College Football Live - CFB Live - Battle of the Conferences

Episode Date: December 5, 2025

Join our crew Jen Lada, Pete Thamel, Stanford Steve and Desmond Howard for College Football Live. Conference championship matchups this weekend, the team will breakdown who they think will own their conference and what winning or losing will do for teams playoff chances. We'll hear from coaches ahead of each matchup and Penn State may finally be narrowing down who their next head coach might be. Tune in to CFB Live now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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We've got Desmond Howard. We've got Stanford Steve, the authority, Pete Thamel, who has been very, very busy over the last few days. And I am Jen Latta. And speaking of Pete Thamel, let's start with you, pal, because there is some breaking news on that coaching carousel that has been spinning wildly this season. Yeah, Jen, Penn State is honing in on its next new coach. I've been told by sources today that Matt Campbell and Penn State are in deep discussions about him becoming the next coach of the Nittney Lions. He was just stressing me a few minutes ago. A deal is not done yet.

Terms have not been agreed to, but the widespread expectation at Penn State and Iowa State is that Matt Campbell will be James Franklin's replacement in state, in state. Kevin went 72 and 55 during his time at Iowa State. He won the Fiesta Bowl. He won the Big 12. He led a very difficult job to consistent winning. And they really played Big Ten football, too, Steve. I think that's one of the key things. When you look at what Matt Campbell did there,

he built a program through recruiting and development that will look like a Big Ten team. Yeah, I just want to give you credit. Back in October, when James Franklin was fired, you said the first two names, it's probably going to be one of the two mats. You nailed it. Now, Penn State, I think, had other ideas.

You had it. I mean, but you go through all the names that you have thrown out there and other people have thrown out there. Penn State has interviewed. I think they got a great hire. I really do. As buttoned up approaches there is,

he's going to have so many more resources in Happy Valley than in Ames, Iowa. So I think it's a great get. In Ames, of course, where he has had a ton of success. We'll get to the Big Ten matchup that's going on tomorrow a little bit later in the show. Penn State, of course, not in that one. But let's begin here with this SEC matchup because it is a big one between Alabama and Georgia. All eyes on the game for the fifth time Alabama. and Georgia meeting in the SEC championship game.

That is tied for the second most common matchup in any conference. Alabama and Florida have met 10 times. Georgia and LSU have met five times. Alabama and Georgia have combined for 12 of the last 14 SEC titles, including this one. Now, Georgia went 11 and 1 or better in the regular season under Kirby Smart. It's the seven time they've done that. That's the most such seasons by an FBS program. Now we go to Alabama, nine and four last season.

won 10 games in a season for the 17th time in the last 18 years. And Kaelin DeBoer knows it will be a tough task against the Bulldogs. You know, you understand what that game was about, but you also understand more who you are now. There are things that you maybe tried or that, you know, that didn't go as well the first time around that you learn a lesson or two from. But, you know, there's an identity now. and you still got to do what you do, but it has changed some. I think it's pretty clear that each and every game has a history and life of its own, and you play the game that season with the guys you have and the mindset of the guys you have.

So I don't think these other games will have any effect on this one. Look, Georgia has been incredibly successful, right? But Alabama has won the last three against their SEC rival. So it seems like Kirby Smart might just have a Bama problem. What do you think, Pete, will be the key to the Bulldogs getting the victory on Saturday? Well, Jen, they're going to have to take advantage of an Alabama roster that's going to be without some of its key players. Remember, Jam Miller came back for that first game against Georgia this year. He missed the Florida state game.

Jam Miller, I've been told by sources, is not expected to play on Saturday. Kevin Riley, the backup tailback is out for the game. That means we're going to see a steady diet of Daniel Hill, the third string running back for Alabama. So it would be interesting test case for the committee if Alabama doesn't. play well. They're also without L.T. Overton, Cam Duberry and Josh Kueva, Steve's favorite tight end, is our questionable for that game. So this is going to be a

banged-up Alabama team, Jen, that's going to go up against the Bulldogs on Saturday. Yeah, when I think about this matchup and Kirby says last game doesn't matter. But when you watch the tape, Georgia was out there two starting offensive tackles. But now they're down their center, their signal caller, up front. And last week,

they really struggled when Bobo got hurt up front with communication, idea and defenses. But when you think about Alabama and that game in Athens, they jumped them. Ty Simpson was phenomenal. I thought Grub's plan was spectacular. And they got after them. And they got shut out in the second half and still won the game.

So I think both teams want to start out fast. I think running the football is key because you want to keep balance where the defense has to honor the pass and the rush. Yeah, Alabama, man, you mentioned the first half. I mean, Ty Simpson was on fire. He completed 16 or 24 pass. in the first half alone, just under 200 passing yards and two touchdown. So, Steve, you're right. They jumped on them really fast, really quick early, and then Georgia just couldn't recover.

