The Best of the Week on The Dan Patrick Show
Released on January 4, 2025
Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

1. College Football Bowl Season Overview

The episode kicks off with a lively discussion on the ongoing college football bowl season, centering primarily around the Pop Tarts Bowl. The hosts delve into the significance of bowl games in the college football landscape, highlighting their impact on team rankings and playoff considerations.

Jason Stewart initiates the conversation:
"So it is bowl season in college football, and when you talk about great discussions, it all centers around the Pop Tarts bowl." ([01:04])

2. Pop Tarts Bowl and Team Performances

The hosts engage in a humorous yet insightful debate about the iconic breakfast treat, Pop Tarts, juxtaposing it with the football dynamics of the bowl game.

Rich Davis shares his preference:
"It's a Pop Tart Frosted." ([02:08])

The conversation takes a turn towards the notable player, Cam Ward, whose performance in the Pop Tarts Bowl has stirred significant attention.

3. Cam Ward's Pop Tarts Bowl Performance and NCAA Record

Rich Davis provides an in-depth analysis of Cam Ward's decision to sit out the second half of the game after breaking the NCAA career record for touchdown passes:
"Cam Ward was able to break the NCAA career record for touchdown passes, beating out Case Keenum during his time at Houston." ([02:20])

He further elaborates on the mixed reactions from fans and the broader implications for NCAA records:
"We're going to all of a sudden question the motivation for a young man who's trying to protect his ability to move on to the next level... What I'm trying to say is, we don't get the outrage with any of this." ([06:30])

Jason Stewart adds perspective on the evolving nature of player decisions in college sports:
"There's a lot of players right now who are playing not to go to the playoffs, but for incentives for themselves, for their contract, to make sure they prolong their career in the NFL." ([08:49])

4. Evolution of College Football Playoffs and Conferences

The discussion shifts to the structural changes within college football, particularly the introduction of a 14-team playoff system and its repercussions on traditional conferences.

Doug Gottlieb comments on the shifting power dynamics:
"Now that you can do everything above board, it's leveled the playing field." ([44:24])

Jason Stewart reflects on the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal:
"NIL and transfer portal have changed everything because it used to be these big programs would stockpile town talent." ([46:09])

5. Issues with NCAA Career Records and Rule Changes

Rich Davis critiques the NCAA's handling of career records, emphasizing the discrepancies caused by extended eligibility due to COVID and medical redshirts:
"We're counting a five-year career versus a four and three games for a medical redshirt. And we're counting it two of those years at a lower level where he absolutely dominated." ([10:40])

He draws comparisons to legendary players like Barry Sanders to highlight the inconsistency:
"Do not compare what Barry Sanders did in 11 games rushing versus what Ashton Genti has done at this point." ([12:22])

6. Women's College Basketball Impact and Recognition

Transitioning from football, the hosts commend the rising popularity and visibility of women's college basketball, attributing much of its surge to standout players.

Dan Patrick reflects on the role played by figures like Angel Reese:
"I'll look back in 20 years and be like, yeah, the reason why we’re watching women's basketball is not just because of one person. It’s because of me too." ([33:19])

Matt Campbell emphasizes the foundational contributions of female athletes:
"Look at what Asia Wilson has done... Lisa Leslie, all those other players... they're doing great things for the WNBA." ([34:29])

7. NFL Point Spread Analysis

Shifting focus to the NFL, the hosts analyze current point spreads, drawing parallels to historical games to underscore market perceptions and expectations.

Doug Gottlieb draws a historical comparison to Super Bowl III:
"As of this morning, the Ravens are favored by 20 against the Cleveland Browns. That's just because they dismissed the AFL. They didn't think the AFL could match up with the big bad NFL." ([36:10])

He highlights the surprising underdog positions of teams like the Browns and Chiefs:
"The Chiefs are getting 10 and a half point underdogs and the Browns are getting 20 against the Ravens. That's sad." ([37:00])

8. Poll Questions and Audience Engagement

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with their audience through poll questions, encouraging listener participation and feedback on pressing sports topics.

Jason Stewart poses a question to the audience:
"Who are you rooting for to win the national title? Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Texas?" ([39:43])

Doug Gottlieb and Rich Davis provide their insights based on listener responses, further enriching the discussion with diverse viewpoints.

Key Takeaways

• Cam Ward's Decision: Cam Ward's approach to breaking the NCAA touchdown record by limiting his playtime has sparked debates about athlete motivations and NCAA regulations.
• College Football Playoff Changes: The transition to a 14-team playoff system and the influence of NIL and the transfer portal are reshaping traditional power structures within college football.
• NCAA Record Discrepancies: There is growing concern over the fairness of NCAA career records, considering extended eligibility and varying competition levels.
• Rise of Women's Basketball: The increased visibility and popularity of women's college basketball are being attributed to key players and heightened media coverage.
• NFL Betting Trends: Current NFL point spreads indicate a significant underestimation of traditionally strong teams, reminiscent of historical upsets.

Notable Quotes

• Rich Davis on Cam Ward:
  "I don't get the outrage with any of this." ([06:30])

• Doug Gottlieb on NCAA Changes:
  "Now that you can do everything above board, it's leveled the playing field." ([44:24])

• Dan Patrick on Women's Basketball:
  "I'll look back in 20 years and be like, yeah, the reason why we’re watching women's basketball is not just because of one person. It’s because of me too." ([33:19])

• Doug Gottlieb on NFL Spread:
  "The Chiefs are getting 10 and a half point underdogs and the Browns are getting 20 against the Ravens. That's sad." ([37:00])

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive exploration of significant developments in college football, critiques of NCAA practices, the ascent of women's basketball, and intriguing insights into NFL betting trends. Through engaging discussions and expert analysis, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the evolving sports landscape.