Barstool Pick Em – Week 4 (Sept 17, 2025)

Episode: "RICO BOSCO THREATENS DAVE PORTNOY"

Episode Overview

This week’s episode dives into the ongoing chaos of college football gambling with Barstool icons Dan "Big Cat" Katz, Dave "El Pres" Portnoy, and Rico Bosco. The trio recap last week’s picks (most of which were terrible), needle each other about personal and professional drama, dissect trends in both Barstool office dynamics and college football, and offer up this week’s picks—mortal locks included. The show hits the news cycle with some talk on Barstool’s internal changes, the wild Texas Tech Viceroy saga, Dave’s quest to optimize the new Barstool lineup, and plenty of classic panel banter. As always, expect roasts, inside jokes, cliches, and questionable gambling wisdom.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap of Last Week & Gambling Misery (02:27 – 04:03)

Dave: Claims he did "kind of good real life, but oh-and-seven in NFL".
Dan: Admits, "I just can't win in the NFL right now" (02:45), foreshadowing the picks carnage.
Rico: A bad week continues. Records: Dave 23–18, Dan 48–48–2, Rico 14–26.
They joke about Dave "squeezing out" Rico's picks, causing his record to tank.

2. Drama Over Rico's Family at Pizza Fest (05:17 – 07:50)

Dave is agitated that Rico brought his family to Pizza Fest:
- Dave: “He brought his family in, which I thought was bullshit, if we're being honest.” (05:22)
- He jokes about not wanting to see Rico as a 'real guy' and how it messes with his ‘hitman’ mentality.
Dan: Equates it to coaches bringing families to postgame pressers.
Dave: “A dirt bag move by Bosco… To be with your family... in front of Dave’s face.”
Rico claims his wife wanted to meet Dave and Dan, and “there was no sympathy… it was just hello.”
Dan: “Meeting your wife, just knowing what you’ve said about us… have to be off the charts.”
They laugh about Barstool security intervening, and debate if human shields are being used.

3. On-air Friend Betrayal: The "Fake F***" Incident (08:07 – 09:03)

Dan accuses Rico of celebrating a touchdown, then pretending to commiserate.
Dan: “Just don’t fake fuck me.” (08:58)
Dave: “You 100% did NOT put the friendship above the paycheck.” (09:03)
Rico admits to putting bets before friendship but pretends otherwise.

4. Show Changes & Bosco Benching (10:46 – 17:19)

Dave contemplates rotating the lineup after last week’s positive show without Rico.
Dave: “I'm going to figure out what I think works… If that means Bosco goes on the pine, he goes on the pine.” (11:19)
Dave reflects on different hosting styles (wants ‘Stockton’ not ‘Iverson’), gauges T-Bob’s fit, and references TV analytics for building the best lineup.
Rico: Takes it in stride: “What’s good for Barstool is not always the best for you… We got a deep, deep lineup.” (13:56)
All acknowledge basketball season may see a different pecking order.

5. Office Migrations & the “Transfer Portal” (14:50 – 16:24)

Dan and Dave roast Rico for referring to job moves as being “in the transfer portal.”
Dave: "You're in the same company!" (15:23)
Dan: Playfully suggests Rico’s always threatening a move for leverage.

6. Utah Viceroy Fiasco & Social Media Policy Rant (21:28 – 25:07)

They dissect the Texas Tech Barstool Viceroy’s (student rep) Twitter meltdown.
Dave: “That kid's the worst from Texas Tech.” (21:28)
Explains brand account policy: No personal opinions/takes.
Dan: “You shouldn’t be tweeting your personal opinion from a brand account. Anything.” (22:13)
The group jokes that prior Texas Tech reps were ‘rats’ (Rico), and Dan points out Rico’s tendency to trust random fans too quickly.

7. Deep Dive: College Football TV Rights Draft (34:09 – 36:17)

Dave and Dan discuss the Big Ten TV rights “draft” among networks, which determines who broadcasts which games.
Dave: “I would love to see a televised draft… walk to the podium.” (35:02)
Detailed explanation on how picks play out (“Fox gets the first three”).
Rico notes it’s risky: “You could get a game in the middle of October… somebody shits the bed, and you’re stuck with it.” (35:44)

8. Featured Game Picks & Degenerate Analysis (20:29 onward)

Each game preview blends legitimate stats with classic cliches and roasts.

