The Pat McAfee Show – Episode PMS 2.0 1311: "The Madness Continues, Daniel Jeremiah, John Calipari, Michael Lombardi, & AJ Hawk"

Release Date: March 19, 2025

Introduction to March Madness Kickoff

Pat McAfee opens the episode on an electrifying note, diving into the excitement surrounding the NCAA tournament's commencement. He recounts the thrilling opening play-in games, highlighting standout performances and unexpected twists.

Pat McAfee [00:00]: "Madness is on the horizon, and, boy, it has already happened."

He specifically mentions the intense matchup between St. Francis and Alabama State, which culminated in a dramatic Hail Mary pass securing Alabama State's entry into the tournament.

Pat McAfee [00:20]: "A Hail Mary from Alabama State. 68, 68. St. Francis ties it. You're going to win. Hail Mary, full of grace, to take down a Catholic school. 7 seconds left. 70. 68."

North Carolina and West Virginia: Tournament Controversies

McAfee shifts focus to the controversial inclusion of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the tournament, questioning the selection process and the perceived favoritism.

Pat McAfee [00:45]: "North Carolina, the team that shouldn't have got in. Okay, you're talking Quad One wins or not, huh?"

He criticizes Bubba Cunningham, North Carolina's athletic director and head of the selection committee, suggesting potential biases in the selection decisions.

Simultaneously, he discusses West Virginia's disappointing exclusion and the subsequent poaching of their men's basketball coach by Indiana University, exacerbating the team's turmoil.

Pat McAfee [01:15]: "West Virginia gets screwed so bad, their coach actually just gets poached to Indiana University. Ooh. West Virginia's in a bad spot."

West Virginia's Coach DeVries Under Fire

The conversation delves deeper into the ramifications of Coach DeVries's departure from West Virginia, examining the backlash he faces and the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Pat McAfee [02:00]: "DeVries is now public enemy number one right now at West Virginia Public."

He speculates on the reasons behind the negative reception, attributing it to the coach's effective strategies that might have conflicted with the selection committee's preferences.

Pat McAfee [03:00]: "This guy became the head coach of West Virginia less than a year ago. I met him at Rich Rod's press conference. He was cool dude, he was a good conversation."

NFL Draft Insights with Daniel Jeremiah

Pat welcomes Daniel Jeremiah, a renowned NFL draft analyst, to discuss the intricacies of the upcoming NFL Draft and the Big 12 Pro Day happening in Dallas.

Pat McAfee [12:00]: "Joining us now, ladies and gentlemen, from a completely different world is the NFL. He's known as the combine and draft guy because he watches film of every single human that plays college football. He's moved the sticks. He's currently down in Dallas for the Big 12 Pro Day."

Jeremiah shares his perspectives on the mock drafts, highlighting the consensus around certain top picks and the factors influencing these predictions.

Daniel Jeremiah: "Cam Ward going number one is something when you're talking to people around the league, that has become more of the expectation."

The Browns’ Defensive Strategy

The discussion shifts to the Cleveland Browns, where McAfee praises the potential pairing of Abdul Carter and Myles Garrett, envisioning a formidable defensive lineup.

Pat McAfee [15:00]: "Abdul Carter potentially teaming up with Myles Garrett. Good luck. AFC north offensive lineman and quarterbacks."

Jeremiah weighs in on the Browns' strategy, emphasizing the importance of balancing elite defensive talent with a young quarterback to sustain long-term success.

Daniel Jeremiah [15:41]: "Abdul Carter and Myles Garrett together is certainly a winning recipe for defense."

Draft Strategies and Offensive Line Concerns

McAfee and Jeremiah delve into the significance of offensive linemen in the draft, discussing why certain positions may be undervalued this year.

Pat McAfee [23:00]: "Offensive lineman. That's why they're potentially why so many offensive linemen paid, you know, guys we never heard of because of..."

Jeremiah explains the dynamics influencing the draft positions of offensive linemen, attributing it to the current abundance of talent in other positions.

Interview with Coach John Calipari of Arkansas

A significant portion of the episode features an insightful interview with Coach John Calipari, who reflects on Arkansas's challenging season and their unexpected tournament success.

Pat McAfee [40:56]: "Joining us now is Coach John Calipari of Arkansas. How do you feel about your team out there?"

Calipari discusses the team's resilience, emphasizing how early season adversities forged a stronger, more unified squad ready to compete on the national stage.

Coach John Calipari [41:57]: "We became that team now. They had to win that battle first and understand that you're not defined by this stuff."

He also touches on the strategic adjustments made throughout the season to enhance the team's defensive capabilities, preparing for the high-stakes environment of the tournament.

NFL Rule Changes and Their Implications

The conversation transitions back to the NFL, where McAfee and guests analyze proposed rule changes aimed at improving game dynamics and player safety.

Pat McAfee [13:09]: "Down by the way, who's coaching your basketball team, Pat?"

Discussions include potential amendments to playoff seeding, offensive player conduct during snaps, and overtime rules aligning regular season with postseason standards. Jeremiah and other guests provide their expert opinions on the feasibility and impact of these changes.

Daniel Jeremiah [75:03]: "Absolutely. Keep it the same way."

August Madness Recap and Final Thoughts

As the episode nears its conclusion, McAfee recaps the day’s highlights, reiterating the unpredictability and excitement that March Madness brings. He emphasizes the transformative power of the tournament for universities and players alike, celebrating the underdog stories and monumental upsets that define the season.

Pat McAfee [11:35]: "We kicked their butt last night. That was good."

Closing remarks focus on the communal experience of March Madness, urging listeners to enjoy the games responsibly and savor the thrilling moments that make college basketball uniquely captivating.

Pat McAfee [149:29]: "Good luck to you, though. Hey, I'm pumped for Ben... Have a great March Madness."

Notable Quotes

• Pat McAfee [00:00]: "Madness is on the horizon, and, boy, it has already happened."
• Coach John Calipari [41:57]: "They became that team now. They had to win that battle first and understand that you're not defined by this stuff."
• Daniel Jeremiah [15:41]: "Abdul Carter and Myles Garrett together is certainly a winning recipe for defense."
• Pat McAfee [23:00]: "Offensive lineman. That's why they're potentially why so many offensive linemen paid, you know, guys we never heard of because of..."

Conclusion

This episode of The Pat McAfee Show offers a comprehensive exploration of the early stages of March Madness, intertwined with expert analyses from NFL professionals and prominent college basketball coaches. The blend of game recaps, strategic discussions, and insider perspectives provides listeners with a rich and engaging overview of the current sports landscape. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, McAfee's dynamic commentary ensures an informative and entertaining listening experience.