Boomo Bugg Show 032526

[0:00] Now, get ready to roll Shoals, Decatur, Athens and all of Northwest Alabama and Southern Tennessee. It's time for the Valley's exclusive FM Sports Voice. The Boomo Bugg Show. Your exclusive inside track to the Tide, Tigers, Tennessee and the rest of the SEC. Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9 The Score. Good afternoon and welcome here to the Boomo Bugg Show. I'm Harold Bugg alongside Brett Beaird. Thank you so much for giving us free ride around the Tennessee Valley. Brett Beaird, welcome in. We're your baseball fans. The favorite two words of the year, play ball.

And why, if you're an Alabama basketball coach, you're sitting on a gold mine. Good afternoon. Welcome in and how are you? Happy Wednesday to you and the listeners. Hope you're feeling a little bit better. Alabama women's basketball coach Christy Curry accepts the head coaching job at South Florida the day after a tough loss to Louisville in the NCAA tournament. Bill Self, head coach of Kansas, will announce his retirement this afternoon. And North Carolina is looking for his next head basketball coach after Hubert Davis has let go.

But before we talk about all that, good friend David Weathers is here to talk about the Weathers family in the opening day of Major League Baseball. Two hours may not be enough. And that's just talking about David and his family. Almost two decades, it's been called Major League Baseball. We're on now. He is the pride of Loretto, Tennessee. And I would imagine easy to say the first family of sports, whether it's Major League Baseball, whether it's college basketball, you name it. David, welcome in. How are you?

What's up, guys? Oh, everything's good, man. Just finally slowing down a little bit here, but everything's good. Where do you start, David? I mean, I thought about you the other night. Here you have one daughter who's playing in the NCAA basketball tournament. You got a son tonight who's going to be on the team. It's going to open up the Major League Baseball season with a team called the New York Yankees. Oh, yep, that's the same team you've been with back in the day. It's hard to believe.

Do you sometimes wonder if you and Kelly are coming or going, David? Well, I'm pretty sure right now I'm in Loretto. I'm not real confident. That's where I'm at. We've been so many places. But not only that, my youngest daughter, we went to the national tournament in Sioux City, Iowa. Drove up there. Drove from Sioux City, Iowa down to Louisville. Louisville to Henderson, Tennessee, back to home. And then last night we had a high school baseball game. And Ryan pitched yesterday. And today they got opening day.

So we're putting 14,000 miles on our truck since November. So it's been busy. I see a good tax deduction going on there, David. Let's start with Carla. I'll tell you what. Did your heart not go out? Two things this week. This has been a hard week for that young lady. Last game as a senior at Alabama, she does everything in her power to get this team a win against a very good Louisville team. I still think it's an injustice to play on their home court, but that's an argument for another day.

She hits a key three there at the end, one of many down the stretch. Instead, they come up one short. And then later finding out that someone I'm sure that's very special to her, Christy Curry, announces that she's leaving Alabama for South Florida. But, David, it has to have been a very emotional week for Carly. It has. And, you know, her whole goal when she signed at Alabama, and, you know, she told Coach Curry this, was, you know, she wanted to get Alabama back to the Sweet 16, whatever it took.

And, you know, so that was a huge goal of hers. Last year we let it slip to our fingers, 20-point lead late in the third up at Maryland. This year we have to go to Louisville and could not agree more. This is going to be a comment that's going to probably chat a lot of people. But until, if women want to get the respect that the men's tournament gets, then you've got to go to neutral sides. It's an absolute joke. Number one, it's so – who decides who's the top 16 seed, right?

It's so – it's just – it's just not a fan. But on top of that, I've been for all four years, traveled all four years, and every year the foul discrepancy, the calls, the – And, man, I'm not an excuse guy. That was an absolute joke at Louisville the other day. 21 fouls to 10. You're telling me a team that plays man-to-man all over the court only fouls 10 times in four games. We shot four free throws. Wow. You know, so you – not only are you dealing with the emotional side of traveling and, you know, you're playing this team.

[5:17] Man, they're a really good team. You hit a three, you pull up with a one, you know, they missed second free throw, and within a blink of an eye, your career's over. Yep. And so, you know, man, we've been around sports a long time, and we understand it. We knew what was at stake. Man, you just hate it. And, you know, here's the sad part about all this, and this is definitely not going to be, you know, politically correct. But Creasy Curry is leaving because they're leaving.

She's leaving because they get nothing at Alabama from the university. And they don't – listen, they don't care about women's basketball there. You know, there's so many things that went on, Harold. Our ladies never had a parking space. I guess they had to practice at Foster. Well, that was a faculty parking lot, so they're having to walk sometimes a half a mile just to practice. Wow. And the thunderstorming. So, you know, man, I have a lot of emotions about that. Yeah. Because I watch my daughter and every lady that goes to Alabama work every bit as hard as a man in any sport.

And so, you know, when you have daughters, those kind of things bother you because they lost Creasy Curry, who has brought the program back. Right. And, Harold, I want you to think about this. You and I, we – and Brent, we've been around sports our whole life. We love them. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Could you imagine leaving the SEC to go and take a job in the American Conference? Yeah. Well, see, to illustrate your point, David, look what happened in football. You had a coach leave that for the SEC.

That illustrates your point right there. Sure, and so that – to me, that's a huge red flag. Like, what's going on? Yeah. Why have the coach been there for 13 years leaving the SEC where you fly everywhere you go? You have great – you know what I'm saying? Like, while – and so I just – I hate that because I think it messes with the continuity. And what's going to be interesting is see who they hire. Yeah. And see if they bring in somebody and pay a little bit more money and give them a little more NIL.

If they do that, then obviously they wanted to change their – but it's hard to let go of the coach since it's been as successful as they were. Absolutely. Absolutely. Carly, very emotional. Carly loves the Curry. David, that's what I was going to ask you about. Quite a few of the Alabama beat writers have mentioned this week. Alabama's ranked dead last in the SEC for women's basketball spending. And you just more or less described some of the issues that they have been working with. And we know women's basketball has come a long way across the board.

Pat Summitt got a lot of this stuff started. Still got a long way to go. But that's resonated with a lot of people that an athletic program in Alabama, the spending for women's basketball is dead last in the league. Yeah, that – and, you know, Brett, just, man, my eyes were just open with Carly being down there for four years. It's little things. You know, the Curry was just handicapped. You know, and this is going to sound like really not goofy, and it's probably going to blow your mind a little bit.

Like, as soon as an Alabama basketball game was over, within 15 minutes, man, they're pushing you out the door. Wow. We go to these other schools, and, man, Ole Miss is on the floor signing autographs. They're bringing kids on the floor to shoot basketball. Like, they're promoting the women's game. Right, right. They couldn't get us out there, and I'm talking about – and, listen, I went to every SEC venue. And we – you know, Louisville the other day, we're in there for an hour and a half. Well, we go on the road in these places.

They're inviting kids. They're wanting people to stick around. That's how you build a fan base. The next generation. Yes, and so it's just – man, I can put my finger on it, but there's things I can't say, but I will say this. There has to be change down there for that program because they don't put anything into it, to be honest with you. They have no weight room. They have – listen, there's things I could tell you guys that would blow your mind, that would actually irritate people if they knew how the women's team was treated.

I'm going to tell you something. We absolutely thrived under the conditions. Well, it's like the private world out there. Everybody wants a Volvo, but they don't want to spend no more than a Yugo. Everybody wants that big – that BMW for the price of VW. You get out what you put in. David, I know this. Carly poured her heart and soul into it. She made her contribution, but you are in a rare position. Tonight, did you ever think that as a papa, you'd ever see your son wearing the same jersey that you did back in the day?

[10:23] The New York Yankees open tonight with San Francisco. We know that Ryan's in rotation, but your thoughts about Ryan so far as a Yankee? It's been good. You know, he's very excited. It's different. You know, it's like you and I – he and I were talking. I'm like, listen, they're going to know what flavor gum you're chewing and report on it. So, you know, everything's on the up, so you've got to be prepared for that. But what he loves about it is he's got Garrett Cole and Max Freed and Rodon.

He's got – he's got the, you know, Booney and Brad Alston. He's got all these guys to lean on to help him grow as a player. Right. And that's what's been the most exciting thing. But you have to see him put the Yankee uniform on. I told Kelly the other day, I said, man, it's just weird, Kelly, because when I play for the Yankees, it's just my job, and you're trying to win. I said, but see, Ryan, put those pinstrips on. I said, it's pretty special. And sometimes as a player, you're so involved in the moment, you don't get to enjoy it.

Yeah. Yeah. David, nobody can answer this better than you. Tony Vitello, of course, was very, very successful at Tennessee as a coach, won a national championship. He's doing something no other college coach has ever done. He is coaching a major league baseball team beginning the night with the Yankees. Everybody knows about what he did at Tennessee, but, man, it is a big step to go to the major leagues without never coaching there. How successful would he be with San Francisco? I think Tony will do really well.

