West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football Podcast

Ep. 240 - That’s How You Do A Spring Game

In the opening take, Lee congratulates the OU fans for doing their part at Saturday's spring game. Then Grant joins to discuss everything surrounding Baker Mayfield's Heisman statue dedication (4:05). All the elements of the spring game involving the former players worked really well (22:10). Turning our attention to the game -- the weather wasn't all that bad, but it still may have had some impact on the passing game. We each give our thoughts on Dillon Gabriel's performance (30:10). Let's talk running backs. Jovantae Barnes and Tawee Walker dominated the carries (36:15). Grant's excited about OU's wide receivers (43:50). There's not much to take away from the offensive line (48:15). Marcus Stripling and Reggie Grimes stood out to Lee. The secondary played pretty well, and it was interesting to see freshman Jaren Kanak playing the Nickel/Sam role (51:50). Assessing the defensive line play and Lee got the feeling that DaShaun White and David Ugwoegbu looked more comfortable than ever. Will the defense tackle better now that Brent Venables is here? And Lee points out some creativity he saw from the defense (59:20). Back to the offense -- what did you think about the tempo? We provde ome final spring game thoughts (1:07:30). USC got a record crowd at its spring game as well. It was bizarre watching Riley on the field in USC gear and Caleb Williams playing QB for a different team (1:14:30). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 239 - Spring Game Preview, Mayfield’s Return, & Riley’s Letter

No opening take. We begin the show by hearing from Bill Bedenbaugh and Lee tells you why he doesn't buy into PFF College very much anymore (1:30). It sounds like Andrew Raym will not be playing in the spring game. What, if anything, will we be watching for Saturday when it comes to the O-Line (6:55)? The weather forecast is not ideal for Saturday which could ruin everything (12:25). Grant really wants to see Dillon Gabriel throw it around Saturday. Lee is curious to see Theo Wease and and Jovantae Barnes in action (18:10). Grant's waiting to see all the freshmen pass catchers and is intrigued by the backup QBs (21:50). On defense, we'll be taking a long look at cornerback Kani Walker. What position will Clatyon Smith play? What about Marcus Stripling? Shane Whitter shed some light on the "Cheetah" position on defense and Grant has one last defensive player on his mind (24:05). Lee plays a soundbite from Brent Venables that sounded like he was talking directly to Grant (31:05). Grant explains why Baker Mayfield is arguably the most important player in the history of the OU football program (37:00). Lee's love of Baker has cooled in the past couple of years. Some of Mayfield's recent comments on that podcast were not ideal given what we know about Mayfield's background (45:30). Grant's convinced Mayfield's chance to be one of the top QBs in the NFL is over. The Browns are taking a risk by bringing in Watson -- what if karma is on Mayfield's side (51:10)? Finally we talk about Lincoln Riley's open letter (1:00:00). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 238 - The Hot New Game Show ”Can’t Miss or Can’t Play”

In the opening take, Lee takes a look back at some recent OU spring game attendance stats that may surprise you. Then Grant joins to provide a controversial food take (3:30). We stop wasting your time with food talk and move on to talking about attendance at other school's spring games this season. Can OU really fill up the stadium on April 23 (10:20)? Let's play a totally not made up game called "Can't Miss or Can't Play" where we predict whether a guy on OU's roster will be a "can't miss" player this fall or someone who "can't play" (25:00). Before we go we read some comments from the WoE Facebook page on Lincoln Riley, Lee's new nickname, and Lee has an impromptu USC/Lincoln Riley story that he found interesting (1:28:30). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 237 - Spring Ball Enters Week 3 & Poking Fun at Riley/USC

