Kirby Smart on Georgia & State of CFB | Portal QB Moves | CFB Christmas Wishes

Summary

See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: Kirby Smart on Georgia & State of CFB | Portal QB Moves | CFB Christmas Wishes

Date: December 18, 2025

---

Overview

This episode of See Ball Get Ball dives deep into the wild world of college football in December: transfer portal madness, bowl season, playoff previews, and a candid, insightful interview with Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. Host David Pollack and analyst Brent Rollins bring their signature honest, energetic analysis, cover hot rumors and QB moves, react to listener “CFB wish lists,” and wrap up with practical holiday banter. The highlight: Kirby Smart’s in-depth discussion of Georgia, portal recruiting, and the evolving landscape of college football.

---

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. The Ongoing Transfer Portal Frenzy

(02:27–10:31)

• Portal Moves & The Business of College Football
  • David describes the chaos of the transfer portal, especially for players whose agents are negotiating “right now, while they’re still playing” (03:20).
  • Brendan Sorsby’s situation is cited, with reported offers around "$4 million to be a one-year guy at Texas Tech" (04:00). Pollack asks: “What would you do? Four million bucks, go one year? Yes, please.”
  • Quarterback Aaron Philo enters the portal after a standout Georgia HS career and a fill-in season at Georgia Tech. Discussion focuses on “the connections that matter”—player–coach familiarity is increasingly valuable (05:40).
  • Quote (David Pollack):
    “If it's you and this is an opportunity to set your family for the next 10, 15 years... it’s kinda hard to say, Nah, don’t take it, man.” (07:52)
• Portal “Intent to Enter” & Market Value
  • Brent clarifies that many news items are “intent to enter”—the window officially opens Jan 2 (07:08).
  • They riff on the reality that big names are using the portal (or threat thereof) to gauge or set their market value, and that NIL is making what used to be secret out in the open.
    • “Now we just go in the front door—guns blazing.” (09:15)

2. Playoff & Bowl Game Previews

(12:04–26:59)

• Oregon vs. James Madison (JMU) Preview
  • Oregon has too much talent and speed; JMU’s defense is “really good,” but will be “at a big time disadvantage” (15:18).
  • Interest is mostly in “who plays for Oregon,” especially with injuries and possible returns (17:26).
  • Speed and physicality are discussed (“They were at least the more physical team against Louisville. But... speed very much mattered.” – Brent, 19:19).
• Ole Miss & Tulane Matchup
  • Lane Kiffin’s swagger impacts how invincible Ole Miss feels, but first-time head coach Pete Golding’s ability to keep focus is a storyline (21:20).
  • Home playoff environments and fan pressure are analyzed, compared to the one-sided nature of last year’s playoff home games (22:54).
  • Tulane’s defense is “not going to keep them in” vs. Ole Miss, but they discuss game plans for staying close (25:08).
• A&M vs. Miami
  • Quick injury updates, with key players probable or questionable, and confidence from the A&M side (“I love the confidence. Confidence is a good thing.” – Pollack, 64:47).

3. Interview: Kirby Smart on Georgia & The State of CFB

(27:39–50:35; 53:40–54:06; 48:22–50:35)

Christmas Icebreaker

• Favorite Christmas gift: “Fifth, sixth grade… a Dallas Cowboys Tony Dorsett jersey. I wore that thing everywhere.” (27:39)
• Favorite Christmas movie: A Christmas Story: “That thing comes on, I’ll just fall asleep watching it and enjoy it.” (28:31)

What's Different About This Year’s Georgia Team?

• More buy-in, accountability, and leadership in 2025.
• Running and stopping the run prioritized more deliberately: “We rubbed their nose in it... made a committed effort... You get what you demand in this world and this game. We probably demanded it more.” (29:58, 30:46)
  • Notable Quote (Kirby Smart):
    “It wasn’t that the last group was not capable, we probably didn’t demand it at that standard.” (30:46)

QB Play–Gunner & Portal Evaluation

• Compliments Gunner’s toughness—“Slides? He never slides. It’s not even in his thought process… He jumps forward and throws his head out there.” (34:28)
• Praises Branch’s surprising work ethic and team-oriented attitude as a portal addition:
  • “His pursuit to go block people… kids that size that get the ball that much aren’t usually good at transition blocking. He’s elite at it.” (36:31, 36:54)
  • On portal recruiting: “You can’t figure that out on one visit. But that’s who we want to draw to us, is kids that want to win.” (37:49)

Youth, Depth, and Defensive Growth

• Discussed the unusual number of true freshman O-linemen (“Never happened in ten years here... It’s the way of the world now because of the turnover.” 38:34)
• On rotation: “20-something guys that play over 100 snaps... keeps us fresh, because we believe we’ll play more games than everybody else.” (40:05)
• Defensive improvement from a “nervous, anxious” early group to one that can play mature, assignment-sound football.

SEC & CFB Landscape Changes

• On the nine-game SEC schedule: “One more loss... If we don’t increase playoffs, it’s gonna cost us probably a playoff spot.” (42:48)
• Calendar and hiring: “It’s like government... you cannot get things done quickly. There’s too many moving parts.” (43:21)
• Private equity in CFB: “It just scares me... You start giving that control away, now all of a sudden we’re not practicing when we want to practice…” (48:46)

Contemplating the Future

• Should championship games continue? “As the playoff expands... I just don’t know how they’re going to continue to do that.” (49:33)
• “When I came here there was no chance I was playing as a freshman. But these kids nowadays, they can play.” (48:22)

---

Notable Quotes

• David Pollack:
  • “If it's you and this is an opportunity to set your family for the next 10, 15 years, man, golly, it's kinda hard to say, Nah, don’t take it, man.” (07:52)
• Kirby Smart:
  • “You get what you demand in this world and you get what you demand in this game...” (30:46)
  • “Kids nowadays, they can play.” (48:22)
  • “This portal thing has been good to us... We have hit on kids that are team culture guys.” (37:49)
• Brent Rollins:
  • “He didn't know the kid's work ethic... when you get a lot of success, that's when it hits.” (52:10)
• On the Transfer Portal:
  • “Now we just walk in the front door guns blazing.” (09:15)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Portal QB Movement & Sorsby/Philo Discussion | 02:27–10:31 | | NIL/Transfer Portal Realities | 07:29–09:49 | | Oregon vs. JMU Preview | 15:18–19:41 | | SEC/Playoff Expansion Calendar, Championship Game | 42:39–50:35 | | Kirby Smart Interview | 27:39–50:35 | | Christmas Wishes from Listeners | 55:33–61:23 | | D2 Podium Kings & Tony Anise Humor | 61:20–62:44 | | Coaching Transitions (Tulane, Miami, A&M) | 65:17–66:13 | | Wrap-up & Hosts’ Christmas Wishes | 66:26–70:59 |

---

Listener Q&A: “CFB Christmas Wishes”

(55:33–66:13)

• Tennessee fan “wishes for 8 portal defensive backs” (55:33).
• “Domer Guy ’88” wants Notre Dame to “take college football hostage” and win a national title, but acknowledges a tough road ahead with key departures.
• Miami fan wants out of the ACC due to scheduling chaos; host agrees the power lies in the SEC/Big Ten.
• One user wants just a giant Pop Tart for Christmas (light-hearted fun, 60:18).
• Others wish for health, coaching stability (especially Michigan fans), and big wishes for their teams.

---

Memorable Moments & Lighthearted Exchanges

• Recurring riff on NIL: “Now it’s legal... now we just go in the front door.”
• Fun banter: “If you don’t drink coffee, I don’t trust you... coffee is one of the luxuries in life.” (67:12–68:29)
• One host wants only a coffee mug that stays hot; another just wishes for good winter weather to golf.

---

Analysis & Takeaways

• Portal Recruiting:
  Coaches are acutely aware culture fit matters as much as talent; Smart admits even he “didn’t know the work ethic” of some portal arrivals before they joined, but Georgia has “hit on” culture fits.
• Georgia Identity: A determined shift back to running and stopping the run—achieved through “demanding it more” and daily emphasis at practice—is credited for their surging 2025 campaign.
• CFB Landscape:
  Expansion, nine-game conference schedules, and private equity are reshaping the game—Smart is wary of outside influence but sees no signs of change slowing down.

---

Tone & Style

The show blends Pollack’s humor and southern energy with Brent’s analytical rigor and practical football insight. Kirby Smart is direct, affable, and full of practical wisdom—emphasizing toughness, culture, and adaptability. The conversation ranges from detailed X’s and O’s football talk to light-hearted Christmas wishes, all with a clear focus on what moves the needle in the sport today.

---

For Listeners New and Old

Whether you missed the episode or just want the main takeaways, this summary covers the big-picture narratives—Georgia football’s evolution, the transfer portal’s impact, playoff and bowl landscape, and listener interaction—plus the unique, personal touch that Pollack and his guests bring to See Ball Get Ball. Don’t miss the Kirby Smart interview for a coach’s eye view of how top programs are adapting to the ever-changing (and ever-crazier) world of college football.

