College Football Live - CFB Live - 10/3 - Live from Tuscaloosa

Episode Date: October 3, 2025

Join our crew Jen Lada, Stanford Steve, Desmond Howard and Pete Thamel for College Football Live from Tuscaloosa. They'll recap last years matchup between Vanderbilt and Alabama and we'll hear from both coaches as they prepare for tomorrows game. Numerous head coach firings through the first 5 weeks the team will discuss and Stanford Steve gives his gambling guide for week 6. All that and more on CFB Live! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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This Black Friday, you've got a whole month to catch all the exclusive offers waiting for you. See your local Nissan dealer or nissan.ca for details. Conditions apply. Football Live is presented by Vanguard. Welcome into Tuscaloosa. They call it T-Town here. Do you think the T stands for titles? Because you know what?

They got quite a few of them with that guy at the helm. That's Nick Sabin, of course, won just a handful of national championships. But a big game this weekend as Alabama is hosting Vanderbilt, undefeated, undaunted, upstart Vanderbilt. But you know what, Alabama? Well, they've done this a few times. They're going to have some success out there this weekend.

What do y'all think? We've got to get caught here for college football live. He's Desmond Howard, Stanford, Steve, of course, the authority, Pete Thammell and I am Jen Latter. Who remembers the last time these two teams faced off? These folks back here probably would like to forget about it. Because it was a season ago that Vanderbilt dropped number one ranked Alabama in an electric matchup. But Alabama's playoff hopes weren't the only thing that sank that day. after the game, Vandy fans stormed the field.

They tore down the goalpost and carried them out of the stadium right into the Cumberland River. I think for a while, you could actually Google Google Post, and it showed up in the middle of the river. Googlemast or something like that. Here's their head coach, Clark Lee, ahead of tomorrow's big game. What's special is the opportunity to go play against Alabama, you know, and we don't control who shows up, who doesn't show up, who pays attention, who doesn't pay attention,

who doesn't pay attention. Obviously, we understand that it's a great stage, and we understand that there will be a lot of eyes on us, but what we want to do is go play our brand of football. And we know we're going to take that up against a team that's really good and playing with confidence, and, you know, we'll have our work cut out for us. So Clark Lee, of course, really understands where Vanderbilt has been and where they hope to go, a former player, of course.

But you can't really say same old Vandy anymore. As I mentioned, they come in five and O'Dez. what will be the key to them walking out of here with a victory tomorrow? Yeah, you're right, Jen. It's not the same old Vanity. Just think, last week, Alabama went down in between the hedges and beat a tough Georgia bulldog team. And then all they heard after that was,

yeah, but can you do it against Vandy and Tuscaloosa next Saturday? That lets you know how far this program has come. And you have to give credit to Clark Lee. I mean, he's built a sustainable program that he's been able to go out and get a few pieces but retain the most important pieces like his quarterback Diego Pavia. He's an extension of Clark Lee.

You think Clark Lee is confident. You should hear Pavia talk about his team. I mean, this guy oozes with confidence because for one reason and one reason only, they have a clear identity of who they are and they believe and not only themselves, but each other, their philosophy is as long as everyone in this locker room believes,

we're okay, we're going to be great. They are in familiar territory. This is the 51st straight SEC game. They've been an underdog. They haven't been a favorite in SEC game since 2018. Pavia has won 14 games as an underdog. That's tied for the most in the last

20 years. And when you think about how they're going to try and do it again, it starts with that offense. Alabama has not been good against the run. Vanderbilt is great. Fourth in the country and third down conversions. Alabama gives up 160 yards a game on the ground. So the method to the

Madness is making sure your quarterback, the ringleader is in charge and gets the ball to the great toys that he has that they've gone in the transfer portal to get. So I expect a high scoring game, especially with Vanderbilt and not being tested yet to what they're going to see against this Alabama offense. Well, Steve, at our hotel, the Wi-Fi password is Dynasty 2020. And Vanderbilt wants to keep that number 20 at the end and not make that a 25. To do that, their execution monsters. Look, I talked to coaches that played Vanderbilt this week. They said there's really only one NFL draftable player on offense, tight end Eli Stowers. They win almost like a military academy.

