West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football Podcast

In the opening take, Grant hits on some of the spring practice storylines he's most intrigued by as we look ahead to the Fall. Then Lee joins to share a recent headline he saw from a USC fan site that may signal Lincoln Riley has not changed since his time at OU (4:50). Cale Gundy says Jeff Lebby is as well rounded of an OC as he's been around (11:50). Dillon Gabriel's a player who's pushed the ball down the field in the past. Grant doesn't think the freshmen WRs won't really make much of an impact in 2022 (20:35). Dillon Gabriel says Jeff Lebby's offense has changed since his time at USC due to Lebby's evolution as a coach. Gabriel says his chemistry with the WRs is further along than he expected, and is it already set in stone that OU will win the National Championship next year (26:35)? Is it possible the team will look flat in the spring game? Is it really possible to fill the stadium for the spring game (38:05)? It was nice to talk to Marvin Mims in person last week. Lee tells us the story of Mims and Jeff Lebby first meeting. What if Riley leaving actually kept Mims in Norman (43:20)? Jay Valai is hyper focused on attention to detail and building "football intelligence" within the players. There's been plenty of evidence in the past that OU defensive players don't seem particularly football intelligent. Lee revisits an old rant about Brendan Radley-Hiles and also brings up other examples of poor football intelligence we've seen from previous OU players (51:00). Grant wants to know what's going on with transfer DB C.J. Coldon? Justin Harrington is back. (1:08:35). Talking WRs this spring compared to the WR groups from previous OU spring practices (1:13:20). Time for some more "red meat" topics as we poke more fun at Lincoln Riley & USC. Lee found a few stories from a USC fan site that he thinks you all will find entertaining (1:22:30). Comparing Alex Grinch's resume before he got to OU, to Jeff Lebby's resume as he begins his OU career (1:43:00). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

In the opening take, Grant hits on some of the spring practice storylines he's most intrigued by as we look ahead to the Fall. Then Lee joins to share a recent headline he saw from a USC fan site that may signal Lincoln Riley has not changed since his time at OU (4:50). Cale Gundy says Jeff Lebby is as well rounded of an OC as he's been around (11:50). Dillon Gabriel's a player who's pushed the ball down the field in the past. Grant doesn't think the freshmen WRs won't really make much of an impact in 2022 (20:35). Dillon Gabriel says Jeff Lebby's offense has changed since his time at USC due to Lebby's evolution as a coach. Gabriel says his chemistry with the WRs is further along than he expected, and is it already set in stone that OU will win the National Championship next year (26:35)? Is it possible the team will look flat in the spring game? Is it really possible to fill the stadium for the spring game (38:05)? It was nice to talk to Marvin Mims in person last week. Lee tells us the story of Mims and Jeff Lebby first meeting. What if Riley leaving actually kept Mims in Norman (43:20)? Jay Valai is hyper focused on attention to detail and building "football intelligence" within the players. There's been plenty of evidence in the past that OU defensive players don't seem particularly football intelligent. Lee revisits an old rant about Brendan Radley-Hiles and also brings up other examples of poor football intelligence we've seen from previous OU players (51:00). Grant wants to know what's going on with transfer DB C.J. Coldon? Justin Harrington is back. (1:08:35). Talking WRs this spring compared to the WR groups from previous OU spring practices (1:13:20). Time for some more "red meat" topics as we poke more fun at Lincoln Riley & USC. Lee found a few stories from a USC fan site that he thinks you all will find entertaining (1:22:30). Comparing Alex Grinch's resume before he got to OU, to Jeff Lebby's resume as he begins his OU career (1:43:00). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

