West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football Podcast

Ep. 210 - Offense Plays Better, OU Avoids Upset in Manhattan

No opening take. (Yes Lee realizes now that his audio sounds off. Stupid microphone) The guys briefly talk about attending a road OU game for the first time since 2008, Lee complains about how long it takes to re-watch games, and then they finally talk about Spencer Rattler playing his best game of the season. OU ran the ball well, Caleb Williams came in for a couple of plays, and we finish up the offense talk (19:15). Skylar Thompson played and he was very good throwing the ball against OU's defense that Lee says got outschemed quite a bit. Also OU struggled to tackle (29:15). Grant's not happy with OU being situationally awful and he points to K-State's biggest play of the game as an example. And Lee has a take on Key Lawrence dropping an INT (43:40). We read your "3 word reviews" which leads to us chatting about the onside kick replay review, Nik Bonitto's fumble return, and some other stuff to wrap up the game (55:10). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 209 - Are the Sooners Really Gonna Lose to K-State 3 Years in a Row?

In the opening take, Grant thinks one big game day decision will likely determine the outcome of OU-Kansas State. Then Lee joins as we begin the show reading some of your "3 Word Reviews" from OU's most recent win over West Virginia. The reviews begin by pointing out OU's lack of rushing success (3:40). More thoughts on OU fans booing Spencer Rattler and the offense (11:05). How "close" is the offense really (22:15)? Gabe Brkic is a great kicker, but man he seems like a weird dude (26:25). A listener wants more Mike Woods and we agree. Plus we want more Marvin Mims touches (30:00). Should we be a little more forgiving with the way Rattler's playing based on his experience level? Plus Lee re-watched last year's K-State game and Rattler looked like a different player (35:15). Lee's operating under the assumption that Skylar Thompson will not play, but Grant is thinking we will see Thompson on Saturday. Lee thinks Will Howard has a chance to give OU problems with his legs and even with his arm. Deuce Vaughn is a problem, plus a little OU D-line talk (41:20). Outside of Vaughn, KSU's skill position players have not done much this year. And will K-State's offense use OU's aggressiveness against them (59:00)? Lee points out a play from the WVU game that shows how everything can fall apart simply by one player not doing their job on defense. Will we see Danny Stutsman (1:04:10)? K-State's defense has a different scheme this season that looks a lot like Iowa State. OU must find a way to run the ball, and will Rattler have time to throw and hit on explosive plays (1:11:30)? We give our final OU-Kansas State thoughts as well as a prediction (1:21:10). Texas goes to TCU this week and it would appear that the bet should be the Frogs plus the points. There's a weird line at West Virginia, and Iowa State's playing Kansas (1:29:00). Grant went 5-0 with his picks last week, Lee was terrible once again. We make picks on Iowa-Maryland/Arkansas-Georgia/Cincinnati-Notre Dame/Ole Miss-Alabama/Baylor-OSU (1:31:25). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 208 - OU’s Walk-Off Win Overshadowed by More Poor Offensive Play

No opening take. We begin by praising Gabe Brkic's game-winning field goal and and revisiting all the bad omens that cropped up last week (1:30). Lee says his thoughts on OU football haven't changed following the win over West Virginia. Grant also adds his first thoughts on the close win (7:20). The OU students wanted Caleb Williams, and at other times in the game the whole crowed booed the Sooners. Lincoln Riley reacts to that (17:10). Spencer Rattler played well at the end of the game, but why can't he look like that all the time? OU's offense continues to struggle creating explosive plays. Lee's shocked at how Rattler's looked so far this season compared to what we saw in 2020 (22:00). Rattler was asked about the fans calling for Caleb Williams and the boos. Lee doesn't really have a problem with what the fans did. And hey there's a lot of chaos happening in college football and OU continues to be unbeaten (30:15). All OU fans want is more consistency from the offense. It's a cliche, but these tough times could help them down the line when the Sooners hopefully peak. And some final thoughts on the OU defense, plus Lee thought Casey Thompson looked really good against Texas Tech (39:30). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 207 - Rattler Responds to Criticism Ahead of Big 12 Opener

