West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football Podcast

Ep. 180 - Yes, the Sooners Have a Lot to Play For vs. Florida

In the opening take, Lee lays out all the reasons why Oklahoma has no business treating Florida lightly in the Cotton Bowl. Then, Lee welcomes special guest Brady Trantham on the show to fill in for Grant who's driving around the USA (6:10). Is this a "lose-lose" situation for OU now that Florida is down its four best pass catchers (9:40)? What the heck is Kyle Trask and Florida's offense going to do without all those talented weapons (35:20)? Over to the Sooners' offense as they go up agains the "worst" defense a Lincoln Riley OU team has faced in a bowl game since he's been the head coach. Also, Lee sees a couple ways that Spencer Rattler and company can exploit the Florida defense (54:00). Lee's "gut feeling" has changed over the past three days. Meanwhile, Brady's prediction is more solid (1:26:25). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 179 - OU Holds Motivation Edge in Intriguing Cotton Bowl

In the opening take, Lee's encouraged that a prominent member of college football media has come around on playoff expansion. Plus Lee lays out what a 24 team playoff would look like this season. Then Grant joins to give a brief update on the upcoming schedule before the Cotton Bowl before jumping into our thoughts on the very short break between the Big 12 Championship and the bowl game (10:30). Grant thinks the playoff has devalued all the other bowl games and he doesn't like it. Lee has some push back and for some reason we talk about the OU-Boise State game from back in the day (19:15). Grant sees a possibility that a 24 team playoff could happen at some point (29:40). We look at the matchup between OU's offense and Florida's defense. Is the Gators' defense as bad as the numbers suggest (35:00)? Lee has been getting into PFF grades and he's got the numbers for some of the Florida players compared to OU's defensive players (44:35). Lee's intrigued by Florida's defensive scheme compared to Iowa State and Baylor (47:30). A Florida linebacker says OU is not on Florida's level (50:25). OU's defense against Kyle Trask and the Florida offense is probably the matchup of the game. Grant says Trask is by far the best QB OU will see this year (53:55). Trask isn't known for his legs, which Lee thinks is an advantage for OU's front (59:40). Tre Brown won't play... and we don't think it's that big of a deal (1:04:30). The guys give their gut feelings on who's gonna win the game (1:07:30). We run through some "3-word reviews" from the Big 12 Championship win over Iowa State (1:18:40). Camar Wheaton picks Alabama, so we're assuming OU will hit the transfer portal pretty hard for some running backs. Also some OU players hit the portal this week as well (1:31:40). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 178 - Sooners Survive Cyclones. Big 12 Champs Yet Again

No opening take today as the guys dive right into OU winning its 6th straight Big 12 Championship. Another up and down day for the offense (2:00). Once again the defense carried the Sooners. We spend a lot of time praising the secondary and we hit on everything else that stood out to us from the game (22:00). We'll save the "3 word reviews" for hopefully later this week(42:05). We react live to the reveal of the CFP top 4 (43:20). Lee was happy to see the Playoff game at the Rose Bowl will be moved to Arlington (48:50). Grant just really wants to see OU play Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl (53:30). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 177 - Cautious Optimism As OU Looks for Another Big 12 Title

In the opening take, Lee pays tribute to a "West of Everest" listener, and more importantly a friend. Then Grant joins as we get to the bottom of two separate defensive holding penalties that went against OU this year (5:25). So, OU and Iowa State are very different from when they last played. Is there anything we can take away from that early October meeting (10:00)? Looking at the matchup between OU's defense and Iowa State's offense (19:55). Let's flip it over to OU's offense against Iowa State's defense (45:00). If Austin Stogner can't play, is it possible the Sooners use Mikey Henderson in more of a TE role(1:09:35)? The guys provide their final thoughts on the game and what they're thinking the result may be Saturday in the Big 12 Championship (1:16:15). This isn't the podcast for in depth National Signing Day content, but you better believe we give you a little bit of that content at this point (1:28:40). Okay, Grant has some scenario that would allow OU to actually make the College Football Playoff (1:35:00). Grant tells us which realistic OU Bowl matchup he wants to see (1:38:15). Lee brings up how the College Football Playoff is trying to get the Rose Bowl to at least allow family members in to watch the game (1:45:00). Hey to end the show let's talk about Baker Mayfield because we used to talk about Baker a bunch (1:50:40). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 176 - Finding the Beauty in an Ugly Sooners Win

