The Ryen Russillo Show: CFB Championship Weekend Preview w/ Booger McFarland & Commanders LB Von Miller

Date: December 5, 2025
Host: Ryen Russillo (now at Barstool Sports)
Guests: Booger McFarland (ESPN/ABC CFB Analyst), Von Miller (Washington Commanders LB)
Theme: A jam-packed college football championship weekend preview—coaching moves, playoff scenarios, conference breakdowns—with Booger McFarland, plus a deep NFL and career conversation with Von Miller and classic Life Advice.

EPISODE OVERVIEW

Ryen Russillo opens with Booger McFarland to break down the latest major move at LSU (Lane Kiffin as head coach), then checks in on all the Power Five conference title games. The duo unpacks playoff headaches, seeding debates, and top matchups. Later, future Hall of Famer Von Miller talks NFL legacy, his GM aspirations, lessons learned from legendary coaches, and building winning teams. The show wraps with the always-entertaining Life Advice segment and memorable tangents.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: LSU’S HIRE OF LANE KIFFIN (03:05–13:50)

LSU's Coaching Carousel and Culture

Booger’s Breakdown:
- LSU’s administration was determined to find “the best coach that fit LSU” after firing Scott Woodard.
- “There’s no other coach that fits in the South like Lane Kiffin because he checks a lot of boxes. Number one, he’s a hands-on coach... Number two, he’s an offensive genius... and he brings a swagger to him.” (Booger, 03:05)
- Kiffin’s approach is compared favorably to past LSU coaches (Ogeron, Les Miles, Saban).
Russillo’s Concern:
- Cites Lane's “pattern” of drama and negotiation, referencing media reports and friction at Ole Miss before Kiffin’s departure.
- Wonders aloud about how much baggage matters if you win.

Negotiations and “The Right Way” to Leave

Booger: Kiffin’s drama was “just negotiation tactics,” not out of character for college football. He compares it to a messy breakup:
- “Let’s say you’re married in one house... and you leave her to say, I’m going two houses down and... start dating your best friend, but you can’t move in yet. Can I still stay here? Well, the person you’re staying with is going to say, hell no, get the hell out.” (Booger, 07:10)
LSU was reportedly willing to let Kiffin coach Ole Miss through the playoffs; Ole Miss said no due to the awkward optics (09:07–11:27).
Both agree: there’s never a “right” or easy way to manage modern college football coaching moves.

Anticipating Next Season’s LSU-Ole Miss Matchup

Booger: “LSU goes back to Oxford—that’ll be must-see TV.” (13:27)
Big games expected: Clemson at LSU to open the Kiffin era, LSU @ Ole Miss later in the season.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREVIEWS

SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama (14:06–18:24)

Booger’s Take: “It’s less about X’s and O’s, more about mentality.”
- Georgia needs to overcome a mental Alabama block—“Never accept the carbon copy, the original...and the original was always Alabama.” (Booger quoting Warren Sapp, 14:38)
- Bama isn’t as physical as years past, more dependent on skill/flash, Georgia needs to run the ball and play their game.
Russillo: Leans Georgia citing season arc, one-dimensional Bama offense, but says it'll be close: “Georgia is as talented as Alabama. This game should be really close. But for whatever reason...when something bad happens, it’s usually not [Georgia’s] way.” (Russillo, 17:28–18:24)

Big Ten: Indiana vs. Ohio State (18:27–20:15)

Indiana’s QB Mendoza “has to be the best football player on the field” to upset Ohio State.
Ohio State’s offense felt unleashed at times; if it turns into a shootout, Indiana could hang, but if OSU leads late, “I want to see how Ohio State performs.” (Booger, 18:31–20:15)

Playoff Controversies & Seeding (21:48–26:28)

Duke Scenario: Booger blunt—“No room for a five-loss team in the playoff...don’t lose five times, that’s all I’ll say.” (21:51)
Russillo and Booger discuss the nuance of a 12-team playoff, group of five bids, and flaws in seeding logic.
Booger: “No special teams in the country. Ohio State’s probably the most talented, but...there’s five or six teams that could win it. That’s what’s cool about this 12-team playoff.” (25:32–26:28)

