Should We Be Worried About Shohei Ohtani's Struggles?

Summary

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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

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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|

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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.

Transcript

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[Frank Isola]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Frank Isola in Milwaukee, just days after co hosting for Minneapolis.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm Tony Kornheiser. Where's next? Sheboygan. Is that where you're going? Cedar Rapids?

[Frank Isola]

Oshkosh.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Oshkosh. Oshkot. Pick up a pair of overalls. That's on the way home, right? Aren't Oshkosh? I think they were famous for making older.

[Frank Isola]

Oshkosh forgot some time ago if they're not still.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. Wilbon is off today, so I am joined by our great friend from the starting lineup on SiriusXM, Mr. Frank Isola. And we begin today with the Toronto Blue Jays getting their first win in the ALCS by pounding Seattle last night, 13 4. The Blue Jays hit five home runs. They were all over Seattle starter George Kirby by the third inning. Seattle had won the first two games and gone back home, presumably in the driver's seat. So, Frank, does this result change how you see this series?

[Frank Isola]

You don't win 94 games like the Blue Jays did and the way they outclassed the Yankees, you're not going to give up after losing two home games. And you know, Seattle's been their home away from home. They've scored 34 runs there in the four games they played. That includes the 13. And let's face it, Tony, it all begins and ends with Vladimir Guerrero, who was so good last night. 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. I love the fact that he could have gotten the hit for the cycle, but as he was rounding second, I think he said, you know what, let me just stop here. I'll probably get thrown out and who knows, maybe I can get injured. But their offense finally came to life and I think it was big because they trailed in this game. They came back and won. And you knew what was going to happen. And they're going to have Max Scherzer going. And Max Scherzer has struggled in September. But you know what in moments like this, I wonder if he could rise to the occasion one more time. It might be his last ever postseason start. Maybe he can get it done.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So it's interesting that you would say you knew it would happen, because I didn't know it would happen. This changes my view a little bit. All right, because of the way Toronto won, because of the way they pounded Seattle at that point. But let's. I mean, let's look at this. Yesterday on the show, I said I thought Toronto had a better chance of making up ground against Seattle than I thought Milwaukee did against the Dodgers, because Toronto hits the ball better, but they are down they go. They're on the road down to nothing. And down to nothing in that game, in the first inning, Julio Rodriguez, it's a two run home run in the first inning. So if I'm on Toronto, maybe I'm thinking to myself, is this it? You know, they responded like champions. As you said, Vlad Guerrero went 4 for 4. He hadn't had a hit in the series. I think the team was batting.131. And last night, the team batted.409. They had five home runs. They had four doubles. I mean, this is what they're supposed to do. This is what they're built to do. But I don't. I don't find it remarkable that the series is 2 to 1. Most series in the third game are 2 to 1. And I don't find it remarkable that Toronto won on the road to. Because in both LCs is only the road teams have won. The trouble for Seattle, I think, down the road is if they lose one more and they have to go back to Toronto because Toronto behaved last night like they did against the Yankees, and that's scary.

[Frank Isola]

Vlad Guerrero was over seven with six groundouts in this series before he came to life last night. And I know that you love Alejandro Kirk. If Seattle's got the big dumper, Toronto's got the little dumper. How about that small dumper and the one that he hit last night?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, yeah.

[Frank Isola]

