Hot Seats & Holy Turf: Tony Rice Previews USC–Notre Dame and Week 8

Week 8 is loaded: five ranked-vs-ranked showdowns, heavyweight rivalries, and a coaching market moving fast. Brien Schmauch and AV set the table, then Notre Dame legend Tony Rice joins to preview USC–ND and talk Lou Holtz, leadership, and the Jeweled Shillelagh. They dig into: Friday Night Kickoff: Louisville @ Miami — why the Canes at home (-13.5) look built for a 35–14 statement. Coaching Carousel Check: Penn State: Franklin out — why Curt Cignetti likely stays at Indiana, plus Matt Rhule, Eli Drinkwitz, Al Golden, and a left-field fit Brien likes: Brian Kelly back north. Oregon State: Why this moment calls for a steady hand — Bobby Hauck, Brent Vigen, or Bronco Mendenhall (an OSU alum). UAB: First call Bill Clark; if not, SMU OC Casey Woods or Jackson State's TC Taylor. Ole Miss @ Georgia: First true road start for Trinidad Chambliss, Rebels' run D vs. UGA's ground game, and why the number (-7.5) feels rich. Picks: AV UGA 28–24; Brien Ole Miss 28–24. Tennessee @ Alabama (Third Saturday in October): Ty Simpson's surge, Jam Miller balance, and a Vols defense thin at corner. Picks: Brien Bama 38–20; AV Bama 38–31. USC @ Notre Dame — with Tony Rice: Turnovers and penalties as the pivot; Makai Lemon's spotlight; CJ Carr's growth. Picks: AV ND 31–30; Brien ND 31–24. Top Plays – AV's Book Club: Minnesota +9.5 vs Nebraska Cal -9.5 vs UNC Vanderbilt -2.5 vs LSU Bonus leans: Ole Miss +7.5 at Georgia; Texas Tech to cover at ASU Stick around for Tony Rice's stories on Holtz, triple-option reads, and why defense and discipline still decide big Saturdays.