Veterans, the Playoff Picture, and Changing of the Guard in the NFL

On this Veterans Day edition of SportsIQ, Larry and Producer Tony cover a packed lineup from coast to coast.Segments Include:🇺🇸 Opening Tribute: Larry opens the show with a heartfelt salute to America’s veterans and their families, reflecting on the freedoms they protect and the importance of civic discourse.🏈 College Football Spotlight:Guest 1: Tom Kakert of HawkeyeReport.com breaks down Iowa’s ironclad defense and ongoing offensive woes ahead of their clash with USC.Why wide receivers who can create separation are now as vital as elite quarterbacks in the Big Ten arms race.How the Hawkeyes can contain USC’s explosive attack — and what it’ll take for the Trojans to stay alive in the playoff race.☘️ Guest 2: Stephen Thompson, Pitt beat writer for The Athletic, joins to preview Notre Dame vs. Pitt — a likely playoff elimination game.Can Pitt’s top-five run defense slow down Notre Dame’s balanced attack?Quarterback play, turnovers, and red-zone execution will decide this one.A look inside the expected sellout atmosphere in Pittsburgh.📊 College Football Playoff Race:Larry runs through the 23 teams still in the hunt, from undefeated to two-loss hopefuls — and delivers a reality check: “If your team has three losses, they’re out.”🏀 ACC–Big East Merger Talk:Larry reacts to Mike Krzyzewski and Rick Pitino’s idea of merging the two leagues — and why it might water down both conferences.🏈 NFL Breakdown:Producer Tony spotlights a changing of the guard in the AFC, as rising teams like the Colts and Broncos surge while the Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens struggle under massive QB contracts.Larry adds context on salary-cap realities, Brady’s sacrifice model, and why smart structuring wins championships.✨ Moment of Awe:Division II North Greenville stuns Division I Gardner-Webb 92–81 — a true David vs. Goliath upset that reminds us why we love college hoops.Listen & Subscribe:SportsIQ with Larry Smith — new episodes every weekday.Follow the conversation at @SportsIQLS on all platforms.