West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football Podcast

Ep. 104 - And Just Like That, Spring Practice is Here

In the opening take, Lee provides his first impressions of Spencer Rattler. Then Grant joins to talk about the running back featured in today's intro highlight (4:45). Lincoln Riley broke some injury news in his first press conference of the spring (8:15). A couple of players have switched positions -- one excites Grant and Lincoln Riley comments on the other guy who's switched from defense to offense (15:00). AD Miller was in the transfer portal, but now he's returned to OU (22:15). Riley wants to make the spring game an even bigger deal than it was last year (26:00). We quickly talk about the upcoming summer "Fantasy Camp" hosted by Lincoln Riley and the OU program (29:00). For the first time the new Sooners' defense is described as the "Speed D" and it sounds like certain defensive players will be asked to shed some pounds (32:00). Riley talked about Bookie at his Wednesday presser and it sounds like Bookie is still being considered a safety at the moment (42:10). Grant notices something on OU's website and it's ridiculous (47:50). Apparently some NFL sources have said some bad things about Kyler Murray and Lincoln Riley comes to his QB's defense. Is there any merit to these negative comments (51:00)? We've ran out of football topics, so we decide to talk about the OU men's basketball team for the first time all season (1:10:00). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 103 - Top 5 Players to Watch in Grinch’s Defense

In the opening take, Grant explains why he was intrigued by a recent tweet thread by former Sooner Orlando Brown. Then Lee joins to reminisce about OU being double-digit underdogs to FSU in the 2001 Orange Bowl which leads to a brief talk about past spreads in national championship games (6:30). The guys countdown their top 5 defensive players they're most looking forward to seeing play in the new Alex Grinch scheme, beginning with a linebacker (15:20). Grant has a pair of DBs listed at No. 4 and No. 3 on his list (25:15). Lee's No. 4 player was an incredibly polarizing member of the 2018 Sooners' defense (31:35). Lee's got a veteran linebacker at No. 3 on his list, although Grant does not have this player in the top 5 (36:15). Grant's No. 1 player is somebody who has the potential to be a player that'll be really fun to watch in 2019 (41:10). Lee's No. 1 player is not on Grant's list and the guys completely disagree about this player (46:40). Apparently Grant initially correctly predicted Marquise Brown's foot injury (56:20). Can we expect Rodney Anderson to work out at the NFL Combine (58:45)? OU's got four offensive linemen going to the Combine and all of them are really darn good players (1:02:10). Austin Seibert will get a chance to display his kicking and punting abilities this week (1:06:35). All eyes will be on Kyler Murray this weekend at the Combine and the guys really hope that he throws (1:08:00). We go over the gambling props for Murray's height and 40 time (1:11:25). Finally, Joel Klatt defended Kyler Murray on Colin Cowherd's show Tuesday (1:19:15). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 102 - Grinch’s Biggest Task: Fix the OU Secondary

In the opening take, Lee's thrilled that we're not done watching Kyler Murray play quarterback. Then Grant joins to discuss the best OU recruiting class since 2005 (7:20). The guys touch on some of the 2019 recruits who they're most interested in, while Lee disrespects Wichita football (12:20). Ron Tatum is planning to transfer from OU (22:25). It's pretty clear Bookie is the main secondary player we hope benefits the most from Alex Grinch and the coaching changes (27:40). Is there a world where Tre Brown and Bookie are the starting cornerbacks in Week 1(32:30)? Grant will be keeping a close eye Motley and Norwood (36:20). Lee is optimistic about Robert Barnes in this new defense (38:55). Going over the rest of DBs we haven't talked about yet including Justin Broiles, Chanse Sylvie, and Jordan Parker (43:15). Grant points out the amount of experience and depth in the secondary right now (45:00). Grant's been saying Kyler Murray was going to pick football for a while now. But hey, let's take a look back at his baseball stats for some reason (51:30). The guys go over their biggest concerns regarding Murray's transition to the NFL, plus Greg Cosell has released a great scouting report on Murray (56:45). Would the Jags be a good spot for Kyler Murray (1:07:30)? Bob Stoops is back and he's going to coach in the XFL. Grant couldn't care less about these minor league football leagues (1:10:15) | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 101 - Caleb Kelly’s Perfect Fit in Grinch’s ”Speed D”

