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Mike Ryan
You're listening to DraftKings Network.
Billy Gill
This episode is brought to you by Amazon Prime. There's nothing sweeter than baking cookies during the holidays. With Prime, I get all my ingredients delivered right to my door, fast and free.
Dan LeBatard
No last minute store trips needed.
Billy Gill
And of course I blast my favorite.
Dan LeBatard
Holiday playlist on Amazon Music. It's the ultimate soundtrack for creating unforgettable memories. From streaming to shopping.
Stugatz
It's on Prime.
Billy Gill
Visit Amazon.comprime to get more out of whatever you're into. Hey, it's Austin James. Yes, I'm living with diabetes, but it doesn't have to define me. Thanks to the Freestyle Libre A three plus sensor, I get real time glucose readings throughout the day. The Freestyle Libre 3 sensor is small and easy to wear, giving me the freedom to focus on my life as a parent and a musician. Now this is progress. You can get a free sensor at FreestyleLibre US offer available for people who qualify. Visit MyFreestyle US to see all terms and conditions. Certain exclusions apply. Data on File Avid Diabetes Care for prescription Only Safety info found @freestylelibre us.
Jessica
Welcome to the Big Sui presented by DraftKings.
Dan LeBatard
Why are you listening to this show?
Jessica
The podcast that seems very similar to the other Dan Le podcast? I'm sorry, I'm not going to apologize for that. In fact, the only difference seems to be this imaging.
Dan LeBatard
I have been tempted in restaurants just walking past tables to grab somebody's fries that if they're just there. That hasn't happened to you guys.
Jessica
I've done it.
Dan LeBatard
And now here's the Marching man to.
Jessica
Nowhere Fat Face and the Habitual Liar.
Dan LeBatard
If you are not listening to God Bless Football you should be. Because the chemistry that Stugatz and Billy have is real and it is funny. And I just witnessed it during the break when Billy did something and I'd like to know what it is because I could hear the echo of it in Stugatz's loud headphones. But he was saying things that were making Stugatz jiggle. This body that hurts after three months of hard covering football was making him jiggle with delight because of whatever it is he was saying. I think I could hear about Jason Sanders. I don't know what you were tickling Stugatz with, but was it that you're now associated with Jason Sanders failures because you're the loudest public enemy of this man he's ever had.
Lucy
Very aggressive there.
Jessica
Take it easy.
Dan LeBatard
You are the national face for criticizing Jason Sanders, not trusting Jason Sanders, doubting Jason Sanders. There's no one in the history of the American media that has done it more than you publicly and had your name attached to it.
Lucy
Well, I mean, in fairness, I think most people just don't think about Jason Sanders. Yeah, that was probably rude. I'm sorry. To the Sanders family. You've been great at field goals, extra points. You're horrific.
Jessica
So Billy tweeted out yesterday, and I just saw the tweet because Sanders had just missed an extra point. Billy simply tweeted out Sanders with three exclamation points.
Lucy
I told him, and, you know, we're break the fourth wall here. I told him. I was like, as soon as he misses, I always have to run and just tweet something out right away because I know that it's coming. It's. People are going to. Yeah, they're going to associate it. I'm like, I hate it. Poor guy. I mean. Yeah, it's probably not a high right now. And if he's on the sideline checking Twitter for whatever reason and sees me tweeting about him, it's weird. By the way, you mentioned God bless football. You can vote for us right now. For Best American Football Podcast, go to Sports Podcast group dot com. Vote for us this year, tough competition. We have the New Heights podcast. We have Mina Times there. Oh, boy. We have Club Shays there, and two of the Sims is. Are in there doing something. So it's actually Nightcap is in there and then the offensive line with Annie. There's a lot of stiff competitions here, so we'd appreciate your votes.
Stugatz
Two Sims.
Lucy
Yeah. It's not Chris. It's Matt and Phil. They have a podcast together.
Jessica
It's weird.
Lucy
Who cares?
Dan LeBatard
Who cares?
Lucy
Yeah. Who cares?
Stugatz
They call it the Sims 2.
Jessica
Yeah.
Lucy
Sims complete. It's actually incomplete because they're missing the one Sims people.
Jessica
I mean, Chris doesn't care. Chris endorsed hours.
Lucy
We actually had Chris Sims come on and endorse our podcast over his own family's last Friday. So going to get that video.
Dan LeBatard
That's right. God bless football. They have the Sims that only football fans want.
Lucy
Not Dolphins fans. They hate him. People hate Chris Sims. It's weird.
Jessica
Yep.
Dan LeBatard
He is exceptional on God Bless.
Lucy
All right.
Jessica
No, no, no, that's perfect.
Dan LeBatard
He's exceptional and he comes on. No, he's knowing he's exceptional. And I've got the tattoo of Kyle Shanahan to prove it. I really know my stuff. We're best friends. I know how football's evolving. I'm a great analyst. He absolutely is. And then Billy undercuts him. Because Billy's the Duke.
Jessica
Yes, but our audience loves that. They love the dynamic between Billy and Chris Sims because Billy really gets under his.
Lucy
All right, gang, enough about me. It's Dan's birthday.
Dan LeBatard
It's funny.
Stugatz
Happy birthday.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah, thank you.
Jessica
Not dead.
