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 Now, get ready to roll, Shoals, Decatur, Athens, and all of Northwest Alabama and Southern Tennessee. It's time for the Valley's exclusive FM Sports Voice.

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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.

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 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 free ride around the Tennessee Valley.

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 Brett Beaird, welcome in.

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 Where is it so that Alabama fans are asking, does it go by Greg Sankey or Greg Sankey?

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 Welcome in, the latest on the Betty Iaco Show.

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 How are you on this TGIF, Brett Beaird?

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 Happy Friday to you and the listeners.

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 The Charles Bediaco hearing was held this morning.

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 No ruling.

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 Judge Daniel Pruitt told both sides to submit proposed orders by 4 p.m.

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 Then he'll make a final decision, whether that's late this afternoon, in the morning, or Monday.

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 And if he doesn't make a decision, Charles Bediaco will probably play against Auburn tomorrow.

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 Blake Lovell of Southeastern 16 will break down the top basketball games in the SEC Saturday, including that Alabama-Auburn game.

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 And Jimmy is here right now to preview the Iron Bowl of basketball and to recount Bama's 2026 signing class.

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 He needs to be into sports and also have a law degree in the modern era of covering sports.

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 Jimmy Stein got it all covered there.

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 Locked on Bama.

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 Jimmy, welcome in.

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 How are you?

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 Oh, doing great, guys.

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 Greg Sankey says, if you're going to draw the line of sand, I'm going to be on the side of the NCAA.

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 You're thinking of what Greg Sankey is thinking there.

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 Is it safe to say he will not be elected to the next mayor of Tuscaloosa?

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 No, I doubt that helped his popularity in Tuscaloosa or in the athletic department at Alabama or the Rose administration building, frankly.

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 But one thing we have to remember, you know, Greg Sankey doesn't act in the best interest of college sports.

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 He acts in the best interest of the SEC.

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 He works for the 16 university presidents.

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 It's like Roger Goodell, you know, in the NFL.

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 Goodell doesn't work for the NFL.

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 He works for the 32 NFL owners.

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 Sankey works for the 16 university presidents.

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 And my take as soon as I saw Sankey get involved in that is he must have been pressured by a majority of the university presidents to get involved and try to put an end to this.

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 I don't think this is Sankey going rogue.

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 I don't think this is something he did on his own.

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 I think this is the university presidents, the majority of them, wanting him to take this public stance against Ben Diaco being eligible.

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 There are those out there, Jimmy says, since this is so volatile, what happens if he just shuts up?

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 I mean, was it one of those things where he had to do this or is it one of those deals where he just caved to the other 15 guys and said blah, blah, blah?

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 What would have happened?

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 What about the ones who says, why is it even up in his opinion?

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 Yeah, legally, I don't really think this makes a huge impact with the judge.

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 You know, obviously the SEC is not a party to this case.

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 They're an interested party.

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 They're an interested party.

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 And sometimes interested parties file briefs in legal matters.

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 It does happen.

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 I think in a state court matter like this where you have Charles Ben Diaco versus the NCAA, the judge is going to almost exclusively weigh the evidence as it relates specifically to Charles Ben Diaco and the NCAA case against Ben Diaco being eligible.

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 I don't think Sankey's statement will have an impact on the judge.

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 I think it was a little bit more for a public show.

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 And frankly, you know, I think if you ask most Alabama fans, you know, how do you feel about this?

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 Do you want a Betty Acco eligible or do you want him ineligible?

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 But all of the other pros playing throughout college basketball are also declared ineligible.

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 I think you're going to get a pretty fair 50-50 balance there.

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 You know, because what Alabama fans don't want is Betty Acco ineligible, while all the other professional players playing college basketball are still allowed to do so.

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 Jimmy Bingo, I mean, how in the world can you have faith and say, well, Jimmy, we're going to convict you of murder, but Brett, you're off.

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 You killed the same person, but under the same circumstances.

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 I mean, how do you differentiate that?

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 Yeah, it is really frustrating.

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 And for every argument, and I get both sides of the argument, by the way.

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 I mean, to me, this isn't a clear case.

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 To me, I get that reasonable minds are going to differ over situations such as this.

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 I get that.

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 But, you know, if you say, well, Betty Acco, you know, if your opinion is G League players shouldn't be eligible.

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 Okay, well, there's three other G League players that the NCAA have allowed to play college basketball.

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 Right, that's the point.

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 Betty Acco is not the first.

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 There's three others.

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 If you say, no, no, no, that's not it.

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 It's that he entered the draft knowing he walked away from his collegiate eligibility and now is choosing to walk back on that.

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 That's not good.

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 Well, the NCAA said the Baylor kid could do it.

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 Right.

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 That's what the Baylor kid did.

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 He was drafted in the first round.

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 And the NCAA allowed him to walk it back.

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 So that's why Betty Acco has a case here.

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 It's not just as simple as, nope, he entered the draft process, it's over.

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 If that was the case in every single instance, fine.

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 But it hasn't been.

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 And that's why Betty Acco has a case.

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 And that's why he might win.

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 Jimmy, I think most basketball and college and SEC fans agree with you.

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 They don't particularly like this.

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 Right.

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 But there is such a precedent that has been set with all of these European players, some G League players, the kid at Baylor, and you can go on and on, who have been allowed to play.

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 And all of a sudden, you say no to Betty Acco.

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 That's what's rankled quite a few fans.

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 But we talked about Alabama and Auburn tomorrow, Jimmy.

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 Alabama had a huge win earlier this week on Wednesday night against Texas A&M as the track meet from the word go ended up 100 to 97.

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 Jimmy, again, if Alabama can play defense and rebound and shoot a little bit, they can beat anybody in the league.

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 We'll see what happens tomorrow.

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 Auburn's had a bye week this week.

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 Your thoughts on an important win for Alabama, Texas A&M, to get back on track again?

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 Yeah, it was really big.

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 I think just starting with the fact that you played really poorly against Florida, I think that was sort of a bottoming out for Alabama in terms of, you know,

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 it was probably as bad as they played this year to bounce back immediately and beat the team that was in first place in the league.

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 I mean, that is pretty big, though you should, if you are a contender to win the SEC and have a high seat at the tournament, you should win most or all of your home games.

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 So it's not shocking that Alabama beat A&M, but it was a little shocking that they did on the heels of how poorly they played in games.

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 I think you're exactly right, Brett.

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 This Alabama team, when they're firing on all cylinders, which doesn't happen all the time, but when they do, they're very difficult to beat.

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 If we still, I don't know yet, guys, I don't know, I'm going to have to go back and spend time with pencil and paper to figure this out,

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 but has Alabama played a game all year where just three players, Phylon, Reitzel, and Holloway, all are healthy, all play, and all score their average or better?

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 I mean, when they've all played well, because that Alabama team, frankly, that's a Final Four team.

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 When that happens, but A, they haven't really all been out there at once often, and B, when they do, maybe one guy has a great night or maybe two guys have a good night.

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 It hasn't really been too many, if any, games where all three are healthy and have great nights.

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 When they do, Alabama's going to be a tough out for anyone.

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 Jimmy Stein locked on Bama, especially if they hustle and stay focused.

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 And Jimmy, would you agree, a lot of fans are saying this is nothing new.

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 You'd go back to last year, the year before, it's like it's just Groundhog Day.

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 Injuries after injuries.

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 What's it going to take to sit here?

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 What are we doing that's causing all these injuries?

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 Can we stop relative to the competition?

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 Maybe you got the answer to that, but your thoughts about the matchup.

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 We know it's always tough to win the Iron Bowl in anything.

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 I don't care if it's pickleball or tiddlywinks, especially when you're playing the game on the plains.

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 But your thoughts, realistically, what do you see on the court tomorrow?

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 Well, it is going to be tough for a couple of reasons.

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 Number one, Auburn's a good basketball team.

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 There's no question.

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 They're good.

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 And beating good teams on the road in a raucous environment is very difficult.

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 I don't care if you're Arizona, who sometimes looks this year like they may never, ever lose.

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 Even for them, this would not be any sort of a gimme game at all.

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 So Alabama has to play extremely well in every facet.

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 They have to play better defensively than they often do.

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 They have to rebound better than they often do, and they have to have a good shooting night.

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 Now, again, you know, it's a broken record in terms of how I view this, but if Phylon, Reitzel, and Holloway all have great nights,

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 even at Auburn, I really like Alabama's chances.

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 That's just something that's easier said than done, and Auburn is going to defend the perimeter well.

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 But to me, it's going to come down to defensive rebounding.

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 I do think it'll be a higher-scoring game.

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 I think it's going to look a little bit like that A&M game on Wednesday in terms of the point score to this.

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 I think it's going to be up and down and pretty quick, and it ought to be really entertaining.

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 But picking a winner is tough.

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 I picked Florida to beat Alabama last week, and I picked Alabama to beat A&M, and I feel like I'm on a roll.

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 But instead of continuing the roll, what I think I'm going to do is quit while I'm ahead.

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 I don't know that I'm comfortable picking a winner here.

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 I do think Alabama is good enough to win, but it's going to be a tough hill to climb.

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 Jimmy, I think we can pick a winner in National Signing Day.

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 Alabama was number two or number three in 24-7.

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 Oregon picked up a couple of kids late.

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 Number five in own3.com.

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 But meeting their needs, I think they were able to do that.

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 They brought in Maurice Matthews, a wide receiver, Aubrey Walker, and Keon Seb's younger brother,

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 Maury.

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 I know it's just an accident that his other younger brother is a five-star prospect for 20-27.

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 But, Jimmy, when you look at this, my first impression, I always look at the offensive line,

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 and we've talked about this this week, five offensive linemen, five defensive linemen,

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 some incredibly talented secondary dudes.

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 In the two quarterbacks, Thamala is a five-star.

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 Jimmy, your thoughts, and maybe a grade for this 20-26 signing class for Alabama?

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 It's an A.

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 It's an A.

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 I would say A-plus, but Alabama has signed number one classes.

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 This is not comparable to a lot of the Saban classes, so I can't say it's an A-plus,

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 because I think we've all seen what those A-plus classes look like.

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 I don't know that anyone is going to be able to recruit at the level Saban was,

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 because now even Texas Tech would go over budget, signing one of those Saban classes in 20-26.

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 But it's an A.

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 I like, Brett, how you broke it down by position group

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 and how important it was for Alabama to do well at the line of scrimmage,

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 and I think they really did.

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 That was clearly an emphasis.

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 I look at quality and quantity.

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 By quality, what I'm looking for is, did you sign about 12 to 14 really good players

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 that anyone anywhere would take and be excited about?

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 That's the quality.

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 In quantity, did you sign enough players?

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 In Alabama, I think it ended up with 26 players that are part of the signing class.

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 That's a much larger class they've been signing lately.

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 So there's a high quality with the best guys in the class.

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 And then there's a lot of bodies to help fill out your 105.

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 So I really think they checked every box here.

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 They got the five-star quarterback in addition to the line of scrimmage.

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 They signed a running back that I think may be the best pure running back they've signed.

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 Gosh, I don't know when.

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 I think E.J. Crowell from Jackson, Alabama, is the best in-state back prospect since Carnell Williams.

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 I really believe that.

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 So I think it really is a home run for Alabama.

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 They signed a difference maker at every position group in addition to, like I said, bringing in about 26 overall.

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 So they recruit the high schools at an elite level.

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 There's no doubt Kaelin DeBorg and Courtney Morgan have just picked up the Nick Saban ball and run with it insofar as high school recruiting goes.

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 Quickly, before we jump off, Jimmy, your thoughts, obviously, the news since the last time we talked.

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 Mr. Clems coming in to take over the offensive line coaching from USC.

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 How do you feel about the future of Alabama's offensive line now compared to a year ago?

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 Pretty good.

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 I mean, you have to be excited about Adrian Clem.

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 His resume in terms of who has hired him, I mean, that's what stood out to me when I really kind of dove into Adrian Clem's career.

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 He's been hired by Bill Belichick, hired by Mike Tomlin, hired by Dan Lanning.

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 He was a good NFL player himself.

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 He was an offensive lineman on three Super Bowl winning teams.

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 I think you have to be excited about the hire.

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 What I'm mostly excited about, guys, is there's 16 offensive linemen on scholarship.

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 There's a lot of new guys, and there's some freshmen, and there's these transfer portal guys.

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 Even a couple of them are young.

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 They're redshirt freshmen.

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 But you have to like the new – it's been like a complete rebuild, both in the group with the players and now with the coach.

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 It really feels like a reset that Alabama's badly needed.

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 I don't think any Alabama fan has been happy with the offensive line, frankly, since 2020.

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 And no quarterback has either behind that line.

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 Jimmy, you and Luke Robinson's podcast get an A-plus in my book.

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 Jimmy, where can we get online and get the best Alabama sports coverage on the planet?

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 Locked on Bama.

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 You can find us on YouTube if you're into the video.

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 Or you can just listen to Locked on Bama wherever you get your audio podcast, Spotify, iHeart, iTunes, all of it.

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 And we have new shows six days a week, so there's a new 30-minute show every single day.

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 Jimmy, it's always good to hook up with you.

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 And by the way, enjoy Sunday.

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 You've got a choice as far as TV viewing.

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 You can either watch the Super Bowl or Lifetime.

217
00:16:15,680 --> 00:16:19,120
 It's in your hands, Jimmy, so make a wise choice there, okay?

218
00:16:19,760 --> 00:16:21,460
 The decision is made.

219
00:16:21,980 --> 00:16:23,120
 There you have it, now we know.

220
00:16:23,300 --> 00:16:26,360
 Jimmy Stein, I'm going to win this, co-host of Locked on Bama.

221
00:16:26,720 --> 00:16:29,540
 Coming up all over the SEC with Blight Level on Dank.

222
00:16:29,620 --> 00:16:30,060
 Stay with us.

223
00:16:34,620 --> 00:16:37,420
 Oh, could this vintage store be any cuter?

224
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 Right?

225
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 And the best part?

226
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 They accept Discover.

227
00:16:40,420 --> 00:16:41,140
 Accept Discover?

228
00:16:41,560 --> 00:16:42,880
 In a little place like this?

229
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 I don't think so, Jennifer.

230
00:16:44,620 --> 00:16:45,420
 Oh, yeah, huh?

231
00:16:45,780 --> 00:16:47,640
 Discover's accepted where I like to shop.

232
00:16:47,780 --> 00:16:49,640
 Come on, baby, get with the times.

233
00:16:50,400 --> 00:16:50,840
 Right.

234
00:16:50,840 --> 00:16:53,280
 So we shouldn't get the parachute pants?

235
00:16:53,620 --> 00:16:54,840
 These are making a comeback.

236
00:16:56,120 --> 00:16:57,220
 I think.

237
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 Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide.

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322
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323
00:21:48,640 --> 00:21:49,600
 The Score.

324
00:21:50,060 --> 00:21:54,860
 Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.

325
00:21:55,340 --> 00:21:55,980
 Welcome back in.

326
00:21:56,020 --> 00:21:56,520
 What do you say?

327
00:21:56,600 --> 00:22:00,760
 We're in on up to Music City and hope the ice and snow have all melted there

328
00:22:00,760 --> 00:22:02,520
 where Blake Lovell lives in Nashville.

329
00:22:02,880 --> 00:22:07,860
 He covers the SEC for Southeastern 16 and also Blue Ribbon Yearbook

330
00:22:07,860 --> 00:22:10,960
 and his podcast is called Establish the Past.

331
00:22:11,080 --> 00:22:12,000
 Blake Lovell, welcome in.

332
00:22:12,040 --> 00:22:12,580
 How are you?

333
00:22:13,220 --> 00:22:13,700
 Yeah, doing well.

334
00:22:13,780 --> 00:22:14,880
 I was going to talk to you as always.

335
00:22:14,920 --> 00:22:15,960
 You too.

336
00:22:16,060 --> 00:22:18,700
 So you're going to spend the weekend watching college basketball

337
00:22:18,700 --> 00:22:20,620
 or figure skating with the Olympics, Blake?

338
00:22:21,680 --> 00:22:24,960
 Yeah, I think there's some interesting games coming up tomorrow.

339
00:22:25,680 --> 00:22:29,220
 That'll get most of my attention, but I do enjoy the Olympics,

340
00:22:29,420 --> 00:22:30,700
 so I'll have an eye on it.

341
00:22:31,180 --> 00:22:34,500
 Yeah, so yes or no, what's your take on Betty Yacco?

342
00:22:34,500 --> 00:22:37,440
 Will he show up for the game on the Plains for Bama tomorrow?

343
00:22:37,560 --> 00:22:41,480
 And your thoughts about Judge Judy's show down in Tuscaloosa today?

344
00:22:41,980 --> 00:22:43,080
 Yeah, I don't.

345
00:22:43,200 --> 00:22:46,480
 I'll tell you guys, I have no idea how this thing plays out.

346
00:22:46,560 --> 00:22:50,480
 I just feel like it's sort of one of these things where, again,

347
00:22:50,600 --> 00:22:53,800
 with all the sort of twists and turns and all this stuff,

348
00:22:53,860 --> 00:22:58,100
 I just couldn't even tell you how I think this thing will play out,

349
00:22:58,480 --> 00:23:02,780
 you know, whether it's the Greg Sankey development yesterday

350
00:23:02,780 --> 00:23:04,700
 or just really how any of this has gone.

351
00:23:04,880 --> 00:23:07,040
 I just don't have a great feel on it.

352
00:23:07,180 --> 00:23:10,340
 I have said about the game, I think that, you know, to me,

353
00:23:10,400 --> 00:23:14,600
 this is the kind of game that if he plays, it maybe goes one way.

354
00:23:14,640 --> 00:23:16,080
 If he doesn't play, it goes the other way.

355
00:23:16,160 --> 00:23:20,340
 Like, I feel like he is kind of the key piece to me in a game like this

356
00:23:20,340 --> 00:23:22,980
 because, you know, you look at what Auburn was able to do against Florida

357
00:23:22,980 --> 00:23:25,840
 a couple weeks ago and, like, matchup-wise,

358
00:23:25,900 --> 00:23:29,360
 I feel like this is the kind of game you want Charles Bediaco more than any

359
00:23:29,360 --> 00:23:32,700
 on your schedule just given kind of what Auburn's strengths are.

360
00:23:34,360 --> 00:23:35,120
 Here's the deal, Blake.

361
00:23:35,140 --> 00:23:39,660
 I think if you took Anani's poll, obviously your team's fan base is going to be biased.

362
00:23:39,740 --> 00:23:40,560
 That goes without saying.

363
00:23:40,600 --> 00:23:42,100
 I don't care what color jersey you wear.

364
00:23:42,160 --> 00:23:44,940
 But I think if you took a step back and looked at it objectively,

365
00:23:45,500 --> 00:23:48,560
 I think a lot of Alabama fans are uncomfortable with the situation.

366
00:23:48,680 --> 00:23:49,720
 But here's the rub.

367
00:23:50,240 --> 00:23:52,600
 If he has to sit, what about the dude at Baylor?

368
00:23:52,700 --> 00:23:53,780
 What about the dude in California?

369
00:23:53,960 --> 00:23:57,260
 In other words, if one goes, then they all should go.

370
00:23:57,520 --> 00:24:01,360
 If two or three of them are going to stay, why does my player have to sit on the bench?

371
00:24:01,960 --> 00:24:02,700
 I don't know.

372
00:24:02,780 --> 00:24:03,480
 I'm not a lawyer.

373
00:24:04,160 --> 00:24:06,400
 I stayed at Holiday Inn last night.

374
00:24:06,400 --> 00:24:11,200
 But your thoughts about how are you consistent with your ruling in this situation?

375
00:24:12,000 --> 00:24:15,680
 Yeah, and I just, like, I think just speaking of, like, the lawyer type stuff,

376
00:24:15,800 --> 00:24:18,180
 like, I can believe this is where we've gotten to.

377
00:24:18,280 --> 00:24:23,280
 But think about, like, all the storylines right now in, like, the two big sports,

378
00:24:23,400 --> 00:24:24,180
 basketball and football.

379
00:24:24,360 --> 00:24:27,520
 Like, all we're talking about is lawsuits and injunctions.

380
00:24:27,600 --> 00:24:29,820
 And, like, we're just, that's all we're talking about.

381
00:24:30,000 --> 00:24:32,940
 And I'm like, man, it is, this is where we are.

382
00:24:33,040 --> 00:24:33,680
 This is this era.

383
00:24:33,740 --> 00:24:35,740
 And we knew it was kind of going to open up this can of worms.

