West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football Podcast

By Lee and Grant BensonSports

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West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football Podcast episodes

September 17 Ep. 436 - John Mateer Is Who He Is. Can OU Make It Work?
Ep. 436 - John Mateer Is Who He Is. Can OU Make It Work?
Lee and Grant go back through the Michigan game and take a closer look at the Mateer-Ben Arbuckle dynamic.
They also revisit Oklahoma’s offensive identity, the dramatic shift away from the Week 1 approach against UTEP, the use of 12 personnel and empty formations, Mateer’s field vision, the lack of a consistent run game and whether OU truly understands what it is offensively.
Trell Harris is expected to miss significant time after suffering a serious injury. Kip Lewis could also miss several weeks, creating another major concern on the defensive side.
Lee and Grant also discuss Oklahoma’s defense, why missed tackles and players trying to do too much remain a problem, and whether the pressure of carrying an inconsistent offense is already affecting that side of the ball.
Then it’s on to New Mexico. The Lobos are one of the more interesting G6 teams in the country. NM is well coached and experienced, and should provide a useful test for an Oklahoma team trying to get back on track.
The guys also make their weekly college football picks against the spread.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening Take – John Mateer is who he is
06:59 — Michigan rewatch: how much blame belongs on Arbuckle vs. Mateer?
07:26 — Mateer misses an easy timing throw to Trell Harris
08:29 — The quarterback counter Mateer could have broken for a huge gain
09:39 — Hayden Hansen throwback was there, but Mateer could not complete it
10:09 — Empty 12 personnel creates a QB-run opportunity Mateer misses
10:47 — The fourth-and-7 miss to Rocky Beers
11:28 — Were Oklahoma’s receivers really “wide open”?
12:38 — The bigger question: how does Arbuckle simplify things for Mateer?
16:21 — Grant: Arbuckle can draw up plays, but he has to know his personnel
18:03 — Did Oklahoma’s staff misunderstand its own offense?
19:11 — Mateer will still have good moments, but the Michigan performance was alarming
19:56 — Mateer needs his confidence rebuilt
20:34 — Ben Arbuckle’s offenses have never consistently run the ball well
24:24 — How many first reads is Mateer simply not seeing?
29:01 — Elijah Thomas and Parker Livingston now need bigger roles
33:45 — Michigan’s seven-minute drive that quietly helped win the game
36:23 — Is OU’s defense pressing because it does not trust the offense?
39:05 — Is another “season from hell” developing for Oklahoma?
39:31 — Grant: Venables’ history of responding to adversity is mixed
41:59 — New Mexico is a legitimate G6 test under Jason Eck
42:52 — Could Oklahoma actually lose this game if the Michigan problems remain?
46:26 — How Oklahoma wins matters more than simply winning
46:46 — Grant: run the core offense until OU actually gets good at it
47:23 — New Mexico’s experienced defense presents a useful test
48:31 — OU’s defense should dominate New Mexico’s offense
49:38 — New Mexico’s three-quarterback rotation
50:42 — Jason Eck’s rise from the FCS ranks
53:18 — New Mexico has created takeaways; Oklahoma has not
54:01 — What Grant wants to see from OU’s offense
54:17 — Lee wants a return to the UTEP offensive blueprint
54:55 — Arbuckle needs to create easy completions for Mateer
55:11 — Defensive key: stop trying to do too much
55:37 — Grant’s defensive priority: tackle better
56:22 — OU-New Mexico score predictions
59:32 — What would a convincing win mean before Georgia?
01:00:33 — Early look at how big an underdog OU could be at Georgia
01:01:03 — Around college football: SEC and national games to watch
01:02:11 — Michael Hawkins and West Virginia hit the road at Virginia
01:02:27 — James Franklin discussion
01:03:14 — Weekly picks against the spread begin
01:03:36 — Houston at Texas Tech
01:05:39 — SMU at Louisville
01:06:42 — Mississippi State at South Carolina
01:08:50 — Florida at Auburn
01:09:55 — LSU at Ole Miss
01:12:09 — Back to Mateer’s running ability and field vision
01:13:30 — Does Mateer need an eye exam? Jameis Winston tangent
01:14:56 — New Mexico postgame podcast scheduling update
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1 hr 17 min
September 13 Ep. 435 - OU’s Offense Fails in 17-10 Loss at Michigan
Ep. 435 - OU’s Offense Fails in 17-10 Loss at Michigan
Oklahoma went to Ann Arbor with a chance to make a national statement. Instead, the Sooners left Michigan with a 17-10 loss and a lot of familiar questions about the offense.
