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 Now, get ready to roll Shoals, Decatur, Athens and all of Northwest Alabama and Southern Tennessee.

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 It's time for the Valley's Exclusive FM Sports Voice.

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 The Boomo Bugg Show.

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 Your Exclusive Inside Track to the Tide, Tigers, Tennessee and the rest of the SEC.

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 Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9, The Score.

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 Good afternoon and welcome here to the Boomo Bugg Show.

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 I'm Harold Bugg alongside Brett Beaird.

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 Thank you so much for giving us a free ride around the Tennessee Valley.

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 Brett Beaird, welcome in.

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 Well, the question of the day is, who has that bigger facelift, the Hollywood model or the Auburn Tigers?

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 Good afternoon, welcome in and how are you?

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 It may be Thursday to you and the listeners.

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 We'll talk about that very subject around one o'clock with Caleb Jones.

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 Auburn, speaking of Auburn, their men's basketball team comes back from a 14-point deficit to beat Texas at home.

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 Caleb Suggs of the Decatur Daily will give us some of the reaction to coaches about reclassification and update North Alabama basketball teams.

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 B.B. is here right now, though, to predict the Super Bowl and tell us why.

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 16 teams is the best choice for the college football playoff.

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 Well, we're going to open the door to B.B. if he gives us his forecast for that.

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 And no more snow here.

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 He can have it.

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 They're used to it.

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 In Ohio, where we take you with B.B., Bill Bender, the national voice of the Sporting News.

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 Bill, welcome in.

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 Have you dug out from Snowmageddon?

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 How are you?

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 No, we haven't.

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 I think the last time I talked to you, it was coming.

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 And it's here, and it's here, and kids are on day four of not being in school.

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 Oh, that breaks our heart.

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 Oh, my gosh.

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 I know that breaks our heart, Bill.

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 Are you sane?

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 Are you able to?

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 I mean, do you need some medication?

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 I mean, day four inside with kids.

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 Are you okay, you and the family?

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 Yeah, we'll be all right.

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 There was a point today where I didn't know what day it was.

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 So, like, we'll be, what day is it?

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 Is it Wednesday?

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 Is it Thursday?

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 You know, I think it's supposed to warm up a little bit.

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 So, hopefully we can dig out from under this.

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 What's weird, I saw, Bill, that the folks down in Florida, we have guests on down.

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 They've been bragging.

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 It's been 80.

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 I saw where Miami's going to get down to teens.

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 So, hey, welcome to our world down there as well.

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 All right, Bill.

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 We know that, speaking of temperatures, the Super Bowl talk will pick up next week.

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 Are you a fan of taking this week off and letting the hype build, or would you just like to go ahead and jump in and get this thing over with?

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 I'm good.

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 I mean, it gives us a week to, I'm doing some other things for us.

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 I have a story coming tomorrow about that Miracle on Ice documentary.

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 I had a chance to talk to Jim Craig yesterday, and what an amazing conversation that was.

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 So, you know, I always tell you guys, I love college football, and we'll always love college football.

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 But I also love this time of year where I can do, for sporting news, a little college football, a little NFL, and a little, as a, you know what, I had a thought this week.

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 College basketball tournament's going to be as good as any we've seen with some of the teams that are running around right now.

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 You're exactly right about that, and that'll be here next time that we turn around, and you mentioned the Olympics.

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 I think they get started next weekend.

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 If I'm not mistaken with that.

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 All right.

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 You have analyzed and predicted the Super Bowl for 2026 coming up next Sunday, a week ago.

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 And thank you.

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 Bill Bender's got the Seahawks beating the Patriots in a very close game.

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 24-20, and you broke down this game.

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 You know, the media's going to concentrate on the two quarterbacks, and they're certainly worth it.

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 Sam Darnold just had an incredible game last Sunday.

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 But the defenses for both these teams are very good, too.

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 B.B., your thoughts, early thoughts on the Super Bowl.

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 Yeah, you know, it's tough to pick.

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 I think because in the back of my mind, Brett, I keep thinking, man, a bunch of years ago, we all said Kurt Warner and the Rams were going to run up and down the field on the Patriots.

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 And, you know, a guy named Tom Brady and Bill Belichick had other ideas.

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 I think it will be a tight game, a fun game.

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 You never know with these quarterbacks.

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 One thing that stands out with Seattle, Sam Darnold's not turning the ball over.

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 So if they don't turn the ball over, they're going to be in business.

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 And, you know, they're not the most exciting, flashy team, but they definitely get the job done.

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 Bill Bender gets it done there with the Sporting News.

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 You've got to like Sam Darnold's backstory.

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 He's been Mr. Backup everywhere he's been pretty much.

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 And now he's in the spotlight there with Seattle.

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 He is the man.

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 You mentioned Seattle's offense.

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 And, you know, in our neck of the woods, I don't know of a place any tougher than where we are as far as coaches.

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 One, Ryan Grubb is not here with Seattle this year.

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 He was there last year.

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 Your thoughts on Ryan Grubb, where he was last year with Seattle, he couldn't run the ball.

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 Alabama couldn't run the ball this year under his tutelage in Tuscaloosa back in the college, right?

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 Your thoughts, what is your assessment of Ryan Grubb?

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 Well, I mean, there's more to do.

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 And, I mean, that's going to be the big off-season priority for Alabama is you've got to find a way to run.

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 That was a season-long piece of drama for this team.

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 Otherwise, you know, still was able to go to the plow, still was able to get 10 wins.

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 But some of these games, you're like, well, how are they going to win if they can't run the ball?

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 And it showed up at the Indiana game with a team that was elite at both running the football with multiple running backs

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 and then obviously stopping the run with a front that was not exactly, they weren't monsters.

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 They were just really sound defensive players.

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 Yeah, Seattle ran for 170 yards for, I think, four consecutive games before that Rams game.

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 You mentioned Bill Belichick before we get into your, and I agree with you entirely about expanding to the 16 teams,

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 not elected on the first ballot for the NFL Hall of Fame.

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 Now, look, I know a lot of people have issues with him.

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 You know, they've spied on teams in practice and done some odds and ends.

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 But when you look at what he has done on the field, winning seven Super Bowls,

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 and I know a lot of politics are involved in the Baseball Hall of Fame and the NFL Football Hall of Fame.

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 Bill, your thoughts on Bill Belichick not being elected to the NFL Hall of Fame on the first ballot?

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 Pretty absurd.

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 You know, I just, why?

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 You know, and I've read some pieces by some writers that I respect a great deal.

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 Our own Mike DeCoursey wrote about it.

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 You know, the deflate gate, spy gate, those things come to mind, you know, obviously.

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 But I don't think it rises to, I'm just one of those guys, and I'll put this, Brett.

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 I think he should be in that Hall of Fame.

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 I think Barry Bond should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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 And because I live in Ohio, Pete Rose, when his name comes up, I just always tell people,

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 hey, man, when you go down to a baseball game in Cincinnati, that stadium's on Pete Rose's way.

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 Yeah.

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 So, I mean, where are we at with that?

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 I hope your listeners don't hold this against me.

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 I think he should be in the Hall, too.

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 Well, and you can see both sides of the argument, Bill.

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 But here's the deal.

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 If you're going to sit here and if the issue is going to be stuff off the field,

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 if you went back and you looked at Ty Cobb and you looked at probably Babe Ruth

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 and you looked at a lot of these guys and you turned the stones over,

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 what was it, what the good Lord said, let the first person ride in the sand who hasn't sinned.

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 So, you know, it's an open debate.

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 It's a good topic to debate.

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 But the thing is, next thing you know, Shadir Sanders is going to make the Pro Bowl in 2026.

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 I think that's what's got a lot of people.

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 It's like, so, Bill Belichick, who's got more rings, he's got fingers, he's not in.

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 But Shadir Sanders is going to the Pro Bowl.

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 I think a lot of people don't understand the politics of sports.

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 Well, you just said it.

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 I mean, that's part of it.

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 You know, and baseball writers, there's a lot of them that I respect a great deal that vote on the Hall of Fame,

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 and they take that process very seriously.

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 And I've had the Barry Bonds argument with some of them.

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 I'm like, well, you know, and I've always, you know, I would take it to my Heisman voting, for example.

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 And we talk about that all the time on here.

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 Had Diego maybe lashed out before, you know, when he said it, he said it, the Heisman, had he said that stuff before, would not have impacted my vote.

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 I can tell you that I have 100% confidence.

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 There are NFL players I didn't like that I'm still like.

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 I'll give you an example.

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 Corral Owens, didn't stand him as a player, you know, but knew, and probably because he was doing it against the Packers.

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 But I always understood and recognized the talent.

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 I thought he should have been a first ballot Hall of Famer.

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 Well, and you're doing your job.

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 That's the difference between a professional and someone who holds a grudge and has the power to sit here and implement that grudge.

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 You mentioned Diego Pavia.

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 He hasn't slacked up a bit, has he?

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 Coming up on the Senior Bowl, I am the best player here.

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 That's saying a lot in that environment.

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 Who's going to take a flyer on Pavia?

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 He'll be a day two or day three guy that'll be exciting in the preseason to see if he can stick with a roster.

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 You know, one of the things when I did talk to Diego, he wouldn't get into the Heisman stuff, and that's fine.

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 And I don't know.

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 He'll be asked about that through the process.

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 But I think, you know, in talking to Clark Lee about it, we have a surface understanding of how those conversations went afterward.

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 So it really comes down to the height.

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 You know, we knew he wasn't six foot.

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 We have eyes.

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 But how does that play off at the next level?

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 Some guys can get away with it.

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 Some guys can't.

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 And it is just part of the game, guys.

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 Like, you have to be a certain – you don't have to be a certain height, but it doesn't hurt to be that.

168
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 Yeah.

169
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 You had a great article about the college football playoff.

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 Again, everybody just groaned when they heard once again they're going to stay at 12 teams instead of expanding to 16.

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 You had a very good article talk about why 24 is just too many for the playoff, why 16 teams are the best choice.

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 If you get the top four teams on the field sooner, it's better for TV ratings, which are correct.

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 And then something – we've discussed this numerous times with you in the last two years.

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 The issues with college football.

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 Go to 16 teams.

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 Eliminate conference championship games.

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 And I know Greg Sankey's not going to like that, but I think we're nearing that nearly every month.

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 Put the first two rounds on campus.

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 I think everybody would love that.

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 In the number one situation right now, I think with a lot of the burr under the saddle, move the college football calendar up.

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 This time next year, we would have played the national championship game this past Monday.

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 The NFL, they're trying to avoid making the NFL mad, but if they would look at some of the common sense suggestions you've got to improve college football, we'd be a lot better off.

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 I think so.

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 And I understand, though, when they're at the distance they're at, that we probably weren't going to get to 16 this year.

185
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 If this was going to be a standoff between the Big Ten and the SEC, we probably wouldn't get to 16.

186
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 ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, when I talked to him, you know, you saw an article a couple weeks ago.

187
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 He was very adamant we should get to 16, more access.

188
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 I think they miss an opportunity to capitalize on what Miami and Indiana created a couple weeks ago, where it's like, okay, anybody can win this thing now.

189
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 Why not let a few more teams in?

190
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 Let me ask you a question, Bill.

191
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 We alluded to at the top of the show, talking about Auburn having a major facelift.

192
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 At last count, and let's face it, in this day and time, it may have changed dramatically in five minutes, but I saw 39 guys signed in the portal.

193
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 Now, that's a facelift.

194
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 There's a firecracker and there's a stick of dynamite.

195
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 You're talking about blowing up a roster.

196
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 Your thoughts, what does your gut tell you about Auburn and their approach?

197
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 Are they saying it worked for Indiana?

198
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 We're going to try it here on the Plains.

199
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 Yeah, I mean, you know, and you've got a new coach, and I like Alex.

200
00:13:02,100 --> 00:13:03,320
 I think he'll do a nice job there.

201
00:13:03,400 --> 00:13:04,200
 You get Byron Brown.

202
00:13:04,480 --> 00:13:09,840
 And, you know, the thing is, when everybody's asking me, hey, who's the next Indiana?

203
00:13:10,040 --> 00:13:10,740
 How is this going to happen?

204
00:13:11,020 --> 00:13:13,260
 You better have Kurt Zegnetti if you're going to do that.

205
00:13:14,540 --> 00:13:19,000
 You better have his ability to work portal and evaluate talent.

206
00:13:20,000 --> 00:13:20,960
 TCU did that.

207
00:13:21,380 --> 00:13:24,440
 Yeah, TCU did that, Sonny.

208
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 I think Jeff Brom and TCU do a nice job of that as well.

209
00:13:31,960 --> 00:13:33,020
 Well, we've heard that.

210
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 Louisville, I'm sorry.

211
00:13:34,720 --> 00:13:34,880
 Yeah.

212
00:13:35,160 --> 00:13:36,580
 No, that's all right.

213
00:13:36,620 --> 00:13:39,540
 Listen, we heard that for 17 years with Nick Saban.

214
00:13:39,540 --> 00:13:43,980
 Well, we're just going to take the Nick Saban blueprint and be successful.

215
00:13:44,140 --> 00:13:44,820
 No, you're not.

216
00:13:44,940 --> 00:13:49,560
 I know you're going to try the con sale, but you didn't have the offensive and defensive coordinators.

217
00:13:50,240 --> 00:13:57,400
 And as Harold mentioned, again, Kurt Zegnetti just has an innate ability to evaluate talent

218
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 and get the most out of them.

219
00:13:59,480 --> 00:14:02,740
 And very few coaches have that ability.

220
00:14:02,900 --> 00:14:05,520
 Well, listen, good luck trying to dig out and get out.

221
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 We've got a rough weekend coming up here.

222
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 It's going to be even colder than last weekend.

223
00:14:12,180 --> 00:14:16,540
 But you can get warm by reading your articles and everybody else's.

224
00:14:16,640 --> 00:14:17,940
 Where can we get the good stuff?

225
00:14:18,440 --> 00:14:21,180
 Yeah, I met Bill Bender at 92 and SportingNews.com.

226
00:14:21,300 --> 00:14:22,260
 And I would encourage you.

227
00:14:22,300 --> 00:14:23,100
 It'll come out tomorrow.

228
00:14:23,200 --> 00:14:27,140
 This story about talking to Jim Craig, the goalie in the miracle on ice.

229
00:14:27,820 --> 00:14:30,120
 36 saves in that game, guys.

230
00:14:30,680 --> 00:14:31,000
 Wow.

231
00:14:31,740 --> 00:14:34,800
 And all these years later, everybody's humble.

232
00:14:35,020 --> 00:14:37,920
 I don't get nervous for interviews often except with you guys.

233
00:14:38,420 --> 00:14:41,680
 And Jim Craig was great.

234
00:14:43,200 --> 00:14:44,420
 Well, right back at you.

235
00:14:44,460 --> 00:14:45,880
 We get sweaty palms, too, Bill.

236
00:14:46,020 --> 00:14:47,940
 So just don't go outside.

237
00:14:48,040 --> 00:14:48,940
 They'll freeze on you.

238
00:14:49,360 --> 00:14:51,280
 Good luck staying inside with the kids there.

239
00:14:51,360 --> 00:14:54,860
 And as I said, Annie, the sun will come up tomorrow eventually.

240
00:14:54,860 --> 00:14:56,020
 So hang in there, okay?

241
00:14:56,800 --> 00:14:57,380
 I will do.

242
00:14:57,460 --> 00:14:58,320
 Thanks for talking to me, guys.

243
00:14:58,440 --> 00:14:58,860
 Talk to you, Bill.

244
00:14:59,640 --> 00:15:03,600
 The National Voice with the Sporting News, Bill Bender.

245
00:15:03,760 --> 00:15:04,300
 Coming up.

246
00:15:04,440 --> 00:15:08,100
 Hey, you mentioned it's going to get cold again here in the Shoals.

247
00:15:08,180 --> 00:15:09,640
 Now, may that affect things.

248
00:15:09,760 --> 00:15:11,040
 Caleb Suggs on that and more.

249
00:15:11,360 --> 00:15:11,860
 Straight ahead.

250
00:15:11,940 --> 00:15:12,560
 Stay with us.

251
00:15:16,700 --> 00:15:18,960
 Bring the flavor that wins every time.

252
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 Champy's world-famous fried chicken.

253
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254
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255
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256
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257
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258
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259
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260
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 Let the million-dollar band, including six Muscle Shoals high school grads,

261
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 get you ready for Champy's chicken and the game.

262
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 A KFC tale in the pursuit of flavor.

263
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 The colonel despised the word empty.

264
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 Empty plates, empty tables, empty stomachs.

265
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266
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 Creamy mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, corn, gravy, and cheese.

267
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 Because the only empty the colonel liked was when you reached the bottom of that bowl.

268
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269
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 Five KFC bowls for just $5 each.

270
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272
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 Every morning, we rise and shine.

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283
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 COVID-19 has cast a spotlight on the stark inequalities that drive poverty.

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 The poorest communities in the U.S. and around the world are suffering the most.

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320
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 Logan Fury did something smart.

321
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 He saved hundreds on auto insurance switching to progressive.

322
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 With that money, he bought a mini treadmill.

323
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 Is walking on it during video conference calls more distracting than he thought?

324
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 Yes.

325
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 And is that because he overestimated his foot-eye coordination?

326
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327
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328
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329
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330
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331
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348
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 United Way of Northwest Alabama is thrilled to announce the return of its signature fundraising gala,

349
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 Shoals Royale, on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at the Renaissance Shoals Conference Center.

350
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 This black-tie optional casino-themed event brings all the glitz and excitement of Las Vegas to the Shoals,

351
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 complete with live entertainment, gaming tables, prices, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar,

352
00:20:10,580 --> 00:20:11,720
 and all for a great cause.

353
00:20:12,280 --> 00:20:16,580
 Now in its fourth year, Shoals Royale has become one of Northwest Alabama's premier charity events,

354
00:20:16,860 --> 00:20:21,300
 uniting local businesses, community leaders, and residents for a night of luxury and purpose.

355
00:20:21,780 --> 00:20:26,580
 Proceeds directly benefit United Way of Northwest Alabama and the 12 local nonprofit partners

356
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 and 22 community programs and funds.

357
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 Individual tickets are $125 or $200 per couple, or go in VIP style for $350 or $600 per couple.

358
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 Shoals Royale, 2026, Saturday, February 21st, at 7 p.m.

359
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 at the Renaissance Shoals Conference Center.

360
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 Tickets are available now at givebutter.com slash ShoalsRoyale 2026.

361
00:20:49,440 --> 00:20:50,600
 The Score.

362
00:20:51,020 --> 00:20:55,820
 Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.

363
00:20:56,320 --> 00:20:56,540
 The Score.

364
00:20:56,540 --> 00:20:57,080
 Welcome back again.

365
00:20:57,240 --> 00:20:58,960
 Just a quick programming note, BB.

366
00:20:59,180 --> 00:21:03,660
 One of the more intriguing stories throughout the entire Shoals area of the last few days,

367
00:21:03,920 --> 00:21:06,460
 Daryl Higgins leaving Mars Hill for Russellville.

368
00:21:06,460 --> 00:21:10,560
 The coach himself is scheduled to join us in just a short.

369
00:21:10,680 --> 00:21:11,820
 So go ahead and make plans.

370
00:21:11,900 --> 00:21:12,340
 Okay, BB?

371
00:21:13,180 --> 00:21:15,540
 I will look forward to talking to him, yes.

372
00:21:16,060 --> 00:21:18,700
 In the meantime, it's a pleasure for us to say hello to Caleb Suggs.

373
00:21:18,740 --> 00:21:20,480
 He's got it all covered there with the Decatur Data.

374
00:21:20,620 --> 00:21:21,760
 Caleb, welcome in.

375
00:21:21,840 --> 00:21:22,720
 How are you?