---

End of Summary

Transcript

[Kevin Harlan]

Kevin Harlan here this Friday, the NBA on prime crew is back with another thrilling NBA doubleheader. It tips off with Tyrese Maxey and the Sixers taking on Jalen Brunson and the Knicks at the Garden. Then SGA and the Champion Thunder. Visit Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves. If you're not a Prime member, just sign up for a free 30 day trial. The Sixers and Knicks the Thunder and Timberwolves coverage starts Friday at 6:30pm Eastern only on Prime. Restrictions apply. See Amazon.com Amazon prime for details. As players fight to avoid mistakes on the field, remember to make smart choices off the field this holiday season. If you decide to drink and drive, you could get a dui or worse. That one decision to drive impaired could change your life and the life of others forever. If you're going to drink, the only way to be the MVP this holiday season is by planning a safe and sober ride home. Don't risk it. Drive sober or get pulled over. Paid for by NHTSA Want to make.

[GoFundMe Announcer]

A difference in your community, but not sure how? Go to GoFundMe.com right now and start a GoFundMe. Seriously. Your next fundraiser doesn't have to start in a school parking lot or a church basement. You can start a GoFundMe today in just minutes. Fundraise for yourself, a friend or family member or an organization. All that matters is that you care about them. GoFundMe is the trusted place to fundraise for what you care about. With no pressure to hit your fundraising goal, but tons of tools to help you reach it, you can confidently start fundraising right now. Whether it's creative, local or critical, your cause matters and there's a reason why. GoFundMe is backed by millions and chosen by fundraisers everywhere. It works and it matters. GoFundMe helps you make a real difference. Start your GoFundMe today at GoFundMe.com that's GoFundMe.com G O F U N D M E dot com this is a commercial message brought to you by GoFundMe.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

And how about that Polack interception in the end zone?

[Kirby Smart]

Well, it's David Pollack and I think.

[Kevin Harlan]

People are going to learn what kind of ballplayer is.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

He's got a heart of a lion.

[Kevin Harlan]

I'm real proud of that kid.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

This is Seaball Get Ball.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

College football's top show for football.

[Kirby Smart]

Announced analysis, predictions and coach interviews.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Now here's your host, three time All.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

American, seven time Emmy Award winner.

[GoFundMe Announcer]

What up dudes?

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Hope you are doing well, see ball, get ball. Here we are so close to college football playoff games right around the corner. We're gonna break down the rest of the games. We're gonna have coach Kirby smart on and talk all things Georgia the second go round this year in the Sugar Bowl. And we'll also talk off the jump right here, off the rip. We'll talk about some transfer news. This is going to continue to happen, right? Like we're going to have more and more of this. The amount of stuff and rumors that are going around with players, because this is the craziest thing. All the players that are playing right now remember their agents are free game. Like the guys that are in the playoffs, their agents are free game. Like I've heard today about an unbelievable situation with a wide receiver that plays in the SEC that's linked to another SEC team. Like that's right now going on. All this is still going on. They're still competing for the playoffs. Might be playing in a game sometime soon. Like that's the kind of stuff that's going on everywhere. But the kind of things that we do know for sure is that Sourcebee, Brendan Soaresby, we talked about him, he's in the portal. I don't think he's made his decision yet because Sourcebee, I think he'll go to Texas Tech or he'll go to the NFL. Somebody has to be like in the NFL draft this year because it seems like everybody's still coming back. There's so much money now in college sports. The decision making process is a lot different. You don't, you don't have to push the envelope. You don't have to jump and go try to make money right away because, you know, just like Sorsby, that reported situation is around $4 million. The possibility to go be a one year guy at Texas Tech. What would you do? Four million bucks, go one year? Yes, please. Like you talk about being, setting up, set up for a long time. It's hard not to imagine. I think it'd be interesting to see him, you know, in the Big 12. He started at Indiana, so maybe that's one of the reasons why he wouldn't go back to Indiana, went to UC and then obviously, you know, now has a chance to go. I think he's going to go to the NFL, he's going to go to Texas Tech, like one of those two spots. But you know, either way that's, that's the craziness. What we live in with college football. It's not, it's not Done there. There's. There's plenty of other guys that we've talked about, but one guy we really, we need to go a little bit more in depth on is Aaron Philo. He's officially now in the transfer portal. And here's something to know about this cat. Like, he's at. He was at Georgia Tech. He was right down the road in Georgia, actually, right down the road from, from me and Brent. It's, it's a. It's a couple miles up the road, literally. And he broke every record in the, in the history of high school Georgia football. Like Trevor Lawrence had him. He came in, he had almost 14,000 yards in high school. He hasn't been asked to do a lot. Haynes King missed one game. I think it was Gardner Webb this year. And he came in and was like 21 of 28, big arm, was, was a. Was a pretty good recruit. But him jumping into the Portal, like, I think a lot of this, a lot of these things are going to be who has connections with who. Obviously, the money's going to make sense, but does the system make sense? So it's not hard to draw a line between Philo and Faulkner and then possibly teaming up together at Florida because. Because obviously we already saw DJ Lagway is in the portal finding his destination. So he's not going to be the next guy there. You know, if you're Philo, you've got the skill set. You've seen him work your skill set where you threw for 300 plus. Now it's interesting, he doesn't have a lot of experience. And going to Florida, though, if you can build a system, and this is what I think you. This is why Kirk Signetti has had so much success at Indiana. If you have a system and you have familiarity with the, with the player, you know what's inside their chest, you know what makes them tick. Otherwise, a lot of times you're guessing. And so Faulkner knowing Philo and, and then also there's not as much of a learning curve, right? Like knowing the guy that you're about to go work with, like, you know how competitive he is, you know what he can do, you know what he can't do. Like, you know, how much he studies and watches tape. So, like, I think that that's a, that's a great connection to be able to have. And so I think you're going to continue to see, you know, the connection with pieces of people, and that's where there's not. You're not done with the. You're not done with the hiring process yet. There's still a bunch of schools that have to hire coaches and some big name ones, obviously. Obviously with Michigan. But Brent, I don't think you can overstate. Brent Rollins on 3. Pff. I don't think you can overstate how much a connection means that, that they have each other and they know each other very much.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

So. Now don't forget, officially in the portal doesn't open until January 2nd. All these kids are saying their intention, they intend to enter the transfer portal. So that's basically.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Hey, I'll let you boys agent. Yeah, give me a call, give me.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

A number, text me.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

What a world, man. Hey, if I lived in this world, like, as much as people want to crap on people for, for taking the money and getting in the portal, like, if you live in this world and the money that's being thrown around, like, how do you, how do you tell your kid to go, hey, no, no, no, dude, stay, stay. Hang out.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Take $3 million less.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Like, and this is something that, like, you have a chance to set your family up for something huge down the road. You're gambling and guessing at the NFL. You're gambling and guessing and the odds are not in your favor. So like, as much as people, I think, think look at this in a negative connotation. Like, you got to look at it. If this is you and this is an opportunity to set your family for the next 10 years, 15 years, man, golly, it's kind of hard to say. Nah, don't take it, man. Don't take it.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

I remember when it first was announced, like, we had a show on it on Ugasports.com's YouTube page. And we were talking about it and I was like, hey, if I'm Brock back, because this was Bowers, Bryce Young, heyday. I was like, if I'm Bowers or I'm Bryce Young, I put my name in every year just to see what the price is. And just because fair market value. Hey, then if I want to stay, then here's my value.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Well, and to be clear, a lot of people have been doing that for years and years. Oh, yes, this is, this is also not something. Like, again, I say nil jokingly stands for. Now it's legal. Like, I got paid. I got plenty. I found plenty of things. I used to have a guy that would take me to different towns and meet people and stuff, and then they give you some cash and it was like, I'm loaded. Like, I'm freaking loaded.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Like, did you hear Edo's comment recently. I think it was on the bus with the boys where it's like we used to go to the back door but now we just go in the front door.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Now you walk in the front door guns blazing like.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

But anyway on Philo I did like what's interesting about that is you think Haynes, King and their offense and what they've done, but when he played they threw it around. Totally different it they adjusted it their offense and Buster adjusted his offense to him and he's got 109 career drop backs, 102 career attempts. His big time throw rate which is PFF's highest graded throws is 9.6%. That would be the best in the Power 4 each of the last two years.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah. And last year very small sample size against Gardner Webb and he also has.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Two touchdowns play a little bit against Miami played.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

But he has two touchdowns and three interceptions. So like I'm also not ready to go. Oh hey, hey now man.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Well, especially when you consider the fact that who do you know who led the power four last year in big time throw rate? That would be DJ Lagway. So. But it's still something where it's like hey, you at least see what it can be.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

And you're making those high level throws. That's the big thing for it is all right. Because if you've seen it in the game, that means his potential new offensive coordinator has seen it in practice on a daily basis. Yeah. It's like hey, this kid can do it. That kind of thing. So.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

And they, they gotta, they gotta find their guys and it just, it makes a lot of sense for, for Faulkner and Philo to, to team up and.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Go so one with the other with an F. Yeah.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Different. Different but together different. In the same vein, probably working together. Listen, those dudes will be comfortable in their new spots. I promise you Philo, whether it's with Faulkner, Sorsby, whether it's in the NFL. But one thing that's the most comfortable situation that I can promise you is this right here. It's Roback. Like those guys will be comfortable. You'll be comfortable. This is the softest shirt you'll ever put on in your life. It's the Hesi hoodie. Like it's my favorite thing in the world. I've had a hard time not wearing it. I can literally get up in the morning. I'm like, all right, I think I'm going to go with that again. Like it's that comfortable. You can get your team and logos on it. Too, whatever your, whatever squad you rep, if you go to roback.com use our promo code ball20, ball20 to get 20% off your, your entire first order so we can hook you up with that ball20, get you some good stuff at Roeback. It's really, really good. All right, next college football previews. Now this, this is, this is interesting, right? Like we've already covered the two games that I think we're all pointing to to say like these are the big games, right? Like Alabama and Oklahoma. Nobody's really sold on picking that game. Miami and A and M both, we both, we all feel like those could go either way. And that's what's, that's what you football playoffs. Now, there's a couple other games that we don't feel that way and the Ducks, Oregon and jmu, we don't feel that way. We don't feel like this is going to be a great game.