In the opening take, Grant is all over the place because he's so distraught that there's no football for a very long time. Then Lee joins to remind the listeners that this podcast will not touch on traditional National Signing Day, although Grant provides predictions on who he thinks will sign with the Sooners (8:40). Is Kenneth Murray the linebacker who will benefit most from the defensive coaching changes? Or is it Caleb Kelly (11:00)? Judging by Alex Grinch's history at Wazzu, there may be an obvious 2019 position for Kelly (17:20). The middle linebacker under Grinch at Wazzu constantly made a lot of tackles and a lot of plays. Perhaps this system will finally allow things to "click" for Murray (24:30). Grant names four other linebackers that he's super interested to see play in Grinch's system (32:30). Is Kyler Murray going to play the same role Baker Mayfield played for us last offseason (39:00)? Kyler made a bizarre appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show" last week and Grant has been avoiding this like the plague (42:25). Tom Fornelli's first NFL 1st Round Mock Draft doesn't include Kyler Murray and this triggered Lee (51:55). Baker Mayfield didn't win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award even though he was more deserving than Saquon Barkley (1:01:25). Lee's already afraid of Baker Mayfield's "sophomore slump" and Grant says if Mayfield played QB for the Rams they would have won the Super Bowl (1:05:10). Grant once again correctly picked the winner of the Super Bowl and Lee can't decide if the Rams' offensive performance is more of an indictment on Sean McVay or Jared Goff(1:09:50). The Rams seemingly did not take advantage of some obvious matchups against the Patriots(1:13:30). The Pats have perfected the art of navigating the NFL regular season and then turning the playoffs into a 3 game season (1:20:40). Listen everybody, stop complaining about the Super Bowl being boring (1:25:25). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 100 - Neville Gallimore Could Be Unleashed in This New Defense

In the opening take, Lee has some thoughts on new OU Cornerbacks Coach Roy Manning. Then Grant joins to talk about how he may freeze to death in Minnesota before acknowledging that this is our 100th episode of the show (6:45). Jalen Hurts is the top transfer QB of the offseason -- no surprise. But who's the 2nd best transfer? The guys definitely don't think it's Kelly Bryant (9:15). The guys transition into a Drew Lock discussion and rip on NFL talent evaluators (16:00). Are Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins the only two QBs teams should be looking at in the 1st Round of the draft (20:15)? The guys go over the rest of the notable transfer QBs including Jacob Eason, Justin Fields, and Brandon Wimbush (24:00). Austin Kendall's dad talked to a West Virginia newspaper giving their side of the story on the transfer situation (31:40). Lee finds it fishy that the article is vague about how the news of OU blocking Kendall's immediate eligbility leaked to the media (33:25). We're both incredibly excited to see how Neville Gallimore fits into Alex Grinch's defensive system (39:45). Looking back at Grinch's Wazzu defense to get some clues on how Gallimore may be used (43:50). The guys talk about Michael Thompson and the rumors that he may be switching from defense to offense (49:10). Grant is interested to see how Kenneth Mann is utilized in this new scheme (52:40). We touch a little bit prematurely on the JACK LB spot before going over the DL depth (55:35). We spend the rest of the podcast talking about the Super Bowl. Topics include: Grant's evolution on Tom Brady, it's dumb to think Brady will retire anytime soon, Pat Mahomes made a ridiculous throw in the AFC Championship, is Brady or Belichick more vital to the Pats success?, and SB picks (1:04:00). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 99 - Kendall Transfers and Grant’s Mad at the Media Coverage