QUICK HITS: OTHER CONFERENCE BREAKDOWNS & SEEDING DEBATES

Big 12 & Playoff Implications (27:33–32:17)

Texas Tech vs. BYU: Booger says BYU can only win if they ugly up the game, run the ball, and keep Tech’s offense off the field.
Seeding Debates (Notre Dame vs. Miami): Both Booger & Russillo argue head-to-head results MUST matter—if not, “why are we playing the games?” (Booger, 30:51). But acknowledge the committee sometimes leans on metrics.

NFL: WHO DO YOU TRUST? WHO’S GOT SUPER BOWL JUICE? (32:20–39:44)

Russillo opens: “Do you really like any team in the AFC?” (32:20)
Booger’s AFC lean: “I think New England’s going to get the bye...I would hitch my wagon to the Patriots.”
NFC pick: “I probably hitch you to the Rams. If they’re healthy, the way Stafford is playing, they can run the football, defensively they're doing well.” (33:03) But acknowledges the league is “wide open.”
On home field and cold weather:
- “Living in cold weather helps you create a mindset. Everybody’s cold, first of all. But when you live there, you have a mindset.” (Booger, 36:35)
- “When that ‘hawk’...is 20 degrees and the wind is blowing, it’s mental toughness. That’s why Chicago in the NFC playoffs has an edge.”

Bears at Home – The Caleb Williams Factor

Booger praises rookie QB “making wild throws... and Ben Johnson [OC] is good for 10–14 points.”
“They rush for almost 300 yards against Philly…it’s the most Fangio’s given up in 20 years.” (39:44–39:53)

INTERVIEW: VON MILLER (43:24–72:07)

Facing Denver and Embracing Change

Russillo: “This was a big week for you with the history with Denver...is there a different appreciation at this stage of your career?” (43:35)
Von: “That was a tough loss...the Aggies lost to tu, we lost to the Broncos...Now I can just go back to being a fan” (43:59).

On Broncos' O-line and His GM Aspirations

Von gives credit to Denver’s O-line: “They’ve been playing together, solid group...from right tackle to left tackle.” (44:59)
Recounts a lighthearted story about being invited to return to Denver and his realistic take: “Me with my GM mindset...I already knew what the answer was going to be.” (45:59)
“After a short conversation...we actually talked more about the path to be a GM in the NFL. That’s something I really want to do after football.” (47:50)

What Makes a Great Coach?

Von on his best head coaches: “Coach Fox was a great one. Coach Kubiak was a great one. Vance Joseph, Vic Fangio...And Coach McVay, he just got it.” (50:37–53:12)
If building a staff, aims for “the best version of Coach McVay” for his mix of game IQ and personality management.

Team Building Philosophy & the 2011 Draft Redo (53:36–56:42)

If Von were GM in his own draft class: “In hindsight, I probably take J.J. Watt #1 ... I probably still would have went No. 2 to Denver.”
Debates whether to build around two elite pass rushers, tackles, corners, or receivers. Von’s answer: “I would have to go with the left and right tackle. I’m just one more player away, just a quarterback away from a really good team.” (59:44)

On His Unique Pass Rush Skills & NFL Experiences

Russillo: “Is there something physically unusual about how you bend the edge?” (60:49)
Von: “I just think about how fast I can get from point A to point B... The hardest part is staying up and bending around the corner.” Acknowledges Cooper’s low rush but says “nobody gets as low as I do.” (61:39–62:29)
Recaps emotional loss vs. Denver; flips to Aggie pride and optimism for A&M in Elko’s first year. (63:08–65:53)

Quarterback Memories & Peyton Manning’s “Sheriff” Legacy (65:53–69:44)

