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- [00:01]
Commercial Announcer
When you think about Crocs, you think the classic clog. But did you know there's also a canvas clog, a vegan suede clog, a coastal inspired style, a style with studs, straps and lots of sass. Honestly, I could keep going with the surprises. You've got to see them for yourself because there is literally a style for every kind of girl. So do your thing and head to crocs.com or a store near you now.
- [00:29]
Paul Feinbaum
The pride, passion and pageantry of college football lives here. This is the Paul Feinbaum show, our 1 podcast.
- [00:42]
Mike Griffith
This might be college football. And welcome back another day as we move closer to September. It is early August and we have a lot to share with you. We're these next couple of hours. Thanks so much for making time for us. And I was about to say the first important poll is out, but I'm not really sure the coaches poll carries much meaning other than they are first and they have Ohio State and Oregon first and second, Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame at five. Indiana got 14 first place votes, more than anyone other than Ohio State, Miami A and M, Oklahoma and ole miss. So five SEC schools, six in the top 11, but not the number two. One and two spot. Alabama at number 11 ahead of LSU. That's one of the first times we have seen that one. Tennessee at 18. Remember, these are coaches voting. They vote differently than the media. Clemson. Any poll that has Clemson in the top 25 immediately loses all credibility. Willie Fritz, his team, we had him on yesterday at number 24. Missouri have not seen them in many top 25 polls, but they made this one at number 25. Tennessee's Josh Hyple slams the NCAA suspension of Ariane Carter calling it bs. Most people would agree with that. Hardly anyone disagrees other than the people that matter most, the ncaa. Bren Venables enters his fifth fall camp at OU where with his most complete roster and the highest expectation. We'll talk to George Stoia coming up next hour. But what about the Dogs? They are the pick to win the sec. They're in the top three, five or four in the, in the new coaches poll. Mike Griffith joining us, looking like the cat ate the canary. Griff, what's going on? Good afternoon.
- [02:51]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, Paul was kind of looking to see this poll and you know, gosh, doing a double take here, seeing Georgia number three. I'm a little surprised by that to be honest with you. You know, when I consider how much reloading Georgia has to do with the receiver position really jumps out at me. But boy, does that Speak to the respect that Kirby Smart has earned over the years now going into his 11th season. Yeah.
- [03:15]
Mike Griffith
Again, Griff, I don't know what the EAP poll in a week or two is going to bring. My sense is it will be a little bit different. I'm not sure any of the polls really matter, but let's talk a little bit about the Dogs. They were the pick to win the sec, as you well know. You seem to think that. Or do you seem to think maybe we're getting this, we're getting them a little too high?
- [03:40]
Paul Feinbaum
Well, when I look at their schedule, I understand why. When you look at the ESPN FBI, they're going to be favored to win all their games. And yet, you know, what we know about the SEC is how much attrition there is. And what we see going into the season is not going to be the same as what we see going into December. I mean, if George is playing in the SEC championship game for I guess what would be the ninth time in the last 10 years or six time in a row, whatever it would be, there's going to be some attrition there, you know, versus the Big Ten. You know, we've talked about the depth of schedule and you know, you look at Indiana's non conference schedule and you know, nobody breaks a sweat against the teams they're playing. But you know what I'm saying, what we see now going into the year. Yeah, I would say Georgia belongs there. But I just think about those physical games, you know, Oklahoma coming to Sanford Stadium, fourth game of the season, you know, road trips to Alabama and Ole Miss to the, you know, five SEC stadiums. Kirby Smarts yet to win in LSU being another. He's been there once and then there's two he hasn't played in A and M and Oklahoma. But you know, those are tough road trips. You know, I think about the Florida Gators and John Sumrall, you know, and how close Florida's played without much of a coaching staff. Now they've got a guy, you know, that's really got a hold of the program. So, you know, just top to bottom, you know. Yeah, Georgia's really good, but you know, the challenges in the SEC are such that I just wonder come second season if the Bulldogs could make a run to the title.
- [05:05]
Mike Griffith
Yeah. So let's talk about expectations because the SEC has not really helped them. The championship hasn't done much good for them the last couple years. Griff, how would you describe what's going on with Georgia this year? You mentioned reloading. That is A pretty familiar theme around the sec, but what do you think most people down there really do expect from the Dogs this year because they were picked to win the sec? I know you know that. Yeah.
