Boomo Bugg Show 073126

[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 tie, Tigers, Tennessee and the rest of the SEC. Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9. The story. Good afternoon and welcome in 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 where? Mark it down. Only four more Saturdays.

Five for the first big one for college football. Welcome in and how are you? Happy Friday to you and the listeners. Yes, sir, we are getting closer. Monday is the Major League Baseball trade deadline and the one and only Bill Shanks will tell us who the Braves may pick up. Michael Parker, head football coach at Sheffield High School, will preview the 2026 season. But Jimmy is here right now to talk about Alabama opening summer camp next week. Put another way, vacation is officially over. I don't think that's breaking news for Jimmy Stein.

I don't think he really minds. He's co-host of the daily show called Locked on Bama podcast. Got that going on with Luke Robinson, part of the Locked on Network and twice a week on Cover Crimson with Clint Lamb. Jimmy, welcome in. Happy Friday before the real storm gets going on. How are you? Oh, doing great. I guess this is our last Friday with no football. What is it until February, I guess? You know, Thursday night, that much anticipated NFL Hall of Fame game. Boy, rah, rah, but at least it's football.

But that's then. This is now. Jimmy, obviously, camp. The curtain's about to come up. Before we get into all the fine print here, where's the gut right now with this team as far as the offseason programs? Are they on pace to give Alabama fans a thrill this season or what, Jimmy? I think so. I think the real story of the offseason to me is an overt emphasis on being more physical. I mean, I think so much of the moves that were made from who they signed in the transfer portal.

I mean, the very first guy they signed out of the portal. I mean, the very first guy they got committed out of the portal was a 265-pound tight end. Then they go hire a new tight end coach who was actually an offensive line coach in his last stop. And then they hire Adrian Clem to coach the offensive line, who has got an extensive resume both in NFL and college coaching up the offensive line. So much of the message that I think they're sending is about improved physicality.

Now, what will the results be? I don't know. I would just set my expectations at improved. They're not going to turn into 1995 Nebraska overnight, nor should they. Nor was it a goal. I mean, when you hired Kalen DeBoer in the first place, you were hiring his offense. At the Division I level, it hasn't really been about running the football or running it extremely well. The running game is complementary to his outstanding passing attack. But the running attack has to be better than it was last year because it wasn't complementary at all.

It was putting the entire game on the quarterback. And then once the quarterback got a little beat up, which happens when you put the whole game on him, you know, the offense just didn't function as well at the end of the season. Jimmy, talk to us about running the ball because, you know, fans are always going to come up with a story. Social media is always going to come up with a story. How accurate is the question? And a lot of that went on Ryan Grubb.

Basically, why are they bringing this guy down from the West Coast? They're going to rock and roll. This is SEC. Let's run the ball. Last year, the fair or unfair criticism, it was because of Ryan Grubb's schemes. They just didn't emphasize running. Was that true? And if so, how will they change that this season from an offensive coordinator standpoint? Well, we have to remember this, that DeBoer, you know, hasn't run the ball great at any point, really, you know, since he's been in Division I football.

There hasn't been, I think, the offense that he's led that ran for the most yards was actually his first year at Alabama. People forget that. Not that it was spectacular, but the rushing yards did rank in the 40s in the country, and I'm sure Alabama would like to return to that. Now, so much of that had to do with the fact of Jalen Milrow and his special talents. But we do have to remember this, with DeBoer and Grubb, the year before they came to Alabama, Washington, when he had the outstanding year leading Washington into the national title game, their running back was an all-conference player.

[5:02] He rushed for, I think, 1,300 yards, Dylan Johnson. Yeah. So, it has worked. It has worked. And they only want it to be complimentary. I mean, they'd want the defense to have to defend it. That opens up so much more with the passing attack where they really make their hay. So, I think that it has to improve. The numbers kind of have to get back to what they were in 2024, but do it with the running backs and not necessarily a running quarterback. Jimmy, I agree with you.

This is not going to be a 2012-2020 Alabama offensive line with Nick Saban, who just mauled everybody. But Grubb has shown that he can develop running backs. You mentioned Dylan Johnson, Ronnie Rivers when they were at Fresno State, Jordan Milms. Those guys are in the NFL, or certainly were. But you touched on the key to me is the offensive line is the key, but the physicality. You win football games at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the line of scrimmage. And I think that's what so many fans are looking at.

Can you run the ball for 130, 135 yards a game? But Ken, your offensive line, they may make some mistakes, and we know that they need time to gel. But can you hit somebody in the mouth and prove you're tough enough to play in this league? Well, they know what it looks like. I mean, in 2023, again, at Washington, he had the Joe Moore award-winning offensive line. He did. The best offensive line in college football. So, they were obviously physical. Now, they threw the ball a ton. I think they led the nation in passing yards.

So, they threw it a ton. But you can still be physical. They did run the ball as well. Again, they had a 1,000-yard all-conference running back complementing that passing game. So, they know what it looks like. I think they're trying to build Alabama in that image. But they needed to be more physical to do it. They can't put the entire game on the quarterback. Now, they did that with Ty, and obviously, you know, in so many ways, it was a good idea. I mean, you're talking about the 13th pick in the draft.

But this is going to be a younger quarterback, an even less experienced quarterback, and you just can't put the entire game on the quarterback's arm. They've got to run the ball, and they've got to be more physical. It seems like virtually every decision made in the offseason was about improving that physicality. I suppose that this is the SEC. It just means more to be physical, I guarantee you. Jimmy, talk to Alabama fans because they're on the ledge after this, quote, end quote, drought for national championships.

What is realistic? I mean, the good old days are going unbeaten. Have they gone the way of bell-bottoms and the Edsel? What is their realistic number in 2026? Gosh, I don't even really know. You know, Indiana went undefeated last year. Now, they weren't playing an SEC schedule. In the Big Ten, right? Yeah, they weren't playing an SEC schedule, and I don't think they would have had they played nine conference games. I don't know that anyone in the SEC is going to go unbeaten anytime soon. I mean, whether you believe Texas or Georgia or even Alabama is the best team in the league.

I mean, I have a hard time believing anyone's going 9-0. Obviously, there's going to be eight additional losses, conference losses this year with adding the ninth game. And, you know, I would go so far as to say that 10-2 is the new 12-0. I mean, I think 10-2 playing a nine-game conference schedule is very, very impressive and certainly playoff worthy. I think the question is going to be something that's going to happen in November that's going to be discussed a lot, guys, is what is the committee going to do with nine and three SEC teams?

Because nine and three SEC teams are going to look like playoff teams on the field, and their record's going to be nine and three. And I don't believe yet that there have been three lost teams in the playoff, but they've been conference champions. I don't think a three-loss team yet has been invited to the 12-team playoff. You would think that's likely the end. I'll predict that a nine and three team will make it into the playoff this year. I think there will be a real emphasis on pressuring the committee to take a nine and three SEC team as a nod to the strength of schedule.

Jimmy, going into summer camp starting mid-middle of next week, what unit, besides the offensive line, are you the most curious about? I know linebacker, a lot of fans thought if you lost three incredible inside linebackers, and you brought in one, Caleb Woodson. But they've got a lot of kids, QB Reach, Luke Matts, Caden Jones, not even talking about the edge dudes, Pierre, Justin Hill, and friends. What is, as far as just interest, intrigue, what intrigues you the most as far as the other positions? Well, the inside linebacker group you brought up is certainly interesting because there's so many candidates.

[10:34] I don't think the spring really settled it. I mean, for instance, all of these guys that you would think would be contenders to start alongside Caleb Woodson, it does look like Caleb has locked up a spot. Now, that we can sort of put in pencil, the transfer from Virginia Tech. He was with the ones throughout the spring, and I believe we will see him. Now, who's going to line up alongside him? I think the funny thing is we would mention the most prominent names would be QB Reach and Luke Metts.

We saw a little bit of them last year. Caden Jones would be the oldest kid. It's in some ways his turn. However, we say all those names, and the guy that ended up starting next to Caleb Woodson for a lot of the spring was actually Abdul Sanders. Probably somebody we obviously don't talk about enough, but there's so many good candidates. That's an intriguing spot to watch. Last year they played three guys extensively at those two spots. I won't be surprised if this year they played four guys extensively at those two spots, just simply because the depth is so good, and I don't think much separates those guys.

So that's interesting. I also think running back is interesting, another kind of bold prediction I have. I think we will see five running backs get reps with the first team in the first two games, East Carolina and Kentucky. I think we'll see Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, A.K. Deer, and the two true freshmen, E.J. Crowell and Treshaun Brown. I think all five get time with the first team in the first couple of games, and from that point you just focus on who's being the most productive.

That locked on, baby, you bring us to that point. You mentioned Crowell, obviously nicked up. Unfortunately, all that in the bag of chips coming out of high school has been nicked up since coming to Tuscaloosa. What is his status in any other folks who might have been nicked up in the spring? In other words, the folks who were on the injury list, how are they looking coming into camp? Pretty good, pretty good. I believe we will have an all-hands-on-deck situation Wednesday for the first practice. I believe it will be everyone.

Now, players that have spent the spring and summer banged up, I'm sure they'll be more cautious with them in terms of throwing them into the physical fires quickly, and Crowell will be amongst them. But, no, he is reportedly 100%. I think an interesting guy to watch, though, is Will Sanders, who also missed the spring. He had some surgery, and he's been, to some extent, limited this summer. But he should be a full go. Now, he's got to knock a lot of rust off, and a lot of people think he will challenge for that first-team left guard spot.

But it's going to be tough for him to do that if he's limited in some way. So, he'll be interesting to watch Wednesday, too. Is he really a full go? Because he needs to be if he's going to be a starter, at least before East Carolina. I agree with you. Also, Treshawn Brown, I think, is going to be a very good change of pace back. We got a little glimpse of him in the spring game. Jimmy, about to get ratchet up next week. I know you and Luke will be busy, certainly previewing and then reviewing, once what information we get with the media.

Where can we get online to get the best coverage of Alabama sports, Jimmy? Get locked on, Bama. New show six days a week. Obviously, we're very excited about practice starting, and we're never too far from recruiting, either. We try to have a little recruiting coverage each and every day. But locked on, Bama, six days a week on YouTube or wherever you get your audio podcasts. Jimmy, again, get some rest. It's about to get rocking and rolling, and thank you so much. Have a great weekend, all right?

Hey, you too, guys. Thanks. Thank you, Jimmy. Thanks, buddy. Jimmy Stein, hanging up with us there. Locked on, Bama. Coming up, what's going on at Sheffield High? Who better to ask than Coach Michael Parker on deck on the Bama Bug Show. Stay with us. This summer, Freedom Tastes Better at Mug Shots Grill and Bar on North Court Street in historic downtown Florence. Celebrate the Mug Shots Summer of Freedom with our Freedom Fest special. For a limited time, get any two single smash burgers, two orders of beer-battered fries, and our Firecracker Bites appetizer available all day for just $26.

