West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football Podcast

Ep. 447 - What if OU Wins Out? + South Carolina Preview
As OU enters game 8, the guys take stock of a Sooners defense that remains very good , but has clearly taken a step back from last season. Why isn’t Brent Venables’ defense forcing more turnovers, what happened to the dominant run defense and pass rush, and are opposing offenses simply playing differently against OU?
The guys also answer a listener question: what would it actually mean if OU wins out and finishes 9-3?
The South Carolina preview includes the latest injury report (hopefully Peyton Bowen can play!), the importance of Michael Fasusi and whether John Mateer can put together another turnover-free performance. The Sooners should have a path to win at home, but nothing is predictable with this team. They finish with a look at the national scene and weekly picks against the spread.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening Take: Why isn’t OU’s defense forcing more turnovers?05:02 — Are opponents changing how they attack Brent Venables?09:10 — Revisiting our preseason defensive predictions14:20 — How far has Oklahoma’s run defense fallen?16:19 — Is OU’s defense actually elite this season?20:58 — Listener question: What if Oklahoma wins out?25:34 — Would a 9-3 finish prove the offense actually improved?27:23 — Sustainable success vs. another defense-driven run29:44 — Are expectations being lowered under Brent Venables?34:19 — Is Venables searching for his “head coach of offense”?42:30 — Oklahoma-South Carolina preview begins43:24 — Injury report: Peyton Bowen and other key Sooners54:34 — Breaking down LaNorris Sellers and South Carolina’s offense57:50 — Can OU’s offense build on Mississippi State?1:00:26 — The simplest key: John Mateer must protect the football1:01:16 — Should Oklahoma beat South Carolina?1:05:47 — How Grant sees the game playing out1:11:03 — Around college football1:24:04 — Weekly picks against the spread
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Ep. 446 - Mateer’s Best Game at OU? Sooners Beat Mississippi State
OU’s back in the win column and the offense actually looked pretty good for a full game. Lee and Grant break down John Mateer’s best performance as OU’s quarterback, the season-high 467 yards, a much-improved running game and whether Ben Arbuckle finally found a version of the offense that can work.
The guys also discuss the impact of Michael Fasusi’s return at left tackle, strong performances from Isaiah Sategna, Rocky Beers, Tory Blaylock and Lloyd Avant, and the dramatic difference between Mateer’s conservative first half and much more aggressive second half. They also debate the controversial Beers no-touchdown call and why Oklahoma still failed to turn a dominant statistical performance into a comfortable blowout.
The defense was great again, OU dominated, but still only won by 8 points. Plus, listener three-word reviews, Tate Sandell’s rough day, Oklahoma’s bizarre win-loss pattern and an early look toward South Carolina.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — OU beats Mississippi State 23-1505:21 — Was this John Mateer’s best game at Oklahoma?07:06 — A tale of two halves for Mateer and the offense10:13 — Oklahoma finally establishes a running game11:07 — Michael Fasusi’s return changes the offensive line15:59 — Mateer’s first-half vs. second-half numbers20:14 — OU dominated, so why was the game still close?24:39 — Is there finally something for the offense to build on?29:23 — Isaiah Sategna, Rocky Beers and OU’s top pass catchers30:06 — Was Rocky Beers’ end-zone play actually a touchdown?38:30 — Defensive standouts against Mississippi State45:20 — Three-word reviews and what the win really means53:17 — What’s going on with Tate Sandell?55:44 — Is Oklahoma’s defense still elite?1:04:03 — OU’s bizarre win-loss-win-loss streak1:05:19 — Early look at South Carolina1:09:05 — Could Oklahoma still reach the SEC Championship Game?1:26:10 — Final thoughts and looking ahead
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Ep. 445 - What Would It Take To Bench John Mateer? + Mississippi State Preview
What does it mean to remain invested in Oklahoma football when you no longer believe in the people leading the program? Grant tackles that question in his opening take.
