The College Football Playoff semifinals are here — and Sports IQ with Larry Smith delivers wall-to-wall insight, history, and perspective as four unlikely contenders chase a national title.
Larry Smith and the Sports IQ team break down the Ole Miss–Miami semifinal from every angle, featuring expert voices from both programs and deep discussion on how today’s college football landscape is reshaping power, recruiting, and conference dominance.
Evie Van Pelt (Founder & Publisher, RebelGrove.com) — On Ole Miss’s emotional playoff run, coaching upheaval, and what the Rebels’ breakthrough means for the program.
Cole Thompson (SEC Unfiltered) — A wide-ranging look at the SEC vs Big Ten balance of power, roster construction through NIL and the portal, and why this CFP feels different.
Adam Lichtenstein (Miami Sun Sentinel) — Inside Miami’s physical identity, trench dominance, and what must happen for the Hurricanes to reach the title game.
Ole Miss’s stunning playoff surge amid coaching uncertainty
Miami’s defensive front and disciplined offensive approach
How NIL and the transfer portal are reshaping roster building
Big Ten parity and the national power shift beyond Ohio State and Michigan
Why this CFP semifinal field represents true parity in college football
Matchup keys: pressure, time of possession, and quarterback efficiency
On January 8, 1955, Kentucky’s NCAA-record 129-game home winning streak came to a shocking end. Georgia Tech stunned the Wildcats in Lexington, led by Joe Helms’ game-high 23 points — including the game-winning jumper with 11 seconds left. The 59–58 upset snapped a streak that still stands today.
A reminder that no record is untouchable — and history always has a say.
🎧 New episodes of Sports IQ with Larry Smith drop weekdays.
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On this midweek edition of Sports IQ, Larry Smith and Producer Tony break down a jam-packed sports landscape as both the NFL and college sports worlds spin at full speed.
The show opens with a deep dive into the NFL coaching carousel, highlighted by the stunning decision to move on from longtime Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, sweeping coordinator changes in Washington, and growing questions about stability across the league. Larry and Tony debate whether franchises are acting too quickly—and what these moves say about modern expectations in professional football.
From there, the focus shifts to the College Football Playoff, as Oregon prepares to face Indiana in a semifinal showdown. Zach Neel (USA Today) joins the show to analyze Oregon’s dominant defensive performance, key matchup storylines, Dan Lanning’s aggressive coaching style, and what the Ducks must do differently in the rematch with the Hoosiers.
The conversation then turns to college basketball, where William Koch (Providence Journal) breaks down Providence’s statement road win over St. John’s, the development of young talent, and the challenges ahead in Big East play—including a looming matchup with UConn. The discussion highlights why the Big East remains one of the sport’s most intense and tradition-rich conferences.
The episode wraps with a wild Moment of Awe from college hoops, featuring a controversial buzzer-beater overturned at the horn—leaving fans stunned and debates raging.
Smart analysis, strong opinions, and nonstop storylines—this is Sports IQ at full throttle.
On today’s episode of Sports IQ, Larry Smith and the team deliver a packed show that spans college football chaos, historic championships, and one of the most iconic moments in American sports history.
The show opens with headlines from across the sports landscape, including a thrilling FCS National Championship finish as the Montana State Bobcats capture their first title in 41 years in dramatic overtime fashion — the first OT game in FCS title history. Two blocked kicks, a fourth-and-ten miracle touchdown, and a walk-off extra point make it a true Moment of Awe.
Next, longtime college football analyst Shannon Griffith joins the show to break down Indiana football’s meteoric rise, the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup with Oregon, and the increasingly chaotic realities of the transfer portal. From NIL leverage to lightning-fast recruiting windows, Griffith explains why Indiana has become one of the most dangerous and organized programs in the country — and why the Big Ten’s power shift is very real.
The episode then turns legendary as Jim Craig, gold-medal-winning goaltender from the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, joins Sports IQ. Craig reflects on the Miracle on Ice, the Cold War backdrop, the pressure of Lake Placid, and why the moment continues to resonate more than four decades later. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the gold medal game, thoughts on today’s NHL and Olympic hockey, and how that team’s legacy still impacts generations.
