2026-01-05- KSR - Hour 1

Summary

KSR Podcast Summary – Hour 1

Date: January 5, 2026
Hosts: Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, Shannon “The Dude”
Guests/Crew: Mario (referenced), Drew (off this week)
Theme: A candid breakdown of recent UK basketball and football drama: post-Alabama basketball meltdown, concerns about team chemistry/coaching, football portal news, and some lighter moments.

---

Episode Overview

The first KSR episode of 2026 returns with Matt Jones and the crew reuniting after a holiday break. The show’s primary focus is the fallout from a demoralizing UK men’s basketball loss to Alabama, including mounting frustration with the team’s play and leadership under Coach Mark Pope. The first big football transfer portal news drops live on air. The hour weaves in calls, strong opinions, humor, and concern for the direction of Kentucky sports.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kentucky Basketball's Troubling Loss to Alabama (02:50–38:00)

• Immediate Reaction:
  The team’s loss was not just a one-off—hosts call it part of an emerging pattern: poor lineups, lack of offense, defensive lapses, and visible player frustration.
• Team Chemistry Issues:
  Jones shares inside info: “People close to the game tell me this team argues with each other constantly off the court, like in the huddles and stuff. Like in a non-good way.” (06:40)
• Coaching Questions:
  Multiple hosts question Mark Pope’s roster construction, game management, and “cold” postgame demeanor. Ryan Lemond: “You’ve got to start questioning the coach. You got to start questioning, is this team just not very good?” (08:21)
• Defensive Failures:
  Repeated lapses in perimeter defense: “How many times do they have to make a three before we stop going under screens?” (08:37 – Matt Jones)
• Offensive Stagnation:
  Heavy reliance on Jalen Lowe: “I have to tell you, if Jalen Lowe wasn't on the team, I'm not sure we would ever score.” (10:23 – Matt Jones)
• Pope’s Leadership:
  Pope’s lackluster postgame interviews and growing perception of emotional immaturity were widely criticized:
  “Why does he become like a different person when we lose?” (13:07 – Matt Jones)
  “You judge people's character in a time of adversity...” (13:26 – Matt Jones)
• Division Within the Team:
  The hosts note there’s a clear split among the team’s “best players” which fans could probably guess—implying poor chemistry and leadership issues.
• Pope’s Interview Behavior:
  Citing how Pope stonewalled postgame questions, Matt says he’s been told Pope was “spoken to by folks at UK going, you got to stop [acting this way]. And then he did it again.” (14:36)

2. Role Questions and Player Usage

• Calls for Change:
  Why isn’t Jalen Lowe starting? Why did Cam Williams barely see the floor after shooting 8 of 10 last game?
  “How many threes does a man have to hit to get time?” (15:49 – Ryan Lemond)
• Unexplained Lineups:
  Pope’s substitutions and minute allocations puzzle the hosts; rationale (analytics) doesn’t hold up: “No analytic says don't play for a minute and 25 seconds and then put him in.” (23:12 – Matt Jones)
• Stats that Worry:
  “34 games against power conference teams since Pope's been here. We've been down double digits in 17 of 34… down 20 in 8 of 34…five of them are this year.” (24:14 – Matt Jones)

3. Coaching Standard at UK

• High Expectations:
  Hosts emphasize that losing is one thing, but the way the team responds, including Pope’s attitude, is “not Kentucky basketball.”
  Matt: “Through his first 50 games as coach of Kentucky, he has the same record [as] Billy Gillespie.” (25:15)
• Postgame Conduct Patterns:
  The decline in public demeanor among recent UK coaches is analyzed as a sign of program health—a warning from the past.

4. Live Football Portal News (21:28–22:38)

• Breaking Transfer:
  Matt announces live on air: “Baylor center Colton Price has committed to Kentucky as part of the transfer portal… This was a priority, apparently, for Will Stein.” (21:28)
• Significance:
  Both hosts frame this as Kentucky’s biggest portal addition to date and a foundational piece for retooling the offensive line.

5. Quarterback Drama & Portal Strategy (43:50–51:06)

• Cutter Bowley’s Transfer:
  “I hated to see it… I thought he could be a really good quarterback here and kind of help us build for the future.” (43:56 – Ryan Lemond)
  Matt explains that NIL salary cap realities and UK’s unwillingness to match major offers sent Bowley to Arizona State.
• Portal Prioritization:
  Kentucky’s new staff (Will Stein) is running things “like a pro franchise,” focusing cap resources on immediate needs but still pursuing upside for the future.
• Sam Levitt Recruitment:
  Levitt, a top portal quarterback, visited UK and is torn between Kentucky and LSU—LSU can offer more NIL and prestige, but Levitt “just wanted to play for Will Stein.” (48:50 – Ryan Lemond)
  If Stein wins out, hosts agree, it will signal his persuasive power and program vision.
• Transfer Visit Logistics:
  The very fast, all-in-one recruiting weekend was necessary since Stein is still with Oregon in the CFP.

6. Lighter Segments & Memorable Commentary

• Mario’s Inspirational Instagram:
  Early banter about Mario’s “life affirmation” Instagram captions provides comic relief:
  “Take care. See, the lessons you learn and the growth that you experience is never spontaneous.” (05:00 – Shannon reading Mario’s IG)
• New Music Favorites:
  Matt introduces a new favorite artist, Steven Wilson Jr. ("Gary" and a grunge covers album), launching into a nostalgia riff about the fading names “Gary” and “Debbie.” (29:14–31:36)
• Name Riffs:
  “Give me somebody under 40 named Gary… or Debbie… We just at some point, collectively decided we're not using that name anymore.” (30:27-31:17 – Matt/Ryan)
• Standard for Leadership:
  "Rise to the occasion. That's a phrase my mom used to use. And it's true. It's very true." (38:27 – Matt Jones)

---

Notable Quotes With Timestamps

• On team chemistry:
  “People close to the game tell me this team argues with each other constantly off the court, like in the huddles and stuff. Like in a non-good way.” (06:40 – Matt Jones)

• On defense problems:
  “How many times do they have to make a three before we stop going under screens?” (08:37 – Matt Jones)

• On Pope’s demeanor:
  “Why does he become like a different person when we lose?” (13:07 – Matt Jones)
  “You judge people's character in a time of adversity. Anyone can be good when you're winning… You judge how you deal with adversity.” (13:26 – Matt Jones)

• On holding the coach accountable:
  “Roster construction is the coach’s fault. The way they play is the coach's fault. They don’t like each other, they just don’t… If I don’t like you, you’ll know.” (11:41–12:17 – Matt Jones)

• Football portal news:
  “Baylor center Colton Price has committed to Kentucky as part from the transfer portal… This is probably the biggest get Kentucky’s gotten so far.” (21:28 – Matt Jones)

• On leadership:
  “You play 31 games a year, Mark. That’s it. 31… You got to look in that mirror, take a deep breath and talk. That’s not too much to ask for $5.6 million a year.” (35:15 – Matt Jones)
  “Rise to the occasion. That's a phrase my mom used to use.” (38:27 – Matt Jones)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:50 – Show open, Matt returns, team update topics
• 05:00–06:40 – Mario’s Instagram, team chemistry
• 06:40–16:24 – Alabama loss analysis, lineup, coaching, defense/offense woes
• 21:28 – Breaking UK football portal news: Colton Price commits
• 22:53–24:45 – Why isn’t Jalen Lowe starting? Stats on point deficits under Pope
• 29:14–31:36 – “Gary”/Steven Wilson Jr. music interlude and name nostalgia
• 34:23–38:27 – What leadership demands of Pope, postgame demeanor warning signs
• 43:50–51:06 – Cutter Bowley transfer, portal salary cap, UK’s QB plan, Sam Levitt chase

---

Summary & Takeaways

• Basketball concern is high: Not just because of losses, but the manner, recurring themes (chemistry, lack of adaptability, coaching coldness), and alarming stats.
• Coach Pope’s trajectory is now in question: Not for immediate job security, but in terms of setting the right tone and living up to program standards, especially in adversity.
• Football portal segment brings hope: Big OL pickup, aggressive pursuit of quarterbacks, and signs that the new staff is organized and strategic—even against the odds versus big-money, blueblood programs.
• Classic KSR: Blunt opinions, sharp humor, and the show’s blend of sports frustration with everyday Kentucky banter.

