Boomo Bugg Show 101426

[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 Tigers, Tennessee and the rest of the SEC. Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9. The Sports. Good afternoon and welcome in to the Boomo Bugg Show. I'm Harold Bugg alongside Brett Beaird. Thank you so much for giving us a ride around the Tennessee Valley. Brett Beaird, welcome in. One of the big questions is, which UTQB will Bama's defense face on the third Saturday of October?

While UNA says that's a great time to retaste sweet home cooking again. Welcome in and how are you? Happy Wednesday to you and the listeners. We'll be talking about both of those subjects in depth today. Larry Vaught talks about the excitement that is going on in Lexington right now for a 5-1 Kentucky team. Some guy by the name of Paul Feinbaum has got some interesting things to say about the SEC coming up. But right now, UNA Coach Brent Dierman joins us to recap the bye week and preview Evelyn Christian.

Anytime you got Paul and Coach Dierman on the show at the same time, it is, as they say on the TV commercial, it must be hump day. With that, we say hello to UNA Head Football Coach Brent Dierman. Coach, welcome in. How are you? I'm doing fantastic today, guys. About 5% of that is Coach Dierman and probably the other 95% is Paul Bama. No, no, no, no, no, no. Obviously, welcome back, Coach. How was the off week? Yeah, it was really refreshing. You know, us as a staff, you really didn't take a day off.

We did a lot of recruiting. But our players got about three days off and we needed it. We've been grinding since the early part of July. Some guys got to go home, get a home-cooked meal from Mom. We've got a few guys that's been banged up that gave them an opportunity to heal up a little bit. So, it was a really good week. Talk to us about the journey here, Coach. First of all, congratulations. You've already matched and beat the entire record from last year. For the folks who know football and know the challenge that you guys faced, it's a rough and rocky road to go from where this program was in D2 to this point.

Your thoughts about the journey right now as far as the progress made on this team this year? You know, it's really two different journeys. You look at the four-year journey from once I got here of trying to take a historic D2 program into a new era of Division I football, and we've struggled. I mean, three wins, three wins, two wins. We've had a ton of one-possession losses. We've always been right there. And you really, this year, seen our guys get over the hump. You've seen us win those one-possession games.

This year, you've seen our guys take another step. So, it's really a four-year journey. But then, the other journey is it's weekly. I mean, you've got to flush all that every week now in college football. And you can't read your own press clip. As a former coach in this state used to call it rat poison, you can't get too bought into what you did last week because it's a new week right in front of your face. So, you're really looking at two different journeys where it's exciting, but I'll probably enjoy it more at the end of the year because I've got another journey right in front of our face with Abilene Christian this week.

Let me ask you about how you handle players. Kaelin DeBoer, of course, Saturday night at the end of the game, Dajon Lee literally punched a Georgia player out of frustration and sportsmanlike penalty that continued to drive for Georgia to run out the clock. And there has been a lot of people who said, Coach, good for you. And I know that he and Dajon Lee and some of the other coaches have met and talked through that. It's an emotional game. But he was not trying to embarrass him.

He was trying to hold that player accountable. Now, in the Eastern Kentucky game at halftime, you had scored three points. There was a lot of accountability held at halftime. Yes, it is. That's what I was going to ask you. I know you were frustrated, 3.72 yards, different teams, different games. How do you hold a team accountable at halftime? I think, first off, you've got to know who you're talking to. And I guarantee you, Coach DeBoer's got a relationship with that defensive back. He does. And so he knows him.

He has a loving relationship. The same way I would discipline my own son at the house. Sometimes my dad had to take that belt off sometimes when I was growing up. And I needed that. Oh, yeah. And I'm a better person because of it. So I think you need to reach your players, whatever is the best way for you to reach them. You've got to go where they're at. And sometimes, as cool, calm, and collective, we try to be in front of our players in tough situations.

[5:19] Sometimes they need to get woken up. Sometimes they need somebody to kind of challenge them. And I think Coach DeBoer's situations looked like it was a challenging moment that a player could learn a lesson from. But he's not just yelling at him. He's using that to teach his whole team a lesson so it doesn't bite him in the butt later on. You and the head football coach Brent Jeremy. Talk to us a little bit. And that's the coach on an individual. As a coach, as we alluded to at the top of the interview, this team, by comparison, is rocking and rolling.

That's great. Except when, as you mentioned, it starts sitting here and reading all those verbal bouquets, it can take the eye off the ball in the next game, regardless of who the opponent is. Sometimes you want a tougher opponent because you're more focused if you take so-called lightweights, which there are none, but some of these kids sometimes will look at it that way. Your thoughts as a coach, you're off to a 4-2 start as far as keeping the eye on the ball, especially after you have a blowout win.

And then, like in the case of Alabama, using that as an example, you've come off a disappointing loss. Now you've got a rivalry game. As a coach, how do you handle that as a team? We know about the individuals, but as a team, how do you keep their eye on the ball? You've got to find a way, win, lose, or draw, to hit the reset of the flush button on Sundays. You've got to clean up whatever it is. In wins, you make mistakes. In losses, you make mistakes.

So you've got to clean it up and move on and have the ability to take your team and say, all right, that doesn't matter anymore. The win or the loss means nothing to us anymore. We've got to regroup. You've got to refocus on the next battle at hand, the next game at hand. You know, for us, the exciting part with that, you said 4-2. The exciting part, we're 4-1 in SCS play. Yeah, that's it. Playing against teams of our own caliber, you're 4-1 with a five-point loss on the road as you really only lost to a good Southeastern Louisiana team.

So I have stressed it hard this week to our guys that none of that matters. I'm proud of you. You worked your butt off to get it, but none of it matters anymore. No one is – you're going to be judged off what you do this Saturday, and then next week you'll be judged off what you do that Saturday. So you can't read your own clubs. You can't smell yourself, as my dad used to tell me. Talk about your defensive effort against Eastern Kentucky. I know, particularly in the second half, he only gave up 66 yards, 0.3 yards per rush, which is good anywhere.

Four interceptions, four stay turnover on downs. Defense played pretty well. They played extremely well. You know, as a whole team, I think we won 17-3 maybe in the second half of that football game. Yeah, you did. And just to see the tail of two halves. So I think they played well in the first half, but probably gave up too many explosive plays, what Coach Bowen will tell you. We came in and cleaned a few things up, but, man, they're swarming to the football. They're confusing quarterbacks and offensive lines, and they're playing with unbelievable hands and strike.

Our front seven are legit, and our back end is getting to make great plays because of the pressure the front seven is putting on quarterbacks. So it's a great mix right now, but we've got a great challenge in front of us coming this weekend with a very talented, very confident Abilene Christian team. Let's talk about them, Coach. They're coming off a win, too, over Central Arkansas in 2014. For UNA fans coming out, what do we need to know about AC? So Abilene Christians is 3-4, right? They are 3-1 in their last four games, though.

So they struggled early, but they played some really good teams early. They played their FCS game, or their FBS game was Texas Tech, who's the top-10 team. It was 17-3 at halftime. Their two FCS losses are against top-10 teams in Stephen F. Austin and Lamar. And here recently, they've kind of found their niche. They've kind of re-identified themselves. They've changed some things. They've made a switch at quarterback, and they're playing with a lot of confidence here in the last four games. So they've won the conference two years in a row, 2-0 in conference play.

So very, very talented team coming here into Florence, and we need everybody in the Shoals area. We need our fan base. We need everybody to show up and be loud for this one. I was going to say, Tucker Parks, that quarterback who came in 186 yards, passing, and then 45 yards running. He had a really good game in that win over Central Arkansas. I've asked you this question earlier in the season, but now that we're at the bye week, which unit, receivers, linebackers, secondary, which unit on the teams improved the most since the Sanford game?

Since that game, I would tell you probably our secondary, to be honest with you. I think the first game of the year, they got challenged with some deep balls that we gave up some explosive plays to Sanford's receivers. I think our D-line, our box, has played well all year long from game one on. And I think our secondary is really massive. You look at Leo Glover, a local kid, played quarterback at Florence High School, who's really coming into his own playing safety. Two interceptions last week.

[10:34] Trey Young was a high school quarterback down in the Birmingham area that we have kind of converted to a corner. He's coming into his own. Had two interceptions last week. So I think the secondary has probably been our most improved spot as a team. Coach, obviously you mentioned that at the outset of the interview, the off week gives you a chance to kind of lick your wounds. How healthy is the team coming in after the off week? You know, we've still got a couple guys that are banged up.

We've got one or two that are going to be out for the year now that just happens as you get to the football season. But Fred Ville has been out with some concussion stuff in the last two games. So he's really been able to rest for three or four weeks and should get him back. We've got another linebacker, Nolan Forsha, that's been banged up since the Alcorn game. So we should get two linebackers back in the rotation, which is just going to improve a box that's already playing really well.

