West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football Podcast

Ep. 94 - Let’s Fantasize About Orange Bowl Scenarios

In the opening take, Lee saw a game recently that made him slightly less worried about Alabama's elite defensive front. Then Grant joins to talk about a listener who called him out on Twitter over the weekend (5:40). We get to a Facebook question regarding Alabama's speedy WRs and OU's limited secondary (9:00). For the first time ever we play "Wouldn't it be cool..." which is a segment where we spitball about things that would be cool to see this Saturday in the Orange Bowl (17:00). Grant finishes the segment with a really good "Wouldn't it be cool..." that involves Alabama's offense and some possible irony (32:30). We list off all the OU players from the past that we would like to see playing vs. Alabama this Saturday (35:10). Who would you rather have playing QB for OU this Saturday: Kyler Murray or Baker Mayfield (37:35)? Lee saw a Twitter poll referencing the best OU QB performances over the past 5 years (41:20). Will we get any clues on Marquise Brown's health this Wednesday (54:30)? Mark Andrews and Orlando Brown are starting for the Ravens and are enjoying very nice rookie seasons (56:55). Are current Orange Bowl ticket prices good news for OU (1:01:25)? | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 93 - It’s Confirmed: OU Has its Hands Full With Alabama

In the opening take, Grant's in awe of Lincoln Riley's ability to improve OU's recruiting over the past few seasons. Then Lee joins to talk about whether or not Alabama has seen an offense like OU so far this season (7:20)? The discussion includes a lot of thoughts from Bama's game vs Missouri this year and a few rips on Drew Lock. Could the OU offensive line vs. the Alabama front 7 be the most important matchup of this Orange Bowl (18:10)? The Sooners have not seen a defensive line as good as Alabama all season long (23:00). Diving into Kyler Murray/OU WRs vs the Alabama secondary (28:15). Grant seems to think Alabama could be vulnerable over the middle of the field (31:00). How significant is it that OU has not faced a defense as good as Alabama this year (36:10)? Does it help Alabama's defense that it just faced an offense like Georgia in the SEC Championship Game (39:55)? Unfortunately, Alabama's offense looks really good on film and it's difficult to believe OU's defense will have much success (42:30)? Hey, sometimes Tua actually makes poor throws (45:20)! Lee had a way better idea of what Georgia wanted to do in the Rose Bowl, compared to what Alabama is going to want to do this season (47:20). Is there a chance Alabama could try to play keep away from OU to keep Kyler Murray and the offense off the field (50:20)? Grant's got some thoughts on the early signing period and Lee chimes in when he can (55:00). We kick around some hypotheticals involving Justin Fields transferring to OU (1:02:35). OU's getting a lot of 5-star offensive players, but man it would be awesome if OU could get some 5-stars on defense (1:12:30). Finally, the bowl games so far have been horrible and we complain about the terrible upcoming matchups (1:14:00). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 92 - Lincoln Riley is Here to Win a National Championship

In the opening take, Lee's fired up about something Lincoln Riley said this past week. Then Grant joins to give his thoughts on Riley's comments (5:30) before the guys jump into the injury status of Marquise Brown (10:30) and Tua Tagovailoa (13:15). Who would you rather Alabama play at QB: Jalen Hurts, or a less than 100 percent Tua (15:50)? So, Chanse Sylvie could apparently help the Sooners in the Orange Bowl (23:20)? Who are the most important players on OU's defense for this upcoming game (25:20)? Both guys have watched Alabama-Texas A&M and they dive head first into what they saw from Bama's offense in that game (30:40). Moving over to what the guys saw from Bama's defense in the September win over A&M. Lee tends to think Alabama looks the same as always on defense (47:50). Grant sees a possible way to exploit Alabama's defense (55:00). Bama has been missing one of their better cornerbacks for a lot of the season (1:01:00). Grant goes to the S&P numbers and it's difficul to find weaknesses in Bama's defense on the stat sheet (1:04:30). Is it possible for a genius offensive coach to watch enough Bama tape to predict what coverages they're going to run? And the guys do a little SEC vs Big 12 talk (1:05:15). There's been some Playoff expansion news that the guys want to touch on and this leads to us ripping college football for essentially allowing the SEC to run the sport (1:11:00). Lee's had a phenomenal time watching Baker Mayfield play football this fall and Hue Jackson should never get another head coaching job (1:28:00). Greg Cosell continually praises Mayfield on Colin Cowherd's show. Yes, we talk about Cowherd's Mayfield takes and we have a great job poking holes in all of them (1:40:30). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 91 - Kyler is Officially the Best Player in College Football