[Kevin Harlan]

Kevin Harlan here. This Friday, the NBA on prime crew has another thrilling NBA doubleheader. It tips off with an Eastern Conference showdown as Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers head to Madison Square Garden to take on Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks. Then it's Western Conference action, SGA and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Visit Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. It all comes your way this Friday on Prime. And if you're not a Prime member, that's not a problem. Sign up for a 30 day free trial to get started today. The Sixers and Knicks, the Thunder and Timberwolves coverage starts Friday at 6:30 Eastern only on Prime. Restrictions apply. See Amazon.com Amazon prime for details.

[NHTSA Announcer]

All right, people, serious question time. Did you know that driving high is considered driving under the influence? That's right. Driving under the influence of marijuana is against the law in every state. That means even in states where marijuana is legal, that means driving high could get you a dui. And if you think law enforcement officers can't tell when you're driving high, well, you're wrong. If you're high, they can tell. Your friends can tell. Your coworkers can tell. Even your parents can tell. Everyone can tell. So what makes you think that law enforcement officers don't know when you're driving high? You'd be wrong. They can tell, too. Driving under the influence of marijuana can slow your response time and change how you perceive time and speed. So even if you think you're fine to drive when you're high, you're not. Because the bottom line is if you Feel different. You drive different. And driving high is driving under the influence. So remember, drive high, get a DUI paid for by nhtsa.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Nationwide is so much more than a great insurance company.

[Kirby Smart]

They're one of America's largest financial services companies.

[Kevin Harlan]

Like how I'm more than just Peyton Manning. I'm also Motivate Manning.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

When I say insurance, you say financial services. Insurance. Financial services. Insurance Financial services. Now when I say nationwide, you say is both. Nationwide is both. Nationwide.

[Kirby Smart]

For your insurance and financial needs, Nationwide is on your side.

[GoFundMe Announcer]

Nationwide Investment Services Corporation Ember Finra Columbus, Ohio. Want to make a difference in your community, but not sure how? Go to GoFundMe.com right now and start a GoFundMe. Seriously. Your next fundraiser doesn't have to start in a school parking lot or a church basement. You can start a GoFundMe today in just minutes. Fundraise for yourself, a friend or family member or an organization. All that matters is that you care about them. GoFundMe is the trusted place to fundraise for what you care about. With no pressure to hit your fundraising goal, but tons of tools to help you reach it, you can confidently start fundraising right now. Whether it's creative, local or critical, your cause matters. And there's a reason why GoFundMe is backed by millions and chosen by fundraisers everywhere. It works and it matters. GoFundMe helps you make a real difference. Start your GoFundMe today at GoFundMe.com that's GoFundMe.com G-O F U N D M E.com this is a commercial message brought to you by GoFundMe.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

How does it become a great game? Like, how can. How is there a chance where this is a game in the third, late in the third quarter, in the fourth quarter? JMU's got a really good defense. JMU held a Louisville team who had a really good offense when they were fully healthy, you know, in the beginning of the season. Good D line, good secondary. They. They intercept the ball. They're disruptive now. Are they going to be at a speed disadvantage? You dang right. They are like you are absolutely correct that they're going to be at a big time disadvantage. But, but how can they, how can they stay close? They can shorten the game. Can they run the football? JMU really good at running the football, really good at taking shots down the field, making deep plays. Um, so listen, the Dukes and the Twitter have been absolutely awesome and X like they've been so good. Can they be that Way on the field and this be a solid, solid game. I don't think so. Like, I don't know what the recipe is, but if I'm watching Oregon, man, like, this is the perfect scenario. They were a little bit banged up down the stretch. You think about Oregon, man, they haven't had their guys like, at receiver. Like, they haven't had their guys at More. Whether it be. Whether it be Bryant, whether it be more, whether it be Evan Stewart, who is in uniform now and has a chance to play. And remember he tore his Achilles. He's been out for forever. He hasn't even played this season. So Oregon with a chance to. To kind of get their feet wet, to do what they've done, maybe they integrate some more players back in the mix, but I do not see how Knight and Barnett and this JMU offense is going to be able to push people around. And that's like. Brett, do you feel like this one has a chance to be competitive? I think the other one can be like. I think the other one can be a little bit closer, but I don't know that the firepower for jmu, aside from their Twitter account, is good enough to. To keep up with. With Oregon and their horses.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

No. Or.

[NHTSA Announcer]

I agree.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

I agree that it's not going to be that way. And also, don't forget, it's like a. It's a outlet that covers jmu.

[GoFundMe Announcer]

That's.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Yeah. It's not their tweets, it's not their official account kind of thing. But anyway, I don't either. But I do want to see who plays for Oregon, does more play. Does Bryant play? Does Evan Stewart, because he's in uniform? Because what is like is 10 more days or 11 more days, whatever it is, the next game is away. Does it make that much of a difference for. For these guys that you don't want to at least give them some reps this weekend? That's what's, to me, the most intriguing thing about the game.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Especially Stuart, which.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Which kind of sucks that. That we have to say that that's. That's. That's unfortunate that we're that kind of playoff.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

I mean, there's always a world. There's a trick play. There's, you know, running QB stuff, keeping the ball. There's. Yeah, there's. I looked at the weather and it's not like boring the rain or anything and.

[NHTSA Announcer]

Or.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

But okay, if it rains, Oregon can still line up and smash you. Yeah. If that's great. Whether they can still throw like, there's no there's no outcome where this is going to work out great for. For jmu. I mean, it's an awesome feat to get here. But this is more about Oregon. Handle your business. The lines of scrimmage is going to be way too much for. For jmu, like both sides of the ball. Like, Oregon is really, really good, man. They've got physical guards that. That love to pull, that love to whack, like, smash people. They've got some dirtiness, not. Not bad way, like, good way. You want your guys to not like people. They've got some of those guys up front defensive line. Jmu, they've not seen this. Like, they've not seen a D line that's going to eat their. Eat their guys up front like this.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Well, so I will. In terms of giving JMU some credit, like, they were the more physical team against Louisville. Louisville just made some big plays and Chris Bell, you know, was just a better athlete a few times.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

So you're saying speed mattered.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

So speed very much mattered.

[GoFundMe Announcer]

Yes.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

And Oregon has a lot of that. Yes. But like, in terms of slight, they were at least the more physical team in that game. But yeah, like, they weren't against Troy. Like, that was a. That was a struggle. That was struggle bus. That wasn't there very much for them.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