The show wraps with additional college basketball updates, NFL news, and a deeper look at how modern college football recruiting has transformed into a rapid-fire, high-stakes process.
📌 Highlights include:
Montana State’s historic FCS Championship comeback
Indiana football’s blueprint for portal success
CFP semifinal storylines and conference power shifts
Jim Craig on the Miracle on Ice and Olympic legacy
College basketball risers and NFL roster movement
A wide-ranging, story-driven episode that blends history, analysis, and awe — exactly what Sports IQ does best.
The NFL regular season is officially in the books, and the playoff picture for 2026 is set — but not without drama. From wild division finishes and last-second field goals to Black Monday firings and draft implications, Larry Smith and the Sports IQ crew break down everything you need to know heading into postseason football.
Yahoo Sports Audience Engagement Editor Lo Yarnall joins the show to look back at the biggest sports trends of 2025 and what’s shaping the landscape in 2026 — from athlete empowerment and WNBA momentum to college softball’s rise, the transfer portal explosion, and why stars still drive the sports conversation.
Later, longtime CNN Sports producer and Believe in Raiders co-host Dennis Ackerman dives deep into the Raiders’ turbulent season, the No. 1 overall pick, roster construction issues, and what comes next for a franchise searching for stability.
Plus:
Full NFL playoff breakdown (AFC & NFC)
Black Monday coaching fallout
Draft order insights and trade-down debates
College football transfer portal chaos
Olympic storylines to watch in 2026
And a Moment of Awe featuring Patrick Mahomes — in an Oregon jersey 😄
Smart analysis, informed debate, and context you won’t get from the highlight shows — this is Sports IQ.
College football chaos is officially here — and that’s a good thing.
In this New Year’s edition of Sports IQ, Larry Smith and producer Tony Cordaro break down a stunning College Football Playoff landscape defined by parity, portal power, and programs rewriting their own histories. Traditional giants are out. New contenders are in. And the playoff finally feels like it’s being decided on the field — not in a boardroom.
The episode opens with a deep dive into Ole Miss’ thrilling Sugar Bowl win over Georgia, highlighting the resilience of the Rebels amid coaching turmoil, NIL noise, and transfer-portal skepticism. The discussion centers on grit, physicality, and the emergence of unlikely heroes — including backup-turned-star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss — as Ole Miss punches its ticket to the CFP semifinals.
From there, the focus shifts to Indiana’s historic dismantling of Alabama. The Hoosiers’ 38–3 victory marks one of the most shocking postseason results in recent memory and cements Kurt Cignetti’s transformation of Indiana into a legitimate national power. The conversation explores how portal precision, trench dominance, and disciplined culture-building have reshaped the playoff hierarchy.
The show also examines Oregon’s commanding shutout of Texas Tech, Dan Lanning’s critiques of the current CFP structure, and why momentum — not byes — may be the real advantage in January football. With Indiana, Oregon, Miami, and Ole Miss remaining, the panel debates who truly has the edge heading into the semifinals.
Finally, the episode closes with a Moment of Awe, honoring Warrick Dunn. Since entering the NFL in 1997, Dunn and his charity have helped provide stable housing for families in need. In December, he quietly reached a remarkable milestone: 250 homes gifted, including one for a single mother of two in the Atlanta area. A powerful reminder that some of the greatest wins don’t show up on a scoreboard.
Well done, sir — and welcome to 2026.
As the calendar flips from 2025 to 2026, Sports IQ with Larry Smith looks back at a year that reshaped the sports landscape — and looks ahead to a college football postseason filled with intrigue, momentum shifts, and big questions.
Larry Smith, Tony Cordaro, and Josh Ewing open the show reflecting on what 2025 taught us across sports: the Big Ten’s growing bowl dominance, historic championship runs in the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, and college athletics, and the athletes we hope to see fully healthy in 2026 — from Nikola Jokić and Patrick Mahomes to Lindsey Vonn’s remarkable Olympic return.
The show then dives deep into College Football Playoff quarterfinals, starting with a detailed Orange Bowl preview as USA Today Oregon Ducks beat writer Zach Neel joins the program. Neel breaks down Oregon’s preparation, Dante Moore’s focus, the Ducks’ elite offensive line, tight end mismatches, and what will determine success against a physical Texas Tech team in Miami.