Lee and Grant react to Oklahoma’s disappointing road loss at Michigan and read your “3-Word Reviews”.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Oklahoma makes West of Everest look stupid
04:16 — Oklahoma’s offense was bad again
05:16 — Grant: the game exposed offseason concerns
09:31 — The offensive sequencing felt weird from the opening drive
13:20 — Offensive line injuries mattered
13:44 — Fodje and the tackles struggled with Michigan’s edge rushers
18:56 — Empty 12 personnel was the failed new wrinkle
22:46 — Mateer had too many misses that should not be missed
24:58 — OU still had a chance despite the offensive mess
27:00 — The standard for Oklahoma’s defense is extremely high
29:12 — Pass rush concerns and lack of disruption
30:57 — Kip Lewis’ non-contact injury
36:24 — Mateer remains the key to Oklahoma’s season
36:40 — Grant: good teams can lose that game, really good teams do not
38:42 — Could OU still bounce back against Georgia and Texas?
40:54 — Three-word reviews begin
42:22 — “Nice extension, Denny”
43:40 — End-of-half time management failure
46:45 — Michigan’s offensive coordinator knew Underwood’s limitations
48:12 — Was Elijah Thomas open for a touchdown?
48:50 — Michigan took away Sategna and Beers in high-leverage moments
49:22 — JJ Buchanan’s third-and-long explosive still bothers Grant
50:32 — Running backs are mid and not dynamic
51:05 — Fans pile on the offense, Venables and the extension
56:23 — Grant: year five at Oklahoma should not look like this
59:45 — Michigan fumbled twice on the same series and OU recovered neither
01:00:22 — OU forces zero takeaways after Western Michigan forced three
01:04:60 — Lee still did not expect Oklahoma to lose
01:06:38 — Grant: this was the perfect script for Michigan to win
01:07:06 — OU failed to punch Michigan in the mouth early
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1 hr 10 min
September 10 Ep. 434 - OU-Michigan Preview: Is Michigan Really That Bad?
Ep. 434 - OU-Michigan Preview: Is Michigan Really That Bad?
The show opens with leftover thoughts from OU’s win over UTEP, followed by the latest injury news involving key offensive linemen.
Later, the guys begin their OU-Michigan preview by talking about how the Wolverines should be 0-1. Grant compares Michigan’s offense to Oklahoma’s 2024 offense, while Lee explains why Michigan’s heavy sixth-offensive-lineman “Rhino” package may play right into the strength of Oklahoma’s defense.
The guys discuss Bryce Underwood, Michigan’s struggling run game, Kyle Whittingham’s rocky start, and why OU’s defense should be eager for this matchup.
On the other side, Lee and Grant discuss what Oklahoma’s offense must show against Michigan’s defense.
The episode closes with Week 2 picks against the spread: Missouri at Kansas, Alabama at Kentucky, Mississippi State at Minnesota, Iowa State at Iowa, and Ohio State at Texas.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening take: OU’s a 12 personnel team
04:13 — Leftover thoughts from the UTEP win
05:30 — OU used 12 personnel on 82.7 percent of snaps
09:30 — Danny Saili’s size and role on the defensive line
09:59 — Grant still thinks Saili looks undersized
13:02 — Jake Maikkula and Ryan Fodje trending toward a return
13:29 — Michael Fasusi availability becomes the major concern
14:00 — What does OU’s offensive line look like without Fasusi?