So y' all put that together. If they struggled against Troy, they'll probably be good against Oregon.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Was it Troy? Is that who.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah. In the Sunbelt Championship.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Yeah.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Yeah.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Troy. Yeah. Well, that one's. I would love to sell you on that one and give you a reason to watch. I can't, but I. I can with.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Two lane the other game.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Like, I. I think with Tulane. Yes, I think with Tulane. The thing about. The thing about Tulane is there's. Okay, wait a minute. Go back. Go back real quick, though. With Oregon. The thing about Oregon. Here. Here's. Maybe the shot. Maybe the shot is oc, DC both leaving and that's. That was just a big distraction and they were more focused and doubted on that because they know SMU wasn't that good. Like, maybe. Maybe that's one. The one and only thing that could happen that Oregon was very distracted with their OC having a head coaching gig and their DC now having. Having a head coaching gig, filling out recruiting classes while watching tape while in the transfer portal, recruiting guys to your next destination. Like, there's a lot going on.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Kind of like you just were a minute ago when you said SMU instead of jmu. Yes.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Like it's. There's a. There's A lot. Maybe. Maybe that's the. Maybe that's the thing. Maybe, maybe that's the thing that they have a chance and that goes to. To the next matchup. But, but here, here's the thing about this. Like, obviously Lane Kiffin, his swagger, who he is, his offensive prowess, like, that's. That's a big deal. That, that's. That matters for a lot because you feel invincible. When you have a coach that can take on anything and has that personality, it makes you feel really bulletproof. Now let's introduce this Pete Golding. Ain't never been a head coach ever. Like, not in high school. Like, he's never been a head coach. So you've got your first shot in the College Football playoff, Like, and you're a heavy favorite. Like, huge favorite. So to get the kids to buy in and really, like, watch tape and uncover every pedal, pedal, like, rock you can, right, like, and really work hard. It's a hard proposition, man. Like, he's going to have his work cut out for him. Thank God Charlie Weiss Jr. Came back and Cox and those guys, like, thank goodness the whole staff came back to help him. And he's making his hires for the next go round too, obviously, for. For running the full ship. But it's going to be. That part, to me is more interesting. You've played this opponent, you lost big. But you know what, man, there's one thing that really sticks out to me. Ole Miss and that place, that university, they're pretty pissed off right now. And at their place, I bet that place is going to be humming. I bet that will be one of the best places, most pissed off atmospheres that you'll have in all of college football. Like, there might have been a little. It's too Lane now. It's like. No, no, no, no. It's Lane. Like, eat it, Lane. Like, yes, we're going to show you. It's a big day. I'm glad they're hosting. And I do think that's going to be big for them in this football game because those fans are going to be jacked the freak up.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Not just the fans, players too. Like, there's gonna be an element of. Oh, we'll show you. We're more than just the, you know, coach who's cool on Twitter. Like, we're more than that.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Except for some of those guys are gonna go join him. But yeah, that's okay.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Yeah, I mean, that will happen and. But that's. But taking care of business first. And, you know, you need to get him paid because he gets paid if they win. So yes, I do think the. A lot of plate from a player perspective, sort of foaming at the mouth and ready to go, ready to really play for that team specifically. But I do have one really, to me, that's way more interesting this weekend than it was last year. And this kind of also goes back to A M and Miami and then Alabama and OU two. So last year in the four home playoff games, Ohio State in the first quarter, 21 zip Texas. Now Clemson went up seven zero first drive. But then Texas scored three, three signs straight times 21 to seven early in the second quarter. Penn State was seven zero first quarter, but 28 nothing at half. Notre Dame 17, three and a half seven zero in the first quarter. All the home teams were just, you know, rolling. What happens in these games to a fan, to a fan base, as if, you know, in College Station in Norman, where it's a little tight and you're getting into that sort of second half and it's. And even potentially you're behind, does it turn into like a baseball or a basketball environment where it's just quiet or everybody's nervous and it just, you can sense that sort of part from the crowd versus the ruckus of the home environment. That's what's going to be fascinating this weekend.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

And obviously it can happen, you know, anytime you, you can get down anytime with a little bit of rust. But it's amazing because the other side too, with Tulane, you got Summerall who's there, but, but put it. Put a staff together at Florida and is doing. And by the way, kudos to summer all giving 100 grand to Tulane and like leaving like a man like that dude, like unbelievable job. Like ridiculous. Like the way he's, he's embraced who he is and what he is there like and what it meant to him and the opportunity that provided him to go to Florida. But Jake Retzlaff, you know, he's, he's one of those guys that he can run. He's a really good athlete. He banged his knee up throughout the season and didn't run, didn't run him.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

In the first game while.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Well, yeah, and then he got banged up late. How, how healthy is he? Can they run the football? Can they stay in the game? Here's what I know. Defensively, they're not very good. Like their, their, their defense is not going to keep them in the. Like they had zero and zero answers for, for ole misses offense, like none. Trinidad throwing, Trinidad running. He did whatever he want in that matchup and they won. Like, they won. And listen, it got a little bit close for a little bit, but their defense couldn't make stops. So if they do come out a little bit rusty with a little bit of time off, a little bit lackluster, can red slaffing company and McClure hold the ball right like and possess the football? Make it, make it sloppy, make it ugly. They came out ridiculous against North Texas, but I mean, we're not.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Because, I mean, yes, Charlie Weiss jr's coming back, but you know, obviously Lane is heavily involved there too. But what's Ole Miss's offensive sort of just rhythm and flow and look of it. Like, is there. Do you see more hesitation from a player perspective or the. Specifically the qb? I mean, maybe, but likely not.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Well, again, if this was a, if this was playing somebody that I think could really get. Cover them out wide and take away things and play, man some and play aggressive, I would agree. But like, if Tulane does that, it's over the tops and it's done ski like, it's just, it's not going to end well. But like Trinidad and then Lacy last time didn't get off, but Trinidad had over 100 rushing in this last matchup. And so like, can, can Tulane be smart, Play a little bit back maybe like, let the run. Let him have the run. Let him have the run. Try to stop him in the red zone, Try to shrink the game like that again. You got to find a way to win. That's all that matters. That's all you watch about.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Either way, I'll be watching.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah, well, we'll be watching.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Yeah.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Don't know that everybody else will, but. But we will be watching. And listen, it's still football. It's still college football. Crazy things happen. And like Brent said, maybe in the start of it, but like we both feel pretty confident that both teams will win. Speaking of confident, Kirby Smart, never lacking confidence. Good to catch up with him today and talk everything, man, talk. I mean, I don't even need to sit here and tell you all about it because you can listen to it right now. But all things college football. And he's always got such great perspective on the game and his team. This is the hard hitting right out the gates. Ready? What's the best Christmas present you've ever gotten?

[Kirby Smart]

Oh, man. Probably way back. Fifth, sixth grade. I got a Dallas Cowboys Tony Dorsett jersey. Now you need to know who that is.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

I know, 33, right?

[Kirby Smart]

Yes, it was a 33 jersey. I wore that thing everywhere. I Was the biggest Cowboys fans ever. So I remember that gift somehow sticking out. Not that I was a running back, but the 33. That 33 jersey was.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

He was a bad man.

[Kirby Smart]

He was a bad man.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Best Christmas song that you will not skip.

[Kirby Smart]

Oh, God. Like, fun song or whatever song.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Whatever you want. Like, I'm not skipping. Merry Christmas, happy holidays.

[Kirby Smart]

I like a lot of Christmas songs.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah, that's a hard. I mean. All right, last one then. Do you have a favorite Christmas movie that you have to watch?

[Kirby Smart]

The Christmas Story.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Okay.

[Kirby Smart]

I mean, easily. The guy sticking his tongue on the pole, the Red Rider BB gun and the lamp. I mean, that thing comes on, I'll just fall asleep watching it and enjoy it. I've seen it multiple times.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

I've. I've had a couple of fights with my family because they're getting 17 and 15 now. I'm like, we're watching Christmas movies whether you like it or not. Like, shut up, sit down or watch.

[Kirby Smart]

They watch movies on their phones. Yes. The problem, they don't even get. Sit down, look at a TV.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah, 100%. All right, so going back to New Orleans, you know, this year, what's. What's different with your team this year? Going back for this.

[Kirby Smart]

I asked them that the other day in a team meeting. I said, guys, what's different about us? And, you know, it was not a reflection on last year's team, because I don't think we're just comparing the two. It was. There's been a better energy in practices this year. There's been a little bit more buy in. The leadership has held people a little more accountable. I mean, we've run the ball, stopped the run better. And I said, why have we done that? And they said, well, we made it a point of emphasis, Coach. Y' all said, we had to do this. We had to be able to run the ball, and we have to be able to stop the run. And we have. And I don't know if we thought that was a given last year, but we didn't really earn that, and this group has earned it, and they've practiced really well.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

So when you say stop the run, run the rock, like everybody says that.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Yeah.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Across the country. How do you really get somebody to do that? Because we've done that consistently over the years. And last year was a little bit different for Georgia.

[Kirby Smart]

It was outlier because we weren't real good at it. We showed the stats every week in the off season. We rubbed their nose in it. We made a committed effort in the off season. To say we're going to do instead of doing one on one pass pro every day at our light practices, the non padded stuff, we're going to do run drills, we're going to block fronts, we're going to block stunts and movement, we're going to really work on stopping the run and running the ball even if we're not in pads. And then when we put pads on in the spring, we're going to do a little more run emphasis. We're going to throw less RPOs when we run. We're going to commit to saying the people are in the box and you gotta block them and you can't just find ways around it. And I think you get what you demand in this world and you get what you demand in this game and we probably demanded it more. It wasn't that the last group was not capable, we probably didn't demand it at that standard.

[Kevin Harlan]

Kevin Harlan here. This Friday, the NBA on prime crew has another thrilling NBA doubleheader. It tips off with an Eastern Conference showdown as Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers and head to Madison Square Garden to take on Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks. Then it's Western Conference action SGA and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder Visit Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. It all comes your way this Friday on Prime. And if you're not a Prime member, that's not a problem. Sign up for a 30 day free trial to get started today. The Sixers and Knicks the Thunder and Timberwolves coverage starts Friday at 6:30 Eastern only on Prime. Restrictions apply. See Amazon.com Amazon prime for details.

