DAVE PORTNOY ADDRESSES HIS BAN FROM OHIO STATE | PICK EM WEEK 1

Summary

Barstool Pick Em – Week 1 (August 27, 2025)

Episode: DAVE PORTNOY ADDRESSES HIS BAN FROM OHIO STATE | PICK EM WEEK 1

---

Overview

Barstool Pick Em is back for the college football season with Dan "Big Cat" Katz, Dave "El Pres" Portnoy, and Rico Bosco. This episode kicks off Week 1 with a blend of gambling picks, sharp banter, and college football talk—a mix that leans into the show’s trademark of “winning picks delivered with extreme (and often misplaced) confidence.” The central focus this week is Dave Portnoy’s much-discussed ban from Ohio State, along with the crew’s season outlooks, personal dynamics, and, of course, their full slate of picks for the opening weekend.

---

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Show Returns and Hosts’ Energy [01:27–06:20]

• The crew convenes on Zoom for Week 1 but promises to be in-person from Week 2 onward.
• Celebrations for Rico’s Pat Hill board victory last year and jokes about his weight loss and "defeating the Nazis" (typical Barstool flair).
• Dan boldly predicts: “I think I’m going to have my best gambling year of my life this year. I just figured it out. I’m just going to do it.” [06:05]

---

2. College Football Landscape & Transfer Portal Frustration [06:27–07:46]

• Rico laments how the transfer portal has destroyed program continuity: “It is frustrating…not knowing where these guys are…It doesn’t seem like guys have an identity being there three, four years.” [06:29]
• Excitement lingers for both the expanded playoff and chaos it might bring.

---

3. Alabama Basketball Coach Nate Oats Drama [07:47–13:22]

• The group dives into “gotcha culture” and Jack asks about Rico’s Alabama basketball fandom after Rico was “ghosted” by coach Nate Oats.
• Jim of the segment: “He loves to be like, oh, look at this…Hey, Rico, my girlfriend's going to DJ's winning bachelorette party. Can you get me in, please?” – Rico [09:05]
• Extended ribbing over how many times Rico texted Oats, which devolves into the crew making fun of Rico’s “restraint” and sympathy for his unrequited support.
• Dan’s take on respect: “I wouldn’t do that to someone I care about…just a little bit of common courtesy. He thinks he can use you…throw you to the side when it’s good for him.” [10:41]

---

4. Riders & Show Dynamics [14:01–14:22]

• Lighthearted debate on who’s “going for Rider of the Year” this season: Big Cat’s pushing for it; Dave bows out: “No.” [13:58]
• Rico thanks the group: “You got me back in shape. I do owe you a huge thank you. I got to fall back in love with the game.” [14:13]

---

5. Dave Portnoy’s Ban from Ohio State [15:52–23:08]

The Ban Explained

• Dan: “Dave, before we get to the weekend and the Heisman picks, what’s the state of you vs. OSU right now?”
• Dave details how Barstool's planned live show in Columbus was suddenly canceled after the school (and its AD) put pressure on Fox (Barstool’s TV partner): “The AD has said no. And it’s a semantics game...They hate your guts. They don’t want you here.” [16:06]
• Dave reveals he'd known for a week and a half that he was banned [17:06], describes Fox trying to “make it work,” and that the situation went viral thanks to former Ohio State players and local podcasts.
• Dave’s verdict: “They look soft, weak, and broken... It's awesome. This is called football pettiness...only a fool would believe they had nothing to do with it.” [17:32, 18:36]
• He even gets “kicked” from giving a 6am bar speech at The Library bar: “I’m happy because I don’t have to wake up at 6:00am.” [18:49]

Ohio State’s Response & Portnoy’s Take

• “What they should have said is, ‘There’s no way we’re letting this fuckin’ troll from Michigan into our stadium.’” – Dave [18:36]
• “Ohio State education ain’t no Michigan education.” – Dave needles OSU fans [20:25]
• “I just find it hilarious…You guys said it. And then you’re like, no, that’s not true.” [21:52]

Memorable Quotes

• “They have lost a lot of these early season big games. They don’t win them very often.” – Dave on OSU’s big-game struggles [30:10]
• “This is college football. This is rivalry.” [18:36]

---

6. National Title/Heisman Futures [14:23–15:52, 23:58–24:47]

• Dan likes Alabama 10-1 and Jeremiah Love (Notre Dame, 25-1) for the Heisman.
• Dave wants to bet on freshman Underwood to win the Heisman but laments that some states ban Heisman bets.
• Rico eyes Oregon as a long shot but leans sleeper on Iowa and Underwood for Michigan (depending on September showcase against Oklahoma).

---

7. Week 1 Marquee Game Picks & Debates [26:39–44:18]

Texas @ Ohio State [26:39–30:43]

• Line: OSU -1.5. Over/Under: 47.5
• Rico: Texas – “Arch delivers. A Manning in a big spot. I’ll roll with it.”
• Dave: Texas, but admits his “heart is with the Big Ten.”
• Dan: Ohio State – “Everyone’s going to bet Texas. I’m just taking the home team.” [29:19]

LSU @ Clemson [30:49–34:55]

• Rico: OVER 57.5. Admits Clemson's defense is elite but expects playmaking QBs.
• Dave: LSU +3.5 – “I like the LSU quarterback a lot more than Clemson’s.”
• Dan: LSU +3.5, fears Brian Kelly's history in opening games but trusts Nussmeier over Clubnik.

Alabama vs. Florida State (at FSU's new stadium) [35:26–38:31]

• Dan & Rico: Both on Alabama -13.5 due to defense and coaching edge; Dan is high on OC Ryan Grubb.
• Dave: FSU +13.5 – “I’m a huge Castellanos fan. I think he’s really, really good.”

Notre Dame @ Miami [39:05–41:31]

• Line: ND -2.5
• Rico & Dave: Notre Dame – Citing toughness, new QBs unsettled at Miami.
• Dan: Hesitant but agrees with ND, feels “we’re all walking into a trap.”

TCU @ UNC (Bill Belichick’s coaching debut) [41:31–44:18]

• Line: TCU -3.5
• All eyes on Belichick coaching UNC.
• Dave: North Carolina +3.5 – “This game may be the most watched game of the whole weekend.”
• Dan: North Carolina +3.5, recognizes the mystery factor.
• Rico: TCU -3.5, nervous but likes TCU’s QB and questions UNC’s linebackers.

Memorable Quotes

• “If they're stinky, it's probably the end of his [Belichick's] coaching career.” – Dave [42:59]
• “It will be. Yeah, you're right. It's a Monday night, Labor Day...Everyone's going to be watching this game.” – Dan [43:39]

---

8. Cards and Extra Picks [45:30–53:47]

Rico’s Card

• UTEP +6, Utah -6, South Carolina -7.5, Northwestern +5.5, Southern Miss +13.5

Dave’s Card

• Cincinnati +6.5, Western Mich +20.5, Colorado +4.5 (concern abt no Ralphie running; see 48:53), Baylor +2.5, Oregon -27.5, Iowa -38.5, A&M -24.5, USC -35, Arizona St -28.5, UCLA +6

Dan’s Card

• Virginia Tech +7.5, FAU/Maryland OVER 59.5, Wisconsin OVER 39.5, Boise -5.5, Cincy +6.5, Auburn/Baylor OVER 57.5, (and more)

---

9. Mortal Locks & Closing [55:49–61:33]

• Dan’s “mortal” is Toledo +9.5 v. Kentucky (Notes UK is “down” and expecting a potential MAC upset).
• Rico’s “mortal”: Wake Forest -17.5 (“They HAVE to run up the score for alumni/boosters”);
• Dave: UCLA +6 v. Utah (“Impressed by their progress last year.”)
• Ongoing banter about sourcing information, reading preview magazines, and the Notre Dame/Duke "ugly bowl" debate [41:09–41:19].

---

10. Show Dynamics & Upcoming Content [62:01–63:58]

• Tease for next week’s “Pickoff” guest picker, possibly in-studio or remote.
• Ongoing jokes about trust and table-turning inside the Barstool crew.
• Dan: “Jack is a necessary evil for this show because otherwise we're just going to be doing picks and putting people to sleep.” [63:56]

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On OSU Ban:
  • “Only a fool would believe that’s true.” – Dave [17:32]
  • “They look soft, weak, broken. And it’s awesome. This is called football pettiness.” – Dave [18:36]
• College Football Rivalry:
  • “You can put up a picture and say what color it is. In college football, rivalries are going to say other answers. It’s great. I think it’s good for the rivalry.” – Dave [22:49]
• Rico’s Longevity:
  • “I got to fall back in love with the game. I love getting shape. People are fucking commenting left and right.” – Rico [14:13]
• On the Transfer Portal:
  • “Frustrating not knowing where these guys are…The identity of college football is tough with that.” – Rico [06:52]
• Rider of the Year Race:
  • “I’m gonna compete hard for it.” – Dan [13:55]
• Pickoff Preview:
  • “Jack is a necessary evil for this show…we need colleague Jack…the joker at this point.” – Dan [63:56]

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:27] – Show Open, Hosts Reconnect
• [06:27] – College Football Landscape & Transfer Portal
• [07:47] – Nate Oats "Ghosts" Rico Segment
• [15:52/16:06] – Dave Portnoy Discusses Ohio State Ban
• [23:58] – National Title/Heisman Futures
• [26:39] – Game-by-Game Week 1 Picks Begin (Texas/OSU, LSU/Clemson, Bama/FSU, etc.)
• [45:30] – Extended Cards: All Hosts' Picks
• [55:49] – Mortal Locks
• [62:01] – Next Week’s Pickoff Tease & Show Close

---

Conclusion

Pick Em Week 1 delivers the familiar blend of sharp-witted banter, digressive college football debate, and irreverent inside jokes that only Barstool can supply. The episode is highlighted by Dave’s candid breakdown of being banned by Ohio State—turning a setback into rich podcast fodder—and the trio’s on-brand mix of confident/precarious gambling advice, with plenty of memorable lines along the way. As portended, the season opener is just the beginning: “What a start to the relationship.” [22:49]

Transcript

[Dan]

Hey, pick' em listeners.