---

For listeners: This episode is a must-hear if you want to understand the current mood around Kentucky basketball—disappointed, restless, but still engaged—and get a peek at the football program’s new direction. And if you haven’t checked your own Instagram captions lately, you might want to step up your inspirational game.

---

Note: Ads and lengthy sponsor reads are omitted from this summary.

Transcript

[TJ Maxx Announcer]

At TJ Maxx feel more you than ever without compromise because we never make you choose the quality you want, the styles you crave and the prices you love. It's all at TJ Maxx so you can focus on just being you. With so many finds arriving daily, that means so many ways to show your unique style. Shop in store and [e-mail] and Max what makes you you?

[Matt Jones]

This is Jacob Goldstein from what's yous Problem? Business software is expensive, and when you buy software from lots of different companies, it's not only expensive, it gets confusing.

[Commercial Voice]

Slow to use, hard to integrate. Odoo solves that because all Odoo software is connected on a single affordable platform.

[Matt Jones]

Save money without missing out on the features you need. Odoo has no hidden costs and no limit on features or data. Odoo has over 60 apps available for any needs your business might have, all.

[Commercial Voice]

At no additional charge.

[Matt Jones]

Everything from websites to sales to inventory to accounting.

[Commercial Voice]

All linked and talking to each other.

[Matt Jones]

Check out Odoo at o d o.

[Commercial Voice]

O.Com that's o d o o.com Ready.

[Orangetheory Fitness Announcer]

To change your life? For just $2 a day, Orangetheory Fitness delivers one hour workouts that combine strength and cardio to help you burn fat, build muscle and feel unstoppable. Right now, get a full month of unlimited classes for just $62. Don't wait. This offer ends soon. Visit orangetheory.com or your local studio and start your transformation today. Offer ends January 31, 2026. New members only. Premier membership, performance monitor and monthly billing required. Discount applies to first month only. Other terms apply. C Studio for details Want to sell.

[Matt Jones]

Your car your way? Who wouldn't? That's why CarMax offers a car selling experience designed just for you with online and in store options. Want to know what your car is worth quickly? Get an online offer in under two minutes. Want to think it over? Use OfferWatch to keep tabs on your car's value over time. Plus, CarMax offers flexible selling options with Express Drop off in store or pick up at home. Selling your car is in your control with CarMax. Want to drive CarMax pickup? Not available everywhere. Restrictions and fee may apply. See carmax.com for details. Comedy Up Broadway in Lexington Invite you to celebrate New Year's Eve with Lexington's own Lee Kimbrell for two shows only on December 31st. Then from Netflix is a joke. Catch Ray Lau January 2nd and 3rd and January 8th through the 10th. Don't miss AGT finalist Aaron Belial for Tickets to all comedy up Broadway shows. Call 859-271-JOKE or visit comedyup broadway.com.

[Shannon]

This is Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Now here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

Welcome, everyone. It is Kentucky Sports Radio. Monday, January 5th, the first show, 2026. I am back after about a week and a half away from these parts. I don't act like you worked much here. I know Ryan Lemon is here. Shannon, the dude is in Louisville. Drew has this week off so we don't have the full crew. But you can give us a shout on the Clark's puppet shop phone line. 859-280-2287. A Vision Auto Glass text machine is 772-774-5254. A lot of stuff has happened since I've been gone. Kentucky played basketball. We lost our quarterback. We nearly got a new quarterback, but didn't we have a whole portal stuff? Women's basketball got one of their most exciting wins of all time. The women's volleyball team lost in championship. So we, we, we could talk about any of that stuff. But more importantly, Ryan, Shannon, Mario, good to see you guys.

[Ryan Lemond]

Welcome back. All three of you guys were gone last week. We kind of missed you, but kind of, you know, it was lonely, wasn't it? It was very lonely.

[Matt Jones]

You and who? Drew. Drew. Yeah. That's okay. Sometimes you all need to carry your weight. Shannon, we can't do everything.

[Shannon]

That's right. Yeah. Good to see you guys. Good to be back. And it was also good to hear you doing your play by play debut.

[Matt Jones]

I listened to that. I want to talk about that a little bit in the second hour. Thank you very much, Shannon, and thank you all you guys. You guys said nice.

[Ryan Lemond]

First thing I said to you when you came in today.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, that was. That was. I'm going to talk about that a little bit in the second hour. We'll talk about a little about some of the stuff that happened during the offset. I also had to do like a photo shoot, which I have to talk about while I was making fun of Mario's photo shoot.

[Ryan Lemond]

You spent that whole time before the.

[Matt Jones]

Job do one for a job. He, Mario was doing it for Instagram. Mario. Mario's Instagram. Shannon, I don't know if you ever go to it.

[Shannon]

I need to follow him on there.

[Matt Jones]

It's the funniest thing in the world because Mario will like pose in like an abandoned street with one of his buddies and he'll be sitting there and he'll be looking off in the sunset. He'll be like follow your. Yeah, read me a caption of one of them. Here we go.

[Shannon]

Well, let's see here. Let me find a good one. Mario just says, take care. See, the lessons you learn and the growth that you experience is never spontaneous.

[Matt Jones]

That's exactly right. Like Mario says things like that, they crack me up. He always has all these life affirmations. It's never spontaneous, the life you grow. And then he's like looking there and they're just two random guys. I don't know who these people are. Mario has his own posse. Mario is supposed to be our company and Mario has his own people.

[Ryan Lemond]

They're looking good though. They got their fit on.

[Matt Jones]

They all look great.

[Ryan Lemond]

You know they smell good.

[Matt Jones]

What? You know they smell good. He walked in the day smelling people.

[Ryan Lemond]

I can't help but smelling. He walks.

[Shannon]

Joe Biden stuff rubbing off.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, that is. You're not Joe Biden.

[Shannon]

Take one picture with Joe Biden. You go around sniffing people like a dog.

[Ryan Lemond]

You don't.

[Matt Jones]

You get. Kids go telling people they smell good all the time. 859-280-2287 but this, I, I don't know. I guess we should start. There's a lot of football news, but it'll probably take some setup because if you haven't been, if you don't follow the Internet on a minute by minute basis, you probably wouldn't know all this. But let's start with the basketball. I think. I mean we lost Alabama. Really bad performance. I mean, you know, after the first 5 minutes, 10 minutes, never really in the game. It didn't feel like, I don't know, man. Jaylen Low played well away, played pretty well and then the rest was just a disaster. I mean I, I feel like it's a broken record from, from the Gonzaga game and from the, you know, from Michigan State game and from even the Louisville game of. I don't understand the lineups. I don't understand why we can't get any offense going. I had people close the game tell me this team argues with each other constantly off the court, like, like in the huddles and stuff. Like in a non good way. Feels like some of the good vibes we had after Indiana, St. John's I don't know. Did they all go out the window?