In the opening take, Grant hits on some of the spring practice storylines he's most intrigued by as we look ahead to the Fall. Then Lee joins to share a recent headline he saw from a USC fan site that may signal Lincoln Riley has not changed since his time at OU (4:50). Cale Gundy says Jeff Lebby is as well rounded of an OC as he's been around (11:50). Dillon Gabriel's a player who's pushed the ball down the field in the past. Grant doesn't think the freshmen WRs won't really make much of an impact in 2022 (20:35). Dillon Gabriel says Jeff Lebby's offense has changed since his time at USC due to Lebby's evolution as a coach. Gabriel says his chemistry with the WRs is further along than he expected, and is it already set in stone that OU will win the National Championship next year (26:35)? Is it possible the team will look flat in the spring game? Is it really possible to fill the stadium for the spring game (38:05)? It was nice to talk to Marvin Mims in person last week. Lee tells us the story of Mims and Jeff Lebby first meeting. What if Riley leaving actually kept Mims in Norman (43:20)? Jay Valai is hyper focused on attention to detail and building "football intelligence" within the players. There's been plenty of evidence in the past that OU defensive players don't seem particularly football intelligent. Lee revisits an old rant about Brendan Radley-Hiles and also brings up other examples of poor football intelligence we've seen from previous OU players (51:00). Grant wants to know what's going on with transfer DB C.J. Coldon? Justin Harrington is back. (1:08:35). Talking WRs this spring compared to the WR groups from previous OU spring practices (1:13:20). Time for some more "red meat" topics as we poke more fun at Lincoln Riley & USC. Lee found a few stories from a USC fan site that he thinks you all will find entertaining (1:22:30). Comparing Alex Grinch's resume before he got to OU, to Jeff Lebby's resume as he begins his OU career (1:43:00). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 236 - All Positive Vibes as Spring Practice Enters Week 2

In the opening take, Lee can't believe how positive everything is surrounding the OU Football program as Brent Venables begins his first spring practice as the head coach. Then Grant joins to briefly discuss the NCAA Tournament and how legal sports betting has killed interest in our brackets and the Slap heard 'round the world (5:00). OU Spring Practice is underway and Lee's excited about the amount of media access we've gotten so far. Grant's also more excited about the spring than usual (9:15). Lee was at OU's 2nd and 3rd open practice and goes into detail what he saw beginning with the offense (17:30). Lee's thoughts on what he saw from the defense during open practice. Grant makes a ridiculous comparison to a former OU player when they're talking about new Hawaii transfer Jonah Laulu (26:50). Lee tweeted out video of Brent Venables being hands on with the linebackers and it's turned out to be a whole thing -- but most importantly it's cool to see Venables coaching (36:00). Jeff Lebby told us recently what to expect from his offense at OU (42:00). What do we think the starting O-Line looks like right now (49:05)? Some final thoughts on the offense so far this spring. What's Brayden Willis going to be? Trevon West is getting some spring buzz and some classic complaints about the Kansas game from last year (56:10). Could Lincoln Riley's career trajectory be similar to Rich Rodriguez or Chip Kelly (1:04:00)? Danny Stutsman comments on the importance of embracing practice (1:12:00). Lee asked Reggie Grimes about the defensive install. Venables is not impressed with OU's linebacker depth (1:16:10). Billy Bowman got jerked around in 2021. Now he's focusing on just one position (1:26:30). Miguel Chavis has high praise for new DE Jonah Laulu and Chavis just seems like a cool guy to hang with (1:36:30). We go to the "West of Everest" FB page and answer questions about Venables' recruiting strategy, can this be the best OU defense in the last 7-8 years?, and one listener shares a hot take (1:42:50). OU just hired someone to improve the fan experience during gameday (1:56:00). Our thoughts on Baker Mayfield and his current situation (2:07:15). USC firing Lincoln Riley would be a national holiday for OU fans and Billy Bowman says they weren't allowed to return kicks in 2021 (2:20:15). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 235 - Which Culture Do You Prefer?

