Hour 3: Chris Vannini, The Athletic - The Paul Finebaum Show

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[00:00]
Narrator/Announcer
You know, when you're locked in, focused and fearless.
[00:04]
Chris Vannini
Welcome to the wnba.
[00:06]
Narrator/Announcer
Your vision narrows. You can't look away. Every assist, every stop, every logo. Three from beyond the logo, every. Did you see that moment, you big. What records are going to be broken this season? All of it. Right here. Lock in. It's the WNBA on ESPN all season long.
[00:32]
Paul Feinbaum Show Producer/Announcer
Pride, passion and pageantry of college football lives here. This is the Paul Feinbaum Show. Our three podcasts.
[00:45]
Big Man
This might be college football.
[00:50]
Elmo
Welcome back.
[00:51]
Paul Feinbaum
Second half of the program is live.
[00:53]
Vance
Really great.
[00:54]
Paul Feinbaum
First two hours. Chris Ranini, a number of subjects to discuss with him from the athletic. How about the quote of the day that everybody's talking, and that is Kurt Signetti. We don't run a hype machine up here in the Midwest. We believe everything is earned, not given. And when we fall short, we say we fell short. We don't cry river, whine and complain. That's why we're the best. Chris, you got to give him credit. He. He just went right to the point, didn't he? Did not. Did not miss a punctuation point. Good afternoon. Tell us about it.
[01:30]
Chris Vannini
Hey, Paul. Good to be here. I mean, that's what Kurt Signetti does. This is a guy who was talking big before he'd even coached a game at Indiana. So what do you think he's going to say when he's coming off of a national championship? Of course he's going to do that. Now, you can say that when you've won three straight championships. And I would even say the Big Ten does have a hype machine this year. They put the three championship trophies up at the, at the podium, at the press conference. They should have a hype machine because they have won the last three. There were some people the last couple of years had been saying the Big Ten wasn't doing enough to hype itself up, considering what it had accomplished. So Kurt Signetti, I think he was the last one to speak, just puts a stamp on the Big Ten's feeling good about itself.
[02:18]
Paul Feinbaum
And I know he could have been talking about a number of suspects, but if you had to round up some of the usual ones. Usual ones and narrow it down, where would you go?
[02:31]
Chris Vannini
Well, I think it's a lot about the sec, what they've, what they said last week, what they said in the off season. And like, that's where it comes from. Like going into last week, I mean, we kicked off SEC media days with Eli Drinkwitz and some others complaining about nine game schedules and who the Big Ten doesn't play in the non conference if they're playing a Power 4 team or not. That refers to Indiana, which has a very easy non conference schedule once again. And you know, Steve Sarkeesian making the comments about Texas Tech schedule, you know, like we've seen a lot of that. Last week's SEC media days was a lot of complaining. And you can't really do that when the other conference, the other biggest conference has beaten you up in the playoff the last couple of years. Now, that's not to say everything Kurt Signetti said was right to say. You know, we don't whine and complain. He wasn't in the Big Ten at this time. But you and I remember 20 years ago after Florida beat Ohio State in the national championship to start the era of SEC dominance, then Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney wrote an open letter basically saying the SEC was letting kids into school that they shouldn't be letting in school just because they were good at playing football. So now we've come all the way back around where the Big Ten is talking about how they can spend more money than other people now, and now they've won the championship. So we've come a long way in 20 years. Most of today's college football players weren't even alive when that happened. But I know you and I remember that.
[04:03]
Paul Feinbaum
Chris Vanini with us. Chris, that's certainly the shots fired today. There's not many shots being fired from Washington, D.C. it's never over. The reporting seems to indicate that it's losing steam by the second. And that's the Senate bill that a lot of people were confident in. I know you've been following it. What's your interpretation of where we are today and can this thing be saved at all next week?
[04:35]
Chris Vannini
You know, over the past, I don't know, two or three days, I think we've passed, you know, four or five hard, fast deadlines. This is the deadline and nope, there's another deadline. And I think back to a couple of years ago when I was talking to some members of Congress about this whole thing and asking, what are the chances that something can happen, can this actually get through? And what they told me then was that when things come together, they usually do at the very last minute. And it's very quick. And people don't support something, don't support something, don't support it to the very last second. And then they do and it passes. So the Senate has adjourned for the week. It appeared that they would not be able to essentially file cloture for the bill to put it up for a vote next week. Well, now actually maybe he could do it on Monday. Next week is the final last, probably big week, because they go in a month long recess at the end of the week. And when everybody comes back after that at the end of August, everybody's in reelection mode. It's a lame duck session. Now, they could try to pass it in a lame duck session. So it seems like it's not in a great place. Charlie Baker just now put out a statement about it imploring the schools to support it. We're still waiting on the SEC and Big Ten, basically coming down to how hard of a cap this supposed salary cap is. So it seems like it's not great right now, but it's never dead until it's buried in the ground.
[06:06]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, I understand all that, Chris. But knowing how many hard deadlines they've had to deal with so far, it doesn't seem like the SEC and the Big Ten really seem to care today when about four deadlines passed and you
[06:21]
Chris Vannini
saw Ted Cruz put out a tweet trying to clarify. It really is. We're playing politics with a lot of this, but it's literally because this is politics and everybody puts out these statements and says this is the last chance. We've done our last negotiation. But it's clear that the people in the Senate really want to get this over the finish line. They have made many adjustments that the Big Ten and the SEC have wanted. They don't want to go into recess without this passing. Can they find that last final thing to get the SEC in Big Ten over the thing? It's still possible. It doesn't look great, but I think everybody knows this is their last chance. If it doesn't happen now, it's never happening. And so are they really going to not let it go to the end? We'll see. We still got a little bit of time.
[07:13]
Paul Feinbaum
I'm curious though, take us inside the mindset of the people that are holding it up, at least in theory. I mean, I don't really care what Charlie Baker thinks about anything. I mean, he'd support a moving train right at his feet if it could help his beleaguered organization. But in Sankey and Petiti's case, they have this investment, so I can't explain it, even though I've interviewed one of them. Can you try to explain why they just can't seem to get this past their membership knowing that there isn't anything on the other side?
[07:51]
Elmo
Well,
[07:54]
Chris Vannini
it's basically coming down to like as we saw when the initial bill came out, every word matters because, like, this is law. This is not something you can just revote and change on a whim. And so Tony Petiti keeps saying, like, the language of this matters. They needed to see the final bill language, not just adjustments, before they could make some determinations. And this is partly coming down to the cap. And do these third party entities working with the school or not, does this count toward the cap? They're still trying to figure out one of these last things, the stuff about expansion, the sum about TV rights that wasn't like really the thing that was ultimately holding this up. Because there is a concern that in creating a cap, are you creating a enforceable cap? Because if not, you're just creating a new floor. That's what we've seen now. The cap was supposed to be about 20.5 million. Well, then it turns out you can use Learfield and Play Fly and all these companies to go far beyond that. And so that's kind of the last bit of thing that is holding this up. And I don't know, did the SEC in the Big ten after this, they then have the leverage to go to the Big 12 and the ACC and be like, look, we need to change the CSC now. We need to raise the cap to a level we want it to get to or we're going to go off into our self governance thing. So they've got options. It's not always the ideal option, but they still have leverage if this doesn't pass, which is why they can continue to hold out on the Senate thing as long as they can.
[09:29]
Paul Feinbaum
Chris Fanini, appreciate it very much. We'll take a short break here. More to come, more of your phone calls. We are coming right back.
[09:38]
Paul Feinbaum Show Producer/Announcer
You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum show podcast.
[09:43]
Paul Feinbaum
Welcome back. As Bash is up next in Boulder,
[09:48]
Podcast Narrator
in a sunny Californian suburb, one family's home is unusually quiet.
[09:53]
Narrator/Announcer
When detectives walked into that house, they said that it was like time just stood still.
[09:58]
Podcast Narrator
It's 2010 and the McStay family is nowhere to be found inside the home. No clear answer where the family could have gone.
[10:06]
Narrator/Announcer
Husband, wife and two children, all gone. Like, poof, Disappeared.
[10:11]
Podcast Narrator
The search for the McStays quickly captures the nation. But for years, the search for answers only brings more questions.
[10:18]
Narrator/Announcer
Who's ever heard of an entire family going missing?
[10:21]
Bash
A family of four doesn't just drop
[10:23]
Paul Feinbaum
off the face of the earth with no contact.
[10:25]
Podcast Narrator
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 McStays. Coming August 11th, wherever you get your podcast or subscribe to 2020 True Crime plus on Apple Podcasts for ad, free episodes, early access to new episodes, and so much more.
[10:48]
Bash
My man, Bash Brother, thank you for taking me on the show. I wanted to. I just want to say this. What pissed me off so much about John from South Carolina's call about comparing Kaylin DeBoer to Nick Saban in their second seasons. Right. So what pisses me off the most, Paul, is that I know people on their talking shows are going to bring up the same points that Kaylin DeBoer lost to Kurt Signetti, the eventual national champions, just like Nick Saban lost to Urban Meyer and the eventual national champions. But, Paul, how many games can you remember in Nick Saban's tenure, Alabama, where he waved the white flag in the fourth quarter?
[11:30]
Paul Feinbaum
Never. You know the answer to that.
[11:31]
Bash
The answer is never. And how many Times in the two years that Caleb DeBoer has coached in his eight losses, how many of those games, Paul, have been white flags before the fourth quarter started?
[11:42]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, and that was my argument, and I'm doing it from memory. But Bash, it's. It's not the number of losses. It's not. It's the, the inexplicable losses. And this guy had the nerve to bring up LA Monroe. I mean, Saban was playing with a high school team that day. I mean, I. I mean, he. Alabama was lucky to have a winning record. I mean, they beat. They beat a Tennessee team during the season that they had no business beating. But Saban was the coach and they were able to hang in a number of games.
[12:14]
Big Man
Right.
[12:14]
Bash
