The Dan Patrick Show
Hour 2 – Lee Corso Tribute, Robert Griffin III
Date: September 2, 2025
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Overview
In this episode, Dan Patrick and his crew reflect on an emotional college football weekend, highlighted by a heartfelt tribute to Lee Corso as he steps away from ESPN’s College GameDay. The hour includes lively discussion on the challenges facing new college coaches, particularly Bill Belichick at North Carolina, and the much-scrutinized debut of Arch Manning. Dan is joined by Robert Griffin III (RG3), who offers fresh insight into the world of college football, coaching transitions, and what’s ahead for marquee programs and players.
Key Topics & Discussion Points
1. College Football Weekend Recap & Poll Questions
(03:15 – 11:05)
- Dan opens the hour with thoughts on the start of the NFL season and the standout performances in college football.
- Discussion around “who had the best weekend” poll:
- Miami Hurricanes, Florida State, LSU, Lee Corso.
- Dan singles out Lee Corso for a special mention (“decades of entertainment… that show meant to college football. What he’s meant to college football.” – 08:02).
- Comparison of hype vs. reality: Arch Manning vs. Bill Belichick.
- Quick notes on winners and surprises: Florida State's upset of Alabama, Miami holding off Notre Dame, South Carolina’s big win.
"Lee Corso had the best weekend. That was a great send off. Decades, decades of entertainment. What that show meant to college football. What he's meant to college football. To be able to start your career with the headgear and it's Brutus, the Buckeye, and then you end it with the same."
— Dan Patrick (07:56)
- Authentic shout-out to Kirk Herbstreit for supporting Corso as he aged on air.
"Herbie was so good in the last couple of years with coach Corso… attentive and listening, trying to help him along. Did a wonderful job making sure that Lee Corso… didn’t embarrass himself or feel bad about his performance."
— Dan Patrick (08:38)
2. ESPN vs. FOX College Shows & The Power of ESPN
(09:40 – 11:25)
- Dan compares ESPN's College GameDay formula to FOX's attempts at replicating the experience.
- Praise for GameDay's chemistry and “appointment viewing” status, citing specific hosts and the importance of legacy (“You’re not going against people as much as you’re going against a thing. You’re against GameDay, it’s GameDay in town” – 11:13).
- Notes FOX’s use of Dave Portnoy and the challenge of breaking viewer habits.
3. Callers & Expanded Best/Worst of Weekend
(11:25 – 18:23)
- Listener “Lucas in Texas” commends FOX’s tribute to Corso, critiques USC’s fall into irrelevance, and adds individuals/teams for “best weekend” poll. Dan agrees Robert Kraft likely had a "little grin" after Bill Belichick's rough start at UNC (13:01).
- Caller “Keith in Chico”: Praises Bryce Underwood’s Michigan debut; criticizes Ohio State and Texas offenses as “atrocious.”
"A worse in today's college football scene, not being the center of attention, not being talked about is almost as bad as being a bad team."
— Lucas in Texas (12:20)
- Crew dives into why Texas and Ohio State played so conservatively.
- Exchange about Arch Manning’s mobility:
- “He’s not RG3, man. He can beat you with his legs.” — Dan Patrick (18:55)
- “He might be Andrew Luck type fast. He’s not RG3 fast. Not many people are.” — Dan Patrick (19:13)
4. In-Depth Interview: Robert Griffin III (RG3)
(26:00 – 41:23)
Arch Manning: Fair Criticism or Overreaction?
- Dan and RG3 discuss the intense scrutiny on Arch Manning’s college debut against Ohio State.
- RG3: “This is just the epitome of the media building him up just to tear him back down… He had a bad game. I think we’re all allowed to have a bad day. And how he responds moving forward… will really determine all of his hopes and dreams.” (26:15)
- Discussion of missed throws and mechanical concerns, RG3 notes Manning’s legs as a differentiator from Peyton/Eli but says the criticism is sometimes more about the Manning name than the performance (28:06).
Coaching Changes & Belichick at North Carolina
- RG3 analyzes Bill Belichick’s rocky start in college football, with 70 new players and cultural/systemic differences between the NFL and NCAA.
- “It was not recognizable for a Bill Belichick football team… They lost a Turnover battle, gave up a 100 yard rusher, 100 yard receiver… Every single college coach that is going to face Bill Belichick this year is licking their chops to show him and show his staff that their scheme is better than his." (32:32)
- Explains college vs. NFL schematic adjustments: wider hash marks, tempo, and importance of difference-makers at QB (34:39).
