Hour 3: Chris Doering, SECN

Summary

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The Paul Finebaum Show – Hour 3: Chris Doering, SECN

Date: July 31, 2026
Host: Paul Finebaum (ESPN, College Football)

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Episode Overview

Main Theme:
Paul Finebaum hosts Chris Doering of the SEC Network for an in-depth preview of an upcoming special featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses with some of the SEC’s newest football head coaches: Ryan Silverfield (Arkansas), Alex Golesh (Auburn), John Summerall (Florida), Will Stein (Kentucky), and Pete Golding (Ole Miss). The hour spotlights these coaches’ personalities, challenges of making transitions, and what fans can expect heading into the new season. The rest of the hour features spirited SEC and college football call-ins, debates over Missouri football’s trajectory, conference power dynamics, and reflections on show regulars.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Chris Doering on His Coach Profiles Special

Segment: 00:51–09:54

• Project Overview:
  • Chris Doering describes his collaborative REGIONS Bank project with the SEC Network, offering fans one-on-one access to several of the SEC’s newly hired coaches.
  • The focus: Moving beyond football Xs and Os to see coaches’ real-life challenges—family relocations, personal routines, and behind-the-scenes stressors.
  • “It was really cool, a sneak peek behind the scenes for these guys and getting to know them going forward...” – Chris Doring [01:15]

1a. Ryan Silverfield (Arkansas)

• Perhaps the least known among the new faces—formerly at Memphis.
• Doering outlines Silverfield’s winding journey: playing career ending early, working various roles from high school to the NFL, and balancing football passion with family (noting his young twin daughters).
• “He’s coached at all levels. He really is a guy that loves football and more so than that, loves his players.” – Chris Doring [02:51]
• Silverfield’s challenge: fit at Arkansas, facing “a unique challenge...unlike some of the other schools in the SEC.” [03:44]

1b. Alex Golesh (Auburn)

• Doering highlights Golesh’s ideal fit, crisp focus on Auburn’s values (physicality, running the ball, defense).
• Golesh’s background: Started on defense, now known for offense but runs programs with a defensive perspective.
• Noted for building relationships (many players followed him via the portal, notably QB Byron Brown).
• Memorable anecdote: Fishing in Golesh’s backyard with little luck. “He claimed the backyard pond was stocked. We got shut out.” [04:44]
• “It feels like a guy that settled in perfectly into that environment.” [05:02]

1c. John Summerall (Florida)

• Doering compares initial fan and media reaction (expecting Lane Kiffin) to the fast acceptance and impact Summerall has made.
• Praised for authentic energy and the genuine connection with players and fans, likening Summerall’s effect to Spurrier and Todd Golden.
• “The confidence that he exuded resonated throughout the locker room, and I feel like that confidence is already being taken on by the players.” [06:06]
• “There’s an authenticity that stands out to me, Paul, that also an energy level that feels very authentic...” [06:18]

1d. Will Stein (Kentucky)

• Young, energetic, Kentucky legacy (son of a former player), deeply understands Kentucky’s football-basketball rivalry.
• Renowned for offensive intellect; Doering describes feeling “inferior” in football knowledge when talking with Stein.
• Anecdote: Early morning session learning Oregon play concepts and verbiage.
• “At 36 years of age, he’s got far more experience and intellect than I think his age would indicate.” [07:25]

1e. Pete Golding (Ole Miss)

• Stepped up during Lane Kiffin’s departure; credited for stabilizing Ole Miss and nearly making the national title game.
• Described as energetic, authentic, and elite on the whiteboard—Doering recounts his Alabama interview with Saban gravitating towards his insights on defending Clemson.
• “He tells a story about Coach Saban...what he was asking about was Clemson’s offense. So, an interview on the fly, but also high respect from Coach Saban.” [09:03]
• Optimism for this new class of coaches: “I really am excited about this entire coaching class and really excited about the project...” [09:25]

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2. Missouri Football Discussion & Call-ins

Segment: 11:18–31:22

• Missouri’s Status in the SEC:

  • John from St. Louis questions Missouri’s direction—whether the program is “concave up or concave down?” (Is it improving or declining?)
  • Paul’s assessment: “I think Missouri is about the same as it was last year and the year before...it’s more likely 8 and 4 than 10 and 2.” [13:21/13:33]
  • John laments lack of progress since Gary Pinkel days; questions if Coach Drinkwitz is getting results:
    “Coach Drinkowicz, you need to start showing what you can do...recruit all these hot shots, but I’m not seeing the results on the field.” [16:13]

• Debate Over Expectations and Schedule:

  • Callers dissect Missouri’s 2026 schedule, identifying possible key wins and tough losses.
  • Paul and Bash break down game-by-game predictions:
    • Paul predicts 8–4; Bash thinks 7–5 but agrees that it’s middle-of-the-pack. [30:54]
    • Both note the “leg up” from favorable scheduling but agree recent success gives Coach Drinkwitz needed capital to stay off the hot seat.

