SportsIQ with Larry Smith

The first College Football Playoff rankings are here, and the debate over who deserves a spot is heating up.

Larry Smith and Producer Tony break down the biggest questions facing the CFP selection committee, including Ohio State's playoff chances following Julian Sayin's injury, Texas' two-loss résumé, and where undefeated UCLA belongs.

Could Notre Dame's playoff hopes disappear with a loss to Miami? Will Indiana, Kentucky, BYU, and Utah earn the committee's respect?

Plus, the SEC and Big Ten could claim eight of the 12 playoff spots, leaving the Big 12, ACC, Notre Dame, and Group of Five programs fighting for the remaining bids.

SportsIQ with Larry Smith — Beyond the Buzzer. Inside the Game.

Could NFL legend Philip Rivers become the next head coach at NC State?

Raleigh News & Observer reporter Jaydn Watson-Fisher joins SportsIQ with Larry Smith to break down the Wolfpack's coaching search following the dismissal of longtime head coach Dave Doeren.

With Rivers emerging as a fan favorite, the conversation explores whether the former NC State quarterback can succeed without college head coaching experience, the possibility of hiring Jason Eck, and the financial resources needed to rebuild the program.

Plus, how are NC State players responding to Doeren's departure? Can the Wolfpack finish the season strong? And how quickly must athletic director Boo Corrigan make a hire before competing programs enter the coaching market?

SportsIQ with Larry Smith — Beyond the Buzzer. Inside the Game.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell delivers an emotional update on linebacker Jack Campbell following his frightening neck injury against the Minnesota Vikings.

Larry Smith shares Campbell's comments about his injured team captain, the support he's receiving from teammates, and what the injury means for Detroit as the NFC North playoff race heats up.

Plus, women's college basketball takes center stage as South Carolina survives a furious Maryland comeback, UConn dominates Cornell, and JuJu Watkins makes her return for USC.

With the Bears, Vikings, Lions, and Packers battling in one of the NFL's toughest divisions, every game matters.

SportsIQ with Larry Smith — Beyond the Buzzer. Inside the Game.

Maryland football is searching for a new head coach following the dismissal of Mike Locksley. Baltimore Sun reporter Edward Lee joins SportsIQ with Larry Smith to examine what went wrong in College Park and what's next for the Terrapins.

Lee discusses Maryland's coaching search, potential candidates including Brian Kelly, Dan Mullen, Jon Gruden, and Rex Ryan, and whether interim coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim could earn the permanent job.

The conversation also explores NIL funding, transfer portal challenges, recruiting concerns, and whether Maryland can become a legitimate Big Ten contender.

Can the Terrapins find their own Curt Cignetti and engineer a turnaround like Indiana?

SportsIQ with Larry Smith — Beyond the Buzzer. Inside the Game.

Larry Smith opens SportsIQ with a packed sports rundown, including the Chicago Bears' 34–17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, a breakout performance from Jeffrey Simmons, and three rushing touchdowns from D'Andre Swift.

College basketball tips off with big wins for Florida, Duke, Illinois, and UConn, while UCLA delivers an early statement victory. The biggest shock comes in Norman, where East Texas A&M stuns Oklahoma 68–64, raising questions about Porter Moser's future.

Plus, today's Moment of Awe revisits November 3, 1990, when Houston and TCU combined for 1,253 passing yards in one of college football's wildest offensive shootouts.

SportsIQ with Larry Smith — Beyond the Buzzer. Inside the Game.

Is Denver emerging as Kansas City's biggest threat in the AFC? And how much longer can the Los Angeles Chargers stick with Jim Harbaugh?

Larry Smith and producer Tony break down a dramatic NFL weekend, including the Broncos' thrilling 28-24 victory over the Chiefs, Sean Payton's 200th career win, and Bo Nix's growing reputation for fourth-quarter comebacks.

Plus, the Dallas Cowboys suffer another devastating home loss, Lamar Jackson's injury leaves Baltimore scrambling at quarterback, and the winless Chargers face major questions about Harbaugh's future and whether Justin Herbert could become a trade candidate.

The conversation also celebrates the Golden State Valkyries' remarkable WNBA championship, achieved in just their second season, and looks ahead to the league's future.

#SportsIQ #NFL #DenverBroncos #KansasCityChiefs #BoNix #PatrickMahomes #DallasCowboys #JimHarbaugh #WNBA

Illinois women's basketball head coach Shauna Green joins Larry Smith to preview a highly anticipated season for the Fighting Illini, ranked No. 23 in the preseason AP Top 25.