376
00:21:25,720 --> 00:21:28,380
 It's kind of hard to go before Coach Higgins.

377
00:21:28,480 --> 00:21:29,940
 I'm sure nobody cares about what I say.

378
00:21:30,420 --> 00:21:31,580
 Yes, they do.

379
00:21:32,120 --> 00:21:35,020
 No, no, no, you're much too modest, Caleb.

380
00:21:35,360 --> 00:21:39,600
 Your thoughts, just when you first saw that news, what was your reaction?

381
00:21:39,760 --> 00:21:43,420
 Because it's nothing you see coaches move from here to there,

382
00:21:43,500 --> 00:21:48,680
 but when you have four state championship trophies in your possession,

383
00:21:49,380 --> 00:21:52,680
 he's got room for one more, and then he runs out of fingers on one hand.

384
00:21:52,860 --> 00:21:54,580
 What was your initial reaction?

385
00:21:56,020 --> 00:21:58,600
 Yeah, well, I mean, you know, to be honest with you,

386
00:21:58,600 --> 00:22:00,960
 I didn't have any kind of clue of the rumors that were going on.

387
00:22:00,960 --> 00:22:03,520
 And so when I saw the thing that he was stepping down from Mars Hill,

388
00:22:04,080 --> 00:22:06,880
 instantly I thought, oh, I wonder if he's going to Russellville.

389
00:22:06,980 --> 00:22:11,660
 It just seems like a match that's perfect for both parties.

390
00:22:11,840 --> 00:22:14,700
 I mean, Russellville, you know, we all know what Russellville, you know,

391
00:22:14,700 --> 00:22:16,840
 used to be such a powerhouse in the 2000s,

392
00:22:16,840 --> 00:22:19,820
 and it's not like they've been bad in the last 15 years at all.

393
00:22:19,880 --> 00:22:20,500
 I mean, they have not.

394
00:22:20,540 --> 00:22:21,160
 They've been good.

395
00:22:21,460 --> 00:22:25,280
 But I think they haven't been up to what, you know, they want to be.

396
00:22:25,480 --> 00:22:28,380
 So if they want to get back to that point, and I'm not, you know,

397
00:22:28,380 --> 00:22:29,160
 I'm not trying, you know,

398
00:22:29,200 --> 00:22:31,240
 I'm not saying that the coaches that have been there the last few years

399
00:22:31,240 --> 00:22:32,260
 have a good job.

400
00:22:32,380 --> 00:22:32,740
 They have.

401
00:22:33,120 --> 00:22:33,980
 But Coach Higgins, I mean,

402
00:22:33,980 --> 00:22:36,260
 you're talking about one of the most elite coaches in Alabama.

403
00:22:36,580 --> 00:22:38,380
 Obviously, what you said, he's won, you know,

404
00:22:38,840 --> 00:22:41,500
 almost enough state championship rings to cover a hand.

405
00:22:41,760 --> 00:22:44,220
 So, I mean, I think this is going to be great for Russellville.

406
00:22:44,300 --> 00:22:45,300
 I think he's going to come in.

407
00:22:45,380 --> 00:22:47,600
 I mean, obviously, it's a tough region now that they're in 5A

408
00:22:47,600 --> 00:22:50,040
 with the Hartzell and Austin and Muscle Shoals.

409
00:22:50,260 --> 00:22:51,880
 So, but I really think he's going to get there

410
00:22:51,880 --> 00:22:54,380
 and get them to where they can compete and be, you know,

411
00:22:54,380 --> 00:22:55,680
 get back to what, you know,

412
00:22:55,740 --> 00:22:58,040
 people think about Russell back in the 2000s

413
00:22:58,040 --> 00:23:00,360
 when they were going to the finals every year, it seems like.

414
00:23:01,060 --> 00:23:04,040
 Caleb, you mentioned reactions.

415
00:23:04,240 --> 00:23:07,060
 What was your initial reaction when you saw the news out of Montgomery

416
00:23:07,060 --> 00:23:10,860
 that basically a major reshuffling of the deck

417
00:23:10,860 --> 00:23:13,740
 across the board in high school sports here in Alabama?

418
00:23:14,940 --> 00:23:19,440
 Yeah, you know, obviously, the rumors had gone on for a while.

419
00:23:19,500 --> 00:23:20,440
 It was really heating up.

420
00:23:20,640 --> 00:23:22,980
 They would split public and private.

421
00:23:23,960 --> 00:23:25,980
 Even though I felt like they might,

422
00:23:26,120 --> 00:23:28,680
 it still came as a little bit of a surprise that they actually did it.

423
00:23:28,760 --> 00:23:32,120
 I think any time you have such a substantial thing like that,

424
00:23:32,140 --> 00:23:34,620
 it's going to come as a surprise whether you're expecting it or not.

425
00:23:35,000 --> 00:23:37,620
 I will say the biggest thing to me was I was not expecting

426
00:23:37,620 --> 00:23:40,240
 to drop down to six classifications again,

427
00:23:40,340 --> 00:23:43,760
 but keeping 32 teams in 6A, that was a, you know,

428
00:23:43,780 --> 00:23:45,880
 I'd heard a lot about, you know, what they might do,

429
00:23:46,020 --> 00:23:48,340
 whether it was keeping seven classifications

430
00:23:48,340 --> 00:23:51,960
 and keeping 32 teams in 7A and 6A

431
00:23:51,960 --> 00:23:53,840
 or going back to six and just, you know,

432
00:23:53,920 --> 00:23:55,060
 balancing them out completely.

433
00:23:55,320 --> 00:23:58,560
 But to do the way they did it, I can't say I saw that coming.

434
00:23:58,680 --> 00:24:00,680
 So, yeah, like you said, that was a major reshuffling.

435
00:24:00,820 --> 00:24:02,320
 It affected a lot of our teams.

436
00:24:03,140 --> 00:24:04,860
 You know, you're basically pushing down.

437
00:24:05,040 --> 00:24:07,040
 I mean, and you can just look at it now.

438
00:24:07,160 --> 00:24:10,100
 I mean, you look at, for example, let's say Wes Morgan,

439
00:24:10,100 --> 00:24:11,360
 who we talk about all the time.

440
00:24:11,480 --> 00:24:14,500
 You know, they were one of the larger teams in 4A,

441
00:24:14,600 --> 00:24:15,860
 and now they're still in 4A,

442
00:24:15,920 --> 00:24:17,760
 but they're one of the smallest teams in 4A.

443
00:24:17,860 --> 00:24:19,080
 But then you look at their schedule,

444
00:24:19,160 --> 00:24:21,920
 they're playing a Coleman in their schedule.

445
00:24:22,080 --> 00:24:25,080
 And that seems so crazy just to think a few months ago,

446
00:24:25,200 --> 00:24:28,540
 imagine a 4A West Morgan playing Coleman who's in 6A,

447
00:24:28,600 --> 00:24:30,240
 but now you're going to get that on the schedule.

448
00:24:30,320 --> 00:24:32,080
 And I think that's kind of some of the things you're going to see.

449
00:24:32,160 --> 00:24:32,960
 So it's going to be interesting.

450
00:24:33,380 --> 00:24:35,900
 I think it's going to be cool to see how it plays out.

451
00:24:35,980 --> 00:24:39,160
 It's definitely going to give us a lot of better games here.

452
00:24:39,580 --> 00:24:40,940
 So I'm really excited about that part.

453
00:24:42,200 --> 00:24:47,300
 You interviewed a lot of the coaches in the Decatur Daily area.

454
00:24:47,840 --> 00:24:52,780
 Rich Dutton from Decatur Heritage, Jason Marshall, the basketball coach there.

455
00:24:53,580 --> 00:24:57,160
 They had some interesting comments, and particularly Jason Marshall,

456
00:24:57,340 --> 00:25:00,680
 about some of the misconceptions of private schools.

457
00:25:00,900 --> 00:25:01,900
 And I agree with you.

458
00:25:02,100 --> 00:25:07,780
 I know you've been asked, well, a lot of teams that travel in particularly for private schools,

459
00:25:07,900 --> 00:25:11,820
 you've got some schools, Westminster in Huntsville, for example,

460
00:25:11,920 --> 00:25:15,620
 they've got four trips from 150 to 200 miles.

461
00:25:16,240 --> 00:25:18,280
 But who would this benefit the most?

462
00:25:18,520 --> 00:25:20,580
 And you mentioned this six weeks ago.

463
00:25:20,720 --> 00:25:21,420
 That's Austin.

464
00:25:21,920 --> 00:25:26,180
 When they were in 6A years ago, they were number one in the state.

465
00:25:26,320 --> 00:25:31,200
 They beat eventual state champion, Pennsylvania, who was quarterbacked by Bo Nix.

466
00:25:32,320 --> 00:25:37,300
 But the reaction from the local coaches, and I agree with you,

467
00:25:37,340 --> 00:25:39,280
 I think Austin will benefit from this.

468
00:25:41,380 --> 00:25:41,860
 100%.

469
00:25:41,860 --> 00:25:43,220
 You just look at it.

470
00:25:43,400 --> 00:25:46,520
 I mean, the last three years they were in 6A in football,

471
00:25:46,840 --> 00:25:48,840
 which is basically what 5A is now.

472
00:25:48,840 --> 00:25:52,160
 You know, they go in the semifinals, semifinals, and then the quarterfinals.

473
00:25:52,240 --> 00:25:56,880
 But the quarterfinal game was basically the state championship where they lost 5 points to Bo Nix, like you said.

474
00:25:57,440 --> 00:25:59,240
 So, I mean, just amazing success.

475
00:25:59,460 --> 00:26:00,580
 And they had success in 7A.

476
00:26:00,660 --> 00:26:05,280
 But it was just too much for them every year when they go to the playoffs to play some of those big schools.

477
00:26:05,480 --> 00:26:06,880
 I mean, there was just such discrepancy.

478
00:26:07,200 --> 00:26:09,420
 I mean, the programs didn't match up.

479
00:26:09,500 --> 00:26:14,220
 So, now they're in a classification where I think they're on equal footing with a lot of the programs.

480
00:26:14,980 --> 00:26:17,840
 Let's not say it's going to be easy because, obviously, when you're in the playoffs,

481
00:26:17,920 --> 00:26:22,660
 you're still going to have to play teams like maybe Clay Chalpel, who has beat a lot of these 7A teams.

482
00:26:22,660 --> 00:26:27,260
 But I think, you know, and I think maybe just a mindset thing where it feels, you know,

483
00:26:27,480 --> 00:26:29,060
 because these are kids, after all.

484
00:26:29,100 --> 00:26:32,340
 And I think a mindset thing where the kids feel like, hey, we're on equal footing.

485
00:26:32,460 --> 00:26:33,740
 We can compete with these guys.

486
00:26:34,220 --> 00:26:35,420
 So, I think that will be big for them.

487
00:26:35,500 --> 00:26:39,820
 And it was, you know, in basketball, too, their last few years in 6A, they went Final Four Elite Eight.

488
00:26:39,900 --> 00:26:40,740
 So, they were really good in there.

489
00:26:40,780 --> 00:26:41,980
 So, it's going to be huge for Austin.

490
00:26:42,400 --> 00:26:45,400
 Definitely the team in my area that benefited the most.

491
00:26:46,400 --> 00:26:48,460
 I don't know what team has benefited the least.

492
00:26:48,540 --> 00:26:50,680
 I guess the private school is going to be pretty tough for them.

493
00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:52,980
 So, but we'll just, you know, have to see how it shakes out.

494
00:26:54,180 --> 00:26:59,780
 In the meantime, obviously, as we mentioned, Coach Higgins is going to be on with us a little bit later on here in the Fumo Bug Show.

495
00:26:59,780 --> 00:27:01,660
 But coaches come and go.

496
00:27:02,080 --> 00:27:06,560
 And your thoughts about one of the teams that is an upstart in a relative sense, Priceville.

497
00:27:07,140 --> 00:27:10,780
 It looks like Austin Burke is on his way to be the new head football coach.

498
00:27:10,880 --> 00:27:15,960
 He replaces Seth Parker, who's now, I saw pictures, he was a kid wearing a Bob Jones jersey

499
00:27:15,960 --> 00:27:19,940
 because his dad was there, and now he is the head coach of Bob Jones.

500
00:27:20,040 --> 00:27:24,640
 What is Priceville getting in Coach Austin Burke, and what's Bob Jones getting in Seth Parker?

501
00:27:26,400 --> 00:27:28,280
 You know, I'll start with Bob Jones.

502
00:27:28,600 --> 00:27:32,420
 Obviously, you know, Coach Parker kept telling me, you know, telling me he wasn't leaving,

503
00:27:32,520 --> 00:27:37,620
 but I never really believed him, because when you get that call to go home, I mean, it's just too hard not to.

504
00:27:37,780 --> 00:27:40,600
 And, you know, Bob Jones is getting a great hire.

505
00:27:40,820 --> 00:27:43,740
 I mean, obviously, he won so many accolades this past year.

506
00:27:43,740 --> 00:27:47,900
 For our coach of the year, he won state 5A coach of the year, and he's just an amazing coach.

507
00:27:48,120 --> 00:27:53,140
 What he was able to do with that program in such a short time, definitely one of the best up-and-comers.

508
00:27:53,380 --> 00:27:59,920
 And I wouldn't be surprised to see him get Bob Jones back to, you know, we talked about Russell getting back to what they used to be.

509
00:27:59,920 --> 00:28:02,140
 I wouldn't be surprised if Parker does that with Bob Jones.

510
00:28:02,600 --> 00:28:07,660
 And as far as Priceville, you know, I think I don't, you know, I've been able to talk with Coach Burke a little bit since he was hired.

511
00:28:08,200 --> 00:28:12,440
 Obviously, I knew he was on staff, but I never really got to talk to him that much, so I'm still kind of learning.

512
00:28:12,440 --> 00:28:23,820
 But I would say that for them to make that hire shows they have a lot of confidence in him because, like you said, I think, you know, six years ago, I think the Priceville job would not have been desirable at all.

513
00:28:24,360 --> 00:28:25,500
 But that has changed a lot.

514
00:28:25,660 --> 00:28:26,760
 It's growing a lot.

515
00:28:26,880 --> 00:28:29,020
 It's becoming one of the premier jobs.

516
00:28:29,100 --> 00:28:34,720
 And I really think they could have went out and got a pretty dang good hire from somewhere else if they had wanted to.

517
00:28:34,780 --> 00:28:38,840
 But the fact that they decided to promote him to head coach, I think, shows the confidence they have.

518
00:28:39,280 --> 00:28:41,880
 So, if I was a Priceville fan, I would feel pretty good.

519
00:28:42,000 --> 00:28:47,180
 I think he's been there with Coach Parker, you know, and he's coached James Clemens and other places before.

520
00:28:47,340 --> 00:28:51,260
 I think he's got a good pedigree, and he's going to continue, you know, keep things rolling there.

521
00:28:53,280 --> 00:28:58,580
 But it isn't hard to believe the regular season in basketball is just about over with.

522
00:28:58,580 --> 00:29:03,120
 We're about to get into area, sub-regional, regional play.

523
00:29:03,200 --> 00:29:05,100
 Next time we turn around, we're going to be on Wallace.

524
00:29:05,480 --> 00:29:08,540
 We're going to get into this a lot more with you next week.

525
00:29:09,380 --> 00:29:15,920
 The Decatur girls beat most of the shows 50-37 to clinch the top seed in Class 6A Area 15.

526
00:29:16,800 --> 00:29:17,940
 Why is that a big deal?

527
00:29:18,380 --> 00:29:23,240
 They get to host the area tournament for the first time in 25 years.

528
00:29:23,600 --> 00:29:23,700
 Wow.

529
00:29:23,840 --> 00:29:25,020
 It is a big deal.

530
00:29:25,600 --> 00:29:27,100
 They've had a tremendous year.

531
00:29:27,100 --> 00:29:28,500
 They're 22-4.

532
00:29:29,160 --> 00:29:32,180
 We talked with you about them a couple of times so far.

533
00:29:32,980 --> 00:29:34,940
 Congratulations to the Decatur girls.

534
00:29:35,080 --> 00:29:37,660
 We're going to get, as I said, more into this.

535
00:29:37,920 --> 00:29:40,300
 But that really is quite an achievement.

536
00:29:40,480 --> 00:29:41,660
 I know they're fired up.

537
00:29:42,780 --> 00:29:43,220
 Yeah.

538
00:29:43,660 --> 00:29:47,280
 You know, it's funny talking to Coach Wright, who's in his first year there.

539
00:29:47,800 --> 00:29:54,040
 You know, for the coach and him, he's trying to, you know, level the excitement because, you know,

540
00:29:54,040 --> 00:29:57,380
 he knows that, you know, at the end of the day, it really doesn't mean anything.

541
00:29:57,380 --> 00:29:59,840
 It's what you do in the area and going forward that matters.

542
00:29:59,960 --> 00:30:02,920
 But at the same time, like you said, I mean, it's so massive for that community.

543
00:30:03,500 --> 00:30:05,360
 I mean, 25 years is a long time.

544
00:30:05,460 --> 00:30:09,060
 But, I mean, you think, it's not like they were just, you know, not good, you know, the last time.

545
00:30:09,120 --> 00:30:10,080
 You're talking in the 90s.

546
00:30:10,100 --> 00:30:11,540
 They were the best program around.

547
00:30:11,660 --> 00:30:13,660
 I mean, they won four, five, six, eight championships.

548
00:30:13,780 --> 00:30:14,580
 I can't remember how many.

549
00:30:14,700 --> 00:30:16,200
 I mean, they just dominated the 90s.

550
00:30:16,540 --> 00:30:18,260
 And then it just, you know, kind of went off a cliff.

551
00:30:18,440 --> 00:30:21,360
 And they've been really bad at times, you know, the last 15, 20 years.

552
00:30:21,520 --> 00:30:24,500
 So, for them to be as good as they are, and they are really good.

553
00:30:24,580 --> 00:30:27,760
 I mean, 22 and 4, they beat pretty much everybody they've played.

554
00:30:28,000 --> 00:30:31,560
 And so, it was really cool for that community that I think, you know,

555
00:30:31,560 --> 00:30:36,080
 has had some dark years here lately with athletics and really deserves some athletic success.

556
00:30:36,280 --> 00:30:39,360
 So, I'm really happy for them, and I hope they keep going for them.

557
00:30:41,320 --> 00:30:49,280
 And just a quick shout-out, the top 10 in Classes 1A through 7A, they should have got that now.

558
00:30:49,820 --> 00:30:53,000
 Boys side, East Limestone, 23 and 3, number 2.

559
00:30:53,100 --> 00:30:56,020
 West Morgan boys, 18 and 5, number 3.

560
00:30:56,720 --> 00:30:58,600
 Decatur Heritage, 16 and 7.

561
00:30:58,820 --> 00:31:00,800
 They're number 1 in Class 2A.

562
00:31:00,880 --> 00:31:03,020
 And East Limestone's having an amazing year.

563
00:31:03,020 --> 00:31:10,600
 For the girls, number 9, Decatur, number 10, Athens Bible, Hatton receiving votes, West Morgan.

564
00:31:11,280 --> 00:31:13,520
 The girls having a great year also.

565
00:31:13,740 --> 00:31:16,720
 We'll get into a lot more of this with you next week.

566
00:31:17,360 --> 00:31:20,780
 But, again, the reclassification has been central.

567
00:31:21,320 --> 00:31:23,460
 Everybody's been talking about that for the last week.

568
00:31:23,860 --> 00:31:26,920
 Got a lot of scores, got a lot of highlights, more reaction.

569
00:31:27,720 --> 00:31:31,180
 Football and basketball, where can we get online and get all your good stuff?

570
00:31:32,440 --> 00:31:35,080
 Yeah, you can get online at DecaturDaily.com.

571
00:31:35,400 --> 00:31:37,880
 We have a lot of what we've been talking about.

