A Note from MutStack Owner Dave Portnoy
Good luck to everyone playing the Breeders’ Cup this weekend. As far as Mut losing the Southwick Jug and then finding it. Mut is exactly who we thought he was.
I don’t know if that was meant to be a compliment from my boss, but I’m taking it as one. Positive Vibes Only on Breeders’ Cup Weekend!
As for the Jug…
Three Key Takeaways from a Big Night For UConn Last Friday
The Pregame Scene Was Electric
“The crowd was awesome. We did (Fox); this crowd was as good, if not better and bigger than any crowd we’ve had.”
This was the first time The Barstool College Football Show had come to the Northeast (I think). They go to places like Iowa, Ohio State, and Michigan. But UConn? East Hartford? Would the fans show up? They sure would - 5500 student tickets sold for the game and hundreds of fans there for the live show 90 minutes before kickoff. One Barstool team member told me the crowd “was way better than Indiana,” and Dave gave the UConn fans that big ‘stock-up’ on Wake Up Barstool Monday morning. A++ showing by UConn Fans. The stars of the show stayed and took dozens of photos afterward. And the show is quick - like 40 minutes - and the crowd was locked in during all the interaction. I’d be shocked if the show is not back at UConn next year. Very cool scene.UConn is well on its way to a Power 4 Invite
I don’t think it will be the SEC. And I have no clue if it will be the Big Ten, Big 12, or the ACC. But yeah, based on what I saw on Friday Night and some of the people I had a chance to talk to before the game, I think UConn is going to get the call. Just the vibes, which isn't always the best barometer; I get it. No disrespect to UMass, but I think you’ll see when UNC and Bill Belichick come to town next week what a ‘big time’ opponent can draw in East Hartford. How will it impact basketball? I have no clue - but the invite is coming. And the football program needs it (and has earned it). Friday was a big moment for UConn Athletics.
We got the Jug
Thanks to another former Locked On UConn host (Matt) for meeting me at Ted’s Monday after I got the Southwick Jug back from Coach Candle. And it was lost, for sure. Had a Level 8 panic attack Saturday morning when that reality set in. It wasn’t until Monday morning, when I got to the UConn Campus to start looking for it, that I had any real hope. I got a text from the Sports Admin department asking me to come to Coach Candle’s office before his media avail, and I thought that maybe they had found it. They had - and Coach has entrusted me (and the fans) to hold onto it between now and UConn/UMass next October. If they didn’t have it, dozens of these flyers were going up around campus, and I wasn't leaving until we found it.
It’s an awesome trophy. I need to figure out exactly what to do with it. But we have it.
Great weekend for UConn and UConn football. Thanks to Dave and Big Cat for bringing the show to The Rent. See everyone for Bill Belichick’s New England Return next Week!
Meanwhile, I am very worried about the Red Sox. I have some thoughts on Seinfeld. NFL Picks, Notes, and more.
All ahead in Friday Four-Pack #195.
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On Four Things That Scare Me About the Boston Red Sox…
It is Halloween Weekend, after all….
🎃 I can see Craig Breslow showing John Henry the stat that the Brewers hit the second-fewest home runs in MLB this year. And he’ll completely ignore that they hit THE MOST home runs in their special World Series run. Dingers continue to dominate the MLB postseason, with the team that out-dingered their opponent winning over 80% of the games. They desperately need a right-handed power bat, and I’m worried this Brewers run will convince them they can make do without one. It would be a HUGE mistake.
🎃 They have to trade Jarren Duran, right? I know they missed the boat on maximizing his value by not trading him to the Padres a few years ago, but enough is enough. Take 60 cents on the dollar and free up that roster and OF spot. The fans will not miss him, and the team will be better off - addition by subtraction. Find a trade partner before the lockout on December 1.
🎃 The Lockout. It’s happening, folks, and if we end up with a salary cap, the BIG MARKET Boston Red Sox lose a major advantage. I hate the idea of Craig Breslow having to battle against other teams without the big Scrooge McDuck pool of money behind him. My co-worker Marty Mush talks to a bunch of MLB players, and he’s convinced they’ll be dug in against any sort of hard salary cap. Fingers crossed he’s right. If you’re a Red Sox fan, you should not be rooting for any sort of cap. John Henry is, which sucks.