Later, Evie Van Pelt of RebelWalk.com joins live from New Orleans to preview the Sugar Bowl showdown between Ole Miss and Georgia. Van Pelt provides insight into Ole Miss’ resilience after coaching turmoil, the importance of defensive adjustments, roster leadership, and what it will take to slow Georgia after failing to force a single punt in their first meeting.
The conversation then widens to a big-picture debate: Has the balance of power in college football shifted? Larry and Tony examine preseason rankings, ESPN’s SEC influence, Big Ten media partnerships, NIL and portal effects, and why recent results suggest the gap between conferences is closing — if not flipping.
The episode closes with a powerful Moment of Awe, honoring Jason “J-Mac” McElwain — the autistic high school team manager whose unforgettable senior-night performance became a viral symbol of perseverance, and whose story continues today as a motivational speaker.
A new year begins — and Sports IQ is ready for what’s next.
⏱️ Topics Covered
Reflecting on the biggest sports lessons of 2025
Big Ten bowl dominance and shifting conference narratives
CFP Quarterfinal Preview: Oregon vs. Texas Tech (Orange Bowl)
Interview: Zach Neel (USA Today – Oregon Ducks)
CFP Quarterfinal Preview: Ole Miss vs. Georgia (Sugar Bowl)
Interview: Evie Van Pelt (RebelWalk.com)
NIL, transfer portal, and coaching chaos in college football
Media bias, preseason rankings, and conference perception
Moment of Awe: Jason “J-Mac” McElwain’s inspiring legacy
As 2025 winds down, Sports IQ with Larry Smith takes a wide-angle look at where sports — especially college football — stands right now, blending perspective, analysis, and humanity.
The episode opens with reflections on how quickly the year has passed before diving into a packed slate of college football discussion. Veteran Penn State reporter Mike Gross joins the show to break down the Nittany Lions’ Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson, the impact of interim coach Terry Smith, and what Penn State’s future could look like under new leadership — including portal strategy, quarterback questions, and the evolving reality of bowl games in the NIL era.
Later, Evan Bland of USA Today previews Oregon’s Orange Bowl matchup with Texas Tech, examining how Dan Lanning’s Ducks are preparing for another playoff run, what makes Oregon’s offense so explosive, and the key matchups that could decide the game.
The show also hits major headlines across the sports world:
NFL Week 17 chaos and playoff implications, Nikola Jokić’s injury scare, coaching moves across college football, Hall of Fame finalists, Tiger Woods turning 50, and the changing economics of bowl season.
The episode closes with a powerful Moment of Awe, honoring 104-year-old WWII veteran Staff Sergeant Dominic Corelli, who brought Madison Square Garden to its feet with a saxophone rendition of the national anthem — a reminder that some moments transcend sports entirely.
Topics Discussed in This Episode:
Penn State’s bowl win and the Terry Smith era
What bowl games mean in the age of opt-outs and the transfer portal
Oregon vs. Texas Tech Orange Bowl preview
Dan Lanning’s postseason adjustments
NFL Week 17 playoff scenarios
Nikola Jokić injury update
Hall of Fame finalists: Brees, Manning, Fitzgerald
Tiger Woods at 50
Moment of Awe: WWII veteran Dominic Corelli
As the calendar winds down on 2025, Sports IQ with Larry Smith delivers a packed episode covering the biggest storylines across the sports world. Larry Smith and producer Tony Cordaro break down a dramatic final week of the NFL season, where division titles and playoff seeding are coming down to winner-take-all matchups. From the Steelers–Ravens showdown to chaos in the NFC South, every snap suddenly matters.
The show also dives deep into college football bowl season with Tom Kakert of HawkeyeReport.com, previewing Iowa’s matchup with Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Kakert offers insight into roster continuity, bowl opt-outs, Diego Pavia’s impact, and the bigger picture surrounding playoff expansion and the future of traditional bowl games.
Later, Ian Curtis, Editor-in-Chief of The Battalion, joins the show to recap Texas A&M’s unforgettable run to the NCAA Volleyball National Championship. Curtis walks through the Aggies’ stunning road upset of Nebraska, dominant Final Four performance, and the mindset that fueled one of the most remarkable postseason runs in recent memory.
