It’s a loaded Friday on SportsIQ with Larry Smith as we dive into the chaos, parity, and rising programs shaking up college sports.
First, Hondo Carpenter joins the show to break down why Michigan State basketball is playing some of the best ball in the country — and how Tom Izzo continues building elite teams by embracing brutal non-conference schedules, player development, and refusing to take shortcuts. Hondo also unpacks why parity has completely reshaped the NFL, the hidden value of coaches like Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh, and why the league’s biggest threat… might be itself.
Then, Illinois legend Deon Thomas returns to talk about the Illini’s razor-thin loss to Alabama, the massive upside still ahead, and why this year’s international-heavy roster may be Brad Underwood’s most complete unit yet. From Petrovic’s flashes to Kovich’s scoring bursts, Dion lays out why this team’s ceiling keeps rising — especially once the full roster gets healthy.
Finally, Steve Kornacki of the Wolverine Report stops in to evaluate Michigan Football’s playoff odds and the looming showdown with Ohio State. He explains why Michigan remains one of the nation’s most dangerous two-loss teams — plus an inside look at Dusty May’s 4–0 start with Michigan Basketball, including standout freshmen, key transfers, and early-season chemistry.
We wrap with a great Moment of Awe — the Charlotte Hornets bonding over a home-cooked meal in Milwaukee thanks to rookie Con Knueppel’s family… and 25 pounds of fajitas.
We dive head-first into a jam-packed Thursday slate as the playoff picture gets murkier, the rivalries get nastier, and the storylines get even better.
Larry and producer Tony open with college football’s shifting landscape — including the explosive pushback from USC and Michigan against private-equity money in the Big Ten — before bringing on three big guests breaking down three massive programs.
Guest: Cooper Perkins (Believe Podcast Network)
Cooper lays out the real path for USC against Oregon — including why Jaden Maiava has zero margin for error and why the Trojans’ only real winning formula might require him to run the ball more than expected.
We also get into:
The truth about Oregon’s “elite” pass defense
Why the USC–Notre Dame rivalry might actually get saved by playoff politics
Which Trojan (hint: Biletnikoff front-runner) deserves more Heisman noise
Guest: Olin Buchanan (TexAgs)
After surviving the wild South Carolina scare, A&M sits undefeated — and the vibes in College Station are absolutely buzzing. Olin breaks down:
What Mike Elko said at halftime that flipped the switch
Why A&M’s physical identity MUST show up vs. Texas
Whether the Aggies can realistically control their own playoff destiny
Guest: Adam Lichtenstein (Sun Sentinel)
Miami’s two-game skid may have knocked the shine off, but the Hurricanes are still mathematically alive — and maybe, finally, finding their rhythm again. Adam explains:
What actually went wrong during the midseason stumble
Why Miami’s defense may be playing its best football
How the Canes stack up against Notre Dame for a potential at-large playoff bid
The exact chaos needed in the ACC to sneak into Charlotte
(Plus Adam’s dog weighs in with strong opinions.)
MLB inks new deals with ESPN, NBC, and Netflix — yes, Netflix. Larry and Tony break down what this means for Sunday nights, the future of baseball broadcasting, and how this all syncs with the next CBA window.
On this day in 1969: Pelé scores his 1,000th career goal — a milestone still unmatched in world football.
🏈 USC: Road Test in Eugene🏈 Texas A&M: 10–0 but Tested🏈 Miami: Still Alive and Dangerous⚾ MLB’s Media Shake-Up🌟 Moment of Awe
Larry and Tony dig into a stacked Wednesday slate — from playoff chaos to coaching rumors to a heavyweight hoops clash.
