College Football Live - Looking Ahead- Top of the SEC, Red River Rivalry, and Big Ten Battles - ft. Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy

Episode Date: October 8, 2025

Join our crew Zubin Mehenti, Roddy Jones, Sam Acho, and Pete Thamel as they look ahead to Week 7... who do they think is the real front runner for the SEC? What does a John Mateer "questionable" designation mean for the Red River Rivalry? Look ahead to a Big Ten battle with big implications...who will come out on top in Eugene when Indiana faces an Oregon team coming off a big time win? And Missouri runningback Ahmad Hardy joins the show to give some insight on his journey from a zero-star recruit to the leading rusher in college football ahead of a big time matchup vs Alabama...all this and more on College Football Live! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you're flying Emirates business class, enjoying a good night's rest in your lie flat seat, you'll see that your vacation isn't really over until your flight is over. Fly Emirates, fly better. Hey there, welcome to college football live on this Wednesday as we go out of the tunnel. Hardest question in college football? Who's the runaway high's been favorite? Second toughest, who's the best team in the SEC? Plenty of choices?

Our experts weigh in with their opinion on the way. It's a Big Ten showdown, a top ten. showdown. But one team has to show up far greater than the other. Why Indiana's got all the pressure as they head to Eugene with our guys. And how do you go from zero star recruit to SEC Superstar?

Ahmad Hardy of Missouri will join us and we'll ask him just that next. And with that we welcome you inside college football live. Sam Roddy Zubin here. Let's get right to it. This is a gigantic week in the SEC. We want to run through some of the really big

matchups here. And then we will roll. Bama and Missouri. You know the stakes here. You could argue that this is the biggest regular season game that Eli Drinkwitz has had at Missouri. Of course, they had that big bowl win over Ohio State. Now, it takes a lot to get the attention off of Arch Manning and a quarterback duel in the game, but oh, you might just have the trick because of the tier status, much more on the latest with his possibility to maybe play on Saturday on the way. Texas A&M very quietly sitting at number five and undefeated, taking on a resurgent Florida squad, who of course just knocked off, Archmanning and Texas.

And while a lot of eyes are on Georgia, this is a really big game for Auburn. Remember, this is a proven year for Hugh Freeze, but the Tigers are 0 and 2 out of the gate in the SEC in the resumption of the Deep South's oldest rivalry. Take a look at the standings. Plenty of teams that have the opportunity to say they are the best team. in the SEC and take a look at all of these that certainly can lay claim to that. As I mentioned at the top of the program, it's an interesting discussion. So let's talk about it.

Guys, Sam, I want to start with you. Just a reminder, since the playoff era started back in 2014, only three teams in the league have won the conference. So for it to be this wide open this year is great for fan bases everywhere. Right now, as we stand, best team in the league is? The Alabama Crimson Tide, and here's why. This Alabama team not just got beat week one, but they got embarrassed week one. And yes, an embarrassing loss can be bad for your morale, or it can callish you.

We can help you strengthen your muscles, bear your arms, and get ready to be a more dominant team. Alabama has been playing lights out specifically on the offensive side of the ball the last several weeks, whether it's been Caden Proctor, the offensive linemen, catching passes to the side, or Parker Brailsford, the center winning SEC offensive line of the week. Everyone is rallying around the quarterback, Ty Simpson, and they're finding ways to win. The team got embarrassed week one long we talked about, but that embarrassment calloused them for the rest of the season. No doubt, Sam. I agree that it's Alabama.

When it's this close, you defer to the team with the best quarterback. John Mateer might be the best quarterback, but he's heard. Ty Simpson's been playing the best of those teams. I will say, though, nobody's talking about Texas A&M. All Texas A&M is done the last two weeks is a last. opposing teams to convert one of 23 third downs. Again, their defense has allowed one third down conversion in 23 tries. Marcel Reed started slow against Mississippi State, but then took off.