Utah vs Texas Tech (21:28 – 27:22)

Picks: All three on Utah -3.
Main factor: Home-field advantage, Texas Tech off-field drama.
Rico: “The key here is they got to turn them over… Texas Tech’s quarterback 11 TDs, 1 INT.” (26:37)
Dave (mocking): “Keys to the game from Bosco: win the turnover battle. That is some big time analysis.” (27:22)

Illinois at Indiana (27:58 – 34:09)

Dan: Indiana -4.5; Rico: Indiana & Under; Dave: Illinois
Goofy side debate about Rico’s D3 football “career” at Nichols College.
- Rico: “You never had leadership in a locker room in Division 3 football. Six tackles, MIT, one INT against Endicott. Huge win on the road.” (28:57)
- Dave: “Anybody could play football where he played…” (31:02)
Ongoing bickering over whether it’s an “accomplishment” to play D3 football.

Miami vs Florida (37:03 – 39:56)

Dan: Miami -7.5; Dave: Florida +7.5; Rico: Under 50.5
Rico and Dave debate if teams quit after being out of contention.
Dig at Rico’s college team for losing streaks and “quit factor.”

Auburn at Oklahoma (39:23 – 42:30)

Rico: Oklahoma -6.5 for their defense.
Dan: Leans Oklahoma due to defense and Venables.
Dave: Oklahoma, referencing Sooners crushing New Mexico, making Michigan loss look better.

Michigan at Nebraska (42:36 – 44:52)

All favor Michigan -2.5.
Dan: “I think it’s a must-win for Michigan… and for Nebraska. Vibes game for the rest of the season.” (43:55)
Tangent on defending dual-threat QBs prompts classic Bosco cornerback analysis.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Dave on Rico’s family at Pizza Fest (05:22):
“I don’t want to know that there’s other people involved when you’re being what, like, yes, you’re a despicable guy. So I see your family… I shouldn’t have to—they shouldn’t be in my thought process.”
Dan roasting Rico’s D3 football:
“What does this have to do with... Coaches were always good with the film. They know, hey, look at this guy. Looks like that shoulder hangs a little bit.” (29:37)
Rico, defending himself:
“You never had leadership in a locker room in Division 3 football.” (28:57)
Dave on airing internal drama:
“It's not so much an indictment of Bosco… I'm going to see what the best show is. If that means Bosco's on the pine, he's on the pine.” (11:19)
Dan on social media rules:
“You shouldn’t be tweeting your personal opinion from a brand account. Anything.” (22:13)
Dave’s line about hosting styles:
“If you look at, like, we’re talking the Molly Qum… like First Take where you have a host and you have two people who go back… I’m a sling. Like, I’m so worried about hosting…” (11:19)
Classic degenerate line from Dave:
“I'm writing a note, keys to the game from Bosco: Win the turnover battle. That is some big time analysis.” (27:22)
Rico’s gambling truism:
“There's like 12, 13 weeks left. You got to figure out a way to go two, three games above .500 each week and just build and build and build, and we'll see. We'll go from there.” (03:53)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Personal recaps & misery: 02:27 – 04:03
Pizza Fest family drama: 05:17 – 07:50
"Fake fuck" touchdown incident: 08:07 – 09:03
Barstool lineup rotation/benching: 10:46 – 17:19
Viceroy social media saga: 21:28 – 25:07
Utah vs Texas Tech pick: 21:28 – 27:22
Big Ten network TV draft explained: 34:09 – 36:17
Illinois vs Indiana & D3 football roasts: 27:58 – 34:09
Picks for Miami/Florida, Auburn/Oklahoma, Michigan/Nebraska: 37:03 – 44:52

Picks & Cards Highlight

Mortal Locks & Moneyline Parlay (Key Picks)

Dan: Over Illinois/Indiana (52.5)
Dave: Illinois (+4.5) as Mortal, Memphis ML for underdog
Rico: Michigan -2.5 (bully ball), and Florida State/Kent State over 56.5
Three-way Moneyline Parlay: Memphis, Tulsa, Arizona State
Respect Overs: Arkansas/Memphis over 62.5, Ole Miss/Tulane over 61.5, and additional five-team over parlay.
Ongoing jokes about taking Florida State second-half team total, leading to exasperated mocking from Dave.