You know, he recruited a couple of our guys at Loretta, so I got to know him pretty well. And the thing that he did that was very impressive is he brought Dusty Baker and Bruce Bucci on. You know, man, you bring those guys in, and both of them are very much, you know, baseball guys, but they're going to help Tony. They're very positive. Yeah. But they're going to help give him knowledge because it is a different locker room. You know, you're not going to pull that stuff, man.

Those grown men, man, they'll let you know real quick, yeah. Oh, yeah. Hey, I'm not doing that. And so it's a different atmosphere, but I think he'll do well only because, you know, he's willing to adapt. I always say this about Nick Saban. Everybody, the reason he's so successful is he adapted to the environment. That's right. Yep. And that should have been a, you know, a warning sign to everybody when he walked away and why he walked away is here's an adaptable man. And he's like, no one can adapt to this.

Yeah. Yeah. And I think that's what makes guys like Tony Vitello. I think he's going to be very successful. And, you know, I just, I think he's going to do really well. Yeah. I had a news director back in the day and he was there, all that in a bag of chips where I was, and he left for a bigger market. He was going to take the same blueprint. And that market, they laughed him out of the city. Oh, for sure. Just because it works here doesn't mean it's going to work there.

Your team's going to determine that. But let me ask you this, David, that tonight's game, I mean, we've grown up in a generation where it'd be laughable to say this. But you can't watch this game on free TV. It's on Netflix. Your thoughts about the direction of baseball with this new pattern. Honestly, man, you guys know I'm so old school. I'm sick of all of it. Like, you know, sports were created for us to enjoy as players that get to play sports. That God gave you enough ability to play.

We should enjoy that. Right. Well, you know, the fans should be able to enjoy watching baseball. And enjoy watching any sport. Like, can you not get enough money on ABC, CBS, ESPN, straight up? No. How much do you need? Yep. And I've said for years, and people, and Harold, I've said it on this show. Everybody thinks ticket prices are what pays players. It is not. No. No. And they're making so much money. These payrolls are, you know, there's nothing to what they're making. And it's because of watching it.

You know, you've got to get on Netflix to watch the Yankees and Giants. I mean, that's a joke. Yep. Davey, there's nothing wrong with old school. Davey, there's nothing wrong with old school. Harold and I have a lot of that in us, not because of our age, but because we saw it done right for years, decades ago. And it's been successful for decades. Listen, you know, we love talking with you. Congratulations to Carly. Best of luck to Ryan, your other daughter, and your wife who tries to keep everybody straight.

Listen, have a great week. Good luck in baseball, high school at Loretta. Let's do this again soon, buddy. Good luck. And I want to say this before I get off. I don't want us to be so negative. Carly absolutely loves representing the University of Alabama. had four unbelievable years that she loved the nursing school, and she loved her basketball team and her coaches. So, it was very, very positive. The negative things are, you know, they are what they are, but, man, she loved her time there, and we did as well.

[15:37] Well, she's coming out of nursing school. Tell her I may be coming to see her after this week. I've been under the weather, so I'll be booking an appointment with her. Okay, David? I don't know if she's ready for that yet. Thank you. Thank you, guys. We'll see. Thank you, David. David, well, as you're talking about a family, baby, my goodness gracious, talking about unique, they put the capital U in unique. Coming up all over this thing called The Dance with Adam Spencer on deck. Stay with us.

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Just head to ZipRecruiter.com slash free right now to try it for free. That's ZipRecruiter.com slash free. Meet your match on Zip Recruiter. Try it free. The score. Now, back with Boomobug on 93.9. The score. Welcome back, Ken. You just can't keep a good man down. Adam Spencer hooking up with us from Saturday down south and also busy there with Saturday tradition in sports betting dime. Adam, welcome in. How are you? Hey, I'm doing good. How are you? Hey, man. Well, Adam, actually, we thought we was going to sit here and get the ball rolling with this thing called the NCAA dance and their sweet 16.

But a funny thing happened on the way to this point. That is, openings at North Carolina and soon to be Kansas. Of course, the initial reaction to that and what it means as far as somebody sitting down in Tuscaloosa, you know where I'm going with this. He is sitting on a gold mine. Whether it's here or there, he's going to get paid. Your thoughts about the news and that may impact Alabama and their basketball future. Yeah, I mean, when you have two blue bloods opening at the same time, I mean, that's, you know, when you're a very well-run team with a very winning coach, then it always makes you sweat a little bit.

You know, North Carolina has the resources and the history. Kansas has the resources and the history. You know, we did some reporting today. Our guy, Neil Blackman, he's locked in on all things Florida and he's got some ACC ties. You know, he reported that NATO is not on North Carolina's list. You know, take it for what it's worth, UNC does not like any off-court issues and, you know, whether you agree with that or not, the perception of NATO's program is that, you know, they win all the time, but there's some issues off the court with culture and stuff like that.

So, it sounds like UNC does not have him very high on the list. Of course, you know, that's all subject to change. You know, that's not an opinion I hold. I think Nate Oates is a brilliant basketball mind who, you know, coaches get the most from his guys on the court. You know, he doesn't have any NCAA scandals. So, you know, I think that he would be a good hire for somebody if they were looking. But it sounds like for right now he's going to stay at Alabama.

And, you know, that's not a bad thing. He's, you know, he's got administrative support there. He's shown that he can win. You know, they're in yet another Sweet 16. And, yeah, they have Michigan standing in front of them. But, you know, don't count the tide out. So, I don't think Nate Oates is going to be the guy in North Carolina according to, you know, our guy Neil Blackman. So, they'll be looking elsewhere. But, yeah, I mean, there's some other big-name coaches. I mean, you know, Vanderbilt's Mark Byington.

You know, Vanderbilt's going to be sweating a little bit here, too. Talking about Kansas, obviously that's about to open up. And, obviously, they may have a different playbook because Seth hasn't exactly got a halo hanging over his head. So, what are your thoughts about that potential? Yeah, I mean, I think that that would be the one if there was interest there. I mean, you know, Kansas, you know, they have, they've, basketball's their whole thing. You know, as Alabama, you're always going to be playing second fiddle to football.

You know, it's popular. Basketball's popular. But, football is king down there. And, so, you know, does that matter to Oates? I don't know. You know, if Kansas comes calling, though, you have to at least take that call. So, I think that he'll be more likely to be on Kansas' list. I just, I don't have, we don't have as much insight into that situation there. Adam, I've heard the same thing about Oates related to North Carolina. They're looking at Billy Donovan coming back maybe to the college.

Tommy Lloyd, Arizona, Dustin May at Michigan and so forth. Before we look at a couple of the games and get your thoughts for the Sweet 16, you saw what you described as maybe the most unbelievable 10 seconds in the history of the NCAA tournament when Kentucky and Santa Clara in the last 10 seconds went back and forth. And, of course, Kentucky commits 20 turnovers and loses the next game down with State, which didn't help Mark Pope very much. But, describe to us what you saw in the final 10 seconds of that Kentucky-Santa Clara game.

[25:53] Yeah, I mean, what a show by Otega away there. I mean, just, you know, the Santa Clara fans were sitting behind us. And they showed up, you know, credit to Santa Clara fans for traveling to St. Louis for that game and, you know, filling their section. So, you know, it was still a pro-Kentucky crowd, but my goodness. So, yeah, Otega makes the shot to tie it. Then, you know, I'm filming. Here comes Alan Graves, you know, to get him the ball. He knocked down that three.

I've got, you know, I'm holding my phone up to record the Santa Clara reaction while I'm watching the game. Otega gets the shot off, and, like, I have a video of just pure joy going to pure dejection in, like, 0.2 seconds. So, it was just an incredible shift. You could hear where the sound, the cheering just shifted from one side of the arena to the other. It was still the same volume. But, yeah, what a shot, you know, to prolong their season and avoid that upset and, you know, potentially save Mark Pope's job in the process.

But, I mean, what a game. I mean, just an incredible thrill to be at. Yeah, Spencer's got it all covered there. It's headed down south. Adam, he mentioned, obviously, we mentioned Alabama earlier. We know they got the classic David-Goliath matchup next, Sweet 16. What's going to happen in the Sweet 16 matchup between Alabama and Michigan in basketball? Yeah, I mean, I think that Alabama is going to need to control the pace here. This is going to be a game where, you know, LeBaron Phylon did not have his best scoring night and they still managed to route Texas Tech.

You know, he was a distributor. He got, like, 12 assists or something like that. He was making the right plays. But he was going to have to score 20-plus points in this one. You know, right self is going to need to stay hot from three. You know, if there's a way that Michigan is vulnerable, it is by very, very efficient offense. We saw it with Purdue in the Big Ten tournament. You know, you've got to run and gun with those guys. And Alabama has the ability to do that.

