The Best of The Week on The Dan Patrick Show
Release Date: January 25, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Introduction

The Best of The Week on The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive recap of the latest happenings in the world of sports, with a particular focus on college football. Hosted by Dan Patrick and featuring insights from co-hosts Paulie, Seton, Todd, and special guests like Coach Marvin and Hall of Famer CC Sabathia, this episode delves deep into Ohio State University's remarkable football season, the dynamics of their key matchups, and the evolving landscape of player management in collegiate sports.

Ohio State Football Season Review

The episode begins with a detailed analysis of Ohio State's football season, highlighting their back-to-back national titles and pivotal games against Michigan and Notre Dame.

• Back-to-Back National Titles:
  Paulie reflects on Ohio State’s dominance, remarking, “Give credit to Ohio State because they were the better team” (04:38), emphasizing the team's consistent performance.

• Rivalry with Michigan:
  A significant portion of the discussion centers around Ohio State's rivalry with Michigan. Dan Patrick suggests a strategic shift for Ohio State fans: “Start de-emphasizing the Michigan game going forward” (07:33). This statement sparks a lively debate among the hosts about the intrinsic value of maintaining traditional rivalries versus focusing on broader national success.

Decision-Making in Critical Moments

The conversation transitions to the team's crucial in-game decisions that secured their championship title.

• Third and Nine Play:
  Paulie recounts a critical moment: “Here's Ryan Day with that call on the completion of Jeremiah Smith” (04:38). The hosts dissect the play-calling strategy, debating alternative decisions and their potential impacts on the game's outcome.

• Jeremiah Smith's Role:
  Jeremiah Smith emerges as a key player whose performance was instrumental in Ohio State’s success. Paulie questions the coaching decisions: “How do you react after those moments?” (05:17). The discussion highlights Smith's aggressive play style and its effectiveness in high-stakes situations.

NIL and Player Retention

A significant segment is dedicated to the evolving challenges of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements and the transfer portal's impact on team dynamics.

• Jeremiah Smith’s NIL Valuation:
  The hosts delve into Smith’s market value, with Paulie posing critical questions about his worth: “So, how much is he worth? $10 million. Is that fair?” (15:02). This leads to a broader conversation about the financial dynamics influencing player retention.

• Transfer Portal Dynamics:
  Coach Marvin addresses the complexities of the transfer portal: “There's no question. I think as coaches, we're all looking for a little bit more guidelines on this” (47:22). He emphasizes the need for clearer enforcement to maintain team cohesion and fairness in recruitment.

Interviews

CC Sabathia Interview

At 22:49, Seton interviews CC Sabathia, where Sabathia shares anecdotes from his illustrious baseball career, his unique style, and his journey to becoming a Hall of Famer. Highlights include:

• Personal Style:
  Sabathia discusses his distinctive approach to the game: “I want to kind of represent how I want to look on the field” (25:01), reflecting on his choice of gear and its reception among peers.

• Hall of Fame Honor:
  Reflecting on his induction, Sabathia remarks, “It's a special moment for us” (27:26), expressing gratitude and the emotional significance of this achievement.

Coach Marvin's Insights

Later in the episode, Coach Marvin provides an in-depth perspective on Ohio State's championship journey and the broader implications for the team and its supporters.

• Team Unity and Leadership:
  Marvin emphasizes the importance of leadership and resilience: “It's about how you handle yourself and how you fight yourself out of these types of situations” (40:34). He highlights the role of coaching in fostering a winning mentality.

• Handling External Pressures:
  Addressing the intense scrutiny and pressure from fans, Marvin shares, “Nobody puts more pressure on themselves than myself and my family” (43:29). He discusses strategies for maintaining focus amidst external challenges.

• Future of Collegiate Coaching:
  Marvin comments on the need for better regulations in collegiate sports: “We’ve got to get addressed in college sports and college football is enforcement” (47:22). He advocates for stricter guidelines to ensure fairness and integrity in player recruitment and retention.

Personal Reflections and Conclusions

The episode concludes with heartfelt reflections from both the hosts and guests on the personal and professional impacts of the season's triumphs and challenges.

• Emotional Journey:
  Paulie asks Coach Marvin about the personal toll of the season’s ups and downs: “How does this affect you personally?” (42:00). Marvin responds by sharing the emotional support from his family and the personal growth experienced through the season’s trials.

• Legacy and Future Outlook:
  Dan Patrick discusses the legacy of the current team and the future expectations: “It’s pure joy” (44:58). The hosts collectively express optimism about the team’s future while acknowledging the continuous challenges in maintaining excellence.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick on de-emphasizing rivalries:
  “Start de-emphasizing the Michigan game going forward” (07:33).

• Paulie on Ohio State's superiority:
  “Give credit to Ohio State because they were the better team” (04:38).

• Coach Marvin on handling pressure:
  “Nobody puts more pressure on themselves than myself and my family” (43:29).

• CC Sabathia on Hall of Fame induction:
  “It's a special moment for us” (27:26).

Conclusion

The Best of The Week on The Dan Patrick Show provides an engaging and insightful analysis of Ohio State’s football season, blending expert commentary with personal anecdotes from prominent sports figures. The episode not only celebrates the team’s achievements but also critically examines the challenges posed by modern collegiate sports dynamics, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on what it takes to sustain success in today’s competitive environment.

For those who missed the live show, this summary encapsulates the essence of the discussions, highlighting key moments and expert opinions that define the current landscape of college football.