572
00:31:38,020 --> 00:31:41,820
 But, like you said, postseason will start next week at some point.

573
00:31:42,060 --> 00:31:46,660
 So, and then it won't be long for at Wallace, which I've always told y'all is one of my favorite times of the year.

574
00:31:46,740 --> 00:31:47,720
 So, I'm looking forward to it.

575
00:31:48,480 --> 00:31:50,320
 Let's hope in the meantime it gets warmer.

576
00:31:50,500 --> 00:31:52,400
 Caleb, listen, you stay warm out there this weekend.

577
00:31:52,520 --> 00:31:54,060
 It's supposed to be another polar bear weekend.

578
00:31:54,160 --> 00:31:55,060
 So, stay warm, okay?

579
00:31:56,020 --> 00:31:56,640
 Okay, guys.

580
00:31:56,680 --> 00:31:57,320
 Thanks for having me.

581
00:31:57,580 --> 00:31:58,000
 See you, buddy.

582
00:31:58,260 --> 00:32:01,220
 Caleb Suggs, looking up with us from the Decatur Daily.

583
00:32:01,220 --> 00:32:06,600
 Coming up, a little talk to the K-Town and talking Big Orange with Ryan Callahan on deck.

584
00:32:06,660 --> 00:32:07,220
 Stay with us.

585
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 Just as successful offenses and defenses are built on teamwork, Woody Anderson Ford is powered by our people.

586
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587
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589
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590
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591
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592
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593
00:32:48,040 --> 00:32:49,980
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594
00:32:50,760 --> 00:32:53,120
 They accept Discover at Renaissance Fairs?

595
00:32:53,440 --> 00:32:54,440
 Yeah, they do here.

596
00:32:54,800 --> 00:32:57,180
 Discover is accepted at the places I love to shop.

597
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 Get it with the times.

598
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 With the times?

599
00:33:01,240 --> 00:33:02,460
 You're playing the lute.

600
00:33:03,880 --> 00:33:05,620
 Yeah, and it sounds pretty good, right?

601
00:33:06,020 --> 00:33:09,540
 Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide.

602
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603
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 Welcome back to Winter Hack Radio.

604
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605
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606
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607
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608
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609
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 Catch COVID-19?

610
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 Well, just get...

611
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612
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613
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618
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619
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 Sure, but you got to feel like they were going to win for almost the entire game.

620
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 But I was about to buy playoff tickets.

621
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 So you were prepared for a good time.

622
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623
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624
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625
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 Okay, we're done here.

626
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657
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 Progressive presents the Sports Flash on 93-9.

658
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 The score.

659
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 Mids basketball action last night.

660
00:35:47,600 --> 00:35:52,160
 The Georgia Bulldogs were edged at home by Tennessee in overtime 86-85.

661
00:35:52,520 --> 00:35:55,200
 Cannon Catchings had 22 points and 7 rebounds.

662
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663
00:35:59,940 --> 00:36:04,200
 The Auburn Tigers were winners last night as Auburn beat Texas 88-82.

664
00:36:04,420 --> 00:36:06,040
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665
00:36:06,360 --> 00:36:11,320
 Auburn is now 14-7 on the year and 5-3 in the SEC.

666
00:36:12,040 --> 00:36:14,280
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667
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 The Trojans 8-1 in the Sun Belt.

668
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669
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670
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671
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672
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681
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 The score.

702
00:37:48,180 --> 00:37:52,980
 Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.

703
00:37:53,200 --> 00:37:54,020
 The score.

704
00:37:54,680 --> 00:37:56,380
 Appreciate free ride around the Tennessee Valley.

705
00:37:56,880 --> 00:37:59,740
 And for Ryan Callahan, taking time out of his busy schedule.

706
00:37:59,940 --> 00:38:02,140
 Follow the big orange here at Go Vols 24-7.

707
00:38:02,680 --> 00:38:03,860
 Ryan, welcome in.

708
00:38:04,200 --> 00:38:05,640
 You have been so good to us.

709
00:38:05,700 --> 00:38:06,800
 Let us return the favor.

710
00:38:06,800 --> 00:38:12,020
 Remember, we will gladly send you basically sub-zero temperatures this weekend, and if that's

711
00:38:12,020 --> 00:38:13,300
 not enough, we can send you more.

712
00:38:13,500 --> 00:38:15,100
 Are you willing to deal today?

713
00:38:15,180 --> 00:38:15,780
 How are you?

714
00:38:16,960 --> 00:38:17,880
 Doing okay.

715
00:38:18,760 --> 00:38:20,080
 You know, it's okay.

716
00:38:20,180 --> 00:38:21,240
 You can keep the temperatures.

717
00:38:21,420 --> 00:38:22,940
 No need to pass them around.

718
00:38:23,240 --> 00:38:25,740
 Just, you know, save it for next time.

719
00:38:26,460 --> 00:38:28,780
 I imagine you guys have been battling the same thing.

720
00:38:28,860 --> 00:38:31,960
 I love the latest quote from the latest edition of this class.

721
00:38:31,960 --> 00:38:36,980
 Miami quarterback transfer Richard, Jadaus Richard says, I'm committing to the Vols because

722
00:38:36,980 --> 00:38:40,880
 I'm excited to play for an expert by the name of Knowles.

723
00:38:41,540 --> 00:38:44,640
 How does that make his coach at Miami feel?

724
00:38:44,760 --> 00:38:48,460
 Your thoughts, Ryan, about one of the latest additions to this class for Tennessee?

725
00:38:49,400 --> 00:38:54,120
 Yeah, you know, I'm not quite sure how that makes his old coaches feel, but, you know,

726
00:38:54,960 --> 00:38:58,900
 sometimes those things fall by the wayside when you're complimenting the coaches you're

727
00:38:58,900 --> 00:38:59,620
 about to play for.

728
00:38:59,620 --> 00:39:04,820
 So I hear things like that sometimes, and, you know, I'm not the one that has to deal

729
00:39:04,820 --> 00:39:05,900
 with the consequences, I guess.

730
00:39:06,140 --> 00:39:10,760
 But, yeah, you know, a nice depth pick up there for Tennessee, probably in the secondary

731
00:39:10,760 --> 00:39:16,180
 to get an experienced guy like Jadaus Richard, and he started his career at Vanderbilt, so

732
00:39:16,180 --> 00:39:20,760
 had some SEC experience, actually played against Tennessee a little bit as a true freshman

733
00:39:20,760 --> 00:39:26,340
 in 2022 there, and then spent the last three years at Miami, so getting a fifth-year senior

734
00:39:26,340 --> 00:39:30,320
 that started six games, actually, for Miami during the 2024 season.

735
00:39:30,320 --> 00:39:35,980
 So to plug in a guy like that who can be, you know, at worst, probably a third or fourth

736
00:39:35,980 --> 00:39:40,860
 cornerback, give them another option there in the secondary, that's a nice late addition

737
00:39:40,860 --> 00:39:45,380
 for Tennessee, and the transfer portal just got him this past weekend after he visited

738
00:39:45,380 --> 00:39:46,620
 on Friday.

739
00:39:47,740 --> 00:39:57,160
 Tennessee also got a commitment from Ian Duarte from Idaho, 12 games, 46 catches, 521 yards,

740
00:39:57,740 --> 00:39:59,580
 also overturned some kicks.

741
00:39:59,840 --> 00:40:04,120
 Alabama looked at him, too, and also Illinois.

742
00:40:05,700 --> 00:40:07,820
 Talk a little bit about him, number one.

743
00:40:07,880 --> 00:40:11,180
 And number two, is Tennessee about done?

744
00:40:11,280 --> 00:40:14,960
 How many transfers right now is the number?

745
00:40:15,880 --> 00:40:22,860
 Well, they're just about done, but one of those late additions you mentioned, Ian Duarte, from

746
00:40:22,860 --> 00:40:28,840
 Idaho State, a school we've heard a lot in the transfer portal, but he's a pretty productive

747
00:40:28,840 --> 00:40:36,320
 player, a guy that returned some kicks last year and also had more than 500 receiving yards

748
00:40:36,320 --> 00:40:37,660
 each of the past two years.

749
00:40:38,300 --> 00:40:42,700
 Tennessee had a guy previously committed for an Oklahoma State transfer, Gavin Freeman.

750
00:40:43,260 --> 00:40:49,060
 He ended up flipping to Baylor after picking Tennessee before he was actually on campus, so

751
00:40:49,060 --> 00:40:55,060
 they needed to go out and get another veteran there capable of providing some meaningful depth

752
00:40:55,060 --> 00:40:57,440
 where they really just haven't had many scholarship options.

753
00:40:57,560 --> 00:40:59,480
 Only seven guys on scholarship last year.

754
00:40:59,880 --> 00:41:04,120
 They were in line to have seven again this year before the addition of Ian Duarte, so

755
00:41:04,120 --> 00:41:08,820
 having someone that can at least contribute in a pinch offensively, we'll see how much he

756
00:41:08,820 --> 00:41:13,660
 gets in the mix there, but a guy that probably is going to have his first chance or best chance

757
00:41:13,660 --> 00:41:15,700
 to factor in on special teams.

758
00:41:16,540 --> 00:41:24,100
 Tennessee, the 20 transfer addition so far for the 20-26 cycle, there's the 21st listed on

759
00:41:24,100 --> 00:41:24,980
 our commitment page.

760
00:41:25,220 --> 00:41:28,180
 We're not saying that one's a done deal just yet.

761
00:41:28,440 --> 00:41:34,500
 That's tight end Drake Martinez from Tennessee Martin, but that is one that could very easily

762
00:41:34,500 --> 00:41:39,720
 end up being sorted out, just sort of waiting on some things to be cleared up there, including

763
00:41:39,720 --> 00:41:42,260
 his pursuit of an extra year of eligibility.

764
00:41:42,700 --> 00:41:47,040
 He would be a six-year senior, so waiting to see if he's going to get that, but he, as of

765
00:41:47,040 --> 00:41:50,920
 right now, is planning to play at Tennessee, just not on campus yet, and might even have

766
00:41:50,920 --> 00:41:52,700
 to wait until March, from what I understand.

767
00:41:53,700 --> 00:41:56,420
 Ryan Callahan, hooking up with us, he's there at Go Vols 24-7.

768
00:41:56,480 --> 00:41:59,580
 You mentioned UT Martin, a fun question, only time's going to tell.

769
00:42:00,220 --> 00:42:05,420
 Your thoughts about the possibility of landing, speaking of UT Martin, another kid by the name

770
00:42:05,420 --> 00:42:09,320
 of Simpson from that neck of the woods, younger brother of Ty Simpson.

771
00:42:10,100 --> 00:42:14,660
 At first glance, you see a lot of parallels between the Tongo Valoa family.

772
00:42:15,580 --> 00:42:20,060
 Your thoughts about the Simpson connection with the other Simpson from UT Martin?

773
00:42:21,020 --> 00:42:25,240
 Yeah, it's going to be a fun recruitment, I think, over the next couple years, and still

774
00:42:25,240 --> 00:42:27,100
 a long, long way to go in that one.

775
00:42:27,400 --> 00:42:34,620
 Graham Simpson is just a sophomore at Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee, and obviously

776
00:42:34,620 --> 00:42:36,060
 the same school Ty played at.

777
00:42:36,780 --> 00:42:41,280
 And, you know, well on his way to being a pretty coveted quarterback himself.

778
00:42:41,500 --> 00:42:46,300
 Now, it remains to be seen if he's going to be quite the level of prospect that Ty was.

779
00:42:46,620 --> 00:42:51,500
 Obviously Ty was a five-star coming out of high school, a ton of ability, had offers from

780
00:42:51,500 --> 00:42:54,260
 everyone by the time he was a freshman or sophomore.

781
00:42:55,140 --> 00:43:00,300
 Graham's recruitment has taken off pretty well, but still not quite at that level Ty's was

782
00:43:00,300 --> 00:43:03,200
 as a sophomore, so it sort of remains to be seen.

783
00:43:03,600 --> 00:43:06,800
 Is he going to be a top 100 type or a five-star type?

784
00:43:07,020 --> 00:43:07,780
 We'll see.

785
00:43:08,260 --> 00:43:12,480
 And he has a smallish build, a little bit smaller than Ty right now.

786
00:43:12,560 --> 00:43:13,700
 We'll see if that changes.

787
00:43:14,400 --> 00:43:16,380
 So, you know, does he keep growing?

788
00:43:16,560 --> 00:43:19,280
 If not, he's a little bit under six feet.

789
00:43:19,900 --> 00:43:22,480
 So that's something that used to be a big deal.

790
00:43:22,680 --> 00:43:25,540
 Now not much of a concern for most people.

791
00:43:25,700 --> 00:43:28,740
 We've seen enough success stories from guys at that size.

792
00:43:28,960 --> 00:43:31,060
 And the big thing is he can sling it.

793
00:43:31,280 --> 00:43:34,920
 He has thrown it all around for Westview.

794
00:43:35,100 --> 00:43:38,680
 And they've put up big numbers in the passing game each of the past two years.

795
00:43:38,980 --> 00:43:40,900
 It's been really impressive.

796
00:43:41,040 --> 00:43:44,560
 He's got a couple of the Division I prospects that Tennessee is pursuing.

797
00:43:44,900 --> 00:43:49,580
 Asa Barnes, a running back that's got a bunch of offers, including Alabama, along with Miles Brown,

798
00:43:49,660 --> 00:43:53,720
 a cornerback that has Tennessee and Vanderbilt among his SEC offers.

799
00:43:54,080 --> 00:43:58,940
 So, yeah, pretty good situation there for Graham Simpson, and he'll be one to watch the next couple of years.

800
00:43:59,100 --> 00:44:04,720
 But, yeah, I think there's reason to think right now that, yeah, he could follow Ty's footsteps at Alabama.

801
00:44:05,820 --> 00:44:10,160
 He's pretty open to the idea of going to Tennessee, even though Ty did not take that path.

802
00:44:10,320 --> 00:44:12,900
 So I think other schools could be in play, too.

803
00:44:13,000 --> 00:44:16,740
 So it'll be a fun recruitment here the next couple of years and definitely a long way to go.

804
00:44:17,700 --> 00:44:20,580
 Now, next week is Groundhog Day.

805
00:44:20,580 --> 00:44:26,080
 And there's a rumor that National Signing Day is next week.

806
00:44:26,260 --> 00:44:29,320
 I wonder how many people have nearly forgotten that.

807
00:44:29,640 --> 00:44:33,880
 Will Tennessee add any more next week?

808
00:44:33,940 --> 00:44:36,760
 I know they added Jacoby Cooper, wide receiver.

809
00:44:37,720 --> 00:44:42,040
 Here recently, Alabama's added two or three, well, a couple of receivers.

810
00:44:43,180 --> 00:44:46,340
 Your thoughts on next week as far as any additions.

811
00:44:46,520 --> 00:44:51,820
 Everybody knows it's going to be very slow or should be for most teams.

812
00:44:52,540 --> 00:44:57,200
 And I know Alabama's having a big junior day this weekend.

813
00:44:57,340 --> 00:44:59,880
 It's probably going to be held in the indoor facility.

814
00:45:01,180 --> 00:45:05,240
 Has Tennessee had a junior day, and do they have another one scheduled soon?

815
00:45:06,220 --> 00:45:09,500
 Yeah, so on the junior day, Tennessee actually had one on the 17th,

816
00:45:09,500 --> 00:45:15,540
 and it was sort of a smaller affair intended to be that way where they just had a select few guys

817
00:45:15,540 --> 00:45:18,100
 and ended up being, I think, fewer than 20 players.

818
00:45:18,240 --> 00:45:24,400
 And the idea being these are going to be all high-priority guys that we want to spend a lot of one-on-one time with.

819
00:45:24,800 --> 00:45:29,160
 The plan was to have a big junior day this past weekend, but the weather didn't cooperate.

820
00:45:29,160 --> 00:45:31,420
 So Tennessee had to call that one off late last week,

821
00:45:31,520 --> 00:45:36,820
 and now they don't have the option of having a makeup junior day, I guess, this weekend

822
00:45:36,820 --> 00:45:42,760
 because they're still dealing with sanctions from their penalties related to Jeremy Pruitt's time at Tennessee.

823
00:45:43,520 --> 00:45:49,500
 One of those things they're still dealing with is certain weeks on the calendar that they can't have visitors on campus.

824
00:45:49,680 --> 00:45:50,760
 So this is one of those.

825
00:45:51,120 --> 00:45:54,900
 They've already been predetermined, and so now they don't get to have a second junior day this month.

826
00:45:54,900 --> 00:45:58,740
 So unfortunate timing there for Tennessee, the weather not cooperating,

827
00:45:58,960 --> 00:46:04,580
 but those things happen sometimes, and that's among the – there are still two games every year

828
00:46:04,580 --> 00:46:07,980
 that Tennessee cannot host unofficial visitors for as well.

829
00:46:08,200 --> 00:46:09,960
 So people have asked about that.

830
00:46:10,120 --> 00:46:14,940
 It seems like it's a long way in the rearview mirror, but Tennessee's still dealing with that on some level,

831
00:46:15,020 --> 00:46:15,840
 at least here and there.

832
00:46:16,540 --> 00:46:18,940
 And then your other question.

833
00:46:18,940 --> 00:46:19,820
 Oh, a signing day.

834
00:46:20,060 --> 00:46:25,940
 So two players committed right now that Tennessee has not signed, both local prospects.

835
00:46:26,600 --> 00:46:28,840
 Tennessee could still add more of those types of guys.

836
00:46:29,680 --> 00:46:35,500
 The thing that people have to keep in mind now, the SEC has switched to a 105-man scholarship roster,

837
00:46:35,960 --> 00:46:38,400
 or at least you have the option of everyone being on scholarship.

838
00:46:38,660 --> 00:46:44,520
 So as a result, those depth guys who might have been preferred walk-on types in the past now will be signing.

839
00:46:44,520 --> 00:46:50,440
 And so that's what you have there in Jacoby Cooper and Jeremy George L, an offensive lineman from nearby Knoxville Catholic.

840
00:46:50,660 --> 00:46:57,900
 So a couple guys that are going to be developmental players in the long run, probably not a clear path to early playing time,

841
00:46:58,260 --> 00:47:01,200
 but guys that you've got to have in your program, and they're committed,

842
00:47:01,400 --> 00:47:04,180
 and we'll be planning to sign with Tennessee on Wednesday.

843
00:47:04,500 --> 00:47:06,620
 So we'll see if they add any of those other types.

844
00:47:07,060 --> 00:47:09,700
 It'll be interesting to see how that plays out in the 2027 class.

845
00:47:09,880 --> 00:47:15,840
 Now that just was passed in December, so I think in the 27 class for Tennessee and a lot of other SEC teams,

846
00:47:15,900 --> 00:47:22,640
 you'll probably see them consider signing bigger high school classes that could fill up the pretty big numbers by the summer,

847
00:47:23,180 --> 00:47:27,020
 knowing that you're going to get depth guys and you have the option of doing that.

848
00:47:27,020 --> 00:47:34,940
 But you can find some maybe higher quality guys that aren't traditional preferred walk-ons that would fill that 105-man roster out.

849
00:47:35,040 --> 00:47:38,260
 So I think you could see Tennessee and other teams that are thinking the same way,

850
00:47:38,580 --> 00:47:42,540
 maybe sign classes of 30-plus in the future, starting with the 2027 class.

851
00:47:43,500 --> 00:47:45,720
 Ryan, it's safe to say we better buckle up.

852
00:47:45,800 --> 00:47:48,380
 We're going to watch SEC basketball this season.

853
00:47:48,760 --> 00:47:50,580
 It is a Forrest Gump season.

854
00:47:50,860 --> 00:47:53,080
 You never know what you're going to get, like a box of chocolates.