In the opening take, Grant explains why OU's worst offensive performance in the Lincoln Riley era is not necessarily a bad thing. Then Lee joins to admit that we need to be better on this fine podcast and we find out Grant's never left an iTunes review for anything (03:50). So do you all care about an in depth discussion of how OU can make the College Football Playoff (06:30)? So what the heck happened to OU's offense against Baylor? Lee says it was a lot more about what Baylor did than anything else. Plus a lot of talk about the offensive line (09:10). Spencer Rattler was uncomfortable a lot of the night and Baylor's defense showed him looks he hasn't seen a lot before (21:35). Grant says the Baylor game reminded him of some OU games from the early to mid 2000s (30:10). We head into "3 word reviews" which prompts us to talk about the defense for the first time. Robert Barnes played safety and everybody back there played well (33:25). Bookie's absence didn't matter against Baylor (42:15). Grant dogs on Charlie Brewer while Lee backs him up a little bit (44:50). That game was just really weird (47:30). Lee thinks the OU linebackers are just okay and DaShaun White had a rough game. Plus is a position change in David Ugwoegbu's future (49:20)? How much does Lee care about OU continuing its Big 12 Championship streak (52:50)? More on Rattler's game and how hopefully he learns that sometimes he's gotta take what the defense gives him (57:25). Lee wasn't as annoyed about Baylor's push off TD catch, while it bothered Grant immensely (59:00). Shane Beamer is off to South Carolina, plus Lee doens't know message board lingo (1:04:30). Dropped passes plagued OU a bit against Baylor. Theo Wease is gonna need to get better this offseason (1:07:45). Hopefully that game wakes up Lincoln Riley and the offense. Jeremiah Hall's explanation for Saturday's poor performance (1:14:50). Baylor marching the length of the field and scoring at the end of the game was super annoying. Plus Lee had no idea that DJ Graham played wide receiver in high school, and we talk about his interception (1:17:55). Grant says Ronnie Perkins should come back to school next year. Isaiah Thomas continues to be awesome along with the rest of the defensive line (1:24:35). We're both happy the Big 12 didn't cancel the OU-West Virginia game and Lincoln Riley's message all week has been fantastic. And of course we have to get some hits in on the Big Ten (1:29:00). Grant feels about the same about this WVU game as he did a couple weeks ago. Lee feels better about the matchup right now. Also some Austin Stogner talk (1:38:30). The line has moved since the open and gut feelings on the game (1:46:30). Grant says this 2020 season has flown by (1:49:30). Ohio State will be allowed in the Big Ten Title game now. We're starting to think a 6-0 Ohio State in the Playoff doesn't sit right (1:50:25). College football continues to choose to not make its playoff product as good as it could be(2:02:20). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 175 - Sooners Navigate Through an Outbreak With Baylor on Deck

In the opening take, Lee laments the fact that no fans will be at the Rose Bowl this year. Then Grant joins to lamely discuss weather before giving his thoughts on the Rose Bowl/covid and all that fun stuff (4:20). We delayed the show for a day to get more info about Saturday's game and is Bob Stoops helping out with coaching really that big of a deal (16:10)? OU's dealing with a covid outbreak and Lee goes over a little bit about what he heard last week, plus the CDC has changed contact tracing guidelines (21:20). Who the heck is going to miss this Baylor game (26:10)? Lee doesn't think it sounds good for Austin Stogner this week (28:00). Is this going to be Rhamondre Stevenson's final home game (33:10)? We can't believe OU actually lost to K-State and first impressions of Baylor (36:15). Baylor's probably not as bad as its record indicates and we talk a little about Charlie Brewer (40:05). Baylor's offense is playing its best football of the season right now, but overall the Bears aren't explosive and they struggle to run the football (43:50). Is Isaiah Thomas an All-American (49:20)? Lee explains how Baylor's offense moves the ball against OU (50:10). Baylor's defense is fine this year, not as good as 2019, but the Bears have some talent in the secondary (54:20). Baylor struggles to create negative plays, but the Bears lead the Big 12 in takeaways. We also debate offensive lines in the Big 12 (1:03:15). We give our gut feelings for what will happen Saturday (1:08:05). Hot College Football Playoff Rankings talk which leads to criticizing the Big Ten for putting us all in this weird situation. Also could that lead to OU getting in (1:14:50)? Lee thinks OU is playing better football than Ohio State right now and what is the committee going to do with SEC? What about possible CFP rematches (1:21:00)? That K-State loss is probably going to disqualify OU, right (1:26:40)? We probably do a bad job of breaking down the Big 12 tiebreaker scenarios (1:29:55). If OU doesn't play in the Big 12 Title game, will the Sooners try to schedule a non-conf game (1:33:20)? Grant wants to see OU play Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl (1:36:00). More ripping on the Big Ten and their ridiculous covid policies that are forcing more games to be canceled (1:37:25). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 174 - Sooners Continue Dominant Play in Bedlam Beatdown