Zac Neel (USA Today, Oregon Ducks beat writer) jumps in to break down:
Why Oregon–USC is suddenly must-win for both sides
Dante Moore’s evolution, ceiling, and why he’s not NFL-bound yet
How Oregon’s insane depth and personnel shifting create matchup nightmares
The Ducks’ identity under Dan Lanning — FEBU: Forget Everyone But Us
Why Oregon’s secondary vs. USC’s receivers is the matchup
Playoff math, weather factors, and what Oregon must do to win
Then Matt Stevens (IlliniGuys) joins the show to talk:
Why weekly CFP rankings are more content machine than meaningful
The disaster of the current recruiting calendar
Lane Kiffin rumors, LSU/Florida noise, and why the SEC is about to explode
Illinois hoops: how legit is the jump to No. 8?
What Illinois needs tonight against Alabama
Plus:
Nebraska recruiting drama — is there real smoke around Matt Rhule?
Major WNBA CBA updates (with real money finally on the table)
Fan overreaction season: message boards are in full meltdown mode
MLB’s first big offseason move — and why it makes no sense for the Orioles
Finally, Larry closes with a Moment of Awe-ish, reacting to Baltimore trading future ace Grayson Rodriguez for Taylor Ward.
Larry breaks down another wild Tuesday in the sports world — and there is no shortage of storylines.
College Football Coaching Chaos:
The Lane Kiffin rumor mill is officially roaring. LSU and Florida reportedly sent planes to pick up members of the Kiffin family for campus tours. Smoke… meet fire.
Virginia Tech lands James Franklin as its new head coach, ending the Hokies’ long search for a program-reviver.
Why Penn State might be the sneaky biggest winner in the whole thing.
Steelers at 6–4: Mirage or Momentum?
Larry is joined by Ray Fittipaldo (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) to break down:
Mason Rudolph’s stability and why Pittsburgh’s QB situation is quietly fragile.
A defense reinventing itself midseason — and finally producing splash plays.
The brutal remaining schedule that playoff predictors hate.
Two looming matchups with Baltimore that will define the season.
NHL Quarter-Mark Check-In:
CBS Sports’ Austin Nivison stops by to talk:
Why the Avalanche look terrifying again.
Boston, Detroit, and Montreal — the Atlantic Division we absolutely did not expect.
Bedard and the Blackhawks making noise earlier than anyone thought.
Edmonton’s Groundhog Day problem.
Which teams sitting outside the playoff picture still have time to recover.
NFL Notes:
Cowboys roll in a Monday night snoozer.
Are the Chiefs running out of rope?
Bills survive behind Josh Allen’s superhero act.
The Bears’ stadium project hits a billion-dollar wall.
NBA Recap:
OKC keeps rolling.
Pistons dominating at home.
Victor Wembanyama sidelined with a calf strain.
Moment of Awe (…or Ow):
A look back at Joe Theisman’s infamous career-ending injury — 40 years ago today.
Larry dives straight into the November madness that college football brings — where every game feels like a playoff and every fanbase is holding its breath.
We start in Atlanta, where Georgia Tech controls its own destiny in the most chaotic ACC race in years. Chad Bishop of the AJC joins us to break down how the Yellow Jackets suddenly find themselves one win away from Charlotte — and what has to happen to survive Pitt, then a potential mega-showdown with Georgia inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Later, we shift to women’s college basketball as UConn begins life without Paige Bueckers. Maggie Vanoni from CT Insider jumps on to talk identity, leadership, tournaments, and how Geno Auriemma reloads rather than rebuilds.
Larry and producer Tony close the show by pulling apart the national rankings:
• Is Alabama truly on the brink?
• Does Texas A&M deserve Coach of the Year love?
• And what would college football look like if both A&M and Alabama had imploded at home?
We end with today’s Moment of Awe — this one belongs to Charlie Woods, who led his high school to a Florida state title with a smooth 68.
A packed Monday. A fun Monday. A pure November-in-sports Monday.
We’re rolling into the weekend with a full slate of college football and NFL storylines.
Larry opens with the latest headlines — Shohei Ohtani joins Barry Bonds in rarified MVP air, Aaron Judge takes another AL crown, and Purdue knocks off a top-10 Alabama squad on the road for the first time since 1982. We hit women’s hoops, the NHL’s hottest team, and a bit of playful shade at our editor (as always).
