Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3: Demise of the SEC? with Mike Golic

Release Date: January 3, 2025

In the third hour of The Dan Patrick Show, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and the Dan Patrick Podcast Network, Dan Patrick delves into the evolving landscape of college football, specifically questioning the sustained dominance of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Joining him is former NFL star Mike Golic, providing expert insights and engaging in dynamic discussions that capture the attention of sports enthusiasts.

1. The Changing Landscape of College Football and the SEC

Dan Patrick kicks off the discussion by referencing a thought-provoking article by Dan Wolkin of USA Today titled "SEC and its Dear Leader Should Accept Reality." Wolkin argues that the SEC's era of unquestioned supremacy in college football is waning, citing factors such as the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and the transfer portal's impact on player distribution.

[04:00] Dan Patrick: "The old reliable narrative that there is a different quality of football in the SEC than other leagues is now more of a myth than a reality."

Patrick highlights Wolkin's assertion that the SEC needs to acknowledge the shifting dynamics in college football, where talent is more dispersed, and traditional powerhouses face increasing competition from other conferences and independent programs like Notre Dame.

2. Counterarguments: The SEC’s Resilience

Mike Golic responds to Wolkin’s critique, emphasizing the SEC's ongoing influence and resilience in college football.

[04:58] Mike Golic: "One off year for the SEC does not deny the past 20 years. They will in the offseason, Greg Sankey make maneuvers to alter the rules of the college football playoffs to be more friendly to them."

Golic argues that the SEC's extensive history of success and its robust media and financial strategies ensure its continued prominence. He likens the SEC’s situation to that of a basketball player experiencing an off-year, asserting that a temporary dip does not signify a downfall.

[05:27] Dan Patrick: "Things, but there's only so much amount of money you can spend on NIL."

3. The Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal on the SEC

Dan Patrick elaborates on how NIL deals and the transfer portal have democratized talent distribution in college football, potentially diluting the SEC's traditional advantage.

[05:27] Dan Patrick: "If you're a quarterback, you want to play. If you're transferring, you want to play. If you're now, you're not going to be third on the depth chart waiting for your turn at Alabama."

He points out that schools across various conferences are now offering lucrative NIL deals, attracting top talent away from the SEC. This shift allows programs like SMU, Indiana, Arizona State, and Boise State to rise in prominence, challenging the SEC’s longstanding dominance.

4. Listener Engagement: MVP Candidates and Sam Darnold’s Performance

Phone calls from listeners add depth to the discussion, focusing on NFL players and their potential accolades. A listener named Donovan questions whether Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard could outperform NFL player Taysom Hill, leading to a broader conversation about MVP candidacies.

[20:16] Dan Patrick: "Though he's somewhat not eligible for the Comeback Player of the Year award."

The debate intensifies around Sam Darnold’s performance with the Detroit Lions, contemplating his eligibility and potential for the Comeback Player of the Year award despite not meeting traditional criteria related to overcoming injury or illness.

[15:48] Todd Fritz: "Can Sam Darnold win Comeback Player of the Year?"

Mike Golic joins in to debunk the notion, reinforcing that comeback awards typically require overcoming significant adversity, which Darnold hasn’t experienced in the conventional sense.

[21:00] Mike Golic: "He has been absolute money. But no, he's not winning comeback player of the year."

5. The Future of Notre Dame and Coaching Strategies

Discussions pivot to Notre Dame's adaptability in the current college football environment, especially in navigating the NIL and transfer landscape. Golic praises Notre Dame’s strategic recruitment and coaching under Marcus Freeman, contrasting it with traditional powerhouses.

[26:43] Mike Golic: "We saw the portal open a few Mondays ago and within a week there was over 2000 players in the portal. So this is the new college football."

He underscores Notre Dame’s ability to attract and retain talent through effective coaching and strategic decisions, suggesting that their model may serve as a blueprint for other programs adapting to the new norms.

6. Rhyme Time and Casual Segments

Amidst the heavy discussions, Dan Patrick introduces the entertaining "Rhyme Time" segment, where co-host Paul Pabst engages in wordplay and sports-related rhymes, adding a lighter touch to the show.

[36:37] Paul Pabst: "MVP Tonight Show. MVP Tonight Show."

[37:05] Dan Patrick: "Marcus Carcass is so good."

These segments showcase the hosts' chemistry and provide a playful respite from the intense analytical discussions.

7. Conclusion: SEC’s Path Forward and Evolving College Football

As the hour progresses, Dan Patrick and Mike Golic reconcile their viewpoints, acknowledging the SEC's storied past while recognizing the challenges posed by emerging trends like NIL and the transfer portal. They conclude that while the SEC remains a formidable force, the landscape of college football is undeniably shifting, necessitating adaptability and strategic innovation.

[28:20] Dan Patrick: "The new era of college football is here. It's just a matter of how much you want to use it."

The episode wraps up with a consensus that the SEC must evolve to maintain its dominance in an increasingly competitive and financially driven college football environment.

Notable Quotes:

• "The old reliable narrative that there is a different quality of football in the SEC than other leagues is now more of a myth than a reality." — Dan Patrick [04:00]

• "One off year for the SEC does not deny the past 20 years." — Mike Golic [04:58]

• "If you're a quarterback, you want to play. If you're transferring, you want to play." — Dan Patrick [05:27]

• "We saw the portal open a few Mondays ago and within a week there was over 2000 players in the portal. So this is the new college football." — Mike Golic [26:43]

• "The new era of college football is here. It's just a matter of how much you want to use it." — Dan Patrick [28:20]

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive examination of the SEC's current standing within college football, enriched by expert analysis from Mike Golic and interactive listener segments. For fans seeking an in-depth understanding of collegiate shifts and their implications on the sport's future, this episode provides valuable perspectives and engaging discourse.