• Caller Opinions:

  • Vance expresses fatigue with conference realignment politics, craving “just ball games” and excitement for new coaching blood, especially at Auburn and Florida. [18:25-20:11]
  • Bash passionately claims, “I absolutely despise misery, miserable, mediocre Missouri, roll damn Tide.” [31:11] (humorously antagonistic Alabama fan perspective)

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3. Show Community & Regulars

Segment: 22:27–26:26

• Acknowledging Community:

  • Iman updates listeners on beloved regular “Legend,” explaining his absence and emphasizing ongoing support from the “black hat” listener clique.
  • Discussion turns to another long-time caller, Ricky from Mississippi, with effusive praise and an open on-air invitation to join the inner black hat circle.
  • “He is a tremendous fan of his team…he’s a fantastic human being…and I’m gonna risk everything in my position, but I’m offering Ricky from Mississippi black hat brother, and I hope you accept.” – Iman [25:09]

• Paul’s Reply:

  • “Ricky has been one of the unsung heroes of this program. He's been calling in a long time. He's loyal to his team...I can tell you my ears are perched up a little higher than usual.” [25:29]

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4. National Picture: SEC vs. Big Ten

Segment: 37:03–38:48

• Match-ups Game:
  • Caller Scott runs Paul through hypothetical neutral-site SEC vs. Big Ten matchups using Athlon Magazine’s rankings.
  • Paul gives honest, unsentimental answers; picks Ohio State over Georgia, Alabama over Penn State, but calls Illinois over Florida (surprise).
  • “A playoff matchup is going to count a whole lot more than some random game in the third week of the season. And that’s where the SEC is losing in almost every category.” [38:48]

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Notable Quotes

• Chris Doring:

  • “It was a great exercise in getting to know who these coaches are...not doing the normal sit down interviews, but getting into their houses, playing pickleball with coaches, fishing in their backyards...” [01:24]
  • On Summerall: “There’s an authenticity that stands out to me...” [06:18]
  • On Will Stein: “I got that same feeling from Will Stein. At 36 years of age, he’s got far more experience and intellect than I think his age would indicate.” [07:25]

• Paul Finebaum:

  • On Missouri: “What is Missouri? Is it 10 and 2 or is it 8 and 5? To me it feels more like an 8 and 5 program than a 10 and 2 program.” [15:05]
  • On callers: “Ricky has been one of the unsung heroes of this program…my ears are perched up a little higher than usual.” [25:29]
  • On conference perception: “We’re really talking about the perception. What’s the best league right now?...A playoff matchup is going to count a whole lot more than some random game in the third week of the season.” [38:48]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:51 – Chris Doering joins to discuss interviews with new SEC coaches
• 02:51 – Doering details his impressions of Ryan Silverfield (Arkansas)
• 04:12 – Breakdown of Alex Golesh (Auburn)
• 05:39 – Insight on John Summerall (Florida)
• 07:09 – Will Stein's (Kentucky) unique fit and intellect
• 08:41 – Pete Golding’s (Ole Miss) reputation and Saban interview story
• 13:21 – Paul’s verdict on Missouri’s trajectory
• 16:13 – John from St. Louis critiques Coach Drinkwitz
• 22:27 – Callers discuss absence of show regular “Legend” and community camaraderie
• 37:03 – Rapid-fire SEC vs. Big Ten neutral-site matchups with Paul’s picks
• 38:48 – Paul’s honest appraisal of league perception after last season

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Tone & Style

• Conversational: Banter between Paul and callers remains at the core—blunt, tinged with regional pride, and occasionally ribald humor.
• Insightful: Doering’s coach profiles offer rare, substantive glimpses into coaches’ lives, not just strategies.
• Inclusive: Paul and the show foster a sense of community among long-time listeners and caller “personalities.”
• Blunt (but with humor): Particularly when handling passionate or dissatisfied callers—e.g., the St. Louis/Missouri debate.

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The Bottom Line

Hour 3 provides a double shot:

• A rare behind-the-scenes look at the SEC’s newest head coaches, with Chris Doering offering fans authentic stories and previewing the new season’s personalities on and off the field.
• The familiar “call-in brawl” of the Paul Finebaum Show, exploring SEC status, school rivalries, and the evolving culture of the program’s devoted listener base.

Don’t miss: Doering’s anecdotes about fishing trips gone wrong, pickleball matches with coaches and their families, and the SEC’s unfiltered, football-obsessed callers as only Finebaum’s show can serve them.

Transcript

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[Paul Feinbaum]

the pride, passion and pageantry of college football lives here. This is the Paul Feinbaum Show. Our three podcasts this might be college football.

Second half is live and well on a Friday afternoon.

[Caller Bash]

Good afternoon.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Welcome back in. If you are just joining us, Chris Doring will join us now to talk about conversations with some of the newest coaches in the sec. This is on tonight. Silverfield, Goish, Summerall, Stein, Pete Golding. Those are the new coaches that have not been in the SEC other than briefly. Chris, thanks for the time, appreciate it as always. So I mean, you know all these guys, you've talked to them, tell us about this and what should we all look forward to tonight?

