Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (May 29, 2025)
The Herd with Colin Cowherd presents a comprehensive and engaging episode titled "Best of The Herd," where host Colin Cowherd delves into the most compelling sports narratives of the day. Released on May 29, 2025, this episode navigates through critical discussions in the NBA playoffs, NFL quarterback evaluations, and transformative shifts in college football, featuring insights from notable guests like Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham.
1. NBA Playoffs Analysis: OKC vs. Minnesota Showdown
Colin Cowherd kicks off the episode with an in-depth analysis of the recent Oklahoma City (OKC) versus Minnesota playoff series, highlighting the dominant performance of Shador Sanders and OKC's formidable defense.
-
OKC's Dominance and Shador Sanders' MVP Performance
Colin praises OKC's strategic prowess, emphasizing their defensive excellence and Sanders' leadership.
"OKC is easily the best defense and the greatest score. SGA is only the fourth player in 20 years to win the MVP and reach the finals. The other three, Steph, Kobe, and LeBron. I don't know, that feels historic to me."
(07:11) -
Comparative Analysis with Other Teams
He contrasts OKC's strengths with Minnesota's limitations, asserting that Minnesota lacks the depth and youth to challenge OKC effectively.
"They have the best point guard and the best offense and the best pace in the league. And it's not catchy and I know it doesn't sound dynamic, but I think SGA's nickname should be the Standard. This is the standard for a true number one."
(05:45) -
Notable Quotes:
"This kid is special. Every time he talks, every time he leads, you just see what a one should be." – Colin Cowherd
(07:20)
2. NFL Quarterback Spotlight: Shador Sanders vs. Competitors
The conversation transitions to the NFL, where Colin evaluates the potential of Shador Sanders as a starting quarterback over his competitors, including Flacco, Pickett, and Dylan Gabriel.
-
Colin's Bold Prediction
Colin confidently predicts Sanders as the future starter, citing his efficiency and productivity despite fewer attempts.
"Shador Sanders should be starting. We are calling Ohio as the projected winner in a race that is not as close as the fake news projected."
(11:05) -
Performance Metrics and Insights
He breaks down the quarterback stats, highlighting Sanders' impressive touchdown-to-completion ratio.
"Shador has been great. I mean, he's a lot of fun to be around in those meeting rooms. And I think once, I think so far there's been, you know, at least once in the meeting room that he, he's, he's made me crack a smile." – Shador Sanders
(10:55) -
Critique of Competitors
Colin critiques the other quarterbacks for their limitations, reinforcing his support for Sanders.
"Flacco I like. He's one of my favorite guys that's ever played in the league... I'm calling it for Shador."
(12:41) -
Notable Quotes:
"This is as good a defensive team as I remember now. This is the best defense I've ever seen." – Colin Cowherd
(07:48)
3. College Football Focus: Transformations with Coach Kenny Dillingham
A significant portion of the episode features an interview with Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham, discussing his strategies and the evolving landscape of college football, particularly concerning the transfer portal.
-
Embracing the Transfer Portal
Coach Dillingham emphasizes the strategic use of the transfer portal to fill immediate team needs rather than building from scratch.
"The transfer portal to us should hopefully be to fill gaps, not to build the house."
(32:25) -
Building a Winning Culture
He shares insights on cultivating a culture of passion and fun within the team, drawing inspiration from his tenure at Oregon.
"I want people to think we're going to have so much fun playing so hard and growing up and learning how to become a person."
(33:04) -
Development of Young Talent
Discussing quarterback Sam Levitt, Coach Dillingham outlines his development plan focusing on controlling early downs and enhancing his decision-making skills.
"For him this year, it's taking control of the early downs and putting the ball in his hands more on good down and distances earlier in games."
(35:10) -
Notable Quotes:
"Everything I'll ever do is about the players." – Coach Kenny Dillingham
(40:08)
4. Additional Sports Insights and Discussions
Beyond the primary topics, Colin engages in broader sports discussions, touching upon coaching strategies, player development, and the impact of information age on sports management.
-
Evaluating Coaching Strategies
Colin reflects on the importance of consistency and player well-being in college athletics, advocating for reducing pressure on young athletes.
"I would just try to change, stop changing. Let's just stop changing. Let's figure out what's best for these players." – Coach Kenny Dillingham
(39:35) -
Player Awareness and Maturity
He underscores the significance of player maturity and intelligence, both on and off the field, in achieving team success.
"What I mean is, do you have pinch me moments?"
(34:07) -
Notable Quotes:
"We can actually do something. We can actually do something." – Coach Kenny Dillingham
(31:07)
Conclusion
"Best of The Herd" encapsulates Colin Cowherd's incisive analysis and engaging discussions on pivotal sports topics. From dissecting playoff performances and quarterback potentials to exploring transformative coaching strategies in college football, Cowherd delivers a rich narrative filled with expert insights and forward-thinking perspectives. This episode serves as a valuable resource for sports enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of current trends and future trajectories in the sports world.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Colin Cowherd:
- "OKC is easily the best defense and the greatest score."
(05:45) - "Shador Sanders should be starting. We are calling Ohio as the projected winner in a race that is not as close as the fake news projected."
(12:41) - "This is as good a defensive team as I remember now. This is the best defense I've ever seen."
(07:48)
- "OKC is easily the best defense and the greatest score."
-
Shador Sanders:
- "I want to thank my teammates. Without them, I'm nothing."
(07:24)
- "I want to thank my teammates. Without them, I'm nothing."
-
Coach Kenny Dillingham:
-
Unnamed Analyst:
- "Oh boy."
(12:40)
- "Oh boy."
Timestamps
For quick reference, here are the key timestamps associated with the notable quotes and sections discussed:
- 05:45 – Colin discusses OKC's defense and Sanders' historic performance.
- 07:11 – Colin on Sanders' leadership as the standard for number one quarterbacks.
- 07:48 – Praise for OKC's defense.
- 10:55 – Shador Sanders' remarks on team success.
- 12:41 – Colin's call for Shador as the starting QB.
- 14:35 – Interaction between Colin and the unnamed analyst.
- 31:07 – Coach Dillingham on the turning point in the season.
- 32:25 – Coach Dillingham on using the transfer portal effectively.
- 33:04 – Building a fun and passionate team culture.
- 34:07 – Colin asks about "pinch me moments."
- 35:10 – Development plan for quarterback Sam Levitt.
- 39:35 – Coach Dillingham on focusing on player well-being.
- 40:08 – Emphasis on player-centric coaching philosophy.
This detailed summary captures the essence of the "Best of The Herd" episode, providing listeners and readers alike with a thorough understanding of the key discussions and insights shared by Colin Cowherd and his guests.