See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: Sherrone Moore OUT at Michigan | Stephen Daley Injury: Indiana CFP Impact
Date: December 11, 2025
Host: David Pollack
Co-Host: Brent Rollins

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into seismic developments shaking the foundation of college football, focusing on Michigan’s surprising firing of head coach Sherrone Moore, injury fallout for a playoff favorite (Indiana’s Stephen Daley), major coaching hires at Penn State, and the groundbreaking Utah private equity deal. Along the way, hosts David Pollack and Brent Rollins provide passionate analysis, coaching carousel speculation, playoff implications, and their signature blend of candid, knowledgeable banter.

Main Topics and Discussion Points

1. Michigan Fires Sherrone Moore (02:27–16:00)

The Fallout

• Sherrone Moore, who took over for Jim Harbaugh amid scandal and led Michigan to an 18-8 record over two seasons, is out after an “inappropriate relationship” scandal.
• The Michigan head coaching job becomes vacant for the second time in three years, raising concerns given the program’s tradition and recruiting implications, especially during the recruiting cycle.
• David empathizes with Michigan’s turmoil:

  “It’s just… There’s nothing that’s ever good about it. And especially, you know, if you’re a Michigan fan… it’s just a ball.” (03:36)

• The timing is particularly damaging due to early signing day and transfer portal activity.

Coaching Candidates and Speculation

• Brian Kelly is mentioned as a possible target:

  “Brian Kelly’s a name… I imagine that name will be talked about for this job because it’s a better fit up there up north than it is… in Baton Rouge.” (05:48)

• Kalen DeBoer is discussed as a realistic, though difficult, candidate due to high expectations following Nick Saban’s tenure at Alabama and intense pressure:

  “DeBoer’s got a good personality to deal with it… but… that’s a hard bar, man.” (07:15)

• Jed Fisch (Washington) and Jesse Minter (NFL, former Michigan DC) are named as credible options.
• The hosts consider returning to the Harbaugh era staff, suggesting that past wounds wouldn’t necessarily preclude Michigan from hiring a successful figure from that time:

  “What did it cost you? Everything. You got the ring but it’s cost you a lot…” (14:13)

Notable Banter

• Brent provides legal context regarding “fired for cause,” affecting Michigan's financial liability.
• Engaged audience participation is referenced (chat commentary), enhancing the “what’s next” discussion.

2. Indiana’s Stephen Daley Injury – Playoff Implications (16:14–25:07)

The Injury and Impact

• Stephen Daley, a critical defensive end for undefeated, #1-seed Indiana, suffered a serious leg injury celebrating after the Big Ten Championship win.
• Daley was praised for playing every defensive snap and anchoring a line built on transfer portal acquisitions.
• David emphasizes:

  “This is going to very much compromise Indiana and who they are defensively and why I think they’re such a good defense.” (17:54)

• Indiana’s depth is in question; stats show dramatic differences in defensive rotation compared to programs like Georgia.
• Replacement options exist, but are a clear drop-off—crucial for a team with modest high school recruiting.

Broader CFP Landscape

• Brent notes that other contenders with deeper depth (e.g., Georgia, Oregon) may be better equipped to survive injuries.
• The unpredictability of playoff football, especially with key starters missing, becomes a central theme:

  “Now it is injuries and it is a team like Indiana that loses one guy…that is the unpredictability factor within these games.” (20:36)

3. Penn State Hires Matt Campbell (25:07–38:23)

Why the Campbell Hire Matters

• Matt Campbell leaves Iowa State after years of speculation for the Penn State job; praised for high-character, developmental coaching.
• David defends Campbell’s win–loss record by context:

  “Go check Iowa State’s history, bro. Go just go get yourself a good read. Like, it’s not good. They don’t win. They don’t even have winning seasons. I think they have five winning seasons…before him. He had eight out of ten, man.” (27:06)

• Campbell is described as relational, process-driven, and a coach who “takes two stars and turns them into three or four stars.”

Continuity and Staff

• Campbell brings long-time DC Jon Heacock; Penn State retains beloved interim coach Terry Smith.
• The hosts highlight the importance of staff cohesion and Campbell’s Ohio/Midwest roots:

  “He’s from Ohio, from that area… football running through his veins.” (35:04)

Fan Reality Check

• David urges Penn State fans to allow time for the rebuild amid transfer outs and late timing:

  “Will this take a little bit more time? Probably than Penn State fans want… But you got the right guy.” (27:06)

• Brent contextualizes Campbell’s “development” pedigree by noting his alma mater (Mount Union) and coaching philosophy.