And baseball fans, the Braves are heating up, and so are the dogs. The hot dogs are back at Mug Shots, featuring four delicious varieties to choose from. Great food, great deals, and all the freedom to enjoy summer your way. Visit Mug Shots Grill and Bar on North Court Street in historic downtown Florence today. Mug Shots, having a good time. I know that hiring can be challenging. You sort through tons of resumes, and you get too many so-so applicants. You're just waiting for someone to match your role perfectly.

Well, now, there's a place where you can meet them fast. Zip Recruiter. Just head to ZipRecruiter.com slash free right now to try it for free, and you're on your way to meeting your match. Four out of five employers who post on Zip Recruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. So try it now. Go to ZipRecruiter.com slash free. Once again, that's ZipRecruiter.com slash free. My name is Whitney Allen, and I'm a widow. My husband, Ryan, died. We never thought we'd ever have to use life insurance, but the unexpected happened.

[16:28] With Ethos, signing up was fast and 100% online. You can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and get same-day coverage. No medical exams, and you can get up to $3 million worth of coverage. I am grateful we were prepared. Get your free quote at ethos.com slash play. That's ethos.com slash play. Paid spokesperson. Time spent on application may vary. Online health questions required. When's the last time payroll was the easy part of your week? With Gusto, it can be. Gusto is the all-in-one platform designed to take the hassle out of managing your team, from payroll and compliance to hiring, onboarding, and more.

With Gusto, you can get back two full days each month with all the time you've saved. Go to Gusto.com today and learn why over 500,000 small businesses choose Gusto. That's G-U-S-T-O.com. Gusto.com. Drip Drop is doctor-developed, proven, fast hydration that helps your body and mind work better. Trusted by firefighters, medical professionals, and over 90% of top college and pro sports teams. Drip Drop is engineered to hydrate faster and more effectively than water alone. With three times the electrolytes of leading sports drinks. Stock up now at DripDrop.com and use promo code RADIO20 for 20% off your first order.

That's DripDrop.com, promo code RADIO20. 93.9, the score weather. Today, mostly sunny with a high around 90. Tonight, partly cloudy with a 50% chance of showers, possibly a thunderstorm overnight, low near 75. Tomorrow, partly sunny with a 70% chance of afternoon showers, possibly a thunderstorm, high around 90. Tomorrow night, mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers overnight, low near 70. And after your Sunday, partly sunny with a 40% chance of showers and a high around 85. Your weather from 93.9, the score. The score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9, the score. Welcome back in. It takes a genius to figure this out, baby, but it's the last day on the calendar for July.

Guess what's right around the corner for high school football, my friend. Well, summer camp, jamborees in the first game of the season. And the first day already in the house, if you don't believe me, just ask Coach Michael Parker at Sheffield High. Coach, welcome in. How are you? I'm doing well, guys. How are you guys? Hey, Coach. Man, we're doing all right. Obviously, I don't have to – it's not breaking news to you. First of all, talk to us about where you are right now coming in, the summer workouts, if you want to call them that.

And if you will, the state of Sheffield football here as we get ready to take the curtain up on the 2026 season. Well, we've had a good summer workout, you know, up to the attendance has been great. The anthem has been great for the kids. And this past week was our first week – or this week was our first week of fall camp. You know, we played in January with those teams with Banville. So, this week has been a fall camp for us. And, you know, you're talking about the preparation.

You know, the state has allowed us to out to wear helmets all summer. So, I'm not sure what the helmet rule is anymore, the first two weeks for helmets. Because at that point – well, at that point, you know, we had run out of things to do in a helmet. So, those practices – those practices was about like our summer camp. So, you know, we got most of the offense installed. The defense was installed. So, we're – I feel like, you know, we're a little ahead of the game than where we were last year.

I took over in June last year. So, we're ahead of where we were last year. So, you know, I'm not – I'm not satisfied. You know, but I am pleased with the kids' efforts and the, you know, the heat that they battled this week. The attendance was 100%. So, you know, I can't ask them to do much more. You know, I want that new turf. I think it was 110 degrees one day. So, our kids are not used to that turf. So, it was a struggle. Coach, one thing I'd say about that.

You may want to Google how to handle heat on that kind of turf and what to do with helmets now. But talk to us about the challenge because back in the day, kids would, you know, go through the season, then have an off-season, then come back about this time of the year. How do you keep a team motivated when basically it's – let's face it, it's 12 months out of the year now for everybody? It is, and it's getting harder and harder. I was telling my wife the other night, you know, it's just getting harder and harder to do your job and prep your team.

And, you know, there's different cultures all over the state. So, you know, if you've got a good culture and football rules that culture, it's not a huge deal. But when you've got a culture like we've got at Sheffield, you know, our kids work. You know, they help around the house. They help their parents. And, you know, you have to manage all that and still, you know, expect them to be at football practice every day. So it's tough because I've got one experience this morning. I said, Coach, I'm scheduled to work later on in the season.

[21:43] So, you know, that's stuff that I had to deal with. And back in the day, we didn't have to do that. I mean, you know, if we worked, you know, we knew we got off. And we worked because we needed or we wanted to make a little extra money. Now they're working because they need to. Yeah, wow. And that's the culture we're in. And, you know, I've got great kids. And it's tough on them to balance it, too. They want to be there. They want to be there, but they know that they've got to work, too.

So it's tough. It's getting harder and harder. Absolutely. Let me ask you about last year. The record was 3-7. That's not what you want walking in the door. But it could have been 5-5. You lost to Clemens. Clemens, by one point, 28-27. And Elkmont, 47-42. You could have been 5-5 last year. Yes, yes, we could have. And I feel like, you know, me taking over in June, it was a whirlwind. I didn't get a defense coordinator hire until July. Yep. So, you know, it was just a whirlwind.

And I quit spinning about November, Thanksgiving. But anyway, we did let those troops slip by us. You know, we got behind early. Clemens had to claw our way back into it. And, you know, we scored. And we could have picked X points and tied it up. And the kids wanted to go for it. And I wanted to go for it. We could go for the win. And we were successful in our two-point conversion there. And then Elkmont, I wish I had an explanation for that one.

I mean, we were up big at halftime. And then come back out and just stopped. Just sputtered. I mean, we couldn't do anything that we would get the quarterback on scrabbling in the back end. And then the D-backs would break up to come and help. And then he just threw it over our heads. And they did that about three times in the second half. So, they clawed our way back in, got the momentum, and took the lead. And we couldn't get it back. So, you know, that was part, well, more coaching than playing, probably.

I don't take the blame for both of those losses. And we just didn't do a good job of coaching them up. But, you know, compared that group until now, nothing against that group. But this group has been with me now for a year and a half. So, you know, they know what I expect. They know the standard I expect for them to hold themselves to. So, we were probably a whole lot bigger last year than we are this year. Physically bigger. But I think we're mentally a whole lot better than we were in life.

As far as understanding what we're doing and our expectations, these kids are just, they're mine, I guess. I could just call these kids mine. You know, I took over last year. And I was there. I was there for a year, but once it's over. But, you know, every head coach is different. And I guess I can just call these kids mine now because I'm all they really know. Michael Parker, head coach at Sheffield. Coach, before we talk about some of the kids, let's talk about Michael Parker and your journey to Sheffield.

You know the geography of the Shoals area. Clements, Phil Campbell speak. Talk to us about your journey to this job. Well, it's been a long journey. It's been a tough journey. You know, I started out as a middle school coach over in Madison County at Montenegro Middle School. Which is now a city in itself. Right, it is. And then I went to, left there and come back to Lawrence County and took an assistant job at Lawrence County High School. And then I rolled over to speak for three years.

And then I ended up at East Lawrence for a year. And that was when Lawrence County was in turmoil. That's going to shut down schools and all that stuff. So I ended up in 07, 08. I ended up at Hazelwood High School. And, you know, they were shutting it down. I started looking for a job and found one in Phil Campbell. Stayed there for a year. One year only. And they wanted to go a different direction. And, you know, they say there's two types of coaches. One's been fired and one's going to be fired.

That's right. So I've had my firing. So they let me go to Phil Campbell. And then I ended up going back to Madison County at Madison County High School for a year. Wow. And, you know, proration hit the end. They let me go there. They had let go of six teachers. They had six non-tenure teachers. So I got let go there. So I told my wife's son, Doug, I'm going to the workforce. So I ended up getting a job out at Wise, out there at Sheffield, Wise, and worked out there for a year.

[26:50] And then out of the blue, Winston County High School calls and offered me an offensive coordinator job. So I took it in 2012. So I took it in 2012. And I was there for six years. And then I took a job at Clements High School for six years. And then I ended up at Sheffield. Wow. So this is probably going to be it, fellas. I was probably going to be going home if I leave Sheffield. I hear you, brother. Let me ask you about the players. I know we can't talk about all of them.

But you mentioned they bought in. Everybody showed up this week. How many players have you got on the roster? How many seniors? And I know we can't talk about everybody. But talk about some of the leaders on your team. We had pitcher day yesterday, so I probably know I've got 12 seniors. Everybody kept asking. I said, I think I've got 11, 13. But I've got 12. I've got 12 seniors. And within that group, there's very few that have play experience. I mean, I've got a couple of linemen that played for us last year.

But skill-wise, a lot of those do not have experience on the field. So as I said a while ago, I am all they know, really. And it's beneficial in a way because last year we had a lot of experience. But in their career, they had three head coaches. So it's not all their fault. Some of us are rotating door coaches. So anyway, so I would say this group is probably advanced from last year's group just because of doing the same thing, rhetorical stuff, you know, and knowing my expectations.

And, you know, you've had three head coaches, and one more comes in there with a different expectation. Then you have to change again. It was tough on those kids last year. It really was. But these kids here bought in, and they're doing everything we ask them to do. You know, sometimes they don't do it the way we want them to do it, but they do what we ask them to do. So, but I can't say enough about these seniors. You know, we haven't had one to miss practice yet, and I can't say the same as last year.

So, like I said, when I say they bought in, they bought in. Sometimes they come to practice with a different attitude. You know, I've got kids coming. They're working midnights right now. They're working at restaurants until 3 o'clock in the morning and then cleaning up. I had one that closed at 3 o'clock in the morning and then cleaned up to 5 and then went home to the mat and come to football practice. So, you know, just that stuff is, and it's teaching them discipline. I mean, sometimes we don't get them out of sleep.

We won't, but we've still got to get up and go. So, they've done a good job of that. Absolutely. Listen, before we let you go, you've got cleanup day a week from tomorrow, August the 8th, looking for volunteers to help pressure wash bleachers, mow, weed eat, and just clean up around the stadium. You need volunteers because you and the coaches and even the kids can't do all of it. But if somebody listening to us today would like to help you on cleanup day, I believe it's from 8 to 12, around the stadium, what's the best thing to do?

Just contact you? They can contact me. They can contact, you know, on Facebook or, you know, my number, I think, is on Facebook. It may not be, but they can contact us on Facebook. We've also got a Sheffield Touchdown Club that's on Facebook as well. So, they can contact Ashley Howell through that. Or they can just show up with no work. I mean, anything that you can do around your house, it can be done for their house. So, you've got tools. You want to come to work, show up and come to work.