24:23 — Michigan should be 0-1 after Western Michigan
24:41 — Kyle Whittingham’s rough start at Michigan
25:22 — Bryce Underwood remains Michigan’s starter “right now”
26:01 — Underwood’s awkward response to Whittingham’s comments
26:25 — Michigan’s offense, Jason Beck and the Wolverines’ main weapons
27:01 — Western Michigan ending controversy
28:01 — Grant: Michigan’s offense looked like 2024 Oklahoma
31:16 — Why Western Michigan may have a real gripe
36:50 — Back to Michigan being a dumpster fire
37:09 — What Oklahoma’s defense needs to do against Bryce Underwood
38:31 — Michigan’s “Rhino” package plays into OU’s hands
40:04 — Why using a sixth offensive lineman only works if those linemen can block
42:40 — Stop the run and put Michigan in obvious passing situations
43:24 — JJ Buchanan may be Michigan’s only scary skill player
45:35 — Lee wants three takeaways from Oklahoma’s defense
47:57 — Grant: Michigan may improve, but the offense is not good
52:18 — Michigan’s yards per play and time-of-possession context
53:39 — What Oklahoma’s offense needs to show against Michigan
56:26 — Grant’s No. 1 offensive key: play a clean game
57:17 — Michigan’s penalty issues against Western Michigan
59:54 — John Mateer needs to keep building off Week 1
01:03:31 — Get the ball to Sategna, Trell Harris and Rocky Beers
01:05:56 — Lloyd Avant can keep Oklahoma on schedule
01:06:20 — Grant’s prediction
01:08:48 — Lee’s prediction
01:15:13 — OU needs to punch Michigan in the mouth early
01:16:15 — Programming note: Lee on 107.7 The Franchise postgame show
01:18:42 — Around college football and Week 2 setup
01:20:02 — Tennessee-Georgia Tech, Auburn and Gavin Freeman thoughts
01:22:12 — Ole Miss-Louisville and LSU-Clemson thoughts
01:25:24 — Oregon-Boise State and Boise as a G6 contender
01:26:21 — Week 2 picks begin
01:26:54 — Missouri at Kansas
01:29:26 — Alabama at Kentucky
01:31:25 — Mississippi State at Minnesota
01:35:38 — Iowa State at Iowa
01:36:51 — Ohio State at Texas
01:38:50 — Final thoughts before OU-Michigan weekend
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1 hr 36 min
September 05 Ep. 433 - OU’s Offense Actually Looks Different in 51-0 Shutout Of UTEP
Ep. 433 - OU’s Offense Actually Looks Different in 51-0 Shutout Of UTEP
The Sooners opened the 2026 season by shutting out UTEP 51-0 Friday night at Owen Field. The guys discuss their likes and dislikes from the game and read your 3-Word Reviews!
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Oklahoma opens the season with a 51-0 shutout
03:44 — Tight end usage was not just offseason talk
04:37 — Grant: 12 personnel looked like OU’s base offense
08:05 — John Mateer looked comfortable and the offense looked balanced
10:31 — Easy explosive plays in the passing game
11:04 — Rocky Beers looks like a real weapon
11:56 — Mateer looked like his pre-injury version
12:48 — Noah Best starts at center as a true freshman
14:58 — Likes on Offense -- Isaiah Sategna looked like the best player on the team
18:15 — Lee liked Lloyd Avant’s debut
19:47 — Grant liked the easy downfield passing game
20:44 — Ben Arbuckle deserves credit for adjusting the offense
21:15 — Jonathan Hatton flashes on his second carry
22:53 — John Mateer’s efficiency and Hayden Hansen’s catch
26:21 — Elijah Thomas gets involved early
28:10 — Trell Harris wins immediately against zero coverage
28:40 — Dislikes on offense
35:53 — Overall offensive verdict: good, but run-game explosiveness remains a question
36:06 — Likes on defense
37:24 — OU pitched a shutout and people still had defensive complaints
42:15 — Taylor Wein and P.J. Adebawore stood out
45:15 — Wyatt Gilmore and Cole Sullivan stand out
47:17 — OU forces two takeaways in Week 1
47:56 — Dislikes on defense
55:56 — 3-word reviews
01:07:17 — Final verdict: OU looked like a good team
01:07:39 — Mateer’s yards per attempt and deep passing encouragement
01:08:08 — Why Jake Maikkula is needed for Michigan
01:08:34 — Encouraging signs on Maikkula’s status
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1 hr 10 min
September 03 Ep. 432 - OU-UTEP Preview: What The Sooners Must Show in Week 1
Ep. 432 – OU-UTEP Preview: What The Sooners Must Show in Week 1
The show begins with the latest injury news on Oklahoma’s offensive line. Just when Jake Maikkula appeared to be the main injury concern at center, Ryan Fodje — listed as the top center on OU’s Week 1 depth chart — suffered a lower-body injury. The good news: reports indicate Fodje’s MRI was negative, and Jake Maikkula is progressing well.
Lee and Grant also break down Oklahoma’s Week 1 depth chart, revisit their pre-fall camp “unanswerable questions” and ask which ones actually got answered.
Then Lee and Grant preview Oklahoma vs. UTEP. They discuss UTEP quarterback EJ Colson, the Miners’ new-look offensive line, UTEP’s defensive strengths, and what OU’s defense should do against an overmatched opponent. For Oklahoma, the big questions are mostly on offense: can the Sooners run the ball consistently, can the tight ends help in the run game, will Ben Arbuckle show more 12 personnel and 13 personnel, and can John Mateer push the ball downfield while staying healthy?
