The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 2 - NBA problems continue to drip, Dan Mullen
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Introduction
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd navigates through a myriad of sports topics, from betting strategies and college football insights to NFL playoff dynamics and NBA trade implications. The episode features a special guest appearance by Dan Mullen, providing expert analysis on college football and the evolving landscape of the sport.
Sports Betting Insights
Time Stamp: [02:00] – [08:56]
Colin Cowherd opens the discussion by reflecting on his challenging year in NFL betting:
"I've had a terrible year betting NFL. My worst ever. Most of the time I'm 55, 56%. But it's been a year in which favorites have done well."
— Colin Cowherd [03:00]
Despite his struggles, Cowherd shares his optimistic perspective on turning things around through strategic betting, particularly focusing on college games:
"My favorite bet of the week is Texas minus 12. I don't know how Clemson engineers any offense in that game."
— Colin Cowherd [07:35]
He emphasizes the potential of college bets, highlighting his confidence in his selections for the weekend's games.
College Football Insights with Dan Mullen
Time Stamp: [08:56] – [28:25]
Dan Mullen, a seasoned college football coach, joins Cowherd to delve into the pressures within the SEC and his recent transition to coaching at UNLV. Mullen offers candid insights into the challenges faced by coaches:
"There's no one harder on themselves than the coaches. There's no one."
— Dan Mullen [20:25]
Discussing Ohio State’s performance under Ryan Day, Mullen notes the intense scrutiny and self-imposed pressure that coaches endure:
"They need to pull themselves out of that misery."
— Dan Mullen [20:25]
The conversation shifts to the impact of weather on game strategies. Mullen argues that superior teams should capitalize on their strengths regardless of adverse conditions:
"If we're the better team, we want to run more plays. The more plays we run, the better opportunity our talented guys have to make something special happen."
— Dan Mullen [22:55]
Mullen also critiques the current state of the transfer portal, advocating for a more stable roster system to foster player development:
"I just wish they'd get rid of that [second transfer portal window]. Establish your roster. Show kids."
— Dan Mullen [24:21]
He emphasizes the importance of long-term development over the transient nature fostered by frequent player transfers:
"I want guys to develop and learn their traits, not just jump around from one year to the next."
— Dan Mullen [24:21]
NFL Playoff Dynamics
Time Stamp: [37:08] – [41:11]
The discussion transitions to the NFL’s extended season schedule. Cowherd expresses skepticism about the benefits of extending the season:
"The NFL extended to 17 games. It's already done. We got three games left and they're going to extend to another game."
— Colin Cowherd [37:08]
Mullen concurs, highlighting the redundancy and lack of impact on playoff dynamics:
"The AFC playoff picture ... is done."
— Colin Cowherd [45:00]
They critique the league’s decision to prolong the season, questioning its necessity and impact on the competitive balance:
"The money kids deserve some of the money. There's a lot of money coming from all the different TV networks."
— Dan Mullen [24:21]
NBA Trades and Player Performances
Time Stamp: [32:07] – [35:01]
Cowherd and McIntyre shift focus to recent NBA developments, particularly Karl Anthony Towns' return to the Minnesota Timberwolves:
"Cat went off. He had 32 and 20. Didn't miss a three-pointer."
— Jason McIntyre [32:07]
They discuss the implications of Towns' performance for the Timberwolves and potential future trades, considering his contributions to the team's dynamics:
"He's part of a package that eventually goes after Giannis in Milwaukee."
— Colin Cowherd [32:33]
The conversation underscores the strategic moves teams make to bolster their rosters and contend for championships.
Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers
Time Stamp: [48:19] – [50:09]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Russell Wilson’s role with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens:
"Russell Wilson's got a very unique career. The Seattle years where he was excellent … The Pittsburgh situation is actually the best of both."
— Colin Cowherd [50:13]
Mullen elaborates on Wilson's strategic value, highlighting his relationship with coach Mike Tomlin and his ability to influence the team's performance:
"They bring in Russell Wilson … believe they have found that solution … When he is tied, his production is tied to one receiver."
— Dan Mullen [50:25]
Cowherd emphasizes the importance of Wilson’s performance in defining both the current season and his future with the team:
"This game has always been about December 1st. It was the hardest six-game stretch I'd ever seen to end a season."
— Colin Cowherd [50:13]
They discuss the broader implications of Wilson's tenure with the Steelers, considering his past successes and current challenges.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the evolving nature of sports leagues, the impact of player transactions, and the strategic decisions that shape team performances. Cowherd underscores the importance of meaningful game structures in maintaining the integrity and excitement of sports competitions:
"You have to make the games matter. You can't make hockey, baseball, and NBA regular season matter."
— Colin Cowherd [38:48]
Dan Mullen echoes the sentiment, advocating for reforms that prioritize player development and team stability:
"Players deserve some of that money. The opportunity to go make it."
— Dan Mullen [24:21]
Notable Quotes
-
"We're all on the same team in this country."
— Colin Cowherd [00:00] -
"The hate in our country is getting out of control."
— Doug Gottlieb [02:30] -
"Flavor favors the bold."
— Advertisement Segment [45:58]
Key Takeaways
- Betting Strategies: Emphasis on strategic college bets over NFL favorites due to recent performance trends.
- College Football: Insights into the pressures faced by coaches, the impact of weather on game strategies, and critiques of the transfer portal system.
- NFL Dynamics: Criticism of the extended season schedule and its limited impact on playoff outcomes.
- NBA Trades: Analysis of key player performances and their implications for team strategies.
- Russell Wilson’s Impact: Detailed exploration of Wilson’s role with the Steelers and the significance of his performance against the Ravens.
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting pivotal discussions and expert opinions shared by Colin Cowherd and guest Dan Mullen. For those who haven't listened, this summary provides a thorough overview of the key points and debates presented during the podcast.