[Ryan Lemond]

Man, I've been thinking for two days what I'm going to say about this game today. Because this is not. You can't just write this off as a one off thing. There's been, this is kind of a little bit of a pattern We've seen getting down early, down by 20 to these good players. And this is the first time you're. You're pretty much at full strength. You know, there's no excuse.

[Matt Jones]

Second game of the year at full strength.

[Ryan Lemond]

And you also had two weeks to get ready for this team and they looked like they didn't know what was coming.

[Matt Jones]

And it was a team that you could make an argument. You built this roster Exactly. For this game.

[Ryan Lemond]

Exactly.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, I think there's a really good argument that Mark Pope changed his entire roster building philosophy because of what Alabama did to Kentucky three times last year.

[Ryan Lemond]

You're exactly right. He said, okay, if I want to compete in the sec, I got to do this, this and this. Because Alabama, they had. They were no match for Alabama last year.

[Matt Jones]

And we didn't play poorly last year in Alabama still. So, I mean, it was clear like he created this entire team on the. Okay, I have to build a roster to be able to play against the Alabamas. Yes, and you did just as poorly, maybe, maybe worse. Because at least last year you would offensively be pretty efficient. You just couldn't guard him. Now we can't score.

[Ryan Lemond]

Like I said, you got to start questioning the coach. You got to start questioning, is this team just not very good? I mean, because I don't. Like I said, this is. This is not just a one off thing. You can't write it off. They just had an off night. This is bad.

[Shannon]

The frustrating part was you know exactly what they're going to do and you still couldn't stop. Could not.

[Matt Jones]

First of all, number one most important thing more than anything else, how in the world did we go into that game and decide to let them shoot open threes? How do we. How did they think that was the way to go? And how many do they have to make before they decide closing off the three is the number one most important thing. How many times do they have to make a three before we stop going under screen?

[Ryan Lemond]

Exactly.

[Matt Jones]

How many times do they have to run a pick and roll to where we do not leave it. Make them beat us at the rim. We have like 10, 7 footers on the team. Make the. If they make. If they beat us at the rim. Okay, fine, but how do we keep letting them shoot open threes? How?

[Ryan Lemond]

And like I said, you had two weeks to get ready for. You know, that's how Alabama plays. That's what they, that's what their offense is designed around that.

[Matt Jones]

Change it at the end and it's too late.

[Ryan Lemond]

Way too late.

[Matt Jones]

How Are you going to wait 30 minutes? If Colin Chandler runs under another screen, I'm going to go crazy. And I will notice. A couple of post game callers said they still had open shots in those last two minutes. They just missed them.

[Ryan Lemond]

True.

[Matt Jones]

I mean I. That three point defense is putrid and.

[Ryan Lemond]

Like Bills kept pointing out, Alabama's getting in the lane whenever they want and that kick it out to a wide open three pointer.

[Matt Jones]

And then after the game's over, Oats makes a really good point. Oats is like we studied them. They don't pass. Yeah. I mean he, he basically said that coaches won't do that, but he basically was like, we study him. They don't pass. When they throw it in the post, it ain't coming out that number. And I'm just going to assume he's right because he said it. We only have 7 assist by our bigs when the ball goes into the post in 13 games.

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't. You got to assume that's right.

[Matt Jones]

And if that's right, that's horrendous.

[Odoo Commercial Voice]

Awful.

[Matt Jones]

I mean Alabama probably had six or seven in that game.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, really.

[Matt Jones]

You know it is. Watching this team play is so frustrating and I have to tell you, if Jalen Lowe wasn't on the team, I'm not sure we would ever score. Like he's the only person that can generate any offense.

[Ryan Lemond]

Him and Ortega were the only offensive threats they had.

[Matt Jones]

I not. Listen, we need Otega. But he's drawing fouls. Yeah, right. Like he's going into the paint and. But in terms of generating ball movement, no one else even, no one else even attempts it.

[Ryan Lemond]

The whole offense was Jalen Lowe try to create something and get us a bucket. That was the offense that I feel like.

[Matt Jones]

Remember I used to say at Pitt, I watched him and he was so good, but he had to do everything and he doesn't have. I feel like I'm watching that this year. Yeah, I feel like he's having to do the exact same thing this year.

[Ryan Lemond]

What he did Saturday against Alabama. He, he was the offense. There was no other offensive threat other than Ortega trying to drive.

[Matt Jones]

So why. I mean this team is clearly poorly constructed. But I'm going to keep saying this. Yes, it's poorly constructed. That is obvious. But there's nothing you can do about that at this moment.

[Ryan Lemond]

Can't.

[Matt Jones]

Why are they so bad that. Why can he not get something positive going out of this group?

[Ryan Lemond]

So I think that's why people were starting to question, is it the coaches responsibilities? Is the coach's fault or is this team just not very good?

[Matt Jones]

All of it is the coach's fault. Right. The roster construction is the coach's fault. The way they play is the coach's fault. They don't like each other. They just don't. I mean, you can tell. And I mean, I may see a clip where somebody says something nice that doesn't mean they like each other. Right. You know, I work with people at ESPN that, like, they'll say nice things about each other, and then the moment somebody goes away, they'll be like, gosh, that person. No, I'm serious. Like, like, it's. It's hilarious. That's one good thing, is, like, you won't get that from me. Like, if I don't like you, you'll know.

[Ryan Lemond]

You know, I thought we were past that.

[Matt Jones]

Nah, we're not. We're not. They argued the whole time. I. I had a friend who, who was. Who drove down there, bought tickets and was like, dude, you. I mean, they just argue all the time, just constantly and that. And it's the best players arguing with each other, basically. It's like, well, I don't want to divide the team into. But there is a divide of kind of like one certain. You could almost guess. If I were to sit here and tell you guess which you. You'd guess it.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

So I don't know what you do. And then. I don't understand Pope. I mean, that interview with Tom Leach, I'm not going to play it again, but I played it on the post game show. I mean, what, what, what has happened to him in these losses?

[Odoo Commercial Voice]

Why.

[Matt Jones]

Why does he become like a different person when we lose?

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't know. But it's. It's not a good look.

[Matt Jones]

It's a horrible look.

[Odoo Commercial Voice]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

You got to grow up and be a man and look Tom Leach in the face and answer his questions.

[Matt Jones]

And when people go, what are you expecting to say? He just lost? I expect him to be a grown up.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes.

[Matt Jones]

This is a smart person. This is not. He is not a jerk. He is not an idiot. He is smart. He knows what he's supposed to do. And then he goes in and he becomes a different human being. I expect him to be a grownup. You judge people's character in a time of adversity. Anyone can be good when you're winning. Well, that's not true. Some people are bad winners, too, but most people are pretty good when they're winning. And gracious. You judge how you deal with adversity.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Now I'm saying, like Mario and his Instagram. Yeah, put that on your.

[Shannon]

Your captions.

[Matt Jones]

But, I mean, it's true. And I, you know, go back to Louisville. When he says, you know, something happened in the locker room. When you go back to Michigan State, where I've never seen a war. The Michigan State thing, I'll never understand. I mean, Rick Patino said. I called him and said, what is wrong with you? Good for Rick. Right. To Gonzaga, where he said nothing. And now this. I don't get it. And I've been told, by the way, and I'll say this, I've been told he's been spoken to by folks at UK going, you got to stop. And then he did it again.