[NHTSA Announcer]

All right everyone, let's talk about drinking and driving, a decision that will change your whole world. Things will never be the same once you get a DUI because legal fees, time in court are just the beginning. Getting into a crash is another way your world could be irreversibly changed. After drinking and driving, your vehicle may not be the only thing that gets damaged in that crash. You could face a life altering injury or even death, but you're not the only one who could face those consequences. Your decision to drink and drive could permanently change someone else's world, whether you injure them or leave their loved ones grieving. The next time you're out drinking, call a ride. Share a taxi, a sober friend or a designated sober driver. Always plan for a safe ride home. The only decision that will change your world for the better is the decision to call for a sober ride. It's never worth it to drive drunk. Don't risk it. Drive sober or get pulled over. Paid for by nhtsa the holidays mean.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

More travel, more shopping, more time online and more personal info in more places that could expose you more to identity theft. But LifeLock monitors millions of data points per second. If your identity is stolen, our US based restoration specialists will fix it, guaranteed or your money back. Don't face drained accounts, fraudulent loans or financial losses alone. Get more holiday fun and less holiday worry with LifeLock. Save up to 40% your first year.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Visit LifeLock.com SpecialOffer Terms Apply Want to.

[GoFundMe Announcer]

Make a difference in your community, but not sure how? Go to GoFundMe.com right now and start a GoFundMe. Seriously. Your next fundraiser doesn't have to start in a school parking lot or a church basement. You can start a GoFundMe today in just minutes. Fundraise for yourself, a friend or family member or an organization. All that matters is that you care about them. GoFundMe is the trusted place to fundraise for what you care about. With no pressure to hit your fundraising goal, but tons of tools to help you reach it, you can confidently start fundraising right now. Whether it's creative, local or critical, your cause matters and there's a reason why. GoFundMe is backed by millions and chosen by fundraisers everywhere. It works and it matters. GoFundMe helps you make a real difference. Start your GoFundMe today at GoFundMe.com that's GoFundMe.com G O F U N D M E dot com this is a commercial message brought to you by GoFundMe.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

When I watch Gunner, one thing as a defensive guy, I would hate it as an offensive guy, I love, he always falls forward every single time. But you, I've seen so many guys slide and I'm like, you just cost me four yards. Like, and now this. Down a distance is more difficult. Like, I kind of like it, but at the same time you're like, all right, dude. Like, I don't need you to get destroyed either and get hit. But like, I mean, talk about just the toughness of that sucker and always making it easier.

[Kirby Smart]

And down in distances, unbelievable toughness. I mean, he knows where that marker is every time and he's going to do everything in his power if it means running through a brick wall, taking the hardest. We saw it last year, you know, in that Texas game, the hit he took. He's committed to doing whatever it takes for his teammates and giving up his body to do it and you see it, you see it in practice, and we don't hit him in practice, but you see him recognize where it is. We do a thing every week where we show a quarterback slide that cost somebody a first down and we show them how, how far back they take it. I don't know why we show him that because he never slides anyway. You know, that's not even in his, like, thought process. But there's a lot of quarterbacks out there that slide, you know, two yards before the first down, think they're going to get it. He jumps forward and throws his head out there and it's. We have had to talk to him about sliding intentionally once he gets the first down, which he has done several times and is really smart to slide once you get the first because we don't need him taking those hits.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

It's got a third down, fourth down, touchdown.

[Kirby Smart]

Right.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Like, I try to teach my QB that Faulkner, I try to get him to do that, which was a hard proposition too, because he don't want to slide at all.

[Kirby Smart]

They're tough guys, man.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

They are, they are. And that's what makes the team great, too. But when you, when you see like that hit that he took in Texas, how did he hold on to the football?

[Kirby Smart]

I have no idea.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

I, I, I don't know how he did it. Like, his body helmet came off, more or less.

[Kirby Smart]

The ball. Most people, you see that hit, you do see the ball come out, see it come loose, and he's really, I mean, knock on wood, he's been really good this year, even with his ball security. They do a lot of drills with him because we know he's going to take shots. But, but if you go back and watch the, the Bama SEC championship game, there's three or four times that people are clawing at the ball on him, trying to get the ball off of him, and he's tried to keep it really tight.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

I bet you, I bet you don't drive it. You wouldn't drive his truck, though, would you?

[Kirby Smart]

No, I wouldn't drive a truck.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

No ac. Not driving that one.

[Kirby Smart]

Not the summer anyway.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Absolutely not in Georgia. No way. I'm assuming when you saw Branch and he came to Georgia, you saw the explosiveness, you saw the speed. What have you been the most surprised about with him?

[Kirby Smart]

His work ethic, man. You know, when I told him this the other day, I was sitting there talking to him and meeting with him, and I was like, you know, I didn't know who you were. I didn't, I Knew the perception. I knew when you came out, you were a five star. You were really fast. And there was a lot of hype because even Andrew would bring tape. I mean, yeah, look at this guy. Look at this guy. This guy's best punt returner in the country. The best gate return. I'm like, who is that? And he would talk about the Branch brothers. I didn't ever fathom them ending up at the University of Georgia. And as that started to come about, I thought, well, what kind of, you know, kid? Then I met his parents on the visit. Then I met him and I was like, man, his dad works him hard. His dad's a trainer. Like, this kid's been around it. He's a football junkie. Then he got here and they were in the building all day, every day. They weren't like going out, going around. They wanted to be in here, around the players. Then spring practice happened and this guy's flying around like his. His pursuit to go block people. He had a rep the other damn practice where we threw a check down to somebody and he sprinted 40 yards to cut a guy off and stop blocking. I mean, kids like that size that get the ball that much, they aren't usually good at transition blocking. And he's elite at it. And that, to me was the biggest shock, is like, how this guy is committed to doing whatever he needs to do for the team.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Is that a part of the portal magic that people have to get is like getting to know the kid. Because in the past, I didn't know that.

[Kirby Smart]

That's what I told people. I was like, this portal thing has been good to us. We have been so blessed at portal wide receiver because guys like London Humphries, Kobe, Noah, they're not ego guys. They fight their tail off for the team and they don't really care who gets the credit. Where you would think it's just the opposite. Like, I'm going to take a portal receiver. Oh, gosh, he's going to be a pain in the butt. We have hit on kids that are team culture guys. Now, we want to find that out before, but I can't sit here and tell you that we knew with 100% certainty what we were getting. You can't figure that out one visit, you know, it takes a little time to figure that out. But that's who we want to draw to us is kids that want to win.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Have you ever played, have you ever had a team where you're playing this many, like freshman offensive linemen that are. That are playing every Snap and impacting it never.

[Kirby Smart]

I don't think it ever happened in the. I know the years we've been here 10 years, it hasn't happened. Only freshman we ever had really start and play was Andrew Thomas. And then this year we've had multiple. I don't remember Alabama, the nine years I was there that we had multiple. I think it's the way of the world now because of the turnover. You're going to have that happen more, but we got a couple pretty good ones in that class that have been able to help us. That's crazy.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

All right, so defense is the defense, like, as it's gone, as the season's gone along. Is the growth what you expected? Why have we seen so much of this from. From Georgia's defense?

[Kirby Smart]

Well, he had nowhere to go but up there for a while, so, you.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Know what I mean?

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

It was like.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

It was like you're giving up 40.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Yeah, exactly.

[Kirby Smart]

You had some games where we didn't perform well, so we knew we could do better, but we, we had to make some adjustments. I think Shu and the defensive staff kind of looked inside themselves and said, okay, what do we do well? What can we do well? Who do we have on the sideline that we're not using that can get better and grow? We made a couple changes to third down in terms of skill set of players, and we got better. Like every week. He talked about, you know, how do we get better? And we got better every week and we still haven't reached the pinnacle of what we can be. We were a young defense, we were a nervous, anxious defense, and we're slowly becoming a more mature defense, but we've practiced better, too, and I think that's a lot of it.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Have you ever played this many guys on defense anywhere?

[Kirby Smart]

I feel like the last couple years here we have. We had a stat that we showed in recruiting. I think we had the most players that played over 100 snaps of everybody in college football two years ago. And that 100 snaps is not a lot, but when you have 20 something guys that play over 100 snaps, that's a lot of people that are playing significant snaps. So that's. We, we believe in that because we believe in staying fresh. And we also think we're going to play more games than everybody else. So you better have guys spreading the snaps out.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

You don't have, like, you don't have Jordan Davis or Devonte White or Jalen Carter. And nobody talks about that room. But you talked about earlier just a second ago, ain't Nobody been running the football on you, right? So they're doing something right in that room. Like, they're. They're doing pretty good up front.

[Kirby Smart]

Who.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

How are they doing that? Who are those guys up front that. That continues to build a wall and build a fence and not let the run game get going.

[Kirby Smart]

Yeah. C Mill, Xavier Cloud, Josh Horton, the young kid Griffin, who's going to be a really good player. Those guys and Omdi. Those guys have gone in there now. They strike blockers. They. Trey does a great job of technique, people. We're hard to run the ball against because of the way we strike blocks and we rush the passer on third down well, because it's third and long, because we stopped the run. And when those two things are working together and, you know, we've done a lot more movement and stunts this year. We used to be a static. Stay still. We're moving and shaking. And as we started moving and shaking, we've been more disruptive.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

It's so much easier as a defensive line. I mean, you give them. You give them a move, basically. It makes. It makes it easier watching Ellis Robinson and continue to grow because he's the guy that, like, you see the length and you see the speed and twitchiness. Like, his development. It seems like his, like, because Everett was the guy. Okay, he's our guy. Like, he can cover. He'll make big plays in big games. SC championship game, you've seen it, like. But then his development on the other. And mellow, too. Like tackling. Like, I love watching that sucker. I like watching 15 come up and hit somebody. How has that development come along and made your defense better?