I do want to plug this. I can't get over the amount of help I get from Sheffield. All the way from the city, Sheffield City, the administration, everything. I've gotten great support from that end of it. You know, we just, we need to show, they've done some turf work, you know, put turf down. So, things are messed up, things are dirtied up, and we just need to get cleaned up before the first game. So, just ask them for volunteers to come out and help us do that on August 8.

Absolutely. And I think we got it from 8 to 12. I think it's the time. Absolutely. Well, listen, that turf field is going to come in handy in October when it starts raining again, or hopefully for you as far as the postseason. Listen, we enjoy talking with you again. We wish you nothing but the best for you and the coaches and the players, and hopefully we can do this again with you again, maybe in August, or certainly during the season. Sounds great, guys. I appreciate what you do for us.

[31:50] Absolutely. Guys, just, again, show up and show out at Sheffield High for Coach Michael Parker. Coming up, what in the world is going on in Bill Shank's world? We'll find out next during the Boomo Bugg Show. Stay with us. You got a craving that won't quit? Lost Pizza Company Shoals just dropped something new, and it's only around for a limited time. Say hello to our jalapeno mac and cheese bites. Crispy, cheesy, packed with a little kick, and serve with our house-made ranch for dipping. Paired with the Philly, y'all, our loaded Philly cheesesteak pizza that's quickly becoming a fan favorite.

This is for a limited time only, so don't wait. Come dine in or call ahead for to-go. Lost Pizza Company Shoals, 201 North Seminary Street in Florence. Dine in or to-go. When you see this in your kitchen… Ugh, this stainless steel fridge is covered in fingerprints. You hear this. Leslie, people are going to think you were raised in a barn or by wolves. Erased in a barn by wolves. Fortunately, Wyman's stainless steel three-in-one cleans, shines, and protects to give you the best shine. A spray and a wipe will have your fridge shining like a mirror.

Wow, my fridge looks brand new. Your fridge looks amazing, Leslie. Sorry, I was being a little dramatic earlier. Your kitchen says a lot about you. Let it brag with Wyman. Hey, John. Why so glum? I just got let go. The company's downsizing. This is the third time in the last two years. I'm done with this. Have you thought about My Computer Career? I've heard they can train you for a career in IT in just a few months, including cybersecurity and the basics of AI. And you don't need prior training or experience.

Now that's a recession-resistant career. Wow, thanks. I'll check them out. Go to mycomputercareer.edu and take the free career evaluation. Mycomputercareer.edu, an elite CompTIA certification partner. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, including VA benefits. Rich Eisen here. We talk a lot about battles in sports. Teams battling through adversity. Athletes fighting for every yard. The toughest warriors I've ever seen, though, aren't on the field. They're kids fighting cancer. They're families standing beside them. Doctors, nurses, caregivers. That's why I'm proud to support Hyundai Hope on Wheels.

For over 28 years, they've helped fund pediatric cancer research, raising more than $303 million and supporting over 40,000 children. Learn more and donate at HyundaiUSA.com backslash Hope on Wheels. Every 40 seconds, a child is reported missing. Find the Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping find missing kids. You can be a part of their mission by donating your unwanted car. Call 1-800-294-0222. You'll receive the maximum tax deduction, and we provide fast, free pickup. Call 1-800-294-0222. Donate your unwanted or unused car. Call 1-800-294-0222.

This advertisement was paid for in partnership with Cars R Us and Find the Children. Progressive Insurance presents the Sports Flash on 93-9, the score. Atlanta Braves were winners yesterday. They beat the Nationals 5-4. The Braves had just four hits in the win. And the Braves with the victory are 64-45 on the season. The Atlanta Braves and Nationals will play again tonight at Truist Park. Bryce Elder starts for Atlanta. He's 6-6 with a 3.96 ERA. Foster Griffin will get the start for Washington. He is 12-2 with a 2.76 ERA.

Christina Ulbricht, the wife of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbricht, died from cancer yesterday. It was announced by the team. Jeff had not been with the Falcons this week to start training camp due to a personal matter. The sports update brought to you by Progressive Bundle, auto and home, renters or condo and save with Progressive. I'm Tony Dazziri on 93-9, the score. The Colonel is the king of chicken. That's why he's always had a beef with beef. But on Wednesdays, he's squashing the beef by frying it.

KFC Country Fried Steak is here for only $4.99. Crispy golden outside, tender steak inside. Served with peppery gravy, mashed potatoes, coleslaw and a biscuit. At last, the Colonel and beef buried the hatchet in gravy. Get the $4.99 Country Fried Steak Wednesdays for a limited time only at KFC. Prices and participation may vary while supplies last. Not available on third-party ordering platforms. Texted in fees extra. With Progressive's name your price tool, you can choose the best coverage option for you. Because you know you. Like, you know you can't cook.

You're not one of those people who say that they can. But when people come over for dinner, they find out the hard way, you can't. You can't even microwave popcorn, and that's literally just one button. Plus, measuring and patience are huge parts of cooking, and that's just not you. Only you know you. So get coverage options within your budget with Progressive's name your price tool. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates. Pricing coverage match limited by state law. The Score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9, the score.

Welcome back in. Move over. Kirby Smart. The big dog in Georgia, at least when it comes to radio, is Bill Shanks. He's host of the Bill Shanks Show on 93.1 FM down in Macon. Online at thesuperstations.com and on the tube at 41NBC. Bill, welcome in. How are you? I'm doing well. How are y'all? Hey, buddy. Man, I was feeling a little bit better about the Braves coming out on this side of the All-Star break. We said coming in, would it be nice, kind of like in NASCAR, the Braves kind of sputtering a little bit, take a pit stop, refuel and come back and see what happens.

[37:17] And I'm just guessing here, Bill, but I got a feeling you like this team a lot better over the last couple of weeks. I like the lead. I don't know if I like the team better. Yeah. That's a good answer. I like the standings, but I think there's, I mean, it's amazing. And in two weeks, which has been the time between the All-Star break and now, they've gone from two up to seven up. So I've said it's kind of ironic that someone would turn into my show and listen to someone of Gripen, you'd think they were 10 games out and in third place and have no shot.

But I think we still know if we're watching this team that, you know, if they're going to do anything special this year, if they're going to do anything that is going to be important to cap up what is going to be a very strong regular season by the time they're done. I mean, they were on pace for 99 wins before yesterday's game, which was game 109. So now they're on the back third of the season that they need to do a little work before the trade deadline on Monday at six o'clock.

Well, let's talk about that, Bill. Obviously at this point, if you are a sharp business person, you've got buyers and you've got sellers. How does the Boston Red Sox affect the Braves from this standpoint? Sonny Gray was up for grabs at one point. Now the Red Sox are as hot as anybody in all of Major League Baseball. Your thoughts, how does that impact the Braves? Everybody's looking for pitching. He's a vet. Your thoughts heading into the deadline. Well, he's not going anywhere. I mean, they're squarely in the mix.

So, I mean, that's one of those teams that, you know, you have to say, well, they've learned here in the last, even leading up to the all-star break, that they're in it. And therefore, they're not a candidate to have anybody from their team being traded for sure. So, look, they need starting pitching. I mean, they've got a number one starter and then they've got a h*** of a lot of four and five starters. And that's not going to happen to you in October. You know, it's like if you draw them out, one, two, three, four, five, when you get past that number one spot with Chris Sale, you're going cringe when you have to write somebody's name in to the current staff.

They don't have a two or they don't have a three. And therefore, if you don't have a two and a three, your gap from one to four is wide. And so, that's why they have got to, and again, it is a weird situation. Every baseball season has its own weird storyline. It is weird to gripe about this team, but I just don't see how this team in its current form could win a championship. And if, you know, if you've gone and had the best start with anybody in the beginning of the season, you're still in the first place.

To me, being seven up even accentuates the need to get better even more so. Yeah. Yeah. You know, because it's like, okay, we can't do all this and get seven games up and win the division by seven, eight games and then screw up the playoffs. We got to make sure. And Alex's office has always said, I owe it to the people down in that clubhouse who are trying to win every day to make sure that roster is as good as it can be for October. Well, now's your chance between now and six o'clock on Monday.

Well, I agree with you on Twitter. They don't need one starting pitcher. They need two for the very reason you mentioned. They've got an ace and then they don't have a two and a three. I think they also need a reliever, as you have frequently said. I think they need another bat. But let me ask you about the starters. I've heard all sorts of names. Freddie Peralta is the name I've heard the last 48 hours. Casey Mines, Robbie Ray, Welb, Kevin Gossman, Detmers. Again, that's a lot of potentials.

You know this team. You know this better than anybody. Come Monday at six o'clock, of one or two of those dudes, who do you think it is? Well, I mean, it's just a guess because, you know, you look at, all right, who does Alex and Thomas have relationships with? Well, you know, you can look at players he's gotten before, like Kevin Gossman. Well, that's with Toronto. Well, Toronto's where he used to work. It's a frosty relationship. That may not be possible. You know, would he get Jorge Soler for the third time?

Well, maybe. I don't know how much of an upgrade that is, but that's a possibility. One thing we've got to remember about the DH situation, and I've agreed that they need another bat, but the situation with DH has also got to be included in this discussion is that Sean Murphy's going to come back, whether he liked it or not, and Drake Baldwin will probably become the main DH. So you've got to keep that in mind right there. But, you know, pitching-wise, I mean, I think they need a – I mean, if they get Scooble, great.

That'll be great. And they have the ability to get to Rick Scooble because their farm system is – I'm going to tell you something. First and foremost, the discussion of who they're going to get before Monday at 6 o'clock, their farm system is excellent. They've got a – they're getting to the point where they've got a great farm system. There are plenty of players to trade from in this farm system. If you want to trade them all, but, I mean, they're options for you to trade some people in this farm system.

[42:43] But I think if they came up with a Kevin Gaussman and a Walker Buehler, that'd be pretty good. Yeah. I think if they came up with a Casey Mize who, you know, in spite of where he went to school, I would take him on the team. You know, someone like that, I think he would be good. I mean, they don't have to get Scooble to get a good number two. They can have a Casey Mize or a Logan Webb would be excellent. I don't think the Giants are going to be trading.

I don't think they're going to get Peralta. I don't think the Mets are going to trade Peralta inside to the Braves. I just – I don't buy that. You know, there are a ton of pitchers, bullpen and starters, that are going to be traded between now and six. And I think they're going to get two starters and one reliever. Bill Shanks always on there, thesuperstations.com. Bill, another name out there. If you're a Cardinal fan, you know this name, Dustin May. I'll take him. Former top prospect for the Dodgers.

Cardinals took a chance on it this year, a one-year deal. Let's face it, I don't know if it's May or the fact that he's playing with a bunch of AA slash AAA players that haven't supported him. Your thoughts about maybe looking at May coming to Georgia? I'll take him in a heartbeat. I like him. I like him. I think he's – he's had – he's like Bueller. They're both, of course, in the Dodger background. I mean, they've had passing tests before. They're not as bad as people think they have been this year.

