College Football Live - CFB Live - FCS Breakdown/South Beach Showdown/Who's Number 1?

Episode Date: October 15, 2025

Join our crew Zubin Mehenti, Sam Acho, Roddy Jones and Pete Thamel for College Football Live. With recent head coach firings, who will fill the openings? FCS rankings breakdown from the guys and will Louisville be able to give Miami their first loss of the season? We'll also see who the crew think is the number 1 team halfway through the season. Tune in to find out more on CFB Live! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I'm Super Mahanthi. Welcome to college football live. Out of the tunnel today. We're halfway through the season. What are our experts sure about? And what are they not at all sure about? It's a lively discussion on the way. One thing I am sure about, the first FCS rankings from the committee. The exclusive reveal of the top 10 are on the way. Plus, what does Louisville have to do to make sure the showdown in South Beach turns into the stunner in South Beach? We'll talk about it next on college football live. And with that, we welcome you inside with Roddy Sam. I'm Zubin. We are figuratively at halftime of the season. And since you guys spent all those years making those halftime adjustments, which may or may not have worked, let's start with this here. We knew the season was going to be nuts because of the accelerated NIL and the portal. But Sam, let's start with you.

Fill in the rest of this sentence. The one thing I didn't expect to hear this season that I've seen is that the Indiana Hoosiers would be in the conversation of being the number one. team in the nation. Dominant win versus Illinois. Another impressive win versus Oregon. Indiana, they do have the head coach and Kurt Signetti who's showing can win. But last year, in the big time moments, they weren't able to perform.

But now with Fernando Mendoza, with Serrata receiver, who's coming back again, it has been impressive on the offensive and defense side of the ball led by Aidan Fisher, their star linebacker, that they've been able to have a resume that could say they could and should be the number one team in the nation. Sam, I don't necessarily disagree. Like, that is certainly a conversation point. They've got the best win in the country this year going out to Oregon and beating the ducks by double digits in a game where they had a pick six

and Oregon got a defensive touchdown. So I certainly think Indiana has a right to be in that conversation. When you stack them up against the other teams, they look very favorable when it comes to it. So it's time to stop talking about Indiana is like this cute story that may or may not be able to get it done. against the big teams in the big moments. They have proven this year this team is built to do it in the biggest moments. Roddy, give me another thing because this season has been wild. I can't just let you go with one here.

There's so many stories across the board. We can do the whole show on this. Yeah, we honestly could. How about Florida State? Florida State 0 in three in conference play and has not won an ACC game since over 365 days. ago. I think we knew that it was a possibility Florida State wasn't going to return to being 13 and 0. But I don't know if we knew that Florida State was going to lose to both Virginia and Miami and their

latest loss going down as well this weekend. So I just think overall when you look at Florida State, like that is a team that I'm not sure we saw at 0 in 3 in conference play to start. Especially the way they started the season, that first week one win. versus Bama, they dominated. You thought that team after the first three games would be a team that'd be in the conversation for playing in ACC championships. But now they're still winless. I want to transition to another team that was a surprise last year, but maybe not so surprising

this year. The Vanderbilt Commodores are favored this week versus LSU. They had a game where they nearly beat Alabama. They didn't get the win. But Vanderbitt under Diego Pavia and Tim Beck, they're once again a team. And Eli Stowers at Tide End. They're once again a team that is not just knocking. on the door, but they're busting that door open.

Paviae quarterback, the defense has been great. Their playmakers all over the field. So I'm not necessarily surprised by this, but it's good to see that Vanderbilt is still the conversation about being a dominant team in the SEC. Yeah, Sam, the last time Vanderbilt was favored over LSU, there was a newspaper that said Dewey Beach Truman on it as well. It's been 77 years since Vandy was favored over LSU. So, yes, certainly it didn't think that was.

was going to happen. What about James Franklin being fired, Sam? I don't think we thought that was going to happen. This was a team coming into the season that was in the top five. This was a team that this was their year. This was their all-end season. They pushed their chips to the middle of the table.

And here we are halfway through the year and James Franklin doesn't have a job. And the question that Penn State's really trying to figure out is where did it all go wrong? They had the quarterback back. The offensive line was supposed to be great. Those two running backs supposed to be awesome. The defense, supposed to be salty despite losing Abdul Carter.

And yet, they lose to Oregon, weren't able to recover against their next two opponents in UCLA and Northwestern. So James Franklin being fired certainly one of those where I'm not sure we knew that one was coming. And it's not just him. It's James Franklin. It's Trent Dilfer. It's Brent Pry.

I think there have been seven coaches so far in the last, in seven weeks in this season that have been fired. So yes, the James Franklin firing is shocking, especially halfway through the season. but all the other coaches in college football who are losing their jobs early, that is definitely surprising for me at our halfway point. Yes, and as Roddy well knows, Harry Truman once says the buck stops here, but we're not going to stop here. We're going to keep going. There's so many issues to get into.