Episode Tone & Style

Lively, irreverent, and combative—this is classic Pick Em energy. The hosts are blunt, aggressively honest, and relentlessly needle each other about both on-field and off-field woes. Gambling advice is often a mix of legitimate football insight and pure superstition or cliche ("win the turnover battle"). The episode is peppered with inside references, roasts about D3 football, family, social media beefs, and trademark Barstool sarcasm.

Conclusion

This episode is much more than just college football picks. It’s a window into Barstool’s chaotic group chemistry, the mechanics of sports media, and the absurd drama of online gambling culture. Through all the bickering—from Rico’s fake reactions to Dave’s lineup maneuvering—the genuine camaraderie and competitive spirit keep Pick Em one of the most engaging sports podcasts around.

Essential Barstool wisdom for Week 4:

“Always bet the Over.”—a rule that’s rarely wrong, at least in spirit…
And if your podcast cohost brings his family to the office, don’t fall for the human shield routine.

Barstool Pick Em – Week 4 (Sept 17, 2025)

Episode: "RICO BOSCO THREATENS DAVE PORTNOY"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap of Last Week & Gambling Misery (02:27 – 04:03)

Dave: Claims he did "kind of good real life, but oh-and-seven in NFL".
Dan: Admits, "I just can't win in the NFL right now" (02:45), foreshadowing the picks carnage.
Rico: A bad week continues. Records: Dave 23–18, Dan 48–48–2, Rico 14–26.
They joke about Dave "squeezing out" Rico's picks, causing his record to tank.

2. Drama Over Rico's Family at Pizza Fest (05:17 – 07:50)

Dave is agitated that Rico brought his family to Pizza Fest:
- Dave: “He brought his family in, which I thought was bullshit, if we're being honest.” (05:22)
- He jokes about not wanting to see Rico as a 'real guy' and how it messes with his ‘hitman’ mentality.
Dan: Equates it to coaches bringing families to postgame pressers.
Dave: “A dirt bag move by Bosco… To be with your family... in front of Dave’s face.”
Rico claims his wife wanted to meet Dave and Dan, and “there was no sympathy… it was just hello.”
Dan: “Meeting your wife, just knowing what you’ve said about us… have to be off the charts.”
They laugh about Barstool security intervening, and debate if human shields are being used.

3. On-air Friend Betrayal: The "Fake F***" Incident (08:07 – 09:03)

Dan accuses Rico of celebrating a touchdown, then pretending to commiserate.
Dan: “Just don’t fake fuck me.” (08:58)
Dave: “You 100% did NOT put the friendship above the paycheck.” (09:03)
Rico admits to putting bets before friendship but pretends otherwise.

4. Show Changes & Bosco Benching (10:46 – 17:19)

Dave contemplates rotating the lineup after last week’s positive show without Rico.
Dave: “I'm going to figure out what I think works… If that means Bosco goes on the pine, he goes on the pine.” (11:19)
Dave reflects on different hosting styles (wants ‘Stockton’ not ‘Iverson’), gauges T-Bob’s fit, and references TV analytics for building the best lineup.
Rico: Takes it in stride: “What’s good for Barstool is not always the best for you… We got a deep, deep lineup.” (13:56)
All acknowledge basketball season may see a different pecking order.

5. Office Migrations & the “Transfer Portal” (14:50 – 16:24)

Dan and Dave roast Rico for referring to job moves as being “in the transfer portal.”
Dave: "You're in the same company!" (15:23)
Dan: Playfully suggests Rico’s always threatening a move for leverage.