In the opening take, Lee can't believe how positive everything is surrounding the OU Football program as Brent Venables begins his first spring practice as the head coach. Then Grant joins to briefly discuss the NCAA Tournament and how legal sports betting has killed interest in our brackets and the Slap heard 'round the world (5:00). OU Spring Practice is underway and Lee's excited about the amount of media access we've gotten so far. Grant's also more excited about the spring than usual (9:15). Lee was at OU's 2nd and 3rd open practice and goes into detail what he saw beginning with the offense (17:30). Lee's thoughts on what he saw from the defense during open practice. Grant makes a ridiculous comparison to a former OU player when they're talking about new Hawaii transfer Jonah Laulu (26:50). Lee tweeted out video of Brent Venables being hands on with the linebackers and it's turned out to be a whole thing -- but most importantly it's cool to see Venables coaching (36:00). Jeff Lebby told us recently what to expect from his offense at OU (42:00). What do we think the starting O-Line looks like right now (49:05)? Some final thoughts on the offense so far this spring. What's Brayden Willis going to be? Trevon West is getting some spring buzz and some classic complaints about the Kansas game from last year (56:10). Could Lincoln Riley's career trajectory be similar to Rich Rodriguez or Chip Kelly (1:04:00)? Danny Stutsman comments on the importance of embracing practice (1:12:00). Lee asked Reggie Grimes about the defensive install. Venables is not impressed with OU's linebacker depth (1:16:10). Billy Bowman got jerked around in 2021. Now he's focusing on just one position (1:26:30). Miguel Chavis has high praise for new DE Jonah Laulu and Chavis just seems like a cool guy to hang with (1:36:30). We go to the "West of Everest" FB page and answer questions about Venables' recruiting strategy, can this be the best OU defense in the last 7-8 years?, and one listener shares a hot take (1:42:50). OU just hired someone to improve the fan experience during gameday (1:56:00). Our thoughts on Baker Mayfield and his current situation (2:07:15). USC firing Lincoln Riley would be a national holiday for OU fans and Billy Bowman says they weren't allowed to return kicks in 2021 (2:20:15). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

In the opening take, Lee can't believe how positive everything is surrounding the OU Football program as Brent Venables begins his first spring practice as the head coach. Then Grant joins to briefly discuss the NCAA Tournament and how legal sports betting has killed interest in our brackets and the Slap heard 'round the world (5:00). OU Spring Practice is underway and Lee's excited about the amount of media access we've gotten so far. Grant's also more excited about the spring than usual (9:15). Lee was at OU's 2nd and 3rd open practice and goes into detail what he saw beginning with the offense (17:30). Lee's thoughts on what he saw from the defense during open practice. Grant makes a ridiculous comparison to a former OU player when they're talking about new Hawaii transfer Jonah Laulu (26:50). Lee tweeted out video of Brent Venables being hands on with the linebackers and it's turned out to be a whole thing -- but most importantly it's cool to see Venables coaching (36:00). Jeff Lebby told us recently what to expect from his offense at OU (42:00). What do we think the starting O-Line looks like right now (49:05)? Some final thoughts on the offense so far this spring. What's Brayden Willis going to be? Trevon West is getting some spring buzz and some classic complaints about the Kansas game from last year (56:10). Could Lincoln Riley's career trajectory be similar to Rich Rodriguez or Chip Kelly (1:04:00)? Danny Stutsman comments on the importance of embracing practice (1:12:00). Lee asked Reggie Grimes about the defensive install. Venables is not impressed with OU's linebacker depth (1:16:10). Billy Bowman got jerked around in 2021. Now he's focusing on just one position (1:26:30). Miguel Chavis has high praise for new DE Jonah Laulu and Chavis just seems like a cool guy to hang with (1:36:30). We go to the "West of Everest" FB page and answer questions about Venables' recruiting strategy, can this be the best OU defense in the last 7-8 years?, and one listener shares a hot take (1:42:50). OU just hired someone to improve the fan experience during gameday (1:56:00). Our thoughts on Baker Mayfield and his current situation (2:07:15). USC firing Lincoln Riley would be a national holiday for OU fans and Billy Bowman says they weren't allowed to return kicks in 2021 (2:20:15). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