And then we've just got the nagging injuries, the hamstrings, the rowings that we were able to rest some guys last week so they could just get back to 100% instead of trying to play at 85%. Well, listen, thank you again. We always enjoyed the conversation. Best of luck Saturday night against Abilene Christian. Let's get a W. Let's do it. And bring out the sweater. It could be some football weather. Coach, thank you so much for your time today. UNA Abilene Christian 6th at the new confines there on Bobby Wallace Field, Bank Independence Stadium.

Coming up, one word besides Elvis. He's Paul and he's next. Stay with us. Hey guys, this is Mark down at Warehouse Tackle. So we offer the best fishing tackle and outdoor supplies in the Shoals area. We're located on 417 East College Street. Our phone number is 256-980-0951. And you can find us on the web at www.warehouse-tackle.com. Come and see us. We're proud to be a sponsor of Florence Falcons football. And we wish Coach Morrison and the team good luck to you in your season.

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The United Way of North Alabama invites the community to dust off their brooms and join the annual Witch's Ride. On Thursday, October 29th, the Whimsical Parade will once again take flight through downtown Florence, bringing together costumes, candy, and community spirit all in support of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Registration begins at 5 p.m. on the corner of Mobile and Seminary Street with parade beginning at 6. Participants are encouraged to dress in their spookiest, silliest, or most creative costumes. Tickets are $35 with under 12 free of charge. Also, a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $100.

An included mission to an exclusive adults-only VIP afterparty featuring heavy work herbs from baking and events by Jack. All proceeds to benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, helping provide free books to children in Lauderdale, Calvert, Franklin, and Marion counties. For more information, call the United Way of Northwest Alabama at 256-764-5892. That's the annual Witch's Ride, Thursday, October 29th. We put the ball on the ground four times. We were out, our number one and number two running back. And you know what? We still hate to beat down and beat down.

Paul Fungon, weekdays at 3 Eastern on the ESPN app and the SEC Network. The Score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. The Score. Brett, I had my hearing aid off. What was that promo about there? Can you give me that again? It was the Alabama-Georgia game on the Paul Feinbaum show. Okay. I wonder what he's up to these days. Oh, wait a minute. I'm looking at my screen here. He needs absolutely no intro, as you just heard. He drives you home every afternoon. You're on 93.9 The Score after this show.

And on the SEC Network all over the globe. Paul Feinbaum, welcome in. Great promo. How are you? I'm doing great. I'm glad you guys remember me. I was in downtown Birmingham yesterday and some guy walked up and said, I thought you got fired. I didn't know you were still around. Now, Paul, I would imagine that this week, if anybody had a question about that, is it true that you're going to stay with this broadcasting gig and not have a side hustle of becoming an SEC football official?

Yeah, I was glad to hear the commissioner of the SEC, my close friend, Greg Sankey, say today, that was a judgment call. We don't comment on judgment calls. Well, I'll tell you what, I'm not the commissioner of the SEC. I'll comment on it. It was atrocious. It was a bad call. Everybody listening knows it. And I don't know why the SEC can't just tell the truth. Yeah, we don't normally comment on judgment calls. But since we've had 4 million calls to our office on this, we agree with you.

It was a terrible call. Nothing we can do about it. We'll see you in Knoxville. Paul, we won't talk about that trip, which nobody knows more about that rivalry than you. But this is something still, Stu, and you know where we are. You know our zip code here. I said it was bad when even Auburn fans said it was bad. Even the Georgia defensive back says, yeah, if that happened to us, we'd probably feel the same way. And I got a blind dog. And even the blind dog said, what?

I mean, we know what happened. We know nothing's going to be done. People are going to fuss. Blood pressure is going to come up. But this ain't the first rodeo for this crew and a lot of crews. What would be wrong, Paul, if they're not going to have the officials come out and address the media and say, here's what happened, here's why it happened, have some point person to come out and say, let us explain to you what happened in the heat of the moment. Don't wait three days.

Well, let me tell you something off the record, guys. The SEC has always been thin-skinned about officiating. Yep. And I understand why, considering their officiating is so bad. But I sat on a plane about three weeks ago, and I won't mention his name, but he said, yeah, I'm an official in the SEC. He was going to a game, the same game I was going to. And I said, what do you do when you're not officiating? He said, I'm a financial advisor. And I said to myself, I wouldn't let this guy handle my money.

[20:51] You know, I mean, the problem is very simple. They're part-timers. They're school teachers. They're insurance guys. And they shouldn't be deciding games that 15 million people are watching and people are caring about. And that's on the commissioner. What else can I say? And the thing is, this is not, and I'll do your respect to UAB in South Alabama, this has more than pride. This has national championship implications, because who knows how this is going to figure into the algorithm at the end of the year. So this is more than just pride on the line.

And if I could just tell you again, I'm kind of, that guy you heard coming into the show was Daryl, who's a barking dog. Right. Yes. And, I mean, the point is, it doesn't matter whether there was missed calls earlier. That was the call of the game. Right. And it's just not, yeah, and I don't know. I mean, if a coach can come out after losing a game like that, why can't they send the head official and say, listen, you know. And, by the way, this guy who was sitting next to me the other day, which he probably sold oil six months ago thinking it was going down instead of going up, he told me that as soon as the game is over, no matter where they are, they go back to the hotel and review it.

So it's not like the crew didn't know whether that was the right call or not. Yeah. Let me ask you about the other story in the game. Obviously, Georgia won the game. Everybody knows about the penalties or the ones that were not called, but after getting run out of the Mercedes Dome last year in Atlanta, Alabama went toe-to-toe with the number one team in the nation. But the other big story was Kalen DeBoer going for the final play the first half with no timeouts. He could easily keep the field goal, went for it, and scored.

And then DeJohn Lee, which, again, punched the Georgia player. And as Kalen DeBoer said, well, you cost us the game with that. He was trying to hold the player accountable. But a lot of Alabama fans, as you well know, loved it, showing some fire and some gusto there. Did Kalen DeBoer lose the battle but win the war? He did. By the way, I'm going to go old school with you. I was kind of a Bill Curry moment. Remember that game under Curry where he finally joked that he was something more than a male model?

And he grabbed the player by the face mask. I mean, DeBoer, no, I just want to add one more thing before I compliment him too long. In the event they lose Saturday and not until I would like to come back next week and understand everything I'm about to say. But, yeah, I mean, it was a big moment for him because my argument and many others is he just doesn't fit the culture because he's not tough enough. You know, he's playing ice cream, he's playing nursery rhymes.

But, yeah, I mean, I was glad to hear him curse, too. I didn't know the guy knew a curse word. I think he went from West Coast sushi to raw steak Saturday night. He did. Of Alabama fans. Paul, Paul Feinbaum in the huddle with us. And thanks so much. You're gracious. Your schedule is crazy. So thank you so much, Paul. But no one knows about this rivalry coming up better than you do. Alabama, Tennessee, we know what all the pundits are saying. But to be the bad guy here, Alabama is going to be, at least right now, what's this, a Wednesday, according to the camel on TV and the ad, will be going in with a suspect at center.

They'll be going in without Ryan Coleman-Williams, their top target, and a rookie quarterback. And nobody knows that stadium better than you do. Your thoughts, where are you starting breaking down the latest chapter in the third Saturday in October? Well, all I can do is point to the last two times. Now, you can't point to the 10 before that. But, you know, four years ago, Alabama was number one. They were stunned as a 17-point favorite. Two years ago, Alabama had beaten Georgia, had lost to Vanderbilt. We all thought they would beat Tennessee, and they didn't.

So, I mean, I sat in Dallas last Saturday and laughed when I heard everybody talk about it. You know, I think this was a rivalry game, and it doesn't matter how bad John McTheer is, he couldn't start for a CYO team. But it happens in rivalry games. You guys understand that. It hasn't happened in a while in the Iron Bowl, I might add, but it does happen in most rivalry games. And I don't think it's going to happen, and I say that having watched the last two Tennessee games.

And, by the way, I don't get paid enough for having to watch Tennessee offense this year. They are impossible to watch. But I'll give them credit. Two games they easily could have lost, except the coach on the other side proved to be incompetent in both cases. So, I really, I like Alabama. I think it will be a struggle, though. I'm not wondering. Listen, I don't like to give you cliches. But I feel fairly comfortable with Alabama surviving this, because I think Alabama has the superior roster, and they have a quarterback that they're confident in, and Tennessee doesn't really have a quarterback at the moment.

[26:08] Who's going to be the quarterback in that game? Paul, I know right now, obviously, McIntyre looks to be, but I've been reading some of the tea leaves. And, you know, let's face it, these coaches want to burn up practice time for the opposing guys coming in to get ready for the what else. But will it be McIntyre? Are they playing basically fool's go now and throwing Brandon Faison's name out there? I mean, I think, listen, there has to be a reason. I know I'm using deductive logic here, how Faison won the job.