[Chris Doring]

Yeah, Paul, thanks for having me on, man. I really appreciate the opportunity to promote this project that we've partnered with Regents bank on. It was a great exercise and getting to know who these coaches are. I mean we see them on the sidelines during the fall, but I think the directive from what we were set out to do was to try to get to know who they are away from their football responsibilities. And so we weren't doing the normal sit down interviews at the facilities. We tried to get into their houses or some other personal places. We got a chance to play pickleball with Will and Darby Stein up in Lexington. Got a chance to fish in Alex Golsh's backyard as the moving trucks were arriving. Actually helped carry some boxes in for him. Got a chance to sit down for two and a half hours with John Summerall at his house. So it really was an exercise in realizing that these guys are dealing with real life problems. Having to relocate, having to get settled into to new lives, dealing with wives that are putting pressure on them to get the houses right and set up. I mean it was, it was really cool sneak peek behind the scenes for these guys and getting to know them going forward as we got to media days. It was great to have that existing relationship too.

[Paul Feinbaum]

So the first one is Silverfield. He's probably of the group, the least known. He was at Memphis, he did a good job there obviously at Arkansas, which probably needs the biggest turnaround what, what, what was the top, top line story that you learned from him, Paul?

[Chris Doring]

I said that to him. I said, I'm not going to lie to you. Who are you? I don't know much about you at all. And he received that question very well. And you know, my takeaway is a guy that loves football his senior year, has actually grew up down the street in Jacksonville, went to Jacksonville bowls, had a permanent injury that took away his playing career. So he migrated into being a student coach from there, went up to high school coaching in Savannah, Georgia, was a coaching a team that went winless, was washing jerseys and painting the field, lived in a, under a gym at a Division 3 school out west, was with the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. So this guy's coached at all levels. He really is a guy that loves football and more so than that, loves his players. And it was awesome to sit down. We walked into his house, it was going through renovations and he has two young twin daughters that we had a chance to play with and meet his wife. So the access again was what was really cool and getting a chance to understand that he's a really good fit. Even though people think that at Memphis he was just keeping the trains on the tracks, it was really more about, you know, the fit there in Fayetteville, what he's done to press the flesh and understand that this is a unique challenge that exists there in Arkansas, unlike some of the other schools in the sec.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Same question. You went to see Alex Goerschild?

[Chris Doring]

Yeah, I think, I think Alex was one that I really enjoyed just because, you know, the fit feels so perfect there. When we saw him on the introductory press conference, he's talking about physicality and running the football and playing great defense. Those were all key words that were music to the ears of the Auburn fans. And I remember him from being on the sideline in the swamp was he took USF into my alma mater's backyard and left with a victory. And the fact that, you know, he's bringing all these players or all these players chose to go on the transfer portal and come over to Auburn because of the relationship they had with him, including the quarterback. Byron Brown speaks a lot of who Alex Golish is, but I just, I think of him, even though he's known for his offensive prowess, he's got more of a defensive mindset. In fact, he started his career on the defensive side of the ball and, and really coaches offense and head coaches more from a defensive perspective in a lot of ways. So I, I, he claimed that the backyard pond Was stocked. We got shut out. You know, hope I'm not breaking any secrets, but went. Went fishless for the afternoon out there with him, but had a great time and, you know, it feels like a guy that settled in perfectly into that. That environment.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Auburn suburb, Somerville. Summerall. Excuse me. I'll get the. I'll get the coach. You're right. At Florida, he certainly has the reputation. He's. John Summerall has really turned everyone upside down during a brief stay. What was it like when you got to pull the curtains up a little bit at his place?

[Chris Doring]

Yeah, I think the thing that stands out to me, Paul, is that a lot of times people think they know exactly what they need, and in reality, they delivered what they actually do need. And I think for Florida, everybody was so set on Lane Kiffin, but as they've gotten to see John Sumrall and what he's done to ingratiate himself to the. To the fans, to the media, and most importantly, the players, the way that they've, you know, kind of followed in his footsteps, it reminds me a lot of Coach Spurrier, what he did for us. The confidence that he exuded resonated throughout the locker room, and I feel like that confidence is already being taken on by the players and by the fans as well, expecting a big season, but he's got this. This way of being. I think it's an authenticity that stands out to me, Paul, that also an energy level that feels very authentic, too. And those things that were said about the last coaching staff, particularly, you know, Billy Napier's lack of energy on the sideline is not the case for. For John Sumrall. People don't want to compare him to Coach Spurrier. There's a little of that, but I think there's actually more Todd golden in him, who has really won over the fan base, obviously, with winning a national championship. But the way he is on the sideline, the way he is with his players. And I think there's a deep connection being made between Coach Sumrall and the guys in that locker room right now.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Will Stein is young, energetic, a lot of the same attributes that these other guys are making. What separates him in your mind?