The episode ends with the return of the weekly picks segment. Lee and Grant pick five Week 1 games against the spread: Coastal Carolina at West Virginia, Baylor vs. Auburn, Clemson at LSU, Louisville vs. Ole Miss, and SMU at Florida State.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening Take: Football is finally here
02:58 — Kickoff weather at Owen Field and a hot Friday night vs. UTEP
03:19 — OU, UTEP and the 2000 season opener comparison
05:07 — Lee’s OU hat falls, and Grant has thoughts on the old OU logo
06:22 — Ryan Fodje and Jake Maikkula injury updates
09:32 — Is OU telling us Caleb Nitta just isn’t very good?
12:40 — Maikkula’s MCL timeline and possible Michigan return
15:16 — Week 1 depth chart nuggets begin
15:38 — Parker Livingstone or Elijah Thomas at X receiver
19:44 — Running back depth chart: Lloyd Avant or Xavier Robinson
20:33 — Tory Blaylock injury status and Jonathan Hatton’s opportunity
24:14 — Defensive depth chart lists 12 positions
25:09 — Wyatt Gilmore backing up Taylor Wein
26:47 — Tank Carrington fourth on the depth chart despite strong buzz
27:10 — Bishop Thomas, Nigel Smith and interior defensive line depth
28:21 — LeBron Bauer shows up at cheetah
28:56 — Tristan Haynes vs. Dakota Fields as the fourth corner battle
29:49 — Omarion Robinson’s flexibility at both safety spots
31:15 — Revisiting the pre-fall camp unanswerable questions
31:53 — Trell Harris makes it through Fall Camp healthy
35:42 — Is the running back room healthy going into Week 1?
37:02 — Did Bo Bentley win the backup quarterback job?
40:09 — Elijah Thomas becomes the obvious fall camp riser
40:49 — Did OU’s offense ever have its way with the defense?
44:02 — OU vs. UTEP preview begins
44:36 — Line update: Oklahoma favored by 40.5
45:38 — UTEP’s move to the Mountain West and EJ Colson’s path
47:05 — Colson’s 2025 production at Incarnate Word
47:31 — UTEP’s new offensive line and veteran defense
48:21 — UTEP’s sack production and healthy receiver additions
50:28 — Grant’s No. 1 defensive goal: no explosives
51:38 — OU’s run defense opener history under Brent Venables
52:37 — EJ Colson’s mobility and potential broken-play threat
53:20 — Can OU completely strangle UTEP’s offense?
54:24 — Can OU pitch a shutout or hold UTEP to one score?
54:49 — Defensive players to watch: Tank Carrington, PJ Adebawore and Cole Sullivan
55:47 — Wyatt Gilmore, Jake Kreul, Danny Okoye and Michael Boganowski
56:49 — What Oklahoma’s offense needs to show
57:29 — Hayden Hansen says OU is not one-dimensional anymore
58:03 — How much 12 personnel and 13 personnel will OU actually use?
58:26 — Grant wants to see whether the run scheme has really changed
59:20 — OU needs to impose its will in the run game
59:57 — Grant wants John Mateer to push the ball downfield
01:01:09 — Lee wants OU to average at least six yards per carry
01:01:55 — Why last year’s opener showed OU could not run consistently
01:03:42 — Grant’s No. 1 offensive goal: stay healthy
01:04:06 — OU-UTEP predictions
01:08:10 — Other Week 1 games worth monitoring
01:12:01 — Coastal Carolina at West Virginia pick
01:14:53 — Baylor vs. Auburn in Atlanta
01:16:58 — Clemson at LSU preview and pick
01:21:40 — Louisville vs. Ole Miss in Nashville
01:23:21 — SMU at Florida State on Monday night
01:25:10 — Last year’s picks records and Week 1 context
01:27:08 — Football is back and Grant is going to Minnesota’s opener
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1 hr 29 min
August 31 Ep. 431 - The Big Season Preview Is Back!
Ep. 431 - The Big Season Preview Is Back!
Game week is finally here, and the Big Season Preview is back!
But first, Grant can’t believe a stat he just learned about a SEC team from the 70’s, the guys discuss the ongoing battle for the starting center spot, and acknowledge that OU recently announced its 2026 team captains.
