See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack: Episode Summary
Episode Title: These Teams Have the Best D-Linemen in CFB | The Future of Defense with Cody Alexander
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Introduction and Campus Insights
[00:00 - 02:16]
David Pollack opens the episode with his co-host Brent Rollins, sharing casual banter about the excitement surrounding upcoming college football events. They briefly discuss non-football topics, including a recent golfing experience Pollack had in Vidalia, Georgia. Despite a challenging game that left Pollack feeling "absolutely ruined by the course" ([02:16]), the conversation sets a relaxed and personable tone for the episode.
Listener Feedback and Baseball Banter
[03:01 - 07:09]
Cody Alexander, the guest expert on defense, joins the hosts to address listener comments and feedback. Pollack humorously acknowledges a one-star review from a listener named Bobby, expressing appreciation for all types of feedback ([04:04]). The discussion then shifts to a recent heated college baseball weekend, highlighting increased emotions and antics such as bat flips and dugout taunting. Cody references Chipper Jones's critique of Coastal Carolina's baseball program, questioning Pollack's stance on similar behaviors in baseball.
Brent Rollins chimingly vocalizes their differing opinions on sportsmanship in baseball versus football, with Pollack expressing a preference for passion in sports over self-centered displays: "I love emotion in sports. That's what I love" ([06:23]).
Main Segment: Top 10 Defensive Lines in College Football
[07:19 - 16:26]
The core of the episode dives into Max Chadwick's PFF ranking of the top 10 defensive lines in college football. Cody lists the rankings, starting with Clemson and Alabama in second place. Pollack immediately voices his disagreement with the latter half of the top 10, advocating for Texas and Oklahoma to occupy higher positions due to their elite edge rushers like Trey Moore, Colin Simmons ([09:01]), and Mason Thomas.
Pollack emphasizes the importance of edge rushers in disrupting quarterbacks and balances this with critiques of Alabama's depth and game-breaking potential. He states, "I don't see game breakers and guys that just..." ([15:04]). Additionally, Pollack praises Florida's defensive lineman Kayla Banks, labeling him "the best interior lineman in the country" ([17:47]).
Defensive Strategies and Evolution in CFB
[16:26 - 33:22]
The conversation progresses to defensive schemes and trends shaping college football. Brent Rollins introduces concepts like the "three-high" safety formation and hybrid defensive fronts. Pollack and Cody Alexander discuss the shift from traditional zone defenses to more aggressive, adaptable systems that can counter modern offensive strategies.
Pollack explains the necessity of hybrid fronts: "We are going to give you an extra Gap..." ([26:12]). They explore how defenses are evolving to handle versatile offenses, with Pollack highlighting the adaptability needed to counter spread offenses and mobile quarterbacks.
Listener Quiz: Defensive Preferences
[35:02 - 50:36]
To engage listeners, Pollack and Rollins participate in a defensive preferences quiz posed by Cody Alexander. The questions include preferences for quarterback formations (under center vs. gun), shotgun vs. pistol vs. offset back, receiver sets (bunch vs. spread), and quarterback types (running threat vs. elite passer).
Key takeaways:
- Under Center vs. Gun: Both hosts prefer quarterbacks under center for predictability in pass defense ([47:12], [47:34]).
- Pistol vs. Offset Back: Mixed preferences with Pollack favoring shotgun for versatility ([48:21], [48:47]).
- Bunch vs. Spread Sets: Both hosts express a preference against bunch formations due to defensive complications ([49:06]).
- Quarterback Type: A consensus leans towards preferring mobile quarterbacks to leverage their running ability while developing their passing skills ([50:07], [50:36]).
Advanced Defensive Concepts and Coaching Insights
[50:36 - 56:23]
Pollack and Rollins delve deeper into advanced defensive tactics, discussing how modern defenses incorporate elements from both college and NFL strategies. They reference specific coaches and defensive innovators, such as Baz Baxter from Baylor and Jim Knowles from Penn State, highlighting their contributions to evolving defensive architectures.
Pollack remarks on the necessity of "big boy football" and the decline of traditional three-high defenses in favor of more robust, adaptable fronts. He emphasizes the importance of interior linemen and the integration of modular defensive concepts to keep up with offensive innovations ([33:22], [39:26]).
Closing Remarks and Future Episodes
[56:23 - End]
As the episode wraps up, Pollack and Rollins reflect on the state of college football defenses amidst player movement and NIL effects. They tease upcoming episodes featuring guests like Brett Bielema and Kirby along with discussions on the impending NFL season.
Pollack underscores the complexity and constant evolution of defensive strategies: "Defense is the hardest to play because you're always..." ([55:11]). The hosts promote continued engagement through subscriptions and previews of future content, maintaining an enthusiastic outlook on the dynamic landscape of college football defense.
Notable Quotes:
- David Pollack [06:23]: "I love emotion in sports. That's what I love. I love people that care about what they do."
- David Pollack [09:01]: "What is the most important position on the defensive line? The guy that affects the quarterback the most."
- Brent Rollins [26:12]: "We are going to start adding tight ends...forcing the defense to really think about how they're attacking it with personnel."
- David Pollack [33:22]: "What you started seeing with them was the movement away from basically plugging the B gaps."
- Cody Alexander [47:12]: "Would you rather see the QB under center or in the gun?"
This episode offers an in-depth analysis of current defensive strategies in college football, critiques traditional ranking systems, and explores the future trajectory of defensive playbooks. Hosts Pollack and Rollins, alongside expert Cody Alexander, provide valuable insights for listeners looking to deepen their understanding of defensive football dynamics.