I mean, he must have really looked good at some point this year before the cameras were turned on. But I don't, I mean, I have to think he's going to be the starting quarterback. What more could go wrong if he doesn't handle the scene? You just bring McIntyre back in. You'd rather not, but I don't know Josh Heupel's thinking. We all want to give him credit as a quarterback whisperer, but I haven't seen much great quarterback play at Tennessee the last two years. Let me ask you about the other big story in the SEC this week.

You had a fascinating interview yesterday with Billy Lucci, the founder of Tex-Aggs. Olin Buchanan, he's right-hand man, is on our show a good bit. And Billy found himself in the middle of Mike Elko's post-game press conference meltdown when he talked about Billy's sass pool on his message board. And everybody knows that he was, that Mike Elko was frustrated with the loss to Missouri. He's a good coach. He's been successful everywhere he's gone. But this is an A&M team that a lot of people thought would make the playoffs again.

Now they may be lucky to go 6-6. And Billy handled himself well. What's going on at A&M on and off the field? Well, it feels like, once again, a good coaching hire looks like he's about to get fired. It happens that quickly. And A&M will fire a coach. I think Jimbo Fisher's $76 million payoff will prove that. And I think Elko completely lost it. And Billy was trying to be diplomatic yesterday. That wouldn't have been. But, again, I work for somebody. I don't own my own business.

That depends entirely on my double-edged football team. But I thought it was crass. I cannot believe he did it. I mean, if Lane Kiffin did that, if Will Wade did that, I mean, we're talking about Pond scum now. That wouldn't really surprise me. But I've always respected Elko. And he just, you know, when you're frustrated, you should take a deep breath instead of pointing fingers at people that have absolutely nothing to do with your own failing. Paul, obviously, before we jump off, your thoughts about the border war, the South's oldest rivalry.

I think it's pretty safe to say here again Wednesday who's going to win the game. The question is, in Vegas, will they cover your thoughts about the elicitation? Georgia, when they're on, who's going to beat them? Your thoughts about Auburn and Georgia? Well, I mean, I do think it's a fact that the last couple of years, this game has been closer than it probably should have been. So, I mean, if you're handicapping it, and by the way, I think you guys know I don't bet. And by the way, there's a reason I don't bet, because it's impossible to win.

I mean, I have enough failings in my life as opposed to burning money every Saturday afternoon. But, I mean, I just don't see much with Auburn right now. I'm sorry. I mean, I think Alex Skolich is a good coach. I think he has a chance to be successful. But this season feels very much like it's about to fall apart. Paul, I cannot imagine how busy your schedule is. We thank you so much for carving out a little time for our show here. Thank you so much.

And please, if you can, get a handle on Daryl and those dogs over there, okay? Well, I want to remind Daryl that it's been a while since Georgia won a national championship, so shut up already, okay? Guys, always enjoy it. Thank you, Paul. We'll get to follow up later on today with Mr. Paul Feinbaum on the ESPN Network. Coming up, Alabama getting ready to maybe pack maybe some cigars. We'll take you to Tide Town with Rodney O'err next. Stay with us. Hey, Falcon fans. This is Keith at Cypress Creek Indoor Range.

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Find us at straighttalk.com and Walmart. Straight Talk Wireless. Straightforward. Always. Taxes and fees apply. Plan purchase required for free phone offers. Copyright 2026 Verizon. Get more than just a score with Brett Beaird and me, Harold Bugg, and the Boomo Bugg Show weekdays, noon to 2, here on 93.9 The Score. Rich Eisen here. At Hyundai, the SUV trophy shelf is getting a little out of hand because U.S. News and World Report named Hyundai the best SUV brand. That's five out of six years with hybrid SUVs, like the premium and capable Palisade, the adventure-built Santa Fe, and the tech-infused Tucson, which means, at this point, the shelf will need its own structural support system and a dedicated construction crew.

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Sixth-ranked Alabama is on the road. They travel to play number 14, Tennessee. Both teams are 5-1, Alabama 3-1 in the SEC. Tennessee 2-1 in the conference. Troy heads to Louisiana this week, while North Alabama is at home to take on Abilene Christian. Bundle auto and home, renters or condo, and save with Progressive. I'm John Thayer with the Sports Flash, presented by Progressive on 93.9 The Score. Uniforms can be a competitive advantage. They help protect you, make you look good, and give you confidence. That's what you get with Centos.

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[36:35] Welcome back in. Let's go to a place that was the eye of the storm in more ways than one over the past few days. Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where Rodney Orr calls home. He's the founder and editor of TiderInsider.com. His book is called Bigger Than Balmer. Rodney, welcome in. How are you? What's up, guys? How's it going today? Good, Boone. Man, I tell you what, it's going fine, Rodney. It's the Wednesday after. Forget about the storm that was predicted in the sky. Have Alabama fans on your website, TiderInsider.com, have they started to sit here and get back to sunnier days after a stormy weekend with the officials against Georgia?

They're trying. Yeah, I think, Harold, they've kind of moved forward now again. I think that most people realize, hey, you know what? You lost one game. You're still right in great position now. Everything's in front of you. I mean, everything's still in front of this team. So, I mean, I think that certainly, you know, people have complained about the officiating and the things that were missed in that game. But at the same time, I think everyone or most people realize that this is a really big game coming up in Knoxville on Saturday.

We want to talk about that, Rodney. Your thoughts about that, I mean, let's face it, the pollsters said it didn't matter because Alabama, in the respective polls, didn't move either up, didn't move down. They stayed where they were. And I think the consensus was what most folks thought. You lost by three to the now number one team in the country with controversial calls. The silver lining to that is, it could have been at Alabama to move to either the number one spot or number two spot.

And I've always said it doesn't matter where you are right now, as long as you're in the top 12 or top certainly five in this case, it's at the end of the year you want to be number one. When you're number one, sometimes it's better to be the hunter than the hunted. Your thoughts about where the mindset is with this game and what factor maybe that causes this team to be even more fired up coming into this week's game. Well, I think, you know, again, just my concern about this game is, number one, you're going on the road in Knoxville, hostile environment.

Yep. There's a lot of communication issues. Yes. We saw that. We saw that the last time they were there. First play of the game was a delay of the game. Mm-hmm. You know, and so I think when you look at it with a young quarterback who hasn't experienced anything like that from a crowd perspective. No. An environment perspective, you've got a lot of new players playing in the game that haven't experienced that. And guess what? Probably going to have a new center. Thank you. Probably going to have a new center that has very, very few snaps at the position on this level.

And, you know, it could be something that's something to watch. Really, really could be something to watch with potentially Mal Waldrop getting the start in this game. Now, I'm not saying that's 100%. I'm saying that there's a very strong possibility or a possibility, you say possibility, that he starts with Delgatti's injury. So, you know, there's some concerns, Harold. I know that on tighterinsider.com, we have a lot of people out there that are saying this is crazy to even think that Tennessee can compete with Alabama. Yeah, yeah.

But I think all of us who understand this series and understand, you know, this game and where things are with the injuries that Alabama has, you can't really say that. So, I think it's going to be an interesting game. I think it's a huge game for Alabama, obviously. You just want to get out of there with a win in this game. Because I think if you can get past this game, get your team healthy, then all of a sudden you've got some opportunities. I think this team has a chance to really grow and get a lot better.

I think the experience against Georgia really helped. I think this experience here in Knoxville is going to help Keelan Russell. So, if you can get out of it with a win, then I still think you're in great, great shape. Man, I really do. But now, if you lose it, I think you know what's going to happen. You know you're one game from playoff elimination. Yeah. Well, you're spot on with the intangible. Everybody makes up about the road games to Kentucky and State. In all due respect, that's great.

But if anybody's ever been to a game and certainly been on the field at Tennessee, you can't even compare it, really. I know the cowbells are loud. But Tennessee fans, it's like going to Disney World. It's a small world. After all, three weeks later, you're still hearing that song. Every time Tennessee even burps, they play Rocky Top. It will get in your head if you're not careful. They'll literally move the earth when they've been at pick six or something like that. They will, literally. They'll pick it up.

And to me, that is a big intangible. State has, I think, 60-something thousand. Tennessee, almost double that. So, and listen, they're not shy and quiet. So, to me, that's a big factor that folks who just sit here and look at the numbers don't factor into it. I mean, yeah. I mean, listen, I think Alabama's the better team. There's no doubt about that, obviously. I think the injuries are something that's a real concern. I mean, I really do. I don't know how they're going to respond to that.

[41:39] Again, you just have to see. This is a rivalry game. The reason it's such a rivalry game, I mean, obviously, both teams have been great through the years. But when you go back, and I just posted memories from the game going back all the way to 72 on tighterinsider.com, and, you know, when you go back and you start looking at those games, you can see there's times that, you know, one team was expected to win the game. Clearly, the favorite, and they didn't, you know? I mean, if you could go to 1990 in that game, there was no way Alabama should have even been on the field with Tennessee.

And they won the game 9-6. You guys remember that one. So, and again, I'm not predicting anything. I'm just saying that when you're in a rivalry game like this, Alabama-Tennessee, Alabama-Auburn, whatever it might be, the unpredictable can happen. Yeah, and Terrence Green and Delgado are the biggest injuries. I know a lot of people are going to talk about Coleman Williams, but when Terrence Green went out, the Alabama run defense went with him, and particularly in the fourth quarter. Ronnie, I understand the angst with the no calls.