Then, it’s time for the Big Season Preview as Lee and Grant go through five preseason prompts built around certainty, cautious optimism, skepticism, crazy-but-possible outcomes, and things they may not want to say too loudly. Topics include Oklahoma’s dominant run defense, whether OU will force more takeaways, whether the Sooners could have the best defense in college football, whether Deland McCullough fixes the running back room, whether John Mateer becomes OU’s most dynamic runner, whether the 12 personnel and under-center buzz is real, Elijah Thomas and Jonathan Hatton hype, PJ Adebawore’s NFL upside, the possibility of a 1,000-yard rusher, whether OU could produce two 800-yard receivers, and the uncomfortable possibility that Oklahoma could still finish 7-5 or worse.
The guys also include predictions from the West of Everest community, including thoughts on Mateer, Ben Arbuckle, the tight end room, Danny Okoye, OU’s turnover total, Brent Venables’ contract extension and the Sooners’ 2026 floor.
Finally, Lee and Grant revisit their past preseason predictions from 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 before making their final 2026 record picks. The show closes with quick Week Zero thoughts on TCU, Memphis, Jackson Arnold, CJ Bailey, USC, Lincoln Riley, Gary Patterson and the arrival of real college football.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening Take - Oklahoma’s goal: three takeaways per game
04:20 — Grant reacts to the 1970 Tennessee takeaway record
08:43 — West of Everest moves to two episodes per week during the season
09:27 — Center position remains the biggest pre-UTEP storyline
10:08 — Ryan Fodje may be leading the center battle
16:48 — Oklahoma names nine captains
17:29 — Big season preview begins and the show is about to get better because the offseason content machine is almost over
22:02 — Prompt 1: “I am so certain of this that I haven’t even considered an alternative”
28:20 — Prompt 2: “I’m pretty sure this will happen, but I’m not ready to commit”
36:50 — Prompt 3: “I’m hearing the positive talk, but I still need to see it”
44:06 — Prompt 4: “That’s crazy, but it could happen”
59:28 — Grant’s boldest prediction
01:00:51 — Prompt 5: “I’m just going to keep my thoughts to myself”
01:02:29 — Predictions from the West of Everest community
01:11:03 — OU’s floor should be higher with a great defense and returning QB
01:12:46 — Looking back at West of Everest preseason predictions
01:13:19 — 2024 prediction review: Lee 9-3, Grant 8-4, OU finished 6-6
01:14:23 — 2023 prediction review: both picked 9-3, OU finished 10-2
01:16:47 — 2022 prediction review and maybe Grant’s worst take ever
01:20:55 — 2021 prediction review: Lee 11-1, Grant 12-0, OU finished 10-2
01:23:46 — Lee clarifies criticism of Venables is not an endorsement of Riley
01:24:44 — Final 2026 OU record picks
01:29:05 — Quick national college football thoughts from Week Zero
01:30:20 — TCU, Jaden Craig and Josh Hoover’s value
01:31:21 — Memphis, Jackson Arnold and pressure issues
01:32:33 — CJ Bailey, Virginia and the offseason quarterback hype machine
01:33:46 — USC, San Jose State and another Lincoln Riley-style game
01:35:39 — Looking ahead to UTEP
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1 hr 36 min
August 24 Ep. 430 - OU Makes Big Bet On Brent Venables Before Massive 2026 Season
Ep. 430 - OU Makes Big Bet On Brent Venables Before Massive 2026 Season
OU and Brent Venables agreed to a new six-year contract that reportedly pays Venables an average of $10.5 million per year. Did OU have to make this move now?
The guys also discuss the latest on Jake Maikkula’s injury and the plan at center moving forward. The latest news out of fall camp includes Reggie Powers’ growth at cheetah, OU’s run-game talk, and more under-center work for John Mateer.
Later, Brady Trantham from Oklahoma Sooners on SI and Through the Keyhole joins the show to give his perspective from fall camp. Brady discusses the center situation, Xavier Robinson, Jonathan Hatton, OU’s wide receiver questions, the tight end room, Tank Carrington, the defensive line, and the bigger-picture debate over Venables’ contract extension and Oklahoma’s standard in the SEC.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening Take – Brent Venables gets a new contract
06:21 — Jake Maikkula injury clarity and the plan at center in the short term
17:27 — Reggie Powers buzz from fall camp
20:42 — Kip Lewis, Owen Heinecke and linebacker rotation questions
23:57 — Bigger bodies, tight ends and more command in the run game
24:19 — Tight ends as extra blockers in Oklahoma’s offense
27:06 — John Mateer talks under-center work and more 12 personnel discussion
34:16 — Brent Venables contract discussion begins
35:46 — Venables now reportedly among the top 10 highest-paid coaches
37:52 — Grant’s opening reaction: why do this right now?
