Open For Business: College Football w/ John Kurtz

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Could the Big 12 and ACC actually be BETTER than the Big Ten this season? The latest AP Top 25 college football rankings have Utah at No. 3 with a first-place vote, BYU at No. 7, and the Big 12 getting plenty of national respect. But is the Big Ten overrated? John Kurtz reacts to the new AP Top 25, including Utah's rise, BYU's ranking, Texas Tech's case for more respect, and Notre Dame's controversial spot at No. 4. Plus, CBS Sports' John Talty is questioning whether the Big Ten is really any better than the Big 12 or ACC in 2026. With Ohio State struggling, Indiana surviving close games, UCLA facing questions about its strength of schedule, and Oregon, Michigan and Penn State disappointing, has the Big Ten fallen back to the pack? We'll also break down the growing Big 12 officiating controversy surrounding BYU's games against Notre Dame, UCF and Arizona State. Are the conference's officiating mistakes unfairly turning BYU into a national villain? And don't miss John's latest Vibes-Only Top 25 and Bottom 25, featuring the happiest and most miserable programs in college football! Subscribe to Open For Business with John Kurtz for independent Big 12 football coverage, college football news, rankings, College Football Playoff analysis, conference realignment and national college football discussion. **What do you think? Is the Big Ten actually better than the Big 12 and ACC this year? And does Utah deserve a No. 1 vote? Let us know in the comments!** #Big12 #CollegeFootball #APTop25 #BigTen #BYU #UtahFootball Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PAbGrXrqF8

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Texas Tech football pulls off a gutsy win over Arizona after a dramatic quarterback change! Joey McGuire turned to Tommy Castellanos over Will Hammond, and the Red Raiders responded in a huge Big 12 showdown. John Kurtz breaks down Texas Tech's performance against Arizona, the impact of the quarterback switch, and what this victory means for the Red Raiders' Big 12 championship hopes and College Football Playoff chances. Did Texas Tech just get its season back on track? Subscribe to Open For Business for independent Big 12 football analysis, college football news, rankings and reactions all season long! #TexasTech #Big12Football #CollegeFootball #TexasTechFootball #ArizonaFootball Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVL2IbF_gdM

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BYU football SURVIVES Arizona State, while Utah DOMINATES Cincinnati to set up an EPIC Holy War showdown! The Cougars escaped with a hard-fought victory, while the Utes made a massive statement ahead of one of college football's biggest rivalry games. John Kurtz breaks down BYU's dramatic win over Arizona State, Utah's blowout victory over Cincinnati, and what both performances mean heading into BYU vs. Utah. Which team has the edge in the Holy War? And what are the implications for the Big 12 championship race and College Football Playoff? We're talking BYU football, Utah football, Big 12 standings, Holy War predictions and everything else from a wild Saturday in college football! Subscribe to Open For Business for independent Big 12 football coverage, college football news, analysis and reactions all season long! #BYU #UtahFootball #HolyWar #Big12Football #CollegeFootball Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfY2ej9v_uI

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Brett Yormark is leaving the Big 12, and the search for his replacement is already underway. But there's one potential candidate Big 12 fans NEED to know about — a man who nearly beat Yormark for the job in 2022. John Kurtz breaks down the Big 12 commissioner search, including American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti, SEC deputy commissioner Charlie Hussey, and the possibility of another surprising hire from outside college athletics. Why was Pernetti so close to becoming Big 12 commissioner four years ago? What has he accomplished at the American? And what did Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod reveal about what the Big 12 wants in its next leader? The Big 12 faces a critical decision as college football realignment, media rights, and the College Football Playoff continue to evolve. Who should replace Brett Yormark? Let us know in the comments! #Big12 #BrettYormark #CollegeFootball Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc_VNgrCHHQ

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BREAKING: Brett Yormark is leaving the Big 12 Conference. Does he know something about the future of college sports that the rest of us don't? Is the Big 12 in trouble, or is there more to Yormark's surprising departure? John Kurtz reacts to the news of Brett Yormark's exit, what it means for the future of the Big 12, and whether concerns about the next television contract, conference realignment and the rapidly changing college athletics landscape played a role in his decision. Plus, a look back at Yormark's legacy as Big 12 commissioner. From negotiating a crucial TV deal ahead of the Pac-12 to bringing Colorado, Utah, Arizona and Arizona State into the conference, did Brett Yormark ultimately save the Big 12? And how should fans remember his controversial moves, including Big 12 Mexico, the Monster Energy sponsorship and his aggressive approach to expansion? Subscribe to Open For Business for Big 12 football, college football news, conference realignment and College Football Playoff analysis. #Big12 #BrettYormark #CollegeFootball #ConferenceRealignment #CFB Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnEathFgdNw

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ESPN and Pat McAfee have taken their criticism of Utah too far. John Kurtz breaks down the Pat McAfee controversy surrounding College GameDay, why Utah is getting unfair treatment, and whether ESPN's response could impact the Holy War. Meanwhile, even some of the biggest Big 12 critics still project TWO Big 12 teams in the College Football Playoff! But the national media has a new argument against BYU and Utah. Can either team actually compete for a national championship? We break down the latest ESPN playoff projections, Big 12 playoff scenarios, and the dream matchups that could give the conference a breakthrough postseason. Plus, a massive Texas Tech vs. Arizona showdown, Cody Campbell's growing controversy in Lubbock, Utah's dangerous road trip to Cincinnati, and the biggest games in college football this weekend. Subscribe to Open For Business with John Kurtz for independent Big 12 football coverage, college football analysis, and the latest College Football Playoff news! #Big12 #CollegeFootball #PatMcAfee #BYU #UtahFootball #TexasTech #CollegeFootballPlayoff Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5GrYnFsAN4

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Baylor has fired Dave Aranda! Could Lincoln Riley or Matt Rhule be the next head coach in Waco? We break down why Baylor made the move now, the possibility of Lincoln Riley leaving USC, and other top coaching candidates including Jeff Traylor and GJ Kinne. Plus, could Sonny Dykes and TCU be next? We also react to the latest AP Top 25 college football rankings, where the Big 12 received more respect than expected after a chaotic weekend. Utah and BYU remain in the top 10, Texas Tech avoids a massive drop, and Houston, Arizona and Oklahoma State all stay ranked. Did the voters get it right? Nationally, is Indiana the most overrated team in college football? We debate the Hoosiers at No. 4, the Miami vs. Ohio State debate for No. 1, and the latest College Football Playoff picture. Subscribe to Open For Business for college football analysis covering the Big 12, SEC, Big Ten and the biggest stories across the sport. Get the free OFB Newsletter: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #CollegeFootball #Baylor #Big12 #APTop25 #LincolnRiley Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYRFw4MoXNI

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Arizona and Oklahoma State are HUGE winners after another chaotic Saturday in college football! Arizona dominated Iowa State, Oklahoma State crushed Colorado, and the Big 12 championship race took another wild turn with BYU and Texas Tech both losing. Meanwhile, Tennessee's loss to South Carolina highlights a growing theme across the SEC and Big 12: nobody seems capable of handling success! John Kurtz breaks down the biggest winners and losers, what Arizona and Oklahoma State's performances mean for the Big 12 title race, and how the latest upsets could reshape the College Football Playoff picture. Subscribe to Open For Business for Big 12 coverage and college football analysis from every angle, including the biggest stories shaping the sport. Get the Open For Business Big 12 newsletter: https://www.ofbnews.com/ Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow8t-bqtgh4

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Texas Tech suffers a stunning upset at Cincinnati, putting the Red Raiders' College Football Playoff hopes in serious jeopardy! What went wrong for Texas Tech, and how much damage does this loss do to its Big 12 championship and playoff chances? Plus, Kyle Whittingham and Michigan blow a golden opportunity against Indiana, falling in overtime. We'll break down the Wolverines' late-game mistakes, Indiana's dramatic win, and what it means for the national college football picture. We'll also discuss West Virginia, TCU, and more of the biggest storylines from a wild Saturday in college football. Join John Kurtz on Open For Business for instant reactions, analysis, and live discussion of the Big 12 and college football nationally. Subscribe for more college football coverage, analysis, and live shows! Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-QfwlwBXIs

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UCF STUNS No. 2 BYU in an absolutely insane double-overtime upset! The previously undefeated Cougars came to Orlando riding high after their massive win over Notre Dame, but the Knights had other ideas in one of the wildest college football games of the season. John Kurtz reacts to the chaotic finish, the biggest turning points, what went wrong for Kalani Sitake and BYU, and what this stunning result means for the Big 12 Championship race and College Football Playoff picture. How much damage does this loss do to BYU's national championship hopes? Subscribe to Open For Business for Big 12 coverage and college football coverage from every angle, including the forces shaping the sport on and off the field. Subscribe here to the Open For Business Big 12 newsletter: https://www.ofbnews.com/ Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuKv-yo1lkA