Then Lee and Grant turn to Oklahoma’s broken offense. John Mateer will remain the starting quarterback against Mississippi State, we hear from Ben Arbuckle and would making a change actually matter?
The guys also react to Arbuckle’s explanation for why Ryan Fodje remained on the field for many snaps after injuring his foot against Kentucky. What does this say about the coordination and leadership of Oklahoma’s offense. Then it’s a preview of OU-Mississippi State, including the uncertain status of Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor, Oklahoma’s depleted offensive line, what the defense needs to do and whether the Sooners can simply avoid enough mistakes to win in Starkville.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening Take: What happens when a fan stops believing?05:50 — Brent Venables misses the weekly press conference06:58 — Ben Arbuckle explains why Mateer is still QB109:29 — Why a quarterback change probably won’t fix OU11:01 — The strongest argument for trying Whit Neubauer11:52 — Do you trust OU’s quarterback evaluation?15:15 — Should Ben Arbuckle be worried about his job?18:07 — What if Whit Neubauer actually looked better?19:02 — Comparing Oklahoma’s QB situation with Texas20:34 — What would it take to bench Mateer?21:56 — Ben Arbuckle explains why Fodje stayed in the game22:41 — Grant: the Fodje situation symbolizes the bigger problem23:28 — Why Arbuckle’s explanation is a bad look 27:01 — Leadership and communication breakdowns 29:42 — Oklahoma’s offensive-line outlook vs. Mississippi State30:09 — Could Michael Fasusi finally return?31:10 — What OU’s offensive line may look like34:30 — Oklahoma-Mississippi State preview begins35:16 — Will Kamario Taylor play?39:05 — Why OU should win if Mississippi State starts its backup QB40:31 — How Venables may defend Jeff Lebby’s offense41:38 — What Oklahoma’s defense needs to show42:56 — Can OU generate more organic pass rush?45:20 — What Oklahoma’s offense needs to show45:30 — Can OU simply finish drives and avoid turnovers?46:39 — Breaking down Mississippi State’s defense47:46 — The simple formula: don’t turn it over48:10 — Score prediction discussion51:18 — Weekly picks against the spread52:20 — Indiana at Michigan, Tennessee-SC, Iowa-Minn, Ole Miss-Texas59:16 — USC at Wisconsin1:00:14 — Picks recap1:00:49 — Final thoughts on Starkville
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Ep. 444 - OU Flops Following Texas Win, Loses to Kentucky at Home
OU followed its emotional win over Texas with a 21-13 home loss to Kentucky, falling to 3-3 overall and effectively ending any realistic College Football Playoff hopes. Despite showing signs of life early, OU’s offense reverted back to their usual selves when it mattered most.
The guys also examine the larger coaching picture. Kentucky looked like the more buttoned-up team under first-year head coach Will Stein, while Oklahoma continues to struggle with many of the same problems that have followed Brent Venables throughout his tenure. They discuss Venables’ newly revealed buyout, why the recent contract extension matters so much and whether Oklahoma has financially boxed itself into a difficult spot.
Plus, Lee & Grant talk about Ryan Fodje’s injury and what all went into that sequence of events. Stick around for listener “3-word reviews”.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — OU loses and the same problems keep showing up 03:17 — Grant’s first reaction to the loss 08:22 — Why coaching makes players look better or worse10:27 — Mateer was playing well — until the interception 14:23 — Mateer’s turnover problem in perspective 18:37 — Venables’ contract extension and the bigger picture21:23 — Why we thought Oklahoma would beat Kentucky22:48 — OU’s turnover numbers are among the worst in college football26:30 — Venables’ $51.67 million buyout30:23 — Can Venables ever fix the offense? 34:35 — The Ryan Fodje injury situation was crazy40:59 — Reconstructing the Fodje timeline44:49 — The Mateer turnover changes everything46:36 — Why was Fodje still on the field?56:03 — Kentucky scores only 14 offensive points and still wins56:41 — Three-word reviews begin59:27 — “Numb to losses” and more fan reaction1:00:54 — Should OU just eat the buyout now?1:02:00 — Can a new offensive staff actually save this? 1:04:26 — Venables’ postgame explanation of the Fodje situation1:07:10 — More fan reaction: “John Blake bad”1:08:20 — Revisiting the fake field goal1:10:29 — Injuries and another frustrating pattern1:12:38 — What expectations should be for the rest of the season1:13:14 — Kentucky’s rebuild makes OU’s situation look worse
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Ep. 443 - Did Beating Texas Save OU’s Season? + Kentucky Preview
Did OU’s emotional 27-24 win over Texas change the direction of the Sooners’ season? Lee and Grant run through several reasons for optimism, followed by realistic reasons why it’s fair to be skeptical.