- [05:35]
Paul Feinbaum
Well, there's a lot of faith in Kirby Smart, Paul. When you look at the transfer portal and how different teams have used that to rebuild and obviously Lane Kiffin, the self proclaimed portal king, he's done a great job with that. It's been really effective. And we saw an Ole Miss team loaded with transfers get by a Georgia team that's been bigger. On retention. I think Georgia really invested in retention this past off season. I think Kirby Smart feels like a lot of the guys that are going into the second and third year in his program that maybe aren't household names yet are better than what he could have bought out of the Portal. You know, guys like Talon Taylor. I mean, this is a really talented wide receiver going into his second year. He's explosive. You remember him running open against Alabama and unfortunately for Georgia dropping what would have been a touchdown pass. But he gets open, he's fast and he's proven he came back from a broken collarbone. I think there's confidence in him. They got this, you know, 6 foot 7 alien tight end, Elias Williams. I mean, this guy is freakish. Paul, I'm telling you, I'm not ready to put, you know, Brock Bowers, you know, expectations on him yet, you know, but this is a guy that's, that has the potential to be a difference maker that people don't know of. Chris Cole, an incredibly talented linebacker that can rush the pasture, drop into coverage, has first rounder written all over him. Again, not yet a household name. Elijah Griffin, five star freshman a year ago, made an impact. Maybe he takes that big step into that Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, kind of, you know, impact player. So there's a lot of guys on Georgia's football team that haven't done it yet, that have been in the program that were highly recruited, that Kirby Smart is pushing all the chips in as guys, that he believes he can develop better than guys. And I know that sounds familiar because remember that was what Dabo said at Clemson for a couple few years. But we're going to find out just how far these players have come because Kirby's banking on them.
- [07:25]
Mike Griffith
You got a transfer from Georgia Tech. What, what, what's the expectation there?
- [07:30]
Paul Feinbaum
Well, you know, I'll be honest, you know, just full disclosure. I mean, I didn't know a whole lot about the guy that wasn't the Georgia Tech receiver. I'D heard about, you know, but you see this a canyon guy in person.
- [07:40]
Mike Griffith
You're going, oh, my goodness.
- [07:41]
Paul Feinbaum
He is 6 foot 4 and 2 10. He runs like a deer, you know. Could he be the guy? I think he had 34 catches last year. I don't know if tree falls, you know, the forest is. Make a sound if nobody's there. Tech, you know, but. But now he's in Georgia. Can he be that guy that, you know, has this, you know, leap breakout year? I mean, I think they thought that Colby Young would be that guy from Miami. Never really came to fruition. I'll be honest, Paul. The receiving core is, to me, the biggest concern for Georgia and would be the reason that I would not pick them and I didn't pick them to win the sec. I just don't think they're explosive enough on the perimeter to win those shootout games that you're going to have to win in the sec. You're going to, you're going to run into a Trinidad Chambliss, you're going to potentially run into a Steve Sarkeesian or, or Lane Kiffin offense. And as good as your defense is, you know, these are coaches and quarterbacks and skilled players, you know, that are going to find some points and at some point, Gunner Stockton's got to have people to throw to and explosive skill position players, you know, they can change game like James Cook used to do for George, like George Pickens used to do, like lad McConkey, like Brock Bauer. They don't have those sort of guys, at least none that have come to fruition yet.
- [08:51]
Mike Griffith
But, but they do have an expectation of a great running game. So shouldn't that lay off some of the burden on the, on the receivers?
- [09:00]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, and I do think their offensive line could be the best in the league, maybe the best in the country. We'll have to see about the health of Ernest Green at left tackle. But they've got really strong, powerful players, you know, in full transparency. Again, I'm not thrilled with their running backs. I don't see RBU in the backfield. I don't see a fantasy football starter in two years back. I don't see anybody back there when they get the ball. That moves me to the edge of my seat. I don't, I don't see that electrifying runner like you see at other places. Now maybe Nate Frazier will come to that, maybe Chauncey Bowens, but to this point, I don't think these guys are of RBU ilk. There's no Todd Gurley or DeAndre Swift or Nick Chubb or James. They don't. I haven't seen it, at least not consistently. To me, the running backs, you know, adequate would be the strongest word I could use for that position group at Georgia.
