Using live animals in CFB isn’t exactly unprecedented. Okay, back in 2022, Oklahoma State shook things up by bringing a horse for their recruiting photo shoot. And who could forget Kirk Herbstreit’s Peter, the fan-favorite dog, making waves on ESPN’s College GameDay? Yet, a live animal can intimidate anyone seeing it up close for the first time. Well, here comes Pat McAfee’s latest revelation, adding even more buzz to the mix.

On the October 8 episode of The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee sat down with A.J. Hawk and ESPN’s Steve Coughlin, aka “Stanford Steve,” to discuss Week 7’s big showdown: Oregon vs. Indiana on College GameDay. McAfee didn’t hold back, declaring, “It’s going to be a show.” And he’s not wrong. However, the main highlight is Steve Coughlin’s fear of ducks.

“There’s been live animals, I think, a few different times when we’ve been out there,” recalled McAfee, setting the stage. Then AJ Hawk jumped in, asking, “What kind?” McAfee didn’t miss a beat and said, “The Duck.” And then came the bombshell that had Steve Coughlin squirming. “Steve, I don’t want to have this conversation. There are people listening, obviously, this is live. Steve’s fear of ducks is disgusting,” stated McAfee, chuckling.

“Think how big Steve is. Think how big he is!” While people might think even the most prominent personalities can have a little fear, especially when Ducks are involved, Steve didn’t hold back in explaining his own. He had what people would say, Anatidaephobia – the fear of ducks.

Hawk chimed in with a grin, stating, “Just kick him in the head, Steve.” But Steve didn’t stop explaining, despite shaking his head. “Exactly. I know,” he said, laughing. “But I’m sitting down, and they put it right on the desk next to me. And the thing’s neck is longer than my arm. I don’t know what it’s going to do, man.” To be honest, the sudden appearance of a live animal can knock someone’s socks off. However, Pat McAfee didn’t stop sharing his own take.

“He freaks out. That thing ruins his entire stare at me,” Pat McAfee said, referring to Steve. Now, if Dan Lanning’s Oregon decides to bring a live animal to this season’s ESPN College GameDay, it’ll be fascinating to see Steve’s reaction. But while McAfee exposed Steve’s fear, the 38 YO analyst didn’t hold back when talking about his corgi’s latest adventure.

Pat McAfee’s sense of humor remains underrated

When Chuck, Pat McAfee’s compact little corgi, hit the track for the “Stumpy Stampede,” the fans braced for laughs. The short-legged sprint snatched the spotlight on GameDay. But it wasn’t just Chuck’s waddling determination that had fans in stitches. So, what stood out? McAfee’s commentary stole the show, calling Chuck “by far the fattest corgi in the entire race” and shouting encouragement like, “Go get your mom, the one that you like!”

Moreover, McAfee’s narration made Chuck’s struggle feel heroic. McAfee jogged alongside Chuck, guiding him across the finish line, all while he cracked jokes about the “adversity, including his own weight.” Chuck had his own quirks, too. He was the only corgi without a costume or collar, simply because nothing fit. Yet McAfee’s lively storytelling kept everyone entertained, showing that in this race. Beyond the laughs, this racing highlights the heritage of corgis.

But the interesting part? Chuck didn’t have to win to steal the show. Sauntering across the finish line, he reminded everyone that sometimes personality makes a champion, even if it’s not first place. As for Steve, we hope he overcomes his fear of ducks.