And Saban had to inherit Shula's program, rather, from DeBoer. Inherited.
[12:19]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah.
[12:19]
Bash
Saveman's program up Turkey overtime against the team that blew out Deborah's team in the national championship. But yesterday a Tennessee fan came on and asked you what was, like, your expectation. You say it was eight and four. Right. But I think like you were saying yesterday about Alabama being 9 and 3, that's going to be the. The swing game right there between Alabama and Tennessee this year. But, Paul, remind me, 2022 and 2024, what were the results of Alabama versus Tennessee?
[12:50]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, I mean, they lost both games when they should have won both games,
[12:56]
Bash
and both games were in Knoxville, Tennessee. The crowd, you know how intense that environment's going to be, Paul, will you say that would be one of the top three most hostile environments DeBoer will be going into his third year, easily.
[13:10]
Paul Feinbaum
You know, LSU speaks for itself, but the LSU game is. You have to put an asterisk by that. I don't know what LSU is going to be looking like in November. They could be a championship team. They could be a team with four losses. So a lot. It doesn't matter what Tennessee has done before that mid October game. A good point.
[13:30]
Bash
I mean, we know what game we have before that mid October game in Tuscaloosa against Georgia, going on the road to Kentucky and then hopefully redeeming ourselves when we have the third week of the season against Florida State. We can get through those weeks. Paul, with one loss, do you think that will be a success going into Knoxville?
[13:50]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, I mean, I don't. I'm not. That would be the expectation. I don't see Alabama lose. You know, I'm. The Kentucky game. Come on, let's, let's, let's. Let's hold our horses on the hype for that game.
[14:09]
Bash
You what? What else do you have to like? You and the SEC network, Paul. That's what. Exactly. You guys are gonna have to do the same thing you did last year between Michigan and Oklahoma, which is like, that was the only game in week two, which was worse.
[14:22]
Paul Feinbaum
No, no, I agree. We will be at that game. I can guarantee it. And, and we'll be. You'll. You'll hear me go, hey, better watch out. But don't believe anything I say that day.
[14:33]
Bash
Yes, sir. Yes, sir. And I'll put your quote on this segment that we're having right on the record. You are the best batch, brother. Roll. Damn. Tide and Auburn. Shut your damn mouths.
[14:44]
Paul Feinbaum
Handsome Joe is up next.
[14:48]
Caller Joe
Roll, Ty. Roll. Paul. Fine. Bomb. And hey, Bash had a pretty good call there. Paul. That was a good conversation y' all just had. I'm not really shocked. Bash is actually becoming, you know, he. He's pretty good. He's doing his homework, so he knows what he's. He know what he's talking about these days. But Paul, it was just so good. And I heard Robert, man, I couldn't wait to get back home and give you a call because, man, it was just so good to hear Robert. I've been thinking about him. I had somebody at the Piggy Wig, of all places the other day asked me about Robert, and I said, you know what? I don't know. I'm gonna have to ask Paul about that. Him, because I don't know, you know what. What's going on with him. And, man, it's just good to hear him. Paul, it Was. And hey, I'm jealous. I wish I could have got to go up there. Williams too. And I want to meet Robert one day. That's on my bucket list. Paul, Kurt Signetti, I mean, he's not wrong at what he said. I mean, I mean, they do, you know, they've had the top spot, you know, the past three years and, you know, three different teams. So, you know, I give them kudos there. We're deeper, you know, further down the, you know, in the conference, but, you know, they don't give you championships. We got to get it back on. SEC is hungry. I mean, we're mad at hungry now, but you know what? We're not really care. And what Kurt Signati says each team is worried about. You know, there's. There's a handful of teams right now in the SEC that's buying just to be the top of our own conference. Because if we can do that, I mean, our top few teams, we're going to have a shot at this national and get this back to the sec. There's no doubt in my mind. So Big Ten, our little tenders, y' all get ready. Because, you know, I'd say all I could right now, because by the end of the year, I think that one of the SEC teams is going to do it. Maybe Georgia. That's. That would be my pick right now. And. But after that, you know, I agree with you. Who knows what LSU is going to do? I don't know. Only thing we're sure about them is they're gonna eat plenty of corn dogs. Paul, you have a good brother. I'm glad I got to talk to you. And hey, Robert and I will love you, brother. Man, it's good to hear you call today. Roll, Tide, roll. Paul, five ball.
[16:38]
Paul Feinbaum
Chris is up next in South Carolina. Hello, Chris.
[16:42]
Chris from South Carolina
Oh, what's up with my man? How you doing today? You gotta answer that question because I know you finest wine. But one thing, Paul, we're gonna talk about some football today. Paul, can you help me out? This script of schedule they put out, what is it based on? Is it based on how many ranked teams you play at the beginning of the season? What is it based on?
[17:03]
Paul Feinbaum
It's a combination of a number of things. The other team's strength is schedule. Their record just. It's a power rating evaluation.
[17:14]
Big Man
Well, how.
[17:15]
Chris from South Carolina
Tell me this, how can you put strength of record? And you got all these teams in the top 10 and the top 20 and top 25, and then when they lose, you never move them out. So how the Hell, they expect the schedule line up, but then when they go to play the other conference, they get a losing record. Paul, how do we know that the SEC on the Big Ten is so strong? How do we know that the ACC is so bad?
[17:35]
Big Man
We don't know.
[17:35]
Chris from South Carolina
Every year is different. So why they put rankings on these teams? And I'm tired of hearing that the SEC is so dominant. It's a tougher place to play. Like I said the other day, it's some top teams on every conference ball. It's some top dogs and some top good teams, but everybody else is mid. And I think every. Everybody's me is about the same. How do you feel about that?
[18:00]
Paul Feinbaum
Chris? I. I've answered this question a thousand times. You know that.
[18:05]
Chris from South Carolina
Nah, but. But you. You get on here and keep beating your chest and you keep talking about SEC this, SEC that. I'm just. I'm starting to believe I like the sec. Don't get me wrong, it's good football, but with them lame coaches that y' all got, other than Kirby Smart and Bread Venables, man, SEC is weak. I think they really number third conference, Paul, to be honest with you. Because I don't think it's a team in that better than Miami.
[18:27]
Paul Feinbaum
And I think Chris trot again tomorrow with some new material. I want to go back to a question. I think it was Chris from Mountain Brook who asked me that. And I did not completely understand what he was asking me at the moment that he asked me. And it has now become a narrative of literally everyone at Big Ten media days. So it happened yesterday. I missed it. I'm sorry. Laura Rutledge was talking to McAfee. They were together up in Connecticut, and McAfee was talking about the whole big 10 sec debate, which. And we've all been. Everyone's been talking about it except the last caller. And I did not hear this. So we might. I'll just read. Read you the comment. And she said, the competition within the SEC is so difficult that nine games of craziness week in and week out, a little different than other parts, other conferences. Furthermore, they're gassed. Now, that's the line that has knocked doors down in Chicago. Stuart Mandel just tweeted, For 17 years, it was iron sharpens iron. Now the tables have turned. It's. They're gassed. I mean, literally, people are going on and on. And the bottom line is, and I'm pretty sure Laura Rutledge is well aware of this, the SEC wasn't playing nine games last year. They were Only playing eight. They are playing eight, nine games now. So, I mean, I didn't hear the context of it, but, you know, as we all know, and we've all been victimized, and right now, unfortunately, Laura is under attack for something that she gave an honest answer to. But all the Big Ten hype monsters are attacking her as if the SEC put out an official statement saying we can't compete because we're gassed. There are a lot of factors in all that, but that's also playing into the signetti line, playing into, you know, all the usual suspects in my medium just going on now. Listen, I don't. I've already said what I've said. I said it again yesterday on espn, two different times. I've said it for six months that I think the SEC is not a better conference than the Big Ten. I didn't. I've never used a line like that. But I'm just trying to put some things into context. But right now, if you. Saban dealt with it last week because he said he thought the SEC was a better conference. And what happens is, I mean, even though I was on a show right after Coach Saban last week saying a different thing, you know, these Big Ten wannabe, you know, media types just lump all this together as if we come out of the committee meeting at SEC headquarters with the same script. But again, I mainly wanted to clear that up because Chris asked me that question and I was somewhat unclear on what he was trying to get at, but he knew a lot more about it than I did. We'll take a short break. We are coming back, more of your phone calls right after this.
[22:14]
Paul Feinbaum Show Producer/Announcer
You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum Show Podcast.
[22:20]
Paul Feinbaum
We are back, and Vance is up next.
[22:25]
Vance
Hey, Paul, first of all, I wanted to say to Robert from Iowa, wonderful call. Understood every word you said. And I'm. And you were very energetic. You were uplifting, and I'm so proud of your friendship and relationship with Paul. I wished I had the pleasure of knowing who you were. I didn't. But congrats, Robert. We love you. Good. You're a good caller. Am I? I. I understood what you just said. The. These people from the Big Ten are trying to give Laura Rutledge down the road for.
[23:09]
Paul Feinbaum
For saying what she did, 100%.
[23:14]
Vance
What do they want her to do? She went to the University of Florida.
[23:17]
Paul Feinbaum
No, no, it's not about anything other than what she said yesterday.
[23:22]
Vance
Yeah, well, you know, I dropped that. I dropped the, the sword on them. And especially after Elliot got exposed for for what I've learned, nothing makes you madder than somebody. If I'm going to be kind being deceptive with you, you don't like that. And this goes back to Braxton. I mean, you're hardcore about that, and there's nothing wrong with it. But, I mean, to get to go giving her down the road really pisses me off. We don't hear from those guys anymore. But it just shows one thing to me. You got no class. You know, the University of Michigan won the national championship three years ago. And, you know, your, your, Your show was not flooded. Not flooded with Michigan callers. I, I found them very classy, even though maybe they were ashamed to call, but. Oh, my gosh, I mean, how do you do that? And, and furthermore. Yeah, you know, you've got. That one person needs to start the season every year once he got his program going with some of the best opening games ever. And it was Nick Saban. And they call up and they talk about how weak the damn sec, you know, y' all need to go nine games. I told you long ago, this is a ploy to weaken our conference. That's their whole goal. But Saban would play teams from everywhere, and his team was always prepared. And so Ohio State's gonna start bumping their gums, and here they're gonna play Ball State on the first game of the season. Okay, outstanding. Paul, you are playing a rugged bunch of guys now. I'm gonna get my. I'm gonna get the hair pulled out of my head with my next segment. Signetti. To me, he's earned the right to say what he said. He earned it. Brett Bielema, he's won two bowl games in a row against Southeastern Conference opponents. Well, there's two sides of this. On the one hand, when they're the losing team, you say, well, it's just a bowl game. It doesn't matter. But when you're the winning team, it matters a lot. Does that make any sense?