They haven't been up to what they did when they were in L.A. What does that mean? I don't know, but I think you have to take a look at that. I would love Dustin May or Walker. I'd be happy with him as the secondary piece. If they're the main piece, I think that's not as good. But if they're going to get two relievers, I don't think they're going to get, you know, Tariq Scuble and Robbie Ray. I think it's going to be, you know, one of the bigger names, like Casey Mize even.

And I'd take May in a heartbeat. I mean, he and Bueller have both pitched against the Braves the last couple of weeks. And I like what I saw. I mean, I really did. I think they would be really good. They're rentals, number one, and they're not that expensive. So I would take either one of those cats. I would. And no, that May's a leader, too, in the locker room. He's got experience. And, you know, that's something down the stretch. Let's face it. It's one thing to beat the Fields and the Nationals.

But if you're going to be serious, you've got to have a team that's going to beat the Dodgers and the Yankees and the Rays, et cetera. Well, and so does Bueller. I mean, Bueller's been in the World Series. You know, he's won World Series games. And so, you know, I think they've got to get a stud number two to be behind Chris Dell. But they also need someone to help get them through this season. If they keep on having people go through 4.2 innings in a start like they have with Grant Holmes, their bullpen's going to be out of gas by August 20th.

Let me ask you about reliever. Ben Ingram was talking about this team last night. I heard the end of it. And I believe, unless I was hallucinating, he said they have given up the lead one time after the eighth inning, which tells you what this bullpen has done. But I'm like you. I still think they need another one. If Bill Shanks was the general manager of the Braves, who would you get? As a reliever. Well, I think there are some pitchers out there. You know, A.G. Minter got traded last night.

I saw that. You know, he got traded to the Mets. I would have loved to have had him back. But they're not going to trade inside the division. I mean, that's why I don't really buy the Peralta stuff. And I may be wrong, but I mean, I just don't see that. I mean, there's a lefty I like to Kansas City, Matt Strom, who's had the experience with the Phillies. He's kind of a lefty side armor. You know, I love the Luke Wheeler kid, but again, he's the Mets.

I just can't see them, you know, coming off of him. There's a couple of pitchers with the Angels that are interesting. Zephyr Jean is a right-handed pitcher who I like, who has some really good numbers. You know, Kenley Jansen with the Tigers, I wouldn't mind. He's got a big ego, but I wouldn't mind having him back, to be honest with you. But, you know, will he not want to close? Will he be okay if he were a set up man? I don't know about that. Kirby Yates with the Angels.

He's formerly with the Braves, and he's had a pretty decent – you know, they've got a lot of relief options, and you do have to keep in mind – I don't want this to be an excuse – but you do have to keep in mind that if you do bring in some starters, that a couple of those starting pitchers are probably going to transition to the bullpen. And, you know, I could see Perez or Holmes or even Lopez back at the bullpen. But I would like another reliever. I think it would help.

And let me tell you, I wouldn't be surprised – this is not an exaggeration – that between now and Monday at 6 o'clock, there could be 20 relief pitchers trading at Major League Baseball. Wow. Yeah. There'll be a lot of them on the market, in other words. Yeah, it's like offensive and defensive linemen with a transfer of Portland College football. They can pretty much name their prize. Speaking of football, Bill, tell me, George is about to open up camp. Do you have any expectations for this George and Bulldog football team this season?

[47:51] You know, I try to be realistic, to be honest with you, Harold, and keep my expectations low. I'd rather be surprised at the national championship because it happens so often. Right, right. So I try to just be real realistic. It's boring well, doesn't it? Yeah, it does. You know, it's the life we've championed the league. Oh, man. Give me a challenge. Come on, guys. You know what my expectations are? Win the SEC and win the national championship. Look, correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Beer, didn't Alabama people have that kind of – That was Nick Saban's, yes, goal every year.

That is correct. That's what I have to now. I have to say. Why wouldn't we? I mean, they've got two back-to-back national championships. They haven't won in a couple years. And you know what? If Kirby screws, we'll fire him in a heartbeat. I mean, when you get to a certain point in college football and, you know, look, truthfully, Georgia's in that wave right now. Alabama's not. I mean, Alabama has not won a national championship in five years, so they're a little bit on the outside looking in comparatively, okay, compared to what they were when they were in the middle of Nick's run.

Georgia's still in it. And so I think it's silly not to have that expectation for this Georgia program every year. And they've got the resources. They've got the talent. And I'm not going to bore you. The roster's excellent. I mean, and why shouldn't it be? I mean, he's good at what he does. And I'm telling you, the one thing that he's done more than anything, and I continue to harp on this more than anything, is that his retention of the players. That's right. I mean, he talked about it in Tampa.

You know, the retention of some of these players that he really believes are going to be very vital, important parts of this team this year and next year. You know, he's going to overshadow that, oh, God, Georgia didn't bring in a whole lot of transfers. Probably 10 people who you would have thought and bet would have left. And that's because Kirby's good at developing talent. He's good at getting everybody ready for that next step in their process and in their career. And that's what he's doing. By the way, the Big Ten, as everybody now knows, owns college football.

We heard that on Nauseam during the week in Chicago. Right. Kurt Signetti just stepped up the podium yesterday and said, there's no doubt about it. The Big Ten's the beast. Right. Okay. Well, you know what? Anytime he wants to have a Big Ten SEC. There you go. There you go. And if he wants to break away from the Penny Annie Big 12 and ACC c*** and play the big boys, you know what? If Mr. Senke doesn't want to sign the papers, I would because, look, they shouldn't feel good about themselves.

There's nothing wrong with that. I understand that completely. You know, Michigan's not the same program it was a couple years ago when they won. Ohio State, I get it. Ohio State, I don't be at the top of the list all the time. I understand it. Indiana, you know what? Indiana's got to not take a step backwards, and he's got to back up his big-a** mouth and play well again and fight another Mendoza and find the Lightning. And maybe he will. I don't know. But, I mean, you know, your history compared to – if they want to talk about three national championships, five, the depth in the Southeastern Conference is ridiculous.

And, you know, you and I were talking about yesterday about the, you know, the preseason poll from the media days and how, you know, you can take that probably eight through 13 and pick a name out of the hat because there's a chance for all six of those teams to be pretty decent. Something will happen, of course. There'll be something that'll happen. It'll probably happen to Auburn because it always does. It might be like. But, I mean, there's a lot of great talent in the SEC. Look, I'll take the number eight team in the SEC against the number eight team in the Big Ten any day.

Oh, absolutely. Yep. So, bring it on. Absolutely. There you go. Well, and again, yeah, as you mentioned, we discussed it yesterday. Georgia and Texas, I certainly understand with their roster. But the top seven or eight teams in the league have got a legitimate chance of winning the SEC. Who have you got on the show today? I know you're talking about trade, deadline, options, talking about Alabama beating Georgia on October the 10th. Where can we get online and listen in this afternoon? Let me tell you, I have no guess whatsoever.

I'm walking in. I'm doing three hours. You're locked and loaded. I'm Rush Limbaugh. I'm open phone Friday. Yeah. I'm going in. I have nothing. I have a rundown. And I might just have to recite and read the d*** rundown over and over. I have no clue. I've been working. I've been working all day long. I've had Zoom meetings. I've had to do orders. Right. I've had to appear on this Penny Annie show. So, I had all kinds of stuff to do. Thank you, Bill. And you know what?

[53:02] I mean, so, h***, I may be calling you two to go in the four o'clock hour and you don't have to come on my show. I mean, I have no freaking clue what I'm talking about. They'll let me on chat. Oh, man. No idea. I mean, I'm walking into a boardroom naked as a jaybird, not knowing what. So, all you, all you, I'm going to take those sloppy seconds from the Boomo Bugg show to call my show today. There you go. They're going to tune in online at thesesuperstations.com and say, God, it's awful.

I've got to call in to add to the discussion. So, do it, please. Let's go. Oh, man. It's just Bill, Jack, and Jim in a bottle. So, good luck, Bill. I'll need it. See you, bud. There you have it. Charles Lindbergh, flying solo, Bill Shanks, and I mean hosting more of the Bill Shanks show. Check him out at thesesuperstations.com. Coming up the next hour, we're going to be taking all over the place, we hope. Justin Ferguson talking to Auburn Tigers. Doug Seeger's talking about everything, along with Mike Huganen and Elmer Pierce, ready to give you a good drive and more.

Straight ahead, stay with us here on the Boomo Bugg show. This is an important notice to all U.S. taxpayers. The IRS is giving away billions of dollars in tax savings through a federal program called the Fresh Start Initiative to aid delinquent taxpayers. This initiative was established for anyone facing financial hardship and unable to pay their back taxes. Qualifying and enrolling in this program will stop all collections, settle your delinquent tax problem, and even reduce what you owe by thousands of dollars. Call the hotline at People's Tax Relief to see if you qualify and get this free information by dialing 800-319-3687.

If you have unfiled tax returns or cannot afford to pay your personal or business back taxes, you can now get the help you need. One simple phone call can resolve your tax problem and save you thousands of dollars. To see if you qualify and to get this important free information, call 800-319-3687. 800-319-3687. 800-319-3687. In a world parched for excitement, one drink will emerge. Twisted Tea, the refreshing thrill ride of flavor. Recreating its classic role as the hard iced tea that goes down smooth.

Twisted Tea doesn't just taste like real iced tea, it's made with real brewed tea and a 5% kick of alcohol. Taste the adventure with Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea. Keep it twisted. Twisted Tea Brewing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. Please drink responsibly. My name is Whitney Allen, and I'm a widow. My husband, Ryan, died. We never thought we'd ever have to use life insurance, but the unexpected happened. With Ethos, signing up was fast and 100% online. You can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and get same-day coverage.

No medical exams, and you can get up to $3 million worth of coverage. I'm grateful we were prepared. Get your free quote at ethos.com slash play. That's ethos.com slash play. Paid spokesperson. Time spent on application may vary. Online health questions required. State Auditor Andrew Sorrell is speaking out against the surveillance of Alabamians through license plate readers, otherwise known as FLOT cameras. Sorrell believes that much of the mass surveillance being used by law enforcement agencies here in the state is unconstitutional. He's also calling out the Alabama Sheriff's Association for supporting the technology at the expense of the privacy of law-abiding citizens.

Sorrell says even when policies are applied to this tech, it's still a violation of the Fourth Amendment that confirms the rights of Americans from unreasonable search and seizure by the federal government. Sorrell says that the next logical step in this mass surveillance is for everyone's cell phone to be run through an AI program where their conversations are evaluated for key words indicating criminal activity. Sorrell maintains that he loves law enforcement, but he loves the U.S. Constitution more. I'll be back with more Alabama stories after this.