You just can't let their bigs get set in the post because Alabama will get worked over in the low paint with, you know, Mara Amores-Johnson, Yakka Lindenborg. You know, they have some big guys. So Alabama needs to turn it into a track meet, which that's how they want to play anyway. So if they can control the style and dictate the tempo, they'll have a fighter's chance. And then, you know, when you can make the three the way that they can, you know, then you can have a shot late, and that's all you can ask for.

Speaking of late, Iowa State and Tennessee starts at 10-10 Eastern time. The final game of the Sweet 16, I think the question going into this, Adam, which star player is healthier, Iowa State, Josiah Jefferson, or Nate Amin? If Amin is completely healthy, he can take over a game. But you could tell he wasn't in the last one, the win over Virginia. Iowa State and Tennessee, Adam. Yeah, I mean, I'm going to tell you right now that Amin is going to be the healthier guy out of those two because, I mean, I thought Jefferson come down on his ankle.

That was the game after the Kentucky Santa Clara game. And, oh, man, that did not look good. Like, he had a scooter on the sideline for the rest of the weekend. And, you know, I know he's going to try to play. And, you know, kudos to him for, you know, getting it out and not just shutting it down and getting ready for the NBA. But, my goodness, I mean, he's going to be limited. So, yeah, I mean, Nate Amin is the X Factor here. He's got to take advantage of that matchup.

You know, he's got to be magnificent. He can't just – the Tennessee offense can't just be give the ball to Jacoby Gillespie and Hope because, I mean, Lipsy and that Iowa State backcourt will punish you for doing that. So, I think that Tennessee is – of the four SEC teams left standing, I think that they're the most likely to advance to the Elite Eight just based on Jefferson's injury. And they'll be able to test the Iowa State defense in ways that Kentucky couldn't. But, yeah, Nate Amin, you know, I said it about Darren Fyland, meeting 20 points, can't just be a facilitator.

I mean, Amin's got to be aggressive in this game. You know, he's going to have to have the best game of his college career. And if you're going to do it, now's the time to do it. So, I think he's capable of it, and we'll see if he gets his job done. Alabama, Tennessee on Friday. The SEC gets going actually tomorrow with Texas-Purdue, Arkansas-Arizona. How will the SEC boys fare in those matchups, Adam? Yeah, it's going to be tough for Texas, but, you know, this isn't a normal 11 seed.

You know, Daylon Swain is going to be a future NBA player. They have plenty of top-tier talent. You know, Braden Smith, he didn't have his best scoring night. He couldn't buy a bucket in that second-round game against Miami, but, you know, he was still making the right plays. Trey Kaufman-Rinn, I think, is one of the most underrated players in college basketball right now. And, you know, but if Texas can, you know, do what it hasn't done all year, you know, they don't defend the perimeter well, you're going to have to get a guy on Fletcher Lawyer.

[31:01] Like, that guy, I don't think I saw him miss a shot in St. Louis this weekend. So, I'm sure he did. I just don't think I saw it. So, you know, he's on a heater right now. You've got to get him off his game early. And then Arkansas-Arizona, I think, is going to be the game of the weekend. I cannot wait for that one. Darius Acuff, Braden Burry, both in the mix for that potential number five pick. You know, Burry might even end up guarding Acuff, which would be incredible television to watch.

I mean, Acuff's going to have to show that he gets a little affected by size sometimes. And Arizona has plenty of length that they can throw at him defensively. So, we're going to have to see. He's still going to get his points. But, you know, it's a difference between 20 and 30. If he can get to 30, Arkansas will be right there at the end. And, you know, I think that that team has the potential to just be a nail-biter from opening tip to final shot. I hope it is.

I'm like you. I thought Arkansas would go to the final four. But, again, as Charles Barkley said, this is the Arizona Invitational. Well, we'll see if it is. John Miller and Matt Painter in that Purdue beat Alabama by seven to Tuscaloosa. And Braden Smith, when you've got a veteran point guard, boy, that makes all the difference. I still say he's been there eight years. And I'm always glad to catch up with you. It should be a great, sweet 16. I know Saturday Down South has got it covered.

Where can we get online to get your stuff, Joe Cox, and the teams? Yeah, SaturdayDownSouth.com, Saturday Tradition. You know, we've got baseball power rankings coming out on Friday, too, just in the midst of all this madness. But, yeah, we've got you covered from tip to final buzzer over a Saturday Down South. Adam, listen, man, kick back. It kicks back up tomorrow night. Enjoy. And thanks so much for your time today. Yeah, thanks for having me, guys. Always appreciate it. Thanks, man. You, too. Adam Spencer, Saturday Down South.

Interesting observation there, BB. A lot of Alabama fans, when they saw that North Carolina job open up, they said, uh-oh. But in case you missed it, Adam said, according to their sources, North Carolina may not be looking at Nate, of all things, because of off-the-court issues with his team over the years. He's correct. Yep. Coming up, speaking of Tuscaloosa, what's going on? Rodney Orr, the latest next. Stay with us. Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance. Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs.

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Progressive presents the Sports Flash on 93.9. The score. The South Alabama women's basketball team fell to Purdue-Fort Wayne in the second round of the WNIT last night, 77-72. The Jaguars end their season 17-19. The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team will play tonight in the NIT. The Tigers are 19-16. They will host 24-12 Nevada. The winner will advance to the semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse against either Illinois State or Dayton. Alabama men's basketball team will play on Friday night in Chicago. They'll take on Michigan. The Tide 25-9. Michigan is 33-3.

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That's IdentifyEPI.com. Sponsored by AbbVie. The Score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. The Score. Welcome back here, and you're talking about having a Bama Buffet on his plate. Rodney Orr can say yes to that, I'm sure. He's the founder and editor of TiterInsider.com. His book is called Bigger Than Bama. Rodney, welcome in. How are you? Doing well, guys. How's it going today? It was rocking and rolling, Rodney. Obviously, you've got a lot on your plate, but we sitting here earlier and talking with some of our friends at Saturday Down South about the, I guess, the topic day jure of the day, and that is the openings at North Carolina in Kansas.

And with that, I'm sure you know where we're going. Obviously, the name Nate Oates is going to pop up anytime there's a premier coaching job out there. But according to Adam Spencer from Saturday Down South, North Carolina may not be interested in Nate because of all things, all the things that's happened off the court during his tenure in Tuscaloosa. Rodney, what are your thoughts about Nate Oates? I know Alabama fans, they'll take him as is to keep him in Tuscaloosa. Well, what are you hearing, Rodney?

You know, really nothing different. I don't know what's going on on the North Carolina end of it, obviously, and I haven't been able to. I do know that we have some, actually, we have some posters on Titer Insider that do have connections to North Carolina and systems over there. And they're the ones that actually said two days ago that, kind of reiterating what your guy from Saturday Down South said, that they did not see Nate Oates as being a guy that would be seriously considered by North Carolina.

So, again, you never know. I mean, you know how these coaching searches go. A lot of things can change, a lot of twists and turns, and a guy that maybe you didn't, you may like him a lot, but you may think he's not necessarily a candidate at some point. He may become one. Certainly, you know, you know Nate Oates, and there's a lot of schools that would be interested in him, but I haven't heard anything in terms of North Carolina at this point that would alert me to say, watch out, this could happen.

Harold and Rodney, let me add something. I reported earlier today because I heard it from three reputable journalists that Bill Self was going to announce his retirement. There have been rumors about him for a couple of years. He's had a lot of health issues, but ESPN and the Kansas City Star are now reporting that Bill Self does not have a press conference scheduled this afternoon. Bill Self said, I have not made a final decision. Now, that doesn't mean that he's going to come out in three days and say he's going to retire because of health, but there will not be a press conference.

[41:45] At Kansas today, with Bill Self announcing a retirement, he said, I have not, he just simply said, I have not made a decision yet one way or the other. Right. Well, I mean, that would be another one to watch, you know, if that did become available. So, again, look, I mean, I think it's probably safe to say that eventually Nate Oates ends up somewhere else. I mean, it's just the way it is in the coaching ranks, especially guys' age. It could be the NBA. It could be, you know, one of these powerhouse schools.

But I do think there's probably some reasons here, personal reasons, that would keep him here a few more years, maybe. So, I think that could be playing into it as well. Here's the deal, Rodney. You look at this man's tenure at Alabama, and this is Alabama basketball. You can't argue with the results. Now, you might sit here and question this or that as far as some of the things that's happened on the way. But here's the man by Alabama basketball standards. He's almost in another universe.

Your thoughts about the job he's doing, the commitment from up top, because let's face it, these guys have options, and they've got to have somebody in the front office who signs the checks that has their backs going forward, especially in this day and time. What is the commitment from the top down to Nate Oates? And, oh, by the way, he's got some business to take care of this week. Your thoughts about the next round on the ladder, and that's the date with Michigan again, again, in the Sweet 16.

