College Football Live - CFB LIVE - AP POLL QUESTIONS

Episode Date: October 6, 2026

Join our crew Zubin Mehenti, Tom Luginbill, Roddy Jones, and Pete Thamel on another episode of College Football Live. A big SEC matchup highlights this weekend when 2 Georgia travels to 6 Alabama. The Red River Rivalry game will give John Mateer a chance to prove himself against the No. 1 Longhorns. And hear from the guys on their week 6 AP Poll snubs. All this and more on College Football Live! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Out of the tunnel straight ahead here on college football live. Georgia and Alabama are one, two in the SEC and total touchdowns. Why Saturday night's showdown could be a litmus test for one player in particular. Coming off one of the scariest hits we've seen in a while and coming off a bye week, is Dante Moore ready to go for Oregon when they host UCLA? Are Pete Dammell here with the very latest on his status? And every week during the season for the last 90 years, the Associated Press poll has come out.

Why this year's rankings are causing more frustration than seemingly ever before. Welcome to college football live, presented by Princess Cruises. And welcome to Georgia, Alabama Week. One of the big storylines, been three years since either one of these teams has made the semifinals. It's been four years since either one of these teams has played in the title game. A veritable drought for these legendary programs.

Quarterbacks containing them will be the key to victory, something that Kirby Smart is well aware of. His unbelievable, savvy, arm strength, pocket awareness, you know, people will make him out to be a runner. He doesn't run unless he has to, and he can. But he scrambles to throw, scrambles to run. He's accurate. He's smart.

He's very talented. Georgia, you know, they're going to be our toughest challenge by far up to this point. You know, this version, I mean, is just a very talented. I mean, it's just jumped all over people. I think that's the biggest thing is they come out of the gate swinging. And so you've got to be ready for that. And, you know, we've got to be ready when the ball is kicked off. Saturday night on your local ABC station.

Most SEC top 10 matchups, Alabama is littered all over this list. It'll be the 13th one on Saturday night. And it is now tied with the rivalry that used to define the SEC, Alabama and LSU. And currently the one that does Georgia in Alabama. Alabama right there tied at the top of the list. And with that, we welcome you inside college football live. We're going three wide. Pete, Roddy, Tom.

It's great to have everybody here. All right. Tom, I want to start with you in this matchup because I guess there's a first time for everything for the Georgia Bulldogs. And I guess that includes being challenged. Well, they're going to be challenged. I don't think there's any question about that. And when you listen to those comments from Kirby Smart, you know, I think the most important thing that has to happen for Georgia defensively is to limit the off schedule. second passing chance plays that allows Keelan Russell to get out of the pocket.

Because it's not just the pinpoint accuracy and the arm strength. His ability to make throws accurately against tight coverage when he's on the move is what makes him so dangerous. So you're going to be hesitant if he breaks contain to come rushing up to try to tackle him. All right. Well, if you don't do that, now all of a sudden he's got the ability, even if coverage is tight to put the ball in the only place. that his target can get to the football.

It makes him extremely dangerous. I don't think you're going to stop it, but you've got to limit it to some degree to the best of your ability. And Roddy, I don't know what the recipe is because nobody's come up with a solution yet. Well, you've got to rush as a group and hope that once he breaks the pocket, you have someone fast enough and big enough

to be able to contain him. Because if he gets out in the open field, I know Kirby Smart says he's not a runner, but when he decides to be a runner, he is incredibly dangerous and can take it to the distance. But this Georgia offense is being overlooked in this matchup a bit as well. As Keelan Russell is fantastic. And his legs have been dynamic this year.

You can see the four rushing touchdowns and the 184 yards. But this Georgia offense, this is an offense powered by Gunner Stockton, who's probably the most overlooked quarterback, the most underappreciated quarterback in the country. His ability to hurt you with his legs is absolutely tremendous and dangerous as well. And I think he's thrown the ball better than he has in his entire career this year. So Georgia offensively is unbelievably efficient. They can run the ball.

The offensive lane is fantastic. But Gunner Stockton makes that thing go. And when we talk about best quarterbacks in the SEC, he needs to be mentioned one or two. To follow Roddy there, you know, the other facet of the Georgia run game is going to be the status of tailback Nate Frazier. Nate Frazier missed the Oklahoma game two weeks ago and had just two carries against Vanderbilt. he's been dealing with a lower body injury. Look, Nate Frazier is a key engine to this Georgia offense. He's averaging 8.1 yards per carry this year.

The issue with Nate Frazier is that he's only had 26 carries so far this year. So he has clearly been eased back into the lineup as he deals with that lower body injury, Zubin, and how many carries they'll have available will be a huge storyline going it's Saturday night. That is something we will follow. And just to follow up quickly there on Roddy, it's amazing. The Georgia quarterback that's been on the field for the last snap of their last two SEC championship wins each of the last two years.