6. Utah Viceroy Fiasco & Social Media Policy Rant (21:28 – 25:07)

They dissect the Texas Tech Barstool Viceroy’s (student rep) Twitter meltdown.
Dave: “That kid's the worst from Texas Tech.” (21:28)
Explains brand account policy: No personal opinions/takes.
Dan: “You shouldn’t be tweeting your personal opinion from a brand account. Anything.” (22:13)
The group jokes that prior Texas Tech reps were ‘rats’ (Rico), and Dan points out Rico’s tendency to trust random fans too quickly.

7. Deep Dive: College Football TV Rights Draft (34:09 – 36:17)

Dave and Dan discuss the Big Ten TV rights “draft” among networks, which determines who broadcasts which games.
Dave: “I would love to see a televised draft… walk to the podium.” (35:02)
Detailed explanation on how picks play out (“Fox gets the first three”).
Rico notes it’s risky: “You could get a game in the middle of October… somebody shits the bed, and you’re stuck with it.” (35:44)

8. Featured Game Picks & Degenerate Analysis (20:29 onward)

Each game preview blends legitimate stats with classic cliches and roasts.

Utah vs Texas Tech (21:28 – 27:22)

Picks: All three on Utah -3.
Main factor: Home-field advantage, Texas Tech off-field drama.
Rico: “The key here is they got to turn them over… Texas Tech’s quarterback 11 TDs, 1 INT.” (26:37)
Dave (mocking): “Keys to the game from Bosco: win the turnover battle. That is some big time analysis.” (27:22)

Illinois at Indiana (27:58 – 34:09)

Dan: Indiana -4.5; Rico: Indiana & Under; Dave: Illinois
Goofy side debate about Rico’s D3 football “career” at Nichols College.
- Rico: “You never had leadership in a locker room in Division 3 football. Six tackles, MIT, one INT against Endicott. Huge win on the road.” (28:57)
- Dave: “Anybody could play football where he played…” (31:02)
Ongoing bickering over whether it’s an “accomplishment” to play D3 football.

Miami vs Florida (37:03 – 39:56)

Dan: Miami -7.5; Dave: Florida +7.5; Rico: Under 50.5
Rico and Dave debate if teams quit after being out of contention.
Dig at Rico’s college team for losing streaks and “quit factor.”

Auburn at Oklahoma (39:23 – 42:30)

Rico: Oklahoma -6.5 for their defense.
Dan: Leans Oklahoma due to defense and Venables.
Dave: Oklahoma, referencing Sooners crushing New Mexico, making Michigan loss look better.

Michigan at Nebraska (42:36 – 44:52)

All favor Michigan -2.5.
Dan: “I think it’s a must-win for Michigan… and for Nebraska. Vibes game for the rest of the season.” (43:55)
Tangent on defending dual-threat QBs prompts classic Bosco cornerback analysis.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Dave on Rico’s family at Pizza Fest (05:22):
“I don’t want to know that there’s other people involved when you’re being what, like, yes, you’re a despicable guy. So I see your family… I shouldn’t have to—they shouldn’t be in my thought process.”
Dan roasting Rico’s D3 football:
“What does this have to do with... Coaches were always good with the film. They know, hey, look at this guy. Looks like that shoulder hangs a little bit.” (29:37)
Rico, defending himself:
“You never had leadership in a locker room in Division 3 football.” (28:57)
Dave on airing internal drama:
“It's not so much an indictment of Bosco… I'm going to see what the best show is. If that means Bosco's on the pine, he's on the pine.” (11:19)
Dan on social media rules:
“You shouldn’t be tweeting your personal opinion from a brand account. Anything.” (22:13)
Dave’s line about hosting styles:
“If you look at, like, we’re talking the Molly Qum… like First Take where you have a host and you have two people who go back… I’m a sling. Like, I’m so worried about hosting…” (11:19)
Classic degenerate line from Dave:
“I'm writing a note, keys to the game from Bosco: Win the turnover battle. That is some big time analysis.” (27:22)
Rico’s gambling truism:
“There's like 12, 13 weeks left. You got to figure out a way to go two, three games above .500 each week and just build and build and build, and we'll see. We'll go from there.” (03:53)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Personal recaps & misery: 02:27 – 04:03
Pizza Fest family drama: 05:17 – 07:50
"Fake fuck" touchdown incident: 08:07 – 09:03
Barstool lineup rotation/benching: 10:46 – 17:19
Viceroy social media saga: 21:28 – 25:07
Utah vs Texas Tech pick: 21:28 – 27:22
Big Ten network TV draft explained: 34:09 – 36:17
Illinois vs Indiana & D3 football roasts: 27:58 – 34:09
Picks for Miami/Florida, Auburn/Oklahoma, Michigan/Nebraska: 37:03 – 44:52