I think he's got full support. I think they've given him everything he's asked for. You know, even a few years ago, I think when this came up that he might go to Kentucky or somewhere, there were other schools that were interested in him. You know, they just basically said, Nate, what do you want? And one of the things, one of the primary things he wanted was that training facility that, you know, in the process. So, and they made that happen right away, and actually, there was even, if I understand it correctly, you know, in terms of NIL, he wanted that to be, he said, this is what I need minimum, and they made it happen, and I mean, it happened within 24 hours.

So, I think he understands that Alabama has been committed to him, and they've done everything they can for him. And I'll take you back, if you want to go back to Nick Saban, when he was here. We heard all the talk in 2013 about Texas. You know, people can say, well, that really wasn't anything to that. And, you know, I don't know how much there was to that, but I did know this. I know this for a fact, because I talked to people close to the board of trustees at the time, and they said, look, for the things we've done for him behind the scenes that people don't know about, you know, we've shown goodwill.

We've shown plenty of goodwill to him. And so, I think, here's where I'm going with this. When you've done that for a coach, most coaches, most coaches have a sense of appreciation for that. And, you know, so, I think that certainly was valuable for Nick Saban and him staying here, among other things. But I also think Nate Oates would probably be in that same boat. I think, you know, Nate Oates, as long as his tenure here can go, he'll be here. Yeah, it's simple to treat people like you want to be treated.

It's not complicated. Your thoughts on the other side. Alabama does have a help wanting to sign out for the women's basketball job. What a job by Christy Curry. And let's be honest, we had on David Weathers, who's the proud papa of Carly, and he's talking about the commitment to women's basketball there earlier. Your thoughts, where does Alabama go as far as trying to keep someone in that position to do what Christy Curry has already proven she can do? Well, you know, again, I think it's always, you never know when you're dealing with a coach.

But I'll say this, right down the street at Shelton State, Madonna Thompson has been pretty phenomenal. You know, she's closing on an 800 career win. She wins 83% of her games. You know, she's won numerous, various titles through the year. So many you can't even, she's been a coach of the year for I don't know how many times. So, she's got credentials. And she was, she played at Alabama. I mean, she was on the Final Four team for Rick Moody in 94. She was the point guard. So, I mean, now, whether that'll be a consideration or not, whether she is, I don't know.

But it certainly, I think you could say that she deserves a lot of consideration. Right. Now, with that said, I think, too, talking to some people, I actually got a call yesterday from someone very close to the Troy program and said, you know, just wanted to tip me off that their coach, Shanda Rigby, who's been really successful, and she's very, very interested in the job. I think you have people reaching out on her behalf, from what I've been told, Harold and Brett, someone I trust, to Greg Byrne, to let her make him aware she's really interested in this job.

[46:54] She's been very successful. She's won, like, 65% of her games there at Troy. Right. Done a fantastic job. I know that she comes highly recommended. Now, she's a little bit older. She's pushing 60. So, you know, again, I think the later 50s. So, I don't really know exactly what Greg Byrne will be looking for, what the criteria is. But I'll say this, she's another name that I would kind of keep in mind. Let me ask you about basketball real quick. Rodney, I know how good Michigan is. They just obliterated their competition the majority of the year, even though they lost to Purdue and showed a few chinks in the armor in the Big Ten tournament.

They got the Big Ten player of the year, Lindenborg, who's the UAB transfer. They got a skyscraper by the name of Mara. He's only 7'4". Elliott Cadeau, Johnston, their guards. But I thought Alabama played with, and again, I know it's Texas Tech and not Michigan, but I thought they played maybe their most complete game of the year. And when this team plays with intensity on the defensive end, I'm not talking about threes here. Rebounding, defense, and playing with intensity. They have got the capability of beating any team in the country.

Now, they can't get demolished on the boards, but I've seen some predictions throughout, and a lot of national basketball journalists think this is going to be a much closer game than people think. Rodney, your thoughts on Friday night at 6.15 on Alabama and Michigan? Well, I mean, I think it's like you said. I mean, I think it's clearly going to be a real huge challenge. What's Michigan's record overall? 33-3? Something like that? Yeah, over 30 wins. 33-3. Yeah, they're strong, obviously. They're big. You mentioned that. Their guards are good.

But I also think, too, when you look at this Alabama team, and they seem to be playing with a special chemistry right now. Yeah. You know, I think they've got great leadership. I think, obviously, they're a great shooting team at times. You know, they hit 19 threes in this game against Texas Tech. I thought they rebounded the ball much better. They dominated the offensive end. Now, you're saying that. We're saying that. But it's like you said. Michigan's a lot bigger than Texas Tech. So, it's going to be.

But if Alabama shoots the ball well, plays aggressive defense, like you said, and can, you know, do well on the boards. And, you know, look, Aiden Shirell's come a long way. I mean, he's come a long way. Bobo, and he's really stepped up in the last, what, two weeks. You're starting to see him playing now with the, you know, now that he's fully healthy. And look, what about Noah Williamson? I mean, he's showing some stuff. He had eight rebounds in this last game. He had a couple of threes, I think it was.

So, you're going to have to get all those contributions. And your guard's going to have to really shoot the ball well. And if that can happen, then, yeah. I mean, is Alabama capable of beating Michigan? Yeah, they are. And I'll tell you another thing that may play in Alabama's favor a little bit. There's always the mental or psychological aspect of it. And it's like you guys said. You know, look, most everyone's expecting Michigan to win. You know, and there's a lot of people that say, look, Alabama doesn't really have a chance in this game.

And so, I think that certainly could be a real motivator. By the way, Alabama still plays football. Even though we're talking basketball, Alabama, a lot of people didn't even realize it, picked up a commitment. From Liverpool, we're not talking about the Beatles here. Liverpool, New York, 6'7", 240 tied in, Oakley Keegan. I'll let you talk a little bit about him. Today was pro day. I've seen some video of that. Saw Ty Simpson throwing a little bit. They're also back to spring practice. In a couple of minutes, talk about the recruiting pickup, pro day, and getting back to the practice field.

You know, honestly, I don't know that much about pro day yet because I was out this morning. So, I did not have an opportunity to see much of that. But, as far as spring practice is concerned, you know, they picked it back up yesterday. Heard it was a really spirited, enthusiastic practice, by the way. And, you know, Harold and Brett, Alabama won 11 games last year. They played in the SEC championship game. They were the first team to win a playoff, a road playoff game. And, someone posted on Tider Insider yesterday that I, and other media people, too, but referred to me, which is fine, misled them about that team last year.

[51:56] But I fooled them that that team was going to be, you know, let's not forget what that team accomplished, okay? So, I only say that to say that makes me a little less, makes me a little more reluctant to say positive things that you hear, you know, because people kind of blow them up. You know how that goes? Oh, yeah. But, based on some things I've heard, they've had an exciting spring. I mean, these two quarterbacks, I continue to hear, elite passers, both these guys are exceptional.

They're going to be really good at quarterback, whether it's Austin Mack or Keelan Russell. So, I keep hearing that. Now, the question is the offensive line. They feel like they've got some parts there and pieces that they can be better. Adrian Clem, they feel like he can do some things and help them become more physical up front. So, again, time will tell on that. Don't know. I do think there's some things about the running backs. This is where I think Crowell could, you know, really become a difference maker.

I know that Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley both had good off seasons. They're going to have to get better in pass protection. Defensively, I think there's some really good about the young transfers that they had on the defensive line. I think the real question is inside backer because they lost all those guys. So, inside backer is probably the number one area on the defensive side. And I would say the offensive line is probably the area, you know, on the offensive side. Those two spots come around.

This team could be, you know, it could certainly, they've got a chance to be an explosive offense, I think. And I think defensively with the addition of these defensive linemen, if those inside backers come around. Because they are extraordinarily talented in the secondary. So, you know, this team has a lot of potential. Now, again, I'm not predicting a national championship run. But I do think that a lot of people are kind of predicting Alabama low. We've seen some predictions, what, 17 or whatever. But, yeah, I see some encouraging things.

Well, my answer to that poster, if you'd let me answer him, would be, all you need to do is buy a copy of Bigger Than Bama. Number one, to look at Rodney's Christian testimony and everything he went through for a long time. But, Rodney Orr has been following this football program for decades, and he knows a little bit about it. And you can order the book from Amazon and find out about that. Always a delight to talk to you. Where can we get online and get the best coverage of Alabama sports 24-7, Tide Talk, Tide TV, the whole nine yards?

Right, it's tighterinsider.com. It's only $48 a year, and you can get instant access with your credit card if you prefer. There is an address there to send a check. Gives you all the premium information, but also, like you said, Harold, Brett, the forum, the all-sports forum. I mean, it's nonstop. It's just nonstop. So, a lot going on there right now, tighterinsider.com. What's the old saying here? It's what you say and what people hear you say. Sometimes it's two different things. Rodney, listen, man, hook up.

