Hour 2: The Next Indiana

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Paul Finebaum Show

Episode Title: Hour 2: The Next Indiana
Date: August 14, 2026
Host: Paul Finebaum (ESPN)
Theme: SEC and College Football Insights, The Legacy of Skip Bertman, and “Who Will Be the Next Indiana?”

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Episode Overview

This episode’s second hour sees Paul Finebaum fielding wide-ranging calls from college football fans across the country, discussing everything from heated SEC/Big Ten rivalries, conference scheduling, and fan expectations, to the emotional legacy of legendary LSU coach Skip Bertman. The centerpiece interview features sportswriter Kevin Skarbinski to explore why Auburn—under new coach Alex Golesh—could become “the next Indiana” and disrupt the SEC landscape, just as Indiana did in the Big Ten. The show is colored by passionate opinions, poignant stories, and candid analysis on the eve of another unpredictable college football season.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Remembering Skip Bertman (LSU Coaching Legend)

• Emotional Reflections: Multiple callers and Paul himself reflect on the legacy and profound impact of Skip Bertman, legendary LSU baseball coach, who passed away recently.
  • “Hard to put into words the legacy that he has left behind. Truly one of the most remarkable figures in the history of college athletics.” — Paul Feinbaum (32:52)
• Personal Stories and Connections: Rick from Houston shares his feelings (33:48), describing the mix of sadness and gratitude in Baton Rouge.
  • "How absolutely lucky LSU was to have him and just how remarkable a man he was." — Rick (33:48)
• Institutional Influence: Paul notes Bertman's role in facilitating Nick Saban's move to LSU, underlining Bertman’s enduring influence on LSU athletics (35:10).

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SEC vs. Big Ten: Schedules, Hype, and Rivalry

• Kurt Signetti’s Comments (Indiana Head Coach):
  • Callers debate Signetti's jab about the Big Ten lacking the “hype machine” of the SEC.
  • SEC Fan: Points out the tough schedules in the SEC compared to the Big Ten, especially for powerhouses like Ohio State and Texas (01:11).
  • “Signetti’s getting a little big for his britches. [...] But if you look at his schedule coming up [...] even with that advantage, I do not see him walking through Ohio State, an elite Ohio State offense.” — Caller, SEC Fan (01:11)
• Paul’s View:
  • "Kurt Signetti is certainly living out his fantasy year. So if he's arrogant, good for him. I think he's got a lot of problems on that schedule." — Paul Feinbaum (03:16)
  • Agrees Notre Dame’s schedule is “downright embarrassing” (03:16).

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Trap Games & Scheduling Landmines

• Indiana's Tough Spots:
  • Nebraska cited as a major trap game before Indiana faces Ohio State (03:59).
  • “At Nebraska is also a tricky game... when you look at where that game is on the schedule… right before Ohio State. That's a really tough spot to be in.” — Paul Feinbaum (03:59)
  • Also flags at Washington and road games in consecutive weeks as hazardous.

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Vanderbilt and the “Bust” Debate

• Jared Curtis (Vanderbilt QB):
  • Baker: Questions if Curtis is a bust before seeing him play (08:05).
  • “I have no idea whether. I can't imagine why anybody would think he's a Bust yet. We haven't even seen him play.” — Paul Feinbaum (08:23)
• Vanderbilt’s Ceiling:
  • Paul predicts “a great season would be 6-6. More likely five wins” due to a brutal schedule (09:27).
  • Recognizes improvements in the program, but says schedule realities keep them from big jumps.

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Expanding the College Football Playoff

• Ken (South Carolina):
  • Proposes making conference title game participants automatic playoff entries to enable playoff expansion without undermining championship games (15:11).
  • Paul foresees an eventual 24-team playoff but expects compromise due to differing conference priorities (16:26).

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Big Ten Supremacy and SEC Predictions

• Will (Chicago), Ohio State Fan:
  • Recounts being ridiculed for playoff predictions but notes Arizona State’s recent playoff inclusion as vindication (17:04).
  • Boldly predicts a Big Ten or Notre Dame national champion, dismisses SEC’s chances, and calls Ole Miss the best SEC team due to their QB/RB tandem.
  • “The Big Ten is supreme. It's not even a question anymore... obviously a Big Ten team is going to win a national championship, ideally the Ohio State Buckeyes.” — Will (17:04)
• Dr. Retta (Georgia):
  • Defends Alabama and criticizes negative predictions.
  • “All of this negativity toward Alabama, that everyone is wrong with their negativity and low rating of my Bama.” — Dr. Retta (36:46)
  • Paul is cautiously optimistic but admits to lower expectations than usual due to early injuries (37:48).