In the opening take, Lee can't believe how positive everything is surrounding the OU Football program as Brent Venables begins his first spring practice as the head coach. Then Grant joins to briefly discuss the NCAA Tournament and how legal sports betting has killed interest in our brackets and the Slap heard 'round the world (5:00). OU Spring Practice is underway and Lee's excited about the amount of media access we've gotten so far. Grant's also more excited about the spring than usual (9:15). Lee was at OU's 2nd and 3rd open practice and goes into detail what he saw beginning with the offense (17:30). Lee's thoughts on what he saw from the defense during open practice. Grant makes a ridiculous comparison to a former OU player when they're talking about new Hawaii transfer Jonah Laulu (26:50). Lee tweeted out video of Brent Venables being hands on with the linebackers and it's turned out to be a whole thing -- but most importantly it's cool to see Venables coaching (36:00). Jeff Lebby told us recently what to expect from his offense at OU (42:00). What do we think the starting O-Line looks like right now (49:05)? Some final thoughts on the offense so far this spring. What's Brayden Willis going to be? Trevon West is getting some spring buzz and some classic complaints about the Kansas game from last year (56:10). Could Lincoln Riley's career trajectory be similar to Rich Rodriguez or Chip Kelly (1:04:00)? Danny Stutsman comments on the importance of embracing practice (1:12:00). Lee asked Reggie Grimes about the defensive install. Venables is not impressed with OU's linebacker depth (1:16:10). Billy Bowman got jerked around in 2021. Now he's focusing on just one position (1:26:30). Miguel Chavis has high praise for new DE Jonah Laulu and Chavis just seems like a cool guy to hang with (1:36:30). We go to the "West of Everest" FB page and answer questions about Venables' recruiting strategy, can this be the best OU defense in the last 7-8 years?, and one listener shares a hot take (1:42:50). OU just hired someone to improve the fan experience during gameday (1:56:00). Our thoughts on Baker Mayfield and his current situation (2:07:15). USC firing Lincoln Riley would be a national holiday for OU fans and Billy Bowman says they weren't allowed to return kicks in 2021 (2:20:15). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

Lee thanks the Sooners for their season-saving win over Texas in his opening take. Then Grant joins in to praise the OU defense. We try not to critique the officiating too much -- and then we talk about the refs for, like, 15 minutes. Plus, Sooners' fans are absolutely spoiled by Baker Mayfield.

4:30 Grant says the OU defense played fantastic against Texas

6:00 The Sooners allowed just 55 yards on the first 5 Texas possessions

7:00 OU addressed issues from Iowa State

7:45 The Sooners were in man coverage basically the entire game, but Lee highlights a play where OU caused havoc by simply rushing 3 and dropping 8 into coverage.

9:40 Why don’t we see OU’s defense attack and play this aggressively all time?

12:50 well, we get into the officiating of the game and Lee decides to start with a play the refs got correct — before pointing out more plays they got it wrong

15:20 The Du’Vonta Lampkin late hit penalty was outrageous.

16:25 That Lampkin penalty caused nightmarish flashbacks to the 2008 OU-Texas game

18:05 instead of moving on, Grant has to highlight the 3 separate penalties (that were not called) on the Ehlinger TD run in the 4th qtr

19:20 An expert on OU football says it was the worst officiating in 50 years of OU-TX

20:10 Grant points out how well the Sooners defensive line performed, specifically Obo

22:25 Why did OU’s defense start to give up yards in the final 2ish quarters of the game?

23:30 Grant sums up Texas’ offense on Saturday and it’s simple

24:00 Parnell Motley was tested more than usual in this game and Motley performed well for the most part

26:50 we discuss one of most unusual screen passes we’ve ever seen

29:15 Grant thinks Ehlinger is the perfect fit for Tom Herman

29:55 It’s worth pointing out that the much maligned Sooners defense got a stop when they needed it in a game OU absolutely needed to win

31:20 OU’s offense was awesome at first. Trey Sermon won’t go down and Rodney Anderson was mixed in well.

