Podcast Summary: The Best of the Week on The Dan Patrick Show Release Date: December 14, 2024

Introduction "The Best of the Week on The Dan Patrick Show," hosted by Dan Patrick along with his co-hosts Paulie and Ryan Rossillo, delves into a wide array of sports topics, ranging from NFL performances to college football playoffs, NBA dynamics, and intriguing guest interviews. The episode offers insightful analyses, spirited debates, and engaging anecdotes that cater to sports enthusiasts.

1. NFL Week Recap and Team Performances The episode kicks off with an overview of the NFL's thrilling week, highlighting the Kansas City Chiefs' impressive 12-1 record. Dan Patrick remarks on their narrow victories against teams like the Chargers, Rams, and Bills:

• Dan Patrick [05:12]: "The Chiefs continue to do it as only the Chiefs can. They're now 12 and one as they squeak by the Chargers, the Rams, and the Bills."

Other notable performances include the Vikings led by Sam Darnold, the resilient Eagles, the improving Steelers, the still-competitive Buccaneers and Niners, and the Bengals’ showdown with the Cowboys. The Cowboys are notably performing better than expected, securing a five-and-a-half-game lead in Dallas.

2. College Football Playoffs Discussion A significant portion of the discussion centers on the college football playoffs. The hosts express skepticism about the competitiveness of the selected matchups, citing DraftKings' odds:

• Dan Patrick [07:45]: "The bookmakers don't think these are going to be competitive games. According to DraftKings this morning, Indiana against Notre Dame at Notre Dame is getting seven and a half."

The selected playoff teams include Indiana vs. Notre Dame, SMU vs. Penn State, Clemson vs. Texas, and Tennessee vs. Ohio State. Patrick and his co-hosts debate the selection process, emphasizing the importance of strength of schedule and conference victories. They express concerns over teams like Clemson and Arizona State securing playoff spots primarily by winning their conferences, potentially sidelining other deserving teams.

• Dan Patrick [10:30]: "If you're going to do 12 teams, you win your conference, you get in. But that doesn't mean that you get a first-round bye."

The conversation also touches on potential tweaks to the playoff system, such as expanding to 14 teams and adjusting seeding to better reflect team strengths.

3. NBA Insights and LeBron James' Future Shifting focus to the NBA, the hosts discuss LeBron James' career trajectory, speculating on his retirement announcement timing and potential team changes:

• Paulie [14:25]: "Paulie thinks LeBron announces his retirement at the All-Star break. He'll go through the end of the season but announce it during his victory lap."

Hoda Kotb adds her perspective on LeBron's impact and the scrutiny he faces compared to legends like Michael Jordan:

• Hoda Kotb [16:17]: "LeBron's status and his fame probably lead it to a different level of scrutiny than, say, Bird."

The discussion also highlights Nikola Jokić as the current best player in the NBA, praising his control over the game:

• Hoda Kotb [17:59]: "His control of a basketball game is unlike anything I've seen in a long time."

4. Special Guest Interviews

a. Hoda Kotb and Ryan Rossillo on Meghan Markle Anecdote Hoda Kotb shares a humorous and heartfelt story about her encounter with Meghan Markle during a DirecTV Beach Bowl event:

• Hoda Kotb [24:02]: "I ended up catching the game-winning touchdown, which I still feel bad about because I spiked the ball in front of Desmond Howard."

The story recounts their participation in a celebrity flag football game, leading to an awkward but memorable interaction with Markle. Their lighthearted exchange underscores the show's blend of sports talk and personal anecdotes.

b. Interview with Dylan Gabriel, Oregon Quarterback and Heisman Trophy Finalist In a notable segment, Ryan Rossillo interviews Dylan Gabriel, the Heisman Trophy finalist from Oregon:

• Ryan Rossillo [52:19]: "Are you in New York?"
• Dylan Gabriel [52:24]: "I'm in a hotel room and excited."

Dylan discusses his experiences during the season, the evolution of college football pre and post-COVID, and his perspectives on the current playoff selections. He emphasizes the importance of staying present and prepared for upcoming games:

• Dylan Gabriel [57:31]: "We got to be present, too. I think Coach Landing said it the best, and that's why I love playing for him is, you know, it is win or go home, and you got to take care of business right where your feet are."

5. Coach Bill Belichick's Transition to College Football A hot topic is the unexpected hiring of NFL legend Bill Belichick as the head coach for North Carolina's college football team. The hosts analyze the implications and potential challenges of such a high-profile transition:

• Dan Patrick [33:03]: "North Carolina has hired Bill Belichick. After winning six Super Bowls in the NFL, Belichick is on to his next challenge—coaching in college."

They debate Belichick's compatibility with the college game, his adaptability to the new environment, and the possible impact on recruiting and team dynamics. Concerns are raised about his relatability with young players and his approach to modern aspects like the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals.

• Dan Patrick [45:00]: "What's success for Bill Belichick in college? Nine wins, ten wins. And you're buying into Bill Belichick. You're buying into Carolina."

The discussion paints a comprehensive picture of the potential successes and hurdles Belichick might face, ultimately leaning towards optimism about his strategic prowess.

Conclusion The episode of "The Best of the Week on The Dan Patrick Show" offers a thorough exploration of current sports narratives, blending expert analysis with personal stories. From dissecting NFL and college football developments to engaging interviews with prominent figures, the show provides a multifaceted look into the sports world, enriched with memorable quotes and thoughtful commentary.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Patrick [05:12]: "The Chiefs continue to do it as only the Chiefs can."
• Hoda Kotb [17:59]: "His control of a basketball game is unlike anything I've seen in a long time."
• Dylan Gabriel [57:31]: "We got to be present, too. I think Coach Landing said it the best."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from "The Best of the Week on The Dan Patrick Show," providing listeners and newcomers alike with a comprehensive overview of the episode's highlights.