I think this time I want to see when Georgia go to their 12 personnel, and they use it a lot with Oscar dealt at tight end and lost and lucky. What type of adjustments will Alabama's defense make? Because to me, in that personnel, you can either run the ball or you can pass the ball with some sort of success. So that's the matchup, the chess game. want to watch when they're in 12 personnel how's Alabama going to defend them defensively so many things you can point to when it comes to what wins a game time of possession turnovers etc keep an

eye on third down in this one guys in the first matchup between these two teams Alabama went 13 of 19 Georgia went two of eight so very different Alabama being able to control that clock let's take a look at the good year proven performance where we find a first in big 10 championship history number one versus number two, Ohio State versus Indiana. And the stakes in this one sky high, a conference title and the number one seed in the college football playoff on the line. Here's both coaches ahead of the Big Ten championship game. We recognize the challenge.

We respect Ohio State, not pleased with really the way we played last year. We went there, our first real big test on a national level. You know, we've talked through that yesterday. Things have happened in that game, but this is a different team. We wanted to get to Indy, you know, and certainly that was something that, you know, that these guys haven't done, haven't been there, haven't played in this game before. So there's a lot at stake here, you know, there's a Big Ten championship at stake. You know, being the one seed in the CFP, you know, there's a lot at stake.

Buckyes coming off that win over Michigan and Indiana coming off of the win over Purdue what will you be paying attention to in this one tomorrow night you know guys I thought it was interesting you watched Signetti in that interview right there the way he was talking you can tell these guys they're really excited about being in this Big Ten championship game why because like he said when they played against the Buckeyes last season they were exposed it was like okay this is a cute story

then they went to the college football playoff and they went to Notre Dame and they got beat again. I think this is really their opportunity outside of the Oregon game where they traveled to Eugene and they went out there and they handled the Oregon Ducks. Now they understand this is the ruler by which we're going to be measured. I think this is the game that they've been like looking at all season long. I think they've been like looking at Ohio State like, okay, wait until you guys play us because we don't have something for you.

So I'm just excited about this matchup. This is the best good on good matchup that they've seen all season. alone talking about the Buckeyes. Well, the Buckeyes will have their good, Desmond, which is important. Last week, we were all watching free game warm-ups trying to read, how's Carnell Tate moving around, how's Jeremiah Smith moving around? They were officialists as questionable

for that game. Their play, there was no question about. This week, I've been told they've been full go and practice. Ohio State was very judicious about warming them up, practicing them before that Michigan game. But I've been told, especially in an indoor game, they're going to be ready to roar this weekend. DeAngelo Ponds, one of the top corners in the country, is going to draw

a tough assignment there. Look, Indiana has a top five defense. This is not going to be a walkover for Ohio State. So they are healthy for their tilt. Yeah, the Indiana defense is the story for me. Being at that game in Eugene, they lived in Oregon's backfield. They pride themselves on absolute disruption. Getting on your side of scrimmage, making your quarterback go from the second to the third and maybe a sack before the fourth read. So Indiana's defense has to take it to them. I am interested, Pete, you brought up pawns. Do they shadow Jeremiah Smith with them? him. They like to play him the one side of the field and then cover the other thing because

he is that good. Indiana's got to, I mean, you talk about how good they are. They're legit, but they, because they have options. They have a lot of versatility on their defense. It's a great matchup for tomorrow. They really do. And when you watch the Oregon game, I mean, that was probably Dante Moore's worst game. I mean, he threw less than 200 yards six times and through two interceptions. I mean, they went there and they took control of the line of scrimmage offensively and defensive. No surprise. This series has incredibly lopsided. Ohio State has won 30 of the last matchups against Indiana. But get this guys. Up until this year, Indiana was the losingest program in all of FBS. But when they

beat Penn State, they earned that win. They got them out of that distinction. Now it belongs to Northwestern. So congratulations, Indiana. Just making those baby steps to be relevant teams. All right. Still to come here on college football live. A major rematch in the Big 12 championship between number 11 BYU and number four Texas Tech. The Cougar struggled against the Red Raiders in November. We were there. We all remember it. We'll break down how they can get the rebound win

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Going to be a great game day, Saturday morning, 9 a.m. Eastern, new LSU coach, Lane Kippin, will be joining the guys on set. Kailen DeVore, Kirby Smart, and Ernie Johnson is our guest picker. Don't miss college game day every Saturday morning during the football season. All right, let's check in on the Big 12 championship matchup number 11, BYU, taken on number four, Texas Tech.