Thank you so much for your time today. Enjoy some March Madness coming up on Friday night, okay? Appreciate it, guys. Take care. Thank you, bud. Rodney Orton, Tide or Insider.com. Again, his book's called Bigger Than Bama. Tennessee also busy on Friday. We'll get the ball rolling in the next hour. What's going on? The spring fling out at UNA. And with Drew DeArmond. We've got all those answers and more straight ahead on the Boom O' Pug Show. Stay with us. We'll see you next time. We'll see you next time.

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The ad purchased by Club for Growth is also designed to promote Barry Moore as an original Trump supporter who has received the president's total endorsement in this race. I'll be back with more Alabama stories after this. Where I was living was not a great place to live anymore. I began to pray for a place to go, praying for all of these things that a nine-year-old would want. I wanted horses, big house with a bunch of people my age. I wanted parents. I wanted a mom and a dad.

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The Mobile Airport Authority chairman, Sandy Stimpson, praised Wilson for helping the airport authority navigate the construction and operations of the new Brooklyn Terminal. Mobile Mayor Spiro Chiriogada said a new executive director will be appointed by the board this week. I'm Andrea Theis. For more news affecting Alabamians, go to 1819news.com. And while you're there, subscribe to the Daily Newsletter. Valley Broadcasting Corporation, WITK-FM, Rogersville, Athens, Decatur, The Shore. Sports Radio 93.9, The Score. Survive and advance. Alabama advances. Win or go home. For three again. Hits it again.

Oh, mercy. It's the Sweet 16. No good. And let's get out of here. Join us Friday. The Crimson Tide. The Wolverines. Live from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Our coverage begins at 530. On your home for Alabama basketball. The Crimson Tide Sports Network from Learfield. Brought to you locally in part by… The Law Firm of Johnson, Pesher, Medley & Birchall. Page Borden Insurance and MJ Carter & Company Insurance. J.C. Hamm & Sons. Lost Pizza. First Metro Bank. Alabama Health Guidance. Story & Lee Furniture. Valley Credit Union. Cypress Creek Indoor Range.

Ray Miller GMC. Hittiger Johnson & Layton Insurance. And Mugshots Grill & Bar. Alabama and Michigan in the Sweet 16. This Friday afternoon at 530 on 93.9 The Score. 93.9 The Score weather. Today mostly sunny with a high around 75. Tonight mostly clear with a low near 60. Tomorrow sunny with possible gusty winds and a high around 85. Tomorrow night clear with a low near 60. And for your Friday mostly sunny with a high around 80. Your weather from 93.9 The Score. Now, get ready to roll Shoals, Decatur, Athens, and all of Northwest Alabama and Southern Tennessee. It's time for the Valley's exclusive FM Sports Voice.

[1:02:28] The Boomo Bugg Show. Your exclusive inside track to the Tigers, Tennessee, and the rest of the SEC. Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9 The Score. Welcome back in our tour to the Boomo Bugg Show. I'm Harold Bugg alongside Brett Beaird. Thank you so much for giving us a free ride around the Tennessee Valley. Brett Beaird, welcome back in. And if you see the well-known Miles Stutz busting moves like John Travolta on the disco floor around the shows today, there's a pretty good reason, is there not?

I'll tell you what, Fred Hardman, men's and women's basketball, has one of the most unique coaching situations that I've ever seen. Drew Stutz is the men's coach. His sister, Abby Stutz, is the women's coach. And Fred Hardman won the NAIA men's basketball championship, I believe, two nights ago, beating Langston 76-71. They won their final 32 games of the season. Brad Senior, Phil Horton, led the team with 18 points, etc. In fact, that was a rematch of Langston, of Fred Hardman and Langston a couple years ago. But I'm sure Miles Stutz is a pretty happy dad.

Abby's team lost, I believe, last week. But my lord, what a run. Drew Stutz once again winning another national championship in the NAIA men's basketball. Second time in program history. Congratulations. Let's go from Henderson, Tennessee, to Knoxville, Tennessee. And say hello to Ryan Callahan. I think they've got a pretty big matchup coming up here in a few days. Ryan's busy there. Got the big orange cover with all the big coverage. The Go Vols 24-7. Ryan, welcome in. How are you? Hey, guys. Doing well. How are you?

Hey, boo. Tennessee Vols trying to do what the Fred Hardman Lions did this week other than not, Ryan. That's right. They played well overall last weekend in the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament. Getting ready for the Sweet 16 trip to Chicago. They'll play Iowa State Friday night. And, you know, tough task. They know it's going to be tough. Facing the number two seed of one of the really good teams, I think, in the country that did stand out to you. That probably has a chance to make the Final Four if they play to their potential.

But, you know, everybody at this point feels like they've got a shot at that, too. And Tennessee's one of those dangerous teams outside those top four seeds that managed to advance out of the first weekend. So it should be a good one. But Iowa State rightfully favored going into this one. And Tennessee knows they've got to be ready to play their best. And, you know, at the same time, they feel like if they bring their best, they've got a shot against a team as good as Iowa State.

So it should be a fun one. Ryan, obviously, it comes down to a lot of it. Pardon the pun, but Hawkeye and the MASH units for both teams. Iowa State star, Joshua Jefferson, he's on the mend. Same with Nate, Amen for Tennessee. Obviously, we'll find out, I guess, Friday night. The true story is a full story. But to date, what are you hearing about Amen? Yeah, you know, Amen's played through, you know, the high ankle sprain he suffered the past few weeks or a few weeks ago.

And has dealt with it for most of the past few weeks. Sat out a couple games toward the end of the regular season and then was back for the SEC tournament. You know, he's had some moments like the quarterfinal loss to Vanderbilt in the SEC tournament where he was kind of a non-factor and only played 19 minutes. They got him out early. He went scoreless. And they got him some extra rest before the NCAA tournament. And then, you know, to have him back in the NCAA tournament playing a little bit better in the first two rounds and at least being able to manage the discomfort was a big deal for Tennessee.

And certainly in the second round in particular, you know, got him a little more involved. And that was something that Tennessee really needed to be a team as good as Virginia. So, you know, we'll see if he can, you know, be closer to 100%. I think the expectation at this point, though, is he's just going to have to gut it out. And that's a tough place to be, knowing that your best player, a guy that, you know, has carried your team at times this season with some 20-plus point performances, is just going to be at less than 100% the rest of the way in all likelihood.

It's just one of those injuries. We hear it all the time in football. You know, those high ankle sprains are tough to heal from. The good news for them is they were able to get him back out on the court relatively soon. It's just, you know, you're going to get a slightly diminished version of Nate Amitt. You know, at times, like against Auburn in the SEC tournament, he's looked good. But you worry that any little play, any wrong fall could lead to an aggravation of that injury that could cause a bigger issue.

And even short of that, it's one of those things that can kind of flare up a little bit more from one game to the next. So they just are managing it the best they can, and they expect it to be available. But how effective he'll be is a big question. We've had several of our experts tell us Tennessee may have the best shot at advancing to the lead eight than the other three. Jacoby Gillespie scored 50 points in Philly, 29 against Mamie of Ohio, and 21 against Virginia. He can't do it alone.

[1:07:46] J.P. Estrella, Opara, Dwayne Brown, a little bit. Carey in the middle. Tennessee, again, physical, defensive team. We know about the offensive droughts. Talk a little bit about Gillespie and the other guys. This is not a one-man show. Yeah, we've said it all year. You know, Jacoby Gillespie is kind of the straw that serves the drink, as a good point guard, you know, often is. But he's especially that way because he can be good enough to carry Tennessee, and he really was in that first-round game, you know, 29 points as well as he played all year against Miami of Ohio.

And then following that up with a 21-point performance against Virginia. So, you've got a really good weekend out of him, and really they need him to keep doing that because at times this year he's been frustrating for Rick Barnes. There's no other way to say it. They've turned it over too much as a team, and sometimes he's been the main culprit of that with, you know, games with four and five turnovers, and they need him to be the good version of him. And when he is that good, he's a guy that could absolutely help Tennessee reach the Elite Eight again for the third time under Rick Barnes.

So, we'll see if he can play to that level again against really tough competition this week. You know, Iowa State's a really, really good defensive team, has a great point guard of its own. So, it's going to be a tough catch for him, and Iowa State knows they've got to stop Jacoby Gillespie and get him off his game, especially with Nate Amitt being banged up. So, it's really important that Gillespie's really good. As you said, not a one-man show. They've got a nice supporting cast, and they're one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country.

So, those guys in the post are certainly a force and a big part of why Tennessee is still playing in the Sweet Six team. But, they've got to have Gillespie be really good like he was last weekend, or it's hard to see them pulling off an upset against Iowa State. Before you switch to football, I believe that Tennessee had a scrimmage this morning, and then you had a defensive line injury. You know this league well. Arkansas, Alabama, and Texas, they've got stout opposition. How many of the four teams advanced to the lead eight?