Some of the greatest blessings is just having people that care about you, to have someone that's just going to love you and make you feel important. They encourage you to be in church. They encourage you to be in prayer. They encourage you to be in your Bible. Now it's a part of my day every day. My houseplants planted seeds in me that you can see where those seeds have sprouted in my life and helped change my life. Big Oak Ranch, a Christian home for children needing a chance.

A North Alabama man is facing theft charges involving Pokemon cards. 31-year-old Joseph Lodano is accused of entering the Great Scott's Collectibles store in Huntsville, along with several other similar stores, and stealing cards worth a total of $500. Lodano posted bond after his arrest this week. The city of Florala in Covington County is going to see a million-dollar business move in there. Southern Transformer Services is building a facility. They take old energy transformers and rebuild them for further use. I'm Andrea Tyson. For more news affecting Alabamians, go to 1819news.com.

[58:06] And while you're there, subscribe to the daily newsletter. Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN Radio. Two storied franchises go head-to-head. Joe Hale Tani wasting no time. As the Dodgers fight for the top of Major League Baseball, they welcome the surging Boston Red Sox. Down the left field line. It's gone! Wilson Contreras. The Red Sox at the Dodgers on Sunday Night Baseball. Coverage begins at 6.30 Eastern, with first pitch at 7.20 Eastern. On ESPN Radio and on the ESPN app. Hey everybody, Bill King, Bill King Show. Listen to me.

9 until noon. 93.9. The score. Monday through Friday as we talk college football like nobody else does. Because he listens in Florence. Our show's, Charlie, our show's on down there. Bill King Show. Monday through Friday. 9 until noon. Every league, every big topic is covered. 93.9. The score. Valley Broadcasting Corporation, WITKFM. Rogersville, Athens, Decatur. The Shores. Sports Radio 93.9. The score. For the first pitch to the last out, this Atlanta Braves club plays with an intensity that has the rest of the National League on notice. Ozzie hits one well to deep right field.

At the wall now, Casey, and it's gone! Tonight, the Division Series rolls on at Truist Park as Ozzie Albies and the Braves look for an NL East win against the Washington Nationals. Braves Radio's on the air at 6 p.m. Central on the Braves Radio Network. Brought to you locally by the law firm of Johnson Pesture, Medley & Virtual, J.C. Hammond Sons, First Metro Bank, Nationwide Insurance Agents Michael Doe and Bill Cochran, Champy's Famous Fried Chicken, Muffer Jewelers, Valley Credit Union, Mugshots Grill & Bar, Certified Alarm, Southern Pride Pest Control, Lost Pizza, Cypress Creek Indoor Range, and Alabama Health Guidance, Atlanta Braves Baseball, tonight versus the Washington Nationals on 93.9 The Score.

93.9 The Score Weather. Today, mostly sunny with a high around 90. Tonight, partly cloudy with a 50% chance of showers, possibly a thunderstorm overnight, low near 75. Tomorrow, partly sunny with a 70% chance of afternoon showers, possibly a thunderstorm, high around 90. Tomorrow night, mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers overnight, and a low near 70. And for your Sunday, partly sunny with a 40% chance of showers, and a high around 85. 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.

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 of the Boomo Bugg Show. I'm Harold Bugg, alongside Brett Beaird. Thank you so much for giving a street ride around the Tennessee Valley. BB, obviously, the last day of July. Everything gets rocking and rolling next week. The curtain comes up on the respective camps. What catches your fancy? And I wonder what's going through the minds of all the young guns right now.

Starting there in Alabama with a young quarterback room down at Auburn, as far as everybody kind of getting familiar with one another. All the guys coming up from South Florida and trying to meet all the guys who've been on that roster. Very interesting weekend across the SEC. Well, it is. And most of these camps begin Tuesday or Wednesday next week. Harold, it helps. You know, we mention this all the time. This sport's 12 months out of the year now. They've been together working out since January, February.

You know, some of the guys came in during the summer about a year ago. But I think that's going to be one of the keys. And particularly with the new coaches is how quickly do they get acclimated? You know, Alex Golich, Summerall, again, Silverfield at Arkansas. Now, again, these guys have coached somewhere before. They haven't forgotten how to coach. But it does take time for teams to gel. A lot of these coaches added new assistants or they came with them from their previous job. But, again, it's not going to be two-a-days like they had four years ago.

And, again, the heat is – we know everybody is unbearable. But to me, next week is going to be the acclimation for the new – again, as you mentioned, there are five or six quarterback battles. And then you've got new coaches. How quickly do they become acclimated? We want to talk about that. But speaking of coaches, are you a little surprised that the moxie out of the Big Ten, and in particular, guys who, at one time, where would they be now without the SEC? I'm talking about Billima over at now Illinois after Arkansas and Cignetti after his ride with Nick along with an army of coaches.

[1:03:29] Are you a little surprised at the moxie that they're bringing to the table now? Or is it one of those deals? Well, I kind of needed you on my way up. But now that I'm somebody, I'm going to tell you who's the sheriff in town, Boffs. Well, they've watched the SEC win national championships, Harold, for 20 years. And I know that's stuck in the crawl of a lot of, quite frankly, Big Ten media. And I've seen a lot from them. But Billima was, of course, at Arkansas, was not nearly as successful there.

Of course, again, Silverfield's going to have some issues there. Well, frankly, again, I know Arkansas fans remember Houston Nutt fondly with what they've gone through the last two or three coaches with this. But when you win three national championships, I get it, you can beat your chest. And they're going to be pretty good, too. I think, actually, a team that nobody's been talking about, Harold's Penn State. Why? Yeah. Because they don't play the top three or four teams in the Big Ten. And I think Matt Campbell's a really good coach coming from Iowa State.

He brought about 20 players with him. But, yeah, you're going to continue until the SEC starts beating these guys in the playoffs. The chest beating is going to continue. Well, you know, as a former athlete, I truthfully can say this. And I think I speak on behalf of a lot of folks who have ever played the game itself is you prepare. You give it 100%. But when somebody beats you and they do it fair and square, if you are tough and you've got any couth in class about you, go and you shake their hand and say, you know what?

I gave you my best shot and you won. I think that's what you've got to do to the Big Ten right now. The SEC has given them the best shot. But the Big Ten has won. So, you can't argue the facts. But if the SEC wants to do something about it, you've got to beat them head up. But, again, I'll still say this. You bring up a good point there about Penn State's schedule. I just think in July, too many of all of us are guilty of saying, boy, this team is good and this is what they're going to do.

And you leave it there. But if you take and you pull back the veneer, you say, I'm not only big on a schedule of who you're playing, it's where you're playing and when you're playing. If you have to go on the road in a tough conference like the SEC, or for that matter, if you're playing the operational in the Big Ten, and you've got to go on the road back to back, then, to me, that factors in differently than, say, Notre Dame. I'm not going to sit here.

I don't have the full schedule in front of me, so it wouldn't probably be totally fair. But everything I'm able to gather is, basically, if Notre Dame just shows up and brushes their teeth more than once a week, they're good. Well, Harold, I know what it is without seeing it. They've got a three-game schedule about midway through. Now, they're going to begin 7-0. And then they go to BYU, which, again, Katani Salaki is a very good coach. Then they've got Miami at home, and they've got SMU.

That's who I was trying to think of. But they've got a three-game schedule, Harold. And, again, the rest of it, probably the nicest thing I can say is the rest of the schedule is manageable. It's a layup, you know, to get them in. I mean, all you've got to do is get in. After that, the slate wipes clean. But back to a fun topic with coaches, you mentioned the situation there at Penn State. Who is going to have a better year, Penn State or the old boss at Penn State, Virginia Tech under James Franklin?

I think they're going to be fairly close. But because of the schedule, I wouldn't be surprised if Matt Campbell at Penn State has a better year. That's going to be something to keep a close eye on again. Camp opening up on Tuesday. B.B., let's talk a little bit about Kalen DeBoer. Obviously, this is year three. And we know that Nick Saban, what he did in year three. We know what, to me, Curtis Ignetti blew up the whole blueprint. He came into a terrible program and won early on.

So, these coaches, you know, they're mindful of that. I will say this. When you look at his strategy, it seems like he tries to be as realistic as any coach can be. I think he feels pretty good about this team, but they're young. And he tries to temper that. And I think he's trying to hold this team together with the way they have done roster management, investing back into the team. I think what they're trying to do is get to 2027 and let that be the team that will be serious.

Because these guys now coming in that are young this year, if they live up their potential, they're going to be seasoned. But I think you know this as well as anybody, anybody listening who's been a longtime fan in this state knows this. Two things could happen with this team this year. If Kalen DeBoer goes south again, you know what the fans are going to do. They're going to rock and roll. But I still maintain this. When you look at that buyout, good luck. You better have somebody with deep pockets that are going to come after him.

But the other side of the coin, what happens if Kalen DeBoer exceeds the expectations? And he says, you know what? Guys, all you naysayers, you threw darts at me. Now I'm in the driver's seat, and I'm going to explore my options. I really don't think, Harold, that's going to happen. And you're right. Even if he goes 8-4, and I've said this, I think the floor is 8-4. The ceiling is 10-2. Now they've got a tough schedule. I've talked about Auburn's gauntlet beginning September the 19th with Florida.

[1:08:55] Georgia, for Alabama, I think they're 5-0 to begin the season. Then you've got Georgia at Tennessee, Texas A&M for homecoming. What a homecoming opponent at LSU. And then you've got Vandy. What happened to Vandy two years ago? But I think, I really and truly, I mentioned this twice this summer. I think this team could be a national championship contender in 2027. Now a lot of things are going to happen for that roster retention for one. But they've got so many of these kids who've got the opportunity to come back.

Even Bray Hubbard could come back for another year. But even if they go 8-4, they're not going to fire Kalen DeBoer. I know they're going to grumble and people are going to be upset. But as you mentioned, the buyout is incredible. That's the reason why Greg Byrne re-upped him, is to keep this for happening. But if I had to choose one or the other, I think this team is going to surprise some people this year. Do you find it? And I'm with you and Brother Brent.

And I love pre-season magazines. I like the tangible in your hand being able to flip the page as opposed to a tablet and all that stuff. But I can't imagine a tougher job in the modern era than putting one of those babies together. And the reason I bring it up, in all honesty, all you've got in front of you, when people say, well, what about this team or that team or that team? All you can do is analyze the potential. You know what they say? If they don't live up to their potential, you'll wind up po.

Of all the teams out there right now, what is the most intriguing team? Because if you go back to last year and you try to take that roster and you bring it over to this year's roster, I don't think it's even possible to sit here and analyze it. And I think, again, Indiana is a classic example of what we're trying to say here. In other words, the unpredictable factor in the modern era with all these guys coming in including the Auburn Tigers because if Auburn didn't have the benefit of the portal, where would they be right now as a program after their run of bad coaches over the past few years?

You can either dwell on that and say, poor old Auburn, they've had so many bad years. What gives me reason to believe it's going to be different this year? It's called the portal. You can bring guys in and that's what Goldish has done. He basically has brought a plug-and-play offense with him. If they can navigate the first and they're going to win the first two games, but they've got Florida and Vanny at home before they start off on this October gauntlet with them. Harold, again, I think Auburn's much improved.