In the opening take, Lee provides evidence showing this is the worst OU offense (through 3 games) since Lincoln Riley got to campus. Then Grant joins as the guys briefly discuss their love for junk food, before they get to the Sooners current injury situation involving Billy Bowman, Woodi Washington, and Danny Stutsman (6:50). Lee may be overthinking a recent message by Lincoln Riley (13:10). Okay, so Spencer Rattler commented about the criticism he's gotten recently... and both guys don't think it sounded very good (20:00). Lee lied about being super excited about watching West Virginia tape. But Grant did plenty of research and fills us in on what to expect from the Mountaineers (32:30). OU's a 17-point favorite. Who in their right mind would lay points with the Sooners right now? Also, did Grant absolutley jinx OU (1:00:50)? We take a look at the Big 12 schedule this upcoming weekend (1:09:15). We finish the show up with our 5 picks of the week Notre Dame/Wisconsin, Texas A&M/Arkansas, Nebraska/Michigan State, Clemson/NC State, and OSU/Kansas State. And we also discuss the weirdness of college football where a lot of the elite teams are not looking as good as usual, plus Lee brings up some fan bases who are super excited right now (1:12:30).

Ep. 206 - The Sooners Are 3-0, But How Good Are They?

No opening take. The guys begin with their overall thoughts on the state of the Sooners. In a shocking twist, Grant is much more optimistic than Lee (2:05). Lee is bothered by all the offseason talk that now seems to be a lot of BS, especially when it comes to the depth and talent in this program. There's also much more defense talk. Lee is afraid high level offensive coaches will find out how to scheme up wins against OU's defense (11:00). Okay let's get into Spencer Rattler. Lincoln Riley doesn't seem too concerned. Something is off, what's going on? How much are the Sooners missing Rhamondre Stevenson (30:10)? Rattler didn't get much help by his RBs failing to pick up blitzes and Lee noticed two separate plays that showcased the importance of perimeter blocking (49:25). We drive home OU's offensive problems, but Grant wants us to remember the sky is not falling and then we finish up with your "3 word reviews" (53:00). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 205 - Will OU Be Fully Prepared and Focused For Nebraska?

No opening take today. Both guys have had an unusual week of podcast prep but we bring you the best we've got of OU-Nebraska preview coverage beginning with our thoughts on the Nebraska offense facing off against OU's defense. Lee is much higher on Adrian Martinez than Grant (3:00). Is Lee crazy for thinking Adrian Martinez would be a great fit in the Ravens offense (13:40)? Grant's got some interesting stats that highlight Nebraska's offensive line problems. OU's D-Line is a distinct advantage in the trenches (17:45). The Huskers have a limited amount of weapons on offense (21:25). Will Adrian Martinez and Scott Frost have answers for Alex Grinch's defense? Is OU's defense predictable for opponents (25:35)? Will Billy Bowman play? Woodi Washington is "doubtful" to play. What will the Sooners' secondary look like (30:00)? Grant says Nebraska's defense is the strength of their team. But OU's offense has more talent and Lee says running the football well is simply the key to winning this game without much problem (35:00). The Huskers are aggressive on defense and have the potential to get physical and make Spencer Rattler uncomfortable early on, just like Tulane did (41:05). Grant tells you what he wants to see happen Saturday (44:45) then Lee tells you what he wants to see beginning with something he liked from Jeremiah Hall this week. And will OU's "GT Counter" play work against Nebraska (47:40)? Lee tells you what he thinks the film tells us will happen Saturday, and Grant also gives his game predction (56:35). What's the deal with West Virginia being favored over No. 15 Va Tech? K-State hosts Nevada this week. Big 12 play begins for Baylor and Kansas. Do you have the guts to take the Jayhawks (1:04:00)? The Casey Thompson era begins for Texas. Grant's got some thoughts on Steve Sarkisian and Texas (1:07:25). OSU's at Boise State and will this be one of those games where Mike Gundy surprises a bunch of people as an underdog? And Iowa State's playing in Vegas (1:11:30). We finish up with some picks on the biggest games of the week. Michigan State-Miami/Alabama-Florida/Auburn-Penn State/Arizona State-BYU/Tulane-Ole Miss (1:14:00) | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 204 - OU Keeps Its Word, Crushes the Catamounts