The episode wraps with Larry’s Moment of Awe, spotlighting Nikola Jokić’s historic Christmas Day performance — a 55-point triple-double that further cements his place among the game’s all-time greats.
🏈 Topics Covered
NFL Week 18 division races and playoff implications
Steelers vs. Ravens winner-take-all showdown
NFC South and NFC No. 1 seed chaos
Iowa vs. Vanderbilt bowl preview with Tom Kakert
College football playoff expansion and bowl future
Texas A&M’s NCAA Volleyball Championship run
Final Four dominance and team chemistry insights
Nikola Jokić’s historic Christmas Day triple-double
Former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer joins Sports IQ with Larry Smith for one of the most powerful and important conversations we’ve ever had.
Kramer opens up about his decade-long NFL career, his battle with depression, the personal tragedies that shaped his life after football, and his remarkable survival following a suicide attempt. With honesty, humility, and hope, Erik shares how he rebuilt his life, why he decided to tell his story in his new book The Ultimate Comeback, and how he’s now focused on helping young people and families navigate mental health challenges.
Before the interview, Larry dives deep into College Football Playoff trivia, breaking down historic context, bowl game history, legendary coaches, and fascinating stats surrounding this year’s matchups — from Indiana’s rare Rose Bowl appearance to Ohio State’s staggering consistency and the rich traditions of the Sugar, Cotton, and Orange Bowls.
The episode closes with a reflective look back at the biggest sports moments of 2025, including unforgettable performances across women’s sports, the World Series, and championship runs that defined the year — plus a classic Moment of Awe honoring the Immaculate Reception.
This is a thoughtful, emotional, and information-packed episode that reminds us why sports stories matter far beyond the scoreboard.
Erik Kramer on surviving depression and reclaiming purpose after football
Behind the book: The Ultimate Comeback
College Football Playoff trivia and bowl game history
Rose, Cotton, Sugar, and Orange Bowl deep dives
Coaching legends, historic programs, and eye-opening stats
Reflecting on the most memorable sports moments of 2025
Moment of Awe: The Immaculate Reception
Erik Kramer
Former NFL Quarterback | Author of The Ultimate Comeback
In this holiday-week edition of Sports IQ, Larry Smith brings you three powerful stories that remind us why sports matter far beyond wins and losses.
The episode opens with a deeply personal conversation with longtime broadcaster Matt Morrison, whose new book Touched: The Marin Morrison Story chronicles the extraordinary life of his daughter Marin. A gifted swimmer whose Olympic dreams were altered by a devastating brain tumor diagnosis, Marin’s journey became one of resilience, courage, and inspiration. Morrison reflects on grief, faith, fatherhood, and the healing power of storytelling.
Next, Larry sits down with Nolan Desjarlait, the head coach and athletic director at Red Lake High School in northern Minnesota. Coaching a football program on the Red Lake Indian Reservation that hasn’t won a game since 1999, Desjarlais explains why perseverance, community, and opportunity matter more than the scoreboard. His dedication to his players — many of whom play both offense and defense with no substitutions — is a testament to leadership at its purest.
The show wraps with a Moment of Awe, looking back at a milestone season by Joe Namath, who became the first NFL quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a single season in 1967 — a reminder of how today’s game was shaped by the legends who came before it.
This episode is about courage, commitment, and character — the kind that defines greatness long after the final whistle.
Topics Covered:
The life and legacy of Marin Morrison
Coping with loss and finding purpose through storytelling
Coaching football on the Red Lake Indian Reservation
Leadership without wins — and why it still matters
Joe Namath’s historic 1967 NFL season
Why sports stories resonate far beyond the field
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
The holiday week begins with a packed episode of SportsIQ, as Larry Smith and the crew break down the biggest stories across sports — from inspiring comebacks to playoff chaos.
At 41 years old, eight years after her last Olympic appearance — and following a knee replacement in 2024 — Lindsey Vonn is headed back to the Olympics. Her first World Cup victory in six years earned her enough points to qualify for Team USA and book a trip to Italy in 2026. A remarkable comeback, driven by passion, timing, and grit. Much love. Much respect. A true Moment of Awe.