[Kirby Smart]

I think those guys have made our third down a lot better. Number one, they have really good ball skills, so when you make a mistake, they'll make you pay for it. You know, Ellis goes out and gets interception on a play that he actually was beat, but he played the ball and caught it. And that's part of the battle being a DB is can you punish somebody when they make a mistake? He's done that well. He's tackled well. Demelo's tackled well. They've learned from Dalen. Dalen's taught those guys, and they've matured, but their growth has kind of mirrored our defense's growth. You know, you play well on the perimeter, you play man to man, and all of a sudden it's harder to get first down zone. And that's probably improved our defense the most.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

All right, last ones. And this is just rapid fire. How do you think The. The nine game schedule will affect this league.

[Kirby Smart]

One more loss. It's going to. I think it's going to end up affecting. If we. Let's. We increase the playoffs, but if we don't increase playoffs, it's going to cost us probably a playoff spot.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Dan Landing's been wearing me out. Like he's. You about to see. When you go to nine. Like he's been. Like, you're about to see this. This is. This is not a good thing. Like, it's tougher, huh?

[Kirby Smart]

It's tougher.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

It's gonna be a lot tougher. Do you guys ever get asked you or players ever. And presidents and stuff, like ever get in a room or ever get asked about the calendar and what to do with the calendar?

[Kirby Smart]

We talk about it a lot. The problem is there's too many moving parts. We got AFCA over here where it's just coaches. Okay. Then we've got oversight committee, which is ads and coaches. Okay. Then we got a conference meeting where it's the ads, the presidents and the coaches in a room. But everybody's not agreeing in the same direction. Everybody says, okay, let's work on the calendar. Give us a proposal for the calendar. Great. We as SEC coaches propose this calendar. But you still got to get with the Big Ten. You still got to get with the other power conferences. You still got to get with the presidents. There's too many. It's like government. You cannot get things done quickly. There's answers out there. There's people that have beliefs on a way to fix the calendar. I don't want to be sitting in a situation where we got 12 teams in the playoffs and somebody said there's 14 either head coaches or coordinators missing from those 12 teams. I mean, think about that. That's not fair to the kids.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Right?

[Kirby Smart]

Like. Like we played all year to get the playoffs and now they're the ones.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

That suffer the most.

[Kirby Smart]

Exactly. And their coaches are gone or not in place because of the way the system set up.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

So in that as simple as making it like the NFL is, you can't hire coaches until after. Like till your season's done. You can't be officially hired.

[Kirby Smart]

Well, the problem with that, you got a sign, a date that happens before then. So there's a December signing date and it's. Nobody's willing to give up the signing date. And they're like, well, just push the sign date back. We got 27 kids we signed. 26 of them are coming mid year. You're not going to ever go back to the way it was and have everybody sign in February and come to school in May or June. That's not going to happen because kids build their their kids lives to go to school at mid year now and a lot of people think, well just, just you can't do that. That's impossible. You can't do that. You got to finish out your senior year. Kids are trying to find a way around it. They want to get there earlier because they do play earlier. They get paid earlier. Yeah, and they get out. They get out of college earlier because they go three years now.

[Kevin Harlan]

Kevin Harlan here. This Friday, the NBA on prime crew has another thrilling NBA doubleheader. It tips off with an Eastern Conference showdown as Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers head to Madison Square Garden to take on Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks. Then it's Western Conference action. SGA and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder visit Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. It all comes your way this Friday on Prime. And if you're not a Prime member, that's not a problem. Sign up for a 30 day free trial to get started today. The Sixers and Knicks the Thunder and Timberwolves coverage starts Friday at 6:30 Eastern only on Prime. Restrictions apply. See Amazon.com amazonprime for details. Drinking and driving is a decision that will change your whole world. Things will never be the same once you get a DUI because legal fees and time in court are just the beginning. Getting into a crash is another way your world could be irreversibly changed. After drinking and driving, your vehicle may not be the only thing that gets damaged in that crash. You could face a life altering injury or even death. But you're not the only one who could face those consequences. Your decision to drink and drive could permanently change someone else's world, whether you injure them or leave their loved ones grieving. The next time you're out drinking, call a ride, Share a taxi, a sober friend or a designated sober driver. Always plan for a safe ride home. The only decision that'll change your world for the better is the decision to call for a sober ride. It's never worth it to drive drunk. Don't risk it. Drive sober or get pulled over. Paid for by nhtsa.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Come to DSW for the shoes. Stay for the fun. Because let's be honest, if shoe shopping isn't fun, are you even doing it right?

[GoFundMe Announcer]

So go ahead.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Try something new. Try something different. Good different. Try something that feels like you. You know the real you. And then Definitely brag about it later because at dsw, you've got unlimited freedom to play with sneakers, boots, and everything in between. For every style, mood and occasion, you'll definitely find shoes that get you at prices that get your budget. Dsw, let us surprise you.

[GoFundMe Announcer]

Want to make a difference in your community, but not sure how? Go to GoFundMe.com right now and start a GoFundMe. Seriously. Your next fundraiser doesn't have to start in a school parking lot or a church basement. You can start a GoFundMe today in just minutes. Fundraise for yourself, a friend or family member or an organization. All that matters is that you care about them. GoFundMe is the trusted place to fundraise for what you care about. With no pressure to hit your fundraising goal, but tons of tools to help you reach it, you can confidently start fundraising right now. Whether it's creative, local or critical, your cause matters. And there's a reason why GoFundMe is backed by millions and chosen by fundraisers everywhere. It works and it matters. GoFundMe helps you make a real difference. Start your GoFundMe today at GoFundMe.com that's GoFundMe.com G-O-F-U-N-M E.com this is a commercial message brought to you by GoFundMe.

[Kirby Smart]

More kids are ready to play college football now than I could ever remember. I watched those high school games the last couple nights. There's dudes that are gonna walk in and be able to play. They're gonna be able to play for us as freshmen. When I came here, there was no chance I was playing as a freshman. But these kids nowadays, they can play.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

When you hear like the, the private equity coming into college football, which just happened with, with Utah, like, you get frustrated that this, it's always changing.

[Kirby Smart]

It just scares me because I don't know enough about it. I wouldn't say I'm not ignorant. I've had people bring it up, but I don't know enough about private equity to understand what is that going to change? Because at the end of the day, they're buying a portion of what your business is, right? And they want to have your business and they want to control your TV rights and they want to control some parts of it. You start giving that control away. And now all of a sudden, we're not practicing. When we want to practice, we're not, you know, doing the things we want to do.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

That's what I'm saying. But you get frustrated. It's always like there's something always changing and moving. Like you always have to adjust to the rules of the game.

[Kirby Smart]

Like, it's been a lot in a little time. I felt like I went, like, five years here where nothing changed in the last four. It's been drastic change in every way, shape and form, and it's not slowing down.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

It isn't money. Should we keep championship games?

[Kirby Smart]

That's a tough one, just talking about that to. What's the name? I mean, it's. It's one of those kind of. To each his own. I enjoy them and believe in them, but as the playoff expands and it's going to be hard, I just don't know how they're going to continue to do that. And they really need to move the calendar up, which would move the championship games out, you know, completely. If that happens.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

See, that's. That. That's enough for me because I know how you are and how competitive you are, and you want. And I want a winner.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Yeah.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Like, I want to know who won the league. Like, I want to know. But. But the fact that it's affecting the calendar so much and the playoffs and.

[Kirby Smart]

All that stuff, and then nine games and that. Because really, now you're talking about 10 games because you're going to play nine, and then you got the. The 10th for the conference championship. And I think about the teams that didn't play that week, and I talked to a lot of them. They're like, okay, we were working on the portal. We were working on resigning our players. We were getting healthy for the playoffs. And I'm going, man, we were playing for an SEC championship, something they might ever be able to take away from us. But there's. There's an opportunity lost and cost on that.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Sweet. All right, get out of here. Appreciate it, brother. Thank you.

[Kirby Smart]

Yeah, man. Good to see you.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Thank you.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Alrighty. Well, I think I loved. I love spending time with Kirby and just. I think if you. If you spend time with him, you feel. You realize, like, there's always ideas and thoughts and processes to the processes. And like, when Covid was going on, there was always something, but just to hear the emphasis on. On what they're trying to accomplish, it's. It's. It's really fun. It's really cool. And he's. I think he's the. The best at it. I think he's the best in this. In the business, Brent, and in just what he does, how he does it, his. His systems, his processes. Like, he's Just, he's unique and he thinks everything through, and there's always a logic and a reason for what he.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Does, and he always answers questions that way. In me, with media setting, he. You can tell that he listens to what you say.