That guy is one of the most underrated guys in America. It tells you everything you need to know about this matchup. Great stuff there. Roddy, once again, a great Saturday. On tap, after Missouri humbled Florida, will the Aggies humble the Tigers? Red River, which Pete will get us up to date

on John Mateer's status in just a moment, and then Georgia and Alabama. There's another really big game coming up in the Big Ten. Oregon and UCLA, it's been about a week and a half since Dante Moore suffered that brutal hit at the Coliseum. Dan Lannning worried about him, doted on him, talked about him. You know, who else did? Dan Lending got an unlikely assist from somebody regarding more, and it's his opponent

on Saturday. I had a chance to really see that the hit, and it just struck me as I'm sure they left and left the guy behind. And I've had to do that in my past, and it's never a comfortable feeling getting on a plane or a bus and, you know, leaving someone behind. And I just want to make sure that if he needed anything, that he knew I was there. That's what I wanted to be able to do and just make sure he understood that he wasn't just left behind all alone here in L.A. If I needed to be extension of coach at that moment, I'd love to be able to help. That's some incredible collegiality there. That's something you just don't see in this win-it-all-cost business.

I thought it was a great little coda to what happened here over the last week and a half. Pete, let's start with you. The obvious question here is what is the status of Dante Moore now that he is healthy, thankfully, moving forward. So Dan Lannig made very clear, Zubin, that Dante Moore is going to be eased back onto the field. He said it was good to see him out there with his helmet on, throwing passes. He did not tip his hand to his status, but the widespread expectation is that Dylan Riola will get the start for the ducks. This would obviously be his first start. He came in relief for Dante Moore in the Coliseum and played really well.

You know, it's the theme of Oregon. It's a theme all around college football this year, the value of having a side. We've seen some places that don't and that have really struggled. So look for Royola, the Nebraska transfer to come back and have a bit of a run here as Oregon operates Zubin out of an abundance of caution in bringing Dante Moore back from that concussion. And an abundance of caution, rightfully so. The head injuries are so scary. But even if it is Dylan Ryola, which as you said, Pete, we expect it to be,

I mean, he played incredibly well in that game. 76% completion percentage, 280 plus yards with two touchdowns. So I think Oregon's talented enough to be just fine. But on the other side for UCLA, that offense is going to, it has been really dangerous on the ground. And I think in order to reach the best that it can be,

you have to look at what Nico I am Aliava is able to do with his legs. It's been a little bit of an up and down season for Nico. It's been a little bit of an up and down career. But he is an elite athlete when he takes off. And it becomes really dangerous. when he and Wayne Knight are in the backfield on third downs and in the red zone because either one of those guys can not only carry the ball but can certainly take the distance

when they do. Oh, there's no question about that because obviously for UCLA, Roddy, the passing game has been a work in progress. Nico's only thrown four touchdown passes, but it hasn't mattered because he hasn't killed him either. The thing to focus on with UCLA is they've already rushed for over 1,100 yards. And as a team, they're averaging seven yards a carry. That's a remarkable number six weeks into the season.

And then on the defensive side, they're plus eight in turnover margin. So it's a team that's clearly got a formula while they continue to develop the passing game component, try to create more consistency and explosive plays through the air. But the problem is it's tough to sustain drives against that UCLA defense. If you're giving the ball away, they're taking it away. So they end up maintaining a time of possession edge. The forced turnovers is huge. and then they haven't given it up on offense,

and they run down the clock because of that staunch run game. You know, one thing I just want to briefly mention here on the end is that the Dante Moore injury against USC opened the door for Riola, as Pete said. It's interesting to note that Ryola's Nebraska career ended with an injury when he got hurt against USC. So in some ways, it all comes full circle. We do have some sad news to report here in the world of college football. Dennis Francioni, known as Coach Fran,

who really turned around the TCU football program has died at the age of 75. For most fans, he was known for leading Texas A&M and Alabama, of course, two of the giants in the sport. His family said he had been battling cancer for the last several years. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as Dennis Franchione has passed away

at the age of 75. You think it's just the fans that have a problem with the poll? Wait till you hear what Roddy and Tom have to say about it. It's akin to what this guy thinks about it. Wow. We got a hell of a football team. Now, any of those voters out there, if they wake their ass up, okay, they might figure that out, okay?

And I'll tell you what, we beat a damn good football team. College Football Live is presented by Princess Cruises, the number one cruise line in Alaska. You're watching College Football Live, presented by Princess Cruises. We're back on college football live. And speaking of back, how about a comeback for Kentucky down 17-0 at South Carolina? They storm all the way back. Score in overtime and then say, you know, we're going to walk this thing off by going for two and ending it. You pair that with the win at Texas A&M.