There were three or four others. Crowell nearly had his helmet, the way he did get it taken off. But Alabama had four fumbles on the ground. They couldn't get one of them. QB Reese had an interception, which, as Harold said, they took 10 seconds to review. They had some opportunities, but Georgia was, their front on both sides won the game. They're deeper. They're a little bit more experienced. Stockton was incredible. He was 9-10 on third down, and as Harold said, throws the ball through a donut hole, much less a coffee cup.

But when you step back and look at the big picture of this, Alabama got run out of the stadium in Atlanta last year. This is a game they went toe-to-toe with the number one team in the country, and they've got issues. They've got to work on their run defense. That secondary is a mass at times. But when you look at how much progress this team has made through six games, it's really actually quite impressive. Yeah, I mean, I think so. I mean, I certainly think so.

I mean, I thought they played Georgia toe-to-toe. I did think that Georgia, in spite of all the calls that went in their favor, and like you said, there were multiple balls on the ground that Alabama didn't come up with, Georgia got back on them. But I would say this, I still thought Georgia was a little better overall as a team in the game. I thought, I think they're a little bit better right now, physically at the line of scrimmage. And I think Tennessee is not really great, obviously, on the offensive line.

They're good. They're better, I should say. I don't even know if they're good yet. But they're getting better. And they can run the ball pretty well. I mean, they've got to be able to run the ball because they certainly haven't been able to throw it. I do know that McIntyre gave them a better opportunity last week against Arkansas. throwing it. He went for 249. I think that's the first time this year they've thrown for over 200 yards in a game. You're right. So, listen, I'm hearing they're going to play both quarterbacks.

That's what my source has told me, that both quarterbacks, George McIntyre and Faison Brandon, are expected to play in this game. So, we'll see what happens there. But you've got to be able to stop the run. You've got to be able to slow that down. And defensively, if you look at Tennessee, they're pretty disruptive up front. I mean, they hounded Arch Manning the entire game. And, again, Texas offensive line is not necessarily doing a bang-up job either. But they hounded him the entire game. Xavier Gilliam.

He's good. Remember that name. He's good. He is a dominant player on the inside for Tennessee. I think David Hobbs has done a really good job for them, the former Bama recruit. Bama recruited him pretty hard. Tennessee beat Alabama out a few years ago. He's really good. They've got some other guys up front that can really harass the quarterback. You know, so, but, again, I think when you get into that environment, if Tennessee gains some momentum in the game, then I think it could be, you know, they could certainly challenge.

Now, if Alabama gets off to a fast start and jumps out 14-zip, whatever, 17-zip, multiple scores, then it's probably going to be really, really hard for Tennessee to try to mount a comeback. Could get out of hand. But, you know, again, you can't take anything for granted in this game. And I see there's a long thread right now on tighterinsider.com kind of mocking Tennessee. But I'm just saying, I wouldn't be surprised if they come out and give Alabama a challenge. Do it after the game.

And the cigar is down to but not before always. Rodney Orr, tighterinsider.com. Rodney, as far as injuries, and I agree with Brett, you go back. If you play in defense, you're always in the ballgame. But on the offense, RCW looks to be out of the game. Who steps up as the prime receiver? And what's the status of Noah Rogers? I mean, a lot of folks thought by now he might have a more prominent role. Would this be the weekend he steps up? Well, you know, again, that's an interesting question because I know that initially, Harold and Brett, they thought Noah Rogers, this would be the game that he would probably get back.

[47:16] That's right. Okay. And I came back a few weeks early, played some. I don't recall him getting in the Georgia game. But, you know what, he might be needed in this one. So, hopefully, Noah Rogers, who, for those who don't know him, of course, the transfer from North Carolina State, he originally signed out of high school with Ohio State, played there for a year. But, you know, he's a really talented guy, man. I know that, you know, before his injury in A-Day, they were, they thought he was going to be a key, key part of this offense.

And then he had the injury and, you know, hopefully he can work himself back into a regular role now with Ryan out for at least a few weeks. So, you know, we'll see Derek Meadows, another guy, I said, Cedarian Morgan. I mean, those are other guys that, you know, are in the mix. So, somebody's got to step up. Ronnie, we've asked this question for nine months. Will Alabama be able to run the ball more effectively? Well, they ran for 195 yards against Georgia. Thirty-four yards of that was subtracted because of sacks.

Treshawn Brown, I know you get asked this all the time on the board, et cetera. Now that we're nearly halfway through the season, I keep getting asked, will 17 and 13 get more carries? Now, one of the reasons is Daniel Hill in pass pro nearly decapitated one of the rushing ends for Georgia, and that's one of the reasons why, plus his experience. But you see what 17 can do, and particularly on that run. And then the last play, the first half, was incredible as far as that touchdown run by 13.

Do you anticipate 17 and 13 getting more carries moving forward? That's another good question. I mean, you know, I got some texts about that this morning, actually. And they're like, they're breaking down the play calling, you know, and the text messages I got and wondering why they didn't, especially Treshawn, get more carries in that game against Georgia. So, I mean, I can't really answer that. I mean, it would stand to reason that you would think so, but again, I don't know. I mean, the play calling is what it is, and I'm not knocking the play calling, but I just think that there are some opportunities, I think, as you're suggesting, that, you know, Treshawn Brown and a couple of these other backs, Daniel Hill, EJ Crowell, could maybe do some damage running the football.

And I think there were some times last, in this last game against Georgia, and if you just, you're in position to kick field goals, you know, and how big would a field goal have been? Absolutely. If it had been a tie game, then you would have gone to overtime. Or how, what about two, you know? So you were in position for a couple of field goals that you chose to throw the ball and you took some sacks and some losses on plays and all of that.

And I understand one of those was a missed face mask, you know, after the ball was actually blown, I think. But anyway, that said, I mean, yeah, I mean, I think there are some opportunities to run the ball. Will the, will they, we see that? I mean, that's a good question. Well, I need finally the big question. I'm looking to fill in the blank here. Rodney Orr's score, and who likes the cigars in this game? You know, Harold and Brett, yesterday, you know, I was kind of thinking about going really close.

I have to turn in my pick, you know, fairly early on Tuesdays for our show. And my first thought was, you know, just the concerns that I expressed to you. And I don't take anything for granted in this game. And my first pick, I went 30 to 23. But, you know, I was watching some of the people on tighterandsetter.com, and, you know, they suggested this is, this is, this is crazy to consider that. So I said, okay, then we'll go Alabama 37-20. 37-20. So we'll see, we'll see what happens.

We'll see what happens. Really, I think Alabama should win the game handily. But, like I said, Harold and Brett, you guys know it. Anything can happen. Yeah, that's right. Crazy. Ronnie, just to reiterate your point, everybody points to the no call on the interference. But the next play was third down, and Keelan Rosso got sacked. If Alabama runs a five-yard off tackle, they've got the ball at the Georgia 29-yard line, which means that would have been a 36-yard field goal to tie the game at 20. And then another, another, midway through the second quarter, Alabama did a good job of pinning.

Alabama's punter done a really good job this year. And Georgia, inside of the 15, they punt to the 50. So instead of running the ball, and they throw three consecutive incompletions. That was a real chance then to take control of the game, and they did not do that. Just to reiterate your point. But anyway, a lot of feedback, I could imagine, on that message board this week. Coaching interviews, player interviews, pre-game, post-game, a little basketball. Buy my basketball. Got an exhibition with Ole Miss tomorrow. Nominal price. Where can we get TI and then also buy the book?

[52:52] Titaninsider.com. It's only $48 a year. You can get access right now with your credit card. If you prefer, there is an address there to send a check. It gives you all our premium information. Just put up, like I said, memories from the Alabama-Tennessee series through the years. You know, the forum right now. It's funny. Smoking. Don't ever go on there and question that Alabama might be challenged. Some of these people eat you a lot. But anyway, it is what it is. Yep. We have been warned, I promise you, Rodney.

Listen, man, good luck to you this weekend. Thanks so much. Let's do it again soon, okay? Okay, guys. Appreciate it. Thank you, bud. Rodney, we're hugging up with us. Titaninsider. The book is called Bigger Than Bama. Coming up for the next hour, more on Alabama and Darville with Drew DeArmond. The hot shot in the entire country, certainly the SEC right now. How about those cats in Kentucky country? Larry Vault on that. And Henry Adelson from ESPN. Straight ahead. Stay with us here on the Boomo Bugg Show.

All right, grab some buds and listen up. Grilling season's here. Now we find out what we're made of. Are we going to fold under pressure and overcook the burgers? Or are we going to nail the carne asada and the brisket and pack the coolers with ice-cold Budweiser and Bud Light? Because that's the difference between winning and losing, between flipping burgers and grilling like a pro. This summer, grill like a pro with Bud and Bud Light stock up today. Anheuser-Busch Budweiser and Bud Light beer, St. Louis, Missouri.