[Chris Doring]

I think the thing that stands out to me, I've used the word fit a couple of different times, and I don't think there's a better fit for the Kentucky job than a guy that. That was born to a former Kentucky player that grew up in Commonwealth Stadium, rushed the field after the double overTime win over LSU, Bled and died with the white and Blue, back in the day, obviously played at Louisville, but he understands the dynamics of football and the relationship with basketball in the state of Kentucky. And there are some unique challenges there. Kentucky chose to go in a very different direction than what they had with Mark Stoops going with a young, offensive minded guy. And I asked when I got a chance to meet Coach Stein first if I could learn a little ball from him. He goes, yeah, meet me in my office 7:00am so we got in there bright and early. Took me through, you know, a bunch of cut ups at Oregon. Taught me about their, their play calls and verbiage and what they try to do. I was blown away. And I mentioned this a lot to you. I think Paul in the past, about Paul, Pete Golding and how first time I met him was intimidated with how inferior I felt from a football perspective. I, I got that same feeling from Will stein. And at 36 years of age, he's got far more experience and intellect than I think his age would indicate. So I think Kentucky hit a home run with Will and I'm excited to see what they can do there with Kenny Minchi as their quarterback.

[Paul Feinbaum]

And we'll wrap it up with Pete Golding, who certainly has had a little bit of a head start. What's he like behind the curtain and at his house?

[Chris Doring]

Yeah, he got thrust into the limelight, you know, at a weird time when the departure of Lane Kiffin was taking place. Did a great job stabilize that program and lead them through the playoff. Just a couple plays away from maybe being in the national championship game. So with that success comes a lot of expectation and pressure on Ole Miss and Trinidad Chandler specifically. But I think he's a, he's a competitor, he's a guy that welcomes that kind of challenge. And everybody that was at SEC media day saw the type of energy that Pete Golding has. And like I said, for John Sumrall, there's an authenticity about him. But I think the thing that I came away with from everybody that I talked to in advance of that is just how impressive he is on a whiteboard. He tells a story about Coach Saban bringing him in for what was supposed to be an interview. And as he was going through it, he actually found out that what he was asking about was Clemson's offense. So an interview on the fly, but also, you know, high respect from Coach Saban, wanting to know what a young coach's perspective is on how you defend the Clemson offense before the national championship game. So just a ton of really cool stories like that that all these coaches were able to share, but I really am excited about this entire coaching class and really excited about the project that will debut tonight.

[Paul Feinbaum]

You'll get to see it a little bit later on. As soon as we go off the air, it begins and we'll entertain you all evening long. Chris, many thanks. Really appreciate it. Silverfield goers Sumrall, Will Stein and Pete Golding later tonight.

You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum Show Podcast.

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[Paul Feinbaum]

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[Chris Doring]

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[Chris Doring]

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[Paul Feinbaum]

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[Paul Feinbaum]

And welcome back. Let's get to the phone calls and old school in Biloxi, Mississippi.

[Caller Old School]

Hey, Paul, how you doing today? I hope you're doing good, buddy. Listen, I talked to Jamari before. I was asking this because I didn't want to get myself in trouble. Certainly they won't get you in trouble. But he said, he said, old school, if you can help people, help some people. You know, you gotta. You gotta. Y' all long begging advocate for our senior citizens and I know you have as well. And last last Monday had a guy come by there was going to put some fiber in for me with AT&T. He knocked on my door and he said we're gonna be putting the fiber in. I said, I said, good. He said, who you got you who got got your phone service with? I said, AT&T said, How much you pay? I said 108. He said, do you know about the 55 plus program? I said, I don't know what you're talking about. He said, if you'll call 611 and tell them two 55 years or older, they'll knock your phone bill from $108 to 55. And if you got Internet, they're gonna take 20 off that too. I just hope everybody understand if you got at T call 611 and tell them you 55 plus and you fix get your phone bill knocked to 35. And I think Paul, for. Let me, let me tell everybody. I hope you have a good weekend, buddy.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Hey, old school, if you could give me just a minute, I'm calling them right now because I have that a guy that could also take advantage of it is John in St. Louis. Hello, John.

[Caller John from St. Louis]

Hey, Paul, I appreciate your discussions with coach Drinkowicz last week. Couple weeks. And Paul, I'm going to ask you some basic questions about the Missouri program. Is the Missouri program concave up or concave down? Paul, what's your opinion? And then I'll tell you what I think about Coach Drink. I think Missouri is the bottom. Bottom line is, Paul, is Missouri tracking in a direction that we can get back to what we have with coach Gary Panko, which is the hall of Fame Coach, quite frankly,

[Paul Feinbaum]

I think Missouri is about the same as it was last year and the year before.

[Caller John from St. Louis]

Well, what's that mean, Paul? You didn't answer my question.

[Caller Bash]

Quite frankly, if you look at the

[Paul Feinbaum]

record, it's more than likely 8 and 4 than 10 and 2.

[Caller John from St. Louis]

How's that?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Pretty simple. I mean, you follow Missouri football, don't you?

[Caller John from St. Louis]

I certainly do, Paul. And I get.

[Paul Feinbaum]

John, why do you have to have such an attitude?

