College Football Live - CFB LIVE - WEEK 5 UPCOMING

Episode Date: October 1, 2026

Join our crew Zubin Mehenti, Dusty Dvoracek, "Stanford" Steve Coughlin, and Pete Thamel on today's episode of College Football Live. Iowa are 3 days out from their battle against Ohio State in Iowa City. Take a walk down memory lane to remember the last time College Gameday was in Iowa City for the same matchup as this weekend. 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. How does Iowa do what nobody's basically been able to do for two and a half years? Stop Jeremiah Smith. Hint? The answer has nothing to do with Smith. On Saturday in Starkville, Keelan and Camario are the headliners. But who are the real players underneath the surface that could tilt the balance between Alabama and Mississippi State? And Bill Belichick and Davos-Sweeney are used to winning games as huge favorites.

So on Saturday, how do they pull off stunners as prohibitive underdogs? That and more right now on college football live. Welcome to College Football Live, presented by Farmers Insurance. And welcome inside. If you're a college football fan, you know there's never-ending passion for the sport. Quick example. The biggest Iowa fan I know reached out to me this week and said, I'm an avid listener of Stanford Steve's podcast.

And twice this offseason, twice, he said, I hope the show goes to Iowa City. I've never been there. Steve, you got your shot. Here we go. Ohio State, Iowa, Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in the big one in the big 10. It wasn't just Jake Dicker that was shedding tears last week. Kirk Ferrence did not have a dry eye after that walkoff win against Michigan.

On the other side, Ryan Day knows it is going to be a tough day for sure because any time you wander in to this building, it's not going to be easy. It's a very difficult place to play. You just see, you know, teams who go in there. And like you said, first off, you got just the environment in general. It's a loud environment, so we've got to be able to handle that part of it. But this is a big opportunity for our team, I think, to go onto a tough road environment against the very good team and go get a win.

It would be great to be on KennedyCon Saturday. We'll have a great crowd out there. That's for sure, a lot of interest in excitement in town, all that stuff. And, you know, it's all good for everybody. That's what's great about college football. And key for us was to really get, you know, do our best to get ready between now and then. Because as I mentioned, we've got our hands full and, you know, it's going to take a perfect game, basically for us. Kirk will be on the set Saturday with Kirk and the other guys.

We'll see if we can actually get him fired up. He's one of the most even keel guys you'll see. Look at this stat. I never thought I'd see this. Ohio State three consecutive losses against ranked opponents. These are elite, elite teams. But I don't need to remind you, Ohio State is elite themselves. And that is a stat that really surprising.

but is true. All right. It's also true that Steve is going to be putting those boots down in Johnson County, Iowa. I know you're fired up and I know a lot of Iowa fans are fired up to see you. They're not going to be fired up to see Jeremiah Smith for sure. That's where everything begins and ends in this game. Steve, I'll give you the floor on the best wide receiver, best player in America. Yeah, that's why this sport is the best because now you have a home team with a great defense trying to stop the best player in the sport, Zubin. 12 catches, 217 yards last week, four touchdowns, became the only receiver in Ohio State history to surpass 3,000 yards. And with that, he got a defensive coordinator fired. Brett Vila made the move.

When he watched the tape, it was just, I don't think Ohio State believed what Illinois kept doing and giving him the coverage that they were giving him, and it was very much a lack of coverage. But this is that Phil Parker, that defense, what Iowa does, keeping bodies in front of you. All that we get to see Saturday. What I like about Ohio State is they have been tested on the road.

That offensive line has been on the road. They were down a guy and lost them against Texas. But how do they respond on the road in this environment? Can't wait to see what Iowa does. Yes, Steve, look, I totally agree. Phil Parker is so good at what he does. That vision coverage, keep everything in front. And they're going to have a plan for Jeremiah Smith.