[Rico]

You can find every episode on Apple.

[Dan]

Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube Prime.

[Rico]

Members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.

[Dan]

Barstool Pickham. We are back and we are brought to you by DraftKings. The rivalries, the marching bands, the upset Saturdays just got way more fun. College football is back. Think you know the game? Put your college football knowledge to the test with DraftKings sports where it can turn your picks into big payouts. From live betting during the game to rivalry week, odds boosts and so much more, DraftKings Sportsbooks has everything that you need to stay in the action from kickoff to the final whistle. Whether you're betting on your go to team or making moves mid game as the momentum shifts, Saturdays are yours to own with DraftKings Sportsbook. Here's something special for first timers. New customers bet $5. Get $300 in bonus bets instantly. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app. Use Code Pick. That's Code Pick for new customers to get $300 in bonus bets instantly. When you bet just five bucks in partnership with DraftKings Sportsbook, their the crown is yours.

[DraftKings Announcer]

Okay, gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER in New York. Call 877-8-HOPE NY or text Hopeny 467-369 in Connecticut. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas. Fees may apply in Illinois 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Boyd and Ontario bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG Co Audio.

[Dan]

Pick them Week one. The boys are back. We're on zoom this week. We will be all in person next week. And where do you want to start, Rico? Another year. How many presidencies? What year is this? This is the year. Are we in year 10? Not with you.

[Rico]

No, I'm pretty sure it was fall of 13 was my first call in.

[Dan]

So Hank is shaking his head. Hank shaking his head.

[Rico]

What's up, Hank?

[Dan]

14. 14. 15. 14. Okay, so we're might be getting 13 or 14. Okay.

[Dave]

One of the two.

[Dan]

All right. So how you doing?

[Rico]

Great. Great. Won the PAT Hill, lost some weight, defeated the Nazis, excited for football. A lot of opportunity.

[Dan]

Yep.

[Rico]

Great to be good.

[Dan]

Sounds awesome. Dave.

[Rico]

Yeah.

[Dan]

What about you? Besides being banned from Ohio State?

[Dave]

Yeah, I mean busy season starting. We're just talking about. I'm gonna be on the road like five out of every Seven days from the all the way through football lot. Coming head into Columbus tomorrow, which should be interesting. And I am excited for the football. I've been betting a little bit. Got smoked at Saratoga. Red Sox have been treating me pretty well. But you know, you got to get off. You got to get you to get off the Schneider. You got to get running here in week one. So I'm ready to go.

[Dan]

Yeah. The week one is very, very important. We were all in Saratoga last weekend. Good time. Minus the fact that we all got cleaned out.

[Dave]

Very chalky. Very chalky.

[Dan]

The only non chalk all day was the nine to one that you handicapped correctly, Dave. And I didn't bet it because I grew up graciously. Got up. Rico didn't even think about moving. I am. I have another announcement after this. But Rico didn't even think about moving. I got up for Jonathan kitchen. And then when I came back, you guys had all bet that nine to one and it won. And I was just like, awesome. I missed all of that.

[Dave]

Austin, do I need headphones? What happens if you go through the computer here? Headphones make me feel like it's winter. I get hot quicker. What?

[Dan]

You took your headphones off, dummy?

[Dave]

Yeah, but I can hear through. So I'm seeing if he's gonna put it through. I think he can put it through the instant.

[Dan]

What though?

[Dave]

Like, the headphones are here, so I can still hear them there.

[Dan]

Can you hear now? Yes, the instant. What was perfect timing after you take off your head?

[Dave]

So now I don't need the headphones.

[Dan]

All right, all right. So yeah, we got. We got. We got killed. We had a good, good dinner with Rapoli the night before. Bosco, you were on fire. You and Rapole are very funny. Dynamic duo.

[Rico]

Very funny.

[Dan]

Slow. Fast talker. Slow thinker.

[Dave]

Very funny. For the first, like, if they're. If it. It's funny. And then it gets tiresome and then it gets annoying when they're talking because they don't stop.

[Dan]

Yeah.

[Rico]

The just neighborhood guys. New York neighborhood guys.

[Dave]

Yeah. But it's like the conversations. If the conversation could last four minutes, they last 40. So I was talking to his boys just as much as him over and over, and I was like, all right, I get it.

[Dan]

All right. I'm. So before we get to the year Rico mentioned he won Pat Hill last year. Congratulations.

[Rico]

Thank you.

[Dan]

First time on the Pat hill board. We have it where is. Was here a second ago. I don't know where the trophy went. It was right there. So congratulations. It's behind the cell Blue. Oh, yeah, there it is. Let's see if I can do this without killing myself. All right, so we got to get you up on the. On the plaque there, Rico. Gotta get you up on the plaque. Congratulations, folks.

[Truly Unruly Advertiser]

It's the foreplay.

[Dan]

Guys.

[Truly Unruly Advertiser]

Let's talk truly unruly. When you spend every day following the countless laws of golf like us, it's refreshing to get a little unruly. Whether that means using the old hand wedge to escape the bunker or just cracking open a hard seltzer that breaks all the rules, few things feel better. Truly unruly is the first high alk seltzer that actually tastes good. It's hard hitting, but still light and refreshing, making it perfect for everything from the front nine to the clubhouse. Find it near [e-mail] locations. That's trulyhardselter.com locations. Hard Seltzer Beverage Company, Boston, Massachusetts. Please drink responsibly.

[Dan]

I'm just. I've decided. I think I'm going to have my best gambling year of my life this year. Just. Just going to do it. I don't know how, but I'm just going to do it. I just figured it out. I'm just going to do it. Rico, do. Do you have any big thoughts before we get into some games to pick them this season? What do you. What do we got? What do we got on the mind?

[Rico]

I mean, it is frustrating.

[Dan]

What?

[Rico]

Not. It's frustrating not knowing where these.

[Dan]

What is that word you just said?

[Rico]

Frustrating.

[Dave]

Oh, yeah. I'm on Rico's side there. I don't know what that was all about.

[Dan]

What are you talking about? He said frustrating.

[Dave]

I heard frustrating both times.

[Dan]

Okay, sorry. I'm trying to be writer of the year. Yeah, I'm being. I'm trying to be writer of the year.

[Rico]

Frustrating not knowing where guys are these, you know, the transfer portal. Like, it doesn't seem like guys have an identity of being there three, you know, three, four years. Everybody's moving around. So the. The identity of college football is. Is tough with that. But the playoff is super exciting. It worked out last year. You're going to have the truly seated this year, which I think is the right move. But. Yeah, I mean, excited for it. It's football season, obviously, so. But yeah. What do you think in person? Like, big picture, like, life.

[Dan]

Yeah, whatever. It's the first pickup. Yeah.

[Rico]

I mean, gotcha. Culture's tough, you know, like, some of your closest friends are. They got to go get you, you know, so it's like Mr. And Mrs. Smith chasing each other and cat and mouse.

[Dan]

But who's. Yeah, who's doing gotcha culture on you now?

[Rico]

I mean, it's Jack. It's part of Jack's job to be gotcha culture a little bit. So it's stuff, but it's. It's good.

[Dan]

Okay. What? Jack?

[Jack]

Speaking of that, Rico, I want to talk about where's our Alabama basketball fandom lie right now?

[Rico]

Fine. Why? Why?

[Jack]

Oh, didn't something happen this off season?

[Rico]

Yeah, I went to an nil event.

[Jack]

No, what about the other thing? Did maybe a head coach ghost you for a dinner?

[Rico]

Not ghosted. Recruiting.

[Jack]

Was there not like a maybe set up. Was there maybe a setup reservation? And then that week, maybe someone's phone decided to shut off?

[Rico]

I wouldn't say it was set up. It was. If you're in town, let me know. And then got busy doing.

[Jack]

And then he didn't answer.

[Dan]

What?

[Jack]

And then you said you might be on the. On the trade block.

[Dan]

What?

[Rico]

I think you all say some things when you're mad, you know?

[Dan]

Wait, what's this story? What happened? Sounds like it's true.

[Rico]

There was definitely a week in New York where it was going to be recruiting or appearances. And then dinner. It was dinner.

[Dan]

It was dinner.

[Rico]

Line up at dinner. Yeah. And then week of the dinner, talks halted.

[Dan]

I don't know.

[Jack]

I don't know if there was a.

[Rico]

Recruited, but he told me. But Jackie, here's the thing. He loves to be like, oh, look at this fake. Hey, Rico, my. My girlfriend's going to DJ's winning bachelorette party. Can you get me in, please?

[Dave]

That did happen.