32:00 Austin Seibert — GOOD JOB

33:15 Grant thought the offense followed a similar script as the Iowa State game

34:00 Lincoln Riley is going through some growing pains as a head coach

36:50 Lee wants to see the Sooners try more down field shots

38:20 Marquise Brown is an explosive player

39:20 we are spoiled by Baker Mayfield and he played great again vs.Texas

41:05 give it up for the Sooners’ offensive line

42:25 Breaking down Rodney Anderson’s TD run

44:00 The offense is going to miss Abdul Adams for as long as he’s out

45:25 Mayfield threw an interception and you just have to tip your cap to the Texas DB. However, Mayfield should have thrown another INT later and he got lucky.

48:45 OU gained more yards against Texas than any other team this year

50:25 that was an incredibly physical version of OU-TX

51:20 Grant thinks Texas is close to being a National Championship contender. This rivalry is “back”.

In the opening take, Lee asks what kind of culture you'd prefer at your favorite school? Then Grant joins the show to scold people for leaving negative reviews on podcasts before Lee asks Grant what he thinks about Bill Bedenbaugh's comments about OU getting "over the hump". How much can we take away from all this talk? Lee tries to explain why he thinks it's reasonable to be more confident in this happy talk compared to previous times when we've heard positive talk from OU's staff (7:45). Let's talk "culture" at OU. Yes, we use the word "soft". Did Lincoln Riley's team *really* get worse each season (21:40)? DeMarco Murray called Eric Gray the most explosive player on OU's offense. Why didn't he get used more, again (30:05)? OU's assistants have a ton of awesome things to say about Brent Venables. Hear from Cale Gundy, Brandon Hall, and DeMarco Murray. Venables has made change, and it sounds like it's for the better (35:20). Does new co-DC Todd Bates look like Hannibal Buress? He updates us on his new position group. Has Lee lost his love of guys who say they watch a bunch of tape (55:20)? Will new cornerbacks coach Jay Valai be the guy to finally get OU's corners playing up to the standard we want them to (1:00:00)? The last coach we hear from is Miguel Chavis. This guy loves everything. And sounds like he's a star (1:04:15). Everything sounds so good. Grant wants to know what we're missing here? Grant also loved Brent Venables on Gabe Ikard & Teddy Lehman's podcast (1:09:40). The spring game is set for April 23. Baker Mayfield will get his statue dedicated. Is it possible to sell out the spring game? Will Lincoln Riley show up for Mayfield's statue dedication (1:22:20)? Spencer Rattler's took a shot at Lincoln Riley last week (1:26:00). We go to the WoE Facebook page to read your comments and questions (1:30:25). Finishing up with our limited comments on the NFL Combine and OU men's basketball tries to save their season Thursday against Baylor (1:34:00). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

In the opening take, Lee asks what kind of culture you'd prefer at your favorite school? Then Grant joins the show to scold people for leaving negative reviews on podcasts before Lee asks Grant what he thinks about Bill Bedenbaugh's comments about OU getting "over the hump". How much can we take away from all this talk? Lee tries to explain why he thinks it's reasonable to be more confident in this happy talk compared to previous times when we've heard positive talk from OU's staff (7:45). Let's talk "culture" at OU. Yes, we use the word "soft". Did Lincoln Riley's team *really* get worse each season (21:40)? DeMarco Murray called Eric Gray the most explosive player on OU's offense. Why didn't he get used more, again (30:05)? OU's assistants have a ton of awesome things to say about Brent Venables. Hear from Cale Gundy, Brandon Hall, and DeMarco Murray. Venables has made change, and it sounds like it's for the better (35:20). Does new co-DC Todd Bates look like Hannibal Buress? He updates us on his new position group. Has Lee lost his love of guys who say they watch a bunch of tape (55:20)? Will new cornerbacks coach Jay Valai be the guy to finally get OU's corners playing up to the standard we want them to (1:00:00)? The last coach we hear from is Miguel Chavis. This guy loves everything. And sounds like he's a star (1:04:15). Everything sounds so good. Grant wants to know what we're missing here? Grant also loved Brent Venables on Gabe Ikard & Teddy Lehman's podcast (1:09:40). The spring game is set for April 23. Baker Mayfield will get his statue dedicated. Is it possible to sell out the spring game? Will Lincoln Riley show up for Mayfield's statue dedication (1:22:20)? Spencer Rattler's took a shot at Lincoln Riley last week (1:26:00). We go to the WoE Facebook page to read your comments and questions (1:30:25). Finishing up with our limited comments on the NFL Combine and OU men's basketball tries to save their season Thursday against Baylor (1:34:00). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