[Caller John from St. Louis]

Let me, let me finish my comment, young man, and then I'll let you can. That's what this, that's what this show is supposed to be about. The fans. Right. And that's what I don't appreciate about you and your producers about talking to me in a condescending fashion, Paul, because I'm a die hard Missouri fan and we're proud of our institution. But apparently you are not proud of anything to do western Mississippi river or anything south of the Mason or north of the Mason State makes it was it.

[Paul Feinbaum]

John, do you have your. John, do you have your medical alert button on in case something happens here?

[Caller John from St. Louis]

I certainly do, Paul. This is what I'm talking about.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, John, you want to talk facts?

[Caller John from St. Louis]

Yeah, let's talk. Let's talk business. Let's talk basketball.

[Caller Old School]

Okay.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, you know and I know that Missouri had two great seasons. 11 and 2 and 10 and 3. And then last year they did what Missouri always does. They slip back to an 8 and 5 season. And the first couple of years were 6 and 5, 6 and 7, garbage like that. So what is Missouri? Is it 10 and 2 or is it 8 and 5? To me it feels more like an 8 and 5 program than a 10 and 2 program.

[Caller John from St. Louis]

Well, Paul, it's not that I agree with you. My opinion of Coach Drink, of which I think it's time for Coach Drink to wake up and smell a coffee bowl. I think Coach Drink, he was great on your show and he knows how to talk business and he can get up and strut around and smile and talk to people and this and that, but it all comes down. Like Bill Parcell said, all comes down to your winning record. And Coach Drinkowicz, I think you need to start showing what you can do. You. You get out and you recruit all these hot shots, but I'm not seeing the results on the field. And so, Paul, I'm agreeing with you somewhat, quite frankly, is that. Coach Drinkowicz, you need to listen to Missouri fans like John from St. Louis who are a proud participant in a. And by the way, given thousands and thousands of dollars to the Tiger Scholarship foundation to get the program back to where it was when Coach Devine. Dan Divine, our great, he was the ambassador to Big 8 back in the day.

[Caller Iman]

Paul.

[Caller John from St. Louis]

But I can tell you right now, I'm not sure where the program's going. I don't. I think the program is going concave down, Paul. That's what I think.

[Paul Feinbaum]

John, thanks for the call. I hope you and. I don't know what the. I don't know what the right medicine is. I mean, I. I know. I know I could get. I could give you the generic brands for high blood pressure and anxiety, but. But I think you probably need the real stuff. Call your doctor. Vance is up next. Hey, Vance. Go right ahead.

[Caller Old School]

Hey, Paul.

[Caller Vance]

Thanks, John, for Lord help us. All right, Paul. I'm gonna be a Debbie Downer right now. You know, I'm worn out. I think I'm a fairy. Fairly common human being. I'm tired of hearing about the SEC in the Big Ten.

[Caller Old School]

What was that?

[Caller Vance]

Was it a fable, a book?

[Caller Old School]

Or.

[Caller Vance]

Where did the saying. The boy who kept crying wolf. Where did that come from?

[Caller Old School]

Paul?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I thought that was a nursery, not a rhyme.

[Caller Vance]

Yeah.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Esau. Esau. Aesop's fable.

[Caller Vance]

Yeah. Oh, it was an esops. Okay. I didn't. I didn't know. I always thought it applied to being a liar. Yeah.

[Caller Old School]

And my point. My point next is.

[Paul Feinbaum]

And by the way, the. The next time I'm going, next time John calls in, I'm going to read another one of Aesop's fables. And. And maybe. Maybe the hair. Maybe the hair and the tortoise.

[Caller Vance]

Well, you gotta.

[Caller Old School]

I can't speak about John.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, the boy who cried wolf was Just one of those fables.

[Caller Vance]

Okay, well, that's how I'm starting to feel about all this talk for years now about this damn congress and college football. I mean, I'm over it. You are required to present these things. I understand that, but Paul, I am damn tired of it. The next person I hear expound on this great language they can use and this, that and the other, I'm just gonna go. I don't want to hear it. I mean, I'm sick of it. So all I'm ready to do is watch guys play ball. Now here, real quick. I'm gonna say what I think. I'm very excited about summer off at Florida and Golish at Auburn. I am happy about the other gentlemen, but in my opinion. And I'm gonna throw. My God, I'm. I'm having an old man moment. Coach Kiffin in at lsu. He too, believe it or not, is a first time coach at that university. The SEC is not the SEC with a weak Auburn and Florida football program. That is not our conference without them. And. And we need LSU to be strong too, because that makes everybody else better. I will pull for the guy at Arkansas that harkens back to days long ago. I know, but Arkansas was good. But I'm excited about our coaches. I really think, you know, there's new blood there.

[Caller Old School]

What's wrong with that?