[Rico]

She doesn't. She doesn't have the money to wait online because I blew it with fucking Sally down the block and chomped it up my nose. And she's a fucking sweetheart for putting up with you, just like my wife. I know she's fucking probably had it dealing with my shit, but it's. I have a soft spot for that. She's a nice girl.

[Dan]

So I'm like, yeah, voice crack.

[Rico]

Yeah, it's how it works. So I'm like. It's one episode. So I'm like, I'll take care of you. I'll take care of you, no problem. No, thanks for that. Then he had her.

[Dan]

He's.

[Rico]

He's getting ammo too. Like, she sends me a random text out of nowhere, hey, send the videos and photos of you, like back in the day. And then I. I'm like an idiot. I fucking give it to her because she is nice. Now, Jackie's, got a fucking loaded face trying to run in a highlight real soon.

[Dave]

Well, that's your fault for being.

[Rico]

Yeah, but she's nice. I'm not gonna hold it. I'm not gonna hold it again.

[Dave]

Back to the question at hand. When he blew you off, was there communication or. He just stopped responding.

[Rico]

The week. Oh, it was plant. Yeah. A couple weeks ahead. It was like, hey, let me know when you get there. It's like. I'm like, well, what's your stuff?

[Dave]

You made plans for a night and a time for dinner?

[Rico]

No, there was no reservation. There was no place. There was no time. It was a loose.

[Jack]

Like, hit me up that week.

[Dan]

And then. And then he just.

[Jack]

Wheat comes in. It's silence.

[Dave]

He didn't. He didn't say he was too busy or anything. He just.

[Rico]

I know. I mean, I know he was recruiting.

[Dave]

But they were all. Answer the question. He didn't.

[Dan]

He didn't?

[Rico]

No.

[Dave]

Yeah. That's bad. That's tough.

[Jack]

And then you.

[Dave]

That's not. Oh, he blew you off. He could just. That I'm too busy. I'm recruiting.

[Dan]

No, he doesn't care about you.

[Rico]

I wouldn't say that.

[Dan]

I mean, I wouldn't do that to someone I care about. That's fair. I'd give him a heads up. I'd be like, hey, listen, it's not going to work. Just a little bit of. Little bit of common courtesy. He thinks that he can use you when he needs to use you and not. And. And throw you to the side when. When it's. It's good for him and I. As a writer, that hurts me.

[Rico]

Yeah, the busy guy. We're back on.

[Dan]

What do you mean you're back on?

[Dave]

Did he apologize?

[Rico]

No, I didn't confirm. I saw him a month later at the NIL thing, so we're all good.

[Dave]

That was a really casual no for being a dickhead to you.

[Rico]

It wasn't. He's.

[Dave]

Listen, you guys, it's like, all right, we made plans when he's in town. You texted him, I presume, when he was in town?

[Dan]

Yeah. What was the NIL thing?

[Rico]

It was the thing Dave said might have been the worst.

[Dave]

It looked like a clan rally.

[Dan]

Hold on, hold on. So Nate Oates completely ghosted you? Like, completely ghosted you?

[Dave]

How many texts did you send to him when he was here?

[Rico]

One.

[Dan]

No way. No way, no way. There's no way. There's zero. No way.

[Rico]

Fucking loser.

[Dave]

That's good restraint. If you only did one.

[Dan]

But there's no way Dave.

[Dave]

I It's pretty embarrassing if you do two with no response. So I may believe that.

[Dan]

Hold on. Let me ask a follow up. How many texts did you send to, like, his, like, rest Right Hand guy?

[Rico]

Zero.

[Dan]

He was traveling with. So you. You only said. You're telling us you only sent one single text in eight oats and that was it?

[Rico]

Yeah.

[Dave]

So that was not convincing yet.

[Rico]

Middle.

[Dan]

All right.

[Rico]

Middle of April. I said. Yeah. I said I saw. You're going to be at Blank in a couple weeks. You want to get dinner Friday night?

[Dave]

Why do you have to say Blank? Is that a player?

[Rico]

No, it's a place. Oh, I guess it's in the place. It was a speaking event at Iona.

[Dave]

All right. Okay.

[Dan]

How'd you find out that he was going to be there?

[Rico]

Social media.

[Dan]

Do you think so do you think he's a little creeped out? No. Okay. Because that is a little like, hey, saw. Saw. You're going to be, like, within three hours of my house. Can I drive to you and have dinner with you?

[Rico]

Yeah. All right.

[Dan]

Okay. Yeah. All right.

[Rico]

He blew me off.

[Dan]

Wait, wait. Was it just once?

[Rico]

Yeah, it was just once.

[Dan]

No, nothing after that.

[Rico]

You want to come read it, Jake? Take a look.

[Jack]

Okay, but just so we have it right. He blew you off and then you paid for to get to an NIL event to go see him.

[Rico]

You have to support the program, if I'm being honest. Support the program?

[Jack]

You're a restraining order.

[Dan]

He doesn't support you. That's the craziest part, Wick. We get. We get killed for not being riders, but we support you. This guy doesn't support you at all.

[Dave]

Can we pull up the picture? It looked like a clan. It. It truly looked like a clan. Meeting was an intimate event.

[Dan]

Very intimate.

[Dave]

Let's talk football.

[Dan]

Yeah, let's talk football all time, Rico. I, I, I. I'm going for rider of the year. I'm gonna compete hard for it.

[Dave]

I would seem like a Dan if we're being totally honest.

[Dan]

Why?

[Dave]

I mean, you grill him. It does not seem like.

[Dan]

Yeah, because I don't want. I don't want him get hurt. Dave. Yeah. This Nate Oats guy is just walking.

[Dave]

It did not seem. That seemed a little pledge master. Not.

[Dan]

That's fine, Rider. That's fine. But I, I don't.

[Rico]

Are you. Are you willing to compete, Dave?

[Dave]

No.

[Rico]

Okay. It's one horse race, all right?

[Dave]

I don't know who else is going for it.

[Dan]

I think it's Hank. It's me versus.

[Dave]

I can't even remember Whether I'm officially a rider or not.

[Dan]

I don't think you are right now.

[Rico]

We defeated the Nazis together.

[Dave]

Yeah, that was big.

[Dan]

Yeah.

[Rico]

You got me back in shape. I do owe you a huge thank you. Like, I got to fall back in love with the game. I love gotten shape. People are fucking commenting left and right.

[Dave]

Good.

[Dan]

I'm gonna do. I'm doing Ryder my way this year. I'm gonna defend you, but I'm also gonna defend you against the skells in the dark, like Nate Oates, who just blows you off and then makes you go and pay 125 bucks and to sit in a room with a bunch of corpse. All right. Okay. All right, let's talk football. Anyone got Heisman pick, future anything? I have a couple. I have. I like, I like Alabama. Ten to one, I think. And then I took my futures. Officially, I might add one. So I don't know if this is the one. I'm going to pump the narrative as much, but I took Jeremiah Love at 25 to 1. Notre Dame.

[Dave]

I got to find out what states you can do Heisman bets in. Do them in Massachusetts right now in DraftKings.

[Dan]

Oh, yeah. Because I think it's technically like a play. Would it be a player, prop? Some.

[Dave]

Because I look for it because I want to bet on my guy, because I think he's been slept on from everything. I think there's a chance Underwoods wins the Heisman.

[Dan]

Yeah.

[Rico]

I think New York. No. As well.

[Dave]

Yeah. I couldn't do it in New York either.

[Rico]

Right.

[Dan]

You think Underwood wins the Heisman?

[Dave]

I, I. Listen, I'm not saying he, He's a bomb. He. He's starting. He's supposed to. What? You can't have freshmen now. And I mean, what year was Manziel when he took over a freshman? Right. He didn't win it, but he was like, unbelievable, wasn't he?

[Dan]

I believe he won the Heisman his junior year. Sophomore year or sophomore year, it's Colorado.

[Jack]

Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Virginia. Ban Heisman so you can bet it in Ohio.

[Dan]

Oh, so you'll be there this weekend?

[Dave]

I'll be there this weekend.

[Dan]

Wait, so Dave, before we get to the weekend and the Heisman picks, what's. What's the state of you versus OSU right now? Like, is it going to be. You're going to. Doing the show on Saturday. People should expect that. OSU did ban us. I know that they've.

[Dave]

Yeah. The AD has said no. And it's a semantics game in the sense that, like, yeah, they banned us. But, like, they're, they're saying Fox did it. I'm like, it's just common sense. Like, we did this huge deal with Fox Sports, right? A huge deal. It's week one, the biggest game of this, of the year. We're all booked and ready to do our pregame show with Fox, which is the plan, and we will be doing in week two. Iowa, Iowa State. And suddenly that show just canceled. Pulled the plug about a week ago. Years passed. I was never going to be on the main desk, but I was going to be in the stadium. And all the people affiliated with the show get credentialed. And it just was like, hey, you know, there's major problems. They hate your guts. They don't want you here. And I knew this for a week and a half. I told you, Dan. Yeah, you knew about it.

[Dan]

Yeah.