What expectations should we have for OU over the final seven games?
Then it’s a full Oklahoma-Kentucky preview. The guys break down the latest injury report, Will Stein’s Kentucky offense, Kenny Minchey, Kentucky’s offensive line, OU’s matchup advantages on defense and whether Ben Arbuckle can finally get more out of Oklahoma’s offense against one of the weaker defenses the Sooners have faced. The show closes with score predictions and the weekly college football picks against the spread.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening Take: Did beating Texas save Oklahoma’s season? 07:15 — Did beating Texas prove OU can beat anybody?11:11 — Did OU finally find something in the run game?11:28 — Mateer: OU is 5-1 when he doesn’t turn it over13:13 — The biggest reason for optimism: the remaining schedule17:04 — Why an unranked OU is favored over No. 15 Kentucky18:12 — Peyton Bowen’s leadership: meaningful or overrated?20:06 — Oklahoma’s defense remains the biggest reason for hope24:18 — Can OU repeat last year’s backs-against-the-wall run? 30:05 — Oklahoma has the worst offense in the Power Four33:20 — One Mateer turnover changes everything34:22 — The difficult offenses still ahead on OU’s schedule36:00 — What should Oklahoma’s expectations be now?41:05 — Oklahoma-Kentucky preview begins42:18 — Latest OU injury report43:14 — Eli Bowen, Michael Fasusi and offensive-line concerns45:36 — How injuries could reshape Oklahoma’s lineup49:00 — Breaking down Kentucky’s offense54:19 — Why Kentucky’s offense knows exactly what it wants to be55:25 — Is Kentucky’s offensive line really the best OU has faced?59:58 — Kentucky’s creative use of tight ends1:04:00 — How Will Stein schemes easy throws1:08:10 — Kenny Minchey’s strengths and limitations1:09:43 — Can OU’s offense take advantage of Kentucky’s defense?1:13:54 — What OU’s defense must do against Kentucky1:15:16 — Third downs and Oklahoma’s pass defense1:16:49 — What OU’s offense needs to show 1:18:59 — Oklahoma-Kentucky score predictions1:22:57 — Around college football1:27:59 — Ohio State at Indiana1:29:26 — Alabama at Tennessee1:30:58 — Missouri at Ole Miss1:34:00 — Wisconsin at UCLA1:35:49 — Nebraska at Oregon
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Ep. 442 - OU Shocks No. 1 Texas on Sandell's Walk-Off Field Goal
Oklahoma stunned No. 1 Texas 27-24 in the Cotton Bowl, and Lee and Grant break down how the Sooners found the narrow path to a massive Red River win.
The guys evaluate John Mateer’s performance and whether Ben Arbuckle may finally be finding a more manageable formula for the OU offense. They also dig into Lloyd Avant’s breakout third quarter.
On defense, Oklahoma made Arch Manning uncomfortable, forced seven three-and-outs and got major performances from Peyton Bowen, Courtland Guillory, Tristan Haynes, David Stone and others. The guys also read your “3-word reviews”!