855
00:47:53,660 --> 00:47:55,880
 You go back, everybody was kind of down on Tennessee.

856
00:47:56,080 --> 00:47:59,200
 They go to Tuscaloosa, but Yakko was supposed to be all that in a bag of chips.

857
00:47:59,380 --> 00:48:00,700
 And Rick Barnes says, so what?

858
00:48:01,200 --> 00:48:03,000
 A good defense would be a pretty good offense.

859
00:48:03,180 --> 00:48:03,740
 He did.

860
00:48:03,860 --> 00:48:05,500
 He's been, the legs have been under him.

861
00:48:05,980 --> 00:48:09,380
 Your thoughts about the SEC as far as up and down.

862
00:48:09,460 --> 00:48:11,240
 Hello, Florida and Auburn last night.

863
00:48:11,360 --> 00:48:13,660
 Auburn staying with a steam, then I call Texas.

864
00:48:14,460 --> 00:48:19,800
 But relative to Tennessee, your thoughts about the rollercoaster season known as ACC basketball.

865
00:48:20,720 --> 00:48:24,000
 Yeah, that's, you know, that we've seen this plenty of times in the Rick Barnes era

866
00:48:24,000 --> 00:48:27,300
 and certainly under previous coaches at Tennessee.

867
00:48:27,460 --> 00:48:30,640
 Don't like the way the basketball season is looking, give it a week.

868
00:48:30,800 --> 00:48:32,700
 And during SEC play, you know it a little differently.

869
00:48:33,580 --> 00:48:35,620
 So, yeah, sure enough, here we are a week later.

870
00:48:35,740 --> 00:48:37,940
 Tennessee's got back-to-back SEC road wins.

871
00:48:38,560 --> 00:48:43,480
 And now a winning record in conference play, and suddenly everyone's feeling a little bit better about this team's outlook.

872
00:48:43,720 --> 00:48:47,400
 Now, even after winning at Alabama on Saturday, and that was a really nice win.

873
00:48:47,540 --> 00:48:53,400
 Tennessee now has won five in a row in that series, and their last two trips to Tuscaloosa have come away with wins.

874
00:48:53,400 --> 00:48:59,860
 So they're one of the few that has had that much recent success against Alabama on the hardwood.

875
00:49:00,000 --> 00:49:03,300
 But, yeah, they've figured some things out, it seems like, a little bit.

876
00:49:03,440 --> 00:49:10,800
 And the big thing is, a talented young freshman in Nate Amen is playing at a pretty high level right now,

877
00:49:11,100 --> 00:49:14,160
 averaging 21-plus points over his last five games.

878
00:49:14,500 --> 00:49:17,220
 Had a great performance against Alabama, obviously, Saturday night.

879
00:49:17,580 --> 00:49:22,260
 Followed that up with another good showing against Georgia last night, helping Tennessee pull one out in overtime.

880
00:49:22,800 --> 00:49:27,140
 You know, I've kind of thought from the start of the year this team was going to go as far in many ways

881
00:49:27,140 --> 00:49:31,080
 as Jacoby Gillespie, a point guard, and Nate Amen would allow them to.

882
00:49:31,080 --> 00:49:37,300
 And it looks like Amen is one of those freshmen that, you know, second half of the season starting to hit his stride.

883
00:49:37,360 --> 00:49:39,800
 I'm sure there still may be some bumps in the road for him at some point.

884
00:49:40,200 --> 00:49:42,760
 But he's dealt with a lot of different looks from opposing teams

885
00:49:42,760 --> 00:49:48,980
 and showed the last couple nights in particular that he can really take over a game if you give him the chance.

886
00:49:49,320 --> 00:49:51,700
 So Tennessee figuring some things out and putting it all together.

887
00:49:51,900 --> 00:49:54,800
 And as long as he keeps putting up 20-plus in a lot of games,

888
00:49:55,180 --> 00:49:59,480
 Tennessee's got a chance to make some noise, at least in March, if they keep playing at that level.

889
00:50:00,260 --> 00:50:04,780
 Yeah, I think he may be one and done, but we were very impressed.

890
00:50:04,980 --> 00:50:09,980
 And he also, Rick Barnes does a great job of creating mismatches.

891
00:50:10,620 --> 00:50:14,520
 He had a 6'3", 6'4", guard on a 6'10 player.

892
00:50:15,140 --> 00:50:18,120
 I was amazed Georgia even stayed in that game.

893
00:50:18,520 --> 00:50:27,720
 Tennessee had an incredible 52-27 rebounding advantage and 26-7 with offensive rebounds.

894
00:50:27,980 --> 00:50:36,300
 And they had to hold on to win the game in overtime, 86-85, which was Rick Barnes' 850th career win.

895
00:50:36,500 --> 00:50:38,800
 I don't think – I'm like you.

896
00:50:38,860 --> 00:50:43,840
 People are up and down with him, but he still keeps winning games every year.

897
00:50:44,580 --> 00:50:49,080
 But where can we get online to get recruiting, National Signing Day stuff,

898
00:50:49,200 --> 00:50:53,800
 any additional transfer portal, basketball, all the good stuff?

899
00:50:53,880 --> 00:50:55,080
 Where can we get it from you?

900
00:50:55,820 --> 00:50:57,780
 Yeah, lots of good stuff there, as you said.

901
00:50:57,920 --> 00:51:01,280
 Plenty of basketball coverage right now and getting ready for National Signing Day.

902
00:51:01,380 --> 00:51:06,420
 Coaches still on the road for a couple more days this week to take advantage of the final days of the January contact period.

903
00:51:06,580 --> 00:51:08,500
 So, some recruiting coverage on that end, too.

904
00:51:08,640 --> 00:51:11,300
 So, great time to check out GoVols247.com.

905
00:51:11,640 --> 00:51:17,660
 50% off an annual subscription right now and also two months for $1 if you want to go to the monthly option.

906
00:51:18,020 --> 00:51:23,140
 So, a good time to check out the site, get all that coverage and more as we get ready for spring practice just around the corner.

907
00:51:23,500 --> 00:51:25,740
 March Madness, the start of baseball season.

908
00:51:25,840 --> 00:51:27,360
 It's a fun time of year, a lot going on.

909
00:51:27,580 --> 00:51:29,380
 We'll have it all covered for you, GoVols247.

910
00:51:30,180 --> 00:51:30,940
 Spring practice.

911
00:51:31,080 --> 00:51:33,040
 We'll take some spring weather right now, as well.

912
00:51:33,100 --> 00:51:36,920
 Listen, man, Ryan, as always, stay warm up there, and thanks so much for your time today.

913
00:51:37,460 --> 00:51:37,760
 Anytime.

914
00:51:37,960 --> 00:51:38,440
 Thanks a lot, guys.

915
00:51:38,620 --> 00:51:39,020
 Thank you, buddy.

916
00:51:39,480 --> 00:51:42,120
 Ryan Callahan, GoVols247.

917
00:51:42,280 --> 00:51:45,660
 Speaking of Ryan, Ryan Fowler is going to be talking the Tide coming up in the next hour.

918
00:51:45,760 --> 00:51:47,680
 Caleb Jones is going to be talking the Auburn Tigers.

919
00:51:48,120 --> 00:51:53,520
 And the man who's making ways throughout the entire show's area, Coach Harold Higgins and Morris,

920
00:51:53,620 --> 00:51:54,740
 right ahead of the Bumbo Bunk Show.

921
00:51:54,820 --> 00:51:55,460
 Stay with us.

922
00:51:57,580 --> 00:52:03,740
 Got wine?

923
00:52:04,160 --> 00:52:07,080
 Offering 10% off six or more bottles of mix-and-match wine

924
00:52:07,080 --> 00:52:10,580
 and an unmatched selection of nearly 1,000 different wines to suit any budget,

925
00:52:10,980 --> 00:52:15,880
 the Carriage Wine & Market is your one-stop wine and craft beer destination in the heart of downtown Florence.

926
00:52:16,360 --> 00:52:18,300
 In the mood to relax and wind down?

927
00:52:18,700 --> 00:52:22,680
 Indulge in our bar service featuring fine wines, wine cocktails, and craft beers,

928
00:52:23,020 --> 00:52:25,860
 all paired perfectly with house-made small bites and charcuterie

929
00:52:25,860 --> 00:52:29,260
 and served with a smile in our cozy living room-style atmosphere.

930
00:52:29,900 --> 00:52:33,740
 Come spend a little time with us and uncork your wine journey at the Carriage Wine & Market,

931
00:52:34,140 --> 00:52:38,040
 located at 121 East Mobile Street on Mobile Plaza across from the Shoals Theater.

932
00:52:38,440 --> 00:52:38,780
 Cheers!

933
00:52:39,340 --> 00:52:41,480
 Hi, this is Christy with JC Hammond Sons.

934
00:52:41,900 --> 00:52:46,720
 Did you know that JC Hammond Sons is the oldest family-owned hitting-air business in the Shoals area?

935
00:52:46,980 --> 00:52:50,640
 Over the years, we have helped thousands of customers achieve ideal home comfort.

936
00:52:50,840 --> 00:52:56,740
 If you need help with your home comfort system, give us a call at 256-764-7386

937
00:52:56,740 --> 00:53:00,660
 or stop by our new location at 2536 Florence Boulevard.

938
00:53:00,660 --> 00:53:05,660
 JC Hammond Sons, your comfort professionals, serving the Shoals since 1952.

939
00:53:05,900 --> 00:53:08,380
 Alabama license 833-91.

940
00:53:09,640 --> 00:53:14,020
 Florence Utilities offers several ways to view and pay your utility bill.

941
00:53:14,180 --> 00:53:18,780
 Log into your account to sign up for paperless, auto-pay, text-pay to make your life easier.

942
00:53:18,940 --> 00:53:23,180
 When you go green and go paperless, you will no longer have paper bills to fill up your mailbox

943
00:53:23,180 --> 00:53:24,840
 and you'll be helping the environment.

944
00:53:25,000 --> 00:53:29,900
 To continue receiving a paper bill and an electronic bill notification, sign up for text-pay.

945
00:53:30,080 --> 00:53:31,620
 Add your email address to your account.

946
00:53:31,740 --> 00:53:36,400
 Easily view and pay your bill by clicking on the link in the text or email notification.

947
00:53:36,620 --> 00:53:40,780
 Visit FlorenceAL.org and select Utilities to register for an account.

948
00:53:40,900 --> 00:53:45,100
 Or call 256-760-6512 for more information.

949
00:53:45,500 --> 00:53:49,720
 Oh, hello. It's me, the calculator that lives inside of TaxSlayer.

950
00:53:49,900 --> 00:53:52,340
 And let me tell you, I love numbers.

951
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 1040s, 1099s, W-2s, all of them.

952
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 With TaxSlayer, anyone can file a federal return for just $22.99.

953
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 You'll get 100% accuracy and your biggest possible refund guaranteed.

954
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 Now those are great numbers.

955
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 Need help along the way?

956
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 We've got U.S.-based real human support.

957
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 File by February 8th for just $22.99 and get the refund you deserve.

958
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 TaxSlayer. File Fearlessly.

959
00:54:16,440 --> 00:54:19,360
 For delicious meals, you could go out to eat.

960
00:54:19,840 --> 00:54:21,200
 Or spend hours in the kitchen.

961
00:54:21,880 --> 00:54:24,940
 Or you could just make a Marie Callender's meal.

962
00:54:25,960 --> 00:54:27,060
 Yeah, you heard me.

963
00:54:28,180 --> 00:54:31,860
 Marie Callender's classic chicken parmigiana bowl is delicious.

964
00:54:32,400 --> 00:54:37,420
 With scratch-made marinara sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese, and no preservatives.

965
00:54:37,780 --> 00:54:40,600
 It's high in protein with 30 grams per serving.

966
00:54:41,440 --> 00:54:42,400
 Marie Callender's.

967
00:54:42,720 --> 00:54:44,840
 What having it all tastes like.

968
00:54:46,120 --> 00:54:50,880
 This new year, get started on your next success with University of Maryland Global Campus.

969
00:54:51,420 --> 00:54:53,840
 Apply now and save with no application fee.

970
00:54:54,300 --> 00:54:56,000
 Classes start February 11th.

971
00:54:56,240 --> 00:55:03,100
 An accredited state university, UMGC offers online and hybrid classes while giving you a head start on 2026.

972
00:55:03,220 --> 00:55:07,360
 Earn up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's for prior learning and experience.

973
00:55:07,860 --> 00:55:10,280
 Or transfer up to 12 credits toward a master's.

974
00:55:10,840 --> 00:55:13,280
 Learn more at UMGC.edu.

975
00:55:13,820 --> 00:55:15,620
 Certified to operate in Virginia by Chev.

976
00:55:17,620 --> 00:55:20,900
 Welcome back to, uh, yeah, that's a pepper thing.

977
00:55:21,620 --> 00:55:25,620
 First up, we've got Harrison wrapping his Dr. Pepper in a tiny quilt so it feels at home.

978
00:55:26,220 --> 00:55:27,160
 Oh, how tender.

979
00:55:27,440 --> 00:55:28,800
 That's a pepper thing.

980
00:55:29,000 --> 00:55:31,300
 And over to Becca who's whispering affirmations to her can.

981
00:55:31,460 --> 00:55:31,980
 You're sweet.

982
00:55:32,280 --> 00:55:32,820
 You're unique.

983
00:55:33,020 --> 00:55:34,780
 You're the best thing I ever poured over ice.

984
00:55:34,860 --> 00:55:36,140
 She swears it makes it taste better.

985
00:55:36,320 --> 00:55:38,500
 It's not a science thing, but it's a pepper thing.

986
00:55:38,700 --> 00:55:39,640
 Why do they all do it?

987
00:55:39,800 --> 00:55:43,480
 All for that sweet, delicious, truly one-of-a-kind taste of Dr. Pepper.

988
00:55:43,900 --> 00:55:45,320
 It's a pepper thing.

989
00:55:46,580 --> 00:55:49,980
 Do you know what to do if you're stuck on the railroad crossing?

990
00:55:50,360 --> 00:55:51,480
 Get out of your vehicle.

991
00:55:51,960 --> 00:55:56,500
 If a train is not approaching, find the blue and white emergency notification system sign

992
00:55:56,500 --> 00:55:58,240
 on the traffic signs at the crossing.

993
00:55:58,840 --> 00:56:02,460
 For help, call the number on the sign and give them the crossing number

994
00:56:02,460 --> 00:56:05,480
 so they know your location and can alert train traffic.

995
00:56:06,000 --> 00:56:09,240
 Remember, find the blue and white to save your life.

996
00:56:09,660 --> 00:56:12,600
 For more information, visit oli.org.

997
00:56:16,580 --> 00:56:23,180
 The Lakin-Riley Act has passed out of the Judiciary Committee from within the Alabama House.

998
00:56:23,340 --> 00:56:25,840
 The bill is being offered by State Representative Ernie Yarbrough

999
00:56:25,840 --> 00:56:29,120
 and is similar to federal law that was passed in Congress just last year.

1000
00:56:29,320 --> 00:56:33,840
 The bill allows for state-based law enforcement to partner with federal law enforcement agencies

1001
00:56:33,840 --> 00:56:36,160
 in order to deport criminal illegal aliens.

1002
00:56:36,420 --> 00:56:40,040
 An amendment offered by Democrats last year has been included in this bill.

1003
00:56:40,040 --> 00:56:44,120
 That amendment specifies that nothing in the bill will limit or abridge the rights

1004
00:56:44,120 --> 00:56:48,160
 recognized by the Alabama Constitution or the U.S. Constitution.

1005
00:56:48,560 --> 00:56:52,680
 Yarbrough tells 1819 News that he has talked with the House and State Senate leadership

1006
00:56:52,680 --> 00:56:56,360
 and both House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senate President Garland Gudger

1007
00:56:56,360 --> 00:56:58,160
 want to see this bill get passed.

1008
00:56:58,460 --> 00:57:00,820
 I'll be back with more Alabama stories after this.

1009
00:57:00,880 --> 00:57:03,680
 Where I was living was not a great place to live anymore.

1010
00:57:04,020 --> 00:57:05,980
 I began to pray for a place to go,

1011
00:57:06,160 --> 00:57:08,760
 praying for all of these things that a nine-year-old would want.

1012
00:57:08,760 --> 00:57:12,520
 I wanted horses, big house with a bunch of people my age.

1013
00:57:12,660 --> 00:57:14,560
 I wanted parents. I wanted a mom and a dad.

1014
00:57:14,920 --> 00:57:18,800
 Before I even prayed it, the Lord had already answered my prayer with the Big Oak Ranch.

1015
00:57:18,980 --> 00:57:22,080
 Who would that nine-year-old be if she never came to the Big Oak Ranch?

1016
00:57:22,260 --> 00:57:27,200
 I would be trying to fight for survival instead of fighting to break a cycle.

1017
00:57:27,420 --> 00:57:30,940
 Big Oak Ranch, a Christian home for children needing a chance.

1018
00:57:30,940 --> 00:57:36,520
 UAB Hospital out of Birmingham has announced a successful robotic kidney transplant surgery.

1019
00:57:36,800 --> 00:57:40,780
 Doctors performed that surgery with robotic arms on January 15th.

1020
00:57:40,880 --> 00:57:45,120
 This type of robotic surgery has only been done in medicine for the past five years.

1021
00:57:45,340 --> 00:57:50,240
 The use of the robotic arms limits the size and amount of cuts that are made in a person's abdomen.

1022
00:57:50,920 --> 00:57:55,040
 A state grant is going to be used by the city of Mobile to improve two waterfront areas.

1023
00:57:55,140 --> 00:58:00,260
 $7.5 million is coming from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, or GOMESA.

1024
00:58:00,400 --> 00:58:05,280
 The money will be split in order to help the Brookley-by-the-Bay and Cooper-Riverside Park.

1025
00:58:05,280 --> 00:58:11,240
 For more news affecting Alabamians, go to 1819news.com.

1026
00:58:11,520 --> 00:58:14,360
 And while you're there, subscribe to the daily newsletter.

1027
00:58:17,740 --> 00:58:22,680
 Valley Broadcasting Corporation, WITK-FM, Rogersville, Athens, Decatur, The Shores.

1028
00:58:22,920 --> 00:58:25,100
 Sports Radio 93.9 The Score.

1029
00:58:25,560 --> 00:58:29,520
 High school basketball season is here, and is your home for Florence Falcons athletics.

1030
00:58:29,920 --> 00:58:32,880
 93.9 The Score is proud to bring you a select lineup of games.

1031
00:58:32,880 --> 00:58:36,180
 This Friday, the Falcons play host to the Muscle Shoals Trojans.

1032
00:58:36,520 --> 00:58:39,160
 Their time is approximately 7.15 with a tip at 7.30.

1033
00:58:39,480 --> 00:58:40,880
 Here on 93.9 The Score.

1034
00:58:41,640 --> 00:58:44,040
 Florence Falcons basketball is brought to you by

1035
00:58:44,040 --> 00:58:46,360
 Florence Utilities, Florence City Schools,

1036
00:58:46,800 --> 00:58:49,000
 the law firm of Johnson, Pasteur, Medley & Birchel,

1037
00:58:49,320 --> 00:58:50,800
 North Alabama Bone & Joint Clinic,

1038
00:58:51,060 --> 00:58:52,040
 T&T Fireworks,

1039
00:58:52,380 --> 00:58:53,060
 Yogurt Mountain,

1040
00:58:53,340 --> 00:58:53,820
 Whataburger,

1041
00:58:54,280 --> 00:58:55,260
 Singing River Dentistry,

1042
00:58:55,560 --> 00:58:56,220
 Bank Independent,

1043
00:58:56,720 --> 00:58:57,400
 Lost Pizza,

1044
00:58:57,860 --> 00:58:58,560
 Irons Electric,

1045
00:58:59,060 --> 00:59:00,160
 Cypress Creek Range,

1046
00:59:00,160 --> 00:59:02,360
 and Hennigar Johnson & Layton Insurance.