[Dave]

And then. But we're friends or partners with Fox, so we're not trying to create, you know, mayhem for them. Like, they just did a big deal and you don't want to light them on fire. So it's like, all right, we'll just zip. It won't do anything mean. There were conversations what we could say, what we couldn't say. I was pushed back. It's like, listen, I gotta. I gotta be me. But they really didn't, you know, there was so much pressure coming from Ohio State. They were broken. And then Ohio State themselves basically went like Bobby Carpenter, who was a former players on some sort of Ohio State related podcast. And they brought it up. They're like, we have it on, on authority Dave Portnoy is not allowed into the stadium. Start catching wind, going viral, multiple stories. And they look soft, weak, broken. All the things that Lou Holtz and I have been saying they are. They're a sensitive bunch that have been stomped on by the block M. And I don't care how many national championships they win, it means nothing until they beat Michigan. And this shows with this type of behavior. But predictably, in which I said, they're going to look really soft if this becomes public. And it became public. So the ad is like, wait a minute, we didn't ban it. We have nothing to do with that. Only a fool would believe that's true. Only a fool. The evidence is there. And by the way, it's awesome.

[Dan]

Yes.

[Dave]

This is called football pettiness. What they should have said is this guy. Yeah, there's no way we're letting this fucking troll from Michigan into our stadium in our house instead of doing this back and forth Thing. But this is college football. This is rivalry. I supposed to go give a speech at 6am at this bar called the library at Ohio State. And they begged me to do it. They're like, wake up.

[Dan]

We do a speech.

[Dave]

You'd be a great guy to kick it off. We'd have fun.

[Dan]

They.

[Dave]

They pulled out. I was just like, I'm. I'm happy because I don't have to wake up at 6:00am but, yeah, it's, you know, I was talking to the Fox, one of the Fox guys, they're all like, we're trying to make it work. And I just. He picked. He called me. And the first angle. Welcome to the Dave Portnoy business. Like, this is it, like. And it's not intentional. And Fox does not want to piss off Ohio State. Ohio State's already mad about the new kickoffs, but at the same time, it's created a storyline quite literally out of nothing. Like, if I just walked in the state, what do they think I'm gonna fucking do? So, yeah, it's crazy.

[Dan]

It's nuts. It's for the people who are buying that Ohio State has not banned us in any way. I just simply ask, why are we not doing our college football show on Saturday week. Week one from Columbus? Because that was the plan. I, I had. We had it all booked. Every.

[Dave]

Why is the travel booked? Why is it booked? Why is everything booked?

[Dan]

Right.

[Dave]

It's crazy, of course. And now the semantics of it, of Ohio State being like, did we quite literally call Dave and ban it or do we have a relationship with Fox in the middle? However you want to look at it, the hit was put in from Ohio State. If you think anything other than that, that's maybe why you go to Ohio State. That Ohio State education ain't no Michigan education.

[Rico]

And you would. You would have had no problem. They just stood behind is like, yeah, I did it.

[Dave]

I mean, I would have played up to it. But that's college football.

[Dan]

Yes.

[Dave]

I'm seeing clips. They're like, you disrespected Ryan Day. You went after his family. What they're really pointing at, which is crazy, is when I'm like, Ryan Day is going to be suspended longer than Harbaugh. Like, his brother was running a spy operation. That was. That's college football. Like, that's so far conspiracy theories.

[Dan]

Yeah.

[Dave]

Like, so far inbounds. It's crazy. Like, I didn't come up with it. People were whatnot stuff. So you attacked him. You said he's soft. Yeah, he's Ryan Day. He is soft. He's softer than soft.

[Dan]

Yeah, it's. It's crazy. They should have. Ohio State should have either leaned into it and said, fuck Dave Portnoy. We don't want him anywhere near Columbus. We don't like him. Or what they should have done has been like, hey, you know what? We have a pretty easy solution here. We have a guy on the desk who never lost to Michigan, who won a national title, Urban Meyer, like, he can fight back and he can. You go in the stadium and Urban Meyer puts his fucking championship on. On the table. Then he puts last year's championship on the table. Then he reveals he's wearing seven gold pants or whatever the number is. Like, he could fight back with you because he never beat him.

[Dave]

It's not a great scenario for me. It's not like some would argue it's a punishment to have to be in that stadium when they're doing their national championship ceremony, but it is what it is. And I just find it hilarious. The Ohio State and I've seen it a million times, like, they're like barstool leaked a story. It's not even true. It's like it came from Ohio State. Yeah, you guys said it. And then you're like, no, that's not true. It's like it came from you. And why aren't we there? Like, why isn't our. Our college football show, which was booked ready to go, suddenly canceled? Yeah, it's. It's not even worth any. But again, that's called football. You can say. It's like you can put up a picture and say what color it is. In college football, rivalries are going to say other answers. It's great. I think it's good for the rivalry, but. Yeah. What. What a start to the relationship.

[Dan]

What a starts the relationship. Great, great fodder for you being in Columbus on Saturday. I'm excited for that game. And. Yeah, well, like you said, you just slipped in there. But we'll be in Ames next week, so that will be. We're going to kick it off week one. We're going to do it week two. Okay, wait, so it is crazy.

[Rico]

It's basically like one verse two to open the fucking season. Yeah, that happened.

[Dan]

I don't know. Do you have a. Do you have you. The follow up? I don't know. I don't know. Do you want me to. All right, I'll look.

[Rico]

No, you don't. It's not.

[Dave]

It's one verse three.

[Dan]

Right?

[Rico]

Yeah, but in the polls, it's. They Alternate games.

[Dave]

I don't. One verse three. You want that specifically? When has there ever been one verse three to start?

[Dan]

I'm looking right now. It says this will be the first time ever. This measures. Yeah, first time ever in football history. There you go. It's crazy.

[Dave]

Loaded card.

[Rico]

Got three top 10 matchups. Fucking unbelievable.

[Dan]

Okay, Rico, do you have any national title or Heisman picks and then we'll get to the game.

[Rico]

I don't. I wanted to obviously take a little stab at Oregon. I haven't seen the quarterback play yet, but. No, nothing yet. I think I'm going to jump in. Dave, your Underwood thing. I looked at that schedule. It kind of follows the mold. They play Oklahoma in their second game, so that's like a big thing. If he explodes against Oklahoma, that's the September showcase that everybody kind of sees. And then it's pretty easy from there. He could stack his numbers until he gets through, you know, the middle of the Big Ten. And then obviously I think he's going.

[Dave]

To have a very good defense. I haven't seen him play. He was regarded as the number one recruit of all time. So it's a flyer, you know, my team and we get in the picks and they got brutal schedule. I think Iowa is going to be a sleeper team.

[Dan]

Okay, yeah, no, you're miss. You have to win nine games to win the heism. That's the only thing. So it's like Michigan has to win nine games. Nine or ten games, but yeah. Bomb, bomb pick. All right, let's get into the games.

[Dave]

All right.

[Rico]

This segment is brought to you by DraftKings. The rivalries, the marching bands, the upsets, and for College Football Week 1, DraftKings sportsbook is celebrating football's return with four game of the week profit boosts all weekend long. Just opt in for each of DraftKings game of the week and you'll score a single. Use profit boost token for the game. Whether you're betting on your go to team or an underdog, Saturdays are yours to own with DraftKings sportsbook. This week one is absolutely loaded in terms of top 10 matchups and their profit boosts. You got Texas at Ohio State. Ohio State a one and a half point favorite. LSU at Clemson. Clemson going off at three and a half. Notre Dame a two and a half point road favorite at Miami. And everybody's eyes on TCU at UNC. TCU -3 Monday night of Labor Day. Opt in and get those Profit boosts via DraftKings. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app and use Code Pick. That's Code Pick for all customers for a special profit boost on the college game of the Week in partnership with DraftKings Sportsbook. The crown is yours.

[DraftKings Announcer]

Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER in New York, call 877-8-HOPE&WY or text Hopeny 467-369 in Connecticut. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas. Fees may apply in Illinois. 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. One profit boost per customer for DK. Game of the week only. Bet odds of minus 250 are longer required. Boost amount and maximum bet vary. Expires at Boost only applies to winnings. See terms@sportsbook draftkings.com promos Ohio State @.

[Dan]

Home in Columbus against Texas to open the season. The line is one and a half right now. Over under is 47 and a half. As just a reminder for anyone who's new to pick them. We taped this on Wednesday mornings, comes out Thursday. If you're listening to it on Friday, the lines might be different. This is the picks we put in here are the lines we have at this moment. And that's what's on our card.

[Rico]

And a reminder, Dan, the lines can go for us or against us.

[Dan]

That is true. That is true. You know, you're right. Like, there's times we get really great lines on Wednesday morning and there's times we get absolutely fucked. Okay, Rico, hit us off. Start us off.

[Rico]

Yeah. I mean, so obviously you got Arch Manning, most hyped guy in forever. The two starts last year against Mississippi State and Ulm didn't really do much. This is his first big, big, big start. Julian saying, first big, big, big start. Playmakers all over. Wingo Smith. The thing that kind of stands out to me here, Sark on the road in these big, big spots last year went to Michigan 1 at A&M 1, 2023 went to Bama 12022 in a big game against K State when they were both battling for the Big 12 one, which is not necessarily the easiest place to. It's not Bama and it's not Michigan, but K State.

[Dave]

Michigan last year was hot garbage.

[Rico]

Finished 8 and 5, but that was.

[Dave]

The first thing this season fair.

[Rico]

It's still. It's still at Michigan, but it wasn't a. Yeah, I mean, wasn't a horrific team at 3 and 9, but he's gone into spots and win. I'm going to take Texas, especially with this year with Ohio State. Like, I'll take Texas here. Arch delivers. Arch, you know, this is his spot. A Manning in a big spot. I'll roll with it. Give me Texas.