Segment 1:
Eric Hansen of BlueandGold.com joins Producer Tony to break down Notre Dame–Pitt. Can the Irish continue their surge? How does Pitt’s elite rush defense match up with CJ Carr and Malachi Fields? Eric explains why this feels like another Irish elimination game — and why the margin for error is officially zero.
Segment 2:
Micah Warren of Heavy.com dives into the NFL’s messy middle. The Eagles’ offense hasn’t clicked, the AFC looks like total parity chaos, and Micah lays out why no one — not even the Chiefs or Ravens — looks untouchable. He also discusses quarterback economics, roster windows, and which teams are built to surge.
Segment 3:
Larry and Tony close by setting up the biggest games of the college football weekend:
– Georgia vs. Texas: A must-win for the Longhorns.
– Notre Dame at Pitt: No wiggle room for the Irish.
– Alabama vs. Oklahoma: Tide cruising, Sooners desperate.
– USC still lurking as a potential fourth Big Ten playoff entrant.
Plus, today’s Moment of Awe: Don Shula becomes the NFL’s winningest coach on this day in 1993 — a record that still stands.
Another packed Friday edition headed into a massive weekend across college football and the NFL.
Today’s episode brings two very different windows into the world of sports — one on the court, and one far beyond it.
We open with a full slate of NBA and college hoops headlines, including Steph Curry’s 46-point masterpiece, double triple-doubles in San Antonio, and early-season statements from Houston, OKC, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, and Purdue–Alabama on deck.
Producer Tony sits down with David Borges, UConn beat writer for Hearst Connecticut Media, to break down the Huskies’ roster build, Dan Hurley’s culture, and a brutal non-conference gauntlet that will define their season. Borges also shares insight into his new book Hurley’s Heroes.
In the second half, Larry brings forward a powerful and emotional conversation with former NFL safety Craig Swoope, who speaks candidly about depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and the long-term consequences of a football life. Swoope’s honesty about his struggles, his hope for better support from the league, and the message he wants today’s players and fans to hear makes this an unforgettable segment.
The show closes with our Moment of Awe: Grace College’s women dropping an unfathomable 172 points, the most ever scored by any women’s college team at any level.
On this Wednesday edition of SportsIQ with Larry Smith, the stakes are sky-high across college sports.
🏈 Texas Football at the Crossroads — Producer Tony sits down with Austin American-Statesman beat reporter David Eckert to preview No. 11 Texas’s elimination showdown with No. 5 Georgia. How has Arch Manning evolved under pressure, can the Longhorns’ line protect him against Kirby Smart’s defense, and what must Steve Sarkisian’s team do to stay alive in the playoff race? Eckert breaks down the keys — from trench play to turnovers — and the cultural turnaround inside the Texas locker room.
🏀 Duke Reloads, Not Rebuilds — Tony talks with Anna Snyder of the Fayetteville Observer about life after Cooper Flagg and the rise of Cam Boozer as Duke’s newest star. Snyder shares insight on Coach John Shire’s back-to-back No. 1 recruiting classes, Duke’s brutal non-conference gauntlet, and the defensive mindset that could make the Blue Devils Final Four contenders again.
📈 Headlines with Larry Smith —
Dallas Mavericks fire GM Nico Harrison after a sluggish start.
CFP Rankings: Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Georgia hold the top five spots.
MLB Managers of the Year announced.
LSU fires Brian Kelly amid contract controversy.
WNBA faces new competition from “Project B,” a Saudi-backed global women’s league offering multimillion-dollar deals.
💡 Moment of Awe — An Australian teen finds $3,500 at a gas station, returns it, and ends up inspiring $10,000 in GoFundMe donations plus a gift that funds brain-surgery expenses for a stranger.
🎧 Listen every weekday for beyond-the-buzz insight into the stories shaping sports.
SportsIQ with Larry Smith — Beyond the Buzzer, Inside the Game.
On this Veterans Day edition of SportsIQ, Larry and Producer Tony cover a packed lineup from coast to coast.