[Ryan Lemond]

If you're a recruit sitting at home and you hear your coach talk and act like that, use that the guy you want to play for. Well.

[Matt Jones]

I don't know. I mean, I am. I am baffled by this. I said on the post game show, when we hired Mark, I had a serious question about ability to get talent. And that question still exists. Although he's gotten some. The question still exists. So I knew that would be an issue. The thing I thought was a given was they would play smart, they'd play hard, Right?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

They'd be well prepared. I was like, that's a given. I don't know. Doesn't feel like a given.

[Ryan Lemond]

No. You're. You're a coach. Be a leader. Act like a leader. You're a leader of young men. They're looking up to you. They see you act like that, they're going to act like that.

[Matt Jones]

And then. I don't understand our team. I really don't. Colin Chandler looks scared to death. Denzel, Aberdeen, you sit there and go, what does he bring? And how did. How did that happen? I mean, he was on a national championship team last year. Yeah. So he's clearly good. Diabate is yelling at everybody throughout the game. Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

How does Cam Williams not play hardly at all if he just had 8.

[Matt Jones]

Out of 10, how do you not play Cam Williams? How many threes does a man have to hit to get time?

[Ryan Lemond]

8 out of 10 in the last game out. He doesn't get in to play, like, what, six minutes in the first half?

[Matt Jones]

I mean, I sit and look at it. I don't know. What if Jalen Lowe had not come back?

[Ryan Lemond]

They'd gotten beat by 40.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, would we score 35 points a game?

[Ryan Lemond]

I'd be pushing it.

[Matt Jones]

So, I mean, they have a big week now. Missouri looked at the beginning of the year like, okay, that's easy. They beat Florida.

[Ryan Lemond]

Just beat Florida.

[Matt Jones]

And they're coming in here Wednesday and you cannot lose.

[Ryan Lemond]

No, you have to win these two.

[Matt Jones]

You have to win these two home games. Coming back to back.

[Ryan Lemond]

Have to.

[Matt Jones]

So I don't know. 859-280-2287 welcome back. Somebody wrote. Are we gonna have to start calling him Mark Mope? I mean, after these games, there's a little mope.

[Ryan Lemond]

Be a leader, man.

[Matt Jones]

Am I wrong, Shannon? Is that unfair?

[Shannon]

No, it's not. And it all seems like it started with that Louisville game. And ever since then, when they've lost. I don't know, man. More than what we're hearing.

[Matt Jones]

Ask one of your Instagram people.

[Shannon]

Can you get Mark Pope some inspirational quotes? Mario?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, he is inspirational. Get him a Jack Handy quote or something from Saturday Night Live. Be right back.

[TJ Maxx Announcer]

At TJ Maxx. Feel more you than ever without compromise. Because we never make you choose the quality you want, the styles you crave, and the prices you love. It's all at TJ Maxx, so you can focus on just being you. With so many finds arriving daily, that means so many ways to show your unique style. Shop in store and online at TJ Maxx. And Max, what makes you you.

[Odoo Commercial Voice]

Running a business is hard enough, so why make it harder? With a dozen different apps that don't talk to each other. One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. Before you know it, you are drowning in software. Instead of growing your business, this is where Odoo comes in. Odoo is the only business software you'll ever need. It's an all in one fully integrated platform that handles everything. CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, HR and more. No more app overload, no more juggling logins. Just one seamless system that makes work easier. And the best part, Odoo replaces multiple expensive platforms for a fraction of the cost. It's built to grow with your business, whether you are just starting out or already scaling up. Plus, it's easy to use, customizable and designed to streamline every process so you can focus on what really matters running your business. Thousands of businesses have made the switch, so why not you try Odoo for [e-mail] that's o d o o dot com.

[Rob Gronkowski]

This is Rob Gronkowski from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules. Sunday mornings are sacred. I've got my game day routine, coffee jersey laid out and my lucky playlist. But the real game changer, new morning.

[Commercial Voice]

Uncrustables Sandwiches I've always loved uncrustable sandwiches and now I'm all about the new flavors with 12 grams of protein. Bright Eyed Berry or up an Apple Bright Eyed Berries got that flashy, finesse vibe like your favorite slot receiver.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Up an apple. Tough and reliable like a do it all tight end.

[Commercial Voice]

And players love them. Did you know teams crush over 80,000 uncrustable sandwiches a year? They know it's good.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It's a snack that can go with you anywhere from the couch to the tailgate or even in the locker room. Soft bread, Yummy fillings. Protein packed. Once it's part of your ritual, you don't skip it.

[Commercial Voice]

Easy enough for Gronk to grab straight from the freezer.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Your new Sunday kickoff ritual starts here with the new morning Uncrustable Sandwiches packed with with 12 grams of protein.

[Matt Jones]

Holiday football has arrived with the Draft Kings Sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of the NFL. The unexpected can turn game day into payday with Don Franklin. And don't forget, DraftKings now has your back with an early exit. I love this because it can help you. If a player you have in a player prop goes down in the first half, they'll wipe it off and they'll act like it never even happened. And you still get paid in cash. That's the DraftKings difference. So download the DraftKings sportsbook app. Use my code KSR. That's code KSR. New customers can bet $5 and get 200 in bonus bets. If your bet wins instantly in partnership with DraftKings, the Crown is yours. If you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER in New York. Call 8778-HOPING-Y? Or text HOPING WHY? 467369 In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas. Pass through per wage Attacks May apply in Illinois 21 + agent or eligibility varies by restriction. Void in Ontario Restricted supply that must win to receive bonus bets which expire in seven days. Minimum mods required. For additional terms Responsible gaming resources, see DKNG CO Audio limited time offer. Oh, If I'm not 280 sound good on the podcast? He has the music on the podcast.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's going be great on the podcast.

[Matt Jones]

This is going to be me making.

[Shannon]

Bony noises, gloom, despair and agony for everybody on podcast.

[Matt Jones]

Makes sense if you do it, do it again. No see, I've Been off. You forgot a while. And I Forget. All right. 859-280-2287 we do have some breaking news.

[Shannon]

Oh, okay.

[Matt Jones]

Baylor center Colton Price has committed to Kentucky as part from the transfer portal. Just so people know, center is not a sexy position. But as anybody who played will tell you, it's important on the offensive line. This is probably the biggest get Kentucky's gotten so far. He started 33 straight games for Baylor, all Big 12. He'll be the center for the off for the UK offensive line next year. This was a priority, apparently. I've been told for Will Stein, his center does a lot of the work pre snap and they wanted this guy and they got him. So that's great.

[Ryan Lemond]

You lose all five your offensive linemen.

[Matt Jones]

Okay.

[Ryan Lemond]

Got a little frog in my throat. Haven't talked all weekend. You know, you haven't been around.

[Matt Jones]

You lost talk in your private life?

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't. I just sit and watch, study, do game show prep.

[Matt Jones]

Game show prep. You mean like Price is right?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

What is game show prep?

[Ryan Lemond]

Game and show prep.

[Matt Jones]

He does game show prep? Yeah, sounds like it. All right. Anyway, go ahead.

[Ryan Lemond]

They lose all five offensive linemen. You have to start with somebody you can kind of build around. I think this is that guy. I think they went out and got this guy to. Now they can kind of build around, get their guards, get their tackles.

[Matt Jones]

That's. So that's, that is a big get. We'll, we'll, we'll update the portal just in general. But that just happened here this morning. KSR breaks it. Congrats to Jacob Polachek on that. All right, so back for a second. Why doesn't Jalen Lowe start.