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"Auburn: The Next Indiana?" – Feature Interview with Kevin Skarbinski

[Main Interview Segment: 21:33–31:57]

• Comparing Auburn to Indiana:
  • With new coach Alex Golesh (from South Florida), Auburn could be positioned for a dramatic turnaround, echoing Indiana’s breakout under Kurt Signetti (21:57).
  • “Auburn was Indiana before Indiana on multiple occasions... every coach doing something special in his first two years.” — Kevin Skarbinski (21:57)
• Golesh’s Impact:
  • Already credited with reviving Auburn’s program energy after years of malaise.
  • “He has certainly changed the vibe in a positive direction... I think he's won over the fan base. I think he won the offseason.” — Skarbinski (23:41)
• Program Dynamics vs. Alabama:
  • Contrasts Golesh’s dynamism with the quieter presence of Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer, who struggles under Nick Saban’s lingering shadow (25:30).
  • “DeBoer is obviously a more quiet presence... this is the year we can really start judging him, though.” — Skarbinski (25:30)
• Auburn’s Path Forward:
  • Realistic goals: compete and eventually defeat Alabama and Georgia—as Auburn fans expect (29:11).
  • Reminds listeners that many of Auburn’s losses last season were close, suggesting the program isn’t far from a breakthrough (30:46).
  • “Conditions are favorable for them to do something special, as Auburn has been known to do in the past.” — Skarbinski (30:46)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “If he's arrogant, good for him. I think he's got a lot of problems on that schedule.” – Paul Feinbaum on Kurt Signetti (03:16)
• “It's the bottom of the ninth.” – Story recalled by Stephen, echoing thoughts on mortality and legacy (06:51; story revisited at 10:04)
• “I'd like to see Curtis play first before I make a value [judgment].” – Paul Feinbaum on Jared Curtis, Vanderbilt QB (09:52)
• “It would almost take the bottom dropping out… I’m talking 6-6, 7-5, ugly losses... for [Kalen DeBoer] not to be the head coach at Alabama in 2027.” – Kevin Skarbinski (28:02)
• “Six of Auburn’s seven losses last year were by one score, and in every one they either led in the fourth quarter or could have tied/taken the lead. So, they are close.” – Skarbinski (30:46)
• “You got to start beating those folks.” – Skarbinski on Auburn's ultimate test vs. Georgia and Alabama (29:11)
• “How absolutely lucky LSU was to have [Bertman] and just how remarkable a man he was.” – Rick, caller (33:48)
• “All of this negativity toward Alabama, that everyone is wrong with their negativity and low rating of my Bama.” – Dr. Retta (36:46)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:11] SEC vs. Big Ten scheduling discussion
• [03:16] Feinbaum's take on Signetti, Indiana, and Notre Dame
• [08:05–09:52] Jared Curtis/Vanderbilt “bust” discussion
• [10:04] Stephen resumes emotional “bottom of the ninth” story
• [13:24] Tease for Kevin Skarbinski interview
• [15:11–16:26] Playoff expansion debate
• [17:00] Bold projections from Will, Ohio State fan
• [21:33–31:57] Feature interview: Kevin Skarbinski on Auburn as “the next Indiana”
• [32:52–36:31] Tributes to Skip Bertman and LSU legacy conversations
• [36:46–38:22] Alabama expectations, optimism, and worries

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Episode Flow & Tone

The hour flows seamlessly between serious analysis, emotional reminiscence, fiery fan debates, and playful banter. Paul balances empathetic listening—especially during moving tributes to Skip Bertman—with incisive sports commentary. Guest Kevin Skarbinski offers thought-provoking historical perspective and insight, helping ground Auburn optimism in program trends.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is essential listening for fans wanting a pulse check on SEC football’s shifting dynamics, a window into passionate (and sometimes contentious) college football fandom, and a moving tribute to one of the sport’s true legends. The discussion about Auburn's potential parallels to Indiana's rise, combined with in-depth nostalgia and future-looking analysis, makes this a rich primer on college football's next chapter.

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All advertisements, intros, and outros have been omitted in this summary.

Transcript

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[Caller - Texas Fan]

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Pride, passion and pageantry of college football lives here. This is the Paul Feinbaum Show. Our two podcasts this Might be college football.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Hey, welcome back. Second hour of the program live on a Friday afternoon. We've talked a lot about the death of Skip Burtman. More on that a little bit later on. Let's continue with your phone calls right now. And A.J. is up next. Good afternoon.

[Kevin Skarbinski]

Hey, Paul, how's it going?

[Caller - SEC Fan]

Big time SEC fan, longtime watcher of the show. Thanks for having me on.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you.