In the opening take, Grant explains why Bedlam was over before it even kicked off. Then Lee joins to briefly talk a little bit about OU men's basketball (4:10), before reacting to the very first College Football Playoff rankings (6:00). Would OU look to schedule an extra non-conference game (10:30)? Lincoln Riley really pushed the "eye test" when it comes to picking playoff teams (15:20). We turn our attention to Bedlam and your "3-word reviews" which touch on WWE, OU's complete game, OU still being "Big Brother", and was the offensive line hit and miss in that game (22:00)? Lincoln Riley most certainly didn't get cute, except for that one play... and is Mikey Henderson OU's true RB2 right now (30:20)? We know this isn't an OSU podcast, but we talk about Mike Gundy's bizarre conservative behavior in Bedlam. Plus Spencer Sanders vs. Shane Illingworth, and OSU's chances of getting better recruits (38:20). Is this OU team more complete than the groups that made the playoff in the past? And no surprise we complement Spencer Rattler a bunch as we are wont to do (53:05). We poke fun at an OSU website for a pre-Bedlam take, which will obviously open ourselves up to criticism from them (57:20). Talking penalties in the secondary, defending Tre Brown, we're still waiting for OU to face a truly good passing attack but at least we're seeing a bunch of new faces in the secondary (59:45). A listener exposes Lee's lack of knowledge on Greek mythology and we find out there's some TV show that we clearly don't know (1:07:10). Did Rattler leave some plays on the field (1:10:00)? OU technically does not control its own destiny to the Big 12 Championship game (1:15:15). Finally we get into Bookie's dumb penalty, which Grant provides some defense of. Also, Lincoln Riley's spirited defense of Bookie as a member of OU's program (1:16:40). We realize we didn't really talk much about Rhamondre Stevenson or Ronnie Perkins (1:28:00). We finish up the show by focusing on West Virginia beginning with the Mountaineers' offense (1:29:30). West Virginia has the 4th best defense in all of college football (1:39:45). This is a text book "let down" spot for the Sooners (1:48:50). Lastly the guys tell you their gut feelings for Saturday in Morgantown (1:50:50). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 173 - This Bedlam Matchup is Quite Intriguing

In the opening take, Lee asks if what we've seen from OU in its last three games is real, or more about who the Sooners have been playing? Then Grant joins to talk a little bit about Lee's opening take and we decide if OSU's defense is actually really good (5:00)? The guys agree that Rhamondre Stevenson is OU's biggest advantage when the Sooners have the football in this game (14:40). Grant says this game will come down to Lincoln Riley not getting cute with his playcalling (18:50). Grant says Jim Knowles may probably need to change up his philosophy in order to have success against Spencer Rattler (19:45). Lee says OSU's confidence and tackling ability is their advantage on defense. Grant explains more about what he thinks OSU's defense should do to slow OU (22:05). If OSU takes away OU's run game, can Spencer Rattler beat OSU with a one dimensional offense (31:00)? What's our biggest concerns when OU has the ball (35:15)? We haven't heard much about player health heading into Saturday. Plus is Trejan Bridges as good as Tylan Wallace (40:15)? OU's defensive line vs. OSU's offensive line is the game's biggest mismatch (43:30). Grant seems to think Spencer Sanders is still not at 100 percent health (49:40). Lee doesn't think Chuba Hubbard looks anything like he did last year. Lacking explosion (53:10). What the heck is OU going to do to stop Tylan Wallace (56:40)? Hopefully OU's DBs don't revert back to committing stupid penalties like they did early in the year. The guys go over other concerns with OSU's offense (1:01:00). Is Spencer Sanders a smaller version of Jalen Hurts (1:04:45)? Who do you want on OU's defense spying Spencer Sanders (1:05:50)? The guys tell you what they want to see happen Saturday night (1:09:40). We tell you what the game film tells us will happen when OU takes on OSU (1:15:10). Grant says Saturday could be a game that sets the tone for what OU can do in 2021 (1:24:00). Grant says OU has more pressure on them to win. Lee disagrees and says OSU has more pressure on them to win (1:26:55). We finish up with brief thoughts on Iowa State-Kansas State (1:29:10). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 172 - Riley, Rattler, and OU’s Possible Playoff Chances