But the reality is, if you want to slow down Jeremiah Smith, You better get to Julian Sane because he's not the same quarterback when he's under pressure and he's under duress. Now, this Iowa pass rush, it's got nine sacks on the season, but eight of those came against Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa. They've got to do a better job consistently affecting Julian Sane to slow down Jeremiah Smith. And they've got to be able to run the football in this game. They need to shrink this football game, control the ball, play keep away from that Ohio State offense. This is an Iowa rushing attack that's averaging six and a half yards of carry. They struggled a week ago against Michigan.

And I love what I've seen from Hank Brown. And at Tim Blesher offense, it's attempting 32 pass plays a game. But for this game, Iowa needs to run the rock with Kamari Moulton. That Ohio State run defense has been susceptible. They gave up 190 yards on the ground a week ago. If Iowa was going to pull the upset and beat Ohio State for the first time since 2017 and Kinnick, getting to the quarterback and running the football at the top of the list. Yeah, that 2017 game, by the way, colloquially in Iowa is known as the Woodshed game.

Iowa 55, Ohio State 24. Now, on that note, believe it or not, it was 20 years ago today in crystal clear standard definition. Game day in Iowa City for Ohio State and Iowa would coach pick Herkey or Brutus? All right, first of all, I believe in voodoo. This is Ohio State's fifth game. Last year they played, Penn State to 15. They lost away from home. Up going to the Hawkeyes.

There we go. Here we go. Get them going. So great. To the delight of everybody in Johnson County, Iowa. Then the game happened. To the delight of everybody in Columbus, Ohio. Buckeyes had a double-digit lead at the half.

They finished the season 12 and 1, and were the Big Ten champs, and got one over on Legendary Lee. On that night in Iowa City as we get ready to do it again Saturday afternoon. that same field. By the way, great to see the sweater vest making an appearance here on college football live. Saturday, Kirk, as I mentioned, with Kirk and coach and Pat and Reese and Des. Cannot wait. It's going to be a scene there, and Steve was going to experience it for the first time.

It's going to be awesome. Speaking of awesome in the SEC early afternoon, Alabama, Mississippi State, noon Eastern on your local ABC station, a couple of awesome quarterbacks. But there's so much more than just the QBs when. Alabama takes on Mississippi State. And Cahlin DeBoer knows as they get set for a gauntlet, this place cowbells and all, it's not gonna be easy, even if you've got that Alabama on your helmets.

You know, we know that this week, we gotta work on that crowd noise and probably a lot of cowbells that will be hearing during practice in one former fashion. So when you're in that setting and you're the opponent, really, really hard to be able to go execute and play clean. And so, Man, for us, that is a huge advantage. And just like I said, Saturday night, we're going to need it again, Saturday morning, 11 a.m.

And I know we'll have it. That guy just sounds like an SEC coach. If there's anyone that ever sounded like an SEC coach, it's Jeff Levy. Let's take a look at today's dependable player brought to you by Mavis Tire. So we kind of mentioned these are the headliners, right? Alabama's taken the leap because of Keel and Russell. And I think Jeff Levy probably feels safe sitting in Starkville because Camaro Taylor is as, advertised. So let's get

into this game a little bit with some guys that don't play quarterback, but will loom large in how this game is determined. Dusty, let's start with you on somebody that relies on the quarterback to make hay. Yeah, Zube, it's Ryan Coleman Williams, and I just had Alabama

a week ago, and he's reminding us of the player he was as a freshman and he was just 17, two years ago. The speeds off the charts. Coaches told me that GPS catapult, 23.4 miles per hour. He is explosive.

He's catching the ball better. Last two games, three touchdowns of 30 plus yards. They're going to get him involved. He's doing a better job in the blocking game. He's secured and he's playing some of his best football. And on the other side of the football, defensively, I look at this secondary for Alabama. They're experienced.