Segments Include:
🇺🇸 Opening Tribute: Larry opens the show with a heartfelt salute to America’s veterans and their families, reflecting on the freedoms they protect and the importance of civic discourse.
🏈 College Football Spotlight:
Guest 1: Tom Kakert of HawkeyeReport.com breaks down Iowa’s ironclad defense and ongoing offensive woes ahead of their clash with USC.
Why wide receivers who can create separation are now as vital as elite quarterbacks in the Big Ten arms race.
How the Hawkeyes can contain USC’s explosive attack — and what it’ll take for the Trojans to stay alive in the playoff race.
☘️ Guest 2: Stephen Thompson, Pitt beat writer for The Athletic, joins to preview Notre Dame vs. Pitt — a likely playoff elimination game.
Can Pitt’s top-five run defense slow down Notre Dame’s balanced attack?
Quarterback play, turnovers, and red-zone execution will decide this one.
A look inside the expected sellout atmosphere in Pittsburgh.
📊 College Football Playoff Race:Larry runs through the 23 teams still in the hunt, from undefeated to two-loss hopefuls — and delivers a reality check: “If your team has three losses, they’re out.”
🏀 ACC–Big East Merger Talk:Larry reacts to Mike Krzyzewski and Rick Pitino’s idea of merging the two leagues — and why it might water down both conferences.
🏈 NFL Breakdown:Producer Tony spotlights a changing of the guard in the AFC, as rising teams like the Colts and Broncos surge while the Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens struggle under massive QB contracts.Larry adds context on salary-cap realities, Brady’s sacrifice model, and why smart structuring wins championships.
✨ Moment of Awe:Division II North Greenville stuns Division I Gardner-Webb 92–81 — a true David vs. Goliath upset that reminds us why we love college hoops.
Listen & Subscribe:SportsIQ with Larry Smith — new episodes every weekday.Follow the conversation at @SportsIQLS on all platforms.
Larry and Tony kick off a packed Monday edition of SportsIQ with college football chaos, NFL comebacks, and an inside look at two major stories shaping sports this week.
First up, Kevin Noon from BuckeyeHuddle.com joins the show to break down Ohio State’s unbeaten season — from quarterback Julian Sayin’s near-historic efficiency to Ryan Day’s “old-school” offensive style and a defense that refuses to bend. With Michigan looming, can the Buckeyes stay perfect and secure another Big Ten crown?
Then, Tony welcomes Boston Globe senior sports editor Katie McInerney for an inspiring deep dive into the new Women’s Professional Baseball League, set to launch in 2026. They explore its origins, the vision of founder Justine Siegal, and why this could be a golden era for women’s sports — from volleyball to softball to baseball.
Larry wraps the show with reflections on the legacies of Lenny Wilkens and Paul Tagliabue, breaking stadium news out of UCLA, and the latest on LSU’s Brian Kelly buyout drama.
Guests:
Kevin Noon — Assistant Editor, BuckeyeHuddle.com
Katie McInerney — Senior Sports Editor, The Boston Globe
Topics Covered:
Ohio State’s methodical rise and Heisman chatter
Inside the Buckeye defense with new DC Matt Patricia
Women’s Professional Baseball League announcement and tryouts
The business boom in women’s sports
Remembering legends Lenny Wilkens & Paul Tagliabue
UCLA’s potential move from the Rose Bowl to SoFi Stadium
Brian Kelly’s massive LSU buyout dispute
Texas, A&M, and the playoff race heating up
Listen to SportsIQ with Larry Smith — where insight meets energy, every weekday.
College football is in full swing, and the weekend brings more twists across the gridiron. Larry Smith and producer Tony Cordaro break down the latest headlines — from Antonio Brown’s shocking arrest to Wisconsin’s decision to stick with Luke Fickell — before diving deep into three major storylines shaping November football.
🟥 Segment 1: Alabama’s Swagger Returns
Tuscaloosa News beat writer Colin Gay joins the show to talk about Alabama’s comeback from an early-season loss. Larry and Colin dissect Ty Simpson’s leadership, Kalen DeBoer’s fiery sideline style, and how the Tide’s rediscovered chip-on-the-shoulder swagger has them right back in the playoff hunt.