In the opening take, Grant can't figure out what Lincoln Riley was thinking in that Kansas game. Then Lee joins to go through all the ins and outs of leaving Spencer Rattler in the KU game long past after it was clear that he was injured (3:30). Is Lincoln Riley making sure OU is in the best position possible to make the CFP? -- plus more on Rattler and the KU game decisions (7:00). Lee was a lot more concerned with Rhamondre Stevenson potentially getting hurt compared to Rattler (15:55). We go through your "3-word reviews" and it's been a tough year for Charleston Rambo (19:30). We talk probably way too much about that bizarre Bookie interception that led to a fumble and a turnover (24:00). OU's running game has been great the last two games (32:00) and how much of OU's recent good play is a mirage (32:45)? We felt bad for KU's quarterback because he was beat up all day (35:20). OU got a couple more takeaways. The Sooners should be able to take the ball away from OSU next week (39:10). More young players are showing the coaching staff they're ready to play. D.J. Graham stood out a bit (42:05). Lee doesn't know why football players don't wear pads or mouthguards anymore (44:20). Austin Stogner got banged up but it sounds like he's fine (46:00). Les Miles is hammering a paycheck right now at KU (47:00). A listener has some Riley play calling critiques, which leads to a longer discussion of trying to understand Riley's mentality as a play caller (48:40). Will Rhamondre Stevenson come back next year (56:05)? A listener references "The Karate Kid" with a 3 word review and neither of the guys have seen that movie (58:45). A listener question wants to know since other conferences aren't playing a lot of games, can OU still rally and make the CFP? And the guys explain why they'd rather not see OU make the playoff, anyways (1:00:10). It looks like OU is effectively in control of its own destiny (1:08:00). **WE HAD TO CUT THE SHOW SHORT DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES** | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 171 - Hey Look Spencer Rattler Has a Run Game Now

In the opening take, Lee shares the moment against Texas Tech when he fully realized the value of Rhamondre Stevenson. Then Grant joins to talk about how the OU-Tech game seems like it happened three weeks ago and had a weird vibe, which included some questionable officiating (5:30). We open with "3 word reviews" which leads us to a lengthy discussion revolving around Rhamondre Stevenson's 2020 debut (9:00). How much does Stevenson's presence "unlock" OU's offense (17:20)? Some brief thoughts on Mikey Henderson (23:00). Let's discuss Ronnie Perkins making his season debut -- which means we also talk a lot about OU's defensive line (24:30). Hey OU's defense got a stop on 4th & 1 -- which hasn't happened a lot of late (32:20). It's not often that the Sooners force 3 takeaways in a game (34:55). What was the deal with Marvin Mims and Theo Wease dropping all those passes (37:45)? Okay let's talk about Spencer Rattler and how good he was Saturday. Didn't we tell you all that this dude was really darn good (39:00)? When are we going to see Jadon Haselwood, and what's the deal with Trejan Bridges (46:30)? Lee has no problem with Rattler saying that he and OU wanted to go embarrass Texas Tech (48:40). Could OU have kept the Peach Bowl competitive with this version of Spencer Rattler playing quarterback (51:25)? Does it seem like this is a brand new season for the Sooners (54:30)? Is it a hot take to think that Rhamondre Stevenson will be a better NFL player than Chuba Hubbard (1:01:05)? A listener wants to make it clear that the "suspended 3" probably shouldn't have broke the rules in the first place (1:04:30). A listener points out a really interesting aspect of the Tech game that we didn't realize and we wonder what the line would be if OU played OSU this week? And it wouldn't be this show if we didn't talk about K-State's Deuce Vaughn (1:07:35). Okay so do we want to see more Mikey Henderson (1:13:45)? Let's talk more about OU's defensive performance (1:14:55). Is Joe Mixon the second best running back we've seen play at OU in our life time (1:17:40)? OU's defensive backs played really well and Alex Grinch continues to play a bunch of guys (1:21:25). OU's defensive line created a lot of havoc and even more on the DBs + random OSU/Texas talk (1:24:00). Lincoln Riley kept pouring it on plus there was a funny moment Lee noticed in the first half (1:29:05). Would have been great if Theo Wease would have been a little faster (1:33:20). Please don't make us do a massive preview of this terrible OU-Kansas game (1:36:30). The Big 12 is really down this year (1:42:10). If you enjoy when we rant about the Big Ten, you'll probably like this part of the show. Why is the Big Ten hating on Nebraska so much for wanting to play football (1:44:15)? Oh hey the Pac 12 starts this weekend (1:57:40). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9