40:39 — Lee: why not wait and see what happens in 2026?
46:01 — Oklahoma’s bet on front-office structure, Venables and development
49:41 — Listener question for Grant: did OU do enough to improve the offense?
50:57 — Grant’s answer: year five should mean national-level expectations
54:47 — Brady Trantham joins to talk fall camp
58:14 — Brady’s biggest fall camp takeaway outside Venables and Maikkula
01:02:19 — Brady on the Jake Maikkula injury and center options
01:06:00 — Is Ryan Fodje at center a real option or emergency planning?
01:12:10 — Tory Blaylock hamstring concern
01:12:48 — Xavier Robinson, Jonathan Hatton and Lloyd Avant as the healthy trio
01:14:05 — Jonathan Hatton’s physical tools and Adrian Peterson/Joe Mixon comparisons
01:19:00 — Elijah Thomas buzz and whether OU has a real playmaker emerging
01:24:00 — Tight end room talk: Hayden Hansen, Rocky Beers and Jack Van Dorselaer
01:26:00 — Can Jason Witten and Deland McCullough change OU’s offensive identity?
01:30:16 — Tank Carrington hype keeps growing
01:33:06 — Brady reacts to the Brent Venables contract extension
01:38:43 — Brady puts stock in the 2025 playoff season and the challenge of SEC play
01:41:01 — Grant’s concern: OU thought things were fine before 2024 too
01:43:25 — When should Oklahoma expect more than “good”?
01:44:11 — Should OU be a national title contender in year five?
01:45:44 — Comparing Venables’ path to Bob Stoops and the old Big 12/Big Eight reality
01:49:52 — How the SEC exposes your flaws
01:53:37 — The glass-half-full case for Oklahoma’s bet on Venables
01:58:37 — Whether the extension looks good depends on what you think 2026 will be
02:00:02 — What is the eject button for Venables?
02:10:46 — What if OU goes 9-3 but makes real offensive and defensive jumps?
02:14:59 — Georgia expectations and when OU should expect 11-1 or 12-0 again
02:16:34 — Where to find Brady Trantham’s work
02:17:32 — Closing: follow West of Everest
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2 hr 19 min
August 17 Ep. 429 – A Potentially Crushing Injury Overshadows a Good Week of Practice
Ep. 429 – A Potentially Crushing Injury Overshadows a Good Week of Practice
Lee and Grant react to the report that Oklahoma center Jake Maikkula was injured during the Sooners’ first full scrimmage of fall camp. The guys discuss what Maikkula means to the offensive line, why center is such a difficult position to replace, and what Caleb Nitta and true freshman Noah Best could bring if Oklahoma must adjust up front.
There was actually a lot of good news this week as there’s suddenly Elijah Thomas buzz coming out of practice, Trell Harris appears to be practicing in full, Tank Carrington has a trait shared by Jayden Jackson, and OU adds Arkansas transfer Danny Saili to the defensive line room.
Later, the guys answer listener questions about Oklahoma’s offensive line, the run game, the running back room, how much better John Mateer really needs to be, what Ben Arbuckle must prove in year two, whether OU’s secondary can be considered the strength of the team, and which Sooners could get drafted after the 2026 season.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening Take – A good week ends with bad news
03:59 — Brandon Drumm reports Jake Maikkula was injured in Saturday’s scrimmage
09:03 — Noah Best hype and whether he could factor into the center battle
12:15 — Why losing Maikkula would be a significant downgrade
16:35 — Elijah Thomas suddenly becomes a major name to watch
22:18 — Trell Harris appears to be practicing in full and making plays
28:27 — James “Tank” Carrington hype keeps growing
30:27 — Comparing Carrington’s block recognition to Jayden Jackson as a freshman
35:19 — Oklahoma adds Arkansas transfer Danny Saili
38:40 — Todd Bates’ credibility and why the defensive staff gets benefit of the doubt
39:31 — Listener poll: if OU has the best defense, how good must the offense be?
41:08 — West of Everest YouTube subscriber update and community growth
41:57 — Why total offense can be misleading
42:23 — Does OU need a top-10 offense to win a national title?