🎃 If Roman can’t get healthy, they’re kinda screwed no matter what. I have no faith he gets healthy.
A month until the lockout, and my gut says we miss most, if not all, of the regular season.
On My Mount Rushmore of Seinfeld Episodes…
There was a moment, maybe a month ago, when all of a sudden Seinfeld just disappeared from Netflix. A quick Google search said a deal had been reached that would keep the show on the platform through October 2031. But an X.com search showed I wasn't the only one utterly panicked by the disappearance of one of the greatest TV shows of all time. Legit freaked me out - sad but 100% true.
Since Moneyball left Netflix, I’d say I fall asleep to Seinfeld at least five nights a week. Once I get to the end of the series (skip the last two episodes, obviously), I just go right back to the Pilot episode and those first few shows with the original Morty.
I loved Seinfeld when it originally aired. When I was in high school, we’d be recapping and quoting the latest episode by Friday morning. And I enjoy the crew putting me to sleep at night now- or helping me get back to sleep when I eventually wake up.
Anyway, this Rushmore podcast with Jerry and Larry David hit my X.com feed this week. In it, Jerry ranks his Mount Rushmore of Seinfeld Episodes: “The Contest, “The Soup Nazi,’ “The Marine Biologist, and “The Merv Griffin Show.” Larry went with “The Contest,” “The Opposite,” “The Puffy Shirt,” and “The Pen.” All solid choices. I wanted in on the action.
So because it’s my newsletter, here is the official MutStack Mt. Rushmore of Seinfeld Episodes.
The Merv Griffin Show
Well, ladies and gentlemen! It's our good friend, George Costanza! What a surprise! (Merv music plays)
If I had to pick one, this might be #1. Elaine vs. The Sidler. Celia's vintage toy collection. The fake talk show. Scandals and Animals. All-time. I could watch this one every day.
The Cheever Letters
Well, that's not offensive….It's abnormal, but it's not offensive.
How do you top 'The Bubble Boy?’ With the news that Susan’s dad was in a secret relationship with family friend John Cheever. Jerry and George getting no work done. We get to meet Susan’s random brother, Ricky. Jerry and his Dirty Talk. Elanie’s punchline to end the episode.
The Rye
I'm so keen-o
On Beef-A-Reenoooo
What a delicious cuisine-o.
Fit for a king and queen-o! Yeah. Eat up. I got thirty-four more cans….
Part of an elite run of episodes in Season 7. Hot and heavy. Jerry stealing the marble rye from Mable. The Costanzas meet the Rosses for the first time. They steal back the marble rye. Rusty the horse and beef-a-reeno.
The Muffin Tops
Yeah, it’s $37.50 for a Three Musketeers
J Peterman Reality Tour. Mr. Lippman’s Muffin Business. George as a fake tourist. Glorious.
Just Missed
The Library - Just for the incredible Lt. Joe Bookman performance by Phillip Baker Hall
The Bubble Boy - We’re making incredible time here. I once went from West 81st Street to Kennedy Airport in 15 minutes
What a show. Anyway, if you like Seinfeld, you should watch the Podcast.
On your Four-Pack of Week 8 NFL Picks…
WEEK 7 RESULTS: 1-1-1, (7-1 ATD)
SEASON RESULTS: 9-11-1, 1 ATD
SEASON ATD: 1 for 7 (7-1)
Yes, we went 1-1-1. But we also cashed on a 7-1 ATD (Singletary at the buzzer!) that I even texted my friend Mike Montante about - he does not read MutStack. he might not read anything. I don’t think he bet it. Anyway, I’m grading this a GOOD week.
Odds from the best sportsbook on the planet, DraftKings, as of Thursday night. Make sure to check for updated odds.
The Side
BUCS (-2.5) VS. FALCONS (-108)
I can’t quit the Bucs, and I can’t quit betting terrible NFC South games. Tampa losing to the Steelers after being up 16-0 is as bad a loss as I’ve had betting on football in the last five years. But you have to ignore the emotion and go with the numbers. 67% of the bets and 73% of the money is coming in on Atlanta - I want to be on the other side of that. Falcons got turnover luck last week against the 49ers (4-0) in a game where they were actually outgained on offense by SF. Bucs are going to get CB Antoine Winfield and WR Emeka Egbuka back here, and a win puts them right back in the division mix. Tampa is 7th in DVOA - ATL is 19th (!!!). Falcons have to travel to Spain next week, so distraction looms. Also, I think Kevin Stefanski might stink. The Falcons are a sexier team, but the Bucs are better.