Dan LeBatard
I'm not good. Yes. Not dead is what. That's what Stugotts has been saying. In fact, it's been a combination of not dead and when I was walking out there and somebody asked me, how's your birthday? Stugott's answered, getting older. And it's like, yeah, true for all of us.
Jessica
It doesn't stop.
Dan LeBatard
Pretty much a universal truth. That's right. Getting older. All of us sucks. It's the one thing we all agree on. One thing. There are no other things. We are all in it together. Getting older. Yep, that's what we're doing. One of the days is happy. The rest are just getting older.
Jeremy
Better than the alternative.
Billy Gill
That's what you say.
Stugatz
Benjamin Button dead.
Lucy
That's the alternative. And you're not that.
Jessica
And you're not. Yes. Celebrate.
Jeremy
Congrats, Dan.
Billy Gill
Alternative.
Dan LeBatard
Well, so Billy brought up, please don't.
Lucy
Have an accident today because this would be horrible. All of us. Oh, it cost us all our careers.
Mike Ryan
But you'd get aggregated and that's probably what you want for your birthday, right?
Stugatz
Only if he's in costume, Lucy.
Mike Ryan
Never mind.
Billy Gill
If you want to get aggregated, you got to go on air. Like you gotta go like just like die on air. Imagine the clicks.
Jessica
Right?
Dan LeBatard
Okay, so now would be a good time to do that.
Lucy
No, no, no, please don't.
Jessica
No.
Lucy
Not after we just chanted you're not dead.
Jessica
Right?
Lucy
Preferably make us look bad.
Dan LeBatard
Billy in the middle of that shouted and got Stugotts his attention. This delighted Stugatz so much because in the middle of your football Sunday there was a play in Texans Dolphins that Stugatz was gonna make matter or something because Achan chased the six yard line play and turned a short touchdown on a two interception into just a field goal. And he was. And Stu got was ready to make hustle. The determined spirit of the Dolphins roaring back to in the mix. And in the middle of that I not unlike Billy, who has his own Sanders and I've got to admit it, I'm jealous of it was hoping that when people saw Tua running away from the pick six like a coward. He's doing the Dan. He's doing that thing Dan has recommended for 15 years which is when a quarterback throws the ball that he just run off the field because it's too dangerous out there. Get off the field.
Jessica
You were so proud of him.
Dan LeBatard
Don't. Don't run on that. Don't. Yes, I was proud of. I was proud of Tua. Yes. Yes. Because earlier in the game, he had made me say when he dove headfirst. No, Tua, what are you doing? You dumb, dumb.
Poppy
Stop slide.
Dan LeBatard
I'm doing. I've never.
Billy Gill
We're all doing the same thing. It's crazy.
Jessica
Yes.
Dan LeBatard
Never watched. Ever. I've never watched an athlete like I'm.
Billy Gill
His mother, like a guttural reaction. You just make a noise, but he.
Jessica
Throws a near pick six. And you're cheering for Tua because he's not tackling the guy.
Billy Gill
It's always like a. Oh, boy. Oh, here we go.
Jessica
What is going on?
Lucy
The crazy thing about it is that, like, Cam Newton has said it and obviously have very different body types. Like, Cam Newton is a monster of a man. Like, is huge. But Cam Newton has said that he can't go a day without people bringing up him not diving to get a fumble during the Super Bowl. And if it was Tua, we'd be like, no, no, no, no, no, precious boy. Don't go over there. Run away from that ball.
Jeremy
Stugatz is so right. And that I'm more proud of Tua when he doesn't get in the way of someone returning a potential pick six than when he completes a 50 yard bomb to someone. It's such a better feeling to watch him not die on the field than to do something spec.
Billy Gill
He's not dead.
Lucy
He's not dead. All right.
Dan LeBatard
You know, I gotta be honest with you. Okay. Because it's weird. It's just we are watching him in a way that is so paternal that I'm not kidding when I say I'm watching all the rest of football. But there was only one play yesterday that felt to me like somebody running on alongside but out of the way of the running of the Bulls.
Jessica
Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
Where she's like, get out of the edge. And like, it was like watching Tua in uniform just run safely away from the running of the Bulls. Like, like we. Like we want him to. Like he should. Like he needs to.
Jessica
I feel like two is my son.
Lucy
Same.
Dan LeBatard
What are we doing? What are we doing?
Billy Gill
And then you look at Josh Allen, the most annoying play, the pocket breaks down. It's like, okay, keep him in the pocket. You don't do that. He gets out of the pocket. It's like, okay, he's running to the sideline. He's going to run out of bounds. He's going to throw it away. Nope. Across his body darts at 30 yards for a 45 yard reception.
Dan LeBatard
It is. It is weird to see Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen play that way. Yes. Where everyone else has to. Where even Patrick Mahomes is eking to 13 or 12 and one on his knees. And every game is I need to run for six and a half yards on third and six. I need to.
Billy Gill
I need scamper. No one scampers like Patrick Mahomes.
Dan LeBatard
But. But it's crazy that it's a good scamper. You guys are agreeing with. My analysis on what the Chiefs have become is it used to be Tyreek Hill and Kelsey and now it's just Ken Mahomes. Get us four and a half yards on third and four.
Billy Gill
And hey defenders, once he passes the line of scrimmage, you don't have to fall for that. Deke, he always is like Deacon somebody.
Jessica
Easy for you to say though.
Billy Gill
Saying it's like I know I would be bad at that but linebacker that's done this his entire life.