Man, that's a tough one. I'm going to say that one will. I don't think there's a given that any of them do, though. They're obviously underdogs in these matchups. I think somebody pulls the upset somewhere. I just, you know, is it going to be Tennessee? Is it going to be Alabama? It could be Arkansas as well as they've played. Would not shock me if any of those three won, but they're obviously all facing tough tasks, so we'll see. But I'll say one SEC team still makes it through to the lead eight, but, you know, the SEC probably lost its best chance of making it through to the final four with Florida losing last weekend.

That was a tough one for them. But, yeah, all three of these teams playing well. Alabama, obviously, when they're shooting it well, they're tough to stop. That's going to be, I think that's got a chance to be a great game against Michigan. So, yeah, I'll say one will. I'm not sure who it's going to be, though. I don't feel great about any particular team. I'll just say one of those three playing well enough that somebody pulls an upset somewhere. What's the likelihood of if Alabama wins and Tennessee wins?

Guess what? Alabama and Tennessee will play each other again down the road. So what's the likelihood of that? And Brad alluded to it. Your thoughts. What's the latest over on the spring football scrimmage field? Yeah, well, I wouldn't say great odds of that matchup happening in the Elite Eight, but it'd be a lot of fun. You got to face Kentucky in the Sweet 16 last year, so an SEC matchup like that to go to the final four would be a blast to see that matchup for the third time this year.

But, yeah, I think on the spring football front, Tennessee's first scrimmage is actually tomorrow morning, but they had a walkthrough this morning to get ready for that one. And, you know, as you said, an injury on the defensive line, David Hobbs is going to be out for the rest of the spring with a foot injury. And that's a bit of a blow for them. You know, it's just spring practice, so not the end of the world, and he's expected to be back by this summer. So no issues there in terms of his availability for even preseason camp, but still detrimental to his development because he's a guy who's had an off-season surgery or setback literally every year.

He's been at Tennessee, and now as a senior, the hope was that he was going to have a normal off-season for the first time, and now he won't get to do that without at least some disruption here. So a bit of a setback there on the positive side for Tennessee, though. More opportunities, of course, for the guys behind them, and they really need some guys to develop on the defensive line. They lost a lot of guys who played a lot of snaps from this team on the defensive front after last season.

So a big opportunity for some young guys. You know, Isaiah Campbell and Ethan Utley are a couple second-year guys that were going to be part of the rotation anyway. Now they've got to really step forward and show they can be counted on this fall. But, yeah, it's obviously going to be all eyes on the quarterbacks during that first scrimmage tomorrow. Not that we'll get to see any of it, of course, but that's what we'll be trying to find out is how those two guys performed. And certainly, you know, Faison Brandon and George McIntyre are both really talented young guys, but they've got to show they can do it against live defense and, you know, continue to earn the trust of their teammates and the coaches to try to win that job.

[1:13:11] I think McIntyre has the early leg up on Brandon with just his experience in the system, and he's a talented guy in his own right, even though Brandon gets a lot of the attention for being a former five-star. But, yeah, they've got to earn it on the field, and those scrimmages are always big to kind of set the tone for the rest of the spring and even into the summer. So we'll see how they perform tomorrow, but they'll be getting a lot of the attention, and you want to see those guys, you know, react well when they're pressured, take good care of the ball, make good decisions, deliver it on time.

That's always a challenge for young quarterbacks. I think that's certainly the challenge for them is to make sure they keep the offense operating smoothly and make good decisions, taking good care of the ball the way Tennessee sometimes did last year with Joey Aguilar at the helm. You can get Pentagon secrets easier than you can get information out of a spring football screamage. It always amazes me about that. Basketball, Vols going down, hopefully advancing to the Elite Eight spring football going on. Baseball, Tennessee had a good series over the weekend.

Tony Vitello in his debut tonight against the Yankees. We'll see how that goes. And, oh, by the way, I'm sure there's still some recruiting going on on the side. Where can we get on line and get all the good stuff? Yeah, as you said, tons going on right now. It's a great time to check out GoVols247.com. 50% off an annual subscription to join right now. And, yeah, Tennessee's got a five-star on campus right now. And Maxwell Hillard, offensive lineman from Pennsylvania. So, they've had some quality visitors on campus throughout the spring, and that will continue throughout this week with a big group coming in Saturday.

So, yeah, lots to check out right now at GoVols247.com, in addition to the Sweet 16 and everything else going on. Ryan, it's always good to hook up with you. Get ready. Brace yourself for some Cyclones this week, okay? That's right. Thanks a lot, guys. RC on UT, Ryan Callahan, Go Vols 24-7. Coming up, what's the latest on the spring practice field right next door at UNA? The coach himself, Brent German on deck. Stay with us. I'm Chris Stewart for Elliott Johnson Insurance. Elliott Johnson has a great partner in auto owner's insurance.

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I think just trusting myself. And I've worked really, really hard with the coaches and kind of just building a plan and sticking to it. So just trusting that plan and being able to adjust from pitch to pitch each I bat. And of course, you bat behind Audrey Vandegrift and the lineup. But how much fun is it to be on deck watching her attack these different pitchers? Oh, it's awesome. She is a competitor. She's probably the most competitive person I've ever met. So just watching her fight makes me fight harder for her to score her and just pick her up, anything like that.

And she's getting on base a lot and that's leading to some good opportunities for you. What's your mindset when you're hitting? Kind of just trusting the plan. I was just telling you about hunting my pitch and then also just doing whatever the team needs. I need sack fly, base hit, anything like that. And just trusting that. It's just a little taste of heaven. Crimson Tide Today is brought to you by Conecuh Sausage. Crimson Tide Today is a production of the Crimson Tide Sports Network from Learfield.

The Score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. Welcome back in. You talking about a full plate everywhere you look. Balls are flying. Basketball, baseballs, and footballs. Right next door over at UNA, I think our next guest would agree with that. UNA head football coach, Brent Dierman. Coach, welcome in. How are you? I'm doing great. I'll tell you what, follow up a Conecuh Sausage ad. I'm about to go back in and make me a little ball today. If you're like us, it's hard to talk mouthwatering here, Coach.

How are things going so far in spring camp for UNA? First two weeks, we've stayed pretty healthy. I think every head coach in the country worries more about injuries than probably anything in spring ball. But we've stayed healthy. We've seen some things we needed to. I think the strength of our team this upcoming year is probably going to be our defensive line. We brought in seven transfers up front, so it's showing. So, really excited about the direction we've got going right now. Tell us about your new coordinators.

Clint Bowen coming from Oklahoma State, who, by the way, brought his son with him. And also, Travis Partridge, the new offensive coordinator. As far as the transition with you on the field with spring, how is that going? It's been really good for us. Both coordinators are doing a fantastic job. I think Coach Bowen's intensity level he brings, his attention to detail he brings on that side of the ball, has already started to show itself. The way he teaches tackling, the way he teaches coverage and pursuing the football, it's contagious.

Our kids love it. And then quarterback-wise, I mean, Coach Partridge, it's been tough for me. It's been the first time in many, many years that I haven't called place. So, it's been a very challenging spring on Coach Dierman, but Coach Partridge is doing an excellent job. From running back coach to linebackers, Mike Johnson was a Hall of Fame linebacker here, so we moved him over. And so, I've been coaching running backs. So, every now and then, I'll tell Coach Partridge, I'll say, hey, this is the running back coach talking, not the head coach.

Can we do it this way? And then, every now and then, the head coach comes in and says something. But, man, it's been great. It's been awesome to watch him work with our quarterbacks and them guys getting better. So, but it's been, I'd say, the guy that's had the hardest spring has been Coach Dierman. Talk to us about that, Coach, because you would think, okay, it's just an easy decision to make. But old habits, they're hard to kill. Talk to us just about that, because we've seen it over the years.

[1:23:33] Gus Malzahn was a classic example of that. We've seen not just him, but others. Talk to us just about how. Do you ever find yourself, when you're on the practice field, you get caught up in a moment, and you start to go over there and say, well, no, I can't do it. Talk to us just about the standpoint of being human and dealing with that. I'll tell you, my wife reminds me all the time that her way is the best way. That's right. Don't argue, Coach.

Don't argue. Sometimes, as a coach, we feel the same. And it's humbling to take a step back. It's humbling to be in a role where I can serve others a little bit more often. And what I've tried to do this spring is just, number one, you learn a new system. At the end of the day, we all run the same place. Somebody just calls it something different. So I've had to learn new terminology. And then every now and then, Travis will come and say, hey, Coach, I know you've been doing this.

What way would you teach it here? And I'll get to put a little flavor on things. But I've told him from the beginning, I said, man, this is your system. This is the way you want to do it. If you've got a question, I'm more than willing to help you. I said, but I don't want it to come across like I am trying to put the way that I want to do it in. I said, man, it's you. Run with it. And I'm here to help you if you need me.