384
00:24:35,740 --> 00:24:39,220
 So the thing is, we said this, you know, a couple weeks ago or whatever.

385
00:24:39,360 --> 00:24:40,820
 I'm like, here's the thing.

386
00:24:40,920 --> 00:24:42,460
 Like, yes, there's going to be bias involved.

387
00:24:42,580 --> 00:24:45,440
 I think it's great for the long-term future of the game, the way things are going,

388
00:24:45,640 --> 00:24:46,240
 this kind of stuff.

389
00:24:46,300 --> 00:24:46,820
 Of course not.

390
00:24:46,960 --> 00:24:49,560
 Like, it's going to make some people uncomfortable.

391
00:24:49,960 --> 00:24:53,520
 But the thing is, I think Nate Oates may have been the one that said it.

392
00:24:53,540 --> 00:24:58,020
 But, like, you know, the facts are that someone else is going to do it if you don't.

393
00:24:58,360 --> 00:25:04,640
 And, I mean, it's just like, you know, your job is to go out and field the best basketball

394
00:25:04,640 --> 00:25:05,560
 team you can field.

395
00:25:06,240 --> 00:25:11,000
 And if this is the path to get there and you know that other people would take this

396
00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:17,060
 same path and have taken similar paths, then I think, like, who am I to just sit back and

397
00:25:17,060 --> 00:25:18,380
 put all the blame on that?

398
00:25:18,520 --> 00:25:23,080
 I think the blame goes much more to just the overall structure of things right now.

399
00:25:23,080 --> 00:25:27,480
 And, again, if it's not Alabama we're talking about, there'd be someone else who would be

400
00:25:27,480 --> 00:25:28,080
 in this position.

401
00:25:28,720 --> 00:25:34,240
 So, again, I know it's hard to remove that if you're, you know, a hardcore SEC fan who

402
00:25:34,240 --> 00:25:36,080
 likes or dislikes Alabama.

403
00:25:36,520 --> 00:25:39,560
 But that's just, in my opinion, just the state of things.

404
00:25:41,080 --> 00:25:46,800
 Blake, two premier games tomorrow, the acts of three or four, Florida, Texas A&M.

405
00:25:46,880 --> 00:25:48,540
 Boy, is that going to be a good one.

406
00:25:49,040 --> 00:25:50,700
 Alabama and Auburn, of course.

407
00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:52,480
 Tennessee at Kentucky.

408
00:25:53,400 --> 00:25:59,700
 Tennessee trying to get a little revenge after blowing a huge lead against Kentucky earlier

409
00:25:59,700 --> 00:26:01,720
 in the year.

410
00:26:02,080 --> 00:26:05,300
 That was a classic game on Wednesday night with Alabama.

411
00:26:05,300 --> 00:26:13,740
 And Texas A&M, when Alabama plays defense and rebounds a little bit, they can beat anybody

412
00:26:13,740 --> 00:26:14,500
 in the league.

413
00:26:14,660 --> 00:26:19,420
 And everybody saw firsthand how good A&M is going to be with Buckyball.

414
00:26:19,620 --> 00:26:24,200
 A.G scored 21 points but only had three rebounds, I believe.

415
00:26:24,340 --> 00:26:25,440
 Hill at 18.

416
00:26:26,280 --> 00:26:29,820
 Griffin, Rylan Griffin, who played at Alabama, 17.

417
00:26:30,220 --> 00:26:32,740
 Alabama matched them point for point.

418
00:26:32,740 --> 00:26:35,220
 And I think everybody knew the last team to score.

419
00:26:35,300 --> 00:26:36,760
 was going to win that game.

420
00:26:37,320 --> 00:26:40,740
 But your thoughts on both teams going into Saturday play.

421
00:26:41,480 --> 00:26:41,920
 Yeah.

422
00:26:42,040 --> 00:26:46,680
 I mean, I think for anyone that kind of had their doubts about Texas A&M, they don't really

423
00:26:46,680 --> 00:26:51,340
 know how you can watch that game and say that they're a fraud or any of those words that

424
00:26:51,340 --> 00:26:56,380
 were used with A&M just because they hadn't played the same number of, you know, quad one

425
00:26:56,380 --> 00:26:59,420
 games that an Alabama or Auburn or teams like that had played.

426
00:26:59,420 --> 00:27:00,520
 Like, I get it.

427
00:27:00,640 --> 00:27:04,600
 But, you know, at a certain point, you're 17-4 heading into that game against Alabama.

428
00:27:04,780 --> 00:27:07,240
 And you're 7-1 in the SEC going in.

429
00:27:07,380 --> 00:27:10,520
 I mean, in what is still statistically the best conference in the country.

430
00:27:10,520 --> 00:27:12,140
 It may not be as good as it was last year.

431
00:27:12,240 --> 00:27:15,100
 But overall, the numbers tell us it's still the best conference.

432
00:27:15,260 --> 00:27:17,980
 So, I don't know how you can say that about A&M.

433
00:27:18,120 --> 00:27:21,100
 Again, to me, that's just sort of a lack of awareness for people who are more looking

434
00:27:21,100 --> 00:27:25,100
 at the, you know, the metrics rather than actually watching them play.

435
00:27:25,220 --> 00:27:29,360
 I mean, they had two overtime losses before, you know, playing Alabama on Wednesday night,

436
00:27:29,400 --> 00:27:30,680
 which they lost by three on the road.

437
00:27:30,680 --> 00:27:32,440
 So, I think A&M is going to be fine.

438
00:27:32,620 --> 00:27:37,260
 I think the matchup against Florida is kind of tough just based on who wins out in that

439
00:27:37,260 --> 00:27:37,480
 one.

440
00:27:37,880 --> 00:27:43,020
 It's A&M's guard play with the pressure and full court and turnovers because that could

441
00:27:43,020 --> 00:27:47,080
 absolutely kind of exploit some weaknesses we've seen from Florida this year.

442
00:27:47,240 --> 00:27:52,120
 But on the flip side, Florida's dominance in the paint, I think, could absolutely exploit

443
00:27:52,120 --> 00:27:53,480
 some of Texas A&M's weaknesses.

444
00:27:53,480 --> 00:27:57,620
 So, I don't know which one's going to win out, but I think A&M is in a decent position to

445
00:27:57,620 --> 00:27:59,680
 at least make that game interesting.

446
00:27:59,900 --> 00:28:04,220
 And I think for Alabama, like I said, I feel like it's one where, you know, the thing about

447
00:28:04,220 --> 00:28:06,960
 them is, yes, they've been inconsistent.

448
00:28:07,320 --> 00:28:10,900
 I think one of the reasons why, as I mentioned, is just how many rotations have they played

449
00:28:10,900 --> 00:28:14,940
 this year with guys in and out so many times in the lineup with injuries and all that.

450
00:28:16,100 --> 00:28:19,080
 And the offense is always going to give them a chance.

451
00:28:19,180 --> 00:28:22,080
 They're always going to have a shot, I think, to go out and beat anybody.

452
00:28:22,080 --> 00:28:26,160
 But, you know, what I think we're starting to see with them, and it's not just saying

453
00:28:26,160 --> 00:28:30,660
 as simple as they're not a great defensive team, you know, they don't turn people over

454
00:28:30,660 --> 00:28:30,860
 either.

455
00:28:30,960 --> 00:28:35,100
 But the biggest theme we're seeing, I think, with Alabama, especially these last two games

456
00:28:35,100 --> 00:28:39,600
 they've lost in Florida and Tennessee, is when you have teams like that with the front

457
00:28:39,600 --> 00:28:43,620
 courts, which I think Florida and Tennessee had the two best front courts in the SEC, if

458
00:28:43,620 --> 00:28:47,840
 they're able to come out and kind of set the tone early and bully you a little bit, that's

459
00:28:47,840 --> 00:28:49,280
 a problem for Alabama right now.

460
00:28:49,340 --> 00:28:50,500
 And we saw that with Purdue.

461
00:28:50,640 --> 00:28:51,840
 We saw that with Gonzaga.

462
00:28:51,980 --> 00:28:52,980
 We saw that with Arizona.

463
00:28:53,820 --> 00:28:57,900
 These are all kind of the same formulas, and that's why we say, right, guys, the NCAA tournament's

464
00:28:57,900 --> 00:28:58,720
 all about matchups.

465
00:28:59,320 --> 00:29:02,700
 And if you're Alabama, I mean, that could be more important than ever this season, just

466
00:29:02,700 --> 00:29:07,720
 based on you want to see teams more like A&M, probably, more like, you know, maybe a

467
00:29:07,720 --> 00:29:08,640
 Vanderbilt, Kentucky.

468
00:29:08,840 --> 00:29:12,580
 You don't want to see the teams like Florida and Tennessee, because I just think that plays

469
00:29:12,580 --> 00:29:14,360
 into some of Alabama's issues.

470
00:29:15,020 --> 00:29:15,100
 Yeah.

471
00:29:15,620 --> 00:29:18,340
 Let me close with Tennessee and Kentucky.

472
00:29:19,120 --> 00:29:23,660
 The Cats, after 0-2 starting in the SEC, are playing much better.

473
00:29:24,280 --> 00:29:28,260
 Tennessee, to me, is the team that may have improved the most in the last two or three

474
00:29:28,260 --> 00:29:29,160
 weeks.

475
00:29:29,580 --> 00:29:35,760
 Nate Amitt had two points in the first half, then finished with 26 against Ole Miss.

476
00:29:36,420 --> 00:29:40,520
 Dwayne Brown, again, the kid from Hoover, has played well.

477
00:29:41,420 --> 00:29:47,380
 This is a Tennessee team, Estrella, made some key baskets against Auburn.

478
00:29:47,720 --> 00:29:50,160
 This should be a very good game, Tennessee at Kentucky.

479
00:29:50,820 --> 00:29:54,080
 Yeah, Kentucky's kind of had their number, but I agree with you, Brett.

480
00:29:54,120 --> 00:29:57,440
 I think if you're picking a team that probably feels like they've been the most improved over

481
00:29:57,440 --> 00:30:00,560
 the past month, Kentucky has obviously won seven of eight.

482
00:30:00,640 --> 00:30:01,740
 They've improved and played well.

483
00:30:01,800 --> 00:30:08,560
 But I think Tennessee, based on their just overall consistency, I think they've just been

484
00:30:08,560 --> 00:30:09,720
 much better in that department.

485
00:30:09,720 --> 00:30:14,500
 I mean, it's a team that started two and three, you know, and really, in all honesty, probably

486
00:30:14,500 --> 00:30:15,920
 should have lost the Texas A&M game.

487
00:30:16,020 --> 00:30:16,900
 They won in double overtime.

488
00:30:17,620 --> 00:30:21,220
 And so, when you look at the way they played since then, though, I mean, it all got started

489
00:30:21,220 --> 00:30:22,780
 there in Tuscaloosa against Alabama.

490
00:30:23,040 --> 00:30:27,780
 But, you know, what they're getting now, their defense is still not to the level it's been

491
00:30:27,780 --> 00:30:29,360
 the last, you know, five years.

492
00:30:29,520 --> 00:30:32,020
 But, like, it's still a top 15 team in that category.

493
00:30:32,140 --> 00:30:32,920
 They're not top five.

494
00:30:33,000 --> 00:30:34,280
 The top 15, you'll take that.

495
00:30:34,840 --> 00:30:39,860
 And I also think, you mentioned Nate, I mean, he has come so far.

496
00:30:40,000 --> 00:30:43,860
 And I think sometimes we just assume that guys who are rated number one, two, three in the

497
00:30:43,860 --> 00:30:48,120
 freshman class are going to always be slam dunk, day one, scoring 30 a game.

498
00:30:48,480 --> 00:30:49,780
 That wasn't the case with him.

499
00:30:49,800 --> 00:30:52,680
 And we knew he was going to have some growing pains, and that's exactly what happened this

500
00:30:52,680 --> 00:30:52,820
 year.

501
00:30:52,860 --> 00:30:54,880
 But he looks like an SEC player of the year right now.

502
00:30:55,220 --> 00:30:59,480
 I mean, he has been just fantastic, and I think that that's been the biggest key, the

503
00:30:59,480 --> 00:31:01,120
 biggest stat, too, to watch in this game.

504
00:31:01,580 --> 00:31:05,380
 Tennessee is on a historic pace in terms of offensive rebounding.

505
00:31:05,660 --> 00:31:11,260
 Like, the last 25 years, Tennessee is kind of in a league of its own when it comes to offensive

506
00:31:11,260 --> 00:31:11,740
 rebounding.

507
00:31:11,860 --> 00:31:13,240
 That may be the big key in this game.

508
00:31:13,800 --> 00:31:14,000
 Yep.

509
00:31:14,400 --> 00:31:15,400
 No question about it.

510
00:31:15,440 --> 00:31:20,000
 Well, one big key is listening to your podcast, and I know you're going to have plenty of them

511
00:31:20,000 --> 00:31:24,500
 tomorrow, and then recapping all the big games tomorrow night.

512
00:31:24,500 --> 00:31:26,920
 Where can we get on line to get all the good stuff, bud?

513
00:31:27,280 --> 00:31:28,340
 Yeah, I always appreciate it, guys.

514
00:31:28,420 --> 00:31:30,400
 Check us out over there, Southeastern 16 on YouTube.

515
00:31:30,600 --> 00:31:34,940
 Yeah, we'll have all of our reactions tomorrow to all the SEC basketball and SEC baseball right

516
00:31:34,940 --> 00:31:35,420
 around the corner.

517
00:31:36,700 --> 00:31:38,160
 Have a great weekend.

518
00:31:38,440 --> 00:31:41,540
 Hopefully, everything's starting to thaw out up there in your backyard, and stay safe.

519
00:31:41,580 --> 00:31:42,140
 Okay, Blake?

520
00:31:42,760 --> 00:31:43,340
 Thanks, guys.

521
00:31:43,360 --> 00:31:43,720
 You, too.

522
00:31:44,440 --> 00:31:44,940
 Thank you, bud.

523
00:31:45,100 --> 00:31:47,180
 Blake Lovell, Southeastern 16.

524
00:31:47,560 --> 00:31:52,440
 Time to go to South Georgia and talk to the big peach himself, Bill Shanks, on deck.

525
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580
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 Progressive presents the Sports Flash on 93.9 The Score.

581
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 In men's basketball action tomorrow, the Auburn Tigers will host Alabama.

582
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 Both teams are 5-4 in the SEC.

583
00:34:38,600 --> 00:34:43,000
 Auburn 14-8 overall, while Alabama is 15-7 overall.

584
00:34:43,620 --> 00:34:49,000
 In the MAC SBC Challenge, which is tomorrow, South Alabama will play at home against Buffalo,

585
00:34:49,140 --> 00:34:50,840
 while Troy will host Akron.

586
00:34:51,260 --> 00:34:53,900
 North Alabama plays tomorrow at Austin Peay.

587
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 In the Super Bowl on Sunday, it's the Seahawks and Patriots from Levi's Stadium.

588
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609
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610
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 The Score.

611
00:36:20,380 --> 00:36:21,080
 Welcome back in.

612
00:36:21,160 --> 00:36:24,640
 If it's Friday, it's time to say hello to the big peach himself.

613
00:36:24,760 --> 00:36:29,380
 Bill Shanks, host of The Bill Shanks Show on 93.1 FM in Macon, Georgia.

614
00:36:29,860 --> 00:36:33,540
 Online at thesesuperstations.com and on the tube at 41NBC.

615
00:36:33,700 --> 00:36:35,160
 Bill Shanks, happy Friday to you.

616
00:36:35,200 --> 00:36:35,760
 How are you?

617
00:36:36,260 --> 00:36:38,700
 I'm better than I can afford, that's for d*** sure.

618
00:36:39,240 --> 00:36:40,320
 Ain't we all, Bill?

619
00:36:40,520 --> 00:36:45,800
 Hard to believe, is it not, two weeks from today, the Yankees and O's get spring training

620
00:36:45,800 --> 00:36:50,340
 baseball off and rolling, and then a couple of weeks from tomorrow, the Braves, well,

621
00:36:50,420 --> 00:36:52,700
 they'll come and do their thing for opening day.

622
00:36:52,800 --> 00:36:54,240
 The camps open up next week.

623
00:36:54,780 --> 00:36:55,940
 How excited are you?

624
00:36:56,060 --> 00:36:59,540
 I saw the other day a sign, a post that was spot on, Bill.

625
00:36:59,840 --> 00:37:03,360
 I love the Super Bowl because that means we're that much closer to Major League Baseball.

626
00:37:03,360 --> 00:37:05,680
 Your thoughts about two weeks out for the Braves?

627
00:37:06,260 --> 00:37:11,380
 It's incredible that the Super Bowl is on Sunday and pitchers and catchers report on Monday.

628
00:37:11,660 --> 00:37:18,980
 If that's not a coin kidding, I don't know what it is, but nonetheless, it's great.

629
00:37:19,560 --> 00:37:20,240
 It's great.

630
00:37:20,340 --> 00:37:26,700
 It's kind of an in-between time, so, you know, unless I'm going over the backup cornerbacks for

631
00:37:26,700 --> 00:37:29,820
 Georgia, I'm grasping at straws of what to talk about this week.

632
00:37:29,860 --> 00:37:31,080
 I don't know what the heck y'all are doing.

633
00:37:31,080 --> 00:37:34,700
 I guess hockey, I mean, I know how y'all love NHL, so.

634
00:37:35,080 --> 00:37:36,900
 Anyway, yeah, I'm ready for it, for sure.

635
00:37:38,920 --> 00:37:47,340
 You guys, we've talked about Robert Suarez, Mateo, you might use Skrimski, and there's

636
00:37:47,340 --> 00:37:52,700
 quite a few more, and I know you get asked every week, and I'm usually going to ask you

637
00:37:52,700 --> 00:37:54,940
 about durable starting pitchers.

638
00:37:55,580 --> 00:38:03,580
 We'll see, but again, I still think Anthopolis has done a pretty good job of filling some of

639
00:38:03,580 --> 00:38:07,900
 these holes, and we'll see where the shortstop goes, because Kim's going to be out for a

640
00:38:07,900 --> 00:38:13,960
 while, but your thoughts on what he's done, and what does Anthopolis need to continue to

641
00:38:13,960 --> 00:38:14,260
 do?

642
00:38:14,820 --> 00:38:16,660
 Well, you need to get a starting pitcher.

643
00:38:17,240 --> 00:38:19,400
 I continue to say that.

644
00:38:19,480 --> 00:38:21,700
 Someone asked me on another show yesterday.

645
00:38:22,340 --> 00:38:23,600
 I am on another show, guys.

646
00:38:23,660 --> 00:38:27,100
 I hate to tell you, but they paid me more money than y'all do, so y'all are screwed.

647
00:38:27,560 --> 00:38:28,440
 Now you tell me.

648
00:38:29,180 --> 00:38:33,000
 Somebody asked me yesterday, they said, you know, how do you grade the offseason?

649
00:38:33,000 --> 00:38:37,860
 I said, well, you know, I know this is harsh, but I'm going to give it an F, and they were

650
00:38:37,860 --> 00:38:39,320
 taken aback by it.

651
00:38:39,400 --> 00:38:45,080
 I'm like, if he doesn't get a starting pitcher, an external starting pitcher, because here's

652
00:38:45,080 --> 00:38:49,060
 my fear, and I know moves are going to be made.

653
00:38:49,160 --> 00:38:51,280
 There's still plenty of free agents out there.

654
00:38:51,420 --> 00:38:53,880
 Moves are going to be made every day, probably up until every day.

655
00:38:53,960 --> 00:38:54,540
 Let's be honest.

656
00:38:54,620 --> 00:38:56,000
 That's how baseball is now.

657
00:38:56,120 --> 00:38:58,100
 It's unfortunate, but it's true.

658
00:38:58,780 --> 00:39:06,620
 If on Tuesday, when Alex Anthopoulos is hanging around for the first workout, and he's asked

659
00:39:06,620 --> 00:39:11,500
 about the starting rotation, and he talks about Grant Holmes with his partially torn ulnar

660
00:39:11,500 --> 00:39:17,760
 collateral ligament, and Spencer Schwellenbach coming back after missing half the year with

661
00:39:17,760 --> 00:39:24,740
 a broken bone in his elbow, and Chris Zell, who is not durable, and Raynaldo Lopez, who

662
00:39:24,740 --> 00:39:30,700
 pitched one game last year, you know, before shoulder surgery, and they're all good.