Dan LeBatard
Learn Billy, you were excited in the middle of that Texans game until which of the two interceptions broke your heart? Broke your heart as the guy who two years ago bought a TUA jersey because you want to believe in this team. And again another season I think you're willing to say falls at your feet or in the mix. Six and eight in the mix.
Lucy
I mean they're still on the graphic there, but so are the Bengals now. Bengals.
Jessica
Someone has to be in the graphic.
Lucy
Billy is really. Yeah, well, I mean the culture in the graphic, they have to be. Okay, well it. I'll say this and I'm going to go on record and say this. Dan, where's my camera? Look this way. Dolphins have an uphill battle if they want to make the playoffs. And that's as far as I'm willing to go.
Billy Gill
Been uphill all season.
Lucy
Yeah. So you ask which, which interception broke me. It's a good question because I was in a group chat with my brother in law and my cousin and I texted them and I said this is the Drive boys. And then they threw an interception and then the next one and I said this is the Drive boys. And then there was another interception on the first play. But. And I was feeling bad, Dan. And I was. I was actually texting you during the game while this was going on and I said I think I have to start looking into this situation because it seems as though this might be. This might be Tua's fault. And I know no one wants to blame you.
Dan LeBatard
I'm sorry. I'm sorry it took me this long to get here and. Yeah. Yes. Because, Billy, thank you. You were trying to produce me from afar by just simply texting me, and I should have taken the cue. And I'm sorry I didn't. That you were now investigating everything with tua.
Lucy
I was just. What I said was, quote. And I apologize in advance because I just need to apologize. I said people might be right about tua. I'm investigating.
Dan LeBatard
So we're at the stages of. Billy Gill, the Duke number four internationally ranked insider, is officially investigating whether we know enough about football to know whose fault the three interceptions were yesterday, Tuas or Hills.
Lucy
Yeah. So at 3:44, I texted you, I'm investigating. And at 418, I texted you back, investigation over.
Jessica
Wow, that was quick.
Lucy
It was Tyreek's fault. And it's based just on one tweet from kparrott that said, given Mike McDaniel made clear in his halftime interview that Tyreek Hill was not where he was supposed to be on that first pick off by Caitlin Bullock. We know Tyreek was at the center of all three interceptions. And I said, you know what? Good enough for me. Tyreek's fault. He's walked, he's washed.
Billy Gill
It was also too just forcing the.
Lucy
Ball to Tyreek that third interception. You get one hand on the ball, you're supposed to make the catch. You get two hands on the ball. I don't even know what the saying is, but you're not supposed to let them come and just rip it out of your hands. That's not how football works.
Stugatz
Shame on me. I think it's two hands on the.
Lucy
Ball, one hand on the ball. Shame on you. Two hands on the balls. Shame on me. And maybe a personal foul.
Dan LeBatard
All right, can I also just. Can we laugh for just a moment on the idea that there is a penalty for jumping through the end zone to honor Marshawn lynch, who deserved to celebrate that way after the single greatest, toughest run in the history of professional football, that if you were to penalize that. That you should also penalize that. Throughout my football Sunday, I saw giant men winding up from miles away to just throw punches at football. Footballs directly. That one of them hit a chin on the way to its football, but that you just have giant men out there now just throwing giant punches. And in at least three of the games, Nick Chubb dropped one of them, and he Never drops the football. And so I'm like, we're good with that. We're good.
Jessica
We're good punching it out.
Billy Gill
Yeah, they were sexual punches then. That would be the story.
Dan LeBatard
We're good with guys just running across the field and punching people as hard as they can. And sometimes they hit the football and sometimes they're going to hit you on the chin. We're good with that. Yes.
Stugatz
I mean, if you hip thrust while you're doing it and then it's also after 15 yards.
Jessica
Yes.
Stugatz
No sexy stuff. But super bowl licks. I'm investigating.
Dan LeBatard
Okay. All right. So I need both of these investigations to continue throughout the show.
Jessica
Well, Billy's is done.
Lucy
I mean, mine's concluded. And nothing's ever to his fault. Case closed.
Dan LeBatard
Did you guys. Did you guys enjoy or care about the Heisman Trophy going to Travis Hunter? We spent the season talking about. We love doing this. MVP of football, Most Valuable Player in College football. And Cam Ward, we spent the season talking about him. And then Travis Hunter. Well, first of all, in the streets, Shador Sanders is throwing the ball a football in the cold in the New York streets with neighbors. Because Shador Sanders is about to dominate the draft and so is Travis Hunter.
Jessica
Malik. Not actual neighbors of Shadow.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah, thank you.
Stugatz
I mean, someone clarification clear that up? Yeah, no, I knew about it because Giants fans were getting aroused, but that's correct.
Dan LeBatard
It was in the streets of New York, but Colorado in some ways, and these two players have resuscitated a program. And Travis Hunter just won a Heisman over a running back who'd had a better season than the last three Heisman winning running backs. That's right. To be heard about like, okay, I get it, but I thought we usually gave the award on merit, not, oh, this guy's more unique than I am. And therefore that's more valuable than what I did at Boise State.
Stugatz
Do you have a vote, Dan?
Dan LeBatard
I do.
Stugatz
Do you. Do you ever reveal who you voted for afterwards?
Dan LeBatard
You're not supposed to, I think after.