Chapters/Timecodes 01:40 — Grant begins the Texas victory lap03:03 — Texas blinked under the bright lights07:49 — Oklahoma followed the exact upset recipe09:42 — OU finally finds something in the run game11:09 — Why OU made the winning plays and Texas didn’t12:13 — John Mateer: not great, but good enough18:17 — OU finally gets some turnover luck19:27 — Courtland Guillory’s interception and Venables’ pressure call20:12 — Trystan Haynes shines in a huge spot22:59 — OU finally makes Arch Manning uncomfortable23:35 — Seven three-and-outs from the Oklahoma defense25:23 — Lloyd Avant and the third-quarter run-game breakthrough29:18 — Can Oklahoma build on the running game?34:00 — The new offensive formula: just manage the game34:57 — David Stone continues his breakout36:18 — Jayden Jackson and OU’s defensive front39:36 — Owen Heinecke, Danny Okoye and defensive standouts42:09 — Was Texas finally due to lay an egg?49:10 — Three-word reviews begin49:59 — The frustrating side of the John Mateer experience51:48 — Arbuckle’s play-calling and the failed trick play56:03 — Peyton Bowen talks about the pick-six57:22 — Tate Sandell’s walk-off field goal1:00:04 — More three-word reviews: Sategna, Avant and the heroes1:01:03 — Did this win change Oklahoma’s season?1:05:21 — How strong is the SEC this season?1:07:26 — Is there an elite team in college football this year?1:10:33 — More fan reaction: Golden Hat back1:12:25 — Celebrate now, but skepticism remains1:12:53 — Why Kentucky still matters enormously1:18:27 — Should Sark have kicked the late field goal?1:23:01 — Sategna’s final catch and the OU sideline reaction1:25:26 — Closing thoughts: enjoy beating Texas
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Ep. 441 - Does OU’s Season Hinge on What Happens vs. Texas?
Oklahoma needs a win to change the direction of its season. Lee and Grant break down whether the Sooners have a realistic path to upsetting No. 1 Texas.
The guys also react to Brent Venables’ strong comments about the instability and development problems inside the offensive line room. Has the time finally come for a change with Bill Bedenbaugh?
Then it’s a full OU-Texas preview: the latest SEC injury report, Arch Manning and the Texas offense, Oklahoma’s only realistic upset formula, whether Texas is truly as vulnerable as its raw offensive numbers suggest, and score predictions. The show closes with a look around college football and the weekly picks against the spread.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening Take: Is Texas the most beatable No. 1 team in years?02:40 — OU-Texas week: the greatest atmosphere in college football04:09 — Lee and Grant’s favorite Red River memories05:43 — Could 2009 provide the blueprint for this year?07:48 — OU-Texas history and why this rivalry is so unpredictable10:49 — Why Texas usually brings its best against Oklahoma14:13 — The one thing Texas hasn’t done poorly in this rivalry16:38 — Brent Venables’ comments on the offensive line18:54 — Was Venables calling out Bill Bedenbaugh?27:17 — OU’s last elite high-school-developed offensive lineman31:15 — Comparing OU’s offensive line development to Texas33:03 — Oklahoma’s recent O-line recruiting misses36:34 — Is this the beginning of the end for Bedenbaugh at OU?38:18 — Final thoughts on the offensive line40:15 — OU-Texas preview begins40:52 — SEC injury report: who’s out for Oklahoma?50:13 — The upset formula: shorten the game and protect the football52:49 — If Mateer avoids turnovers, can OU win?53:43 — Can Venables finally get the better of Sark? 1:04:40 — OU’s defense vs. Texas’ offense1:06:15 — What Oklahoma needs from both sides of the ball1:08:24 — Could this game change the rest of OU’s season?1:13:39 — Score predictions: can Oklahoma keep it close?1:16:07 — Who has more pressure: Oklahoma or Texas?1:17:37 — Final OU-Texas picks1:18:45 — Around college football1:22:22 — Iowa-Washington and other national games1:29:47 — Texas A&M at Missouri1:32:14 — Indiana at Nebraska1:35:00 — UCLA at Oregon1:37:00 — USC at Penn State1:38:19 — Georgia at Alabama
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Ep. 440 - OU Fans Still Support Brent Venables. But for How Long?
