1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:14,880 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. 2 00:00:17,600 --> 00:00:25,940 The Boomo Bugg Show. Your exclusive inside track to the Tigers, Tennessee and the rest of the SEC. 3 00:00:26,740 --> 00:00:31,840 Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9, The Sports. 4 00:00:32,820 --> 00:00:41,320 Good afternoon and welcome here to the Boomo Bugg Show. I'm Harold Bugg alongside Brett Beaird. Thank you so much for giving us free ride around the Tennessee Valley. 5 00:00:41,500 --> 00:00:53,120 Brett Beaird, welcome in to where Alabama football KOs are updating state with OK State and another busy day for the Tide and Tigers at the SEC softball tournament. 6 00:00:53,120 --> 00:00:55,140 Good afternoon, welcome in and how are you? 7 00:00:55,180 --> 00:00:57,960 Happy Thursday to you and the listeners. 8 00:00:58,280 --> 00:01:04,080 Our first Gas Tower Bugg is going to be happy to hear that Bama, Ohio State is still on. 9 00:01:04,520 --> 00:01:04,800 Yeah. 10 00:01:05,000 --> 00:01:09,980 For 20-27-28, as you mentioned, the Cowboys from Oklahoma State are out. 11 00:01:10,520 --> 00:01:11,860 The Buckeyes are in. 12 00:01:12,360 --> 00:01:15,400 Also, big games today in the quarterfinals. 13 00:01:15,560 --> 00:01:17,260 Alexander at Central Florence. 14 00:01:17,260 --> 00:01:19,420 Dessler at Westbrook Christian. 15 00:01:19,580 --> 00:01:21,960 Lindsey Lane at Morris Hill this afternoon. 16 00:01:22,080 --> 00:01:23,800 All games begin at 4.30. 17 00:01:24,420 --> 00:01:24,600 Yeah. 18 00:01:24,600 --> 00:01:35,500 And speaking of our next guest, he is here right now to talk about that Ohio State series and give us the answers and solutions to the problems of college football. 19 00:01:36,020 --> 00:01:36,700 Yeah, it's true. 20 00:01:36,820 --> 00:01:38,320 Good things come to those who wait. 21 00:01:38,400 --> 00:01:42,160 And it's rare that you can huddle with a man who's got every answer in the book. 22 00:01:42,300 --> 00:01:44,260 Bill Bender, the national voice of the Sporting News. 23 00:01:44,360 --> 00:01:44,980 Bill, welcome in. 24 00:01:45,020 --> 00:01:46,060 Would you disagree with that? 25 00:01:46,140 --> 00:01:46,700 How are you? 26 00:01:47,700 --> 00:01:51,240 I don't know if I have all the answers, Harold, but it's always good to be on with you. 27 00:01:51,380 --> 00:01:53,880 And we try to put a couple out there today. 28 00:01:55,220 --> 00:01:59,180 On this end, Alabama says, get out of here, Oklahoma State. 29 00:01:59,840 --> 00:02:01,200 We've got too many games. 30 00:02:01,320 --> 00:02:04,640 It's 20-26, in this case, 20-28 with the time they get around to it. 31 00:02:05,100 --> 00:02:06,480 So we've got to drop somebody. 32 00:02:06,620 --> 00:02:11,560 So instead of Georgia State, they drop Oklahoma State, but they keep your neighbors. 33 00:02:11,560 --> 00:02:14,060 What's the reaction on that end of the schedule? 34 00:02:14,240 --> 00:02:16,460 Alabama-Ohio State on. 35 00:02:17,080 --> 00:02:21,060 And they survived the storm, but with some speculation that maybe they would drop each 36 00:02:21,060 --> 00:02:23,960 other, given where we are now with a nine-game conference schedule. 37 00:02:24,540 --> 00:02:25,980 Bill, your reaction to the news? 38 00:02:27,100 --> 00:02:29,860 Good for college football, that we get to still see those games. 39 00:02:30,000 --> 00:02:33,900 You know, Bill Church, you and I were talking today, my editor, and if you look at week one 40 00:02:33,900 --> 00:02:35,140 this year, it's not great. 41 00:02:35,940 --> 00:02:38,240 It's college football, so it's great, but it's not. 42 00:02:38,240 --> 00:02:44,740 The best matchup on the schedule is either LSU or Clemson, and Clemson probably won't be 43 00:02:44,740 --> 00:02:47,840 ranked, or Louisville Ole Miss. 44 00:02:47,920 --> 00:02:52,060 I think that's the best bet for a matchup where both teams be ranked. 45 00:02:52,180 --> 00:02:53,220 So I'm always a fan. 46 00:02:53,340 --> 00:02:55,280 I love when teams step out and play these games. 47 00:02:56,160 --> 00:03:00,760 I'm not sure when the last time Alabama and Ohio State have had a home-and-home. 48 00:03:00,940 --> 00:03:03,440 It has to be forever ago, because I can't remember it. 49 00:03:04,440 --> 00:03:06,440 Talk to us about this Ohio State team. 50 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:11,340 They lost four in the first of 11 picks the last NFL draft. 51 00:03:11,440 --> 00:03:12,180 That's good news. 52 00:03:12,260 --> 00:03:16,560 The bad news is you better have somebody equal to or better than in the pipeline. 53 00:03:17,100 --> 00:03:20,860 We know that in times past, Ohio State's been able to answer the bills. 54 00:03:20,960 --> 00:03:23,780 The NIL era, they've done a great job. 55 00:03:24,580 --> 00:03:30,860 Realistically, your thoughts about this upcoming Ohio State team that Bama now will be facing in the near future? 56 00:03:31,860 --> 00:03:33,960 Well, I mean, the offensive firepower will be there. 57 00:03:33,960 --> 00:03:40,280 So by the time they play Ohio State, or Alabama, Jeremiah Smith probably won't be there. 58 00:03:41,580 --> 00:03:45,520 And Julian Sayon may not be there, but they have Tavion St. Clair behind him. 59 00:03:45,760 --> 00:03:47,140 He's like Keelan Russell. 60 00:03:47,300 --> 00:03:49,080 There's a lot of excitement around him. 61 00:03:49,660 --> 00:03:52,620 So they'll still have Chris Henry Jr. 62 00:03:52,860 --> 00:03:54,600 The defense will be the question this year. 63 00:03:54,660 --> 00:03:56,900 You mentioned all the guys they lost to the NFL draft. 64 00:03:57,280 --> 00:03:59,620 Some of these guys are going to have to step up and replace them. 65 00:03:59,860 --> 00:04:02,280 They've been able to do it for two years, which is hard. 66 00:04:03,220 --> 00:04:05,960 Can you fill that many guys a third straight year? 67 00:04:06,040 --> 00:04:07,500 That will be the challenge for Matt Patricia. 68 00:04:08,140 --> 00:04:09,540 I can answer your question. 69 00:04:09,720 --> 00:04:12,880 I don't believe Alabama and Ohio State have ever played home-and-home. 70 00:04:13,100 --> 00:04:14,860 It's always been in the postseason. 71 00:04:15,060 --> 00:04:16,460 I'll go back and check that. 72 00:04:16,460 --> 00:04:18,660 No, it was a kickoff. 73 00:04:19,560 --> 00:04:20,580 I remember that. 74 00:04:20,860 --> 00:04:25,960 Yeah, it was a kickoff classic, but they've never played home-and-home. 75 00:04:27,080 --> 00:04:32,300 The American Coaches Association came out this week with three recommendations. 76 00:04:33,340 --> 00:04:36,060 They want to go to 24 playoff teams. 77 00:04:36,660 --> 00:04:39,260 They want to stop the conference championships. 78 00:04:40,160 --> 00:04:43,620 And they want to end the season the second week of January. 79 00:04:44,240 --> 00:04:48,760 You figured this out last year, and I know we joked with you about this, 80 00:04:49,240 --> 00:04:51,780 but you want week zero to be week one. 81 00:04:51,780 --> 00:04:55,440 You want to play more games at home in the tournament. 82 00:04:56,320 --> 00:04:59,160 But recap that article you had last fall. 83 00:05:00,060 --> 00:05:01,780 Yeah, and I stick by that. 84 00:05:01,900 --> 00:05:05,800 I think most of the AFC recommendations I'm in line with, 85 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:10,960 the six days between games, pushing the calendar up, getting things done earlier, 86 00:05:11,100 --> 00:05:15,600 fixing the calendar in general, you know, conference championships, 87 00:05:15,800 --> 00:05:19,540 I still think we should get rid of them, and I understand the complications there. 