Now, they've upgraded talent, but there's still synchronicity, age, and execution is the key to Vanderbilt doing that. It is not like they have, you know, five stars running down on the flanks or anything like that. They are going to get first down after first down, dominate time of possession, a thousand cuts, and wait for you to make a mistake. Diego Pavia said, if we play our game, it won't. be close. How do we feel about that Alabama fans? Diego Pavia likes to run on the field,

but he also runs his mouth a little bit to your point about him being very confident with his team headed into this matchup. And of course, some of this conversation is because we're not sure exactly who Alabama is yet. I think they're hoping that they can solidify being a contender with a few more victories this season. Here is head coach Kalin DeBore earlier this week ahead of the rematch against the Commodores. Physically, it's going to be it's going to be a battle. And mentally, you've got to be ready to respond. And so, yeah, I just, I mean, we didn't handle success, however you want to put it last year.

Well, I mean, you can't argue that. I also think that they did a nice job of executing in critical times and made plays. And so no different this week, right? And our success that we had on Saturday, none of it matters. Alabama has quietly been among the top teams in the SEC offensively, converting 54% of their third downs this season and ranking third in the SEC in passing yards per game. Desmond, who has been the difference maker in Bama's passing game? Hey, guys, I've been really impressed with wide receiver at Jeremy Bernard.

I hesitate to call him a wideout because he does so much in Ryan Grubbs' office. I think the ultimate goal is to move him around and get the ball into Bernard's hands. Let me show you exactly what I'm talking about. And here he is right here lined up in the backfield like as a running back. This is going to be a screen pass. Keep an eye on Bernard and Ryan Williams right here. At the snap the ball, he's going to motion out to the right, and then you're going to see as he catches the ball,

Williams guy is triggered. So he's going to cross Williams' face. But watch Bernard, just how natural and fluid he is. He's going to make the first man miss, weave in and out of defenders and picks up a first down. But now, let's look at Ryan Williams on this play. I showed you at the snap. His man was triggered, right?

So that happens. Someone's going to beat you across your face, but he does not give up on the play. I'm gonna put it in slow motion so you can watch Ryan. He does not give up. He actually gets in front of Bernard and goes and picks up a block down the field, helping him get an extra five or six yards.

I like that. That's winning football, even when the ball's not in your hands. Now right here, Bernard is right on the outside of a bunch formation. This is going to be a running play, inside, in between the tackles. You have a left tackle, I mean, left guard, and the age back.

They're both going to pull. watch my man Bernard on this flip flip the ball to Bernard he presses the hole he does that so he can get this defender this linebacker to overcommit and watch his instincts hitting this lane right here and then it's just he's just natural with the ball in his hands look at that and this is done in the red zone meaning things were condensed and still in that small space if they were playing two-hand touch he still scores a touchdown. Bernard is a weapon. I think we're going to see him use in various ways against the Commodore's defense. As always appreciate a full screen like that. A Saturday ABC college football lineup and it is going

to be great. It starts at noon Eastern with number 12 Georgia hosting Kentucky. Then the Alabama Vandy game and at 7.30 it's a sunshine state showdown between third rank Miami and number 18 Florida State. Each game of course available on the all new reimagined ESPN app through six weeks of the college football season, we have seen a handful of coaching changes in the FBS, Virginia Tech parting ways with Brett Pry after an 0 and three start to the season, ending his tenure with a 16 and 24 record with the Hokies. The same day, UCLA parted ways with their head coach to Sean Foster in his second year as the Bruins head coach. He went five and 10. Of course, we all heard about Oklahoma State

parting ways with Mike Gundy, the second longest tenured FBS head coach behind Kirk Ferrence and Iowa. And then, of course, this past Saturday, Arkansas, as expected, parted ways with Sam Pittman. It's worth noting that since his record was above 500, since 2021, Arkansas owes him a buyout of nearly 10 million dialers. And that, of course, brings us to Billy Napier and the Florida Gators,

because guys they have started the season 1 and 3. Pete, what is the latest down in Gainesville? Quite the setup for the Billy Napier conversation. The latest is simple, Jen. There's a sense of urgency around Billy Napier, and something needs to change in order for Billy Napier to keep his job. Right now, his winning percentage is 20% less than