[Caller Vance]

That's what it takes. Everybody has to start somewhere. And so I'm rooting for all those schools and oh my God. And by the way, all I'm going to say about it, I was told I could ask about it, but I'm not. This show's not right. When I don't hear from Legend all week long. It's just not right. So with that, my friend.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, yeah, let me address that because. Because you and I shoot straight. We don't hide behind any. Anyone else. I don't really have an update on that. I. We have. I did talk to him the other day and he's going through a very laborious process right now. And that's entirely up to him to decide what he wants to do. He's obviously not very happy with the way things went. And I, like you, miss him terribly. We all do. Thanks for the call. We are up against the break. More to come right after this.

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[Chris Doring]

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off the face of the earth with no contact.

[Narrator (Podcast Promo)]

Is this a family on the run or is the truth far more sinister? From ABC Audio in 2020, this is what happened to the mixed days. Coming August 11th, wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to 2020 True Crime plus on Apple Podcasts for ad free episodes, early access to new episodes and so much more.

[Paul Feinbaum]

You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum show podcast.

We are back and let's check in with Iman up next. Good afternoon.

[Caller Iman]

Hey, good afternoon, Paul. Thank you for taking my call. I heard Vance talking about, you know, he, it's not the same with that legend and I agree with that and, and I really do appreciate the clarification you gave on everything that is what as it sits yesterday. I talked to Legend this morning and, and you know, he's, he wants to call, but right now he's just going to take everything and, and take the break and just pay attention to some other things that are taking place. And, and when it comes time, he'll, he'll be back. And, and that's, that's what it is. And mean that's, in all honesty, that's, that's where it sits. I mean, everybody, Squirrel and I and the black cats are still right behind him. I think you are and in several other people. But you know, sometimes everybody's other things, you know, it just makes it for a real cloudy spot. And in legend holds no grudges with anybody. He just, it's just this is what's come up and this is what he's dealing with. Paula, let me, can I do something real quick? I'm gonna do something that may, it may cost me my spot, but let me take some people behind the black cat status and I'll try one out with you because.

[Caller Old School]

Go ahead.

[Caller Iman]

I know where it stands with Squirrel and Legend. You know, I've talked about this one guy.

[Caller Vance]

Was that okay to do that?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Of course.

[Caller Vance]

Okay.

[Caller Iman]

I was talking about this one guy and he's a tremendous fan of his team. He comes win, lose a draw. He's got a great chuckle, a great sense of life and where life has been. He's a real person. And I tell you, just listening to him talk, his travels have Taken him in some very unusual places. I mean, there really ought to be a book. He ought to write a book. Seriously. He's a musician. He's traveled. He ate at counters he couldn't eat at. He couldn't even drink free water, you know, couldn't get a motel room. And through all of that, he traveled with some of the most transcending stars in the. In the music world that were so innovative that. That's a lot of the styles that we listen to today. And our favorite artists, a lot of people may not realize that, but a lot of the roots of the music they listen to come straight from the guys that Ricky from Mississippi was jamming with. And I've been trying to get a hold of Ricky with the number I have, but is. I don't know if it's a good or what. And. But over the air, and maybe I. Maybe I'm stepping out here, but I'm gonna offer Ricky from Mississippi a black hat. Because Ricky from Mississippi is just a fascinating human being to me, and he is the squirrel and the legend.

And.

And I'm going to ask you what you think.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I mean, you know what I think. Ricky has been one of the unsung heroes of this program. He's been calling in a long time. He's loyal to his team. We don't hear from him much, but every time we hear from him, I can tell you my ears are perched up a little higher than usual.

[Caller Iman]

Oh, mine too. I stop what I'm doing, and if

[Caller Vance]

I record the program and I see

[Caller Iman]

Ricky from Mississippi, I run it back and I listen. But I think he's a fantastic human being. And, you know, maybe I shouldn't have done that. I should have done it personally, but I'm just going out on a limb and I'm gonna risk everything in my position, but I'm offering Ricky from Mississippi black hat brother, and I hope you accept.

[Caller Vance]

And.

[Caller Iman]

And when you can, if you hear about this, call in and tell us. Tell us what you think, but we'd be honored to have you, dude. Paul, thank you for your time and efforts. And in war, Damn Eagle. And y' all have a great day.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Bash is up next. Good afternoon, Bash.

[Caller Bash]

Good afternoon, Bash brother, and happy Friday to you. I'm sorry you're getting attacked from crazy John from St. Louis of his nervousness about the misery football season coming up, Paul. But let me ask you a question more directly on that subject. Do you think with the 16 teams we have in the SEC conference, will Missouri finish in the top eight? Or the bottom eight in your, in your opinion?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I think Missouri is literally right in the middle. So I would tend to think probably bottom eight.

[Caller Bash]

You. Oh, that's what I'm saying, Paul. Yep, that's what I'm saying. And it's like they have been in the conference for the last 13 years and yet Texas and Oklahoma come right in and they win multiple national championships in multiple sports. And let me ask you this though, Paul, about the. Specifically on football, with Missouri football, do you think that if they have a, like the kind of season that some of the Tennessee fans are expecting, like that's got hype on the hot seats. Do you think that Eli is in any trouble of his expectations of you gotta get to a playoff at some point. But at least in Hypo's case, he took his team to the playoffs with Nico Emaliava of all quarterbacks. Get me started. But what do you think, Paul?