Stugatz
You can, but before you can't. Right.
Mike Ryan
Just whisper it.
Dan LeBatard
No, but I'm allowed to.
Stugatz
Were you one of the six first places?
Lucy
Yeah, I can guess. When I said. I said six for Cam Ward, I said, I know one of them.
Jessica
You want Billy to say it in that voice or.
Dan LeBatard
Yes.
Jessica
Okay. Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
Yes.
Stugatz
You don't have to tell us. I'm just curious.
Dan LeBatard
No, I am. I am. I am one of the six votes for Cam.
Billy Gill
Big shock.
Dan LeBatard
Yes, I am.
Lucy
Who'd you have at number two?
Dan LeBatard
The Boise State, kid.
Lucy
Oh, wow.
Jeremy
How much did Mike pay?
Lucy
3. Or.
Dan LeBatard
Travis Hunter was third.
Jessica
Wow.
Lucy
Door got one vote for first place.
Dan LeBatard
I think you would have thought that would have been me.
Lucy
I don't know. Maybe. Maybe.
Billy Gill
While we're talking Heisman, I want to play a clip from our show. This is from September 16th, week three of the season when Travis Hunter was plus 3500 to win the award.
Jessica
If we're being honest, the Heisman Trophy should go to Travis Hunter. He's the best receiver in college football and the best quarterback.
Dan LeBatard
Scratch was right.
Lucy
Holy stugach.
Jessica
Was right.
Dan LeBatard
It's God bless football. It's. It's a religious service. It's. It's. That's what it is. It's a religious service. If they have won you so much money this year, if you have been taking. If DraftKings does all this number breakdown, all these serious Ross Tuckers running around, they know the things that you think you need to know, but they're not killing it gambling the way that Billy and Stu Gotts are. How did big board betts and Stu got you or Stu got sorry. How'd that do this weekend?
Lucy
So big board bets. The Monday thing I had, there's two Monday night games and Dan Monday, two Monday night games means we get the bb bb, the bonus board. So we do both games. So there should be six picks, but I couldn't make a decision on the first game. So there's four picks for the first game, three picks for the second game and I have a weird feeling where I should be feeling confident. I'm just like, I don't know, I don't know about this one. Which isn't how you should be kind of presenting all of these picks, especially when you're doing well. But I'm like, I don't know. And I'm going to give you a quick spoiler alert. In my second game, I did some deep dives and I took the under on punts for the game.
Poppy
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Lucy
Don LeBatard I may take it one step further.
Dan LeBatard
Wait a minute, wait a minute.
Jessica
You're getting sexier by the moment.
Dan LeBatard
Slow down. We haven't even gotten stugots.
Lucy
Jason Sanders, you're unnoticed.
Dan LeBatard
Wow. Oh, my God.
Lucy
What?
Jessica
In spite of him.
Lucy
Oh, wow.
Poppy
I love you, Duke.
Lucy
This is the Dan Levatar show with these two gods.
Dan LeBatard
So here's the thing, okay? And I hurt for Billy on this. Now that there's pressure on these. Billy wants to do this quietly. Billy does not want everyone expecting to win or lose money with Billy's not.
Lucy
But.
Dan LeBatard
But if. If you're going to force him into the corner, then he will take great care in the analysis and try to actually figure out how to win these bets. He's not. Him and Juju are not. Are not doing this casually and it hurts them. They don't want to lose your money. They don't want to be doing this. They. We forced them into a corner by signing with a gambling giant. Our sugar daddy pays for everything. So Billy, Juju, we need you to do the bets. And now Billy goes out there and people are losing money if Billy loses. But two thirds of the time, Billy ain't losing.
Jessica
If you have followed Billy and you have followed God bless football and all the picks that we've made, you have had a hell of a season. I'm serious. Like, Billy's on fire. I was three and three yesterday. I have the Vikings and Falcons coming up tonight, but I am 64, 41 and 2 on the season. Now, listen, I'm losing money because I buy so many points, but I am 64, 41 and 2 on the season. And I believe Billy's like 42 and 1941 and ridiculous.
Lucy
Yeah. And I'm in the weird position where people from work are texting me and are like, what's the play today? And I'm like, whoa. Like, what are we doing? But I did give away a lock of the year privately yesterday. Wow.
Jessica
Did you.
Lucy
That was the. It was. It was the Bills Lions over. Come on. I mean, Lock of the year. Everybody knew that. Jeez. Everybody knew that was. Stevie could have seen that.
Dan LeBatard
That game. There was no close second. Right. I mean, I know the Saints and Commanders sneak in there and all the games are great. Jets, Jags, it's all asinine. The fact that all the games are close and you're interested in everything and the difference between the Commanders being, you know, I the favorite.
Jessica
Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
And losing a game where you're like, really? Spencer Rattler, Really? That's what's going to change everything around for you. But getting back to the Heisman, you guys were good with Travis Hunter.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, I was fine with it. I mean, if I had to vote, which I don't have one, I don't know how one goes about getting one, but I'm interested if anybody who has that power is listening, I would have voted for Gen T. But it's also like, I think you just have to look at it in the sense that Ashton Gentee has had one of the best seasons you've ever. We've ever seen for a running back in college football. Like, he so close to breaking Barry Sanders record and he sat out a lot the season because Boise State was blowing people out. It just happened to happen the year that there's a generational talent playing on both sides of the ball. I think either of them would have been a great choice. I would have voted for Gentee, but it's hard to look at Travis Hunter, what he's done, the fact that he's playing two positions and playing them both incredibly well and say that he doesn't deserve the Heisman. I think this is. It was exciting to have a vote where it felt kind of close, though, where you really didn't. I think we kind of knew that Travis Hunter was going to win, but, like, it wasn't just a blowout. We know Jaden Daniels was going to win last year and so I'm fine with it either way.
