Podcast Summary: See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: Michigan-Oklahoma PREVIEW | Booger McFarland | CFB DEFCON Levels

Date: September 4, 2025

Host: David Pollock
Guests: Brent (analyst/producer), Booger McFarland (ESPN analyst)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the marquee Michigan vs. Oklahoma college football matchup, offering detailed analysis of quarterbacks Bryce Underwood and John Mateer. David Pollock and Brent discuss early season takeaways, DEFCON (panic) levels for major programs, and invite ESPN’s Booger McFarland to break down Alabama’s situation, LSU’s outlook, and more. There’s humor, candid football nerdiness, and insider perspective on the evolving landscape of college football.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Week Two Matchups – The Main Event

• Less Marquee Than Week One: A self-aware nod that this college football weekend lacks blockbuster matchups compared to the opening week, but the focus is on Michigan vs. Oklahoma—two "ranked" teams with compelling quarterback storylines (01:00).
• Other Rivalries: Brief mention of the Cy-Hawk (Iowa-Iowa State) and Missouri-Kansas as noteworthy games.

2. Quarterback Deep Dive: Michigan's Bryce Underwood & Oklahoma's John Mateer

• Bryce Underwood’s Poised Debut (04:22–07:05):
  • Pollock was “uber impressed” with Underwood’s blend of poise, control, and arm talent after his first start.
  • Quote: “Poised, smooth, controlled, accurate and did not force anything. That’s how I would describe the week one start.” —David Pollock (04:51)
  • Brent agreed Underwood played “under control,” emphasizing his quick release and fundamentals.
• John Mateer – Unorthodox But Elite (08:12–10:01):
  • Unique “sidearm” release, very quick and decisive. Boasts NFL-level arm talent.
  • Impressed by how easily Mateer delivered explosive plays (Oklahoma led Power 4 in explosive passes in Week 1).
  • Quote: “If they protect him, Oklahoma’s going to the playoffs. I’m just telling you.” —David Pollock (10:01)
  • Both analysts questioned how Mateer would fare against Michigan’s press coverage and heat, especially if forced into tight windows.

3. Targeting, Game Management, & Comments from Listeners

• Targeting Call on Michigan Linebacker (11:10):
  • Pollock: “Would I say it? No, I would say play on… I want the dangerous shots out of the game, not the ones like that that accidentally turn into something a little bit worse.” (11:10)
• Tennessee Segment, Joey Aguilar’s Impact (14:00–17:37):
  • Acknowledged missing proper coverage on Tennessee last week; Pollock admits they “screwed it up” (14:06).
  • Interest in the “Nico trade” with UCLA and Joey Aguilar’s promising start.
  • Brent noted Tennessee’s defense looks solid but possibly less dominant than last year; injuries to starters noted as a concern going into Georgia (16:39).

4. Booger McFarland Joins: College Football DEFCON

Fun Start: Golf Talk (18:26–20:22)

• Golf banter; Booger’s metaphor for nine-holes: “That’s like… just having a little foreplay, then you go to bed. Nine holes doesn’t do it for me.” —Booger McFarland (19:24), setting the episode's lighthearted tone.

Alabama’s DEFCON Level (20:22–22:42)

• Alabama currently “DEFCON 4”—issues are correctable but warning signs about effort/culture under DeBoer.
• Quote: “In their last 10 games, they’re 5 and 5… I’m starting to wonder, is he doing a good enough job motivating this team?” —Booger McFarland (21:12)
• Calls out the difference in team “connection” compared to Nick Saban’s era.

5. Podium Kings: Coaches’ Soundbites

• Recap of LSU coach Brian Kelly’s subtle dig at Dabo Swinney following their game (23:17–23:45).
• Booger’s take: “When you win, say a little. When you lose, say less… I just don’t know if we need to be kind of going there after game one of the season.” (23:45)

6. LSU Outlook and SEC Competition (25:28–29:15)

• LSU’s defense finally showing edge; Nussmeier at QB is “pinpoint accurate.”
• SEC schedule labeled as “daunting,” with Florida and Ole Miss looming.
• Quote: “I think LSU can cover on the back end… they got some dudes back there now that can cover… if that defense can do that, they can beat anybody, anywhere, anytime.” —Booger McFarland (27:51)

7. Early Season College Football Playoff Reactions (29:15–31:15)

• Booger not overreacting; eyes on Oklahoma’s new offense and whether FSU can physically handle the grind.
• Interesting note on Alabama: wonders if DeBoer is hesitant to play freshman QB Russell over veteran Ty Simpson due to internal politics (30:08).