Picks & Cards Highlight

Mortal Locks & Moneyline Parlay (Key Picks)

Dan: Over Illinois/Indiana (52.5)
Dave: Illinois (+4.5) as Mortal, Memphis ML for underdog
Rico: Michigan -2.5 (bully ball), and Florida State/Kent State over 56.5
Three-way Moneyline Parlay: Memphis, Tulsa, Arizona State
Respect Overs: Arkansas/Memphis over 62.5, Ole Miss/Tulane over 61.5, and additional five-team over parlay.
Ongoing jokes about taking Florida State second-half team total, leading to exasperated mocking from Dave.

Episode Tone & Style

Conclusion

Essential Barstool wisdom for Week 4:

“Always bet the Over.”—a rule that’s rarely wrong, at least in spirit…
And if your podcast cohost brings his family to the office, don’t fall for the human shield routine.

RICO BOSCO THREATENS DAVE PORTNOY | PICK EM WEEK 4

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

Barstool Pick Em – Week 4 (Sept 17, 2025)

Episode: "RICO BOSCO THREATENS DAVE PORTNOY"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap of Last Week & Gambling Misery (02:27 – 04:03)

2. Drama Over Rico's Family at Pizza Fest (05:17 – 07:50)

3. On-air Friend Betrayal: The "Fake F***" Incident (08:07 – 09:03)

4. Show Changes & Bosco Benching (10:46 – 17:19)

5. Office Migrations & the “Transfer Portal” (14:50 – 16:24)

6. Utah Viceroy Fiasco & Social Media Policy Rant (21:28 – 25:07)

7. Deep Dive: College Football TV Rights Draft (34:09 – 36:17)

8. Featured Game Picks & Degenerate Analysis (20:29 onward)

Utah vs Texas Tech (21:28 – 27:22)

Illinois at Indiana (27:58 – 34:09)

Miami vs Florida (37:03 – 39:56)

Auburn at Oklahoma (39:23 – 42:30)

Michigan at Nebraska (42:36 – 44:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Picks & Cards Highlight

Mortal Locks & Moneyline Parlay (Key Picks)

Episode Tone & Style

Conclusion

Summary

Barstool Pick Em – Week 4 (Sept 17, 2025)

Episode: "RICO BOSCO THREATENS DAVE PORTNOY"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap of Last Week & Gambling Misery (02:27 – 04:03)

2. Drama Over Rico's Family at Pizza Fest (05:17 – 07:50)

3. On-air Friend Betrayal: The "Fake F***" Incident (08:07 – 09:03)

4. Show Changes & Bosco Benching (10:46 – 17:19)

5. Office Migrations & the “Transfer Portal” (14:50 – 16:24)

6. Utah Viceroy Fiasco & Social Media Policy Rant (21:28 – 25:07)

7. Deep Dive: College Football TV Rights Draft (34:09 – 36:17)

8. Featured Game Picks & Degenerate Analysis (20:29 onward)

Utah vs Texas Tech (21:28 – 27:22)

Illinois at Indiana (27:58 – 34:09)

Miami vs Florida (37:03 – 39:56)

Auburn at Oklahoma (39:23 – 42:30)

Michigan at Nebraska (42:36 – 44:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Picks & Cards Highlight

Mortal Locks & Moneyline Parlay (Key Picks)

Episode Tone & Style

Conclusion