Boomo Bugg Show 082626
93.9 The Score WYTK - August 26, 2026
https://www.939thescore.com/boomo-bugg-show-082626/

This transcript was generated automatically from the broadcast audio. Names and some words may be misspelt; the audio is the official record.

------------------------------------------------------------

Now, get ready to roll, Shoals, Decatur, Athens and all of Northwest Alabama and Southern Tennessee. It's time for the Valley's exclusive FM Sports Voice.
The Boomo Bugg Show. Your exclusive inside track to the Tide, Tigers, Tennessee and the rest of the SEC. Now your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9 The Score.
Good afternoon and welcome in to the Boomo Bugg Show. I'm Harold Bugg alongside Brett Beaird. Thank you so much for giving us free ride around the Tennessee Valley. Brett Beaird, welcome in where the SEC says no to the NFL loophole. Good afternoon, welcome in and UNA inches closer to opening day. Good afternoon and how are you, my friend?
Happy Wednesday to you, Harold Bugg and the listeners. Alabama defensive lineman Jeremiah Beeman suffers another ACL injury on Sunday, had surgery yesterday and will miss the 2026 season.
As you alluded to, the SEC bans, the NFL and NBA players from conference rosters in the penalties. If they do, the head coach is suspended for 50% of the season and 50% of the sports annual budget.
Boy, that's sending a message.
Hello.
But we're delighted to bring in UNA coach Brent Dierman, who is here right now to preview the opening game against Samford.
I'm just guessing Coach Dierman is not willing to take and roll the dice on that, but he is willing to take the curtain up on the 2026 season.
UNA head football coach Brent Dierman, welcome in. How are you?
I'm doing fantastic today, guys. I am not worried about the 50% budget for the head coach Tony's. We are not messing with that world.
It's pretty simple, isn't it, Coach? As long as you drive the speed limit, you don't have to worry too much about getting a ticket, do you?
You are 1,000% correct. If my taillights are not out, not speeding, I'm going to make it everywhere without getting pulled over.
Well, you and the team are getting ready, along with the Lion Nation, to head east, young man, all the way to a place called the Rocket City.
Are you ready for some football?
I am ready. I've been ready for eight months now, and you're at that moment in time.
I've been coaching 18 years, and no year's any different.
You are anxious this week. You are stressing. You are worried. Did you get enough of this look?
Did you practice the surprise on sides? Did you put your kids in enough of these situations?
And you never know.
Every year is different, but you get to find out Saturday night at 6 o'clock if your kids are ready to go.
I'll tell you what. You have got an impressive coaching staff.
We have talked with you about that throughout the summer.
But I was looking at Samford's coaching staff.
Of course, John Gross is back, very successful at Jacksonville State, back at Samford this year.
And I saw an interview with him.
He's really excited about playing UNA on Saturday.
I'm also impressed with some of the Samford assistant coaches.
Mickey Kahn is the defensive coordinator, was at Clemson, been throughout the SEC.
Some guy by the name of Andrew Zell, former quarterback at Alabama.
Paul Tyson, Coach Brian's grandson, is on that staff.
Andrew Sweeney, the son of Dabo Sweeney.
And Brent Venables has got not one but two sons on the Samford staff.
Tyler Venables and Jake Venables.
These are two impressive coaching staffs going at it.
Yes, it is.
What a phenomenal coaching tree of all the people you've listed over there.
So you're talking about Venables.
You're talking about Sweeney.
You're talking about Chizik.
Just an unbelievable group of coaches he's been able to put together.
I mean, all of those guys came out of the womb understanding what football was.
Yes.
They've got a ton of knowledge.
They're all young guys.
And I know that they're going to have their team ready to play and well prepared on Saturday.
Let's talk about UNA and their preparation, Coach.
Every year you never know until the live bullets start flying, of course.
But gut-wise, what's the good and the bad and the ugly that you've seen from this team to this point?
Of our team, I think we're for sure bigger.
I'm excited about the growth that we've had of bringing in a lot bigger crop of players.
Our O-line and D-line are thicker.
We've had some big gains in the offseason in the weight room.
But I like our mindset right now.
I think our team has come together and are really unified.
It's more of a team mindset.
In the past, we've had a collection of individuals.
And you play a sport that's a very tough sport to be an individual.
You stand out like a sore thumb and you're a cancer in the locker room.
So I think we're a bigger team, but I also love the unity and the brotherhood that this team has developed.
I've heard a lot of positive comments about both the defensive line and the offensive line.
And we talked with you about the defensive line.
As you mentioned, getting taller, bigger, much more length.
Talk about the progress of your offensive line so far.
You know, this group, we finished the year with an O-line coach last year that went into the offseason that took another job.
He took that job, I think, in like February.
Hired a new O-line coach.
He was here all the way up to the first day of spring ball.
And Louisville offered him a job on staff in the O-line there.
So I lost an O-line coach, didn't get to rehire and bring somebody in until towards the end of spring ball.
So this group has had three guys coaching their room.
And that's tough.
You've got to learn three different ways.
You've got to learn three different philosophies of how we're going to do things.
But Coach Clegg has come in and hit the ground running.
I think our players love their coach they play for.
He holds them accountable.
And you've got to find a good mix.
You know, I'm a son of a high school O-line coach.
You can't be their friend or they're going to run you over.
But you can't be the guy that just comes in and yells and cusses them all day, every day, or they're going to shut down on you.
So you've got to find the mix there of how can you really push them to be the best they can be.
Because O-line, we've got a little laziness in them now, all right?
I'm sure you guys know that.
When you're 6'5", 300 pounds, you've got a tendency every now and then to have a little laziness.
And you need somebody that can get that laziness out of you.
And Coach Clegg does a great job.
We're talented.
We're big.
And we've sold out to the weight room this offseason.
And I think we're going to be able to move people a little bit more this year.
You and the head football coach Brent German.
Coach, obviously the straw that stirs the drink on any team, including the Lions, is the quarterback.
You pretty much said early on, we're going to go with this man.
Talk to us about the straw that stirs this drink.
For the folks who might have missed your earlier comments with us.
Absolutely.
You know, Destin Wade was not our starter to begin the year last year.
Came in and was a late add for us in the summer.
Really pushed who was our starter to begin the year last year, where we almost made a switch then.
But starter struggled early in the year.
And we made the switch in game three to Destin Wade.
He won our first ball game then.
Plays well in the fourth game, but gets hurt.
Fifth game is out still with his injury.
Sixth game, he plays and wins with our second ball game.
The next game he plays, he breaks his ankle.
So, both of our two wins from last year came from him being our starting quarterback and leading us all through the game.
The other game that he got hurt in later, we're up on West Georgia 17-7 when he broke his ankle.
We ended up losing that game after he's out.
So, he has shown this team that he can lead us.
He's shown this team his ability to extend plays with his legs, make all the big-time throws.
And then, he won him over in the season last year and then just kept the locker room on his side all season with his work ethic.
And like we said the other day, anytime your quarterback is wearing that Captain C on his jersey, it's a great sign for your program.
If your quarterback's not wearing that Captain C, something's off.
You're playing a young guy or you're playing a guy that doesn't have a voice in the locker room.
And all things are not good when that's happening.
Let me ask you about your captains.
We talked to two of them at UNA Media Days earlier in August that lost Pete Zedin Wade and Jaheim Ingram.
But Joshua White is another one.
Colin Wright, who the Times Daily had a nice article about this week.
It is an honor, but you've got to earn it to be a captain of any football team.
Talk about your other three captains.
Yeah, I mean, it's pretty interesting to me.
This is my first time in coaching that this has happened.
Three out of our four captains play O-line and D-line.
And you rarely see that, especially O-line.
O-line do not get recognition.
O-line rarely gets individual awards.
So to have an offensive lineman get voted by his teammates and Colin Wright to be a leader on this team just tells you his work ethic.
It tells you how this team believes in him.
He's a three-year starting guard for us.
He's from Muscle Shoals, cares about UNA, cares about this community.
And all those things led to him being named that captain by his teammates.
And the other two guys, Jaheim Ingram, everybody should know that name in this area, has been a three-year starting defensive lineman going into his fourth year being a starter.
Where's the number 44 jersey in honor, Ronald McKinnon?
And the legacy that guy left of being a stud defensive player here.
Another Muscle Shoals guy.
And I thought it was rare that two out of our four captains went to Muscle Shoals High School.
Yes.
Came from the same high school.
Went against each other since park ball.
And then the third there is Josh White.
Josh White's a transfer that came in here in January.
He's a 6'5", 320-pound defensive lineman from Memphis.
And to win your team over in just six months just tells you the influence that he has on this football team.
So I think our three captains being in the box and in the trenches tells you that we've gotten better on the O-line and D-line.
So it's an interesting start to the season.
Obviously going to Huntsville again.
We were joking yesterday with Coach Newton.
I still call him Coach Newton down at Samford.
That place has a history of its own.
Back in the day, Canseco, McGuire, and the current Atlanta Braves manager, Walt Weiss, played there when they were in double-A ball with the athletics at the time.
So that thing is full of history.
They've renovated it.
It's a nice facility.
So you've got Samford this week in Huntsville.
And I don't have the schedule in front of me.
I think it's a road game next week.
Where are you going next week, Coach?
Next week we travel to Fayetteville, Arkansas.
We are game one for the Razorbacks.
So me spending some time in my career in that state, you're going to have 80,000 people game one packed in that stadium, calling the hogs, doing the woo-pig suey.
It's going to be an electric environment for our players.
I think it's the first time in over 60-plus years that we've played an SEC opponent.
I think the last was Vanderbilt, maybe in the 50s.
So it's a great stage for the logo.
You know, we talk about we want to get the UNA logo out there to the world, and we're going to be playing on the SEC network.
So it's a great opportunity for the University of North Alabama and a great opportunity for our players in this program.
Well, it's a great opportunity Saturday night because I know there are going to be a lot of UNA alum fans who are going to be in Huntsville watching the game.
Listen, the best of luck.
I know you've been working the entire spring, summer.
Everyone wishes you a very successful 2026.
Bring back a W from Joe Davis Stadium.
Yes, sir.
We're going to do everything in our power to bring that W back, and it's always good to start the year 1-0.
So we're going to do everything in our power to be 1-0 to start the season.
Safe travels, Coach, and thanks so much for your time today.
Thank you, guys.
Royal Lions.
Thank you.
Royal Lions with Coach Brent German, UNA head football coach.
Coming up, what's going on down on the plains?
Brian Matthews, the latest on Auburn, next.
Stay with us.
At Valley Credit Union, we believe every great team starts with a strong community.
We're proud to help our neighbors save, borrow, and build brighter futures together.
Whether you're planning for your first home, growing your family, or supporting local dreams,
we're here with personalized service and competitive rates.
Stop by any of our convenient locations, Tuscumbia, Sheffield, Muscle Shoals, Florence,
Russellville, Cherokee, and Killen, or visit us on the web at valleycreditunion.net.
Valley Credit Union, rooted in community, committed to you.
Let's win together.
Sound familiar?
At Mattress Firm, we understand there are many problems that can keep you up at night,
like snoring, aches and pains, or sleeping hot.
Our sleep experts have the unrivaled know-how to match you with a mattress that can help.
And now at Mattress Firm, save up to $700, plus get a free adjustable base with select
Sealy Posturepedic mattresses.
For the great sleep you deserve, visit Mattress Firm.
We make sleep easy.
Restrictions apply.
See store or website for details.
Back to school starts now.
Get long-lasting battery life on the Dell XPS laptop powered by Series 3 Intel Core so you
can work from anywhere.
Now starting at $699 with exclusive student pricing starting at $599.
Complete your setup with savings on select monitors and must-have electronics and accessories.
Limited-time deals and free shipping on PCs and more await you at dell.com slash deals.
That's dell.com slash deals.
And David Ortiz, when I lost my mom, she was only 46.
And I lost my dad to cancer.
It was the worst pain I ever felt.
It made me think, what will happen with the people I love when my time is up?
That's why I have life insurance.
Ethos makes it easy.
It's all online, take about 10 minutes, and you can get up to $3 million and cover it.
Get your free quote at ethos.com slash game.
That's ethos.com slash game.
Pay testimonial.
Time spent on application may vary.
Online health questions required.
Hey, it's Wendy here.
Are you looking to rebound from your high-interest credit card debt?
A SoFi personal loan could help.
Consolidate your debt with a SoFi personal loan into one low monthly payment,
and you could save money on interest over time.
And with as soon as the same day funding, you could hit the ground running ASAP.
Apply today with no fees required at SoFi.com slash debtrebound.
Loans originated by SoFiBake.
N.A. Member FDIC.
Terms and conditions apply.
NMLS 696891.
Fast funds.
Terms apply at SoFi.com slash debtrebound.
ESPN Radio for the Shoals.
Sports Radio 93.9.
The Score.
What's up, fellas?
Mike Golick Jr. here.
Labor Day weekend is back.
Football, tailgates, and the grill's hot.
But one bad play can change your world.
You knock back a few drinks, think you're fine to drive, and that's how lives get turned upside down.
Yours, your boys, everyone on the road.
So don't fumble it.
In 2024, nearly 12,000 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths.
So call the right play.
Plan for a designated driver, a ride share, or crash on the couch.
Be the MVP this season.
Drive sober or get pulled over.
Paid for by NHTSA.
My name is Whitney Allen, and I'm a widow.
My husband, Ryan, died.
We never thought we'd ever have to use life insurance, but the unexpected happened.
With Ethos, signing up was fast and 100% online.
You can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and get same-day coverage.
No medical exams, and you can get up to $3 million worth of coverage.
I'm grateful we were prepared.
Get your free quote at ethos.com slash play.
That's ethos.com slash play.
Paid spokesperson.
Time spent on application may vary.
Online health questions required.
Get in the zone, AutoZone.
Welcome to the end of summer sale at AutoZone.
We're celebrating the end of long days and short nights with big deals for a short time.
Like on Wash & Wax, you can get three of Meguiar's products for just $20.
Need new brakes?
Duralast brake pads are free with the purchase of Duralast rotors.
We've also got oil deals and more.
We're ending the summer right with the end of summer sale at AutoZone.
Get in the zone, AutoZone.
Restrictions apply.
My name is Whitney Allen, and I'm a widow.
My husband, Ryan, died.
We never thought we'd ever have to use life insurance, but the unexpected happened.
With Ethos, signing up was fast and 100% online.
You can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and get same-day coverage.
No medical exams, and you can get up to $3 million worth of coverage.
I'm grateful we were prepared.
Get your free quote at ethos.com slash play.
That's ethos.com slash play.
Paid spokesperson.
Time spent on application may vary.
Online health questions required.
Life can get hectic.
That's why Progressive provides claim support 24-7, 365 days a year, all the time.
But not like in a desperate way.
We're not just waiting online for you to talk to us or waiting by the phone.
I mean, we are waiting by the phone, but not like staring at it.
Well, now I am.
I'm staring at it.
The point is, Progressive Claim Support is here for you 24-7 in a totally chill, normal way.
Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates not available in all states or situations.
The Colonel's cooked up a new $10 bucket of the day just for you.
Monday, 10 wings for $10.
Tuesday, 8-piece fried chicken for $10.
Wednesday, 8 tenders for $10.
Thursday, 10 wings for $10.
Friday, 24 nuggets for...
Ooh, you guessed it, didn't you?
$10.
The $10 bucket of the day deal.
Every weekday.
Only at KFC.
It's finger-lickin' good.
Prices and participation vary while supplies last.
Not available on third-party ordering platforms.
Tax extra.
Georgia fans, thank God, are something like Patrick Mahomes or something.
Don't you think they're a bit to lose for when it comes to this game?
All things on.
Weekdays at 3 Eastern on the ESPN app and the SEC Network.
The Score.
Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.
Welcome back in.
Looking for the very latest on the Auburn Tigers.
Brian Matthews says you need to check out auburnsports.com.
He'd be the senior editor there.
Brian, welcome in.
How are you?
I am doing great, guys.
Looking forward to the start of college football week zero this weekend.
Yeah.
Wouldn't you know where we've got to start, Brian.
Tons of football to talk about, and I promise you we will.
Or we'll send Brett to your house to clean both your bathrooms and Mr. Clean.
But here's the deal.
What about this news with basketball?
Bear with us, folks.
Alabama and Auburn in October on the hardwoods.
That legacy arena.
That, I don't think, I don't remember that ever happening before, Brian.
I hear there's going to be a feud in Birmingham.
And I don't think it's definitely never happened in my lifetime.
And I think it's a great idea for both schools, first of all, to get together, you know, to have a game where you get to play your rivalries before it all gets started.
And, of course, they're going to play again and again during the season.
But, you know, the thing that this does is it gives fans of Birmingham to see both schools right before the season starts.
And it raises money for both schools for NIL.
And, you know, any little bit they can raise, even if it's a few hundred thousand dollars or whatever it's going to be,
it definitely could make a difference between getting a player or not getting a player or getting a better player.
So, and, you know, Auburn, this is the second one.
Auburn's also playing Florida State in Birmingham in an exhibition.
So, you know, this is something I think you're going to see more and more of,
trying to get these, you know, big matchups in the preseason to fill out an arena and sell enough tickets to pay for some NIL.
I think that is exactly what this is.
Alabama plays Ole Miss in another exhibition.
Auburn, they play Alabama Legacy Arena, B-Man.
I think the Florida State-Auburn game's in Batwell.
It is.
Yeah, if I'm not mistaken.
Let me do, let's do talk about football.
And let me begin where, on the topic, we haven't discussed much with you.
I always get amused.
Nobody wants to talk about special teams, but they win or lose two games a year.
Pump returns, kick returns.
Kristen Neptune, Trey Taylor, from what I gather, are two guys on punt returns.
I've heard a lot about Neptune.
B-Man, punts, kickoff returns, and special teams overall.
What are you hearing?
Yeah.
Well, Pleasant's going to be the main kick returner on kicks.
And then, I don't know who definitely is going to be the main punt returner right away, but we have seen Neptune.
Trey Taylor, the late transfer from Troy, he has been cleared to practice, not cleared to play yet, but he is part of that group that is catching punts and working with that punt return unit.
Bryce Kane is another young man, Deshaun, oh, shoot, the wide receiver, the freshman, is also doing it.
So, I think they've got some guys.
Deshaun Spencer.
Yes.
There we go.
So, you know, they've got three or four guys that they're looking at there, and I don't know that a final decision's been made yet, but, you know, it may be that some guys get a chance.
It depends how they, you know, operate during games and such.
And then, as far as kickoffs and everything, so Madison McPherson is going to be your field goal kicker.
They may use one of the other kickers for kickoffs.
And then, you know, K-A-K, I hate to say his name, because you pronounce it exactly the way you think it might be pronounced.
It's going to be the punter again.
Oh, it's about in the old days, that girl.
It's that guy.
Is it Kank?
Is that, is that, is it Kank?
Nope.
It's not it.
Yes, again.
It only looks like it.
I still, here's the deal.
I know I'm going to sit here and delineate a little bit, Brian.
I would love for Kenny Sabler to be back and announce some of his names.
Would you love, I'd pay money to hear him pronounce some of his names.
Would you not?
That would be a lot of fun.
Yeah.
Yeah.
So, we'll call him Hudson, I guess.
There you go.
Hudson.
Hudson.
Hudson K.
Brian, obviously, if you look at this thing, Brian Matthew Hughes, by the way,
it's senior editor of AuburnSports.com.
Never change your name.
I can handle that one.
But, Brian, you kind of look at this, and I guess it's across the board.
It's a 1,000-piece puzzle.
I'm going to imagine 998 pieces are in place, maybe even 999.
But, I would imagine every coaching staff still looking for that one piece to put in
to make a complete picture.
What would be the missing piece or two over this next week and a half for Auburn?
Well, it's just got to be the offensive line continues to come together, right?
You've got five new starters, all transfers.
Two of them, Cole Skinner, Cole Bass, you know, transfer from USF.
They know this offense, but still, it's a step up for those guys in the SEC.
And Cole Skinner doesn't have a whole lot of starts under his belt.
So, that's going to be a challenge.
You've got to Joe Simmons, a transfer at left tackle.
You've got Dan Ramble, a transfer at right tackle.
So, it's just going to be a real challenge for that group to function as one, which is such
an important thing for an offensive line.
So, I think that's the big thing offensively is just to see how far along those guys are
game one and how far along can they get, you know, by the time we get to the end of September
when you've got to play Vanderbilt and then a big night game against Florida.
Because I really think that's going to be a big part of Auburn's success is how well
that group comes together.
I think defensively, I'd probably say just, you know, do you have enough depth at cornerback, right?
You've got Andre Jordan.
I think he's been really, really good.
Rashawn Pleasant is probably going to be the other starter.
Gavin Jenkins has stepped up.
Three guys, but you need more.
And certainly, Champ Anthony can step up over there, like would be, I guess, another transfer
to grab Richardson, Shemar, no, but I think that's a position that you don't have a lot
of proven guys.
They're a little bit thin, and they're going to be kind of thrown to the wolves right away,
and we'll see how they respond.
Has Jacob Strand beat out Derek Plaus for left guard, and is Bryson Washington now pretty
much set as the number three running back?
I think both things are true, right?
I can't say that for certain, but, you know, Strand has been one of the guys that's
really come on during fall camp, and he's been working with that first team a lot, and he
was out there with that first team, I guess it was, was it Monday we were out there?
Tuesday.
It was Tuesday.
It was yesterday.
So that's our expectation, that he will be the starter there.
And the Bryson Washington has gotten over an injury.
The coaches have been getting on to him, not because they don't think he's working hard,
it's because they think he can be good and help out this team.
And I think these last couple weeks he's finally come on, he's gotten healthy, he's gotten back
into better shape, and I do think he's pushing those top two guys, although I think Jeremiah
Calvin and Omar Mabson are, you know, pretty much settled in as one-two at running back,
but I think Bryson's definitely the three.
And I think you'll see all three.
Of course, Bryson's from Baylor, so he'll be playing his former team, but I think you'll
see all three in ten more days.
So, Brian, before you jump off here, are you upset along with Lane Kiffin and the governor
of Louisiana with this ruling from the SEC saying no to the NFL loophole?
Are you right there pitching a hissy fit with Lane and the LSU family?
No, this whole thing is wild to me.
It just really is, and we're probably not done with this.
Lawyers, lawyers, lawyers.
Lawsuits against conferences.
I'm sure, and maybe the conferences will have more luck because, you know, perhaps they'll
be looked on differently there just because they don't hold a, what's the word, they may
not kind of come under the same scrutiny, you know, as the full NCAA because they have a
monopoly and the conferences don't.
So we'll see how that affects everything, but it's just the same old, same old.
I still think, you know, had they five years ago or whatever, six years ago, just sat down
and found a way to collectively bargain.
I know there has to be some things that have to stay, change structurally to do that, but
they could have started that process.
We would be in a much better place right now than still being in this constant state of
change and of nobody knowing exactly what's going on and just the Wild Wild West era continues.
I don't think it's going to come to end anytime soon.
NCA could have handed this off five to ten years ago and saved so much misery.
And money.
Yeah.
No question about that.
What is the media schedule?
Now, the next time you meet with the coaches, will that be next week?
Will that be Monday?
That is right.
Yeah, but what's the practice schedule this week, the media schedule this week, and what
else have you got coming up?
Y'all have had bang-out coverage for the preseason.
Cole Pinkston does a great job for you, by the way.
Yeah.
Tell us about schedules the rest of the week and where can we get online and get all the
good stuff.
Yeah, so this has been a mock game week with the coaching staff and the players treating
it like a real game week and going through all the things that they're going to go through
next week.
And so for us, that meant a press conference was out to go on Monday.
We got to see parts of practice on Tuesday and then talk to players after practice Tuesday.
And then, you know, normally if it was a game week, well, we may get something with
goalish after practice Wednesday.
We'll see.
That's not finalized.
I don't know.
But normally then it would go to Saturday in the game, although we're not going to get
anybody this Saturday.
So that's it for us as far as media this week.
And then we'll get back with goalish Monday, which will be the real game week.
And it'll be on.
Here we go.
Yeah.
It'll be the Bears from Baylor up in Atlanta.
Enjoy that.
And we love it, Brian.
In the meantime, enjoy week zero quickly.
Where can we get the very latest with you online?
Yes.
I appreciate that.
And we are still running a great deal.
75% off.
Give you a ton of money on an annual subscription to auburnsports.com.
Part of the On Three Rivals package there, recruiting football, basketball, baseball, everything that
you would want when it involves Auburn sports.
We've got it.
And we've got it rolling out every day.
I think we've already got five or six stories out before, I don't know, eight or nine this
morning.
So including our projected depth charts on both sides of the ball, an update, of course,
on the new basketball game against Alabama, the feud, as it's being called, and much, much
more.
So please come check us out.
You can follow me on Twitter, such as X at bmatau.
Enjoy the heck out of it, including week zero with Bill Belichick and his entourage coming
up this weekend, okay?
I will try to enjoy that, although I'm going to use my last time to blow out.
Brian Matthews, senior editor at auburnsports.com.
Coming up.
Boy, I tell you what, the MASH list just keeps on getting bad for Alabama.
Rodney Orr, the latest on that and more, it's right ahead.
Stay with us.
It doesn't matter if you're running drills at the park, playing pickup on a Saturday,
or sinking the final putt.
When you compete with your friends with Michelob Ultra on the line, competition isn't that
friendly.
The trash talk, next level, and the stakes, oh, those are crystal clear.
With only 95 calories and superior smooth taste, it's the ultimate trophy.
Superior is worth playing for.
Michelob Ultra, superior light beer.
Enjoy responsibly.
Copyright 2025.
Anheuser-Busch, Michelob Ultra, light beer, St. Louis, Missouri.
Make the most of every lawn with Kubota commercial landscaping equipment.
From the productivity-boosting Z700 mower to the reliable SVL track loader, it's a lineup
built to get the job done right.
Because when your reputation is on the line, you need equipment that will never let you down.
Visit your local Kubota dealer today.
Stop by Brown Equipment, located at 826 North Military Street in Loretto, or visit them
online at brownequipmentcompany.com.
In a world parched for excitement, one drink will emerge, Twisted Tea, the refreshing thrill
ride of flavor, recreating its classic role as the hard iced tea that goes down smooth.
Twisted Tea doesn't just taste like real iced tea, it's made with real brewed tea and a 5%
kick of alcohol.
Taste the adventure with Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea.
My name is Whitney Allen, and I'm a widow.
My husband, Ryan, died.
We never thought we'd ever have to use life insurance, but the unexpected happened.
With Ethos, signing up was fast and 100% online.
You can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and get same-day coverage.
No medical exams, and you can get up to $3 million worth of coverage.
I'm grateful we were prepared.
Get your free quote at ethos.com slash play.
That's ethos.com slash play.
Paid spokesperson.
Time spent on application may vary.
Online health questions required.
Sports Radio 93.9, The Score.
T-Mobile has an exclusive bundle for customers 55 and up.
I'm Sarah Bull.
Yeah, I'm Frank Bull.
A reliable network is key for us.
And with T-Mobile, it's been wonderful.
And going to the 55 Plus plan saved us so much money.
A lot.
And that's important.
Trying to keep costs down.
The whole internet's been perfect.
It's fast, it's quick.
The setup was so easy, it took less than 15 minutes.
It was like, ta-da!
If you want simplicity, coverage, reliability, you want the whole package, T-Mobile has it.
Right now, T-Mobile customers 55 and up can get two phone lines on America's best network.
Plus, America's fastest 5G home internet for just 30 bucks each.
$30 per month each line with auto pay plus taxes and fees.
Minimum age 55.
Pricing for home internet rely on two lines of essentials.
Choice 55.
$35 connection charge per line required.
Best mobile network and fastest 5G home internet based on analysis by Okla.
Speedtest intelligence data to age 2025.
All rights reserved.
Progressive presents the Sports Flash on 93.9, The Score.
The SEC joined the Big Ten yesterday in its unanimous opposition to athletes leaving the NFL and returning
to college teams passing a new conference rule that gives Commissioner Greg Sankey full authority to enforce it with penalties.
The SEC took it a step further than the Big Ten prohibiting anyone who previously declared for professional basketball from rejoining college athletics without appropriate withdrawal.
The policy was implemented in a 16-0 vote.
North Alabama and Sam Furter set to kick off the season on Saturday night when the two meet in Huntsville at Joe Davis Stadium.
Catch the Braves and Dodgers tonight joined in progress after Hey Coach.
I'm John Thayer with the Sports Flash presented by Progressive on 93.9, The Score.
The Colonels cooked up a new $10 bucket of the day just for you.
Monday, 10 wings for $10.
Tuesday, 8-piece fried chicken for $10.
Wednesday, 8 tenders for $10.
Thursday, 10 wings for $10.
Friday, 24 nuggets for...
Ooh, you guessed it, didn't you?
$10.
The $10 bucket of the day deal.
Every weekday.
Only at KFC.
It's finger licking good.
Prices and participation very well.
Supplies last not available on third-party ordering platforms.
Tax extra.
When you see this in your kitchen...
The stainless steel fridge is covered in fingerprints.
You hear this.
Leslie, people are going to think you were raised in a barn or by wolves.
Erased in a barn by wolves.
Fortunately, Wyman Stainless Steel 3-in-1 cleans, shines, and protects
to give you the best shine.
Spray and a wipe will have your fridge shining like a mirror.
Wow.
My fridge looks brand new.
Your fridge looks amazing, Leslie.
Sorry, I was being a little traumatic earlier.
Your kitchen says a lot about you.
Let it brag with Wyman.
Join us this fall on Wednesday nights for Hey Coach and the Kaelin DeBoer Show
presented by Alpha Insurance live from Baumhauer's Victory Grill in Tuscaloosa.
The show starts at 6 p.m.
and you don't want to miss it.
The Score.
Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.
Welcome back in.
Hey Coach, coming up a little bit later on tonight.
You're on 93.9 The Score from Tuscaloosa.
But why wait that long to go to T-Town?
Let's do it now and say hello to Rodney Orr.
He calls Tuscaloosa home.
He's a founder and editor of tighter insider.com.
His book is called Bigger Than Bama.
Rodney, welcome in.
How are you?
Doing well, guys.
How's it going?
Hey, bud.
Well, I look at this match report, Rodney, and it's like, here we go again.
What was the old saying back in the day on the old show?
He-haw.
If it wasn't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.
I think that's Jeremiah Beeman's theme song, is it not, Rodney?
Man, what a disappointing thing for him.
I mean, obviously, he goes down early last year in the Florida State game with his injury.
And then now, this injury that he suffered over the weekend and out for the season again.
So, really, you know, bad thing for him, obviously.
You know, he was a guy that was going to be in that rotation on the defensive line.
And I think the one good thing is that this year, at least, as compared to last year, they've got a little more depth.
So, you know, if there's some positive news from that, it's that Alabama does have a little more depth.
Rodney, the thing is, overall, when it comes to camp, every school is going to have nicks and bruises, and some, in this case, much more than that.
But on the flip side of the coin, looking at least gleaning some of the comments from DeBoer this week,
some of the folks who had a big question mark over them at one point now, at least, it seems like they're moving on up, as they say,
including Noah Rodgers, looks like some of these folks who basically might have missed some extended time,
may be coming back sooner rather than later.
I saw where E.J. Crowell, to no one's surprise, looks like he's a scratch for the opening game against East Carolina,
but should be coming back soon thereafter.
What are you hearing overall, Rodney?
Yeah, you know, again, we had heard, and I've actually posted within the last few days,
that, you know, Rodgers' timeline keeps going up, and it was probably going to be late September.
We said last night we thought it might be the South Carolina game, and, you know, we'll see.
Again, I know that's being reported, but that's a possibility today, so.
But, again, these things are subject to change, and I think, you know, Rodgers' deer is,
I think he was about considered six to eight weeks when he was injured, but about, I guess it was, you know,
almost, what, 10 days ago now, something like that, 12 days ago.
So, that's probably looking at least a month, and, you know, we'll see what happens from there.
But it does seem like a lot of the other guys, Jaira Edwards and so forth, I think those guys are just a matter of time.
It's not really a season-ending thing, so that is good news.
Rodney, we've talked a lot about the offensive line.
It's been all nauseam, quite frankly, since the Indiana game ended, but Jackson Lloyd at left tackle,
Mal Waltrup, Will Sanders going at at left guard, Delgatti's been cemented at center,
Michael Carroll at right guard, and then Jevin James, according to some reports, may have edged out.
Nick Brooks, we'll see if that's the case.
Rodney, if that is the starting offensive line against East Carolina, who's the swing man or the sixth offensive lineman?
Would it be Will Sanders or Nick Brooks?
Well, you know, you're asking who might be the sixth offensive lineman?
Well, I just think that probably if it is Mal Waltrip at left guard, which I think he does have the edge there,
I think that it would be Sanders the backup, and then, of course, Brooks at right tackle behind.
Dave and James, so that's pretty much the way it looks.
And I know that, you know, on the other side of the ball, inside backers,
I think Womit just said that Mets would probably start this game, this first game anyway.
So, you know, they've got a rotation there, I think, at inside linebacker that you'll see a lot of those guys play.
In huddle with the man, Rodney Orr.
Rodney, obviously, the big news over the last few days, Alabama names of starting quarterback.
I'm assuming that you're on the same page with most of us.
Not a big shock there.
When you look at this news, first of all, get your reaction overall, what it means to the team.
And we've seen these stories before where somebody was walking on water,
and some lived up to expectations, some didn't, is the big danger right now.
Building up the expectations is too high.
He's got a lot of potential, but he's still got to go out and basically do on-the-job training
because, yes, he saw some action last year, but it was in mop-up games with not a lot of pressure.
It wasn't in Neyland Stadium with three seconds to go, and you've got to pass the bomb.
Your thoughts overall as far as the good, the bad, the ugly with Keelan Russell, the new QB in your backyard.
Yeah, I think, you know, first of all, I thought it was good timing because you want to allow the guy an opportunity to get his feet settled a little bit
and to work with the first group consistently over a week or two.
So I think that gives him that opportunity, which is really good.
You know, obviously he's a playmaker.
And look, I said my pre-camp pick was Mack.
That was my pre-camp pick based on what we'd heard in the spring, that, you know, Mack had been consistent.
He had protected the ball, minimized mistakes, and his understanding of the offense.
And that if Keelan Russell grew and grew into those things in camp, then I thought, you know, he'd be hard to keep off the field.
So the good news is that he apparently, you know, obviously they feel really comfortable with him in those areas now.
And he's just such a playmaker.
And the word is that the last two weeks, he really, you know, kind of started taking that next step.
You know, just went from one level to the next.
So I think that probably sealed it for Keelan Russell, you know, again, a playmaker.
But a guy that, look, I think he's a lot like Bryce Young.
When I just watch him, I think he's got a lot of those same skills.
But, you know, look, he doesn't have a lot of experience.
I think that's the downside.
And I think there's probably going to be some ups and downs in terms of, you know, how you respond to things, especially in the SEC.
I mean, it's no more difficult than playing here in this conference, I think, for a young quarterback to be really tough.
So hopefully the offensive line is, you know, takes a major step because if you can get the offensive line going, you get the run game going,
you take a lot of pressure off Keelan Russell.
The things I'm seeing from this that gives reason for optimism, the coaching staff, two things on that.
Basically, they said pre-snap and he seems like he is getting that.
That's the big part.
It seems like they made the biggest improvement from just a short time ago.
And the word that I love to use, and I always said Antonio Langham had this on the other side of the ball as a defensive back, not a quarterback, instinctive.
Some guys just have a nose for the ball on that side of the ball defense.
And then these quarterbacks have that automatic clock in the back of their mind, as Kenny Rogers would say, when to hold them, when to fold them, when to run, when to gun.
Your thoughts just about those two elements that may be some, a lot of quarterbacks have talent, but sometimes they lack that instinctive quality.
He's got the it factor.
Man, we saw it in A-Day.
We saw a little bit of that in A-Day.
I think his ability to not only stand in the pocket, make throws, see the field, deliver throws accurately in all spots of the field, but like you said, he's got a feel for it.
He's got an uncanny feel for the game.
You know, makes plays outside the pocket.
Again, the best thing I can say is you go watch what some of the things Bryce Young used to do here, and I think that's, Keelan Russell has a lot of those things.
I mean, you said instincts, and that's what it is.
He's got a great instinct for the game, you know, and again, I think just the excitement he brings.
I can sense a little bit of different tone, I guess, in Alabama fans, and that's nothing against Austin Mack.
I just think that, you know, Keelan comes with a lot of the hype, and, you know, fans are really excited to see him as a playmaker, and here's the thing, though, I'll say about this.
Mack is a guy that's really mature.
I mean, he's hung it out with his coaching staff for four, this is going on four years, and this is a situation where, and we've seen it, if Keelan Russell, for whatever reason, has to come out of a game,
whether it's injury or struggles, whatever it might be, an opportunity to arise, and I think Austin Mack is more than capable of coming in and being very productive.
Mm-hmm.
Ronnie, the third receiver, we know Lottie Brooks, Coleman Williams are going to be one and two.
I'm hearing more about Derek Meadows, tremendous potential there, along with Sidarian Morgan.
Rico Scott's been there.
Tyler Henderson is certainly a possibility.
What are you hearing as far as the, quote, third receiver coming out?
Yeah, that's a good question.
I mean, obviously, you mentioned those guys, Rico, you know, great, great speed, really physical guy.
I think consistent in the ball with Rico, we saw some drops last year.
Of course, he wasn't the only one, as we know.
Mm-hmm.
But I think Meadows obviously brings great size, a combination of size and speed.
I think with Sidarian Morgan, both these guys, 6'4", 6'5".
Here's the thing that I'm hearing on the receivers, of course, you know, we're limited in terms of our observation periods.
We've had four 15-minute observation periods throughout camp, so it's kind of tough to say.
We have to rely on other people.
But the one thing I will say that I keep hearing about the receivers is they're still dropping balls,
and I think they have to continue to improve that, get better at that.
It may not be as bad as it was necessarily last year, but I think that is still something that people keep pointing out.
So, Rodney, now that it's a week and a half away, where are you with this team?
I think after last year's lesson, everybody was optimistic as heck, and then we saw what happened right out of the chutes.
I'll ask you again, now that we're basically, what, a week and a half and maybe some change away from the curtain coming up on this season,
where are you right now?
Well, that's a really good question, Harold.
You know, I said pre-camp, and again, it's really hard to predict these teams because so many new faces,
regardless if it's Alabama or whoever, there's just not a lot of teams.
There's so much transition now.
But here's what I would say, and I said, Ben, 10-2, but things don't go right.
I could easily see 8-4.
They have a tough back half of the schedule.
I would say right now, Harold, if I'm leaning somewhere, and like I said, I was optimistic.
I went with an optimistic pick at 10-2 because 10-2 would be a really good season.
Almost sure as you're in the playoffs, right?
But I could see 9-3.
I just, you know, I'm waffling back and forth, Harold, Brett, between 9-3, 10-2.
We'll see.
Ronnie, surprise players.
These two are not really surprise players to me.
Carmelo O'Neal, I think, will certainly get some playing time to transfer for Mercer.
Everybody certainly were impressed.
Treshawn Brown, he is certainly going to be playing.
Any position, any player?
What are, now that summer camp's nearly about over and they get into game week preparation,
two or two or three surprises that really are some guys that have potential
but have surprised you in summer camp?
Well, you know, again, the limitations that we have, it's hard to say.
You know, you hear names pop up all the time.
You know, last year this time, we were hearing from inside the building that Cam Calhoun,
the cornerback, was going to be a big story for that team.
And he's now at Ohio State.
I mean, you know, he didn't play very much, which surprised a lot of people.
So, it can be really tricky.
But, I mean, obviously, and he's been talked about a lot.
I think Treshawn Brown's extremely talented.
You know, I think he was, he might have been vastly underrated coming out of high school.
He's not very tall.
I mean, he might be 5'8", 5'9".
That's the way he looks to me, just looking at him on the field.
I need to get closer to him.
But, he's about a Josh Jacobs size, you know, when Josh was here.
Yeah.
So, really powerful, low to the ground, great feet, elusive, you know, breaks tackles, makes
people miss, catches the ball extremely well, and after he does, he makes the first guy
miss almost every time.
He's got a lot of talent.
He's got a lot of talent.
Everybody was talking about Crowell coming in.
Well, Treshawn Brown came in with a chip on his shoulder, and I think he's made the most
of what he's had so far.
Now, you know, just trying to think about some guys.
Now, I will say this, looking at the secondary, I don't know exactly where he's going to fit
in, but Drake or Patrick Jr. is a playmaker.
Yeah.
And, I mean, every single time he is on the field, he makes a play, whether a big hit,
comes up with a loose ball, comes up with a pick.
He's had, in two scrimmages, he's had two picks.
Mm-hmm.
And, he had one that might have been a pick six.
They blew it dead.
But, I mean, he's a playmaker, and you just wonder, are they going to figure out a way
to get him on the field?
Because they do rotate those guys a lot.
Yeah.
I know last year he had some trouble off the field that kind of hurt him.
But, it just looks like, to me, Drake or Patrick are just such a playmaker.
Mm-hmm.
Watch for number 21.
Let's see what happens.
Mm-hmm.
Absolutely.
Rodney, great stuff, as always.
Tender Insider TV.
The 24-7 message board, all sports, going all the time.
Maybe a little recruiting down the road, game preparation, basketball,
announcing an exhibition with Auburn October 22nd.
That's kind of interesting.
Where can we get online to get the great stuff for a nominal price
and also purchase a copy of your book?
Right.
TenderInsider.com is only $48 a year.
You can get instant access with a credit card if you prefer.
There is an address there to send a check, and that gives you all the premium information.
But also, as you mentioned, the all-sports forum.
Mm-hmm.
I mean, it's just constant, constant discussion, updates, what have you.
So, it's all right there on TenderInsider.com, and then, of course, the book, Bigger Than Bama.
You can find that at RodneyOr.com, or you can go to Amazon and find it there.
You can find all the details.
If you're interested, there's a way to order it there, either at RodneyOr.com or on Amazon.
Rodney, it's always good to hook up with you.
Enjoy this weekend.
Word is, it gets really rocking the following weekend and beyond, so enjoy, okay?
I appreciate it, guys.
Take care.
Thank you, Ron.
Rodney Orr, he is the founder and editor of TenderInsider.com.
Coming up, the next time, I'm going to be checking in with Drew D'Armond, Andrea Adelson,
what is ESPN, thinking about all this stuff going on coast to coast,
and the guru himself, the Max, and more.
Straight ahead, stay with us.
At North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic, our Shoals roots run deep.
We provide quick access and familiar, friendly faces,
so you never have to feel just like a number.
From sports medicine to joint replacement, expert care happens right here at home.
As UNA Athletics' choice for orthopedics and the trusted orthopedic team of the show's families,
for over 30 years, North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic is here for you.
Learn more at NABJC.com.
Summer's winding down and life is ramping back up,
and Aleve is here for all those moments that matter.
From early mornings to late afternoons,
Aleve relieves pain in 30 minutes for up to 12 hours with just one pill.
For busy schedules packed with school drop-offs, long meetings, and endless to-do lists,
Aleve delivers long-lasting pain relief so you can keep on track.
From sunup to sundown, you'll be ready for whatever's next.
Feel Aleve.
Use as directed for minor aches and pains.
Get in the zone, AutoZone.
Welcome to the end of summer sale at AutoZone.
We're celebrating the end of long days and short nights with big deals for a short time.
Like on Wash & Wax, you can get three Meguiar's products for just $20.
Need new brakes?
Duralast brake pads are free with the purchase of Duralast rotors.
We've also got oil deals and more.
We're ending the summer right with the end of summer sale at AutoZone.
Get in the zone, AutoZone.
Restrictions apply.
Rich Eisen here.
Running a small business means every hire matters.
A bad hire costs time and money, but the right one helps your business grow.
The challenge? Finding that person without sorting through resumes.
That's where LinkedIn Hiring Pro comes in.
It screens candidates so you can focus on conversations with qualified talent.
With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence and build the team you need.
Join the 2.7 million small businesses using LinkedIn to hire.
Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com slash Eisen.
Terms and conditions apply.
Chris Canney here. Football season is back.
And Lids has you covered.
Just in time for kickoff.
Want the latest headwear to rep your team at the tailgate, at the barbecue, or at the game?
Shop the 47 brand NFL collection.
Exclusively in store at your local Lids.
This collection puts a new spin on retro NFL gear.
Lids has every fan covered with all 32 teams featuring the big time hits and alternate team logos.
You'll find the perfect fit for every Sunday.
Selection may vary by store.
All sports, all the time.
Sports Radio 93.9, The Score.
Previously, on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network.
There's the 2-2 pitch on the way to Mauricio Dubon.
And he swings and loops it into right field.
Dropping and down for a base hit.
1-0 Braves.
In to score Baldwin.
Three singles in the inning.
And the Braves on top right out of the gate.
3-2 to Harris.
Crown.
Ball to the right side.
That finds a hole at a base hit.
In to score.
Matt Olsen.
First to third for Mauricio Dubon.
3-2 pitch.
Swung on and hit in the air to deep center field.
Thomas going back.
Has it measured.
Shy of the warning track makes the catch.
Both runners tag.
Harris to third.
Dubon to the plate.
3-0 Braves.
2-0 pitch.
Swung on and whistled in the left center base hit.
Braves take the lead in the eighth.
Ozzie got the slider he was looking for and shot it right up the middle.
1-2.
Fly ball center field.
Michael Harris is under it.
He calls for it.
Braves win.
Great win in game one.
And a terrific opening act in this series between two first place teams.
Join us tonight for Braves and Dodgers following Hey Coach on 93.9 The Score.
1819 News.
The Alabama Department of Revenue is providing new general rules for employers when it comes
to non-resident workers and the state income tax.
The Department of Revenue has reversed a rule that was allowing for the state to tax remote
workers who might be living outside of the state while working for an Alabama-based employer.
The only taxation of a non-resident employee should involve services that were performed
here in the state within a one-year period.
This new ruling comes after negotiations occurred between the Council on State Taxation
and the Alabama Society of CPAs.
That negotiation was initiated by state lawmaker Danny Garrett, who is the chairman of the
House Ways and Means Education Committee.
Birmingham attorney Bruce Eli told 1819 News that the taxing of non-residents working for
an Alabama employer started during the COVID crisis but is clearly flat wrong and unconstitutional.
He says it's definitely a much-needed change to the state when it comes to income tax rules.
I'll be back with more Alabama stories after this.
Did you know that 70% of people experience a potentially traumatic event in their lifetime
and that 6 out of every 100 adults face PTSD every day?
Help us bring hope to these survivors by signing up for your Alabama distinctive PTSD awareness
license plate today.
The great thing is you can sign up no matter when your current plate renews and the first
year is complimentary.
All you need is your VIN number on hand.
Drive awareness.
Drive hope.
And customize your plate today at atease.org.
That's A-T-E-A-S-E dot O-R-G.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has wrapped up its nationwide search to find their
next vice president of research and they have chosen an in-house find.
Dr. David Standert will oversee research centers and facilities at UAB.
He's been serving as the chairman of the UAB's Department of Neurology and started working
at the university back in 2006.
I'm Andrea Theis.
For more news affecting Alabamians, go to 1819news.com.
And while you're there, subscribe to the daily newsletter.
Valley Broadcasting Corporation, WITK-FM, Rogersville, Athens, Decatur, The Shores, Sports
Radio 93.9, The Score.
This is Jerome from Birmingham, previously from Paul Feinbaum's show.
I may not have gotten Texas right at the end of the season.
I did miss a game or two, but you know what game I got right?
The Red River game.
That's an easy one to get right.
Give me a break.
Every time they've beaten us, we've had a quarterback that's been injured.
I'm sorry, Senator.
I'm not really in charge of the excuse department at the University of Oklahoma.
The Paul Feinbaum Show.
Weekdays at 3 Eastern on the ESPN app and on the SEC Network.
This is Graham Dunn.
And Michael Butler.
Get ready for your college football weekend with the Lindy's Football Report.
Whatever you're looking for.
Interviews, analysis, or predictions.
The Lindy's Football Report is the most complete 30 minutes for all college football fans.
In-depth and complete.
It's the Lindy's Football Report.
Every week.
Saturday mornings at 6.30 beginning September 5th on 93.9 The Score.
93.9 The Score of Weather.
Today a 60% chance of showers with afternoon thunderstorms possible and those could produce heavy rainfall.
High around 90.
Heat index around 100.
Tonight a 20% chance of evening showers.
Low near 70.
Tomorrow a 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
High around 90.
Heat index around 100.
Tomorrow night a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Low near 70.
And Friday, sunny skies.
High around 90.
Your weather from 93.9 The Score.
Now, get ready to roll, Shoals, Decatur, Athens, and all of Northwest Alabama and Southern Tennessee.
It's time for the Valley's exclusive FM Sports Voice.
The Boomo Bugg Show.
Your exclusive inside track to the Tide.
Tigers, Tennessee, and the rest of the SEC.
Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9 The Score.
Welcome back in.
Alex here to the Boomo Bugg Show.
I'm Harold Bugg alongside Brett Beaird.
Thank you so much for giving us a ride around the Tennessee Valley.
Brad, you're familiar with the name Tommy Tuberville, right?
Yes, I am.
You're familiar with the name Nancy Pelosi, right?
Yes, I am.
Do you know most folks think they can't agree on anything?
But I think we have found one thing they can agree on.
And do you know what that is?
That would be?
Max Howell knows himself some football.
It took Max to bring about that marriage.
I hear him laughing now.
Max Howell, former assistant coach at Ole Miss, Florida State,
and the guru of sports talk radio in the southeastern part of the place called the United States of America.
Max, welcome in.
How are you?
I'm doing great, guys.
But, you know, give me that confession with Nancy Pelosi.
The only thing that she gave away good was about $200 million.
How did she make that kind of money, Max?
What I understood is she only made like a few hundred thousand dollars.
I mean, that's pretty good, isn't it?
She made it.
Yeah, I mean, she was a great conversationist.
She picked people to talk to.
And, you know, if she had a little phone app, she'd take that information right on to her husband.
Yeah, I wonder if she knew Jimmy's texting.
And she had a good agent, did she not?
Max, it would not be football season without inviting Max Howell onto the show to help us get in the mood.
Week zero, it's hard to believe the end is near.
It's over as far as the beginning of action.
Starts tomorrow night, technically with week zero.
Max, where are you with 2026 and the curtain coming up?
Well, let's see.
I've got all my list already.
All right.
I've got what we've got.
Whatever you want, Max.
At this point, what the heck, huh?
Yeah, you know, I think really, when you look at the conference from top to bottom, I mean, it's, you know, I know the big teams won the last three, and I understand all about that.
But I think right now the SEC is going to fight back and regain some of that.
I don't think there's any doubt about that.
I like Georgia, Texas probably fighting it out at the top, but that's just based on experience and what they've had before.
I will say this in relationship to the Texas job, you know, if they can't come close and at least play for the national championship, I think they're going to have some folks out there scratching their head now.
Yeah, yeah.
We know that they got money out at the zoo.
We know they've had long stretches in there, not, you know, not being competitive, having decent football teams, but they've not done it.
Guys, in today's market, it don't matter what you say, no matter who you bring, if you can't perform on Saturday, you're not going to be around long.
I mean, I just, I drew a line through a bunch of coaches today that you just mentioned.
I think two right off the bat, Shane Bieber and Jeff Libby, probably going to have to be seven or eight or more to keep the job.
And then here's a list here I came up with that is going to be questionable based on the one loss record.
Josh Heupel, Steve Sarkeesian, Kevin DeBoer, and probably Venables at Oklahoma.
I think all three of those are going to have to have great seasons to really take their position.
And I think that this is the change now, guys, because of the system that we're involved in, because of the amount of money that's being spent to build that football team.
And if they can't do it down under the system of what Lane Giffen was able to do, he recruited one guy, got the whole room changed about the NFL players coming back.
So hats off to him for, you know, at least stabilizing that unintentionally, I'm sure.
But the fact is that these guys, some of these guys have had, you know, we talk about Josh Heupel.
Heupel, you know, he's won eight or more.
He's had a decent, Steve Sarkeesian's won eight or nine or more every year he's been there.
Kevin DeBoer's not lived up to expectation.
The one loss record there, I think, you know, we can all debate about that.
And Brent DeBoer, I think he's finally decided he needs to call the defense and hire an offensive coordinator completely and let, you know, let that system run as it probably should have been done all along.
So it's just, as long as I've been in it, been in it from the reporting side, from the radio side, and also been in it from the coaching side,
it's as big a frustration to a guy like me as anything that's ever happened.
Yeah.
There's no way I could watch a ball game on Saturday except sit here in my bed by myself so I could flip back and forth to different games and catch what's going on.
Yeah.
It's a challenge, let's say that.
You mentioned two names there, Venables and DeBoer.
Venables just ain't the contract.
DeBoer has a big buyout, but we know in the modern era, if somebody wants to look at LSU, if you want it better, if you'll scratch the couch, you'll get enough money.
But you also brought up another word, experience.
And, Max, you've been there and done that.
I mean, Russell's got all the potential in the world, but the one thing he doesn't have right now, like anybody in his situation's experience,
these coaches, in the case of DeBoer and everybody on that staff, they put all their chips on him.
You can have a great team, but if you don't get the QB spot right, that car ain't going to win the Indy 500, the Talladega 500.
Your thoughts just about that decision to go with Russell.
Well, you know, when somebody asked a question like that, I immediately have to put myself in that situation.
It is evidently, evidently, he has performed better there with the kids he has around him than anybody else.
I mean, if not, I mean, he's rolling the dice big time, and I think he's rolling the dice anyway, but that's just a personal opinion.
You've got so many other things.
You've got maturity.
Here's the thing, guys, that I've really come to look at in the last year.
And I tell you, I probably started off thinking about it from what Kiffin said in some of his interviews where he broke down an offensive line really needs to be on campus two to three years and play together if you're going to be ultra successful.
Wide receivers on skill sets alone, you've got to have a great offensive line for the running game and the passing game.
And you've got to have a quarterback that can think of the pressure.
Now, those things being said, analyze the quarterbacks that are going to play in the NCC this year, and particularly early on.
I mean, it could be wholly catastrophic for some teams.
And, you know, in my mind, I go back, let's see, when LSU comes to Oxford, the third week of the season,
who does that game mean more to at that particular time to win?
And which team has, I think, the most confidence coming into that ballgame?
I'm saying right now, I've used all that evaluation, and Ole Miss has got a great chance because it's a home game.
But I am not convinced.
I would not bet on that game.
How about that?
I don't know what the line is going to be.
But let's just say Ole Miss wins that.
Well, guess what?
They have to go to Florida next week.
These guys, I know, John, some of all, I graduated from Troy, so I got to know him pretty well when he was looking down there.
And I'm telling you, he'll have that bunch of guys ready to play.
And I don't care how good Pete Golden is and his staff, he's not going to get that team back up to play as well as he did against the issue.
That's a good point.
I just marked that there right there.
So I'm just saying those are the things that, to me, is going to be just so important.
And really, the changes, you know, how many play-in games that we used to talk about in the first two or three weeks?
Yeah.
Not beating.
And then, again, as I start off the conversation, that one loss record at the end of the season, who makes a playoff and who doesn't, I'm telling you, it's going to weigh heavy on some of these teams that the coaches have won several eight ballgames every week.
So that's my observation for the first week.
How about that, guys?
But, Max, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Vandy, and Arkansas naming starting quarterbacks this week.
Max, how did Bobby Bowden choose a quarterback?
If he had two guys, fairly equal talent, and they performed fairly well during the summer, how did Coach Bowden choose who was going to be the starting quarterback?
We'd go into every ball game with two quarterbacks, Brad, because we know emotions, you know, let's just say we had a start-up coming back from last year.
He was a kid.
He'd run the scrimmage, you know, every week.
We had a number two guy that either transferred in and became eligible or was a young high school kid, was in his second year, that was really athletic.
We would have both of those guys ready to play because you can't tell from the time you get off the bus, it doesn't matter if you're playing at home or if you're on the road, you don't know what kind of emotional state that they're in.
You don't know how many girlfriends are, you know, made one of them mad.
You don't know if they've had an illness in their family.
You don't know any of that stuff.
It's not like the NFL where you come and stay all day every day with these kids.
You know, after the transition years ago where they don't make them all live together anymore, how would you like to have bed check with the guys that play at Georgia Tech when they live all over Atlanta, Georgia?
Yeah.
I don't believe you can do that too well myself.
But the point is, to ask you a question, we always had two.
Yep.
If Wood, Bob, we'd start to Wood, he would be told he was going to start on Friday.
But if you let him fumble Wood, you let him throw a pick, we had somebody else ready to go in and heart me.
Because I'm going to tell you something else, guys.
Not only does that guy have to be a emotional and strong leader on that team, but the other guys that's on the team, I mean, you let that offensive front give up a sack or two.
Maybe they had a play was called that even they knew was against the strength of the opposing defense.
That locker room is so important because, guys, those kids talk, they're more in touch with what's going on in there than you are as a coach.
I'm going to tell you.
They know the emotions, they know the problems the kids have, they know the smart ones, they know the words they can't read and write.
You know, they know all the ins and outs of that.
So that was Coach Bowden's way to settle that.
And he would tell everybody on the offensive side, he said, we've got two guys that's going to play quarterback today.
Now, that may be true, it may not, but going in, we had two that could play.
And that was the way we worked practice all week long.
Max, obviously, I don't know about your neck of the woods, you're across the state line, but over here, Auburn fans are ready to walk on water.
The vibe is high with this new staff coming in.
What is the good, the bad, and the ugly for the Auburn Tigers in your view this season?
All right, it's been seven years now, guys, since they've had a winning season.
Yeah, hard to believe.
Think about that.
I mean, that's almost impossible to believe.
Here's my only reservation, and I'll give you a couple of examples.
First of all, when they made the transition in Florida, they took Napier out at that level to come up there.
He was highly recruited.
He was reporting his way through the LSU job.
Between us guys, there was a reason the LSU didn't take it.
They didn't notify him.
We saw that wine.
I've seen others that struggle, and I will give you a personal example.
I was fortunate enough to be at Troy to coach the offensive front.
He called every offensive play for a quarterback that set the record still on the books since 1968 for the number of passes that we threw,
the number of completions he made, the number of yards.
He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.
On top of all that.
But that was at that level at that particular time.
Then I was fortunate a few years later to end up at Florida State, which we were number one in the country.
We get beat by Miami.
We end up number three.
We white-rolled the rest of them all the way through the season, but we weren't prepared for that first ballgame.
Here's my comparison.
When you've got somebody that is coached at a lower level, I don't care how good you are.
I don't care about that thing.
The thing that happened in Indiana this year was something that the system allowed that to happen that way.
I don't know that the system right now will allow all of them because everybody's participating in the system because they've seen what teams like Indiana is doing.
I question the situation about having a magnificent team come in and win it.
I looked at the schedule close.
I think they might get seven, but they're going to have to play like the devil to get seven because everybody knows what their record is being.
Until you get around that on the inside, the attitude, the beat-down attitude that you have, once you get behind in a ballgame on Saturday, that attitude surfaces again.
That's what I'm concerned for Auburn right now.
If he can erase that, if he can whitewash their minds where they've got one play at a time, but they've got to be successful, I think they've got a chance to be decent.
But I would be pushed hard to bet Buddy over the board seven wheels this first year.
Yeah.
Well, Auburn fans are hoping for a winning season, Max, or at least to get to six and six and maybe to a minor bowl game.
Always enjoy the conversation.
We're going to be doing this Monday, this coming Monday, and throughout the season.
We'll set a time here soon and be previewing all the games, start with week one next week.
Max, always enjoy the conversation, Buddy.
Really enjoy talking with you earlier in the week.
Have a great week.
Let's do this again on Monday.
I'll be looking forward to it, guys.
Thank you so much.
Have a good one.
The one, the only, Max out.
Coming up, time to go to a place called ESPN and check in with AA.
Andrea Adelson on deck on the Bumo Buck Show.
What's up, fellas?
Mike Gulick Jr. here.
Labor Day weekend is back.
Football, tailgates, and the grill's hot.
But one bad play can change your world.
You knock back a few drinks, think you're fine to drive, and that's how lives get turned upside down.
Yours, your boys, everyone on the road.
So don't fumble it.
In 2024, nearly 12,000 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths.
So call the right play.
Plan for a designated driver, a ride share, or crash on the couch.
Be the MVP this season.
Drive sober or get pulled over.
Paid for by NHTSA.
My name is Whitney Allen, and I'm a widow.
My husband, Ryan, died.
We never thought we'd ever have to use life insurance, but the unexpected happened.
With Ethos, signing up was fast and 100% online.
You can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and get same-day coverage.
No medical exams, and you can get up to $3 million worth of coverage.
I am grateful we were prepared.
Get your free quote at ethos.com slash play.
That's ethos.com slash play.
Paid spokesperson.
Time spent on application may vary.
Online health questions required.
Are you ready to make a difference for the environment while helping the visually impaired at the same time?
Then donate your vehicle to Heritage for the Blind today by calling 1-800-983-6530.
Every donated vehicle will either be properly recycled in an eco-friendly manner or given a new life through reuse.
Donating your vehicle is easy.
Simply call 1-800-983-6530, and Heritage for the Blind will do the rest.
They'll even arrange for your vehicle to be picked up at 1-800-983-6530.
And for a limited time, when you donate your car, you'll receive a $200 restaurant voucher and a two-night, three-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations.
Call 1-800-983-6530 right now to schedule your vehicle donation and make a positive impact on the environment while helping others.
Heritage for the Blind, where every car donation counts and every person makes a difference.
Call 1-800-983-6530 now.
This advertisement is paid for by Heritage for the Blind.
Our power stays the same 24-7.
Sports Radio 93.9, The Score.
It's time for a Florence Falcons one-minute timeout with head coach Kenny Morrison.
Following Florence's 45-0 winning, it's Pinson Valley last Friday night.
I'm really proud of our guys.
Boy, they played extremely hard.
We got a lot of guys in the game tonight.
That's what I'm excited about as well.
So, a good win for us tonight.
What would you say was the best highlight tonight?
Well, our kicker set the tone.
Greenhawks kicking it in the end zone, making teams drive 80 yards.
That's hard to do.
Our three running backs, phenomenal.
Wow.
We've said we've had a three-headed monster with those three guys.
We just got to keep working.
45-0, we didn't really expect that.
How do we keep these guys kind of grounded going into a tough, tough couple weeks ahead?
We got to start getting ready for Jasper City.
Hey, they got a running back been offered by Ohio State.
They got some players.
We got to be ready.
And it's our home opener, youth night.
So, we'll be ready.
But we got to get back down to earth first.
Join us this Friday for the Falcons home opener as they welcome Jasper to Brawley Stadium.
Airtime is 6 p.m. with a kickoff at 7 right here on your home for Florence Falcons athletics.
93-9, the score.
From the University of Alabama, this is Crimson Tide Today.
It's a daily update on Bama sports, and it's brought to you by Conecuh Sausage, a true Southern flavor since 1947.
Order online at ConecuhSausage.com.
Hello again, everybody.
I'm Roger Huber.
On Thursday's edition of Crimson Drive, driven by NASCAR, we'll be joined by Alabama volleyball's Hannah Perrons.
Was this always the goal to play for the Crimson Tide?
So, I grew up an Alabama fan my whole life.
Like, I moved here when I was five.
I was born in Salt Lake City.
Grew up an Alabama fan.
When I started recruiting, I wanted to go kind of far, like, away from home at first.
But then, when Roshinda reached out to me, and I talked to her, and I came on my visit, like, I just, like, automatically knew I had to come here.
That was a big thing for me.
Like, the second I started talking to them, and the second I stepped on campus, I was like, wow, the beautiful campus, the atmosphere of all the athletics, everything.
Like, I couldn't pass it up.
And, like, ever since, I've been so happy with my decision.
And, like, looking back, I'm like, I was an Alabama fan the whole time.
I don't know how I ever thought I could go anywhere else.
I'll have more in a moment.
David G's favorite shirt.
Yeah, I can make a sausage, and I'm firing it up.
Yeah, everybody knows how I get my grill on.
You can smell that flavor up and down the curb.
It's a little taste of heaven.
And, everybody knows how I get my grill on.
Conecuh sausage is just a little taste of heaven.
Join us tonight for Hey Coach and the Kalen DeBoer Show, live from Baumhauer's Victory Grill in Tuscaloosa, starting at 6 p.m.
You can listen to Hey Coach on our full radio network, the Varsity Network app, as well as a video stream on all CTSN social media platforms at UA underscore CTSN.
Crimson Tide Today is brought to you by Conecuh Sausage.
Crimson Tide Today is a production of the Crimson Tide Sports Network from Learfield.
Hey, it's Michelle Smallman, and coming to you Thursday, as week one in college football approaches, I'll tell you the head coaches who are entering the season on the hot seat.
It's on Sportsman, like 6 a.m. Eastern, right here on ESPN Radio, ESPN2, and ESPNU.
The Score.
Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.
Welcome back, kid.
Where in the world is Waldo, and where in the world has Andrew Adelson been?
Busy there at ESPN.
Double A, welcome in.
Welcome back.
How are you?
Fellas, I think the last time I was home in Orlando on a Tuesday, which is my usual spot, was the first week of July.
Wow.
It has been a very long ramp-up to the season, but happy to be out and about and thrilled I'm back on with you, fellas.
Well, we're thrilled to have you.
A girl in demand.
Andrew, you got all the answers.
Why is Lane Kiffin pouting today?
Did the dog eat his homework?
Why is he pouting today?
I mean, it could be any of a number of things, guys, right?
I just, can you keep up with what's happening?
This is my job.
And I can barely keep up with what's happening in college football right now.
And I just, what I find completely rich about this entire situation that we're in in college football,
whether it's eligibility or signing guys off practice squads or rev share or salary caps or spending money,
is the coaches complain at every turn about everything that has gone wrong.
Yet they're the ones who are making things go wrong, fellas.
They are the ones that are trying to bend the rules to their own whims.
And then suddenly, when there's a pushback, well, I don't know who did that.
It's like that guy in the hot dog costume, right, in the meme, like, we're looking for the guy who did this.
Yeah, Lane Kiffin has done a lot of this himself.
But that doesn't stop anyone from complaining about it, right?
No.
Double A, the SEC has banned NFL and NBA players from conference rosters.
The Big Ten has, I believe the ACC is contemplating this, and they haven't already decided it.
They did basically the same thing the Big Ten did, but they added a little caveat.
Greg Sankey has added, and the president's, the penalties, if somebody wants to try this, such as A.K.A. Lane Kiffin,
the head coach will be suspended for 50% of the season.
And then the annual budget, the sports budget, will be either they're fined or they forfeit 50% of the sports budget.
Those are two things, dear, that I think would get my attention if I'm an athletic director.
And I believe their basketball coach, Will Wade, would also be subject to these penalties because they're the guy they're trying to forget who played in the NBA.
I don't know that there's a more out-of-control athletic program right now than LSU, including Kim Mulkey.
But we won't get into all that.
I think it's about time that conferences kind of put their foot down and say enough is enough because they do have some power in this situation.
Yes, they've been trying to defer to Congress, and let's figure it out.
Now, you know what?
Like, if everyone can agree to a set rule, conference rule, there should be punishments and penalties that go along with it,
just like what we saw with the Big 12 do with Sorsby and the gambling situation, which felt like a bridge too far over there.
And then the league banded together and said, you know what?
We're not going to take this.
We don't have to take this.
We are the conference.
We can agree to a set of rules.
And if you don't like it, too bad.
This is what everyone has agreed to.
So I applaud the conferences for coming out and saying, look, signing guys off of an NFL team to come back to college, that's a bridge too far, too.
If gambling's a bridge too far, then getting guys who've already been professional back into college is a bridge too far.
It feels like those are two things that most people can agree on.
I get that players are paid now.
But this is still college sports.
They're not professionals.
And so that is, to me, the difference between these eligibility lawsuits, right?
You want to get a fifth year.
You didn't sign a contract.
They've already grandfathered in the five for five for this year's class.
I get that part of it.
But if you've been on an NFL team and you've played in NFL preseason games and you've been in NFL camps, what world are we in?
See, my fifth year of eligibility, that stuff shouldn't count.
Especially when you see Tennessee get punished, their linebacker get punished because he signed an NFL contract, pulled out of the draft, and now has to serve a suspension because of, like, what, $400 worth of stuff that he took?
Literally, yeah.
Right?
So, okay, we're playing by that set of rules.
But now, suddenly, guys who literally were in NFL camps for a month can come back to college?
I can't make sense of any of this, guys.
Yeah.
Let's add some spice to it.
Jerry Maguire runs the world.
Show me the money.
That seems to be the theme.
But how about Loverboy?
What kind of season is Loverboy going to kick off here this week at North Carolina?
I think his name's Belichick.
Talk to us about that team and his entourage.
Well, I mean, a lot of his entourage is missing.
Their general manager, Michael Lombardi, is under investigation.
He's not with the program right now.
His son, Steve Belichick, is out for undisclosed reasons.
Don't think he'll be coaching in the game.
So now it's going to be who's going to call the plays.
We think it'll be Bill.
He's been mum on the subject.
So you've got that plus a game overseas in Ireland, which is never easy, whether you've got drama or not,
to have to go and prepare for and play against a team that wiped the floor with you last year.
He wiped the floor with you 41-7.
And we all know that Sonny Dykes is going to have something ready for them, at least from an offensive perspective.
You guys remember Bobby Petrino is now calling the plays for North Carolina offense.
My gosh.
Bobby Petrino in Ireland with all that beer.
Yes.
It's good to remind people about what is coming.
So, you know, I think a lot of this is I don't, even though it's year two, it feels like there are even more question marks about North Carolina going into this season because of what I just mentioned.
But also because they've had another complete roster overhaul, they say that the guys now are more, quote, bought in to what they're trying to do.
But it's hard to believe all of that, considering the speculation, the rumor, what's coming out of Chapel Hill.
It doesn't feel like this is a very functional program right now.
No.
So it's hard to believe they're going to put together a functional product on the football field.
I could be wrong.
We'll see what happens on Saturday.
But I think there's a lot of people in Chapel Hill who are ready for this whole thing to be over.
Double A, let me ask you about the ACC game.
North Carolina State at Virginia.
This is 2.30 Central time on ESPN.
Virginia, five-and-a-half point favorite.
This may be the best game of the day.
You've got two good quarterbacks, Bo Pribla, who was at Missouri last year, now with Virginia, and C.J. Bailey with North Carolina State.
This has been quite a fun game the last couple of years.
Your thoughts?
Yeah, I think it will be the best game of the weekend.
This was supposed to be played in Brazil, but Brazil couldn't meet their end of the bargain, so now it's going to be played in Charlotte.
Let's feel this is a conference game.
I think it's the first time, not counting COVID, that NC State, Dave Dorn, has actually opened with a conference game.
So it's a unique challenge because these teams played each other last year.
Virginia had a big lead.
NC State came back in the second half to win.
But they have different rosters, obviously.
You mentioned C.J. Bailey.
He's kind of the one constant for NC State.
But they've got a completely revamped receiver group, new running backs.
Virginia, obviously, revamped receiver group, new quarterback, new running backs.
You know, the one kind of mainstay for Virginia is that offensive line.
They return more starts than any program in the country along the offensive line.
And so I know that they're going to want to establish the run, especially as Bo Pabula, as you mentioned, gets comfortable in this offense.
And obviously, playing at home should give them a bit of an advantage.
But, you know, Tony Elliott has done such a nice job kind of building that program up from where it was to where it is now.
They may have lost a bunch of those key pieces that helped them play for an ACC championship last year.
But they were just as active in the transfer portal in terms of filling some of those holes.
So, you know, I asked him, do you feel pressure to kind of live up to what you guys did last year?
You know, 11 wins, a program record.
And he said it's not about living up to anything.
You know, it's about kind of building off of what we were able to do last year.
But I'm telling you, NC State, I was there yesterday.
You know, Dave Doran, there's just – he feels so chill compared to previous years.
I mean, he feels really good about this team and feels good about their trajectory.
And I think a lot of that comes from C.J. Bailey, as you mentioned, now going into his third year as a starter,
recruiting a bunch of his friends that he played with growing up in South Florida to kind of help him out,
and JoJo Trader and Davion Gauss.
So, the five-and-a-half to me is a little bit surprising because I feel like this is a very even matchup, guys.
It's rather interesting.
North Carolina's starting quarterback last year was a guy by the name of G.O. Lopez.
I watched him play two years at James Clemens in Madison.
He has now transferred to Wake Forest, and I think he's a little more healthy.
His offensive coordinator is a guy by the name of Rob Ezell.
Rob Ezell is from Athens High School.
He was a former walk-home quarterback at Alabama and does one of the best Nick Saban impressions I think I've ever seen.
We will talk to you about that duo a little bit later in the season.
But listen, we know you've been traveling.
You've done a great job again.
We've said this before.
I'm proud of you.
We had a discussion 17, 18, 19 years ago, and you were about to go to ESPN, and you were a little bit apprehensive,
and I said you will do it, and we are proud of what you've been able to do there.
You're on TV now more than Nick Saban is.
Where can we get online and get all of your stuff and the teams?
Gosh, thanks for making me cry today.
Just add that to the list of things I didn't need, but I appreciate the kind words you guys have meant so much to me
and helped me out over the years, and it's my absolute pleasure and honor to come on with you.
I was sad that I didn't have a chance to be on for the last six weeks, so I'm happy that I'm back,
and so appreciate all the support over the years.
Inside Access, our show on ACC Network, is back tomorrow.
You can catch that at 4 Central on ACC Network or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
We will have Tony Elliott on previewing that game we just talked about,
and I also sat down with C.J. Bailey yesterday, so we'll have that interview as well.
Lots of great preview stuff coming up in the next week.
We'll talk about it a little bit more because I know you've got a Virginia Tech fan base in your parts.
I've got a James Franklin story I'm working on as we speak that's going to be out next week,
so everyone check that out on ESPN.com.
Appreciate that.
Stop all the verbal bouquets, Andrea.
This segment brought to you by Kleenex, okay?
Yes!
Have a good day, Andrea.
Thank you, dear.
And Rieto Snuggler with us from ESPN.
Coming up, he's not ESPN, he's Double D.
Drew DeArman on deck.
Stay with us.
Bush Light is cold and smooth and waiting for you to get out there.
Everyone knows that the classic taste of Bush Light is brewed for the outdoors.
So before cracking open your next adventure, grab a case of Bush Light because nature is even cooler.
With Bush Light in your cooler, head for the mountains of Bush.
Enjoy responsibly.
Copyright 2026, Sennheiser Bush Bush Light Beer, St. Louis, Missouri.
You got a craving they won't quit?
Lost Pizza Company Shoals just dropped something new, and it's only around for a limited time.
Say hello to our jalapeno mac and cheese bites.
Crispy, cheesy, packed with a little kick, and serve with our house-made ranch for dipping.
Paired with the fillet, y'all.
Our loaded fillet cheesesteak pizza that's quickly becoming a fan favorite.
This is for a limited time only, so don't wait.
Come dine in or call ahead for to-go.
Lost Pizza Company Shoals, 201 North Seminary Street in Florence.
Dine in or to-go.
Roll out!
Pros, find the right flooring for the job in Lowe's newly redesigned flooring showroom.
Shop our expanded assortment of trusted brands and get up to 35% off style selections.
Stain Master and Stain Master Pet Protect Special Order Carpet.
And while you're here, save $100 on a DeWalt 20V Max 6Ah 2-pack of batteries.
Now just $179.
Get more of what you need faster and save more where it counts from the ground up.
Our best lineup is here at Lowe's.
Valid to 826 while supplies last.
Selection varies by location.
Indeed presents, hires you can't afford to get wrong, like a social media manager.
Did you just post our Q4 earnings to your personal social media?
Oh yeah, used a trending audio and everything.
That's confidential financial data.
Relax.
It only went a little viral.
The SEC just commented with the eyeball-watching emoji.
This is a job for sponsored jobs!
This is what happens when you don't sponsor your job on Indeed.
Next time, get matched with quality candidates with Indeed-sponsored jobs.
Visit Indeed.com slash hire now and sponsor your job today.
This is Chris Stewart, and your home for Alabama softball is Sports Radio 93.9, The Score.
Tim collects bobbleheads.
A lot of bobbleheads.
Baseball bobbleheads.
Race car bobbleheads.
Little chihuahua bobbleheads.
He's got an entire room strictly for bobbleheads.
Does he need them?
No.
Is his wife mad about it?
A little.
But Tim works with Empower, and he got good at money.
So he can be a little bad.
Ooh, horse bobblehead.
Classy, Tim.
Empower.
Invest well.
Live a little.
Start today at Empower.com.
Did you know Sketchers makes high-performance footwear for almost every sport you play?
Here's what our athletes are saying.
Hi, I'm pro basketball player OG Ananobi.
I dominate in Sketchers basketball.
Sketchers delivers championship-level performance.
I'm WNBA star Jackie Young.
Sketchers keeps me quick, comfortable, and ready for anything.
And you can get high-performance Sketchers and hands-free slipp-ins technology.
Just step in and perform.
I'm pro golfer Matt Fitzpatrick.
I play in hands-free Sketchers golf slipp-ins.
Find yours at a Sketchers store, Sketchers.com, or whatever high-performance sports shoes are sold.
Progressive presents the Sports Flash on 93.9 The Score.
The SEC joined the Big Ten yesterday in its unanimous opposition to athletes leaving the NFL
and returning to college teams, passing a new conference rule that gives Commissioner Greg
Sankey full authority to enforce it with penalties.
The SEC took it a step further than the Big Ten, prohibiting anyone who previously declared
for professional basketball from rejoining college athletics with an appropriate withdrawal.
The policy was implemented in a 16-0 vote.
North Alabama and Samford are set to kick off the season on Saturday night
when the two meet in Huntsville at Joe Davis Stadium.
Catch the Braves and Dodgers tonight joined in progress after Hey Coach.
I'm John Thayer with the Sports Flash presented by Progressive on 93.9 The Score.
The Colonel's cooked up a new $10 bucket of the day just for you.
Monday, 10 wings for $10.
Tuesday, 8-piece fried chicken for $10.
Wednesday, 8 tenders for $10.
Thursday, 10 wings for $10.
Friday, 24 nuggets for...
Oh, you guessed it, didn't you?
Oh, you guessed it, didn't you?
$10.
The $10 bucket of the day deal.
Every weekday.
Only at KFC.
It's finger licking good.
Prices and participation vary.
Supplies last not available on third-party ordering platforms.
Tax extra.
When you see this in your kitchen...
The stainless steel fridge is covered in fingerprints.
You hear this.
Leslie, people are going to think you were raised in a barn or by wolves.
Erased in a barn by wolves.
Fortunately, Wyman Stainless Steel 3-in-1 cleans, shines, and protects to give you the best shine.
A spray and a wipe will have your fridge shining like a mirror.
Wow, my fridge looks brand new.
Your fridge looks amazing, Leslie.
Sorry, I was being a little traumatic earlier.
Your kitchen says a lot about you.
Let it brag with Wyman.
The Alabama defensive line isn't the only one with skills.
Ask your Amazon Alexa devices to tune in to 93.9 The Score.
Listen to The Score streaming live anywhere on Alexa-enabled devices.
All of your favorite shows and teams are waiting.
The Score.
Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score.
Welcome back in.
It is a pleasure.
Press over the door and say hello to Double D, Drew DeArmond's host of Talking Ball.
And this was 97.7 FM The Zone.
Drew, welcome in.
How are you?
I'm good, guys.
How are you?
Hey, buddy.
Hey, we're doing all right.
Let's talk a little breaking news here.
I don't think a lot of folks shocked another piece in the puzzle as far as starters
for the upcoming season.
Little Lifter against East Carolina.
How many folks are shocked with a new inside linebacker position going to one, Luke Metz?
Nah, he's been one of my guys I've had my eyes on since the spring.
I wasn't surprised.
He came on really strong.
I think as fall camp unfolded.
He's a really good young player from Mill Creek High School in Georgia.
Same high school that Caleb Downs came from.
And, you know, I was really impressed with him last year when a little bit of playing time
that he got.
It looked like he was grasping the scheme really well.
And, you know, I know they brought in Caleb Winston to kind of be the red dot.
But I just felt like we went all day long, you know, with Deontay Lawson, or Deontay Lawson,
pardon me, and then losing Justin Jefferson and Micah Hill Green.
He was going to be one of the guys, if he continued to progress at the rate he was,
that he was going to be someone that could compete for a starting position,
and if not just really winning the job outright.
And it's like for now, I certainly understand that they're going to be competing all year.
Caden Jones has had a pretty good camp.
I just really think that, overall, Luke Metz has been one of the better stories at camp,
along with Mal Walder at left guard.
But I think Luke is going to be a really good fit for this defense.
I agree with you.
I'm guessing D2 was not too surprised that Keylon Russell was named the starting quarterback
for Alabama.
No, no, I wasn't.
He was the guy that I had kind of pegged back in the spring,
and the way he ended and the way he played on 8A.
And I understand Austin Mack was a little banged up,
but his abilities to move laterally and just to make plays with his feet,
to extend plays, his mobility, your ability to run RPOs with him,
his ability to make all the throws, his accuracy, his arm talent as a whole.
I just felt like he was the total package.
Certainly, Austin Mack has outstanding size.
I think he's got a really good arm talent himself, and I think he's a really good player.
But I just think, overall, that Keylon Russell's a special kid.
I think he's cut out of the Bryce Young, Tua Tungvaloa mold.
And you could say maybe Austin Mack is a Mack Jones.
And Mack was really good in the system at Alabama and really worked hard.
But I just really think that Tua and Bryce are probably the two best I've ever seen do it at Alabama.
And I really think that this kid's cut from the same cloth.
And I think he was handpicked by Caelan DeBoer and the staff when they got to Alabama.
Certainly, Austin Mack followed them from Washington and reclassified and had spent three years in the system.
But Keelan Russell was a guy that had kind of flown under the radar,
even though Duncan built a high-profile program.
He was committed to Rhett Lashley at SMU.
They quickly flipped him.
And by the end of the recruiting cycle, you know, he was the number two player overall in the country.
So I think he's lived up to the hype so far.
I can't wait to see him play as the dude.
And I think he's going to do some special things in this offense for Alabama.
In the huddle with Drew DeArmond.
Drew, on the other side of the coin, obviously by now most of us are familiar with the news.
Jeremiah Beeman out again for this season.
Poor kid.
A lot of potential just can't get on the field.
Your thoughts about the impact there, and I guess if there's such a thing as good news,
and I always say that parathetically, is that they have depth in that position.
Your thoughts about the impact of that, and then on the optimistic side,
seems like some of the guys who've been nicked up may be, as they say, ahead of schedule
to get back on the field sooner rather than later.
Yeah, you know, it's tough for Beeman.
I did some checking today.
I think it's the same knee, which is really tough.
I think he tore up in camp last year.
And so, second straight year, he's going to miss the entire season.
You know, the last time we saw him, he was one of the few bright spots in what was really
a thudder performance at the end of year one for Kevin DeBoer in the Reliak West Bowl
against Michigan.
He played really, really well, and he had redshirted that year.
Now he's missed two straight.
He got a medical hardship, I think, after last season.
He's not eligible to get that this year,
so he'll have three years of eligibility remaining.
In theory, he'll be a six-year guy.
Hopefully, he can stay healthy, but it's just really, really tough.
I didn't have him pegged to start, but I think he was going to be a rotational piece
and play quite a bit because they have a lot of talent in that D-line room,
but you just hate to see him go down.
And then, of course, as far as the other two injuries,
AK Deere had the tightrope surgery.
I figured he would be out six to eight weeks.
And if you remember, he injured it in the first scrimmage,
so he's already had a few weeks to heal.
And it looks like he's on schedule or maybe a little ahead of schedule right now,
so potentially they could get him back in late September before Georgia.
And, again, I don't think he was going to start,
but certainly had to have him in the rotation
and his abilities as a runner and receiver
and a guy where the light was kind of turning on.
I mean, certainly that's going to be a boon.
And then I had been told over a month ago
that Noah Rogers was ahead of schedule
and that instead of being back in late October, early November,
he was very likely to be back by the end of September.
He's been running routes for a while.
I know they've let pictures leak out now that he's been in practice
and going through, maybe not full bore,
but they've certainly been giving him reps.
And so I think if he doesn't hit a snag here,
he should be back by late September as well.
And certainly that's huge because they don't have a ton of depth right now
in the wide receiver room.
And he's a guy that was a five-star, went to Ohio State out of high school,
then ended up in NC State, finished last year strong in their bowl win
and had a really good scrimmage before getting hurt in A-day,
had a couple of touchdowns.
And I know Kellen DeBoer feels like he's a really good fit for them schematically.
So getting him back by the end of September, I think, would also be big for that wide receiver room.
Was Mal Wontrup the biggest surprise to you in summer camp?
I would say pretty much, yeah, I would say that that would be accurate.
I didn't have him pegged to start.
I had William Sanders, and then William missed the spring.
But I really had Mal as the backup center to Racine Delgatti.
But, you know, but obviously Mal's been busting it,
and he's a guy that can play both guard spots and center.
So he's somebody that's versatile.
His dad played at Alabama under Coach DeBose and Coach Fran.
And so he's a Bama kid and came from a really good program,
playing for Patrick Nix at Central Phoenix City.
And, you know, he kind of reminds me of Bradley Bozeman a little bit.
A guy that's probably been underestimated but plays really hard, really, really smart,
can play different positions, could be the center down the road.
But right now I think he's taking advantage of, you know,
obviously Sanders missed the entire spring and then has just now started to get healthy.
So they're really kind of pushing each other.
But if you had to ask me, I think he's earned the right to start against East Carolina.
He started in both scrimmages.
And I think both of them will play at left guard.
But right now I would say, yeah, I think he is the surprise of fall camp
and certainly has won a job potentially at left guard on that offensive line.
All right.
Let me ask you a scouting report.
The Beard Boys' alma mater, Jasper, used to be Walker, beat Huntsville last week 28-14.
They're coming up here to play Florence Friday night.
They have got some explosive players offensively.
E.J. Oliver threw two touchdowns, ran for another against Huntsville in the 28-14 win.
Zion Cogger is ranked the number nine running back in the country.
I think he may be as good defensively.
He had to pick six.
Tell us about the Jasper Vikings and what Florence has to look forward to.
Well, I mean, I thought Huntsville actually played really well in the game.
They really kind of – they contained Cogger as far as a runner.
He made a few good runs, but he didn't break anything long.
He had a really big conversion on a third and long catch that really – in the fourth quarter
that extended a drive and put them in position to take the lead, which they did.
Well, E.J. Oliver, I believe, ran the football in, and they ended up taking that 21-14 lead
with about five, six minutes, I think – or actually a little under five minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Huntsville had had a third down and about half a yard inside the 10-yard line,
and if they had made that first down, had a great chance to score with about seven-plus minutes in the fourth quarter
and take the lead and put the onus on Jasper.
But Huntsville got a 10-yard holding penalty, plus Jasper held up their front seven talented.
They certainly stuffed the run.
Huntsville lost three yards there anyway, so Huntsville had to turn it over on downs.
But Jasper with E.J. Oliver and Coger, they drove down the field, scored.
And then right after that, they didn't play Coger much on defense,
but they categorized him on this play as a linebacker.
I thought he looked like he was dropping back playing safety, but he did read the QB really well.
The transfer from Bob Jones for Huntsville, he picked him.
And it was really the only mistake for Huntsville the entire game,
but it sealed it, made it 28-14 with about three minutes to go,
and Jasper was able to pull away.
But it was a good football game.
I thought Huntsville's front seven held up well.
Their secondary needs some work.
You know, they're replacing Ben Watson, who's at Sanford,
and some other good players that were back there last year.
Zavian Drake didn't play much in the secondary, if at all.
He was playing running back and receiver.
Huntsville's got to shore up their short yardage offense a little bit
and their offensive line play.
He's got some new guys in different places.
But I thought, you know, when we saw Jasper, they spread it out a little bit.
You know, they hurt Huntsville with tunnel screens and throwing underneath.
Oliver didn't throw the ball down the field much,
but they do have speed at both the wide receiver spots and at tailback.
And they operate from like a one-back spread most of the time.
They do a little bit of a two-back a little bit and did a little bit of eye formation,
but they're mostly a spread team, and they like to run some spread option
and some spread concepts and some RPOs and some zone reads.
And so they're a good football team.
It should be a good game with Florence.
I saw Florence against Huntsville the previous week in their jamboree,
and Florence looked pretty good.
They've got a quarterback with some arm talent,
and I know they went over to Benson Valley and laid waste to the Indians.
So that's probably going to be a tough road trip for Jasper.
Absolutely.
By the way, congratulations.
You and Steve Moulton and Scott did a great job calling the Columbia game.
I listened to the second half of that, and I know Columbia,
I heard the interview this morning with Sammy Coates,
is the team of the week.
That is not a surprise at all.
Where can we get online and listen to the show and everything else you've got going on?
Yeah, we're really excited for Sammy Coates,
and Columbia will be out there tomorrow.
A well-earned win, 41-0 run after falling behind 14-0 to Greensboro,
snapping that streak.
Now we've got to get the lead generals back in the win column.
And certainly, you know, they can connect with me at DrewD977ESPN,
now that the Nigerians gave it back on X.
And then certainly they can connect with us at 977ESPN.com.
And on our SoundCloud account, if you miss anything and want to catch the show,
97.7 The Zone, ESPN 97.7 The Zone.
That's our SoundCloud page.
And then also WZZN TV on YouTube.
You can go back and catch any of our content if you want to look at my bearded face.
And certainly they can connect with me.
And we're going to be busy this week, too.
Randolph's going to be traveling to Whitesburg Christian Academy.
That'll be a very interesting matchup of 1-0 teams.
And then we're going to be honored.
We're going to be bringing you the Samford Bulldogs and UNA Lions live
from Wicks Family Field on Saturday as well.
So a lot of football this weekend.
Other than that, not a thing going on.
Drew, listen, man, stay safe out there and thanks for your time today.
Really appreciate it, guys.
And I didn't have to say Lane Kiffin one time.
There you go.
We'll save it for next week.
Rudy Armand, 97.7 FM The Zone.
Baby, we've got a busy night again.
You're on 93.9, the score, my friend.
Yeah, I said yesterday, Harold, I hope the Braves can win the series over the Dodgers.
They got the first step.
They won last night 4-3.
Aussie Albies, two-out RBI single.
The Braves win 4-2-3.
Three-game lead over the Phillies.
They've got seven games on the Phillies in September.
Actually, four and a half now in the fields.
They got beat last night.
And you can hear the Braves tonight after, hey, coach.
It's all straight ahead right here on 93.9, the score.
It's going to take care of us for now on behalf of B.B., Greg, James Blair, the entire crew here.
Paral Buck, thank you so much for your time today.
Let's do it again tomorrow at noon to two for the B.M.O. Buck Show back here on Sports Radio from 93.9, the score.