[GoFundMe Announcer]

He.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

He tries to process it. But I do have a question for you. When he said his favorite Christmas movie is the Christmas Story, I was thinking maybe a better question would have been, when was the last time you actually watched a Christmas movie? Because my guess is if that's on, he's. This is right before he goes to sleep kind of thing.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

That's what he said.

[Kirby Smart]

He.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

He said he fought. He passes out to it like.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Like he's probably not like us. And seeing Home Alone on the. You know, every day, every other day and Elf and things like that. I doubt he's really. Actually. When's one. I'd love to know when. The first. Last full Christmas movie he sat down and watched. More so than the Christmas Story, definitely.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Other than that, his mind on other things.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Oh, yeah, Very much so. I think the most poignant thing that he said to me, just listening to sort of everything, was about the portal and how you. He didn't know the kid's work ethic.

[NHTSA Announcer]

Like, you.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

You think you know it. You. You think. And it's so thus. You're more looking at the talent. You're more looking at, okay, this kid can bring this skill set to my team. I hope these other things are there. And he was talking about sort of. And I'm sure there's some vetting in there, but there's still an element of it that you don't know. And then talking about Branch and how crazy work ethic that. That he has. That's. That's when. That's when it hits. That's when you get a lot of success. And I'm sure, you know, Signetti with getting Mendoza and some of the ones that he's got and all these people who've had success with portal guys. That's one. I think that's great. And I also think he looks at my Twitter feed because I always use that 100 snap count marker as the. Anything I say is when it comes to stats and players and snaps and things like that.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

But other than that, I'm sure he's really curious what you're doing. Yeah, he doesn't care. But, you know, it's the. It's the. It's the. It's. It's all. It's all interesting. There's all systems, but. But what he said, is what you coach is what you demand is what you get. There's a reason that Humphreys and Noah, all these guys, Colby come in and they get in line, and it's because of him. That's why they get in line. Like, because you coach it. You coach it or you allow it. And we demanded it more.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

That was a great quote.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Yeah.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Demanded it more in terms of stopping the run. That was.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

It's just. It's not. It's not a surprise, but it's. It's. It's always good to catch up with Kirby and hear his thoughts. Also, big thanks to Edmonds for supporting Seaball get ball tonight. We appreciate you. If you're selling your. Your car, it can be hard. I've done that recently. Had to buy a car for. For my daughter. It's like watching the committee keep your team out of the playoffs. It sucks sometimes. It's absolutely no fun. You know, you got to spend some money. It can be miserable.

[Kirby Smart]

It's.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Edmunds has all the tools you need for buying or selling a car. Very easy. They do it online. They get you an appraisal online. They have the appraisal tool. You can see how much your car is worth, and then you can even get instant offers on your car. It's free. Like, it's free. Don't go in blind and not know the information. You know exactly what you are, what it's worth. You can do it in less than two minutes. So your offer can be used as leverage with the dealerships and then to trade it in or you can sell it to a dealer. So if you're selling your car looking for your kids to get a car, if you're buying it for Christmas, I'm sorry you got to spend that much money, but it's time. You got to go check it out. Check it out. It's a. It's a valuable tool. You can get it today. You deserve it. You can find out how much car. How much your car is worth really, really quick. Don't mess the website up, though. Go to edmunds.com appraisal e d m u n d s dot com we drive it like it is. That's what Esmond does. All right, now on to the next on to Christmas wishes. We put this question on X. What's your college football team team need for Christmas? Like, it's very simple. What do you need for Christmas? What do you want for Christmas? And the gift that keeps on giving. Let's get some. And there's some great responses. So Wesley, I think you're going to be the one that's going to be throwing this up, I believe, and seeing what we want for Christmas from all the college football fans, man.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Yeah, this was Brent's idea. Great job, Brent. We got, we got a few responses here. Okay. First one is from Mr. Cassidy and Mr. Cassidy is a Tennessee fan. So this is your context for his answer, which was eight Portal defensive backs balls need some help up on Rocky top.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

I love how he said eight. Like he knows he could never play eight. But he also knows how bad his past defense was this year. So he's like, bro, somebody help a brother.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

I don't know.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

You could always run that dually defense that he ran back in the day, right when Dooley had 65 players on the field near the goal line. Literally. I think he had like 15 players on the field that one time. So maybe that's the new formation they're trying to roll out there.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

It takes what it takes.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

All right.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Notre Dame's been getting a lot of hatred from a lot of other college football fans around the country. And Domer guy, 88, doesn't give a. You know what he wants to take college football hostage and win a natty in 2026. I don't know what that means. Maybe he's feeling some die hard vibes. A Nakatomi tower in Notre Dame's just gonna try to take over the whole sport. I don't know how that's gonna go for him because ads are trying to freeze them out of their non conference schedules. But that's what Domer guy wants.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah, listen, don't or Guy do your thing, man. Like don't, don't listen to anybody at everybody. Get mad, get upset. Jeremiah loves gone, which is really, really difficult. The road got a lot harder.

[Kevin Harlan]

Shoot.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Price is gone too. Like the road got tougher. Did you by the way, did you see Wesley, the ACC schedule? Did you see that weirdness?

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Like yeah, yeah, that's my bad for leaving that out tonight because I was editing Kirby's video and brain wasn't working that well. Thinking about ACC football, that is stupid. That is just crazy.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah, I don't think we need to spend a lot of time on it. But like there is literally a nine game ACC schedule for a lot of ACC teams and then there's a few that are playing eight game conference schedules. Like what?

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Well, this year, this year they had the non conference game between. Was that Virginia and NC State. That didn't count because they had to.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

It ended up getting Virginia in there and making more chaos and madness at the end probably too.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Yeah. Oh, you think that's bad? Let's add, what, six other teams or whatever that are going to have a similar situation. All right, Andrew Luke, I think you can figure out who he's pulling for for his team's Christmas list. I don't know.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Andrew, a healthy head coach. Yeah, that's.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Go Blue.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Listen. Go Blue. Yeah, it's, it's. We don't want to talk about all of the stuff that's going on with Sharon Moore because it, it, it would take a while, and I don't really care about the details of it that much. It's a mess. It's a hot mess. But also, what are you doing, Andrew, at 3:51am Responding to this tweet? Like, what was going on in your life? Like, are you desperately. Are you that desperate for a coach that you're up at 3:50 in the morning responding to X? That's. That's amazing. That's dedication. But I do think. Yeah, I do think there's two things going on with Blue that are. That are interesting. I think you got the Deborah situation, and if they lose, then maybe that's a real thing. And then I think you've got a Dillingham situation, which is a real thing. Like, because you saw his emotion when he answered a question. Um, so I think that's a real thing. So it's, it's coming. Go Blue. It's coming, Andrew. And it should be a big name that you'll probably want to get behind.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Are we going to go quick on these next 3? Kg wants to get out of the ACC. Let me get it up here. But he's a. A Miami fan, so back to the ACC Madness.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Probably because of the scheduling, I guess. I mean, listen, you got out somehow and got in the playoff, which is a good thing. So that, that's a great thing that you got out. But, like, if I'm in the ACC or the Big 12, like in the, in the Big 10, and the SEC has all the say and all the money and all the power, like, yeah, I don't blame you. I'd want to get out, too, and try to find another conference that benefits me probably a little bit better. So I, I completely understand that KG.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Want an addie in the Big East. I mean, who. Who needs the acc, right? Next one. What was your favorite? Did you have a favorite Pop Tart growing up? Our yo and wants a giant Pop Tart.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Just a giant Pop Tart.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

That's it.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

That's all he wants for Christmas.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

I mean, is he a BYU fan or is that YMCA in a shirt?

[NHTSA Announcer]

Like.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

I can't tell because I don't think that's. I think that's AI dp.

[NHTSA Announcer]

But what.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

What's your. What was your favorite? Wesley.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

It's a tie. And they both had to be toasted. The s' mores and the wild berry.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Okay.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Toasted those with a glass of milk.

[NHTSA Announcer]

Man.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

All eight quadrants of the food pyramid right there for breakfast.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Such badness. I think I'm pretty positive. Mine. A strawberry. I'm pretty positive that was mine for sure. But. But you do have to heat it up. You do have to put it in the toaster. Pop her down and then get her back out.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Gotta be toasted. All right, last one here is Michigan. Matier is the answer from Bo Brador. And we remember that guy. You remember that Michigan mater. Remember that mater we saw playing against the Wolverines earlier in the season?

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah. And then the.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

That guy needs to come back.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

If that guy comes back with that defense, like, all of a sudden who I think can win, this thing would change. But that offense has been so bad. Like, so bad. But that's. That's a great one, Bo. That's a. That's a phenomenal one, Bo. Bo, you. You would be boomer. Soonering all through town for sure. You'd be riding that wagon and it would not fall over like it did a couple years ago in a big game.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

All right, Podium kings. We're going to go to D2. I know you love this. Tony Anise, the head coach of Ferris State, facing off against Harding. I should have quizzed you on that. Should have quizzed you to see if you knew who they're playing. Listen to what he thinks about a team we just talked about a few minutes ago in relation to this D2 championship.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

I would rather play.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

You know, I'd rather play Notre Dame than Harding. So just so you know, right now.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

So it's obviously challenging.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Coach feeling confident rather against Notre Dame. I guess Harding must be a. A world beater.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

I mean, Harding. Did Notre Dame players go down and go to Harding? They like, try to go win a N National. Actually get a national championship.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Where's Harding? Brent?