Sun Sentinel Hurricanes beat writer Adam Lichtenstein joins the show to break down Miami’s gritty playoff win over Texas A&M, the impact of elite defense, and what lies ahead as the Hurricanes face Ohio State. The conversation also dives into:
The expanded CFP format and why defense still wins in December
Miami’s program turnaround under Mario Cristobal
Why Ohio State’s talent — especially Jeremiah Smith — presents a massive challenge
Heavy.com NFL writer Micah Warren stops by to unpack one of the most unpredictable NFL seasons in years. Topics include:
Jacksonville and Seattle as potential postseason disruptors
The unraveling of Kansas City and what comes next for Patrick Mahomes
Why no team feels unbeatable — and why that’s great for fans
Which franchises might shock the league come January
Plus:
Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s sideline clash with Draymond Green
College basketball rankings shakeups and historic rivalry blowouts
The Dodgers’ record-shattering luxury tax bill and what it means for baseball’s future
From awe-inspiring perseverance to postseason unpredictability, it’s a full-scale look at the sports world as the calendar turns toward the holidays.
🎙️ SportsIQ with Larry Smith — Monday through Friday
Follow the show and join the conversation.
🏔️ Woman of Awe: Lindsey Vonn🏈 College Football Playoff Breakdown🏟️ NFL Playoff Picture & Parity🏀 NBA, College Hoops & MLB Spending
It’s a packed SportsIQ episode as Larry Smith and producer Tony Cordaro take listeners deep inside one of the busiest weeks on the sports calendar.
The show opens with a comprehensive look at NFL Week 16, where playoff scenarios tightened across both conferences. From Jacksonville’s statement win in Denver to Buffalo grinding out a road victory, and the Chargers surviving injuries to knock off Dallas, the postseason picture continues to evolve. The NFC South race, Detroit’s playoff hopes, and a wild Bears–Packers overtime thriller also headline a chaotic weekend.
College football takes center stage with an in-depth Sugar Bowl preview as Georgia and Ole Miss prepare for a high-stakes rematch. Georgia beat reporter Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald joins the show to explain how the Bulldogs took control late in their first meeting, why Georgia’s defense has surged down the stretch, and what the long layoff could mean heading into the playoff quarterfinals.
Later, attention shifts to the Rose Bowl and the College Football Playoff with Shannon Griffith, lead analyst for Hoosiers.com. Griffith breaks down Indiana’s historic season, the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, and why Alabama remains a dangerous opponent despite late-season turbulence. The conversation widens into a broader debate about CFP expansion, automatic bids, and whether the format truly rewards the best teams.
The episode also covers:
Coaching carousel updates and major contract extensions
Texas A&M’s dominant NCAA volleyball championship run
A shocking Texas Tech upset of Duke in men’s basketball
Growing labor tension in the WNBA as players authorize a potential strike
The show closes with a Moment of Awe, spotlighting a record-setting auction price for a rare game-worn Larry Bird jersey—proof that sports history still commands jaw-dropping value decades later.
A must-listen episode blending analysis, reporting, and perspective as football season barrels toward its most important moments.
The road to a championship begins.
On this packed Friday edition of SportsIQ with Larry Smith, the spotlight shines on the opening weekend of the College Football Playoff — plus two massive FCS semifinal matchups that prove elite football doesn’t stop at the FBS level.
The show opens with a deep dive into the highly anticipated Oklahoma vs. Alabama playoff rematch, as Sooners beat writer Colton Sulley joins the program to break down what’s changed since Oklahoma’s regular-season win in Tuscaloosa, how the Sooners can win a third straight matchup, and what Alabama brings into this postseason showdown.
From there, the focus shifts to the FCS semifinals, starting with one of the most historic rivalries in college football. Coulter Nuanez of Skyline Sports previews the first-ever playoff meeting between Montana and Montana State, a 125-year rivalry now playing for a trip to the national championship game.
Later, Randy Reinhardt of the Bloomington Pantagraph joins the show to discuss Illinois State’s remarkable playoff run, including their stunning road upset of North Dakota State and what to expect as the Redbirds face Villanova in another win-or-go-home matchup.