[26:05]
Paul Feinbaum
It makes perfect sense. Sure.
[26:07]
Vance
I mean, bottom line is we've kind of got our ass kicked the last couple of years in bowl games.
[26:15]
Caller Joe
Paul.
[26:16]
Vance
And I don't like it any more than anybody else does, but.
[26:21]
Paul Feinbaum
Well, but Vance is not. It's not only. It's not only that. It's the. I think it was at five straight CFP games. It's the same story there, too. You know, last year, the year before. That's really what it's all about. It's about meaningful games. It's not about Brett Bielem beating Shane Beamer a couple years ago. I mean, it's. It's more important than you're. You're not. I mean, if that. If that gives you the right to go into media days, then good for you. Thanks for the call. Elmo is up next. Elmo, go right ahead.
[26:59]
Elmo
I'm on the air. Paul, I know you're in deep. I know you are in deep sorrow over losing the Birmingham Stallions.
[27:09]
Paul Feinbaum
I. Yeah, I heard that news today. And Elmo, I don't know, but where have we covered this same story before?
[27:21]
Elmo
I really hope they never put another team back, any league, put another spring football team back in this city again. I think the only thing we'll wind up having is the Barons, the Double A baseball team.
[27:38]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, the only thing I'll say about that, the hard part was. I mean. I mean, I've been here for a year while they were playing and they got. They got good support. So it's not like it. You can't. What happened is you got. You have an obnoxious New York owner of the league who never liked that guy, who never liked the south, and that's why. That's why it happened.
[28:03]
Elmo
Oh, I hate Repoli. Is that how you pronounce his name? Repoli?
[28:08]
Paul Feinbaum
That is correct.
[28:10]
Elmo
I don't know. Anyway, bad football, bad coaching. This town is never going to support that. Never. Don't, Don't. Don't even try to do it. So I'm glad they're gone. And he's fighting himself, Paul, because this is the number one TV market for the ufl.
[28:30]
Paul Feinbaum
No, no. It was also one of the better markets for attempt. But again, I saw the news earlier. It's all over it. But again. But this was. This. The die was cast on this Elmo.
[28:45]
Elmo
Oh, yeah. Before the season even started.
[28:47]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah.
[28:48]
Elmo
The fact that he. Yeah, the fact that he got rid of a good coach, Skip. Skip Holtz, and brought in what you correctly said the last time we talked about it, that you could find 25 or 30 high school coaches within the eyesight of your house that could very easily coach better than what he did.
[29:12]
Paul Feinbaum
Well, but Elmo, they did the same old thing they've always done. They get somebody who once had a big name and we're believe that would translate and he didn't sell a ticket. He clearly didn't know what he was doing as a coach. And it's. It's a sad ending. Elmo, thank you. Great to hear from you. We're up against the break. We are back right after this minute.
[29:34]
Paul Feinbaum Show Producer/Announcer
You're listening to the Paul Fine Bomb show podcast
[29:41]
Paul Feinbaum
and we are back in. Big man is up next in Birmingham. Hello? Big Man. Big man, you there?
[29:53]
Big Man
Yeah man, I'm here. I'm sorry about that. How you doing today?
[29:57]
Paul Feinbaum
Great.
[30:00]
Big Man
Got a couple questions and want to make a couple comments. The first thing is with Ms. Raleigh Jonah's situation. You know, I listen to her all the time. I think that she's, she's pretty good. But if she was my friend and, or my co worker, I would have to let her know that in the business that she's in, you know, stuff like that's going to happen. You know, the show that, that she's on and, and even this show, you know, a lot of people get criticized and talked about their, their, their conferences and things of that nature and that type of stuff gonna happen, man, you know what I'm saying? So she just need to be locked and loaded for next time, you know what I'm saying? She got her, her friends and co workers gotta let her know, man, when you're out there like that, you know these people gonna shoot, gonna shoot shots at you. So that's just part of the business and I don't think it's going to be the last time. The thing about Deborah for me and you had a caller, man, you know, he was trying to compare Nick Saban first years and things. I don't agree with that at all. But he was, he wasn't wrong, man, on, on the part when he said that Alabama hired him. At the end of the day, for me, great coach, good guy and everything. And you can't replace Nick. But what I can say is, you know, the mentality of a coach, you know, a lot of these coaches in SEC can coach a lot of good coaches out there and that when it comes to the X's and O's. But what about when it comes to the mentality or the mindset of a team? And that was Nick Saban for me more than anything. So if you, if you're trying to replace somebody, man, you can't, you know, you just want to get a good coach. There's a lot of them out there, okay? But there are things that have happened on the sidelines that I know for a fact that will have never happened if Nick Saban when he was coaching. And so at the end of the day, man, you, you know, you, you analyze these guys.
[31:48]
Paul Feinbaum
You go, hey, hey, big, big man. Allow me to ask you a question. I'm not asking you to violate any confidentiality because I'm Pretty sure I know what you're talking about. But can you at least make it easier for those who don't? What you just what you meant by things that happen on the sidelines.
[32:04]
Big Man
Yeah. Players cussing at and fighting. Not physically fighting, but disobeying, cussing coaches. And, and to the point to where you know, they had to be pulled back.
[32:16]
Paul Feinbaum
Right?
[32:16]
Big Man
Players, players was, was getting substituted to come in and, and the player didn't come out. He weighed the player off. He had to go midfield and then run back off. See, people don't see that type of stuff. Okay. And, and, and it's, it's a whole lot more than that happened. So at the end of the day, you know, when, when ain't that happening on Nick Saban Huddle on the offense or defense, when they come on the sideline, you know, everybody was hush hush and they listen and they did. They supposed to do that ain't happening. And I ain't blaming the board for that. I'm just saying this ain't the same thing, Paul. There's three coaches that should have replaced that I believe should have replaced Nick Saban, but nobody else wouldn't have want them, even you. Okay. They coaches and, and I believe that they're good coaches. But the thing about it, I got a question for you right quick. Tell me, the coaches that have won national championships at University of Alabama, what all did they have in common?
[33:13]
Paul Feinbaum
Well, they're all, they're all disciplined coaches. They put up with nothing. Most of them have been defensive coaches.
[33:29]
Big Man
Oh, I think you basically hit on the head. No nonsense coaches. They can't be dictated on and off the field. The media was damn near scared to ask some questions. Okay.
[33:39]
Paul Feinbaum
Right.
[33:40]
Big Man
And then the pot. And then the powers that be at Alabama didn't tell them what to do. Them the only people that, that have worn down there. Right. For his championships. So now I'm gonna ask you this question. You ain't gonna like these guys. You maybe, you may not. What three coaches out there? Well, let me help y'. All and y' all gonna be tripping. Am I mistaken? When they hired Nick Saban, did they not go to him and made him an offer that he could refuse?
[34:07]
Paul Feinbaum
Essentially, that is. Yeah. Yeah. Well, the timing he was. He was still coaching. He said, leave me alone. They went back to see him after the season ended and he took the job. And the reason why he took the job and you know this already, big man, they gave him complete authority on every single decision.
[34:29]
Big Man
Okay? Now, man, there's no Way in the hell. And I'm just. I know you're going through a lot, man. We lost one national championship because Nick Saban and Lane Kiss, right?
[34:41]
Paul Feinbaum
Correct.
[34:41]
Big Man
And. And I ain't gonna never let that fly down, man. Lane Kippen should have got that job, bruh. And then let me tell you, another Coach Tomlin from Pittsburgh, I know they said he don't want to coach. I wouldn't have left. I'd be knocking on his door now. I wouldn't have let him go. All right. And the third person you finish, just blow your wig on. And y' all might think I'm crazy, but I'm telling you this for a lot of reasons. Because if he was the coach, the recruiting would be off the chart. It would make the news, would be crazy. And then I just feel like, you know, no nonsense, discipline. Dion Sanders.
[35:17]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, I knew you were going. Dion right there.
[35:21]
Big Man
But see, but watch this. Watch this, Paul. They don't do it for. And I'm gonna say. I'm gonna say political reasons for. When it comes to what's name, Dion. But let me tell you something, man. You can't just get no damn anybody to come down there and coach Alabama. If you can't. If you can't be a man and stand up and tell these damn kids and your staff and people and the media what the hell you mean and what it is, you ain't. It ain't gonna work, bro. So you can go out here and hire a good coach, and the boy is a good coach, but you, You, You. He could be dictated, bro. You need you if you want to win in Alabama, you need total freaking a control. That's just it. So. And then this last thing. I'm gonna be through with this. This last thing about Congressman. That's a bunch of bs. I'm gonna ask you a question. Who represent your players, Paul?
[36:14]
Paul Feinbaum
Not a single person.
[36:16]
Big Man
Okay? So the only reason a lot of these teams are screwed because of the bow, okay? How come they ain't got some crap in there about the bow clause for the coaches? How come there ain't no cap on the coaches a salary? Okay, I can go on and on and on. This whole thing is by power and controlling money. And they in there, they trying to get it done at the right time. Because the people in there right now is garbage. How the hell you got time to talk about some damn college football when you came home, the things that's going on in the world. And at the end of the day, hell, what's the NCAA for if. If. If they ain't valid, which I heard you say, they. They ain't worth a crap. Let's do something different on that point. All these people getting paid all these money, all these. You talk about how great these. These commissioners are and all these, uh, presidents at all these universities, but then they want to pass the buck and they get paid all this money to go to Congress. Come on, bro. This is political, and it's garbage. Paul, thank you for taking my call, man. You know I appreciate you, but like I said, at the end of the day, it's a different world. And a lot of people, man, they don't even know what's really going on when it comes to sports and nil and things of that nature, man. You know what I'm saying? They just don't know. And I would appreciate it if you just educate them a little bit more, man. Just educate them a little bit more, because it ain't what they think.
[37:40]
Paul Feinbaum
Big man, I hope you'll call again. That's the best call we've had all month. That was amazing. Truly remarkable call. We are going to take a break. We have one more hour to go. We'll try to recover because big man put us all on our knees after that one. That was a good one.