🟧 Segment 2: What’s Happening at Clemson?
Darien Carter of the Greenville News breaks down Clemson’s shocking tumble from top-five contender to mid-pack struggler. He and Tony discuss the offensive inconsistency, Dabo Swinney’s massive buyout, growing booster frustration, and whether 2026 will be a make-or-break year in Death Valley.
🟨 Segment 3: Danny Sheridan on the Coaching Carousel
Veteran college football analyst Danny Sheridan brings decades of perspective on one of the wildest mid-season firing sprees in memory. From the $170 million in buyouts to the growing power of wealthy boosters, Danny explains why “win now or else” is today’s coaching reality — and which names will be hottest this offseason.
🟩 Segment 4: Weekend Matchups to Watch
Larry and Tony look ahead to a full slate:
Alabama vs LSU — Can the Tide avoid a trap game?
BYU vs Texas Tech — Undefeated Cougars in the national spotlight
Iowa vs Oregon — Smashmouth vs speed in the Big Ten
Plus, which underdog could shake up the playoff picture
💥 Moment of Awe:
A feel-good story from Texas Tech: when barber Ivan Ortiz’s wife was paralyzed in a drunk-driving crash, BYU fans and players stepped up, raising over $150,000 to help the family — including a $25,000 donation from Crumbl Cookies’ CEO. A true display of humanity beyond the field.
Alabama’s mid-season transformation
Kalen DeBoer’s evolving leadership
Clemson’s coaching culture and recruiting shifts
Booster power and massive buyouts
Pat Fitzgerald’s return to coaching
NIL, transfer portal chaos, and job pressure
BYU’s rise and redemption story
Upcoming playoff implications
Larry Smith dives into a loaded Thursday show featuring two CBS Sports insiders — baseball writer Matt Snyder and women’s college basketball reporter Isabel Gonzalez.
⚾ World Series Wrap & MLB Offseason Outlook:
Matt Snyder joins to break down one of the most thrilling World Series in decades — from Shohei Ohtani’s legendary performance to Dave Roberts’ growing legacy with the Dodgers. They look ahead to key offseason storylines including Blue Jays roster moves, potential trades, and surprise teams to watch for 2026.
🏀 Women’s College Basketball Tip-Off:
Isabel Gonzalez covers early-season action across the women’s game — from Paige Bueckers’ injury absence at UConn, to Texas’ retooled offense, to South Carolina’s depth under Dawn Staley. Plus, a look at UCLA’s dominant frontcourt and why LSU could be the most complete team in the country.
🔥 NBA & NHL Highlights:
Thunder finally fall, Lakers thrive without LeBron, and Alex Ovechkin nets goal No. 900.
💔 Tragic News:
The Cowboys mourn the loss of defensive end Marshawn Neeland, gone far too soon at 24.
💥 Moment of Awe:
A jaw-dropping women’s basketball blowout — Cal State Northridge 103, Bethesda 13 — the first time a team has ever been shut out for an entire half since the switch to quarters.
A jam-packed Wednesday lineup:
Clemson’s Fall from Grace: Chapel Fowler of The State joins the show to break down what went wrong with Dabo Swinney’s Tigers. From blown home games to locker room culture and transfer portal resistance, Chapel gives an insider look at how a perennial playoff contender unraveled in 2025 — and what changes may be coming next.
NBA Culture Check: New contributor Jonah Kubicek explores how true “team cultures” are built and sustained — from the Spurs’ international legacy and Popovich’s blueprint to the rise of OKC’s young dynasty. Plus: how franchises like the Heat and Warriors turned leadership stability into long-term success.
NFL Trade Deadline Winners & Losers: Producer Tony Cordero breaks down the biggest deals — why the Colts’ gamble pays off, how Jacksonville quietly got better, and why the Jets might have just set another low bar for dysfunction.
Moment of Awe: Division II Hawaii Pacific shocks Boise State — a true stunner from the hardwood to close out the show.