The episode also features:
A breakdown of Thursday night’s instant-classic NFL game between the Rams and Seahawks
NBA highlights from LaMelo Ball, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Championship matchups set in NCAA Volleyball
A heartfelt tribute to NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, honoring his life, career, and impact beyond the track
Picks and predictions for a loaded weekend of college football
The show closes with a Moment of Awe honoring the extraordinary 1905 journey of the Dawson City Nuggets, whose month-long trek to compete for the Stanley Cup remains one of the most unbelievable stories in sports history.
Insightful, emotional, and packed with championship energy — this is SportsIQ at its best.
It’s a packed December 18th edition of Sports IQ with Larry Smith, with major storylines unfolding across college sports and the NFL as the season races toward the holidays.
Larry opens with headlines from around the sports world, including the Chicago Bears expanding their stadium search beyond Illinois, ownership changes with the Pittsburgh Penguins, college coaching turmoil, and a look at how close we really are to Christmas shopping panic mode.
The spotlight then shifts to NCAA Women’s Volleyball, as Pittsburgh Post-Gazette beat writer Abby Schnable joins the show to preview the Final Four in Kansas City. Abby breaks down Pitt’s remarkable fifth straight Final Four appearance, the culture built under Dan Fisher, and why this year’s tournament—without traditional blue-blood powers—represents a major moment for the sport’s growth.
Later, Colts insider and Lucas Oil Stadium PA announcer JJ Stankevitz stops by to unpack one of the NFL’s most fascinating quarterback situations. From Philip Rivers’ unexpected return, to Daniel Jones’ rise and injury, to Anthony Richardson’s uncertain future, JJ explains how Indianapolis has navigated chaos both on and off the field following the death of longtime owner Jim Irsay.
Larry and Tony then zoom out to the league-wide trend: the growing danger of massive quarterback contracts. With teams like Miami, Denver, and New England facing cap reality, the discussion centers on whether paying $50+ million for a quarterback is becoming more liability than luxury.
The episode closes with a Moment of Awe, as Florida’s 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux makes history with his first collegiate basket—literally towering over college basketball history.
A thoughtful, wide-ranging episode that captures the strategy, emotion, and economics shaping sports right now.
It’s Hump Day on Sports IQ with Larry Smith, and the college football conversation is heating up.
Larry is joined by Andrew Monaco, the voice of Texas A&M, to break down the Aggies’ path into the College Football Playoff, the disappointment of missing the SEC Championship, and what lies ahead against Miami. They dive deep into physicality, playoff preparation, and whether the expanded format is rewarding the right teams.
Later, Colin Gay of The Tuscaloosa News joins the show to talk Alabama football, Kalen DeBoer’s first playoff run with the Crimson Tide, the rematch against Oklahoma, and whether Alabama — of all programs — has something to prove in this new era of college football.
Larry and producer Tony also tackle:
The growing SEC vs Big Ten debate
NIL’s impact on recruiting and parity
Coaching shifts, scheduling inequities, and playoff reform
NBA expansion talk, Nick Saban investing in pro sports, and more
Plus, today’s Moment of Awe goes to Justin Thomas, who donated $1 million to Alabama’s new men’s and women’s golf facility — putting his money back where his championship journey began.
Insightful, opinionated, and right on the edge of the biggest sports conversations — this is Sports IQ.
On today’s episode of Sports IQ with Larry Smith, Larry checks in from Atlanta while calling the Georgia High School Football Championships and reflects on where his broadcasting journey began — then dives into a packed day of headlines and hard conversations across the sports world.
The Steelers surge back into playoff relevance, Aaron Rodgers makes history in the cold, and Washington shuts down rookie QB Jayden Daniels for the season. In the NBA, Nikola Jokić delivers yet another triple-double, Cade Cunningham shines against Boston, and Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs prepare for the NBA Cup Final.
Bracketology legend Jerry Palm joins the show to break down his new venture PalmBrackets.com, explain how the selection process really works, and assess the early college basketball landscape. Arizona, Michigan, Gonzaga, Nebraska, and Iowa all get the spotlight as teams making serious early-season statements — and Palm explains which programs may be flying under the radar.