In the opening take, Lee was impressed by the scene Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Then Grant joins to describe Week 2 of college football "take a breath Saturday". Then the guys give their biggest takeaways from OU-Western Carolina on the offensive side of the ball (3:30). Over to what the defense looked like Saturday (16:20). We check out "3 word reviews" (27:25). Grant explains in depth why he's calling Saturday "Take a breath Saturday" (34:00). Finally, Lee gives Grant the floor so he can gloat about Iowa beating Iowa State yet again (42:20). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 203 - Spencer Rattler, Playing 4 Quarters, and a Mixed Message on Defense

In the opening take, Grant provides more thoughts on OU-Tulane after completing his re-watch. Then Lee joins as Grant calls Jalen Hurts underrated, which leads to a debate about Hurts' effectiveness at OU -- which then leads to a discussion about Spencer Rattler's play so far at OU (4:30). Lee thinks the Tulane game is part of a trend of Rattler underestimating teams that aren't supposed to pose much of a threat to OU (12:40). Lee goes through what he likes about Rattler, and then what he doesn't like about Rattler (14:10). Lee's not sure if Rattler has the full "buy in" from his teammates after listening to a recent comment from Lincoln Riley about leadership (18:20). Riley said his team may have bought in to the preseason hype. The main goal now is to play a full 60 minutes and Lee asked Riley how they can work on that in practice (24:30). Over to the defense. Riley and Alex Grinch explain why they played so many guys on defense Saturday. Upon review, the guys didn't think the mass substitutions and constant rotation was that big of deal. Also, we found out which players Grinch believes are the true starting 11 (32:00). Tulane's offensive gameplan will likely be mimicked by other teams this season. Get the ball out quickly, neutralize OU's pass rush. What can OU do to prevent teams from hitting the quick passing game (40:20)? Lee noticed some inconsistencies in defensive messaging after the Tulane game. Lee questions Grinch's messaging strategy. Also, this strategy directly leads to David Ugwoegbu being hung out to dry when he was answering questions from the media. Lee hopes we are not about to embark on a season where the defense tells us they're really good, but the evidence on the field does not show that (43:25). It sounds like the Shane Whitter hype was a bit premature (56:20). Grant wants a lot more from DaShaun White. Grinch said he believes the play of the linebackers will get much better (58:00). Grant briefs us on Western Carollina (1:00:00). The guys say what they want to see from the Sooners on Saturday (1:05:50). We go to the "West of Everest" Facebook page for comments and questions (1:09:00). Let's take a look at the Big 12 schedule this week and comment where appropriate about how these teams played in Week 1, and what to expect in Week 2 (1:20:20). We get to the 5 biggest games of the week and make our picks. Ohio State-Oregon/Iowa State-Iowa/Texas-Arkansas/Washington-Michigan/Utah-BYU and Grant has some thoughts on that UCLA-LSU game (1:28:10). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 202 - OU Takes the 2nd Half Off, Nearly Loses to Tulane