663
00:39:30,820 --> 00:39:31,500
 They're all fine.

664
00:39:31,600 --> 00:39:32,740
 They're all ready to go.

665
00:39:32,760 --> 00:39:33,300
 When healthy.

666
00:39:34,000 --> 00:39:34,600
 Come on.

667
00:39:34,860 --> 00:39:41,640
 You know, I mean, unfortunately, the game of baseball is all about injuries now.

668
00:39:41,640 --> 00:39:51,880
 It is, I don't know, it's incredible to me of how they get paid more, and yet they have

669
00:39:51,880 --> 00:39:56,900
 great physical shape, they're professional athletes, and I mean, maybe they're in too

670
00:39:56,900 --> 00:39:57,360
 good of a shape.

671
00:39:57,460 --> 00:40:01,560
 Maybe they need to go to the buffet a couple of days a week and be like Bill Shanks and

672
00:40:01,560 --> 00:40:02,740
 Brett Beaird and Harold Buck.

673
00:40:03,120 --> 00:40:08,720
 I don't know, but you just, you gotta have, you know, if you think you need 15 pitchers,

674
00:40:08,800 --> 00:40:09,360
 you need 20.

675
00:40:09,480 --> 00:40:11,440
 If you think you need 20, you need 25.

676
00:40:11,840 --> 00:40:18,280
 And so, if they try to sell us, for lack of a better term, on, well, everybody's healthy,

677
00:40:18,460 --> 00:40:22,000
 everybody's gonna stay healthy, everything's gonna be okay, I'm just not, I'm gonna be

678
00:40:22,000 --> 00:40:29,640
 skeptical, and I think that's the more appropriate attitude to take, because, look, and here's

679
00:40:29,640 --> 00:40:30,280
 the deal, though.

680
00:40:30,580 --> 00:40:33,660
 The last two years have been h*** on the Braves when it's come to injuries.

681
00:40:33,760 --> 00:40:36,760
 It's not been normal, and that's somebody's fault.

682
00:40:36,900 --> 00:40:39,860
 This has been bad luck, and maybe this year it is good luck.

683
00:40:39,940 --> 00:40:45,940
 Maybe it will be, but it's hard to count on that to enter a 162-game schedule.

684
00:40:46,460 --> 00:40:48,580
 Hmm, that's a great point, Bill.

685
00:40:48,660 --> 00:40:50,060
 It's the same thing with Alabama basketball.

686
00:40:50,260 --> 00:40:52,060
 If this team was healthy, they'd be a different team.

687
00:40:52,400 --> 00:40:55,520
 I don't understand it either, and it's modern era when you've got everything in the world

688
00:40:55,520 --> 00:40:57,740
 going on, and you've got more injuries than ever.

689
00:40:58,280 --> 00:41:02,740
 Your thoughts about the state of baseball overall, Bill, I mean, I make no secret, being

690
00:41:02,740 --> 00:41:06,520
 a group St. Louis Cardinal fan, you see what's happening to that team and that franchise.

691
00:41:07,300 --> 00:41:11,760
 Basically, I mean, if they try to come out and say anything other than we're cashing out

692
00:41:11,760 --> 00:41:16,100
 and making money off this team, and we want you as fans to eat it and still give us money,

693
00:41:16,460 --> 00:41:19,740
 they need to go and take a check on their honesty issue.

694
00:41:19,880 --> 00:41:25,420
 But your thoughts about where baseball is, and the other part is, in the old days, it

695
00:41:25,420 --> 00:41:29,620
 was a money printer for TV, and now all those deals seem to be scrambling.

696
00:41:29,620 --> 00:41:35,080
 The thoughts about the overall state of baseball outside of Los Angeles and those big markets

697
00:41:35,080 --> 00:41:40,240
 and the Gray situation, we know locally the NBC affiliate has it.

698
00:41:40,320 --> 00:41:43,680
 What's the latest with us watching the Braves on TV here?

699
00:41:44,040 --> 00:41:48,500
 Well, we're still waiting for an official announcement on what they're going to do.

700
00:41:48,620 --> 00:41:58,020
 But I think, obviously, they hinted at a potential new era of Braves baseball on television.

701
00:41:58,380 --> 00:42:02,720
 I'll say, instead of television, I'll say video distribution systems.

702
00:42:03,260 --> 00:42:03,440
 Right.

703
00:42:03,840 --> 00:42:04,120
 Yep.

704
00:42:04,520 --> 00:42:04,680
 Yep.

705
00:42:05,040 --> 00:42:08,260
 I'll kind of use that term instead of quote-unquote TV.

706
00:42:09,760 --> 00:42:14,900
 I think that Gray is going to be a large part of what we're going to see.

707
00:42:15,120 --> 00:42:20,820
 Now, I don't know, but putting two and two together with the fact that they dropped Vanduul

708
00:42:20,820 --> 00:42:25,080
 and they have already had an association for the last couple of years with Gray.

709
00:42:25,340 --> 00:42:31,300
 Gray has affiliates in all the states in Braves country, or most of the markets in the five states

710
00:42:31,300 --> 00:42:32,060
 of Braves country.

711
00:42:32,500 --> 00:42:35,320
 I think that that's going to be an avenue they're going to go.

712
00:42:35,320 --> 00:42:41,720
 Will there be additional streaming services and additional methods?

713
00:42:42,040 --> 00:42:42,260
 Sure.

714
00:42:42,580 --> 00:42:46,320
 And that is probably what they're working out because they're going to generate revenue.

715
00:42:46,660 --> 00:42:52,840
 You know, television is a big revenue source, and the revenue they thought they were going to have

716
00:42:52,840 --> 00:42:54,440
 from Vanduul is not going to be there.

717
00:42:54,580 --> 00:42:59,960
 They've got to scramble to make sure that it's going to be there with their new avenue of distribution.

718
00:43:01,160 --> 00:43:06,680
 I don't know if that's going to be possible from day one, but I do think that they have

719
00:43:06,680 --> 00:43:11,320
 had the time to prepare for this because the original deal with the group that owns Vanduul

720
00:43:11,320 --> 00:43:17,440
 was up after 2027, and I said two years ago, I said they probably need to start right now

721
00:43:17,440 --> 00:43:21,700
 thinking about what the heck they're going to do because we don't, look, we don't, we know

722
00:43:21,700 --> 00:43:26,500
 how different TV is now compared to five years ago.

723
00:43:26,500 --> 00:43:28,500
 What is it going to be like five years from now?

724
00:43:28,640 --> 00:43:33,560
 I mean, Harold, you and I worked in television, and, you know, television stations are struggling

725
00:43:33,560 --> 00:43:41,760
 mightily, and TV networks are not where they used to be, and TV stations grasp for revenue.

726
00:43:42,080 --> 00:43:43,920
 So what is it going to be in five years?

727
00:43:43,980 --> 00:43:45,000
 What is it going to be in two years?

728
00:43:45,000 --> 00:43:48,540
 And I don't know, but they've got to think about that in delivering their games to their

729
00:43:48,540 --> 00:43:49,040
 fan base.

730
00:43:49,500 --> 00:43:53,960
 And to your point, Bill, I saw the other day someone posted the ratings for the shows

731
00:43:53,960 --> 00:43:57,420
 back in the 60s and said, I'm talking about the Andy Griffiths and all those shows.

732
00:43:57,900 --> 00:43:59,100
 This is the truth.

733
00:43:59,160 --> 00:44:00,980
 They were getting 30s and 40 ratings.

734
00:44:01,420 --> 00:44:06,380
 If they get a two or three now, they're sitting there popping champagne because it's so splintered.

735
00:44:06,440 --> 00:44:09,960
 The pie is so thin now, and you see where all the networks are going.

736
00:44:10,060 --> 00:44:15,880
 They're trying to drive us to sit here and abide by the FCC to make money off that and then do

737
00:44:15,880 --> 00:44:19,940
 all these streaming services where we pay an additional fee to watch additional games.

738
00:44:19,980 --> 00:44:21,580
 That seems to be the game plan.

739
00:44:22,760 --> 00:44:23,800
 Well, it is.

740
00:44:23,800 --> 00:44:30,060
 And, you know, I would love to be in the meetings to have the conversations.

741
00:44:30,260 --> 00:44:35,760
 I mean, you know, even though I'm in television, I do three reports a week and the high school

742
00:44:35,760 --> 00:44:41,980
 football show for the NBC affiliate here, you know, I'm not in the newsroom every day.

743
00:44:42,120 --> 00:44:45,060
 I'm not in meetings, but I mean, I have enough.

744
00:44:45,360 --> 00:44:46,080
 Bless your heart.

745
00:44:47,260 --> 00:44:47,980
 No kidding.

746
00:44:50,120 --> 00:44:53,140
 You and I both had enough for our meetings inside those walls before.

747
00:44:53,280 --> 00:44:54,240
 We don't need that anymore.

748
00:44:55,460 --> 00:44:57,840
 That's why your hair is gray and mine's getting there.

749
00:44:57,840 --> 00:45:03,760
 But anyway, you know, we have enough knowledge of the television business to know how it has

750
00:45:03,760 --> 00:45:04,220
 been.

751
00:45:04,580 --> 00:45:08,220
 And I'd love to know the thoughts of what it's going to be.

752
00:45:08,400 --> 00:45:13,300
 I don't know the answer to those questions, but I think, you know, I think the ability for

753
00:45:13,300 --> 00:45:18,960
 the brace to have a 24 hour network available through either cable systems or gray affiliates

754
00:45:18,960 --> 00:45:23,880
 and they have the additional content, old games, complimentary programming, interview

755
00:45:23,880 --> 00:45:25,480
 shows, magazines.

756
00:45:25,480 --> 00:45:26,400
 Features on players.

757
00:45:27,280 --> 00:45:27,640
 Absolutely.

758
00:45:28,060 --> 00:45:32,440
 That, you know, I mean, I, I used to do, I used to produce those type of shows 25 years

759
00:45:32,440 --> 00:45:32,860
 ago.

760
00:45:33,860 --> 00:45:34,380
 Yeah.

761
00:45:34,480 --> 00:45:34,920
 Yeah.

762
00:45:34,960 --> 00:45:36,640
 I mean, that was when y'all first found me.

763
00:45:36,640 --> 00:45:40,200
 I think when I started saving your show back, you know, when you were on television.

764
00:45:40,200 --> 00:45:41,440
 And we're very grateful.

765
00:45:41,720 --> 00:45:42,040
 Very grateful.

766
00:45:42,180 --> 00:45:42,420
 Yeah.

767
00:45:42,420 --> 00:45:44,280
 I mean, y'all, y'all wouldn't have a career today.

768
00:45:44,340 --> 00:45:45,400
 Y'all be working at Walmart.

769
00:45:45,640 --> 00:45:47,300
 Well, 23 years ago.

770
00:45:47,300 --> 00:45:47,680
 That's right.

771
00:45:47,760 --> 00:45:48,960
 Would you like fries with that bill?

772
00:45:49,040 --> 00:45:49,360
 Yeah.

773
00:45:49,620 --> 00:45:49,940
 Yeah.

774
00:45:49,980 --> 00:45:54,280
 I mean, I, I've been, you know, but, but I was doing a, I was doing a brazed minor league

775
00:45:54,280 --> 00:45:59,960
 TV show then, you know, on that Comcast charter sports Southeast, I believe it was called.

776
00:45:59,960 --> 00:46:04,140
 And y'all had that there in Huntsville, I believe it, but, but, you know, um, they've

777
00:46:04,140 --> 00:46:07,640
 got to figure it all out and it's going to be interesting to see what they come up with.

778
00:46:07,680 --> 00:46:12,020
 But I, I do think the gray television stations, the sub channels are going to be a big part

779
00:46:12,020 --> 00:46:12,280
 of it.

780
00:46:12,320 --> 00:46:12,880
 I really do.

781
00:46:12,920 --> 00:46:13,040
 Yeah.

782
00:46:14,040 --> 00:46:18,840
 Uh, Greg Sankey has been in the news this week for, uh, a lot of things.

783
00:46:18,840 --> 00:46:25,980
 One with Alabama and being in favor of the NCA with the Bediaco case, but he also announced

784
00:46:25,980 --> 00:46:34,620
 that $1.03 billion has been distributed to the 16 SEC universities.

785
00:46:34,620 --> 00:46:44,960
 That's an average of 72.4 million, 18.6 million above two years ago, which, which is incredible.

786
00:46:45,100 --> 00:46:46,980
 Now, Oklahoma Tech has been the newest.

787
00:46:47,160 --> 00:46:48,300
 They're still transitioning.

788
00:46:48,500 --> 00:46:56,020
 They get less money, but, uh, I've seen three articles and we've talked about this on Nauseam.

789
00:46:56,120 --> 00:47:03,760
 The break between, uh, the semifinal games next year or this coming year is even more, uh,

790
00:47:03,760 --> 00:47:05,820
 than it was this past season.

791
00:47:06,160 --> 00:47:11,840
 Your thoughts on the amount of money and, uh, somebody please help us figure out the problems

792
00:47:11,840 --> 00:47:14,440
 with college football off the field.

793
00:47:15,100 --> 00:47:19,220
 Well, they need to, and I'm glad, you know, Greg's trying to take some initiative.

794
00:47:19,500 --> 00:47:24,020
 I mean, he's, he's trying to say that he doesn't want anybody playing basketball for Alabama older

795
00:47:24,020 --> 00:47:25,780
 than he is, which is a problem.

796
00:47:25,780 --> 00:47:31,760
 Um, but, but, you know, look, um, there's a tremendous amount of money.

797
00:47:31,900 --> 00:47:35,260
 I mean, we know that it is a, it is a cash cow.

798
00:47:35,560 --> 00:47:41,000
 And I kind of wonder if they have a big boardroom in the SEC offices and they spread all that money

799
00:47:41,000 --> 00:47:42,260
 out before they write up a check.

800
00:47:42,320 --> 00:47:43,060
 You think they do that?

801
00:47:43,120 --> 00:47:43,680
 Just count it.

802
00:47:43,720 --> 00:47:44,500
 Make sure it's all there.

803
00:47:44,500 --> 00:47:48,680
 Lick your fingers and make sure it doesn't stick together.

804
00:47:49,180 --> 00:47:49,620
 Yeah.

805
00:47:49,760 --> 00:47:52,020
 But you know, look, Greg's got to be the leader here.

806
00:47:52,180 --> 00:47:56,640
 He's got to step up and he's got to take the initiative and he's got to have a voice.

807
00:47:56,640 --> 00:48:01,480
 And he's the commissioner of the conferences, supposedly where it means more.

808
00:48:01,640 --> 00:48:07,020
 And therefore he needs to talk more and he needs to really, I think, and I think he will.

809
00:48:07,120 --> 00:48:07,940
 I think he has.

810
00:48:08,000 --> 00:48:08,840
 I think he will.

811
00:48:09,020 --> 00:48:12,840
 And, and, uh, I think he's got to lead the charge though.

812
00:48:12,840 --> 00:48:16,780
 And he, you know, I think he's, you know, he's starting to have some people in his conference.

813
00:48:16,780 --> 00:48:20,820
 Uh, I know the university of Georgia president and the athletic director said some things, uh,

814
00:48:21,160 --> 00:48:24,720
 about a week ago, uh, trying to kind of stir the pot a little bit.

815
00:48:24,720 --> 00:48:30,280
 And I think that that, uh, again, I've said, look, I don't care who it is.

816
00:48:30,640 --> 00:48:34,780
 I don't care how dumb the comment or the thought or the idea may be.

817
00:48:34,980 --> 00:48:38,860
 Let's throw a bunch of stuff up against the wall to see what's absolutely.

818
00:48:39,320 --> 00:48:45,300
 And until that happens, uh, more consistently, uh, I think we're going to be stuck kind of in quicksand.

819
00:48:45,420 --> 00:48:51,340
 So I'm glad to see that Greg's starting to take some of that initiative and, and it's always good for him to listen to my show.

820
00:48:51,640 --> 00:48:52,360
 There you go.

821
00:48:54,360 --> 00:48:57,220
 Oh, my Lord, let me finish with the Braves.

822
00:48:57,820 --> 00:49:00,420
 Um, let me circle back to that for a second.

823
00:49:00,800 --> 00:49:03,840
 The, the, the, the kids, you love J.R.

824
00:49:03,920 --> 00:49:06,020
 Ritchie, the number two Braves prospect.

825
00:49:06,780 --> 00:49:11,900
 Fuentes, uh, Owen Murphy, John Gill, the shortstop, Bauman.

826
00:49:12,540 --> 00:49:17,840
 Uh, and I know that you would love to see them up, but you keep saying, season these guys.

827
00:49:18,040 --> 00:49:22,560
 Let them stay in the minor leagues for a while and develop.

828
00:49:22,560 --> 00:49:27,100
 Do you see any of these guys coming up to the big club by the end of the year?

829
00:49:27,520 --> 00:49:30,280
 Yeah, I think Ritchie, uh, Ritchie's close.

830
00:49:30,580 --> 00:49:31,540
 Ritchie is close.

831
00:49:31,620 --> 00:49:35,340
 Now, you know, we saw Hurston Walderick pitch 10 games, nine starts last year.

832
00:49:35,420 --> 00:49:38,720
 I think Hurston probably needs to start in AAA.

833
00:49:39,380 --> 00:49:44,180
 He's not going to like that too much, but I, I, I, I would think that's the plan, knowing how they operate.

834
00:49:44,660 --> 00:49:48,920
 And, and, and, um, just a little bit more seasoning, which is good.

835
00:49:49,020 --> 00:49:54,300
 A fact, when hurting, I mean, he may prove otherwise in spring training, he may, he may prove he's ready to go.

836
00:49:54,520 --> 00:50:00,120
 I think J.R. definitely needs to go to AAA to start, but then, you know, it may not take long.

837
00:50:00,560 --> 00:50:03,220
 Um, and I do, I have a lot and, and Walderick too.

838
00:50:03,280 --> 00:50:11,720
 I don't want to think even Walderick about, I mean, I, I just, I, I think both of those young men have, uh, the ability to be in a starting rotation to big leagues.

839
00:50:11,720 --> 00:50:19,600
 And so, and look, that might be, even though I think they're cheap, that might be what Alex, I know Alex loves J.R. Ritchie like I do.

840
00:50:20,120 --> 00:50:20,940
 He really does.

841
00:50:21,060 --> 00:50:22,560
 He's a big J.R. Ritchie fan.

842
00:50:22,680 --> 00:50:32,580
 I mean, Alex told me a couple of years ago after J.R. went down with Tommy John surgery, he said, Bill, two weeks after I, he had Tommy John surgery, I had somebody make a trade-off for J.R. Ritchie.

843
00:50:33,300 --> 00:50:40,440
 And I'm like, holy cow, that, that's pretty good, you know, for someone trying to get you a hurt pitcher off your organization.

844
00:50:40,700 --> 00:50:43,520
 But it showed you how much people think about J.R. Ritchie.

845
00:50:43,720 --> 00:50:49,800
 And so, I know he likes him a great deal, and that may be what he's thinking a little bit, that those two young men, Walderick.

846
00:50:50,080 --> 00:50:58,380
 But look, um, the shortstop situation, you know, whether there's a kid from Florida State who will probably be at AA at some point, we'll see how close he is by the end of the year.

847
00:50:58,480 --> 00:51:09,360
 John Yeal, you mentioned G-I-L, I think it's pronounced Yeal, which, um, you know, um, but I, I think he is going to be in Rome and, and I can't wait to see him in spring training.

848
00:51:09,500 --> 00:51:10,740
 They like him a lot.

849
00:51:10,880 --> 00:51:15,000
 So, yeah, there's some, there's, there's, the farm system is not great.

850
00:51:15,100 --> 00:51:17,320
 It's better than some people think it is.

851
00:51:17,460 --> 00:51:25,180
 And there's a kid named Luke Sennard, who I think could come quick to, and he's, I think, number 10 on one of the baseball, one of the top 10 lists.

852
00:51:25,180 --> 00:51:28,360
 And I, I think he could be, uh, one to keep an eye on as well.

853
00:51:28,360 --> 00:51:37,300
 But, you know, still need a, they still need a pitcher from the free agent market, like, like, like, like by the time I get off the phone with you guys.

854
00:51:37,440 --> 00:51:38,160
 There you go.

855
00:51:38,400 --> 00:51:39,960
 Well, I wish that could happen.

856
00:51:39,960 --> 00:51:45,060
 By the way, Georgia prides itself in being number one in so many things.