- [09:53]
Mike Griffith
So, Griff, you don't like Georgia when I'm assuming it's Texas or someone else. I'm really eager to hear who you like.
- [10:01]
Paul Feinbaum
Well, I want to be clear. I think Georgia can win the league because I think they have the best defense in the league. I think Kirby smart, Mike Bobo, I think they have a tremendous coaching staff. They don't beat themselves typically. They can win this league. I want to be very clear. Gunner Stockton, I mean, Paul, he completed 83% of his passes in the fourth quarter. We went over this. I mean, Gunner Stockton is good enough to win a championship. I did go with Texas somewhat by default, but also because of Will Muschamp. I'm a believer in Will Muschamp. I think he's an incredible defensive coordinator. I watched how he related to players at the University of Georgia and how he lifted them up. I mean, Kirby does a great job, but Will took it to another level, and I think that's what Texas has been missing. You know, they just. It just feels like they haven't had that stinger, that little something extra. You know, they. They seem soft when it's mattered most to me, I guess because I've watched Georgia, you know, beat them, you know, so convincingly. But now with Wilt in the huddle and Arch Manning, Year three, I mean, there's something to be said about the Manning name. To me, Paul, you've been watching the league as long as I. Peyton Manning and Eli Manning and Archie, and I know Arch is his own person, but there's just a football royalty. I just expect this guy to come of age and he's got great weapons. That's the other thing. Texas spent a lot of money. They spent so much money they had to cut guys. Other guys they spent money on. I guess that's what Sark was saying this year. But the talent, the fact that they don't play Georgia in the regular season, and then Will Muschamp, to me, again, he puts them over the top, and that's why I kind of choose them by default. But I wouldn't be surprised if I think there's seven teams that could win the league. Paul. I think there's seven under circumstance could win this league.
- [11:45]
Mike Griffith
Hey, Griff, I know Will Muschamp had a son that he was spending a Lot of time around. But can you, can you tell the story of, you know, we saw him on the Georgia sidelines a couple years ago and he disappeared. Now he's expected to be a key role in Texas. So what happened to Will Muschamp?
- [12:02]
Paul Feinbaum
We got to be careful with the narrative here. We told that to Kirby, so you don't know what you're talking about. And we looked down the media guy, he's not in it, but you don't get that. Follow. He kind of stepped away to watch his son play quarterback at Vanderbilt. And in high school he was still involved with some game planning, but to your point, he was not involved in the day to day anymore and he didn't have the coordinator title, but theoretically he was still part of the program. I guess maybe, I don't know, I don't want to speculate, but there was some association where Kirby wasn't willing to say that he wasn't with the program anymore, but he had stepped away. I think the Texas job, and I'll pull out the tinfoil hat now, I think if Sark doesn't get it done, the next head coach is the defensive coordinator. I think that's part of the attraction.
- [12:49]
Mike Griffith
I mean, just a minute. About 30 seconds ago, will Muschamp was stepping away to be a dad. And now you think it's possible if the bottom were to fall out, even though Will Muschamp's part of that as a defensive coordinator, that you think he could return to that job that he almost had 15 years ago as the head coach of Texas?
- [13:08]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, he was the head coach in waiting before and there's probably 15 million reasons to believe he would do it. I mean, I'm not sure where his son's. I don't think his son's starting at quarterback at Vanderbilt or anything. So, you know, I'm not saying that Ship sail, What is he, 55 years old? I mean, he's, he's in the prime and he'd certainly be capable of that. And again, I don't, I don't have hard and Griff.
- [13:28]
Mike Griffith
Griff, just to be sure, you, you, I know you were around. You were Tennessee, then you were at Georgia. But I mean, you did pick up on Will Muschamp's reign at South Carolina. You were aware of that, weren't you?
- [13:43]
Paul Feinbaum
Come on, it's hard to win in South Carolina. There's only been one ball coach that's got him to the SEC title game, so.
- [13:48]
Mike Griffith
And then before that you were aware of failings at Florida too hard to win there, too.