Yep. He's a lot of. He's a lot of fun. All right, let's move to the nlcs. And one weakness in the Dodgers dominance so far. Shohei Ohtani. He's one of the greatest hitters in the world, and he's also just 2 for 25 with 12 strikeouts since the Wild Card round. Shohei says he doesn't think his recent return to the mound has hurt him at the plate. Tony, how concerned should the Dodgers be about Ohtani's hitting slump? A Lot, A little or not at all?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, I would point to what you just said about Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Last night. 0 for 7 and then 4 for 4. Because sometimes it's the pitchers, it's not the hitters. Maybe Shohei Ohtani will find a pitch tonight that he loves. He drills it out of the park and it lands on the freeway. I mean, I would. I would say. I'm tempted to say that the Dodgers should be a little bit concerned, but they're up 2. 0. Maybe they don't have to be concerned. His recent at bats are discouraging. You know, it's a 2 for 25 against good teams, against the Phillies, against the Brewers. I mean, and the 12 strikeouts. And if you watch him at the plate, he sometimes seems to be flailing at the ball, except when he's taking a called third strike, very often from lefties. I bring up the same thing that you just brought up, Frank. I wondered, has the pitching changed Ohtani, you know, when he gets to the plate? Because before he pitched at all in this series, he was 3 for 9 for 2 home runs. And since then, it's the 2 for 25. And I was given a statistic today that when he pitched during the regular season, however long the duration was, even if it was just one inning, that the next game, his batting average was.147.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah, I'm going to say a little bit just because, you know, he took batting practice on the field at Dodger Stadium, and they say he rarely does that. So clearly it's something that he's thinking about. And, you know, I remember covering years ago when, you know, Barry Bonds is playing for the Pirates, great hitter, struggled in the playoffs. Aaron Judge, the Yankee fans, you know, they're ready to jump off the George Washington Bridge because he's struggling. Look what he did against the Blue Jays in game three. Guys do eventually come to life. Here's something about Ohtani. Two times already, he's made a huge impact without having to swing the bat. He's been intentionally walked. Game four against the Phillies and then game one against the brewers to load the bases. Mookie Betts ends up walking, even though Mookie didn't get a hit. So there. Even though Ohtani is struggling, they're putting him on base. And both of those runs ended up being used, by the way, Mookie Betts. Thus far, two walks with the bases loaded. The record for the postseason is three. And a guy that, you know, Jim Palmer, has also been walked twice with the bases loaded in the postseason. Little interesting stat there.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Really? That's weird. That's weird. Yeah. Yeah. All right, let's go to the Thursday night game. Aaron Rodgers at 41. We'll start against Joe Flacco at 40. This is only the fourth time since 1950 the two quarterbacks over the age of 40 will start against each other. And the previous three times were all Tom Brady against Drew Brees. Frank, is this a fun curiosity to you or does this matchup have real appeal?

[Frank Isola]

It's a lot of fun to me. Come on. How often do you see this? I mean, you just gave the stat how rare it is. And let's face it, too, for Aaron Rodgers, think about what happened to him the last two years in New York. A lot of turnovers, sacked all the time and a lot of losing, and he was also hurt. And you know, Tony, in New York, they were giving Aaron Glenn a lot of praise for making Aaron Rodgers fly cross country to tell him essentially to kick rocks. Right. You look at the way the jets are struggling, Aaron Rodgers lands in Pittsburgh. And right now, I still expect Baltimore. I think they could right the ship. Maybe if Joe Burrow comes back, Cincinnati could go on a bit of a run here. But right now, they're the class of that division. Aaron Rodgers in a really good position to make it back to the playoffs. And after two disastrous years in New York, and since he's gone, it's actually worse. So I'm interested in it because you don't see this very often. And listen, Joe Flacco needs to hold down the fort because right now, Cincinnati. Certainly teetering.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, I'm glad that I have the chance to talk about this because as the oldest working human being in the United States of America, I laugh at 40 and 41. And I will undoubtedly tonight sit in front of the TV set until I fall asleep. I'll be wearing slippers and holding up my AARP card. Look, I think that. That this would have more appeal if Rogers were still in Green Bay and Flacco were still in Baltimore because they won Super Bowls there. Flacco, there's a move out of desperation to bring Flacco onto Cincinnati because they're 04 since Burrow got hurt. But in the second half of the first game he played in last week, he was 21 out of 30, so he can still throw it. But I. I agree with you that the referendum here is on Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. They're 4 and 1. But here's who they beat. They beat the jets, who stink. Right? They beat New England before New England turned the corner and got good. They beat Minnesota, but Carson Wentz was the quarterback and they just beat Cleveland with Dylan, whatever his name is. Let me get his name here. I don't even know his name. I forgot his last name. Dylan Gabriel. All right. So there's not Frank, there's not a signature win. There's. And this won't be a signature win because Cincinnati isn't any good. So Rodgers is having a very good year, not just for being 41, for being 31, I think his ranking, his rating is eighth in the whole league. But are they good? Are they good? How good are they? Let's take a break. Coming up, how have the Falcons gone from one of the worst defenses in the NFL to one of the best? We will ask Booger McFarlane.

[Frank Isola]

No Trey Henderson tonight, by the way, for the Bengals. We'll also ask him how he's sizing up Saturday's games between six ranked SEC teams.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Dylan Gabriel. Dylan Gabriel. Oregon, right? Played at Oregon, got the job.

[Frank Isola]

Shador Sanders knows that name.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Not Roman Gabriel? No. Not the Angel Gabriel?

[Frank Isola]

No.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Dylan Gabriel.

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[Commercial Announcer]

Welcome back to Pardon the Interruption, presented by Twisted Tea, Hard Iced Tea, part of happy hour.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's get back into some football with ESPN, NFL and college football analyst Booger McFarlane. Today, wearing a shirt from the San Francisco Golf Club, which I have played. Let's start with this. The Steelers visit the Bengals tonight. The Steelers defense, which was supposed to be so great, struggled in weeks one and two but it's been much more effective of late, having at least five sacks in each of their last three games. What have you noticed there about this improvement?