Summary8 min read

The Paul Finebaum Show – Hour 3: Chris Vannini, The Athletic

Date: July 30, 2026
Host: Paul Finebaum (ESPN)
Guest: Chris Vannini (The Athletic)

Episode Overview

This hour of The Paul Finebaum Show dives deep into the intensifying SEC vs. Big Ten debate, including Coach Kurt Signetti's headline-grabbing comments and the internal posturing of both conferences. Paul and Chris Vannini of The Athletic discuss legislative developments on NIL and college football’s evolving landscape, with listeners chiming in on Alabama’s future, conference strength, and the shifting culture of the game.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Big Ten’s “No Hype Machine” and Signetti’s Shots

Kurt Signetti’s Statement: Indiana's Signetti asserts, "We don’t run a hype machine up here in the Midwest. We believe everything is earned, not given… We don’t cry river, whine and complain. That’s why we’re the best." (00:53)
Chris Vannini’s Take:
- Signetti’s bravado is natural coming off three straight national championships for the Big Ten.
- “Of course he’s going to do that. Now, you can say that when you’ve won three straight championships… The Big Ten does have a hype machine this year.” (01:30)
- Vannini notes that the display of trophies at Big Ten media days is itself a form of self-promotion and deserved hype.
SEC Context:
- SEC media days featured complaints (e.g., about 9-game schedules).
- Chris recalls the SEC’s historic dominance, citing Jim Delany’s letter post-2007, suggesting a “20-year loop” in debates about which conference is truly top dog.
- “We’ve come a long way in 20 years. Most of today’s college football players weren’t even alive when that happened.” (02:30)

Memorable Quote

"Signetti… just puts a stamp on the Big Ten’s feeling good about itself."
—Chris Vannini (01:30)

2. NIL, Congress, and the Looming Senate Bill

Current Status:
- Multiple “hard deadlines” keep passing for the Senate’s NIL bill. Senate is about to go into a month-long recess; urgency is high.
- "It seems like it’s not in a great place, but it’s never dead until it’s buried in the ground." (04:35)
- The SEC and Big Ten’s buy-in is still uncertain due to last-minute negotiation points—especially around salary caps and third-party involvement.
Vannini’s Insider View:
- Lawmaking is “quick at the last minute”—support can materialize swiftly if pressure mounts.
- Key sticking point: Will the proposed salary cap be enforceable, or can schools bypass it via third-party groups (e.g., Learfield, Play Fly)?
- “If not, you’re just creating a new floor.” (07:54)
Paul’s Frustration:
- "Knowing how many hard deadlines they’ve had… doesn’t seem like the SEC and the Big Ten really seem to care today." (06:06)
- "I don’t really care what Charlie Baker thinks… he’d support a moving train right at his feet if it could help his beleaguered organization." (07:13)

Notable Quotes

"This is law. This is not something you can just revote and change on a whim."
—Chris Vannini (07:54)

"It seems like it’s not great right now, but it’s never dead until it’s buried in the ground."
—Chris Vannini (06:06)

3. Callers Weigh In: SEC vs. Big Ten, Alabama’s Future, and Coaching Culture

a. Comparing Coaches: DeBoer vs. Saban (Bash & Paul)

Bash’s Critique: Frustrated with callers comparing Alabama’s Coach Kalen DeBoer to Nick Saban after two years, specifically criticizing “waving the white flag” in losses.
- "How many games can you remember in Nick Saban's tenure… where he waved the white flag in the fourth quarter?" (11:30)
- Paul: “Never. You know the answer to that.” (11:30)
The Saban Standard: Paul and Bash agree Saban’s teams never quit, and Saban inherited a weaker program compared to DeBoer.
Key Rivalry Talk: Alabama-Tennessee is pegged as a “swing game” for both programs in 2026, with intense discussion on expectations for Alabama’s season.

Memorable Exchange

"It's not the number of losses… it's the inexplicable losses."
—Paul Finebaum (11:41)

b. Conference Power Rankings & Schedules (Chris from South Carolina)

Chris challenges the SEC’s presumed dominance and criticizes ambiguous "strength of schedule" metrics.
- “I’m tired of hearing that the SEC is so dominant… I think every—everybody’s mid is about the same.” (17:35)
Paul’s Response: Paul tries to clarify, noting the debate has shifted and even admits, “I think the SEC is not a better conference than the Big Ten.” (21:04)
Media Narratives: Discussion surfaces regarding Laura Rutledge’s “gassed” comment about the SEC—a line seized upon and mocked by Big Ten supporters.