A lot of Kentucky fans think we should be in the top 25. However, the poll comes out and they're two votes shy of Pittsburgh as Kentucky sits there with 160 points on the outside looking at alongside. Wake, Wisconsin, and Duke. Very interesting. As we discussed the Associated Press poll, this is just one comment that the AP themselves has put out as I go to you, Rottie. When ranking teams, it is based upon performance, not program reputation or preseason speculation.

That is right from the Associated Press. That said, you along with many others have some issues with this week's poll. As I can see, your eyes have bulge your head there. What is the biggest egregious mistake in your estimation? Well, Zubin, that statement sounds a lot like me to myself, you know, when I'm like on the first tee and I'm like, this is about hitting the ball straight. When, you know, I'm just talking to myself. I'm not talking to everybody else.

I'm like coaching my daughter on things that I need to get right. But Zubin, the thing is they haven't done that. Like there's teams that are absolutely in the top 25 that are there because of what we thought in the preseason. I'm not going to call out teams, certainly. but there are some in the back part of the last five that are there by reputation only. There's been a lot of talk about Kentucky being in the top 25. And look, if they were to be ranked over some of the teams 20 to 25, I would not have a huge issue with it.

But I do have an issue with the metrics that we're throwing out around Kentucky being ranked. We've heard things like they've got two wins on the road in the SEC as if that's a metric. Those wins were at Texas A&M and South Carolina, two teams that quite honestly stink. We've also had strength of record. Strength of records are pretty whack metric right now because a lot of teams haven't played a significant Power 4 schedule. And so you just have the teams that have played FBS and Power 4 teams ranked highly. And the things that feed Strength of Record typically benefit the teams that have good preseason records.

I think if there's one team I would go to Batford's Wake Forest, Roadwin at Purdue, Roadwin at Louisville, and then a close game, a dominant went over Stanford, close game against Miami, they pass the I test. Gio Lopez is playing great. Rank the Deeks is what I would go and say. Yeah. Roddy, I couldn't agree with you more. I think that's my biggest beef is this Wake Forest team is far more talented than people are giving them credit for. Whether that's been Jill Lopez and his resurgence at the quarterback position, whether that's been Ty Clark or Deuce Lawrence at the running back position.

and of course Carlos Fernandez is their explosive weapon on the outside. The thing that stands out to me about Wake Forest, obviously they don't beat themselves. They don't make mistakes. And going all the way back to last season and including this season, they find a way to win one possession games. And if you're winning one possession games, that means as a unit you are executing to your very best in that moment, the most important moment of the game. I'd have Wake Forest in the top 25 last week. Yeah, I would just say they've been doing. this poll every week since 1936. They've tried transparency. Everyone's votes are out there.

Still, tons of complaints. We'll see. Now for Connected, presented by AT&T's. We get ready for Red River. The Texas defense has been absolutely stifling. Fifteen sacks, including five by Colin Simmons on phasing Brandon alone. Brent Venables knows what he's up against. Don't be a great, great challenge for our guys and our guys are excited to have an opportunity to go back out and compete. Pete and have an opportunity to, you know, go eight straight here, starting with Texas this week and a wonderful challenge, a wonderful opportunity, a big challenge, but again, a wonderful opportunity for our guys to get to playing our best football. We haven't done that up to this point in time. I've been excellent in some different areas and different moments, but this is

an opportunity for us to be able to play our best football. They're going to need their best football to win. Obviously, if you've seen the results from these two. Tom, let's start with you. I mean, let's just start with the most elemental thing. How does an Oklahoma offense that can't move the ball seemingly move the ball against the number one team of the country? Well, first of all, it looks like the sports information department got an emotional support podium because coach looks exhausted. I mean, absolutely exhausted. And the work that he and that staff have been putting in, you know, this offense has been week to week, quarter to quarter, half to half, essentially the same thing each and every week.

two steps forward, one step back, have not been able to put together any type of rhythm. They've been disjointed. The areas they focused on in the all season, particularly in the offensive line, have not panned out the way that they thought it would, haven't been able to run the football effectively. The tight end position has been a real bright spot. But you can't just go back and read the wheel over the last couple of weeks and completely change the offense. This is who they are. They've got to figure out what makes John Matier most comfortable and how they get John Matier in a rhythm.

And Roddy, listen, this is a team offensively that is losing and may have lost confidence. How do you get it back when you're playing against a defense like Texas? It's going to be difficult, Luges. I guess if you're looking at the silver lining, it said Oklahoma has been through this before last season. And they're going up against a Texas offense that quite honestly has not been super impressive, really all year long, with the exception of the fourth quarter against Ohio State. So I think Brent Venables is using that emotional support podium to figure out how can we make special teams and defense the thing that scores for us like we had a year ago.