“Peyton Manning... took us from being a team that just wanted to win the division to let’s go win a Super Bowl.” (67:29)
On what made Peyton special: “He was more than just a quarterback on game days. He had an influence on everybody.” (69:44)

Career Goals (last segment)

Von: “I want to get deep in the top 10 of sacks...if I can get 141, that’d put me at sixth all time.” (70:17)
On watching Myles Garrett: “He’s in a whole different stratosphere. You just got to be at peace with who you are and what you can do.” (71:22–71:41)

MEMORABLE QUOTES & MOMENTS (Select Timestamps)

Booger, on hiring Lane Kiffin:
“There’s no better place in America for a college football game than when [LSU] is right...Lane fits, and he’s going to bring something LSU fans want again: a championship.” (03:05–04:01)
Von Miller, on his Broncos legacy:
“I wouldn’t want to trade my career or the fans I had for anybody. I wouldn’t trade it selfishly for anything.” (54:26)
Booger, on cold weather football:
“When you walk out there and that ‘hawk’…starts to cut through your skin…no matter how many times you tell yourself, ‘just lock in,’ you gotta lock in for three hours. It’s a mindset.” (36:35)
Von, on his unique skillset:
“I just think about how fast I can get from point A to point B...staying up and bending around the corner.” (61:39)

LIFE ADVICE & PODCAST TANGENTS (77:46–end)

Highlights

A listener asks if he can "move out after living together for two years to live with a group of my childhood buddies for a year" without sabotaging his relationship. The panel's consensus: it’s a non-starter for anyone seriously committed—a hilarious back-and-forth about male friendship and relationship dynamics (88:05–97:41).
Classic Russillo humor:
“You have to find a way to at least pitch this to give it the best chance of you getting permission to go ahead and do this...there’s just so many landmines with this thing.” (98:36–99:02)

STRUCTURE & FLOW

Clear divisions between CFB preview, NFL talk, and Life Advice
Russillo’s wry tone, Booger’s deep insights, and Miller’s self-aware, engaging storytelling offer a blend of hard analysis and off-the-cuff warmth
Rich with quotes, football philosophy, and witty analogies (“married in one house, start dating your wife’s best friend two houses down...”, “never accept the carbon copy”)

TIMESTAMPS FOR KEY SEGMENTS

LSU hires Lane Kiffin, coaching drama: 03:05–13:50
SEC/Big Ten Title Game Previews: 14:06–20:15
Playoff Seeding Debate: 21:48–26:28
Big 12/CUSA/Miscellaneous: 27:33–32:17
NFL Playoff Picture: 32:20–39:44
Von Miller Interview: 43:24–72:07
Life Advice & Listener Questions: 77:46–onward

This episode is a must-listen for detailed and vivid college football analysis, honest NFL player perspectives, and classic Russillo banter.
Memorable, insightful, and packed with genuine sports wisdom and all the laughs you expect from the show.

The Ryen Russillo Show: CFB Championship Weekend Preview w/ Booger McFarland & Commanders LB Von Miller

EPISODE OVERVIEW

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: LSU’S HIRE OF LANE KIFFIN (03:05–13:50)

LSU's Coaching Carousel and Culture

Booger’s Breakdown:
- LSU’s administration was determined to find “the best coach that fit LSU” after firing Scott Woodard.
- “There’s no other coach that fits in the South like Lane Kiffin because he checks a lot of boxes. Number one, he’s a hands-on coach... Number two, he’s an offensive genius... and he brings a swagger to him.” (Booger, 03:05)
- Kiffin’s approach is compared favorably to past LSU coaches (Ogeron, Les Miles, Saban).
Russillo’s Concern:
- Cites Lane's “pattern” of drama and negotiation, referencing media reports and friction at Ole Miss before Kiffin’s departure.
- Wonders aloud about how much baggage matters if you win.