One month ago, the Red Raiders shut down the Cougars, 297 in Lubbock, led by a standout defensive performance from linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. Now, BYU looks to rebound in the title game and punch its ticket to the college football playoff. That game wasn't even as close, I think, as the score indicated. guys. What is the key to the win for BYU. Pete, let's start with you. Well, BYU needs to do some things, Jen, that they didn't do with Lubbock and it starts with running the ball. A good piece of news for BYU this week. Backup, tailback Cione Moa, who really

started off well for BYU this season, is going to return for the first time since week four. He averages five yards of carry. He had five catches out of the backfield, which gives them some third down diversity. Remember, L.J. Martin was coming off the shoulder injury in that last game. He ran tentative. VYU also really struggled with communication, with hearing. Their offense never got in sync. Neutral field sold out crowd. Maybe things are a little different with an amped up run game. Yeah, I agree. I think the L.J. Martin, he could be a difference maker. He wasn't 100%. I watched the game from field level and I was watching. He just looked a little tentative. He didn't have his burst. I think he'll see a different L.J. Martin in this game,

that's going to help their offense. And then, listen, when you are on the road and you're playing against one of the top teams in the country, you can't turn the ball over. BYU is going to have to play a clean game. That's what happened the first time these two teams met. I was standing right there to return a muffed a punt. That resulted in three points, and it just went from there. I kept building for the Red Raiders. So I believe BYU has to play a clean game and obviously got to get their running game going

with Martin. It sounds crazy because of that last game, but I like the position BYU is in coming into this game. Plenty of motivation. You got embarrassed when you went there. But what I've seen from the BYU offense is Bear Bachmire, and they've taken the reins off. They came out the next game. He threw for over 200 yards in the first half against TCU.

They go on the road. They get a great win against Cincinnati. He has rushing touchdowns in that. Last week, they come back from a 14-0 deficit where they really opened up the offense. And what I like most about BYU's set up tomorrow, they've already seen this defense. They know what they bring to the table.

They know how physical they are and how disruptive they can be. Now you come back at that. different game plan. I think they're they're scary tomorrow. You cannot win this game being a one-dimensional team, though. They're going to have to throw the ball downfield. So Bachmeier has an opportunity to show that he can do that. And guys, of course, there will be a lot of teams paying attention to this Big 12 championship game. Alabama, Notre Dame, Miami. If BYU wins that game, many of them will be wondering about their fate in the college football playoff. All right, guys, we move on to the Nissan Heisman update. It has been an interesting year as we check

out the Heisman update presented by Nissan. Julian Sayan, Fernando Mendoza, they face off, of course, in the game we were talking about. That could decide the Heisman, but you can't overlook Jeremiah Love and what he has done, and Diego Pavia. But they aren't playing this weekend. And I always wonder how, as our eyes are on these games, when you're sitting idle, how that affects Heisman voting. Des, let's go to you, our resident Heisman here. What are your thoughts on the race this year? Well, you look at Julian, like I've said before, he's not even the best player on his team.

So that kind of is like, how do you say he's going to be the best player in the country? It's a very underwhelming race this year. It seems like we're looking for guys. Well, how about this guy? How about that guy? How about you don't give it away? How about these guys earn like the Davey O'Brien or the Johnny Uniters, but not the Heism, because the Heism, it's just that special.

You shouldn't have to try to look for guys to give it to. So it's been very underwhelming. I'm not sure if there's anything that can happen this weekend that you're going to say, okay, this guy is the guy, maybe in the Big Ten championship game, only because, I guess, Vegas has those two guys up there. I thought the most outstanding player this season for me was loved and Notre Dame running back just because when you watch him, there's something special about him.

But outside of that, it's like picking low-hanging fruit, getting quarterbacks with top-ranked teams. I've never felt more inferior than right now, speaking about the Heisman trophy. I talked about it. And that's the God's honest. But I will say, when I look at the trophy, I feel like you have to play in every game.

I feel like that has to be a criteria. So like a great story like Trinidad Chambliss, I don't put him in the conversation, even though he's been so special in leading that team. So I look at a guy, you know, Jeremiah I love didn't finish the game against Stanford last week. That takes a knock for me. So I look at a guy at Diego Pavia,

what he's meant to that team, the most efficient offense in the country, what he's done with his legs and his arm, I don't have a problem seeing if he got the award. When I think Hysman, I think electric, I think must-seat easy. Exactly, right. Something special.

Yeah, there is a name on that list. Don't want to give anything away where I'm like, I want to see what that guy does on a week by week basis. But how interesting that a lot of the names we thought at the beginning of the year we're going to be in the Heism Race, we don't even talk about them anymore. It's been very interesting to follow. All right, guys, this chaos in the ACC in the ACC carries into championship weekend. Unranked Duke could walk away with a conference title.

