West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football Podcast

Ep. 45 - Pro Day in Norman

In the opening take, Lee lays out a scenario in which Baker Mayfield renders a recent NFL free agent signing useless. Then Grant joins to discuss grad transfer Calvin Anderson choosing Texas (5:00). Caleb Kelly is moving positions and also played much of 2017 with a torn labrum (11:00). Plus, the early enrollees seem to be making a good first impression (22:30). Jeff Badet shines, Orlando Brown improves, and Du’Vonta Lampkin shows he is a fast AND strong big man at OU's Pro Day (28:25). Lee was there in Norman for Pro Day and he gives a few observations -- including a meeting with Bob Stoops (41:30). The topic shifts to the NFL as the guys talk Broncos, Case Keenum, and a NFL offensive coordinator who Lee saw talking to Lincoln Riley today (43:20). Grant unveils the logical drafting strategy for the Browns (51:00) and Lee's got a super hot Saquan Barkley take (55:40). Finally, OU plays Rhode Island Thursday morning. Why should we care? (59:30) | Like "West of Everest" on Facebook: @westofeverest | Email the show: westofeverest@gmail.com | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9 | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25

Ep. 44 - Spring Practice is Here

In the opening take, Grant sets straight yet another NFL "expert" who clearly hasn't watched much film on Baker Mayfield. Then Lee joins to discuss Lincoln Riley's presser that kicked off OU Spring Practice beginning with Riley's thoughts on the QB situation (9:00). How will Riley go about replacing Dimitri Flowers (18:30) and Orlando Brown (22:40)? Will Kenneth Murray switch positions? (28:00) Lee asks Riley if the idea of a depth chart is made public to the players during spring ball? (32:00) Moving to the NFL Combine, the guys discuss Orlando Brown's bad day (38:45) and disagree on Jordan Thomas (44:45). Dimitri Flowers had a poor showing (49:50), but Obo and Mark Andrews performed well in Indy (52:20). Baker Mayfield was fantastic at the Combine (55:45) and finally, we begrudgingly speak about the latest OU men's basketball loss (1:07:45). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Email the show: westofeverest@gmail.com | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9 | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25

Ep. 43 - The Baker Mayfield Franchise Quarterback Epiphany

In the opening take, Lee is convinced that the past is telling us that Baker Mayfield is definitely a franchise NFL quarterback. Then Grant joins in to talk about the most interesting aspects of the Sooners participating in the NFL Combine this week (9:00). Comparing Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson's athleticism (13:50). Does Sam Darnold actually have more "bust" potential than "franchise QB" potential? (20:50) Taking a look at NFL.com's scouting report of Jordan Thomas (27:00) Guessing 40 times for the Sooners at the Combine (32:30) Why should we care about this NCAA corruption story (36:25) and why paying the players is not a viable solution at all (48:00). Is it possible that OU is cheating when it comes to basketball? (54:30) And finally the guys talk about OU Hoops finally winning a game (*NOTE* this was recorded before Tuesday's loss to Baylor) | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Email the show: westofeverest@gmail.com | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9 | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25

Ep. 42 - Embrace Debate! ”Way Too Early” Defensive Predictions Get Feisty

In the opening take, Grant explains why the woefully disappointing 2014 OU Football season was actually a good thing. Then Lee joins to discuss Baker Mayfield's recent comments about Texas (9:05) and the fact that the Heisman winner will not be attending the NFL Draft (14:00). Then the guys give their "Way Too Early Predictions" for OU's starting defense in 2018, beginning with fireworks as the DL is discussed (16:20). Who's going to replace Obo at the JACK spot? Plus what do the rest of the starting LBs look like (28:00). The guys move on to the secondary where both safety spots are open, and Lee thinks a true freshman will start at one of the DB positions (38:30). Finally, is it better for a team to have an elite offense coupled with a bad defense OR an elite defense coupled with a bad offense? (51:50) | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | email the show: westofeverest@gmail.com | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9 | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25

Ep. 41 - Is Baker Mayfield the Obvious Number 1 Draft Pick?

In the opening take, Lee begs people to stop trying to compare Baker Mayfield and Johnny Manziel as football players. Then Grant joins to discuss the JFF-Baker situation, the guys go over NSD 2018, way too early predictions on who will start on the Sooners' offense in 2018, plus a somber look at OU basketball. Join us for another invigorating edition of "West of Everest".
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Like us on Facebook: @westofeverest
Email the show: westofeverest@gmail.com
Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9
Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25
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5:05 Breaking down a PFF article that says Baker Mayfield should be the Number 1 NFL Draft pick
14:40 Manziel ran waaaaayyy more than Mayfield ran in college. That’s a distinction rarely pointed out when discussing the pair
16:00 Grant has the numbers on all the other top QB prospects
19:10 OU signed three more players on NSD last week
22:40 the biggest “gets” in this 2018 recruiting class
23:40 who will be the biggest stars of this class?
25:00 Grant mentions a couple of under the radar guys in this class
26:50 who may disappoint in this OU class?
28:30 Lee mentions the players in this class he’s most excited for
31:25 we go over the class ranks of recent National Championship teams. Based on history, does OU have a class that can win a Title in 2018?
35:45 the “Way Too Early Projections” for OU’s starting offense
53:50 a somber look into OU basketball. Really would like to see this team play better.