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[57:52] Plus, every system comes with a lifetime warranty and a no-clog guarantee. Help protect your home today with LeafFilter, America's number one gutter protection system. Right now, you can get up to 35% off when you go to LeafFilter.com slash football. That's up to 35% off at L-E-A-F-Filter.com slash football. Restrictions apply. See representative for warranty and promotion details. 18-19 News. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville is reacting to the recent news out of Washington, D.C. that federal agents raided the D.C. home of Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

Those agents walked away with boxes of evidence that are likely related to Omar's immigration history and the fraud that was uncovered within her home state. Tuberville was on WVNN with Dale Jackson. Everybody knows what she's done over the years. She lied about her citizenship. Well, all this has come to fruition now. And this Democrat judge even looked at the evidence going, oh my God. I mean, let's follow up on this. And so she's in big trouble and so should several other people up there that say they're citizens and they're not.

That's just the problem in this country right now. You've allowed people to come here to say whatever they want to, change all their records, and we're in a situation now where we have a lot of them that are elected leaders of this country, and it's just wrong. I'll be back with more Alabama stories after this. Brian Austin here, CEO of 1819 News. I'm also the host of 1819 News, the podcast, and we'd love for you to join us by listening to our weekly show on all the top podcast apps, both in audio and video format.

At 1819 News, the podcast, we are in pursuit of a free and flourishing Alabama. Every week, we're having important conversations with guests from across this great state, all with the goal of equipping Alabamians to be in pursuit of a free and flourishing Alabama with us. New episodes are released weekly. I hope you'll join us. Johnny Sankey is the declared winner in a city council seat race that was held in Montgomery this past Tuesday. Sankey was up against Greg Crawford in the special election runoff for district seat three.

She won by 13 votes in this race. Sankey is the wife of Montgomery County Commissioner Isaac Sankey. She will fill the seat that was held by Marshae Johnson, who was found out in the zone to be living outside of the district that she was elected to represent. I'm Andrea Tyson. For more news affecting Alabamians, go to 1819news.com. And while you're there, subscribe to the daily newsletter. From the heart of the SEC to the national stage, no filters, no fluff. Get the real story and all the hard-hitting analysis on AP as we see it.

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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. New exclusive inside track to the Tide, 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. And speaking of rides, why don't we take the long one down to the heart of the Sunshine State, Orlando, and say hello to AA, Andrea Adelson at ESPN.

[1:02:57] AA, welcome in. How are you? I'm doing great, fellas. How y'all doing? I do. I'm doing all right. Did you spend the weekend in Tuscaloosa wearing a striped shirt? Where were you, Andrea? No, I would never be caught dead wearing a striped shirt in Tuscaloosa, guys. Oh, my goodness. Listen, let me show something at you. This is from the boss of the league. God by the name of Greg Sankey. I'm sure you've heard of this dude. What's the day? Wednesday. This happened, what, Saturday night. So, Mike, Mike, Mike, it is hump day, coach.

We don't comment on judgment calls. It's a quote. There are going to be tough calls that happen, and we want to get everyone right. And I mean that literally, but it's a dynamic game with 22 players. Greg, that's deep. But how do you define a judgment call, Andrea? Yeah, that, to me, was past interference. And I'm assuming he means past interference is a judgment call. I'm just trying to decipher. But, honestly, if that's how you're viewing the way that past interference should be adjudicated, I think that there are problems, then, with your officiating group, right?

There are, obviously, very clear rules when it comes to how past interference should be called. On paper. And if you, if, on paper, and if the DB's back is turned, right, and he's pushing the offensive player, both of those things constitute past interference. Am I wrong? Like, I thought that was the rule. Before the ball gets there. Before the ball gets there. Correct. I thought that was the rule. Those are the very, right, basic things that would get a flag to be thrown. And a flag was thrown.

And that's the thing, guys. And they picked it up! I don't understand how they picked it up. I was, I was apoplectic. I was watching this game with my dad, and he's a huge college football fan. And, like, we literally, like, don't, right, we're not rooting for anyone. We just want to watch a really good college football game. And it was a really good college football game until the refs had to, you know, stick their noses in it. And I just, the two of us were just, and again, we're not Alabama people.

We're not Georgia people. We're just watching the game. People. That's just humans watching the game. We were apoplectic that they picked that up. I mean, my dad just could not stop talking about it for the next hour, afterwards. So, we know that you're not going to change it. We know Greg is going to go political here. He's not going to answer. He needs to go get some, I don't know, maybe some for straddling the fence. I don't know what you get for that. But now that the verdict is in, how did this game change your opinion of both teams?

I mean, Alabama and Georgia, let's clear. By the way, take nothing away from Georgia. They played their butts off. They won the ball game. Take nothing away. That's not what we're talking about. Two things can be true at the same time. But what are your thoughts about both programs coming out of that game? Well, you know, it was a week ago on this show that I was explaining why I had Texas ranked number one. And that's pretty foolish right now. That was when there were a lot of people who were saying, nah, you know what?

Like, Georgia looks like they're the number one team. And they did in that game, right? To go in there and make the plays they had to make to win, like disputed. And, you know, and Kalen DeBoer was going to take the high road. I think we all knew that. It can't just come down to a play, right? There were other missed opportunities. Obviously, the personal foul call there late was not great either, guys. But it can't come down to those two plays, right? You want to make sure that you leave no doubt and there aren't, quote, unquote, judgment calls that come into play.

Having said all of that, Georgia is number one. They should be number one. Go on the road and do that against what I still think is a, you know, top five, top six team. You're right. It is absolutely earned. I honestly, even though Alabama lost, I came away more impressed with them in this game than the Florida State game, which I was there and watched in person because it was a more complete effort. You know, the Florida State game wasn't. You know, they started slow. They had to come back.

They kind of looked disjointed a little bit. Defense was, you know, hit or miss. Not in this game, right? I mean, these two teams traded blows, you know, back and forth. And so I just actually feel like I left that game having Alabama roughly in the same spot that I had them ranked the week before. I really didn't drop them all that much. And I think I had them ahead of a few undefeated teams because I felt like they probably, if the pass interference call stands, maybe there's a different outcome.

[1:08:12] And I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt on that. But I also felt like they played good enough to win that game. And therefore, I absolutely feel like they're 100% still a playoff team right now, middle October. You mentioned Texas. There are two teams in the state of Texas whose fan base is not having a good week. Texas A&M, Mike Elko goes after Billy Lucci of Tex-Ags in a post-game meltdown. He's since apologized to that. I think Mike Elko is a good coach, but A&M is going off the rails.

And then Texas losing in the last few minutes to Oklahoma. John Mateer actually had a couple good passes to Centega, and they ended up winning that game. But again, when you look at the NIL for Texas, the roster construction, double A's and folks in Texas not happy this week. No, and they should not be happy for a whole bunch of reasons. And, you know, when I kind of said last week I was sticking with Texas at number one because of the strength of the Ohio State win, it's not like at that point they had put a complete game together the way that Georgia had, and it still felt like there were some flaws in Arch Manning's game.

And obviously, Oklahoma with Brent Venable, the defensive coach, exploited some of that. And give credit to Oklahoma for, you know, scoring in different ways in that game, right? You know, making plays on special teams. But when you're limited on offense, right, you have to find other ways to make plays to win. And maybe Texas, you know, kind of thought, ah, they're not very good, and we'll have our way with them. Whatever the case may be, Oklahoma deserved to win that game, too, because they played a complete game in all three phases, and Texas did not.

And now that these flaws have kind of been exposed more so than even the Ohio State game for the first three quarters, and you look at the way the rest of the season could potentially play itself out, fellas, and what if I had told you before the year started that Texas, Texas A&M, and LSU may not make the CFP at the end of the season? There's a very real possibility that that happens. A&M, you know, is just, it feels like a dumpster fire right now, not just because of Mike Elko's comments, but it seems like questionable hire at OC, not being able to manage, like you mentioned, bringing all of these guys in and getting them on the same page to play the way that he needs them to play.

And Mike Elko is a really good coach, and I watched him at Duke, up close. I watched him as the Notre Dame, you know, defensive coordinator and the Wake Forest defensive coordinator. I've known Mike Elko for a really long time, and watching this A&M team doesn't feel like I'm watching a Mike Elko team. And I think that's part of the problem. They don't have his DNA, and I'm not sure, and I don't think he knows how to fix it, because if he knew how to fix it, they would have fixed it already, right?

And it goes beyond Marcel Reed. So there are major issues there, and we see a team every single year, multiple teams maybe, that are preseason top 10 that kind of fall off by middle of the year for lots of different reasons. And it just so happens that this is Texas A&M's year to be that team. Well, if you'd said those things, Andrew, we'd love you anyway. You know, warts and all, it's unconditional. Many reasons. One, you're a Florida Gator, and oh, by the way, speaking of the Florida Gators, Andrea, oh my God.