Stugatz
It was the closest vote, I think they said, since 2009. So it was. Even though Travis Hunter got the majority of the first place votes, it was very, very close. Lucy, to your point. So I'm with Lucy. I thought both were deserving. I think voters have different criteria when they vote, but like Travis Hunter's ability to play on both sides of the ball kind of puts him in a. In a space where you can't really just compare his stats, especially because he plays defense too. He had, you know, Four interceptions. He had like the fourth best coverage grade of all cornerbacks on PFF this year. Quarterbacks had terrible passer ratings against him. Like, those are hard to compare against, like over, you know, 2, 20, 400 yards or whatever it was and 30 touchdowns. But Genti had. So it's hard to compare because he's playing two different positions so well. But I thought both would have been deserving. I don't know who I would have voted for. I think it just comes down to, you know, how you vote for the player, which is the criteria is what Dan, like most outstanding player. It's pretty vague. Like, you could kind of. You voted for Cam Ward, so you didn't have either of them. So everyone kind of has their own thing they vote for.
Lucy
You guys obviously love college football more than like the rest of us do. I don't think I'm speaking out of turn and saying that. Is it like, was it appointment viewing for you on Saturday? Because, like, I'm wondering if it's a situation of if things have changed or if I'm just getting old. Because I remember like the Heisman used to be appointment viewing. You'd have to sit down, you'd watch it and right afterwards they debut like a premiere of 30 for 30 that you wanted to watch. And it was like a whole spectacle and a whole day's worth of of things like leading up to who's going to win the Heisman and then what am I going to watch right after.
Jessica
Used to mean something.
Lucy
Yeah. And like, I don't. I again, it could just be me getting old and reprioritizing things. But like, I just kind of like checked on my phone with 10 minutes to go in the ceremony and I'm like, I'm going to see who wins that way. And I watched it on my phone.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, I tune in with like 20 minutes left because it's what, an hour long program and you don't find out the winner till late. Like, I watch enough college football that I know their backstories. I've seen the clips from their families. I've seen the game day special. So, like, I don't necessarily feel like I'm seeing a whole lot. And it's also like half of it's just them going through all the Heisman winners who showed up. I said, oh, I saw you last year.
Lucy
It's cool.
Stugatz
All the handshaking, the line of Heisman. I don't watch the show any. I'm still like interested in the Heisman debate and the voting and everything. Like that and the players themselves. But like Lucy said, like, I don't need to watch the show. Cause I was at dinner and I just, like, saw the notification on my phone. I was like, oh, cool, he won. Okay.
Mike Ryan
I did think it was cool that Lil Wayne was there. I think everyone should be able to bring a celebrity with him. And it was so funny. Cause Travis Hunter won and was like, I've actually never listened to Lil Wayne before. Don't reach it. Like, well, he's here with you at the Heisman ceremony.
Jessica
But thank you for being here. I did enjoy that part of it. Dan. Travis Hunter, because you see the glitch, you see the jewelry, you see all. You hear all the stories. Him and Chador doing whatever they want. Running amok over Colorado in that program, I saw a different kid than perhaps was portrayed to me throughout the last two seasons. It's so great when you learn about a kid after he wins the Heisman and they step up and they make a great speech. And I learned so much about him in that spot. His speech was phenomenal. He is a great public speaker. He's not afraid of it. He thanked everyone, thanked his dad. It was very emotional. And I enjoy seeing that. I still enjoy seeing that with my sports.
Dan LeBatard
Well, I mean, you've got somebody who's under a helmet, who's a star, who then takes off the helmet. And in much pomp and circumstance with voters and handshaking and everything else, we still anoint as if it matters. Here's the king of college football. You asked me what my criterion is, because certainly you can accuse me of being a homer for voting for Cam Ward. My thing was, oh, that team wouldn't have been any good without him. Like, we would not have spent the entire season talking about that offense. Best offense, best statistical University of Miami quarterback I've ever seen. And that's the reason that I voted for him. But I am wondering, while I get into the merits of the argument with you guys, if I shouldn't just figure out how to hand over my vote to Lucy and Jessica and Jeremy and.
Billy Gill
Do this again, huh?
Dan LeBatard
And Mike Ryan, the same way that your dad hands over the vote.
Lucy
Well, you can't give it to three people. So we're gonna have to have a competition to see who wins.
Jeremy
Not money to approve.
Dan LeBatard
But Jessica just said she didn't know who she would vote for, which surprises me if she enjoys the argument.
Stugatz
Well, because I don't have a vote, so I don't really have to sit and think about it too much. I would also add that I don't think Boise State would be in the playoff if it weren't for Ashton Gentee.
Jessica
Agree.
Stugatz
He had a just absurd season. I think the one thing that really sucks about him losing is that I feel like it, you know, maybe sends a bad message about the sort of season that you would have to have as a group of five player to win a Heisman Trophy award. I think that kind of stinks, to be honest. But I also don't think that, like, you should vote for him to send a message or prove a point or something like that. Like, I genuinely think both players are worthy of a first place vote.