🎧 Sports IQ with Larry Smith — Beyond the buzzer, inside the game.
On today’s episode of SportsIQ with Larry Smith, we start in Gainesville, where Florida basketball opens its title defense with a tough loss to Arizona — and the football team faces a full-scale reset after the firing of Billy Napier. Larry welcomes Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun to break down the Gators’ early-season hoops outlook, Todd Golden’s deeper non-conference schedule, and what’s next for Florida football as rumors swirl around Lane Kiffin, James Franklin, and Jedd Fisch in the Gators’ head-coaching search.
Then Anwar Richardson of Orangebloods.com joins to assess the Texas Longhorns’ resurgence and what the first College Football Playoff rankings could mean for Arch Manning, Steve Sarkisian, and a potential playoff run. Can Texas prove itself with a statement win over Georgia?
Finally, Larry and producer Tony Cordaro relive one of the greatest World Series in modern history — the Blue Jays and Dodgers trading record-setting moments, Shohei Ohtani’s brilliance, and a reminder of why baseball’s October drama still rules.
Topics Covered:
Florida Gators: early basketball test vs. Arizona, football’s coaching search, and fan expectations
Texas Longhorns: CFP outlook, Arch Manning’s breakthrough, and SEC road tests ahead
National headlines: NFL trade moves, NBA lawsuit news, and NHL matchups to watch
World Series recap: Dodgers go back-to-back, historic performances, and unforgettable drama
Guests:
Kevin Brockway – Gainesville Sun
Anwar Richardson – Orangebloods.com
It’s a massive Monday on Sports IQ with Larry Smith — and the sports calendar is overflowing. Larry dives into the NFL’s chaos weekend, with the Bills’ statement win over Kansas City, Caleb Williams’ late heroics in Chicago, and Denver’s improbable surge. Then, it’s all about college football’s November separation season.
🏈 Indiana Football is now the story of the year — undefeated, ranked No. 2, and looking every bit like a playoff lock. Larry sits down with Coach Shannon Griffith, lead analyst for TheHoosier.com, to break down the Hoosiers’ rise, the brilliance of Coach Curt Cignetti, and how Indiana built a true national powerhouse.
🔥 Later, Alexis Cubit of the Louisville Courier-Journal joins to talk Louisville’s playoff chances, Jeff Brohm’s magic touch, Vince Marrow’s new influence, and how both Cardinals basketball teams are shaping up as the new season tips off.
Plus:
🏀 College basketball officially returns — Larry previews the early season schedule and the top 25 matchups to watch.
💥 Tony Cordaro joins to analyze the latest AP Top 25 shakeup, coaching changes, and November elimination games.
🌟 Moment of Awe: Jacksonville’s Cam Little boots his way into the record books with a 68-yard NFL field goal.
It’s a jam-packed Friday on Sports IQ with Larry Smith! Larry and producer Tony Cordaro get you set for a massive weekend in college football, the World Series, and the NFL — plus a fascinating deep dive into the ever-changing world of college athletics.
Larry sits down with Victoria Jackson, sports historian at Arizona State University and co-director of The Great Game Lab, to unpack the SCORE Act and SAFE Act — two competing pieces of legislation that could reshape NIL, antitrust law, and the future of non-revenue sports. What’s really at stake for college athletes? Who benefits, and who’s left behind? Victoria explains the money, the motives, and the myths driving the national conversation.
Also this episode:
🏈 Ryan Weiner from The Cavalier Daily previews Virginia’s cross-country clash with Cal, breaking down the Cavaliers’ magical season and what’s keeping their playoff hopes alive.
⚾ World Series Game 6 — Toronto’s chance to close it out.
🏀 Victor Wembanyama makes history as the Spurs start 5–0.
🏒 And a moving Moment of Awe honoring NHL star Brad Marchand’s act of compassion in Halifax.