Negotiations and “The Right Way” to Leave

Booger: Kiffin’s drama was “just negotiation tactics,” not out of character for college football. He compares it to a messy breakup:
- “Let’s say you’re married in one house... and you leave her to say, I’m going two houses down and... start dating your best friend, but you can’t move in yet. Can I still stay here? Well, the person you’re staying with is going to say, hell no, get the hell out.” (Booger, 07:10)
LSU was reportedly willing to let Kiffin coach Ole Miss through the playoffs; Ole Miss said no due to the awkward optics (09:07–11:27).
Both agree: there’s never a “right” or easy way to manage modern college football coaching moves.

Anticipating Next Season’s LSU-Ole Miss Matchup

Booger: “LSU goes back to Oxford—that’ll be must-see TV.” (13:27)
Big games expected: Clemson at LSU to open the Kiffin era, LSU @ Ole Miss later in the season.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREVIEWS

SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama (14:06–18:24)

Booger’s Take: “It’s less about X’s and O’s, more about mentality.”
- Georgia needs to overcome a mental Alabama block—“Never accept the carbon copy, the original...and the original was always Alabama.” (Booger quoting Warren Sapp, 14:38)
- Bama isn’t as physical as years past, more dependent on skill/flash, Georgia needs to run the ball and play their game.
Russillo: Leans Georgia citing season arc, one-dimensional Bama offense, but says it'll be close: “Georgia is as talented as Alabama. This game should be really close. But for whatever reason...when something bad happens, it’s usually not [Georgia’s] way.” (Russillo, 17:28–18:24)

Big Ten: Indiana vs. Ohio State (18:27–20:15)

Indiana’s QB Mendoza “has to be the best football player on the field” to upset Ohio State.
Ohio State’s offense felt unleashed at times; if it turns into a shootout, Indiana could hang, but if OSU leads late, “I want to see how Ohio State performs.” (Booger, 18:31–20:15)

Playoff Controversies & Seeding (21:48–26:28)

Duke Scenario: Booger blunt—“No room for a five-loss team in the playoff...don’t lose five times, that’s all I’ll say.” (21:51)
Russillo and Booger discuss the nuance of a 12-team playoff, group of five bids, and flaws in seeding logic.
Booger: “No special teams in the country. Ohio State’s probably the most talented, but...there’s five or six teams that could win it. That’s what’s cool about this 12-team playoff.” (25:32–26:28)

QUICK HITS: OTHER CONFERENCE BREAKDOWNS & SEEDING DEBATES

Big 12 & Playoff Implications (27:33–32:17)

Texas Tech vs. BYU: Booger says BYU can only win if they ugly up the game, run the ball, and keep Tech’s offense off the field.
Seeding Debates (Notre Dame vs. Miami): Both Booger & Russillo argue head-to-head results MUST matter—if not, “why are we playing the games?” (Booger, 30:51). But acknowledge the committee sometimes leans on metrics.

NFL: WHO DO YOU TRUST? WHO’S GOT SUPER BOWL JUICE? (32:20–39:44)

Russillo opens: “Do you really like any team in the AFC?” (32:20)
Booger’s AFC lean: “I think New England’s going to get the bye...I would hitch my wagon to the Patriots.”
NFC pick: “I probably hitch you to the Rams. If they’re healthy, the way Stafford is playing, they can run the football, defensively they're doing well.” (33:03) But acknowledges the league is “wide open.”
On home field and cold weather:
- “Living in cold weather helps you create a mindset. Everybody’s cold, first of all. But when you live there, you have a mindset.” (Booger, 36:35)
- “When that ‘hawk’...is 20 degrees and the wind is blowing, it’s mental toughness. That’s why Chicago in the NFC playoffs has an edge.”

Bears at Home – The Caleb Williams Factor

Booger praises rookie QB “making wild throws... and Ben Johnson [OC] is good for 10–14 points.”
“They rush for almost 300 yards against Philly…it’s the most Fangio’s given up in 20 years.” (39:44–39:53)

INTERVIEW: VON MILLER (43:24–72:07)

Facing Denver and Embracing Change

Russillo: “This was a big week for you with the history with Denver...is there a different appreciation at this stage of your career?” (43:35)
Von: “That was a tough loss...the Aggies lost to tu, we lost to the Broncos...Now I can just go back to being a fan” (43:59).