And he's asked me for a few things. And so it's been fun. But it's also been challenging on me to learn a new terminology more than anything. You mentioned the defensive line with seven new transfers. I've said this for years. When I look at the preseason predictions, quote, unquote, I always look at who's coming back on the line of scrimmage because you still win games that way. Maybe I'm just old school. Talk about your offensive line and the progress they've made in the spring. Yeah, we've brought in a couple new faces that have been running with the first team over the last few practices.

I say right in the middle, Will French is a transfer center from Memphis, has done a fantastic job of communicating, establishing a toughness level. I think the team really responds to him. Both guards. Colin Wright's the only starter that we've got coming back from last year. He will be a three-year starter, a left guard, a Muscle Shoals product. He's going into his senior year and really anchoring that side of that offensive line unit right now. It's been a battle at the right guard position. Julian Navarrete was on the team last year, played a little bit last year, but really stepping into kind of his role now, battling with a few other younger guys at that spot.

And then both tackles are actually transfers right now with the son of Mike Johnson. So we've got multiple coaches with players on the team right now. Levy's a transfer from South Alabama, has been playing left tackle. And then Isaac Rue is a transfer from another Muscle Shoals product coming back home, has been on the other side. So we will be bigger up front, but we've got a few battles that are still going right now. You and the head football coach, Brandon Ehrman. Coach, talk to us about what everybody likes to talk about, and that's the competition at the quarterback spot.

Yeah, it's Destin Wade had started multiple games for us last year. He had two different injuries through the season that knocked him out. Was playing really, really well. The game he got hurt, the last injury he had, I think we put up 17 points against West Georgia in the first quarter alone when he broke his ankle. So was playing really good football at that time. I think over the first two weeks of spring ball, he's completing about 82% of his passes, which is unbelievable. So he's really locked up the first spot.

And then we've really got a competition for the number two spot right now with two young guys, with Coach Bowen's son, Banks Bowen, coming in from Oklahoma State. Spring ball right now. And then John Austin Wood is still playing baseball, and we'll be going all the way through early part of May. So we won't get him back until this summer where he comes in and joins in on the battle for that quarterback spot. But their completion percentage are all up. We've kept them healthy and being great teammates right now.

Tell us about the schedule for the remainder of the spring, the spring game. If you are having one, what the format's going to be, tell us about the schedule, the remainder of spring. So we are on spring break this week. So the kids are going to get about nine days off. And then when we come back this upcoming Sunday, we'll have lift and fem time on Monday before getting back to our Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday practice routine. We'll do that for two weeks. We've got six days left.

[1:28:37] And then April 11th, we're going to just have a scrimmage where we just go ones versus ones and twos versus twos. It'll be the last scrimmage at our practice facility, which we don't have any bleachers. So it's tough to hold a game or host a game when you really can't have a visible spot to see the game. So it'll be our last spring there before we move this summer into that brand new stadium. So we will not get all 15 practices in. We're just going to do 12 just to see what we have.

I think spring is kind of getting a little outdated, especially with how the portal and all works out now. You really want to see what you have, stay healthy, and then move on to the summer. So April 11th will be our last, our final day, and we'll scrimmage that day. I know Josh Looney's probably doing this, but the 12-game schedule, everybody's excited about getting into the new stadium. Is Dr. Looney still looking for Sacramento State? I believe they're making the jump from FCS Independent to the back.

And there was a little bit of a question about whether or not Sacramento State was going to stay on the schedule. To your knowledge, are they still on it? And if not, is Dr. Looney and your staff still working to pick up one more game? I think that game is out now. Whether it's smart or not, I think we did a really good job of kind of foreseeing what may happen when we scheduled that game. We'd love to have played, and we'd love to bring them here.

But I think they had to buy us out. So we got a little bit of money through that process. And then I think in the next week or two, you're going to see an announcement coming, which will be that 12th game for our season. So I think they've been working with somebody already, but we're kind of keeping it close to the vest right now. Well, we like our sources on that, Coach. Listen, man, I know it's busy. Enjoy a little bit of a break here. Kick back and relax, and maybe sneak in some camping there with the family or some other fun things.

I'm putting mulch out this afternoon, so you're really welcome to come on this way, guys. Thank you, I bet. You want to help out? Home Depot, we've got something in common. Coach, enjoy, and thank you so much for your time today. Absolutely. Thank you, guys. Royal Lions. Thank you, Coach. UNA head football coach, Ren Dierman. Coming up, Double D, Drew D'Armond on deck. Stay with us. Defendants ask for depositions just to spend more time with them. TV stations pay them to advertise. They are the lawyers you can trust.

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In college baseball action yesterday, the fifth-ranked Auburn Tigers shut out South Alabama 10-0, 12 hits for Auburn, 4 for South Alabama. The Jaguars are now 16-9 on the season, while the Auburn Tigers improved to 20-4. Alabama was a winner over Austin Peay and Huntsville, 6-2. The final seven hits for Alabama. The Crimson Tide, with a victory, improved to 19-7 on the season. Troy Trojans fell yesterday at home as they lost to Samford, 7-2. Nine hits and one error for Troy in the loss. The Trojans, with the setback, dropped to 10-14 on the year.

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The score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. The score. Welcome back in time to say hello to Double D. Drew DeArmond. He's host of Talking Ball and Hustle's 97.7 FM The Zone. Drew, welcome in. Happy Wednesday to you. How are you? I'm good, guys. How are you? Hey, man. Talking Nate Oates along with everyone else. Drew, not necessarily in this case on the court. Hopefully, we're going to be able to get to that in a second. But let's talk about Nate Oates off the court.

Just to kind of give you a little bit of a background here, Drew. We had some folks on from Saturday down south. We have all seen the talk about North Carolina and that job opening and, of course, Nate Oates. And according to our friend, they said North Carolina may not have Nate high on their board because of off-the-court issues. The other folks said, okay, what about Kansas? Well, we've since learned Bill Self says, I'm not having a press conference this afternoon. That in itself doesn't say he's not going to retire.

But, Drew, saying all of that to get to this point, your thoughts about Nate Oates and his future and his coaching business. Well, I think Alabama's working on an extension for Nate Oates. If North Carolina is worried about his off-the-court issues, I'll just take his record against North Carolina and I'll be just fine with that, which is very good, by the way. I mean, certainly, I think he's a good enough coach for the Tar Heels. But if they have concerns, that's fine with me. He can stay in Tuscaloosa as long as he wants.

And certainly, I think Billy Donovan would be a great fit for Carolina to get back into the coaching profession. And certainly, he would make them very formidable. And Alabama would look forward to locking horns with Billy, maybe down the road. But, you know, certainly the Kansas job could open. I know there was a couple of – you've got to watch those fake accounts. You know, there was a couple of those that – including a fake John Rothstein account that reported he was stepping down. I don't think he's made a decision yet.

Personally, I hope he stays in coaching. You know, I know the health concerns are first and foremost. But if he can get those put behind him, I think he can still do it for the Jayhawks. But if the job opens – that job doesn't open often. You know, usually every 20-plus years or so. You know, when Nato's came to Alabama, there was three jobs that I thought, you know, concerned me as far as their allure to, you know, maybe, you know, where they could get him – pry him away from Alabama.

[1:38:51] And one of them he's turned down a couple of times, no matter what the media may tell you, and that's Kentucky, because I know they inquired about him. And then, of course, Michigan State, but Tom Izzo is still going strong, and he has ties to Izzo and that state from coaching in Detroit at Romulus High School. And then Kansas. And the reason I mention Kansas is because it is a true blue-blood job, and he's a Midwest guy. But I do think he loves it at Alabama.

I think his family enjoys it. I think, you know, he now is involved with a lady that's an Alabama graduate. You know, I've even heard he may be engaged. So, you know, she's got ties to Tuscaloosa. I know he enjoys, you know, the university. I know he has a great relationship with Greg Byrne, who's always given him what he believes is the tools to win. I know some people, you know, want to talk about NIL, but Nadeau, the one thing I love covering him, he has no filter.

He's very stronghold. He doesn't tell you, like some coaches, that I haven't ever, I'm not talking to another school. And then the minute that the last game is played, they're going to South Florida. So, I mean, that's just the way the game's played, though, because your agent is talking to the other school. But, you know, Nadeau has always been very straightforward. And he said he felt like Alabama was set up for long-term success with the red share and the NIL. And I think he's going to get more money.

And don't forget the $50 million practice facility that he had a big hand in designing should be done within the next calendar year. So, I think in some ways he's just now getting cranked up because it takes a while to get a program. You know, like my good friend Ronnie Stabler told me one time, he said, Drew, it's always, you can have one or two good years. But the hardest thing to do is to build a program where it can reload. And I think he's in the process of, he's approved he can do that at Alabama.

He's turning out as many pros as he can. And I'm going to tell you what, the way you know that is, I know there were some people disappointed that he didn't get Caleb Holt. But they sure don't think Alabama basketball is going anywhere because he's got three really good players committed with more to come. And I think his long-term future is hopefully at the helm of the University of Alabama basketball program. And I'll tell you this, a friend of mine, of course, was in panic mode last night and thought he'd already basically signed a contract to go to North Carolina.