- [13:54]
Paul Feinbaum
Well, you know, let's face it, you know, the sort of character guys they had in there at that point weren't the best. I'm going to keep giving you excuses because I think Will Most camp could be a winning SEC coach. I do. I just.
- [14:05]
Mike Griffith
The guys just don't step on the headline, okay? The headline is Will Muschamp is the next Texas coach, according to Mike Griffin. Mike, always great to see you. If, if some buts, we'll take a short break. We got a long way to go here on a Tuesday afternoon. We'll talk about Oklahoma a little bit later on. Quinn Gray Sr. What a respected name down in Tallahassee at famu. And Danny Davis from the American Statesman. We'll be right back.
- [14:38]
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Paul Feinbaum
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Paul Feinbaum
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- [15:09]
Commercial Announcer
When you think about Crocs, you think the classic clog. But did you know there's also a canvas clog, a vegan suede clog, a coastal inspired style, A style with studs, straps and lots of sass. Honestly, I could keep going with the surprises. You've got to see them for yourself because there is literally a style for every kind of girl. So do your thing and head to crocs.com or a store near you now.
- [15:41]
Paul Feinbaum
You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum Show Podcast.
- [15:46]
Caller
We are back.
- [15:47]
Mike Griffith
We were taking your phone calls at 855-24-7285 and Jack is up next. Hello, Jack.
- [15:54]
Caller
Hello, Paul.
- [15:56]
Mike Griffith
Good afternoon.
- [15:58]
Caller
What do you. How do you think Bama will do this year?
- [16:03]
Mike Griffith
Do I think Bama will win the national championship? Is that what your question was?
- [16:08]
Caller
Yes, sir.
- [16:10]
Mike Griffith
No, I don't do you. What he said that you didn't hear. He said. He said that's. He used an expletive describing my negativity toward thinking Alabama would win a national championship this year. That's okay, love fans. How about Henry, who is up next? Good afternoon.
- [16:33]
Caller
What's up, Paul?
- [16:34]
Mike Griffith
Hey there, Paul.
- [16:36]
Caller
On a neutral site right now, who do you think would win Ole Miss
- [16:40]
Mike Griffith
or Alabama in a game? Is that what you're saying, where would the game be?
- [16:49]
Caller
Mercedes Benz.
- [16:50]
Mike Griffith
Okay. I would probably lean toward Ole Miss.
- [16:55]
Caller
All right, thanks, Paul.
- [16:56]
Mike Griffith
Thank you, man. We've got to. We got some talkative. He must have been a custom, a cousin of that other guy. Let me check in with David up next in Georgia.
- [17:11]
Caller
Yes, sir. Paul. So the sec, some teams inside the sec, I think that could make the playoffs. You could see four SEC teams in the college football playoffs this year, Paul. You. You could see Georgia, Alabama, Texas A and M and Texas. Those are your four right there. That could end up in the college football playoffs. And if one of them, man, it's gonna be hard for them. But their schedule, Schedules. The schedule is brutal with Alabama going to Neyland in Tennessee. Georgia's hard game is going to Tuscaloosa, Texas is going to Texas A and M, and then Texas A and M going to Alabama. That's the hardest game for them. So if any of those four teams I just named could make the college football playoffs, and I know Georgia will do it every year. Thank you for my call. Paul Ward, amigo brother.
- [18:09]
Mike Griffith
You bet. Barry is up next in California. Hey, Barry.
- [18:14]
Caller
Hey, Paul. How you doing, man?
- [18:16]
Mike Griffith
We're doing great, thank you.
- [18:19]
Caller
Hey, I got a. I got a little story, but longtime listener, first time caller, actually, me and my wife. But the bad news on that one is my wife passed away in January. I. I think I had turned her into a bigger Bulldog fan than I am. I'm from Georgia. I come out here in the Air Force back in the 70s and met a California girl and turned her into a SEC maniac. And of course, she had been a bookkeeper accountant most of her life. So I'd get up in the morning, look up, get on the computer. Right next to the computer table, here'd be all these stats from players in the sec, and she was keeping track of all that stuff. But anyway, I miss her, and she's a. She's a great fan of the SEC and you, Paul, and the show. She really loved listening to Legend. Even though she was a dog fan, she still liked hearing him going off and didn't like Daryl too much because it didn't make Georgia look too good among the fans. But anyway, Paul, I just wanted to let you know I'm. I'm back up and, uh, back to watching and, uh, keep up the good work, my friend.