8. Assessments: Texas vs. Ohio State (34:58–36:33)

• Booger: Both teams’ ceilings depend on quarterback growth.
• “Ohio State’s probably got better weapons, but Texas, I think, has better backs… These are going to be your 27–21 type games.” (35:24)

9. Rapid-Fire DEFCON Levels and Team Takes

• Notre Dame: “Not gonna panic. I was very impressed by Carr… they play man-to-man on the back end and tell the front four, go get him.”
• Miami’s D-Line: Special mention of Bane—“He’s thicker than a Snickers, bro.” —David Pollock (41:05)
• Michigan-Oklahoma Preview, Underwood’s 1st Road Test (41:22–43:11):
  • Booger predicts struggles early for Underwood in Norman, but believes Underwood will show flashes of brilliance as a true freshman:
    “Nine months ago, he was in high school. And now you want him to go from a backpack to Norman, Oklahoma? That’s a lot to ask against Brett Venables.” —Booger McFarland (41:36)

10. Fun College Football Culture, SEC, and Talent Acquisition

• Review of Arizona State’s “cowbell acclimation” practice for trip to Mississippi State (45:18), poking fun at iconic SEC environments:
  “That is one of the most obnoxious places to play in the world because it never stops.” —David Pollock (45:18)
• Discussion on NIL, spending, and Dan Lanning’s unapologetic wealth at Oregon (51:45).
• Segment on top “GPS” speeds from athletes in Week 1, highlighting how college football athletes’ speed and talent is off the charts (50:50).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Booger on Golf & Life:
  “Golf is supposed to be enjoyable, not a workout, dude. Like, who told you to work out during the round of golf?” (20:13)
• On Alabama’s Effort:
  “I just don’t know if Kalen DeBoer can correct it… Is he doing a good enough job motivating this team?” —Booger (21:12)
• On Defensive Matchups:
  “You can’t just line up and run it over everybody.” —Booger on offensive balance in modern CFB (34:10)
• Underwood’s Challenge:
  “If that game is still close in the second half, I think if you’re Oklahoma, you gotta be concerned…the more comfortable [Underwood] gets, the better he’s going to play.” —Booger McFarland (42:50)
• On College Football Evolution:
  “You see teams that are going to get better throughout the season and figure out who they are… It used to be easier when you had guys for two and three and four years. It’s not like that anymore.” —David Pollock (48:48)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:00: Week two matchups and Michigan–Oklahoma preview setup
• 04:22: Bryce Underwood detailed breakdown
• 08:12: John Mateer’s playing style and Oklahoma’s Week 1 analysis
• 10:01: Oklahoma’s explosiveness and receiver play
• 14:00: Tennessee talk: Apologizing for missed coverage, Joey Aguilar
• 18:26: Booger McFarland joins, golf banter
• 20:22: Alabama DEFCON, DeBoer’s challenges
• 23:16: Podium Kings: Brian Kelly responds to Dabo Sweeney
• 25:28: LSU’s win, SEC outlook, and defense
• 29:15: Playoff thoughts, FSU and Oklahoma’s new trajectory
• 31:15: Alabama’s QB dilemma and leadership
• 34:58: Ohio State vs. Texas positional matchups
• 39:37: DEFCON levels for Notre Dame, Miami D-line
• 41:22: Michigan–Oklahoma: Underwood’s road test predictions
• 45:18: Cowbell culture at Mississippi State
• 50:50: College football speed: Fastest GPS times Week 1

Overall Tone & Style

• Tone: Banter-heavy, candid, and insightful, with a mix of humor and deep football analytics.
• Style: Informal conversations that feel like hanging out with knowledgeable, passionate football guys; listener questions included, creating a community vibe.

Perfect For…

• Fans looking to get beyond surface-level CFB commentary, especially those interested in the X’s and O’s.
• Listeners wanting a mix of analytical breakdown, locker-room banter, and “inside the game” perspective.