On Broncos' O-line and His GM Aspirations

Von gives credit to Denver’s O-line: “They’ve been playing together, solid group...from right tackle to left tackle.” (44:59)
Recounts a lighthearted story about being invited to return to Denver and his realistic take: “Me with my GM mindset...I already knew what the answer was going to be.” (45:59)
“After a short conversation...we actually talked more about the path to be a GM in the NFL. That’s something I really want to do after football.” (47:50)

What Makes a Great Coach?

Von on his best head coaches: “Coach Fox was a great one. Coach Kubiak was a great one. Vance Joseph, Vic Fangio...And Coach McVay, he just got it.” (50:37–53:12)
If building a staff, aims for “the best version of Coach McVay” for his mix of game IQ and personality management.

Team Building Philosophy & the 2011 Draft Redo (53:36–56:42)

If Von were GM in his own draft class: “In hindsight, I probably take J.J. Watt #1 ... I probably still would have went No. 2 to Denver.”
Debates whether to build around two elite pass rushers, tackles, corners, or receivers. Von’s answer: “I would have to go with the left and right tackle. I’m just one more player away, just a quarterback away from a really good team.” (59:44)

On His Unique Pass Rush Skills & NFL Experiences

Russillo: “Is there something physically unusual about how you bend the edge?” (60:49)
Von: “I just think about how fast I can get from point A to point B... The hardest part is staying up and bending around the corner.” Acknowledges Cooper’s low rush but says “nobody gets as low as I do.” (61:39–62:29)
Recaps emotional loss vs. Denver; flips to Aggie pride and optimism for A&M in Elko’s first year. (63:08–65:53)

Quarterback Memories & Peyton Manning’s “Sheriff” Legacy (65:53–69:44)

“Peyton Manning... took us from being a team that just wanted to win the division to let’s go win a Super Bowl.” (67:29)
On what made Peyton special: “He was more than just a quarterback on game days. He had an influence on everybody.” (69:44)

Career Goals (last segment)

Von: “I want to get deep in the top 10 of sacks...if I can get 141, that’d put me at sixth all time.” (70:17)
On watching Myles Garrett: “He’s in a whole different stratosphere. You just got to be at peace with who you are and what you can do.” (71:22–71:41)

MEMORABLE QUOTES & MOMENTS (Select Timestamps)

Booger, on hiring Lane Kiffin:
“There’s no better place in America for a college football game than when [LSU] is right...Lane fits, and he’s going to bring something LSU fans want again: a championship.” (03:05–04:01)
Von Miller, on his Broncos legacy:
“I wouldn’t want to trade my career or the fans I had for anybody. I wouldn’t trade it selfishly for anything.” (54:26)
Booger, on cold weather football:
“When you walk out there and that ‘hawk’…starts to cut through your skin…no matter how many times you tell yourself, ‘just lock in,’ you gotta lock in for three hours. It’s a mindset.” (36:35)
Von, on his unique skillset:
“I just think about how fast I can get from point A to point B...staying up and bending around the corner.” (61:39)

LIFE ADVICE & PODCAST TANGENTS (77:46–end)

Highlights

A listener asks if he can "move out after living together for two years to live with a group of my childhood buddies for a year" without sabotaging his relationship. The panel's consensus: it’s a non-starter for anyone seriously committed—a hilarious back-and-forth about male friendship and relationship dynamics (88:05–97:41).
Classic Russillo humor:
“You have to find a way to at least pitch this to give it the best chance of you getting permission to go ahead and do this...there’s just so many landmines with this thing.” (98:36–99:02)

STRUCTURE & FLOW

Clear divisions between CFB preview, NFL talk, and Life Advice
Russillo’s wry tone, Booger’s deep insights, and Miller’s self-aware, engaging storytelling offer a blend of hard analysis and off-the-cuff warmth
Rich with quotes, football philosophy, and witty analogies (“married in one house, start dating your wife’s best friend two houses down...”, “never accept the carbon copy”)