Greatest College QBs
- RG3's picks:
- All-time: Tim Tebow (36:44)
- Best single year: Cam Newton at Auburn — “That’s probably the single greatest season I’ve ever seen.” (38:11)
NFL & Player Predictions
-
On the Eagles' Super Bowl hopes:
- "As long as they don’t get complacent, they’re the favorite to repeat as Super Bowl champs. It’s just going to come down to them staying healthy. Nick Sirianni is actually one of the best coaches in the NFL and doesn’t get enough credit…” (39:18)
-
On facing Micah Parsons:
- “It’s nightmarish… Micah beat Tyreek Hill in a race. His change of direction, his speed… He can not only hit you hard but he can run you down.” (39:40)
-
Cowboys’ trade of Micah Parsons to Packers: RG3 questions wisdom of trade: “You’re hoping those two first round picks become Micah Parsons.” (41:10)
"When you look at Belichick and what their adjustments are going to have to be, it’s the tempo… and then it’s the new guys you brought in… College is just a lot different. TCU exploited that.”
— RG3 (34:39)
"Dan, in this media game, it gets to extremes where people are piling on [Arch] too much or they’re protecting him too much. At the end of the day, Arch Manning has to go out there and make the plays that are there.”
— RG3 (29:32)
5. NFL Futures & Season Predictions
(46:55 – 52:17)
- The crew predicts NFL Offensive Player of the Year and stat leaders using DraftKings odds.
- Joe Burrow favored to lead NFL in passing yards.
- Saquon Barkley, Jamar Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Bijan Robinson highlighted for OPOY.
- Christian McCaffrey is Dan’s pick for Offensive Player of the Year (51:14).
- Fun banter on lead odds for rushing/sacks categories.
6. Crew’s Best & Worst of The Weekend
(52:17 – 53:53)
- Todd: Florida State snapping Alabama’s 23-game opening win streak; Army upset by Tarleton State.
- Seaton: Amazing atmosphere at Ohio State; tough luck with flight delays.
- Marvin: Justice Haynes’ breakout game for Michigan; Heisman candidate Jeremiah Love underperformed.
- Paul: ESPN’s Lee Corso tribute; Miami–Notre Dame matchup; Army football player Larry Pickett Jr. heroically rescuing someone from a car fire.
Notable Quotes
- “Lee Corso had the best weekend. That was a great send off. Decades, decades of entertainment. What that show meant to college football. What he's meant to college football.” — Dan Patrick (07:56)
- “Herbie was so good in the last couple of years with coach Corso… attentive and listening, trying to help him along. Did a wonderful job making sure that Lee Corso… didn’t embarrass himself or feel bad about his performance.” — Dan Patrick (08:38)
- “You’re not going against people as much as you’re going against a thing. You’re against GameDay; it’s GameDay in town.” — Dan Patrick (11:13)
- “This is just the epitome of the media building [Arch Manning] up just to tear him back down… He had a bad game.” — RG3 (26:15)
- “Every single college coach that is going to face Bill Belichick this year is licking their chops to show him and his staff that their scheme is better than his.” — RG3 (32:32)
- “You’re hoping those two first round picks become Micah Parsons.” — RG3 (41:10)
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 03:15 — Show opens with college football/NFL preview, poll questions for the hour.
- 07:56 — Dan Patrick’s tribute to Lee Corso.
- 11:05 — Crew shares memories, discusses origins of College GameDay’s headgear pick.
- 13:01 — Callers join: reflections on Corso, thoughts on Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick.
- 18:25 — Analysis of Arch Manning’s play, mobility, and expectations.
- 26:00 — RG3 segment begins: deep dive on Arch Manning, coaching in college vs. NFL (esp. Belichick), Alabama’s new era.
- 36:44 — RG3 identifies best all-time college QBs (Tim Tebow, Cam Newton).
- 39:18 — NFL talk — Eagles, Micah Parsons, Cowboys-Packers trade.
- 46:55 — Crew picks NFL OPOY, stat leaders (odds and reasoning).
- 52:17 — Panel shares personal “best & worst of the weekend.”
Memorable Moments
- Dan’s heartfelt recollection of Lee Corso’s journey as both a coach and broadcaster.
- RG3’s honest, nuanced defense of Arch Manning: balancing fair critique with understanding the enormous pressure and media noise.
- Deep tactical explanation of how NFL coaches like Bill Belichick face unique schematic hurdles in college football, especially regarding defense and adjusting to tempo/spread offenses and wider hashmarks.
- Playful, knowledgeable roundtable debate on NFL season futures, stat leader picks, and personal highlights/lowlights from opening weekend.
Summary
This episode delivers a compelling blend of nostalgia (Lee Corso’s sendoff), media critique (the ESPN-Fox arms race for college football Saturday mornings), and fresh, detailed football analysis courtesy of RG3. Whether reflecting on the growing pains of NFL coaches stepping into the college game or debating the next NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Dan and crew keep the hour engaging and insightful for casual fans and sports die-hards alike.