Let's take a look at what's your beef presented to you by Old Trapper. And I think the beef here is what is the one team you would be beefing at if you happen to see this team on your second half schedule because they have opened some eyes in. in a big way. There are plenty of candidates here. Roddy, let's begin with you, the team you don't want to see here if you're playing anyone here in the back half on a Saturday. The Texas A&M Aggies, and we are in the month of November. That defense is absolutely, excuse me, we're in the month of October, going into the month of November. That defense has been scary

in October and will continue for the rest of the year. When you look at them offensively, they have done enough running the football with an excellent offensive line and creating plays down the field with Mario Craver and Casey Concepcion. But it's really the defense that makes you not want to face A&M. I mean, they have held opponents to two of their last 33 conversions on third down. And that's in three SEC games. That's Auburn, that's Mississippi State, and that's Florida. That defense has been downright salty.

So I wouldn't want to see A&M in the back half of the year. Especially if you're going to play A&M at home at Cal Field, one of the loudest places to play. But Rod, Rod, you started off that answer. I thought you were going to be right, but you changed it. You said the Texas, no, the Texas Longhorns is a team that I wouldn't want to see. And the reason why is that Arch Manning is finally playing the way that a lot of people expected him to play. There's been some very impressive throws and critical moments in the game that you saw some of this last year, but now you're seeing it more and more.

Broken plays that he's fixing. That was a critical third down right here where he took the ball. He kept it. He ran it and he waved to the crowd. Arch Manning's confidence is great. growing. And oh, by the way, the running game is now intact. The defense has been so much better, especially after that Florida game. And then finally play calling, you're seeing Steve Sarkesian get back to his bag, get back into his bag when it comes to some of the screen game, the running

game, and then the quarterback. So I think Texas is the team I wouldn't want to face as they get hot as a season ends. I mean, Sam, one game doesn't make a team hot. Like, I watched that film two weeks ago against Florida. And yeah, Arch made some plays, but that offensive line had some issues. That defense got pushed around. Like, you seem real convinced off of a win over Oklahoma. I wonder why. Where did you go to school again?

Hey, I just put on the film, Roddy. It's just it turned on the tape. It's not just the one game. It's the adjustments that were made. What were the weak points of Texas? Early in the season, it was Arch Manning. Arch Manning has gotten out of his funk. And then it was the past protection, the offensive line.

Well, Texas made some changes. They replaced the starting offensive linemen and have a new freshening. and having new freshmen starting a left guard. It was a running game. And all of a sudden, they're healthier at running back. The defense has been pretty consistent outside of one game. So the pieces are all starting to stack together like a beautiful masterpiece. I don't disagree about the performance against Oklahoma.

I just wanted to give you a little bit of a just razz you a little bit because that's the first Texas team that we've seen this year where that was that impressive. But no doubt, that was impressive. How about the Duke Blue Devils, Sam, as a team you don't want to play? in the second half. They play my alma mater, Georgia Tech, this weekend. So we'll see how the jackets are able to contain them. But Gary and Minta has been phenomenal. And this offense has really been great since they stopped turning the ball over three games ago. They've got an excellent running game with a couple of different guys. Nate Shepard, the freshman,

and Anderson Castle. But when you look at this team as a whole, it's been a really good team that had terrible turnover issues against Illinois, had trouble containing Jake Retzloff against Tulane, but Duke has played great all year long on a play-in-playoff basis. They just made catastrophic mistakes. That defensive line's really good, and Dary and Minson, the top five in the country in passing has been one of the best quarterbacks in the entire land. All right, about one piece of advice for you, Sam, anytime Roddy gets on you, you just tell him where you went to school was St. Mark's High School, okay?

You don't have to fall into the trap of the Longhorn. You just go St. Mark's High School. You get the last word on this topic. Go ahead. Hey man, shout out to St. Mark School of Texas. The Lions, back when I played, we were dominant. We're still trying to get back to our dominant ways. We need some more archos flowing through the St. Mark School of Texas.