- [19:46]
Mike Griffith
Barry, I appreciate you sharing your story, and we are so sorry for your loss, but thank you for being here today and look forward to talking to you again.
- [19:57]
Caller
Thank you, Paul. Have a great day.
- [19:59]
Mike Griffith
Thank you very, very much. Why don't we take a break? We're coming back with much more early in the show on a very busy Tuesday afternoon.
- [20:14]
Commercial Announcer
When you think about Crocs, you think the classic clog. But did you know there's also a canvas clog, a vegan suede clog, a coastal inspired style, a style with studs, straps and lots of sass. Honestly, I could keep going with the surprises. You've got to see them for yourself because there is literally a style for every kind of girl. So do your thing and head to crocs.com or a store near you. Now, the best part of waking up, a full cup of Folgers coffee and music on full blast. Shop Folgers K Cup pods and more at your nearest retailer.
- [21:17]
Paul Feinbaum
You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum Show Podcast.
- [21:22]
Mike Griffith
Welcome back. Let's get to the calls. We go. And Chris is up next in Ohio. Hello, Chris.
- [21:29]
Caller
Hey, how's it going?
- [21:30]
Mike Griffith
Great.
- [21:31]
Caller
I just want to know what you think the chances are of Ohio State getting a revenge tour with Jeremiah Smith and going to the national championship again.
- [21:40]
Mike Griffith
Well, Chris, I think they're pretty good. Ohio State's the number one team in the country according to the coaches poll. I think most places will have them there and even if they lose to Texas, they'll still be in a good shape. So they are the, they're the betting favorite. They're not my pick, but they're the Vegas favorite. Thanks for the call. Appreciate it. Sarah is up next in Oxford, Alabama. Hello. Hello, Sarah.
- [22:06]
Caller
Hello. Hey, Paul, how do you feel about Lane Kiffin leaving Ole Miss?
- [22:11]
Mike Griffith
Thanks for the call. Haven't answered that a couple of times. Mark is up next in Louisiana. Hey, Mark. Good afternoon.
- [22:19]
Caller
Hey, Lincoln Riley. What does he need to do this year for the team? Said to save his job, given how much the boosters are starting to chatter behind the scenes.
- [22:30]
Mike Griffith
You know, Mark, I think his biggest challenge is getting, getting past the games on his schedule because I think he has the quarterback. He's got a lot of missing pieces and I think he maybe finally has the right coaching staff. But he's got a brutal schedule, if you haven't seen it. And I think it's just a matter of how he can get by in a, in a Big Ten that is significantly tougher than it has been at any point during his tenure. Thanks for the call. Thomas is up next in South Carolina. Hello, Thomas.
- [23:03]
Caller
Hey, Paul, can you hear me? Yes, I was just. I heard you at SEC media days a few times. Talking about, you probably thought Beamer was the next one to go out of all the ones in sec. I just was curious, kind of what you think he needs to do to. I don't know, either not make that happen or I guess my real question is how realistic you think 9 or 10 wins is this year for South Carolina.
- [23:30]
Mike Griffith
Well, Thomas, the question really posed to me and others, what SEC coach would you put on the hot seat? And he's the only one because of what happened last year. I think he can save his job. I don't think he has to win 10 games. I think if he can get to a reasonable number, probably eight, I think he's going to be. They're not in a hurry to fire him. So it's just a matter of not blowing a bunch of big leads like he did last year against A and M and Alabama and other games and just showing some improvement. I mean, he's got the players. I mean, I, there's no reason, there's no reason why South Carolina can't replicate what it did two years ago.
- [24:15]
Caller
Not at all. Appreciate the call.
- [24:17]
Mike Griffith
Thank you. Thank you very much. Yeah, no, I don't think Beamer is that close to getting fired. He just happens to be the only coach who, he's on the hot seat this year, which gives him more attention for that reason. Travis is up next. Hey, Travis. Go right ahead. Travis, you there? Apparently not. David is up next in Texas. Hello, David.
- [24:47]
Caller
Hey, Paul. It's really nice to talk to you for the first time, but I appreciate you taking my call.
