PTI Podcast Summary

Episode: Should We Be Worried About Shohei Ohtani's Struggles?
Date: October 16, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser, Frank Isola (guest host for Michael Wilbon)
Special Guest: Booger McFarland

Episode Overview

This episode of PTI dives into the MLB playoffs with a particular focus on Shohei Ohtani’s surprising postseason hitting slump, Toronto's resurgence in the ALCS, and notable NFL and college football matchups. Frank Isola joins Tony Kornheiser to discuss trends, provide insights, and break down the storylines driving the sports headlines. Later, Booger McFarland shares his expertise on defensive turnarounds in the NFL and weighs in on key upcoming college football showdowns.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Toronto Blue Jays Storm Back in the ALCS

• [00:53–03:58]
  • The Blue Jays battered Seattle 13–4, with five home runs securing their first ALCS win.
  • Frank: "You don't win 94 games like the Blue Jays did...you're not going to give up after losing two home games."
    —[01:29]
  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s resurgence was pivotal (4-for-4 after starting 0-for-7 in the series).
  • Tony: "Vlad Guerrero went 4 for 4. He hadn't had a hit in the series...and last night, the team batted .409."
    —[02:32]
  • Tony believes the series is still very much alive and is wary of Toronto's momentum, especially with Scherzer looming as a potential X-factor.

2. Ohtani’s Playoff Slump: Cause for Concern?

• [04:16–07:05]
  • Shohei Ohtani is just 2-for-25 with 12 strikeouts since returning to the mound in the playoffs.
  • Frank: "Shohei says he doesn't think his recent return to the mound has hurt him at the plate..."
    —[04:16]
  • Tony draws comparisons to other slumping stars (e.g., Vladimir Guerrero and Aaron Judge) who bounced back after early struggles.
  • He notes: "His recent at bats are discouraging...sometimes seems to be flailing at the ball, except when he's taking a called third strike, very often from lefties."
    —[04:43]
  • Frank points out Ohtani’s impact even when not hitting: “Two times already, he's made a huge impact without having to swing the bat. He's been intentionally walked...”
    —[05:58]

3. Quarterback Duel: Rodgers vs Flacco, Age 40+

• [07:05–10:06]
  • The rare matchup features two QBs over 40 starting against each other, something only seen before with Brady vs Brees.
  • Frank: "It's a lot of fun...how often do you see this?"
    —[07:33]
  • Frank breaks down Rodgers’ resurgence with the Steelers and Flacco’s fate as Bengals fill-in—highlighting the rarity and nostalgia of the matchup.
  • Tony (humorous): "As the oldest working human being in the United States of America, I laugh at 40 and 41."
    —[08:27]
  • They debate whether the Steelers’ record is meaningful given the strength of their opponents.

4. NFL Defensive Turnarounds (with Booger McFarland)

• Pittsburgh Steelers’ Improved Defense
  • [11:50–13:00]
  • Booger credits veteran additions, rookies stepping up, and improved play on the defensive line.
  • Booger: "Their best players are starting to make plays. There is one guy that I want to single out...Nick Herbert. He is all over the place and he's a rookie."
    —[12:20]
• Atlanta Falcons’ Leap to #1 Total Defense
  • [13:00–14:08]
  • Booger attributes the improvement to a new defensive coordinator (Jeff Orbrick), a more aggressive scheme, and impact from young talent and additions like Leonard Floyd.
  • Booger: "It's a new scheme, it's new energy, it's new focus, and it's starting to show on the field."
    —[13:17]

5. Key College Football Matchups

• [14:08–15:51]
  • Booger picks Alabama and Tennessee, citing QB Ty Simpson’s emergence.
  • Expects Georgia to avenge last year’s loss to Ole Miss, referencing Lane Kiffin’s playful sideline “calories” jab at Kirby Smart.
  • Vanderbilt vs. LSU is called a “toss-up,” with high praise for coach Clark Lear and the Commodores’ improvement.
  • Booger: “But you got to give credit to Vanderbilt. They're one of the best teams in the SEC. Clark Lear, I love him as a coach..."
    —[14:24]

6. Upset Watch: Louisville vs. Miami

• [15:51–17:00]
  • Booger is emphatic that Miami will not be upset at home, citing a mismatch in the trenches.
  • Booger: “Not at all. That would be like somebody telling me that it smells like Wilbon is going to join us in this segment when he know he's not like there's no chance whatsoever.”
    —[16:14]

7. Quick Hits (“Happy Time” and The Big Finish)

• [18:46–23:23]
  • Bryce Harper’s 33rd Birthday: Noted for his MVPs but lack of WS ring; Phillies seen as underachieving.
  • NFL’s Worst Trick Play: Indianapolis Colts’ infamous “swinging gate” remembered for its epic fail.
  • Indiana Coach Salary: Kirk Signetti’s massive raise and the Hoosiers’ football turnaround.
  • Other sports tidbits: Spencer Dinwiddie cut, Jason Kidd’s uncertainty about Cooper Flag starting at point, Trinity Rodman injury concerns, Mike Evans' return, Hurricanes’ NHL streak.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Frank Isola (on Toronto’s bounceback):
  "Vladimir Guerrero Jr. I love when his dad used to hit barehanded. He uses gloves, but he could hit like his father. I mean, he is so dangerous at the plate." —[01:29]

• Tony Kornheiser (on Ohtani):
  "His recent at bats are discouraging...sometimes seems to be flailing at the ball, except when he's taking a called third strike, very often from lefties." —[04:43]

• Frank Isola (on Ohtani's strategic value):
  "Even though Ohtani is struggling, they're putting him on base. And both of those runs ended up being used..." —[05:58]

• Tony Kornheiser (on old QBs):
  "As the oldest working human being in the United States of America, I laugh at 40 and 41.” —[08:27]

• Booger McFarland (on Falcons’ defense):
  "It's a new scheme, it's new energy, it's new focus, and it's starting to show on the field." —[13:17]

• Booger McFarland (on Louisville vs Miami):
  "Not at all. That would be like somebody telling me that it smells like Wilbon is going to join us in this segment when he know he's not..." —[16:14]

Key Timestamps

| Segment/Discussion | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Blue Jays ALCS Game 3 Win | 00:53–03:58| | Shohei Ohtani’s Hitting Slump | 04:16–07:05| | Rodgers vs. Flacco: Age 40+ QB Showdown | 07:05–10:06| | Steelers Defensive Improvement (with Booger McFarland) | 11:50–13:00| | Falcons’ Defensive Transformation | 13:00–14:08| | SEC/College Football Picks | 14:08–15:51| | Louisville vs. Miami Upset Possibility | 15:51–17:00| | "Happy Time"/Rapid Fire Sports Headlines | 18:46–23:23|

Final Thoughts

This PTI episode is a mix of sharp analysis, humor, and sports nostalgia. The Ohtani debate is approached with balanced perspectives, highlighting both the worry and the potential for a quick turnaround. The show emphasizes how quickly playoff fortunes can change and why patience is sometimes warranted with stars. The football segments, including Booger McFarland’s contributions, are insightful particularly regarding the “why” behind NFL team improvements and the strategic dynamics at play in marquee college football contests.

For listeners eager for more than just the box score, this episode delivers the context and color that bring sports stories to life.