88 00:05:19,540 --> 00:05:25,060 But I'm not down with this 2014 playoff, even though Brett and Harold, 89 00:05:25,480 --> 00:05:28,940 the more they sell us this, the more they're trying to sell it, right? 90 00:05:28,940 --> 00:05:32,280 It's like the guys that come here, they're coming to your door, 91 00:05:32,360 --> 00:05:34,400 and they just say, are you sure you don't want 24? 92 00:05:34,720 --> 00:05:35,320 Are you sure? 93 00:05:35,400 --> 00:05:38,740 And then another week later, they do it again, and eventually you buy it. 94 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:40,460 And I think that's where this is headed. 95 00:05:40,920 --> 00:05:41,800 Not a fan of it. 96 00:05:41,800 --> 00:05:48,320 I'd rather do 16 or even stay at 12, and I hashed out all the reasons for that today 97 00:05:48,320 --> 00:05:50,540 in our Sporting News column. 98 00:05:50,720 --> 00:05:52,260 I hope your listeners read it. 99 00:05:53,180 --> 00:05:55,980 You want to tell us where we can find that, Bill, while we're on that topic? 100 00:05:57,940 --> 00:05:59,820 It's at sportingnews.com. 101 00:05:59,980 --> 00:06:02,100 It should be on my X page as well. 102 00:06:03,540 --> 00:06:05,880 So, and the comparison I made, guys, 103 00:06:05,980 --> 00:06:09,760 and I don't expect you to know how we do things with Ohio high school football, 104 00:06:09,880 --> 00:06:14,660 but they have expanded the playoff field here like three times in my lifetime. 105 00:06:14,860 --> 00:06:16,900 And that's the point, you know, my senior year of high school, 106 00:06:16,900 --> 00:06:19,560 I think 96 schools in the state went to the playoff. 107 00:06:19,780 --> 00:06:22,060 Now they're over 400. 108 00:06:22,840 --> 00:06:28,780 So, I think, yeah, and we actually contracted it. 109 00:06:29,080 --> 00:06:31,920 We contracted it because there were too many teams in. 110 00:06:32,080 --> 00:06:34,640 So, I think some lessons are to be learned there. 111 00:06:35,340 --> 00:06:36,060 Let me ask you this. 112 00:06:36,140 --> 00:06:39,620 Well, it's a fun topic, and there's no, I guess, right or wrong answer. 113 00:06:39,700 --> 00:06:40,500 It's strictly opinion. 114 00:06:40,580 --> 00:06:46,300 Which is worse, 24 in football or 76 in basketball for college? 115 00:06:46,920 --> 00:06:47,840 You know, I haven't read. 116 00:06:47,920 --> 00:06:51,500 I saw Joe Rexroad had that headline, a good friend of mine at The Athletic, 117 00:06:51,500 --> 00:06:53,020 and I'm not sure if he wrote that. 118 00:06:53,180 --> 00:06:56,120 I haven't clicked on it yet, but if he did, I know it'll be solid. 119 00:06:57,440 --> 00:06:59,260 I think 24 is worse. 120 00:06:59,820 --> 00:07:00,580 I do. 121 00:07:00,800 --> 00:07:01,940 I think it's too many. 122 00:07:02,320 --> 00:07:05,000 You know, in that environment, you guys, a couple things. 123 00:07:05,500 --> 00:07:08,740 One, Georgia Tech and Iowa would be playoff teams. 124 00:07:09,020 --> 00:07:10,640 And Iowa lost four games last year. 125 00:07:10,780 --> 00:07:17,180 Another one is, what is the point of Alabama, Oklahoma in the regular season? 126 00:07:18,380 --> 00:07:19,480 Oklahoma wins the game. 127 00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:20,720 Alabama wins the rematch. 128 00:07:21,220 --> 00:07:25,000 And that, it was important in a 12-team format. 129 00:07:25,380 --> 00:07:29,260 In a 24-team format, guys, that'll just feel like an NFL game. 130 00:07:29,560 --> 00:07:30,760 That you're like, oh, yeah, big deal. 131 00:07:30,820 --> 00:07:32,560 They're both going to play each other in the playoffs anyway. 132 00:07:33,340 --> 00:07:33,940 Absolutely. 133 00:07:35,720 --> 00:07:39,980 Mike DeCoursey, who is retiring, I believe, later this year, 134 00:07:40,060 --> 00:07:44,200 had a good article about he detests going to 76. 135 00:07:44,480 --> 00:07:47,800 And we talked about this with you, I believe, last week or two weeks ago. 136 00:07:48,400 --> 00:07:53,380 If this meant a one-bid league got another bid in North Alabama 137 00:07:53,380 --> 00:07:55,300 or a team like that could get in, 138 00:07:55,760 --> 00:07:59,280 but if it means the Big Ten gets 12 instead of 11 teams, 139 00:07:59,880 --> 00:08:01,200 I'm not forward. 140 00:08:02,220 --> 00:08:07,100 No, and it promotes, like, I get it from the SEC and the Big Ten angle. 141 00:08:07,380 --> 00:08:08,900 You know, you play the tougher schedules 142 00:08:08,900 --> 00:08:13,000 and you might have a situation like Auburn last year. 143 00:08:13,100 --> 00:08:15,700 But I kept telling you guys before the tournament, 144 00:08:16,620 --> 00:08:17,860 Auburn's got to win some games. 145 00:08:18,200 --> 00:08:20,020 They've got to win some games at some point. 146 00:08:20,120 --> 00:08:21,340 They just didn't do that. 147 00:08:21,780 --> 00:08:25,240 So Mike did a very good job of looking at the bubble. 148 00:08:25,240 --> 00:08:28,080 And I think it's going to make, actually, our job easier 149 00:08:28,080 --> 00:08:30,480 because it'll be easier to predict the tournament field 150 00:08:30,480 --> 00:08:32,080 because you're just letting more teams in 151 00:08:32,080 --> 00:08:33,120 that probably shouldn't be in. 152 00:08:33,460 --> 00:08:35,640 But you know what's going to happen next March 153 00:08:35,640 --> 00:08:36,960 or whenever they do this. 154 00:08:37,800 --> 00:08:40,780 We'll argue about 77, 78, 79, and 80. 155 00:08:41,120 --> 00:08:42,100 That's what's coming next. 156 00:08:42,660 --> 00:08:45,520 Let me, more on that topic, if you're going to do that, 157 00:08:45,900 --> 00:08:48,580 for one thing, if you're the 23rd, 24th team, 158 00:08:48,620 --> 00:08:49,140 that's great. 159 00:08:49,240 --> 00:08:50,700 If you're a coach, that's job security. 160 00:08:51,380 --> 00:08:53,100 But at the same token, if you're up there 161 00:08:53,100 --> 00:08:54,040 and you've busted your butt 162 00:08:54,040 --> 00:08:55,120 and you've played a tough schedule 163 00:08:55,120 --> 00:08:56,780 and you're number one, two, or three, 164 00:08:57,280 --> 00:08:59,740 you're in, it's just like somebody in med school. 165 00:09:00,160 --> 00:09:03,380 You make 100, I make 70, and we're both doctors. 166 00:09:04,980 --> 00:09:06,680 What would happen if you're going to do this, 167 00:09:06,800 --> 00:09:08,400 if you are one of the top two or three teams, 168 00:09:08,420 --> 00:09:09,940 you don't even play until the semifinals. 169 00:09:10,020 --> 00:09:13,440 You get to buy all the way through until the semis. 170 00:09:15,100 --> 00:09:17,720 Yeah, but I don't necessarily like that either 171 00:09:17,720 --> 00:09:21,100 because I think we've had this debate the last two years 172 00:09:21,100 --> 00:09:22,900 about, okay, is that too much rest? 173 00:09:23,960 --> 00:09:28,880 Indiana, and you guys know from the Rose Bowl last year, 174 00:09:29,340 --> 00:09:31,420 Indiana got going, but it took a minute. 175 00:09:32,380 --> 00:09:33,980 Their first couple series weren't good. 176 00:09:34,520 --> 00:09:37,120 So I think you've got to shake off that rust. 177 00:09:37,240 --> 00:09:40,080 I would rather, if I was the commissioner of all this, 178 00:09:40,720 --> 00:09:41,940 let's say we can go to 16. 179 00:09:42,820 --> 00:09:44,020 We're going to start earlier, 180 00:09:44,100 --> 00:09:45,760 do all those things that we talked about. 181 00:09:45,760 --> 00:09:47,860 We're going to play the first two rounds on campus, 182 00:09:47,860 --> 00:09:50,540 but everybody has to win four playoff games. 