Standout Quote

"…all the Big Ten hype monsters are attacking her as if the SEC put out an official statement saying we can’t compete because we’re gassed."
—Paul Finebaum (21:54)

c. Callers on Laura Rutledge, Big Ten Rivalry (Vance)

Defending Rutledge: “These people from the Big Ten are trying to give Laura Rutledge down the road for saying what she did… you got no class.” (23:13)
Bowl Game Dissonance: Vance highlights hypocrisy—when SEC teams lose bowl games, “it doesn’t matter”; when they win, it “matters a lot.” (25:45)
Paul broadens this to emphasize the importance of meaningful College Football Playoff games, not just bowls.

d. The Spring Football Fiasco: Birmingham Stallions (Elmo & Paul)

Discussion of failed spring football franchises in Birmingham, blaming ownership and lack of real commitment for the city’s loss of teams.
Elmo: “This town is never going to support that. Never. Don’t… even try to do it.” (28:09)
Paul: “You have an obnoxious New York owner of the league who never liked that guy, who never liked the south, and that’s why… it happened.” (28:03)

e. The ‘Alabama Standard,’ Coaching Mentality, and the NIL Debate (Big Man)

Nick Saban’s Irreplaceable Discipline: Big Man argues Alabama coaches are successful because they’re “no nonsense,” have complete control, and are defensive-minded.
Sideline Culture: “Players cussing at and fighting… Not physically fighting, but disobeying, cussing coaches…” (32:03) did not happen under Saban.
Coaching Replacements: Suggests Lane Kiffin, Mike Tomlin, or even Deion Sanders could have fit the Alabama mold, with Sanders potentially “off the charts” in recruiting and discipline.
NIL & Power Structures: Rants that current NIL debates and NCAA governance are “political and garbage,” criticizing the lack of representation for players and real solutions.
- “All these people getting paid all this money… but then they want to pass the buck and they get paid all this money to go to Congress. Come on, bro.” (36:13)

Standout Quotes

"There are things that have happened on the sidelines that I know for a fact would have never happened if Nick Saban… was coaching."
—Big Man (32:03)

"You can go out here and hire a good coach, and DeBoer is a good coach, but… he could be dictated, bro. You need… total freaking control. That’s just it."
—Big Man (35:20)

"This is political, and it’s garbage."
—Big Man (36:13)

"Big man, I hope you'll call again. That's the best call we've had all month. That was amazing. Truly remarkable call."
—Paul Finebaum (37:39)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Kurt Signetti’s Midwest comparison: “We don’t run a hype machine up here… everything is earned, not given.” (00:53)
Chris Vannini: “You can say that when you’ve won three straight championships.” (01:30)
Paul Finebaum: “Knowing how many hard deadlines they’ve had… doesn't seem like the SEC and the Big Ten really seem to care today.” (06:06)
Chris Vannini: “This is law. This is not something you can just revote and change on a whim.” (07:54)
Bash: “How many games can you remember in Nick Saban's tenure... where he waved the white flag in the fourth quarter?” (11:30)
Paul Finebaum: “Never. You know the answer to that.” (11:30)
Chris from South Carolina: “I think every–everybody’s mid is about the same.” (17:35)
Big Man: “There are things that have happened on the sidelines that I know for a fact would have never happened if Nick Saban... was coaching.” (32:03)

Episode Highlights & Memorable Moments

SEC vs. Big Ten Rhetoric: The show revolves around media narratives, bravado, and genuine tension between the two power conferences.
Deep NIL and Legislative Insight: Vannini provides clarity on the complexity and last-minute nature of Washington’s attempts to regulate college football finances.
Caller Engagement: Passionate, knowledgeable callers (especially “Big Man”) elevate the discussion with real frustration, sharp opinions, and vivid stories about changing football culture.
Media Dynamics: The fallout over Laura Rutledge’s “gassed” comment represents the viral nature of minor soundbites in college football discourse.
Spring Football Woes: The loss of the Birmingham Stallions prompts reflection on the city’s lack of successful spring teams—and the business missteps behind the failures.
Coaching Culture at Alabama: Big Man’s closing call is a highlight—candid, detailed, and summed up by Finebaum as the “best call we’ve had all month.” (37:39)

Timestamps of Key Segments

00:53: Discussion of Kurt Signetti’s “no hype machine” comments
01:30: Chris Vannini contextualizes Big Ten vs. SEC rhetoric
04:35: NIL Senate bill state-of-play and SEC/Big Ten leverage
07:54: Legislative language disputes—salary cap details
11:30: Bash and Paul critique DeBoer/Saban comparisons
17:35: Chris from South Carolina questions conference power narratives
21:54: Paul’s explanation of Laura Rutledge controversy
23:13: Vance defends Rutledge, discusses bowl games/Playoff relevance
28:03: Discussion on the Birmingham Stallions’ demise
32:03: Big Man on Alabama’s sideline culture under Saban
36:13: Big Man’s rant on NIL power, player representation, and NCAA flaws
37:39: Paul Finebaum’s concluding praise for Big Man’s call

Tone and Language

The episode is lively, occasionally combative, and rich in insider knowledge. Paul’s trademark candor and dry wit are offset by the earnestness and passion of callers. Vannini’s expert analysis grounds the policy talk, while lively calls animate the tribal allegiance to SEC and Big Ten football.