1047
00:59:02,740 --> 00:59:03,900
 Florence and Muscle Shoals.

1048
00:59:04,120 --> 00:59:07,300
 This Friday night at approximately 7.15 on 93.9 The Score.

1049
00:59:08,580 --> 00:59:10,240
 Hey, Florence Falcons fans.

1050
00:59:10,540 --> 00:59:11,600
 Can't make it to the games?

1051
00:59:12,120 --> 00:59:14,940
 Join Kevin Johnson and the rest of the Falcons radio crew

1052
00:59:14,940 --> 00:59:17,420
 streaming live on the 93.9 The Score app.

1053
00:59:18,200 --> 00:59:20,340
 Available for both Apple and Android users.

1054
00:59:20,780 --> 00:59:23,740
 Live streams are also available on your Amazon Alexa devices.

1055
00:59:24,460 --> 00:59:27,240
 Just ask Alexa to tune in to 93.9 The Score.

1056
00:59:27,240 --> 00:59:28,540
 And go Falcons!

1057
00:59:29,480 --> 00:59:31,720
 93.9 The Score weather.

1058
00:59:32,040 --> 00:59:34,780
 Today, partly sunny with a high around 45.

1059
00:59:35,540 --> 00:59:37,500
 Tonight, partly cloudy with a low near 25.

1060
00:59:38,340 --> 00:59:41,760
 Tomorrow, partly sunny with possible gusty winds and a high around 40.

1061
00:59:42,300 --> 00:59:44,720
 Tomorrow night, mostly cloudy with a low near 15.

1062
00:59:45,240 --> 00:59:48,180
 And for your Saturday, partly sunny with a high around 25.

1063
00:59:48,180 --> 00:59:51,480
 Your weather from 93.9 The Score.

1064
00:59:55,080 --> 01:00:03,900
 Now, get ready to roll Shoals, Decatur, Athens, and all of Northwest Alabama and Southern Tennessee.

1065
01:00:04,540 --> 01:00:07,920
 It's time for the Valley's exclusive FM Sports Voice.

1066
01:00:10,920 --> 01:00:13,160
 The Boomo Bugg Show.

1067
01:00:13,760 --> 01:00:15,860
 Your exclusive inside track to the Tide.

1068
01:00:16,000 --> 01:00:18,960
 Tigers, Tennessee, and the rest of the SEC.

1069
01:00:19,760 --> 01:00:25,180
 Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9 The Score.

1070
01:00:28,060 --> 01:00:30,600
 Welcome back in, hour two of the Boomo Bugg Show.

1071
01:00:30,720 --> 01:00:32,620
 I'm Harold Bugg, alongside Brett Beaird.

1072
01:00:32,760 --> 01:00:36,080
 Appreciate very much the very free ride around the Tennessee Valley.

1073
01:00:36,220 --> 01:00:38,100
 And BB, obviously, a lot to get through today.

1074
01:00:38,180 --> 01:00:40,860
 We're going to be getting to Coach Gerald Higgins here in a second.

1075
01:00:41,420 --> 01:00:44,420
 But we're actually getting with Caleb Jones and the Auburn Tigers.

1076
01:00:44,540 --> 01:00:47,580
 Your thoughts about this Auburn basketball team, BB.

1077
01:00:47,780 --> 01:00:50,580
 I mean, at one point in the season, everybody kind of giving up on them.

1078
01:00:50,980 --> 01:00:57,400
 And then over the last week, basically what Auburn's doing is what a lot of teams in the SEC are doing.

1079
01:00:57,800 --> 01:00:59,740
 You just cannot predict any team.

1080
01:00:59,820 --> 01:01:03,920
 I don't matter how good they are one game or how bad they are in one game.

1081
01:01:04,780 --> 01:01:05,960
 Well, they're playing better.

1082
01:01:05,960 --> 01:01:14,300
 I think some of this is the adjustment Stephen Pearl needed to make as a new head basketball coach in the SEC.

1083
01:01:14,540 --> 01:01:19,260
 You know, they've won four out of their last five games, including four in a row.

1084
01:01:19,400 --> 01:01:21,200
 Texas jumped on them last night.

1085
01:01:21,280 --> 01:01:24,900
 In fact, they had an early 14-point lead.

1086
01:01:25,100 --> 01:01:27,980
 Texas was shooting the eyes out of the basket.

1087
01:01:28,140 --> 01:01:40,760
 And then as Stephen Pearl said in the postgame, that they would lose their three-point ability.

1088
01:01:41,060 --> 01:01:44,040
 And they cooled off in the second half.

1089
01:01:44,160 --> 01:01:45,920
 And Auburn took advantage of that.

1090
01:01:46,840 --> 01:01:50,820
 Hull, who they had helped several teams that held him back, had a big game.

1091
01:01:50,940 --> 01:01:56,080
 Keyshawn Hull, Kevin Overton combined for 56 points.

1092
01:01:56,240 --> 01:01:58,020
 Auburn only hit three turnovers.

1093
01:01:58,240 --> 01:02:02,560
 And again, that's one of the things that Nate Olsen hasn't gotten a lot of credit for this year.

1094
01:02:03,000 --> 01:02:07,300
 They're not turning the ball over nearly as much as what they have.

1095
01:02:07,440 --> 01:02:10,620
 But, no, Auburn is playing really well right now.

1096
01:02:11,080 --> 01:02:14,100
 Now, they're going to Knoxville this weekend.

1097
01:02:14,100 --> 01:02:15,000
 That's going to be tough.

1098
01:02:15,100 --> 01:02:18,100
 Then they've got a bye for the midweek game.

1099
01:02:18,200 --> 01:02:21,780
 And then some team by the name of Alabama comes to Auburn.

1100
01:02:22,120 --> 01:02:25,080
 I believe it's 3.30 Saturday week.

1101
01:02:25,400 --> 01:02:27,200
 I'm looking at a milk carton here.

1102
01:02:27,340 --> 01:02:29,480
 Have you seen Bruce Pearl anytime soon?

1103
01:02:29,560 --> 01:02:32,020
 I mean, you're talking about a guy that was rocking and rolling.

1104
01:02:32,240 --> 01:02:37,100
 And basically, he comes to one day and says, I'm passing the baton to my son.

1105
01:02:38,380 --> 01:02:41,480
 Where's Bruce these days, baby, besides being on a milk carton somewhere?

1106
01:02:41,860 --> 01:02:48,380
 Well, I think he's kind of stepped aside to let Stephen try to be the face of the program now.

1107
01:02:48,580 --> 01:02:50,560
 Believe me, Bruce is in the background.

1108
01:02:51,560 --> 01:02:54,980
 And that's another reason he didn't run for a political office.

1109
01:02:55,120 --> 01:02:59,560
 But he's kind of there to help Stephen, I'm sure, put a game plan together.

1110
01:02:59,700 --> 01:03:06,020
 But, yeah, he's kind of standing away right now, letting Stephen get more adjusted to coaching.

1111
01:03:07,140 --> 01:03:10,960
 But I mentioned they only had three turnovers in that game.

1112
01:03:11,120 --> 01:03:19,200
 In the second half, they shot 70% from the field and 66% from the three-point line.

1113
01:03:19,340 --> 01:03:21,380
 That's going to win a lot of basketball games.

1114
01:03:21,780 --> 01:03:25,200
 Now, let's face it, basketball to me is a marathon.

1115
01:03:25,600 --> 01:03:26,700
 It's not a sprint.

1116
01:03:27,140 --> 01:03:32,000
 Obviously, in our neck of the woods, it's hard to get away from a football approach to things

1117
01:03:32,000 --> 01:03:34,740
 because everybody, oh, my gosh, you lost, the world's over.

1118
01:03:35,440 --> 01:03:37,200
 In basketball, every team loses.

1119
01:03:37,460 --> 01:03:38,840
 At some point, you're going to lose.

1120
01:03:38,940 --> 01:03:40,160
 I don't care how good you are.

1121
01:03:40,360 --> 01:03:42,780
 And no matter how bad you are, you're going to win at some point.

1122
01:03:43,140 --> 01:03:45,260
 The key is to get it together at the right time.

1123
01:03:45,300 --> 01:03:46,760
 And it's hard to believe, is it not, BB?

1124
01:03:47,260 --> 01:03:49,240
 We're basically a month away from March Madness.

1125
01:03:49,320 --> 01:03:53,220
 To me, it's going to be interesting to see who can get their team on track

1126
01:03:53,220 --> 01:03:54,920
 and peaking at the right time.

1127
01:03:55,260 --> 01:03:57,820
 And while we're on that topic, let's talk about Alabama.

1128
01:03:59,160 --> 01:04:00,600
 And everybody's trying to pick on them.

1129
01:04:00,660 --> 01:04:03,420
 If you're an Alabama fan, I see a lot of input, and you do, too.

1130
01:04:03,540 --> 01:04:05,980
 They're down on his team because they lose ball games.

1131
01:04:06,160 --> 01:04:08,040
 Just like we mentioned, everybody's going to lose them.

1132
01:04:08,280 --> 01:04:10,640
 To me, the biggest concern is not a talent level.

1133
01:04:10,820 --> 01:04:12,880
 To me, they've got as much talent as anybody.

1134
01:04:13,040 --> 01:04:18,400
 The big head-scratcher to me so far on the Alabama team has been just putting it all together

1135
01:04:18,400 --> 01:04:20,500
 and concentrating from beginning to end.

1136
01:04:20,620 --> 01:04:23,380
 It's almost like they go out, they lose their focus.

1137
01:04:23,940 --> 01:04:25,760
 It doesn't matter how much they're ahead.

1138
01:04:26,220 --> 01:04:27,400
 They can blow that lead.

1139
01:04:27,500 --> 01:04:29,860
 It doesn't matter how far they're behind on the other side of the coin.

1140
01:04:30,260 --> 01:04:32,500
 They've got such a potent offense, they can catch up with you.

1141
01:04:33,100 --> 01:04:37,440
 It's amazing that we're sitting here having the same subject about the Alabama basketball team

1142
01:04:37,440 --> 01:04:39,560
 that we had about the Alabama football team.

1143
01:04:39,560 --> 01:04:44,820
 That is, what's it going to take to be more consistent from the beginning of the game to the end?

1144
01:04:45,320 --> 01:04:47,800
 Well, I think he's got their attention a little bit.

1145
01:04:47,920 --> 01:04:54,940
 As he said, our primary focus against Missouri, they won that game 90-64 with stops,

1146
01:04:55,180 --> 01:04:57,220
 was the defensive play.

1147
01:04:57,700 --> 01:05:00,060
 That's one of the big things I've noticed with Auburn.

1148
01:05:00,820 --> 01:05:03,980
 They've been kind of hot and cold shooting the ball,

1149
01:05:04,060 --> 01:05:07,380
 but their defense has really picked up, particularly in the post.

1150
01:05:07,600 --> 01:05:10,900
 But he wanted to see if they can make stops against Missouri.

1151
01:05:11,140 --> 01:05:13,980
 Now, I want to see if they can make stops against Florida.

1152
01:05:14,580 --> 01:05:18,640
 Again, that game is Sunday at 12 in Gainesville.

1153
01:05:18,840 --> 01:05:19,600
 It's on ABC.

1154
01:05:21,600 --> 01:05:29,520
 And, Harold, their biggest problem is Thomas Hawk and Condon and Chenilu.

1155
01:05:29,700 --> 01:05:33,340
 All these trees they've got in the post.

1156
01:05:34,120 --> 01:05:40,620
 Again, can Aidan Shirell and Bidiaco guard those guys without fouling?

1157
01:05:41,700 --> 01:05:51,260
 But, again, it seems to take Nate about 15 games during the season to get this team playing defense the way he wants them to.

1158
01:05:51,400 --> 01:05:55,100
 Sometimes the guards basically forget how to play it.

1159
01:05:55,220 --> 01:06:00,220
 So, they've played better than what they have earlier in the year.

1160
01:06:00,660 --> 01:06:03,620
 We'll see because they've got a very tough stretch coming up.

1161
01:06:03,740 --> 01:06:05,280
 Again, you've got Florida Sunday.

1162
01:06:05,980 --> 01:06:08,780
 You've got Texas A&M in the midweek game next week.

1163
01:06:08,780 --> 01:06:08,920
 Oh, boy.

1164
01:06:08,940 --> 01:06:11,720
 Then you've got Auburn at Auburn.

1165
01:06:12,060 --> 01:06:17,200
 And, again, that was what was so critical for them to come back and beat Missouri.

1166
01:06:17,800 --> 01:06:19,560
 That's the issue in this league now.

1167
01:06:19,560 --> 01:06:23,440
 You take a week off, you're going to lose two or three consecutive games.

1168
01:06:23,880 --> 01:06:30,520
 Yeah, you thought, I mean, if this game was without Bidiaco, I got a feeling that Alabama would be in trouble.

1169
01:06:30,620 --> 01:06:32,740
 And the reason I say that, it's not they don't have the talent.

1170
01:06:33,160 --> 01:06:38,020
 But you look at a roster similar to Florida's and how's Alabama done against Purdue, against Arizona,

1171
01:06:38,160 --> 01:06:40,360
 and some of these other tall, drink-of-water teams.

1172
01:06:40,820 --> 01:06:41,700
 They haven't done that well.

1173
01:06:41,780 --> 01:06:46,100
 To me, it's going to be interesting now to see how Alabama does, not with one guy,

1174
01:06:46,100 --> 01:06:49,260
 but two big guys to kind of defend that part of the court, baby.

1175
01:06:49,740 --> 01:06:52,080
 Well, that's going to be the key to the game to me now.

1176
01:06:52,200 --> 01:06:56,820
 Alabama has better guards than Florida, but Florida's got better post players.

1177
01:06:57,640 --> 01:07:04,580
 And in a game like this, on the road, it's going to be so critical as far as Amari Allen.

1178
01:07:04,720 --> 01:07:06,420
 Are they going to be able to get him back?

1179
01:07:06,520 --> 01:07:10,540
 He has really been a revelation for Alabama so far.

1180
01:07:10,680 --> 01:07:17,060
 But it's going to be a key, Aiden Sherrell and Bidiaco are going to have to stay out of foul trouble if they can.

1181
01:07:17,180 --> 01:07:20,060
 Alabama has a tough time matching up with Florida.

1182
01:07:20,840 --> 01:07:26,040
 And Todd Golden, of course, told everybody last week, well, we don't care if Bidiaco plays or not.

1183
01:07:26,120 --> 01:07:27,160
 We're still going to beat them.

1184
01:07:27,660 --> 01:07:33,020
 And unfortunately, he's put his money where his mouth is for the last two or three times.

1185
01:07:33,700 --> 01:07:39,160
 But if Alabama can stay out of foul trouble and the guards can shoot the ball and they play a little bit of defense,

1186
01:07:39,640 --> 01:07:41,420
 this game may go down to the wire.

1187
01:07:41,960 --> 01:07:44,400
 Yeah, and again, you can hear that game Sunday.

1188
01:07:44,580 --> 01:07:47,920
 Sunday is the NASCAR guy who would say, here on 93.9, the score.

1189
01:07:47,980 --> 01:07:50,480
 You brought up a guy that I think is very intriguing.

1190
01:07:50,740 --> 01:07:54,420
 And did the league need the Bucky ball or not?

1191
01:07:54,420 --> 01:07:59,340
 It was pretty predictable because, let's face it, obviously we have on our friend David Weathers.

1192
01:08:00,320 --> 01:08:02,960
 Nobody does it better when it comes to baseball than David.

1193
01:08:03,060 --> 01:08:05,220
 Almost two decades in the MLB.

1194
01:08:05,920 --> 01:08:11,140
 And according to David, baseball, in effect, why even pay a manager to come to the dugout?

1195
01:08:11,520 --> 01:08:13,040
 Just get an iPad and go check.

1196
01:08:13,120 --> 01:08:16,940
 In other words, everybody's all about the analytics and all that stuff.

1197
01:08:18,060 --> 01:08:22,500
 And the league, let's face it, Alabama and Auburn have been guilty of that.

1198
01:08:22,500 --> 01:08:29,080
 And here comes Bucky, and he's bringing basically an old-fashioned cash register to the game.

1199
01:08:29,380 --> 01:08:35,400
 Your thoughts about how his style of play, and to be honest, sometimes somebody who's brand new,

1200
01:08:35,800 --> 01:08:40,940
 they get off the hot start, they run up to big numbers, and then the other teams, as they say, adjust.

1201
01:08:41,580 --> 01:08:45,800
 We said all the time in baseball, somebody would come up and they got a 100-mile-an-hour fastball,

1202
01:08:45,860 --> 01:08:49,860
 and the teams adjust, or somebody can come up and hit .350 in the first month,

1203
01:08:49,860 --> 01:08:53,000
 and then they basically struggle to hit .200 of the rest once the teams adjust.

1204
01:08:53,440 --> 01:08:57,320
 But your thoughts on how refreshing it is to see Bucky, from his background,

1205
01:08:57,760 --> 01:09:02,540
 to come into a premier league at the SEC, and right now, he's the man.

1206
01:09:03,560 --> 01:09:07,020
 Harold, one of the reasons they're so successful,

1207
01:09:07,700 --> 01:09:12,180
 he spends so much time trying to teach his team to make steals.

1208
01:09:12,740 --> 01:09:19,940
 They press you literally full court and then half court, and if you watch a lot of basketball,

1209
01:09:20,160 --> 01:09:24,640
 and particularly the SEC, you don't see very much of that unless you've got a close game.

1210
01:09:25,100 --> 01:09:31,080
 Well, he does it when they step off the bus, and a lot of teams are just not ready for that.

1211
01:09:31,140 --> 01:09:38,000
 But particularly in the full court press, they did this with Auburn.

1212
01:09:38,100 --> 01:09:41,920
 Auburn had a double-digit lead, and it was just one steal.

1213
01:09:42,120 --> 01:09:44,220
 They would steal the ball, make two passes.

1214
01:09:44,440 --> 01:09:50,300
 They'd hit a three, and they came back and dissolved a 12-point lead and win a hand.

1215
01:09:50,300 --> 01:09:56,140
 But, again, especially known as Bucky Ball, he did it at Mountain Brook in high school,

1216
01:09:56,260 --> 01:09:57,320
 did it at Sanford.

1217
01:09:57,880 --> 01:09:59,420
 Now he's doing it at Texas A&M.

1218
01:09:59,480 --> 01:10:03,340
 I thought it might take them about a year, but they have come in.

1219
01:10:03,460 --> 01:10:07,480
 They're now 71 in the conference, and that's just it.

1220
01:10:07,600 --> 01:10:10,720
 They steal the ball, pass it out, make two or three passes.

1221
01:10:10,900 --> 01:10:14,400
 They don't dribble very much either, and then they shoot the three,

1222
01:10:14,520 --> 01:10:16,720
 and a lot of times it goes in.

1223
01:10:17,040 --> 01:10:18,220
 Yeah, well, he was close.

1224
01:10:18,320 --> 01:10:20,000
 We only went off about 11 months.

1225
01:10:20,060 --> 01:10:23,860
 He just came in, and let's face it, that gets in the head of a lot of these guys

1226
01:10:23,860 --> 01:10:26,920
 in practice, all these guys trying to get the ball across the midstrap.

1227
01:10:26,920 --> 01:10:30,540
 That gets in their head all week long, so they got something else to think about

1228
01:10:30,540 --> 01:10:31,380
 come game time.

1229
01:10:31,780 --> 01:10:32,680
 B.B., let's switch gears.

1230
01:10:32,840 --> 01:10:35,560
 We alluded to this and go to football.