183 00:09:50,820 --> 00:09:54,160 We'll reward you with a 116 game like they do in basketball, 184 00:09:54,440 --> 00:09:56,000 but you've got to go out and win four games. 185 00:09:56,780 --> 00:09:59,620 Now, as far as the, quote, new proposals, 186 00:10:00,140 --> 00:10:02,380 will the five years to play five, 187 00:10:02,580 --> 00:10:04,640 and listen, I wish you were the commissioner, 188 00:10:06,120 --> 00:10:09,220 will the five years to play five 189 00:10:09,220 --> 00:10:13,780 be the first proposal of 15 that may be adopted? 190 00:10:15,760 --> 00:10:17,740 I think so, and, you know, by the way, 191 00:10:17,740 --> 00:10:20,060 I don't think any NCAA is going to run the commissioner's office 192 00:10:20,060 --> 00:10:21,780 out of Pickerington, Ohio. 193 00:10:21,980 --> 00:10:22,800 It's just a hunch. 194 00:10:23,120 --> 00:10:24,240 You never know. 195 00:10:24,320 --> 00:10:25,060 It's 2026. 196 00:10:25,060 --> 00:10:26,500 Great things are happening, man. 197 00:10:27,060 --> 00:10:27,500 Yeah, yeah. 198 00:10:29,060 --> 00:10:32,380 So I have a hard enough time to get my kids to turn the web off. 199 00:10:32,720 --> 00:10:33,500 We understand. 200 00:10:33,900 --> 00:10:37,080 But the five-year deal, I'm in favor of. 201 00:10:37,140 --> 00:10:39,160 Mike, and I've gone back and forth on this, 202 00:10:39,540 --> 00:10:41,600 he thinks that you still should get, like, 203 00:10:41,620 --> 00:10:43,240 a six-year waiver if you get injured. 204 00:10:43,540 --> 00:10:46,900 I'm more like, unless it's a devastating injury 205 00:10:46,900 --> 00:10:48,780 that causes you to miss multiple seasons, 206 00:10:49,420 --> 00:10:50,420 I don't think I would give, 207 00:10:50,480 --> 00:10:52,460 I would say I would build that into your five years. 208 00:10:52,700 --> 00:10:55,080 And you can accomplish what you need to accomplish 209 00:10:55,080 --> 00:10:59,340 by the time you're around 23, at most 24 years old, 210 00:10:59,440 --> 00:11:01,720 and it will improve the quality of college football. 211 00:11:02,880 --> 00:11:04,260 Bill Bender, the Sporting News. 212 00:11:04,400 --> 00:11:06,720 Bill, we know Ohio State's going to be there. 213 00:11:07,080 --> 00:11:09,140 How long they go, that's the question. 214 00:11:09,900 --> 00:11:12,540 To me, one of the more interesting storylines, 215 00:11:13,240 --> 00:11:15,500 what can Indiana do for an encore, 216 00:11:15,960 --> 00:11:18,840 and what will Penn State do without James Franklin 217 00:11:18,840 --> 00:11:20,940 in the Big Ten Conference this season? 218 00:11:21,780 --> 00:11:23,680 Well, I think Indiana's still going to be very good. 219 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:25,480 And, you know, I think 10 years from now, 220 00:11:25,500 --> 00:11:27,520 we're going to look back at last year and be like, 221 00:11:27,900 --> 00:11:29,520 that wasn't really a Cinderella story. 222 00:11:29,520 --> 00:11:31,320 That was about Kurt Zegnetti. 223 00:11:31,340 --> 00:11:32,980 That's Mark Cuban's what that was. 224 00:11:33,800 --> 00:11:35,160 Yeah, that too, right? 225 00:11:35,260 --> 00:11:37,540 That was a lot of money, and it was Kurt Zegnetti, 226 00:11:37,900 --> 00:11:40,560 and they just, they had a really good team. 227 00:11:40,960 --> 00:11:42,940 You know, they were favored by 20 or more points 228 00:11:42,940 --> 00:11:44,040 in nine games last year. 229 00:11:44,380 --> 00:11:46,360 So I think they'll be fine. 230 00:11:47,420 --> 00:11:48,780 Penn State will be very interesting. 231 00:11:48,920 --> 00:11:50,020 I've always liked Matt Campbell. 232 00:11:50,180 --> 00:11:51,520 I've tracked his career closely. 233 00:11:52,880 --> 00:11:54,320 Definitely did more with less. 234 00:11:54,800 --> 00:11:57,940 So we're going to see what he can do with a program 235 00:11:57,940 --> 00:11:59,940 and a lot of Iowa State transfers. 236 00:12:00,280 --> 00:12:01,660 Their schedule is very friendly, 237 00:12:01,820 --> 00:12:03,900 so don't be surprised if they have success right away. 238 00:12:04,340 --> 00:12:04,740 Absolutely. 239 00:12:05,340 --> 00:12:08,200 By the way, that Ohio State-Alabama kickoff classic, 240 00:12:08,360 --> 00:12:10,060 my beloved brother, reminded me. 241 00:12:10,120 --> 00:12:14,280 It was 1986, Alabama won 16-10. 242 00:12:14,500 --> 00:12:17,400 Listen, you've got so much stuff on the site this week, 243 00:12:17,520 --> 00:12:18,500 the lacrosse. 244 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:21,880 I mean, listen, you dabble in lacrosse now. 245 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:24,000 What else have you got on the agenda, 246 00:12:24,080 --> 00:12:26,020 and where can we get on line to get all of it? 247 00:12:26,340 --> 00:12:29,140 Yeah, Jacksonville, a Florida program, won a game. 248 00:12:29,280 --> 00:12:30,440 You'll have to ask your brother about that. 249 00:12:30,440 --> 00:12:32,680 They won a tournament game last night. 250 00:12:32,880 --> 00:12:34,000 Also, ask your brother. 251 00:12:34,120 --> 00:12:34,940 You can text me. 252 00:12:35,500 --> 00:12:38,360 I think Rutledge was the Alabama quarterback in that game. 253 00:12:38,500 --> 00:12:42,960 I could be wrong, but against Ohio State in the regular season game. 254 00:12:43,040 --> 00:12:45,440 I think I might be wrong about that, but let me know, 255 00:12:45,820 --> 00:12:47,900 and you can find us at Sporting News. 256 00:12:48,860 --> 00:12:50,200 I've got a ton of content up. 257 00:12:50,260 --> 00:12:51,900 This was a lot of fun talking to you guys today. 258 00:12:52,900 --> 00:12:55,580 1986, what grade were you in in 1986, Bill? 259 00:12:56,460 --> 00:12:58,100 I think I was seven years old. 260 00:12:58,180 --> 00:13:00,020 I don't know if I should admit that on the radio. 261 00:13:00,240 --> 00:13:00,920 That's all right. 262 00:13:01,440 --> 00:13:05,540 Bill, this may surprise you, but Brett and I were at least twice that age in 1986. 263 00:13:08,360 --> 00:13:09,000 That's okay. 264 00:13:09,200 --> 00:13:10,040 Age is just a number. 265 00:13:10,560 --> 00:13:11,180 There you go. 266 00:13:11,260 --> 00:13:12,100 I guarantee you, brother. 267 00:13:12,280 --> 00:13:14,800 Thanks so much for your time today, and good luck with the lacrosse. 268 00:13:14,860 --> 00:13:17,240 At some point, you'll be talking Johns Hopkins, I'm sure, 269 00:13:17,320 --> 00:13:19,760 but good luck, and thank you so much for your time today. 270 00:13:20,660 --> 00:13:21,300 Anytime, guys. 271 00:13:21,300 --> 00:13:21,860 Thank you, buddy. 272 00:13:22,700 --> 00:13:25,560 Double B, Bill Bender, the Sporting News. 273 00:13:25,620 --> 00:13:28,020 We need to check on that questionnaire from Mr. Bill. 274 00:13:28,140 --> 00:13:29,280 No, I can answer it. 275 00:13:29,440 --> 00:13:29,840 No, go ahead. 276 00:13:29,980 --> 00:13:33,800 Yeah, Gary Rutledge was 77 in his brother, Jeff. 277 00:13:34,060 --> 00:13:42,340 I mean, Gary was 73, 72, 73, and Jeff was late 70s, 77, 78. 278 00:13:43,460 --> 00:13:47,540 Speaking of teams in the South, why don't we go to Michael Southern next? 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The company's downsizing. 354 00:17:56,480 --> 00:18:00,360 This is the third time in the last two years I'm done with this. 355 00:18:00,500 --> 00:18:01,780 Have you thought about my computer career? 356 00:18:01,960 --> 00:18:04,380 I've heard they can train you for a career in IT in just a few months, 357 00:18:04,620 --> 00:18:06,820 including cybersecurity and the basics of AI, 358 00:18:06,980 --> 00:18:08,600 and you don't need prior training or experience. 359 00:18:08,780 --> 00:18:10,420 Now that's a recession-resistant career. 360 00:18:10,600 --> 00:18:12,180 Wow, thanks. I'll check them out. 361 00:18:12,280 --> 00:18:15,860 Go to mycomputercareer.edu and take the free career evaluation. 362 00:18:16,640 --> 00:18:19,960 Go to mycomputercareer.edu and Elite CompTIA certification partner. 363 00:18:20,240 --> 00:18:22,620 Financial aid is available to those who qualify, including VA benefits. 364 00:18:23,280 --> 00:18:24,260 The Score. 365 00:18:24,700 --> 00:18:29,460 Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. 366 00:18:29,920 --> 00:18:33,720 Welcome back in. Quickly, SEC softball tournament update. 367 00:18:33,820 --> 00:18:35,920 Let's go get them time for the Auburn Tigers. 368 00:18:36,340 --> 00:18:38,600 They trail Florida 8-6. 369 00:18:38,780 --> 00:18:40,640 The Gators batting in the bottom of the six. 370 00:18:40,740 --> 00:18:41,900 Translated another way. 371 00:18:42,600 --> 00:18:44,480 Gators trying to add to that two-run lead. 372 00:18:44,640 --> 00:18:49,860 Auburn with only three outs left right now to either tie or try to go ahead. 373 00:18:50,300 --> 00:18:52,860 Again, the SEC tournament up in Lexington. 374 00:18:52,960 --> 00:18:58,060 And, B.B., quickly, Alabama's got some business to take care of later on here on 93.9 The Score. 375 00:18:58,060 --> 00:19:01,700 Yeah, listen, Arkansas is number one in RPI. 376 00:19:01,860 --> 00:19:03,580 Alabama, number two in RPI. 377 00:19:03,680 --> 00:19:08,240 And, by the way, Harold Bugg, Florida, Auburn right now 8-8. 378 00:19:08,720 --> 00:19:10,240 It is now tied up. 379 00:19:10,760 --> 00:19:11,960 So, there you have it. 380 00:19:13,800 --> 00:19:20,000 I tell you what, that Auburn team, they got beat 25-0 until in the regular season. 381 00:19:20,160 --> 00:19:21,640 And now they're in the quarterfinals. 382 00:19:22,140 --> 00:19:25,180 And, basically, a chance to stamp their ticket to the semis. 383 00:19:25,620 --> 00:19:28,440 And, if you're Alabama, hopefully a date with the Crimson Tide. 384 00:19:28,520 --> 00:19:31,260 Of course, they've got some business to take care of first with the other UA team. 385 00:19:31,940 --> 00:19:34,960 Arkansas, again, that game later on here on 93.9 The Score. 386 00:19:35,080 --> 00:19:37,220 Don't have to wait that long to check in with Michael Southern. 387 00:19:37,300 --> 00:19:43,220 He's co-host of the Blue Collar Podcast, basketball contributor for Locked on Bama Tide Hoops History, 388 00:19:43,680 --> 00:19:50,120 the Tide Machine, and also he knows what it's like to put pen to paper at Tuscaloosa News and the Gas and Times. 389 00:19:50,260 --> 00:19:51,200 Michael, welcome in. 390 00:19:51,260 --> 00:19:51,940 How are you? 391 00:19:52,640 --> 00:19:54,000 Hey, I am doing well, guys. 392 00:19:54,000 --> 00:19:55,360 How are you doing on a Thursday? 393 00:19:56,000 --> 00:19:56,920 Man, we're doing okay. 394 00:19:58,060 --> 00:20:01,700 Before we get into some of this basketball stuff, what was your reaction? 395 00:20:01,860 --> 00:20:07,440 I mean, how rare is to see a teammate come out, especially the high-profile team like Alabama, 396 00:20:07,520 --> 00:20:10,260 where there is a legitimate quarterback competition? 397 00:20:10,440 --> 00:20:15,300 And Bray Hubbard, he's already gone to the voting booth and pretty much cast his vote, I guess you could say, 398 00:20:15,900 --> 00:20:20,320 throwing all kinds of verbal bouquets for Keelan Russell's passes. 399 00:20:20,320 --> 00:20:22,980 As he puts it, they just whiz by you. 400 00:20:23,780 --> 00:20:28,380 We have a friend of a show who played Major League Baseball for almost 20 years, David Weathers. 401 00:20:28,460 --> 00:20:32,540 He said at that level, these pitchers can basically throw it through a coffee can. 402 00:20:32,540 --> 00:20:38,000 And it sounds like that in some ways, according to Bray Hubbard, Keelan Russell has that touch with the football. 403 00:20:39,000 --> 00:20:41,480 Well, I mean, I don't think anyone's surprised by that. 404 00:20:41,540 --> 00:20:44,640 This is kind of what everyone was expecting with the development. 405 00:20:44,980 --> 00:20:46,780 You know, the staff identified him early. 406 00:20:46,940 --> 00:20:52,720 He developed into, you know, arguably the nation's best quarterback prospect coming out of high school when he finished. 407 00:20:53,160 --> 00:20:54,340 This is what you're expecting. 408 00:20:54,460 --> 00:20:55,460 This is what you're looking for. 409 00:20:55,720 --> 00:20:58,400 You've seen glimpses of the athletic talent. 410 00:20:59,160 --> 00:21:01,760 You've seen little, you know, bits of it here and there. 411 00:21:01,860 --> 00:21:04,140 And this is what you're wanting to see. 412 00:21:04,300 --> 00:21:06,200 And look, the players see it every day in practice. 413 00:21:06,560 --> 00:21:07,920 So players always know. 414 00:21:08,920 --> 00:21:10,180 You can't trick the players. 415 00:21:10,980 --> 00:21:15,240 Every one of them knows who has talent and who maybe doesn't have quite the talent. 416 00:21:15,240 --> 00:21:18,700 It doesn't mean that Keelan is going to automatically be the starting quarterback. 417 00:21:19,380 --> 00:21:26,900 But, you know, Bray's already endorsing the raw athleticism and the sheer, I guess, arm talent that's on display every day in practice that he's going against. 418 00:21:27,060 --> 00:21:31,380 I mean, he's trying to stop those and he's trying to bat down and intercept those passes. 419 00:21:31,520 --> 00:21:33,320 And he knows how hard it is right now. 420 00:21:33,960 --> 00:21:38,860 And I've always said a lot of these guys, they're obviously good when they get there, but good relative to what? 421 00:21:38,900 --> 00:21:41,400 In high school, sometimes these kids are just bigger and faster. 422 00:21:42,480 --> 00:21:45,580 The test is when you get in and the competition is pretty much the same. 423 00:21:45,780 --> 00:21:48,460 If you can stand out apples to apples, that's when it's good. 424 00:21:48,560 --> 00:21:56,180 But to me, if you're the coaching staff, one of the benefits, obviously, of having the quarterback room they've got is on game day, you've got a lot of potential. 425 00:21:56,440 --> 00:22:00,420 But how tough would it be during the workouts, during the week practices? 426 00:22:00,680 --> 00:22:06,040 Because these defenses, no matter who they throw out there, it's pretty much a four- or a five-star quarterback. 427 00:22:06,620 --> 00:22:12,000 Even if they're not starting, this has to sharpen the knife, if you will, on the practice field. 428 00:22:12,880 --> 00:22:13,540 Oh, absolutely. 429 00:22:13,780 --> 00:22:14,180 Absolutely. 430 00:22:14,300 --> 00:22:16,060 It's the old adage, iron sharpens iron. 431 00:22:16,240 --> 00:22:17,620 But I still give a lot of credit. 432 00:22:17,900 --> 00:22:27,800 The one thing you can say about this coaching staff, they have shown innate talent to recognize really good potential in players, especially at the quarterback position. 433 00:22:27,980 --> 00:22:30,240 I mean, they're obviously turning into quarterback gurus. 434 00:22:30,340 --> 00:22:31,280 You're seeing it right now. 435 00:22:31,680 --> 00:22:33,320 They've done a good job keeping the cohesion. 436 00:22:33,840 --> 00:22:39,800 Look, obviously the players they're going after aren't afraid of competition, and they're signing up like Noah's are, two-by-two every year. 437 00:22:40,040 --> 00:22:44,620 And they're bringing in three and four stars, and by the time they come in, they're four and five stars. 438 00:22:44,940 --> 00:22:46,720 And they're staying, and they're wanting to compete. 439 00:22:46,880 --> 00:22:50,540 So that's a credit to the staff and the ability for what they're looking for. 440 00:22:50,800 --> 00:22:58,160 Look, there are certain things, you know, coaches have a style, they have a system, and there are certain traits they're always looking for because they know what fits their system. 441 00:22:58,320 --> 00:23:07,640 It's pretty evident that, you know, Ryan Grubb and before him Nick Sheridan and, of course, Kalen DeBoer, they know what they're looking for when it comes to a player, when it comes to a quarterback. 442 00:23:08,040 --> 00:23:10,240 And by golly, they're going after them, and that's what they're getting. 443 00:23:10,380 --> 00:23:11,760 And they're doing a good job selling it. 444 00:23:12,080 --> 00:23:12,940 Hey, come here. 445 00:23:13,040 --> 00:23:13,760 We'll develop you. 446 00:23:13,820 --> 00:23:14,740 You'll have an opportunity. 447 00:23:15,320 --> 00:23:22,880 And we want the best of the best, and we see all these talents in you, and we think we can develop you to the best of your ability, and it's working. 448 00:23:23,100 --> 00:23:26,520 So at least from the quarterback standpoint, the staff, you know, lights out. 449 00:23:26,980 --> 00:23:33,760 We'll see how everything else develops, but at least from the quarterback standpoint, I have full faith in the staff when it comes to evaluating and finding talent. 450 00:23:34,340 --> 00:23:37,720 Let me ask you about what else develops. 451 00:23:37,720 --> 00:23:44,960 One is, listen, the three of us get asked two or three times a week, is the offensive line better? 452 00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:47,240 Can they run the ball more effectively? 453 00:23:48,040 --> 00:23:56,540 And when you look at what Kalen DeBoer's done, he hired Adrian Clem, brought in Richard Owens, who's the tight end coach, but he's got experience on the O-line. 454 00:23:57,060 --> 00:24:00,560 They brought in 11 new players on the offensive line. 455 00:24:01,120 --> 00:24:07,360 E.J. Crowell is going to be very good, and he'll be fine, and he'll be ready by June. 456 00:24:08,720 --> 00:24:10,860 Treshawn Brown, they've got the running backs. 457 00:24:11,000 --> 00:24:12,920 I think the O-line is improved. 458 00:24:13,460 --> 00:24:14,940 The proof's in the pudding, Michael. 459 00:24:15,100 --> 00:24:18,860 In your opinion, how much better is this offensive line and run game? 460 00:24:19,940 --> 00:24:22,700 Yeah, that is going to be the million-dollar question. 461 00:24:22,820 --> 00:24:28,960 I wish I had enough skill to be able to look at the tape and tell you all these kids that they brought in are going to just flip the script. 462 00:24:29,300 --> 00:24:32,200 I'll be honest with you, it's just going to be wait and see. 463 00:24:32,500 --> 00:24:33,780 I think the biggest thing is this. 464 00:24:33,780 --> 00:24:46,820 In the first two seasons in the SEC, I think Kalen DeBoer and a lot of the staff, they realize what it takes to win in the SEC, and you've got to have at least credible play at the line of scrimmage. 465 00:24:46,960 --> 00:24:55,720 You have to be able to do certain things when you want to do them, no matter what, and you can see the struggles that they have in some of the big games against some of the elite opponents. 466 00:24:56,140 --> 00:25:05,300 They just didn't have what it took across the line of scrimmage in certain key moments, and that's a learning curve for these guys, and I think they understand that now. 467 00:25:05,960 --> 00:25:08,580 I think you can see it with the transfer portal and what they're recruiting. 468 00:25:08,780 --> 00:25:12,120 They're making an emphasis that they've got to get better across the line of scrimmage. 469 00:25:12,520 --> 00:25:15,320 It doesn't matter how good Keelan Russell is if he's running for his life. 470 00:25:15,480 --> 00:25:19,820 I mean, you've seen that in Super Bowls before with the greatest quarterback out there, Patrick Mahomes. 471 00:25:19,980 --> 00:25:22,380 If the other team's got a good defensive line, he's not doing anything. 472 00:25:22,680 --> 00:25:26,140 So, same thing, Alabama's going to have to be able to run the ball. 473 00:25:26,260 --> 00:25:27,560 Are they going to be like Gene Stallings? 474 00:25:27,560 --> 00:25:29,020 No, they're never going to be like that. 475 00:25:29,340 --> 00:25:37,000 But they have to have a credible threat, and they have to be able to run the ball in short-yard situations when they need the first down, and they have not been able to do that. 476 00:25:38,000 --> 00:25:44,780 Michael, to your point, Alabama had, according to the NFL folks, the 13th best player in the entire college basketball world last year. 477 00:25:45,080 --> 00:25:45,800 Think about it. 478 00:25:46,080 --> 00:25:48,620 He was the second-best quarterback, according to the NFL. 479 00:25:48,760 --> 00:25:49,800 That's where he went in the draft. 480 00:25:49,960 --> 00:25:57,280 So, even if you've got that kind of potential, NFL quality to make millions, to your point, if you don't have a line, you're just Swiss cheese. 481 00:25:57,360 --> 00:25:58,320 You've got all kinds of holes. 482 00:25:58,420 --> 00:26:05,440 But outside of the offensive line questions, in your opinion, outside of that, I think that's number one, probably two, and three. 483 00:26:05,980 --> 00:26:10,700 Now that camp is closed, what, in your opinion, would be Alabama's biggest concern as far as a position? 484 00:26:11,860 --> 00:26:12,700 As far as a position? 485 00:26:13,060 --> 00:26:23,860 Well, yeah, if you're going to take offensive line off the table and also quarterback, I would probably say I want to see who's going to be the third wide receiver. 486 00:26:24,600 --> 00:26:27,220 You know, we already know you've got Ryan Williams and Roger Brooks. 487 00:26:27,500 --> 00:26:29,600 You know, is it going to be Sidarian Morgan? 488 00:26:29,900 --> 00:26:33,640 Look, the staff's showing you also, they're playing their cards, too, with the skilled position players. 489 00:26:33,760 --> 00:26:34,860 There's a certain body type. 490 00:26:35,360 --> 00:26:37,320 There's a certain athleticism they're looking for. 491 00:26:37,400 --> 00:26:40,560 They prefer larger players, you know, out on the edges. 492 00:26:40,700 --> 00:26:41,880 They want larger receivers. 493 00:26:42,040 --> 00:26:43,180 They want larger DBs. 494 00:26:43,480 --> 00:26:47,540 So, let's see who the third steady, consistent wide receiver is going to be. 495 00:26:47,680 --> 00:26:50,220 Again, I'm still more worried about that offensive line. 496 00:26:50,340 --> 00:26:56,720 Until they can prove that the offensive line has improved, it's just going to be a question mark of how consistent this offense is going to be. 497 00:26:57,020 --> 00:27:03,820 There will be games when the offense looks good because, you know, there are going to be opponents that Alabama is still going to be better against across the line of scrimmage. 498 00:27:04,040 --> 00:27:06,300 But what's it going to be when they play Georgia? 499 00:27:06,420 --> 00:27:08,120 What's it going to be when they play Texas A&M? 500 00:27:08,180 --> 00:27:09,540 What's it going to be when they play Tennessee? 501 00:27:09,680 --> 00:27:10,300 That's the question. 502 00:27:11,100 --> 00:27:16,740 Michael, Nate Oates is kind of in a waiting period right now, waiting on number one, Amari Allen. 503 00:27:17,460 --> 00:27:20,000 The NBA Combine starts next week. 504 00:27:20,100 --> 00:27:23,040 We'll probably know a lot more about that in 10 days. 505 00:27:23,600 --> 00:27:28,420 Only God and the judge knows about Aiden Holloway as far as his legal issues. 506 00:27:28,980 --> 00:27:34,240 I was asked this week, can he motivate Brandon Garrison, the Kentucky transfer? 507 00:27:35,180 --> 00:27:41,400 Larry Vaught was on our show a couple weeks ago, and he said, listen, this guy is an absolute monster when he's motivated. 508 00:27:42,080 --> 00:27:45,920 And that's one of the things that a lot of people think Nate Oates can do. 509 00:27:46,740 --> 00:27:50,620 Your thoughts on Alabama basketball in a holding period right now? 510 00:27:51,460 --> 00:27:55,420 Yeah, so, you know, I think in, I will say this. 511 00:27:55,500 --> 00:27:57,860 I don't think Alabama's done quite yet. 512 00:27:58,020 --> 00:28:02,560 And what I mean by that is, of course, you are in a holding period for Amari Allen. 513 00:28:02,960 --> 00:28:05,600 Well, like you said, the Combine starts next week. 514 00:28:05,660 --> 00:28:12,540 We'll have a much clearer picture of what are the odds that Amari Allen decides to stay in the draft or come back after the feedback that he gets. 515 00:28:12,960 --> 00:28:16,020 Aiden Holloway situation, well, I know the staff is optimistic 516 00:28:16,020 --> 00:28:19,520 that he'll get through his legal issues and find his way back to the team. 517 00:28:19,860 --> 00:28:24,900 I think they are working on something right now in the background to get another ball handler 518 00:28:24,900 --> 00:28:26,240 and not through the transfer portal. 519 00:28:26,700 --> 00:28:33,000 And I'm hearing whispers, you know, they're looking at point guard, possible reclassification. 520 00:28:33,200 --> 00:28:34,620 So we'll see if that comes to fruition. 521 00:28:34,780 --> 00:28:39,520 If that happens, and look, I have no reason to doubt that they're not trying to do this. 522 00:28:39,560 --> 00:28:40,540 It makes perfect sense. 523 00:28:41,040 --> 00:28:44,080 Regardless of whether Aiden comes back or not, you still need another ball handler. 524 00:28:44,320 --> 00:28:51,400 So ideally, this would be a good circumstance if they can get this one player that I'm hearing about to go ahead and reclassify. 525 00:28:51,540 --> 00:28:54,380 I'm sure he's got to do some summer school and he's got to come to agreements. 526 00:28:54,540 --> 00:28:56,900 But if this happens, that actually would be a big plus for this lineup. 527 00:28:57,460 --> 00:29:00,340 I like what they did in the portal. 528 00:29:00,460 --> 00:29:04,080 I know Jeff Goodman from Field of 68 didn't like it and thought Alabama was a loser. 529 00:29:04,220 --> 00:29:05,280 But I totally disagree. 530 00:29:05,980 --> 00:29:10,620 And if you pair it with what's coming in with the freshman class, I think Alabama's got a very nice team. 531 00:29:10,740 --> 00:29:13,860 Now, is it Final Four, Elite Eight level talent? 532 00:29:13,980 --> 00:29:14,860 We just don't know yet. 533 00:29:14,900 --> 00:29:16,400 It's going to depend on how that messes together. 534 00:29:16,520 --> 00:29:23,660 But I think there is a good foundation and structure for this team to be very competitive once again in the SEC and on the national stage. 535 00:29:24,220 --> 00:29:25,140 It better be. 536 00:29:25,300 --> 00:29:30,920 It's going to be interesting to see, now that they've got more big bodies, how Alabama's style will adapt to that 537 00:29:30,920 --> 00:29:33,380 or the style adapting to Alabama's system itself. 538 00:29:33,720 --> 00:29:38,620 One thing about it, to your point, they better be good because when it comes to putting a schedule together, 539 00:29:39,180 --> 00:29:43,600 what was the old song back in the day, Nate Oates will not back down. 540 00:29:43,600 --> 00:29:45,640 He loves a tough schedule, does he not? 541 00:29:46,400 --> 00:29:46,660 No. 542 00:29:47,240 --> 00:29:49,520 Look, the proof is in the pudding. 543 00:29:49,880 --> 00:29:50,000 Yeah. 544 00:29:50,080 --> 00:29:51,300 And the fans love it. 545 00:29:51,640 --> 00:29:59,040 And, you know, I have all the respect in the world because he wants his team to be battle-tested by the time they get to conference play. 546 00:29:59,200 --> 00:30:05,500 He wants his team to experience all different kinds of styles of physicality, of play, of systems. 547 00:30:05,680 --> 00:30:06,620 Because guess what? 548 00:30:06,660 --> 00:30:08,480 That's what you're going to run into in the NCAA tournament. 549 00:30:09,160 --> 00:30:10,920 And look, guys, let's be honest. 550 00:30:11,040 --> 00:30:11,620 It works. 551 00:30:11,620 --> 00:30:12,960 It has worked for Alabama. 552 00:30:13,360 --> 00:30:14,540 It has been a great formula. 553 00:30:15,080 --> 00:30:20,800 You know, it's interesting with this new, you know, players-era festival now split up into two bracket-style formats. 554 00:30:21,020 --> 00:30:23,740 Alabama's in the 16-team field during Thanksgiving. 555 00:30:24,300 --> 00:30:28,300 And look, it might as well be, you might as well call it the Sweet 16 with the teams that are going to be in there. 556 00:30:28,380 --> 00:30:29,120 It's going to be in there. 557 00:30:29,160 --> 00:30:33,060 Michigan, Gonzaga, St. John, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Baylor, Oregon. 558 00:30:33,320 --> 00:30:36,820 I mean, those teams right there, it's exactly like a Sweet 16. 559 00:30:36,820 --> 00:30:44,280 I mean, it might as well be the NCAA tournament, almost like the old days of the old preseason NIT when they used to load up that schedule in Madison Square Garden. 560 00:30:45,040 --> 00:30:46,260 Let me ask you this, Michael. 561 00:30:46,260 --> 00:30:51,300 One thing that Alabama's had has been, on paper, talented rosters under Nate Oates. 562 00:30:51,820 --> 00:30:57,320 The other thing they've had is they seem to have the injury bug bottom even before the ball is tipped off. 563 00:30:57,660 --> 00:30:58,860 Will he do anything different? 564 00:30:58,940 --> 00:31:00,540 Or is he going to say, that's just, that's it. 565 00:31:00,900 --> 00:31:01,780 Ball to the walls. 566 00:31:01,880 --> 00:31:03,300 We're going to sit here and rock and roll. 567 00:31:03,360 --> 00:31:05,080 We're going to do everything we can to get tough. 568 00:31:05,700 --> 00:31:12,160 Because, let's face it, over the last few years, they've had key guys to miss at least part or a significant part of the season. 569 00:31:12,320 --> 00:31:16,100 Your thoughts just about trying to keep this team healthy for the regular season. 570 00:31:17,380 --> 00:31:23,400 I think in the style or the attitude that Nate Oates is, I don't think he plays in fear of injury. 571 00:31:23,520 --> 00:31:25,900 He just wants his guys to play hard and go at it. 572 00:31:25,900 --> 00:31:27,540 I don't think that's going to change. 573 00:31:28,120 --> 00:31:33,060 And you're going to have years where you have some injuries, and maybe you'll get that magic year when no one gets injured. 574 00:31:33,160 --> 00:31:33,480 You're right. 575 00:31:33,540 --> 00:31:39,800 You can go back almost year by year, and there's always at least one or two key players that you're like, man, I wish they would have been 100%. 576 00:31:39,800 --> 00:31:41,000 But that's just the way he plays. 577 00:31:41,060 --> 00:31:43,780 And if you'll notice, you know, they go pretty deep. 578 00:31:43,940 --> 00:31:45,340 They don't mind playing a lot of players. 579 00:31:45,500 --> 00:31:49,500 And that's one of the reasons why, because he doesn't shy away from that. 580 00:31:49,600 --> 00:31:51,940 Now, when we say physicality, it's a different type of physicality. 581 00:31:51,940 --> 00:31:55,660 It's not like Tennessee physicality inside where they're trying to mug you to death. 582 00:31:56,080 --> 00:32:01,820 But, you know, it's a ball crashing, you know, hard charging, take charge, hit the floor type physicality. 583 00:32:01,860 --> 00:32:03,600 He wants the players hitting the deck. 584 00:32:04,260 --> 00:32:08,520 So I like the athleticism of the team that's coming in with these players. 585 00:32:08,800 --> 00:32:10,700 And, again, this is a good freshman class. 586 00:32:10,880 --> 00:32:14,680 And I think Cole Clover is also going to be a very underrated steal that they've got that's coming in. 587 00:32:15,040 --> 00:32:17,500 There's going to be some good skill levels here on this team. 588 00:32:17,900 --> 00:32:24,900 I think you're going to see a team that's going to be more role-oriented, meaning maybe not quite the free-for-all that people are just all over there shooting. 589 00:32:25,040 --> 00:32:29,640 I think you'll have certain people that they're going to have a more defined role of what he expects out of them. 590 00:32:29,980 --> 00:32:33,300 You're going to have more shooters shoot, and you're going to have more bigs rebound. 591 00:32:33,300 --> 00:32:39,300 I think it's going to be a little more compartmentalized when it comes to later this year when they get the team into the summer. 592 00:32:39,440 --> 00:32:44,920 They start doing workouts, and they have their usual outing there, I think, down in Greene County where they have, like, that military boot camp. 593 00:32:45,980 --> 00:32:50,540 Michael, the NCAA is a lot more lenient now, letting teams go overseas. 594 00:32:51,860 --> 00:32:54,020 It used to be every four years. 595 00:32:54,120 --> 00:32:57,000 Now I believe they can go any year. 596 00:32:57,160 --> 00:32:58,700 Auburn, in fact, is going to Greece. 597 00:32:59,280 --> 00:33:04,860 Have you heard anything about a trip for Alabama overseas this summer, number one? 598 00:33:04,940 --> 00:33:10,520 And number two, tell us about Tide Hoops history and where we can get online and get all your great stuff. 599 00:33:11,460 --> 00:33:13,300 Oh, I appreciate the plug, as always. 600 00:33:13,560 --> 00:33:16,400 But, yeah, it's on X, it's at Bama history. 601 00:33:16,860 --> 00:33:20,220 And it's funny you mention that because I was trying to think of what we wanted to do for the summer. 602 00:33:20,360 --> 00:33:24,620 You know, the last couple of summers we always put together a little fun package of things. 603 00:33:24,720 --> 00:33:25,800 I think I've got an idea. 604 00:33:26,120 --> 00:33:28,900 Let me roll something out to you and see what you guys think about this. 605 00:33:29,320 --> 00:33:34,380 Sometime this summer, you know, Nate Oates has had 32 games that he's got a technical foul in. 606 00:33:34,380 --> 00:33:41,540 I was thinking about spotlighting every game for 32 days straight, starting with, you know, his first technical foul, give the highlights. 607 00:33:41,800 --> 00:33:42,900 This is when it all started. 608 00:33:43,060 --> 00:33:43,660 Here's the record. 609 00:33:43,780 --> 00:33:48,880 I was thinking about playing with that this year because that gives us a month of content right there. 610 00:33:49,200 --> 00:33:50,580 I think people would get a kick out of it. 611 00:33:50,620 --> 00:33:52,460 But that's one of the things we're kicking around from that. 612 00:33:52,840 --> 00:33:57,640 As far as the foreign tour, you know, the Brandon Miller team, it really paid off for that team. 613 00:33:58,000 --> 00:34:01,660 If you remember, they did that back before the 22-23 season. 614 00:34:02,340 --> 00:34:06,680 As far as that, whether Alabama does that again anytime soon, I don't know. 615 00:34:06,960 --> 00:34:07,760 Let's just be honest. 616 00:34:07,940 --> 00:34:09,920 You know, you've got to also look at it from a cost perspective. 617 00:34:10,400 --> 00:34:17,740 I mean, is Alabama, do they think they'll gain as much out of it by the investment it's going to cost to go over there? 618 00:34:17,940 --> 00:34:23,160 So, I mean, I hate to be, you know, nickel and diamond, but I think that's really going to come into play whether or not they do that. 619 00:34:23,660 --> 00:34:26,460 Well, the NIL, I mean, obviously that's a big consideration. 620 00:34:26,620 --> 00:34:28,280 And by the way, I like that idea. 621 00:34:28,680 --> 00:34:30,960 But here's what I would think, Michael, on that. 622 00:34:31,040 --> 00:34:33,380 It would be interesting if you added the next page. 623 00:34:33,980 --> 00:34:36,800 After the technical foul, how many games did Alabama win? 624 00:34:36,900 --> 00:34:38,180 How many did they lose? 625 00:34:38,640 --> 00:34:42,520 And if the wins outweigh the losses, will we see more technical fouls than Nate Oates? 626 00:34:43,540 --> 00:34:47,280 Well, you know, he does have a winning record in games he's got a technical foul. 627 00:34:47,380 --> 00:34:47,900 There you go. 628 00:34:48,100 --> 00:34:49,420 I think we've got him charted. 629 00:34:49,500 --> 00:34:54,540 He's like 22-9 in games that he's got a – or 23-9 in games he's got a technical foul. 630 00:34:54,640 --> 00:34:55,540 So, it's pretty funny. 631 00:34:55,540 --> 00:34:59,800 He actually does pretty well, and he's only had one game that he's ever got ejected. 632 00:34:59,920 --> 00:35:02,320 That was Mississippi State when he got the two technical fouls. 633 00:35:02,460 --> 00:35:05,240 So, I was thinking that that might be one of the choices. 634 00:35:05,440 --> 00:35:07,100 There's one other thing I was thinking about, too. 635 00:35:07,180 --> 00:35:11,540 But right now, I'm kind of leaning toward a daily spotlight of all the technical foul games. 636 00:35:12,520 --> 00:35:14,420 And the other thing, too, he loves the review. 637 00:35:14,540 --> 00:35:15,580 You might want to throw that in. 638 00:35:15,740 --> 00:35:19,420 He must be the king of – not only that, early in the game reviews. 639 00:35:19,500 --> 00:35:20,300 So, he rolls the dice. 640 00:35:20,400 --> 00:35:23,300 Michael, quickly, where can we jump on and get the latest with you online? 641 00:35:24,040 --> 00:35:27,120 Well, Mike, I mentioned just the at-band of history on X. 642 00:35:28,000 --> 00:35:31,120 You know, probably in about a month or two, we'll probably start firing up some stuff 643 00:35:31,120 --> 00:35:33,220 on the Tide machine as we get ready for football. 644 00:35:33,720 --> 00:35:36,340 I guess we're less than 100 days from fall camp coming up, 645 00:35:36,360 --> 00:35:39,020 so we'll do stuff at Tide machine. 646 00:35:39,520 --> 00:35:41,000 So, always fun stuff. 647 00:35:41,100 --> 00:35:43,280 And then, of course, you know, whenever basketball topics come on, 648 00:35:43,640 --> 00:35:47,280 you know, Luke and Jimmy always invite me on for some fun discussions for basketball. 649 00:35:47,440 --> 00:35:49,520 So, you'll see me on occasion on Lock on Bama. 650 00:35:49,620 --> 00:35:50,780 So, it's always a fun time. 651 00:35:51,100 --> 00:35:52,200 I always enjoy doing this stuff. 652 00:35:52,340 --> 00:35:54,160 And I really appreciate you guys always having me on. 653 00:35:54,220 --> 00:35:54,540 Thank you. 654 00:35:54,720 --> 00:35:55,200 Thank you. 655 00:35:55,200 --> 00:35:55,820 And you, too. 656 00:35:56,000 --> 00:35:58,860 Got an eye on Judge Judy in that Aiden Holloway situation as well. 657 00:35:58,940 --> 00:35:59,420 There you have it. 658 00:35:59,460 --> 00:36:01,520 Michael Southern hooking up with us amongst other places. 659 00:36:02,140 --> 00:36:03,240 The Blue Collar Podcast. 660 00:36:03,360 --> 00:36:05,620 We don't say this very often at this point in the show, 661 00:36:06,280 --> 00:36:08,900 but the final word coming up on the Boom O' Buck Show. 662 00:36:08,980 --> 00:36:09,580 Stay with us. 663 00:36:12,060 --> 00:36:14,980 Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Dad this Father's Day? 664 00:36:15,320 --> 00:36:17,460 Bring him to Sam's Sports Grill in Florence, 665 00:36:17,620 --> 00:36:20,180 where we're serving up the kind of meals he really wants. 666 00:36:20,400 --> 00:36:22,820 Think fall-off-the-bone ribs, juicy burgers, 667 00:36:23,280 --> 00:36:25,240 and hand-cut ribeyes cooked just right. 668 00:36:25,400 --> 00:36:27,960 Paired with an ice-cold drink and catch the game, 669 00:36:28,280 --> 00:36:30,320 because all baseball season long, 670 00:36:30,440 --> 00:36:32,740 it's $3 garage beer on tap. 671 00:36:32,960 --> 00:36:35,820 Skip the stress this year and let us take care of Dad. 672 00:36:36,140 --> 00:36:37,620 Sam's Sports Grill Florence. 673 00:36:37,800 --> 00:36:40,120 Great food, great vibes, great memories. 674 00:36:40,560 --> 00:36:41,960 Make our place your place. 675 00:36:42,140 --> 00:36:43,800 In Alabama, results matter. 676 00:36:44,140 --> 00:36:47,100 Our congressman, Robert Adderholt, is always fighting for us, 677 00:36:47,300 --> 00:36:50,260 delivering real America first wins for North Alabama. 678 00:36:50,260 --> 00:36:54,240 That includes securing a $2 billion investment right here at home 679 00:36:54,240 --> 00:36:56,040 through the one big beautiful bill. 680 00:36:56,460 --> 00:36:58,440 It's about better jobs, a stronger economy, 681 00:36:58,720 --> 00:37:00,800 a secure border, and a stronger America. 682 00:37:01,120 --> 00:37:03,240 President Donald Trump endorsed Robert Adderholt 683 00:37:03,240 --> 00:37:04,520 because he gets things done 684 00:37:04,520 --> 00:37:08,080 and never stops working for our Alabama-first conservative values. 685 00:37:08,240 --> 00:37:10,100 I'm Robert Adderholt, and I approve this message. 686 00:37:10,200 --> 00:37:11,820 Paid for by Adderholt for Congress. 687 00:37:12,200 --> 00:37:13,960 I keep seeing celebrities' posts, 688 00:37:14,200 --> 00:37:16,020 me in the 90s versus now. 689 00:37:16,280 --> 00:37:17,860 While the person staring at me in the mirror 690 00:37:17,860 --> 00:37:19,780 is definitely not the same person 691 00:37:19,780 --> 00:37:21,460 that could pull off boot-cut jeans, 692 00:37:22,040 --> 00:37:23,980 time creeps up on us so slowly. 693 00:37:24,280 --> 00:37:26,840 You don't see it until suddenly you do. 694 00:37:27,200 --> 00:37:28,660 Same thing goes for your bills. 695 00:37:28,880 --> 00:37:30,680 A dollar here, an uptick there. 696 00:37:30,680 --> 00:37:32,880 It's a slow burn until one day you realize 697 00:37:32,880 --> 00:37:35,080 the price you're paying now is way higher 698 00:37:35,080 --> 00:37:36,200 than when you signed up. 699 00:37:36,520 --> 00:37:39,300 But at T-Mobile, customers had the lowest wireless bills 700 00:37:39,300 --> 00:37:42,720 versus Verizon and AT&T over the past five years. 701 00:37:43,100 --> 00:37:45,320 And with T-Mobile on their experience plans, 702 00:37:45,500 --> 00:37:46,800 you get a five-year price guarantee 703 00:37:46,800 --> 00:37:49,140 so you know exactly what your plan price will be 704 00:37:49,140 --> 00:37:50,680 for the next five years. 705 00:37:51,040 --> 00:37:53,720 So at least that's one thing that won't change over time. 706 00:37:54,120 --> 00:37:56,660 I can't guarantee you'll still look good with frosted tips, 707 00:37:56,660 --> 00:37:58,820 but T-Mobile can give you a clear guarantee 708 00:37:58,820 --> 00:38:00,100 on your wireless plan. 709 00:38:01,100 --> 00:38:02,800 Lower bills based on Harris-X billing snapshots 710 00:38:02,800 --> 00:38:04,360 from Q321 to Q425 711 00:38:04,360 --> 00:38:06,040 compared to average AT&T and Verizon bills. 712 00:38:06,140 --> 00:38:08,300 Comparison excludes discounts, credits, and optional charges. 713 00:38:08,420 --> 00:38:09,620 Price guarantee on talk, text, and data. 714 00:38:09,740 --> 00:38:10,960 Exclusions like taxes and fees apply. 715 00:38:11,080 --> 00:38:12,040 See T-Mobile.com. 716 00:38:13,100 --> 00:38:14,820 This is the story of The One. 717 00:38:15,180 --> 00:38:17,320 As a procurement manager for a hospital system, 718 00:38:17,700 --> 00:38:20,240 she keeps every facility in her network stocked and ready. 719 00:38:20,640 --> 00:38:22,360 That's why she counts on Granger 720 00:38:22,360 --> 00:38:24,600 to be her single source for thousands of products, 721 00:38:24,600 --> 00:38:27,620 from disinfectants to lighting, air filters, and more. 722 00:38:28,080 --> 00:38:29,860 And with fast, dependable delivery, 723 00:38:30,340 --> 00:38:32,600 Granger helps her keep every facility stocked, 724 00:38:32,760 --> 00:38:33,960 safe, and running smoothly. 725 00:38:34,520 --> 00:38:36,820 Call 1-800-GRANGER, click Granger.com, 726 00:38:36,900 --> 00:38:37,760 or just stop by. 727 00:38:38,240 --> 00:38:40,800 Granger, for the ones who get it done. 728 00:38:42,020 --> 00:38:43,620 My dad passed away unexpectedly. 729 00:38:43,840 --> 00:38:45,060 Of course, it was awful in every way, 730 00:38:45,200 --> 00:38:48,020 but we are very grateful that he had life insurance. 731 00:38:48,300 --> 00:38:49,580 So even after he was gone, 732 00:38:49,700 --> 00:38:51,400 he was still able to provide for us. 733 00:38:51,400 --> 00:38:53,680 And that's why I have life insurance for my family. 734 00:38:53,980 --> 00:38:55,040 Ethos.com. 735 00:38:55,420 --> 00:38:57,500 They make it fast and easy to get covered. 736 00:38:57,680 --> 00:38:58,560 It's 100% online. 737 00:38:58,780 --> 00:38:59,800 You get a quote in seconds. 738 00:39:00,100 --> 00:39:00,920 You can apply in minutes. 739 00:39:01,300 --> 00:39:02,100 You get covered the same day. 740 00:39:02,480 --> 00:39:05,600 Get your free quote at ethos.com slash game. 741 00:39:06,000 --> 00:39:08,160 That's ethos.com slash game. 742 00:39:08,440 --> 00:39:08,960 Paid spokesperson. 743 00:39:09,300 --> 00:39:10,320 Time spent on application may vary. 744 00:39:10,520 --> 00:39:11,420 Online health questions required. 745 00:39:11,640 --> 00:39:12,120 Rates may vary. 746 00:39:12,940 --> 00:39:14,080 The Score. 747 00:39:14,520 --> 00:39:19,280 Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. 748 00:39:19,280 --> 00:39:19,940 Welcome back in. 749 00:39:20,000 --> 00:39:21,820 Quickly, ACC softball tournament. 750 00:39:22,240 --> 00:39:24,500 Auburn down to the last two outs to survive. 751 00:39:24,640 --> 00:39:26,560 They trail Florida 10-8. 752 00:39:26,680 --> 00:39:29,380 They got one out in the top of the seventh. 753 00:39:29,640 --> 00:39:33,680 And BB, quickly, Alabama is on deck here on 93.9. 754 00:39:33,740 --> 00:39:35,100 The Score from Kentucky. 755 00:39:35,300 --> 00:39:35,480 Yeah. 756 00:39:35,560 --> 00:39:37,560 Alabama and Arkansas coming up. 757 00:39:37,620 --> 00:39:39,980 Harold and just quickly, Central Florence. 758 00:39:40,200 --> 00:39:43,140 Dantzler, Morris Hill, Lindsey Lane this afternoon. 759 00:39:43,540 --> 00:39:46,200 We'll have recaps on all those games tomorrow. 760 00:39:46,640 --> 00:39:49,000 And it looks like the weather is going to be great for it all. 761 00:39:49,080 --> 00:39:50,200 We appreciate your time. 762 00:39:50,240 --> 00:39:52,920 On behalf of BB, Greg, James Blair, the entire crew here. 763 00:39:53,020 --> 00:39:55,040 Peril Buck, thank you so much for your time today. 764 00:39:55,460 --> 00:39:57,880 Let's do it again tomorrow at noon to two for the Boomo Bugg show. 765 00:39:57,980 --> 00:40:00,320 Back here on Sports Radio, 93.9 The Score. 766 00:40:00,320 --> 00:40:10,320 We'll see you next time tomorrow at noon to two for the Boomo Bugg show.