Let's skip that, Harold. Is the sugar out of the gum already down there? What's going on, Andrea? My God, you know, after the Ole Miss game, you know, I'm all like, wow, maybe there's a chance to beat Georgia this year. And, you know, I've got Mark Schleba on our staff who went to Georgia, and I'm like, finally, for the first time in like six years, maybe I can talk some trash. No. No. No, guys. Oh. Look, I think we all realized that at some point someone was going to stop Jaden Baugh, and when that day happened, and it was going to be on Aaron Filo's shoulders, we all knew the defense wasn't great, right, through the first four games.

And that's what's happened, right? The last two teams have stopped Jaden Baugh. Aaron Filo hasn't been able to make the plays. Obviously, not having Burnell Brown in the lineup has been problematic. Their most dynamic playmaker on the outside at receiver. And now there are reports that Aaron Filo is questionable. Wow. And he's not played on Saturday, which would lead for Mel Jones as the starting quarterback. Jaden Baugh, you know, we'll see if maybe he can get it together. But, guys, it hasn't been great the last two weeks in Gainesville.

[1:13:36] And I know there were a lot of Gator fans, like, after the Mizzou game, were like, oh, South Carolina, it'll be fine. And up in South Carolina the last three weeks, you know, congrats to Shane Beamer and those guys for a get-back game. But there are a lot of problems right now at Florida that have been exposed in these last two games. And now you're scratching your head wondering, wait, but I thought they were going to be a bowl team, and now I just don't even know if they're going to be a bowl team.

I'm sorry. Yeah, guys, yeah. It happens. At Double A, my brother and I are good friends. It's Harold with a lot of the Florida media. I keep telling them there are better days coming. There are better years coming. You made the right selection. There are going to be growing pains, and you saw it again, but it is coming. Great slate this weekend, young lady. Notre Dame, BYU, Ohio State, Indiana is finally playing somebody. And then some great games in the SEC. Where can we get online to get your incredible stuff, your incredible articles, and the teams?

Appreciate that. Fellas, ESPN.com. Click on the college football page. I'll have something tomorrow. It's been 10 years since Lamar Jackson leaped over the Syracuse player for his Heisman moment in 2016. I've got a great retrospective. I talked to Lamar for that. It's a great piece. That'll be out tomorrow. And then ACC Network for folks who are interested. Our show, Inside Access, is on Thursday, 4th Central. Mobile coach Jeff Brom is our guest. And I don't know. What do you guys make of the Cardinals? Your guess is as good as mine.

Up and down. I know. Absolutely. 2026 college football. A lot of college fans are asking that same question. We know you've got all the answers there at ESPN. Andrea, listen, man, thanks so much for your time, Dan. Have a great rest of the week. Okay? All right, fellas. Appreciate it as always. Thank you, dear. AA, Andrea Adelson, ESPN. How about some hot cats? Larry Vaught, the details next. Stay with us. Well, you know what happens when the seasons change. The pests come looking for a place to stay.

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Join Brent Beard and me, Harold the Bug, for the latest breaking news, noon to two, weekdays, the Boomo Bugg Show, here on 93.9 The Score. Hiring for a small business is hard. You don't often have a team of people helping out. That's why LinkedIn built Hiring Pro. It's like having a true hiring partner, and you can chat with it just like you would a recruiter. Hiring Pro listens, adjusts, and shows you the people that actually fit your needs. 88% of small businesses say they trust LinkedIn's candidate recommendations.

Be confident in your hiring decisions with LinkedIn Hiring Pro. Post your job for free at linkedin.com slash eisen. Terms and conditions apply. Many people's first serious relationship didn't start with a kiss. It started with a kickoff. Or perhaps it was love at first hike. But unfortunately, many of these football lovers don't live in the same city as their team, which is why Marriott Bonvoy has hotels close to nearly every NFL stadium, bringing fans closer to the teams they love with over 30 different hotel brands. So if you want to stay closer to your team, check in for game day with Marriott Bonvoy, the official sponsor of the NFL.

[1:19:01] We'll see you there. Dishler Basketball will host Dinner in the Dome on Saturday, October 17th at 7 p.m. in the Dishler Dome with guest speaker, former University of Alabama men's basketball coach Mark Godfrey. There will be a silent auction from 7 to 7.30, along with a meet and greet with Coach Godfrey and a steak dinner that starts at 7.30. Tickets are $100 and reserved tables are $1,000 with eight tickets included. For more information, call Coach Brian Pounders at 205-246-0644. That's Dinner in the Dome at Dishler High School on Saturday, October 17th.

From the University of Alabama, this is Crimson Tide Today. It's a daily update on Bama Sports and it's brought to you by Conecuh Sausage, a true Southern flavor since 1947. Order online at ConecuhSausage.com. Hello again, everybody. I'm Roger Hoover. On Tuesday's Crimson Drive, we were joined by Alabama tight end, Marshall Pritchett. How much fun is this group having planned together? Yeah, I mean, I was doing an interview for Alabama not too long ago and they were chatting about how they think we're the closest group on the team.

You know, I would definitely go off on a leg to say we definitely are. Like our group's 10 guys, you know, obviously you've seen a little bit of everybody. Me, Jay, Josh, me, Danny, Caleb. But, you know, we do everything together. Like our group truly is just like a bunch of best friends. And I think that kind of shows on Saturdays with the way we go out there and compliment each other, the way we go out there and play. And the biggest rule in our room is like when it comes your way and when the spotlight finds you for you to make a play, like we have to be able to do it.

And I think, you know, all five guys that have gotten some stain this year have done a really good job just when that play is called going out there and executing it. I'll have more in a moment. It's just a little taste of heaven. Join us tonight for Hey Coach and the Kalen DeBoer Show presented by Alpha Insurance starting at 6 p.m. Central from Baumhauer's Victory Grill in Tuscaloosa. You can listen to Hey Coach on our full radio network, the Varsity Network app, as well as watch a video stream on all Alabama Athletics' social media platforms.

Crimson Tide Today is brought to you by Conecuh Sausage. Crimson Tide Today is a production of the Crimson Tide Sports Network from Learfield. Hey, it's Evan Cohen coming up Thursday. We'll react to Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. Plus, I'll tell you which QB is in most danger of getting benched. It's on Sportsmanlike, 6 a.m. Eastern, right here on ESPN Radio, ESPN2, and ESPNU. The Score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9, The Score. Welcome back in. He may be even more popular than Jim Beam in the state of Kentucky.

Larry Vaught's busy all over the state. Vaught's used column 30 papers. WBBK-FM show on UK Sports Minute. He's busy there on radio for Edge Media, WLAP, and also busy at Topps Magazine. Larry Vaught, welcome in. How are you? Couldn't be better. It's great to live in a football state. It really is. We were going to ask you about the hottest sport in the state of Kentucky these days. Please tell us the secret of this volleyball team, Larry. Well, the volleyball team's hot every year. Yes. They get it done every year.

You just kind of take this for granted. I think they're only ranked fifth now. Wow. So they're struggling a little bit. They'll get better for this season. They have been fantastic. And then again, with football, it's just unbelievable up here right now. It's one of the few times I can remember in 50-some years of doing this. Wow. We've got to mid-October. Nobody's even really talking basketball up here. A bit. Other than wonder what they're doing. It's all about football. And if Kentucky takes down Oklahoma, I want to talk to you next week.

We won't be worthy. But, Larry, talk to us about this team this year. We go back to media days. And everybody said, oh, this kid, he's full of moxie and full of sap. I'm going to ask about Kentucky and how they're going to do it. And he, in effect, said, to paraphrase because of me, we go, everybody gets hot. And then you go to Kentucky, and I think if people are honest, they say, well, there's a reality check. That's Kentucky football again. And since then, it's been Will Stein doing Las Vegas football.

Over time, heck with that one-point stuff, let's go and roll the dice, get the two-point conversion. Talk to us about the journey and Will Stein basically being able to practice what he preaches. Well, the biggest thing, first, did you like the way, and maybe you guys didn't see because you probably didn't watch the whole game, but did you like the way that Lane Kiffin chickened out on fourth and one? It was the official's fault, right? I mean, did I say that right? It's not always anybody's fault, but Will Stein just got him.

[1:24:18] Will Stein just got him, and that was the best part of the night. But I said from the time that Will got here, he just reminds me of Hal Mummey with his confidence, his offensive approach, his belief in what he could do, the way he liked the players. The only difference is he also knows it's good to have a defense. And he's emphasized having a defense. I mean, Mummey just thought, well, no matter how many other teams score, I can score many or more, where Will wants to shut you out and score 70 at the same time.

So it's amazing what he has been able to do. They have now won three straight SEC games where they were a touchdown or more underdog. Now they're up to 15th in the country, and they're a touchdown underdog again this week on the road to an unranked team. So that kind of gives them something to kind of build with and all right there. And they just make plays at the right time. They're not always great on defense. They're not always great on offense. But when you have to make a play, it seems like somebody makes one, and they just don't do many things to beat themselves.

