Dave Portnoy won't appear on 'Big Noon Kickoff' in Week 3, Dan 'Big Cat' Katz to fill in

Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy announced he would not appear on Big Noon Kickoff for Week 3 at Northwestern. Instead, fellow Barstool personality and Pardon My Take’s Dan “Big Cat” Katz will fill his shoes on the desk.

Big Cat and other Barstool employees appeared on Big Noon this past weekend with the show at Iowa State. They did an entire segment featuring Kayce Smith, Brandon Walker, Big Cat and Portnoy.

“Breaking News. I will not be on (Big Noon) next week,” Portnoy wrote on Twitter/X. “So no #askdave segment for next week. No further questions at this time.”

Big Cat noted on recent PMT episodes that he could be asked to fill in for Portnoy on Big Noon, in addition to his podcast role and hosting duties for Wake Up Barstool on FS1. Of course, he had a comedic announcement in response to Portnoy.

“Also Breaking News – I will be filling in for Dave on (Big Noon) next week so I’ll be happy to take any #AskDaveButDanAnswersForHim questions people have,” Big Cat wrote. “#TheTeamTheTeamTheTeam.”

Ironically, with Big Noon Kickoff going to Evanston, they are near the Chicago offices. But, Portnoy won’t be on the show next week, for whatever reason.

The FOX pregame show has seen a noticeable buzz with Portnoy on the desk and apart of the show. He truly doesn’t hold back.

Following Michigan’s loss to Oklahoma Saturday evening, he went on a NSFW rant about the coaching staff. But, he defended freshman QB Bryce Underwood.

“That was an infuriating half of football to watch,” Portnoy said. “It’s like, I don’t care if we go there, get our ass beat. But I’m not just going to sit there and watch Sherrone Moore and Michigan put their d*cks in their f***ing back pockets and not even try to score. Like, you put handcuffs on Bryce Underwood. I would be fighting everyone on the sideline if I was Bryce Underwood.

“Let the kid throw. Like, who cares if you lose by seven, 10, 14, or 400? Let the kid throw. Run, run, pass. Run, run, pass. Run, run, pass. They’ve got 32 guys in the box, 32 guys in the box. We’ve got the best quarterback recruit of all-time and you’ve got him in f***ing handcuffs. Wake the f*** up and let him play football.”

In the 24-13 loss, Underwood ended nine-of-24 passing for 142 yards. Justice Haynes was the best semblance of offense, running 19 times for 125 yards and one touchdown. However, the Sooners’ defense came to play.