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BYU just beat Notre Dame and climbed to No. 2, but now comes a major trap spot at UCF. We break down why this is such a dangerous game for Bear Bachmeier and the Cougars, why UCF is much tougher than its record suggests, and why Utah vs. Houston could have enormous Big 12 and playoff implications. We also get into the latest Big 12 disrespect, national reactions, Brandon Walker’s comments, and what all of this means for the conference race moving forward. Topics include BYU vs. UCF, Utah vs. Houston, Bear Bachmeier, Devon Dampier, Big 12 title stakes, College Football Playoff paths and the latest national college football reaction. Newsletter: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #BYU #Utah #Big12 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0j-lrwK-xY

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The Big 12 is taking over the AP Top 25! BYU is ranked No. 2, Texas Tech is No. 8, and the conference is tied for the most top-10 teams in college football. Are AP voters finally giving the Big 12 the respect it deserves? And should BYU actually be ranked No. 1? We're breaking down the latest AP Poll, including Texas Tech's ranking, Houston's case to move up, and the questionable rankings of Notre Dame and Indiana. Plus, a chaotic weekend of college football upsets has exposed a new reality. Is college football becoming the NFL? With NIL, the transfer portal, massive roster investments, and a potential 24-team College Football Playoff, the gap between college football's traditional powers and everyone else is shrinking. What does that mean for the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC? Also on the show: - Updated Big 12 Power Rankings featuring BYU, Texas Tech, Utah, Houston and Arizona - Why college football's traditional power structure is changing - The Vibes Only Top 25 and Bottom 25 Subscribe to Open For Business for national college football analysis, Big 12 coverage, rankings, realignment, and the biggest stories shaping the sport. 📩 Join the OFB Newsletter: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #CollegeFootball #Big12Football #BYUFootball Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx3d1qwusl4

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Is BYU football the best team in the country? After an insane Saturday, the argument for the Cougars is stronger than ever. This has been the best day for the Big 12 conference since the departure of Texas and Oklahoma. With the rest of the college football landscape shifting, the Cougars have forced their way into the national conversation. I break down why their performance demands respect and whether they have a legitimate claim to the top spot in the polls. The resume is building, and the eye test matches the results. We examine the path forward for BYU football and how they stack up against the traditional powers currently dominating the college football rankings. It is time to look at the reality of their season and what it means for the playoff race. Subscribe to Open For Business for independent analysis on the Big 12 and the forces shaping college football. Subscribe to the Open For Business newsletter: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiAXfDCH-cc

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Did Notre Dame get ROBBED against BYU? The controversial ending to BYU’s massive win over Notre Dame has college football fans furious over a possible pass interference no-call and one second left on the clock. The Big 12 has already acknowledged a clock error, but did the officials actually cost Notre Dame the game? We break down the final play, the officiating controversy, and what national analysts are saying. The controversy deserves attention, but should it really overshadow BYU’s incredible victory? The Cougars just delivered one of the biggest wins in college football this season, and that deserves some recognition, too. Subscribe to Open For Business for college football analysis, Big 12 coverage, and the biggest stories shaping the sport. OFB Newsletter: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #BYU #NotreDame #CollegeFootball #Big12 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSZFdhnXZ4c

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What if the 24-team College Football Playoff actually makes college football BETTER? Could CFP expansion save the Big 12 and ACC while pushing Ohio State toward independence and shaking up the Big Ten? John Kurtz breaks down the potential 24-team playoff, why it could be incredible for college football, and whether more playoff access will help programs like Texas Tech, BYU, Utah and other Big 12 and ACC contenders. Could expanded playoff opportunities drive more investment and national relevance? Or will the selection committee favor 7-5 SEC and Big Ten teams over 9-3 Big 12 and ACC programs? Plus, Dan Wetzel raises a fascinating possibility: Could Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State eventually leave the Big Ten and follow Notre Dame's independent model? We also dive into Brett McMurphy's latest conference realignment reporting. Could Texas A&M join the Big Ten? Is Texas Tech a potential expansion candidate? And what would another round of realignment mean for the future of college football? Subscribe to Open For Business for independent college football analysis covering the Big 12, SEC, Big Ten, College Football Playoff, conference realignment and everything shaping the sport. Join the OFB Newsletter: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #CollegeFootball #CFBPlayoff #Big12 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqYMcajG7No

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Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iof-bKYch98