Mike Ryan
My favorite Ashton Jente stat, and there are a lot of them, is that if you just counted his yards after contact, he would be the second leading rusher in the nation behind himself. That's crazy. It's like, I wish that, like, I think he is a little bit at a disadvantage playing for Boise State, obviously for a few reasons, one of which being that, you know, it's not as easy to find on TV and it's west coast, so it's late at night. But like, like what he did is literally insane. Like, he had a season we're not gonna see again for a long, long time. And I think Jess Point is so great that it's like if you could do all of that and still not win the Heisman, like, it's just, it's tough. But it's also like he lost to Travis Hunter, someone who very much also deserved it.
Stugatz
Also, I would have voted for Riley Leonard.
Lucy
Wow.
Stugatz
If I had a vote, but I'm.
Lucy
Not a homer now. There's another big story in the college world that we haven't even discussed yet. And it's very impactful down here. And it's Nevin Shapiro has paid his debt to society. He had his sentence or his whatever commuted. So he's done now. So I think the big question is, since he's paid his debt to society, does you welcome him back? Like, bring him some money? Granted, $930 million Ponzi scheme. I'm sure some of that still laying around somewhere. Do we bring him back now? Like University of Miami?
Dan LeBatard
Not we guys read anything interesting about this story. That is Nevin Shapiro. You guys were all as surprised by this as I was, where we're like, wait a minute, what? Biden did what? For who? For why, for where?
Lucy
Do we have the answer as to the why?
Dan LeBatard
Okay, but have you guys done any follow up reading or it's just like Biden Biden pardoned the Ponzi scheme.
Lucy
Well, he commuted. He basically. I think it's just time served now. Like you're done.
Stugatz
Yeah, I think he was. He. He commuted the sentences of like a thousand plus nonviolent offenders. So I think he was in that batch. I don't know if there was like a specific reason or connection that. If that exists. I haven't read about it, but.
Dan LeBatard
So just. Okay, time served. It's fine. Nevermind about that whole Ponzi scheme thing. And the last four years you've been at home, even though you're the most. One of the most traitorous things in the history of fraud in this city. A city replete with plenty of fraud.
Mike Ryan
This whole administration is just very senior spring right now. Who cares? It doesn't matter. Everything is bad. Why not?
Jessica
It's an odd use of the pardon though. I mean, is it not?
Mike Ryan
I mean, it's not the pardon.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
The pardon is going to his son.
Jessica
Oh, okay.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah, that's different.
Billy Gill
He works. Never mind.
Dan LeBatard
I'm not gonna do this.
Lucy
Nevin.
Jessica
Odd use also Anyway.
Lucy
Nevin, obviously. $930 million.
Dan LeBatard
Any of us would do that for our son.
Jessica
My dad would.
Dan LeBatard
Any of us would do that for our son.
Jessica
I Do it for Tua.
Lucy
$930 million. That's bad, right?
Stugatz
But like by Miami standards.
Lucy
Yeah, I was gonna say, but like if Hurricanes fans are being honest, like he was good for the program.
Billy Gill
Any pub.
Lucy
Good pub. I mean, is he not? I mean, he's good for the program.
Dan LeBatard
The idea. That's a good moral question. Just to everyone in the audience, no matter how awful. Your son, Would you pardon him? I'm. I'm just curious.
Mike Ryan
I think.
Stugatz
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
I think my dad would teach me a lesson. He like, hey, shouldn't have done all that fraud. I want you to sit and think about what you've done. See, you see, in 20 years.
Dan LeBatard
Shouldn't have done all that blow. Shouldn't have done any of that. Like, what are you doing? No, dad. Oh, pardon at the end with that one last power given to you by privilege. Yeah. You're above the law, kid.
Lucy
Not in the interruption.
Jessica
Pti.
Dan LeBatard
They swung you. They swung you by the ankles at me to defeat me with their own Fox network. And at the end, before the grave, as I lose my mind, I will pardon you, you disappointment forever.
Lucy
So you welcome him back, right? I mean, this school brought in John Ruiz like you're fine. Who cares?
Dan LeBatard
These are all life wallet.
Lucy
What is that? I don't know. I'm not Gonna ask any more questions.
Dan LeBatard
So hold on. I want you guys. So you're you. As I try to figure out how to give my Heisman vote over to Lucy and Jessica, I can't help but see the disappointment in their eyes that Dan LeBatard, alleged journalist, voted for Cam War.
Jessica
Hmm.
Billy Gill
One of six.
Dan LeBatard
You're disappointed by me.
Lucy
I don't think anyone was disappointed. I think when we saw the six, everybody knew.
Stugatz
Yeah, we all knew.
Jessica
We definitely knew who it was.
Stugatz
Because Billy texted us. I was like, oh, yeah, that was definitely Dan. And the second of the six was Poppy. We gotta figure out who the other four are. Barry Jackson. Does he have a vote?
Lucy
Does Greg Reynolds.
Dan LeBatard
No, he doesn't.
Jessica
Tim Reynolds. Yeah, probably.