No doubt about it. And when your quarterback at St. Marks is playing well, just have him wave, have him do the arch thing and get that mojo back. Let's bring in our Pete Dambl here because there are so many places to go. All right, Pete, in your estimation, the second half storylines to watch and what is going to be a truly unpredictable and wild ride to January 19th. Yeah, I think we need some atchos in the coaching carousel, Zubin, because there's so many jobs that are going to come open that the conversation is quickly shifted to who the heck is going to fill all these jobs. We have six power conference jobs open right now. Penn State, Oklahoma State, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Stanford, Arkansas, and we can throw in Oregon State. They're kind of a power conference cousin that also opened this weekend. The question looms, where did these jobs come from, especially if Florida opens as many expect if Auburn. ends up opening their 0 and 3 in the SEC. We are bracing for perhaps the wildest coaching carous

in the history of college football. And as athletic director, search firms, agents are all huddling right now. Thinking of what to do where they end up going is going to be a huge question looming over the second part of the season. What will Indiana do in the second part of the season is another giant mystery as we go forward here. They have had an unprecedented renaissance from the single worst program losing us in college football. history to 17 and 2 under Kurt Signetti. And now they're an overwhelming favorite to make the playoff for the second straight year. Can the Hoosiers rewrite a football Hoosiers and win the national title?

We'll see. And then finally, the Heisman is shrouded in mystery. The betting favorites right now are Ty Simpson, Fernando Mendoza, and Carson Beck. Can another unexpected candidate emerge? Could it be Julian Sein? Could it be a defensive player like Ruben Bain? There was a lot of ambiguity right now in the Heisman race, guys. And I really think pushing forward, we're going to have some more new faces emerge because there's already been plenty of surprises.

That's a great point because we had such a great finish last year between Travis Hunter and Ashton Gentie. Looking forward to another tight one as well. I remember Pete a couple years ago with the college game day crew out in Bozeman when Montana State was rolling. North Dakota State actually knocked off Montana State. Last year in the FCS championship game, the Bobcats actually came in undefeated. But NDSU won its 10th national title in 14 years. continuing their level of play that has never been seen before or since in the football championship subdivision. This year we have a little bit of a tweak to the FCS playoffs.

The championship game will be in Nashville. Normally it's in Frisco, Texas. There's some construction going on there. The Ivy League has now chosen to participate for the first time. Took them a long time to get involved in the basketball postseason tournaments. And now they're finally in. This is a 24-team field. We've got 11 automatic qualifiers, and then the committee will pick a baker's dozen of at-large teams,

and you've got the bracket there, 1 to 16. And keep in mind, we will have another reveal on November 5th, and the official unveiling of the bracket for the playoff will take place on ESPNU, November 23rd. Let's run through the top 10 as provided by the committee. Sam, Tennessee Tech, the Golden Eagles, checking at 6 and 0 at number 10. They're six to know. They're one of the best in the nation, even when it comes to starting field position. They're second overall.

So they do it on special teams, do it on offense, do it on defense. And like Coach Walger says, it's a great day to have a great day. The standard is a standard. They do not relent. At number nine, Roddy Monmouth, hashtag fly hawks. If you like offense, tune in to Monmouth, number one offense in the country, number one pass offense in the country. Derek Robertson, the quarterback, has been phenomenal.

Kevin Callahan has done a marvelous job with Monmouth and he's got him a good team this year. Sam will wait to see North Dakota State. I'm sure they're close to the top, but first, North Dakota. North Dakota led by quarterback Jerry Kaminsky. He has 17 touchdowns, one interception. So it's not just offense. It's also keeping the ball and taking the ball away like you see on the defensive side of the ball. And yes, we talk about the quarterback, but let's not forget their offensive line is one of the best in their conference. Roddy, Lehigh, checks in at number seven, according to the committee. Yeah, we're going to the Patriot League. This is a team that's won seven consecutive games,

and they've really done it on the backs of one of the best third-down defenses in the entire country. Kevin Cahill's crew is tenacious, and that number seven ranking feels like they're going to be an absolute force as we get towards the end of the season. At number six, Sam, UC Davis with Tim Plow. Great program. A lot of history here. I've been impressed by UC Davis. Four game winning streak heading into their by week this week. But man, quarterback, Caden Pinick, he's a red shirt freshman,

but he's been the Big Sky Conference offensive player of the week, three straight weeks. So this offense is an offense you have to watch out for. All right. So that is the back half, if you will, as you take a look at the rankings that the guys just unveiled from six through 10. Again, the next rankings come out November 5th and then November 23rd. We'll find out the actual field of 24. On the way, we got to make sure we get you to the top five of the FCS. So who checks in at number one?

We'll fill out the rest of the top 10 from the committee as teams from around the country. Wait to see if they've made the top 10. And Friday night lights for Miami, how Louisville can pull a stunner and do what nobody's been able to do to Carson Beck in the Chains this year. Pull off a win. That's next. This Heisman Update is Bronte. by Nissan. Premier partner of the Heisman Trophy.