45:28 — Listener Questions lead to O-line talk about Michael Fasusi and Heath Ozaeta
47:22 — Why the offensive line should improve, but may not be elite yet
50:50 — 12 personnel, offensive philosophy and how OU may build its offense
55:38 — Under-center run game discussion
59:18 — Hunter asks about run blocking and run game health
59:32 — Shane asks if any running back is emerging as the top guy
01:00:42 — Why Xavier Robinson’s quick return suggests the early injury may not be severe
01:01:48 — Grant’s concerns about Tory Blaylock as a top-two running back
01:04:33 — What offensive success against OU’s defense would mean in camp
01:06:00 — John Mateer listener question: how much better does he really need to be?
01:06:55 — Did upgraded personnel change the standard for Mateer?
01:07:50 — Why a small statistical improvement may not be enough
01:08:17 — Mateer’s injury prevented OU from learning how much he could improve last season
01:12:48 — What a realistic Mateer statistical improvement could look like
01:14:02 — Can Mateer improve pocket movement, reads and timing?
01:16:23 — Jeff asks what Ben Arbuckle must do to help the offense thrive
01:16:44 — Arbuckle has to be intentional with personnel and play-calling
01:18:29 — How the offense can thrive in the SEC
01:20:21 — James asks whether the secondary could be the strength of the defense
01:23:29 — Peyton Bowen, Reggie Powers, Omarion Robinson and safety depth
01:28:11 — Big defensive package possibilities
01:31:07 — Final listener question: how many Sooners get drafted?
01:34:42 — What double-digit draft picks would mean for Oklahoma’s season
01:36:09 — Looking ahead to season preview content and show close

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#OklahomaFootball #OUFootball #Sooners #CollegeFootball #SECfootball #BrentVenables #JohnMateer #FallCamp #WestOfEverest
1 hr 39 min
August 10 Ep. 428 - John Mateer’s Championship Chance and Fall Camp is Here!
Ep. 428 - John Mateer’s Championship Chance and Fall Camp is Here!
John Mateer’s got an incredible opportunity to win a National Championship this season. He’s got the defense, but what must he and the offense do in order for the Sooners to win Number 8?
The guys react to early Fall Camp video and practice buzz. Topics include Courtland Guillory’s impressive clips, David Stone’s dominance, Trent Wilson’s development, defensive line depth, PJ Adebawore’s role, Michael Boganowski becoming more technical, safety depth concerns and the possibility that OU’s defense may be even better in 2026.
On offense, the conversation shifts to Deland McCullough and the running back room. We liked his comments about yards after contact. Thoughts on Tory Blaylock and Trell Harris, a possible surprise wide receiver may break out, and will Jason Witten influence Ben Arbuckle’s offense so much that the style changes?
Plus brief thoughts on the Coaches Poll, the new five-year eligibility ruling, Taylor Tatum’s departure from Michigan, and more hot Lincoln Riley/Brent Venables talk!
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening Take – John Mateer’s massive opportunity
05:03 — Week Zero is getting close
07:12 — Fall Camp practice videos, a lot has stood out to Grant
08:10 — Deacon Schmitt may be ready to play early
08:31 — Manny Choice looks the part physically
09:00 — Cole Sullivan’s length and Austin Stogner flashbacks
09:34 — Courtland Guillory’s aura and defensive back clips
11:00 — Deland McCullough’s running back drill philosophy
12:38 — Why “yards after contact” matters for OU’s run game
15:07 — Tight ends, receivers and who looks comfortable in practice clips
17:04 — Running back talk begins with Lloyd Avant and Xavier Robinson
19:00 — Lee declares he’s not concerned with the D-line depth
21:00 — Trent Wilson as a potential breakout defensive lineman
25:00 — Defensive tackle depth and the benefit of the doubt for OU’s defensive staff
26:13 — Jayden Jackson and the question of durability
30:00 — Venables downplaying defensive line strength
30:56 — Edge rusher questions behind the defensive line hype
32:00 — PJ Adebawore entering a huge season
35:00 — Defensive front possibilities and pressure packages
36:00 — Michael Boganowski becoming more technical
37:00 — Safety play, deep passing concerns and OU’s secondary
44:00 — Peyton Bowen, Reggie Powers and young safety depth
46:00 — Linebacker depth behind Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke
51:00 — Length on the edge and disrupting screens
54:41 — YouTube community poll: which offensive position group worries fans most?
