SportsIQ with Larry Smith

LSU beat writer Cokie Riley of The Advocate and NOLA.com joins SportsIQ to preview a critical SEC showdown between LSU and Texas, with College Football Playoff hopes hanging in the balance.Following LSU's frustrating loss to Alabama, Riley breaks down the Tigers' red-zone struggles, offensive line concerns, and the challenges facing Lane Kiffin's offense against an elite Texas defense.Plus, can LSU's aggressive defense pressure Arch Manning into costly mistakes? The conversation examines Steve Sarkisian's offensive scheme, Texas' injury concerns, and the coaching decisions that could determine Saturday's outcome.With LSU facing a must-win situation and Texas fighting for playoff positioning, both programs have plenty on the line.

Fayetteville Observer Duke basketball reporter Anna Snyder joins Larry Smith to break down the Blue Devils' loss to Michigan State and what Jon Scheyer's team must improve moving forward.They examine Duke's struggles with physicality, shooting, and team chemistry, along with John Blackwell's leadership and the search for a new go-to star following Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer.Plus, Duke faces a brutal upcoming schedule featuring Illinois, UConn, Florida, and Texas Tech. Can these early challenges prepare the Blue Devils for March? Larry and Anna also discuss Virginia's ACC title hopes, Scheyer's coaching legacy, and Duke's recruiting advantage in the NIL era.

Is college sports' transfer portal creating an academic crisis? Larry Smith and producer Tony examine troubling NCAA graduation data revealing the consequences of athletes transferring between multiple schools.According to the report, FBS football players who transfer more than once have graduation rates 27 percentage points lower than those who remain at one school. The numbers raise serious questions about NIL money, academic stability, and life after college athletics.Larry and Tony discuss NCAA President Charlie Baker's warning, the proposed Save College Sports Act, and whether limiting transfers could help protect student-athletes.With most college athletes never reaching the professional ranks, is the pursuit of NIL money coming at the expense of a college degree?

UCLA football is one of college football's biggest stories, entering its matchup with Illinois undefeated and ranked fourth in the College Football Playoff standings.Larry Smith features comments from first-year head coach Bob Chesney, who explains how culture, recruiting, accountability, and a relentless focus on daily improvement have fueled the Bruins' remarkable turnaround.Chesney also discusses UCLA's championship-winning athletic programs and his vision of building one of the nation's most dominant athletic departments.Plus, a preview of UCLA's Friday night showdown with Illinois and a look at UConn women's basketball as the Huskies prepare to face Ohio State.

Larry Smith kicks off Thursday's SportsIQ with the latest headlines across college football, basketball, and the NBA. The Lakers extend their winning streak to seven games behind Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama leads the Spurs past Chicago, and the Celtics rally from 22 points down to beat Toronto.Plus, a preview of upcoming conversations with Anna Snyder about Duke basketball and Cokey Riley about LSU's matchup with Texas. Larry also remembers longtime NBC Sports broadcaster Dan Hicks and explores the fascinating history of baseball's Continental League in today's Moment of Awe.

Larry Smith breaks down the latest College Football Playoff rankings as Georgia takes over the No. 1 spot, undefeated UCLA climbs to No. 4, and Notre Dame makes a major leap following its victory over Miami. Tennessee surges into the top eight while the SEC strengthens its grip on the playoff picture.Plus, a wild night in college basketball! Michigan State knocks off No. 2 Duke, Kansas dominates Kentucky behind Trey White's career-high 30 points, and Texas Tech extends its remarkable home winning streak with an 84–78 upset of No. 3 Illinois.SportsIQ with Larry Smith | November 11, 2026

Producer Tony welcomes Dennis Ackerman of the Bleav in Raiders podcast to break down the blockbuster trade sending Kirk Cousins back to Minnesota and ushering in the Fernando Mendoza era in Las Vegas.They examine why the Raiders made the deal, Cousins' impact on the franchise, and the challenges awaiting Mendoza in his first NFL start against Seattle. Plus, a closer look at Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer, the Raiders' struggling defense, and whether Las Vegas has the pieces to become a playoff contender in 2027.Meanwhile, can Cousins revive Minnesota's offense, reconnect with Justin Jefferson, and keep the Vikings competitive in a loaded NFC North?SportsIQ with Larry Smith | November 11, 2026

Larry Smith breaks down a wild NFL trade deadline, headlined by Kirk Cousins returning to Minnesota and the Las Vegas Raiders preparing to start rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Chiefs add Josh Downs, Buffalo lands Amani Hooker, and Jacksonville makes aggressive moves toward a Super Bowl run.Plus, Tennessee climbs back into the College Football Playoff picture, and today's Moment of Awe looks back at the historic 1933 breakthrough that helped bring NFL football to Sundays.SportsIQ with Larry Smith | November 11, 2026

Larry Smith and Producer Tony wrap up the NFL trade deadline with a look at the biggest winners, missed opportunities, and struggling franchises across the league.The Jacksonville Jaguars make aggressive defensive upgrades to support Trevor Lawrence and strengthen their Super Bowl hopes. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams stand pat despite mounting injuries and concerns about Matthew Stafford's final season.Plus, the Chargers' disastrous season raises serious questions about Jim Harbaugh's future, while Kirk Cousins' return to Minnesota could transform the Vikings into legitimate Super Bowl contenders.SportsIQ with Larry Smith | November 11, 2026

Larry Smith welcomes Bob Baskerville of Rocky Top Insider to break down Tennessee's resurgence in the College Football Playoff race following a dominant win over Kentucky. They discuss Josh Heupel's quarterback strategy with George McIntyre and Faizon Brandon, the Volunteers' upcoming showdown with struggling Texas A&M, and the highly anticipated clash with Lane Kiffin and LSU.Plus, could the SEC send five teams to the College Football Playoff? Larry and Bob examine the latest rankings, the impact of the SEC's nine-game conference schedule, and why the Big Ten could struggle to match the SEC's postseason representation.SportsIQ with Larry Smith | November 11, 2026