But you mentioned defense. Let me ask you about the offensive stars. Kenny Minchie, the transfer from Notre Dame, 23 of 36, 246. 206 of that in the second half. CJ Baxter, the transfer from Texas, 123 yards, had nearly an 80-yard run first play of the game. Kenny Darby, originally committed to LSU, four catches for 79. And I ask you during the summer, would Kentucky have the big blue wall back again? And I know that will block everybody on every play, but that's improved. Look, Larry, I'm impressed with these offensive stars. Yeah, I mean, Kenny Darby wasn't good enough to play for Lane Kiffin.

That's right. I kind of think maybe he was thinking there another time. Yes, he was. Oh, buddy, oh, buddy, oh, pal. Yeah. And the offensive line, as you said, they've not been overwhelming people, but they're just efficient. They just block and get their job done. And then Minchie just doesn't make many mistakes, seems to always know what to do with the ball. It was that case the week earlier when they beat South Carolina when he threw the two-point conversion pass in kind of a muddled formation that they had.

And then it was this week when he came out. And I don't know what Lane Kiffin guys were doing. I mean, you would think if you're on the three-yard line, you might have somebody in the middle of the field, wouldn't you? Yep. You would think just maybe one. When you're sitting here watching that play unfold, my grandson who's 14 is sitting here saying, sure, they're going to call timeout. I said, why? He said, they've got nobody in the middle of the field. I said, you're right. Stamp it.

That's right. Stamp it. Give him $10 million. Yeah. Yeah. Really. So, it's created a lot of great things up here. And then it's just, I think it's one of those things where both y'all have been around long, but sometimes it just works well. Everybody on this team just kind of meshes together. And I think that's part luck, I think, part you give Will Stein credit for, but sometimes you just can't make that happen. But this team just does mean they have a field goal kicker who couldn't kick a field goal from anywhere where he was last year.

He comes up here and he's been pretty good. Then he misses two against LSU. Stein sends him right back out there and he makes the one to send it into overtime. Yeah. Wow. It's one of those years. Yeah. You know, what's amazing about this Lane in the preseason, he's doing all of his commercials and we saw him after one of the games this year at a frat party. That's like he's 19 and looking at the sorority girls. I mean, he might want to focus on getting the job done because here's why, Larry, two losses to first year coaches, Will Stein, Pete Golden.

Think about that. Here's the guy that was a rock star. He's leading the way as far as money and he loses the first year coaches. Your thoughts about this Kentucky team, the schedule. So I'm looking at it. I mean, all schedules, you never take anything for granted, but you got to be realistic too. Starting this weekend with Oklahoma and then Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Florida. Toughest game may be Missouri and then Louisville. Your thoughts about the balance of schedule, Larry? Well, I think there's not a game left on the schedule, but I would say at this time that if they won would surprise me.

I think they're capable. Now, there's probably four of them. If they lost, it wouldn't stun me either. But I think every week that they win another one and get that little bit more of confidence. Like I say, if they get this one Saturday at Oklahoma, then they come back home. And I think Vandy may be the first time they've been favored since early in the season and can get that one. All of a sudden, you're sitting there 7-1 and you get a week off to regroup.

And then you go into those last four games. And I mean, you've got to sit here and think, Kentucky wins 3-0. They're going to be 10-2 and they're probably in the playoffs. That's amazing. And we're just sitting here thinking, what in the world is going on? I mean, I know Saturday night was the first time in Kentucky history that every school in the nation was pulling for Kentucky except for LSU. Yep. That's right. That's right. Well, Larry, 5-1 on the season. I've been saying this on the show for weeks.

[1:29:37] The Alabama win over Kentucky looks better every week. And I'm telling you, Larry, if you gave them truth serum, Cale and DeBoer would say, I don't want to play Kentucky in the playoffs. Well, I don't even know if you give them truth serum, if the coaches really tell you the truth or not. But, yeah, that was – and, again, a lot of Kentucky folks were really disappointed that day. Yeah. And my point was you just had to give Alabama credit for what they did the second half.

I didn't think it was that Kentucky just went to pieces. I thought Alabama just came out and played a great second half. They took control of that game. I think Alabama's going to be one of the teams that's still going to be playing pretty late this year. So, yeah, I think Kentucky, you look back at that, the thing that they had to lead at halftime in Will Stein's second game, I think that probably has lost them. Even though they lost that game, I still think that made fans and players both believe, not only let's hope we can do this, then they believe they could do this.

Yeah. Now, Larry, you got so much pull with the SEC now. Double-check and make sure that the officials who call the Georgia-Alabama game are not doing the Kentucky-Oklahoma game. Make sure before kickoff that's not the case. That's okay, because Kiffin says officials cheat from Kentucky anyway. So, bring them all up. We're good with the officials. I'm not saying anything bad about officials here in Kentucky right now, but they can make Lane cry like that. I mean, so what? But that has been one thing. When you've watched UK play as long as I have, sometimes in these key situations when a flag goes down, you're just so used to that penalty being against Kentucky.

And now, this year, they're not. I mean, it's just fascinating to watch, and you're sitting there thinking, well, I mean, I've got friends who watched the replay of the Kentucky-LSUK still thinking Kentucky's going to lose. You know, they'd already seen the original. So, that's just what happened to Kentucky for so many years. But now, it's incredible. And I'll tell you about it was, you just had to, I think, kind of be there to experience what was going on. I mean, I know I had one grandson who was supposed to be working concessions at the stadium, making himself a little money, 14 years old.

He's underneath the stadium. Well, he sends me a picture at the start of the fourth quarter from up in the stands. So, I'm talking to him, and I said, what are you doing? Aren't you supposed to be able to… He said, I quit. Oh, no! He said, I just quit. He said, there's nobody buying anything anyway. And he said, if Kentucky wins, I'm on the field. And sure enough, he did. Oh, that's hilarious. Great story. Listen, as much as we enjoy teasing you sometimes, I know you're loving the heck out of this.

And a lot of Kentucky media, as you mentioned, they've been up and down for so many years. Listen, we always enjoy the conversation. Much continued success with those columns in 30 papers. Where can we get online to get all your great stuff? Well, you can go online just at vaultsfuse.com or yoursportsage.com. Or you can follow me on X, or as we still all know, is Twitter. You can just follow me at vaultsfuse. Sounds great. And by the way, LSU says, thank you, Kentucky. You just gave him a half million dollars to pay for that Lane Kiffin salary.

So, by storming your paper. Best money Kentucky has ever spent. Exactly. They've got the story of the New York Times. They've got stories of papers in China. I mean, it's been incredible what all has been spread. I mean, I hope they spend it that much again next week. There you go. It's an investment. Larry, listen, man. Thanks for your time and all the best this weekend. All right? All right. Thanks for having me. Thank you, bud. Larry Vault, Vaults Views. Coming up, he's Double D. Drew DeArmond.

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The Score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. Welcome back in. Always a pleasure to say hello to Double D. Drew DeArmond, he's host Talking Ball on Huntsville's 97.7 FM The Zone. Drew, welcome in. Happy Mike-Mike-Mike Hump Day. How are you? I'm doing well, guys. How are you? Hey, buddy. As we mentioned, it's Wednesday. The dust has settled, I guess, a little bit. Your thoughts now on a Wednesday after what happened in Tuscaloosa on a Saturday night? Well, Alabama got beat by a better football team.

They got out-executed. Officiating wasn't good on both sides. It's not good throughout college football, but it did not cost Alabama the football game. It maybe cost them a couple of opportunities, but they had other opportunities to catch in, including recovering four fumbles, and especially the one that was botched by the return man of the Georgia Bulldogs. And they certainly had chances to throw and catch, including that throw. So, that was interference. If it were not underthrown and thrown to the back corner of the pylon, then it's a touchdown for Rico's got.

[1:40:08] So, just overall, Alabama got out-executed, got outplayed on both lines of scrimmage in the second half, and certainly competed hard, and I thought played well, just not well enough to beat a team of the caliber of Georgia, especially when Gunnar Stockton had the best game of his life, and he basically encapsulated Trevor Knight, Stephen Garcia, George Jefferson. He played a tremendous football game, the best game of his career, and in that case, you tip your cap to Georgia, congratulate them, and look forward to hopefully seeing them down the road.

Let me ask you, it appears right now Ryan Coleman-Williams would not play either because of a knee concussion or both. Who steps up? Who's going to get more reps, Derek Mendes or Noah Rogers? Well, I would hope both, maybe even three. There's a Cedarian Morgan as well who is capable of making plays, but certainly I think you have to have Rico Scott, and people aren't really talking about that. Rico and Lottie Brooks were contained by George. They both need to be better on Saturday, and certainly Derek Meadows, who made a catch late, you know, Cedarian Morgan or Noah Rogers, they all need to step up.

