Ohio State–Michigan Pressure, BYU’s Playoff Path & Detroit’s Surging Pistons episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 25, 2025 · 51 MIN

Ohio State–Michigan Pressure, BYU’s Playoff Path & Detroit’s Surging Pistons

from SportsIQ with Larry Smith · host Rise Above Productions & Revision Sound

We deliver a loaded Tuesday show with three big guests and three massive storylines shaping the sports week ahead.First, we break down Ohio State vs. Michigan with Stefan Krajisnik of Cleveland.com, who explains why this matchup feels like a must-win for both fanbases — despite the playoff math saying otherwise. We dig into Ryan Day’s revamped approach to rivalry week, the psychology behind Ohio State’s recent losses, the evolution of the Michigan roster, and what the Buckeyes must do Saturday at the Big House to finally shake the monkey off their back.Then we shift to the Big 12 where BYU sits squarely in the playoff conversation. Darnell Dickson of the Provo Daily Herald joins us to lay out the Cougars’ path and the uncomfortable truth: even at 11–2, BYU could become that team left out. We talk schedule strength, tiebreak chaos, what the committee gets wrong about BYU’s style, and why Kalani Sitake’s program continues to overachieve in Year 1 in the conference.Finally, we hit the NBA hardwood with Coty M. Davis of the Detroit News, who checks in from the airport as the red-hot Pistons ride their 13-game winning streak, tying a franchise record. Coty details the culture shift under Trajan Langdon and J.B. Bickerstaff, Cade Cunningham’s rising superstardom, Jalen Duren’s leap, and why this team isn’t just hot — they’re hungry.We close with producer Tony’s NFL roundup, where the Browns’ elite defense continues to dominate, the Ravens look dangerous again, and the NFC South… still exists. And of course, today’s Moment of Awe honors the broadcasting magic of Pat Summerall and John Madden, who first teamed up on this date back in 1979.The mental & historical weight of Ohio State–MichiganRyan Day’s revamped rivalry-week philosophyThe Connor Stalions cloud and its lingering effectsWhy BYU could win 11 games and still miss the PlayoffHow the Big 12’s structure complicates résumé evaluationsDetroit Pistons: confidence, stability & cultureJ.B. Bickerstaff’s journey and impactCade Cunningham’s calm dominanceProducer Tony’s NFL takeaways: Browns, Ravens, Cowboys, NFC SouthMoment of Awe: Summerall & Madden’s first broadcast together (1979)

We deliver a loaded Tuesday show with three big guests and three massive storylines shaping the sports week ahead.First, we break down Ohio State vs. Michigan with Stefan Krajisnik of Cleveland.com, who explains why this matchup feels like a must-win for both fanbases — despite the playoff math saying otherwise. We dig into Ryan Day’s revamped approach to rivalry week, the psychology behind Ohio State’s recent losses, the evolution of the Michigan roster, and what the Buckeyes must do Saturday at the Big House to finally shake the monkey off their back.Then we shift to the Big 12 where BYU sits squarely in the playoff conversation. Darnell Dickson of the Provo Daily Herald joins us to lay out the Cougars’ path and the uncomfortable truth: even at 11–2, BYU could become that team left out. We talk schedule strength, tiebreak chaos, what the committee gets wrong about BYU’s style, and why Kalani Sitake’s program continues to overachieve in Year 1 in the conference.Finally, we hit the NBA hardwood with Coty M. Davis of the Detroit News, who checks in from the airport as the red-hot Pistons ride their 13-game winning streak, tying a franchise record. Coty details the culture shift under Trajan Langdon and J.B. Bickerstaff, Cade Cunningham’s rising superstardom, Jalen Duren’s leap, and why this team isn’t just hot — they’re hungry.We close with producer Tony’s NFL roundup, where the Browns’ elite defense continues to dominate, the Ravens look dangerous again, and the NFC South… still exists. And of course, today’s Moment of Awe honors the broadcasting magic of Pat Summerall and John Madden, who first teamed up on this date back in 1979.The mental & historical weight of Ohio State–MichiganRyan Day’s revamped rivalry-week philosophyThe Connor Stalions cloud and its lingering effectsWhy BYU could win 11 games and still miss the PlayoffHow the Big 12’s structure complicates résumé evaluationsDetroit Pistons: confidence, stability & cultureJ.B. Bickerstaff’s journey and impactCade Cunningham’s calm dominanceProducer Tony’s NFL takeaways: Browns, Ravens, Cowboys, NFC SouthMoment of Awe: Summerall & Madden’s first broadcast together (1979)

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Ohio State–Michigan Pressure, BYU’s Playoff Path & Detroit’s Surging Pistons

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This episode is 51 minutes long.

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This episode was published on November 25, 2025.

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We deliver a loaded Tuesday show with three big guests and three massive storylines shaping the sports week ahead.First, we break down Ohio State vs. Michigan with Stefan Krajisnik of Cleveland.com, who explains why this matchup feels like a...

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