857
00:51:45,060 --> 00:51:53,840
 How did they handle the, when it was disclosed that the player had over 100 charges, uh, that was released later this week.

858
00:51:53,840 --> 00:51:56,540
 Is that something that Kirby and the AD are proud of?

859
00:51:56,920 --> 00:51:57,960
 Well, absolutely.

860
00:51:58,120 --> 00:52:06,420
 You know, we have a quota at University of Georgia where we, we have to keep the public defender in, so we're, we're just not doing our job.

861
00:52:06,640 --> 00:52:09,900
 So, absolutely, we, that, that was our crime of the month.

862
00:52:09,900 --> 00:52:14,100
 And we'll, you know, I'm sure the one for March is getting ready right now.

863
00:52:15,060 --> 00:52:17,080
 Listen, he paid it for everybody.

864
00:52:17,300 --> 00:52:20,540
 Let's just get one player with 100 and save all the other guys.

865
00:52:21,260 --> 00:52:26,120
 Now, if anybody would like to call your incredible, uh, radio program this afternoon.

866
00:52:26,480 --> 00:52:30,980
 From the state of Alabama and our listing area, how can they do that?

867
00:52:31,520 --> 00:52:35,660
 The superstations.com will be taking Super Bowl predictions.

868
00:52:36,260 --> 00:52:36,480
 Yep.

869
00:52:36,860 --> 00:52:38,880
 And, uh, talk a little bit about the Super Bowl.

870
00:52:39,060 --> 00:52:40,420
 So, we, we look forward to that.

871
00:52:40,500 --> 00:52:42,820
 Once again, another year where the Atlanta Falcons are not in.

872
00:52:44,900 --> 00:52:47,900
 I'm going to go on a limb and say they might extend that streak next year.

873
00:52:47,980 --> 00:52:48,800
 Yes, they might.

874
00:52:48,880 --> 00:52:49,300
 Oh, yeah.

875
00:52:49,400 --> 00:52:49,760
 Yeah.

876
00:52:49,880 --> 00:52:50,620
 You heard it first.

877
00:52:50,740 --> 00:52:52,820
 Hey, Harold, Harold, you know what I've said?

878
00:52:52,940 --> 00:52:57,160
 The Falcons are so mean, they'll probably win the Super Bowl after every d*** one of us die.

879
00:52:59,360 --> 00:53:01,440
 Let's hope that's another couple of hundred years, Bill.

880
00:53:01,680 --> 00:53:02,120
 Oh, yeah.

881
00:53:03,480 --> 00:53:08,100
 In the meantime, in the meantime, enjoy the game and stay safe over there.

882
00:53:08,100 --> 00:53:08,340
 Okay?

883
00:53:08,880 --> 00:53:09,540
 Okay, guys.

884
00:53:09,600 --> 00:53:10,200
 Thank you very much.

885
00:53:10,200 --> 00:53:10,620
 Thank you, Bill.

886
00:53:10,820 --> 00:53:15,480
 The one, the only, the big peach, Bill Shanks, theseuperstations.com, online, anytime.

887
00:53:15,860 --> 00:53:19,300
 Coming up in the next hour, we're going to lead it off with Mike Hegan and more straight ahead.

888
00:53:19,380 --> 00:53:19,960
 Stay with us.

889
00:53:20,100 --> 00:53:28,380
 At First Metro Bank, we don't just do business in the Shulls community.

890
00:53:28,700 --> 00:53:29,520
 We're part of it.

891
00:53:30,000 --> 00:53:34,560
 Our roots are right here, and we know what matters to you because it matters to us, too.

892
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 Whether you're saving for a dream vacation, buying a first home, or starting a small business,

893
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894
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895
00:53:46,560 --> 00:53:48,040
 First Metro Bank, member FDIC.

896
00:53:50,980 --> 00:53:55,420
 At North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic, our Shulls roots run deep.

897
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898
00:54:02,460 --> 00:54:07,480
 From sports medicine to joint replacement, expert care happens right here at home.

899
00:54:07,640 --> 00:54:14,440
 As UNA Athletics' choice for orthopedics and the trusted orthopedic team of the Shulls' families for over 30 years,

900
00:54:14,680 --> 00:54:17,380
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901
00:54:17,380 --> 00:54:21,180
 Learn more at nabjc.com.

902
00:54:22,160 --> 00:54:27,200
 Never have I ever called my sister from the finish line of my first marathon.

903
00:54:28,820 --> 00:54:29,340
 Hello?

904
00:54:29,580 --> 00:54:31,260
 You won't believe where I am.

905
00:54:31,360 --> 00:54:32,000
 Are you running?

906
00:54:32,220 --> 00:54:32,880
 Mile 26.

907
00:54:33,520 --> 00:54:34,680
 I'm going to make it.

908
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 Switch to T-Mobile's 55 Plus plan and get iPhone 16E with its advanced camera system on us.

909
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910
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 Guys, I can't believe it.

911
00:54:43,880 --> 00:54:45,140
 I knew you could do it, babe.

912
00:54:45,200 --> 00:54:46,080
 That was amazing.

913
00:54:46,440 --> 00:54:47,460
 Mom, how do you feel?

914
00:54:47,680 --> 00:54:48,560
 I feel great.

915
00:54:48,920 --> 00:54:49,920
 Well, I can't feel my feet.

916
00:54:50,880 --> 00:54:51,760
 Let's take a picture.

917
00:54:52,140 --> 00:54:54,140
 And then you may carry me to the car.

918
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 Share every stride, every mile, every memory on America's best network.

919
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 Switch to T-Mobile's 55 Plus plan and get iPhone 16E on us and two lines for just 30 bucks a lot.

920
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921
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922
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923
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924
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925
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 Based on analysis by Google of Speedtest Intelligence Data 1H 2025.

926
00:55:20,720 --> 00:55:21,540
 Visit T-Mobile.com.

927
00:55:22,080 --> 00:55:26,560
 This new year, get started on your next success with University of Maryland Global Campus.

928
00:55:27,100 --> 00:55:29,540
 Apply now and save with no application fee.

929
00:55:30,000 --> 00:55:31,680
 Classes start February 11th.

930
00:55:31,940 --> 00:55:38,800
 An accredited state university, UMGC offers online and hybrid classes while giving you a head start on 2026.

931
00:55:39,400 --> 00:55:43,060
 Earn up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's for prior learning and experience.

932
00:55:43,500 --> 00:55:45,960
 Or transfer up to 12 credits toward a master's.

933
00:55:46,180 --> 00:55:48,980
 Learn more at umgc.edu.

934
00:55:49,520 --> 00:55:51,340
 Certified to operate in Virginia by Shev.

935
00:55:51,960 --> 00:55:54,460
 Access to education changes lives.

936
00:55:55,100 --> 00:56:01,380
 That's why National University provides flexible online and hybrid programs from associate to doctorate degrees.

937
00:56:01,860 --> 00:56:08,040
 Since 1971, NU was built to serve non-traditional working and military learners nationwide.

938
00:56:08,760 --> 00:56:12,080
 NU understands the demands of work, family, and service.

939
00:56:12,080 --> 00:56:18,080
 Each year, more than 130,000 learners trust National University to move forward.

940
00:56:18,520 --> 00:56:20,960
 Visit NU.edu to learn more.

941
00:56:22,000 --> 00:56:22,740
 Rich Eisen here.

942
00:56:22,920 --> 00:56:25,020
 For small businesses, every hire counts.

943
00:56:25,360 --> 00:56:26,280
 And so does your time.

944
00:56:26,680 --> 00:56:31,820
 Hiring can quickly become overwhelming from sorting applications to figuring out who's truly qualified.

945
00:56:32,300 --> 00:56:34,400
 That's where LinkedIn Hiring Pro helps.

946
00:56:34,700 --> 00:56:39,420
 It streamlines the process so you can focus on connecting with the right candidates, not managing the noise.

947
00:56:39,760 --> 00:56:41,420
 Hire right the first time.

948
00:56:41,420 --> 00:56:46,720
 Post your job and get $100 off towards your job post at linkedin.com slash Eisen.

949
00:56:47,020 --> 00:56:48,960
 That's linkedin.com slash Eisen.

950
00:56:49,340 --> 00:56:50,820
 Terms and conditions apply.

951
00:56:53,200 --> 00:56:54,440
 1819 News.

952
00:56:54,720 --> 00:57:01,440
 An execution date has been set for a death row inmate who shot and killed a customer during a robbery that occurred back in 1991.

953
00:57:01,960 --> 00:57:08,760
 Charles Lee Burton was convicted of being an accomplice in the robbery of an auto store, which resulted in customer Doug Battle being killed.

954
00:57:08,760 --> 00:57:14,520
 Governor Ivey has set a 30-hour time frame for Burton to be put to death by way of nitrogen hypoxia.

955
00:57:14,520 --> 00:57:18,000
 The 30 hours will begin on March 12 and run to the 13th.

956
00:57:18,000 --> 00:57:21,060
 This will be Alabama's first execution for 2026.

957
00:57:21,200 --> 00:57:23,940
 I'll be back with more Alabama stories after this.

958
00:57:23,940 --> 00:57:32,360
 Did you know that 70% of people experience a potentially traumatic event in their lifetime and that six out of every 100 adults face PTSD every day?

959
00:57:32,480 --> 00:57:38,660
 Help us bring hope to these survivors by signing up for your Alabama distinctive PTSD awareness license plate today.

960
00:57:38,800 --> 00:57:43,340
 The great thing is you can sign up no matter when your current plate renews and the first year is complimentary.

961
00:57:43,700 --> 00:57:45,320
 All you need is your FIN number on hand.

962
00:57:45,580 --> 00:57:46,180
 Drive awareness.

963
00:57:46,560 --> 00:57:47,120
 Drive hope.

964
00:57:47,400 --> 00:57:50,340
 And customize your plate today at at ease.org.

965
00:57:50,460 --> 00:57:55,640
 An investigation is underway in Prattville after a vehicle was found in Otaga Creek on Thursday.

966
00:57:55,940 --> 00:58:00,800
 The overturned SUV was in the waters not far from West Main Street in the downtown area.

967
00:58:01,000 --> 00:58:05,180
 The driver was able to get out of the vehicle and had to be taken from there to a hospital.

968
00:58:05,600 --> 00:58:12,500
 Upgrades will soon be coming to the Tuscaloosa National Airport after an $8.5 million grant was just awarded to the city of Tuscaloosa.

969
00:58:12,500 --> 00:58:16,840
 The city is going to consider further investing $13 million for this project.

970
00:58:17,180 --> 00:58:23,400
 Bringing in a commercial airline to the airport would be of real benefit for the students who attend the University of Alabama.

971
00:58:23,880 --> 00:58:27,180
 Alabama surplus property auction is happening online this weekend.

972
00:58:27,440 --> 00:58:31,720
 Items to be auctioned include vehicles, electronics, furniture, and other equipment.

973
00:58:32,180 --> 00:58:40,380
 There are photos of the items to be found on the Flickr account of the surplus property division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

974
00:58:40,380 --> 00:58:41,700
 I'm Andrea Tess.

975
00:58:42,500 --> 00:58:46,820
 For more news affecting Alabamians, go to 1819news.com.

976
00:58:47,000 --> 00:58:49,860
 And while you're there, subscribe to the daily newsletter.

977
00:58:52,860 --> 00:58:58,260
 Valley Broadcasting Corporation, WITK-FM, Rogersville, Athens, Decatur, The Shores.

978
00:58:58,500 --> 00:59:00,700
 Sports Radio 93.9 The Score.

979
00:59:01,140 --> 00:59:02,860
 High school basketball season is here.

980
00:59:03,220 --> 00:59:08,440
 And as your home for Florence Falcons athletics, 93.9 The Score is proud to bring you a select lineup of games.

981
00:59:08,440 --> 00:59:12,400
 This Thursday, the Falcons take on the James Clemens Jets in the area tournament.

982
00:59:12,820 --> 00:59:16,900
 Airtime is 6.15 with a tip at 6.30 here on 93.9 The Score.

983
00:59:17,700 --> 00:59:38,300
 Florence Falcons basketball is brought to you by Florence Utilities, Florence City Schools, the law firm of Johnson Pasture Medley & Virtual, North Alabama Bone & Joint Clinic, T&T Fireworks, Yogurt Mountain, Whataburger, Singing River Dentistry, Bank Independent, Lost Pizza, Irons Electric, Cypress Creek Range, and Henniger Johnson & Layton Insurance.

984
00:59:38,300 --> 00:59:40,660
 Florence and James Clemens in the area tournament.

985
00:59:41,000 --> 00:59:43,700
 This Thursday at 6.15 on 93.9 The Score.

986
00:59:44,500 --> 00:59:47,160
 Hey Florence Falcons fans, can't make it to the games?

987
00:59:47,700 --> 00:59:52,980
 Join Kevin Johnson and the rest of the Falcons radio crew streaming live on the 93.9 The Score app.

988
00:59:53,500 --> 00:59:55,920
 Available for both Apple and Android users.

989
00:59:56,340 --> 00:59:59,320
 Live streams are also available on your Amazon Alexa devices.

990
01:00:00,040 --> 01:00:04,100
 Just ask Alexa to tune in to 93.9 The Score and go Falcons!

991
01:00:05,040 --> 01:00:07,260
 93.9 The Score weather.

992
01:00:08,080 --> 01:00:10,000
 Today sunny with a high around 60.

993
01:00:10,740 --> 01:00:13,900
 Tonight partly cloudy with possible gusty winds and a low near 30.

994
01:00:14,480 --> 01:00:16,480
 Tomorrow sunny with a high around 45.

995
01:00:17,360 --> 01:00:19,640
 Tomorrow night mostly clear with a low near 25.

996
01:00:20,460 --> 01:00:23,260
 And for your Sunday mostly sunny with a high around 55.

997
01:00:24,160 --> 01:00:26,840
 Your weather from 93.9 The Score.

998
01:00:26,840 --> 01:00:39,480
 Now, get ready to roll, Shoals, Decatur, Athens, and all of Northwest Alabama and Southern Tennessee.

999
01:00:40,140 --> 01:00:43,460
 It's time for the Valley's exclusive FM Sports Voice.

1000
01:00:46,400 --> 01:00:49,000
 The Boomo Bugg Show.

1001
01:00:49,000 --> 01:00:54,540
 Your exclusive inside track to the Tigers, Tennessee, and the rest of the SEC.

1002
01:00:55,340 --> 01:01:00,760
 Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9 The Score.

1003
01:01:01,720 --> 01:01:03,520
 Welcome back again, our tour of the Boomo Bugg Show.

1004
01:01:03,640 --> 01:01:05,140
 I'm Harold Bugg, alongside Brett Beaird.

1005
01:01:05,240 --> 01:01:08,040
 Thank you so much for giving us free ride around the Tennessee Valley.

1006
01:01:08,220 --> 01:01:14,280
 Brett Beaird, a lot to get to this hour, but a lot of folks wondering about the Judge Judy case down in Tuscaloosa.

1007
01:01:14,420 --> 01:01:15,340
 Today, what's the latest?

1008
01:01:15,820 --> 01:01:19,860
 The Charles B.D. Young Cole hearing was adjourned this morning.

1009
01:01:19,920 --> 01:01:21,000
 It's about 30 minutes.

1010
01:01:21,000 --> 01:01:29,380
 There's no ruling by Judge Daniel Pruitt, and he told both sides to submit proposed orders by 4 p.m.,

1011
01:01:29,380 --> 01:01:32,320
 and then he would make a final decision.

1012
01:01:32,620 --> 01:01:44,160
 A order is basically asking the plaintiff and defendant to draft a written version of the order that reflects their views on what the ruling should say.

1013
01:01:44,160 --> 01:01:52,660
 Then the judge will review both orders, edit, or combine and sign one of the orders.

1014
01:01:52,780 --> 01:01:55,140
 He can combine something on both sides.

1015
01:01:55,480 --> 01:02:01,380
 So, I don't know if he is going to make a ruling late this afternoon, tonight, or in the morning.

1016
01:02:01,540 --> 01:02:08,220
 If he doesn't, then Charles Bidiaco will play against Auburn, and then he'll announce something early next week.

1017
01:02:08,220 --> 01:02:13,840
 But the hearing was held this morning, no ruling, and we'll let you know as soon as we can.

1018
01:02:14,060 --> 01:02:16,000
 Sounds about as clear as mud, as always, right?

1019
01:02:16,060 --> 01:02:23,720
 And in the meantime, it's always a clear-cut picture with Mike Cugan, and he's a National College football-slash-basketball analyst down in Orlando.

1020
01:02:24,100 --> 01:02:25,040
 Mike, welcome in.

1021
01:02:25,100 --> 01:02:27,320
 Let's hope the weather's better for you the last time we spoke.

1022
01:02:27,420 --> 01:02:27,960
 How are you?

1023
01:02:28,480 --> 01:02:30,320
 Yeah, it's still cold.

1024
01:02:31,240 --> 01:02:32,700
 Everything in my yard died.

1025
01:02:33,360 --> 01:02:34,180
 Oh, man.

1026
01:02:34,600 --> 01:02:36,820
 It's a lot of tropical plants.

1027
01:02:37,440 --> 01:02:40,600
 They don't like it when the wind chill is like sick.

1028
01:02:41,280 --> 01:02:42,600
 We've seen that last week.

1029
01:02:43,080 --> 01:02:48,940
 So, yeah, it's a little depressing, but at least there's a lot of sports this weekend.

1030
01:02:49,240 --> 01:02:50,920
 The softball season starts.

1031
01:02:51,420 --> 01:02:51,720
 Yeah.

1032
01:02:51,960 --> 01:02:53,180
 College softball, which I don't mind.

1033
01:02:53,840 --> 01:02:56,160
 College basketball in full swing.

1034
01:02:56,280 --> 01:02:56,880
 Super Bowl.

1035
01:02:57,420 --> 01:02:59,160
 And then next week, college baseball.

1036
01:02:59,160 --> 01:03:01,660
 But, yeah, this is a good sports weekend.

1037
01:03:02,240 --> 01:03:03,320
 Let's talk about it.

1038
01:03:03,360 --> 01:03:06,700
 Are you planning a super weekend, Mike, for you and your family?

1039
01:03:06,820 --> 01:03:11,180
 And how do you see the game on a Friday before the showdown on a Sunday?

1040
01:03:12,160 --> 01:03:14,280
 I think Seattle wins.

1041
01:03:15,380 --> 01:03:18,480
 I think Sam Darnold is a great story.

1042
01:03:20,440 --> 01:03:24,540
 I think he's a sort of a redemption story in the making here.

1043
01:03:24,660 --> 01:03:25,940
 You know, he gets drafted by the Jets.

1044
01:03:26,040 --> 01:03:27,120
 Oh, my God, he's horrible.

1045
01:03:27,280 --> 01:03:28,280
 What a wasted pick.

1046
01:03:28,360 --> 01:03:28,940
 What a bust.

1047
01:03:29,040 --> 01:03:29,200
 Yep.

1048
01:03:29,640 --> 01:03:31,820
 And then he goes to teams that know what they're doing.

1049
01:03:32,760 --> 01:03:36,720
 And I think that happens more than folks want to admit.

1050
01:03:36,920 --> 01:03:40,540
 If you're, you know, I don't care what business, I don't care what business you're in.

1051
01:03:40,600 --> 01:03:49,740
 If you work for somebody or in an organization that's dysfunctional, chances are you're not going to be a very good employee.

1052
01:03:50,420 --> 01:03:55,680
 And I think it works, obviously, for football and basketball and baseball especially.

1053
01:03:56,040 --> 01:04:00,820
 But, yeah, Sam Darnold, a really nice redemption story.

1054
01:04:01,020 --> 01:04:05,820
 I think Seattle is a little bit better than New England.

1055
01:04:06,000 --> 01:04:09,060
 The Seattle defense is extremely well coached.

1056
01:04:09,160 --> 01:04:12,840
 And I think they – but I think Seattle's defense so leads the way to a win.

1057
01:04:14,100 --> 01:04:16,400
 And Seattle can run the ball, Mike.

1058
01:04:17,240 --> 01:04:21,040
 Ryan Grubb was there last year, and they were nearly dead last in the league.

1059
01:04:21,360 --> 01:04:31,940
 Going into the game two weekends ago, they were averaging 170 yards rushing in the postseason.

1060
01:04:32,900 --> 01:04:34,680
 Walker's been extremely good.

1061
01:04:34,840 --> 01:04:37,160
 Now, the Patriots can run the ball some, too.