They are talented. It allows Kane Womick to play man-to-man. And especially they're in the nickel spot. They've got Red Morgan who's leading this team interceptions, two picks. He had a pick six a week ago. There's going to be a matchup with Anthony Evans, who spends most of his time in the slot, an excellent Mississippi Statewide receiver. And Red Morgan, we're going to see if he's up to the challenge. He'll need to play well to slow down this high-powered Mississippi State offense team. Yeah, I'm glad you brought that up

with Anthony Evans. I mean, Levy has been unbelievable in assessing the wide receiver room, losing guys into portal and then getting guys also. And Anthony Evans is the guy that comes to mind for me, the catch against Missouri with the game on the line. I believe that we'll see here with the tape. This is, I mean, full extension, game on the line, have to have it moment. This guy's been unbelievable. 28 catches, 408 yards. And then also, to be able to hand the ball off to a guy like Fluff Bothwell has been awesome.

122, 55 receiving yards last week, two touchdowns. Levy's got a lot of toys. I know everybody's going to talk about KT1, but the toys that he has to play with, have stayed up, you know, immensely for a monster season. You've just got to be wary of this opportunity. Don't get overhyped. You started out four in all last year. You got an opportunity here, make the most of it.

Pump for the people in Starfle. There's no question about it. Nick Saban kind of put some fuel in the fire when saying, you know, if Camaro's in the portal, you better start getting that money ready. Camaro came back and said, I bleed maroon and white. I'll take that as a figurative statement. Of course, Coach Sabin on game day alongside our Pete Thammel, who joins us here. It's great to have you, Pete.

on the SEC, we just broke down that big game in the SEC. You've got some big news surrounding one of the SEC's best players. Yes, Zubin, in the wake of the trifecta of insubordination, South Carolina and the SEC went together and suspended Star South Carolina Defense event, Dylan Stewart for one game. As you recall, in the Alabama game, Stewart punched an opposing player in the helmet, which might not be the smartest thing anyway, refused to leave the field at one point when the coaches called him off, and then gave Shane Beamer a cold.

shoulder when Beamer is trying to coach him up walking off the field. So Zubin, all that adds up to a one game suspension for Dillard Stewart. Remember, this is a player who's arguably the best defensive end in terms of prospects in all of college football. His get off, his get off to get to the quarterback is really unlike anything we've seen in recent years. But with the Uzi celebration last year and now this, Stewart's clearly hurt himself in the eyes of the NFL, Zubin. There's no doubt about it. So obviously, Stewart makes his living running after quarterbacks. And there's a couple of interesting pieces of quarterback news you want to get to, including a team that right now could not have their by week come at a better time. And that's the Oregon Ducks.

Absolutely. So Oregon's Dante Moore, who we all saw, you know, in a quiet coliseum after he took a dirty hit from a USC safety on Saturday night, is now in concussion protocol. And we'll eventually start working towards returning to the field. Dante Moore obviously suffered a concussion. Oregon released a statement and said that. And he appears likely to return this year. The timeline, it's still too early, really Zubin to say exactly what Dante Moore will get back. But this is really considering how awful it looks Saturday night, a very good scenario for Oregon. And remember, Dylan Riola played very well.

As for Colorado, Julian Juju Lewis has not played very well. And that has led to his benching. Isaac Wilson took over in the second half of Colorado's game against Baylor. and Wilson will now start the game this weekend for the buffs. They host Texas Tech in a huge matchup. Wilson started seven games as a true freshman when Utah was trying to get Cam Rising healthy two seasons ago. So he's not inexperienced as a backup goes. And look, it doesn't get any easier right now for the buffs.

They go Utah and then at Oklahoma State, a grinder of three games. And it looks like Isaac Wilson will be leading to charts for Colorado through that stretch. It's amazing, Pete. not too long ago, the left side for Colorado is going to be Jordan Seedon, protecting Julian Lewis and the buffs were going to be fine. Now that thing has been blown up completely. It's unbelievable what's going on in Boulder. Pete, thanks as always for the update.

Still to come here on College Football Live. When's the last time you couldn't really bet on Davo and Belichick in a big spot? I think the answer to that question, apparently according to the odds makers, is Saturday. So how do they flip the script? We'll talk about it next. This is College Football Live. by Farmers Insurance. Back to College Football Live.