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't have an answer for you. I mean, you wait until you're down to bring him in second half. Like you pointed out, there's a minute and a half into the second half, then you bring him in.

[Matt Jones]

That one makes no sense to me. I mean his reasoning for doing it is. He says. Well, the analytics say. Or we. Bob. No. Analytics says don't play for a minute and 25 seconds and then put.

[Ryan Lemond]

And then put him in.

[Matt Jones]

What analytic is going to say that there is none.

[Ryan Lemond]

There is none. You got. He's your only offensive threat. He's your best player. He needs to be on the floor as much as possible.

[Matt Jones]

I always. When Cal did it with Reed and Rob, it was stubbornness or maybe promising DJ and Justin that they would start. What is this like? Seriously?

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't have an answer for you.

[Matt Jones]

I don't it makes no sense to me. Like, I can understand the argument for quaintance while he's trying to get back. He hasn't played. But Jalen Lowe is out there, probably shouldn't be playing, and is playing to try to help your team.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yep.

[Matt Jones]

Why not just. I mean, he can get hurt, Shannon, any moment. So why not just put him in at the start?

[Shannon]

Might as well. Because they gave up nine straight at the very beginning in the first five minutes of the game, you know, they.

[Matt Jones]

Were up five nothing. And then they gave up nine straight points, and then they put him in. Yeah. By the way, somebody pointed out Jalen Lowe's played against four good teams this year. When he's checked in the game, we've been losing all four times.

[Ryan Lemond]

See, that's. That's a pattern.

[Matt Jones]

Why would you do that?

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't know.

[Matt Jones]

And the stats. These stats are so awful. Somebody gave in the postgame show. 34 games against power conference teams since Pope's been here. We've been down double digits in 17 of the 34 half. We've been down 20 in eight of.

[Ryan Lemond]

The 34 games, and five of them are this year.

[Matt Jones]

One fourth of the times we've played someone from a major conference. One out of four, we've been down 20 in the game.

[Shannon]

That is not Kentucky basketball.

[Matt Jones]

That we're Kentucky basketball.

[Ryan Lemond]

Long, long time.

[Matt Jones]

And I'm not. Look, I'm not giving up on Pope. Some people are. I'm not. I still believe he can do it. I still think there's almost nothing that could happen this year with. It would tell me he shouldn't come back next year and give it a run. I think last year was actually successful. I will note, however, through his first 50 games as coach of Kentucky, he has the same record. Billy Gillespie.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. 33 and 17. Right.

[Matt Jones]

Exact same record.

[Ryan Lemond]

Billy. Same through the first 50 games.

[Matt Jones]

That's troubling.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yep.

[Matt Jones]

I think that's. I don't. I. It is not crazy to say that's not good.

[Ryan Lemond]

You know, you just pointed out the Jalen Lowe, you pointed out Cam Williams. These two guys that, you know, you think can help you in a situation, because when you start the game with Aberdeen and your point guard, you're getting down every single time. He's just not a point guard. You need Jalen Lowe out there to kind of run the offense for you.

[Matt Jones]

He does have confidence, though, Shane.

[Odoo Commercial Voice]

Oh, yeah.

[Shannon]

He believes a little too much sometimes.

[Matt Jones]

He's like Billy in a bar full of models.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yep.

[Matt Jones]

He thinks he's getting it all.

[Ryan Lemond]

He thinks he's the number one option. He's going to show you.

[Matt Jones]

Let's go to Justin. Go ahead, Justin.

[Caller Justin]

Hey, there's a lot of stuff that I was going to say y' all talked about, but a lot of the stuff that Pope like, he's a smart guy but like the common sense stuff. It's like he looks pass like for example, going under picks like at some point you gotta know to force them into the lane so they don't shoot wide open threes and then don't help. And then Cam Williams to me would be built to play more in this game because he can switch.

[Matt Jones]

Yes.

[Caller Justin]

Basically one through four and yeah, somehow he don't play and I don't know.

[Matt Jones]

I don't understand not. You're exactly right. Cam would be the perfect person for this. I appreciate the call. I mean, listen, there is. When you play Jalen Low, you're going to have a defensive issue. So you need to make up for it by having long guys around them. Although I would argue we were so bad Saturday. Jalen Lowe's defensive issues don't even matter because everybody has a defensive issue.

[Ryan Lemond]

You're right.

[Matt Jones]

Right. None of. We had no one that could guard anybody.

[Ryan Lemond]

No.

[Matt Jones]

Probably the only guy that played pretty good defense was away on Filon.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

That's the other thing. Alabama was out there without think about this. They beat us like that. They're two big guys starting big guys didn't even really play. One of them was out the whole game. One of them got out five minutes in.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

And Filon had two points at halftime and we were still getting crushed.

[Ryan Lemond]

You tell me before the game, you hold Phylon like that and you're in. Their big guy has to sit up. They got hurt. You got a good chance to win that game and still did not matter at all.

[Matt Jones]

Didn't. Weren't even competitive.

[Ryan Lemond]

No. They brought off that seven footer off the bench. Who has a career game against us?

[Matt Jones]

They just find people on the street and we give them wide open shots.

[Shannon]

The play when Alabama was at the free throw line and then they get the offensive rebound and then throw it out to a wide open three. And you give up a three off of a free throw summed up the entire game.

[Matt Jones]

It did. You're exactly right, Joe. Go ahead, Joe.

[Caller Justin]

Yeah, man. I think you said it last year playing Alabama and obviously we were a lot better last year. But you know, the thing with Alabama is they do everything we want to do or we've been told we're Gonna do by post, but better.

[Matt Jones]

But I mean, Alabama when he built.

[Caller Justin]

Go ahead.

[Matt Jones]

No, Joe, you're with Alabama. Is what I thought we were getting in you. Isn't that what you. I thought that's what Mark was going to do.

[Caller Justin]

He said he built this team to compensate for what happened against Alabama. And we. We couldn't have looked worse on the offensive end or the defensive end.

[Matt Jones]

Alabama. And I appreciate the call, Joe. Alabama under Nate Oates is what I thought Mark Pope basketball was going to be.

[Ryan Lemond]

Not even close yet.

[Matt Jones]

But, I mean, isn't that what you thought? Spread the floor, everybody could shoot, share the ball, find your moments. You give up points, but you know what? It's okay because you can score a lot, and we're not even close to that. And we're not even competitive with that right now. We'll take a break. Be right back. Ksr, TJ Smith, personal injury attorney.

[Ryan Lemond]

Call tj.

[Shannon]

He'll make him pay. Now more of Kentucky Sports Radio, presented by Stockton Mortgage. Here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

All right, Shannon. This is my new. I don't want to say favorite song, but one of them. And I'm like. I really like this artist. Just listen to this chorus. All right.

[Shannon]

All right.

[Matt Jones]

It's called Gary. What do you think?

[Shannon]

It's. It's not bad.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Shannon]

I was kind of surprised you like it, though.

[Matt Jones]

I like it. Yeah. It's like he calls himself half country, half grun. He has a version of that song Hunger Strike. Shannon, play that at the next break.

[Shannon]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. You know, for Temple of the Dog, right?

[Shannon]

Yeah. He's got a cover for that. Okay.

[Matt Jones]

I really like this guy. Now, I know, like, some of these modern country people that don't like, like him, but I've listened to a lot of his album, and it's all about, like, the decline of rural America, and I think it's really good. Named Steven Wilson. If you look at him, he looks like he's from the hollers.