1062
01:04:37,720 --> 01:04:40,440
 And both quarterbacks will get the headlines.

1063
01:04:40,780 --> 01:04:43,780
 But which team can run the ball, Mike, and play defense?

1064
01:04:44,300 --> 01:04:48,660
 Yeah, I think Seattle is – yeah, is the better defensive team.

1065
01:04:49,180 --> 01:04:53,140
 And you're right, Kenneth Walker, a kid who people forget, started his career at Wake Forest,

1066
01:04:53,620 --> 01:04:55,140
 transferred to Michigan State.

1067
01:04:56,120 --> 01:05:01,340
 You know, a lot of folks don't like Mel Tucker, but I think Kenneth Walker really likes Mel Tucker

1068
01:05:01,340 --> 01:05:10,440
 because he was the bell cow of the offense, the season that Mel Tucker led Michigan State to 10 wins.

1069
01:05:11,960 --> 01:05:14,040
 You pointed out Ryan Grubb.

1070
01:05:14,560 --> 01:05:18,300
 Yeah, I think Alabama fans are sort of cursing under their breath

1071
01:05:18,300 --> 01:05:22,300
 because Seattle's running game has been reborn this year.

1072
01:05:22,740 --> 01:05:27,660
 Yeah, but, you know, both these teams – you know, New England, what a great job by Vrabel.

1073
01:05:28,680 --> 01:05:32,480
 No one expected Seattle to win the NFC West.

1074
01:05:33,840 --> 01:05:35,720
 You know, the big – how good is Darnold?

1075
01:05:36,280 --> 01:05:40,180
 Was Drake May really worth the number two pick in the draft?

1076
01:05:41,180 --> 01:05:44,020
 Yeah, I think it's obvious that Drake May was.

1077
01:05:44,560 --> 01:05:47,020
 I think Mike McDonald's done a really nice job.

1078
01:05:47,080 --> 01:05:55,620
 Here's a guy whose first coaching job was at Cedar Shoals High in Athens because he's a UGA guy.

1079
01:05:55,620 --> 01:05:59,520
 So, yeah, there's a ton of great stories in this game,

1080
01:05:59,580 --> 01:06:05,200
 but I think that Seattle is the better defense and gets the game – gets the win.

1081
01:06:07,740 --> 01:06:13,820
 Mike, speaking of the NFL, Roger Goodell had his State of the State address.

1082
01:06:14,040 --> 01:06:18,360
 He normally does this on the Monday before the week of the Super Bowl,

1083
01:06:18,500 --> 01:06:21,020
 and we talked about various and sundry subjects.

1084
01:06:21,180 --> 01:06:22,920
 Their media rights comes up.

1085
01:06:23,000 --> 01:06:25,280
 He may pop down of it in 2029.

1086
01:06:25,860 --> 01:06:31,920
 You imagine the number of platforms the NFL would have in three or four years.

1087
01:06:32,920 --> 01:06:39,500
 The 18-game schedule, they want to add another game and then reduce the exhibitions to two.

1088
01:06:40,720 --> 01:06:44,040
 They're hot to try it about playing internationally.

1089
01:06:44,300 --> 01:06:47,260
 We see that, I think, seven or eight games every year.

1090
01:06:48,000 --> 01:06:52,280
 They're now a 10% equity holder in Disney, ESPN.

1091
01:06:53,240 --> 01:06:54,800
 Dome stadiums are there.

1092
01:06:55,060 --> 01:06:58,520
 Mike, whether you agree with the NFL or not,

1093
01:06:59,520 --> 01:07:04,620
 and I know the owners have certainly – Goodell's there to try to please the owners.

1094
01:07:05,160 --> 01:07:07,000
 You look at their future plans,

1095
01:07:07,480 --> 01:07:12,780
 and then you compare it to college football about its future plans,

1096
01:07:12,840 --> 01:07:14,700
 and you throw your hands up there and say,

1097
01:07:14,780 --> 01:07:16,680
 Mike, they can't even agree on one number.

1098
01:07:19,220 --> 01:07:24,960
 The one thing you mentioned that college fans need to be cognizant of

1099
01:07:24,960 --> 01:07:28,320
 is the streaming platform aspect of the NFL.

1100
01:07:28,720 --> 01:07:29,340
 You're right.

1101
01:07:29,340 --> 01:07:34,980
 I mean, there's absolutely zero question that if you're born –

1102
01:07:34,980 --> 01:07:36,340
 if you were born in 2000,

1103
01:07:36,560 --> 01:07:40,020
 the idea that you're going to watch every NFL game on the streaming service

1104
01:07:40,020 --> 01:07:41,780
 doesn't bother you.

1105
01:07:42,300 --> 01:07:47,420
 I think those of us who were born in the 60s and 70s, that is bothersome.

1106
01:07:47,620 --> 01:07:49,580
 But that's going to be the way of college football.

1107
01:07:49,820 --> 01:07:51,300
 It's going to take longer,

1108
01:07:52,040 --> 01:07:58,480
 but the TV aspect of the NFL will be one thing that college football follows

1109
01:07:58,480 --> 01:07:59,480
 because there's more money.

1110
01:07:59,480 --> 01:07:59,980
 But you're right.

1111
01:08:00,080 --> 01:08:04,440
 I mean, we've got the 12-team playoff again next year, which is fine.

1112
01:08:04,920 --> 01:08:08,900
 We just had National Signing Day, which was – I think people forgot about it

1113
01:08:08,900 --> 01:08:12,060
 because no one signs on National Signing Day anymore.

1114
01:08:12,600 --> 01:08:18,360
 But the calendar questions about college football are going to continue ad nauseum,

1115
01:08:18,360 --> 01:08:24,960
 whereas the biggest calendar question about the NFL, you're right, is, well, do we want 18 regular season games?

1116
01:08:25,020 --> 01:08:28,060
 And I think the answer to that from a player's standpoint is no.

1117
01:08:28,320 --> 01:08:33,060
 But what's interesting to me, Indiana played 16 games this season.

1118
01:08:33,700 --> 01:08:36,380
 The NFL regular season is 17 games.

1119
01:08:37,440 --> 01:08:43,200
 And at some point you wonder if the college football powers that be are going to realize

1120
01:08:43,200 --> 01:08:48,340
 we're asking our players who are 18 and 19 years old in a lot of cases

1121
01:08:48,340 --> 01:08:52,000
 to do things that 30-year-olds don't want to do.

1122
01:08:52,680 --> 01:08:56,900
 So that's something that college football needs to be wary of as well.

1123
01:08:57,560 --> 01:09:03,100
 Mike, you're exactly right because the one thing that's driving the pocketbooks of TV right now is live sports.

1124
01:09:03,220 --> 01:09:05,160
 The regular programming back in the day, that's gone.

1125
01:09:05,220 --> 01:09:06,560
 They can't come up with good writers.

1126
01:09:07,840 --> 01:09:09,680
 So live sports is driving the revenue.

1127
01:09:09,880 --> 01:09:11,300
 Let's switch gears if you don't mind.

1128
01:09:11,700 --> 01:09:17,080
 It seems like we're talking more of this day and time about stuff off the field, off the courts, and we are on it.

1129
01:09:17,840 --> 01:09:19,380
 Good catch by James.

1130
01:09:19,820 --> 01:09:20,640
 It's been a battle.

1131
01:09:20,720 --> 01:09:23,000
 We've been following this Jeremy Pruitt story back and forth.

1132
01:09:23,120 --> 01:09:28,140
 Maryland, we know the connection there with the head coach of Maryland and Jeremy Pruitt back to their days at Alabama.

1133
01:09:28,340 --> 01:09:32,600
 And then right down the road from where he lives in DeKalb County, Alabama, is Jack State.

1134
01:09:32,720 --> 01:09:33,920
 It's right next door.

1135
01:09:34,540 --> 01:09:39,160
 And according to the reports, Jack State has hired Jeremy Pruitt to be an analyst.

1136
01:09:40,060 --> 01:09:46,520
 Normally, analysts don't make news, but normally, folks with Jeremy Pruitt's story is not front and center.

1137
01:09:46,940 --> 01:09:48,520
 What's your thoughts about Jeremy Pruitt?

1138
01:09:48,600 --> 01:09:54,320
 We know if he's going to go to Jack State and his hurdles cleared, it's only a matter of time that he moves on up the ladder pretty fast, I'm sure.

1139
01:09:56,860 --> 01:10:05,520
 Being an on-field coach again soon, I think he has paid his NCA dues from the show cause aspect.

1140
01:10:05,520 --> 01:10:09,920
 I think there's a lot of folks out there, a lot of schools out there that would hire Jeremy Pruitt.

1141
01:10:10,060 --> 01:10:10,960
 Even with yesterday.

1142
01:10:12,460 --> 01:10:17,780
 So I think this is, yeah, the idea he'll be an analyst this year at Jack State.

1143
01:10:18,480 --> 01:10:23,080
 I'm betting he's not an analyst next year at Jack State, meaning 2027.

1144
01:10:23,560 --> 01:10:25,660
 The question is, where will he be?

1145
01:10:26,100 --> 01:10:29,440
 And I'm assuming he will be an on-field coach in 2027 somewhere.

1146
01:10:30,440 --> 01:10:34,400
 Big college basketball day tomorrow, Mike.

1147
01:10:34,520 --> 01:10:38,060
 Alabama and Auburn, of course, here, Tennessee, Kentucky.

1148
01:10:38,320 --> 01:10:42,220
 But maybe the premier game is Florida at Texas A&M.

1149
01:10:42,380 --> 01:10:50,820
 Florida ran Alabama at the gym last Sunday, but they rebounded to beat Texas A&M in a thrilling track meet.

1150
01:10:51,280 --> 01:10:55,300
 On Wednesday, the Gators are awfully good, Mike.

1151
01:10:55,900 --> 01:10:59,040
 Your thoughts on Florida, Texas A&M tomorrow night.

1152
01:10:59,640 --> 01:11:04,100
 Yeah, I think they shot 79 three-pointers the A&M-Alabama game.

1153
01:11:04,180 --> 01:11:10,440
 I think they shot basically a third, two-thirds more three-pointers than two-pointers.

1154
01:11:11,180 --> 01:11:15,100
 So A&M makes it up and down the court with Bucky McMillan, shoots a three-pointers.

1155
01:11:15,660 --> 01:11:18,340
 Obviously, that's Nate Oates' M.O. as well.

1156
01:11:18,400 --> 01:11:19,420
 He loves the three-pointers.

1157
01:11:20,100 --> 01:11:28,300
 Florida dominated Alabama inside, 72 play points, which is an incredibly high number in a college game,

1158
01:11:28,380 --> 01:11:32,400
 much less in a power four intraconference match.

1159
01:11:32,580 --> 01:11:37,120
 So I think Florida's front court is better than it was last year.

1160
01:11:37,820 --> 01:11:40,060
 Florida's guards are a gigantic concern.

1161
01:11:41,020 --> 01:11:46,020
 Florida's guards do play good defense, but that is one of the big games of the weekend.

1162
01:11:46,280 --> 01:11:48,200
 Illinois-Michigan State is tomorrow.

1163
01:11:48,700 --> 01:11:55,180
 Houston-BYU, Alabama-Auburn, Tennessee-Kentucky, and, oh, yeah, Duke-North Carolina as well.

1164
01:11:55,580 --> 01:12:00,540
 So it is a great Saturday, the day before the Super Bowl.

1165
01:12:00,540 --> 01:12:07,660
 But the SEC hierarchy, in a way, yeah, there's a lot of things that are going to be –

1166
01:12:07,660 --> 01:12:11,000
 we're going to know a lot more about the SEC tomorrow night when all this stuff.

1167
01:12:11,020 --> 01:12:14,820
 Mike, we – go ahead, Mike.

1168
01:12:14,900 --> 01:12:20,480
 I was going to say, Kentucky for a team that was sort of left in the large table in seven of eight.

1169
01:12:21,020 --> 01:12:21,220
 Yeah.

1170
01:12:21,300 --> 01:12:22,440
 They're playing well.

1171
01:12:23,840 --> 01:12:28,560
 Tennessee's defense needs to show up big time if they're going to steal a game at rough.

1172
01:12:29,960 --> 01:12:30,760
 Mike, I'm sorry.

1173
01:12:30,860 --> 01:12:35,620
 I was about to say, get your national thoughts about Greg Sankey's talk this week.

1174
01:12:35,680 --> 01:12:44,000
 He warns the court that allowing Charles Mediaco to play after having an NBA contract would disrupt college sports and hurt other student athletes.

1175
01:12:44,560 --> 01:12:46,580
 A lot of folks would agree with that logic.

1176
01:12:46,700 --> 01:12:51,460
 The problem is, is Mediaco the only one who's going to court to get extra time?

1177
01:12:51,540 --> 01:12:52,440
 We saw the situation.

1178
01:12:52,580 --> 01:12:54,320
 I know it's apples and oranges in some cases.

1179
01:12:54,840 --> 01:12:59,460
 But the point is, you've got a lot of guys now making more money in college than they are in the pros.

1180
01:13:01,140 --> 01:13:05,860
 What is the right thing to do here relative to everybody basically getting the same outcome?

1181
01:13:05,940 --> 01:13:12,380
 In other words, if Mediaco is sidelined because of this, are they going to go to Baylor and other places and say, you know what, you've got to sit too?

1182
01:13:13,340 --> 01:13:14,720
 I think they should, yeah.

1183
01:13:14,920 --> 01:13:18,220
 And not just college basketball.

1184
01:13:18,380 --> 01:13:21,720
 I mean, Joey Aguilar gets the P.R.O. yesterday.

1185
01:13:22,720 --> 01:13:25,760
 Trinidad Chambliss is appealing his ruling.

1186
01:13:26,920 --> 01:13:38,220
 It is getting to be, as you guys were talking about, the days of the week that the games are played in college football, the other six days are a mess.

1187
01:13:38,300 --> 01:13:39,320
 Yeah, it is.

1188
01:13:39,320 --> 01:13:40,300
 The thing with college basketball.

1189
01:13:40,300 --> 01:13:41,240
 It's Matlock.

1190
01:13:41,900 --> 01:13:46,200
 Yeah, in college basketball, even the day that the games are played during the week, it's a mess.

1191
01:13:46,200 --> 01:13:48,540
 It's because you have court cases in the morning.

1192
01:13:48,660 --> 01:13:49,700
 You've got games at night.

1193
01:13:50,340 --> 01:13:59,960
 I think Sankey, I think the conference commissioners have abdicated their roles.

1194
01:14:00,900 --> 01:14:14,820
 If Sankey truly feels that way, and if Tony Petiti feels that way, if Brett Yormark feels that way, when your member school says we're going to do this, step up and say, no, you're not.

1195
01:14:15,160 --> 01:14:19,080
 And it's sort of, Sankey's talking out of both sides of his mouth.

1196
01:14:19,300 --> 01:14:20,180
 And Zane's a politician.

1197
01:14:21,040 --> 01:14:23,440
 That's what conference commissioners do these days.

1198
01:14:27,680 --> 01:14:32,860
 They're mealy-mouthed, mush-mouthed, whatever derogatory term you want to use.

1199
01:14:32,860 --> 01:14:34,180
 That we can use on family radio.

1200
01:14:34,620 --> 01:14:40,880
 But if Sankey truly feels that way, Sankey should have stepped up when Alabama announced Betty Ico and said, no, you're not playing it.

1201
01:14:41,200 --> 01:14:41,980
 You're not playing it.

1202
01:14:42,540 --> 01:14:45,460
 It's a little bit weak on his part after the fact.

1203
01:14:45,460 --> 01:14:52,600
 But, again, I think Sankey and Petiti wield a ton of power, and they're very ineffectual for the most part.

1204
01:14:53,820 --> 01:14:56,020
 Well, enjoy the Super Bowl.

1205
01:14:56,480 --> 01:14:57,340
 I'm like you.

1206
01:14:57,400 --> 01:15:05,100
 I think a lot of people are leaning towards Seattle in some great college basketball games tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow night.

1207
01:15:05,220 --> 01:15:06,340
 Mike, have a great week.

1208
01:15:06,440 --> 01:15:08,760
 Hopefully it will warm up for all of us.

1209
01:15:09,240 --> 01:15:10,640
 Let's do this again next Friday.

1210
01:15:12,640 --> 01:15:16,680
 Mike, you're going to be checking in from what used to be the Sunshine State.

1211
01:15:16,780 --> 01:15:17,400
 They're like us.

1212
01:15:17,440 --> 01:15:19,140
 They're begging for some sunshine now.

1213
01:15:19,380 --> 01:15:23,180
 In the meantime, it's kind of getting hot on the high school area hardwoods.

1214
01:15:23,280 --> 01:15:24,560
 Zach Pounder is checking in next.

1215
01:15:24,640 --> 01:15:25,100
 Stay with us.

1216
01:15:28,940 --> 01:15:29,760
 Hello, Shoals.

1217
01:15:29,840 --> 01:15:31,560
 It's Elmer Pierce from Garner Pierce Autos.

1218
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1219
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1220
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 At Garner Pierce Autos, we have four full-time certified and trained technicians that have over 75 years of automotive service experience.

1221
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 We service vehicles of every make and model and do anything from oil changes to engine and transmission replacements.

1222
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 We're your one-stop shop for servicing your entire fleet or your personal vehicle.

1223
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 We have every accessory for your car, truck, van, or SUV.

1224
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1225
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 Garner Pierce Autos on Florence Boulevard right next to Appleby's, where it's our business to earn your business.

1226
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 Mugshot's Grill and Bar has a winning lineup with their limited-time offers.

1227
01:16:11,580 --> 01:16:18,040
 Choose from the smoky bourbon maple stack with two kid burgers or the pretzel basket with four pretzel sticks sprinkled with kosher salt.

1228
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 You must try the Chili Trio, which is a cup of cheesy chili, or the Nashville Hot Tacos, three flour tortillas with three Nashville Hot chicken tenders.

1229
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 Happy hour is two to six daily, and get $3 mimosas and $5 Bloody Marys until three on Saturdays and Sundays.

1230
01:16:33,620 --> 01:16:35,480
 Watch the game with our game day pitchers.

1231
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 So grab your friends and head to Mugshots for Beer, Burgers, and Ball in historic downtown Florence.

1232
01:16:41,460 --> 01:16:42,400
 Rich Eisen here.

1233
01:16:42,520 --> 01:16:46,220
 As you all know, I care deeply about pediatric cancer research and awareness.

1234
01:16:46,500 --> 01:16:48,800
 That's why I'm proud to talk about Hyundai Hope on Wheels.

1235
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 For over 27 years, every Hyundai Sold has helped fund life-saving pediatric cancer research.

1236
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 Together with over 850 dealers nationwide, they've raised more than $277 million,

1237
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1238
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 At Hyundai, Hope isn't optional.

1239
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1240
01:17:07,020 --> 01:17:10,780
 Visit HyundaiUSA.com and search Hyundai Hope on Wheels to learn more.

1241
01:17:11,340 --> 01:17:13,580
 Hey, it's Rich Eisen for Pella Windows and Doors.

1242
01:17:13,780 --> 01:17:17,060
 Sometimes teams take a time out to regroup and call the right play.

1243
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 When it comes to your home, Pella Windows and Doors always has the winning game plan.

1244
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 They're not just window and door experts.

1245
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 They're experts at taking care of you and your home.

1246
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 At Pella, they find the products that meet your needs and their experts install them.

1247
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1248
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 Discover why Pella is a trusted choice for homeowners everywhere.

1249
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 Visit Pella.com slash Eisen today.

1250
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 That's Pella.com slash Eisen.

1251
01:17:41,100 --> 01:17:44,600
 Winter is in full swing, and Aleve is here to keep you moving.

1252
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 When the cold weather sets in, everyday aches and pains can linger.

1253
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 But Aleve's got your back.

1254
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 With up to 12 hours of body pain relief per dose,

1255
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 Aleve keeps you going with long-lasting body pain relief to get you through whatever the season brings.

1256
01:18:00,360 --> 01:18:06,940
 Chilly days or cozy nights, Aleve gives you that long-lasting body pain relief you can count on this winter.

1257
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 Try Aleve.

1258
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 Use as directed for minor aches and pains.

1259
01:18:11,420 --> 01:18:13,160
 Are you 50 or older?

1260
01:18:13,560 --> 01:18:15,100
 This news is for you.

1261
01:18:15,460 --> 01:18:19,260
 The CDC recommends you get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.