[Dave]

Okay, Dave, you know my heart is with the Big Ten, but I. Some of the reasons Rico just said you got a new quarterback, a team that is, you know, national championship favorite, almost beat him last year. I'm going to go with Texas. It would shock me and if I was just strictly going gambling head. I think a play, the obvious play is almost Texas. So it makes me think Ohio State, we were there. I think, Dan, maybe one year when early Oklahoma beat Ohio State at the shoe. I think we're in the box for that game. If I'm not mistaken, an early season.

[Dan]

Yeah, it sounds familiar.

[Dave]

Baker, maybe. How long have we been doing this fucking show for? I don't even know. I'm gonna take Texas.

[Dan]

Okay. I'm gonna take Ohio State minus one and a half. I know. I think Ohio State obviously has more question marks than 2017. 2017. That was a three verse five. Oklahoma 1:3116. September.

[Dave]

Yeah, we were at that game.

[Dan]

Yeah, I think we were at the game. Yeah. The Texas, Baker. Yeah. Texas has more at that game. Yeah, he did the flag.

[Dave]

Yeah. We've been doing this shit a long time.

[Dan]

Long time. Texas has more there. I. Texas defense, I think is obviously going to be the least question marks going into this game in terms of the units. But I just. I don't know. I. It's pretty much. Dave, you're. I'm basing it off of. Everyone's going to, I feel like bet Texas and Arch Manning and they're an underdog. And Ohio State still, like, these are. These two teams are just so even. I'm just going to take the home team.

[Dave]

I mean, it's crazy because the playoff does change it because again, they're not just saying it. But if there's no playoff, Ryan Day is probably gone and Ohio State had one of the worst seasons for them last year. They. They have lost a lot of these early season big games. They don't win them very often in my mind.

[Dan]

Yeah. Yeah. Remember the year they lost to Virginia Tech?

[Rico]

That's the one that jumped out to me. Yeah. When they were one in the country or something.

[Dave]

They lost to Oregon, I believe, at home a couple years ago.

[Dan]

Yeah, that's last year. No.

[Dave]

Chin on fat boys like shoulder.

[Dan]

Yes. Before Oregon was part of the Big Ten.

[Dave]

Yes.

[Dan]

Yeah. Okay, next game, LSU at Clemson. The battle of death valleys the current line. Let me just make sure I'm exactly right. LSU three and a half point underdogs over. Under is 57 and a half. Rico.

[Rico]

Clemson's defense, that's all I'm hearing about. They're gonna have two guys go in the top 10. This is Dabo's year to put it together. I know they made. They were. Everyone's kind of writing them off after getting killed by Georgia. They made the playoff last year. The defense is huge. But you're talking about two quarterbacks that could go 1 and 2 in the country here with Nussmeier or in the draft. I should say with Nussmeier and club nick 57 and a half. I'm going to take the chance of some big plays and I'm going to go with the over.

[Dan]

Say the defense.

[Rico]

I know Clemson's defense is supposed to be unbelievable but you got two world class quarterbacks. I'm going to go that the defenses can play okay, but they still give up some points. I like the playmakers on both sides of the ball. I'm going to go with the over.

[Dan]

Okay, Dave, listen, I'm a writer, dude. I'm a writer. I know, I just, I got.

[Dave]

But that is, that is a Rico Rider trademark. Give you every reason.

[Rico]

If you don't talk about Clemson, I.

[Dan]

Understand but you say you went over and you started. The whole thing with Clemson's defense is supposed to be unreal. And there's all these dude, two first rounders and then you're like. And I like the over. So I just got confused. I'm sorry.

[Rico]

Well, let me ask you this. If Clemson wins, what's 31, 57? 57 and a half. If Clemson wins 31, 28, would you say that defense got killed giving up 28 to a good LSU team?

[Dan]

I'd have to see how it looked.

[Rico]

Okay, fair.

[Dan]

Well, I mean it is. That's a great.

[Rico]

You're right. It's a great answer.

[Dan]

Yeah.

[Rico]

At 31, 28, I'm over. So I'll take, I'll take my.

[Dave]

I mean that's a high scoring game.

[Dan]

Yeah, it is a high scoring game.

[Dave]

I, I like LSU here. The quarterbacks, to me they're, they're, they're not necessarily similar. I, I like the LSU quarterback a lot more than the Clemson quarterback. I think it's a close game. I think it's a field goal game. I'm tempted to take the under based on Rico's advice, but I'M going to go with LSU here.

[Dan]

Yeah, I'm. I'm nervous about this game because I. I'm taking LSU as well. I think Garrett Nussmeier is better than Kate Clubnik. I think Kate Clubnik is getting talked about in a way. Like, I just. He's good. I don't think he's great, like, just.

[Dave]

Because he's getting the. Who's the guy they had who played for 9,000? Oh, DJ Oglen, ogle, that. I feel like Club Nick's got a little him to him.

[Dan]

Yeah, I mean, he had like 36 or 37 touchdowns last year, so he had. I mean, he was good last year. He beat up on some bad teams. Uh, the only thing that makes me nervous because I was right. I am going to take LSU because I think it's gonna be a field goal type game. So I'm take the three and a half. Brian Kelly is so bad in these first games. And lsu, I think, has lost five in a row, first games. I mean, like, just think about Brian Kelly.

[Dave]

Like, I remember close field goals, miss extra points, things like that.

[Rico]

Yeah, it was last year.

[Dan]

They got smoked, right?

[Rico]

No.

[Dan]

Usc.

[Rico]

No, USC had a come back, Dan. They like, they had a late drive.

[Dan]

What was it, two years ago when. When they play Orlando. When they played in Orlando, they got killed.

[Rico]

Florida State game was close to what?

[Dave]

Yes. Started not close, ended very close.

[Dan]

I think you're wrong on that one. Florida State 45, 24 is not close. It's just not close.

[Rico]

All right, then we're both wrong.

[Dan]

No, no, you were right about usc. I was wrong about that. So hand up. Good call, both of you. I was right about Florida State. I just remember one of these first games, they got smoked. The other ones are close.

[Dave]

Yeah, I guess there was a miss. Extra point in one of them.

[Dan]

Yeah.

[Rico]

Was that.

[Dan]

Yeah, yeah. No, that was. That was in New Orleans. That was against Florida State, I want to say in New Orleans.

[Rico]

So the year before.

[Dan]

Yes, they. Then they played in Orlando and Florida State.

[Rico]

The years.

[Dan]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Rico]

We mixed up the years.

[Dan]

Yeah, that's what it was. They played home and home or, you know, quote, semi home. All right. So, yeah, I'm a little nervous because I just think I just. In my head, I have Brian Kelly doing a press conference on Labor Day, being like, we got to get shit fixed and his face is all red and he's just like, we're trying and all that shit, but I'm going to take. I'm going to take LSU because I do like Garrett Nussmeier a lot. All right, next game, Alabama, Florida State. I'm very high on Alabama boys. I'll start on this one. I'm going to take Alabama in this game, I think.

[Dave]

Who's the quarterback for them?

[Rico]

Ty Simpson.

[Dan]

Ty Simpson.

[Dave]

Who's that?

[Dan]

He was the backup for. He's been the backup for like three or four years. He. We saw him play, I believe Dave, against Texas for a little bit.

[Dave]

He's the little guy, he runs around when.

[Dan]

When Jalen Milroe could not complete like a 8 year old.

[Dave]

Isn't this guy even more of a guy who can't complete a pass?

[Dan]

No. Well, I don't know. You know, he's 6:2.

[Dave]

I think of a different guy.

[Dan]

Yeah, I think you might be thinking of a different guy.

[Rico]

He.

[Dan]

He. I am. Yeah.

[Dave]

I am Ty Simpson. Because the guy I'm thinking of is black. So it's not this guy.

[Dan]

Okay. And then the, the Florida State has the. The old BC quarterback. Castellanos. Right.

[Dave]

Good player.

[Dan]

Yeah, yeah.

[Rico]

A little bit of as well into the game too. Do you know who beat Florida State's offensive coordinator is.

[Dan]

It's Gus Malzahn.

[Rico]

Gus Malzahn, Yeah.

[Dan]

Who doesn't really. That's one of those names that doesn't do it for me anymore. All right.

[Rico]

Fair guy. Yeah. Auburn guy. That's all.

[Dan]

What's that mean?

[Rico]

Auburn, Alabama. They're rivals.

[Dan]

So you. You don't like Gus Malzahn?

[Rico]

No, I met Gus Malzahn. He's a nice guy. I'm just saying it's.

[Dan]

Oh, I. Because they're playing Alabama. I got you. I got you. I gotcha. I thought you were thinking of. I was thinking Alabama. Because you're an Alabama fan. No, my bad. Yeah, Gus Bell's on. Doesn't really do that. Like UCF was garbage last year. Right.

[Rico]

Well, not great. Yeah, I agree with that. It's just. Yeah, it adds to the element of the rivalry. Like he's, you know, he's got something to prove as well, obviously.

[Dan]

So. Okay, I'm gonna take. So I'm gonna take Alabama -13 and a half in this game. I think Alabama's defense is going to be lights out this year. And then Ryan Grubb. I'm high on Ryan Grubb coming, joining back with Kalen DeBoer. He followed him a lot of places last year. He wasn't with Kalen DeBoer. Now Caleb's got his offensive coordinator back, so I'm going to take Alabama -13 and a half. I feel like Florida State did the transfer portal. We got to fix everything that way and I don't know, doesn't feel like that always works, especially when you're going up against Alabama. Rico.

