Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode Title: Betting NFL Playoffs + Ohio State vs. Notre Dame! Big Ten’s Advantage Over SEC, Caitlin Clark=New Stadium
Release Date: January 17, 2025

Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" delves into the most pressing sports stories of the day with insightful analysis and passionate discussions. In this episode, the hosts explore the intricacies of NFL playoff betting, the anticipated clash between Ohio State and Notre Dame, the evolving dynamics between the Big Ten and SEC conferences, and the significant impact of Caitlin Clark on the WNBA.

1. NFL Playoffs Betting

Chad Millman initiates the conversation by evaluating the odds surrounding the NFL playoffs, focusing on key teams and betting strategies.

• Kansas City Chiefs vs. Commanders:

  • Millman expresses confidence in the Chiefs, stating, “I do think it's a little easier in the playoffs because you get greater quarterbacks and I kind of know, especially at home” ([02:08]).
  • The co-host adds, “Patrick Mahomes as a seven plus point favorite has been a losing bet,” highlighting Mahomes’ performance in cold weather ([04:25]).
  • They discuss the Chiefs' adaptability in harsh conditions, with Millman concluding, “So now all of a sudden it changes the formula a little bit. Makes me feel more comfortable betting on the Chiefs” ([04:25]).

• Commanders vs. Detroit Lions:

  • Millman shares his perspective: “Commanders are the rare team in a rebuild that's actually great late” ([05:59]).
  • The discussion emphasizes Michigan's strategic defense against mobile quarterbacks and the potential for a high-scoring game, with a probable Lions victory ([07:17]).

Key Insights:

• The importance of weather conditions on betting odds.
• Chiefs' strong performance as favorites in cold weather.
• Commanders' late-game resilience despite being in a rebuilding phase.

2. Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

The hosts analyze the upcoming showdown between Ohio State and Notre Dame, assessing team strengths and betting prospects.

• Team Analysis:

  • Millman praises Ohio State’s offensive strategies: “Chip Kelly has given Ohio State an advantage in the NIL and NFL playoff-like tournament” ([24:18]).
  • He contrasts coach Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame to Sean McVay, emphasizing Freeman's effective culture and belief system ([22:32]).

• Betting Predictions:

  • Millman predicts, “I'll take the Buckeyes minus eight and a half” ([21:10]).
  • The co-host notes the potential for a defensive showdown: “There's a lot of data back up what you like about this. It feels like a defensive battle” ([22:32]).

Key Insights:

• Ohio State’s financial backing and strategic coaching give them an edge.
• Notre Dame’s strong defense positions the game as a tightly contested battle.
• Historical data suggests favorites often prevail in national title games.

3. Big Ten’s Advantage Over SEC

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the shifting power dynamics between the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC), particularly in the context of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings and financial strategies.

• Financial Realities and NIL:

  • Millman asserts, “There are some financial realities. And this is not to say there's not money in the South... but Big Ten graduates... make great money” ([24:18]).
  • The co-host agrees, mentioning, “Teams that have huge alumni networks are going to get so much better” ([32:44]).

• Alumni Networks and Recruitment:

  • Millman discusses how Big Ten schools benefit from large enrollment and widespread alumni presence: “Big Ten schools are much bigger than SEC schools. Wisconsin, 40,000, Ohio State, 45,000” ([26:45]).
  • The co-host adds insights on regional preferences influencing recruitment and financial investments in NIL ([31:10]).

• Future Implications:

  • They speculate on the long-term effects of these financial strategies, with Millman highlighting how Big Ten’s expansive networks could provide a competitive edge: “There's something about youth, that confidence can ebb and flow... They are on fire” ([24:18]).

Key Insights:

• The Big Ten's extensive alumni networks and larger student bodies position them favorably against the SEC.
• Financial strategies, particularly around NIL, are pivotal in shaping conference dominance.
• Regional economic factors and alumni contributions significantly influence team performance and recruitment.

4. Caitlin Clark and the WNBA’s New Stadium

The discussion shifts to the WNBA, focusing on Caitlin Clark’s transformative effect on the league and the recent investment in a new arena.

• Impact of Caitlin Clark:

  • Millman marvels at Clark's influence: “If you don’t think she has economic superpowers, you’re not paying attention” ([34:12]).
  • The co-host agrees, emphasizing her role in boosting WNBA’s visibility and profitability: “They are using Caitlin Clark to build a generationally great franchise and help the league grow” ([34:12]).

• New Arena Investment:

  • The hosts highlight the strategic move by the Indiana Fever to invest $90 million in a new arena, attributing it to Clark’s star power: “they’re going to take advantage of the moment in time when they have everybody’s interest” ([34:12]).

• Economic and Cultural Implications:

  • Millman discusses the broader economic benefits and how such investments can sustain the league’s growth: “It's a brilliant, brilliant idea” ([35:32]).
  • The co-host reflects on the defensive reactions from the WNBA, interpreting them as challenges to Clark’s unparalleled impact ([34:12]).

Key Insights:

• Caitlin Clark is a pivotal figure in elevating the WNBA’s profile and economic standing.
• Significant investments in infrastructure, like new arenas, are a testament to her influence.
• The strategic use of star players can drive long-term growth and cultural acceptance in women's sports.

5. Broader Sports Landscape and Future Trends

Beyond the main topics, the hosts touch upon various aspects shaping the current and future sports environment.

• College Football Evolution:

  • Millman praises the transition to a 12-team playoff, likening it to MLB’s improvements: “college football’s in a really cool place” ([32:44]).
  • The co-host and Millman discuss the ongoing tweaks and potential expansion to 14 or 16 teams, emphasizing the need for structured governance similar to professional leagues ([46:10]).

• UFC vs. Boxing:

  • Analyzing combat sports, Millman commends UFC’s consistency and event management over boxing’s sporadic and often delayed matches: “UFC is so brilliant. They picked a day. It’s Saturday night” ([37:45]).
  • They reminisce about the golden eras of boxing, with Millman expressing a preference for classic boxing matchups over modern UFC events ([48:50]).

• NBA’s Event Strategy:

  • The hosts critique the NBA’s efforts to create event-like games through the NBA Cup, arguing that without dominant dynasties, these events lack the allure: “the Celtics won the title because they had the greatest depth” ([39:43]).
  • They discuss the importance of star players in enhancing fan engagement and viewership, noting current challenges in the NBA’s regular season viewership ([37:45]).

Key Insights:

• Structural changes in college football are positioning it for greater popularity and competitiveness.
• UFC’s strategic event scheduling offers a more reliable spectator experience compared to boxing.
• The NBA must foster dominant teams and charismatic stars to maintain and grow its fan base.

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of key sports topics, blending betting strategies with in-depth discussions on college football dynamics and the transformative impact of star athletes in professional leagues. Their insights not only reflect current trends but also anticipate future developments in the sports world, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Chad Millman: “I think it's a brilliant, brilliant idea” ([34:12]).
• Co-Host: “They are using Caitlin Clark to build a generationally great franchise and help the league grow” ([34:12]).
• Millman: “College football's in a really cool place” ([32:44]).
• Co-Host: “This is a really good test case on how they defend a running quarterback” ([07:17]).

Listeners who missed the episode can gain a thorough understanding of the discussed topics through this summary, capturing the essence of the hosts' expert opinions and strategic insights.