We've talked about this. I think the defense, DJ Durkin, a lot of people don't remember this. Nick Saban, when he left, recommended Greg Byrne for the next defensive coordinator at Alabama, DJ Durkin. He has always had a lot of respect for Durkin. I think the offense, Harold, quite frankly, the offense has got to be better. Again, the offensive line is their big question, the big question in Alabama, too. But to answer your question, I think one of the surprise teams in the league, and some people don't think their surprise is Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's defense is really good. Venables is a defensive coordinator at heart. David Stone is one of the best defensive tackles. Hip Lewis, we've talked about. Bowen, the two Bowen kids. But if Mateer is good and they can run the ball, they were 112th last year in rushing. They were 90th in offense, and I think Brent Venables, that's one of the first things they've worked on all spring is to improve that offense. You mentioned there's only one direction to go for Auburn's offense. It's kind of like Alabama's offensive line.

There's only one direction to go with Bama's O-line. Of all the opening games, and by the way, mark it down, four weeks from tomorrow, you get the, I call it the dress rehearsal games. There's a sprinkling of games. And the first big weekend is five weeks from tomorrow. It's easy to remember, five on September 5, 2026. What is the most intriguing game, and what may be one of the more intriguing games that's overlooked? Would you agree that maybe, to me, one of the more intriguing games is going to be Louisville and Ole Miss?

Yeah. Neutral side game. To me, that's an intriguing matchup, BB. Well, it's going to be Pete Golling's debut, and Harold Brom has done a good job at Louisville. A lot of people thought he might leave and go to some other schools. But I think they've got a chance. Again, Harold, if they can keep Trinidad Chambliss, he won Lacey. And you know a Pete Golling defense is going to be pretty salty with that. I agree with you as far as winning the opening games. I know people are going to scoff when I say this, but East Carolina's got a 27-year-old quarterback.

27. I've been talking about pace of play. Auburn with Gollich last year at South Florida was second. Well, guess who was third? East Carolina. They've got 27 transfer guys. They've got an experienced team. Alabama should win the game handily. Again, emphasis on should. But that is a game that a lot of people are overlooking. They're thinking, well, they're going to be looking to take here, beat the doors off of Florida State. They've got to be ready to play against East Carolina at 11 a.m. Well, you don't want to be outside cutting the board's door if that happens after what happened a couple of years ago with Vanderbilt after the game with Georgia and last year opening up with Florida State.

[1:14:30] The last thing he needs in year three is to come out and lay an egg right out of the gates against ARC, the Pirates of East Carolina. Coming up, the man who knows all about Auburn, Alabama, and the rest of the SEC is Doug Seagherst. And he's next here on the Bumbo Bug Show. Stay with us. Hello, Shoals. It's Elmer Pierce from Garner Pierce Autos. Are you tired of being told that it will take two weeks to service your vehicle or even to look at it to tell you what's wrong with it?

Are you tired of being told that it's going to be $200 to $300 an hour for labor? At Garner Pierce Autos, we have four full-time certified and trained technicians that have over 75 years of automotive service experience. We service vehicles of every make and model and do anything from oil changes to engine and transmission replacements. We're your one-stop shop for servicing your entire fleet or your personal vehicle. We have every accessory for your car, truck, van, or SUV. 4.9 stars on Google and Facebook. Garner Pierce Autos on Florence Boulevard right next to Appleby's, where it's our business to earn your business.

Rich Eisen here. Running a small business means every hire matters. A bad hire costs time and money, but the right one helps your business grow. The challenge? Finding that person without sorting through resumes. That's where LinkedIn Hiring Pro comes in. It screens candidates so you can focus on conversations with qualified talent. With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence and build the team you need. Join the 2.7 million small businesses using LinkedIn to hire. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com slash Eisen.

Terms and conditions apply. Harry Douglas here to help you ignite your taste buds with Firework Freeze 5-Hour Energy Shots. Juicy cherry, citrus lime, and blue raspberry. It's that iconic freezer pop flavor, but with none of that guilty sugar aftermath. The perfect summer kick. It's delicious, portable, zero sugar energy shot bursting with flavor. Bring on the summer with Firework Freeze 5-Hour Energy Shots. Available online at 5hourenergy.com and on Amazon. Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. What a privilege. He really needs no introduction. The legend at multiple shows, Alabama.

The two-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks and the NBA's Mark Sears. Talk to us. You played against some good competition across the SEC and across the nation. Congratulations again. First team around All-American. So, obviously, it goes without saying, you're pretty good yourself. But what about the biggest difference, the biggest adjustment going from college player to the NBA? He obviously is going to be more talented. But one of the biggest adjustments is the physicality and strength level. You're dealing with guys that this is what they do for a living.

So they can lock in on just, you know, making sure they're the best player version of themselves. The Boomo Bugg show. Weekdays, noon to 2 on 93.9 The Score. I'm Justin Smith, retired sheriff and executive director for the National Sheriff's Association. Criminal networks are stealing billions of dollars through social media, phone calls, and texts, posing as people you trust. They pressure and demand money or personal information. Don't fall for it. If something feels wrong, slow down and verify. Hang up. Don't click. Never send money. If targeted, contact law enforcement.

Protect yourself. Protect your family. Learn more at sheriffs.org slash stop scams. A public service message from the National Sheriff's Association. The Score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. Welcome back in. If it's about this close to seeing the curtain come up on the college football season, that means Doug Segrist has both ears pointed to Alabama, Auburn, and beyond. Doug is, by the way, named one of the top 50 guys when it comes to legends of Alabama sports writers. Busy there. It's ABC 3340. His book is called A Storm.

Came up. Doug Segrist, welcome in. How are you? I could not be better. I mean, I'm spending the Friday with the two of you. I'm sorry. I didn't have my hearing aid again. Can you repeat that, Doug? It was a compliment, Harold. It was a compliment. Man, we appreciate it. Doug, why don't you go see mine? Obviously, you get folks who, I've seen you have two coaches who retire after a frustrating season. And then you get to about this point, right before a season, and boy, the itch starts getting ramped up.

Your thoughts as a legendary sports writer, what is the mindset coming in to the respective camps? I think Auburn's enthusiasm, it feels like they turned a corner, they got the right guy, and I do think some expectations are a little over the moon, because, you know, you just can't change the roster that fast. And again, I'm going to keep bringing this up every time we talk. The schedule. The schedule. Right. I mean, we haven't seen schedules like this. Yeah, you play eight games, but it's one through 16, everybody's capable of beating anybody else.

[1:19:38] Yep, that's right. And it's not just, you know, well, let's circle that Alabama-Georgia game. It's what comes next. And after that, and after that, you're looking at four, maybe five top 15 games in a row. Same with Auburn, you know, Tennessee, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, you know, nobody else in the country is having to play those schedules. So, you can be much improved. It may not show up. I think the good thing for Alex Gullish is that Auburn fans are more realistic. They just want to see improvement.

They're not expecting, you know, a playoff team right off the bat. But, and I think in his case, we can kind of learn from who, Terry Bowden and Gus Malzahn, Gene Chiswick, you know, it's better to start a little slow and build than just come right out of the gate. Alabama, you know, I don't know how much this is manufactured. You know, we're here in kind of doom and gloom. You know, people are turning on Kaelin DeBoer. You know, he inherited Nick Saban's team. True. But, you know, before he even gets there, 31 players are gone.

Yeah, right. So, I think he's rebuilding a team more like what he's had before, more in terms of speed. And we'll just see if the style translates to the SEC. That's still an unknown. But truth is, they're locked in with him for years to come because of this buyout. Thank you, Doug. We talked about that earlier. And not only that, I mean, any time you come in after the GOAT, I mean, if you've got walking around since, you know, those shoes are almost impossible to fill.

That's Ray Perkins if you could. But just what message can you tell fans? Because, yeah, the schedule may change. This may change. That may change. But one thing doesn't change. You know this as well as any of us. Expectations from Alabama and Auburn fans do not change. What is the realistic expectations record-wise in 2026 for these fans? I think 8-4 is realistic, but it's a floor. I think 9-3 is possible. 10-2, minus 2 high. You know, we'll see more of his true offensive philosophy this year. Can they run the ball?

You know, they haven't been fiscal enough. But if you go back and look at his teams before he got to Alabama, they ran the ball very well. They controlled the clock when they had to. They won close games. To me, that comes down to coaching. In terms of whether or not he's a fit, this guy was willing to take on the challenge of replacing Nick Saban. The biggest challenge in college football history. That's not Ray Perkins. Yeah. Yeah. And that tells me something about his character.

Ray Perkins didn't handle that well. You know. No. For all the talk we say of following the Giants, Ray Perkins had mixed success. His real success was as an athletic director, modernizing that athletic program. Yeah. Right. And, Doug, I understand, everybody. It's going to be hard to race 31-17 against Florida State to begin the season from your memory banks. They won 10 out of the next 11 games. They lost no clue. And four straight top 25 victories. That's exactly what I was going to mention. The four straight top 25, four SEC games on the road.

Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, Auburn. And, quite frankly, that Oklahoma loss, and I'm going to bring them up again in a minute. I don't know if I'd say gave it, but turnovers in the Keegan game lost that Oklahoma game. Yeah. Yeah. You know, and I think this is the point we missed. It's, again, listen, Ohio State plays an SEC-like schedule this year. Michigan plays one, too, but the rest of the Big Ten, it's pretty easy. Yeah. Big 12. Big 12 is a very competitive league, but there aren't the teams at the top like you see in the SEC, certainly the Big Ten.

ACC, again, is like three-game season. This grind is just murderous. And, you know, oh, my God, the SEC's fallen off. What we saw with Georgia last year. I mean, they were beat up by the time they got in the postseason. Didn't have much left in the tank. Ole Miss is like the only team that really kind of kept it going and had a shot in the semifinals. But Alabama was toast. And, listen, that doesn't erase how bad they got beat. And I think that's the biggest red flag out there is that when they got beat, they got beat really poorly.

And just weren't competitive. You mentioned Ole Miss. Obviously, Pete Golding took on a challenge. And there's two schools of thought on that, Doug. Which one is yours is that look what he did in an impossible situation, did relatively well. The other side of that is they were sitting here basically playing the us-against-them card. Win one for the Gipper, and they did a pretty good, doggone good job. The question is, what is Pete Golding going to do for an encore now that that's not going to be a card he can play?

[1:24:52] And one thing we do know that he can play is in Mississippi, this man can kick some tires and sell some cards. He's one of the best in Mississippi. He plugged into that system. That's one thing to be able to go out and play on a rubber chicken tour and crack funny jokes. But what kind of success will he have now as he is the head coach of the Rebels? I think the schedule sets up fairly well. I mean, obviously, listen, three of the first four games are tough challenges.