[Rico]

So the thing you touched on, Dan, with the defense for Alabama, they had guys in the nil era now opt out of the NFL draft. So I love the defense. Castellos is good, but I, I think it's going to be a problem. Give me Alabama -13 and a half, please.

[Dan]

Okay.

[Dave]

I'm a huge Castellanos fan. I'm taking FSU based on that. I, I, I think he's really, really good. 13 points this game. Where is this? Is, is this literally at Florida State?

[Dan]

No, it's a neutral. Where are they playing it? I got it. Hold on.

[Rico]

Jake's nodding that it is true Florida State.

[Dan]

Oh, it is true Florida. Oh yeah, that's right. It's. They're opening their new stadium. That's bet. My bad. Yes.

[Dave]

Give me Florida State.

[Dan]

They're opening their new, their brand new stadium. Florida State is, It was under control. It feels like it was under construction forever. Okay, so you have Florida State day. Rico, you have Bama with me.

[Rico]

Yep.

[Dan]

Okay. We're going to Sunday night Notre Dame at Miami. This is going to be a great game. I love that they give us a Sunday night game.

[Rico]

I love that they give us a lead into the Sunday as well because there's no NFL. I like the double header.

[Dan]

Yeah, I agree. Notre Dame minus two and a half over. Under is 49 and a half. I already said Jeremiah Love is going to be my Heisman pick at 25 to 1. I hope he gets enough carries but if he does, he's electric. And then you know that the writers would love to give Notre Dame a Notre Dame running back. The Heisman. Rico, you start.

[Rico]

So this is the second one again where you got two QBs in new spots. CJ Carr, freshman making his first start. And then Carson Beck obviously coming from Georgia, but now with Miami. So new new quarterbacks in new spots. Miami's got a new DC from Minnesota that they're excited about. Lose a lot of wide receivers. I love the Notre Dame offensive line and the grittiness of that. And then also Mario Cristobal, 69 in his last 315 one score games. I much rather hold Marcus Freeman here. I like the toughness of, of Notre Dame. I like the grid of Notre Dame. I like Notre dame minus the two and a half.

[Dan]

Dave.

[Dave]

Yeah, I'm taking ND2. I'm not sold On Miami yet. Carson Becket did nothing for me at Georgia. Nothing. So, I mean, I. Is he going to be better at Miami? He seems like a Miami guy. I guess. Is he still dating the girl? One of the twins. They. I know they broke up. Do they get back together?

[Dan]

I think they broke up. Right.

[Dave]

And they didn't get back together?

[Dan]

No.

[Dave]

It's crazy because he moved there just for her.

[Dan]

Yeah, that is crazy.

[Dave]

And then they break up.

[Rico]

He's dating one of the Cavendier twins.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Dan]

I didn't know that's why he went there. The. The starting QB at Miami, though, is probably not a bad. Like, it's not bad if you're single.

[Dave]

No, sure. It's not bad at Georgia, either.

[Dan]

True.

[Dave]

Sure. It's not bad anywhere. Hank.

[Rico]

Where in Kansas? Might not be the most loaded.

[Dave]

Kansas, Midwest. Girls, get out of here.

[Dan]

I mean, if you're the starting quarterback, I think you'll be okay no matter where you go.

[Rico]

Pullman, Washington, Wazoo, Northwest Girls.

[Dave]

Come on, get out of here.

[Dan]

You're just naming regions, Dave.

[Dave]

He's naming schools, Dan. I'm gonna take Notre Dame. That's probably the ugliest school of all the ones we just mentioned.

[Dan]

Yeah, get yourself a nice. Like Mary or Kate.

[Rico]

What about. All right, Dave. Ugly bowl. Notre Dame, Duke. Which one you taking?

[Dave]

Notre Dame. Okay, meaning they're the uglier.

[Rico]

Yeah, Duke. Duke's got some ugliest, too, so.

[Dave]

I'm sure they do.

[Rico]

And that's just. Even in the student section. I'm saying they got uglies. Ugly, bull ugly boys. Yeah, exactly.

[Dave]

I mean, Michigan's. No, no walk in the park.

[Dan]

I don't know what I'm gonna take in this game. Fuck. I think. I feel like we're all walking in a trap. We all take Notre Dame, but I'll take them. Nah. Okay, I'm with you guys on Notre Dame. All right, last game Sunday night. Or, sorry, Monday night. Excuse me, Dave. Your guy Belichick starting. Starting off his career in college. TCU. UNC. TCU is minus three and a half over. Under is 56 and a half. Do you have to auto bet Belichick? Yeah, I think you do.

[Dave]

This game may be the most watched game of the whole weekend. Like, I am beyond curious to see what happens here. You got the Hulu Shoot back. Looks like Jordan or Jordan wrote the press release Belichick was reading to his team. That sounded so anti Belichick telling him what they were doing. She took a victory lap. I'll take North Carolina. The Heels I have. When I say I have no idea how this team is going to be. I have no idea how this team is going to be. If they're stinky. It's probably the end of his coaching career. I would say if he just bombs. I mean may coach again. Not if, if he makes his team really good, we'll see him back in the NFL.

[Dan]

Yeah, I would agree. Yeah. If he like. Yeah, if he, if he, if he wins eight.

[Dave]

If this team is nine games.

[Dan]

Yeah.

[Dave]

Like knocking around playoffs.

[Dan]

Correct.

[Dave]

That type of thing. They're going to be like, he's still got it. The door is going to open. If this is a mockery, they're going to. No one's going to want to be in the Belichick Jordan productions. So it's a lot of pressure. I don't know if he feels it or cares. I'm fascinated to see what happens.

[Dan]

Yeah, it would just be funny seeing him on a college sideline too.

[Dave]

I just, I can't wait. I'll be locked in for this.

[Dan]

Yeah. I'm going to take North Carolina plus three and a half. I. There's no reason for any of that. It's a home game for them. But like I guess maybe you'll. Maybe he'll coach him up. I have no idea. No.

[Dave]

No idea.

[Dan]

But it will be. Yeah, you're right. It's a Monday. The Monday night. Labor Day on that. Everyone's going to be watching this game. Rico.

[Rico]

I feel like an idiot because I'm going against Belichick here. I like TCU's quarterback Carolina from one of reading weak linebackers. I just listen.

[Dave]

Quarterback.

[Rico]

What?

[Dave]

Who's their quarterback?

[Rico]

I forgot the name. I'll be honest. Give it to me. Give me a second.

[Dave]

Must really love good stats.

[Dan]

Wait, you don't. You don't know his name off.

[Rico]

I don't know his name off the top of my head. Dan?

[Dan]

No.

[Rico]

Josh Hoover. Right. There you go.

[Dave]

Oh, he played last year. Yeah, he's good.

[Rico]

Yeah. Belichick could. Could very well like take this. I just don't see it, especially in week one. Maybe it seems like he's a. He starts with crap and turns it into something down the road. But I'll take TCU here in week one. This week's episode is brought to you by. Hey, dude. What better way to kick off the football season than with the official shoe of tailgating? Hey, dude is the only option when you're planning your game day Fit, easy to slip on, laid back style and all day comfort. They hooked us up with a bunch of new pairs and. And we'll be wearing them all weekend long. I'm wearing them today. They're looking for a shoe that's comfortable, easy to slip on. I love my hey Dudes. Whether you're in the parking lot before the game or locked into red zone from the couch, make sure you're ready for football season with hey Dude. Hey dude is offering a special offer to get you ready for the season. For a limited time, go to heydude.com barstool and use code pick em20 to get 20% off the the hey dude barstool collection. That's code pick them 20 to grab 20% off all your favorite styles. Order yours today and experience comfort all season long.

[Dan]

Okay. Do we want to do our cards? Rico, would you like to start?

[Rico]

Yeah, sure.

[Dan]

You got it. You got to defend your crown this year.

[Rico]

I got to defend the crown. All right, so UTEP plus six, Utah State, new offense. I like UTEP's defense. Supposed to be solid from what they're saying. Take them plus the six. Utah minus the six draft kings. Devin Dampier from New Mexico, 327.8 yards per game. Ran for 1100 and 19 touchdowns. Utah's D is always elite. You obviously got Nico at ucla, but I'm going with Utah here, even on the road. South Carolina minus the seven and a half. Virginia Tech loses all five starters. South Carolina, a lot of hype with Lenore Sellers. Liked what they did, kind of. At the end of the year, I'll take South Carolina minus the seven and a half. Northwestern plus five and a half against Tulane. So Tulane's got that BYU kid from last year, but the wide receivers are gone.

[Dave]

They lose a running back very long.

[Rico]

Yeah, they lose a running back to Oregon. Their defense has a cornerback concern on defense. Northwestern's got Preston Stone from SMU now. He lost his job.

[Dan]

Wait, at Preston Stone? Dark horse Heisman.

[Rico]

Did I say that last year?

[Dan]

Yeah. Was that not our dark horse Heisman guy that got benched in the first quarter of the first game?

[Rico]

I think so, yeah.

[Dan]

Probably can't quit him. Listen, I say that I love that. I can't.

[Rico]

SMU's backup guy made the playoffs. So as it turns out, the backup turned out to be. But he just beat him. Like sometimes you get beat.