1262
01:18:19,820 --> 01:18:22,660
 Even if you're healthy, your age puts you at risk.

1263
01:18:23,000 --> 01:18:30,540
 People 50 or older are over six times more likely to be hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia compared to adults 18 to 49.

1264
01:18:31,040 --> 01:18:32,980
 Just one shot can help protect you.

1265
01:18:33,500 --> 01:18:36,780
 Learn more and schedule at vaxassist.com.

1266
01:18:37,160 --> 01:18:39,520
 That's V-A-X-Assist.com.

1267
01:18:39,800 --> 01:18:40,700
 Sponsored by Pfizer.

1268
01:18:45,940 --> 01:18:49,220
 From the University of Alabama, this is Crimson Tide Today.

1269
01:18:49,520 --> 01:18:52,780
 It's a daily update on Bama sports and it's brought to you by the Good Feet Store.

1270
01:18:53,060 --> 01:18:55,480
 Start your journey today at goodfeet.com.

1271
01:18:55,800 --> 01:18:56,480
 Hello again, everybody.

1272
01:18:56,780 --> 01:18:57,500
 I'm Roger Hoover.

1273
01:18:57,840 --> 01:19:04,220
 On yesterday's edition of Crimson Tide, driven by NASCAR, we were joined by Alabama women's basketball freshman, Ace Austin.

1274
01:19:04,420 --> 01:19:06,260
 It's been everything that I thought it was.

1275
01:19:06,480 --> 01:19:08,140
 And, you know, amazing people to be around.

1276
01:19:08,240 --> 01:19:09,200
 Just amazing campus.

1277
01:19:09,460 --> 01:19:12,320
 And it's just been a great, you know, start of my freshman year.

1278
01:19:12,480 --> 01:19:13,920
 And, I mean, it's just been amazing.

1279
01:19:14,120 --> 01:19:18,280
 And, you know, everything I've heard, you know, when I signed, I mean, it's just been just dead on.

1280
01:19:18,280 --> 01:19:23,220
 This is within the state, but it's also far enough away from home to get on your own for the first time.

1281
01:19:23,420 --> 01:19:23,840
 Oh, yeah.

1282
01:19:24,680 --> 01:19:26,920
 It's pretty neat to stay in state.

1283
01:19:27,440 --> 01:19:28,860
 Just, you know, you have a lot of support.

1284
01:19:29,140 --> 01:19:34,080
 And I think it's just not just support for me, but, like, for the whole, you know, team, women's basketball team.

1285
01:19:34,160 --> 01:19:39,420
 And I think, you know, everybody I know, it's like, hey, we're watching Alabama women's basketball now.

1286
01:19:39,540 --> 01:19:41,080
 So, I mean, that just means a lot to me.

1287
01:19:41,180 --> 01:19:43,720
 But, you know, really, they're just supporting the whole team.

1288
01:19:44,220 --> 01:19:45,100
 I'll have more in a moment.

1289
01:19:45,420 --> 01:19:47,220
 This is Christian Miller for the Good Feet Store.

1290
01:19:47,340 --> 01:19:53,560
 I know from playing football at Alabama and in the NFL that if you have foot, knee, hip, or back pain, it can be a huge challenge.

1291
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1293
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1294
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1295
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1296
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 That's goodfeet.com.

1297
01:20:14,280 --> 01:20:14,740
 Roll Tide.

1298
01:20:15,040 --> 01:20:17,820
 We've got you covered for Alabama basketball this weekend.

1299
01:20:18,160 --> 01:20:22,060
 On Saturday, the men's basketball team travels to the plains to take on the Auburn Tigers.

1300
01:20:22,360 --> 01:20:25,880
 Tip-off at 3, and our coverage across the network begins at 2 p.m. Central.

1301
01:20:26,500 --> 01:20:29,020
 Crimson Tide Today is brought to you by the Good Feet Store.

1302
01:20:29,380 --> 01:20:33,100
 Crimson Tide Today is a production of the Crimson Tide Sports Network from Learfield.

1303
01:20:33,940 --> 01:20:34,880
 The Score.

1304
01:20:35,440 --> 01:20:40,100
 Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.

1305
01:20:40,500 --> 01:20:40,880
 Welcome back.

1306
01:20:40,940 --> 01:20:42,640
 And it is kind of like a big old sports buffet.

1307
01:20:42,840 --> 01:20:46,260
 Now, BB, behind your ball, baseball is about to get rocking and rolling.

1308
01:20:46,400 --> 01:20:53,160
 The Olympics, Super Bowl, and did we mention when it comes to our neighbors in high school basketball area play?

1309
01:20:53,280 --> 01:20:56,560
 Zach Panner's got an eye on that and a whole lot more at the Shoals Sports Report.

1310
01:20:56,680 --> 01:20:57,840
 Zach, welcome in.

1311
01:20:57,940 --> 01:20:58,820
 Happy Friday to you.

1312
01:20:58,860 --> 01:20:59,340
 How are you?

1313
01:20:59,820 --> 01:21:00,280
 Doing good.

1314
01:21:00,360 --> 01:21:00,660
 How are y'all?

1315
01:21:01,280 --> 01:21:01,520
 How are you?

1316
01:21:01,580 --> 01:21:02,620
 So far, so good.

1317
01:21:02,720 --> 01:21:05,580
 Zach, appreciate you asking area play, rocking and rolling.

1318
01:21:05,780 --> 01:21:11,360
 Your impressions so far, who is standing out in area play in our backyard, Zach?

1319
01:21:12,160 --> 01:21:19,280
 Well, last night alone, in area play, Central Girdle and Central Boys pulled out two wins over Brooks Girdle and Central Boys, respectively.

1320
01:21:20,240 --> 01:21:22,660
 And Central Girdle had a very big against Brooks.

1321
01:21:22,800 --> 01:21:27,220
 They had beaten by 12 at Brooks and by 25 or so at Central.

1322
01:21:27,660 --> 01:21:31,720
 So I was thinking about, what, a 15-point game or whatever from in the middle?

1323
01:21:32,060 --> 01:21:35,340
 And it wound up being a 9-point game, a 9-11-point game.

1324
01:21:35,460 --> 01:21:36,720
 But it was closer than that.

1325
01:21:37,360 --> 01:21:39,720
 It was down to six points with two minutes to go to the game.

1326
01:21:39,820 --> 01:21:41,940
 And it was like four points with like six minutes to go to the game.

1327
01:21:42,520 --> 01:21:44,320
 So it was closer than everybody thought it would be, probably.

1328
01:21:45,420 --> 01:21:48,220
 But Brooks had a better season this year for the Girdles and Coach Copeland.

1329
01:21:48,980 --> 01:21:53,840
 Seven, eight, maybe nine minutes this year compared to the three or two last year they had.

1330
01:21:54,640 --> 01:21:57,860
 He's trying to build that program back up from where it was when he got there.

1331
01:21:58,060 --> 01:21:59,460
 And he's doing a really good job building it up.

1332
01:21:59,540 --> 01:22:04,260
 He's got a good face at the 8th grade, 9th grade, 10th grade level, especially the future.

1333
01:22:05,380 --> 01:22:08,480
 And Central Girdle, it's the same story, different game.

1334
01:22:09,020 --> 01:22:12,740
 Isla Hardy, Jill Huffaker, the same name, showed up on the box score.

1335
01:22:13,740 --> 01:22:16,060
 Isla Hardy had 27 points, 14 rebounds.

1336
01:22:16,600 --> 01:22:18,500
 Jill Huffaker, eight points and four steals.

1337
01:22:19,120 --> 01:22:22,060
 Two of the rest of the field in the third quarter, and they're in foul trouble.

1338
01:22:22,980 --> 01:22:25,200
 Central was having to put Central on the bench, due to foul trouble.

1339
01:22:25,520 --> 01:22:26,720
 And again, there were some big steals.

1340
01:22:27,160 --> 01:22:29,340
 And then Central Boys last night had a comeback win.

1341
01:22:30,720 --> 01:22:35,100
 And Wilson Central Boys, the last two years, have never not delivered in these games.

1342
01:22:35,760 --> 01:22:41,020
 Last night, it was a tied game, was 36 to go.

1343
01:22:42,020 --> 01:22:46,680
 There's a block charge call on the central end of the court, and it's called a block.

1344
01:22:46,840 --> 01:22:48,340
 Could have been a charge, could have went both ways.

1345
01:22:48,860 --> 01:22:53,100
 But we'll put a successful foul on it, do different extra curricular stuff.

1346
01:22:53,780 --> 01:22:56,080
 And it could have been a six-point swing at the most.

1347
01:22:56,300 --> 01:22:57,520
 Central made one free throw.

1348
01:22:58,260 --> 01:22:59,280
 They didn't get the ball.

1349
01:22:59,880 --> 01:23:01,320
 And the personal foul free throw.

1350
01:23:02,020 --> 01:23:05,360
 So, a possible six-point swing, that kind of won the game for Central in that season.

1351
01:23:06,700 --> 01:23:07,840
 Yeah, you're there.

1352
01:23:07,840 --> 01:23:13,080
 That's one of the things that I tell people, is you go to as many of these games as you can.

1353
01:23:13,220 --> 01:23:18,220
 And I know you're going to be quite busy the next couple weeks with the area play,

1354
01:23:18,360 --> 01:23:21,200
 sub-regional, regional play in Wallace.

1355
01:23:22,020 --> 01:23:25,700
 This was the end of the regular season, obviously, for a lot of teams.

1356
01:23:25,880 --> 01:23:28,580
 Very, very good game this week.

1357
01:23:28,580 --> 01:23:34,240
 Austin Boys beat Muscle Shoals 70-69 in overtime.

1358
01:23:35,960 --> 01:23:42,400
 Muscle Shoals is going to be hosting the Class 6A Area 15 tournament that begins on Monday.

1359
01:23:43,240 --> 01:23:44,680
 They're going to take on Athens.

1360
01:23:45,380 --> 01:23:46,920
 And we talked about this last week.

1361
01:23:47,020 --> 01:23:48,200
 Florence got on a heater.

1362
01:23:48,400 --> 01:23:52,920
 They got on a roll and got all the way to the championship game against Hoover.

1363
01:23:53,760 --> 01:23:59,480
 And Muscle Shoals has won 13 of 16 or 14 of 16 games.

1364
01:24:00,000 --> 01:24:06,000
 Your thoughts on Muscle Shoals and, again, the Class 6A Area 15 tournament.

1365
01:24:06,620 --> 01:24:09,300
 Yeah, this Area 15 boys is going to be fun Monday night.

1366
01:24:09,400 --> 01:24:10,780
 I'll be there Monday night for these games.

1367
01:24:11,040 --> 01:24:12,960
 Muscle Shoals has beat Athens twice this year.

1368
01:24:13,140 --> 01:24:21,920
 They beat them in a five-day span and beat them by 18 at Athens and by five at Athens and by 18 at Muscle Shoals.

1369
01:24:22,960 --> 01:24:31,760
 So, who knows on that game, and Decatur Horton has another game that's had an overtime game this year, decided by one point, and another game decided by three points this year.

1370
01:24:32,240 --> 01:24:37,300
 This area has great coaches, all four schools, and it's been a really high-energy tournament.

1371
01:24:38,620 --> 01:24:42,100
 And Muscle Shoals boys, I see a lot of Florence boys similarities from last year.

1372
01:24:42,240 --> 01:24:50,720
 It's a senior-led group with Giave, KJ, I think Jamari is a senior, I think Gavin is a junior, Gavin Parrish.

1373
01:24:51,540 --> 01:24:55,800
 But a lot of them are seniors, and one last ride, see how far they can go.

1374
01:24:56,700 --> 01:24:58,840
 I think for a lot of the playoffs this year, it's going to be this.

1375
01:24:59,480 --> 01:25:03,340
 If you can get past the sub-easional round, you can get to see the lead eight possibly.

1376
01:25:03,860 --> 01:25:13,000
 Because the sub-easional round this year, for the local team, three-eight, you have crossovers locally, two-eight crosses over locally,

1377
01:25:13,940 --> 01:25:16,740
 and six-eight crosses with Clay Chalk and Wood Gardner down in Penton Valley.

1378
01:25:17,220 --> 01:25:18,320
 But the Muscle Shoals area does.

1379
01:25:18,960 --> 01:25:20,540
 Clay Chalk was top ten in the state.

1380
01:25:20,700 --> 01:25:24,320
 Penton Valley was a six-day runner-up last year, and they're just as good this year.

1381
01:25:24,440 --> 01:25:25,760
 They beat Twan, it's about 30-plus.

1382
01:25:26,760 --> 01:25:28,800
 Two weekends ago, or a weekend ago.

1383
01:25:29,860 --> 01:25:37,740
 So, Muscle Shoals, if they can get past this, I think they have a chance to get to the elite eight, if not the final four.

1384
01:25:40,240 --> 01:25:42,520
 In the huddle with Zach Pounder, show sports report.

1385
01:25:42,640 --> 01:25:44,740
 Obviously, as you mentioned, some loose ends.

1386
01:25:44,840 --> 01:25:47,680
 Some folks are already off and rolling in the area, like you mentioned, central.

1387
01:25:48,360 --> 01:25:50,540
 Others wrapping it up, like you mentioned, Muscle Shoals.

1388
01:25:50,540 --> 01:25:53,660
 Also, Florence, a mixed bag with Florence.

1389
01:25:53,720 --> 01:25:57,640
 The boys, they lost to Boonville, Mississippi, the Prentice County camp game.

1390
01:25:58,180 --> 01:26:00,640
 78-69, final regular season game.

1391
01:26:00,740 --> 01:26:04,640
 Better news than Florence Girls against Boonville, 66-62 winners.

1392
01:26:04,720 --> 01:26:07,980
 Your thoughts about Florence High heading into the postseason?

1393
01:26:08,720 --> 01:26:10,920
 For Florence Girls, that's a big boost of a win.

1394
01:26:11,140 --> 01:26:13,460
 Boonville Girls is one of the top girls for the Mississippi.

1395
01:26:13,800 --> 01:26:18,760
 I would say similar to Lardot County, Marseille, Dashiell, around here.

1396
01:26:18,760 --> 01:26:20,180
 They're one of the top rhythms every year.

1397
01:26:20,320 --> 01:26:23,460
 They will probably be in Jackson, Mississippi, for the elite eight, top four.

1398
01:26:24,140 --> 01:26:24,760
 That's right.

1399
01:26:24,960 --> 01:26:29,620
 And the boys, it's the same way with Boonville, boys and girls.

1400
01:26:30,200 --> 01:26:31,460
 Another top program in the state.

1401
01:26:32,520 --> 01:26:35,560
 The Florence boys, they kind of limp through the season.

1402
01:26:35,960 --> 01:26:36,900
 Boy, I will say this.

1403
01:26:37,420 --> 01:26:38,480
 Now, you're 0-0.

1404
01:26:38,760 --> 01:26:39,360
 It doesn't matter.

1405
01:26:40,160 --> 01:26:41,420
 You've got to go everywhere.

1406
01:26:42,420 --> 01:26:46,000
 And as far as the coach likes to call it, it's game seven now, where it's win or go home.

1407
01:26:46,700 --> 01:26:48,020
 You can't lose anymore, basically.

1408
01:26:48,980 --> 01:26:51,280
 I mean, you can lose the area championship game, but that's it.

1409
01:26:51,720 --> 01:26:55,060
 You can't lose after area championship and expect to keep playing.

1410
01:26:55,620 --> 01:26:57,200
 You have to win every night now.

1411
01:26:57,620 --> 01:27:01,460
 Even Central and Wilson's coaches last night, we were both agreeing on, hey, it's 0-0 today.

1412
01:27:02,100 --> 01:27:03,060
 Record doesn't matter to turn down.

1413
01:27:03,220 --> 01:27:08,960
 And last night after the game, Central's coach on Facebook posting about, hey, 1-0, survive in advance, new season.

1414
01:27:09,960 --> 01:27:14,080
 It's that mindset of just one game at a time, get through this game, and survive in advance.

1415
01:27:15,300 --> 01:27:16,560
 You're exactly right.

1416
01:27:16,560 --> 01:27:21,220
 Let me give a tip of the count to two ladies who had quite a week.

1417
01:27:21,440 --> 01:27:27,400
 Ella Copeland reached 2,000 career points as Russell beat Hamilton.

1418
01:27:27,600 --> 01:27:30,640
 I think she's now at 2,004.

1419
01:27:30,820 --> 01:27:33,300
 And, boy, this is a real surprise to a lot of people.

1420
01:27:33,940 --> 01:27:39,560
 Mars Hill star Belle Hill is within 13 points of 3,000.

1421
01:27:39,860 --> 01:27:42,580
 I keep reminding myself, she's a sophomore.

1422
01:27:43,460 --> 01:27:50,140
 Now, they play Convert Heights, I believe, tonight at 6 in the Class 3A area of 15 semifinal.

1423
01:27:51,200 --> 01:27:54,640
 And we certainly talked about Belle Hill a lot during the season.

1424
01:27:54,820 --> 01:27:56,680
 But congratulations to both.

1425
01:27:56,680 --> 01:28:06,200
 The 2,000-point career for Ella Copeland and Mars Hill star Belle Hill may go over 3,000 points, in fact, tonight.

1426
01:28:06,960 --> 01:28:09,520
 Yeah, even if he has a bad game tonight, I don't know if he's a bad game.

1427
01:28:09,760 --> 01:28:10,540
 The 3,000-point mark.

1428
01:28:11,300 --> 01:28:18,020
 And Reese Davis is also closing in on the national scoring record of 28 total points as a junior.

1429
01:28:18,560 --> 01:28:21,240
 I think she's been 200 points of that, just within 200.

1430
01:28:22,260 --> 01:28:23,240
 I think I'll map it out.

1431
01:28:23,360 --> 01:28:29,400
 If she averages 30 points a game the rest of the season, and they go to the state, she can break it this year.

1432
01:28:29,960 --> 01:28:30,200
 Wow.

1433
01:28:30,420 --> 01:28:31,180
 As a junior.

1434
01:28:31,920 --> 01:28:44,000
 But, I mean, talk about 2,000-point scores in the Shoals, and I'm not sure on Ella Copeland what year she is, but possibly three in the indirect Shoals area is insane.

1435
01:28:44,140 --> 01:28:49,880
 I think the most about it is 3,200 or 400 all the time.

1436
01:28:50,620 --> 01:28:54,260
 And Belle will have that probably by the middle of the next season, if I am my guess.

1437
01:28:55,360 --> 01:29:02,400
 Possibly 4,000-point juniors and 5,000 as a senior, if not the state record of 200 points total.

1438
01:29:02,820 --> 01:29:08,200
 Yeah, and I keep reminding myself, again, they're a sophomore and a junior.

1439
01:29:08,980 --> 01:29:16,300
 Can you imagine the amount of points that Belle Hill is going to have when she is through in two years?

1440
01:29:16,380 --> 01:29:17,520
 That's going to be incredible.

1441
01:29:18,200 --> 01:29:23,400
 Area play really getting rocking and rolling tonight, this weekend, and, of course, next week.

1442
01:29:23,460 --> 01:29:28,220
 You are going to have it covered, as you mentioned, you're going to be at most of the shows Monday night.

1443
01:29:28,340 --> 01:29:33,500
 I know you were covering that Wilson Central game last night.

1444
01:29:33,940 --> 01:29:35,200
 You will have scores.

1445
01:29:35,460 --> 01:29:36,840
 You will have updates.

1446
01:29:37,180 --> 01:29:38,480
 You will have your thoughts.

1447
01:29:39,040 --> 01:29:45,000
 I think you come on for a 10- or 15-minute wrap-up on Facebook after all the games are over with.

1448
01:29:45,000 --> 01:29:51,680
 But where can we get online and get scores, updates, stories, scores, the whole nine yards?

1449
01:29:52,480 --> 01:29:54,180
 Yes, every night after playoff games.

1450
01:29:54,320 --> 01:29:58,400
 We're live on Facebook for about 10, 15, 20 minutes, however long it takes if you get through all the games at night.

1451
01:29:59,040 --> 01:30:01,440
 And on Facebook, Shoals Sports Report.

1452
01:30:02,000 --> 01:30:07,080
 On Twitter, at lowercase, S-H-O-A-L-S-P-O-R-T-S.

1453
01:30:08,460 --> 01:30:11,700
 Christmas for high school basketball fans here in February.

1454
01:30:11,900 --> 01:30:14,940
 No matter where you go, safe travels out there, Zach, and enjoy, okay?