In the opening take, Lee asks what kind of culture you'd prefer at your favorite school? Then Grant joins the show to scold people for leaving negative reviews on podcasts before Lee asks Grant what he thinks about Bill Bedenbaugh's comments about OU getting "over the hump". How much can we take away from all this talk? Lee tries to explain why he thinks it's reasonable to be more confident in this happy talk compared to previous times when we've heard positive talk from OU's staff (7:45). Let's talk "culture" at OU. Yes, we use the word "soft". Did Lincoln Riley's team *really* get worse each season (21:40)? DeMarco Murray called Eric Gray the most explosive player on OU's offense. Why didn't he get used more, again (30:05)? OU's assistants have a ton of awesome things to say about Brent Venables. Hear from Cale Gundy, Brandon Hall, and DeMarco Murray. Venables has made change, and it sounds like it's for the better (35:20). Does new co-DC Todd Bates look like Hannibal Buress? He updates us on his new position group. Has Lee lost his love of guys who say they watch a bunch of tape (55:20)? Will new cornerbacks coach Jay Valai be the guy to finally get OU's corners playing up to the standard we want them to (1:00:00)? The last coach we hear from is Miguel Chavis. This guy loves everything. And sounds like he's a star (1:04:15). Everything sounds so good. Grant wants to know what we're missing here? Grant also loved Brent Venables on Gabe Ikard & Teddy Lehman's podcast (1:09:40). The spring game is set for April 23. Baker Mayfield will get his statue dedicated. Is it possible to sell out the spring game? Will Lincoln Riley show up for Mayfield's statue dedication (1:22:20)? Spencer Rattler's took a shot at Lincoln Riley last week (1:26:00). We go to the WoE Facebook page to read your comments and questions (1:30:25). Finishing up with our limited comments on the NFL Combine and OU men's basketball tries to save their season Thursday against Baylor (1:34:00). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 234 - After All That, The Playoff Remains at 4

No opening take. The guys jump right into the latest news that the College Football Playoff will not expand for the next 4 years (:40). Why must they announce at this point that the Playoff will not be expanded in the next 4 years? Why do they need so much buffer time to make any decision (5:45)? Remember last summer when we all thought an expanded playoff was a done deal and would be here sooner than later? Grant thinks the SEC is trying to eventually dominate everything about the sport. Lee wants to know how TV rights deals come into play here (15:30). Apparently there's some pushback on the idea of playing on campus playoff games. Automatic Qualifiers for the Playoff are also something everybody can't agree upon (22:20). Another reason why the expanded playoff proposal didn't pass was the idea of players playing extra games. Lee gives credit to a college football writer that we normally rip on during the show (33:20). Lee asks if we are missing anything when it comes to expanding the playoff? It seems like everybody is on the same side here. What else could be done to improve college football (39:30)? Of course the Rose Bowl is a big component as to what will happen with the Playoff in the future (49:00). Should OU want to stay in the Big 12 until the current media rights contract runs out (56:45)? What if we saw an immediate difference in OU in Game 1 against UTEP? Why does the national media all seem to think OU will not be any good in 2022? Do they not understand that Brent Venables is a pretty good coach and OU's still got a lot of pieces (1:03:25)? We finish the show by addressing some comments and questions from the WoE Facebook page (1:19:35). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 233 - How About That Newfound Honesty in OU’s Football Program?

No opening take today. Lincoln Riley's appearance on "The Herd" begins the show. We'll talk about Riley later. But first, Lee's changed podcast players & Grant thought the Super Bowl wasn't very good (3:45). Jeff Lebby recently said Dillon Gabriel is OU's quarterback right now. It's not a big deal, but it is a big deal because the last head coach always conducted sham QB competitions (14:10). Lee points to a recent Berry Tramel column praising OU's recent truth telling and how it's refreshing to see some honesty after Lincoln Riley seemed to lie more than he needed to. Grant wishes we had known more about Riley's shortcomings behind the scenes during the 2021 season. Lee will follow USC more closely than any other non-OU team moving forward (25:00). We try to figure out why so many OU fans and media members were annoyed/angry with Lincoln Riley's recent comments on "The Herd" (46:05). Riley's trying to win football games by accepting former OU players into his program. Will Brent Venables continue his standard of not accepting former Clemson players to OU (55:20)? If Riley told Caleb Williams, Mario Williams, and Latrell McCutchin that he would not accept them to USC, would all three of those players still be at OU now (1:03:10)? We get back to the Super Bowl. Why was Samaje Perine in the game instead of Joe Mixon on the final two plays? Zac Taylor's explanation makes sense, but it also doesn't make him look very good. Was the Bengals one of the worst Super Bowl teams in a while? Lee's annoyed that Joe Burrow couldn't move at the end of the game (1:05:25). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 232 - Caleb Watch is Over & Revisiting Preseason Predictions