[Dan]

I say that in the most, like, nice way. Like, that's the beauty of college football. You got guys jumping around everywhere. You can't quit them.

[Rico]

Exactly.

[Dan]

Can't quit. They pop up. Calzada is at fucking Kentucky that guy's been around for 10 years.

[Rico]

Northwestern's D line is their strongest unit. I like them in the trenches here. Plus the five and a half.

[Dave]

Where do you come up with that information? Just curious.

[Rico]

That their D line is the strongest.

[Dave]

Of the T line is the strongest unit.

[Rico]

You read it in the magazine when you read the.

[Dave]

You just get one of those magazines, read it and then just.

[Rico]

No, you get a few. You go through a bunch of different.

[Dave]

Ones and basically plagiarize the magazine to.

[Rico]

Us and look at what papers.

[Dan]

Dave, get the papers.

[Rico]

Information works for you. Now, Dave, coming into the seat. There's a reason teams are ranked coming into the season. North Carolina, number one a couple years ago, didn't make the tournament. It will play out. What they're saying. Is Northwestern's D line supposed to be impressive.

[Dave]

You won the pot, Hill, so you have the right to talk.

[Rico]

We'll see how it goes. Southern miss plus 13 and a half. This game is at home in Hattiesburg. They were bad last year, but they bring in a new quarterback. Sunbelt player of the year, Braylon Braxton, 19 TDs, 2 ints. Mississippi State's going to be really bad. So I'll take the shot here with Southern Miss in their. In their biggest game of the century. So that's kind of where I'm at.

[Dan]

Okay. Dave, you got a card?

[Dave]

Yeah. I like Friday night Cincinnati at home plus six and a half against Nebraska. I think that's a close game.

[Dan]

I like that as well.

[Dave]

Western Michigan plus 20 and a half against Michigan State. I don't know what's going on with little brother. I don't think they. I mean, they've been really bad. I don't think they should be 20 point favorites versus anybody. I like Colorado plus four and a half at home against Georgia Tech. Law changes. I like Dion as a coach. Still.

[Dan]

Question.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Dan]

Did you see the news about Ralphie?

[Dave]

Yeah. They're breaking in a new Ralphie.

[Dan]

They will not have a Ralphie running.

[Dave]

They said he's ambiguous to running or.

[Dan]

Some strange difference to running, which is. I love that so much. That is. That's all of us.

[Dave]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Dan]

Did you see the clip, Dave, of Ralphie running the last time he was on the field?

[Dave]

No.

[Dan]

He had uttered indifference to running. He was just trotting along, being like, all right, boys, let's get back in there. Let me get some food. So you're taking it without a Ralphie because they're working the new Ralphie. But Ralphie6ember is the one who's indifferent to running. He is retired. Ralphie7 is being trained for later on this season.

[Dave]

Yeah, I saw that. It's a good point.

[Dan]

I'm just asking. I'm asking questions.

[Dave]

Still on a card for now.

[Dan]

Okay.

[Dave]

I put a star next to it though. Jack, text me before the game goes off to get my opinion on that one.

[Dan]

Will do.

[Dave]

Baylor at home plus two and a half against Auburn. Don't. Can't name one player on either team. I'm just going with Baylor at home.

[Dan]

RG3 is on that call by the way, which is crazy. Who RG3 is on that call.

[Dave]

Listen, and I like. I like Shador. I've said I've liked Shador. I don't understand like the RG3s. Why isn't our like last round quarterback getting as many reps as like the first round quarterback drafted? The dumbest argument of all time.

[Dan]

Yeah.

[Dave]

Montana State. No. Oregon minus 27 and a half at home against Montana State. Again that's just a 4 o' clock kick. That seems like a game that gets away from the Montana states of the world late. Iowa minus 38 and a half against Albany. Can't believe Albany has a football team. I like Iowa this year. They're in the Michigan. I think they're going to be able to throw a forward pass this year. I had the quarterback from like South Dakota. I've been asking around about him and like my Fox meetings and they're like he's pretty good.

[Dan]

So Stooley too. He came into the office.

[Dave]

Great kid.

[Dan]

Yeah, like him a lot.

[Dave]

A and M -24 and a half at home against UTSA. That's another game I just think gets away from the smaller program late. It's a 7 o' clock kick. I already gave LSU USC minus 35 at home against somebody I can't even read. Missouri State maybe. That's a. I have a lot of games, big favorites that just think gets away from people in week one late. Another one of those. Arizona State minus 28 and a half against Northern Arizona. I love the quarterback at Arizona State. Love them.

[Dan]

Yeah, Sam Love. And I love, I love, I love Dillingham.

[Dave]

Yeah, me too. So I think they have a good year. They lost a running back obviously to the Giants. It was a key cog. And then I have UCLA disagree with Rico at home plus six against Utah. UCLA to me was a team last year that I had as one of the worst. And then if you watch them progress, they got sneaky towards the end of the year. Playing decent football. The running back, who's the coach? The old running back. Sean.

[Dan]

Yeah. Foster. Right.

[Dave]

Deshaun Foster. Yeah.

[Dan]

And then Nico is their quarterback.

[Dave]

Yeah, I know. Yeah.

[Dan]

Yeah. Okay. Is that your whole card?

[Dave]

Yep.

[Dan]

All right. My card. I'm going against Rico on the Virginia Tech. South Carolina. I think South Carolina is that team that has so much hype going into the season. Virginia Tech plus seven and a half. I'm going to take FAU. Maryland over 59 and a half. Dequan Finn from Toledo now at Maryland. Wisconsin over 39 and a half. Here's my Wisconsin take real quick. Before the season gonna be a real hard struggle to get to six wins because our schedule is the number one schedule in the whole country. I do think the team is going to be better than they were last year. They did a lot of good stuff on the defensive line in the portal. I like Billy Edwards.

[Dave]

Sound like a booster.

[Dan]

I'm just telling. I'm telling you real quick. Billy Edwards from Maryland. He played. He was a starter at Maryland. Big kid. We had bad quarterback play last three years. I think we're going to pick off one of the big boys. That's my prediction. One of them play you guys this year. You're on that list. At Alabama, at Michigan, at home against Ohio State, at Oregon. Win one of those and fickle is going to be good because this is like. It's a crazy schedule. In that schedule, I just named those four teams. We also have Iowa, we have Illinois, we have Indiana. It's a nuts schedule.

[Dave]

It's number one. Almost all the Big Ten. There's so many teams. Like I was looking at Iowa as my. And their schedule's ridiculous.

[Dan]

But it's. But it's such a luck of the draw with the scheduling in the Big Ten because if you can just somehow like next year. I think Wisconsin avoids like pretty much all the big boys. And that's when like it's like Indiana last year. Remember Indiana went to week 12 without having to play one of the big guys. So I'm going to take Wisconsin over 39 and a half in that game. That's on Thursday night. I have Boise.

[Rico]

Sorry. Sorry, Dan. The total is 39.

[Dan]

Yeah. Against Raymond. Ohio. Yeah, I think. I think Wisconsin could do that themselves. Boise State minus five and a half. Got to bet the first game. It's at 4:30 on Thursday. Gotta bet it. Sorry. That's. I don't make the rules. Those are just the rules. Cincy plus six and a half and Auburn. Baylor over 57 and a half. That is simply a legacy bet in terms of both teams are points in my head. And when they play, it should be points. Don't. Don't know anything.

[Dave]

Yeah. And bail. That is. I agree with that. That. That Baylor is not points anymore. I don't think. I think the same way.

[Dan]

Correct. Correct.

[Dave]

They're not.

[Dan]

I do like Jackson Arnold and the wide receiver Cam Coleman on Auburn is gonna. Is one of the best wide receivers in the country. Yeah.

[Dave]

Baylor used to have those. White House. They just go deep every play and score every play.

[Dan]

Play. Yeah. All right, my. So let's do.

[Dave]

By the way, I'm all in two on the season. Not even close.

[Dan]

I'm one and two.

[Dave]

Oh, and one.

[Dan]

Yeah. Jack, you have those from last week, right? On our record?

[Dave]

No, I didn't give mine out.

[Dan]

Oh.

[Jack]

I don't think we give them out publicly.

[Dan]

Okay. All right. So then we'll start fresh. We'll start zero.

[Rico]

I didn't know anything. I tweeted Kansas State. I'm owing one.

[Dan]

Okay. All right. I'm one and two. I did tweet mine out as well.

[Dave]

I did not tweet mine, so I'm okay.

[Rico]

You didn't know. You're good.

[Dan]

Bob Diaco. Ibo won last year. Where's Ebo? He didn't.

[Jack]

I don't know.

[Rico]

What.

[Jack]

I think he's working on some Fox show stuff.

[Dan]

Oh, okay.

[Jack]

So I don't think he's going to be with us this year, sadly.

[Dan]

Okay. No Evo this year. That is sad. All right.

[Dave]

We should always probably just ask him. He is defending champion.

[Dan]

Yeah, he should probably.

[Rico]

Oh, yeah.

[Dave]

Text him right now.

[Dan]

All right. Text him. My mortal of the week for the Bob Diako standings. This is my upset game of the week. I think I mentioned him earlier. Zach Calzada is the Kentucky quarterback. I think Toledo can maybe win this game outright. Plus nine and a half. Toledo is the favorite to win the Mac. Kentucky is down. This just feels like there's always one of these games where, you know, an SEC team or a Big Ten team loses to a Mac school in the first couple weeks of the season. I think this might be it. So I'm gonna take Toledo plus nine and a half. And I love Jason Kendall.