Entering her fifth season at Illinois, Green reflects on rebuilding the program, developing a talented young roster, and the importance of keeping players together in today's transfer portal era.

She discusses the leadership of All-Big Ten standout Berry Wallace, the continued development of Ciara Parchment and Destanni Jackson, and the return of Brazilian prospect Manu Alves following a knee injury.

Plus, Green reveals details from a successful preseason scrimmage against a nationally ranked SEC opponent and explains why this could be the deepest, most talented Illinois team she's coached.

Can the Fighting Illini take the next step toward hosting NCAA Tournament games in March?

#SportsIQ #IllinoisBasketball #ShaunaGreen #Illini #WomensBasketball #BigTen #NCAAW #MarchMadness

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney didn't hold back after seeing a plane flying a "Fire Mike Norvell" banner over Florida State's stadium before Saturday's game.

Following Clemson's 36-24 victory, Swinney delivered an emotional defense of Norvell, condemning the personal attacks directed at coaches and questioning the increasingly hostile culture surrounding college football. Just hours later, Florida State fired Norvell.

Larry Smith and producer Tony discuss Swinney's powerful comments, the pressure facing college football coaches, and whether fans have crossed the line between demanding accountability and personal disrespect.

Plus, the Dallas Cowboys surrender a 14-point fourth-quarter lead for the first time in franchise history, falling to the Arizona Cardinals in overtime.

#SportsIQ #DaboSwinney #MikeNorvell #FloridaState #ClemsonFootball #CollegeFootball #DallasCowboys

A startling new study estimates that 75% of former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). What does this mean for the future of football?

Larry Smith welcomes Dr. Yorghos Tripodis, professor of biostatistics at Boston University's School of Public Health, to examine the groundbreaking research behind the findings.

Dr. Tripodis explains how researchers arrived at the 75% estimate, why previous brain donation studies showed even higher rates, and how repeated head impacts increase the risk of developing CTE. They also discuss the NFL's efforts to improve player safety, the risks facing younger athletes, and promising advances toward diagnosing CTE in living patients.

An important conversation about brain health, football safety, and the long-term consequences of America's most popular sport.

#SportsIQ #NFL #CTE #BrainHealth #FootballSafety #BostonUniversity #ConcussionResearch #LarrySmith

A wild weekend in sports brings major coaching changes, devastating NFL injuries, and unforgettable history.

Larry Smith breaks down Florida State's decision to fire Mike Norvell following another disappointing loss, Lamar Jackson's thumb injury and the Baltimore Ravens' quarterback crisis, and the end of the NFL's last unbeaten streak.

Plus, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pull off a rare victory without completing a single pass, and today's Moment of Awe celebrates the Chicago Cubs' historic 2016 World Series championship, ending 108 years of heartbreak.

SportsIQ with Larry Smith delivers the biggest headlines, compelling stories, and unforgettable moments from across the sports world.

#SportsIQ #CollegeFootball #FloridaState #MikeNorvell #NFL #LamarJackson #ChicagoCubs #WorldSeries

Ernie Johnson announces his final season on Inside the NBA, and Larry Smith and Tony share personal memories of the legendary broadcaster, reflecting on his remarkable career and the impact he's made behind the scenes.

Then it's a packed college football weekend as Larry and Tony preview Georgia vs. Florida, discuss Northwestern's surprising rise and Oregon's stunning collapse, and examine Ohio State's quarterback challenges ahead of its showdown with USC.

Plus, is Lincoln Riley coaching for his job? The guys discuss why USC's upcoming games could determine his future with the Trojans.

SportsIQ with Larry Smith delivers the stories behind the scores.

Can Bill Self lead Kansas back to a national championship, and how much longer will the Hall of Fame coach remain on the sidelines?

Larry Smith welcomes Henry Greenstein of the Lawrence Journal-World to preview the Jayhawks' upcoming basketball season. They break down Kansas' exhibition matchups against Duke and Louisville, the team's dramatically reshaped roster, the arrival of Trey Kaufman-Renn, and the challenge of building chemistry with so many new pieces.

Plus, Greenstein discusses Bill Self's health and coaching future, the growing influence of NIL and the transfer portal, and whether college basketball's traditional blue-blood programs are losing their recruiting advantages.

SportsIQ with Larry Smith delivers the stories behind the scores.

Could Major League Baseball be headed toward another work stoppage?