Dan Mullins when he got fired at Florida. He's about 47%. DJ Lagway went into this season being expected to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Simply put, he's been one of the worst in the SEC. So there's pressure right now at Florida on Napier to find some momentum, some wins some of these games going to the season that were considered

coin-fliped games. And Billy Napier needs to change the narrative on the program and on the offense that he calls the plays for. Des, let's talk about the coaching situations, what is creating urgency for these teams to make these decisions? Because it seems like an awful lot this early in the season. Jen, that's a very, very good question. And I think that, you know, my knee-jerk reaction would be it's an emotional decision, right? It's like if you're an athletic director, you're the president of university, whoever makes

these decisions, you're looking at the product and you're like, I just can't stand looking at this anymore, especially under this leadership. Like, we can't be any worse. So then you make the, you pull the trigger, you make the move that you make as far as fire on these coaches. I don't think it's a real strategic move. I think it's just more emotional because you're sick and tired of looking at this product that has your paraphernalia on it. And you look at those teams, there's a lot of embarrassing losses that I think finally just

put the stamp, you know, on the envelope for these decisions. What we will find out is how execution happens with these plans. Because everybody always says, you've got to have another guy lined up and things aren't working out. We're going to find that out very soon. Pete, any other top stories we should be keeping our eye on this weekend? Let's start in the swamp where Arch Manning gets two key weapons back. Tailback Trey Wisner is probable for the game, and he's expected to be limited in this game,

but his return is a huge boost to the Longhorn Ground game, and then we'll see the debut of receiver Emmett Mosley. He was perhaps Texas' best receiver in camp. This will be his first game. As for the Big Ten, they're in discussions right now about a private capital deal that's worth more than $2 billion. It would also include an extension of the grant of rights for 10 more years till 2046.

As for Iowa State, when they go to Cincinnati this weekend, they'll be without their two top corners. Jontel Williams and Jeremiah Cooper. They both have torn ACLs and out for the rest of the season. It'll be interesting to see how the cyclones rejigger their defense. Trey Bell and Quentin Taylor are expected to get an uptick of snaps with those two starters out for the year. Good stuff.

Pete. Always appreciate the updates. It's coming up on College Football Live. Miami hits the road for the first time headed to Tallahassee for the Sunshine State Showdown. Can the Cains handle the challenge or will the Knowles answer back at home? College Football Live is presented by Vanguard. 50 years of investor success doesn't happen by chance. When you're flying Emirates business class, enjoying a good night's rest in your lie flat seat,

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Now it's time for the good year road test. Miami headed down to Tallahassee to face number 18, Florida State. Miami has already beaten two AP ranked teams this season. A win tomorrow would be their longest such win streak since 2004. Here are the two head coaches on their heavily anticipated matchup this week. Yeah, they certainly have done a great job enhancing themselves on both sides of the ball, very unique systems, while making a challenging with both pace, with physicality, and with execution on defense. They've done a great job just becoming a very physical and aggressive defense with multiple looks on the back end

and playing very strong and physical football up front. They're O-line near D-line. I mean, they're definitely a strength of their team. And they've done a good job. Play guys are playing very confident. You know, that's going to be a great challenge for us, you know, on both sides of the line of scrimmage. But, you know, our guys are excited for what's in place.

Well, Miami is absolutely rolling this year. I don't know if you've been paying attention. And some people on this set think they might be the number one team in the country, not naming names or anything. Dez, how can the Seminels knock off Miami this weekend? Well, I think in order for them to knock off Miami, they need to take a page out of the Seminoles playbook. The playbook they used against Alabama.