They found the run game. Ruben Owens was fantastic. That offensive line has started to play really well and together. And defensively, they may not have all the names that they did last year, but it is still a very good unit. So it might very well be Texas A&M, Sam. But look, nobody's talking about all this. Nobody's talking about Georgia in that conversation. They got beat by Vama.

So I think it could be A&M, though. I agree with you for a couple reasons. Number one, it is wide open. A&M has, you talked about it on the call, actually. Casey Concepcion to transfer from NC State, who doesn't just do it in the receiving game, but also does it as a returner as well. So he's a game changer.

Trinidad Chamble is from Ole Miss is a game changer, a quarterback who took over for Austin Simmons. So I'm not going to say it's necessarily so wide open. I still feel like Alabama is the number one team, but man, whether it's A&M or Oman, Georgia, obviously, is a team that is competing for the SCC championship as well. There's so much competition on the upper echelons of the SEC. Little inside baseball, Sam, taking us inside the riveting phone call every morning.

One thing I just want to mention, the top three ranked teams in the SEC at this moment, four, five, and six in the poll, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, none have ever even made the SEC title game, though the Sooners get a reprieve. They've only been in the league for a year and a half. Speaking of the Sooners, now this is the big story in college football. This week. It takes, like I said, the sun to overshadow somebody like Arch Manning. But the QB situation for Oklahoma is just that.

You know the deal on Mateer, September 24th, Broken Bone, throwing hand. If he would return, it would be just 17 days after the operation. Here's his OC, Ben Arbuckle, on how he's coming along. I think John knows his body. I think he understands, you know, ultimately what's best for the team. but, you know, he doesn't want to put himself in a compromising position either. So whenever he's, you know, trending towards that darker shade of the gray, he always has his body and mind also.

And so, again, he's a competitive kid. Of course, he's going to try to, you know, get as ready as quick as he can. But ultimately, I don't think anybody wants to put him in a compromising position. Excellent filibuster there by Ben Arbuckle. Pete Thammel joins us. It's incredible. There's only a nine-year age difference between Arbuckle and Meteer. I mean, Arbuckle is rising really fast.

All right, Pete, let's get to Brass Tacks. What's the latest we know on Meteer's status for Saturday? Cut through the Mumbo Jumbo. Well, Zubin, to cut through the Mumbo Jumbo, we're not going to know until later in the week. That's reality. I check back in with some sources today. And because of the tenuous nature of his hand, again, We are two weeks post-off from a broken bone at the bottom of his thumb, broken bone in his hand.

So we are not going to know until probably the morning of the game what John Mateer status is going to be. The latest information Brent Venables gave us was that he is not going to reveal today what will be on the SEC injury report tonight at 8 p.m. I would expect that answer to be ambiguous as we stretch this out for the rest of the week. Indeed, following the them them motion there of exactly keep them guessing. And Roddy, that's where I want to go with you. Pete's got the info there that's essentially a game time decision

but from a game time decision, there's also a little bit of gamesmanship here at play, I would assume. Yeah, Pete mentioned the injury report. I would bet I'd bet, you know, a very small amount of money that he's going to be questionable on the injury report, which basically says 50-50, which

gives us no information as to what's going to happen. Brent Vinnibles has played this masterfully. He's playing 4D chess in outer space, but are we playing on the Starship Enterprise or on the Death Star? We don't even know. The fact that they're practicing indoors, the fact that he's kind of sort of fanning the flames of the Twitter sphere rumors that he's back, that he's not. I just love the way that Oklahoma is leaving this so ambiguous that Texas has to prepare for all possibilities. Well, and that ambiguity gives Oklahoma an advantage for the week of practice. You said Zubin to cut through the mumbo jumbo. The mumbo jumbo is actually exactly

what Oklahoma wants. Why? Because the defense for Texas has to prepare as if John Mateer is going to play. Though it may be unrealistic, they just don't know. And so when Pete Kukowski is looking at that defense, say, okay, do we, we're going to go for Michael Hawkins. Is it going to be John Materer? That, that, it really like lessens the amount of focus that you can have as a defense and a coordinator. You can't just dial in on Hawkins or dialing on a tier. You have to prepare for both. And, And that preparation that is taking a time away from Texas focusing on one guy is an advantage for Oklahoma. The biggest thing Texas need to be focusing on is not the quarterback.