Could that push the entire conference out of the playoff? picture. We're going to break all of that madness down on college football live next. This Heisman update is brought to you by Nissan. Premier partner of the Heisman trophy. Hi there. Surprise. 30 for 30 presents Boo ya. Can I get a witness from the congregation? You can't stop authenticity.

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It's the ultimate fan experience. Level up for more on the ESPN app or at stream.esPN.com. Sign up now. is presented by Vanguard. Fifty years of investor success doesn't happen by chance. The college football playoffs election show. The bracket will be filled. Judgment Day is here.

Back here on college football live and what a graphic we have for you, folks. The ACC in danger of having their playoff bubble popped in Charlotte. is in the championship game despite losing five games during the regular season. If the Blue Devils win, there is more than a 99.9% chance that the ACC could be left out of the playoff field entirely. What do you guys think? Is the ACC out with a Duke win? I mean, 99.9% I suppose. So you're telling me there's a chance. Steve, what do you make of this madness? Yeah, I'm horrible at math, but I know what 99% no means. And I just look at that. the idea of five-lost team cannot be in the college football playoff.

Which is why they changed it, right? Yeah, I mean, I just, I don't care what conference it is, you know, let alone where the ACC stands in comparison to the Big 12, the Big Ten, and the SEC. Yeah, I tell you what, guys, we talk about this a lot in our meetings, and it just seems like really, really confusing by getting it. I mean, listen, five losses, that's a bad representation. But, you know, you look at Miami and you would think there should be a way that they should be able to get in because of their resume alone.

The fact that they cannot get it. Look at this. This is their resume right here. Streat the schedule. G.C. Yeah, game controls with the record. I just, it's baffling that this team may not make it into the CFP. And that win is the Notre Dame win that everybody points to and says, you know, but Notre Dame finds itself on the bubble as well.

Yeah, yeah, exactly. So I'm going to go a little big picture apocalypse here. If the ACC doesn't get in, if we see James Madison or UNLV or one of these other schools, does this lead to some sort of iteration change in the college football playoff? Is this just insane enough and crazy enough where some significant changes get derived from this? Because look, if you're Greg Sanky sitting here in Atlanta, Vanderbilt should be in over, you know, a lot of these teams. So it's just going really interesting. As the sport really grows to a power.

two and we are starting to see the differences and the gaps and the yawning gaps. Now obviously there's a college football play of contract. It's going to go for a few more years. But don't be surprised at five years from now. This is the weekend that people point back to that to where the gaps have gone between the power two and the others. Absolutely. Because we were sold on

it being a 12-team playoff. With the ACC being this bad and two group of fives and Notre Dame, it's a nine-team playoff. There's only nine spots. And we were sold on all these at large bids and all this and that. There's not that many. It's a quarter of the entries that are gone. And there are people who are rooting

for chaos, by the way. There are people who just like to see the world burn and who are saying, yes, can we get a couple of these other squads in there? Just to muddy things up. And maybe to your point, Pete, add further change to what we've already been trying to perfect. It's time now for game picks. They're brought to you by Dix's sporting goods. And there are some games going

on this evening. Let's go with Troy versus James Madison. That is the Sunbelt Conference Championship. Steve, who do you like? James Madison's a monster favorite, but they do have all the pressure on them. We mentioned Duke. It's like, oh, yeah, that's JMU. I'm like, they have to win. They haven't played Troy.

Troy's played in three of the last four conference championship games. I think Troy is a pain in the butt tonight, but JMU wins. I agree with you. I think because of the pressure, it's going to be a close game. I do think that JMU will prevail. So, like, very, very close games. That says 24 and a half for everybody who's checking out the graphic there. North Texas versus Tulane in the American Conference Championship, Steve.

This is simple. I was asked to voice the hype video for Tulane this week, so North Texas is a bit of North Texas. So you're the kiss of death? What's happening? You share that information with this ongoing North Texas, too. Let's go. You've convinced him that you're missing.

I changed my pick on the fly. U.N.L.V. versus Boise State in the Mountain West Conference Championship, Steve. You didn't do anything for them this week. No, I did not. But I watched the game when they played. earlier in the year. Dylan Riley ran for over 200 yards. Maddox Madsen is going to be back at quarterback. I like Boisey at home. You know, I've liked UNLV all season long. I'm not going to turn my back on UNLV right now. Let's go. UNLV tonight. And guys, as we talk about the

madness, as we talk about the chaos, I want everybody out there to keep in mind as you're watching these games this evening, there is a scenario where two group of five teams could make the college football playoff. The winner, of course, as we mentioned tonight, of the American Conference Championship, that would be either number 22 lane or number number. 24 North Texas. And of course, JMU at 25 if Duke wins tomorrow. Have a great conference championship weekend, everybody. Game day tomorrow morning, 9 a.m.