Tide Rising: Alabama vs. Missouri, Notre Dame’s Rebound, and Tigers on the Brink

It’s a packed Friday edition of Sports IQ with Larry Smith — four powerhouse interviews, coast-to-coast storylines, and a weekend slate loaded with playoff implications.

Larry kicks things off with Collin Gay of The Tuscaloosa News, breaking down Alabama’s resurgence under Kalen DeBoer. After an early loss to Florida State, the Tide have stormed back into the Top 10 — but an undefeated Missouri squad looms. Can Mizzou’s bruising run game and clock-control offense pull off the SEC’s biggest upset?

Then Callum McAndrew from the Columbia Daily Tribune joins to give the Missouri side of the story — how Eli Drinkwitz has turned the Tigers from “good” to “almost great,” and why Saturday might finally be their defining win.

Next, Eric Hansen of BlueandGold.com checks in from South Bend, where redshirt freshman QB CJ Carr is rewriting Notre Dame record books while the Irish defense finds its identity. With NC State in town and USC looming, Larry and Eric dissect how Notre Dame’s balance and leadership could carry them back to the playoff hunt.

Finally, Shawn Windsor of the Detroit Free Press jumps in from Seattle ahead of Game 5 between the Tigers and Mariners. With Tarik Skubal on the mound and a season on the line, Shawn explains how Detroit thrives when their backs are against the wall — plus, his incredible sports weekend itinerary that any fan would envy.

Larry wraps with a Moment of “Ah” — a heartfelt tribute to the late Sister Jean, the beloved Loyola Chicago chaplain who passed away at 106.

Topics Discussed:

• Alabama’s turnaround and Ty Simpson’s steady rise

• Missouri’s chance for a program-defining upset

• Notre Dame’s evolving identity behind CJ Carr

• NC State’s offensive threats and defensive struggles

• Tigers–Mariners Game 5 preview and Skubal’s redemption shot

• Tribute to Sister Jean and her legacy at Loyola Chicago

Guests:
🎙️ Collin Gay – The Tuscaloosa News
🎙️ Callum McAndrew – Columbia Daily Tribune
🎙️ Eric Hansen – BlueandGold.com
🎙️ Shawn Windsor – Detroit Free Press

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