PTI – “MLB Wild Card Comes to a Close”

Podcast: Pardon the Interruption (PTI)
Date: October 2, 2025
Hosts: Mike Wilbon (B), Frank Isola (C), with guest Booger McFarland (D)

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Mike Wilbon and guest co-host Frank Isola (subbing for Tony Kornheiser) break down the dramatic conclusion of MLB’s Wild Card round—focusing on Yankees vs. Red Sox—and preview divisional matchups. Additional topics include the Dodgers’ postseason prospects, the demise of dynasties in college football per Lane Kiffin, and NFL storylines with special guest Booger McFarland. The episode wraps with NHL and MLB nostalgia, coaching rumors, and quick hits across the sports landscape.

MLB Wild Card Showdowns

Yankees vs. Red Sox: A Classic Unfolds

[01:25 - 04:22]

• Game Recap: Yankees force a Game 3 after a tense 4-3 win, thanks to standout defensive play and aggressive baserunning from Jazz Chisholm.
  • "Jazz certainly saved the season last night. What I love about it from the Yankees standpoint, they're always kind of waiting around to hit a home run. Here was they're winning a game because of their defense." – Frank Isola [01:57]
  • Wilbon notes Judge and Stanton were “handled,” highlighting the unpredictable heroes in the playoff drama.
• Edge for Game 3?
  • Isola: No clear favorite, lauds Yankees’ manufactured run and bullpen, but points to Boston’s rested arms and history.
  • Wilbon: “It's Hatfields, McCoys, it's Celtics, Lakers. ... Even at a time where you can walk into a clubhouse and ... current day players aren't always familiar with a rivalry ... that is not the case with the Yankees and the Red Sox.” [02:50]
  • Both agree: expect another drama-soaked, unpredictable classic.

National League: Dodgers Rout Reds, Face Phillies Next

[04:22 - 08:12]

• Dodgers Advance Easily: Win over Reds behind strong start from Yamamoto and rookie closer Sasaki.
  • Wilbon is unimpressed: “It's like they had a scrimmage, an inner squad scrimmage would have been tougher ... I don't think anything that happened in these two games translates to what we're going to see in the next Series.” [05:37]
• Setting Up Dodgers-Phillies Showdown
  • Phillies’ lineup called “the best ... in all of baseball.” Wilbon expresses concern about the Dodgers’ bullpen: “Their bullpen has an ERA in two games against the Reds of 10 plus. ... That is not going to get it done against a murderer's row lineup like the Phillies.” [05:37]
  • Isola: Trusts Betts, Ohtani, Freeman, and points to the Dodgers’ playoff-ready rotation: Ohtani, Snell, Yamamoto.
  • Both recall bullpens as the “biggest wild card” in both teams’ hopes: “Last year, Phillies bullpen betrayed them. We'll see if it happens this time around as well.” – Isola [08:02]

College Football: Are Dynasties Dead? Lane Kiffin Stirs It Up

[08:25 - 11:28]

• Lane Kiffin Claims ‘Dynasties are Dead’ in the SEC:
  • Highlights NIL and transfer portal as leveling forces, referencing Alabama’s and Georgia’s runs.
  • "If a team in the bottom half is down for a couple of years, they won't stay down for long anymore because they can go buy and fix their problems." – Lane Kiffin, quoted by Wilbon [08:25]
• Hosts React:
  • Isola: Agrees, adding playoff expansion makes repeat dominance harder. Points out heavy SEC lobbying for more playoff slots.
  • Wilbon: “It's not provocative at all. It's fact. ... You can go into the portal and you can originally with Alabama or Georgia and you can come out ... older and bigger and stronger and more mature.” [10:15]
  • SEC expansion (Texas/Oklahoma) only intensifies competition.

NFL Week 5 Preview and Analysis

Guest: Booger McFarland

[13:20 - 19:10]

49ers vs. Rams: Key Storylines

[13:42 - 14:39]

• 49ers injury challenges; Kyle Shanahan needing “one of his most masterful coaching jobs.”
• Booger spotlights Rams’ Puka Nakua:
  “We talk about all the great receivers. How many times do we mention Puka Nakuur? ... He could have played for the '85 Bears.” [13:42, Booger McFarland]

Packers’ Defense in Focus

[14:43 - 15:52]

• Isola: What’s happened to Green Bay’s defense?
• Booger: Only struggled against a “red hot” Dak Prescott; otherwise, Packers have given up just 13 points per game:
  “If they do that all season long, they're going to be mentioned right there with the 85 bears.” [15:11, Booger McFarland]

Browns’ Rookie QB Debut

[15:53 - 17:00]

• Cleveland starting Dylan Gabriel vs. Vikings, led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
• Booger: Supports the move, calls for decisive action:
  “It's pro football. We're not going to wait around for the Little Rascals or for the perfect team for him to go against.” [16:07]

College Football Picks

[17:00 - 18:54]

• Alabama vs. Vanderbilt: Booger expects Bama to handle business after last year’s upset scare.
• Florida State vs. Miami: Booger high on FSU QB Thomas Castellanos and predicts a close contest, possibly another home upset at Doak Campbell Stadium.
• Wilbon: “I learned my lesson. I'm not going against you again, Bug.” [18:54]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Wilbon on Yankees–Red Sox Rivalry:
  “It's Hatfields, McCoys, it's Celtics, Lakers. ... Even at a time where you can walk into a clubhouse ... current day players aren't always familiar with a rivalry ... that is not the case with the Yankees and the Red Sox.” [02:50]
• Booger McFarland on Puka Nakua:
  “If you've never heard of him, tune in and watch him. ... He's a physical dude. He could have played for the 85 Bears.” [13:42]
• Wilbon on Dodgers Bullpen Troubles:
  “...What I've seen that bullpen in two days does not give me a lot of faith in the Dodgers.” [05:37]
• Lane Kiffin on NIL and transfer portal:
  “If a team in the bottom half is down for a couple of years, they won't stay down for long anymore because they can go buy and fix their problems.” [08:25, as quoted by Wilbon]

Fun Flashbacks & Quick Hits

[21:10 - 24:40]

• Glen Anderson (NHL great): Six-time Stanley Cup champ, four-time All-Star, celebrated.
• Bucky Dent’s iconic 1978 homer: "Bucky Bleeping Dent" still haunts Red Sox fans; the hosts reminisce on where they were for the moment. [21:56]
• Albert Pujols managerial rumors: Poised to potentially manage the Angels, joining the rare “great player turned manager” club.
  • “He has some managing experience already winning a Dominican Winter League title as manager this past season.” – Isola [22:23]
• Rapid-fire sports news: Lamar Jackson’s injury, Duke’s basketball extension for Jon Scheyer, Ed Orgeron’s possible return, Caitlin Clark’s WNBA impact, Nashville SC’s first U.S. Open Cup title.

Episode Highlights by Timestamp

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Yankees-Red Sox Game 2 Drama | 01:25 – 04:22 | | Dodgers Beat Reds/Philly Preview | 04:22 – 08:12 | | Lane Kiffin: End of SEC Dynasties | 08:25 – 11:28 | | NFL/Booger McFarland Segment | 13:20 – 19:10 | | Sports Anniversaries & Quick Hits | 21:10 – 24:40 |

Closing Thoughts

This PTI episode delivers classic banter and insight, combining MLB playoff tension, football analysis, and a dash of nostalgia. The hosts’ mix of experience, bold opinions, and sports history—plus Booger McFarland’s energetic NFL and CFB insights—make it essential listening (and a perfect recap for fans short on time).