All right. So from emotional support to just flat out support, Pete, to you, the big question, obviously, for every Oklahoma fan that we need to address here, is what is the level of support and what does the team feel about Mateer, having a little week of a week to breathe here and just sort of recalibrate? Yeah. Zubin, Brent Venables hasn't flinched. his support is directly behind John Mateer, despite all of the struggles.

In fact, today, he made clear that they need help around John Mateer, which isn't exactly a secret. Look, left tackle Michael Fasusi played 17 or 18 snaps against U-Tip in the opener. He hasn't played at all since then. His status is uncertain going forward this week. That's reshuffle the whole offensive line. Trell Harris, the Virginia transfer, you know, has been out since the Michigan game. The pieces just haven't fit around John Matier. and obviously Lugge mentioned it.

There's a confidence issue with Mateer. But there would also be a confidence issue with the program going to the backups. Whit Newbauer, Bo Bentley are in that quarterback room. And quite frankly, Zubin, they haven't played a single high-leverage snapper college football. So John Meteer's mojo is gone. It would be a very difficult environment to get that back against a top-rank defense at the Texas State Fair. But that is where Oklahoma is headed. They are riding with Meteer.

And we'll see how it goes, Zubin, on Saturday at the state fair. Indeed, 3.30 Eastern on ABC. Pete, back to you here. Speaking of losing confidence, when your quarterback goes three for eight for zero yards and is benched, Tennessee fans are wondering what's going on with Faison Brandon, especially after McIntyre came in and at least steadied the ship. What do you know here on Rocky Top? Well, let's start with Faison Brandon. Remember, he left that game against Texas with a right throwing shoulder injury. He missed about a series and a half, came back in that game. Josh Hypoil yesterday, made clear that that throwing shoulder is still bothering Faison Brandon.

Josh Hype was noncommittal about a starting quarterback for the Arkansas game, Zubin. And a lot of it will depend on the health of Faison Brandon's shoulder pushing forward if we can see some improvement. As for Ole Miss, they got some good news. Kiwan Lacey, you obviously missed the game at Florida. And then obviously Ole Miss had a buy will be back for the rebels. He was one of the top running backs in the SEC last year. He's averaging 4.9 yards per carry this year. He hurt that shoulder, if you remember, Zubin, in the LSU game.

Lacey coming back is great news for the Rebel's offense that struggled in the swamp. And finally, an old friend visited us online today. That's Brendan Soresby, former Cincinnati quarterback. He spent a spring at Texas Tech. We remember, obviously, the gambling scandal that engulfed the sport for about a month and a half and obviously cost Soresby the rest of his college career. Sorsby released a video yesterday showing that he's back throwing. The cadence I was told that he's giving in these videos is the,

Shanahan offense, the 49ers offense. So he's working with a former NFL OC Rich Gangarillo to try to get ready for the draft. So it's interesting to see Sorsby pop up. And then finally, a little bit of news. Dylan Stewart did practice today. Shane Beamer remains noncommittal about his status for Saturday, but he's at least back on the practice field for the Gamecocks. And Hank Brown revealed to the media in Iowa today that he's dealing with a shoulder issue.

And his status is uncertain for the Washington game for Iowa on. Friday night. Interesting to note that Hecklinski can get in there for Iowa. Farrant's very confident in him. ACC in the spotlight with two huge games this weekend that our two fellows will spotlight next. College Football Live is presented by Princess Cruises, the number one cruise line in Alaska. And we're back and it's time for our rewarding performance brought to you by Capital One, had to feel pretty darn rewarding last Friday night when Pitt down their quarterback had a huge win. You think that field goal? Well, this is the field goal everyone's talking about. Didn't matter. 35, 33, no matter what you think about it. Huge weekend in the ACC. Rottie, let's start with you.

You want to spotlight a game that involves Pitt trying to stay unbeaten. Ranked Pitt going up against the UNC defensive line that's really talented with whole Golden Griner making his first start since the 2021 state championship game in Georgia. It should be fun to watch. Tom, what about you? Well, I'll tell you what. How about Duke and the four and O Blue Devils and a running back that you have not paid enough attention to in Nate Shepard?

He is a difference maker. And let's see if Georgia Tech can get as many discharges out of their infirmary ward so they can put a healthy product on the field. Yes, it's probably overdue. But Tom, bailing us out, this was the first time Shepard's name has been mentioned on College Football Live. and considering what he has done so far this season. Tom, great call by you.

He deserves some props. We'll see you tomorrow for more. College Football Live.