You know, they need to be some guys, step their game up, no doubt about it. The offensive line, I thought, the roadblocking was pretty good. I won't give George the credit. They only gave up one explosive play, that was to Treshawn Brown. Alabama needs to make, you know, some explosive plays, both via the pass and run on Saturday, and to me, the best way you slow down a pass rush is to run the football, and I think Alabama needs to run the football against Tennessee, and I think they need to make the game easier on Keelan Russell, and if they do that, I think Keelan can make plays with his legs and his arm and be a difference maker in the game, and I think Alabama needs to get home against Tennessee.

They didn't, they let Gunnar kind of bake the cake back there. They didn't get a lot of pressure on him. They need to pressure whoever it is, whether it's Faison, Brandon, you know, whether it's George McIntyre, they need to pressure him, and the biggest thing, though, is to take away Tennessee's strength, which is the running game, and Deshawn Bishop, I think they need to keep him under 100 yards. If they do, because I think he's averaging eight yards a carry against Alabama, which is completely unacceptable, and Alabama might be without Terrence Green, their best running offense in the tackle, so if they are, that means guys like Edric Hill, Isaiah Faga, potentially maybe London Simmons, though Simmons is not the best run defender, but I think they need to have some guys to step up along that front, and of course, there need to be more gap sound at linebacker, and make Tennessee earn everything, and I think if they do that and win the key areas, which they didn't win against Georgia, I came on your show last week, I said, you know, they had to win the time of possession, they did not outrush Georgia, they did not force more turnovers and win the turnover battle at all, and then they got outperformed on third down.

If they win those four key areas, they can win on the road to Tennessee, and don't forget, they've lost the last two games to Tennessee, and that's been a very frustrating thing. Two years ago, I felt like they could have won the game if they just executed better, but they just got flat beat, and then, of course, four years ago, they were absolutely and completely robbed, and that's what a robbery is. That's not what happened on Saturday night at all. They just got beat on Saturday night.

In 2022, FanDuel won. Yeah. How do you spell that, they say, Drew? You brought up a point I was going to make there. To me, the whole key comes down, can you stop one of the best running backs in the country in Bishop? That's going to be the key without green. That is suspect. The other part is your thoughts about Alabama's defense. What do they do in the secondary with the Lee situation? Well, I think they compete. It was interesting that Jordan Edmonds warmed up in the last game and did not play.

I know he was having a really good camp and impressive a lot of people before he got hurt. If he can go, perhaps he gets some reps. I know they believe he's supremely talented. I thought Carmelo O'Neal, the Mercer transfer, played really well in his stead, and I was surprised that late in the game that they played Dijon Lee. And then maybe Dijon responds in practice. We'll see. But I would say he can compete for his job. And if he does not perform well or doesn't respond, then, hey, then you play Carmelo O'Neal and then you make him win his job back.

[1:45:11] But I think there should be some competition, certainly. I don't think he's forfeited his opportunity to return kickoff. He's done a good job of that. I'll tell you this. Don't forget if Ryan Coleman-Williams is out of the game, they've got to have another punt returner. And I sure as h*** hope it's not Dijon Lee. It will probably be Rico Scott. We'll see if the job he can do. Or perhaps it's someone else who will get an opportunity. That would be interesting because I'm not sure who they would go to as their quote-unquote third-string punt returner.

Maybe it would be a Treshawn Brown. I don't know. But certainly they need to replace Ryan Coleman-Williams because I think their special teams have been underrated and really good all year. Certainly we know Connor Talti's been perfect. I thought Aster-Ruha was really good on Saturday. Yes. And they'll need him to be good against Tennessee to pin them deep. And hopefully this time Alabama won't allow the ball to dig out of holes like they did certainly Georgia. I asked you this question about 1.30 Sunday morning coming back home.

But Zulu and Justin Hill, I think Zulu may not be back until LSU after the bye. But I've heard a couple of rumblings this week that Justin Hill may get a little playing time against Tennessee. Have you heard that? Yeah, I mean, I saw Chase Goodfred hinting it from the Tuscaloosa News that Justin Hill may be back very, very soon. It certainly would be outstanding for Alabama. Honestly, his strength as a player is setting the edge against the run. You could certainly use him against an outstanding back like Deshaun Bishop.

And then he can help with a pass rush as well. Maybe we'll see, you know, because certainly two weeks ago we thought, you know, Xavier Griffin was unreal against Mississippi State. Perhaps we see him more against Tennessee as well. But they certainly need to get home pass rush-wise, whether it be organically or with the blitz, because they did not get home against Georgia. And these two young quarterbacks, you need to confuse them, you need to get to them. And if Alabama does, then I think Alabama can win this game.

And honestly, I think this week will go a long way to deciding if this Alabama team is truly a college football playoff contender, because if they are, they will take care of Tennessee. Agree with you totally, Drew. Drew DeArmond, 97.7 FM, The Zone. Let's talk about something else that obviously is begging a big answer to the question. You've got a rookie quarterback in one of the most hostile environments in the entire country going up against a very good defensive coordinator in Jim Knowles. Your thoughts about that, Chess, matchup?

Well, I mean, certainly Jim Knowles has done an outstanding job. Tennessee is leading the SEC in sacks with 25, and I think they're playing good football. I think Alabama needs to take, you know, the opportunity to try to establish the run early. That's the way you slow down a pass rush or a blitz package, because if you're in second and third and manageable or short, then it's very difficult to blitz and or, of course, rush the passer because you're running the football. So, I think they need to run the ball, put, you know, Keelan Russell with them down in distant situations that are advantageous.

And if they do, I think Keelan can make plays with his legs and he can make some plays through the air. And then it also takes some pressure off the passing game without a Ryan Coleman Williams because you're trying to, you know, establish the run, establish dominance along the line of scrimmage. And it also helps, you know, time of possession and then keeping that Tennessee ground game off the field where, you know, where Deshaun Bishop can't touch the ball. So, I think overall, you know, Alabama needs to try to run the football against this group if they can do so, if they can outrush Tennessee and outrush Deshaun Bishop and win that turnover battle, which they did not last week when they weren't able to recover those four fumbles.

If they can turn Tennessee over and create some short fields, then I think they can wear Tennessee down. Now, I expect it to be a war. I think it will be a good football game going into the fourth quarter. But if Alabama can play out front, and I think that's the key because Tennessee needs to start fast and play with the lead because of inexperience of the quarterback position and not wanting the QB to have to bring the team back. But if Alabama can start fast and build a lead, I think they can beat the Tennessee team.

And while Tennessee, I expect them to stay in the game, stay in the 17-10 game, Alabama going into the fourth quarter. I expect a couple of touchdowns from the Tide, and I think they can slam the door on Tennessee or even a couple of field goals and a touchdown. And my pick was Alabama 30, Tennessee 10. I know it's the third Saturday in October, Saturday, but you've been doing a little SEC basketball media days this week, and then Alabama Ole Miss. Alabama won the first one over Furman, won 11 and 93 of the exhibitions.

[1:50:32] A lot of things going on, a lot of great high school football Thursday and Friday. D2, where can we get on line to listen to you and Scott? Yeah, it was good to be over there yesterday here from NATO. And certainly, Coach Pauline Love, the new women's basketball coach in Alabama, Chris Beard also, Chris Beard and the Rebels will take on Alabama tomorrow at the Battlin' Boutwell, or excuse me, Ballin' in Boutwell over at the Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham. Was over there last night for Alabama A&M and Samford.

Got a chance to see Caleb Harrison and J.D. Gossett play for the Samford Bulldogs for Lenny Acuff. Lenny's got a really good team. Alabama A&M's got a good team under Dante Jackson, and Samford won that game by 10, 71-61. But they can connect with me at DrewD9770STN on X. Certainly a lot of people have been trying to, including LSU fans who think they've followed every rule and haven't tried to circumvent anything and don't deserve any of the scrutiny that they're getting from the Southeastern Conference.

It must be nice to be drunk 24 hours a day. But certainly they can also connect with us at 977ESPN, and they can check out our SoundCloud page for our content, ESPN 97.7 The Zone, or 977ESPN.com, or even our YouTube page, WCZN TV. And we always enjoy being on with you guys, and we're looking forward to some more Ballin' in Boutwell on our station tomorrow as the UAH women take on the University of Alabama at noon on 97.7 The Zone. Sounds great. Drew, as always, good to hook up with you. Thanks so much. Have a great rest of the weekend, weekend, okay?

Absolutely, guys, and it wasn't too foggy to go to Birmingham. Drew D'Armond, 97.7 FM, the Zone. Quickly, B.B., sad note, Auburn fans, college fans, remember Jesse McCovery, standout for Auburn in the mid-90s, passing away at the age of 53. Way, way, way too young. Our thoughts and prayers with the family, bud. Absolutely. I echo those sentiments. That's going to take care of business for today. On behalf of B.B., Greg, James Blair, the entire crew here, Peril Buck, thank you so much for your time today.

That's doing it again tomorrow, noon to two, with the Bumal Bug Show, back here on Sports Radio, 93.9 The Score.