See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: Indiana-Penn State, Texas A&M-Missouri, BYU-Texas Tech & More – CFB Week 11 INSTANT REACTIONS

Date: November 9, 2025
Host: David Pollack (with frequent guest Brett)

Episode Overview

In this jam-packed Week 11 instant reaction episode, David Pollack and Brett break down a surprising and drama-filled slate of college football games, analyze Heisman implications, discuss the physical and mental state of contenders, and air their frustrations over coaching decisions. The duo covers marquee matchups from Indiana-Penn State to BYU-Texas Tech, and delivers their trademark passionate, detailed, and sometimes irreverent takes on performances, strategies, and what the path to the playoff looks like for top teams.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Indiana vs. Penn State: Mendoza’s Heisman Moment

[00:18 – 06:40]

• Game Summary: Indiana pulled off another late-game victory, driving 80 yards with backup weapons as Mendoza delivered clutch throws despite heavy pressure.
• Injuries: Indiana played short-handed, missing star WR Surratt and with OL issues—huge impact on pass protection.
• Mendoza's Heisman Case: “If you look at their schedule…there shouldn’t be a challenge. But Mendoza doing it without all the supporting cast…You gotta say Mendoza’s the front runner for the Heisman after watching that today.” – David Pollack [05:40]
• Key Play: Cooper’s toe-tapping end zone catch, likened to Julio Jones/Santonio Holmes Super Bowl moments [25:00 – 25:41].
• Penn State’s Struggles: Still unable to secure a signature win; “Frustrating, frustrating season…but at least they didn’t quit.” – [06:28]

2. BYU vs. Texas Tech: Tech’s Defense Leads the Charge

[06:41 – 09:29]

• Texas Tech's Defense: Pollack lauds Tech’s transfer portal success and defensive ROI.
• QB Concerns: Morton plays hurt, backup Hammond gone—raises sustainability questions.
• Red Zone Issues: “Their red zone offense continues to be an absolute abomination…That’s not going to pull out the games that you need.” – David Pollack [08:32]
• Jacob Rodriguez's Impact: “Turnover creation machine…If you’re going to talk most outstanding player, he might have an argument if you want to pick a defender.” – Brett [07:19]

3. Alabama vs. LSU: Crimson Tide’s Consistency, LSU’s Woes

[10:07 – 15:45]

• QB Play: “First time I’ve ever looked at a box score: 18 for 21 and he needs to take a seat…He’s not letting the ball rip.” – David on LSU’s Nussmeier [10:10]
• Mistakes & Penalties: LSU plagued by errors, failed red-zone conversions—contrast with Bama’s steady approach.
• Alabama’s Run Game Concerns: “Alabama can’t run the football and it’s got to get fixed. They’re too good at wide receiver, too good at quarterback, too good up front…” – Pollack [12:39]
• Quarterback Grit: Simpson’s NFL-level poise and field vision keep Alabama dangerous [14:09].
• LSU’s Missed Opportunities: Drops, poor situational awareness (ex: sliding on 3rd down), self-inflicted wounds.

4. Texas A&M vs. Missouri: Statement Win on the Road

[16:49 – 19:31]

• Aggies’ Breakthrough: “The Aggies…beat Mizzou by 21, they beat a ranked team at their place by three touchdowns. 9–0 for the first time since ’92.” – Pollack [17:13]
• Offensive Versatility: A&M’s speed and play variety draw praise; fake punt decision signals aggressive mindset.
• Lingering Issues: Run defense leaks (allowed two 100yd rushers), penalties remain concerns.
• Moving Past Old Narratives: “You have to start getting past the point of looking at the past now…and we got to be like, ‘We’re freaking good.’” – [18:45]

5. Ohio State vs. Purdue: Buckeyes’ Business as Usual

[19:36 – 22:52]

• Early Scare, Dominant Finish: Down early but quickly pulled away—even without Carnell Tate (“No Tate, no problem”).
• Jeremiah Smith’s Brilliance: “You got the best player in college football…fours open every time.” – Pollack [20:48]
• Physicality for Playoff Readiness: OSU’s ability to run out the clock, play tough for Michigan looming large.
• Sustained Excellence: “Ryan Day seems extremely comfortable with who he is. The coordinators…it just seems to be seamless.” – [22:48]

6. Georgia vs. Mississippi State: Trap Game Turns into Statement

[25:41 – 34:27]

• Slow Start, Dominant Finish: Down 7, then scored 38 straight. “Georgia scored 38 unanswered. Their defense played the best game they’ve played this season.” – Pollack [26:09]
• Key Players Emerging: Freshmen like Elias Williams and others flashing big-time ability.
• Creativity and Borrowed Strategy: Fake-punt tactic credits Marcus Freeman/Notre Dame (“Everything is borrowed or stolen.” – Brett [30:09])
• Offensive Evolution: Balance between gap/pin-pull and zone runs. “I think this offense is sitting in a spot that, that leads anybody from being able to complain about Mike Bobo.” – Pollack [34:12]
• No Drama: “Georgia fans are alright with not having to sweat one out.” – [33:59]

7. Oregon vs. Iowa: Physicality in the Slop

[34:29 – 41:40]

• Injury-Depleted Oregon Guts Out Road Win: “Oregon down all their weapons…turned into an old school Big Ten slugfest.” – [34:39]
• Pounding the Rock: Over 230 rushing yards vs. Iowa’s renowned defense, despite almost no passing game.
• Dante Moore’s Heroics: Only one big pass needed, but it was clutch: “If you were playing cornhole and you put a board 60 yards out, that sucker threw it right through it.” – Pollack [38:07]
• Iowa’s Missed Opportunities: Fumbles, special teams gaffes, and “high school throws” undermine upset bid.

8. Auburn vs. Vanderbilt: Late-Game Chaos

[43:17 – 46:21]

• Auburn’s Frustrations: Offense looks improved, then “stops making plays,” endless penalties, and defensive lapses let Vandy back in.
• Cam Coleman’s NFL Talent: “I’m going to get Cam Coleman…Number one on the board when it comes to transfer portal receivers.” – Pollack [45:18]
• Pavia’s Emergence: “Starting to pass the football really great recently…Throws for almost 400 the last two weeks.” – [46:22]
• Vandy’s Playmakers: Stowers and Trigg are “very high draft picks” who “destroyed Auburn this year.” [47:53]

9. Notre Dame, Pitt, and ACC Playoff Picture

[49:38 – 54:50]

• Jeremiah Love’s Star Power: “Best player in college football is Jeremiah Smith and I’m not getting outside of five with Jeremiah Love.” – Pollack [50:19]
• ND’s Run Game Elite: “Price and Love are the best running back duo…super freaky.”
• ACC Chaos: Cal upsets Louisville in OT, Miami alive following wins/losses shakeup, Virginia/Duke/Pitt/GT all in the mix.
• Miami’s Playoff Math: “I don’t want a shot…just go ahead and get in the playoffs. Y’all have at it.” – Pollack [54:47]

10. Wisconsin vs. Washington: Grit After Institutional Commitment

[55:12 – 56:42]

• Wisconsin Stands By Fickell: Opts to invest in recruiting instead of firing the staff. “That’s what you need to be excited about…my dudes just went out and fought their heart out.” – Pollack [56:31]
• Special Teams, Defense Key: Blocked kick, sacks, turnovers—first ranked win since 2021.

11. G5 Roundup: A Wild Mess

[56:55 – 59:04]

• Unpredictability Reigns: “Just take a hunk of poop and throw it on the wall because it’s a she show!” – Pollack [57:42]
• No Clear Frontrunner: Memphis drops out, Tulane bounces back, James Madison in the mix, others fall apart.

12. Coaching Malpractice Rant

[59:25 – 61:13]

• Brett Rants: Calls out Northwestern, Penn State, Missouri, Mississippi State, LSU coaches for conservative, confused, or poor late-game decisions.
• Quote: “Do you want to win the game or do you just want to hang around?” – Brett [61:03]
• Pollack’s Response: “That’s why you’re getting paid all that money—great teams have that addressed.” [61:19]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Mendoza’s the front runner for the Heisman after watching that today.”
  — David Pollack, Indiana-Penn State segment [05:40]

• “Their red zone offense continues to be an absolute abomination.”
  — David Pollack, Texas Tech’s issues [08:32]

• “First time I’ve ever…looked at a box score: 18 for 21 and he needs to take a seat.”
  — Pollack on LSU’s Nussmeier [10:10]

• “We’re freaking good. And it’s fun. You should be having really a lot of fun knowing that you’re really, really good.”
  — Pollack, Texas A&M’s breakthrough [18:45]

• “If you were playing cornhole and you put a board 60 yards out, that sucker threw it right through it…”
  — Pollack on Dante Moore’s clutch throw [38:07]

• “Just take a hunk of poop and throw it on the wall because it’s a she show!”
  — Pollack, G5 chaos [57:42]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Indiana-Penn State: 00:18 – 06:40
• BYU-Texas Tech: 06:41 – 09:29
• Alabama-LSU: 10:07 – 15:45
• Texas A&M-Missouri: 16:49 – 19:31
• Ohio State-Purdue: 19:36 – 22:52
• Georgia-Mississippi State: 25:41 – 34:27
• Oregon-Iowa: 34:29 – 41:40
• Auburn-Vanderbilt: 43:17 – 47:53
• Notre Dame & ACC: 49:38 – 54:50
• Wisconsin-Washington: 55:12 – 56:42
• G5 Roundup: 56:55 – 59:04
• Coaching Rant: 59:25 – 61:13

Final Thoughts

Week 11 delivered way more chaos, heroics, and late-game drama than anyone anticipated. Pollack and Brett provide actionable insights—on injuries, Heisman cases, systemic program progress, and the ever-changing playoff landscape—with a consistent focus on what separates the truly elite from the merely good. If you’re looking for passionate, detailed, and sometimes brutally honest analysis, this is an episode you shouldn’t miss.

Next live show: Monday at 8:30
“If you want more of those rants…See Ball Get Ball this week, baby. You’ll get it.” – Pollack [61:59]