[Paul Feinbaum]

The thing Missouri has going for them, Bash, is, is the one of the better schedules in the sec. That's critical. You know that you hear us obsess about schedules, but they have one of the better ones. So they have a leg up from that standpoint. If they fail to get near the playoff, I don't think the heat's going to be on him. He's got a AD that's been, he's been there a while and things are moving positively. Those two good years, those two good years with 11 and 10 wins bought Eli a lot of capital in a place that hasn't won in a long time. That's true.

[Caller Bash]

But you just said their season coming up is going to be, in your opinion, easy. Can you bring it up and we break it down so I can see, see where these like potential 10 wins are going to come from?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, we, we'll get this, we'll get the schedule up, though. The one thing about the schedule that's really interesting as we punch it up is the second week of the season at Kansas. I believe that's a Friday night game. Is that a Friday night game or not? I'm trying to remember a Saturday game.

[Caller Bash]

Yeah, it's a Saturday, just like last year.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Okay, so here, the front half of the schedule, I mean, A and M is the toughest game. I don't see a lot of real. I mean, I think Ole Miss is a potential loss.

[Caller Iman]

Maybe.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Let me look at the losses first. Yeah, go ahead. I see two automatic losses. I see three losses. And then how does Missouri handle home games against Oklahoma late in the year? Is Oklahoma in the Playoffs or they already packed it in. How do they handle. I mentioned A and M. Do they stumble against Mississippi State, by the way? I think I thought I was on something that they do have a Friday night game. So I'm going to tell you what I don't like a Friday night game for Missouri at Kansas.

[Caller Bash]

Yeah. Because now it's September 11th and before was September 12th. I see it. So the Kansas game is going to be a 50, 50. I think the Florida game with some all coming in, I think that's going to be a favorite game for him. There's no way they beat A and M. Elko is not going to let that game. He's a better coach than Eli is. You know that Paul. He's been in the playoffs. He's proven himself. So has Pete Golding with Ole Miss. Another SEC playoff coach. Then you get to Arkansas. Okay, it's Silverfield's first year and then Eli has the advantage. But like you said, the two games he has got no shot in winning is against Texas and Georgia. Back to back the two hardest games back to back on any SEC schedule and then you gotta follow that up with Kentucky and Oklahoma. I think he'll split those games. What about you?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I'm gonna, I'm gonna. I'm gonna do it in my head right now. I see 1, 2, 3, 4. I think they go 8 and 4.

[Caller Bash]

Nah, I go 7 and 5. We'll see who's right at the end of the season. Bash brother. But let's be honest. 8 and 4, 7 and 5, that's another.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I don't know if I'll be right or you'll be right. One thing I know I'm right about and I don't know why, but you hate Missouri.

[Caller Bash]

I absolutely despise misery, miserable, mediocre Missouri, roll damn Tide.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I mean I don't know anybody that hates Missouri. Maybe Kansas fan, but an Alabama fan hating Missouri. Rick in Houston is up next.

[Caller Rick in Houston]

Oh, you know, a couple of things before I get to. What I really wanted to talk to you about. Missouri. Man, we don't know right now. I know Ahmad, hot crap, what's his name?

[Caller John from St. Louis]

Hardy.

[Caller Rick in Houston]

Running back. You know he's. He was medically cleared but you know, he's probably not in football shape so that could be big for Missouri. But also gotta agree with Iman Ricky. Ricky is a fantastic caller and one that I'm always interested in hearing what he has to say. Paul, I had an idea. I think it's time for some new blood. When you're out and about and have people come up on the set for you. And I think when you go to Georgia, there's one guy that we've got to get up on the set with you. And whether we have to start a GoFundMe or whatever to get him there. Paul, that's Swamp Dog. I think it would make for absolutely entertaining tv. I think it would be akin to when a squirrel gets loose in a major league ballpark. Do you think you could keep him on track?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, I'm trying to remember where Swampdog is from Waycross. Yeah, That. That would, that would seemingly be doable. We could, we could send the. The fine bomb show bus and go pick him up.

[Caller Rick in Houston]

I think it would be. I think it would be absolutely just mind boggling.

[Caller Scott]

I mean, it's just, it's just an

[Caller Rick in Houston]

idea, Paul, but some fresh blood up on the set with you. I just, I just think it would be like a dog with ADHD trying to. When he sees a squirrel that, uh, I think it would be, uh, absolutely. Just hilarious.

[Paul Feinbaum]

I don't think about. Thanks for the call. It's not exactly around the corner from Athens, but we will, we will effort that. As the saying goes, we need a break here. I think we do A lot happening on a Friday afternoon. We'll be right back.

You're listening to the Paul Fine Bomb show podcast.

Paul, what's up, buddy?

[Caller Iman]

You can hear me now?

[Paul Feinbaum]

I can.