Loading summary

Transcript105 lines

[00:00]
Narrator/Announcer
You know, when you're locked in, focused and fearless.
[00:04]
Chris Vannini
Welcome to the wnba.
[00:06]
Narrator/Announcer
Your vision narrows. You can't look away. Every assist, every stop, every logo. Three from beyond the logo, every. Did you see that moment, you big. What records are going to be broken this season? All of it. Right here. Lock in. It's the WNBA on ESPN all season long.
[00:32]
Paul Feinbaum Show Producer/Announcer
Pride, passion and pageantry of college football lives here. This is the Paul Feinbaum Show. Our three podcasts.
[00:45]
Big Man
This might be college football.
[00:50]
Elmo
Welcome back.
[00:51]
Paul Feinbaum
Second half of the program is live.
[00:53]
Vance
Really great.
[00:54]
Paul Feinbaum
First two hours. Chris Ranini, a number of subjects to discuss with him from the athletic. How about the quote of the day that everybody's talking, and that is Kurt Signetti. We don't run a hype machine up here in the Midwest. We believe everything is earned, not given. And when we fall short, we say we fell short. We don't cry river, whine and complain. That's why we're the best. Chris, you got to give him credit. He. He just went right to the point, didn't he? Did not. Did not miss a punctuation point. Good afternoon. Tell us about it.
[01:30]
Chris Vannini
Hey, Paul. Good to be here. I mean, that's what Kurt Signetti does. This is a guy who was talking big before he'd even coached a game at Indiana. So what do you think he's going to say when he's coming off of a national championship? Of course he's going to do that. Now, you can say that when you've won three straight championships. And I would even say the Big Ten does have a hype machine this year. They put the three championship trophies up at the, at the podium, at the press conference. They should have a hype machine because they have won the last three. There were some people the last couple of years had been saying the Big Ten wasn't doing enough to hype itself up, considering what it had accomplished. So Kurt Signetti, I think he was the last one to speak, just puts a stamp on the Big Ten's feeling good about itself.
[02:18]
Paul Feinbaum
And I know he could have been talking about a number of suspects, but if you had to round up some of the usual ones. Usual ones and narrow it down, where would you go?
[02:31]
Chris Vannini
Well, I think it's a lot about the sec, what they've, what they said last week, what they said in the off season. And like, that's where it comes from. Like going into last week, I mean, we kicked off SEC media days with Eli Drinkwitz and some others complaining about nine game schedules and who the Big Ten doesn't play in the non conference if they're playing a Power 4 team or not. That refers to Indiana, which has a very easy non conference schedule once again. And you know, Steve Sarkeesian making the comments about Texas Tech schedule, you know, like we've seen a lot of that. Last week's SEC media days was a lot of complaining. And you can't really do that when the other conference, the other biggest conference has beaten you up in the playoff the last couple of years. Now, that's not to say everything Kurt Signetti said was right to say. You know, we don't whine and complain. He wasn't in the Big Ten at this time. But you and I remember 20 years ago after Florida beat Ohio State in the national championship to start the era of SEC dominance, then Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney wrote an open letter basically saying the SEC was letting kids into school that they shouldn't be letting in school just because they were good at playing football. So now we've come all the way back around where the Big Ten is talking about how they can spend more money than other people now, and now they've won the championship. So we've come a long way in 20 years. Most of today's college football players weren't even alive when that happened. But I know you and I remember that.
[04:03]
Paul Feinbaum
Chris Vanini with us. Chris, that's certainly the shots fired today. There's not many shots being fired from Washington, D.C. it's never over. The reporting seems to indicate that it's losing steam by the second. And that's the Senate bill that a lot of people were confident in. I know you've been following it. What's your interpretation of where we are today and can this thing be saved at all next week?
[04:35]
Chris Vannini
You know, over the past, I don't know, two or three days, I think we've passed, you know, four or five hard, fast deadlines. This is the deadline and nope, there's another deadline. And I think back to a couple of years ago when I was talking to some members of Congress about this whole thing and asking, what are the chances that something can happen, can this actually get through? And what they told me then was that when things come together, they usually do at the very last minute. And it's very quick. And people don't support something, don't support something, don't support it to the very last second. And then they do and it passes. So the Senate has adjourned for the week. It appeared that they would not be able to essentially file cloture for the bill to put it up for a vote next week. Well, now actually maybe he could do it on Monday. Next week is the final last, probably big week, because they go in a month long recess at the end of the week. And when everybody comes back after that at the end of August, everybody's in reelection mode. It's a lame duck session. Now, they could try to pass it in a lame duck session. So it seems like it's not in a great place. Charlie Baker just now put out a statement about it imploring the schools to support it. We're still waiting on the SEC and Big Ten, basically coming down to how hard of a cap this supposed salary cap is. So it seems like it's not great right now, but it's never dead until it's buried in the ground.
[06:06]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, I understand all that, Chris. But knowing how many hard deadlines they've had to deal with so far, it doesn't seem like the SEC and the Big Ten really seem to care today when about four deadlines passed and you
[06:21]
Chris Vannini
saw Ted Cruz put out a tweet trying to clarify. It really is. We're playing politics with a lot of this, but it's literally because this is politics and everybody puts out these statements and says this is the last chance. We've done our last negotiation. But it's clear that the people in the Senate really want to get this over the finish line. They have made many adjustments that the Big Ten and the SEC have wanted. They don't want to go into recess without this passing. Can they find that last final thing to get the SEC in Big Ten over the thing? It's still possible. It doesn't look great, but I think everybody knows this is their last chance. If it doesn't happen now, it's never happening. And so are they really going to not let it go to the end? We'll see. We still got a little bit of time.
[07:13]
Paul Feinbaum
I'm curious though, take us inside the mindset of the people that are holding it up, at least in theory. I mean, I don't really care what Charlie Baker thinks about anything. I mean, he'd support a moving train right at his feet if it could help his beleaguered organization. But in Sankey and Petiti's case, they have this investment, so I can't explain it, even though I've interviewed one of them. Can you try to explain why they just can't seem to get this past their membership knowing that there isn't anything on the other side?
[07:51]
Elmo
Well,
[07:54]
Chris Vannini
it's basically coming down to like as we saw when the initial bill came out, every word matters because, like, this is law. This is not something you can just revote and change on a whim. And so Tony Petiti keeps saying, like, the language of this matters. They needed to see the final bill language, not just adjustments, before they could make some determinations. And this is partly coming down to the cap. And do these third party entities working with the school or not, does this count toward the cap? They're still trying to figure out one of these last things, the stuff about expansion, the sum about TV rights that wasn't like really the thing that was ultimately holding this up. Because there is a concern that in creating a cap, are you creating a enforceable cap? Because if not, you're just creating a new floor. That's what we've seen now. The cap was supposed to be about 20.5 million. Well, then it turns out you can use Learfield and Play Fly and all these companies to go far beyond that. And so that's kind of the last bit of thing that is holding this up. And I don't know, did the SEC in the Big ten after this, they then have the leverage to go to the Big 12 and the ACC and be like, look, we need to change the CSC now. We need to raise the cap to a level we want it to get to or we're going to go off into our self governance thing. So they've got options. It's not always the ideal option, but they still have leverage if this doesn't pass, which is why they can continue to hold out on the Senate thing as long as they can.
[09:29]
Paul Feinbaum
Chris Fanini, appreciate it very much. We'll take a short break here. More to come, more of your phone calls. We are coming right back.
[09:38]
Paul Feinbaum Show Producer/Announcer
You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum show podcast.
[09:43]
Paul Feinbaum
Welcome back. As Bash is up next in Boulder,
[09:48]
Podcast Narrator
in a sunny Californian suburb, one family's home is unusually quiet.
[09:53]
Narrator/Announcer
When detectives walked into that house, they said that it was like time just stood still.
[09:58]
Podcast Narrator
It's 2010 and the McStay family is nowhere to be found inside the home. No clear answer where the family could have gone.
[10:06]
Narrator/Announcer
Husband, wife and two children, all gone. Like, poof, Disappeared.
[10:11]
Podcast Narrator
The search for the McStays quickly captures the nation. But for years, the search for answers only brings more questions.
[10:18]
Narrator/Announcer
Who's ever heard of an entire family going missing?
[10:21]
Bash
A family of four doesn't just drop
[10:23]
Paul Feinbaum
off the face of the earth with no contact.
[10:25]
Podcast Narrator
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 McStays. Coming August 11th, wherever you get your podcast or subscribe to 2020 True Crime plus on Apple Podcasts for ad, free episodes, early access to new episodes, and so much more.
[10:48]
Bash
My man, Bash Brother, thank you for taking me on the show. I wanted to. I just want to say this. What pissed me off so much about John from South Carolina's call about comparing Kaylin DeBoer to Nick Saban in their second seasons. Right. So what pisses me off the most, Paul, is that I know people on their talking shows are going to bring up the same points that Kaylin DeBoer lost to Kurt Signetti, the eventual national champions, just like Nick Saban lost to Urban Meyer and the eventual national champions. But, Paul, how many games can you remember in Nick Saban's tenure, Alabama, where he waved the white flag in the fourth quarter?
[11:30]
Paul Feinbaum
Never. You know the answer to that.
[11:31]
Bash
The answer is never. And how many Times in the two years that Caleb DeBoer has coached in his eight losses, how many of those games, Paul, have been white flags before the fourth quarter started?
[11:42]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, and that was my argument, and I'm doing it from memory. But Bash, it's. It's not the number of losses. It's not. It's the, the inexplicable losses. And this guy had the nerve to bring up LA Monroe. I mean, Saban was playing with a high school team that day. I mean, I. I mean, he. Alabama was lucky to have a winning record. I mean, they beat. They beat a Tennessee team during the season that they had no business beating. But Saban was the coach and they were able to hang in a number of games.
[12:14]
Big Man
Right.
[12:14]
Bash
And Saban had to inherit Shula's program, rather, from DeBoer. Inherited.