Ep. 40 - Kyler Murray is Making a Smart Decision

In the opening take, Grant lays out a scenario where college football may be finally seeping into the NFL. Then Lee joins to talk about National Signing Day (one day early), Kyler Murray's decision to continue playing baseball, and six Sooners are invited to the NFL Combine. Plus we discuss the struggling OU basketball team and Lee's 11-year streak of picking the Super Bowl incorrectly is over! Also, which commercials were actually good -- and which ads kinda sucked? Join us, will you?
Email the Show: westofeverest@gmail.com
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6:15 looking back at “Red October” from 2000 briefly
9:00 the guys give a recruiting update one day prior to NSD
18:25 Lee thinks Kyler Murray is making a good decision for his future
22:10 Grant is disappointed in Lee’s Kyler Murray take. Then Grant provides his thoughts on Murray playing baseball
27:50 it looks like 6 Sooners will be at the NFL Combine (including one surprising name)
34:40 early predictions on the number of Sooners who will be 1st Round picks
37:10 the OU basketball team is pretty bad right now and the Sooners just can’t play defense
44:50 Grant gives us an update on what it was like to live in the city that hosted the Super Bowl
49:40 The guys get a chance to boast about picking the Eagles to win the SB
57:50 Lee thinks the Clement TD was clearly a catch based on the rules and it’s annoying when people say the NFL “needs to fix the catch rule”
1:05:35 with Nick Foles winning a Super Bowl, does every NFL team have hope moving forward?
1:11:30 the guys finish up with their best and worst commercials from the Super Bowl

Ep. 39 - Baker Mayfield’s Best Fit in the NFL

In the opening take, Lee talks about Baker Mayfield's worst performance of the year. Then Grant joins to talk about the importance of Shane Beamer, Mayfield's performance during Senior Bowl week, and a quick recruiting update. Plus the guys discuss whether or not Trae Young should just go ahead and take over every game -- and Lee makes a ridiculous confession about his Super Bowl past.
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8:30 did Lincoln Riley just tell us the coaching staff is set for 2018?
11:00 Shane Beamer is going to have a “serious role” in special teams. Is he one of the most important assistant coaches all of a sudden?
18:20 Georgia borrowed an offensive play from OU this past season and seemingly used it a bunch in 2017
22:40 Bennie Wylie was officially introduced and Lee found out an interesting fact about Wylie’s past.
25:30 Grant provides a recruiting update which includes some decommits
31:50 Baker Mayfield’s week at the Senior Bowl. (Also Dimitri Flowers and Obo)
40:10 Josh Allen has a big arm, but he struggles to complete passes. Number 1 Pick obviously.
44:40 where’s the best “fit” for Baker Mayfield in the NFL?
51:15 can we discontinue this myth that the NFL is ahead of college when it comes to offensive concepts?
58:10 we shift to OU basketball beginning with praise of Lon Kruger’s strategy at the end of the KU game
59:50 does Trae Young need to do more, or does his teammates need to just make more shots?
1:04:20 OU’s defense continues to struggle
1:08:30 shall we just enjoy the positives of this team and not worry all that much moving forward?
1:10:10 since Grant is in Minnesota, he gives us an update on how Vikings fans are doing after being destroyed in the NFC Championship
1:17:00 Lee has incorrectly picked the Super Bowl winner 11 years in a row. It’s an incredible streak. The guys make their picks for this year’s big game.

Ep. 38 - Did OU Just Get Better on Special Teams?

In the opening take, Grant lays out an uncomfortable truth for sports fans. Then Lee joins to talk about Shane Beamer coming to Norman. Is Cale Gundy on the way out? We know Abdul Adams is on the way out, what does that mean for the future? Later in the show Lee goes over the greatest prediction ever made on "West of Everest", plus the guys talk about OU basketball's defense (or lack thereof). Won't you join us for another January show?
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5:30 The guys reminisce about going to the OU-Texas A&M in 2008
9:20 OU is bringing on Shane Beamer as an assistant head coach. Could his arrival help improve the Sooners’ special teams?
24:50 could Cale Gundy be leaving OU? Lee is hearing reports that Gundy is likely to stay in Norman.
33:40 Abdul Adams is transferring to Syracuse. Where do the Sooners stand moving forward at running back?
38:50 Lee plays back the very best prediction ever made on “West of Everest”
46:00 inevitably we talk about the OU-Florida National Championship game
48:10 Weird how much has changed in one week in regards to the OU men’s basketball team
56:25 Grant irrationally hates one of K-State’s players

Ep. 37 - Will Mike Stoops Make Some Plays in 2018?