1231
01:10:36,160 --> 01:10:39,460
 I'm looking at some of the numbers here for the Auburn Tigers,

1232
01:10:39,460 --> 01:10:47,320
 and you may have updated numbers, but their 39th signee via the transfer portal,

1233
01:10:47,740 --> 01:10:55,400
 Carlos Boardingham, not the old Buckingham 60s group, but Boardingham, 39 transfers.

1234
01:10:55,600 --> 01:10:57,840
 Is this going to work?

1235
01:10:57,900 --> 01:11:01,540
 Speaking of new coaches in the league for Auburn's new top tiger?

1236
01:11:02,080 --> 01:11:03,840
 Daryl, that's the question with this.

1237
01:11:03,840 --> 01:11:09,220
 I don't think there's any doubt about this, that they've got some talented kids.

1238
01:11:09,380 --> 01:11:11,200
 Now, some of these are death pieces.

1239
01:11:11,940 --> 01:11:17,340
 They had to start over, basically, at tight end, and I think they've done a good job with

1240
01:11:17,340 --> 01:11:17,660
 that.

1241
01:11:17,880 --> 01:11:22,440
 Now, Golich was at the Senior Bowl yesterday, and they asked him,

1242
01:11:22,580 --> 01:11:23,960
 are you just about done?

1243
01:11:24,020 --> 01:11:25,040
 And he said, yes.

1244
01:11:25,220 --> 01:11:33,040
 Now, we may add one or two more to this, but that's the key to me, is the chemistry.

1245
01:11:33,820 --> 01:11:43,180
 Now, the offensive line, Ramil, Joe Simmons, Colt Bast, who came from South Florida, I believe

1246
01:11:43,180 --> 01:11:46,720
 20 of this 39 are from South Florida.

1247
01:11:47,220 --> 01:11:47,540
 Wow.

1248
01:11:47,720 --> 01:11:48,800
 They've got a lot of depth.

1249
01:11:48,960 --> 01:11:51,380
 They've got 18 offensive linemen.

1250
01:11:51,860 --> 01:11:56,080
 Started over at tight end, Jake Johnson, from what I hear, is going to be the starter.

1251
01:11:56,260 --> 01:11:58,100
 You mentioned Boardingham.

1252
01:11:58,800 --> 01:12:02,920
 He's going to be, they went from nearly zero tight ends now.

1253
01:12:03,040 --> 01:12:04,020
 I think they've got eight.

1254
01:12:04,440 --> 01:12:04,720
 Wow.

1255
01:12:05,260 --> 01:12:11,840
 Running back is Jeremiah Cobb, the projected starter, but Bryson Washington from Baylor is

1256
01:12:11,840 --> 01:12:12,800
 awfully good.

1257
01:12:13,360 --> 01:12:16,440
 Meadows, who they picked up as their 38th transfer.

1258
01:12:17,600 --> 01:12:24,840
 Receivers, Keyshawn Singleton from South Florida, Jeremiah Coger, Neal Broad, I think they're

1259
01:12:24,840 --> 01:12:25,680
 going to be good.

1260
01:12:26,820 --> 01:12:29,360
 Defensively, they've got the numbers.

1261
01:12:29,540 --> 01:12:33,040
 Rayshawn Pleasant is going to be a mainstay at cornerback.

1262
01:12:33,580 --> 01:12:36,200
 Andre Johnson, the safety and nickel champ.

1263
01:12:36,320 --> 01:12:37,120
 Anthony's back.

1264
01:12:37,260 --> 01:12:39,900
 Sylvester Smith is back.

1265
01:12:40,560 --> 01:12:43,660
 I think they bring back a lot of the linebackers.

1266
01:12:43,660 --> 01:12:47,540
 I think they're going to be DeMarcus Riddick, Bryce Deese.

1267
01:12:48,060 --> 01:12:51,800
 Our bank, Xavier Ankins, one of the best linebackers in the SEC.

1268
01:12:52,220 --> 01:12:54,020
 But to answer your question, yes.

1269
01:12:54,520 --> 01:12:56,300
 They've got the talent, Harold.

1270
01:12:56,440 --> 01:13:00,860
 I think they're going to have better coaching, particularly on the offensive side of the

1271
01:13:00,860 --> 01:13:01,180
 ball.

1272
01:13:01,640 --> 01:13:02,400
 It just can't.

1273
01:13:02,480 --> 01:13:04,380
 Can the team mash and work together?

1274
01:13:04,780 --> 01:13:06,520
 I wonder if he's playing golf in this weather.

1275
01:13:06,680 --> 01:13:10,700
 And by the way, if you become Auburn's 40th signee, can you at least give me a five-minute

1276
01:13:10,700 --> 01:13:11,480
 heads up on the day?

1277
01:13:11,840 --> 01:13:11,980
 Yeah.

1278
01:13:12,420 --> 01:13:18,140
 In the meantime, a heads up when it comes to big coaching news at the entire Shoals area.

1279
01:13:18,380 --> 01:13:20,300
 Coach Daryl Higgins on deck.

1280
01:13:20,400 --> 01:13:20,980
 Stay with us.

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 From the University of Alabama, this is Crimson Tide Today.

1353
01:17:03,660 --> 01:17:06,800
 It's a daily update on Bama sports and it's brought to you by Crimson Drive,

1354
01:17:06,920 --> 01:17:10,840
 driven by NASCAR, streaming live at 2 p.m. Central each Tuesday and Thursday

1355
01:17:10,840 --> 01:17:16,440
 on all CTSN social media platforms at UA underscore CTSN.

1356
01:17:16,780 --> 01:17:17,480
 Hello again, everybody.

1357
01:17:17,720 --> 01:17:18,500
 I'm Roger Hoover.

1358
01:17:18,920 --> 01:17:25,340
 On Thursday's edition of Crimson Drive, driven by NASCAR, we'll be joined by Alabama men's basketball forward, Aiden Shirell.

1359
01:17:25,520 --> 01:17:28,180
 I've seen those numbers go way up so far this season.

1360
01:17:28,480 --> 01:17:30,100
 What's a lot of success getting all these blocks?

1361
01:17:30,940 --> 01:17:33,020
 Definitely Oates challenging me for sure.

1362
01:17:33,180 --> 01:17:35,940
 During the summer, he was like, we need a rim protector.

1363
01:17:36,240 --> 01:17:40,380
 So I had to lock in and just take that role.

1364
01:17:41,180 --> 01:17:41,640
 That's good.

1365
01:17:41,760 --> 01:17:43,380
 Anything individually you've worked on?

1366
01:17:43,620 --> 01:17:46,540
 Did you have to change your body at all in any ways to be more effective?

1367
01:17:47,540 --> 01:17:51,600
 Yeah, like, yeah, like obviously over the summer, I did like slim down for sure.

1368
01:17:51,740 --> 01:17:56,200
 But like, like I've been, I've been in with the GAs and managers.

1369
01:17:56,440 --> 01:17:58,300
 They've been getting a lot of work in.

1370
01:17:58,440 --> 01:18:00,820
 So it's just been a lot of hard work.

1371
01:18:00,880 --> 01:18:01,660
 That's pretty much it.

1372
01:18:01,920 --> 01:18:04,060
 I was pretty sure I was going here for a while.

1373
01:18:04,180 --> 01:18:06,320
 So I was watching a lot of their games.

1374
01:18:06,420 --> 01:18:09,160
 So you're living and dying in the NCAA tournament like we were, right?

1375
01:18:09,320 --> 01:18:10,420
 I'll have more in a moment.

1376
01:18:11,960 --> 01:18:15,140
 Hey, Bama fans, each Tuesday and Thursday at 2 p.m. Central,

1377
01:18:15,140 --> 01:18:18,260
 join us live for Crimson Drive, driven by NASCAR.

1378
01:18:18,660 --> 01:18:21,960
 This live streaming talk show features the latest on Alabama athletics

1379
01:18:21,960 --> 01:18:25,200
 with exclusive conversations with Tide student-athletes,

1380
01:18:25,500 --> 01:18:29,460
 coaches, and media members giving their perspective on the Crimson Tide.

1381
01:18:29,800 --> 01:18:32,060
 You can watch on YouTube, Facebook, and X

1382
01:18:32,060 --> 01:18:36,340
 with all conversations archived as well on the Alabama Insider Podcast.

1383
01:18:36,780 --> 01:18:39,620
 Roll Tide with Crimson Drive, driven by NASCAR.

1384
01:18:40,720 --> 01:18:43,960
 Join us tonight for Alabama women's basketball at Georgia.

1385
01:18:43,960 --> 01:18:46,800
 Tip-off from Athens is set for 5.30 p.m. Central,

1386
01:18:47,000 --> 01:18:49,780
 with our coverage on the network starting at 5.15 p.m.

1387
01:18:50,120 --> 01:18:53,900
 Crimson Tide Today is brought to you by Crimson Drive, driven by NASCAR.

1388
01:18:54,280 --> 01:18:58,160
 Crimson Tide Today is a production of the Crimson Tide Sports Network from Learfield.

1389
01:18:58,680 --> 01:18:59,740
 The Score.

1390
01:19:00,200 --> 01:19:06,320
 Welcome back in.

1391
01:19:06,320 --> 01:19:11,940
 It is an absolute pleasure for us to have you on board with us and for Coach Daryl Higgins to hook up with us.

1392
01:19:12,020 --> 01:19:14,420
 Coach, welcome in, and please forgive me.

1393
01:19:14,900 --> 01:19:19,020
 I almost said head coach at Mars Hill, Daryl Higgins.

1394
01:19:19,420 --> 01:19:20,400
 I stand corrected.

1395
01:19:20,600 --> 01:19:22,540
 It's Daryl Higgins, head coach at Russell.

1396
01:19:22,700 --> 01:19:22,980
 Hi.

1397
01:19:23,180 --> 01:19:24,060
 How are you?

1398
01:19:24,600 --> 01:19:25,660
 Oh, I'm doing good.

1399
01:19:25,880 --> 01:19:26,540
 How are you doing?

1400
01:19:27,140 --> 01:19:27,520
 How are you doing?

1401
01:19:27,580 --> 01:19:28,380
 We're doing all right.

1402
01:19:28,460 --> 01:19:39,660
 Coach, obviously, big news, and I'm just guessing that this is one of those deals where you sat down at the dinner table over the beans and taters and cornbread and had a major conversation with the family.

1403
01:19:39,660 --> 01:19:52,200
 Talk to us about a big decision after 10 seasons, four state championships, if I missed one, please forgive me, at Mars Hill, and now heading on down to Franklin County to become the new top Golden Tiger at Russell High.

1404
01:19:52,960 --> 01:19:54,960
 It was definitely a huge decision.

1405
01:19:55,260 --> 01:19:57,420
 Those were 10 wonderful years.

1406
01:19:57,520 --> 01:20:01,280
 I spent 22 years at Deschers, so I don't move around a lot.

1407
01:20:01,440 --> 01:20:07,800
 When I go somewhere, I like to build relationships and meet people, and I couldn't ask for a better 10 years.

1408
01:20:07,800 --> 01:20:12,880
 And the way everything went at Mars Hill, but Russellville was just an opportunity.

1409
01:20:13,200 --> 01:20:20,220
 I've been praying about it, and Lord, open up the doors, and so I'm here now, and I'm wide open, both feet on the ground, hitting it running.

1410
01:20:21,920 --> 01:20:23,460
 I bet that is correct.

1411
01:20:23,840 --> 01:20:35,760
 Daryl, we want to talk about the transition to Russellville, but we've talked with a lot of media and heard from some of the coaches about their thoughts on the big developments last Friday

1412
01:20:35,760 --> 01:20:44,040
 as far as reclassification, and particularly the public and private schools splitting off for their own championship series.

1413
01:20:44,560 --> 01:20:49,940
 And I know that the private schools are going to continue to play the public schools.

1414
01:20:50,780 --> 01:20:55,320
 Deschers plays Mars Hill, for example, the last game of the year.

1415
01:20:55,320 --> 01:21:01,020
 But for a lot of the private schools, Westminster and Hustleville is a good example.

1416
01:21:01,640 --> 01:21:09,540
 Louis LeBlanc's got four games that are going to, as far as travel, it's two and a half to four hours.

1417
01:21:10,260 --> 01:21:21,240
 In the other sports, during the week, basketball or volleyball, for private schools in particular, you've got a lot of travel on a weekday.

1418
01:21:21,240 --> 01:21:28,620
 Daryl, your thoughts on the Alabama High School Athletic Association splitting public and private schools now?

1419
01:21:29,660 --> 01:21:31,900
 I just think it's terrible.

1420
01:21:32,180 --> 01:21:34,040
 I don't see anybody winning out of this.

1421
01:21:34,680 --> 01:21:36,700
 The private schools are not happy about it.

1422
01:21:36,740 --> 01:21:38,260
 The public schools are not happy about it.

1423
01:21:38,260 --> 01:21:46,380
 It's just something that was not a lot of thought as far as what it's going to make some of these private schools travel

1424
01:21:46,380 --> 01:21:48,600
 and do some things, trying to come up with a region.

1425
01:21:49,180 --> 01:21:55,140
 It's a very disappointing decision for everybody I've talked to that was with the private schools and the public schools.

1426
01:21:56,560 --> 01:21:58,900
 Nobody's better qualified to delve deeper into that.

1427
01:21:58,960 --> 01:22:00,900
 But let's back up, Coach, and talk to you.

1428
01:22:00,960 --> 01:22:01,800
 You mentioned praying.

1429
01:22:02,560 --> 01:22:05,800
 Obviously, you also mentioned when you go somewhere, you like to stay somewhere.

1430
01:22:06,000 --> 01:22:09,260
 Talk to us about some of the factors that led to your decision.

1431
01:22:10,880 --> 01:22:11,240
 Absolutely.

1432
01:22:11,240 --> 01:22:16,480
 I was really excited about moving into the 4A and being able to play that.

1433
01:22:17,000 --> 01:22:19,560
 Had the team come back I thought could win that.

1434
01:22:20,800 --> 01:22:26,520
 Everything I do is based on praying and what the Lord has pointed directions to do.

1435
01:22:26,740 --> 01:22:29,240
 A lot of things started adding up to Russellville.

1436
01:22:30,000 --> 01:22:35,100
 I guess the final thing was when they split the schools off into their own division.

1437
01:22:35,240 --> 01:22:37,560
 We couldn't come back and try to win the 4A.

1438
01:22:37,560 --> 01:22:42,660
 I felt like that was the Lord saying, all right, it's the opportunity I've opened up the door for you.

1439
01:22:42,780 --> 01:22:44,080
 It's time for me to step in.

1440
01:22:44,940 --> 01:22:48,080
 And the other thing, let's face it, this is a business world, too.

1441
01:22:48,240 --> 01:22:51,760
 I would imagine Marseille Private, fantastic school.

1442
01:22:51,860 --> 01:22:55,940
 But the public school, as far as going forward, you mentioned 22 years at Desher.

1443
01:22:56,060 --> 01:23:01,300
 It probably is a big factor also trying to make sure that you look down the road in terms of the pension.

1444
01:23:02,660 --> 01:23:03,060
 Absolutely.

1445
01:23:03,060 --> 01:23:07,440
 I knew when I came to Marseille at some point, I was going to have to leave.

1446
01:23:07,540 --> 01:23:13,940
 I really planned on probably leaving a lot sooner than I did, but I never could find a time to do it.

1447
01:23:14,020 --> 01:23:19,460
 I never found a school that had the tradition and the things that Russellville had at all worked out at the same time.

1448
01:23:19,700 --> 01:23:21,640
 My oldest son, Hudson, just graduated.

1449
01:23:21,740 --> 01:23:22,740
 He started at UAB.

1450
01:23:23,100 --> 01:23:25,380
 So all the things kind of lined up.

1451
01:23:25,460 --> 01:23:27,320
 If there was ever time to do it, now is the time.

1452
01:23:28,320 --> 01:23:41,940
 Let me ask you about, not so much starting over, you're so experienced, but on the field, teaching these young men about the wing T, that doesn't happen overnight.

1453
01:23:42,600 --> 01:23:59,960
 But just, again, as you mentioned, going back to relationships, meeting the parents, meeting the kids, meeting the administration, so many things that you've got to do.

1454
01:23:59,960 --> 01:24:06,120
 Talk about your plan, your vision as far as getting started at Russellville.

1455
01:24:06,720 --> 01:24:20,520
 And I know you've got a list as long as you're arm as far as all the things that you've got to do, even getting ready for spring practice as far as implementing the wing T, getting ready if you're going to do a spring game.

1456
01:24:20,520 --> 01:24:26,420
 Talk a little bit about some of your plans as far as just simply getting started at Russellville.

1457
01:24:26,900 --> 01:24:28,400
 Well, you've got it right.

1458
01:24:28,480 --> 01:24:29,980
 There's a whole lot of things to think about.

1459
01:24:30,080 --> 01:24:37,260
 Right now, I'm just trying to get my feet on the ground, figure out which way to go to my office, which way to get to the lunchroom, where everybody's at.

1460
01:24:38,900 --> 01:24:43,260
 I sat for two days in the snow waiting to meet these kids.

1461
01:24:43,620 --> 01:24:45,560
 That's really what I'm in the business about.

1462
01:24:45,700 --> 01:24:46,840
 I couldn't wait to meet the kids.

1463
01:24:47,000 --> 01:24:50,280
 I couldn't wait to learn their names, get to know them, learn their story.

1464
01:24:50,280 --> 01:24:51,260
 What makes them go.

1465
01:24:52,300 --> 01:24:58,160
 That's really my concern right now is I want to get in here, get to know these kids, and build a relationship with them.

1466
01:24:58,520 --> 01:25:01,220
 All the X's and O's, all that kind of stuff is down the road.

1467
01:25:01,620 --> 01:25:02,500
 Let's get in here.

1468
01:25:02,900 --> 01:25:05,000
 Let's work like I know how to work.

1469
01:25:05,120 --> 01:25:07,940
 Let's do the things that I know create success.

1470
01:25:08,800 --> 01:25:10,160
 Everybody's got their own way to do it.

1471
01:25:10,240 --> 01:25:11,740
 Mine, there's nothing special about it.

1472
01:25:11,780 --> 01:25:13,280
 It's just the way I know how to do it.

1473
01:25:13,280 --> 01:25:24,120
 Every day you go in and you clock in and you bring it every day with maximum energy, effort, attitude, and do it as hard as you can and leave out of that day with the win that day.

1474
01:25:25,260 --> 01:25:31,640
 Once you're saying, Coach, if you can improve 1% each day, you'll be 365% better in one year.

1475
01:25:32,140 --> 01:25:40,900
 You obviously, would you also agree that a successful team has a great head coach and the head coach has a great staff?

1476
01:25:41,040 --> 01:25:44,080
 Talk to us about maybe some of the staff folks joining your team there.

1477
01:25:45,140 --> 01:25:50,520
 Well, there's already a lot of great coaches here, and I'm just meeting them, getting to know them, a great staff here.

1478
01:25:51,000 --> 01:25:54,740
 I've been fortunate to be able to bring our defensive coordinator, Will Kilpatrick.

1479
01:25:54,820 --> 01:25:56,140
 He's going to get started over here.

1480
01:25:56,340 --> 01:25:58,460
 He's been two years as a defensive coordinator.

1481
01:25:58,660 --> 01:26:02,680
 He's two state championships in, so he's done an outstanding job.

1482
01:26:03,180 --> 01:26:08,840
 Chris Ballantyne's a guy that I think is one of the best coaches, period, that's ever done it around here,

1483
01:26:08,840 --> 01:26:11,700
 and he's going to come over here with us and get back at it.

1484
01:26:11,700 --> 01:26:18,680
 And John Mothershed is the guy I call my mentor and the guy that I've always, you know,

1485
01:26:18,740 --> 01:26:23,160
 he's a lot better coach than me at every phase of it, and so he's going to be here with us,

1486
01:26:23,320 --> 01:26:27,880
 and I need him, and he means so much to me as a coach and as a person.