56:00 — Tory Blaylock not available for Practice number 3
57:00 — Lloyd Avant appears to be RB1 if the game were tomorrow
01:00:00 — Lloyd Avant’s experience at Tulsa and Colorado State
01:01:00 — Avant’s wiggle, burst and potential fit at Oklahoma
01:03:00 — Xavier Robinson’s instant impact when healthy
01:04:00 — Deland McCullough compares Lloyd Avant to Damien Williams
01:06:00 — Trell Harris participates in individual drills with cameras present
01:10:10 — John Mateer says Manny Choice has grown a lot
01:15:07 — Tight end room discussion begins
01:15:28 — Hayden Hansen as a massive blocking presence
01:15:48 — Gabe Ikard’s interest in OU running out of 12 personnel
01:17:06 — Jason Witten’s influence on Oklahoma’s tight ends
01:19:47 — Ben Arbuckle’s Washington State personnel usage
01:23:32 — Is Arbuckle’s run scheme good enough?
01:28:54 — Offensive line thoughts and remaining offensive questions
01:30:11 — Grant’s frustration with OU’s transfer portal approach
01:31:58 — Oklahoma ranked No. 9 in the preseason coaches poll
01:32:58 — Five-year eligibility ruling and possible roster impacts
01:34:49 — Would Jaren Kanak help OU if he could return?
01:35:36 — Taylor Tatum no longer with Michigan
01:37:14 — Responding to Brady Trantham’s rebuttal to the Venables/Lincoln Riley debate
01:40:25 — Why that debate still matters today
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#OklahomaFootball #OUFootball #Sooners #CollegeFootball #SECfootball #BrentVenables #JohnMateer #FallCamp #WestOfEverest
1 hr 49 min
August 03 Ep. 427 - OU Fall Camp Questions & the Brent Venables Reality Check
Ep. 427 - OU Fall Camp Questions & the Brent Venables Reality Check
Our Fall Camp preview poses unanswerable questions at this time. Will Trell Harris make it through fall camp healthy? Can OU’s RB room get to Week 1 without a wave of injuries? Which position group could produce a surprise camp star, and more!
Later, we take a deeper look at Brent Venables through four seasons at Oklahoma. How does Venables compare historically to other first-time head coaches? Is there a realistic national championship blueprint for Venables based on college football history?
The episode closes with a detailed conversation about the idea that Lincoln Riley “left the cupboard bare” when he departed Oklahoma. Lee and Grant revisit the 2022 roster, including Dillon Gabriel, Eric Gray, Marvin Mims, Brayden Willis, Anton Harrison, Tyler Guyton, Wanya Morris and others, and debate whether OU’s 6-7 season in Venables’ first year was really about talent, culture, coaching, injuries, or all of the above.
Chapters/Timecodes
00:00 — Opening Take – Fall Camp is upon us
06:05 — Will Trell Harris make it through fall camp healthy?
12:29 — What makes a true No. 1 wide receiver?
15:14 — National title expectations vs. where OU actually is
17:48 — Can Oklahoma get to UTEP with a healthy running back room?
21:25 — Which position group could produce a surprise camp superstar?
29:25 — Could Bowe Bentley win the backup quarterback job?
33:16 — If Mateer gets hurt again, can OU trust its QB2?
35:04 — Remembering backup quarterbacks from the Lincoln Riley era
41:17 — Side quest to talk about Lincoln Riley at Big Ten Media Days
43:05 — Will OU’s offense ever have its way with the defense in fall camp?
46:41 — Health is still the No. 1 fall camp priority
48:28 — Brent Venables first four seasons at OU in perspective
53:01 — Comparing first-time OU head coaches through four seasons
57:12 — Is there a national championship blueprint for Venables?
01:02:08 — Where Venables ranks among first-time head coaches historically
01:05:01 — Random detour: Charlie Weis, Notre Dame and college football YouTube rabbit holes
01:08:43 — Revisiting Lee and Grant’s initial reaction to Venables being hired
01:10:44 — OU’s 2022 floor should have been higher than 6-7
01:14:52 — Did Lincoln Riley really gut the program?
01:23:19 — Why the 2022 offense was the most functional part of the team
01:25:37 — Comparing OU’s 2021 offensive personnel to the 2022 offense
01:28:24 — Defensive roster comparison from 2021 to 2022
01:29:54 — What “cupboard was bare” may actually mean
01:34:00 — Offensive red flags heading into 2026
Subscribe to the West of Everest YouTube channel
Follow the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and please leave a five-star rating and review if you enjoy the podcast.
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#OklahomaFootball #OUFootball #Sooners #CollegeFootball #SECfootball #BrentVenables #JohnMateer #FallCamp #WestOfEverest
1 hr 37 min