TIMESTAMPS FOR KEY SEGMENTS

LSU hires Lane Kiffin, coaching drama: 03:05–13:50
SEC/Big Ten Title Game Previews: 14:06–20:15
Playoff Seeding Debate: 21:48–26:28
Big 12/CUSA/Miscellaneous: 27:33–32:17
NFL Playoff Picture: 32:20–39:44
Von Miller Interview: 43:24–72:07
Life Advice & Listener Questions: 77:46–onward

CFB Championship Weekend Preview w/ Booger McFarland, Plus Commanders LB Von Miller

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Summary

The Ryen Russillo Show: CFB Championship Weekend Preview w/ Booger McFarland & Commanders LB Von Miller

EPISODE OVERVIEW

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: LSU’S HIRE OF LANE KIFFIN (03:05–13:50)

LSU's Coaching Carousel and Culture

Negotiations and “The Right Way” to Leave

Anticipating Next Season’s LSU-Ole Miss Matchup

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREVIEWS

SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama (14:06–18:24)

Big Ten: Indiana vs. Ohio State (18:27–20:15)

Playoff Controversies & Seeding (21:48–26:28)

QUICK HITS: OTHER CONFERENCE BREAKDOWNS & SEEDING DEBATES

Big 12 & Playoff Implications (27:33–32:17)

NFL: WHO DO YOU TRUST? WHO’S GOT SUPER BOWL JUICE? (32:20–39:44)

Bears at Home – The Caleb Williams Factor

INTERVIEW: VON MILLER (43:24–72:07)

Facing Denver and Embracing Change

On Broncos' O-line and His GM Aspirations

What Makes a Great Coach?

Team Building Philosophy & the 2011 Draft Redo (53:36–56:42)

On His Unique Pass Rush Skills & NFL Experiences

Quarterback Memories & Peyton Manning’s “Sheriff” Legacy (65:53–69:44)

Career Goals (last segment)

MEMORABLE QUOTES & MOMENTS (Select Timestamps)

LIFE ADVICE & PODCAST TANGENTS (77:46–end)

Highlights

STRUCTURE & FLOW

TIMESTAMPS FOR KEY SEGMENTS

Summary

The Ryen Russillo Show: CFB Championship Weekend Preview w/ Booger McFarland & Commanders LB Von Miller

EPISODE OVERVIEW

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: LSU’S HIRE OF LANE KIFFIN (03:05–13:50)

LSU's Coaching Carousel and Culture

Negotiations and “The Right Way” to Leave

Anticipating Next Season’s LSU-Ole Miss Matchup

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREVIEWS

SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama (14:06–18:24)

Big Ten: Indiana vs. Ohio State (18:27–20:15)

Playoff Controversies & Seeding (21:48–26:28)

QUICK HITS: OTHER CONFERENCE BREAKDOWNS & SEEDING DEBATES

Big 12 & Playoff Implications (27:33–32:17)

NFL: WHO DO YOU TRUST? WHO’S GOT SUPER BOWL JUICE? (32:20–39:44)

Bears at Home – The Caleb Williams Factor

INTERVIEW: VON MILLER (43:24–72:07)

Facing Denver and Embracing Change

On Broncos' O-line and His GM Aspirations

What Makes a Great Coach?

Team Building Philosophy & the 2011 Draft Redo (53:36–56:42)

On His Unique Pass Rush Skills & NFL Experiences

Quarterback Memories & Peyton Manning’s “Sheriff” Legacy (65:53–69:44)

Career Goals (last segment)

MEMORABLE QUOTES & MOMENTS (Select Timestamps)

LIFE ADVICE & PODCAST TANGENTS (77:46–end)

Highlights

STRUCTURE & FLOW

TIMESTAMPS FOR KEY SEGMENTS