It's stopping the run and running the football. The lines of scrimmage got beat up against Florida. So no matter who plays quarterback for OU, Texas is going to have to do that first and foremost. There's no question about it. You mentioned, Klyakowski there. Oh, go ahead, Tim. What did you got? No, no, to your point, not to stop the run or running football, but also,

protecting the quarterback, protecting Archmanning. Archmanning was pretty much a sitting duck in the backfield. So the offensive line has to pass protect better with guys like R. Mason Thomas ready to go get them. All right. So we'll wait to see what happens there. Obviously, it's the biggest story as we head to Saturday in the SEC. Still to come, more SEC. The nation's leading rusher joins us, and he'll take us through a touchdown.

His coach said he had never seen anyone ever score before. Ahmad Hardy joins College Football Live next. Farming is rewarding, but it isn't always easy. The Farmer Wellness Initiative is here to help. Call 1-866-267-6255 to access-free unlimited counseling. Funded in part by the governments of Canada and Ontario under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year federal provincial territorial initiative.

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and it's now time for what to watch for, presented by Kudoba this morning on the SEC coaches media called Eli Drinkwitz of Missouri goes right before Kalin DeBoer, and as they get set to meet on Saturday, Drinkwit said, hang on media. I got a question for Kaelin. Is he going to be wearing that black hoodie? What Drinkwitz called the black hoodie of death.

Having a little bit fun before it gets super serious. Before Alabama and Missouri, and what you could argue is one of the biggest games that Coach Drink has had in the regular season. Are the Tigers for real? These stats seem to indicate they are, and in just seconds, we'll be joined by the engine that is powering Missouri to one of the best offenses

in the nation's toughest conference. And that man is Ahmad Hardy, and he joins us on college football live. It is great to have you. Simple question. How do you go from zero star recruit from rural Mississippi to the leading rusher in college football? It's my work ethic, man.

I mean, I'm putting in work when everybody counting me out. So, I mean, I just put in work to get to the point I am right now. Kalen DeBoer said when he watches you on tape, every other play you are breaking a tackle. How would you describe your running style? I mean, I try to get down here pretty fast. So, I mean, if somebody come up quick, I try to use my scrant. But, I mean, I also try to run past people.

I mean, a lot of people see the way I run through people. So, I mean, it don't matter to me for real. Coach Drink, which called you a combination of a dump truck and a Clydesdale. What do you think about that? I mean, a dump truck, I guess. I mean, they dump people. I don't know. And Clydesdale is a pretty big horse.

I don't know where you get that from. And from what I understand, you're a big horse guy yourself and the offseason for sure. I want to show you one touchdown you had this year against South Carolina. Coach Drink, take a look at this and tell us what's going on here on the replay. He said he had never seen a play like this. Feed up in the air, back and in.

What's going on here? I was outside zone and then I tried to cut up and then I just got stuck on the pile. So I knew I wasn't down. So I just tried to keep going and somehow I guess I spent off with it in. And I got in the end zone. What were your teammates telling you in the Mosh pit there right after that score? What was everybody saying? That was just saying good job.

Things like that, they always say it wasn't nothing spectacular. I think I had a guy on the side. I was like, how do you even do that? But I just kept walking. It's a good question. That probably doesn't have an answer right now. You might be the only guy that's been able to answer that. Let's talk about Alabama.

When you want to talk about your chops as a running back, everybody's litmus test is how you do against the tide, who since that season opening win, as you know, Ahmad, have looked absolutely terrific on defense. When you see the tide on tape, what concerns you the most? Guys up front, they got pretty big guys up front. They got pretty good linebackers, number zero. They got good corners, but just the interior,

they stopped the run pretty fast. So just the interior guys, they get the party started. What is the relationship like between you and Bo Probula? This Missouri team has been fueled by a couple of big time transfers. You and the former Penn State quarterback. What's your bond like? I mean, Bo is a smart guy. We always talking.

