The Dan Patrick Show — Hour 1: College Football Playoff Set, Chris Simms
Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Chris Simms (NBC's Football Night in America, Pro Football Talk LIVE, Chris Simms Unbuttoned Podcast)
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the fallout from the newly announced College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, with a major focus on Notre Dame's exclusion and the likely expansion of the CFP to 16 teams next year. Dan discusses the logic (or lack thereof) behind selection decisions and conference politics, then shifts to NFL analysis with Chris Simms, covering the state of the Chiefs, Josh Allen's shot at the AFC, playoff races, and emerging quarterback narratives as the season heads into its final stretch.
Major Themes and Segments
1. College Football Playoff Controversy
Timestamps: 02:57–14:38; 23:12–24:53
Key Points:
- Notre Dame’s Playoff Snub: Dan reacts to the CFP committee's decision to leave Notre Dame out, while Miami—despite being ranked behind ND prior and not playing each other—jumps over them in the final week. Dan highlights inconsistencies and confusion in the committee's logic.
- Rankings Decisions: Miami jumped ND despite not playing, Alabama lost badly to Georgia but didn't move down, BYU lost to Texas and only dropped one spot.
- Calls for CFP Reform: Both Dan and Chris Simms predict expansion to 16 teams, arguing it’s necessary to avoid snubs and encourage teams to play stronger schedules.
- Notre Dame’s Brand & Bowl Game Decision: ND declines to play in the Pop-Tart Bowl vs. BYU, a move Dan understands given their draft prospects, but still finds disappointing for fans.
Notable Quotes:
- Dan Patrick: “We want to know what are the rules we’re playing by. And it feels like sometimes it’s checkers and not chess and vice versa.” [05:31]
- Chris Simms: “I think it’s ridiculous, right, that Notre Dame doesn’t get into the college... Like, are they one of the 12 best play[ing] teams in college football? Without a doubt.” [24:53]
- Dan Patrick: “This is where there’s always change. You need to have something like this for change. And now you’re going to have change. And now it’s going to be 16 team playoff.” [26:17]
2. Fan & Listener Reactions
Timestamps: 13:24–16:34; 50:39–52:11
Key Points:
- Notre Dame and Indiana Fans Call In: Listeners from South Bend and Indianapolis express confusion and pride, with one celebrating Indiana’s defensive feat and the city’s uplifted mood.
- Washington Commanders' fan reflects on the team's tough stretch and expresses optimism about the Bills’ Super Bowl opportunities and surprise over the Chicago Bears’ fight.
Notable Quotes:
- Caller (South Bend): “Just a little lost at how Alabama can lose a conference championship game and not get dropped. But BYU gets dropped and, you know, Ohio State gets drafted, and it’s a little bit of a loss here in South Bend.” [13:24]
- Caller (Indianapolis): “Best of the weekend. Obviously, my Indiana Hoosiers get it done. They get it done defensively, which I don’t even know. That’s just so surreal to me.” [15:58]
3. NFL Breakdown with Chris Simms
Timestamps: 24:39–41:03
Key Points:
- Are the Chiefs ‘Done’?: Both Dan and Chris say, yes—the Kansas City Chiefs’ current roster composition, lackluster run game, and declining defense spell the end of their recent dominance.
- Josh Allen and the AFC: With Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes likely missing or underperforming, Dan and Chris agree—this season is a major opportunity for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
- Simms compares Allen to 80s John Elway: “The team’s really not that good. But, oh, my gosh, this guy makes unbelievable plays every game and every big moment, and they win.” [30:25]
- Ravens–Steelers Game, Officiating Issues: Inconsistencies in rules regarding touchdowns and catch completions—Chris cites lack of common sense among refs.
- Pittsburgh Steelers & Coaching Future: Simms senses the fanbase wants change and compares Tomlin’s situation to Andy Reid's final days in Philly.
- NFC South Outlook: Bucs likely to win, but weather and inconsistent defense leave the division open to surprises.
- Rookie QB Watch: Discussion on Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy and Browns’ Shador Sanders, with cautious optimism for their long-term potential.
- Monday Night Preview: Chargers vs. Eagles—Simms puts the edge on Chargers due to Philadelphia’s run game struggles and the LA secondary.
Notable Quotes:
- Chris Simms: “I don’t care about fair. I want the 12 best in. So I’m a little bit like, sorry, JMU and Tulane. I just don’t give a damn about you. Notre Dame should be in.” [25:44]
- Chris Simms: “On the offensive side of the ball [KC], it’s just too Mahomes reliant. I mean, think about last night. Most of the plays that happen are him making magic.” [29:27]
- Dan Patrick: “You don’t have Lamar Jackson, probably not going to have Joe Burrow in there, you’re not going to have Patrick Mahomes in there. ... If I’m Josh Allen, I got no excuses now. I should be getting to the Super Bowl.” [29:47]
4. NFL Highlights & Stats
Timestamps: 46:03–49:21
Key Points:
- Packers’ defensive heroics and winning streak.
- Matthew Stafford joins elite company for games with 3 TDs/0 INT.
- Josh Allen first in NFL history with 50 career games featuring both a passing and rushing TD.
Notable Quotes:
- (On Allen’s running style) Dan Patrick: “When Josh Allen’s running, it feels like the defensive backs are going, ah, man, I gotta make a business decision here.” [48:32]
- (On Puka Nacua) Sean McVay: “He’s a freaking stud. Love Puka. ... He reminds me of a modern day Jerry Rice from the standpoint of... he doesn’t look fast, but he’s always fast enough.” [49:36]
Memorable Moments
Best Zinger:
- Chris Sims (re: Notre Dame vs BYU Pop-Tart Bowl): “Slap in the face to Pop Tarts.” [10:29]
Wry Humor:
- Dan Patrick (on the CFP selection committee): “Wouldn't it have been funny if they're playing like, papa shot, eating wings, got a keg stand...” [15:31]
Listeners’ Joy:
- Richard from Indy: “The mood in Indianapolis is forever lifted. Mood in Bloomington is forever lifted. My worst of the weekend. Omar Cooper goes down on the third play of the game.” [15:58]
Important Segment Timestamps
- College Football Playoff Snub/Rant: 05:31–11:54
- Notre Dame Bowl Opt-Out and Brand Talk: 24:15–24:53
- Chris Simms on Chiefs' Demise: 28:15–29:47
- Chris Simms on Josh Allen as “John Elway”: 30:25–31:22
- Monday Night Preview (Eagles/Chargers): 40:16–41:03
Conclusion
This episode is essential listening for college football and NFL fans seeking clarity on the playoff drama and the big NFL storylines with candid, sometimes biting, sometimes humorous analysis from Dan and Chris Simms. Whether you’re baffled by CFP selection logic, passionate about fair competition, or just want razor-sharp NFL insight, this packed hour delivers.