Senior writer Eric Hansen (BlueAndGold.com) joins the show to unpack Notre Dame’s stunning exclusion from the College Football Playoff. The discussion tackles committee inconsistencies, head-to-head logic, conference politics, the future of Notre Dame’s ACC relationship, and whether bowl games still matter in the modern CFP era.
Arch Manning announces his return to Texas, quarterbacks across the country prepare to enter the portal, and the realities of roster turnover reshape the college football landscape.
A jaw-dropping Florida high school championship finish caps the show, featuring a Hail Mary, a lateral, and an improbable walk-off touchdown that delivered a state title in unforgettable fashion.
Smart analysis, honest debate, and the moments that define sports — this is Sports IQ with Larry Smith.
🏈 NFL & Pro Sports Headlines🏀 College Basketball with Jerry Palm🏈 College Football Playoff Fallout🔁 Transfer Portal & Coaching Carousel🌟 Moment of Awe
A jam-packed Monday episode of Sports IQ delivers powerful stories across the sports world — from dramatic NFL shakeups and college basketball statements to an emotional, unforgettable conversation about resilience, loss, and legacy.
Larry Smith opens the show from Atlanta while on assignment for the Georgia High School Football Championships, then dives headfirst into a wild weekend of sports that reshaped playoff races and crowned new heroes.
The NFL playoff picture took a brutal turn as Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL injury, eliminating Kansas City from postseason contention. Micah Parsons followed with a devastating knee injury of his own, while Buffalo stayed alive behind a superhero performance from Josh Allen. The Eagles rebounded with a dominant shutout, Dallas teetered on elimination, and Denver kept rolling under Sean Payton.
Arizona announced itself as a national contender with a massive win over Alabama, while Michigan and Nebraska remained unbeaten. The early college basketball slate continues to deliver ranked matchups at a historic pace — and the season is only getting started.
Larry welcomes Lee Feinswog, editor of 900 Square Feet, the only all-volleyball publication, to break down an electric NCAA Women’s Volleyball tournament. From Texas A&M stunning undefeated Nebraska to powerhouse programs converging in Kansas City, Feinswog explains why this Final Four could be one of the sport’s best showcases ever.
Final Four Matchups (Thursday on ESPN):
Texas A&M vs. Pittsburgh
Wisconsin vs. Kentucky
In the most emotional segment of the show, Larry sits down with longtime friend and former CNN Sports colleague Matt Morrison to discuss his powerful new book, Touched: The Marin Morrison Story. Matt reflects on the life of his daughter Marin — a Paralympic swimmer whose courage, grit, and joy inspired countless people before her passing at age 18.
It’s a raw, honest, and deeply human conversation about parenting, grief, perseverance, and honoring a life well lived.
Kyle Whittingham announces his retirement after 21 years at Utah
Francisco Mendoza becomes Indiana’s first Heisman Trophy winner
Illinois State shocks North Dakota State in the FCS playoffs
A wild Louisiana high school football finish delivers an all-time Moment of Awe
🎧 Subscribe, rate, and follow Sports IQ with Larry Smith for smart analysis, unforgettable stories, and the moments that define sports beyond the scoreboard.
🏈 NFL: Chaos, Comebacks, and Crushing Injuries🏀 College Hoops: Statements Made🏐 NCAA Volleyball Final Four Breakdown📖 A Story Bigger Than Sports🏆 More Headlines & Moments
The weekend edition of SportsIQ with Larry Smith delivers a wide-ranging and thoughtful look across the sports landscape, from stunning NFL comebacks and NBA storylines to one of the most sacred traditions in college football.
The show opens with headlines, including a dramatic Falcons rally over the Buccaneers on throwback night, Nikola Jokić’s continued dominance, and Iowa State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams handing tough losses to rival Iowa. Larry also previews a powerful upcoming interview with former CNN Sports colleague Matt Morrison, whose book honors his late daughter’s inspiring life.
In the NBA spotlight, Chris Bengel (PrizePicks) joins the show to break down early-season surprises and concerns. The conversation spans Cooper Flagg’s adjustment to the NBA, the Thunder’s historic start, the Warriors’ crossroads, Lakers defensive struggles, Celtics life without Jayson Tatum, and which teams have exceeded — or fallen short of — expectations so far.