1487
01:26:28,020 --> 01:26:32,520
 I'm really excited about those guys and getting to know these coaches that are already here.

1488
01:26:33,880 --> 01:26:37,800
 Darrell, as competitive of an individual as you are, I know you,

1489
01:26:38,180 --> 01:26:40,960
 some people have a love-hate relationship with this.

1490
01:26:40,960 --> 01:26:42,160
 I've talked to several people.

1491
01:26:42,300 --> 01:26:47,740
 They call it now the region of doom, Class 5A, Region 7.

1492
01:26:48,680 --> 01:26:52,880
 Some teams going up, some teams coming down or coming over from another region,

1493
01:26:53,000 --> 01:27:00,500
 but Athens, Austin, Decatur, East Lifestone, Florence, Hartzell, Muscle Shoals, Russell.

1494
01:27:00,500 --> 01:27:06,340
 Man, you talk about it's a playoff game every Friday night,

1495
01:27:06,420 --> 01:27:11,580
 and I know you've been so busy trying to, with relationships, but I'll tell you what,

1496
01:27:11,620 --> 01:27:14,020
 if you wanted some competition, you got it now.

1497
01:27:14,880 --> 01:27:18,360
 Well, we used to try to schedule up and try to find some people that was really good,

1498
01:27:18,560 --> 01:27:22,280
 and right now, I mean, we don't have to do anything that's right here in the track yard,

1499
01:27:22,480 --> 01:27:27,780
 and so, you know, these are some of the best teams, moving from 7A to top teams in 6A,

1500
01:27:27,860 --> 01:27:31,840
 and just kind of push down into this 5A, and I told these guys here, I said,

1501
01:27:31,880 --> 01:27:35,160
 if you're a competitor, and you want to compete and go against the best,

1502
01:27:35,240 --> 01:27:37,240
 then you could have an opportunity every week right here.

1503
01:27:37,320 --> 01:27:41,380
 There's nowhere else that's going to play this kind of schedule and get this kind of competition,

1504
01:27:41,540 --> 01:27:44,340
 so we're just right now really talking to the guys in the school,

1505
01:27:44,700 --> 01:27:48,960
 all the ones that play, and we're probably shell-shocked when that schedule came out,

1506
01:27:49,040 --> 01:27:50,960
 but the ones that didn't play, get them back out here,

1507
01:27:50,960 --> 01:27:56,340
 and let's go out and put a product on the field that no matter who we play or what's going on,

1508
01:27:56,440 --> 01:27:58,480
 it'll look like Russell football's supposed to look.

1509
01:27:59,380 --> 01:28:03,500
 I guarantee when they see Russell there, that feeling's going to be a shell-shocked too,

1510
01:28:03,560 --> 01:28:07,700
 which means, Coach, if you will, talk to us, for all of us old-timers who know the tradition

1511
01:28:07,700 --> 01:28:10,640
 there at Russell High, what was the old saying back in the day,

1512
01:28:10,700 --> 01:28:13,160
 you know you're serious when the high school team has a jumbotron.

1513
01:28:13,440 --> 01:28:17,660
 Talk to us about the tradition and how prideful that community is in the football team.

1514
01:28:18,980 --> 01:28:22,000
 This community is so excited for football.

1515
01:28:22,180 --> 01:28:24,620
 They love football, and that's where I'm right at home.

1516
01:28:24,820 --> 01:28:28,440
 I mean, that's just right in my wheelhouse with a lot of people that love football,

1517
01:28:28,720 --> 01:28:31,240
 love sports, love kids and competing.

1518
01:28:31,880 --> 01:28:34,580
 A lot of tradition, which means they take it serious,

1519
01:28:34,820 --> 01:28:39,140
 and their grandparents and great-grandparents and everybody's a part of it,

1520
01:28:39,140 --> 01:28:41,320
 and it means a lot to do it right.

1521
01:28:41,500 --> 01:28:45,040
 And so I'm very blessed and humbled to be able to be the coach here.

1522
01:28:45,120 --> 01:28:47,220
 It's something that I would have never dreamed happened,

1523
01:28:47,380 --> 01:28:49,160
 and so I'm so thankful to have this opportunity.

1524
01:28:50,560 --> 01:28:50,960
 Absolutely.

1525
01:28:51,300 --> 01:28:54,340
 And listen, we appreciate the opportunity to spend a few minutes with you.

1526
01:28:54,420 --> 01:28:58,640
 We'll let you get back to it again, get back to that to-do list.

1527
01:28:59,060 --> 01:29:03,200
 Listen, we have always enjoyed our conversations with you over the years.

1528
01:29:03,360 --> 01:29:05,100
 Tremendous success at Morris Hill.

1529
01:29:05,660 --> 01:29:08,500
 I know you're very proud of what you were able to build there.

1530
01:29:09,060 --> 01:29:11,800
 God bless you and the players, the team, and the staff.

1531
01:29:11,800 --> 01:29:14,780
 And listen, good luck putting everything together,

1532
01:29:14,900 --> 01:29:17,020
 and we look forward to talking with you again soon.

1533
01:29:17,620 --> 01:29:18,460
 Thank you so much.

1534
01:29:18,520 --> 01:29:19,740
 I appreciate y'all having me on the show.

1535
01:29:20,620 --> 01:29:21,060
 Absolutely.

1536
01:29:21,200 --> 01:29:22,300
 Thanks for taking time out.

1537
01:29:22,400 --> 01:29:26,480
 Coach Daryl Higgins, Russellville High football coach.

1538
01:29:26,900 --> 01:29:31,380
 What's going on down in Tuscaloosa, right down the road south of Russellville in Tuscaloosa?

1539
01:29:31,520 --> 01:29:32,520
 Ryan Fowler on deck.

1540
01:29:32,600 --> 01:29:33,160
 Stay with us.

1541
01:29:37,700 --> 01:29:39,020
 Roll Tide, Bama fans.

1542
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 This is Key, the Cypress Creek Indoor Range.

1543
01:29:41,300 --> 01:29:43,940
 Alabama football has the proudest football tradition in the country.

1544
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 We got that from great facilities, the top athletes in the nation, and focused practices.

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 Our staff is second to none in knowledge, service, and training,

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 We're located at 5060 Highway 157 on the web at cypresscreekrange.com

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 At First Metro Bank, we don't just do business in the show's community.

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 Empty plates, empty tables, empty stomachs.

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 That's why he made the KFC $5 bowls, like the famous bowl.

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 Creamy mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, corn, gravy, and cheese.

1564
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 Because the only empty the colonel liked was when you reached the bottom of that bowl.

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 The colonel lived, so we could chicken.

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 These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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 Welcome back to, uh, yeah, that's a pepper thing.

1591
01:32:15,100 --> 01:32:19,100
 First up, we've got Harrison wrapping his Dr. Pepper in a tiny quilt so it feels at home.

1592
01:32:19,240 --> 01:32:20,640
 Oh, how tender.

1593
01:32:20,940 --> 01:32:22,300
 That's a pepper thing.

1594
01:32:22,500 --> 01:32:24,780
 And over to Becca who's whispering affirmations to her can.

1595
01:32:24,940 --> 01:32:25,480
 You're sweet.

1596
01:32:25,760 --> 01:32:26,300
 You're unique.

1597
01:32:26,500 --> 01:32:28,260
 You're the best thing I ever poured over ice.

1598
01:32:28,360 --> 01:32:29,640
 She swears it makes it taste better.

1599
01:32:29,800 --> 01:32:31,980
 It's not a science thing, but it's a pepper thing.

1600
01:32:32,220 --> 01:32:33,120
 Why do they all do it?

1601
01:32:33,260 --> 01:32:36,960
 All for that sweet, delicious, truly, one-of-a-kind taste of Dr. Pepper.

1602
01:32:37,480 --> 01:32:38,820
 It's a pepper thing.

1603
01:32:39,840 --> 01:32:42,780
 Progressive presents the Sports Flash on 93-9.

1604
01:32:43,140 --> 01:32:43,760
 The score.

1605
01:32:44,100 --> 01:32:48,260
 The Auburn Tigers were winners last night as Auburn beat Texas 88-82.

1606
01:32:48,540 --> 01:32:50,140
 Keyshawn Hall had 31 points.

1607
01:32:50,480 --> 01:32:55,420
 Auburn is now 14-7 on the year and 5-3 in the SEC.

1608
01:32:56,160 --> 01:32:58,400
 Tonight, Troy's at home to take on James Madison.

1609
01:32:58,400 --> 01:33:00,320
 The Trojans 8-1 in the Sun Belt.

1610
01:33:00,640 --> 01:33:02,900
 South Alabama will host Coastal Carolina.

1611
01:33:02,900 --> 01:33:06,260
 The Jaguars are 5-3 in Sun Belt play.

1612
01:33:06,600 --> 01:33:09,620
 North Alabama plays on the road tonight at Florida Gulf Coast.

1613
01:33:10,120 --> 01:33:12,360
 The Lions are 1-6 in the A-Sun.

1614
01:33:12,780 --> 01:33:14,260
 Mids basketball action last night.

1615
01:33:14,340 --> 01:33:18,740
 The Georgia Bulldogs were edged at home by Tennessee in overtime 86-85.

1616
01:33:19,260 --> 01:33:21,960
 Kenned catchings had 22 points and 7 rebounds.

1617
01:33:21,960 --> 01:33:26,080
 Georgia is 16-5 in the year, 4-4 in the SEC.

1618
01:33:26,640 --> 01:33:30,900
 Bundle auto and home, renters or condo, and save with Progressive.

1619
01:33:31,040 --> 01:33:36,480
 I'm John Thayer with the Sports Flash presented by Progressive on 93.9, the score.

1620
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1626
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1627
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1628
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1629
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1630
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1631
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1632
01:34:09,200 --> 01:34:10,500
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1633
01:34:10,500 --> 01:34:13,600
 We know exactly what you're not thinking about right now.

1634
01:34:14,160 --> 01:34:14,780
 Wiper blades.

1635
01:34:15,420 --> 01:34:21,100
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1636
01:34:21,780 --> 01:34:22,100
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1637
01:34:22,480 --> 01:34:24,940
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1638
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1639
01:34:27,940 --> 01:34:31,380
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1640
01:34:31,860 --> 01:34:37,360
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1641
01:34:38,060 --> 01:34:38,540
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1642
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1643
01:34:40,500 --> 01:34:41,880
 The score.

1644
01:34:42,380 --> 01:34:47,140
 Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.

1645
01:34:47,660 --> 01:34:47,960
 The score.

1646
01:34:47,960 --> 01:34:48,460
 Welcome back in.

1647
01:34:48,480 --> 01:34:54,920
 Maybe you remember back in the day, way back yonder when people had time off this time of the year.

1648
01:34:55,140 --> 01:34:58,740
 All of a sudden, this thing called sports, it never rests.

1649
01:34:58,820 --> 01:34:59,620
 We got the portal.

1650
01:34:59,740 --> 01:35:00,160
 We got this.

1651
01:35:00,240 --> 01:35:04,360
 We got that, including the Senior Bowl on the other end of the state.

1652
01:35:04,900 --> 01:35:08,600
 Back in the day, it just seemed like it stole more headlines.

1653
01:35:09,300 --> 01:35:13,340
 What are you hearing out of the other end of the state with the Senior Bowl this week?

1654
01:35:13,960 --> 01:35:16,020
 Yeah, I think Ryan's ready with us.

1655
01:35:16,020 --> 01:35:19,900
 In fact, he actually was down there for a few days, Harold Bugg.

1656
01:35:19,900 --> 01:35:33,660
 I've heard certainly the Alabama players who were there, the three of them, and had quite some extensive comments, and particularly about some of the breakout candidates for 2026.

1657
01:35:34,160 --> 01:35:38,880
 Some of the young guys, and I bet Ryan Fowler learned a little bit about that this week.

1658
01:35:39,280 --> 01:35:40,500
 He's in the middle of the huddle dinner.

1659
01:35:40,500 --> 01:35:44,000
 I wonder if he has increased his stock value as far as the draft.

1660
01:35:44,000 --> 01:35:44,900
 Yep, he has.

1661
01:35:45,260 --> 01:35:55,320
 When he's not working on an NFL career, or maybe even better, an NIL deal instead of the NFL, he is host of the game on Tide 109 FM in a place called Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

1662
01:35:55,580 --> 01:35:56,660
 Ryan, welcome in.

1663
01:35:57,080 --> 01:35:57,960
 You're all over the place.

1664
01:35:58,280 --> 01:35:59,100
 Tuscaloosa, Mobile.

1665
01:35:59,360 --> 01:36:00,000
 How are you?

1666
01:36:01,120 --> 01:36:03,060
 Yeah, and I'm actually back in Tuscaloosa.

1667
01:36:03,300 --> 01:36:05,320
 I pulled out of the Senior Bowl because of an injury.

1668
01:36:05,500 --> 01:36:19,360
 I don't know if you guys have got that wire, but actually I came back, and you guys are not going to believe this, but we had a team down at the Senior Bowl from our station, and I ended up going down.

1669
01:36:19,360 --> 01:36:26,400
 I come back because I wanted to go to the NCAA hearing for Charles Bediaco on Tuesday morning.

1670
01:36:27,020 --> 01:36:32,000
 We get a notice that they have pushed that back to Friday morning.

1671
01:36:32,780 --> 01:36:37,980
 Sorry, I'm trying to park at the radio station.

1672
01:36:38,100 --> 01:36:40,940
 We've got the guy that's blocking the entire road here.

1673
01:36:41,660 --> 01:36:44,040
 No, we'll send Barney down and get that straight in the middle.

1674
01:36:44,300 --> 01:36:51,520
 Well, no, no, I mean, I'm trying to get in the office, and we've got an 18-wheeler that has literally got the entire block.

1675
01:36:51,620 --> 01:36:53,120
 Tell me your name is Ryan Fowler.

1676
01:36:53,200 --> 01:36:54,400
 You're a big shot there, okay?

1677
01:36:55,060 --> 01:36:55,960
 Let me in.

1678
01:36:55,960 --> 01:37:01,860
 I feel like I'm Alabama trying to get through Indiana's offensive line.

1679
01:37:02,020 --> 01:37:02,860
 Oh, my goodness.

1680
01:37:03,420 --> 01:37:04,260
 That bad, huh?

1681
01:37:04,440 --> 01:37:05,120
 That bad.

1682
01:37:06,160 --> 01:37:11,500
 There is not a – I cannot get a Toyota through that hole right there.

1683
01:37:11,840 --> 01:37:12,320
 Oh, my.

1684
01:37:12,340 --> 01:37:13,120
 Keep trying.

1685
01:37:13,260 --> 01:37:13,620
 Keep trying.

1686
01:37:14,180 --> 01:37:15,460
 For just a couple of hours.

1687
01:37:16,220 --> 01:37:16,840
 Let me try.

1688
01:37:17,100 --> 01:37:20,920
 Hey, didn't Ryan Grubb just keep running the football, and they were getting no averages.

1689
01:37:20,920 --> 01:37:20,920
 Really?

1690
01:37:20,920 --> 01:37:26,600
 But let me see if I can run it in here for 1.9 yards.

1691
01:37:27,240 --> 01:37:28,840
 Boy, look, guys, I made it through.

1692
01:37:29,640 --> 01:37:30,380
 There you go.

1693
01:37:30,680 --> 01:37:33,960
 We knocked you through it.

1694
01:37:35,560 --> 01:37:37,660
 I pulled the other guard and got in there.

1695
01:37:38,080 --> 01:37:50,380
 But to go back to the NCAA and the Charles Mediaco case, I came back to cover that, and the NCAA could not get here because the weather was inclement weather.

1696
01:37:50,520 --> 01:37:53,380
 Well, we offered to go get them in this truck.

1697
01:37:53,600 --> 01:37:59,160
 I've got a winch and I've got four-wheel drive, and they still wouldn't come, and then they filed a recusal.

1698
01:37:59,660 --> 01:38:07,620
 I think the NCAA just lied to us, okay, because I don't think they had any trouble getting down to the title town.

1699
01:38:08,080 --> 01:38:09,320
 Do they have an internet?

1700
01:38:09,320 --> 01:38:10,980
 Do they have an internet and a Zoom camera?

1701
01:38:11,120 --> 01:38:12,680
 I mean, why do you have to be there in the flesh?

1702
01:38:13,980 --> 01:38:16,000
 Well, it was just an excuse, guys.

1703
01:38:16,420 --> 01:38:18,800
 I mean, let's start with integrity.

1704
01:38:19,160 --> 01:38:19,840
 They don't have it.

1705
01:38:21,200 --> 01:38:27,440
 And, guys, we're watching the NCAA lose credibility that really they didn't have.

1706
01:38:28,160 --> 01:38:30,020
 And we're going to watch this case.

1707
01:38:30,400 --> 01:38:36,120
 I'm sure you guys have seen it today out of Fresno, accusing Ole Miss of tampering.

1708
01:38:36,480 --> 01:38:46,120
 And if you think college football is going crazy right now because of tampering and everything that's happened in the world at NIL,

1709
01:38:46,960 --> 01:38:54,440
 if there's nothing that happens to Ole Miss, then these coaches are going to go 100-5 in a 55-5.

1710
01:38:55,120 --> 01:38:59,380
 I mean, because if we think it's the wild, wild west now, if they know that –

1711
01:38:59,380 --> 01:39:06,940
 and I think, listen, if you look back at Alex Goulash, Goulash, I'm aggravating.

1712
01:39:07,820 --> 01:39:12,100
 But Alex said this yesterday that we really don't have any rules.

1713
01:39:12,460 --> 01:39:13,220
 He's dead on the money.

1714
01:39:13,740 --> 01:39:15,920
 He is dead on the money.

1715
01:39:17,320 --> 01:39:20,260
 I thought his audio clip of talking about, you know,

1716
01:39:20,260 --> 01:39:24,180
 he said you almost have to go back and just have to say, you know,

1717
01:39:24,240 --> 01:39:29,220
 that we have to have the football gods, I think is the way he said it.

1718
01:39:29,380 --> 01:39:29,740
 Right.

1719
01:39:29,740 --> 01:39:36,800
 Is you kind of allow them to kind of determine, well, I promise you, the football gods, whoever they are,

1720
01:39:37,180 --> 01:39:41,760
 they're not doing a good job right now because it's crazy.

1721
01:39:42,100 --> 01:39:45,820
 And I've got to blame – and you've heard me say this before.

1722
01:39:46,720 --> 01:39:51,060
 We must – because we pretend, you know, we covered the NCAA.

1723
01:39:52,400 --> 01:39:53,980
 It's kind of like when we blame the government.

1724
01:39:54,120 --> 01:39:55,120
 We say the government.

1725
01:39:55,300 --> 01:39:56,680
 We're not going to blame our politicians.

1726
01:39:56,680 --> 01:39:58,080
 You call them by name.

1727
01:39:58,680 --> 01:40:01,180
 You know, you say these are the – that's who it is.

1728
01:40:01,520 --> 01:40:04,840
 And so when we look at the NCAA, who makes up the NCAA?

1729
01:40:06,100 --> 01:40:09,880
 Well, it's commissioners, Greg Sankey.

1730
01:40:10,600 --> 01:40:14,260
 Unfortunately, you've done a poor, pitiful job the last couple of years.

1731
01:40:14,860 --> 01:40:21,680
 And that's where we're at currently in the world of college football where there are no rules.

1732
01:40:21,680 --> 01:40:25,160
 And nobody's abiding by those rules.

1733
01:40:25,600 --> 01:40:26,560
 Nobody respects them.

1734
01:40:27,140 --> 01:40:33,700
 And if this happens, and Dabo, which I thought had one of the best cases, he did your homework for you.

1735
01:40:33,880 --> 01:40:34,220
 He did.