Presented by Farmers Insurance. And it's time now for the best in the game, brought to you by Old Dominion Freight Line. Safe to State, Notre Dame and Miami have been freight trains. They're both big, big favorites this week. We'll break down both matchups right now. Notre Dame has North Carolina Bill Belichick, aware of the challenge ahead.

You know, Notre Dame's tough. They don't really, they haven't given up many big plays. And so we're going to have to, you know, execute well to, you know, to make those happen, which, you know, we're, that's certainly, you know, part of the plan. But just saying it's not easy against them, at least hasn't been. They've done a good job. Let's take a look at this. This is the challenge Bill has. Worst record against top five opponents in the 90 years of the Associated Press Bowl.

Now, nobody's going to have a great record against top five opponents. But I guess there's a reason. in North Carolina and Wake Forest or basketball schools. Looking at that, North Carolina at the absolute bottom of that list. All right, let's break it down. So how can North Carolina get it done?

Dusty DeBorchak will be on the call with Dave Pasch, Taylor McGregor, on Saturday on ESPN. All right, so I don't think people think it can happen. So give me away. The greatest coach we've ever seen can pull a stunner. Well, Zoom, the best defensive mind in the history of football gets two weeks to prepare for this offense.

I think that has to be factored into the equation. but they've got to find a way to create turnovers against an offense that doesn't turn over, only two turnovers this year for Notre Dame top five in the country. Stop the run early. This is one thing. Notre Dame has not done well this year, still trying to figure out how to replace two first round running backs. I think if they can create negative plays, which they have, they have the ability to get

to the quarterback, North Carolina, 10 sacks in three games, and they've got a cat, Xavier Lewis, you just saw their number 90s, only 6 foot, 2,6. but he's quick, explosive, to get to the quarterback, six sacks in three games, most sacks per game in all the college football. That's the recipe if they want to try to pull the upset in this one, Steve. I love the optimism of an analyst calling a game

and a 21 and a half points spread, Dusty, but I just don't see it, man. Notre Dame, and I get it, what you drove out. Yeah, that's exactly what they have to do. But against this Notre Dame defense, man, like it's real. A hundred and 99 yards allowed in the, country, you know, best in the country.

You look at Bryce Young. I consider this defense to be the best in the country. I know people are going to point to the competition, right, and all that. But they got dudes on that defense and it's going to be tough for Carolina to score enough to pull it off. There is no doubt. It's likely also going to be pretty tough for Clemson. They've got Miami on Saturday.

But the Tigers, the last couple of weeks have looked okay. They had that Friday night win against J.K.S. and Cal. Remember, they also played North Carolina earlier. This was the game that had a ton of rain. and when the game resumed, there was just a few thousand fans, but Dabo's been clear. This was just an absolute huge game for the spirit of the team. Now, it might be dispiriting that the Miami hurricanes are in town. Here's Dabo on the opposition.

It's Clemson, Miami, and Miami was in the national championship last year, and they're undefeated, and we're both undefeated in the league. And this is a team that, in my opinion, really don't have any weaknesses. I mean, it's, I mean, it just is what it is. I mean, it's a really, really talented football team across the board. Not often that you get a top five team, you know, coming into the valley. So this is a top five team, maybe the best team. They might be the best team in the country.

Time will tell. But, I mean, there's really, there's really not any weaknesses within their team. There didn't used to be any weaknesses when Davo took on big time competition. But as you see in the last several years, it has certainly slid, and you've seen that in various vestiges of the program. All right. So how can Clemson do it? Steve, let's start with you.