1455
01:30:15,700 --> 01:30:16,320
 Thank you, y'all, too.

1456
01:30:16,960 --> 01:30:17,500
 Thank you, bud.

1457
01:30:17,740 --> 01:30:20,040
 Zach Pounder, Shoals Sports Report.

1458
01:30:20,380 --> 01:30:22,320
 Word is, there's a pretty big game.

1459
01:30:22,480 --> 01:30:27,220
 The NFL out in California Sunday, but a pretty big game tomorrow on the Plains.

1460
01:30:27,300 --> 01:30:28,760
 We'll take you there next with Justin Ferguson.

1461
01:30:28,880 --> 01:30:29,440
 Stay with us.

1462
01:30:34,180 --> 01:30:40,640
 Silicon carbide was discovered in 1893 when a meteorite crashed to the earth in Arizona.

1463
01:30:40,640 --> 01:30:44,380
 It was discovered by a French chemist named Henri Messon.

1464
01:30:44,380 --> 01:30:46,300
 And originally he thought it was a diamond.

1465
01:30:46,300 --> 01:30:49,240
 When he realized it wasn't, he named it after himself.

1466
01:30:49,600 --> 01:30:50,080
 That's right.

1467
01:30:50,300 --> 01:30:51,480
 Moissanite is meteor.

1468
01:30:51,740 --> 01:30:58,520
 I know we've all kind of been divided here lately, but I think we can all agree from deep down in our soul that we all hate Valentine's Day.

1469
01:30:58,720 --> 01:31:01,540
 It is the most fabricated and made up holiday ever.

1470
01:31:01,540 --> 01:31:07,400
 So in celebration of that, I'm now declaring Moissanite the official anti-Valentine's Day gym.

1471
01:31:07,580 --> 01:31:15,320
 And at Medford Jewelers, we are going to be running one carat emerald cut Moissanite bezel set and both pendant and earrings for $75 each.

1472
01:31:15,460 --> 01:31:18,520
 Or you can get the pendant and earring pair for $125.

1473
01:31:19,420 --> 01:31:24,160
 At Medford's, we wish everybody health and love and happiness whenever and wherever you can find it.

1474
01:31:24,160 --> 01:31:29,520
 And we are proud to be the anti-Valentine's Day headquarters since 1945.

1475
01:31:30,320 --> 01:31:32,320
 Bring the flavor that wins every time.

1476
01:31:32,720 --> 01:31:34,280
 Champy's world-famous fried chicken.

1477
01:31:34,880 --> 01:31:38,920
 Tailgate like a champ with our legendary fried chicken, award-winning smoked hot wings,

1478
01:31:39,160 --> 01:31:43,440
 and don't forget those Mississippi Delta hot tamales that will light up your taste buds.

1479
01:31:43,960 --> 01:31:46,220
 Feed your whole crew with a Champy's tailgate pack.

1480
01:31:46,660 --> 01:31:48,620
 Packed, stacked, and ready for kickoff.

1481
01:31:49,100 --> 01:31:49,840
 Champy's chicken.

1482
01:31:50,240 --> 01:31:51,780
 East 2nd Street and Muscle Shoals.

1483
01:31:52,020 --> 01:31:53,460
 World famous for a reason.

1484
01:31:54,420 --> 01:31:58,080
 Let the million-dollar band, including six Muscle Shoals high school grads,

1485
01:31:58,160 --> 01:32:00,740
 get you ready for Champy's chicken and the game.

1486
01:32:02,360 --> 01:32:07,240
 Garnet Electric Company has been serving the shoals and the surrounding areas for over 79 years

1487
01:32:07,240 --> 01:32:11,480
 in commercial, institutional, and heavy industrial construction and maintenance.

1488
01:32:12,100 --> 01:32:16,320
 Garnet Electric has a tradition of successfully completing major electrical projects for state,

1489
01:32:16,640 --> 01:32:20,520
 federal, transportation, utilities, commercial, and industrial markets.

1490
01:32:20,920 --> 01:32:25,140
 We build strong relationships with owners, general contractors, engineers, and architects.

1491
01:32:25,700 --> 01:32:31,320
 We take pride in our reputation and prove an ability to complete projects within time, budget, and safely.

1492
01:32:31,820 --> 01:32:32,860
 Garnet Electric Company.

1493
01:32:32,860 --> 01:32:34,960
 A winning tradition since 1946.

1494
01:32:36,240 --> 01:32:39,080
 Oh, could this vintage store be any cuter?

1495
01:32:39,220 --> 01:32:39,500
 Right?

1496
01:32:39,740 --> 01:32:40,540
 And the best part?

1497
01:32:40,740 --> 01:32:41,680
 They accept Discover.

1498
01:32:42,060 --> 01:32:42,800
 Accept Discover?

1499
01:32:43,200 --> 01:32:44,520
 In a little place like this?

1500
01:32:44,880 --> 01:32:45,980
 I don't think so, Jennifer.

1501
01:32:46,260 --> 01:32:47,080
 Oh, yeah, huh.

1502
01:32:47,400 --> 01:32:49,280
 Discover's accepted where I like to shop.

1503
01:32:49,420 --> 01:32:50,220
 Come on, baby.

1504
01:32:50,320 --> 01:32:51,300
 Get with the times.

1505
01:32:52,020 --> 01:32:52,500
 Right.

1506
01:32:52,740 --> 01:32:54,900
 So we shouldn't get the parachute pants?

1507
01:32:55,280 --> 01:32:56,500
 These are making a comeback.

1508
01:32:58,000 --> 01:32:58,860
 I think.

1509
01:32:59,340 --> 01:33:02,960
 Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide.

1510
01:33:03,500 --> 01:33:05,940
 Based on the February 2025 Nielsen Report.

1511
01:33:06,360 --> 01:33:11,160
 With the new IHOP value menu, six bucks is all it takes to go to your Happy Plates.

1512
01:33:11,160 --> 01:33:15,580
 Where stacks of pancakes with bacon and eggs are just six bucks every day.

1513
01:33:15,940 --> 01:33:19,540
 French toast, sausage, and eggs are, you guessed it, six bucks.

1514
01:33:19,920 --> 01:33:24,120
 And fluffy omelets come with a side of pancakes and only cost six bucks.

1515
01:33:24,560 --> 01:33:26,960
 Go to your Happy Plates every day at IHOP.

1516
01:33:27,460 --> 01:33:28,960
 Seven bucks in some locations.

1517
01:33:29,380 --> 01:33:32,040
 Available every day for a limited time at participating restaurants in the U.S.

1518
01:33:32,080 --> 01:33:32,600
 Hours may vary.

1519
01:33:32,680 --> 01:33:33,400
 No substitutions.

1520
01:33:33,480 --> 01:33:34,880
 Not valid with other discounts or promotions.

1521
01:33:35,060 --> 01:33:35,660
 Prices may vary.

1522
01:33:36,360 --> 01:33:36,920
 Wendy here.

1523
01:33:37,060 --> 01:33:39,900
 If you're looking to add a star player to your financial roster,

1524
01:33:39,900 --> 01:33:42,980
 you should take a look at SoFi's personal loans.

1525
01:33:43,260 --> 01:33:46,960
 SoFi's got some amazing moves that would be a valued addition to any team.

1526
01:33:47,180 --> 01:33:49,540
 Like low fixed rates when you consolidate your debt.

1527
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1528
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1529
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 View your rate at SoFi.com slash roster to get started.

1530
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1531
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1532
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1533
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1534
01:34:06,360 --> 01:34:07,020
 Rich Eisen here.

1535
01:34:07,220 --> 01:34:09,300
 For small businesses, every hire counts.

1536
01:34:09,640 --> 01:34:10,560
 And so does your time.

1537
01:34:10,960 --> 01:34:15,580
 Hiring can quickly become overwhelming from sorting applications to figuring out who's truly

1538
01:34:15,580 --> 01:34:16,100
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1539
01:34:16,600 --> 01:34:18,680
 That's where LinkedIn Hiring Pro helps.

1540
01:34:18,920 --> 01:34:22,740
 It streamlines the process so you can focus on connecting with the right candidates, not

1541
01:34:22,740 --> 01:34:23,700
 managing the noise.

1542
01:34:24,060 --> 01:34:25,700
 Hire right the first time.

1543
01:34:26,060 --> 01:34:30,980
 Post your job and get $100 off towards your job post at LinkedIn.com slash Eisen.

1544
01:34:30,980 --> 01:34:33,220
 That's LinkedIn.com slash Eisen.

1545
01:34:33,620 --> 01:34:35,100
 Terms and conditions apply.

1546
01:34:35,900 --> 01:34:40,080
 Progressive presents the Sports Flash on 93.9 The Score.

1547
01:34:40,500 --> 01:34:41,640
 NFL Awards yesterday.

1548
01:34:41,800 --> 01:34:45,820
 Matthew Stafford of the Rams, the quarterback named the MVP of the league.

1549
01:34:45,900 --> 01:34:50,200
 Offensive Player of the Year went to Jackson Smith and Jigba of the Seahawks and Defensive

1550
01:34:50,200 --> 01:34:53,800
 Player of the Year to Miles Garrett of the Browns.

1551
01:34:53,860 --> 01:34:58,960
 The Walter Payton Man of the Year was Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner and Patriots

1552
01:34:58,960 --> 01:35:02,700
 head coach Mike Frable earned the Coach of the Year honors.

1553
01:35:03,060 --> 01:35:09,360
 The Patriots will play the Seahawks on Sunday in Super Bowl 60 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.

1554
01:35:09,740 --> 01:35:13,900
 Auburn is set to host Alabama tomorrow in men's basketball action.

1555
01:35:13,900 --> 01:35:17,100
 The Auburn Tigers are currently 14 and 8 on the year.

1556
01:35:17,240 --> 01:35:18,860
 Alabama 15 and 7.

1557
01:35:19,240 --> 01:35:22,060
 Both teams are 5 and 4 in the SEC.

1558
01:35:22,660 --> 01:35:26,880
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1559
01:35:27,040 --> 01:35:32,440
 I'm John Thayer with the Sports Flash presented by Progressive on 93.9 The Score.

1560
01:35:36,860 --> 01:35:37,860
 Kohl's gets it.

1561
01:35:38,180 --> 01:35:40,380
 Valentine's Day comes with expectations.

1562
01:35:40,940 --> 01:35:42,040
 Grand expectations.

1563
01:35:42,500 --> 01:35:43,640
 Telepathic expectations.

1564
01:35:43,980 --> 01:35:46,080
 And hardship everything expectations.

1565
01:35:46,580 --> 01:35:47,700
 Yes, even waffles.

1566
01:35:48,200 --> 01:35:50,260
 Kohl's has gifts that rise to the occasion.

1567
01:35:50,620 --> 01:35:52,100
 From romantic to playful.

1568
01:35:52,460 --> 01:35:53,420
 Sparkly to sweet.

1569
01:35:53,720 --> 01:35:54,740
 Or all of the above.

1570
01:35:55,060 --> 01:35:57,160
 Plus, get 15% off some of your fines.

1571
01:35:57,480 --> 01:35:58,240
 So go ahead.

1572
01:35:58,400 --> 01:36:01,620
 Exceed those Valentine's Day expectations with Kohl's.

1573
01:36:01,800 --> 01:36:02,480
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1574
01:36:02,600 --> 01:36:03,800
 Offer ends February 16th.

1575
01:36:03,820 --> 01:36:04,680
 Some exclusions apply.

1576
01:36:04,820 --> 01:36:06,280
 See store at Kohl's.com for details.

1577
01:36:06,280 --> 01:36:07,600
 Why'd I go to the doctor?

1578
01:36:07,980 --> 01:36:10,280
 Working on the farm, my heart kept skipping a beat.

1579
01:36:10,640 --> 01:36:11,700
 I didn't think much of it.

1580
01:36:11,920 --> 01:36:13,580
 But my daughters made me get checked out.

1581
01:36:13,920 --> 01:36:18,580
 Turns out I have atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke about five times.

1582
01:36:19,200 --> 01:36:25,300
 Symptoms like irregular heartbeat, heart racing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or lightheadedness can come and go.

1583
01:36:25,540 --> 01:36:27,540
 But if it's AFib, the risk of stroke remains.

1584
01:36:28,020 --> 01:36:29,980
 If you have symptoms, contact a doctor.

1585
01:36:30,540 --> 01:36:31,620
 I'm so glad I did.

1586
01:36:32,340 --> 01:36:34,140
 Visit NotimeToWait.com.

1587
01:36:34,140 --> 01:36:36,460
 Sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer.

1588
01:36:37,040 --> 01:36:38,220
 The score.

1589
01:36:38,720 --> 01:36:43,440
 Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.

1590
01:36:43,960 --> 01:36:44,940
 Welcome back in.

1591
01:36:45,000 --> 01:36:47,480
 It is a pleasure for us to say hello to Justin Ferguson.

1592
01:36:47,600 --> 01:36:51,900
 Got the Tigers covered down the plains there at the Auburn Observer.

1593
01:36:52,080 --> 01:36:52,960
 Justin, welcome in.

1594
01:36:53,000 --> 01:36:54,520
 Happy TGIFT.

1595
01:36:54,600 --> 01:36:55,180
 How are you?

1596
01:36:55,880 --> 01:36:56,500
 I'm all right.

1597
01:36:56,580 --> 01:36:56,760
 How are you?

1598
01:36:57,380 --> 01:36:57,680
 Hey, boo.

1599
01:36:57,700 --> 01:36:58,580
 Yeah, we're doing all right.

1600
01:36:58,680 --> 01:37:02,440
 Pretty big game tomorrow in your backyard there, Justin.

1601
01:37:02,860 --> 01:37:05,520
 Have the fans or the kids started lining up yet?

1602
01:37:07,000 --> 01:37:08,580
 Yeah, they started lining up on Monday.

1603
01:37:09,520 --> 01:37:11,180
 You know, I think they started actually camp.

1604
01:37:11,660 --> 01:37:16,840
 People actually started camping out and, like, staying overnight, I think, either Wednesday night or Thursday night.

1605
01:37:16,920 --> 01:37:19,400
 So, yeah, they got a big crowd out there already.

1606
01:37:19,940 --> 01:37:21,640
 Had it yesterday when I was at practice.

1607
01:37:22,640 --> 01:37:26,580
 Justin, talk to us about the off-the-fields, in this case, off-the-court stuff.

1608
01:37:26,580 --> 01:37:29,420
 We know what's going up in Tuscaloosa.

1609
01:37:29,580 --> 01:37:34,720
 Not only that, I mean, how in the world do you get ready for a team in the modern era?

1610
01:37:34,800 --> 01:37:37,000
 Because we know about Bediaco, but I just checked.

1611
01:37:37,120 --> 01:37:39,600
 Even LeBaron Phylon is questionable right now.

1612
01:37:39,980 --> 01:37:41,600
 It's not yes, it's not no.

1613
01:37:41,720 --> 01:37:43,340
 They're looking at it, monitoring him.

1614
01:37:43,760 --> 01:37:48,340
 Your thoughts about getting ready and, for that matter, how healthy is Auburn coming in?

1615
01:37:49,460 --> 01:37:53,700
 Yeah, I mean, I think if you're Auburn, you've got to come in and just expect everybody to play.

1616
01:37:53,700 --> 01:37:57,320
 You know, expect Phylon to be okay, expect Bediaco to be able to play.

1617
01:37:57,720 --> 01:37:58,740
 I think you've got to do that.

1618
01:37:58,840 --> 01:38:04,980
 And then, if not, I mean, you know, it really doesn't change a ton for Alabama in terms of how they play.

1619
01:38:05,840 --> 01:38:09,180
 But, you know, you need to prepare for the best version of Alabama.

1620
01:38:09,300 --> 01:38:13,560
 That's obviously one with Phylon, of course, and with Bediaco as well.

1621
01:38:13,640 --> 01:38:16,200
 So, I think that's the way Auburn's going to approach it.

1622
01:38:16,520 --> 01:38:20,480
 In terms of Auburn's health, they've got a pretty clean bill of health for this game.

1623
01:38:21,080 --> 01:38:25,020
 You know, they had to play, you know, with Keyshawn Hall.

1624
01:38:25,220 --> 01:38:28,240
 Had stitches in his finger last week against Tennessee.

1625
01:38:28,420 --> 01:38:29,220
 Played through that.

1626
01:38:30,060 --> 01:38:30,900
 Stitches are out.

1627
01:38:30,980 --> 01:38:31,720
 Bandages off.

1628
01:38:31,860 --> 01:38:34,760
 You know, he should be good to go 100% for tomorrow.

1629
01:38:35,120 --> 01:38:40,040
 Keyshawn Murphy, the guy who's dealt with a lot of injuries this season, just kind of minor things.

1630
01:38:40,280 --> 01:38:42,680
 He got to get some extra rest earlier this week.

1631
01:38:42,720 --> 01:38:46,240
 He was back at practice full yesterday and ready to go.

1632
01:38:46,580 --> 01:38:49,480
 Kevin Overton took a shot to the head against Tennessee.

1633
01:38:50,080 --> 01:38:53,100
 You know, cleared concussion protocol and everything like that.

1634
01:38:53,140 --> 01:38:55,100
 He's been back to 100% as well.

1635
01:38:55,240 --> 01:39:00,180
 So, you know, for Auburn, I think they've got to take advantage of the fact they should be the healthier and the more rested team.

1636
01:39:00,860 --> 01:39:06,940
 Because of the fact Alabama played on Sunday against Alabama, I mean, I guess Florida earlier this week.

1637
01:39:07,040 --> 01:39:10,280
 That means Alabama has played two games since Auburn has last played.

1638
01:39:10,900 --> 01:39:13,440
 So, you know, you've got to be able to take advantage of that if you're the Tigers.

1639
01:39:14,580 --> 01:39:15,600
 Auburn came back.

1640
01:39:15,720 --> 01:39:26,740
 They had a 16-point deficit in the game, and then they forced Tennessee to miss eight straight shots, which is rather impressive.

1641
01:39:27,020 --> 01:39:30,660
 The game, I really thought Auburn, that it was going to go to the wire.

1642
01:39:30,920 --> 01:39:36,840
 Estrella had some key baskets for Tennessee Dwayne Brown out of Hoover.

1643
01:39:37,520 --> 01:39:43,820
 Listen, Jobick, I thought, kept Auburn in the game with his ability to get offensive rebounds.

1644
01:39:44,740 --> 01:39:47,740
 And, again, Tennessee's playing very well.

1645
01:39:48,920 --> 01:39:55,300
 I know Kentucky's won seven and eight, but Tennessee, to me, has been very impressive the last couple weeks.

1646
01:39:55,740 --> 01:39:59,560
 I know, again, Stephen Pearl doesn't want to get behind the double digits.

1647
01:40:00,120 --> 01:40:02,740
 He's done that two or three times to come back.

1648
01:40:02,740 --> 01:40:10,240
 But I thought Auburn, once the defense locked in again, I thought they played pretty well against Tennessee.

1649
01:40:11,340 --> 01:40:14,600
 Yeah, I mean, I think they played hard, and they played well at times.

1650
01:40:14,720 --> 01:40:19,660
 I think you've got to be a more consistent team, get off to a better start if you're going to try to beat a team like Tennessee away from home.

1651
01:40:20,120 --> 01:40:22,380
 And I think that's kind of what hurt them in this game.

1652
01:40:23,080 --> 01:40:27,000
 You know, one of the things that really hurt Auburn, I thought, is they settled for too many threes.

1653
01:40:27,440 --> 01:40:32,060
 This is not a team that shoots particularly well from beyond the arc on a consistent basis.

1654
01:40:32,380 --> 01:40:35,300
 So, you know, you don't want to have a game where you shoot more threes than twos.

1655
01:40:35,380 --> 01:40:36,460
 That's just not Auburn's game.

1656
01:40:36,820 --> 01:40:38,040
 They didn't get to the free throw line enough.

1657
01:40:38,360 --> 01:40:40,280
 Some credit goes to Tennessee in the way they played defense.

1658
01:40:40,620 --> 01:40:42,720
 But I thought Auburn kind of got out of their element a little bit.

1659
01:40:43,340 --> 01:40:49,920
 And so the big key this week has been in practice, you know, getting back to what Auburn basketball is.

1660
01:40:49,940 --> 01:40:55,900
 And this season, Auburn basketball is a get it to the basket, get it to the foul line, grind it out kind of basketball team.

1661
01:40:56,380 --> 01:40:58,680
 It beat Florida with that formula.