- [24:51]
Mike Griffith
Thank you very much.
- [24:53]
Caller
I'd like for you to give another opinion. I know that some people that you had said a few words about this, but I mean, I don't understand why Hunter Eurocheck has put this football, our football program, in such a shambolic situation where we're dead, basically dead last in recruiting, dead last in the portal. We're picked dead last in the conference again. We keep hiring these coaches that probably have no business getting the job. Can you, can, can you please give some more perspective about why this continues to happen at the University of Arkansas?
- [25:26]
Mike Griffith
Well, I think you just, you have to look at it in a finite period of time. And he probably stuck with Sam Pittman two years longer than he should have. So you start there. He's made some incredibly boneheaded comments which have, which to me from, from where I sit and I'm not in Arkansas, he's lost the support of the rank and file Arkansas fans. So that's where he is right now. And he's in a pretty desperate spot because the question keeps coming up, he's got Ryan Silverfield in charge. Is it a better fit than what he had in the last two or three years of Pittman? Yes. Is there any guarantee Arkansas will be any better? No, there really isn't.
- [26:13]
Caller
Well, the worst part about it is, is that I don't think a lot of people know this, but he was going to be. Hunter Yuricheck was going to be fired from the University of Houston because why he didn't like the fundraise and he doesn't like nil at Arkansas, but of course the basketball team has all the money in the world and it's fantastic to see Arkansas basketball doing well again. But the football, football program and the University of Arkansas, that's the identity of the state and it continues to be this merry go round of people that we pay to leave and we end up getting embarrassed every season on national television. And I just don't understand why he's still in the job. And while we can't attract another coach to come in that's going to do a. I don't. I'm sorry about Ryan Silverfield, but he's very unimpressive. He's not that great as far as to me is putting a game plan together because he lost his last six games when he was at Memphis. Yeah, he beat Arkansas, but Arkansas had Sam Pittman as a coach and we've lost all of our players and now he's brought all these players in from Memphis and he's expecting us to just sit there and understand that it's going to take more time. I just don't, I just don't buy it. And I really appreciate you taking my call and appreciate the rest of your thoughts. Thank you, David.
- [27:22]
Mike Griffith
Thank you. And I think what, what you raised is a real, is a real issue. And then not only that, you have your check. Who is he still the chairman of the CFP committee? I think he is. So that, that was the thing that got me last year. I thought he should have quit the CFP and spent all his time back in Arkansas working on a new coach. But once an AD loses the support of the fans, it's hard to get it back. And the Silverfield hire, it didn't move the needle. I think initially they were targeting Alex Goelish and then he ended up getting to Auburn when Summerfield went to Florida. So I mean, I think Silverfield's done about all he can do. There's not much you can do when you take over program in that much trouble. Basketball should have nothing to do with football. Arkansas football is big enough that it ought to be able to get the money people to stand in line. But when you keep, when you're falling behind, you're really hurting yourself because every other program in the SEC is heading in the right direction. Let's check out Matt, who is up next in North Carolina. Hello, Matt.
- [28:36]
Caller
Hey, Paul. Thanks for taking my call. Hey, had a comment and a question for you. The comment is, you know, I've been watching your media days last week and I'm somewhat impressed with some of the newer coaches, you know, like Golich and Summerall, you know, and I think it's refreshing to have some new coaches in the league. My question for you is out of those guys, which ones do you think will be the most successful? And I know you just talked about Arkansas and they've got their issues, but which one of those guys do you think is going to have the best career in the sec?
- [29:15]
Mike Griffith
Well, Matt, I think right now we're just basing it on impressions. Summerall made a great impression in Tampa. So did Goish, quite frankly. I hear a lot of buzz about both and I'm talking about not just from people that call in the show. I'm talking about, I'm talking about people that have followed the program for a long time, especially with John Sumrall. So I feel really good about him. I feel good about Gowish, Silverfield. There really is no way to know. Stein has developed some energy at Kentucky and obviously Pete Golding couldn't have done any more than he's done so far. Thanks for the call. We're up against the break. We have more to come, more of your phone calls and we are coming right back.