But after that, there's a time to build some momentum. I think, you know, from everything we heard when he was with Nick Saban, Alabama fans weren't happy with defense. But Nick Saban loved the guys. That's right. Loved the guys' X's and O's, his acumen. You know, one of the first things he's done at Ole Miss, first of all, with Lane Kiffin leaving and trying to basically raid the roster, he kept the best quarterback and the best running back in the country. Second of all, he's kind of turned the offense over.

He's not changing Lane Kiffin's offense. He's getting the guys who are kind of the underlings to run it now. And that tells me something about his ego that, you know, he's not, yeah, he's confident that they were doing things right and he's got the right people and the right players. Why mess with something if it's working? Yeah, thank you. And, you know, most coaches want to reinvent the program right away. And so I give them credit for that. I mentioned Oklahoma earlier. There, Harold, we're talking about some of the surprise teams.

I don't know if you go 10-3 last year if you were surprised, but I think they're going to be in the top three or four in the SEC. Now, they finished 90th in total offense last year and finished sixth. They've got a, most of that defense that finished sixth is coming back. It material is healthy. Now, they've got to go on the road to the big house into Athens in September. But your thoughts on the Sooners. Yeah, it's a brutal start in the schedule. But after that, there's a little more balance until maybe the month of November.

Yeah. So they've got a chance to get healthy. The thing about that defense is defense travels. You can get your quarterback banged up as they did last year and you can survive. And I think a healthy mater is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. So if he's healthy and he's clicking, they don't have to score 40 points. You know, you can score 25 and you're going to go 9-3. So I think they've got a chance to surprise a lot of people. And again, I think he's kind of created a culture there that's been pretty consistent since his arrival.

And, you know, right to me, I think that may be the most difficult thing in college football today is maintaining a culture. Because you've got so much turn up. Yeah. Doug, you know, Brett and I never are the kind of guys who tell you what to do. But as a suggestion, if you're going to post or talk about and criticize the head coach for getting pedicures, like Dan Orlovsky did at ESPN with Jon Sumrall, can we just kind of give you a little bit of some advice here?

Don't have photos in your collection floating out there in the Internet world of you sniffing a woman's high-heeled shoe. Can we just ask you to be careful there, okay? Yeah, that's a bridge too far. Yes, it is. There's not a father out there with a daughter who at some point has not gotten a pedicure from his daughter. He's gotten his toenails painted and then, you know, wore double socks, you know, for the next month until it faded off. So, yeah, we've all got to live with our mistakes now and then.

Yeah, I've got a good friend of mine who tells me on occasion, I just am not going to cut my toenails. We need a chainsaw. The topics that we breach on the Boomo Bugg Show just never fail to amaze me. Well, I'm still flexible enough that I can reach them. Bragger. I'm just going to take care of all that myself right now. Now, we know you're reading preseason magazines and getting fired up about the season, maybe watching a little World Cup replay. Have some good refreshments.

Jump in the pool if you can. Listen, let's do this again real soon. I look forward to it. I love spending time with you. All right, buddy. Right back at you, Doug. Have a great weekend. It's about to get busy. Doug Segrist. Now, you know why he's been named one of the 50 legends for Alabama sports writers in this great state of ours. Coming up, let's go to the other side down in southeast part of Alabama and talk Auburn with Justin Ferguson on deck. Stay with us.

[1:29:53] At First Metro Bank, we don't just do business in the Shoals community. We're part of it. Our roots are right here, and we know what matters to you because it matters to us, too. Whether you're saving for a dream vacation, buying a first home, or starting a small business, we're here to help you with that hometown touch. First Metro Bank, where your neighbors are your bankers. First Metro Bank, member FDIC. DQ presents the Blizzard Double Flip Deal. For a limited time, when you buy one Blizzard treat, you get a second for just 99 cents.

That's two Blizzards, two spoons, two flavors, and two flips. So don't miss out on the Blizzard Double Flip Deal, available only for a limited time and happening now at DQ. Because the only thing better than a Blizzard treat is a second Blizzard treat for just 99 cents. It's a deal to flip for. The Blizzard Double Flip Deal. Get it in the app. Participation may vary. Back to school starts now. Get long-lasting battery life on the Dell XPS laptop powered by Series 3 Intel Core so you can work from anywhere.

Now starting at $699 with exclusive student pricing starting at $599. Complete your setup with savings on select monitors and must-have electronics and accessories. Limited-time deals and free shipping on PCs and more await you at dell.com slash deals. That's dell.com slash deals. Rich Eisen here. We talk a lot about battles in sports. Teams battling through adversity. Athletes fighting for every yard. The toughest warriors I've ever seen, though, aren't on the field. Their kids fighting cancer. Their families standing beside them. Doctors, nurses, caregivers. That's why I'm proud to support Hyundai Hope on Wheels.

For over 28 years, they've helped fund pediatric cancer research, raising more than $303 million and supporting over 40,000 children. Learn more and donate at HyundaiUSA.com backslash hope on wheels. Rich Eisen here with some advice. If high-interest credit card debt is grinding you down, it might be time to call an audible with a SoFi personal loan. It consolidates your debt into one low monthly payment with no fees required. And with as soon as the same day funding, you can make the right play fast. Call an audible on your debt today at SoFi.com slash debtplay.

Loans originated by SoFi Bank NA, member FDIC, terms and conditions apply, NMLS 696891. Fast funds terms apply at SoFi.com slash debtplay. Progressive Insurance presents the Sports Flash on 93.9 The Score. Christina Ulbrich, the wife of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, died from cancer yesterday. It was announced by the team. Jeff had not been with the Falcons this week to start training camp due to a personal matter. Atlanta Braves were winners yesterday as they beat the Nationals 5-4. The Braves had just four hits in the win.

The Braves with the victory are 64-45 on the season. The Atlanta Braves and Nationals will play again tonight at Truist Park. Bryce Elder starts for Atlanta. He's 6-6 with a 3.96 ERA. Foster Griffin will get the start for Washington. He is 12-2 with a 2.76 ERA. The Sports Update brought to you by Progressive. Bundle auto and home, renters or condo and save with Progressive. I'm Tony Deziri on 93.9 The Score. The burrito is fire. Hi, this is Maya. And I'm Antonia. And the little thing we love about the Chick-fil-A Hash Brown Scramble Burrito is that it fuels our morning.

It's the full package. You have the chicken, you have the eggs, and then you add these hash browns for a nice little crunch. The chicken's always nice. It's crispy, it's juicy. And the cheeses, they melt together in a beautiful way. And it gives me energy. It's perfect. Order the Chick-fil-A Hash Brown Scramble Burrito and Simply Orange Juice on the Chick-fil-A app today. Real guests pay for their testimonials. Straight Talk Wireless presents Pickup Truck Wisdom. Trust is earned. That's why I've stuck with Straight Talk. Same price since 2009 on Verizon's 5G network.

Because shoot, anyone can make a promise. Keeping it for years, that means something. Now planned starting at $25 a month with four lines. Find us at straighttalk.com and Walmart. Straight Talk Wireless. Straightforward. Always. Same price claim applies only to the base monthly price of our $45 plan from October 2009 to present. The score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. Welcome back in. It's a pleasure for us to say hello to Justin Ferguson. He's busy following the Auburn Tigers at The Auburn Observer. Justin, welcome in. How are you?

I'm doing well. How are you all? Hey, man. The word is that you are about to put the final touches on the final mailbag before fall camp. You've endured the offseason. Justin, what can you tell us the biggest lesson that Auburn fans need to know about this offseason on the Plains? Yeah, I think it's been a pretty successful summer, all things considered, for the Auburn team. When you look at, you know, the fact that they went on a pretty good recruiting tear, you know, still have a top-ten class at this point without having played a game yet.

[1:35:10] I think that's a lot about Alex Golesh, his staff, their ability to kind of make up for off time. I think there's just a level of excitement around this program that we haven't seen in a little while. And, you know, it's been a pretty calm offseason, no big injuries or anything like that, a lot of good recruiting news. And so when they start going next week for practice, it's going to be all about, you know, finding who they can trust at all these different positions and setting that game plan and getting ready to kind of hit the ground running with going against Baylor.

Let me ask you about two questions you ask your subscribers in the mailbag. Number one, which position group is the most intriguing to you? Number two, if Auburn has a breakout year, which game would be the sign? And I'm going to throw out Tennessee and Knoxville the first Saturday in October. Oh, yeah, 100%. I think that would be a huge one, obviously, for Auburn. You know, that Tennessee game, you know, if you're able to start the season, you know, 3-1 or 4-0, you know, with, you know, four straight, which should be kind of home games, you know, with the Baylor game being in Atlanta and then three straight home games, those are all winnable.

If you get off to a good start and then you go to Tennessee, your first road game, you get an opportunity to, you know, if you're Alex Gullish and a lot of, you know, a lot of these staff guys, like, you know, a place that they're very familiar with, you get a win like that, you know, it could really be a launch pad for the rest of the season. So, I think, you know, this Tennessee team is really talented, but, you know, this is the team you want to catch early.

They're going to probably be starting a freshman and quarterback this year. And then on the defensive side, they weren't very good on defense last year, so they're reloading there. Jim Knowles is an awesome defensive coordinator, but his defenses usually take a little while to get going. So, this is a really good time to play that Tennessee team on the road. So, that's a big one for me. And, you know, when it comes to, you know, the position group that intrigues you the most, it's got to be offensive line, right?

That's the position group where, you know, Auburn's got probably the most question marks heading into the season. They like their depth. They like their options. It's going to be a matter of, like, who separates themselves, how they can find their best five. How does a guy like Stan Ramil look after missing all of spring, recovering from some surgeries? You know, are some of those younger guys like a Derek Plas or a Ty Buster, are they for real? Are they really going to get a chance to start on this team?

How do these transfers settle in after getting their, you know, getting their bearings with them in spring ball? So, yeah, that offensive line is going to be a really, really key part of the season. Kind of a make or break for how good this offense could be. And that's definitely where the most intrigue is going to be in fall camp with the position battles. Justin Ferguson, they're going to get up with us, the Auburn Observer. Let's go the other way with it, Justin. You talked about the question mark.

In your opinion, what is the one unit? Not necessarily just individuals, but as far as the unit that you feel totally good about coming in from an experience standpoint. Yeah, I mean, I think from an experience standpoint, you've got to go with the linebacker room. It's either that or probably safety. You know, linebacker-wise, you bring back an All-American, Xavier Hackens. You have a couple of rising sophomores that played a decent bit last year and looked really good doing it. You know, and Elijah Melendez and Bryce Diaz.

And then, you know, if DeMarcus Riddick's fully healthy, he was a heck of a player his freshman year. Didn't get to do as much last season. Because of some injuries. But he should be ready to go. That's that core of that defense. That's T.J. Durkin's baby. You know, his position. And, you know, they've got a lot of talent there. And, you know, really high-end kind of players on the defense. And that safety spot's got, you know, tremendous amounts of experience as well behind them. You know, Caleb Harris is back for another season.