In the opening take, Grant explains the Sooners are fortunate to get Jalen Hurts for the 2019 season. Then Lee joins and triggers Grant right off the bat with OU's 2007 loss to Texas Tech (6:00). We move on to more pressing topics like Austin Kendall's transfer from OU. Lee establishes a timeline of events. Lincoln Riley told Kendall to enter the portal, so what does that mean (9:00)? Lincoln Riley tells his side of the story in regards to blocking Kendall's immediate eligibility at WVU (21:50). Lee's thoughts on this story have evolved over the past week (26:00). Grant points out this story is incredibly complex and too many people treated it in a black & white manner. Grant is straight fire during this whole discussion in which he includes a column by Pat Forde and Pete Thamel (28:55). OU had a case to block Kendall, but Grant thinks granting immediate eligibility was the right move ultimately. Grant just can't stand national writers attacking OU using terrible arguments (39:55). Lee now completely understands Riley's actions in regards to Kendall over the past week (46:00). Jalen Hurts is officially coming to OU and Lincoln Riley's got some thoughts on his new QB (53:20). We tackle a few Facebook questions asking about Jalen Hurts at OU, plus we share some listener comments about Hurts and Kendall (1:03:15). OU's defensive coaching staff is now set (1:14:00). Riley describes what he likes about Grinch's defense (1:19:00). Let's hear from Alex Grinch as he talks about how "takeaways equal victory" (1:21:30). It seems like Grinch wants to take the fight to the offense as he explains a little bit about the x's and o's of his defense (1:28:00). We finish up by discussing whether or not there's a conflict of interest between ESPN and the College Football Playoff (1:35:15). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 98 - Kyler’s Going Pro & Looking Back at Preseason Predictions

**NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Brian Odom and Roy Manning news broke Tuesday night.** In the opening take, Lee really thought there was a chance Kyler Murray could come back to OU for one more season. Then Grant joins to explain why the past week's talk about Kyler Murray frustrated him (7:00). Murray's not going to play baseball right now because he's going to end up being a first round pick in the NFL Draft (11:45). Murray would make so much more money in the NFL right now compared to his A's signing bonus (16:30). Tim Kish and Kerry Cooks are out. We talk Brian Odom -- although we recorded this before his hiring was made official (19:05). We recorded before the news broke that Roy Manning was hired as cornerbacks coach (26:15). Grant is incredibly intrigued by the Sooners QB situation with Austin Kendall entering the transfer portal and Jalen Hurts rumored to come to OU (28:10). Lee doesn't think Lincoln Riley would make a decision that puts OU's QB situation in a mess (30:30). Is Tanner Mordecai better than Austin Kendall (33:10)? Grant lays out why it makes a bunch of sense for Jalen Hurts to join OU's program (35:40). Are we sure Hurts is a good quarterback (38:10)? Lee's got a good feeling about Hurts' chances of coming to OU (43:50). Both guys were dead wrong about the National Championship game, but let's be honest the way that game played out was a fluke, right (47:10)? Clemson's kill shot TD was incredibly lucky and Grant's super annoyed nobody has pointed that out (53:35). We look back at our 2018 season predictions and find out what we got right, and what we got wrong sprinkling in soundbites from some of our best and worst takes (55:15). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 97 - Welcome to Norman, Mr. Grinch

No opening take today, but we've got all the thoughts on OU's new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. Grant called this back in October (1:30). Let's go over all the PROS of Alex Grinch beginning with his defensive philosophy which includes a mindset to take the ball away (7:45). Grant is excited about what Grinch can do for OU's defensive line (15:30). Grinch's base defense seems to be the hybrid 3-4, which we've trashed at OU recently (22:00). It's nice that Grinch has experience coaching secondary players (26:00) and it's good that Grinch should be comfortable running a defense on a team that scores quickly (27:15). More excitement on Grinch's philosophy of taking the ball away (32:40). Grinch must be good if Urban Meyer wanted him, plus Mike Leach has figured some things out in Pullman (35:50). It sounds like Grinch is big on recruiting and he's also acknowledged that he believes his defense goes perfectly with Lincoln Riley's offense (38:30). Lee wants everybody to realize that nobody is perfect, so there are some potential concerns with Alex Grinch. Grant is not having any of it (41:15). Just for fun, we look back at what were some concerns about Lincoln Riley's hire at OU(58:00). Spring practice should be pretty darn interesting (1:03:00). Before we go, we both explain why we like Alabama to beat Clemson in the National Title (1:05:50). Grant's not done yet. He wants to talk about Texas beating UGA in the Sugar Bowl (1:16:45). Cody Ford made himself a lot of money this season (1:23:25). And Gil Brandt wouldn't be shocked if Kyler Murray comes back to OU in 2019 (1:26:00). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 96 - Slow Start Sinks the Sooners in South Beach