[Shannon]

Any song that's got the line, they got the same nicotine pouring out their pores.

[Matt Jones]

Exactly, exactly. That's a great line. And he says his point is, there's not a lot of people named Gary these days. Because Gary's a dude in your town who would, like, fix everything. Yeah. And that is true. That. Give me the youngest person you can think of named Gary.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, my dad's Gary.

[Matt Jones]

Not young.

[Ryan Lemond]

Not young.

[Matt Jones]

Give me somebody under 40 named Gary.

[Ryan Lemond]

No, my childhood best friend was Gary.

[Matt Jones]

Also not young. Stop acting like you're young. Anyone under 40 can you all right? Anyone under 40 named Debbie? His point is, small towns used to be filled with Gary's that would fix your car and stuff. Debbie's that would do your hair.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yep.

[Matt Jones]

But we're at it like those people. Like, with our economy's taking those people.

[Ryan Lemond]

Away, we needed some more Gary's.

[Matt Jones]

Point is, this world's better with Gary's. We need more Gary. We don't have any more Gary's. Would you name your kid Gary now?

[Ryan Lemond]

No.

[Matt Jones]

Would you name your kid Debbie now?

[Shannon]

No. Just had it now. He called the pre show a few minutes ago. It's funny that you said that.

[Matt Jones]

Well, no, no. But I bet she was over 40 probably.

[Shannon]

Yeah. Hope so.

[Matt Jones]

What about all your Atlanta cool guys? Any Gary's? Any Debbie's?

[Ryan Lemond]

Every Gary I can think of is over 40.

[Matt Jones]

We just at some point, collectively decided we're not using that name anymore.

[Ryan Lemond]

But it's not like you thinking, like.

[Matt Jones]

It's not like Ophelia.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Or Olga.

[Ryan Lemond]

It's just a name that just kind of.

[Matt Jones]

So I like that song. And I like him so far now. I saw he did a song with Hardy Shannon that almost made me say I didn't like him anymore.

[Shannon]

I think now.

[Matt Jones]

I think he did a song with Shaboozy, too, and I didn't like that. But he has a song of, like, grunge covers. And then I do like that song.

[Shannon]

All right, well, I'll.

[Ryan Lemond]

What's his name again?

[Matt Jones]

Stephen Wilson Jr. Okay. 859280, 2287. What person writes Matt? What all your callers are saying is Mark Pope just needs common sense. He plays like a smart guy who's never actually watched a game. However, Jalen Lowe should play 40 minutes or take away should play 40 minutes, and a lot of guys we play shouldn't play at all. Do you agree with that?

[Ryan Lemond]

I do agree with some of that. He goes by the. The analytics where, you know, you make these. Substitute these mass substitutions. Midway through the first half, you try to rest your legs so you're ready for the end of the game.

[Matt Jones]

By the time we rest our legs, we're down 15.

[Shannon]

It doesn't matter how our legs are.

[Ryan Lemond]

It's too late. You got to play your best players. You can't afford to get down 20 again in the first half.

[Matt Jones]

Our legs are healthy, though, for that second half when we're down 20.

[Shannon]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Healthy legs.

[Ryan Lemond]

So it is now, out of the six, like, Power 5 teams, we've been down by 20 in the first half.

[Matt Jones]

Four.

[Ryan Lemond]

Four of the six games for seven.

[Matt Jones]

Four of the seven.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's. How can that be, man? You're. We're better than that. I would think we're better than that.

[Matt Jones]

I don't know if we're good, but we're not as bad as we're playing.

[Ryan Lemond]

Agreed.

[Matt Jones]

So what I would say is I think our roster build. I thought this team could make a final Four. I think our roster mistakes have made it to where that's not going to happen. That's on the building of the roster. But losing these games and getting blown out is on the coaches. Yeah, that's the way I look at it. Maybe not being elite is on your decisions on who's on the team, but we should be better than we are. There's no excuse the way they're playing. There's just not. Roy. Go ahead, Roy.

[Caller Justin]

I could make them right quick. Will. I'm here. Will Stein don't have to show those people his dream. All they got to do is watch Oregon play, and that shows them. Now, I got a comment about Mark Pope. If he doesn't win too many games, the money people will get tired of him and buy him out. They bought out Stoops and he made down 20 points. And we'll come back and make the Kentucky fans happy. We're not happy. I'll get off here to listen to.

[Matt Jones]

Appreciate it. Yeah. I mean, they're not going to.

[Odoo Commercial Voice]

I don't.

[Matt Jones]

I don't see a scenario. Pope's not to coach next year. But I will say this. The thing that made Billy Gillespie not be the coach after two years was other stuff besides losing. Mark's not anywhere close to that stuff. But I. I don't understand these interviews. The thing that Mark had going for him was that, you know, Personable, charismatic. Exactly.

[Ryan Lemond]

Relate to the fans.

[Matt Jones]

So what did you tell your team in the locker room? A lot of things. Like that's just a rude answer, Shane. And that's just a rude answer, period. That's it. I don't. There's no. There's nothing you can say to me that doesn't say that's rude. And then the second thing, what is it you need to improve on for the next game? That's a long list. That's rude. That is just rude. It's rude to Tom. It's also rude to the Kentucky fans. They're sitting there listening to you saying, hey, Coach, make us feel better about this. And you don't get to then hide in a hole. Let me. Let me give you an example. If you're governor of Kentucky, you may have a bad day, okay. You may be mad about something, but then if something happens that's important, you got to suck it up and you got to talk about it.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yep.

[Matt Jones]

That's the job. This is not nearly as important as that, but it's the same thing. You play 31 games a year, Mark. That's it. 31, 31 times a year. You got to look in that mirror, take a deep breath and talk. That's not too much to ask for $5.6 million a year. And I know you're upset. You lost, we're upset. But you owe it. You got to talk. That's, that's the deal. And I said this after the game and I mean it. Go look at the coaches when things have gone down. You can always tell when things are falling apart by how they act after the games. When things got bad for Tubby, what used to happen on his call in show? Stop taking calls, stop taking calls. And former players would come in. Uh huh. That's kind of how you knew the Tubby era was coming to it. What happened at the end of the Billy era? After games, he started being a jerk to people.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

He started saying, I'm not an ambassador for Kentucky. Right. Janine Edwards and Jerry Tipton interviews, you saw?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yep.

[Matt Jones]

They sit in the University of Jody Meeks. What happened to the end of Cal era? He just started skipping.

[Ryan Lemond]

Didn't even do it.

[Matt Jones]

He just started walking out and saying, I ain't doing it now. I don't think we're at the end of the Pope era. I don't think that. But this, the pattern of when things start getting bad in the post game interviews, it starts to be a pattern. Ryan, how could you not see that right here?

[Ryan Lemond]

You know, just what you just laid out is very similar to what we've gone through. You know, in life you face adversity. How you handle adversity is how you dictate your legacy. And the way he's handling it right now, like I said earlier, why would guys want to come play for a coach that acts like a little baby?

[Matt Jones]

I mean, it's, it's, it's, it sounds bad to say, but Shannon, Mark Mope is a good. I actually think before the season you called him accidentally, Ryan Park Mope.

[Ryan Lemond]

I did.

[Matt Jones]

But maybe you right now.

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't want it to fit. I don't want this to be the situation we're in.

[Shannon]

We said we want our coach to hurt and to feel that, you know, but, but, but you know, it's on a different level.