The Total
JAGS VS. COLTS UNDER 46.5 (-102)
Another ugly divisional game. This has blowout potential, but the numbers say Jags will be happy to play slow and run the ball. Sharp Football has them as the 2nd slowest team in neutral-pace situations. Their 44% run rate is 5th highest in the league. The Colts are in full tank mode, and even if they’re into the game, the Jags' 4th-ranked DVOA defense should be up to the task. UNDER.
The Prop
CAM WARD 10+ RUSHING YARDS (+111)
Only cleared this 2x this season, but Cinci allows the 3rd-most rushing yards per game to opposing QBs. Bengals should be all over Ward, forcing him to scramble.
The ATD
COREY KINER +295
Pats should roll Miami, even without AJ Brown.
On your weekly MutStack Notes…
🏒 Excited to make my first road trip with the Chasing Goals crew next week. Headed to Pittsburgh for Penguins/Knights. We’ll be rooting for goals and hanging with Elio, Murls, and the Ice People. And hopefully recapping a winning Breeders’ Cup Weekend. There will be a pregame meet-up- just not sure where.
🏇🏻 Breeders’ Cup! We’re up to 20+ scratches as of Friday morning. Safety first, 100%. But they take some juice out of what is usually one of the best chances to make a score all year when it comes to betting on horses.
All of my Breeders’ Cup content will be on my page at The Barstool Blog (go ahead and bookmark that page) and on X. Blog picks for the Friday races later today, and I hope to test out my live setup on X. Then full Saturday picks on the blog tomorrow and live on X.com about 20 minutes before all nine Breeders’ Cup Races.
But I’ll post here for the MutStack diehards that tomorrow in the BC Dirt Mile, #7 Bracket Buster (Race 6 ) will be my key horse to maybe be the whole weekend being a winner or loser.
I like Forever Young in the Classic. And as a price, #4 The Puma can be a player (Race 12 Saturday). Much more later today and tomorrow.
So proud of our Audacy Boston crew! The new Marconi Display just keeps growing!
Multiple Boston media members texted me this Mike Thomas post. Ratings be damned, keep collecting those Marconi Awards! Trophy collection grows while the ratings decline!
🎙️Yes, I saw the clips of Mike Adams with Big O (Thanks, David in Maryland). No, I did not listen to the episode. Life is too short. We’re all going to die. And if I’m on my deathbed, and it hits me I spent any amount of time really thinking about Mike Adams or his warped memory or his embarrassing lack of personal responsibility for events that happened - checks notes - fucking 12 years ago, then I’ll just pull the plug on myself. I’m sure it will come on Kirk’s show next time I’m in, and we can talk about it there if he wants, but I am sick of the “Radio Memory Lane” stuff, so I’m not doing it here. Sorry, James.
🏀 CBS Sports is doing a mini-doc on the epic UConn/Duke Elite 8 Game. I’m told they used a clip I posted after the game. Can’t wait to watch.
🏀 I don’t miss watching Jaylen Brown. Even a little. Jayson Tatum MVP watch officially on.
🏀 I have accepted the position of co-coach for 5th grade travel basketball. No further questions at this time.
🍎 Diet update: Down 5 lbs in four weeks. Feel a little better. Look a little (very little) better. We’re on the right path. However…
These are special. They are NOT a year-round candy, but right now…I can’t stop. Peanut Butter Snickers or an Original Reese’s Cup are tough to beat, but this guy here? Might eat 20 this weekend.
That sure feels like enough Stack for this week. Back later today on the Barstool Blog with some ideas for the five Friday Breeders’ Cup races. Then Saturday AM to break down the nine more Breeders’ Cup races still to come. Let’s get lucky!
Good luck with all your bets this weekend. And thanks for reading.
I would trust blind Mike to have better reading skills than Montante. I’ve at least seen blind Mike reading the news and taking his morning piss at the end of his driveway, I’ve never seen Montante read anything.
Also don’t try and get out of jury duty. You’d make a great juror and it’s an honor to take part in our justice system.
Came for the notes. Did not disappoint. This is why we Mutstack.