Topics Discussed in This Episode:
Virginia football’s incredible run and cross-country test at Cal
NIL reform explained: SCORE Act vs. SAFE Act
What new legislation could mean for college athletes and Olympic sports
The business model problem inside NCAA athletics
The ACC basketball shakeup after Tony Bennett’s departure
Key games across the SEC, Big 12, and ACC this weekend
A touching Moment of Awe from the world of hockey
Connect with Victoria Jackson:
Arizona State University – Great Game Lab
Twitter/X: @HistoryRunner
It’s a loaded Thursday on SportsIQ — championship baseball, a college football Cinderella story, and a coaching carousel spinning out of control.
Larry opens with the latest from the World Series, where the Toronto Blue Jays move within one win of glory. Rookie sensation Trey Yesavage fans 12 Dodgers — a World Series record for a first-year pitcher — as Toronto wins 6-1 to take a 3-2 lead. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts can’t buy a hit, and now the defending champs head north needing two straight wins to survive.
Then, Henry Oelhafen returns with the story of the season — Vanderbilt Commodores football, 7-1 and ranked in the Top 10 for the first time since 1947. He and Larry break down Clark Lea’s turnaround, Diego Pavia’s Heisman-worthy campaign, and this weekend’s showdown with Texas Longhorns. Can the Commodores keep the dream alive and crash the playoff party?
Next, Scott Roche joins to dissect a wild week in coaching news. From James Franklin’s firing at Penn State Nittany Lions to the uncertainty surrounding Lane Kiffin, Brian Kelly, and Eli Drinkwitz, the SEC and Big Ten landscapes are shifting fast. Scott explains how NIL money, early transfer windows, and buy-out insanity have turned the modern coaching cycle into an arms race — and why Clark Lea’s loyalty to his alma mater might be the exception, not the rule.
Larry and producer Tony wrap with Dodgers vs. Blue Jays, previewing Game 6 in Toronto, the improbable rise of rookie Yesavage, and the curse of repeat champions. Plus, a Moment of Awe highlighting Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics — the first Winter Games ever with two Olympic cauldrons.
Topics Discussed
Blue Jays take 3-2 World Series lead behind Trey Yesavage’s 12 Ks
Dodgers’ offense collapses — only four runs in last 29 innings
Clayton Kershaw’s farewell and Toronto’s surprising dominance
Vanderbilt’s best start since 1941 under Clark Lea
Diego Pavia’s Heisman buzz and Vandy’s playoff hopes
Texas matchup preview and the SEC’s expanding chaos
James Franklin fired; LSU, Florida, Missouri, Ole Miss in flux
Coaching carousel economics — NIL, buy-outs, and pressure to win
Dodgers’ must-win mindset for Game 6
Moment of Awe: Two Olympic flames for Milan–Cortina 2026
Connect with Guests:
Henry Oelhafen: The Vanderbilt Hustler | @HenryOelhafen
Scott Roche: Heavy.com | Scott Roche author page Heavy+2Heavy+2
It’s a packed Wednesday on Sports IQ.
Larry kicks things off with Game 5 of the World Series looming and welcomes Peter Chawaga to break down one of the most dramatic Fall Classics in years. The Dodgers and Blue Jays are tied 2–2 after Guerrero Jr.’s Game 4 homer and Ohtani’s short rest start. Peter analyzes the marathon 18-inning thriller, Freddie Freeman’s walk-off, and why Toronto’s resilience could spell history in Canada. They also dig into Dave Roberts’ bullpen strategy, the rise of Yamamoto, and the rarity of repeat champions in modern baseball.
Next, Evie Van Pelt returns from The Rebel Walk to unpack the Lane Kiffin story dominating SEC headlines. Ole Miss is 7-1, but whispers about LSU and Florida won’t die. Evie explains why Kiffin’s family roots, Oxford comfort, and NIL backing might keep him grounded — and how transfer QB Trinidad Chala has become a quiet Heisman dark horse.
Finally, Larry and producer Tony Cordaro tackle the NCAA betting delay. After public pressure, the Division I Board pushes back the date allowing student-athletes to wager on pro sports. The crew weighs Greg Sankey’s opposition, the slippery slope of legalized wagering, and what happens when gambling creeps too close to the locker room.