Dan LeBatard
My father gave back his vote. Otherwise I was mad at him for doing it. Otherwise we'd have two votes. Otherwise, I could just give the vote to both of you, and then you could just vote because you think I have in one of the closest votes ever. Mental Arc Media represented your thought process on what this voting should have been in a way that was biased. It was homorrific. It was not. This Cam Ward would have finished a bronze medalist for the. For the both of you. If that. If that.
Lucy
Well, you also told us, like, a month ago I voted for him with my first place ballot. Buddy, there's still four games to go.
Dan LeBatard
I will lose my vote if I said that public.
Lucy
Oh, that didn't happen. Let's not find that never happened. I don't think that understood. Manny Navarro probably voted for Cam Ward, right?
Jessica
No doubt.
Lucy
If we were to guess, it's like.
Mike Ryan
Voting for Jill Stein. Like, what did you accomplish?
Lucy
It's for the next ballot. You know, my vote.
Dan LeBatard
My vote was wasted. Do we have a song here? I want to talk for just a second. Because something gets overshadowed in the noise of the last two seasons about college football and where it is that Colorado is an overwhelming success, even if it doesn't end up in a playoff run. Let's transition here with a transfer portal song, please.
Jeremy
Old Mr. Oil is soon gonna spoil the best college players from across the land. Everybody's waiting for the man with the bag? Cause the portal is opened again? Don't care if you're still playing and know you're not staying Unless they start putting more money in your hand. Everybody's waiting for the man with a bag? Cause the portal is here again? They'll be here watching all the games that you play through the year. Y'all get yours. If you've played every game you should even Kinda good. So make this December the one you'll remember? The best and the richest that you ever did have. Everybody's waiting for the man with a bag. Cause the bottle is here again.
Dan LeBatard
So why is it that I am both delighted and horrified by how much Jeremy enjoys parading around with a couple of canned hams, dancing as if he's got a top hat on about the portal? Like, it's a bit long. But here's the thing, though. I so appreciate the vulnerability of, hey, I'm gonna put myself out there with song. But then he chooses that song.
Jeremy
It's Christmas time, Dan.
Dan LeBatard
But I. Did you guys feel the Christmas in that? Because I.
Jeremy
Everybody's waiting for the man with the bag. If you've played every game, you should even kind of good soul me.
Dan LeBatard
So you guys, that didn't feel like Christmas to me. Are your Christmases different than my Christmases? Yours are cold Christmases. Help me.
Stugatz
It's a Christmas song. What song did you literally.
Lucy
A Christmas song.
Stugatz
What song do you think that is?
Jeremy
Everybody's waiting for the man with the back.
Jessica
It just feels like the 50s.
Mike Ryan
Santa.
Stugatz
Nevin Shapiro. The man with the back.
Jeremy
Exactly.
Dan LeBatard
I. Yes. I'm doing what Stugotts is doing, which is. It just feels like the 50s. It's not a winter time. It's the time of my grandparents.
Jeremy
You just clearly don't know the song.
Dan LeBatard
Well, yes.
Mike Ryan
I think they celebrated Christmas in the 50s.
Jessica
Huh.
Dan LeBatard
I. Are your Christmas feelings. Lucy and Jessica, you are in the middle of the holiday season. You're surrounded by Christmas fair. Does it feel like Christmas to you in Miami, given that it's 69 degrees on most days?
Mike Ryan
No, except for it feels like. It feels like Christmas in here. We got decorations.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah.
Billy Gill
It's your birthday.
Dan LeBatard
Cookies.
Stugatz
I mean, cookies.
Mike Ryan
And they're really good.
Stugatz
I made lots of Christmas really, really good. I made six different types of Christmas cookies. I made Italian rainbow cookies. I made lemon ricotta cookies. I made these tahini butterscotch sesame bars with chocolate. I made pistachio thumbprints. I made homemade pocky.
Lucy
Are they decorated for Christmas? Because none of those sound like Christmas cookies to me.
Stugatz
They're all Christmas cookies.
Lucy
They're all out there, but they just have Christmas.
Stugatz
They're green and red. Go look.
Lucy
Oh.
Dan LeBatard
I.
Lucy
Gingerbread.
Stugatz
I made gingerbread latte cookies. That was a late addition to the Christmas cookie box.
Dan LeBatard
I do not believe that there is anything more criminally underappreciated at Meadowlark Media than Jessica and those desserts made with the finest of things A little too healthy during Christmas season. A little too healthy, but don't taste healthy.
Billy Gill
No, they taste good.
Stugatz
They're not healthy.
Dan LeBatard
That's the important thing.
Billy Gill
I need more gluten with my cookies.
Stugatz
They're not healthy.
Jessica
I know how they taste. If Jason would stop eating them, I mean, that's for sure.
Dan LeBatard
So we're back to this again.
Jessica
Yeah. And by the way, it's not a Christmas song. If you have to tell me it's a Christmas song. Not a Christmas song. Listen, when I'm telling you. When I hear Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, I know it's a Christmas song. When I hear Frosty, I know it's a Christmas song. When I hear Silent Nights, I know Christmas song.
Jeremy
Play the beginning of that again without the. Without the vocal. And tell me that doesn't sound like a Christmas song.
Jessica
No, no.
Jeremy
Are you kidding?
Jessica
Go.
Dan LeBatard
It sounds like a playful, sort of sensual Santa from the 50s.
Lucy
Oh, what sensual Santa?
Dan LeBatard
Anyway, he.
Stugatz
15 yard penalty.