He always giving me tips or things like that. Let me know to play. If I don't recall the play or something like that, he always keep everybody in check. So he's really a good guy and just try to help everybody out. You are certainly doing your part to help everybody out. and we will start our Saturdays like most people will watch in Missouri and Alabama. And like I said, it could be the biggest regular season game in the drink era as Missouri looks to stay undefeated. You've been a central reason as to why that's been the case.

Ahmad, best of luck the rest of the season. And I'll look for you on those Heisman lists, my man, okay? It's great to have Ahmaud here. And it's great to have Pete rejoin us on college football live. On a more serious note, Pete, Dion Sanders has been pretty open and very honest. about his recent medical struggles, and we know there is another chapter to that story. Why don't you get us up to date on that? Yes, Zubin.

So Coach Prime was set to go into a surgery expected to last about four hours today to remove some recurring blood clots from his left leg. By the count of his social media team today, he has undergone 16 surgeries in the last three years. Obviously, he had a very public cancer battle that he talked about fighting through this summer. So best wishes to Coach Prime as he attempts to come back. He has said he hopes to be back today in the facility in the wake of the surgery. We are certainly hoping for the best for Coach Prime.

There's no question about it. When Coach Prime burst out of the scene in college football, he took an approach to the transfer portal like no one's seen before. And that's where I want to go with you here. We finally seem to have a resolution on when it's going to be and how long it's going to be. This had been a question that had been vexing coaches across the country, regardless of conference. Now we have some clarity. Let us know what the final resolution is here. Well, it vexed some reporters too, Zubanak. We're two transfer portals and now there is only one.

So I think that's the most important number to start with. That is locked in. It's January 2nd to January 15th. Some key nuances that have come with that include when the transfer portal opens after your coach is fired. It used to be immediately for 30 days. Now the transfer portal opens after the firing a coach. five days after the new coach is hired. Essentially gives a new coach a chance to come in, meet the guys before they make a decision on their future, and it's not just a firing and a mass exit. Yeah, that's very interesting to note.

I should also mention that portal is gone from 60 days at first to 45 days to 30 days, now essentially down to two weeks. So they are whittling it down and we finally have the date set. Pete, thank you very much. Always great to get the insight. So if you're a football fan and I'm sure you are, you can always be locked in on Sundays too. It's not just for Saturdays.

Greenie and the Guys with Sunday NFL countdown gets you set for a big week of NFL action leading to another ABC, ESPN double header on Monday night. On the way, Big Ten, Top Ten, Showdown in Eugene, why Kurt Signetti is facing the biggest litmus test in year two, and all the pressure is on the Hoosiers, not the ducks. Our guys will tell you why.

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time it's brought to you by Nissan premier partner of the Heisman trophy

and why don't we take a look at the Heisman update brought to you by Nissan Here are your candidates at the moment.

Carson Beck, certainly leading the way in the minds of many with Dante Moore just a smidge behind. I want to mention Beck's teammate defensive lineman Ruben Bain Jr. gives Miami maybe the only team of the country right now that's got two guys that could buy for it. But of course, as you know, it's going to be difficult for a defensive guy to win it. Not unprecedented, but not easy either. Speaking of it not easy, Indiana, one in 72 all time against top five opponents. I know what you're thinking? What's the one?

They knocked off Purdue. It was number five in the country when they met way back in 1967 in that old in-state showdown back in 1967. Let's talk about this one. I know, Roddy, that's a long time ago. I saw the eyes go, 1967. All right, let's talk a little. Long time ago. Yes, way before college football live hit the air.

Indiana and Oregon, everybody knows everything about Oregon. We've seen them. We saw them under the bright lights against Penn State. But your main thing with Indiana is last year is last year, this year's this year. and we just haven't seen enough from this version of the Hoosiers to know how they're going to match up. I think this is a really good team and they've proven it. They had the big win over Illinois, the demolition. The win doesn't even describe what that was.