[Caller - SEC Fan]

I just wanted to kind of talk today about some of Kurt Signetti's comments about the SEC and how the Big Ten doesn't run a promotional hype machine. You know, I think Signetti's getting a little big for his britches. You know, he's had a couple good seasons, but if you look at his schedule coming up this year, he has two tough games in Week 7 and Week 8, one against Ohio State, the following against Michigan. And when you look at, let's take Ohio State, for instance, you know, the, the average age of Signetti's team is 23 years of age. Even with that advantage, I do not see him walking through in Ohio State, an elite Ohio State offense. But as a grand scheme of things, you know, the hype machine comments are just completely asinine when you look at the strength of schedule versus the SEC and the Big Ten. You know, there are a lot of schedules in the SEC that, you know, like let's look at Texas, for instance. They're going through the gauntlet. South Carolina going through the. Going through the gauntlet. I mean, I just don't see where he can make comments like this when the Big Ten doesn't have a schedule like that. You look at Ohio State schedule, for instance. I think Ohio State schedule might be the hardest in the Big Ten. You got Ohio, Ohio State playing Texas in week three. And then later on in the year, they play Indiana, they play Oregon, they play south, or, excuse me, usc. And at the end of the year, they top it off with the big rivalry against Michigan. I just wanted to kind of touch base on what you thought about this as well as Miami or excuse me, not Miami. Notre Dame's cakewalk schedule were the only real competition on their team is against my.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, number one. I think Kurt Signetti is certainly living out his fantasy year. So if he's. If he's arrogant, good for him. I think he's got a lot of problems on that schedule. I know how good his team is supposed to be, but he's never been in a spot like this and there is a tremendous amount of pressure that he will face everywhere he goes. He's never seen that before. I agree with you on Notre Dame. As good as I think they are, their schedule is downright embarrassing and it is. They have no room for error. Yeah. If you don't mind me asking, do

[Caller - SEC Fan]

you see a trap game for Indiana this year besides Michigan and Ohio State?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah. And it's a game that, I mean, I want to believe in this guy because I think he's a good coach. But I think at Nebraska is also a tricky game. They are. They are better than they've been in a long time. And I'm not trying to tell you that Nebraska has really beaten anybody lately. But when you look at where that game is on the schedule, we had it up a minute. I think it's right before Ohio State. That's a really tough spot to be in. Yeah. The Ohio State. We have the. Let me. The Ohio State's game is. The Buckeye schedule is tough, but I don't like that Southern Cal game before Oregon. That's a really trick. Let me go to the next schedule, which is Indiana, and talk about what I was mentioning a minute ago, because I thought I saw it. I haven't studied that schedule, but I believe I saw Nebraska. Nebraska is before Ohio State and that Ohio State game is going to be one of the most ballyhooed games of the year on October 17th and.

[Kevin Skarbinski]

And without a doubt.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah. You know, I mean at Rutgers is not going to do much damage to you, but at Nebraska, two weeks in a row on the. On the road, looking ahead to Ohio State and Michigan. That's a very tricky place to be. At Washington later in the year, depending on where they are is another one. Hey, thanks so much for the call, A.J. really appreciate it. Stephen in South Carolina is up next.

[Caller - Stephen]

Paul, your interview today with the fellow passing of the baseball coach at lsu. The phrase came up. We went to see him, got to talk to him for about three minutes and the coach said I'm at the bottom of the ninth. And that phrase struck me. My dad was a Baptist preacher and I've got. You know, I think the phrase the bottom of the ninth is almost a biblical. A biblical phrase discussion I had once, not about the bottom of the ninth, but about Carl Childers with Billy Bob Thornton. I asked Billy Bob Thornton that, but I won't go deep with that. But the bottom of the night. I remember I was out of Furman for about three years and just an awful bad day in August. And I just lit into my dad, just me and him, and an air conditioner that wasn't working too well. And I was telling him, my father. And I'm not very proud of this, about how I was too good to be his son and he could have done more about this than that and whatever. And my father. My father finally had enough. He said, stephen. I said, yes, sir, dad, what is it? He said. He said, let me. Let me tell you something. I said, yeah, go ahead. I'm sure it'll be good. He said, it's the bottom of the night. And Carl. Carl, your stremshee was his hero.

[Caller - Ken]

He said.