In the opening take, Lee lays out why he thinks it's clear Mike Stoops will be returning to run the OU defense once again in 2018. Then Grant joins in to discuss Joe Castiglione getting a shot at the CFP Committee. Next, guys take a look at the Sooners' defensive numbers since 1999, talk about OU's new S&C coach, and go over a thoughtful listener email. Plus, we touch on OU basketball for the first time on the show.
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5:50 Joe Castiglione is gonna be on the CFP Selection Committee and there’s a minimum 100 percent chance he’ll be better than Kirby Hocutt
11:10 Grant is not fully convinced Mike Stoops will be back in 2018. Grant is waiting until after Signing Day to formulate an opinion.
17:00 Lee finds some shocking numbers regarding OU’s defense from 2012-2015
19:50 does the evidence show that Stoops’ second stint with OU has been a failure?
22:30 what would have happened if Brent Venables had stayed at OU to coach the defense along with Mike Stoops in 2012 and beyond?
25:00 In hindsight, it’s easy to say bringing back Mike Stoops was a big mistake
28:30 Lee doesn’t put a lot of stock into the S&P rankings. Grant pushes back
32:00 What was the thought process of Bob Stoops, Mike Stoops, and Brent Venables back in 2012?
35:30 what is Lincoln Riley thinking right now in regards to the OU defense?
40:15 the Sooners have brought on a new Strength and Conditioning coach. What does this mean?
46:00 the guys go over a listener email that touches on a lot of moments from the Rose Bowl.
59:00 where does the Rose Bowl rank in worst OU losses of our lifetime?
1:03:00 we start comparing Alabama and UGA’s defenses and how OU would have fared in the National Championship against Alabama
1:06:15 Grant shares an uncomfortable truth
1:11:00 looking back at the numbers of the 2016 and 2017 OU offenses compared to the 2008 OU offense
1:13:20 the guys comment on Trae Young and the OU basketball team for the first time on the show

Ep. 36 - Goodbye College Football

Grant says goodbye to college football in the opening take. Then Lee joins to ask Grant about the trio of recruits OU just got commitments from. The guys touch on Brown, Andrews, and Lampkin all declaring for the draft. Plus we look back at all of our preseason predictions -- what was right? What was wrong? Here's to hoping the offseason doesn't last too long.
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4:10 Lee corrects a mistake from the last episode
5:10 Grant briefs us on the three big defensive recruits who recently committed to OU
9:20 it’s great for OU to get these nice recruits, but Lee is concerned about the way these players will be utilized within the defense
11:00 quickly touching on Mike Stoops before diving in to “Bookie” Hiles’ height
14:20 a trio of Sooners underclassmen have declared for the NFL Draft
16:15 Du’Vonta Lampkin leaving is not ideal for the Sooners’ defensive line
20:00 looking back at our preseason predictions beginning with OU’s leading receiver
23:15 OU’s leading tackler
24:50 Lee uses an analogy involving Brian Urlacher to describe Caleb Kelly’s season
27:30 OU’s sacks leader
30:45 OU’s most important offensive player (besides Mayfield)
33:25 OU’s sleeper impact player on defense
35:40 OU’s impact freshman on offense
37:40 OU’s impact freshman on defense
40:00 predicting OU’s final regular season record
41:10 which Big 12 team was being overvalued heading into 2017?
43:00 which teams would play in the Big 12 Championship?
43:50 which team(s) on a national stage were being overvalued heading into the season?
46:30 Grant takes a victory lap in regards to Clemson’s offense
47:05 which team(s) were being undervalued entering the 2017 season?
50:00 who did we predict would be in the Playoff?
51:20 everybody should have correctly predicted Alabama to win the National Championship
52:00 Lee absolutely nailed OU’s sleeper player on offensive
53:50 Grant was on the money about Iowa State’s surprising season
56:35 Remember back in August when Lee was high on Kansas?
58:10 maybe Grant’s pick for most important defensive player wasn’t that bad after all
1:00:40 Lee knew Baker Mayfield was going to win the Heisman
1:02:20 Somehow Grant accurately predicted the Sooners’ “trap game”.
1:05:10 Grant could not have been more wrong about his Heisman prediction
1:07:00 Lee unveils the worst prediction ever made on “West of Everest”
1:10:00 the guys have some thoughts on Alabama-Georgia