I mean, that day, they took Alabama's offense off of their game plan. Don't forget, Ty Simpson, he threw the ball 43 times. That's what you want to do against Miami. You want to make sure that you take them away from their game player. Miami, they want to run the ball. They have great running backs. They do have fantastic wideouts. but they want to have balance.

You want to make them one-dimensional. If the nose defense can make the Keynes' offense one-dimensional and then put all the pressure on Carson Beck, where he has to sit back and throw the ball 40-plus times, I think that'll take them out of their rhythm, out of their game plan, and they may have a chance to beat the Keynes. Yeah, and on the other side, I look at what Florida State's offense did.

They gave the ball the Virginia twice last week. They go down and 14-0 on the road is exactly not the way. You want to start a game on the road as a ranked team. So, but, you know, they come back. You know, the offense is clicking. They have to find a way to test that Miami secondary. I get it. Miami has a great pass rush.

But the quick game, Miami secondary has not been tested since the second half of the Notre Dame game. That was Labor Day Sunday night. That's over a month ago. So Florida State has to find a plan. Deuce Robinson, I know he had the bobble in the end zone, but he was fantastic last week against Virginia. They got to find a way to get him the ball. So I'm going to double down on Dez's point. If the Seminoles can get the hurricanes to be pass heavy, you need to move Carson Beck off his spot.

He's only lost three games as a starter. And when teams have gotten to Carson Beck, he's had to move around and be a little bit uncomfortable. And with that can come some fraught decision making. Mario Cristobal mentioned the unconventional Florida State defense. One of Tony White, the defensive coordinator, strengths is he's going to send guys from angles you didn't know existed. So look for Florida State to be exotic and to make Carson Beck uncomfortable to pull the upset. Yeah, there's no doubt about that. I'll tell you guys one thing.

I live in the state of Florida. All right. And there are three universities, three major universities. University of Miami, Florida State, and University of Florida. All three hate each other. And this game has extra juice because don't forget, Florida State lost a week ago to UVA. So now they're going to come in there with a lot of juice. This is going to be a hell of a ballgame.

I can't wait. I'm excited for this one. Maybe the biggest factor. This is the first time we get to see Miami out of Hard Rock Stadium. Good point. I mean, we've seen teams not look to see. same when they go on the road this year. This is the first true test. And coincidentally, we had talked a little bit earlier this year about Florida having some desperation as their

season went on as they tried to kind of figure out who they were. Now a little desperation from Florida State as well. Miami's sitting back going, what? Like it's hard? It's hard. We shall see how it shakes on this weekend. I think you're exactly right. Big SEC matchup coming up this weekend. Will the favorites survive the test? Or could chaos shake up the top of the conference? That conversation coming up next on College Football Live. You're watching College Football Live, presented by Vanguard. At Desjardin Insurance, we put the care in taking care of business.

Your business, to be exact. Our agents take the time to understand your company, so you get the right coverage at the right price. Whether you rent out your building, represent a condo corporation, or own a cleaning company, we make insurance easy to understand, so you can focus on the big. stuff like your small business. Get insurance that's really big on care. Find an agent today at Dejardin.com slash business coverage. Simons has your holiday outfits sorted. Be ready to wow in a wardrobe designed to celebrate the season. Revel in luxurious velvet, shimmering satin, elegant silhouettes, and sparkling details. Whether you're going full glam or keeping a casual, you're sure to shine bright

in our festive party wear, no matter the dress code. Just RSVP yes and let's stop. I'll carry you into the new year with Simons. College Football Live is presented by Vanguard. 50 years of investor success doesn't happen by chance. Coming to you from the quad here at Alabama and a handful of SEC matchups this weekend. Number 10, of course, Alabama hosting's number 16 Vanderbilt. It marks just the second time in series history where these two teams are facing off as ranked teams. Guess who hasn't been holding up there under the bargain?