[Caller - Stephen]

He said, it's the bottom of the night. He said the Red Sox were down by one run to the Yankees. Said Rice is on third, Fred Lynde is on second. Two men out your scrims. He's up to bat. He said. And he didn't use bad language very often.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I mean, this is where I'm really getting frustrated. This guy was telling an amazing story. And because we're a clean show, we are forced to censor people whenever they use a curse word. You go up and down the dial on ESPN and you'll find that word that we just cut out 100 times during the show and much worse. I know I'm preaching to myself here. Maybe I'm preaching to. It really bothers me when we lose a great story because we're trying to abide by common decency and standards in the television industry. Nobody else seems to. Let's check out. It was a good story, though. Maybe we'll finish it one day. Baker is in Tennessee. You're on the air. Hello, Baker.

[Caller - Texas Fan]

Hey, Paul.

[Caller - Baker]

How's it going?

[Kevin Skarbinski]

I hope you're having a great day today.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you.

[Caller - Baker]

I just want to talk about Vanderbilt. Is Jared Curtis a bust or not a bust? I know he hasn't played a game this year, but I do know that he was recruited by Kirby Smart. And all we know is Kirby Smart, he recruits really good athletes, especially quarterbacks.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Listen, I have no idea whether. I can't imagine why anybody would think he's a Bust yet. We haven't even seen him play. Exactly.

[Caller - Baker]

But just the players around him. Like, you see Vanderbilt, you know, going

[Kevin Skarbinski]

six wins, full eligible.

[Caller - Dr. Retta]

Yeah.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I mean, listen, I know the easiest thing in the world is to take a side on Vanderbilt, say, hey, look what they've done, and then say, has Vanderbilt returned to the past? I don't think this is a very good Vanderbilt team. I don't know how anybody. I mean, I think it's a better program than it used to be, but. And it's not so much that Vanderbilt is a bad team. They're just in an impossible situation when you consider schedules.

[Caller - Texas Fan]

Yeah.

[Paul Feinbaum]

It's ridiculous. Yeah. I'm looking at it right now. I mean, NC State, that's a game you ought to win. And Vanderbilt has won that game recently.

[Caller - Dr. Retta]

But.

[Paul Feinbaum]

But then, you know, at Auburn, at Georgia, Ole Miss, I mean, where do you. Where do you go? There, that looks like 4 and 8,

[Caller - Baker]

maybe 5 and 7, maybe.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I'm gonna count. I'm gonna. I'm. I'm gonna count the losses to myself. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. I think they could. I mean, I think. I think a great season would be six and six. More likely five and six.

[Caller - Texas Fan]

Yeah.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I don't see.

[Caller - Baker]

I don't see five and maybe three and five in the conference or two and two and I think maybe. I don't know.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, I mean, I mean, listen, I'd like to see Curtis play first before I make a value. Hey, thanks for the call. Okay. I want to do something because I think you saw my frustration in. In losing. Stephen. Stephen. Okay. Finish the story, Paul.

[Caller - Stephen]

I appreciate it and I apologize. I just.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Hey, listen, you don't owe me an apology because that's. You're quoting your father, and I don't understand why we can't let you do it, but, you know, I'm not in charge of this network.

[Caller - Texas Fan]

Yeah.

[Caller - Stephen]

Who rarely used that word. He said. And I'll use. He said, take your mess out in the backyard and talk to that tree, because you're gonna get about as much attention for me as you. As you will from that tree right now with Yasminski up at bat. And appreciate letting me tell. Tell that story. You know, my dad's best sermons would really use baseball phrases as a text rather than scripture. Well, on some occasions, you know, he always used the scripture, but he had. He had worked baseball in there somewhere. He. He says his sister in Aunt Virginia was pretty sweet on Leon Culverson, who was in the 46 World Series game with all those guys. Red sox and the St. Louis card. So that's another story. Let me change the subject real quick and I appreciate you letting me say this. You know, I'm from Gaffney. I finished Gaffney High School first three years of integration. One of my friends there was the father of the current football coach at Gaffney. In fact, my father and mother went to his dad's wedding. And this guy, Donnie Littlejohn, assistant principal and football coach, was an all Southern Conference lineman for Furman in 2001. And Billy Napier was his quarterback. But tragically, third day of school two days ago, 17 year old kids waiting on the bus gets jumped by two other kids. There's a fight, he's picking up his backpack and the 18 year old kid shoots him in the back of the head. And that's just, I don't know what we're going to do with that. But it's a small world, you know, if you make the connections and you know, my heart and all of Gaffney's been torn up the last few days. Paul, I appreciate you letting me complete the story. Thanks a lot.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you, Stephen. We'll take a short break. Really appreciate you sharing both of those stories with us. We're up against the break. More of your phone calls straight ahead. We are coming right back.

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You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum show podcast.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Kevin Scarabinski coming up in a few minutes. Is Alex Gorsh gonna be the next Kurt Signetti? Can't Wait to hear more about that. Frank is in Texas. Hello, Frank.

