In this episode, we explore the latest developments in college football, including conference dynamics, key matchups, and the impact of schedule changes. Coach with Dennis Dodd, and Tony Barnhart And Charles Davis analyze the season's surprises and what to expect in the coming weeks.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
17 Oct 2026
Dennis Dodd Breaks Down the 14-Team Playoff Expansion, SEC Dominance, and Mid-Season Surprises
Dennis Dodd joins the show to discuss the recently approved 14-team college football playoff model that will take effect in 2027, which was heavily driven by the SEC and Big Ten's push for expanded access. Dodd highlights several surprising mid-season storylines, noting that two of the week's most significant games are taking place in Bloomington, where undefeated Indiana hosts Ohio State, and in Provo, where BYU is calling its matchup against Notre Dame the biggest home game in school history. The conversation also covers the incredible performance of Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, whom Dodd describes as an adult playing with children while on a trajectory to shatter Big Ten receiving records.
The segment also explores the season's unexpected disappointments, including Missouri's failure to meet its high preseason playoff expectations and the unfortunate absence of Amad Hardy, who has not played since being shot in the leg in May. Analyzing the conference landscapes, Dodd points to the continued dominance of the SEC, emphasizing that Georgia and Alabama currently look like the clear top two teams in the conference despite deep overall rosters across the league. The discussion wraps up by highlighting the intense competitiveness within the SEC, referencing Tennessee's recent dramatic victory over Texas and previewing their highly anticipated, high-stakes matchup against Alabama.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
17 Oct 2026
College Football Playoff Expansion and Weekend Rivalry Previews With Tony Barnhart
Coach and Tony talks about the handshake agreement to expand the College Football Playoff to a 24-team field starting in the 2027 season. The newly proposed tournament structure will feature 19 at-large teams, four conference champions, and one Group of Six representative, a move driven primarily by coaches lobbying for greater playoff access rather than financial gain. Off the field, the panel noted James Madison University's impending conference move from the Sun Belt to the American Athletic Conference. The hosts also observed a growing philosophical shift across the sport, with more college coaches actively emphasizing the strategic necessity of establishing the run game to win.
Turning to the weekend schedule, the hosts previewed several marquee matchups, highlighted by the Deep South's oldest continuous rivalry between Auburn and Georgia, which dates back to an 1892 meeting in Atlanta. Another historic clash features No. 7 Alabama visiting No. 14 Tennessee, marking the first time since 1970 that Tennessee will be wearing orange while Alabama takes the field in crimson. Additional game breakdowns included Indiana hosting Ohio State in what was billed as the biggest home game in Indiana football history, Notre Dame traveling to play BYU, and Texas attempting to rebound from a loss against Oklahoma as they face Florida. The segment wrapped up with praise for Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz, who is successfully managing his team despite relying heavily on second-string offensive players.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
Who has been a guest on Zone Podcasts
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Ron Slay
Joe Willis
Chris Low
Tyler McComas
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
4.5 / 5
19 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
80
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Zone Podcasts
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