In the opening take Grant tries to put into words what Kyler Murray has accomplished this season at Oklahoma. Then Lee joins to provide his thoughts on Murray winning the Heisman (5:10). This was the closest Heisman race since 2015 and the numbers suggest Championship Saturday actually determined the winner (9:10). Murray has played in multiple high leverage situations this year while Tua did not (12:50). We're tired of hearing somewhat lazy arguments for why Tua should have won, so we blow those arguments up including "he got injured in the SEC Title Game" and "Tua rarely played in the 4th quarter" (16:10). QBs at OU have been so good lately, so are we totally taking all of this excellence for granted (28:10)? So, Alabama is going to be even more motivated to beat OU in the Orange Bowl now, right (32:25)? Dwayne Haskins picked a really bad year to be really good, and Grant has a theory on why Ohio State fans are miffed that Haskins didn't win the Heisman (37:00). We give our thoughts on the Kyler Murray "offensive tweets" story (39:00). Moving over to the OU defensive coordinator rumors as we discuss the potential timing of a hire and the two main names who Sooner nation seems to want beginning with Pete Golding (44:30). Lee was listening to an Ole Miss podcast and he's got some thoughts on what the hosts had to say about Golding (56:50). Moving over to Alex Grinch (1:01:10). The guys throw out some other names of defensive coordinators they like (1:07:40). We finish things up by giving our early thoughts on OU-Alabama in the Orange Bowl which includes an update on Marquise Brown's health (1:17:55). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 90 - After a Perfect Saturday, the Sooners Are Back in the Playoff

In the opening take, Lee tries to figure out if the College Football Playoff committee got this whole thing right. Then a fired up Grant joins to briefly talk about the final CFP rankings and the show that led up to the rankings reveal (5:30). The guys jump into OU's win over Texas beginning with Tre Norwood's start at safety and Bookie's relegation to the bench (14:00). Texas seems to have perfected the "draw pass interference" offense (23:00). Great complementary football was played in the 2nd quarter (27:00). After OU got its 2 TD lead in the 2nd half, Texas was able to rally back for the tie. Parnell Motley has had better games (31:40). Kyler Murray made a TREMENDOUS play on 3rd down in the 3rd quarter, and we dissect some more poor 3rd quarter defense (36:15). Grant says OU's offense didn't have its best stuff on Saturday (42:20). Things went from awesome to disastrous to awesome in the span of about 3 plays when Tre Brown sacked Ehlinger for the safety (45:00). OU struggled to run the football against Texas, but Kyler Murray and the offense powered through and put together a fantastic drive to put the game away in the 4th quarter (51:30). Grant explains why this may be one of his favorite OU football teams ever (57:20). Kyler Murray should win the Heisman Trophy and honestly it shouldn't be a close vote after Saturday (58:50). Is Marquise Brown going to be available for the Playoff (1:04:20). Time for "3 Word Reviews" (1:06:30). Grant thought the SEC Championship was an awesome game (1:13:00). The CFP needs to be expanded and Lee doesn't want just 8 teams -- he wants 24 teams in the playoffs (1:19:45). The guys dismember the two most common arguments AGAINST playoff expansion (1:26:00). The SEC has an unfair advantage right now in the current system (1:30:30). Grant makes some great points (1:33:00) and then Lee gets more fired up than he's ever been because he doesn't think the people arguing against expansion really like football as much as they say they do(1:34:30). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 89 - It’s OU-Texas For the Big 12 Title. Ok, Cool. Horns Down