[Caller - Texas Fan]

How you doing, Paul? It's always a pleasure to talk to one of the best.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you.

[Caller - Texas Fan]

I just wanted to say we're all Texas friends up here, me and my whole family. And I'm really proud of the fact that we're going to play a rough schedule now if we're going to be ranked up there and we really have a shot to make it, I'm happy with that. I'm not going to say we're going to win it all. I just proud of the fact that we take these rough schedules. And I just wanted to let you know that like up here, like let's say when they start challenging you and then they put Tech ahead of Texas like one of your guests done today. Well, I mean we got. I live up here in West Texas. Okay. We got high school teams that'll be tech up here. And so that guy's got no room to talk about them being ranked. They don't play nobody, you know, in the first place.

[Kevin Skarbinski]

They just stayed in Big 12.

[Caller - Texas Fan]

And we all know the Big 12 is watered down. We have the roughest conference in the nation. I don't care what anybody else is. I still think we have the roughest, toughest conferences in the nation. And I'm proud to be a Longhorn and I'm so happy there in the sec. Paul, and thank you for talking.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you very much. Great to hear from you. You be well. You take care of yourself as we continue here. Let me grab some more calls and Ken in South Carolina is up next.

[Caller - Ken]

All right, Paul, how you doing today?

[Paul Feinbaum]

We are doing great.

[Caller - Stephen]

Good to hear.

[Caller - Ken]

I got a suggestion and I haven't heard it from anyone and I would think that Heather Dennis might come up with this at some point, but in the sense that with the, the problems that from. From, from outside people don't want to expand in terms of the number of teams because you're taking away from the conference championships. Because if the way I understand it this, the SEC doesn't want to expand because they have to give up the conference championship. So why not make for everybody the conference championship. Those two teams be part of the College Football Playoff from the get go. That way you have the ability then to expand past 16, possibly, you know, to 24 or some, some other number. But then it won't be that, that holding pattern that we got now where nobody wants to move. You know, Big Ten could would then actually get two teams in the College Football Playoff from the get go. They Ought to be pretty happy with that idea. What do you think about that situation?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, I mean, they ought to be, but they are now holding up everything because they found a path. And I think the big thing about about the Big Ten is that their championship game just isn't that important where the SEC is. So they are punted on that and the SEC refuses to let go. It is going to. There will be a compromise and we will get to 24, I have no doubt. Thank you for the call. Really do appreciate it. Will in Chicago is up next.

[Caller - Roscoe]

Hey, Paul, it's great to be back.

[Caller - Ohio State Fan]

How are you doing today?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Fantastic. Thank you.

[Caller - Ohio State Fan]

Yeah, absolutely. So I was on the show about two years ago. This was right when the playoff expanded. This the year that my Ohio State Buckeyes won a national championship. And I asked a pretty solid question you kind of disregarded. It was about the new teams that were added to the playoffs. And I mentioned Arizona State and ucf and lo and behold, Arizona State makes the playoff. And I was kind of clowned a little bit. Like, then Jax from Texarkana gets on and he goes, now why is anyone north of the Mason Dixie line being allowed on the Paul Feinbaum Show? And that, that rubbed me wrong a little bit. And it's nice to be back. Two years later, the Big Ten is supreme. It's not even a question anymore. You and I both know this year, especially a Big Ten team, is going to win the national championship or Notre Dame. But it's not going to be anybody from the sec, I'll tell you that much. And my thoughts on the sec, I like the state of the conference this year because I truly believe Ole Miss is going to be the best team in the SEC because they have the best quarterback and running back in the league. Quite frankly, I think Arch Manning is highly overrated. But I will be rooting from afar for Ole Miss. In spite of Lane Kiffin and the LSU banana tree, I have no respect for him at all. What he did with Jaden Daniels is insane. If I'm an LSU community member, I'm already kind of shaking my head being like, well, here we go. So I hope Hotty Tie does very well. And obviously a Big Ten team is going to win a national championship, ideally the Ohio State Buckeyes, which is also going to be the best franchise of the next 10 years. That was a lot,

[Caller - Roscoe]

but that's pretty

[Caller - Ohio State Fan]

much all I got to say.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, you didn't leave much on the cutting room floor there. Thanks for the call. Let's continue with more and wow, Roscoe is in Cincinnati. Hey, Roscoe.