In the opening take, Lee goes back through the Lincoln Riley era and points out all the times the Sooners have struggled as a massive betting favorites. Then Grant joins as the guys give their initial thoughts on the Tulane game. Grant says OU looks to be a mentally weak football team (5:40). Tulane's offense gave OU problems for most of the game. Bizarrely, OU's best offensive players mostly didn't do anything in 2020 (17:40). Lee tries to get into some of the good things we saw from the defense Saturday (26:10). Grant says he thought Tulane's defense tackled better than OU's defense. Lee thinks back to some comments last week from Pat Fields that may have foreshadowed Saturday's performance (31:00). Grant says it didn't look like OU's defense made any adjustments. Do we think this is a historical problem (36:00)? Grant gives his tentative grades for OU's safeties. Lee points out a couple of passes that OU DBs could have and should have intercepted (43:15). Defensive rotations became a hot topic on message boards. Was OU subbing too much (46:50)? Lee brings up a couple of young guys on defense that stood out to him through his camera lens. Plus more Grant ranting on the OU defense. Also, we see teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson who have zero issues with defense -- yet OU always does (55:30). Let's talk offense, beginning with Spencer Rattler's game. Grant says he looked a lot like he did in 2020 and hasn't improved much at all (1:00:05). Why couldn't OU stretch the field, and what was up with OU's running game (1:06:20)? Mario Williams dropped a TD pass right in front of Lee. Plus we talk more about the WRs (1:13:00). Thoughts on the offensive line (1:14:50). Rattler said Tulane wanted to win the game more than OU. The guys can't wrap their head around that statement (1:17:15). OU's offense settled for field goals after back-to-back takeaways. That is unacceptable (1:24:20). Lee provides a little different perspective on Gabe Brkic (1:27:25). Grant has some final, strong thoughts about Spencer Rattler. The guys also debate the effectiveness of Jalen Hurts for some reason (1:29:05). You all gave us a ton of "3 word reviews" on the Facebook page as well as Twitter (1:33:40). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 201 - OU Welcomes Tulane for an Unexpected Home Opener

In the opening take, Grant applauds OU and Tulane for making sure the game is happening this weekend. Then Lee joins to discuss the worsening OU running backs situation. What does this do to OU's offense? Will other players switch positions to RB (7:50)? It's been reported that Theo Wease is injured (16:20). Lincoln Riley told us who was going to be playing on the O-Line this Saturday. Then a day later, the depth chart came out with at least one puzzling designation (20:10). Alex Grinch maintains that 8 players will get snaps on the inside of the D-Line and also that 6 different players will get snaps on the edge. Also we take a look at the Front 7 depth chart (29:15). Grant says the most interesting part of the depth chart is the secondary. Are we ready for a potential Justin Broiles revival? Has Lee overstated the potential impact of Key Lawrence (34:30)? Billy Bowman's listed with Jeremiah Criddell starting at the Nickel spot. Grant asks "is Billy Bowman what everyone thought Bookie was going to be?" (41:05). We jump into the OU-Tulane preview. Tulane's defense was dreadful against the pass in 2020. The Green Wave have a few pretty good players returning, but the Sooners' offense should be able to do whatever it wants (44:55). Tulane's offense scored a lot of points in 2020 and 10 starters return including QB Michael Pratt. A new Offensive Coordinator makes things a bit interesting. Pass protection was a problem for Tulane, but Grant tells us that they've got a pretty good offense that should be a nice early test for OU (56:50). The guys tell you what they want to see happen this Saturday. Lee focuses mostly on Spencer Rattler, while Grant provides more details from both sides of the ball (1:09:20). Making sure we mention that Tulane QB Pratt seems to be somewhat turnover prone (1:15:20). Finally, we make our OU-Tulane predictions (1:16:55). From here, we take a look at all the games featuring Big 12 teams in Week 1. K-State v Stanford is interesting. How is Stanford so bad all of a sudden? And Grant wants to know why this game is happening in Arlington (1:22:15)? West Virginia opens up at Maryland, which could be kinda interesting. Iowa State hosts Northern Iowa, which always seems to push ISU (1:26:55). Grant really like Texas hosting Louisiana. Lee's not sure what to think of this one (1:30:30). Texas Tech takes on Houston, OSU hosts Missouri State, Baylor is at Texas State, and TCU hosts Duquesne (1:32:45). Lee asks Grant if he wants to change his mind about Nebraska? Did Bret Bielema get a raw deal at Arkansas (1:36:00)? We close the show by making picks on the 5 biggest games of the week: Penn State at Wisconsin/Alabama v Miami/Indiana at Iowa/Georgia v Clemson/LSU at UCLA (1:39:40). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9