1662
01:40:58,800 --> 01:41:00,300
 It's won some other games with that formula.

1663
01:41:00,300 --> 01:41:02,380
 It's got away from it some against Tennessee.

1664
01:41:02,800 --> 01:41:13,360
 But I do think if they want to beat Alabama tomorrow here in Neville, they're going to have to play that kind of style again because, you know, you can't get into a three-point shooting contest with Alabama.

1665
01:41:13,360 --> 01:41:15,040
 Alabama will win that every single time.

1666
01:41:16,100 --> 01:41:18,620
 Justin Ferguson hooking up with us, the Auburn Observer.

1667
01:41:18,780 --> 01:41:19,720
 Justin, he's amazing.

1668
01:41:19,860 --> 01:41:23,520
 Here we are basically one month away from pulling the curtain on the regular season.

1669
01:41:23,640 --> 01:41:26,780
 We know after that, the postseason begins in Nashville with the SEC tournament.

1670
01:41:27,380 --> 01:41:35,700
 But heading down the stretch here, you look at these two teams, and if you go by records, in the league, they're basically mirror images of each other.

1671
01:41:35,820 --> 01:41:37,500
 Now, both of them five and four.

1672
01:41:37,640 --> 01:41:40,700
 Your thoughts, both of them taking different roads, as you mentioned.

1673
01:41:41,060 --> 01:41:44,080
 They have this style of getting there at five and four, the other one a different style.

1674
01:41:44,080 --> 01:41:47,220
 But your thoughts, who does that favor coming into tomorrow's game?

1675
01:41:48,340 --> 01:41:50,840
 Yeah, I think they're very even basketball teams.

1676
01:41:50,920 --> 01:41:56,380
 And then you go all the way down to the fact that they played the two toughest schedules in college basketball this season, and they played similar teams.

1677
01:41:56,540 --> 01:41:57,100
 They lost to Purdue.

1678
01:41:57,220 --> 01:41:58,540
 They lost to Arizona.

1679
01:41:58,700 --> 01:42:00,080
 They both beat St. John's.

1680
01:42:00,320 --> 01:42:04,360
 Like, you know, that's kind of the fashion for them this season.

1681
01:42:04,520 --> 01:42:12,580
 I mean, I think when you have an even matchup like this, you know, on paper, I think you've got to give an edge to the home team and the fresher team.

1682
01:42:12,880 --> 01:42:16,160
 But, you know, Auburn's going to have to play well to beat a team like Alabama, for sure.

1683
01:42:16,300 --> 01:42:18,620
 I mean, Alabama is very well drilled in what they do.

1684
01:42:19,140 --> 01:42:22,760
 If they're hitting shots from deep, they're capable of beating anybody in the country.

1685
01:42:22,880 --> 01:42:29,040
 And I think for Auburn, you've got to get back to, like I said earlier, like you've got to get back to what was working for you in the past.

1686
01:42:29,140 --> 01:42:31,600
 I think Auburn needs to take advantage of their home.

1687
01:42:31,960 --> 01:42:33,860
 You know, that crowd's going to be great.

1688
01:42:34,160 --> 01:42:35,200
 You should be rested.

1689
01:42:35,360 --> 01:42:38,400
 You should be, you know, the fresher team for this game.

1690
01:42:39,100 --> 01:42:43,380
 And try to make the home court advantage count in this one.

1691
01:42:44,000 --> 01:42:46,960
 But, you know, on paper, I mean, these are two nearly identical teams.

1692
01:42:47,060 --> 01:42:52,380
 I mean, you look at pretty much any rating system, any, you know, ranking, anything like that.

1693
01:42:52,620 --> 01:42:54,980
 You know, Auburn and Alabama are kind of neck and neck.

1694
01:42:55,080 --> 01:42:58,040
 And I think they've, you know, again, stylistically they're very different.

1695
01:42:58,260 --> 01:43:01,880
 But, you know, they've taken similar paths to get here with who they've played against this year.

1696
01:43:01,940 --> 01:43:06,960
 Nobody in college basketball is more tested than Auburn and Alabama this season.

1697
01:43:07,700 --> 01:43:09,280
 Yeah, you're right about that.

1698
01:43:09,700 --> 01:43:13,760
 National Signing Day 2.0 did not draw a lot of interest.

1699
01:43:15,340 --> 01:43:18,900
 And, again, we'll see what the powers to be end up doing that.

1700
01:43:18,900 --> 01:43:25,540
 But Auburn ended up being ranked a couple of services around 30, 16 commitments.

1701
01:43:26,400 --> 01:43:31,320
 And, again, compared to – there's no way to judge Alex Gullich and his staff on this one.

1702
01:43:31,840 --> 01:43:35,660
 Next one, obviously, when he's got more time to cultivate the prospects.

1703
01:43:36,220 --> 01:43:42,660
 But Deshaun Spencer from Sarah Land, 1,300 yards, ran for another 444.

1704
01:43:42,900 --> 01:43:47,920
 DeMonte Tell from Thompson, the Toodle Boys, will help.

1705
01:43:47,920 --> 01:43:50,660
 And then Jacquees Wilkes, I mentioned this earlier.

1706
01:43:51,380 --> 01:43:56,300
 Cat ran for 505,000 yards, 60 touchdowns.

1707
01:43:56,360 --> 01:44:00,620
 And, oh, by the way, in his spare time, made 287 tackles.

1708
01:44:01,140 --> 01:44:03,900
 I don't care what level of high school play it is.

1709
01:44:04,000 --> 01:44:04,860
 That's incredible.

1710
01:44:05,600 --> 01:44:08,280
 Wilson Zaire, of course, the younger brother.

1711
01:44:09,780 --> 01:44:13,780
 But, again, to have gotten off such an incredibly late start,

1712
01:44:14,260 --> 01:44:17,340
 Auburn did bring in some impressive prospects.

1713
01:44:18,380 --> 01:44:19,280
 Yeah, they did.

1714
01:44:19,400 --> 01:44:23,000
 And I think people need to remember also, it's like a lot of the work you do

1715
01:44:23,000 --> 01:44:26,400
 in recruiting high school happens early now.

1716
01:44:26,920 --> 01:44:31,260
 And, you know, Auburn did not have a good recruiting class before Hugh Freeze got fired.

1717
01:44:31,800 --> 01:44:36,500
 So it was already going to be kind of a tough, you know, kind of haul for them to kind of pull off.

1718
01:44:36,740 --> 01:44:38,660
 So, you know, they did get some talent.

1719
01:44:39,300 --> 01:44:40,880
 You know, you mentioned Spencer.

1720
01:44:41,020 --> 01:44:45,940
 I really like his game just because, you know, Auburn's got these USF receivers coming in.

1721
01:44:46,000 --> 01:44:47,860
 They got a couple of guys coming back.

1722
01:44:47,980 --> 01:44:50,760
 But I think they could use some more kind of firepower there.

1723
01:44:51,100 --> 01:44:52,420
 So they're looking at some of those freshmen.

1724
01:44:52,800 --> 01:44:57,460
 Brady Barchese is another one that they got late from Michigan, flipping him from them.

1725
01:44:57,680 --> 01:45:00,060
 So, I mean, there's some number of guys there that are interesting.

1726
01:45:00,200 --> 01:45:02,040
 And then, yeah, you mentioned some of those defense guys.

1727
01:45:02,140 --> 01:45:07,280
 Toodle, Jacquez Wilts, you know, getting those guys in early and just seeing what they can do.

1728
01:45:07,420 --> 01:45:12,260
 Because, you know, I think Auburn did a good job in the transfer portal of really bouncing out their roster.

1729
01:45:12,760 --> 01:45:16,640
 There's a couple of spots, I think wide receiver and edge rusher really stand out to me.

1730
01:45:17,020 --> 01:45:20,800
 That's just places where maybe a young guy could come in and find a role early on.

1731
01:45:20,940 --> 01:45:27,700
 So, you know, I will be interested to see how those freshmen do, you know, when spring ball starts up in about a month or so.

1732
01:45:28,160 --> 01:45:28,600
 Yeah.

1733
01:45:29,060 --> 01:45:34,620
 Justin Ferguson, the Auburn Observer, the joke is, Justin, Auburn signed, what, 19 tight ends?

1734
01:45:34,660 --> 01:45:35,800
 Are they going to add a 20th?

1735
01:45:36,120 --> 01:45:40,180
 What does that signal about the style of play for this new offensive scheme?

1736
01:45:41,300 --> 01:45:44,300
 Yeah, people got to remember that Alex Gulloch is a tight ends coach by trade.

1737
01:45:44,380 --> 01:45:47,640
 I mean, he did it for a dozen years in college before he became a head coach.

1738
01:45:48,060 --> 01:45:48,860
 That's his baby.

1739
01:45:48,980 --> 01:45:49,820
 I mean, that's his position.

1740
01:45:49,820 --> 01:45:58,700
 And if you watch, you know, the way he calls plays or how his offense operates, it's a lot of downhill kind of smash mouth stuff.

1741
01:45:59,060 --> 01:46:08,760
 If you're Auburn and, you know, he said today or he said the other day, you know, positional versatility, formation versatility means the world in this offense.

1742
01:46:09,060 --> 01:46:10,500
 You want to give different looks.

1743
01:46:10,580 --> 01:46:13,080
 You want to be able to do a variety of things.

1744
01:46:13,080 --> 01:46:15,540
 And so you need tight ends that can do some of everything.

1745
01:46:15,540 --> 01:46:17,540
 It's kind of like what they did a running back as well.

1746
01:46:17,540 --> 01:46:19,740
 It's like you had some guys coming back.

1747
01:46:19,820 --> 01:46:24,480
 You had some guys already, but you wanted more and more and more because you want to be able to mix and match there.

1748
01:46:24,600 --> 01:46:27,840
 So the tight end is a big, big piece of the offense.

1749
01:46:28,080 --> 01:46:36,120
 I mean, I think people have the, you know, kind of misconception that, oh, you know, the USF offense, they go four wide every play and just, you know, throw it up like that.

1750
01:46:36,180 --> 01:46:41,860
 No, they run the ball a lot and they run out of 11 personnel a ton using tight ends as much as possible.

1751
01:46:41,860 --> 01:46:43,880
 So that's why they got plenty of them.

1752
01:46:43,980 --> 01:46:46,140
 And that's the same reason why they got plenty of running backs, too.

1753
01:46:46,180 --> 01:46:47,500
 They want to use a lot of them.

1754
01:46:48,580 --> 01:46:53,660
 Yeah, he made a goal, as mentioned the other day in the media segment, that he wants to run the heck out of the ball.

1755
01:46:54,200 --> 01:47:01,820
 One way to do that is to have a good offensive line, 17 new or 17 or 18 new linemen.

1756
01:47:01,820 --> 01:47:08,560
 I know Rameel, Joe Simmons, Cole Bast, Jacob Strand, again, competition.

1757
01:47:08,760 --> 01:47:13,840
 I know a lot of people are celebrating to see the competition in spring practice.

1758
01:47:14,140 --> 01:47:21,120
 Got a brand new offensive line, but I know a lot of people are saying, well, if that's the case, maybe there's going to be a lot better results.

1759
01:47:22,260 --> 01:47:23,640
 Yeah, and it's an issue.

1760
01:47:23,760 --> 01:47:26,280
 They've got a ton of depth and they've got a lot of competition.

1761
01:47:26,520 --> 01:47:29,980
 There's young guys who can play, who can compete for jobs right away.

1762
01:47:30,080 --> 01:47:34,740
 There are older guys who are probably going to be one or two year rentals that you expect to start.

1763
01:47:36,040 --> 01:47:38,300
 It's just going to be a lot of mixing and matching there.

1764
01:47:38,960 --> 01:47:40,260
 And Gulloch is very odd.

1765
01:47:40,340 --> 01:47:43,080
 He's like, on paper, I like what we've got on the offensive line.

1766
01:47:43,080 --> 01:47:44,760
 I like how we're able to address needs.

1767
01:47:45,000 --> 01:47:51,180
 He's like, but I'm kind of praying for our offensive line this year because it's like we don't know what it's going to look like in this league.

1768
01:47:52,140 --> 01:47:53,340
 Do you have the talent?

1769
01:47:53,520 --> 01:47:57,140
 Do you have the dudes to be able to win up there?

1770
01:47:57,260 --> 01:48:01,460
 So I would expect miracles from this Auburn offensive line in year one.

1771
01:48:01,760 --> 01:48:07,780
 But if they don't succeed this season, it ain't going to be because they didn't have enough guys.

1772
01:48:07,940 --> 01:48:10,840
 They went out and got a lot of dudes to compete.

1773
01:48:10,840 --> 01:48:16,780
 And, you know, obviously spring ball is when they're going to start mixing and matching there and seeing who comes out on the other side.

1774
01:48:17,580 --> 01:48:18,480
 We're going to jump off.

1775
01:48:18,540 --> 01:48:21,500
 Justin, thoughts about Auburn's junior day, a.k.a.

1776
01:48:21,500 --> 01:48:24,240
 a lot of back slapping and establishing a relationship.

1777
01:48:24,660 --> 01:48:26,900
 Your thoughts about Auburn's junior day?

1778
01:48:27,960 --> 01:48:29,680
 Yeah, no, I mean, I think it's very important.

1779
01:48:29,800 --> 01:48:35,440
 I mean, you've got a staff that has some familiarity with the SEC, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

1780
01:48:36,120 --> 01:48:46,900
 But, you know, a lot of your offensive guys, you know, haven't been recruiting in this state, in this area for the same caliber players here over the last few years.

1781
01:48:46,900 --> 01:48:50,340
 So it was important to get that really big first impression.

1782
01:48:50,500 --> 01:48:54,240
 They had a couple big events with recruiting and junior day and all that.

1783
01:48:54,300 --> 01:48:56,500
 And they've got to make some strides, got to make some strides.

1784
01:48:56,580 --> 01:48:58,140
 I will say this about Alex Gullish.

1785
01:48:59,000 --> 01:49:04,260
 You know, I think there were some people that were kind of iffy about him when Auburn hired him.

1786
01:49:04,300 --> 01:49:06,780
 And they were like, oh, this is another group of five guys.

1787
01:49:06,860 --> 01:49:11,920
 And he hasn't recruited at a high level in this league before as a head coach, unlike, you know, what Hugh Freeze did.

1788
01:49:11,980 --> 01:49:12,540
 Can he do it?

1789
01:49:12,720 --> 01:49:15,740
 People were kind of getting worried that it was going to be another Brian Harsen situation.

1790
01:49:15,900 --> 01:49:26,480
 I tell you this, Alex Gullish, I don't know how he has 24 hours in a day because they're constantly on the move, talking, doing a ton of recruiting stuff over the last few weeks.

1791
01:49:26,760 --> 01:49:33,020
 So, you know, he's a guy that I think time will tell how successful he's going to be at Auburn on the field and off the field.

1792
01:49:33,080 --> 01:49:38,280
 But I will say this, he's got a really, really, you know, him and his staff have got a really high work ethic.

1793
01:49:38,580 --> 01:49:40,160
 And they're trying to hit the ground running.

1794
01:49:40,260 --> 01:49:42,100
 You've got to do that in this day and age of college football.

1795
01:49:43,120 --> 01:49:44,480
 No question about it.

1796
01:49:44,900 --> 01:49:48,140
 And nobody does a better job of keeping up with it than you.

1797
01:49:48,280 --> 01:49:53,460
 The 6 a.m. emails on Wednesday, the mailbag on Friday, the podcast.

1798
01:49:54,080 --> 01:49:58,740
 I know you're going to have the Iron Bowl of basketball covered, pre-game, post-game.

1799
01:49:58,840 --> 01:50:01,080
 Where can we get online to get all the good stuff?

1800
01:50:02,080 --> 01:50:03,340
 Yeah, auburnobserver.com.

1801
01:50:03,420 --> 01:50:04,480
 Check it out there today.

1802
01:50:04,600 --> 01:50:07,680
 We did a podcast preview in Auburn, Alabama in basketball.

1803
01:50:07,920 --> 01:50:10,740
 Did a mailbag talking a lot of football and a little bit of basketball as well.

1804
01:50:10,820 --> 01:50:15,180
 We'll have a full preview in the newsletter tomorrow morning, getting you ready for Auburn, Alabama.

1805
01:50:15,180 --> 01:50:16,820
 We'll have coverage throughout the weekend.

1806
01:50:17,380 --> 01:50:20,240
 And, yeah, we'll be picking right back up next week.

1807
01:50:20,380 --> 01:50:21,740
 You know, Auburn plays Vandy at home.

1808
01:50:21,840 --> 01:50:23,760
 They've got to go to Arkansas in basketball.

1809
01:50:24,020 --> 01:50:27,540
 And we'll have some more football as well, talking to some more Auburn coaches.

1810
01:50:27,920 --> 01:50:29,180
 So, auburnobserver.com.

1811
01:50:29,260 --> 01:50:29,880
 Check it out there.

1812
01:50:30,340 --> 01:50:33,060
 Everything we do gets sent to your email inbox as soon as it drops.

1813
01:50:33,360 --> 01:50:34,460
 So, sign up there.

1814
01:50:34,500 --> 01:50:35,880
 It's a perfect time to jump on board.

1815
01:50:37,180 --> 01:50:39,240
 Fans are lining up for the game tomorrow.

1816
01:50:39,400 --> 01:50:40,140
 We'll let you go.

1817
01:50:40,440 --> 01:50:41,560
 Good luck getting in.

1818
01:50:41,840 --> 01:50:43,400
 And be careful if you jump lined there.

1819
01:50:43,440 --> 01:50:44,060
 Okay, Justin?

1820
01:50:45,360 --> 01:50:48,320
 Yeah, I'm glad they gave me a special entrance here.

1821
01:50:48,480 --> 01:50:55,380
 You know, if I had to fight through the one that we used to up front, it would have gotten a lot scarier.

1822
01:50:56,040 --> 01:50:57,380
 I don't like the odds there.

1823
01:50:57,420 --> 01:50:58,840
 Justin, listen, man, enjoy this weekend.

1824
01:50:58,840 --> 01:51:00,280
 Thanks so much for your time today.

1825
01:51:01,220 --> 01:51:01,900
 I appreciate y'all.

1826
01:51:01,980 --> 01:51:02,480
 Thank you.

1827
01:51:02,560 --> 01:51:03,060
 Thank you, bud.

1828
01:51:03,220 --> 01:51:04,440
 Justin Ferguson, the Auburn Observer.

1829
01:51:04,580 --> 01:51:07,160
 BB, obviously, we mentioned earlier high school ball.

1830
01:51:07,640 --> 01:51:11,480
 Oakwood Adventist Academy status is already known, is it not, BB?

1831
01:51:11,900 --> 01:51:13,680
 Yeah, they played one more game.

1832
01:51:13,860 --> 01:51:19,000
 There is a maximum number of games that you can play in a high school season.

1833
01:51:19,180 --> 01:51:21,820
 And Oakwood, unfortunately, played one more.

1834
01:51:22,520 --> 01:51:23,860
 That would be something else.

1835
01:51:23,940 --> 01:51:27,300
 Again, they ran into some situations a couple of years ago.

1836
01:51:27,800 --> 01:51:31,640
 I'll be curious if they change this rule again or look at it.

1837
01:51:31,780 --> 01:51:38,080
 And it's very unfortunate because Oakwood Academy, even though they're a 1A team, they're one of the better teams in the state.

1838
01:51:38,360 --> 01:51:39,400
 Yeah, call me Alabama.

1839
01:51:39,400 --> 01:51:40,000
 I'm a lawyer.

1840
01:51:40,120 --> 01:51:40,880
 I love sports.

1841
01:51:41,360 --> 01:51:43,620
 Coming up tomorrow, get ready.

1842
01:51:43,740 --> 01:51:47,960
 It's the game of the Plains, the Iron Bowl, Bama, and Auburn pregame two.

1843
01:51:48,080 --> 01:51:51,460
 Game at three, it's all right here on 93.9 The Score.

1844
01:51:51,580 --> 01:51:55,340
 Going to take care of business for now on behalf of BB, Greg, James Blair, the entire crew here.

1845
01:51:55,420 --> 01:51:57,480
 Harold Buck, thank you so much for your time today.

1846
01:51:57,560 --> 01:52:02,160
 Let's do it again Monday, noon to two for the Bumult Buck Show back here on Sports Radio, 93.9 The Score.

1847
01:52:06,240 --> 01:52:07,240
 Thank you.