there. Kentucky had you down to Athens to face number 12 Georgia. The Wildcats haven't beaten a ranked Georgia team since 1988 and they have never done it in Athens. And then you got number six Texas A&M hosting Mississippi State. That game's at 730 Eastern. The Aggies are looking to start 5 and 0 for the first time since 2016. And number nine, Texas head downs to Gainesville to face Florida. The Longhorns have won nine consecutive road conference games, second longest active streak in FBS. Arch Manning, of course. We talk about him a lot, still trying to find

his stride as QB1 for Texas. And Florida, of course, as we mentioned earlier, needs a big turnaround to turn around their season. What will the deciding factor in this one be Pete Thammel? Well, I'm going to look at some injuries for Florida in this game, Jack. Going into that Miami game, yes, as always, they were without George Gumbs and McCoyboro,

two really key defensive linemen. Those guys are now back this week against Texas. Still, though, Florida's without Caleb Banks. he's their best defensive lineman. They're without L.J. McCray. He might be their best edge. So, you know, as these things tend to cascade in spiral, Florida's had bad injury look this year.

Yeah, I just look at, they need all hands on deck. You're this desperate for a win. You need as much. I mean, that's better than what they had against Miami. And again, their defense hasn't been the problem. They got to get the offense going. No, I agree with you 100%. I mean, their defense has been, to me, lights out.

But they just spend too much time on the field because the offense can't stay on the field. But if DJ Lagway comes out of this fog, I mean, it can be a very competitive game. I just want to see how Arch Manning responds on the road. The first time we saw him on the road was in Columbus. And he didn't play well. People thought it was because of Matt Patricia, a defensive coordinator for Ohio State. But as they played more games, you started to realize that Arch just wasn't playing a good brand of football,

especially not really the brand of football you would expect from a manning at the quarterback position. So I'm really curious to see this is going to be his second test on the football. the road this time, not against a Big Ten defense, but it gets an SEC defense. And I live in Miami. This is the hurricane season. There's chances that we will get some rain up in Gainesville, too, for that game. It can get sloppy. Meteorologist does. Hey, you know, the more you can do. So it can make an ugly game, uglier. Yes, sir. There are a lot of SEC games, as we mentioned, going on. Steve, what one will you have your eye on? For this weekend in the SEC. I look at Texas A&M, guys. When you look at the top ranked SEC teams

in the AP poll, A&M is at 6. Ole Miss is ahead of them. Oklahoma is ahead of them. A&M went to Notre Dame, scored 41 points. They come back last week and hold Auburn to 0 for 13 on third downs. That shows me some versatility with the team. They have a stake in one of the best chances

to make it to Atlanta. I'm really looking to see how they continue this. Mississippi State has established themselves as a salty opponent this year. They obviously upset Arizona State. They obviously to play Tennessee tough last week into overtime. They're going to be with Albert Reese, their right tackle going into this game against A&M.

And maybe their best defensive backfield player, Isaac Smith, is going to be questionable for that game. So just keep an eye on Mississippi State. They are not at full health. They played a couple close games. I tell you what, talking about those close games. They were my super dog last week. I was pulling them against Tennessee.

Yeah, they were right there. I got some big points. But how about Georgia guys? You know, Georgia lost Alabama last week. I understand that. But, man, Kirby Smart. during this press conference said he learned more about his team after that game than he did any other game because the way they responded, he said that his guys were hurt.

And now he understands what they're invested in. He just wants these guys to take that pain from losing against Alabama and take it out on the Kentucky Wildcats. All right. It's time for game picks brought to you by Dix Sporting Guards. Only one pick today. West Virginia at number 23 BYU tonight on ESPN. Quickly, Steve, who do you got? BYU's at home.

Give me BYU. And I think I'm going to go with the fighting Pat McAfee's of West Virginia on the road. You need to get a winner to here eventually. Let's go Mountaineer. You know, the biggest cheer that we've heard here at the quad at Alabama was when Des mentioned a moment ago that Georgia lost last weekend. Is that right, guys? Georgia was lost weekend?

Who did they lose to? Yeah, who do you guys expect to win tomorrow? Thanks for hanging out with us here on college football live. huge show tomorrow morning. Caitlin DeBoer, he's going to join the show. We'll see you guys tomorrow morning for College Game Day on ESPN.