- [30:10]
Commercial Announcer
When you think about Crocs, you think the classic clog. But did you know there's also a canvas clog, A vegan suede clog, a coastal inspired style. A style with studs, straps and lots of sass. Honestly, I could keep going with the surprises. You've got to see them for yourself because there is literally a style for every kind of girl. So do your thing and head to crocs.com or a store near you.
- [30:33]
Caller
Now
- [30:36]
Commercial Announcer
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- [30:41]
Caller
Wake me up. Wake me up inside.
- [30:51]
Paul Feinbaum
The moment I wake up.
- [30:57]
Caller
The best part of waking up
- [31:02]
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Shop Folgers K Cup Pods and more at your nearest retailer.
- [31:12]
Paul Feinbaum
You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum show podcast.
- [31:17]
Mike Griffith
Goodbye. Great to have you with us. And Stephen is up next. Good afternoon, Stephen.
- [31:23]
Caller
Hey, Paul. Thanks for taking my call. First time I've called in and I've watched you for a long time over the years. But I'm here in Nebraska. I'm actually, I'm an OU fan and I'm a big SEC conference fan. But, you know, I always get this debate with all these Husker fans and I just kind of want to know your opinion on what is it going to take for Nebraska to get back to those Bluebird days.
- [31:51]
Mike Griffith
Well, number one, they're not going back to those days because they're impossible to replicate. And Nebraska for 30 or 40 years was one of the two or three biggest names. And part of the reason they did that was because they had an advantage. They had a red shirt program that was the best in the country. They got people into their program. They had them for. For five years. The difference between a Nebraska freshman and a senior was, you know, really incalculable. I think they're capable of being good and I think they've been close to that. I mean, I actually think Matt Rill is a good coach. He has just probably been the most snake bit coach I've ever seen. He's lost, I don't know, maybe 10 games in the last five years by on the final possession. But I think they can be a respectable team again. But. But you just can't go back. It's like Alabama's fighting it right now. You can't go back to an era like they had in the 60s and 70s or the one they just got through having. I don't know if anybody can be as successful as what Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne were at Nebraska.
- [33:09]
Caller
Oh, well, I appreciate your input. I. It's always good to have something like that.
- [33:14]
Mike Griffith
Yeah, thanks. Appreciate it. Listen, I've been to one game there and it is unique. It's one of those standalone places, but it's just. There's just so many aspects of college football today that are different than they used to be. And everybody's dealing with that. USC is dealing with it. Notre Dame dealt with it, has overcome it. It looks like some of it's the right personnel and, and I think the Frost debacle was really a setback for them because they brought in one of their own who was one of the. He wasn't one of. He was probably the most heavily recruited and coveted coach in the country, and he went back to his alma mater and was a disaster. So I think rule will get them to Respectability. Thanks for the call. Annabelle is up next. Good afternoon.
- [34:05]
Caller
Hey, Paul, thank you so much for taking my call.
- [34:07]
Mike Griffith
Thank you. Thanks a lot.
- [34:10]
Caller
Yeah, I just wanted. I wanted to talk about the big game. Second weekend for me is going to be Michigan and Oklahoma because I feel like those are two teams that have got a lot to prove and that's going to be their. Their first big moment. And we got two quarterbacks that have got a lot to prove as well with Bryce Underwood and John Mateer. So I wanted to know what you're expecting from that game and what you're expecting from those two teams coming up.
- [34:36]
Mike Griffith
Yeah, Annabelle, thanks for the call. I think that is a really underrated game. I think that game is probably the most critical game of the OU season and we're going to talk about that in a minute. Here's why. I don't think OU is going to go to Georgia and win that game. So if OU doesn't beat Michigan, they're going to be sitting there heading into red river on October 10th with two losses and literally the entire season on the line. And that's not even counting road games later on at State, at Florida, both losable, by the way, at Missouri, and then the two home games against Ole Miss and A and M. So rarely has Brent Venables faced a game. I mean, he faced a couple of them last year at Tennessee and Alabama and survived. But this game is going to be critical because he has everything seemingly in great shape and it could all slip away now. Right now, I think OU should beat Oklahoma, should beat Michigan. Michigan is going to be a good program under Kyle Whittingham with Bryce Underwood. But I think Oklahoma right now is a better program. We'll let George talk about that in a few minutes. Let me check in with Floyd, who is in Florida. Hello, Floyd.