In the opening take, Lee asks what kind of culture you'd prefer at your favorite school? Then Grant joins the show to scold people for leaving negative reviews on podcasts before Lee asks Grant what he thinks about Bill Bedenbaugh's comments about OU getting "over the hump". How much can we take away from all this talk? Lee tries to explain why he thinks it's reasonable to be more confident in this happy talk compared to previous times when we've heard positive talk from OU's staff (7:45). Let's talk "culture" at OU. Yes, we use the word "soft". Did Lincoln Riley's team *really* get worse each season (21:40)? DeMarco Murray called Eric Gray the most explosive player on OU's offense. Why didn't he get used more, again (30:05)? OU's assistants have a ton of awesome things to say about Brent Venables. Hear from Cale Gundy, Brandon Hall, and DeMarco Murray. Venables has made change, and it sounds like it's for the better (35:20). Does new co-DC Todd Bates look like Hannibal Buress? He updates us on his new position group. Has Lee lost his love of guys who say they watch a bunch of tape (55:20)? Will new cornerbacks coach Jay Valai be the guy to finally get OU's corners playing up to the standard we want them to (1:00:00)? The last coach we hear from is Miguel Chavis. This guy loves everything. And sounds like he's a star (1:04:15). Everything sounds so good. Grant wants to know what we're missing here? Grant also loved Brent Venables on Gabe Ikard & Teddy Lehman's podcast (1:09:40). The spring game is set for April 23. Baker Mayfield will get his statue dedicated. Is it possible to sell out the spring game? Will Lincoln Riley show up for Mayfield's statue dedication (1:22:20)? Spencer Rattler's took a shot at Lincoln Riley last week (1:26:00). We go to the WoE Facebook page to read your comments and questions (1:30:25). Finishing up with our limited comments on the NFL Combine and OU men's basketball tries to save their season Thursday against Baylor (1:34:00). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9

No opening take. The guys jump right into the latest news that the College Football Playoff will not expand for the next 4 years (:40). Why must they announce at this point that the Playoff will not be expanded in the next 4 years? Why do they need so much buffer time to make any decision (5:45)? Remember last summer when we all thought an expanded playoff was a done deal and would be here sooner than later? Grant thinks the SEC is trying to eventually dominate everything about the sport. Lee wants to know how TV rights deals come into play here (15:30). Apparently there's some pushback on the idea of playing on campus playoff games. Automatic Qualifiers for the Playoff are also something everybody can't agree upon (22:20). Another reason why the expanded playoff proposal didn't pass was the idea of players playing extra games. Lee gives credit to a college football writer that we normally rip on during the show (33:20). Lee asks if we are missing anything when it comes to expanding the playoff? It seems like everybody is on the same side here. What else could be done to improve college football (39:30)? Of course the Rose Bowl is a big component as to what will happen with the Playoff in the future (49:00). Should OU want to stay in the Big 12 until the current media rights contract runs out (56:45)? What if we saw an immediate difference in OU in Game 1 against UTEP? Why does the national media all seem to think OU will not be any good in 2022? Do they not understand that Brent Venables is a pretty good coach and OU's still got a lot of pieces (1:03:25)? We finish the show by addressing some comments and questions from the WoE Facebook page (1:19:35). Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9