[Caller Iman]

Okay, man. I just want to say, man, it's that time. I can't wait. I'm so excited. I'm pumped up. And you know me, man, I'm a Sooner Die Hard sooner. And our motto is, man, sooner versus everybody. We ain't tripping about who's running the conference, the sec, the Big ten, or the whatever, you know, saying we don't care about that. But I really called in because a good buddy of mine said he talked to you. My boy Mark Rogers.

[Paul Feinbaum]

That's true. Sure is.

[Caller Iman]

Yeah.

[Caller Vance]

He's a great guy.

[Caller Iman]

He knows the sports, you know what I'm saying? And he's very respectful. I've been dealing with him for years, man. And when I was listening to the radio station and I heard him say he talked to you, and I said, I said I gotta call in and holl at my boy Paul. But I'm really ready for the season and I'm so excited and, and I'm just pumped up, man. I'm just so pumped up. You know, usually I call in early because I'm at the barbershop, but I just want to Say, man, I appreciate you, buddy. I'm looking forward to see you like

[Caller Old School]

always do, you know, ahead of time when you're going to be here or

[Caller Iman]

they just make it out when, when the season?

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, I mean, we have, we have a vague idea of the first two or three weeks of the season, but I mean, Oklahoma almost Oklahoma plays so many important home games. I'll be shocked if we don't get out there pretty quickly.

[Caller Iman]

Okay, well, Brett, buddy, you know how to get in touch with me. Whatever you need, I got you. And you know I'm saying I just want to hang out with my good old buddy Paul Fine Bomb. And I just want to say thank you guys because you know, saying you guys make the callers, you know what I'm saying? And you give us a chance to voice our opinion, say we want to say and we have a good time. And I just want to say, I think, is it John? Hey, he needs a hug, Paul. He's. He just need a hug because I don't know, I just give, just give him his problems. I love listening to him. I love everybody, but he definitely needs a hug. I love you, my guy. And I can't wait to see you, start to see you. So you have a wonderful day and

[Caller Bash]

God bless Buddy Scissorhands.

[Paul Feinbaum]

See you soon. Thanks so much for the call. Joe is up next. Good afternoon, Joe.

[Caller Scott]

Roll, tie, rope, Bob and hey, I'm actually in Tupelo, Mississippi today and me and my buddy Ron, we came up here to pick up a car and fixed agent the China House buffet.

[Caller Rick in Houston]

But I had to give a call

[Caller Scott]

in and say, don't let them haters get to you, Paul. Don't let them get to you. But I got a little message for the little tenors up there. The SEC is going to come back in full force. We're going to come back and we're going to take that championship. And the last three they've had, they can stick them where the sun don't shine. But Paul, you have a great weekend, brother. Glad I got to get in with you. I'll talk to you.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Money by Man Scott is up next in Georgia. Hey, Scott. Go right ahead.

[Caller Scott]

Hey, afternoon, sir. So I know on this whole debate, if you give me just a moment to kind of work through this exercise, as you see Big Ten, I'm gonna give you, I'm going off Athlon magazine, which I've used as a, as a kind of a guide for years, since I was a kid. And I'm gonna give you the top 10 matchups. SEC versus Big 10.

[Caller Old School]

I want you to say who you

[Caller Scott]

think right now would win just off the top of your head.

[Caller Bash]

Number one.

[Caller Scott]

Ohio State versus Georgia.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Well, Scott, you got to tell me where the game is. Otherwise, it's a. It's a useless proposition.

[Caller Scott]

Say, neutral site. Let's go. Let's go. Neutral site.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Ohio State. Ohio State versus Georgia.

[Caller Scott]

Yes, sir.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Ohio State.

[Caller Vance]

All right.

[Caller Scott]

Indiana, Texas, Texas, Oregon, Oklahoma, Oregon, Michigan. A and M. A and M. Usc, lsu, lsu, Washington, Ole Miss.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Ole Miss.

[Caller Scott]

Penn State, Alabama, Alabama, Iowa Tech. Tennessee. Might go with Iowa, Illinois, Florida.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Illinois.

[Caller Iman]

Wow.

[Caller Scott]

And Nebraska. USC or South Carolina. South Carolina. Nebraska. South Carolina.

[Paul Feinbaum]

South Carolina.

[Caller Vance]

Okay.

[Caller Scott]

And of course, it dives off from there. I think, honestly, again, top to bottom, our league is still better. But you're not wrong. We've got to get it done at the top. I'm a big Georgia fan, but look,

[Caller Old School]

we got to get our big boy

[Caller Scott]

pants on and take care of business in the playoff. But I still think top to bottom, our league is still the best. Hey, you do a great job. Appreciate you.

[Paul Feinbaum]

Yeah, Scott, thank you. And I know some people are like, why did you say what you did this morning on espn? I've already said all that other stuff. We're not. We're not. We're not equivocating about 8 versus 9. We're really talking about the perception. What's the best league right now? And it's not only what happened last year, it's what's happened the last couple of years. And it's also the playoff matchups. Those have to be a premium. A playoff matchup is going to count a whole lot more than some random game in the third week of the season. And that's where the SEC is losing in almost every category. We'll be right back.