- [35:54]
Caller
Hey, Paul. Good to talk to you, buddy. Hey, what. Have you heard anything about Indiana? Are they going to do the ridiculously thing that they did last year and go through undefeated?
- [36:07]
Mike Griffith
Have you heard anything? Have I heard whether they're going to be undefeated? Is that what you're asking me?
- [36:14]
Caller
Well, you know, I don't think they're going to be undefeated, but, you know, they were just, they just went through. Everyone last year was undefeated. Course they got that, that quarterback from Mendoza and they, you know, they just, they just. I am, I'm a lifelong Alabama fan, but man, it was just ridiculous how they went through everybody last year.
- [36:36]
Mike Griffith
Floyd, thanks for the call. It was ridiculous and it was shocking and a lot of people, including myself, Never could understand how they did it, but they did it. They had a perfect team and Signetti was able to pull that off. I think the challenge will be much more this year. First of all, the pressure is going to be enormous. The schedule, once they get to the Big Ten, far more difficult. I mean they don't play anybody non conference, so they have an advantage that everybody in the SEC gets to avoid. But if you look at the schedule closely, first of all North Texas, Howard and Western Kentucky, I mean that's just North Texas is probably North Texas probably better than some of the Big Ten schools every playing. But what happens, you know that Nebraska is the first major test in Ohio State and Michigan. I mean it's just right there in a row. They've got two road games, Southern Cal, they should win. That game at Washington will be tricky. I mean if I had to guess right now, well, I would say, you know, they're looking like a 10 and 2 team to me and back to the playoffs. Thanks for the call, appreciate it very much. Brandon is in Kentucky and you're on the air. Hello, Brandon.
- [37:49]
Caller
Hey Paul, how you doing? I've just got a few quick ones for you here and then I'll hang up and listen to you. So real quick, what's your thoughts on Will Stein? What do you, what's your outlook on him over the next few years? Obviously in today's world, if you have a good quarterback, a lot's possible and obviously being a developer of quarterbacks. So just want to know what your thoughts are over the next few years for Will at Kentucky. Then a couple comments. I think Missouri is a real dark horse this year. Austin Simmons, I think he has a lot going for him. And then Ahmaud Hardy, I think they've got a stable there. And then I think what they've done on defense this year in the transfer portal and then what they've got coming back, I think they could really be a threat. So just wanted to know your thoughts on Missouri and then Alabama. I don't. I think DeBoer, obviously you've made some comments about Alabama. I think you have some thoughts there. I think he's going to miss the playoffs this year, Paul, and if he does, I really feel like their first call is going to be Signetti and I feel like they, they might make him the highest paid man in college football history. So, so just kind of want to know your thoughts on that and I'll hang up and listen. Thanks.
- [39:01]
Mike Griffith
Yeah, thanks for the call, Brandon. I do occasional interviews with various people and I'm always a little bit surprised how they take on a life of their own. I did an interview yesterday with on three with Jake Crane and his team and they were playing this buy sell deal and they were asking me whether I was buying or selling Alabama winning the national championship this year. I wasn't. And in the process I said something I've been pretty consistent on. I think I said I think Kagan DeBoer is an outstanding coach. I went on to say I think he could win a national championship, but not at Alabama. And a lot of people really got upset by that. I wasn't. I even said I think had he gone to Michigan, he was he could probably win there. He almost won one at Washington. It's just and it's too long a story and I'll get into it maybe in a few minutes. You can be a great coach and I think he is, but not necessarily fit the mold of what has to happen in Alabama. And a lot of Alabama people believe they can win anytime and they may win under DeBoer. I just happen to say I don't think he can win a national championship there this year. We'll get into that in a little more depth. We'll talk about Oklahoma. They think they can win a national championship if they survive that schedule. George Story joins us next.
- [40:27]
Paul Feinbaum
Thank you for listening to the Best
- [40:29]
Mike Griffith
of the Paul Feinbaum show podcast. Watch the Paul Feinbaum show weekdays from
- [40:36]
Paul Feinbaum
3 to 7 Eastern on the SEC Network.
- [40:40]
Mike Griffith
Plus you can listen and watch the the ESPN app.
- [40:47]
Caller
I'm Hannah.
- [40:48]
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