Even after OU’s 2-2 start, a new fan survey says that more than 60% of Oklahoma fans still do not want a change at head coach. Lee and Grant react to the poll, compare it with the West of Everest audience results and discuss whether expectations around Oklahoma football have changed under Brent Venables.
Should Oklahoma stick with John Mateer, or is it time to see what Whitt Newbauer can do?
Later, Lee and Grant answer a Spotify listener question about possible future offensive coordinators, react to the huge response to Grant’s OU coaching hot board. The show closes with a look around college football and this week’s picks against the spread.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening Take - OU fan polls reveal two very different views of Brent Venables04:05 — More than 62% of fans still don’t want a coaching change08:48 — West of Everest poll: 53% checked out on the Venables era10:50 — Have Oklahoma’s standards changed?15:37 — 72% want a quarterback change21:39 — The best argument for trying Newbauer23:39 — What do you actually want from Oklahoma football?24:49 — Venables says John Mateer is still QB130:00 — Everest Club update and listener engagement31:55 — Listener question: Chip Kelly or Hue Jackson at OC?33:16 — If Venables stays, does the entire offensive staff have to go?37:28 — Making the playoff should be the expectation at Oklahoma39:21 — Grant’s coaching hot board blew up on YouTube41:05 — Viewer reactions to the coaching hot board41:26 — Is it time to move on from Bill Bedenbaugh?43:20 — New OC, new O-line coach — or a full offensive reset?45:23 — Why some fans still aren’t ready to move on from Venables47:24 — “One more chance” for Venables?48:00 — Is hiring great assistants the most important head-coach skill?51:55 — More coaching candidates: Kalani Sitake, Jamie Chadwell and others52:43 — Grant adds Blake Baker to the hot board53:32 — Jim Harbaugh? Make the call anyway58:41 — Does Venables get too much benefit of the doubt?59:57 — The bigger concern: Oklahoma’s administration1:02:08 — Buster Faulkner rises on Grant’s coaching hot board1:03:07 — Jon Gruden? Absolutely not1:04:41 — Around college football and Lee wants no part of James Franklin1:07:04 — Miami-Clemson and the Week 5 slate1:09:08 — Last week’s picks and Lincoln Riley fallout1:13:31 — Alabama at Mississippi State1:17:10 — Missouri vs. Florida1:19:13 — Minnesota vs. Michigan1:21:37 — Iowa vs. Ohio State1:24:29 — Washington at USC1:26:42 — Picks recap
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Ep. 439 - Georgia Blows Out OU. Where Do We Go From Here?
Oklahoma is 2-2 after a 41-13 loss at Georgia, and Lee and Grant break down another disastrous offensive performance for the Sooners. John Mateer committed three turnovers and made several game-changing mistakes, but the problems go far beyond the quarterback.
The guys discuss whether benching Mateer would actually solve anything, Ben Arbuckle’s role in the offensive failures, Oklahoma’s quarterback evaluation and development issues, and why the same problems continue to surface under Brent Venables. They also revisit Venables’ recent contract extension, the expectations for Oklahoma football and whether the people responsible for the program’s biggest decisions can be trusted if another coaching change eventually becomes necessary.
The guys also read your “3-word reviews”.  