[Matt Jones]

I feel like you don't get to do that. Right. Like, you know, if you have a family member in the hospital, you're very sad. You might want to go out and cry. But you got to be strong for that family member in the hospital. They need you to be the strong one. Right. Be sad in your own time, you know, but be strong for the person sitting there.

[Ryan Lemond]

Even be strong for the rest of your family that's sitting there.

[Matt Jones]

That's exactly right. Now this isn't nearly as serious as that, but you are the one that has to be strong. Your players might be sad. They're their kids fans might be sad. But you have to get up there and do the thing and all people.

[Ryan Lemond]

Do it with Tom Leach with the most nicest, yes, most professional.

[Matt Jones]

Rise to the occasion. That's a phrase my mom used to use. And it's true. It's very true. Rise to the occasion. Don't let aches and pains fall into the new year. Start 2026 strong court physical therapy can help you get back to what you love. Whether you want to get back in the gy, pick up a new sport, or just be able to get around easier, a physical therapist from Court can can help you do so pain free. With over 70 locations across Kentucky, chances are there's a court near you. Visit kort.com for the closest center or call and book an appointment online. Today it's court.com we'll talk a little portal when we come back. Also, we'll take your calls, but we're going to talk about cut or left while this that's next here on KSR at TJ Maxx.

[TJ Maxx Announcer]

Feel more you than ever without compromise because we never make you choose the quality you want, the styles you crave and the prices you love. It's all at TJ Maxx so you can focus on just being you. With so many finds arriving daily, that means so many ways to show your unique style. Shop in store and [e-mail] and max what makes you you?

[Odoo Commercial Voice]

Running a business is hard enough, so why make it harder? With a dozen different apps that don't talk to each other. One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. Before you know it, you are drowning in software. Instead of growing your business, this is where Odoo comes in. Odoo is the only business software you'll ever need. It's an all in one fully integrated platform that handles everything CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, HR and more. No more app overload, no more juggling logins. Just one seamless system that makes work easier. And the best part? Odoo replaces multiple expensive platforms for a fraction of the cost. It's built to grow with your business, whether you are just starting out or already scaling up. Plus, it's easy to use, customizable and designed to streamline every process so you can focus on what really matters running your business. Thousands of businesses have made the switch, so why not you try Odoo for [e-mail] that's o d o o.com this.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Is Rob Gronkowski from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules. Sunday mornings are sacred. I've got my game day routine coffee jersey laid out in my lucky playlist. But the real game changer? New Morning Uncrustables Sandwiches.

[Commercial Voice]

I've always loved uncrustable sandwiches and now I'm all about the new flavors with 12 grams of protein. Bright Eyed Berry or up an Apple? Bright Eyed Berries got that flashy finesse vibe like your favorite slot receiver.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Up an apple. Tough and reliable like a do it all tight end.

[Commercial Voice]

And players love them. Did you know teams crush over 80, 000 uncrustable sandwiches a year? They know it's good.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It's a snack that can go with you anywhere from the couch to the tailgate or even in the locker room. Soft bread. Yummy fillings. Protein packed. Once it's part of your ritual, you don't skip it.

[Commercial Voice]

Easy enough for Gronk to grab straight from the freezer.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Your new Sunday kickoff ritual starts here with the new morning Uncrustable sandwiches packed with 12 grams of protein.

[Orangetheory Fitness Announcer]

Ready to change your Life. For just $2 a day, Orangetheory Fitness delivers one hour workouts that combine strength and cardio to help you burn fast fat, build muscle and feel unstoppable. Right now, get a full month of unlimited classes for just $62. Don't wait. This offer ends soon. Visit orangetheory.com or your local studio and start your transformation today. Offer ends January 31, 2026. New members only. Premier membership, performance monitor and monthly billing required. Discount applies to first month only. Other terms apply. C Studio for details.

[Matt Jones]

Welcome back Techie Sports Radio. So I love this song when it originally came out, didn't you?

[Shannon]

Yeah, I like this cover too.

[Matt Jones]

I think this is a great cover. I listened to it on my plane ride yesterday. This is like one of the most underrated 90s songs in my opinion. Right? I don't mind stealing Bread from the mouths of decadence. But I. What is it? Don't want to steal from people with no money, essentially. I don't remember what the second one.

[Shannon]

I think that's what it is. Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

I don't mind stealing papers on the miles a decades, but I. Well, if I wasn't on the radio. We get it. But I think this is a great cover, don't you?

[Shannon]

Oh, yeah, yeah. I haven't heard many people cover this.

[Matt Jones]

Song, so it's a hard song to cover. Do you sing it? This sounds like the kind of thing you would say anything.

[Shannon]

That's Chris Cornell. I'm probably not gonna sing it.

[Matt Jones]

You just think you can't get it.

[Shannon]

Well, his range is crazy.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Shannon]

So. Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

What is he gonna be a real bird.

[Matt Jones]

Who?

[Ryan Lemond]

The Steven Wilson Jr. Well, if he.

[Matt Jones]

Is, I'm going that. That can get me to Railbird.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

I wanted to go like. He's got shows for the next three months. All. All sold out because they're all in like smaller venues.

[Ryan Lemond]

I like this one better than the Gary song.

[Matt Jones]

Well, because you've heard it before. Because this is like an older song. 859-280-2287 One person says, Mark Pope says that the guys hit a wall two and a half minutes in. And that's why he subs out. 2 1/2 minutes in and we hit a wall. What is this, hockey?

[Ryan Lemond]

Do other teams just magically not hit a wall? Two and a half minutes in.

[Shannon]

That goes back to conditioning, which I did not think would be a problem at all.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Considering he school of conditioning. All right, let's talk football. Cutter Bowley transfers. Were you upset?

[Ryan Lemond]

I was. I had to see it go. I mean, I kind of understand, but I hated to see it. Cause I thought he could be a really good quarterback here and kind of help us build for the future.

[Matt Jones]

So here's what I was told about what happened with Cutter Bowley. He was offered basically numbers. To me, when I see numbers, you know my view, I think they're all exaggerated.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

I think they're closer to the truth now than they were a few years ago. Because you have rev shaped. Right. But the thing you have to remember as we evaluate this stuff, we're under a salary cap, basically. Basically, you're getting 17, 18, $19 million. So not only when you're talking about numbers, the only way you can go over that is if you're in Iowa, raise money for guys. So I think Will Stein looks at this roster. I don't think I know. I'VE talked to some folks around the program. They look at this roster and they say, well, there's a lot of stuff we got to get this year and we also have to build for the future. And the Cutter Bowley they thought was good, but he wasn't good enough to give a huge percentage of the salary.

[Ryan Lemond]

Right, right.

[Matt Jones]

So they basically, Cutter probably wanted. I was told Cutter got offered to two and a half million dollars from Arizona State, Kentucky, I think was willing to offer him a million. Cutter basically said, can you get it closer? And they said no. And that was that.

[Ryan Lemond]

Couldn't get closer. And they're going to bring in other quarterbacks to complete and they were going.

[Matt Jones]

To bring in somebody else.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

So that combination, I think they may be thought we want to spend that on two guys. If you're going to be one of them.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes.

[Matt Jones]

I can see why Cutter would say, I want to be the guy.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

But if Will Stein doesn't want him to be the guy. Will Stein should get to pick his quarterback, don't you think?

[Ryan Lemond]

I think he's proven that he can. Is a good developer of quality quarterbacks. So if he's got somebody, his eye on somebody, you can't argue against that. I don't think so.