Fly Smith's back for another year. Champ Anthony's healthy finally. They went out and got Fred Gaskin from USF, who, you know, was a good playmaker down there. And then Eric Winters and new boy Fagans both had really good years last year as sophomore. So, that safety and that middle linebacker group, those are two position groups where you just got to be really excited, I think, if you're Auburn. Because there's just a lot of, you know, just a lot of experience, but also some kind of youth and some real talent that can kind of elevate that room.

So, it's fine of the defense looking good heading into the season. Justin, you brought up a good interesting name, D.J. Durkin. If you want to see a smart coach, the first thing you do is when you land in that spot, go immediately and get the one guy that can make or break you. And Colish was smart enough to say, here, D.J., you ain't going anywhere. Stay right here. Your thoughts just about, it just seems like Golden says, you know what, I'll take care of this room, you take care of that room, and you don't have to worry about me meddling unless you just totally screw up.

Yeah, I mean, I think it was a really big deal when Auburn was able to keep D.J. Durkin this offseason. I mean, this is a guy who had a real chance of getting the head coach job. So, when you don't get it and they hire somebody else, you know, what does that do for a guy? Like, you know, how does he handle that? How does he react to kind of what's going on there? Is a really, you know, interesting question. And obviously, I think his style of defense works well with how Auburn wants to play on offense.

[1:40:20] You know, it's a defense that wants to be attacking and aggressive and blitz and create a lot of turnovers and just really kind of put their foot down. Not bend, don't break, but kind of go after it. And that's kind of the mentality Gullish has had on all three phases of the game as a head coach. So, I think it's a really good fit. And I think there's just that continuity there where, you know, if Alex Gullish and Byron Brown and these new USF pieces, if they can give Auburn the upgrade they've been desperately needing on offense and Auburn's defense is just as good or just in the neighborhood of just as good as they were last season, you're talking about a team that could be much improved and make some noise in the SEC.

So, they've got to replace some guys, you know, cornerback is going to be the big one without, you know, without a pair of key starters last year in Kay and Lee and Jay Crawford. You've got to figure out where the pass rush is going to come from without Keldrick Falk. But, you know, this is a group that retained a decent amount of guys at all three levels. And Durkin, you know, heading into year three is very established in who he is and what he wants to do at Auburn.

Speaking of that, let me ask you about the dudes who play in front of the linebackers, that defensive line. Eight experienced guys, nine newcomers. I know I've seen several reports. Jared Smith, Cody Sigler from UHOPE, Dallas Walker IV, Deshaun Womack may be starting. But the point of it is they may be able to rotate eight players on that defensive front even more. That's a real luxury for a defensive coordinator. Yeah, I think at all three levels they're going to be able to rotate. That's how D.J. Durkin likes to do it.

But, yeah, up front, this is a really interesting group for sure. You know, Jared Smith had a phenomenal spring. And, you know, I think people are really looking for him to take that big surge forward as a sophomore. Deshaun Womack's a guy that, you know, they think has NFL-type talent at edge rusher after transferring him from Ole Miss. Cody Sigler might be the most impressive defensive lineman on the team. And, you know, he was at Arkansas State and was at West Alabama a few years ago.

So, you know, those guys, you've got some top-end guys with some experience. But then there's just that second wave, you know, they've got talent. You know, last season you saw Malik Autry, you saw Jordan Crawford, you saw Darian Smith. Those were all blue-chip guys in that 25 class who all played. You know, they've got depth, guys like Nate Johnson, Chris Murray back at edge rusher. I still am going to be really interested to see what a healthy Joe Phillips could be like because he was such a highly talented kid coming out of high school.

You know, they've got St. Farrar who came in from App State, big body at nose tackle. So, yeah, there's plenty of options on that defensive front where they can kind of keep themselves, you know, healthy, rested, you know, fresh throughout the season. And I think Vontro King-Williams, the defensive tackles coach, the only other position coach who stayed at Auburn, the only assistant coach who stayed at Auburn besides D.J. Durkin. It's a huge reason why. It's because he's built really good defensive lines each of the last two seasons.

People are really excited for this one. Justin, obviously, as we mentioned, the coach is about to come up. Talk to us about the schedule next week and, like all camps, that all-important first scrimmage. Yeah, so they're not going to be scrimmaging this first week, so there'll be more of an acclimation period. But there's a lot going on there. So they report next Tuesday. First day of practice is on Wednesday. Then they practice again Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. First day of pads is next Saturday. So they're going to get, you know, they'll get, let's see, they'll get three practices without pads that get acclimated to start.

That first Saturday is going to be a pad practice. You'll probably have a walkthrough around that and then wrap it up on Sunday. So that first week is going to be plenty busy, which is good, especially for us because, you know, we've got our media schedule. And we were wondering, you know, if the access would continue to be pretty good. And fortunately for Auburn fans, they're going to get to hear a lot about it because we've got interviews and practice windows, like, four different days next week, which is pretty exciting.

That is exciting for media, believe me. In 2026, Friday mailbag, the Wednesday emails, the podcast, and you will have lights out coverage next week, my friend. Where can we get online to get everything? Yep, auburnobserver.com. Sign up there. Check it out. We've got plenty of stuff this week, some little basketball, some football as well. And, you know, when we get there Tuesday for report day, we're going to talk to both coordinators. We're going to talk to the head coach. So we'll have a ton of stuff then.

And then we'll have practice notes pretty much, I think, three of the next four days. We should be able to see some of the practice. So, you know, be able to get a lot from it. It's a great time to sign up. We'll email everything out to you as soon as it drops. So you want all the detailed coverage of Auburn football, ball camp when it opens next week, go to auburnobserver.com. Sign up there. Sounds great. Listen, man, get some rest. The last one before things really get busy.

[1:45:24] So get rested up. And thank you so much for your time today. Absolutely. Appreciate it. Thank you, buddy. Justin Ferguson, the Auburn Observer. Coming up, if you're trying to observe a good ride around the shoals, Amber Pierce may be able to help next. Stay with us. I know that hiring can be challenging. You sort through tons of resumes and you get too many so-so applicants. You're just waiting for someone to match your role perfectly. Well, now there is a place where you can meet them fast.

Zip Recruiter. Need to hire. Just head to ZipRecruiter.com slash free right now to try it for free. And you're on your way to meeting your match. Four out of five employers who post on Zip Recruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. So try it now. Go to ZipRecruiter.com slash free. Once again, that's ZipRecruiter.com slash free. Meet your match on Zip Recruiter. Try it free. You know the feeling. You know the feeling. You know the feeling. That rush when you reach that goal.

Make somebody brag a little back home. That's success. And at University of Maryland Global Campus, we believe you should never stop chasing it. That's why UMGC offers an accredited skills-based education that helps move your career forward. To teach you how to apply emerging technologies like AI and data science, plus build your skills in leadership, communication, and critical thinking. Explore more than 100 degrees and certificates in business, cybersecurity, healthcare, and more. With affordable and online programs, you can unlock new opportunities to help you succeed again. At UMGC, success is yours for the taking and the making.

And nothing should keep you from it, especially not an application fee. Apply now and we'll waive your application fee. Classes start August 12th. Learn more at UMGC.edu. That's UMGC.edu. Certified to operate in Virginia by Shab. The Score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. Welcome back in. Last day of July, which means just a good time to go out and talk to you with Elmer Pierce. He's owner of Garner Pierce Autos. Elmer, welcome in. How are you? Good, guys. Good. How are y'all today?

Man, we're doing all right. Better than a lot of our folks who are in the teaching business. They've got to go back to school, which means a lot of parents have got to take kids to school. Is there anything worse in the world, Elmer, than have your kids be embarrassed by a car breaking down in the line to pick them up? So, can you help out these parents from being embarrassed by their kids with a good ride? Absolutely, guys. Absolutely. We see it all the time, man.

We do. I tell you what, I wish I had my own tow truck service. It seems like three times a week we get a phone call and go, oh, no, my car broke down. Can you help me? We can't get them picked up too many times, but we can get them fixed up. We can fix them or we repair them. Like I said before, anything from an oil change to an engine replacement, we can do that and anything in between. So, we are seeing a lot of that, the parents getting kids' cars ready to go back to school, go off to college, get them, you know, make sure they've been serviced up good, make sure they've got brakes and tires and all of the other stuff.

So, we're doing a lot of that right now. That's for sure. And then the other thing about that too, Amber, is one thing I think we all are guilty of, sometimes we fail to realize those belts may be good at one time, but like humans, they can age and break. So, it's a good thing to make sure you've got some healthy belts, especially those kids are going to be going back on the road to school. Yes, and guys, we see that all the time. You know, you don't think anything about it, but if you've got a good shot, that's what they're supposed to do is tell you, hey, this is coming up, this is what you're going to be seeing.

And the next couple of oil changes, we may want to look at changing some of these belts out because, you know, once they get so old, I mean, they've gone through how many years of heat and cold and everything else, they start breaking down. You're exactly right. And in fact, your shop changed my serpentine belts, which probably needed to be. Elmer, tell us again, customizing, somebody calls you up one day and says, Elmer, I want a 2009 Mercedes or 2021 Toyota Camry with less than 70,000 miles with the color red.

[1:50:26] Y'all do that all the time. Talk about how they can call you and just say, Elmer, here's my wish list. Can you do it? Exactly what you just said. I mean, we do absolute ton of that. We probably, eight, 10 times a month, we're finding a specialized car for a person based on their criteria, what they're looking for, year, make, model, miles, color, interior color. Just did the exact same thing for a customer out in Louisiana. Had to find it in Lafayette, Louisiana. Got it brought here, a 25 model Nissan Pathfinder with 3,200 miles.

So, yeah, we can find anything, anywhere. And people don't understand, but that is the hardest part of my job, absolutely. Elmer, tell us again, service department, the hours, where you're located, Ed. By the way, you can have your car worked on to go eat lunch next door. Tell us about location times, all the good stuff. You got it, man. You got it. 2261 Florence Boulevard right here in Florence, right next to Appleby's, www.garner-pierceautos.com, 256-768-5660. And come and see us, guys. I mean, heck, we're right down the road.

We're right here in the middle of Florence, right on the boulevard. And we can take care of you, whether you're looking for a car, whether you need service, any type of service. We can get it done, and we appreciate you. Easy in, easy out. Have a great weekend, Elmer. Thanks for your time today. Thanks, guys. Thank you, buddy. Elmer Pierce, owner of Garner Pierce Autos. BB, are you ready for the Braves? A win tonight, and guess what? They're back to 20 games over .500 again. They are playing better.

There's no question. Listen, the Nationals are one of the leading offensive teams in the league. The Braves held on to win last night, 5-4. And you can listen to game number two of the National Series right here on 93.9, the score tonight. And keep in mind, trade deadline Monday, so a very interesting weekend, and you don't want to miss Monday's show as well. It's going to take care of this for now. On behalf of BB, Greg, James Blair, the entire crew here, Harold Buck, thank you so much for your time today.

Let's do it again Monday, noon to 2 for the Boomer Buck Show, back here on Sports Radio, 93.9, the score. We'll see you next time.