Now, don't be a buzzkill here. The last one, he said they got no shot. Give me a shot. Give me a way that this can happen for Clemson to take down Miami. Well, when you look at, it's a different opponent, but when you look at what Clemson did last week, how they pull off that one in a road game at Cal? You know, special teams touchdown, keeping the ball away from the other team,

playing sound defense. You got to use the quarterback in the run game because the biggest problem is that Miami offense. That's what worries me in this game. With Clebson, haven't played the firepower of LSU, Miami's offense might be better. I know the quarterback's more accurate than LSU's. So that's what it is. You've got to play keep away almost.

And I give dabble credit, man. Whatever happened in that last delay against North Carolina, they found something and they're riding a high should be an awesome atmosphere at Clebson Saturday night. It will be an awesome atmosphere. And Steve, for me, you've got to limit explosive plays if you're Tom Allen in this Clemson defense. Ashton-Hanthin has been one of the best cornerbacks in all of college football. Eight passes the fence. I can't wait to see when he's lined up on Malachi, Tony.

And, you know, Darren Mitz has been almost indefensible. On the flip side, I think you got to let Tate Reynolds cook a little bit. The best group on this offense for Clemsonsonson's the wide receivers, T. T.J. Moore, Bryant Westcoe, Tyler Brown, protect for. Tate Reynolds, give him enough time. It's a Miami secondary that's depleted, they're really banged up, 107th in the country, and pass yards

given up. That's the recipe to exploit this week in Miami secondary and try to get these talented wide receivers to ball in open space. Dabo said they might be playing the best team of the country. Let me just give you one stat. Darian Menser, 14 touchdown passes, 12 in completions. You heard that right.

14 touchdown passes, 12 in completion. So here's the deal Saturday. Miami and Clemson will be the third of three on your local ABC station. Alabama and Mississippi State, we talked about it. Florida, Missouri. We talked about it yesterday. This is the show that's getting you set for Saturday.

That's why we're here all Saturday on your local ABC station. Students scan the QR code or visit Dr.pepper.com slash tuition by September 30th to enter for a chance to compete for $100,000 in the Dr. Pepper tuition giveaway during conference championship weekend. On the way, it's a battle of four in O teams that no one's talking about that's going to the country's attention to themselves. So you know what we're going to do? We're going to talk about it.

Next on college football live. This is college football live. Presented by Farmers Insurance. We're back on college football live. Take a look at this. Unranked meetings between teams that are four and oh a piece. It doesn't happen that often. It's going to happen Friday night.

Pitt Virginia Tech. Both teams haven't played stellar competition. But it is notable because he, Here we are, both undefeated, both looking for that spot in the ACC title game. Friday night, Dusty, let's start with you. Who do you have your eye on here between the Panthers and the Hokies? A quarterback for Pittsburgh, Mason Hynchul. He's off to a great start this year.

13 touchdowns, and those have come in just two games. So it's been a little bit feast for famine. They've protected him better so far this year. And most importantly, he's taken better care of the football. Virginia Tech has an excellent pass rush, but they're susceptible. on the back end. If Pittsburgh can protect Mason Heinzsche, I think they can go into Lane Stadium

and get a win on Friday night. Yeah, there's only one thing to know about this game, Dusty, and that's the best player on the field is a tight end, and he wears number 85 for Virginia Tech, and his name is Luke Reynolds. You see the stats right there against Maryland here a couple weeks ago, 12 for over 100. His versatility is what makes him,

and that's why he still has a chance to be TE1. When it comes around for the NFL draft, he's got all the goods. There's no doubt about it. This is going to be a great matchup. It's big for the ACC because remember this year with the rule change after the Duke fiasco last year, the winner of the ACC, regardless of record, is in the college football playoffs. So if you want to put Miami in there, fine. But whoever they play is 60 minutes away, regardless of record from getting into the college football

playoff. That'll be Friday night, 8 Eastern on ESPN and Virginia Tech had a sigh of relief. You may not have seen. They escaped Boston College last week in a Nor'easter, and that's how they're entering this game undefeated. Steve will be entering the state of Iowa soon enough. You'll love it. Dusty will see you on Saturday.

We'll see you tomorrow.