4. Utah’s Private Equity Deal: A New Era for College Sports (38:46–47:56)

The Details and Importance

• Utah becomes the first college program to partner with a private equity firm, creating “Utah Brands & Entertainment LLC” with $500 million committed capital.
• The hosts are stunned Utah broke this “first,” not a blueblood:

  “When I think of firsts and being on the forefront of like spending money… I dang sure don’t think of Utah. That’s not where my mind went… But, how about Utah?” (38:46)

Broader Implications

• The move is presented as a watershed moment in the “business-ification” of college football, with predictions that many schools will follow to compete in the financial arms race.
• David pushes back on “amateurism” nostalgics:

  “Shut the front door, like, right now, immediately. Like, get the heck outta here. Nah, bro, we ain’t here for that. Like, amateurism is long gone. That ship done sailed.” (41:41)

• Rising ticket prices, sponsorships, and business deals are acknowledged as inevitable consequences.
• The episode concludes this segment with a look to the future:

  “We’re getting to the point now where you’re seeing the amount of money that’s getting thrown into this. … If you don’t run this like a business, it’s going to be really, really hard to be successful.” (46:10)

5. Podium Kings: The Week’s Best (and Most Honest) Quotes (49:30–end)

Brett Yormark & Notre Dame’s “Egregious” Behavior (50:19)

• Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark accuses Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua of overreaching during playoff lobbying:

  “His behavior has been egregious. It’s been egregious going after Jim Phillips when they saved Notre Dame during COVID.” (50:19)

• David and Brent critique Bevacqua’s claim of “one of the best 10-game stretches in the history of college football” after Notre Dame’s playoff snub (51:28)

Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State on the Mess of College Football (53:15)

• Dillingham shoots straight about the turbulence:

  “The only thing that’s not a mess is the dollar signs. Those are still pointing up. Everything else is a mess…” (53:32)

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza's Big Ten Title Joy (54:50)

• Mendoza’s humility and joy stand out:

  “I want to give all the glory to God. We were never supposed to be in this position, but… the great coaches, great teammates… we were able to pull this off.” (54:50)

• The hosts praise Mendoza’s authenticity, leadership, and “nerdy” genuineness as a face for the program.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• David Pollack: On Michigan’s crisis:

  “It’s just… There’s nothing that’s ever good about it. And especially, you know, if you’re a Michigan fan… it’s just a ball.” (03:36)

• Brent Rollins: On the coaching carousel:

  “You’re going to get almost half… or over 30… FBS coach coaching positions that have either changed or already changed.” (38:23)

• David Pollack: On the end of amateurism:

  “Shut the front door, like, right now, immediately. Like, get the heck outta here. Nah, bro, we ain’t here for that. Like, amateurism is long gone. That, that ship done sailed.” (41:41)

• Brent Rollins: On the Utah deal and CFB future:

  “It all feels like it’s moving more and more to where you’re going… College football will be much more like the NFL and you’re going to have to have a certain level of financial commitment to be in big boy football or else you won’t exist.” (43:21)

• Kenny Dillingham: On college football chaos:

  “Everything else is a mess. The dollar sign—the business of it—that’s skyrocketing. Everything else a mess.” (53:32)

• Fernando Mendoza: After Big Ten title:

  “I want to give all the glory to God. We were never supposed to be in this position… Whoever thought the Hoosier would be here, but now the Hoosiers are flipping champs.” (54:50)

Key Timestamps

• Michigan fires Sherrone Moore: 02:27–16:00
• Indiana’s Stephen Daley Injury: 16:14–25:07
• Penn State hires Matt Campbell: 25:07–38:23
• Utah’s private equity deal/Business of CFB: 38:46–47:56
• Podium Kings: Weekly soundbites and commentary: 49:30–end

Final Thoughts

In trademark See Ball Get Ball fashion, this episode weaves analytical sharpness, coaching insight, and playful, honest debate. Whether you want to understand the chaos at Michigan, shifting playoff powers, the business future of the sport, or simply enjoy great football talk, this episode is essential listening for college football fans navigating a wild offseason.