Dave Portnoy and his love for Michigan need no introduction. Week 6 is here, and the Wolverines will go against Wisconsin at Noon Kickoff. However, the absence of one Big Noon Kickoff host and Wisconsin alum has grabbed attention. Dan Katz, popularly known as the Big Cat, has ended up in the emergency ward, and Portnoy’s fake injury comment made up for a pumped-up ‘Ask Dave Segment.’

With Barstool Sports’ new deal with Fox Sports, Portnoy, along with Brandon Walker and Kaz, 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.”

“As you can see, I’m very clearly injured and in the hospital,” Big Cat said via an animated video clip from the hospital. “That’s why couldn’t make it for Michigan-Wisconsin today.”  Both Kaz and Portnoy have a wholesome relationship. In addition to Portnoy, who founded Barstool Sports, Dan is another popular name attached to the brand since 2012. The duo co-hosts the “Pardon My Take” podcast, which has more than 2 million followers on X.  Well, aside from the wholesome bond, the Michigan vs Wisconsin clash brough 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. 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 Wildcasts vs the Ducks’ face-off at Martin Stadium. ” 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. To which 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 prior to that, Wisconsin absolutely crushed the Wolverines, 49-11. Can Michigan add another win in its stretched-out history? Portnoy had more to say on that matter.

Big Cat gets candid on 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. The details about the injury were not disclosed, and he has yet to be discharged from the hospital.

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.