And I was trying to talk him off the ledge. And I said, I want to ask you something. How many basketball coaches have willingly left Alabama for another job since the 1960s? And I can tell you, it's called Z and it ends in an O, zero. We were asked all week, how in the world is Alabama going to make up for the loss of Aiden Holloway's 17 points? Well, one thing is Houston Millett, Noah Williamson, and Taylor Bo Bowen combined for 28 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists coming off the bench.

Now, I don't think they're going to be replicating those numbers against NBA Michigan. But D2, if Alabama plays with the intensity, we've talked about the chemistry this team has, seems to be special now. But if they can defend, not get destroyed on the boards, rebound, I know everybody wants to talk about the threes, but I'm always interested in the intensity, defense, and rebounding. What is D2's strategy for Alabama beating the NBA Michigan Wolverines? Well, I mean, I think first and foremost, they have to take Elliott Godot and Namari Burnett out of the game.

And I do think Alabama is better in the backcourt than Michigan, but they have to severely outplay them like they did the guards at Texas Tech. They have to guard with ferocity. They've got to force some live ball turnovers. I thought they did a much better job with that against Texas Tech. They've got to create some extra possessions for themselves. And LeBaron Filon, of course, is going to have to play better offensively than he did in the last game. He's got a finished shot. They've got to severely outplay Michigan's backcourt because if they do, you know, that, first of all, if their guards are being outplayed, perhaps the frontcourt, those guys can't get the ball to the guys in the paint as much as they would like.

And then they have to, while it's going to be very difficult for Aiden Sherell, who I thought was as good the last two games as he's been in a while, and then, you know, and you think of Amari Allen, those three guys are going to have to keep Alabama, you know, in it against their frontcourt. Certainly, you know, Luxembourg is probably going to be Ian Filon, the two best players on the floor. You know, but I will say this, as long as they don't allow him 30, you know, and really let him go off.

[1:44:08] If he gets 20, that's all well and good because he's a great player. But you've got to limit the other guys. And then, to me, you have to stay within striking distance on the glass. Like, they eviscerated Texas Tech. I don't think that's going to happen with Michigan. But you have to, it has to be something like a 38, 33 type deal. And if it is like that, that probably means Alabama's also making shots. And so, and then, you know, you've got to, you can't be afraid to go at them.

You've got to try to get maybe a couple of their bigs in foul trouble, try to get to the free throw line. And if you can do that, then I think the threes will fall. And I think I always have a magic number. I think Alabama needs to make 15 plus three. They need to shoot it at a very high rate. And then, I think, you know, points-wise, you know, Michigan can score, so can Alabama. This is going to have, for Alabama to win, and I think it's going to have to be a game like a 91-85, 90-84 type game.

I think Alabama's going to have to get it up and down. And then, you know, Michigan's going to make plays. They're going to have to just kind of outlast them in some form or fashion. I think it's going to be very difficult because I think Michigan and Arizona may be the best two teams in the country. And we know what Arizona did to Alabama and Birmingham. And Alabama doesn't have Aiden Holloway. But I'll give this team credit. They didn't let it bother them. Nato doesn't make an excuse.

He just says, look, guys, others are going to have to step up. And that's what they're going to have to do. They're going to have to make shots. And then the last thing I think Alabama's got to do is the turnovers have to be in the 8, 9, 10 range max. So, if it gets to 13, 14, or 15, and you're allowing Michigan all these extra possessions, and they're an open floor, it's not going to be a pretty thing for Alabama. So, I think those are the things they've got to do to give themselves a chance to win in the United Center.

And don't forget, they beat Illinois there earlier in the country, so at least they're familiar with the arena. Drew Jarman, host talking about 97.7 FM, the zone. Drew, I agree with you. Obviously, they've got to get the threes to be consistent, but they've got to get those big guys in trouble because Michigan has, as far as the length, they have the advantage there. That way they can open up, maybe pound it inside some more. But let's shift gears a little bit, Drew. What are you hearing as far as that other sport this spring called Alabama football?

Well, you know, I think there's a lot of experimentation going along the offensive line. I've heard Michael Carroll has received some reps inside, which, in fact, if that move could be made, I think that would be Alabama's best-case scenario for the offensive line. Because I think Michael can be a really good tackle, but I think he could be an elite guard with his athleticism, his ability to pull, and just the fact that he's a mean hombre when he plays. And I think, you know, it would be similar to when Mike Johnson was a good tackle, but a great guard.

And I think it would be another situation like that. If Javon James could play the right tackle spot to transfer from Mississippi State, and then, you know, Jackson Lloyd settling at left tackle, Delgotti at center. And then, you know, you'll fight Nick Brooks, you know, he's getting some reps right now at left guard. We know William Sanders will be back in the fall. That could be quite a battle. But hopefully that would make the offensive line much improved. I mean, I know they've had two NFL players among the five last year, but we know they never could get the chemistry right.

They never could get the running game going. Hopefully that would allow the running game to be much better, along with the fact maybe guys like Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley are, you know, physically in better shape, healthier, and more comfortable with, you know, in their own skin in this offense. And then, of course, EJ Crowell, he's the ultimate wild card. You know, how quickly does he assert himself? And then a guy like A.K. Deer. But I think that's kind of what I take from it.

I think, again, I'm going to say it for, you know, the entire spring, I think quarterback is going to be a battle that won't be decided until August. But I think they have two really good players. So I don't think you can go wrong either way. But I think the offensive line and then defensively, you know, identifying that front. And I thought that was an interesting hire yesterday. It was announced they hired Trent Simpson from Oklahoma as the defensive line coach. And maybe he can help that group, you know, get better.

I've heard good things about Terrence Green, the transfer from Oregon. He has to help try to fill the shoes of Tim Keenan, who is such a, you know, stalwart as a leader and playmaker for them. And then it sounds like Yonsei Pierre may be hopefully making that jump to being a guy that maybe you could pencil in as a first-team All-American type guy in a future first-round pick. Absolutely. Alabama baseball wins last night at Toyota Field and Madison beating Austin Peay. And, oh, by the way, pitched a no-hitter last week and swept the Gators.

[1:49:12] The picture of Kevin O'Sullivan in anguish in the dugout is one Alabama fans will probably remember. Remember, four years to come. D2, where can we get online and listen to the show? I know you get Harrison Folks at 97.7 covering the run by the UAH women who are in the Final Four, which is amazing for UAH. D2, where can we get online and get all the good stuff? Yeah, it's pretty awesome. The UAH ladies are going to take on Grand Valley State tomorrow. I believe that's a 6 o'clock tip tomorrow, the number one seed.

And they are in the Final Four. It was a great comeback last night. They were down 14 with eight minutes left in the third, came back and won. And I think we were all the same. Scott didn't want to get up out of his seat in the arena. I didn't want to leave my vehicle. And Steve, you know, he didn't want to – he switched seats, too, just all for the good karma for UAH to come back and win that game, which they did, which was historical because this is now, without a doubt, the greatest women's team in the history of the school.

And total credit to Alan Sharp, who will be on our show again tomorrow for the job he's done with those young ladies. But you can connect with me at 977 ESPN. If you missed any of the content, you can certainly, you know, listen and go back to 97.7 The Zone, our SoundCloud page. And then, of course, 977 ESPN.com. But we always love being on with you guys and talking to Paul, and we appreciate it. And it was a nice win for Rob Vaughn's team, but no rest for the weary as the Auburn Tigers are coming to town for a three-game weekend series.

In the meantime, go Chargers. Drew, listen, man, thanks so much. Let's do it again soon, okay? Thank you, guys. Thank you, man. Double D, Drew DeArmond, host, Talking Ball, and Huntsville's 97.7 FM The Zone. Again, BB, it is play ball, major league baseball season opening up tonight. The New York Yankees at the San Francisco Giants. And you can catch it if you've got a pocket full of money on that bastion of baseball coverage called Netflix, BB. Yeah, it's amazing. The Braves, I know, are streaming. All the major league teams are going to that.

And just a quick update again, Harold. As far as Nate Oates' future at Alabama, I've looked at three sources, and they've said Nate Oates is well down the ladder as far as a potential candidate at North Carolina. It appears they're enamored with Billy Donovan, and I understand why Tommy Lloyd, Arizona, and Dusty May at Michigan. And then Bill Self is not, in OT, is not having a press conference this afternoon to announce his retirement. He's still thinking about what he is going to do. But again, a win or lose after Friday night, well, he'll hear again for the national pundits, Nate Oates' future.

Yeah, especially if he wins. I've got to figure he'll put another lock on the fire. Let's go take care of business for now. On behalf of BB, Greg, James Blair, the entire crew here. Peril Buck, thank you so much for your time today. Let's do it again tomorrow on Dune to 2 for the Boomo Bugg Show. Back here on Sports Radio, 93.9, the score.