Larry Smith breaks down the growing battle between MLB owners and the players' union over a proposed $245 million salary cap. With the collective bargaining agreement nearing expiration, could baseball face another lockout? Larry revisits the devastating 1994 strike and what another labor dispute could mean for the sport.

Plus, Detroit Red Wings star Dylan Larkin is suspended without pay amid trade tensions, and rookie Cameron Boozer records his first NBA triple-double as the undefeated Memphis Grizzlies continue their surprising start.

SportsIQ with Larry Smith delivers the stories behind the scores.

Can Florida take down No. 3 Georgia and shake up the SEC championship race?

Larry Smith welcomes Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun and USA Today to preview the No. 17 Gators' rivalry showdown with the Bulldogs in Atlanta.

They discuss John Sumrall's turnaround at Florida, the Gators' quarterback situation, Kirby Smart's dominance in the rivalry, and what Florida must do to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive.

Plus, the conversation shifts to the hardwood as preseason No. 1 Florida prepares to open its basketball season against Miami. Can Todd Golden and the Gators make another championship run?

SportsIQ with Larry Smith delivers the stories behind the scores.

Larry Smith kicks off the weekend with a packed sports headlines segment. The WNBA Finals head to a historic winner-take-all Game 7 as the Atlanta Dream force a deciding showdown against the Golden State Valkyries.

In the NFL, Jordan Love throws three touchdowns as the Green Bay Packers defeat the Carolina Panthers 27-19. Larry also previews Georgia vs. Florida, looks ahead to the college basketball season, and remembers longtime sports broadcaster David Moulton.

Plus, today's Moment of Awe revisits the Brooklyn Dodgers' abandoned domed stadium plans and the events that led to their move to Los Angeles.

SportsIQ with Larry Smith delivers the stories behind the scores.

The Milwaukee Brewers are World Series champions! Larry Smith breaks down Milwaukee's historic championship, the pitching performances that delivered the title, and what made this Brewers team special.

Plus, today's Moment of Awe celebrates Muhammad Ali, who made his professional boxing debut on October 29, 1960, launching one of the most legendary careers in sports history.

SportsIQ with Larry Smith delivers sports headlines, expert analysis, and unforgettable moments from sports history.

SportsIQ | October 29, 2026 | Segment 1 of 5

Hall of Fame sportswriter Mike DeCourcy joins Larry Smith to discuss the future of college football's expanded playoff and why moving to 24 teams could actually hurt the sport.

Then, attention turns to college basketball, where Duke, Florida, Illinois, and Michigan State are emerging as championship contenders. DeCourcy explains why roster continuity matters more than ever in the transfer portal era and whether Michigan's national championship has finally changed the narrative surrounding Big Ten basketball.

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Are college basketball's traditional powerhouses losing their grip on the sport?

Hall of Fame sportswriter Mike DeCourcy joins Larry Smith to examine whether the era of blue blood dominance is coming to an end. From Kentucky, Kansas, and North Carolina to emerging championship contenders, DeCourcy explains how college basketball's changing economics are leveling the playing field.

Plus, a closer look at Brad Underwood's remarkable player development at Illinois, the program's growing list of All-Americans, and why Duke continues to maintain its competitive advantage under Jon Scheyer.

SportsIQ with Larry Smith | October 29, 2026 | Segment 3 of 5

Minnesota is making noise in the Big Ten after a dramatic victory over ranked rival Iowa. But can the Golden Gophers keep their momentum going against defending national champion Indiana?

Minneapolis Star Tribune beat writer Randy Johnson joins Larry Smith to break down Minnesota's big win, the program's historic rivalry trophies, and the challenges awaiting P.J. Fleck's team.

They examine Fleck's consistency in the transfer portal era, Minnesota's brutal remaining schedule featuring four ranked opponents, and whether an expanded College Football Playoff could open new opportunities for the Gophers.

SportsIQ with Larry Smith | October 29, 2026 | Segment 4 of 5

Can small-market teams win championships without spending like the Dodgers? The Milwaukee Brewers just made a compelling case.

Larry Smith and Producer Tony examine how Milwaukee built a World Series champion through smart trades, player development, and talent evaluation despite ranking in the bottom half of MLB payrolls.

With baseball approaching another round of collective bargaining negotiations, they debate whether the Brewers' championship weakens the owners' argument for a salary cap, why players remain opposed, and whether a prolonged MLB lockout could be looming.

SportsIQ with Larry Smith | October 29, 2026 | Segment 5 of 5