[Caller - Roscoe]

Good afternoon, Paul. First of all, what I want to say to you is rest in peace. Skip Burtman, one of the greatest coaches that I ever got to see coach playing for coaching at lsu. I found it ironic reading into detail today on online. They had his jersey retired and won six national titles, seven conference crowns. And a fellow playing for the commanders wants to act up because his shirt is being going to be worn. I just wanted to throw that in. That's the question I wanted to ask you. But somebody thinks an awful lot of themselves yourself to somebody like Skip Bertman to have their shirt retired. The other question I got for you is later in the season, the Atlantic Coast Conference started having the microphones live on an instant play, instant replay review with the officials. Thought it was nice. I thought you liked it as well. My question is I may have missed it, but as the Southeastern Conference, are they going to do the same thing this year?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I have not heard them mention it, so my guess is no. I thought it was a really good idea. It showed some transparency and if there was one negative. There were a number of negatives but the biggest negative I found last year in the first half of the season was the officiating in the sec. There was controversy, there was chaos. And I thought the league did a rather poor job of explaining what was going on.

[Caller - Roscoe]

Well, it would be a step in the right direction for them to have them mics on live. Have a good day.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you for the call. We'll take a break. Plenty more to do here on the program, including a talk about Auburn football. Maybe an Alabama question or not with the sage of the state of Alabama, Kevin Skarbinski.

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Your vision narrows. You can't look away. Every assistant, every stop, every logo, three

[Caller - SEC Fan]

from beyond the logo, every.

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You're listening to the Paul Fine Bomb

[Paul Feinbaum]

show podcast and the headline from AL.com looking for this year's Indiana taking a peek at Auburn. I'm going to read that again. Auburn could be the next Indiana. Kevin Skarpinski joins us. I've already read this. I don't want to play act here. Kevin, great to have you on and I think, I think I understand where you're going here, but I'm going to let you explain. How are you?

[Kevin Skarbinski]

I'm good, Paul. Glad to join you. Yeah, look, Auburn was Indiana before Indiana on multiple occasions. It's amazing the history that program has with coaches coming in and making a splash either in their first or second year. There really was a long, unbeaten, unbroken streak from Pat Dye through Gus Malzahn of every coach doing something special in his first two years and Terry Bowden and Gus Malzahn took it to another level. Terry of course went undefeated in 1993 in his first year at Auburn after they had back to back five win seasons the last two years under Pat Dye. And then after a 3, 9 and 08 season in 2012, Gus comes back and comes within a whisker of winning a national championship and no one saw either one of those seasons coming. So when I look at the history of Auburn football and I look at the new coach Alex Golich, I look at the core that he brought with him from South Florida. I'm not predicting it, I'm just suggesting it, that this could happen again.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well and let's, let's drill, drill down on Goish Kevin, because he has made an impression. He clearly wasn't the first choice. Everybody followed the John Sumrall situation and to this day you may know what happened with the athletic director but doesn't matter now. I think people are pretty happy with Golich before we even talk about what he is going to do. Just talk about the vibe change already in a state where the program, the Auburn football program was close to being flatlined.

[Kevin Skarbinski]

Well, he has certainly changed the vibe in a positive direction and even though as you, as you said correctly, he was not the first choice, I think he's won over the fan base. I think he won the off season. I think he's winning the preseason with the different decisions he's making. He's got an energy about him and intensity. He's got an edge to him and the last two head coaches you couldn't really say that about. And so that's I think exciting to the Auburn folks that I hear from. And again the fact that yeah, it's a new coach, it's a new system, it's another start. But these guys have worked together, this coaching staff, a number of them have worked together, the offensive coordinator in particular with goal issues, an offensive guy and the quarterback, that is, that is an invaluable edge and experience that Auburn has for a first year staff not unlike what Kurt Signetti enjoyed when he got to Indiana.

[Paul Feinbaum]

And Kevin, it comes at a really interesting time and you have written in the state for about 40 years now and there's always a ying and a yang. And we all know Alabama has not only dominated this great rivalry, which I think we both probably used to think was the best in college football, and hope it gets back to that again, but in the last 20 years, it's pretty much been non existent. And that's as a result of Alabama's success under Saban. There were some great games in there, we all know that. But right now I want you to try to compare and contrast what we've seen from Alex Goisch. We haven't seen him on a football field yet versus the vibes coming out of Tuscaloosa as Kalyn DeBoer gets ready for his third season.