[Matt Jones]

I hate to see Cutter go.

[Ryan Lemond]

I do, too, but I.

[Matt Jones]

But I understand.

[Ryan Lemond]

I understand. I hate it, but I understand.

[Matt Jones]

All right. So now then, Sam Levitt, the number one quarterback in the port, they had to load their visits. So I want to make sure, as people sort of evaluate the portal, we had a ton of good guys come the first day. I think there's a sense that because those dudes haven't committed yet, some people are like, oh, Wilstein failed. No, he may or may not get those guys. But they all came the first day because it was the only time Will Stein could do it. Because he's got to go back to Oregon.

[Ryan Lemond]

Correct.

[Matt Jones]

So normally these visits would be spaced out over two weeks. He couldn't do that.

[Ryan Lemond]

Couldn't do it.

[Matt Jones]

He had to do it at first because he's got to go now. That's the bummer of having a coach who's still in the playoffs, but that's why it happened.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

So they're not losing. They just had to do this immediately. They didn't have a choice. They basically took their top choices and said, you got to come right now. Other people will wait on. Will you. Can you come right now? We'd like 10 of you right now. And like, four of those guys have already committed.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, pretty good. Success rate.

[Matt Jones]

I think they actually have had a great success rate. They brought In, I think, 12 or 13 guys and four of them have committed and they still expect they'll get a couple more. So that's pretty good success rate. Now, quarterback's the most important thing. Sam Levitt comes in. Here's what I'm told on Sam Levitt. I think this is good information.

[Ryan Lemond]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

They. Sam Levitt has expressed to them he wanted to play for Will stuff. They have said to him, we want you to be here. It was between Kentucky and Texas Tech. I think he comes here. If it's Kentucky and Texas Tech, Texas Tech was offering twice as much money. He was still giving indications he would come here. But he did want to wait and see what the market gives. LSU does not get their top choice. LSU is waiting to see if someone gets in the portal. I've been told it's Ty Simpson, the guy at Alabama. Until then, LSU says, all right, Sam Levitt, now you come here. And so now LSU will offer more money because they have better nil than we do. And it's LSU and it's Lane Kiffin. Kentucky still thinks they have a very good shot at him. He's visiting LSU today. We might lose him. I would understand if we lost him. It's Lane Kiffin, it's lsu and they will offer him more money. Yeah, but the fact that we're even in that. The fact we're even in the contest when we've been terrible the last couple years, a new quarterback, a new coach who's never coached before, and that's Lane Kiffin at lsu. Ryan, I'm kind of maze. And they're offering more money. I'm kind of amazed we're even in the conversation, aren't you?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. I think Levitt just wanted to play for Will Stein, had Stein develop him as a quarterback more than anything. Look what he did with Bo Nix and these guys.

[Matt Jones]

Dante Morning understand if he takes the.

[Ryan Lemond]

LSU game, there's maybe just a couple other coaches he might pick over Will Stein at this point. And Lane Kiffin would be one of them.

[Matt Jones]

And if. If Ty Simpson enters, the portal might be different.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes.

[Matt Jones]

The Chambliss kid at Ole Miss resigned with Ole Miss.

[Ryan Lemond]

I saw that this morning.

[Matt Jones]

So that's an option I think LSU was interested in. That goes away.

[Ryan Lemond]

So Levitt did cancel his visit to Tech, is that right?

[Matt Jones]

He did. I think if it was all. If it was going to be Kentucky and Texas Tech, Kentucky was going to get him. But now it's Kentucky and lsu and we'll see. Yeah, I let me also say they have backup options. I've been told they have two, one of which they feel really good about. But they specifically told me we, we can't know. We can't. You can't know.

[Ryan Lemond]

Uh huh.

[Matt Jones]

So there's an assumption sometimes that people go move on to the next guy. They, they got it. They knew there was a possibility they can lose this kid. But I, by the way, I will say I don't think they've given up on him yet.

[Ryan Lemond]

So is the reports that the visit with Levitt here went really well.

[Matt Jones]

He was here until he was here from Friday night till Sunday morning. Flew out Sunday morning including staying after Stein left. Stein already gone back to Oregon. He stayed. So I think he loved it. But also you could understand if I'm offered a better program with a coach that has more pedigree and more money.

[Ryan Lemond]

We tough to turn that down.

[Matt Jones]

It's tough to turn that down. I will say this though. If he does turn it down, then that means Will Stein's a heck of a sales guy. If you can turn to get him to turn down better program, better pedigree and more money.

[Ryan Lemond]

More money.

[Matt Jones]

That would be pretty amazing.

[Ryan Lemond]

Tells you what Levitt thinks of Will Stein as a coach.

[Matt Jones]

I've said this, I feel good about where things are set up for next year, but when it comes to we'll have to see about coaching. I've not seen him coach, but for program building I've gotten a sense this weekend of how they're doing stuff. Remember how much we complained about how unorganized the other group was?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

This is the exact opposite. We're running it like a pro franchise now, which I like a lot. We'll take a break, come back hour number two, ksr.

[Commercial Voice]

This is Julian Edelman from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jewels. Sunday mornings I've got my game day ritual, coffee, lucky socks and now new morning uncrustable sandwiches.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It's all about that 12 gram protein boost with the new uncrustables. Bright eyed berry or up and apple flavors.

[Commercial Voice]

Bright eye berries. Got a feisty receiver energy up an apple.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Your classic do it all tight end.

[Commercial Voice]

Soft, pillowy, packed with protein and easy enough for Gronk to grab from the freezer.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Whether you're on the couch, driving to the tailgate or heading to the locker room, new morning uncrustable sandwiches are the MVP of snacks.

[Commercial Voice]

Your new Sunday kickoff ritual starts here with new morning uncrustable sandwiches packed with 12 grams of protein.

[Matt Jones]

You know, Donald, I just want to.

[Commercial Voice]

Scream out into this canyon and tell the whole world, T Mobile's got home Internet.

[Matt Jones]

Do it, Zach. T Mobile's got home Internet. Let me try. T Mobile's got home Internet.

[Caller Justin]

Oh, my Jesus.

[Matt Jones]

Cost 35 bucks a month and it's guaranteed for five years. I'm switching. T Mobile's got home Internet. Just 35 bucks a month with autopay and any voice line, and it's guaranteed for five years. Access of these applies et mobile.com isb for details and exclusions.

[Commercial Voice]

Live CBS Sunday. Hollywood's biggest party is now bigger than ever.

[Matt Jones]

Perfect.

[Shannon]

No, no.

[Matt Jones]

The Golden Globes.

[Commercial Voice]

With more stars, more glamour, more chaos.

[Matt Jones]

And more host Nikki Glaser. We're gonna laugh at the celebrities that can take it and completely ignore the ones who can't.

[Orangetheory Fitness Announcer]

I'm just kidding. They're not safe either.

[Commercial Voice]

The Golden Globes. Live CBS Sunday, 8 Eastern, 5 Pacific and streaming on Paramount.

[Shannon]

Plus, the new year brings new health.

[Matt Jones]

Goals and wealth goals.

[Shannon]

Protecting your identity is an important step. Your info is in endless places that could expose you to identity theft leading to lost funds. Lifelock monitors millions of data points per second.

[Matt Jones]

If your identity is stolen, Lifelock's restoration specialist will fix it.

[Shannon]

Guaranteed, or your money back. Resolve to make identity, health and wealth part of your New Year's goals with Lifelock, save up to 40% your first year. Visit lifelock.com iheart Terms apply.