The NFL takes center stage next as Packers beat writer Max Dible (Heavy.com) analyzes Green Bay’s late-season surge. Topics include Christian Watson’s return, Jordan Love’s growth, offensive line concerns, defensive injuries, Micah Parsons’ impact, and whether the Packers have the pieces to make a legitimate Super Bowl run.
Finally, longtime Capital Gazette reporter Bill Wagner brings unmatched insight into the 126th Army–Navy Game. From unforgettable past matchups and iconic uniforms to standout players and what makes this rivalry the “last vestige of purity” in college football, Wagner explains why Army–Navy remains one of sports’ most meaningful events.
The episode wraps with college basketball previews, Heisman Trophy discussion, and a Moment of Awe honoring Lindsey Vonn’s remarkable return to World Cup skiing at age 41.
Falcons’ historic comeback vs. Buccaneers
Nikola Jokić’s road dominance & NBA MVP context
Chris Bengel on Thunder dominance, Cooper Flagg, Lakers defense, Celtics outlook
Packers’ playoff chances with Jordan Love and Christian Watson
Offensive line and defensive injury concerns in Green Bay
Army–Navy Game traditions, history, and key players
College basketball surprises (Arkansas, Nebraska, Texas Tech)
Lindsey Vonn’s comeback win at age 41
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
📺 Watch daily SportsIQ shorts for highlights and moments of awe
A massive day in college football as Michigan fires head coach Sherrone Moore with cause after shocking allegations surface — ending a once-meteoric rise at just 39 years old. Larry breaks down what happened, what’s fact, what’s reported, and what comes next for one of the biggest brands in sports.
From there, we dig into the chaotic state of the College Football Playoff, why the format is broken, and how a true “best teams” system could actually work. Producer Tony joins for one of our most spirited debates yet.
We also hit a full run of headlines:
Jim Knowles on the move again — this time to Tennessee
SEC & ACC scheduling shakeups
Indiana loses a defensive star to a freak postgame injury
Big wins for Purdue, Nebraska, Houston & Iowa State
Orioles make a puzzling splash with Pete Alonso
A surprisingly quiet MLB Winter Meetings
NBA Cup chaos — OKC and San Antonio roll
Army–Navy preview + why the rivalry still hits different
And today’s Moment of Awe: a golfer who played 581 courses in a year…and now hates golf
The full timeline behind Sherrone Moore’s firing
How Michigan moves forward — and who shouldn’t get the job
Why the CFP selection process needs a total overhaul
Should Group of Five teams get automatic access?
SEC scheduling advantages & the FCS problem
Army–Navy tradition and why it still resonates
MLB offseason frustration in Baltimore
NBA Cup semifinal matchups
A truly insane world-record golf marathon
Golfer Josh Simpson plays 581 different 18-hole courses in under a year… then admits he’s “sick of golf.”
Dedication or madness? You decide.
On today’s SportsIQ with Larry Smith, we hit every corner of the sports world—from college basketball dominance to underdog playoff dreams to one of the most inspiring football stories you’ll ever hear.
▶️ Featured Today:
• JMU’s Road to the Playoff
Producer Tony sits down with Daily News-Record beat reporter Catie Harper to break down James Madison’s historic playoff berth, their matchup vs. Oregon, and how the Dukes can shock the world.
• Michigan Basketball’s Statement to America
Larry dives into why the undefeated Wolverines might be the nation’s most overlooked powerhouse—and why Dusty May could be the next great college hoops coach.
• A Football Team That Hasn’t Won Since 1999… and Still Shows Up
We meet Nolan Desjarlait, head coach at Red Lake High School (MN), whose team keeps fighting despite decades without a win. His story of purpose, culture, and community is unforgettable.
• Headlines Around Sports
BYU’s stunning MSG comeback, UConn’s latest Top-25 win, MLB Winter Meetings updates, and NBA Cup semifinal action.
• Moment of Awe
TIME Magazine’s 2025 Athlete of the Year: A’ja Wilson—and why her season was one for history.
SportsIQ with Larry Smith
Smart. Fast. Insightful. New episodes Monday–Friday.