[Rico]

That quarterback is all conference too. Dan.

[Dan]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Dave]

So was it Toledo quarterback?

[Rico]

I don't know his name, but he is all conference when I wrote it down in my prep. He's all. He's all conference.

[Dan]

Tucker Gleason.

[Rico]

Yeah.

[Dan]

Okay.

[Dave]

Most. I don't recognize that name.

[Rico]

Face that actually. Yeah, that name doesn't.

[Dan]

Are you thinking of Jaquan Finn, who's now at Maryland?

[Rico]

No, it's double. Double check.

[Dave]

Well, was the Quan Finn the quarterback last year?

[Dan]

He was.

[Dave]

So he was all conference last year.

[Dan]

Finn was at Baylor last year. Oh, Phil was at Baylor. Finn was there the year before. He was very good. The year before. Listen, it's week one for all of us, so. So Tucker Gleason is their quarterback.

[Rico]

Was the quarterback last year. He was all conference.

[Dan]

Tucker Gleason.

[Dave]

Never heard that name before in your life, boss.

[Dan]

Tucker Gleason was the quarterback last year.

[Rico]

And fucking I didn't wreck that one. Didn't connect right away.

[Dan]

That's okay, Hank. Texas Horns up arse. Manning. Ohio State soft +1. Money line. Love that. All day, every day, every way. All right, Zupy. I like South Carolina. Sorry. Big cat minus a seven and a half. Okay, that's fine. It's not my law, it's not my mortal. So I don't care. It's just on my card.

[Dave]

Who they playing?

[Dan]

They're playing Virginia Tech in your Tech in neutral. Atlanta neutral.

[Rico]

I got Drones back. That kid's been hurt all the time.

[Dan]

Jackie.

[Jack]

I'm gonna take Boise south Florida over 62 and a half. And then I have Ebos as well. And it's Utah minus six.

[Dan]

Utah minus six. Add that to my card. Yep. Austin. Okay, Rico.

[Rico]

I'm going to take Wake first half minus nine and a half. I didn't say that in the thing because it was leading to this. I'm going to take wake -17 and a half. Now, there are not massive expectations here for Wake this season. They're talking about them being down the list in terms of power five teams. But they got a new power spread offense, a new offensive coordinator, new head coach. They don't have a lot of opportunities to win games down the road. I think you got to go get them early. You got to kind of sell the fan base, sell the alumni. Robbie Ashford from South Carolina is their quarterback, but they're anchored by Claire Claiborne, who is a thousand yard rusher from last year. They bring back three of their four tacklers and what a. Where is it? What a opposing Conference USA assistant coach said about Kennesaw State who's awful, is that the offense will be totally different, but they don't have the roster to run it right now. So that tells me in week one, I don't love Kennesaw State. And they're already going to be really bad. Give me Wake Here for a little bit of pride. Running it up minus the 17 and a half. Please. DraftKings.

[Dave]

I like when you just say stuff that that just is so, just not true. But you sell it like that. Wake Forest has to pound Kennesaw State to sell the alumni and the boosters. That's the most ridiculous.

[Rico]

I disagree. I disagree.

[Dave]

Wait.

[Rico]

Of a new coach.

[Dave]

Wake Forest has to pound. You think Wake Forest.

[Rico]

Anybody.

[Dave]

I think anybody around and anybody in a Kennesaw State.

[Rico]

I think anybody in a new job and a new offensive coordinator, a new head coach In a Power 5 program still has people involved in the program that care about Wake Forest. Do they care as much about Alabama, Georgia and Michigan? Absolutely not. But the new. There are season ticket holders, there are donors, there are alumni, There are people who care about.

[Dave]

And they're, they're circling Kennesaw State.

[Rico]

No, but it's weak. It's game one, Dan. They could. Dave, they could be playing anybody. It's, that's the point. You have Kennesaw State. You gotta cut their heads off. They absolutely have to run away school. What?

[Dave]

Isn't Kennesaw not even Division one?

[Rico]

No, they're Division one now. They're Division one. All right, let's do this. Let's role play. You're a Wake Forest alum or a donor or a booster. You have season tickets. If you're sitting there, don't you want to be with a new offensive quitter? A new head coach? You're walking around the barbershop in the delis, and it's like, hey, what do you guys think? I don't know. Yeah, a little excitement, new offense. We'll see if you're sitting there. Don't you want that? Like, would it sell you a little bit in terms of confidence or walking out of that game? Be like, I like what we got here. They ran it up. I liked what I saw.

[Dave]

No, not for Kennesaw State.

[Dan]

Okay.

[Dave]

And I don't think anyone's walking around, talking Wake Forest football around the barber shops.

[Dan]

All right?

[Rico]

That basketball program hasn't been good in a long time, so.

[Dan]

All right, Dave, you're immortal.

[Dave]

Yeah. I have ucla. I don't like that. Evo, the defending champ, did the other. I, I, I just was impressed. I, I don't, I'm not going to pretend to know who they have coming back, but I thought they got much better as the season went along. To me, that's a good sign on the coach. They got Nico as the quarterback. I think they keep this game close. You Taught to me. Very different team at home and on the road.

[Dan]

Okay, I forgot one pick. This is a vibes pick. ECU East Carolina plus 14 against NC State. I feel like they're just always in that game and that's a vibe. I don't know, you could probably look up and they probably got killed like the last couple of years by them. But I don't know. I feel like they always fight in these games. All right, good. Good first week. We'll be in person next week. Any. Anything else from anyone before we send everyone off into week one potential special.

[Jack]

Guests for a potential pick off next week.

[Dan]

Oh. Listeners at home, get the crew together.

[Truly Unruly Advertiser]

And head off to the course in the new 2024 ship Chevy Traverse. With impressive cargo room, three room seating and the first ever Z71 trim Traverse. Can handle your buddies and their golf bags with ease. Chevrolet together.

[Dan]

Let's drive. Pick off. Are we open to a pickoff, Rico?

[Rico]

Yeah. Content.

[Dave]

Love a good pick off.

[Dan]

Who would the. Who would the. Can the special guest fly?

[Jack]

Yes, he can fly and pick up.

[Dave]

It would be in studio, right? In studio or not even in studio on like we need him. It's not just handed the pics.

[Jack]

He will be in Connecticut.

[Dan]

Oh yeah.

[Rico]

So when. When we sniff that out. Jack and my guys reported to me and I said is he going to that event? And you said no. You lied.

[Jack]

Yes.

[Rico]

Correct. Yeah, you did, you lied. See this is, this is the tough part. Like going out and outside. Like we'll have you know, we'll be friends and I'll hand them to mirror because I don't do that stuff. But I'll. I'll turn my back and watch and you know, it's a. Pumps.

[Dan]

We have a great.

[Rico]

It's fun. Like I. I do think Jack's a great friend. And again I got his girlfriend.

[Dave]

I gotta be honest, Rico. If what he just said is true, which it clearly is a lie through his teeth to bring your arch nemesis to an event. I don't know that I qualify him as a great friend.

[Dan]

Right.

[Rico]

Yeah. That's where it's. It's difficult.

[Dan]

But I. I will say in, in.

[Rico]

And it's Jackie flip flops too. If you watch the timeline. He kept being like, oh, he was piling on. Couldn't do it, couldn't do it. And then he's one of 19 people.

[Dave]

To buy the Do Crew like on that whole flight thing after he was the happiest guy in the room when.

[Rico]

Right, that's what I'm saying. But leading up to it.

[Dave]

He was a great friend. He's not a great friend. He's just. He. He's a colleague.

[Dan]

I. I will say colleague.

[Dave]

Jack.

[Dan]

I'm a rider this year.

[Rico]

It's. It's tough.

[Dan]

But Jack. Jack is an important part of. Pick him now because I don't know if Dave and I can get Rico going like we could in the old days. And Jack might be the. You know, he is the joker at this point. We need colleague. Jack is a necessary evil for this show because otherwise we're just going to be doing picks and putting people to sleep.

[Dave]

Well, yeah, and it can't be back to the. I mean, he's. People always want. You want the crazy Rico. The contract negotiate. You listen, that wasn't scripted and we can't manufacture it. It's a different spot.

[Dan]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Dave]

So he's on the meds.

[Dan]

So we might have.

[Rico]

Yeah, but I still have the fire. I don't want you to think I'm a fucking corpse melting crayon. I still got fire.

[Dave]

Yeah. No. Yeah. I mean, you're not a psychopath, right, but if you. If you take on the mask.

[Rico]

No, but if you take away my fire, like that's a. Yeah, you.

[Dave]

Well, you don't have the same fire you had before.

[Dan]

But Jack can bring it out next week. Jack can bring it out.

[Jack]

Fire Rico.

[Dan]

So we might have a pickoff on. On pick him this year. Thinking maybe five picks a week and we'll.

[Dave]

But I'm happy for you, Rico. You're doing much better.

[Dan]

And we'll. We'll maybe do like a cash prize. Dave and I can put up some money.

[Dave]

Yep.

[Dan]

All right.

[Dave]

I gotta. I gotta.

[Dan]

Good show, boys. We'll see you next week in person.

[Rico]

Fuck you, Jack.