Summary of "The Best of The Dan Patrick Show" – January 21, 2025

The Best of The Dan Patrick Show brings together Dan Patrick, former college coach Rick Neuheisel, and sports commentator Chris Russo to dissect the recent Ohio State vs. Notre Dame national championship game. The episode delves deep into game analysis, player performances, coaching decisions, and the broader implications of college football's evolving playoff system.

1. Game Breakdown: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame (02:42 – 14:12)

Dan Patrick opens the discussion by reflecting on the dramatic shifts during the game, highlighting Ohio State's initial dominance and Notre Dame's unexpected resurgence. He notes, "[...] Back to back national titles for the Big Ten. Wonder what SEC commissioner Greg Sankey is thinking because it used to be the SEC was the powerhouse [...]." (04:00)

Rick Neuheisel provides a play-by-play analysis, emphasizing strategic decisions. He critiques Ohio State's aggressive play-calling, particularly on third and long situations, stating, "Game on the line, you know, let's go. Let's just be aggressive." (05:35)

Chris Russo adds insight into individual performances, commending players like Jeremiah Smith for their pivotal roles in altering the game's momentum. "They got a few great plays that made it interesting." (07:00)

2. Rivalry and Playoff Implications (06:20 – 27:01)

The conversation shifts to the storied rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, especially in the context of the new 12-team playoff system.

Dan Patrick poses a poll question: "If you're an Ohio State fan, you'd rather lose to Michigan but win a national title or beat Michigan and lose in the college football playoffs." (06:34)

Paul Pabst, a guest on the show, suggests de-emphasizing the Michigan game to focus more on the national title, arguing that the prestige of a championship could overshadow traditional rivalries. However, Dan counters, "But why can't you have both? Why can't this still mean so much, but the national title is more important than this?" (07:37)

Rick Neuheisel expresses skepticism about changing the long-standing rivalry's importance, highlighting that the game continues to hold significant emotional weight for fans on both sides. He remarks, "The Michigan fan base will be more annoyed than the Notre Dame fan base." (24:36)

3. Player Analysis: Jeremiah Smith vs. Travis Hunter (50:34 – 54:09)

A pivotal part of the discussion revolves around two standout players: Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and Notre Dame's Travis Hunter.

Dan Patrick asks about the potential to choose between the two for future NFL prospects. Rick Neuheisel favors Jeremiah Smith, describing him as "a unique athlete," and praises his ability to handle high-pressure situations, "He's a tough, he's a tough out." (50:34)

Paul Pabst brings up the topic of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) valuations, noting Jeremiah Smith's high market value. This segues into a broader conversation about player retention and the financial dynamics influencing collegiate athletes' decisions.

4. Coaching Perspectives: Ryan Day vs. Marcus Freeman (54:09 – 54:45)

The episode delves into the coaching strategies and future prospects of Ohio State's Ryan Day and Marcus Freeman.

Chris Russo predicts that Ryan Day will continue to be a significant figure in Ohio State's success, but acknowledges Marcus Freeman's rising star, stating, "There's no getting around that he's a rock star." (54:09)

Dan Patrick probes deeper into the potential of both coaches, hinting at future discussions and assessments of their contributions to the team's performance.

5. College Football's Evolution and Future (51:20 – 52:46)

The hosts explore the broader changes in college football, especially with the introduction of the 12-team playoff.

Chris Russo critiques the current scheduling, arguing that the national championship game's timing post-divisional games dilutes its significance. "It's stupid. We've been saying this. How could you play your national championship game after four divisional games?" (27:01)

Dan Patrick agrees, emphasizing the role of financial incentives in expanding the playoff system. He speculates on future expansions, "That's why we'll go to 14. And in probably, you know, six or seven years, we'll go to 16 teams." (52:46)

6. Betting and Game Outcomes (23:00 – 31:16)

Rick Neuheisel shares his personal experience with betting on the game, illustrating the unpredictability and emotional toll it can take. He reflects on the pitfalls of focusing too much on individual bets rather than the game's broader narrative.

Dan Patrick echoes similar sentiments, mentioning his past decision to quit betting to enjoy the game more fully, stating, "I had to quit cold turkey years, years, years ago, Chris. I never enjoyed winning. I just hated losing." (25:37)

This segment underscores the intertwining of sports analysis and personal experiences with betting, highlighting how it can both enhance and detract from the viewing experience.

7. Closing Thoughts and Future Discussions (37:22 – 54:45)

As the show wraps up, the hosts preview upcoming topics and express their enthusiasm for continuing in-depth analyses. Rick Neuheisel mentions a new show, "the verdict, Brady versus Belichick," discussing the influence of iconic figures in football.

Chris Russo and Dan Patrick engage in light-hearted banter about fan bases and media portrayals, maintaining the show's engaging and conversational tone.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick (06:34): "If you're an Ohio State fan, you'd rather lose to Michigan but win a national title or beat Michigan and lose in the college football playoffs."

• Rick Neuheisel (24:36): "The Michigan fan base will be more annoyed than the Notre Dame fan base."

• Chris Russo (54:09): "He's a unique athlete, he's a tough, he's a tough out."

Conclusions and Insights

The episode offers a rich analysis of the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame championship game, emphasizing strategic decisions, player performances, and the enduring impact of traditional rivalries amidst changing playoff structures. The hosts provide a nuanced perspective on how financial incentives and evolving systems influence team dynamics and fan sentiments. The discussions highlight the complexities of modern college football, where historical rivalries coexist with new competitive landscapes, shaping the future of the sport.

For listeners who missed the show, this summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared by Dan Patrick and his esteemed guests, offering a comprehensive understanding of the game's significance and its broader implications for college football.