Let's take a look at this week's Nissan Heisman update. What did Pete say earlier in the show, man, it's going to be a pretty tight race. And remember how tight it was last year between Hunter and Gentie. All of these guys, a couple of them teammates at the end there, have a really good opportunity

to be named college football's most outstanding player. All right. So when we last left you, we were unveiling the FCS, according to the committee, their first reveal the top 10 teams. This is 10 through six. Let's go from five to one. And Roddy, let's start with you with the always powerful Montana Grizzlies. Well, let's talk about the Grizz. No doubt or no surprise that they're in the top five. Two players in the top 10 in all purpose yards this season. And Michael Wortham leads the country.

Eli Gilman has been phenomenal as well. They are explosive and they are dangerous. Sam, Montana State was the national runner up a year. ago. They are, but they're replacing quarterback Tommy Malad and also one of the offensive coordinators. But hey, here's a good thing. Justin Lamson, who's taken over and starting quarterback, is leading them on a five-game winning streak.

74% of his passes were completed in his first game versus Oregon. So 12 touchdowns, two picks. So far so good. Roddy, Harleton State is actually known to some FBS fans after what they did on your screen here. Yeah, if you beat a team like Army, it's going to put you on the national radar. This team has done it on the ground. They've been phenomenal in the turnover margin.

They've forced 11 interceptions this season, which is the most in FBS or FCS, but 231 rush yards per game as well. Sam, at 2, it's the Jack Rabbits. New coach, no problem. South Dakota State is still being consistent. Head coach Jimmy Rogers left. Now they have Dan Jackson leading the way, and the defense is really leading the way. Their last game versus Northern Iowa, five takeaways, two sacks, three points allowed. wait two weeks. They play North Dakota State in the Dakota marker game. Oh, perfect setup,

because look who's number one, Roddy. Of course. I mean, you can pretty much pencil them in every year now. Cole Payton is filled in marvelously for Mark Grinowski. After playing in Spot Duty last year, the dual threat quarterback has been great. Barika Penu at the running back position. Those two form a really dangerous duo in the backfield. All right. So let's take a look at the recap. So we once again ran you through the top 10. This is how the FCNU. committee sees it right now. Again, they'll have another unveiling on November 5th, which is actually

the day after the CFP, does it for the FBS, and then the official unveiling November 23rd, it'll be on ESPNU on the way this year to Nashville to crown a national champion. What to watch for. Brought to you by Kudoba, we are getting

ready for a really big not just Saturday, but a really big Friday for the Miami Hurricanes. They'll take on Louisville. It's part of a double dip on ESPN with North Carolina, Bill Belichick and company with all the drama coming off the by. They'll be at Cal, but all eyes are going to be on the canes. We'll wait to see what happens here as another test awaits Carson Beck and company.

Losses since 2017 when playing on that short week have been there most recently just a couple of weeks ago when we saw Virginia knockoff Florida State 4638 in an instant classic in double. O T. So maybe guys that Louisville can take a little inspiration from what the Wahoos did. Sam, I want to start with you. Miami's defensive line might be as nasty as any in the country,

but in this game, the Cardinals can say we're pretty salty there too. Louisville has a really impressive defensive line led by number 50, Cleve Lubin, who's has four sacks on the season. But really it's their defense that to me leads in the way.

I understand Miller Moss is a quarterback transferred from USC, but they're relentless. I got a guy number 90, Conga on the inside, who's a relentless defensive linemen as well. So I think this game's going to be won and lost in the trenches. We love to talk about Ruben Bain and Mesidor and all that Miami does. But Clef Lubin on the other side, number 50, also number 23, they should have something to say about this matchup as well.

Yes, certainly, Sam. Look, this is a defensive line that's one of the best pressure rate teams in the country. But when they got into ACC play, that's gone down a little bit. The thing that I want to see from Louisville that's really been missing is the explosive. plays. I mean, this is a team that historically has created a ton of them under Jeff Brom. Two years ago in 2023, second in the conference, and plays over 20 yards. Last year in 2024, third in the conference and plays over 20 yards. This year, just 15th. They're tied for 15 in plays over 20 yards passing and 10 yards rushing. So they're going to have to create some

explosive plays against Miami defense as a chance to dominate up front. Well, part of the challenge, Roddy has been that Miller Moss came from a spread type of offense, the offense that took everything out of the shotgun, that plays were kind of brought in. But now at Louisville with Jeff Brom, everything's under center for the most part to set up what they love to do on play action. So as he stays in that offense against experience, you'll see him get better.

Look, I agree with you. But Jack Plummer and Tyler Shuck came from different offenses as well. So, you know, I think that it just hasn't worked all that well with Miller Moss. The offensive line isn't as good as what those two guys. guys have had either. All right, guys, that's the last word for now, but we're not going anywhere. Coming up, the bottom of the hour, about four minutes from now, championship drive, it'll be a Wednesday staple. And remember, this year, there's a few tweaks to the committee in how they're going to be picking and seating these dozen teams. We'll get you set for that. Coming up in four minutes.