[Booger McFarland]

Well, Tony, sometimes, like, there's no magic formula. Guys just start to play better. You know, they brought in some veterans this offseason. Darius Slade, Jalen Ramsey. Those guys have started to play better. One of the guys they drafted up front, Keanu Benton, he's playing better. He had a sack and a half. Derrick Harmon, their first round pick this year, he had a knee injury early on. He's starting to come along. So oftentimes it's nothing magic. Their best players are starting to make plays. There is one guy that I want to single out. They got this linebacker, Nick Herbert. He is all over the place and he's a rookie. And so for a guy who's that young to be out there making plays like that, to me that's something that's been very exciting to see.

[Frank Isola]

All right, let's stick with defense. Falcons had a really big win the other night, you know, last year. Their defense, it's, you know, near the bottom of the NFL. Now they're ranked number one in total defense. Why is this happening? How is this happening with the Falcons? Booger.

[Booger McFarland]

Or. Everything's a new. Remember that? They got a new defensive coordinator in Jeff Orbrick. And to me, that's been the whole key. He's a more aggressive guy. Like, he loves to be aggressive with his fronts. And so now you got a new defensive coordinator, that means new schemes. And you got a bunch of young rookies. Jalen walker, James Pierce Jr. You got this rookie safety, Billy Bowman out of Alabama, out of Oklahoma. Those guys are starting to make plays. You sprinkle in the addition of Leonard Floyd. That's how a defense goes from one of the worst. They get into the quarterback pressuring everyone to one of the best. It's a new scheme, it's new energy, it's new focus, and it's starting to show on the field. I just hope they can keep it up and give this offense A, not a lot of opportunities because B. John Robinson and is one of the best players in all of football. And the more they get stops on defense, the more we get to see B. John Robinson.

[Frank Isola]

All right, let's move to college football. In the sec, you got a lot of games between ranked teams. Got lsu, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama. Which one or ones do you feel most confident about?

[Booger McFarland]

You know, I would probably say Alabama and Tennessee, and that's because of the quarterback, Ty Simpson. Like Everybody remembers what happened against Florida Stadium Week 1, but since then, Ty Simpson has played the quarterback position as well as anyone. And I'm not just talking about being a game manager. He's putting the football down the field. There was a fourth Nate against Missouri. He threw it 29 yards down the field and you couldn't have walked it out there any better. He's playing the quarterback position as well as anyone. And that's the reason I think I feel more confident and more comfortable picking Alabama over Tennessee because of how he's playing. As far as Georgia and Ole Miss, I think there's going to be a little bit of get back in there. All right. Kirby remembers a couple things from the last meeting. Primarily that Ole Miss beat him. And then there was also a comment that Lane made this week saying, you know, he was asked about who's burning more calories on the sideline. And Lane said, and I quote, I saw a picture of Kirby. It doesn't look like he's burning too many calories. So I think all of that's going to be in the back of Coach Smart's mind. The loss last year, the lack of burning calories this year, I guarantee you Georgia is going to want to put a little bit on Ole Miss. And as far as LSU against Vanderbilt, I honestly have no idea. Vanderbilt's favorite, go figure. First time they've been favorite against LSU and God knows how long. 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. He has a fundamental tenacity and a culture that he's building Vanderbilt, and they're a really, really good football team. I think that game is a toss up, so I have no confidence in which way to lean there.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I will just point out before we get to the last question that over your left shoulder is an LSU helmet and you went to lsu and I think you're not giving us the whole stuff on lsu. Let's get to the last question. Four in one, Louisville visits number two, Miami. In any sense. Does this smell even faintly like an upset to you?

[Booger McFarland]

Not at all. That would be like somebody telling me that it smells like Wil Bond is going to join us in this segment when he know he's not like there's no chance whatsoever. Miami's biggest strength on their team is their defensive end band and Mezadore. Like those guys are going to be top picks. The weakness of Louisville is their offensive line, primarily their tackles. And I get it. Jeff Braum is one of the best coaches as far as a big game coach that we've seen. And Louisville, it's a Friday night, I understand, but when your biggest weakness is opposing the other team's biggest strength, to me that's a mismatch. And I suppose the weather could be a factor. Turnovers could always be a factor. But I think this smells like Miami blowout at home. And the Louisville Cardinals are not going to have any magic on Friday night.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Booger, as always, thank you so much.

[Frank Isola]

Thanks, Booger.

[Booger McFarland]

Always. Enjoy. Frank, Glad to have you along for the ride, sir.

[Frank Isola]

Thank you.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's take one last break. Still to come, Indiana backs up the Brinks truck for Kirk Signetti and will.