In the opening take, Grant closes the book on Caleb Williams' college decision. Then Lee joins to tee Grant up to gloat about correctly thinking that Jaxson Dart would likely go to Ole Miss (3:00). Caleb Williams is going to USC more than a month after entering the transfer portal. How long will it take Lincoln Riley to get USC in position to compete for a Pac 12 Title? USC's roster is not very good. Can Alex Grinch immediately improve USC's defense the same way he helped OU's defense in Year 1 (7:45)? Wisconsin seemed to become a serious possibility for Caleb Williams. Lee explains why he started to buy Madison as Williams' destination, while Grant never thought Wisconsin was really in play. Will we ever get the full story of what went into the last month with Caleb Williams (23:55)? Joel Klatt tweeted that USC could be a top 10 team and a dark horse National Title contender in 2022. Will Lincoln Riley evolve as a head coach? We're rooting against him (29:15). Grant's super impressed with Brent Venables' ability to salvage OU's 2022 signing class (37:55). Lee wants to talk about Coy Eakin, the HS recruit who caught their eye in December during the Texas HS Football State Championship games. Plus we're happy Heritage Hall's Gavin Freeman is not leaving the state and is going to OU (40:40). We turn our attention to our preseason predictions from August of 2021. Listen in to hear what we got right, and what we got wrong about the 2021 college football season. We begin with Grant being way off on Eric Gray's production (49:15). Both guys anticipated Marvin Mims to be OU's leading pass catcher, Grant picked the wrong DB to lead OU in tackles, and there was a time when we wondered if OU's defense would get to 60 sacks in a season (55:30). Caleb Williams came out of nowhere to be the most important offensive player besides Spencer Rattler, Lee's pick for most important defensive player was kinda wrong, but also kinda right (1:01:35). Drake Stoops turned out to be the most underrated offensive player while Justin Broiles came out of nowhere to be the most underrated defensive player. Billy Bowman had a lot of hype in fall camp, but he wasn't the most impacful true freshman (1:04:40). OU's trap game and then it's funny looking back at our thoughts on what OU's "worst case scenario" would be (1:09:50). Grant thought OU would go unbeaten in the regular season and he was off on TCU -- BUT Grant absolutley nailed Iowa State (1:21:40). We finish off the show with a look back at all of our National college football predictions (1:29:30). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 231 - Gabriel, Dart, and What’s Going on With Caleb Williams?

In the opening take, Lee likes that Brent Venables has added a healthy amount of analysts to his support staff so far. Then Grant joins to talk about Marvin Mims still being on the OU roster, but could he still leave at some point (5:30)? We take a look at OU's wide receivers and the outlook for 2022 (19:10). Grant got some criticism for his initial Dillon Gabriel take on the podcast. Has he changed his mind at all? Lee also wasn't all that excited about Gabriel when he first committed. Lee tells you the perceived strengths and weaknesses he sees in Gabriel (26:00). Grant is still very worried that OU will not be very good in 2022. He also does not expect the defense to be good in 2022. Lee disagrees (52:30). We transition to OU's interest in Jaxson Dart. Lee goes over what he's seen from Dart on tape. Lee thinks there's a good chance OU gets Dart, while Grant doesn't think it's going to happen. This part gets a bit heated when they debate the stability of OU's program. How will Dillon Gabriel being at OU impact Jaxson Dart's decision (59:00)? Mario Williams and Latrell McCutchin are going to USC (1:15:30). Grant tries to explain why he's playing Devil's Advocate on OU's 2022 season (1:19:35). Roy Manning's back to coaching linebackers at USC. Jay Valai gets Gentry Williams locked down plus Lee praises Valai's Alabama corners vs. Georgia (1:30:30). OU's brought in a lot of transfer players lately. Todd Bates is doing work. Lee's more excited about the transfers than Grant. Keeping with the theme of the podcast. We also talk about OU's new defensive staff vs. OU's previous defensive staff (1:36:20). Caleb Williams still has not decided. What if he randomly comes back to OU? Wisconsin is a possibility? Really? Will we know more about Williams' decision by Friday (1:49:00)? | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9