And then you go to Iowa and you win there. So you've had a test against a good team that you pass a flying color. You had a test on the road against the team that can provide some resistance that you pass as well. Oregon's a different beast. This is the first time that they're going to go to a team that is over, that they are over-match. against Oregon is a more talented group. They're also really well coached. So overall, I just don't know that we've had anything so far, Sam,

to be able to judge whether or not Indiana is ready for this moment. And this feels a lot like last year when Indiana was undefeated and went to go play Ohio State. And for a little bit, the game was close and the game got out of hand because Indiana got out-athleted by Oregon. There was a punt return touchdown by Caleb Downs, a drop punt by Indiana. And so that's what it feels like. But hopefully this could be different with Fernerner. Fernando Mendoza, the way that he's playing, standing in the pocket, taking hits,

living the ball downfield, and also on defense, Aidan Fisher was an all-American linebacker. Those are going to be the two names. Mendoza at quarterback, getting the ball to guys like Sarat on the outside. And also Aiden Fisher on defense, they're going to have to be able to carry their team. Scematically, this team is extremely well coached. They know exactly what they're doing. But it's going to be the athletes on the field, which Indiana does trust the guys on the outside. They trust their receivers, but the interior is going to be my concern.

Roddy, what do we need to know about? Yeah, what do we need to know about Fernando Mendoza? I think we all saw Dante Moore on the spotlight. What about Mendoza? Well, I think the thing that you noticed first is his overall talent. And the fact that he's been on big stages, he was the Cal quarterback last year when game day was out there against Miami. Had a great game against the University of Miami. They were up by a ton.

And remember Miami had to storm back and win that. So the environment or the stage is not going to be. too much from him. This will likely be the most hostile environment that he's played in, though. I mean, the sound in Austin is legendary. So will he be able to manage his emotions? And when the things start to go Oregon's way and the crowd

and the momentum all starts to feel like it's against Indiana, how do you respond to that? Because against Ohio State and against Notre Dame last year, they didn't respond particularly well. That's a great point. They were down 25 Miami was on that Saturday night before rallying to win. I guess the Calgaryism didn't account for that. Let's talk

a little bit about the Big Ten at large here instead of just going with Indiana and Oregon, these teams still have an opportunity and are eyeing the playoff. Guys, might I remind you last year four Big Ten teams made the college football playoff and the team that finished fourth in the regular season,

seven and two Ohio State, fourth in the Big Ten ended up winning the national title. So give me somebody outside of the teams that we've been spending most of our times talking about like Ohio State and Indiana for this discussion in Oregon. Maybe one of

those three that you saw Sam that has a chance to break through because the Big Ten's going to have some open spots if history is any indication. I like Michigan for one of those teams. They play USC this week. That's going to be a huge matchup. But Michigan has, I would say, the easiest path, if you will, in order to go to try and make a basketball playoff. They got a USC, which is huge game.

But then you go down and circle that Ohio State game. If Michigan goes undefeated up until that game, that game's going to be a huge, huge, huge litmus test when it comes to voters. voters watching oh by the way Oklahoma if Oklahoma continues to win that loss Oklahoma is not going to look as bad and so Michigan for me is probably the bigger the team that's best opportunity

I agree on Michigan Sam although that Maryland game going to Maryland the week before you play Ohio State a much improved Maryland team is scary for me I go with Michigan as well I think I think USC is probably the best team out of those

in terms of in terms of overall I don't trust that they'll be physical enough to beat Michigan. They also have Notre Dame and go to Nebraska as well. So I don't necessarily trust them. So I'm going to go with Michigan just because I like the matchup for the Wolverines. Yeah. Last word. Illinois did lose by 53. You guys mentioned it to Indiana. But if they could somehow upset Ohio State this week, that would be the best win any teams had all season. And they're right back in it. We'll see them.