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Do you know where Harding is, Davey?

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Absolutely not.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

I know this because they have a pharmacy school. It's in Arkansas.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Arkansas.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Yeah. Searcy, I guess. S, E A R C Y. Searcy. Arkansas. But I didn't know.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Okay, so. So everybody's taking Harding. If. If they're. If they'd rather play the Fighting Irish than hard.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

I mean, Lord, Notre Dame without Price, without love.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Yeah, he meant, he meant the opt out version of Notre Dame.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

The quit version.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

All right. A and M has not shied away from it. Its confidence against Miami. Reuben Owens now joining the party. Talking a little bit of smack or just confidence? I don't know. You decide.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

I wouldn't say as much much as a challenge. I know my guys, they're ready for the challenge. You know, it's been like that a couple games. Mizzou game, they said they was a good run defense. We put up over 200 rushing yards.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

So Mizzou or Miami's defense? DP, which one's better, bro?

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Mizzou's got a really good defense. Really good. Like, I mean, it's, it's. As much as that sound, that might sound like it's an easy decision. It's not like Mizzou's really good. Now. Bane and Mezadore are just terrors. But like, I think it's close. But I love the confidence. I love the confidence. And you heard Marcel Reed, he was on here and he said, I got my boys backs, right? Like, I think it's, you know, Reuben Owens, like, is, is he even. Is he even played? Like, it's, it's, it's been a while from him playing, hasn't it?

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Like, guys, that's all that matters.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

So they just. Anthony-onugasports.com did a great job and put all the availability reports because they have to do the injury report now for these games. So Le'Veon Moss is listed as questionable, but Scooby Williams and Bryce Anderson, who have been missing some time, are probable. And then the other interesting one is Keonte Scott is probable for Miami playing. It's Nickel who hasn't played for a while. So that, that makes that, that's one little interesting nugget for that game.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Makes them better. But listen, the con, I have no problem with confidence. Confidence is a good thing. Like, no problem with that whatsoever.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

I'm excited to see how Miami responds to it, though.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

But you know what? Miami hadn't said much like that they're not running their mouth. And you got to love that. If you're a Miami fan, you're like, nah, bro.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Think about who their coach is and how he operates.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah, you know, we had him on. He was fantastic. He just wants Cuban coffee and to go run through a wall. That's his. That's his daily regimen.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Last one, another CFP team. I love John Summerall's posture and leaving Tulane. And he finally spoke about that $100,000 donation to athletics that his family made.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Leave a place that matters how you leave it just as much as how you enter it. I want to leave on good terms, and I want to be able to come back in 20 years and celebrate this team that's won a championship already together and not be like, oh, the way he walked out the building was kind of questionable.

[Kirby Smart]

I want them to go, man.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

He did it the right way. And so I want to see Tulane get better after I leave.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Interesting contrast to the team that his current team is playing against, but obviously, two very different situations.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah, two different situations. But it makes me think of, like, a coaching ism that you hear all the time is leave it better than you found it. Like, when you come into a room and you.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

You.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

You. You come to the movie, you go to the movie theater, whatever it is, man, you leave it better than you found it. Like, that's how we always. That's how we always have to speak and how we have to do it. All right, Brett, finish this thing off. You got a question?

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

All right. I think Wes should join us, too, for this one, because.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Okay.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

We asked what college football fans would want for Christmas. What do you guys. What do you want for Christmas.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Wesley, what you getting?

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Only thing I asked for this year was a. A turntable. I want to. I want to get some. Some vinyls, some records, and just kind of ride off into the sunset and become an old man, I guess.

[Kevin Harlan]

What.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Okay, turntable. Gotcha. What's the first album we're getting, though?

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

I got Almond Brothers. Eat a Peach. Already picked it up from Walk street, downtown Athens. So I. I. Here I am, man. I. I do all this digital stuff every day. I wanted something vital just to unplug a little bit.

[Kirby Smart]

So there you go.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

What.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

What is it you want for Christmas?

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Mine is very simple. I want a. My wife has this, and it's. I have. I have cup envy, so she has this coffee cup. I love coffee, by the way. If you don't drink coffee, I don't trust you. Like, I don't. I don't trust you. So whoever you. You can get at me in the chat or whatever, but, like, coffee's a necessity in life. You should all. I know, Brent. I don't trust you like you. Everyone should. You should drink coffee. There's no reason not to drink coffee. But here's the problem. Dum Dum gets distracted, and so I leave My coffee cup and I come back and I heat it up and then I leave and I come back and I heat it up. Well, my baby doll, my wifey's got this one that stays heated. It's got a heater in it and you just, it's just a heated cup. So it stays hot, stays steaming. So I was like, I want that but I want a bigger one because I like a lot of water in my coffee as well. So that's my only thing.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

I think I saw one of those at Costco. It wasn't big though.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Yeah, hopefully she got it there and saved some money. Frankie boy, I'm having a cup of coffee right now. That's right. Breakfast, lunch, dinner is always coffee time. Every time it's coffee time.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Frankie, my man, do you not trust non coffee drinkers? Because somewhere in the back of your mind you're just assuming they're using some other performance enhancing chemical.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

It just doesn't make sense of why you would, you would, you would like, why you would not choose to have one of the great things in life. Like first of all, caffeine is exceptionally good for you. Listen, I don't love the taste. Caffeine's really, really good for you. And coffee is one of the luxuries in life. That's fantastic. It also, if you have a sweet tooth, it'll curve it like you don't have to worry about sweets.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Well, but remember your coffee is different than most other human beings. Coffee, right. It's like 75% water.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

It's a lot water. Let's not go there because then people are going to like, what are you talking about? That's not coffee. I like to do half water, half coffee with a splash of other stuff. But we do have half decaf beans in the coffee machine and all that good stuff too. But what do you get? What do you get?

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

Brent, I honest, I, I never really want anything for Christmas outside of what we had today. Weather wise, like I saw that the weather's going to be nice and like Carson, I wouldn't play golf today. I want more of that over the break.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

How'd you shoot?

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

It's really well. I hadn't played in like two or three months. I shot a 44, only had one double bogey. That's pretty legit day.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Oh, it's not bad.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

I was plus in the. I found more balls than I lost. Like that's a win.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

That's absolutely a win. Also the way you play golf is you walk. You don't ride in a Cart. Like you should not ride in a cart. It's going to go to Coffeeisms, we're going to go to golfisms. And then if you do a certain amount of push ups per hole, it's just free. It's just free exercise. I do 25. Every time I play nine holes, I get 225 push ups. If I play 18, I get 450. Like if you do 10, so be it. But it's just another little cheat. We're going to give you all kinds of life hacks here. Apparently, like just, just beautiful things. Beautiful things.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

I doubt people are thinking about push ups. And while playing golf, it walk and.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

You get burned calories. Get your exercise in, get some push ups, man, you feel good about yourself.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

But yeah, I wouldn't say it's how you should play golf. Like talk to your doctor first before you start firing that up. Because we can't all, we can't all do that.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

All right, guys, we did, we did talk, we did talk about it at Georgia today. We're going to grab a couple of those guys over there and guys at different schools. Go play golf with them, you know, this year and do some interviews and stuff. Because I think it'll get some of the guys out of their shells, do some challenges, do some difference and stuff. We'll do that in the off season. But Wesley, we're going to see everybody Friday night, right? Like it's, it's, it's like sooner. Roll tide.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Yep, yep. See Friday and we'll do that and then live again Saturday. I think we'll keep it a one show Saturday. Just kind of recap how the whole first round went. So y' all can catch us here Friday, Saturday night. And if you missed that Kirby interview, we'll have a clip out of that. I think a lot of people are going to enjoy that. That was really special. A lot of people in the comments pointing out, you know, whatever you did, dp, he. He seemed pretty relaxed and he seemed pretty confident too. That was my takeaway from it. So good stuff this week. Appreciate you guys.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Go get you some coffee.

[Wesley (Co-host or guest)]

Get some coffee.

[Co-host/Analyst (Possibly Brent Rollins)]

That's why you don't.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

If you're a maintenance supervisor for a commercial property, you've had to deal with everything from leaky faucets to flickering light bulbs. But nothing's worse than that ancient boiler that's lived in the building since the day the of was built 50 years ago. It's enough to make anyone lose their cool. That's where Grainger comes in with industrial grade products and dependable, fast delivery. Grainger can help with any challenge, from worn out components to everyday necessities. Call click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done. If you like the show, please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe. It really does help the show to grow. Thank you for listening. Happy Holidays. Want to give your host a gift? Consider subscribing, rating and reviewing the show this holiday season. It really helps the show grow.

[Kevin Harlan]

From all of us at Believe.

[Host (Possibly Dave Pasch or a similar college football analyst)]

Have a Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy Holiday.