1736
01:40:34,220 --> 01:40:35,780
 He did your investigative reporting.

1737
01:40:36,240 --> 01:40:46,740
 And if you're not going to enforce the rules that we have, then, guys, I don't know if this model is truly sustainable in the world of college athletics.

1738
01:40:47,080 --> 01:40:48,120
 I don't think it is.

1739
01:40:48,660 --> 01:40:48,860
 Yeah.

1740
01:40:49,380 --> 01:40:56,220
 And I know that people get tired of talking about the NIL, but, guys, we're watching a sport go to its knees.

1741
01:40:56,800 --> 01:40:57,200
 Yep.

1742
01:40:57,800 --> 01:41:06,160
 And there's nothing – I mean, tell me another system out here that has absolutely no rules that's able to sustain itself.

1743
01:41:07,160 --> 01:41:10,540
 I don't know of anything in life that we have no rules.

1744
01:41:11,320 --> 01:41:14,680
 Well, you can't go 100 miles an hour in a school zone just because you want to.

1745
01:41:14,740 --> 01:41:16,080
 There's reasons for those rules.

1746
01:41:16,080 --> 01:41:19,380
 What's going to happen Friday in your guesstimation with the Mediaco case?

1747
01:41:26,440 --> 01:41:27,800
 It'll be next Friday.

1748
01:41:27,940 --> 01:41:28,820
 I think they'll win the case.

1749
01:41:28,820 --> 01:41:29,440
 I mean, next Friday.

1750
01:41:29,440 --> 01:41:29,920
 I really do.

1751
01:41:31,800 --> 01:41:32,400
 Say it again.

1752
01:41:33,380 --> 01:41:34,780
 Yeah, I think they'll win the case.

1753
01:41:35,080 --> 01:41:37,140
 I think Charles Mediaco will win his case.

1754
01:41:38,020 --> 01:41:44,300
 I don't think they would have put that temper – I know it's a different judge, but he's still abiding by the same rules.

1755
01:41:45,400 --> 01:41:49,420
 I think when you step back and begin to look at it, I think he'll win his case.

1756
01:41:49,420 --> 01:42:08,800
 I think that – and I wonder if NATO did this to raise awareness based on the rule structure of the European players because –

1757
01:42:08,800 --> 01:42:10,100
 think about this.

1758
01:42:10,540 --> 01:42:18,060
 A week and a half ago, did your average college basketball fan realize that there was this many European players playing?

1759
01:42:19,500 --> 01:42:19,820
 No.

1760
01:42:20,180 --> 01:42:21,200
 Well, not only that, Ryan.

1761
01:42:21,220 --> 01:42:21,880
 Here's the other side.

1762
01:42:21,940 --> 01:42:26,620
 How many guys in college are making more money than some of these NBA guys with a light contract?

1763
01:42:29,940 --> 01:42:30,620
 It's true.

1764
01:42:30,900 --> 01:42:31,340
 It's true.

1765
01:42:31,660 --> 01:42:37,160
 And I think that's where you're looking at the college side of things, and it's paying a ton of cash.

1766
01:42:38,440 --> 01:42:38,800
 Yeah.

1767
01:42:39,100 --> 01:42:40,320
 I mean, it really is.

1768
01:42:40,440 --> 01:42:41,600
 In other words, what's a pro, Hal?

1769
01:42:41,680 --> 01:42:43,900
 How do you define a pro is the question?

1770
01:42:44,180 --> 01:42:45,340
 Great question, Harold.

1771
01:42:45,480 --> 01:42:46,180
 Great question.

1772
01:42:46,440 --> 01:42:47,020
 Great question.

1773
01:42:47,140 --> 01:42:49,540
 How do you define a pro?

1774
01:42:50,060 --> 01:42:50,360
 Yeah.

1775
01:42:50,360 --> 01:42:55,280
 I think that is a very, very fair question.

1776
01:42:57,780 --> 01:43:07,200
 Yeah, we were – I think when you look at professional athletes, we used to find – I mean, think about in the 90s when you accepted a small payment,

1777
01:43:07,340 --> 01:43:08,920
 and that made you ineligible to play.

1778
01:43:09,480 --> 01:43:12,740
 Now, it goes back to following no rules.

1779
01:43:12,940 --> 01:43:15,640
 There are no rules in college athletics.

1780
01:43:15,640 --> 01:43:20,880
 I mean, you're making more in the college arena.

1781
01:43:21,200 --> 01:43:24,040
 Now, guys, what's going to happen when we get to the system?

1782
01:43:25,160 --> 01:43:29,720
 Is that what's going to set up an NFL player that's drafted?

1783
01:43:29,840 --> 01:43:30,960
 Let's just say seventh round.

1784
01:43:31,640 --> 01:43:33,040
 Let's say the seventh round.

1785
01:43:33,800 --> 01:43:36,240
 And he doesn't like his draft spot.

1786
01:43:37,080 --> 01:43:37,320
 Yep.

1787
01:43:37,360 --> 01:43:38,500
 Is he going to come back?

1788
01:43:38,960 --> 01:43:39,340
 Right.

1789
01:43:39,580 --> 01:43:40,000
 Is he –

1790
01:43:40,000 --> 01:43:41,560
 Diego Paglia would be an example.

1791
01:43:42,780 --> 01:43:53,240
 Well, and because the NCAA, we don't even declare eligibility for, you know, as far as the – they let them play seven, eight years.

1792
01:43:53,820 --> 01:44:00,100
 I mean, guys, when I say there are no rules, I don't know which ones we are following currently.

1793
01:44:00,600 --> 01:44:05,300
 Now, and I understand Charles Bediaco case, you can have a strong opinion.

1794
01:44:05,420 --> 01:44:06,380
 I've got a strong opinion.

1795
01:44:06,980 --> 01:44:11,360
 I question whether he should or should not be playing, and I think that's fair.

1796
01:44:12,360 --> 01:44:18,320
 But I also look at it, and I say, guys, it's currently the wild, wild west.

1797
01:44:18,380 --> 01:44:21,480
 And I think Nate Oates did it for a couple different reasons.

1798
01:44:21,580 --> 01:44:23,980
 I think, one, he did it to better his team.

1799
01:44:24,500 --> 01:44:31,440
 But I think the second motivation was to raise an awareness about the European players.

1800
01:44:31,640 --> 01:44:39,780
 And I've got to be honest with you, I did not realize there was this many European players just playing in this league.

1801
01:44:39,820 --> 01:44:48,040
 And when I say European players that are professionals there, that had been playing, like, they're coming in as a freshman.

1802
01:44:49,100 --> 01:44:57,140
 I think the kid at Baylor, I know he's not SEC, but I believe he's a freshman on the eligibility side.

1803
01:44:57,220 --> 01:45:02,260
 In other words, he could play four more years out in Baylor, James Nodgy.

1804
01:45:03,040 --> 01:45:07,580
 So, the kid, I believe, at Auburn that came in from Minnesota.

1805
01:45:07,580 --> 01:45:08,320
 Yeah, Joe Vick.

1806
01:45:08,660 --> 01:45:09,560
 Yeah, Joe Vick.

1807
01:45:10,400 --> 01:45:14,860
 Yeah, I think he is also, he's 22, 23?

1808
01:45:15,600 --> 01:45:16,000
 Yes.

1809
01:45:16,280 --> 01:45:18,560
 There is, maybe he's 21.

1810
01:45:18,860 --> 01:45:21,560
 But, I mean, if he played four years, he'd be 25.

1811
01:45:22,800 --> 01:45:28,240
 There's going to have to be a clock that's going to have to say, it's kind of like when you walk out in peewee football,

1812
01:45:28,900 --> 01:45:32,740
 and you go, well, hey, this age group's here, this white class is here.

1813
01:45:32,740 --> 01:45:37,160
 But, right now, we haven't, like, I don't know who's in charge.

1814
01:45:37,680 --> 01:45:39,060
 Because the NCAA's not going to do it.

1815
01:45:39,920 --> 01:45:41,880
 The commissioner's going to be asked to do it.

1816
01:45:41,960 --> 01:45:43,080
 I think that's the big question.

1817
01:45:44,140 --> 01:45:49,000
 Let me ask you about what you saw or heard in the senior bowl.

1818
01:45:49,200 --> 01:45:53,640
 Kellen DeBoer met with the media impromptu yesterday for about 15 minutes.

1819
01:45:54,320 --> 01:46:00,080
 One thing he did say, and the Tuscaloosa News sports staff has followed up with this,

1820
01:46:00,280 --> 01:46:04,800
 is that Marion Latham, they seem to be optimistic.

1821
01:46:05,060 --> 01:46:11,400
 He's going to receive a seventh year, and that would be huge to get him back on the defensive line.

1822
01:46:12,020 --> 01:46:19,200
 Tim Keenan talked to a lot of the media and named some names who he thought was going to have a really good year.

1823
01:46:19,380 --> 01:46:29,880
 London Simmons, Jeremiah Beeman coming back, Faga, Kevante Henry, he loves Andrew Hill, and Day-John Lee.

1824
01:46:30,920 --> 01:46:38,200
 Tell us what you've heard about Latham, Marion Latham, and what else did you hear down there?

1825
01:46:38,660 --> 01:46:46,880
 Well, I think when you look at, Jermaine Latham is going to be a really good piece because we've been talking about age.

1826
01:46:47,600 --> 01:46:57,480
 And the way to get through this is if you can get a player that's eligible, chances are a 22-year-old, 23-year-old player is going.

1827
01:46:57,580 --> 01:47:00,660
 That's one of the reasons why Indiana was able to win the national model.

1828
01:47:00,800 --> 01:47:07,920
 I'm not taking away from what they were able to accomplish, but I think the average age of their team was like 23-and-a-half.

1829
01:47:08,360 --> 01:47:15,500
 It was 23 and some change is what the average age of the Indiana team was.

1830
01:47:17,240 --> 01:47:19,180
 And so that's the trick.

1831
01:47:19,300 --> 01:47:24,260
 Jermaine Latham is going to play a vital role because he's a depth piece.

1832
01:47:24,800 --> 01:47:31,700
 And I just have to trust what Chase Goodbread and Colin Gay from the Tuskos News, they're the ones who reported that.

1833
01:47:32,260 --> 01:47:36,000
 Kalen was not as committed to kind of saying that.

1834
01:47:36,720 --> 01:47:39,680
 Kane Womack is the one that said that.

1835
01:47:39,860 --> 01:47:42,480
 So I got to at least got to say that.

1836
01:47:43,180 --> 01:47:51,820
 I don't, you know, you base it, and I don't think Kane would tell a fib, but based on if he is a big piece.

1837
01:47:51,920 --> 01:47:57,960
 But I also heard what you heard with Tim Keenan when you look back at listening to him.

1838
01:47:58,080 --> 01:48:01,540
 I mean, he named the entire defensive room, which I don't know.

1839
01:48:02,440 --> 01:48:05,600
 Well, and I hope they all are successful.

1840
01:48:05,600 --> 01:48:10,720
 Because the defensive line, the more defensive linemen you've got, that position's about rotation.

1841
01:48:11,240 --> 01:48:18,380
 Now, I do like what they have done from adding the competition pieces on the line of scrimmage.

1842
01:48:18,520 --> 01:48:19,940
 I look at the offensive line.

1843
01:48:20,760 --> 01:48:24,840
 They've added some pieces that have created some competition.

1844
01:48:25,720 --> 01:48:26,940
 Have they upgraded?

1845
01:48:27,400 --> 01:48:28,540
 Kane will the board think so.

1846
01:48:29,020 --> 01:48:30,560
 And so he's the coach.

1847
01:48:31,560 --> 01:48:40,660
 But it's something that we can't even talk about quarterback competition until we discuss that offensive line.

1848
01:48:40,720 --> 01:48:44,340
 That offensive line, and it was a problem.

1849
01:48:44,340 --> 01:48:49,540
 And I know he talked about, you know, the reason they let cap go was based on production.

1850
01:48:50,180 --> 01:49:03,120
 Well, I must, I wasn't there, but my follow-up would have been, okay, based on production, your special teams was almost second to last in the SEC.

1851
01:49:04,060 --> 01:49:07,560
 No, no, no, no, no.

1852
01:49:07,640 --> 01:49:13,260
 I mean, and that's the phase of the game, because that special teams, it was not good in Tuscaloosa.

1853
01:49:13,860 --> 01:49:24,320
 The only thing that was ranked in the top 15, I'm sorry, excuse me, top 10 in the SEC, was points after touchdown.

1854
01:49:24,440 --> 01:49:27,580
 Those are the only statistical category that they were ranked high.

1855
01:49:27,820 --> 01:49:29,720
 Hunting, dead last in the SEC.

1856
01:49:30,500 --> 01:49:33,240
 Bill go kicking, 15 out of 16.

1857
01:49:33,920 --> 01:49:41,440
 And Bill Conley from ESPN ranked Alabama's unit in special teams in the country, 107th in the country.

1858
01:49:41,760 --> 01:49:42,320
 107th.

1859
01:49:42,320 --> 01:49:52,060
 So, based on production, I would say that the special teams coach, I don't know if he was given a mulligan, not sure.

1860
01:49:52,440 --> 01:49:53,860
 But, yeah, it's an issue.

1861
01:49:54,520 --> 01:49:55,340
 It's a problem.

1862
01:49:58,020 --> 01:50:00,100
 No, I asked you this last week.

1863
01:50:00,160 --> 01:50:01,260
 Did you hear anything, Mobile?

1864
01:50:01,560 --> 01:50:08,920
 I saw where two other teams have announced in the SEC where they're starting spring practice and going to have a spring game.

1865
01:50:08,920 --> 01:50:15,500
 Has anything leaked down about Alabama's starting practice in a spring game?

1866
01:50:16,400 --> 01:50:17,200
 No, I haven't.

1867
01:50:17,260 --> 01:50:20,460
 I haven't heard anything about a spring game or lack thereof.

1868
01:50:22,220 --> 01:50:25,360
 That's something that I haven't.

1869
01:50:26,380 --> 01:50:31,960
 Still a topic because I get asked by that, you know, by a lot of listeners here.

1870
01:50:32,360 --> 01:50:32,560
 Yeah.

1871
01:50:32,560 --> 01:50:34,940
 And, as a matter of fact, someone brought it to the table earlier this week.

1872
01:50:35,120 --> 01:50:36,280
 Because I know it's important.

1873
01:50:36,420 --> 01:50:39,020
 It's important for the economic meaning of our city.

1874
01:50:39,140 --> 01:50:40,860
 It brings a lot of people into Tuscaloosa.

1875
01:50:41,000 --> 01:50:41,380
 Yeah, absolutely.

1876
01:50:41,500 --> 01:50:48,100
 But I've not heard anything, you know, as far as a spring game, if that's even going to be an option.

1877
01:50:48,400 --> 01:50:53,300
 Because it was a – but it is a sponsored area.

1878
01:50:53,480 --> 01:50:58,760
 And I know that's another revenue stream because I believe Golden Flake's been the sponsor forever on A-Day.

1879
01:50:59,220 --> 01:51:04,560
 And I don't know if that tradition's going to continue or if it's something that they're going to, you know, they're going to throw away.

1880
01:51:04,660 --> 01:51:09,740
 But they're all, you know, and I think that should have come up yesterday, but it didn't.

1881
01:51:10,880 --> 01:51:12,760
 I think they're all dialed in with recruiting.

1882
01:51:12,920 --> 01:51:17,000
 Because that period, you've got a big G-O day this weekend on the campus at the University of Alabama.

1883
01:51:17,000 --> 01:51:20,360
 But they're finishing up this last two days of visiting.

1884
01:51:20,560 --> 01:51:26,960
 And I believe the quiet dead period starts at 11.59 on Saturday evening.

1885
01:51:27,660 --> 01:51:27,780
 Yep.

1886
01:51:29,020 --> 01:51:30,700
 Yeah, yeah, you're exactly right.

1887
01:51:30,820 --> 01:51:31,900
 Listen, you've got to run.

1888
01:51:32,020 --> 01:51:33,760
 I know you've got a great show coming up.

1889
01:51:33,820 --> 01:51:37,000
 Who have you got on the lineup today, and where can we get on line to listen?

1890
01:51:37,980 --> 01:51:44,160
 Well, we've got Mike Johnson, the former All-American offensive lineman from Atlanta that does sports talk radio over there.

1891
01:51:44,220 --> 01:51:48,280
 We're going to talk about where Alabama can improve the most.

1892
01:51:48,480 --> 01:51:53,360
 And I figured it was going to be a topic that K-1 was going to discuss yesterday, and he did.

1893
01:51:53,740 --> 01:51:55,420
 So we're going to discuss that.

1894
01:51:55,880 --> 01:51:57,700
 We've got John McClain and Rod D'Or.

1895
01:51:57,820 --> 01:51:59,280
 So those are the guests that we're going to.

1896
01:51:59,840 --> 01:52:02,460
 Last time I had John McClain on, Nick Saban retired.

1897
01:52:02,860 --> 01:52:04,900
 So I'm really nervous about bringing it on.

1898
01:52:06,140 --> 01:52:12,000
 Well, no, I mean, I live on the air, I had John McClain on, and I said, John, and we literally shifted.

1899
01:52:12,180 --> 01:52:17,620
 But we're going to talk about Bill Belichick not being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

1900
01:52:17,620 --> 01:52:20,140
 and some other things, and Rodney Orr is going to join us as well.

1901
01:52:20,240 --> 01:52:26,080
 So we'll start it here coming up in a couple of minutes on Tide109 and Tide109.com.

1902
01:52:26,140 --> 01:52:30,540
 I appreciate you guys as always, and hopefully we'll have a little bit more about this lawsuit

1903
01:52:30,540 --> 01:52:34,280
 and all these different legal terms that I don't know anything about.

1904
01:52:34,380 --> 01:52:35,840
 But I'm trying to pretend like I do.

1905
01:52:37,560 --> 01:52:39,540
 Let's call Matt Locke and see if he can help us.

1906
01:52:39,620 --> 01:52:42,760
 Ryan, listen, in the meantime, stay safe and as warm as you can down there, okay?

1907
01:52:43,820 --> 01:52:44,120
 Okay.

1908
01:52:44,220 --> 01:52:45,440
 Hey, thank you guys so much.

1909
01:52:45,540 --> 01:52:46,020
 Thank you, buddy.

1910
01:52:46,480 --> 01:52:51,080
 Ryan Feller, with us from Tuscaloosa, which BB, we have a lot of fun here.

1911
01:52:51,580 --> 01:52:55,160
 And you look at right now, the temperature is basically depending on where you are, somewhere in the 40s.

1912
01:52:55,220 --> 01:52:58,020
 But this weekend, I'm looking at some of the numbers.

1913
01:52:58,140 --> 01:52:59,120
 Go ahead and prepare.

1914
01:52:59,580 --> 01:53:04,120
 I'm looking at the temps from four below to five above.

1915
01:53:04,300 --> 01:53:07,140
 So as they say, BB, plan accordingly.

1916
01:53:07,660 --> 01:53:09,580
 Yeah, the wind chill is going to be ridiculous.

1917
01:53:09,580 --> 01:53:12,580
 The high Saturday, I believe, is going to be in the low 20s.

1918
01:53:13,340 --> 01:53:18,800
 And the low Sunday night is, yeah, it would be ridiculous.

1919
01:53:19,300 --> 01:53:20,980
 We may have to move to Alaska to warm up.

1920
01:53:21,340 --> 01:53:24,940
 We're going to take care of business for now on behalf of BB, Greg, James Blair, and the entire crew here.

1921
01:53:25,000 --> 01:53:26,980
 Carol Buck, thank you so much for your time today.

1922
01:53:27,040 --> 01:53:27,980
 Let's do it again tomorrow at noon.

1923
01:53:28,100 --> 01:53:31,620
 Back here on Sports Radio, 93.9 Score.