In the opening take, Lee congratulates Alabama on a job well done (sort of). Then Grant joins to discuss his feelings after OU's Orange Bowl loss (5:30). OU's slow start was certainly not expected (7:20). Lee thinks you're an idiot if you second guessed Lincoln Riley's decsion to defer and he's annoyed by other Twitter takes (10:00). Marquise Brown had a horrible night and we feel terrible for him (13:00). Alabama's offense was able to do whatever it wanted (14:35) and Tua Tagovailoa was perfectly fine and played awesome (16:15). The guys argue over what a catch is and it's probably boring podcasting (18:25). As soon as we saw Tua was 100 percent was the game over (21:00)? OU's defense got one stop all night when it absolutely needed to and that led to Charleston Rambo's great TD (23:30). Kyler Murray willed this team back, but his shaky start ultimately cost him (26:40). CeeDee Lamb was fantastic, and we talk more about Marquise Brown (27:50). Grant says this game will allow him to enjoy college football more in the future, plus more on OU's defensive woes (33:10). Lincoln Riley talked about a time table on a defensive coordinator (37:25). Lee's not a fan of the "we didn't give up" and the "great season guys!" mentality by the fan base, but comments from Grant and Kyler Murray softened his stance on this (39:55). Did OU's Big 12 experience this year actually help them come back and make the Orange Bowl a game (45:20)? This is the best Alabama team Grant has seen (46:50). It sure would have been nice to recover one of those onside kicks (47:50) but it probably didn't matter because Bama's offense was too good (49:45). Let's give it up for Kennedy Brooks because he's a great RB (52:10). For the final time this season we do "3 Word Reviews" and the final review is the best of the year (55:00). Lee rants about "SEC! SEC! SEC!" guy, much to Grant's chagrin (1:10:15). We both don't have much interest in watching anymore college football this year (1:21:45). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 95 - It’s OU and Bama For All the Oranges (Mega Orange Bowl Preview)

In the opening take, Grant looks back at the awesome 2003 OU football team that didn't win it all. Then Lee joins to talk "feel" for this upcoming Orange Bowl (6:20) before discussing Marquise Brown's health (8:10), Kyler Murray's random illness (13:00), and whether or not Albabama suspending three players will have any impact on the game (16:45)? The guys finally closely rewatched the SEC Title game and Lee was encouraged by what he saw, while Grant was the complete opposite (23:15). Will OU be able to run the ball well against Alabama (34:20)? Marquise Brown's health makes discussing the passing game difficult, but the SEC Title game may have provided a blueprint to get fast players in space (44:40). Alabama's defense is just incredibly talented and that's obviously concerning (54:40). Do you believe Tua when he says he won't be 100 percent for the game (58:25)? Will Jalen Hurts play a bunch in this game (1:03:20)? OU's defense is used to playing offenses like this. Does that matter at all (1:06:50)? How many stops does OU's defense need to get to beat Alabama (1:09:00)? OU actually has much better special teams than Alabama. Will that be a factor (1:15:50)? The guys say what they *want to see happen* in the game (1:19:20). Then finally, the guys tell you "what will happen* when OU plays Alabama in the Orange Bowl Saturday night (1:29:15). We wrap things up by answering a few more Facebook questions (1:38:00) and Grant found the CHEEZ-IT Bowl hilarious Wednesday night (1:45:40). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9