In the opening take, Grant basically tells OU to *not* be like Michigan. Then Lee joins to bring up the fact Kyler Murray has had loads of success playing at AT&T Stadium (4:20) and this is the first time these teams have played twice in the same season for more than 100 years (6:00). Lee's got a rough blueprint for how the Sooners' defense can "limit" the Texas offense this Saturday beginning with something OU did not do the first time around against the Horns (7:45). OU's got a decision to make with its defensive personnel because it seems like the secondary is hurting (15:05). Here's what OU's defense needs to do to the Texas pass catchers (23:00) and Lee is challenging the CBs to make some plays (26:00). What are the chances OU spies Ehlinger quite a bit in this game (29:05)? Talking defensive ends and linebacker responsibilities against Texas (31:35). Let's hope OU's defensive coaches and players have watched enough film to where they can anticipate plays based on Texas' formations (36:50). Grant thinks Sam Ehlinger is the 3rd best QB in the Big 12 and Lee disagrees, which leads a big argument (42:00). The most important key to OU's defense having some success against Texas (48:45). There's not a lot to say about the Sooners' offense in this one. We both think OU should have success yet again, and Grant has seen the Horns' defense struggle for the most part since playing OU in October (50:35). We combine what we want to see and what will happen into one segment (1:02:00). Well, the Big 12 Conference is obviously a joke so let's talk about "Horns Down" (1:07:00) which then leads to us really ragging on Texas (1:12:30). Quickly touching on the OU/Ohio State debate which then leads to us complaining about the way the Playoff is set up (1:20:00). Finally, we make our weekly picks on Conference Championship Weekend (1:24:40). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 88 - Everybody Pitches In As OU Outscores West Virginia

In the opening take, Lee explains there was never a doubt that OU was going to beat West Virginia Friday night. Then Grant joins to randomly get excited about Minnesota Golden Gopher football and also deflect from the fact he picked against OU to win (4:05). For the first time in weeks we begin the show with the OU offense after the Sooners performed at an elite level once again (6:35). Lincoln Riley put the ball in Kyler's hands on 4th down and the game on the line deep in the 4th quarter, and the guys argue over the one Austin Seibert punt of the night (9:10). OU's offense kept their composure all night and came up with big play after big play (15:45). Marquise Brown was awesome against WVU and Lee thinks this game felt different than usual for the OU offense (19:30). Moving over to the defense where Grant thought that unit played one of its best games in weeks and the cornerbacks stood out (32:30). OU's going to need to find a way to improve pass coverage in the middle of the field and it was puzzling to see Caleb Kelly out there once on 3rd & 18 (39:15). There were a handful of guys who played really well including many on the defensive line (44:40). We get to the poor safety play including Bookie's rough game, although there were some positive takeaways (47:10). Although OU gave up more than 700 yards we don't feel as badly about this performance as other recent games (52:00). Is it possible that we're being too hard on the OU defense? And we talk about Michigan's defense if it played in the Big 12 (54:10). We get to your "3 Word Reviews" (59:20). A Texas rematch is up next and Lee's already watched back some of the last OU-Texas game (1:08:20). Tackling some listener questions/comments on OU's propensity for giving up big plays on 3rd & long, plus a look at the OU vs. Ohio State potential Playoff debate (1:12:50). Finally, if UGA beats Alabama in the SEC Championship does that mean both UGA and Bama makes the Playoff (1:23:30)? | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 87 - Are the Sooners Walking Into a Black Friday Buzz Saw?

