Dave Portnoy and his love for Michigan need no introduction. Week 6 is here, and with Barstool Sports’ new deal with Fox Sports, Portnoy, along with Brandon Walker and Dan Katz, popularly known as the Big Cat, will make on-site appearances at the Big Noon Kickoff. But Kaz’s absence raised eyebrows, given it’s a Michigan vs. Wisconsin game. Portnoy jokingly called Big Cat a “coward” for his absence. “Big Cat’s a coward,” Portnoy said on camera. To which the host replied. “We’re gonna find out why you are particularly a coward this weekend.”

Katz reportedly ended up in the emergency ward, and Portnoy’s “fake injury” joke added fuel to an already pumped-up Ask Dave segment. On a lively animated hospital backdrop, Big Cat explained, “As you can see, I’m very clearly injured and in the hospital. That’s why I couldn’t make it for Michigan-Wisconsin today.” And if you thought Portnoy was exaggerating with his “fake injury” comment, well, this time, he wasn’t.

The two share a genuinely wholesome relationship. Alongside Portnoy, who founded Barstool Sports, Dan Katz has been a key face of the brand since 2012. The duo also co-hosts the popular Pardon My Take podcast, which has more than 2 million followers on X. Well, aside from the wholesome bond, the Michigan vs Wisconsin clash brought forth their loyalty to their alma mater, brimming to be poured out.

“I’m really..really sorry, I would have loved to be there,” Dan added in the animated clip. “You know I love college football so much. I love watching when our two teams go crazy at each other. So, Good Luck to you. Let’s have a great game; Let’s remember sportsmanship, friendship. All the important ships out there.” The Big Cat, as part of Barstool Sports, made his first appearance at the Big Noon Kickoff at Ames for the Iowa-Iowa State clash. He filled in for Portnoy’s absence during the Wildcats vs. the Ducks’ face-off at Martin Stadium. In response to the video, the host replied jokingly. “Definitely, a real hospital.” But Portnoy had a lot more to add.

“10-15 years ago, we (Michigan) weren’t on top of the game. It’s tough for him,” Dave added. “We are gonna beat Wisconsin by 60 today.” The Wisconsin-Michigan history dates back to 1892, with the Wolverines dominating the winning streak over the years. Badgers lost 52 times, with one tie. The last clash happened on October 2, 2021, with Michigan battering the Badgers, 38-17. But a year before that, Wisconsin absolutely crushed the Wolverines, 49-11. Can Michigan add another win to its stretched-out history? Let’s hear what Portnoy has to say on that matter.

Big Cat gets candid about fake injury comment

Zooming in on that similar discussion, things got hilariously heated during the Ask Dave segment, and friendly banter was one way to express that friendly animosity. Dave Portnoy continued. “He’s friends with people on the program..and he couldn’t watch out…so, he took the coward’s way out and faked the injury,” he said.

But Katz had an answer ready in reaction to Dave’s playful jibe. “Yes, I was in a very serious accident and it really put into perspective how irrelevant a bunch of ‘football games’ are,” he wrote on X. “Like no one even cares who wins and loses, right?”

The Badgers might have been dominated by Michigan over the years, with a 14-game losing streak in the 1960s and 1970s. But recent matchups paint a different picture. A 7-5 streak by Wisconsin since 2005,  and the 2020s’ 49-11 dominating win, have boosted Wisconsin’s confidence. Presently, FanDuel Sportsbook has the Badgers listed as 17.5-point underdogs, with the over/under at 42.5 points.