[12:19]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah.
[12:19]
Bash
Saveman's program up Turkey overtime against the team that blew out Deborah's team in the national championship. But yesterday a Tennessee fan came on and asked you what was, like, your expectation. You say it was eight and four. Right. But I think like you were saying yesterday about Alabama being 9 and 3, that's going to be the. The swing game right there between Alabama and Tennessee this year. But, Paul, remind me, 2022 and 2024, what were the results of Alabama versus Tennessee?
[12:50]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, I mean, they lost both games when they should have won both games,
[12:56]
Bash
and both games were in Knoxville, Tennessee. The crowd, you know how intense that environment's going to be, Paul, will you say that would be one of the top three most hostile environments DeBoer will be going into his third year, easily.
[13:10]
Paul Feinbaum
You know, LSU speaks for itself, but the LSU game is. You have to put an asterisk by that. I don't know what LSU is going to be looking like in November. They could be a championship team. They could be a team with four losses. So a lot. It doesn't matter what Tennessee has done before that mid October game. A good point.
[13:30]
Bash
I mean, we know what game we have before that mid October game in Tuscaloosa against Georgia, going on the road to Kentucky and then hopefully redeeming ourselves when we have the third week of the season against Florida State. We can get through those weeks. Paul, with one loss, do you think that will be a success going into Knoxville?
[13:50]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, I mean, I don't. I'm not. That would be the expectation. I don't see Alabama lose. You know, I'm. The Kentucky game. Come on, let's, let's, let's. Let's hold our horses on the hype for that game.
[14:09]
Bash
You what? What else do you have to like? You and the SEC network, Paul. That's what. Exactly. You guys are gonna have to do the same thing you did last year between Michigan and Oklahoma, which is like, that was the only game in week two, which was worse.
[14:22]
Paul Feinbaum
No, no, I agree. We will be at that game. I can guarantee it. And, and we'll be. You'll. You'll hear me go, hey, better watch out. But don't believe anything I say that day.
[14:33]
Bash
Yes, sir. Yes, sir. And I'll put your quote on this segment that we're having right on the record. You are the best batch, brother. Roll. Damn. Tide and Auburn. Shut your damn mouths.
[14:44]
Paul Feinbaum
Handsome Joe is up next.
[14:48]
Caller Joe
Roll, Ty. Roll. Paul. Fine. Bomb. And hey, Bash had a pretty good call there. Paul. That was a good conversation y' all just had. I'm not really shocked. Bash is actually becoming, you know, he. He's pretty good. He's doing his homework, so he knows what he's. He know what he's talking about these days. But Paul, it was just so good. And I heard Robert, man, I couldn't wait to get back home and give you a call because, man, it was just so good to hear Robert. I've been thinking about him. I had somebody at the Piggy Wig, of all places the other day asked me about Robert, and I said, you know what? I don't know. I'm gonna have to ask Paul about that. Him, because I don't know, you know what. What's going on with him. And, man, it's just good to hear him. Paul, it Was. And hey, I'm jealous. I wish I could have got to go up there. Williams too. And I want to meet Robert one day. That's on my bucket list. Paul, Kurt Signetti, I mean, he's not wrong at what he said. I mean, I mean, they do, you know, they've had the top spot, you know, the past three years and, you know, three different teams. So, you know, I give them kudos there. We're deeper, you know, further down the, you know, in the conference, but, you know, they don't give you championships. We got to get it back on. SEC is hungry. I mean, we're mad at hungry now, but you know what? We're not really care. And what Kurt Signati says each team is worried about. You know, there's. There's a handful of teams right now in the SEC that's buying just to be the top of our own conference. Because if we can do that, I mean, our top few teams, we're going to have a shot at this national and get this back to the sec. There's no doubt in my mind. So Big Ten, our little tenders, y' all get ready. Because, you know, I'd say all I could right now, because by the end of the year, I think that one of the SEC teams is going to do it. Maybe Georgia. That's. That would be my pick right now. And. But after that, you know, I agree with you. Who knows what LSU is going to do? I don't know. Only thing we're sure about them is they're gonna eat plenty of corn dogs. Paul, you have a good brother. I'm glad I got to talk to you. And hey, Robert and I will love you, brother. Man, it's good to hear you call today. Roll, Tide, roll. Paul, five ball.
[16:38]
Paul Feinbaum
Chris is up next in South Carolina. Hello, Chris.
[16:42]
Chris from South Carolina
Oh, what's up with my man? How you doing today? You gotta answer that question because I know you finest wine. But one thing, Paul, we're gonna talk about some football today. Paul, can you help me out? This script of schedule they put out, what is it based on? Is it based on how many ranked teams you play at the beginning of the season? What is it based on?
[17:03]
Paul Feinbaum
It's a combination of a number of things. The other team's strength is schedule. Their record just. It's a power rating evaluation.
[17:14]
Big Man
Well, how.
[17:15]
Chris from South Carolina
Tell me this, how can you put strength of record? And you got all these teams in the top 10 and the top 20 and top 25, and then when they lose, you never move them out. So how the Hell, they expect the schedule line up, but then when they go to play the other conference, they get a losing record. Paul, how do we know that the SEC on the Big Ten is so strong? How do we know that the ACC is so bad?
[17:35]
Big Man
We don't know.
[17:35]
Chris from South Carolina
Every year is different. So why they put rankings on these teams? And I'm tired of hearing that the SEC is so dominant. It's a tougher place to play. Like I said the other day, it's some top teams on every conference ball. It's some top dogs and some top good teams, but everybody else is mid. And I think every. Everybody's me is about the same. How do you feel about that?
[18:00]
Paul Feinbaum
Chris? I. I've answered this question a thousand times. You know that.
[18:05]
Chris from South Carolina
Nah, but. But you. You get on here and keep beating your chest and you keep talking about SEC this, SEC that. I'm just. I'm starting to believe I like the sec. Don't get me wrong, it's good football, but with them lame coaches that y' all got, other than Kirby Smart and Bread Venables, man, SEC is weak. I think they really number third conference, Paul, to be honest with you. Because I don't think it's a team in that better than Miami.
[18:27]
Paul Feinbaum
And I think Chris trot again tomorrow with some new material. I want to go back to a question. I think it was Chris from Mountain Brook who asked me that. And I did not completely understand what he was asking me at the moment that he asked me. And it has now become a narrative of literally everyone at Big Ten media days. So it happened yesterday. I missed it. I'm sorry. Laura Rutledge was talking to McAfee. They were together up in Connecticut, and McAfee was talking about the whole big 10 sec debate, which. And we've all been. Everyone's been talking about it except the last caller. And I did not hear this. So we might. I'll just read. Read you the comment. And she said, the competition within the SEC is so difficult that nine games of craziness week in and week out, a little different than other parts, other conferences. Furthermore, they're gassed. Now, that's the line that has knocked doors down in Chicago. Stuart Mandel just tweeted, For 17 years, it was iron sharpens iron. Now the tables have turned. It's. They're gassed. I mean, literally, people are going on and on. And the bottom line is, and I'm pretty sure Laura Rutledge is well aware of this, the SEC wasn't playing nine games last year. They were Only playing eight. They are playing eight, nine games now. So, I mean, I didn't hear the context of it, but, you know, as we all know, and we've all been victimized, and right now, unfortunately, Laura is under attack for something that she gave an honest answer to. But all the Big Ten hype monsters are attacking her as if the SEC put out an official statement saying we can't compete because we're gassed. There are a lot of factors in all that, but that's also playing into the signetti line, playing into, you know, all the usual suspects in my medium just going on now. Listen, I don't. I've already said what I've said. I said it again yesterday on espn, two different times. I've said it for six months that I think the SEC is not a better conference than the Big Ten. I didn't. I've never used a line like that. But I'm just trying to put some things into context. But right now, if you. Saban dealt with it last week because he said he thought the SEC was a better conference. And what happens is, I mean, even though I was on a show right after Coach Saban last week saying a different thing, you know, these Big Ten wannabe, you know, media types just lump all this together as if we come out of the committee meeting at SEC headquarters with the same script. But again, I mainly wanted to clear that up because Chris asked me that question and I was somewhat unclear on what he was trying to get at, but he knew a lot more about it than I did. We'll take a short break. We are coming back, more of your phone calls right after this.
[22:14]
Paul Feinbaum Show Producer/Announcer
You're listening to the Paul Feinbaum Show Podcast.
[22:20]
Paul Feinbaum
We are back, and Vance is up next.
[22:25]
Vance
Hey, Paul, first of all, I wanted to say to Robert from Iowa, wonderful call. Understood every word you said. And I'm. And you were very energetic. You were uplifting, and I'm so proud of your friendship and relationship with Paul. I wished I had the pleasure of knowing who you were. I didn't. But congrats, Robert. We love you. Good. You're a good caller. Am I? I. I understood what you just said. The. These people from the Big Ten are trying to give Laura Rutledge down the road for.
[23:09]
Paul Feinbaum
For saying what she did, 100%.
[23:14]
Vance
What do they want her to do? She went to the University of Florida.
[23:17]
Paul Feinbaum
No, no, it's not about anything other than what she said yesterday.
[23:22]
Vance
Yeah, well, you know, I dropped that. I dropped the, the sword on them. And especially after Elliot got exposed for for what I've learned, nothing makes you madder than somebody. If I'm going to be kind being deceptive with you, you don't like that. And this goes back to Braxton. I mean, you're hardcore about that, and there's nothing wrong with it. But, I mean, to get to go giving her down the road really pisses me off. We don't hear from those guys anymore. But it just shows one thing to me. You got no class. You know, the University of Michigan won the national championship three years ago. And, you know, your, your, Your show was not flooded. Not flooded with Michigan callers. I, I found them very classy, even though maybe they were ashamed to call, but. Oh, my gosh, I mean, how do you do that? And, and furthermore. Yeah, you know, you've got. That one person needs to start the season every year once he got his program going with some of the best opening games ever. And it was Nick Saban. And they call up and they talk about how weak the damn sec, you know, y' all need to go nine games. I told you long ago, this is a ploy to weaken our conference. That's their whole goal. But Saban would play teams from everywhere, and his team was always prepared. And so Ohio State's gonna start bumping their gums, and here they're gonna play Ball State on the first game of the season. Okay, outstanding. Paul, you are playing a rugged bunch of guys now. I'm gonna get my. I'm gonna get the hair pulled out of my head with my next segment. Signetti. To me, he's earned the right to say what he said. He earned it. Brett Bielema, he's won two bowl games in a row against Southeastern Conference opponents. Well, there's two sides of this. On the one hand, when they're the losing team, you say, well, it's just a bowl game. It doesn't matter. But when you're the winning team, it matters a lot. Does that make any sense?