In the opening take, Grant decides he's tired of being negative regarding this upcoming OU game against West Virginia. Then Lee joins as the guys condense this matchup down into something simple (4:15) before diving into OU's defense vs. WVU's offense and if there's any chance the Sooners can limit the Mountaineers' passing game (8:05)? Can Iowa State and OSU's success against WVU's offense help OU at all (14:00)? What are the odds OU tries to shadow David Sills with a cornerback all game (20:40)? Keep an eye on WVU TE Wesco because sometimes his presnap actions may give away what WVU is trying to do (26:10). What are the chances OU's defense is truly prepared for WVU's offense (28:20)? So, is the WVU defense actually better than it was a season ago (32:40)? Grant says OU's offensive line may be able to have their way with WVU's defensive front (36:25) and also Lincoln Riley has had a lot of success against WVU in his time at OU (38:20). Grant doesn't think last year's game can tell us much, but Lee disagrees (40:00). The guys voice their concerns about WVU's defense (46:15) and we both think Kyler Murray is the X-Factor (47:30). What can we make of the injury situation (49:50)? After all the talk we finally say what we *want* to see happen (52:05) then Lee bans Grant from saying a word (54:45). Then the guys say what *will* happen Friday night in Morgantown while also telling you all to hammer the "Over" on this game (58:00). We've got some Facebook questions beginning with how many times does OU need to stop WVU in order to win (1:04:30)? How much of a factor is playing in Morgantown as opposed to playing in Norman (1:08:50)? Why Washington State isn't ranked higher in the CFP Rankings plus possible ways OU can reach the Playoff (1:10:10). What has gone wrong on defense since Stoops was fired and Ruffin McNeill took over (1:15:00)? And we give you some reasons to be optimistic about the Sooners' defense this week (1:17:45). Is OU off to a New Year's Six bowl game no matter what (1:20:10)? Taking a quick look at the Big 12 games this week that don't matter before hastily making our weekly picks against the spread (1:22:15). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 86 - Kansas Scores 40 and It’s Not Even That Surprising

In the opening take, Lee shares some statistics that show just how horrible the OU defense has been playing lately. Then Grant joins to discuss the embarrassing performance against KU, one former player sounds off on Twitter, and Lincoln Riley knows his team didn't play well (5:20). We are not happy with the way Ruffin McNeill is approaching his position as the defensive coordinator (17:15). Neville Gallimore's absence seemed significant because OU had a ton of players out with injuries. Would those guys have missed the game if this was WVU instead of KU (26:40)? Can we trust that Lincoln Riley sees all the problems that we see with the defense (30:35)? OU needs style points to increase its playoff hopes, yet Lincoln Riley says all OU can do is just win (36:00). Is OU just destined to get smoked by West Virginia (42:00)? Let's talk briefly about the offense because it's still the best offense in the nation (47:10). Did Oklahoma State's DBs give OU a blueprint into shutting down David Sills (49:10)? Once again we got a lot of "3 Word Reviews" from listeners on Twitter and Facebook (54:30). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Ep. 85 - Kansas is Really Bad. So Let’s Rant About the Playoff.

In the opening take, Grant lays out an uncomfortable truth that we all have to acknowledge by now. Then Lee joins to add a little bit of positivity to the equation. (5:30) Next Lee says some nice stuff about KU and then forces Grant to say some nice stuff about the Jayhawks (11:00). Let's be honest, Kansas sucks (16:20). Lincoln Riley was defiant on Monday when it came to the OU defense and Dusty Dvoracek came after the Sooners defense this week (21:45). We never see OU's defense change anything, BUT Lee has one SIMPLE fix that could help OU get off the field one or two more times per game (26:30). We say what we *want* to see happen vs. Kansas (35:00) and what *will* happen (36:15). Colin Cowherd has some nice things to say about OU as we bring back the "Hot Take of the Week" segment (39:10). Lee threatens to give his Playoff rant soon, but then the guys go in on stupid people who think a 4 team playoff is perfect and it should not be expanded (46:30). Taking a look at the CFP rankings which did not change much at all (52:20). Taking a quick look at the garbage Big 12 games this week (55:00) followed by our picks where we touch on the really nice Big 12 games of the week (57:05). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9