Podcast Summary: "The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Hour 2 - Where Colin was Right and Wrong"

Release Date: March 31, 2025

In this engaging episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Colin Cowherd and J. Mac delve into a comprehensive analysis of the current sports landscape, dissecting their predictions and opinions to highlight where Colin was both right and wrong. Joined by guest Matt Hasselbeck, the discussion spans college basketball, Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Football League (NFL), and the National Basketball Association (NBA), offering listeners insightful perspectives on recent developments and future prospects.

1. College Basketball Tournament Analysis

Final Four Insights

Colin kicks off the episode by reflecting on the recent college basketball tournament, specifically focusing on the Houston Cougars' challenging matchups against Gonzaga and Purdue.

[02:33] Colin Cowherd: "Kelvin Sampson, great coach of the Houston Cougars, is going to be joining us in one hour from now. That team is a handful and they've had a road. Gonzaga, Purdue, they have Had a road."

He expresses excitement about the upcoming Duke vs. Houston showdown, despite some teams' inconsistent performances.

[03:11] Colin Cowherd: "I cannot wait for Duke in Houston. Cannot wait."

SEC vs. ACC Dominance

Colin discusses the SEC's impressive performance in the tournament, noting Auburn's strong showing and the overall depth of the conference compared to the ACC.

[04:10] Colin Cowherd: "The teams at the bottom of our league are investing very similarly to the teams in the middle and the top of the league. There's just not that much difference."

Matt Hasselbeck concurs, emphasizing the SEC's commitment and investment in basketball.

[04:48] Matt Hasselbeck: "A lot of people are saying, do we really need to draft a running back that high? And the answer was no. But then the Saquon effect happened and now people are looking at guys like Genti and they're saying, hey, that could be our Saquon."

2. Major League Baseball Updates

Dodgers' Record-Breaking Performance

Colin lauds the Los Angeles Dodgers for their exceptional season, highlighting their unparalleled statistics.

[05:26] Colin Cowherd: "They do not have a hole. It is a virtual all-star team. And again, depth of talent, pitching, bullpen. It's like nothing I've ever seen."

Yankees' Innovative Torpedo Bat

Conversely, Colin critiques the New York Yankees' adoption of the "torpedo bat," likening its effectiveness to legendary figures.

[05:28] Colin Cowherd: "They have 15 home runs in three games. It's Babe Ruth on HGH."

3. NFL Team Assessments

Dallas Cowboys' Roster and Financial Strategy

The discussion shifts to the NFL, where Colin expresses concerns about the Dallas Cowboys' roster construction and financial management, particularly regarding defensive star Micah Parsons.

[05:28] Colin Cowherd: "I think Micah Deck and CD Lamb have produced one playoff win and that was over that sub 500 Tampa team."

Matt Hasselbeck agrees, pointing out the imbalance in the Cowboys' investments between offense and defense.

[15:39] Matt Hasselbeck: "They have a lot of issues in their division... Dallas, they kind of need a miracle."

Quarterback Prospects: Justin Fields and Others

Justin Fields' performance with the New York Jets becomes a focal point. Colin advocates for giving Fields a fair chance despite past team transitions, while J. Mac raises questions about his commitment.

[25:21] Colin Cowherd: "I do not think like a Baker or Darnold, he is gifted enough to overcome the wrong culture or the staff."

Matt emphasizes Fields' improving statistics and adaptability across different offensive schemes.

[10:05] Matt Hasselbeck: "He has all the tools. I really can't see a scenario where I'm getting rid of him."

4. Deion Sanders and Shador Sanders’ Future

The conversation touches on Deion Sanders’ decision to remain with Colorado Boulder and his supportive stance towards his son, Shador Sanders.

[28:19] Colin Cowherd: "I think he's a dad and he's fired up for him... it's the last thing you want to do is if your kid goes somewhere and you complain about it."

Colin appreciates Sanders’ cultural impact on college football, noting the positive atmosphere he fosters.

5. NBA Update: Kevin Durant's Injury

Kevin Durant’s severe ankle injury is discussed, with J. Mac speculating it could signal Durant’s departure from the Phoenix Suns.

[29:01] J. Mac: "There is some speculation this may have been his final game with the Suns."

Colin contrasts the NBA's injury prevalence with the NFL’s relative resilience, suggesting that physicality in football results in healthier teams as the season progresses.

[30:23] Colin Cowherd: "In football, bigger, stronger men tackle each other and when you get to the end of the season, the really good teams are all, almost all healthy."

6. High School and College Sports Market Dynamics

Colin elaborates on the dominance of small-town high school sports and mid-sized markets in college athletics, arguing that large cities are more suited for professional teams.

[09:27] Colin Cowherd: "Small towns dominate high school football... mid-sized markets dominate college football and college basketball."

He discusses the economic and logistical advantages that favor expansion teams in large metropolitan areas, despite their potential overrepresentation in professional sports.

7. Personal Anecdotes and Family Stories

Towards the episode’s end, the hosts share personal stories, fostering a connection with listeners. J. Mac recounts coaching his daughter's basketball team to a tournament victory, highlighting the joy and fulfillment found in supporting children’s sports.

[31:25] J. Mac: "I had too good of a time in Chicago... I had a good time coaching my kid."

Colin shares his experiences with maintaining family connections through technology, underscoring the importance of family amidst a busy career.

[32:00] Colin Cowherd: "Thank God for FaceTime... it's great for parents. Yeah, you can talk to your kid."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the ongoing challenges across various sports leagues, emphasizing the delicate balance between talent, management, and team culture necessary for sustained success.

[38:56] Colin Cowherd: "Somebody talk about just winning the 98%."

The hosts reiterate their commitment to providing honest, in-depth sports commentary, encouraging audience engagement and previewing upcoming topics.

This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes with timestamps, and the dynamic interplay between the hosts and guest. It provides a comprehensive overview for listeners who haven’t tuned in, ensuring they’re well-informed about the critical sports narratives discussed.