Dan LeBatard
He was throwing his hip out as he. Santa's coming in, look.
Mike Ryan
Santa's what?
Dan LeBatard
Santa's doing what? Santa's feeling himself. Yes. Super bowl licks.
Stugatz
Old Santa's doing what?
Dan LeBatard
Santa's coming out of old. Santa's coming.
Lucy
That's the problem. You're not fixing it.
Dan LeBatard
Out of his house. And he's throwing a hip over like he's starting to dance. If you're a man, you're imagining Jeremy in a Santa hat, are you not? He's trying. He's got a microphone. He's cheesing. He's maximum cheesing it up on Christmas. He's parading down a walkway, coming out of his house, singing in a camera as Santa. And he's throwing out a hip and it's a little sensual. It's a confident hit from a sensual Santa.
Jeremy
Should we film the music video or.
Dan LeBatard
Oh, Jesus, there it is. There he is. Oh, there it is.
Jessica
He's got a cane of some sort.
Dan LeBatard
Super bowl licks right there. There it is.
Stugatz
Can you guys just admit your Christmas song knowledge isn't that deep? That's all it is.
Dan LeBatard
Yes. It's just hard to admit. But yes.
Jeremy
Or to praise me for anything.
Dan LeBatard
Well, yes, Also agreed. But those two ignorances on my part make me not like the song. So now where are we?
Jessica
It's not a Christmas song.
Dan LeBatard
Well. And then it makes me show tune. Then it makes me rush at the song with criticism. With criticism. Makes me rush at the song with criticism because I didn't get it. I didn't get my own show I didn't get my own show because Jeremy thinks this.
Jessica
Can we play Frosty the Snowman? I want you guys to hear that's a Christmas.
Jeremy
You want me to make that cover about Scott Frost?
Lucy
Because that's when we could say, Scott Frost is back.
Dan LeBatard
You want to run out? I'll go do it.
Billy Gill
Scott Frost is back.
Dan LeBatard
Frosty.
Billy Gill
So, man.
Dan LeBatard
All right. I'll be back. Get out of here. Good. That. That's how you do a Christmas song. Thank you, Jesus. Learn a little something around here.
Jessica
It's not moving.
Poppy
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Podcast Summary: The Big Suey: Travis Hunter Wins The Heisman
Episode Released: December 16, 2024
Podcast: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hosts: Dan LeBatard, Stugotz, Billy Gill, Jessica, Lucy, Jeremy, Mike Ryan, Poppy
The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter among the hosts, including playful jabs and personal anecdotes. Dan LeBatard celebrates his birthday, prompting humorous exchanges about aging and the group's camaraderie.
Notable Quote:
The core of the episode centers on Travis Hunter winning the Heisman Trophy. The hosts delve into the reasons behind his selection, comparing his performance to other standout players like Cam Ward and Ashton Gentee.
Key Points:
Travis Hunter's Dual Role: Hunter's ability to excel both as a receiver and quarterback significantly contributed to his Heisman win. His versatility on the field set him apart from other candidates.
Comparison with Competitors:
Notable Quotes:
The discussion shifts to the voting dynamics of the Heisman Trophy, revealing that Dan LeBatard was among the six first-place voters, choosing Cam Ward over Travis Hunter. This revelation sparks a mix of surprise and amusement among the hosts.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
The hosts transition into analyzing specific football plays and player performances, highlighting notable moments from recent games.
Key Points:
Tua Tagovailoa's Playstyle: The discussion critiques Tua's tendency to avoid tackles, celebrating his strategic decisions on the field.
Game Highlights: Analysis includes observations on Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes, focusing on their playmaking abilities and game strategies.
Notable Quotes:
A significant segment addresses the recent commutation of Nevin Shapiro's sentence, a figure embroiled in a massive Ponzi scheme. The hosts debate the implications of his release and its impact on the University of Miami's reputation.
Key Points:
Public Reaction: The hosts express mixed feelings about the pardon, questioning the rationale behind it and its fairness given the severity of Shapiro's crimes.
Moral Implications: They ponder whether the University of Miami should welcome Shapiro back, considering the financial and ethical ramifications.
Notable Quotes:
In a departure from their typical discussions, Jeremy performs an original song about the college football transfer portal, adding a festive touch as the holiday season is in full swing. This segment showcases the hosts' creative side and their ability to blend humor with sports commentary.
Notable Quotes:
The episode concludes with the hosts sharing their Christmas traditions, focusing on baking a variety of Christmas cookies. This segment emphasizes the personal connections and festive spirit within the group.
Key Points:
Cookie Recipes: Stugotz details his assortment of homemade Christmas cookies, ranging from gingerbread latte cookies to pistachio thumbprints.
Holiday Atmosphere: Despite being in a warm climate, the hosts create a cozy holiday environment through their baking activities.
Notable Quotes:
The hosts wrap up the episode with final thoughts on the discussions, reinforcing their commitment to providing insightful and entertaining sports commentary. They reflect on the season's highlights and set the tone for upcoming episodes.
Notable Quotes:
Conclusion:
In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, the hosts offer a comprehensive analysis of Travis Hunter's Heisman Trophy win, engaging in spirited debates about voting criteria and player performances. Their discussions extend beyond sports, touching on ethical dilemmas and personal traditions, all while maintaining their signature humor and camaraderie. The episode serves as both an informative and entertaining listen for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike.