Hour 4: Callers

Summary

The Paul Finebaum Show

Hour 4: Callers – August 4, 2026 (ESPN/SEC Network)

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Episode Overview

This fourth hour of The Paul Finebaum Show focuses on unfiltered, energetic calls from fans and regulars, dissecting the current pulse of SEC football — particularly the uncertain post-Saban era at Alabama, the trajectory of programs like Georgia and Oklahoma, coaching culture shifts, and the enduring passion of the SEC fanbase. Paul’s authentic voice and rapport with callers shine as he balances tongue-in-cheek commentary, candid fan concerns, and rapid-fire college football analysis.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alabama in Transition: Saban Out, DeBoer In

• Fan Anxiety: Multiple callers express unease over Alabama’s #11 preseason ranking (lowest since 2008) and question whether new head coach Kalen DeBoer can change the culture after Saban’s retirement.
• Saban’s Quote: There is debate about Nick Saban’s recent comment, “Maybe we’ll sneak up on some people,” and whether it’s a genuine reflection of lowered expectations or classic Saban motivational tactics.
• Coaching Styles: Paul highlights differences between “disciplinary, tough but loving” coaches (Bear Bryant, Gene Stallings, Nick Saban) and the challenge for DeBoer to win over Bama’s fan base and meet sky-high expectations.

Paul Feinbaum [02:45]: “Maybe we'll sneak up on somebody. That doesn't sound mischievous to me. That sounds like he's really not too sure about Kalen DeBoer.”

• Caller Dylan [20:33]: “I feel like it's lower expectations to me… We snuck up on people during the Shula days… now I feel like we're spiraling down to the Mike Shula days, to the Mike DuBose days.”
• Paul’s Retrospective [21:58]: “I remember sitting in the audience…when Nick Saban was introduced as coach and his main theme was, ‘we are going to beat our opponents into submission.’ … That was then. That was a long time ago. Six national championships ago.”

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2. SEC Power Landscape: Georgia, Oklahoma & Others

• Georgia’s Perceived Decline: Some callers, notably Johnny Bin, contend Georgia is on the decline and criticize offensive coordinator Mike Bobo’s effect on recruiting and performance.
• Oklahoma Hype: Several fans, including Chris from South Carolina and Marcus from OKC, predict a breakout year for Oklahoma in the SEC under Brent Venables, citing new talent and the program’s “defensive genius.”

Caller Johnny Bin [05:04]: “I just can't see an earth-shattering change that's going to change the culture to what Alabama needs to win… I think Georgia is also on the decline… I'm taking Oklahoma for the whole thing this year.”

Caller Chris [17:18]: “If there’s anybody out of the SEC that’s got a good chance, it’s Oklahoma.”

Paul Feinbaum [30:00]: “I think Oklahoma has to survive the season and do something… Fans don’t – it’s not about making the playoffs if you’re a Sooner, it’s about winning it all.”

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3. Caller Community & Show Culture

• Caller Camaraderie and Rivalries: Sarge in Kentucky dishes out apologies for old conflicts, celebrates persistent and positive callers, and pokes fun at rivals. There’s reflection on “Legend” (a caller) and how the show’s community offers comfort and belonging.
• Paul’s Relationship with Callers: Paul defends the centrality of callers to the show's magic, resisting network pressures and emphasizing the authenticity and unpredictability callers bring.

Sarge [12:03]: “I think I owe Mike a public apology… Bash to me is a textbook example of a caller who has shown consistent positivity and perseverance.”

Paul Feinbaum [12:19]: “The callers are probably my favorite part of the job… If it was entirely up to me, I would let the callers go as far as they could go. I would never stop a caller… You can’t do what I do and not really love the callers. Otherwise, this job would drive you crazy.”

• Notable Show Moment: Sarge’s question leads Paul to discuss both the joys and frustrations callers bring, highlighting the show's unique atmosphere.

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4. Heisman Trophy & Player Recognition

• Gunner Stockton and the Heisman: Jack from Georgia asks about the chances of Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton winning the Heisman if he leads Georgia to an SEC title.
• Paul’s Take: Stockton would need both stats and a signature moment (“He'd be definitely a candidate” [09:11]), as the Heisman is stats-driven but also hinges on storylines and momentum — especially late-season.

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5. Coaching Cultures & Team Preparation

• DeBoer & Goelish Contrasts: Paul notes contrasting styles — from DeBoer’s more player-friendly approach (e.g., serving ice cream at camp) to Alex Goelish’s drastic preseason “lock-in” at Auburn (with players’ car keys and phones confiscated for camp, echoing Bear Bryant’s Junction Boys toughness).
• Paul’s Analysis [06:21]: “Once you serve ice cream on day one, you’re probably not going to be able to serve nails the next time around.”

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6. Personal, Lighthearted & Miscellaneous Moments

• Silver Dollar Folklore: Mark from Mississippi shares a family superstition about giving a Morgan Silver Dollar to newborns (legacy, luck, and wealth).
• Musicians Who Played College Football: Sam Hunt (country artist/UAB QB) gets a shoutout.
• SEC Nation Programming Decisions: Paul sheds light on why certain marquee SEC games may or may not be chosen for live shows, revealing TV tactics and behind-the-scenes scheduling trade-offs.
• Tennessee Football Talk: David reviews the impact of Tennessee’s new strength coach and shares hopes for a successful freshman; Paul emphasizes the importance of elite strength staff for SEC success.
• Tailgate Invitations and Community: Marcus from OKC invites Paul to the “official Bud Light tailgate” in Norman, extending warmth and demonstrating the mutual affection between fans and the show.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Saban’s Comments
  • Paul Feinbaum [03:36]: “That doesn’t sound mischievous…sounds like he’s really not too sure about Kalen DeBoer.”
  • Caller Dylan [20:46]: “We’re out of the Shula days. We shouldn’t even…think of going back to that. But now I feel like we’re…spiraling down to the Mike Shula days.”
• On Show Callers
  • Paul Feinbaum [12:19]: “The callers are probably my favorite part of the job…You can’t do what I do and not really love the callers. Otherwise, this job would…drive you crazy.”
• On Oklahoma’s Aspirations
  • Paul Feinbaum [30:00]: “Oklahoma has to survive the season and do something. Fans…don’t…care about making the playoffs…it’s about winning it all.”
  • Marcus from OKC [31:03]: “I like that. It sounds like you know, the heart of a true Sooner…You’re invited to the tailgate…You’d be leaving happier than an ant at a picnic if you come.”
• On Changing Team Cultures
  • Paul Feinbaum [06:21]: “Once you serve ice cream on day one, you’re probably not going to be able to serve nails the next time around.”

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Important Timestamps (MM:SS)

• 01:15 — Paul kicks off the call-in hour: “Let’s get right to the calls…”
• 02:45 — Paul analyzes Saban’s “sneak up” quote and Alabama’s post-Saban uncertainty.
• 05:04 — Caller predicts Oklahoma’s breakout, criticizes Georgia and Alabama, and confesses Bama fandom.
• 06:21 — Paul discusses contrasting preseason coaching strategies (Goelish vs. DeBoer).
• 07:50 — Musicians who played college football (Sam Hunt, Riley Green).
• 08:52 — Heisman discussion: Gunner Stockton’s odds (with Jack).
• 12:19 — Sarge’s call leads to Paul’s honest view on the joys and chaos of show callers.
• 17:09 — Chris from South Carolina echoes Oklahoma hype, denounces coaching rumors, discusses show dynamics.
• 18:56 — Dylan channels Alabama angst, pines for the Saban era, and delivers vivid imagery about the post-Saban malaise.
• 20:33 — Paul reads Saban’s full quote in context; more caller dismay.
• 25:14 — Greg from Kentucky critiques guest analysts, defends Georgia and Alabama.
• 26:24 — TV production logistics: why SEC Nation may skip premier games.
• 29:14 — Marcus from OKC celebrates Oklahoma, invites Paul to a Norman tailgate.
• 32:03 — David (Tennessee) on strength coaches, freshmen QBs, and historical rookie success.
• 34:16 — Paul wraps as break approaches.

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Takeaways

• Alabama and Georgia are at a crossroads, with fans anxious about the future and tradition, while other programs (Oklahoma) are surging with optimism.
• Callers feel deeply invested, serving as both the beating heart and comic relief of the show, with Paul championing their central role.
• The Heisman remains both stats- and story-driven, but big moments and team performance matter most.
• Coaching philosophies are scrutinized; fans crave toughness but worry about outdated or “soft” approaches.
• The show’s community feel and unpredictability, with callers personally engaging Paul and each other, set The Paul Finebaum Show apart.

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Summary prepared for listeners who want the headlines, context, and color of a classic Finebaum callers’ hour.

Transcript

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[Show Announcer/Producer]

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Our four podcasts.

[Paul Feinbaum]

This might be college football. Wow. And it has been a busy one today. Some fantastic guests. We appreciate you being here. One more hour to go. Let's get right to the calls and Johnny Bin is up next.

[Caller]

Hey Paul, thanks for taking my call. It's kind of different now. On hold. I thought I was listening to Will Ferrell play the jazz flute in Anchorman. I don't know if that's what you're getting, but used to it.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I don't get that. I don't get that feed. I'm sorry. I'm sure I could get some good, good Disney Gillespie.

[Caller]

Yeah, it's new stuff. Oh yeah. I don't know if you saw I'd been to visit my dad. He's just as 82nd birthday up in Cleveland, Tennessee and I found that Joan Baez album up there going through his stash and I just thought, you know, that'd be perfect for the old buddy from St. Louis there. You know, he wants that kind of music. But when I saw that album, the first thing I thought about was AJ's buddy. But anyway, I'm almost like I'm in a, in bizarro world with this happenings with Alabama ranked so low. And then you know, I'm thinking, and I'm hoping that Saban was Using his brilliance to kind of motivate the team when he said, we might sneak up on a few people because if you're a player and he's insulting you like that, you pretty much need to get fired up. And I think, yeah, well, Johnny, Johnny,

[Paul Feinbaum]

let me do this. Let's go back. I want to, I want to go over this quote again. And I, I don't claim to know everything about Nick Saban, but I do know him well enough where he's in an awkward spot. And I don't think he was. It's one thing to talk to the team. This was a line that he was asked at a news conference promoting he and his wife's charity. I don't think he's really that devious in his thoughts when. And we'll show exactly what he said in a minute where he was just simply talking about the ranking, which was number 11, lowest since 2008. And he essentially said, maybe we'll sneak up on somebody. That doesn't sound mischievous to me. That sounds like he's really not too sure about Kalyn DeBoer.

[Caller]

Well, maybe I didn't word it the correct way, but that's, that's actually what I took from him myself. And then, you know, last week when I called in the fact that DeBoer is still concerned about line play. And I just, you know, I know from playing that you take the Bears, the Stallings, the Sabins over the years, the disciplinary kind of guys, the tough guys, they'll get on your butt, but they want you to know that they love you. This, I just don't. You know, this will be a pivotal year, but with the money they have paid him, I don't see how we can get out of this. Alabama is in a pickle and I'm worried about it. I'm an Alabama fan. I've been through them with the whole thing, but I just can't see an earth shattering change going on that's going to change the culture to what I feel like Alabama needs to win. And I also want to. Just give me one more thing. I think Georgia is also on the decline. And I. And Brad, you know, Brad makes a good point all the time, I think, and you have to. His friendship with Bobo the Bozo has cost them from having a lot of talent. And you see two of the mighty programs that have just Georgia and Alabama all the time. And here comes all these other people. And while I'm on here, before I get off, I'll give you my pick right out of the gate. I get close, but I don't ever win it. I'm taking Oklahoma for the whole thing this year. That's my pick to win it all. Venerables has realized he's a, you know, he's a defensive genius, but he realized he needed some help. Material is back healthy, and I think that's going to be your team to watch this year. I'll be pulling for Bama all the way, but it's the same colors. I wear them around. It's not like having to buy Auburn crap on sale. You know, red and white's red and white. Thanks for taking my call. Y' all have a good evening.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you very much. And what I thought it was so interesting today we're talking about DeBoer and you know, he. He's not going to be any different because he's been successful. I mean, the guy's won national championships at different levels. He's almost won one in this division. But you heard Goish earlier today, and I hope some of you heard when we played the cut of what he said. He essentially is having a camp. Everybody checked into the hotel, the Marriott hotel right outside of Auburn where the. I think it's the RTR course is. And 13 days. He took away their car keys, he took away their phones. I mean, I'm not trying to compare Alex Goelish's camp in 2026 to Junction in the 50s at College Station, but it did have a similarity. And I'll be really eager to see

[Caller/Listener]

what

[Paul Feinbaum]

the head coach at Alabama says about it and other head coaches because you can do it any way you want. What was it two years ago? DeBoer served ice cream, I believe, on day one of the camp. I know he supposedly got tougher last year, but once you serve ice cream on day one, you're probably not going to be able to serve nails the next time around. But go is giving this impression. Meanwhile, you got the Saban comment, which we have talked about already. Let's check in with Mark who is in Mississippi. Hey, Mark. Go right ahead.

[Caller]

Thanks for taking me to call Paul. And today's my birthday.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Happy birthday.

[Caller]

But this has nothing to do with football or anything. It was just when I was born in 1959, when I came home, this lady next door, their beliefs was, you put a silver dollar, Morgan silver dollar 19, 21 in their palm, and if they clinched it, they would become wealthy. Well, that hadn't happened yet, but I've been getting my grandchildren. I have three silver dollars every month, every Christmas. But I've cleaned them off. So I don't know who. What grandchild is getting original. What do you think about that?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I think that's a good one, Mark. Listen, I hope you had a great birthday and thanks for sharing that with us. Let me check in with Andrew up next in Alabama. Hello, Andrew.

[Caller]

Hey, Paul.

[Caller/Listener]

Oh, hey, Paul. You know, yesterday I was listening, someone mentioned Rally Green played at Jacksonville State.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yes.

[Caller]

You know, there was another quarterback that

[Caller/Listener]

was a country singer that played football. Sam Hunt played at Middle Tennessee State and UAB back.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Oh, that's right. You're absolutely right. I remember when he was at uab. Yeah, he's quite a, quite a. Quite a successful star, too. That's absolutely right.

[Caller/Listener]

Yes, he did.

[Caller]

And one more thing.

[Caller/Listener]

Hell State and go Bulldogs.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, thank you. Yeah, thanks for the call. By the way, there are others in music who played sports. It just so happened that we were talking about Riley Greene yesterday. Jack is up next. Hey, Jack.

[Caller/Listener]

Hey, Paul.

[Caller]

Can you hear me?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yes. You sound great.

[Caller/Listener]

I got a question about Gunner Stockton. I think if he leads Georgia to an SEC championship and gets them into the College Football Playoff, how likely is it that he can win the hockey or has it become more of a stat driven award? What are your thoughts on that?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, if you're, if you're winning a championship on the most important weekend for the Heisman, because it is the last day, you, you can vote.

[Caller]

You.

[Paul Feinbaum]

You can vote. It's a big deal. He'll need some momentum, but he'll have plenty of opportunities to get that. So I wouldn't, I wouldn't be dismissive of it. The Heisman's always a little bit difficult to handicap right now, but it usually goes to someone playing on one of the top teams. I mean, Mendoza last year came out of nowhere. Everyone knows that Gunner. Will, will. Will be on everybody's list. And if Georgia, I mean, he's going to need some momentum. It would help if he had a moment somewhere along the way, whether it's against Alabama, whether it's against Oklahoma or someone else, but he would be definitely a candidate.

[Caller/Listener]

Yeah, I think he's just in the, in the perfect situation. He's got one of the best rosters in the country and I think they'll be headed to the national championship. So I think he's, he's got a good shot at the Heisman.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you, Jack. Appreciate it. Sarge is up next in Kentucky from the Zoom. Hey, Sarge.

[Show Announcer/Producer]

Good afternoon. Paul wanted to make a quick statement, two quick comments and end on a question I've learned to like that taste of crow in my older age. And I think I owe Mike a public apology. My comment was directed at, I believe it was Tony from Alabama who was denigrating your award and the award body that selected you. But Mike and I have connected and I own a fine whiskey, so hope to make good on that promise. Bash to me is a textbook example of a caller who has shown consistent positivity and perseverance. And I just want to compliment him. I think that he's really coming into his own. Brad said something I think last Monday right when you came back from SEC Media days night. Continue to be impressed with his calls. Frankly, it's funny that we have not heard from Jeff and Elliot and I kind of want to thank you for Elliot. He reminded me of the kid that never got picked for a kickball team in school. But it's just funny that these Big ten callers have disappeared. They should be thumping their chest and they, you know, yet they're just crickets. And my question, Paul and I thought of what your answer would be, but I want to know what the best and the worst part of your job is. And so I'm going to throw out my guess as maybe you contemplate this for a second. And I'm thinking that both answers are going to be callers. And in particular, I feel like some callers. For me, Legend was someone that during a dark period of my life about seven, eight years ago, the family of the Fine Bomb show was really something that comforted me. But Legends Fire reinvigorated me. And it was part of many things that kind of started to go right in my life again. And I've also got to think that callers like Elliot and maybe Gino are also kind of the worst part of your job. But I'm curious what your answer would be.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, the callers are probably my favorite part of the job. And I get a lot of blowback from the suits because most people in executive roles in sports programming and networks like this don't like the callers because they bring out the other side of it. I mean, I love that part. And if it was entirely up to me, I would let the callers go as far as they could go. I would never stop a caller. But we have certain rules and federal regulations we have to abide by now, by the way, every show doesn't. We do, and we're going to keep doing it. But there is that. I. Never mind. Yeah, I mean, there's somebody called earlier today and he said, hey, what do you think about Lane Kiffin leaving Ole Miss? Now? You just, at that point, you do want to scream. I just thanked him and moved on. There was no reason to make an example out of this guy for asking a question that is eight months old. But I get it. Everybody comes and goes. And maybe he, you know, took a trip to Mount Everest after, after the season and just got back. Or maybe he got on a spaceship and just, just was dropped off. But, but I mean, you can't do what I do and not really love the callers. Otherwise this job would be. It would drive you crazy.

[Show Announcer/Producer]

That's a, that's an awesome answer, Paul. You know, I've been thinking about Last Chance. You. I don't know if you remember that program. They only had like three or four seasons of it.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Right.

[Show Announcer/Producer]

I thought it was brilliant. And I was so tickled because the timing of it was right before, you know, week one or zero, whatever we call it. And so people like us are just salivating for content. But then also what I thought was so brilliant about it. Couldn't you have done that for 15 or 20 years? Just go to all these different programs, cover programs in Alaska. You know, I don't understand why they killed. That seems bizarre.

[Paul Feinbaum]

No, that's a good point. Hey, listen, great to talk to you. Always good to see you, Sarge. We will take a short break. We are back. 45 minutes remaining here on a Tuesday afternoon.

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[Show Announcer/Producer]

You're listening to the Paul Feinbomb show podcast.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Welcome back. Chris is up next from South Carolina.

[Caller/Listener]

Mom, you could have been honest with with Sarge. It works for your day when you see Chris from South Carolina on there because you know that I'm gonna stuff a couple of your, stuff your stepdaughters in the locker and you're gonna have to sit there all night and deal with their feelings. But Paul, I'm calling the town. I'm big on Oklahoma too. If there's anybody out of the sec, they got a good chance, it's Oklahoma. And that's about the dumbest thing I ever heard. Talking about Mike, Mike Griffin, talking about Will Muschamp to take over that head coaching job. Paul, I don't, I don't see that happening at all. He's a good defensive coordinator, but as a head coach, I don't think he could do it. Paul and before I get off here, Paul, I came on yesterday and like you said, the show is uncensored. So that's the reason why I came in. I brought, brought that topic up to get some, get some. Just to get a little conversation going because it's interesting. And just because I give Legend in the Black Hat aspire a hard time on this show, it don't mean I wasn't rooting for him. I wanted the Legends to succeed even though I gave him a hard time, and I think he got a big ego. I still want him to win because at the. At the end of the day, if he wins, the whole family, nation wins, Paul. Especially the callers. The past calls, the future calls, everybody. If he wins, everybody wins. So I wasn't hating on him. I would say they just giving my opinion about it. And another thing, everybody that want to jump on here and always want to jump up, defend somebody else like I, man, and Dylan, God bless legend, something to hold his family Jews when he was born, go find y' all something else to do. Have a nice day.

[Caller]

Paul,

[Paul Feinbaum]

Dylan is up next.

[Caller/Listener]

Don't he need to be in Tuscaloosa humping somebody's leg? I mean, you know, I only caught half of that call, but let me ask you this. Was it. Was it about the same as yesterday? I mean, it was sounding to me like it was worse.

[Paul Feinbaum]

You know, Dylan, I don't want to go back on something I just got through saying to Sarge, but his calls all sound like the same call, don't they?

[Caller/Listener]

It sounds like he's got creek gravel in his mouth or something like that. I don't.

[Caller]

I don't know.

[Caller/Listener]

But, you know, I wasn't really gonna comment on that right there because, I mean, I just happened to show up right in the middle of it and everything. But you know what Saban said about maybe Alabama could sneak up on somebody, right? Am I correct on that, Paul?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, I'm gonna. I'm gonna double check the exact quote, see if I can find it here. Here it is. This was today. I'm going to read, and everybody wants to say that Nick Saban outsmarted the media on this one, but this was a natural comment here. Hopefully we can sneak up on some people this year, fly under the radar a little bit and surprise some people and not be the target for everyone like we have been in the past. I mean, it's pretty clear in the predicate of the sentence he's talking about himself, but the subject. What, what. What do you read into that comment that he made off the cuff today in front of the media?

[Caller/Listener]

I feel like it's lower expectations to me. Would that. Would that be a correct term right there?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yep, I think so.

[Caller/Listener]

I think it's lower expectations. We snuck up on people during the Shula days. Well, I mean, we snuck up on Florida during the Shula days. We're out of the Shula days. We shouldn't even. Never even think of going back to that. But now I feel like we're, we're headed right spiraling down to the Mike Shula days, to the Mike Dubose days. I mean, them comment. I love Nick Saban, love him to death. But when you hear comments like that, you get disgusted because of where this football program was. And he had a guy that come in, had the keys to a Cadillac and he pissed all over it. That's what I feel like right there. But, you know, you know, maybe, maybe we won't sneak up on some people. Maybe we'll whoop some ass this year and get the big party started. But I highly doubt it, Paul. Highly doubt it. But anyway, the dirtiest player in the game is out of here. Thank you for taking my call.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, thanks, Dylan. What's so interesting to remember, and I remember sitting in the audience on, on January 4, 2007, when Nick Saban was introduced as a coach and his main theme was, we are going to beat our opponents into submission. We're going to be feared and we're going to earn that and nobody's going to want to play us. That was then. That was a long time ago. Six national championships ago. But you juxtapose that with what he said today. Why don't we take a break? 30 minutes remaining here on a Tuesday afternoon. Plenty of time for you to hop on board.

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[Show Announcer/Producer]

You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum show podcast.

[Paul Feinbaum]

But Will took it to another level

[Caller]

and I think that's what Texas has been missing.

[Paul Feinbaum]

And we are back. Great to have all of you here. And Greg is up next in Kentucky. Hey Greg.

[Caller/Listener]

Hey Paul.

[Caller]

How are you today?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, thank you very much.

[Caller]

I got a couple things here. First off, can't you do any better than Mike Griffin because he don't know his butt from the hole in the ground.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Okay, advice.

[Caller]

Yeah. I mean one minute he's tearing us down, then the next minute he's picking us to win the sec. So he needs to make up his mind. And then the second, your caller in that caused while ago that said that Georgia and Alabama are on the downhill spiral. The one that picked Oklahoma, like what games is he watching? Because the games that I've been watching, Alabama still in it and I know Georgia's still in it.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, Greg, thanks. Appreciate the heads up. Ron is up next in College Station, Texas. Good afternoon.

[Caller/Listener]

Hey Paul.

[Caller]

Hey Paul.

[Caller/Listener]

Just had a real quick question.

[Caller]

Week two, SEC Nation's got to go to DKR in Austin to see Ohio State. Is that pretty much a given?

[Paul Feinbaum]

It is not a given, Ron. I'll tell you why. The first three weeks of the season there are, there are premier games every week and I don't know the exact schedule but I've heard some scuttlebutt. And because there will be so much attention there, game day and literally every other medium, I think we're trying to look for something different that week. Whether that I'm reciting to you what I'm told by the suits. There's no argument that's the biggest game in the country and that's one of the biggest games of the year. That doesn't always mean we're going to be there, though.

[Caller]

Well, and I was just looking at it right now, and I was going, well, the Oklahoma Michigan game could be. Could be something. It's been talked about earlier in the shower.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, listen, there's an answer for everything you bring up. The Oklahoma Michigan game is not part of our possibility because it's a road game in the Big Ten and we don't normally, if ever, do that. There's only two possibilities that week. They're pretty simple. It's either the game you're talking about, which everyone will be at, or there's one other game that could be unique from an SEC perspective, and that's Alabama at Kentucky.

[Caller/Listener]

Wow.

[Paul Feinbaum]

But here's the deal, Ron. You have three choices. You have the opening three weekends of the year, and you want to try to balance it. Week one, you know what's going on. There's really only one game on that Saturday in SEC country, and it's Clemson at lsu. The third week of the season, you've got LSU at Ole Miss. So you have to pick your poison somewhere. And I think that's the weekend we're going to pick our. Our pick our alternative route. I'm just telling you what I heard.

[Caller]

You got it, bud. Well, I appreciate it.

[Caller/Listener]

Well, how are you?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Okay. Yeah. Yeah. And that's always the hardest thing to try to explain to people. I think you're going to see SEC Nation this year show up more often at those games. But there's a couple weekends where there are two choices. Some weekends there are no choices. But I appreciate you calling anyway. Marcus OKC is up next.

[Caller/Listener]

Hey, Paul. Yes, it's Marcus in the heart of Sooner Nation. I am so happy that I finally got through. Long time listener. Appreciate it.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Great to hear from you.

[Caller/Listener]

Yeah. So, question I was wanting to ask you was about Oklahoma and whether you not think that we've exceeded our expectations so far as all of our programs in the sec. But maybe if you want to talk football specifically, what it would take to really solidify that Oklahoma is here and we've become number one of the SEC. Like we ran through the Big 12 for 20 years.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, Marcus, I think it's this year could be the year, a lot of expectations. I think Oklahoma has to survive the season and do something. And I know what Oklahoma has done in the past and so do you. And Oklahoma's is a. Is one of the greatest traditional schools. You know, I mean, they play for championships a hundred times lately, more. More often than. Than. Than their big rival has. But they have to get back to that. And I think if they do that. But that's what fans expect. Fans don't. You know, it's not about making the playoffs if you're a Sooner. It's about winning it all. And that was the problem.

[Caller/Listener]

I like to hear, you know, it.

[Paul Feinbaum]

That was Lincoln Riley's problem. He just seemed capable. He seemed. He seemed happy to play for the national championship and lose by 30 or 40 points or play in the playoffs and get blown out by LSU or Alabama. And I don't think that's who Venables is. And I don't think that's where this program is anymore either.

[Caller/Listener]

I like that. It sounds like you know, the heart of a true Spooner. I like that. Paul, the only thing I would like to say now is you need to come to Norman. I know you're an old. You were there to watch Ole Miss and the Sooner Sleigh. It'd be good to have you come to Norman if you do. We are invited to the tailgate on 1224 Trout. It's the official Bud Light tailgate. And man, you'd be leaving happier than an ant at a picnic. If you come.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I will. Marcus. Thank you. Yeah, listen, I was in Norman three times last year for a game. I was there twice the year before. So I know my way around that place. And anytime, by the way, if you ever doubt about. If you ever doubt Oklahoma, just go to. Just walk into that building as you get into the stadium and look at that trophy case. It's one of the most impressive things I've ever seen. Thanks for the call. Really do appreciate it. Why don't we talk to David next? Hey, David. Go right ahead.

[Caller]

Hey, Paul, listen, great to talk to you again. It's probably been about 13 years and I called and the line was cut off. I was in a bad cell area. So I apologize. But a couple of little quick takes here. The last call we talked about was when we had. Dooley is our. Derek Dooley is our coach. But the highlight really of. Of our season then was when his mom used to come on the show and talk and man, what an entertainer. So I know you liked her and I don't. I know it sort of ended badly. But anyway, what. What a personality. And I know you. I always appreciated you having her on the show until coach asked her not to be on the show. But listen, I was gonna ask you, I really think probably see if you would agree. Our best maybe recruit we got this year was the strength coach out of Indiana. I think he's now the top aide, you know, strength coach once. I don't know what that means. Hopefully it means success on the field. But just sort of looking at some of the websites from Tennessee, it looks like their muscle mass is greatly improved and hopefully that's going to translate on the field. You know, being a Tennessee fan, you know, the one team you want to own every year is Vanderbilt. And we saw that game this year. It was just horrific and they dominated us from the start to finish. But my real question here is about freshmen and success that they've had and long standing in the sec. And we're probably going to be starting a freshman this year. And I know traditional thinking is, you know, freshmen aren't going to fare well in the sec. But as I looked up sort of the history, I saw Johnny Football, which I guess one of the most successful freshmen, Jalen Hurts, Jake Fromm, Bo Nix and Aaron Murray. So first I'd like your comments on our strength coach and seeing if you think he can make a difference in the line of scrimmages on both sides. Of course we got a new defensive coordinator. But then your other take on our freshman and do you think that he'll stand a chance against the opponents that will face this year?

[Paul Feinbaum]

David, thank you. Appreciate the call. I hate to run to a break, but you're strength coach can make a tremendous difference. That is one of the key elements of any really great operation. We're up against the break. Back with more after this.

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