[Frank Isola]

Jason Kidd back away from his idea of starting Cooper flag at point Claire at least someone's happy to see me. Good.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We're all happy to see you. We're all happy to see you. Thank you in Milwaukee, Wisconsin very this.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy to see you.

[Commercial Announcer]

Pardon the interruption is presented by the refreshing taste of twisted tea hard iced tea. Please drink responsibly. Part of happy hour.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy time, people. Happy 33rd birthday. Bryce Harper. Two MVPs, but still no World Series ring. The Phillies went out in their first playoff series this year and Harper batted.200 with one extra base hit and no RBI in four games against the Dodgers. Harper hit.261 in the regular season with 27 homers and 75 RBI, a down year for him. Harper signed with the Phillies through 2031, but there is impending free agency for home run champ Kyle schwarber, veteran catcher J.T. realmuto and starting pitcher Ranger Suarez look, the Phillies have spent a ton of money and they've won a lot of games with this crew. They've been in the playoffs four straight years and they got to the World Series four years ago. And yet, Frank, it feels underachieving.

[Frank Isola]

Well, they better, they better bring back Kyle Schwaber. They need to do that. You know, I thought that Harper, he looked a little overmatched against. He was 3 for 15. You gave the stat, wouldn't you agree? Probably the biggest knock on him. He's a great player. But right now the biggest knock on him is he leaves Washington and they went on to win the World Series without him.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, made me happy as someone who rooted for the Washington Nationals. I have to admit, though, I don't begrudge Harper for leaving for that contract. I don't begrudge it a not so Happy Anniversary Indianapolis Colts on this day 10 years ago, Indianapolis ran what might be argued is the worst play in NFL history. After lining up in an illegal formation, the Colts attempted a swinging gate trick play on fourth down against New England that went horribly wrong. The intent of the play was to trick New England into an illegal substitution, get that flag and keep the ball. Instead, the ball was snapped, which was never the intent. I didn't do a good enough job coaching this during the week, said coach Chuck Pagano. Afterwards, we weren't lined up correctly and we had a communications breakdown between the quarterback and the snapper, unquote. But other than that, it was perfect, right? Pat McAfee, who punted for these Colts, has a good long recap of this play on YouTube.

[Frank Isola]

It's the thing about these trick plays, when they work, they look great. When they don't, it looks terrible. But you know what? The jets might be giving them competition for bad plays. How about the no play that they had at the end of the first half in England the other day in London? Absolute disaster.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That was. That was bizarre. They didn't even try to do so. That was crazy. Happy trails to Kurt Signetti's old salary. Indiana has moved quickly to sew up their star football coach, agreeing with them on a new eight year deal worth an average of $11.6 million per year. That would be the third highest salary nationally this season. The 64 year old Signetti just joined the program last year and he has an overall record of 17 and 2. His salary has gone from $4.2 million to 8.3 million and now to 11.6 million. Signetti released a video this afternoon in which he says he hopes to retire as the head coach of the Hoosiers, which means coachless schools like Penn State got to go fish for now.

[Frank Isola]

It's amazing the job that this guy has done. Who would have ever thought in our lifetime Indiana would be a football school, not a basketball school? But in terms of rebuilding a program, you know, you think about Jim Calhoun in basketball up at UConn. How about what this guy's doing in Indiana? Really, really impressive. Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. So let me deal with this for a second. He was at James Madison, which nobody has heard of, outside Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C. and he was making, I guess three years ago, $677,000. He's now making like almost 20 times that. And as you're pointing out with Indiana, they've lost the most games in the history of college football. Let's go to the big finish. The Hornets cut Spencer Dinwiddie. Are you surprised?

[Frank Isola]

Well, that means that Pat Connington, a former Baltimore Orioles minor league pitcher, used to play at Notre Dame. Means he's going to make the team. So good for him. Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has not yet committed to opening the season with the number one overall pick, Cooper Flag. At the point. Should he?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Jason Kidd was a terrific point guard. He either sees it or he doesn't. In Cooper Flag. Trinity Rodman left last night. Spirit came with a right leg injury. Is that cause for concern?

[Frank Isola]

Let's hope the best for Trinity Rodman. You know, she's dealt with a lot of injuries. She's our best attacking player. When I mean us. Tony. I'm talking about the US national team. So hopefully everything turns out okay. Mike Evans returned to practice for the Bucks. Is that a big deal?

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's a Hall of Fame receiver and many of their receivers are hurt. Baker Mayfield's happy. It is a big deal. Last one. The unbeaten NHL Carolina Hurricanes tried to move to four zero tonight. Do you like their chances?

[Frank Isola]

They're on the road at Anaheim. The ducks are 21 0. I like Anaheim tonight. Talk about stepping up.

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