Larry closes with a “Moment of Awe” — NASCAR veteran Greg Biffle flying relief missions to deliver supplies after the Caribbean hurricane.
Topics Discussed
World Series tied 2-2 : Guerrero Jr., Freeman, and Ohtani headline an instant classic
Dodgers’ bullpen chess match and Yamamoto’s next start
Peter Chawaga on baseball parity & why repeat champs are rare
Lane Kiffin’s future and the Rebel offense behind Trinidad Chala
NCAA delays new gambling rule after backlash
Integrity in the NIL / betting era of college sports
NBA & NHL updates : Thunder stay perfect, Giannis powers Bucks
Moment of Awe : Greg Biffle’s humanitarian flight efforts
Connect with Guests
Peter Chawaga: Newsweek Author Page | Forbes Contributor Profile
Evie Van Pelt: The Rebel Walk | @EvieVanPelt
The World Series delivers one for the ages — an 18-inning epic as Freddie Freeman’s solo shot sends L.A. past Toronto in what many are calling the greatest World Series game ever. Larry breaks down the drama, from Dave Roberts’ dugout chess match to Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting night reaching base nine times.
Then, we pivot to Provo. Darnell Dixon of the Provo Daily Herald joins to talk about BYU’s unbelievable 8–0 start, freshman QB Bear Bachmeier’s poise, and how the Cougars have become a national power across football and basketball.
Plus, Tom Izzo unleashes a passionate rant about the NCAA’s latest eligibility chaos — raising big questions about amateurism, the transfer portal, and the future of college hoops.
Topics Discussed in This Episode
The 18-inning Dodgers–Blue Jays thriller and Freddie Freeman’s walk-off heroics
Shohei Ohtani’s nine-time-on-base World Series record
Inside BYU’s 19–2 run and true freshman phenom Bear Bachmeier
Darnell Dixon on Big 12 dominance, NIL, and Kevin Young’s recruiting magic
Tom Izzo’s fiery critique of NCAA’s “no-rules” era
NBA roundup: OKC stays unbeaten, Chet Holmgren’s rise, and Cooper Flagg’s rough night
NFL Week 8 recap: Chiefs, Mahomes, and the quiet efficiency of Kansas City
A “Moment of Awe” — how baseball’s westward expansion began
Connect with Darnell Dixon:
X (Twitter): @DarnellWrites
It’s a wild Monday in the world of sports, and Larry Smith is right in the thick of it. From Baton Rouge to Bloomington, coaching chaos sweeps through college football — Brian Kelly is out at LSU, buyout talk is heating up, and the SEC is reshuffling faster than ever. Larry is joined by Cole Thompson of SEC Unfiltered, who brings sharp insight (and a few laughs) as he breaks down why LSU’s powerhouse turned toxic and what the next wave of coaching contracts might look like in a post–Brian Kelly landscape.
Then, hoops takes center stage as Chris Dortch — editor and publisher of Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook — joins the show to preview the upcoming NCAA basketball season. From Duke’s dominant freshmen to Kentucky’s revamped identity under Mark Pope, Chris shares his front-row observations and the storylines you’ll be following from tip-off to March Madness.
Larry wraps with an NBA roundup (Austin Reaves drops 51!) and a “Moment of Awe” highlighting Drew Messmaker’s record-setting 608-yard night for North Texas.
Brian Kelly’s firing and LSU’s $54M buyout drama
SEC coaching carousel: who’s next?
Why Lane Kiffin, Mark Stoops, and Dabo Swinney could all be on the move
A&M’s rise and Alabama’s resilience
Duke, Kentucky, and the college hoops elite taking shape
Why exhibition games are the best thing to happen to college basketball
Chris Dortch’s inspiring Belmont story: Tyler Lundblade’s incredible rise
Austin Reaves’ 51-point outburst and Popovich’s quiet banner
NFL Week 8 highlights and the Commanders-Chiefs preview
Moment of Awe: Drew Messmaker’s 608-yard masterpiece