[26:05]
Paul Feinbaum
It makes perfect sense. Sure.
[26:07]
Vance
I mean, bottom line is we've kind of got our ass kicked the last couple of years in bowl games.
[26:15]
Caller Joe
Paul.
[26:16]
Vance
And I don't like it any more than anybody else does, but.
[26:21]
Paul Feinbaum
Well, but Vance is not. It's not only. It's not only that. It's the. I think it was at five straight CFP games. It's the same story there, too. You know, last year, the year before. That's really what it's all about. It's about meaningful games. It's not about Brett Bielem beating Shane Beamer a couple years ago. I mean, it's. It's more important than you're. You're not. I mean, if that. If that gives you the right to go into media days, then good for you. Thanks for the call. Elmo is up next. Elmo, go right ahead.
[26:59]
Elmo
I'm on the air. Paul, I know you're in deep. I know you are in deep sorrow over losing the Birmingham Stallions.
[27:09]
Paul Feinbaum
I. Yeah, I heard that news today. And Elmo, I don't know, but where have we covered this same story before?
[27:21]
Elmo
I really hope they never put another team back, any league, put another spring football team back in this city again. I think the only thing we'll wind up having is the Barons, the Double A baseball team.
[27:38]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, the only thing I'll say about that, the hard part was. I mean. I mean, I've been here for a year while they were playing and they got. They got good support. So it's not like it. You can't. What happened is you got. You have an obnoxious New York owner of the league who never liked that guy, who never liked the south, and that's why. That's why it happened.
[28:03]
Elmo
Oh, I hate Repoli. Is that how you pronounce his name? Repoli?
[28:08]
Paul Feinbaum
That is correct.
[28:10]
Elmo
I don't know. Anyway, bad football, bad coaching. This town is never going to support that. Never. Don't, Don't. Don't even try to do it. So I'm glad they're gone. And he's fighting himself, Paul, because this is the number one TV market for the ufl.
[28:30]
Paul Feinbaum
No, no. It was also one of the better markets for attempt. But again, I saw the news earlier. It's all over it. But again. But this was. This. The die was cast on this Elmo.
[28:45]
Elmo
Oh, yeah. Before the season even started.
[28:47]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah.
[28:48]
Elmo
The fact that he. Yeah, the fact that he got rid of a good coach, Skip. Skip Holtz, and brought in what you correctly said the last time we talked about it, that you could find 25 or 30 high school coaches within the eyesight of your house that could very easily coach better than what he did.
[29:12]
Paul Feinbaum
Well, but Elmo, they did the same old thing they've always done. They get somebody who once had a big name and we're believe that would translate and he didn't sell a ticket. He clearly didn't know what he was doing as a coach. And it's. It's a sad ending. Elmo, thank you. Great to hear from you. We're up against the break. We are back right after this minute.
[29:34]
Paul Feinbaum Show Producer/Announcer
You're listening to the Paul Fine Bomb show podcast
[29:41]
Paul Feinbaum
and we are back in. Big man is up next in Birmingham. Hello? Big Man. Big man, you there?
[29:53]
Big Man
Yeah man, I'm here. I'm sorry about that. How you doing today?
[29:57]
Paul Feinbaum
Great.
[30:00]
Big Man
Got a couple questions and want to make a couple comments. The first thing is with Ms. Raleigh Jonah's situation. You know, I listen to her all the time. I think that she's, she's pretty good. But if she was my friend and, or my co worker, I would have to let her know that in the business that she's in, you know, stuff like that's going to happen. You know, the show that, that she's on and, and even this show, you know, a lot of people get criticized and talked about their, their, their conferences and things of that nature and that type of stuff gonna happen, man, you know what I'm saying? So she just need to be locked and loaded for next time, you know what I'm saying? She got her, her friends and co workers gotta let her know, man, when you're out there like that, you know these people gonna shoot, gonna shoot shots at you. So that's just part of the business and I don't think it's going to be the last time. The thing about Deborah for me and you had a caller, man, you know, he was trying to compare Nick Saban first years and things. I don't agree with that at all. But he was, he wasn't wrong, man, on, on the part when he said that Alabama hired him. At the end of the day, for me, great coach, good guy and everything. And you can't replace Nick. But what I can say is, you know, the mentality of a coach, you know, a lot of these coaches in SEC can coach a lot of good coaches out there and that when it comes to the X's and O's. But what about when it comes to the mentality or the mindset of a team? And that was Nick Saban for me more than anything. So if you, if you're trying to replace somebody, man, you can't, you know, you just want to get a good coach. There's a lot of them out there, okay? But there are things that have happened on the sidelines that I know for a fact that will have never happened if Nick Saban when he was coaching. And so at the end of the day, man, you, you know, you, you analyze these guys.
[31:48]
Paul Feinbaum
You go, hey, hey, big, big man. Allow me to ask you a question. I'm not asking you to violate any confidentiality because I'm Pretty sure I know what you're talking about. But can you at least make it easier for those who don't? What you just what you meant by things that happen on the sidelines.
[32:04]
Big Man
Yeah. Players cussing at and fighting. Not physically fighting, but disobeying, cussing coaches. And, and to the point to where you know, they had to be pulled back.
[32:16]
Paul Feinbaum
Right?
[32:16]
Big Man
Players, players was, was getting substituted to come in and, and the player didn't come out. He weighed the player off. He had to go midfield and then run back off. See, people don't see that type of stuff. Okay. And, and, and it's, it's a whole lot more than that happened. So at the end of the day, you know, when, when ain't that happening on Nick Saban Huddle on the offense or defense, when they come on the sideline, you know, everybody was hush hush and they listen and they did. They supposed to do that ain't happening. And I ain't blaming the board for that. I'm just saying this ain't the same thing, Paul. There's three coaches that should have replaced that I believe should have replaced Nick Saban, but nobody else wouldn't have want them, even you. Okay. They coaches and, and I believe that they're good coaches. But the thing about it, I got a question for you right quick. Tell me, the coaches that have won national championships at University of Alabama, what all did they have in common?
[33:13]
Paul Feinbaum
Well, they're all, they're all disciplined coaches. They put up with nothing. Most of them have been defensive coaches.
[33:29]
Big Man
Oh, I think you basically hit on the head. No nonsense coaches. They can't be dictated on and off the field. The media was damn near scared to ask some questions. Okay.
[33:39]
Paul Feinbaum
Right.
[33:40]
Big Man
And then the pot. And then the powers that be at Alabama didn't tell them what to do. Them the only people that, that have worn down there. Right. For his championships. So now I'm gonna ask you this question. You ain't gonna like these guys. You maybe, you may not. What three coaches out there? Well, let me help y'. All and y' all gonna be tripping. Am I mistaken? When they hired Nick Saban, did they not go to him and made him an offer that he could refuse?
[34:07]
Paul Feinbaum
Essentially, that is. Yeah. Yeah. Well, the timing he was. He was still coaching. He said, leave me alone. They went back to see him after the season ended and he took the job. And the reason why he took the job and you know this already, big man, they gave him complete authority on every single decision.
[34:29]
Big Man
Okay? Now, man, there's no Way in the hell. And I'm just. I know you're going through a lot, man. We lost one national championship because Nick Saban and Lane Kiss, right?
[34:41]
Paul Feinbaum
Correct.
[34:41]
Big Man
And. And I ain't gonna never let that fly down, man. Lane Kippen should have got that job, bruh. And then let me tell you, another Coach Tomlin from Pittsburgh, I know they said he don't want to coach. I wouldn't have left. I'd be knocking on his door now. I wouldn't have let him go. All right. And the third person you finish, just blow your wig on. And y' all might think I'm crazy, but I'm telling you this for a lot of reasons. Because if he was the coach, the recruiting would be off the chart. It would make the news, would be crazy. And then I just feel like, you know, no nonsense, discipline. Dion Sanders.
[35:17]
Paul Feinbaum
Yeah, I knew you were going. Dion right there.
[35:21]
Big Man
But see, but watch this. Watch this, Paul. They don't do it for. And I'm gonna say. I'm gonna say political reasons for. When it comes to what's name, Dion. But let me tell you something, man. You can't just get no damn anybody to come down there and coach Alabama. If you can't. If you can't be a man and stand up and tell these damn kids and your staff and people and the media what the hell you mean and what it is, you ain't. It ain't gonna work, bro. So you can go out here and hire a good coach, and the boy is a good coach, but you, You, You. He could be dictated, bro. You need you if you want to win in Alabama, you need total freaking a control. That's just it. So. And then this last thing. I'm gonna be through with this. This last thing about Congressman. That's a bunch of bs. I'm gonna ask you a question. Who represent your players, Paul?
[36:14]
Paul Feinbaum
Not a single person.
[36:16]
Big Man
Okay? So the only reason a lot of these teams are screwed because of the bow, okay? How come they ain't got some crap in there about the bow clause for the coaches? How come there ain't no cap on the coaches a salary? Okay, I can go on and on and on. This whole thing is by power and controlling money. And they in there, they trying to get it done at the right time. Because the people in there right now is garbage. How the hell you got time to talk about some damn college football when you came home, the things that's going on in the world. And at the end of the day, hell, what's the NCAA for if. If. If they ain't valid, which I heard you say, they. They ain't worth a crap. Let's do something different on that point. All these people getting paid all these money, all these. You talk about how great these. These commissioners are and all these, uh, presidents at all these universities, but then they want to pass the buck and they get paid all this money to go to Congress. Come on, bro. This is political, and it's garbage. Paul, thank you for taking my call, man. You know I appreciate you, but like I said, at the end of the day, it's a different world. And a lot of people, man, they don't even know what's really going on when it comes to sports and nil and things of that nature, man. You know what I'm saying? They just don't know. And I would appreciate it if you just educate them a little bit more, man. Just educate them a little bit more, because it ain't what they think.
[37:40]
Paul Feinbaum
Big man, I hope you'll call again. That's the best call we've had all month. That was amazing. Truly remarkable call. We are going to take a break. We have one more hour to go. We'll try to recover because big man put us all on our knees after that one. That was a good one.