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Georgia exposes the same problems of the Venables era 04:35 — John Mateer’s catastrophic mistakes 08:55 — Grant: the entire offensive culture is rotten09:26 — Should Oklahoma bench John Mateer?10:08 — OU’s history after starting 2-212:00 — Where can this season realistically go?14:32 — Offensive line injuries and another major disappointment16:50 — Has apathy started to set in again?20:13 — Are 8-4 and 9-3 expectations already too low for Oklahoma?20:49 — Why the latest contract extension matters so much24:23 — Can Oklahoma’s leadership be trusted with the next hire?25:34 — What should the standard be for Oklahoma football?28:17 — Roger Denny and the Brent Venables extension31:20 — A few positives from the Georgia loss31:36 — David Stone surprisingly plays and looks healthy32:30 — Kip Lewis stands out against Georgia34:10 — Film room: breaking down Georgia’s explosive touchdown pass39:19 — Oklahoma has become Lincoln Riley-era OU in reverse41:42 — Looking ahead to Texas43:45 — Mateer showed flashes despite the turnovers46:04 — Could the offense improve against weaker defenses?49:04 — Three-word reviews begin50:13 — Has Venables turned OU into a “laughing stock”?51:52 — Is Ben Arbuckle gone after this season?52:19 — Venables closes in on Gary Gibbs’ loss total54:34 — “Pay the buyout” and Nebraska comparisons55:33 — NIL spending and Oklahoma’s roster problems56:57 — Who could play quarterback for OU next season?59:47 — Financial questions around the program01:05:42 — The human side of Mateer, Arbuckle and Venables struggling01:08:04 — Oklahoma isn’t the only major program struggling01:09:37 — “It’s a circus”01:11:04 — “I am done” and “extend him again”01:13:15 — Watching other fan bases have fun again01:14:27 — Everest Club reaches its first two members01:16:12 — Plans for the bye-week episode
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Ep. 438 - What Would it Take For OU to Shock Georgia?
Lee and Grant open the show by discussing the latest David Stone injury news, the conflicting reports surrounding how he was injured, and what his availability could mean for an already banged-up Oklahoma defense. Then the conversation turns back to OU’s offensive problems, including missed assignments, poor execution and questions about how well Ben Arbuckle, Bill Bedenbaugh, Kevin Wilson and the rest of the offensive staff are fitting together.
Then the guys break down OU’s path to victory as a 14-point dog at Georgia.
Finally, Grant answers a listener question about who Oklahoma should consider if it eventually moved on from Brent Venables? The show closes with OU-Georgia score predictions and the weekly college football picks against the spread.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Another OU injury and a trip to No. 2 Georgia02:02 — David Stone injury news and conflicting reports 08:14 — John Hoover’s report and clarification12:49 — What is Oklahoma’s path to upsetting Georgia?13:29 — West of Everest launches the Everest Club on YouTube16:22 — OU-Georgia preview begins17:06 — What Georgia has done well through three games18:36 — Can Oklahoma stop Georgia’s run game?19:28 — The upset formula: turnovers, defense and shortening the game20:31 — OU desperately needs takeaways 24:52 — Could OU’s offense somehow match up better with Georgia?25:32 — Venables points out busted tight end blocks against New Mexico27:58 — Does Oklahoma’s offensive staff have too many cooks?30:53 — What exactly is Kevin Wilson’s role?31:33 — Remember when OU had “no chance” against Alabama?33:19 — John Mateer vs. Arch Manning comparisons34:55 — What Lee wants to see from OU’s defense36:27 — Grant’s defensive key: make Gunner Stockton uncomfortable38:51 — Oklahoma is a rare two-touchdown underdog 43:44 — What does Oklahoma need from the offense?46:35 — Grant wants to see 2024 John Mateer again48:38 — OU-Georgia score predictions50:09 — Listener question: if Venables is out, who replaces him?51:58 — The dream-candidate tier54:34 — Coordinator candidates for Oklahoma 57:56 — Grant’s head-coaching candidate list begins 01:03:24 — Grant’s top four candidates 01:09:25 — Weekly college football picks begin01:09:43 — Texas at Tennessee01:11:16 — Ole Miss at Florida01:12:10 — Michigan at Iowa01:13:38 — Oregon at USC01:14:11 — Missouri at Mississippi State01:15:48 — Picks recap
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