in this game though, because if it becomes a throw a thon and Lagway has to drop back 40 plus times, that's not a winning recipe. Like it's bootleg, it's short passes, it's moving the pocket because of how vertical they play up field, like you're probably going to do a ton of just straight boot action, but you got to have some. So I, I think it's a 25 attempt game from Lagway. I think it's a 40 run game from Florida. And I think they, they battle. And I, I don't see A and M getting away from them. I don't. I think it's gonna be tight. I think A M wins, but I would expect Florida to keep it close.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

All right, two more for you. John Matierlis, Oklahoma, and the Red river rivalry. And you're the one that's on the show, too, when you start to do the ranking show. One of the things that we've been told for years, when we worked there, great. When I worked there after I got fired, you're still there. But, like, what we got told for years is what, like, injuries are also part of something that they consider with the committee. So now John Mateer, you know, having his injury going into the Texas game should be interesting to see how they handle themselves. But, like, now Texas bouncing back. Do you see this? Being first to first to 17, first to 13, like, what do you think this one's going to look like?

[Greg McElroy]

I don't see. I mean, I don't see how this game becomes high scoring. I, I just don't. I think both defense is too good and both offenses and both coaches know that they have problems with their offensive line. So I, I don't imagine a scenario where you're sitting there and if you're, say, Brent Venables or Ben Arbuckle, their offensive brain trust, you're like, all right, we want material. If he plays. I, I don't think he will. But if he plays, do we want him dropping back and throwing it behind that group with Colin Simmons and company rushing off the edge? Like, no way.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

I mean, can't run and get hit either.

[Greg McElroy]

So, yeah, close to the vest, quarterback run game, we can do that. Maybe he's got some type of cast that allows him to still throw. How accurate will he be? Who knows? If it's not John Mateer and it's Michael Hawkins, like, his accuracy or inaccuracy is. Is it obvious? Like, he's, He's a little up and down. He's going to have some big misses. That happens. He's a young quarterback, but I do think he's got a lot of juice with his legs. I think he can cause problems in the quarterback run game. I don't know what their number three option is beyond him. So how much do you really want to expose him to the violence that he might face in this game? I don't know, but I think both teams will keep it real close to the vesting. I actually think Texas bounces back here. Like, I, I look at this. And I, everything about Oklahoma's defensive front scares me to death. If I'm Texas. Like, I, I, that defensive front I think is more disruptive than Florida. But I also know with that defensive front and some of the pressures that Venables will bring and how he's looping guys and how they're trying to overload you, if I'm him, I wouldn't blitz. I would just allow my front floor to tee off. Like, I think those guys can go get it. Give me army Thomas off the right can't do that.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

He, he doesn't have that in him, Greg.

[Greg McElroy]

He doesn't. He can't do it. Like, I think he's going to blitz his way into some problems and Sark's going to have some zero beaters dialed up and they're going to hit him like that. To me is what I'll be real curious about because I would go uber conservative with the plan here because I think I can win it with my front four on both sides. And I think it's about the team that makes the mistake. If one team makes a mistake, it's, it's could be Katie bar the door. I mean I, that could be it. So Eileen, Texas, and we know Texas will be conservative.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

That's who they are. That's who Kotowski. He's going to drop back. He's going to be. He'll make you earn it all the way down the field. They listed him as questionable. Which mater. Which is. Which is interesting. But man, I just, I think it's. I don't think you play him. I don't think it's possible. I think it's gamesmanship. I think that's part of the deal. Like prepare for him. But, but how about this too? Oh, you defense. Greg, eight forced fumbles. That will not continue. That is, that is luck like that. That doesn't happen throughout a season. Trust me. I'm a defensive guy. I wish it did. But that is the ball bouncing that a weirdly shaped ball that will bounce your way sometimes and sometimes it won't. So I don't think they'll continue with that last one. Chapel. Bill, I was incredibly wrong. I thought because of his schedule and because of his defensive pedigree, he would come in, he would find a way to win a bunch of games in the acc. I don't now don't think he will last this season and I think it won't. I think this tenure is going to come to an end soon. But like what have you seen with North Carolina and just, I mean, I, I don't know where to start because you just go ahead. There's. There's so much that, that the buyouts coming, I imagine. But what, what do we, what do we say he did a good job at? Because I don't see it.

[Greg McElroy]

I, I'm, I'm struggling myself. Like, I mean, the thing that's most remarkable to me, like Freddy Kitchens is on that staff or whatnot. Like Freddie Kitchens, the oc Freddie Kitchens could coach some ball now. Like, he, he can call some plays. Like that guy can. That guy knows how to score.

[Brent (Attorney/College Professor)]

Well, they're not knowing.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

He's not Chapel. Bill's not letting him because they ran snag slant 12 times last week. Yeah, like the most horrible basic crap with nothing else to it. Like, so there's a problem there, and it's not him. It's someone else.

[Greg McElroy]

Yeah, well, I know, I know Freddie's offense, and what I'm seeing is not it. So, like, that's an example I think of. Like, I, I'm not sure and just not knowing a whole lot about what it was like in the Patriots organization or whatnot. But it's Bill's way or the highway. Like, I mean, at least based on what I've assumed from the outskirts. Right. I, I'm amazed at how bad it's been because if you talk to people that are more familiar with roster, with the roster and who they brought in, and like, I, I, I'm not in scouting. I'm not in the transfer portal evaluation world. That's not my world. Like, I, I don't even try to pretend like if a guy's going, playing at a place that I want to cover, I'll watch some tape of that guy. But I don't know how the whole pie is going to come together. I mean, you never know. If you live heavy in the portal like you, you might be great. You might be aw. And right now they're, they're trending towards, towards the latter. It's been disappointing, if you want me to be honest. I think all of us would have liked to have had that storyline throughout the season, but I think when I saw the game against TCU and anyone that has done college football for the last, I don't know, eight months knows that knows what TCU does to try to create problems for you. Like, they're going to take vertical shots and they're going to force you to dictate and declare. And if all of a sudden you declare that you want to take away the run, they're going to take deep shots. You determine that you want to take away the deep shots, they're going to run it down your throat. They're going to hit some short throws underneath. Pretty simple. Like, we all know what TCU's offense is. And then, sure enough, week one, what does TCU come out doing? Just down the field. Down the field. No adjustment, just down the field. It's like, that's what you got when you're playing against a team. It's how and who. How do they beat us? Who do they beat us with? And I don't feel like with TCU in week one, they had any answer whatsoever on defense to what TCU has done under Sunday Dykes for the last million years. To me, that's what was most alarming. I'm like, this ain't good, because if TC is going to beat you, they better beat me doing something that they haven't done forever, especially week one. So that. That, I think, was alarming.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

That set the tone. And then when Clemson's offense. Like, how do you get Clemson's offense going? You go play North Carolina.

[Greg McElroy]

Yes, confirmed.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

I mean, that's. That's not good, man. Like, they look so human, and then all of a sudden, they're ripping off 30 plus points and making you look. It's. It's. It's bad. Like, it's a $20 million buyout, and with the way it looks, it's like, okay, yeah, we got to do this now, because it's just. There's not a lot of. A lot of positives.

[Greg McElroy]

Well, I don't know how you. Like, how do you recruit now, because now everybody's circling and swarming, and everybody's probably reaching out to agents and wondering what the North Carolina players are going to do next. So there's probably guys at this point that are like, do I. You know, what do I do? Like, I'm get hearing about this? Do I go in the portal? I mean, it just becomes a huge message. The one thing that he could potentially do is, like, lock down a really good recruiting class. So at least there's some optimism. So there's a fear that if you let him go, then you lose all those guys. Then you know you're starting from scratch with someone new. But I don't know, man. It's a problem. Like, I. I was pessimistic in the outskirts of it, like, turning into a championship contender just because I think in this day and age, the modern player requires you to meet them. Where they're at, not have a mentality of you're gonna do it my way and if you don't kick rocks, you know. So I think the modern player requires a little bit more willingness to concede, and I don't think that's in his nature. But it's been a hard thing to watch, man. I mean, it really has. I'm not sure how you can spin it, but.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

But his. One of his best friends is Saban and. And Saban got out for that. Very. Like he knew what he was getting into.

[Greg McElroy]

That.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

That's where. That's where it's interesting. Greg, thank you, my man. Best of luck on the call. I think you're going to have a barn burn. I think it's going to be a fun one in Jed and hair on Saturday night, man. But thank you for joining us. We appreciate you like always, Big dog.

[Greg McElroy]

Always. Enjoy, buddy. Great being with you. Look forward to seeing you soon.

[Host (possibly Bill Pollock)]

Yes, sir. See you, brother.