[Kevin Skarbinski]

Well, Golis is a more dynamic personality. There's no comparison there. There aren't many people who are less dynamic personalities coaching major college football than Kalyn DeBoer. It doesn't mean he's not a good football coach. He is. He's clearly proven that. I mean, the man took Washington to the national championship game and without a running game. He took Alabama to the SEC championship game in the playoff last year and won a playoff game on the road after trailing by 17. So he doesn't get enough credit because not only is he not a dynamic speaker, he's not a forceful public presence. He ain't Nick Saban. No one else is. There's only been one of those and there only ever will be one. But he suffers living in that shadow which is thicker, deeper and longer than any shadow any coach has ever faced, because Nick Saban still hangs around. Nick Saban is still very much in the spotlight on that campus, around the SEC nationally on game day. That's not easy to deal with. And Kaylin DeBoer has to live with it every day. So he's got to create his own legacy and he's got to do it his way. And I give him credit for this. He hasn't tried to be Saban. I think far too many Saban disciples have tried to mimic the boss. Far too many of them unsuccessfully. You got to be who you are. And Calyn DeBoer is obviously a more quiet presence. He doesn't really give you a lot of red meat in press conferences, again, in stark contrast to Saban. But this is the year we can really start judging him, though. This is his program now, more than it's been at any time since he got there. It's going to be his quarterback, it's his staff. He made some changes there. So we're going to find out whether he can win championships at Alabama. Not saying he has to do it this year, but now is the time we can really judge what an Alabama program under Kalyn DeBoer is going to look like going forward.

[Paul Feinbaum]

And Kevin, everyone asks you, I'm sure on the street, what does he have to do? It's a common question. I don't really know if there's an answer considering that would be virtually impossible to displace him after the new contract extension. But as you get ready, as we get ready for the season, we'll go back to Auburn in a second. But just what is the range for deboer for him? I mean, I know having a good season or a great season ends this conversation, but where is that line of demarcation that he needs to be careful about before the fan base starts to really sour on him?

[Kevin Skarbinski]

Well, the only one who really knows the answer to that question is Greg Byrne, the AD and the president and the trustees. And look, he's got DeBoer, that is has extraordinary support from his administration. So I think it would almost take the bottom dropping out. And I'm talking 6 and 6, 7 and 5 ugly losses, unexpected losses, both of which we've seen from him in his first two years. I think it would take something extraordinary for him not to be the head coach at Alabama in 2027.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Kevin, back to Auburn, which is where we began. That's another dynamic that really hasn't played rivalry in such a long time. Yeah, Gus Malzahn had great success even against Saban, but since then it has been heartbreak hotel. Harson, what did he have a four overtime loss that he should have won with one one player going out of bounds? Everybody knows about Grave Digger. I mean, if Alex Gorge was able to turn turn this thing and win a game pretty quickly, what does that do to the dynamics that we have been talking about here?

[Kevin Skarbinski]

Well, as you said, that rivalry has tilted so heavily in Alabama's favor with rare and memorable exceptions. And usually when the game's been played in Auburn, unfortunately for Goelish, he has to go to Tuscaloosa in his first Iron Bowl. So that will make it even more difficult. But I think he's got a couple of years to show that he can compete with Alabama. And competing with Alabama doesn't mean playing them tough for four quarters or even pushing them to overtime. You got to win that game and right behind that you got to find a way to beat Georgia. Auburn hasn't beaten Georgia since 2017 in the regular season. That's an absurd streak in the Deep South's oldest rivalry. And it's really untenable. Auburn fans expect better. They deserve better than to be non. And they've really been non competitive with Georgia. Last year's game was obviously competitive with some interesting calls, but for the most part, Georgia is dominated. So he's got two major tasks on his hands. He's got two major rivals that he's stuck right in the middle of. And sooner or later, and I can't put a timeline on it, but sooner or later you got to start beating those folks.

[Paul Feinbaum]

So in the end, Kevin, I mean, you've laid out this Signetti connection and it's really, it's real because now everybody is looking at what Signetti did. But the path at Auburn, you've already answered the question, but it just seems a little bit less complex than what Signetti does. I mean, what are your overall thoughts on where Goers has this program and where can he take it?

[Kevin Skarbinski]

Well, let me just remind people that of the seven games Auburn lost last year, six were by one score. And I think in every one of them, they either led in the fourth quarter or they had at least one possession to tie or take the lead in the fourth quarter. So everyone got tired of hearing you freeze, say they were close, but in reality, on the scoreboard in the sec, they were close. And the reason that they couldn't get over the hump is they couldn't operate a competent offense. And that's where Goal is has an opportunity to make something happen because he retained DJ Durkin, maybe one of the best decisions that he's made since getting the job. And so you're going to have a solid, if not really, really good defense. And now you've got an offense that's going to be able to make plays. You've got an explosive playmaker at quarterback. They also brought the center, which nobody talks about. But having a center and a quarterback that are used to working together, that's another huge advantage for Auburn. So again, conditions are favorable for them to do something special, as Auburn has been known to do in the past.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Kevin, always great. Kevin Skarpinski, who has just been at the center of all sports writing and broadcasting in the state for so long. We really appreciate it. From AL.com his thoughts on Alex Goish as we head to the break. More of your phone calls straight ahead.