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Is the Big 12 getting disrespected compared to the ACC? And did the AP Top 25 get it wrong by ranking Notre Dame ahead of Alabama, Miami and Indiana? On today's Open for Business, we're breaking down the latest college football rankings, including why Notre Dame's resume deserves more scrutiny, whether BYU and Texas Tech are getting enough respect, and why the Big 12 might actually be stronger than the ACC despite the national perception of both conferences. We're also unveiling my updated Big 12 Power Rankings! Utah and BYU are battling for the top spot, Texas Tech moves up after I reconsidered its recent performances, and Houston and Oklahoma State round out an incredibly competitive top five. Plus, where do Arizona, Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas State and the rest of the conference belong? Then, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is facing major backlash after calling out the TexAgs message board. Why his comments could be especially dangerous in the NIL and revenue-sharing era, and what the controversy reveals about the growing power of college football fans and donors. **Topics include:** - AP Top 25 reaction and Notre Dame's controversial No. 2 ranking - Big 12 vs. ACC and the double standard in national college football coverage - Why the Big 12 desperately needs a deep College Football Playoff run - Updated Big 12 Power Rankings featuring Utah, BYU, Texas Tech, Houston and Oklahoma State - Why I'm changing my opinion on Texas Tech - Mike Elko's TexAgs controversy and the backlash at Texas A&M - BYU vs. Notre Dame and the national implications of this week's matchup Subscribe for independent college football analysis, Big 12 coverage, national rankings, conference realignment and the biggest stories shaping the future of the sport. **Get the free Open for Business newsletter:** https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #CollegeFootball #Big12Football #APTop25 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-_O-t4rvKQ

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College football chaos continues! Utah survives a wild shootout against Kansas, the SEC is an absolute mess, and Matt Campbell's struggles at Penn State continue. We're breaking it all down on OFB After Dark! John Kurtz reacts to Utah's thrilling Big 12 showdown with KU and what it means for the Utes' conference championship and College Football Playoff hopes. Plus, the SEC race is getting completely out of control! Georgia knocks off Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Kentucky stuns Lane Kiffin and LSU in overtime, and Oklahoma shocks No. 1 Texas in the Red River Rivalry. Who are the real national championship contenders, and which SEC teams are in serious playoff trouble? We'll also break down another frustrating loss for Matt Campbell and Penn State as USC wins in Happy Valley. What's going wrong for the Nittany Lions, and how much pressure is already building on Campbell? We're covering the biggest college football results, Big 12 and SEC championship races, College Football Playoff implications, and our biggest surprises from Week 6! Subscribe to Open For Business for college football analysis, Big 12 coverage, breaking news and instant reactions all season long. 📩 Subscribe to the OFB Newsletter: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #CollegeFootball #Big12Football #UtahFootball #KansasFootball #SECfootball #PennStateFootball #CollegeFootballPlayoff Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQDyYEMFgrw

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Nebraska blows an 11-point second-half lead against Indiana, Arizona dominates West Virginia, and Oklahoma State pulls away from a pesky UCF team in a wild afternoon of college football! John Kurtz breaks down Nebraska's latest heartbreaking collapse, how Indiana stormed back after trailing 17-6, and what it means for both programs moving forward. Plus, Arizona makes a statement against West Virginia, while Oklahoma State takes care of business against UCF in a game that was much closer than the final score suggests. We're reacting to all three games, breaking down the biggest turning points, key takeaways, and what these results mean for the Big 12 and the national college football picture. #CollegeFootball #NebraskaFootball #IndianaFootball #Big12Football #ArizonaFootball #OklahomaState Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqqTYl8xlB4

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BYU football's offense came ALIVE in a 24-10 win over Iowa State! After struggling against TCU, the Cougars bounced back in a big way behind Bear Bachmeier's 329 passing yards and 109 rushing yards. Now, with Notre Dame coming to Provo next week, could ESPN College GameDay be headed to BYU? John Kurtz breaks down BYU's impressive response against Iowa State, including a passing attack that finally found its rhythm without injured star running back LJ Martin. BYU's defense was equally impressive, holding the Cyclones to just 200 total yards one week after they piled up 577 against West Virginia. But it wasn't all perfect. BYU struggled to run the ball outside of Bachmeier, made some questionable fourth-down decisions, and nearly let Iowa State back into the game after a costly muffed punt. We also discuss Iowa State's fight under Jimmy Rogers, Kalani Sitake's game management, and what this performance tells us about BYU's chances against Notre Dame. Plus, could College GameDay come to Provo for the massive BYU-Notre Dame showdown on October 17? Subscribe for more BYU football, Big 12 football, and national college football analysis! 📩 Get the Open For Business newsletter: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #BYUFootball #BYU #CollegeFootball #Big12Football #NotreDame Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdBeqkRz6yk