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[Podcast Host]

You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum show

[Paul Feinbaum]

podcast from the governor of Louisiana. Jeff landry says on 10:45 and I think that's Matt Moscone's show that flags are going to be flown at half staff following the death of Skip Burtman. And of course, across the the city of Baton Rouge, Bertman's photo is being displayed, of course, at Alex Box and everywhere else. It's hard to put into words the legacy that he has left behind. Truly one of the most remarkable figures in the history of college athletics. And we are back here and checking in with Rick up next in Houston. Hey, Rick.

[Caller - Rick]

Hey, Paul. You know, Paul, I Woke up around 3:30 this morning and looked at my phone and saw the news of Coach Burtman passing. And Paul, I've vacillated between Abnes and I guess, happiness that we had, that we had coach for so long and how lucky, how absolutely lucky LSU was to have him and just how, how remarkable a man he was. And you know, you did mention that Joe Dean hired Coach Saban.

[Caller - Stephen]

Coach Bertman was the, was the, was

[Caller - Rick]

the man that got Coach Saban. Everything, everything that he was asking for at lsu. He was the one that made it happen. And you know, it was, it was really bittersweet to listen to Ben talk and you could absolutely hear how much he loved him and everything. And, and, and you know, that's, that's how the LSU family feels about Coach Berkman, you know, and our other iconic coach is getting up there in age too. And it just feels like, you know, we're approaching the end of an era.

[Paul Feinbaum]

But yeah, you know, Rick, I just heard from my friend Tim Brando. He was texting me about Skip and he mentioned Dale Brown and Dale's, dale's in his 90s, as you well know. I've had a, I've talked to Dale probably half a dozen times over the last year. We talk occasionally. He's been somebody very important in my life and, and you know, he probably won't get the attention that Skip did because he really hasn't been around in a long time. But those are two figures there that you can't discuss LSU athletics without thinking of both. It's hard to find people absolutely, in sports that really were nothing until Skip came over from Miami. He was a Miami, he was a Miami graduate, Miami coach when he took the job. And obviously, Dale, everybody knows his story.

[Caller - Ken]

Yeah.

[Caller - Rick]

You know, and Paul, just absolutely condolences to. To coach's family and all the players and the people that love him.

[Caller - Stephen]

And

[Caller - Rick]

that's all, really all I had to say today. I just have absolutely so much respect for coach and I appreciate you taking my call, Paul.

[Caller - Ken]

Thank you.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Thank you, Rick. Dr. Retta in Georgia is up next. Hey, Dr. Ritter.

[Caller - Dr. Retta]

Hello. My poll, how are you?

[Paul Feinbaum]

We are doing great. Thank you for the call.

[Caller - Dr. Retta]

That's wonderful. Listen, Paul, I know you like to practice inclusivity with the callers, but that Will guy from Chicago is a justifiable reason for you to ban callers above the Mason Dixon line. At least ban Will from Chicago, Paul. Let him call the Big Ten network with his observations and all that. Big Ten, rah, rah. Now listen, Paul, I know it's talking season, it's still talking season and nothing is definitive. But I hope and I am certainly praying that all of this negativity toward Alabama, that everyone is wrong with their negativity and low rating of my Bama poll and I'm believing that it will be a better year for them than has been predicted. What do you think, Paul?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I mean, I feel moderately upbeat, Dr. Rieta, but I can't go all in. And it's probably the lowest prediction I would have made for Alabama in a long time. I feel like they're capable of nine wins which could get them in the playoffs. I see the path to do better. But I will tell you, I don't like the early signs out of camp. I mean, there has already been a couple of injuries that make me uncomfortable for a team that has some deficiencies already having some.

[Caller - Dr. Retta]

Some challenges. Yes, I was. I was. I was really. I really was very much concerned when I heard that there had been another injury. Yeah, okay, Paul. But we are going to believe the best for Bama and you have a nice weekend, Paul. I love you.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Dr. Riddle, I can't thank you enough. So again, let me just update where we are. We're about to head back to Baton Rouge. We went there early and Talked to Ben McDonald who was very emotional talking about his coach, Skip Bertman and the impact that he had on his life. He said he saw him late last night and Coach Bertman said, I'm in the bottom of the ninth and that was pretty much it. He passed away a few hours later. We'll talk to Scott Rabelais about the mood in the capital of Louisiana in just a moment.

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