Shows
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 331 - SEC Media Days Recap & Grant Reviews College Football 25We talk about everything we learned from OU this week at SEC Media Days beginning with Jackson Arnold's appearance (5:15). Danny Stutsman impressed with his appearance (17:25). Billy Bowman came back to OU to win a championship. Should we start calling him "Bill" Bowman (24:30)? Brent Venables is confident about the depth at offensive and defensive line. Venables also warned that there's no guarantees that OU will have an elite defense this season (30:00). Venables gave us some injury updates on Andrel Anthony, Jalil Farooq, and others. Good news on the Troy Everett front, and can we count on Gentry Williams to play multiple...2024-07-221h 42West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 318 - Burks Looks Awesome in Encouraging OU Spring GameGrant was bored by the spring game while Lee explains why the spring game was pretty interesting to him (1:25). We get into the breakdown beginning with Jackson Arnold and his play (8:30). Lee wants to talk about Michael Hawkins because there was a spring narrative about him looking really good, yet we didn't see much evidence of that in the spring game (23:15). The offensive line with Jackson Arnold played really well. Overall we're encouraged by what we saw from the OL (25:35). Deion Burks was terrific, but no other pass catchers really stood out (33:20). Sawchuk, Hicks, and Franklin all looked good at...2024-04-211h 45West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 315 - What the Heck is Going on With Jovantae Barnes and His Foot?Brent Venables opened up practice for quite a long time to the media this week. Plus many players conducted interviews, including Jovantae Barnes. We begin the show by jumping into Barnes and what the heck is going on with his foot and his potential availability for the 2024 season. Lee goes through the timeline of his foot injury dating back to last spring and we try to figure out if he's ever going to be healthy--or maybe Barnes just simply isn't very good (3:00). Grant points out that the two players atop the RB depth chart are injury prone, so potentially all...2024-04-011h 29West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 304 - We Bid Farewell to the RooferIn the opening take, Lee addresses the recent departure of OU Defensive Coordinator Ted Roof. Then Grant joins to give his thoughts on Roof being relieved of his duties. We then talk about the reported hire of Zac Alley (5:00). Woodi Washington recently announced he will return in 2024. We take a look at the cornerback room at the moment (20:45). Lee likes the addition of Miami OH DE Caiden Woullard, but can we get excited about another transfer DE after Rondell Bothroyd did not record a sack in 2023? Lee finds a troubling trend involving Brent Venables defensive ends over the last handful...2024-01-081h 37West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 300 - Grant-Man & Lee in the Portalverse of MadnessNo opening take as the guys open their 300th episode with our swan song for Dillon Gabriel as he takes his talents to Oregon. Grant says if Oregon makes the Playoff and OU goes 6-6 next year then Venables could be in trouble. Lee is looking forward to seeing DG play in the Big Ten (01:30). We dive into all the roster news involving Danny Stutsman, Billy Bowman, Cayden Green, and more (16:10). OU picks up a transfer WR from Purdue who reminds Grant of a former Sooners receiver. The OU WR room is looking outstanding right now (31:00). OU got a transfer...2023-12-132h 01West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 298 - A Marathon TCU Preview to Honor the Final Big 12 Game (and Thanksgiving)In the opening take, Lee talks about what he saw after rewatching Jackson Arnold in the 2nd half of the BYU game. Then Grant joins to talk about the fact that OU's about to play its final Big 12 game. Will we miss the Big 12 (6:10)? Will Dillon Gabriel play against TCU? If not, what should we expect from Jackson Arnold (14:30)? Lee provides some reasons why you should be optimistic about OU's chances against TCU, but also points out where there's some concern. OU's defensive line is struggling to get sacks, and TCU is perfectly capable of throwing all over the Sooners...2023-11-231h 56West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 292 - Sooners Search for Bedlam Win as Season Teeters on the EdgeIn the opening take, Grant piles on to this OU team as we're still reeling from the Sooners recent loss to Kansas. Grant says this is the biggest game in Brent Venables' short tenure, while Lee has his sights set on Dillon Gabriel and his left arm (6:05). Lee thinks OU's offense should be better vs. OSU based on OSU's defensive scheme (10:50). Does OU's coaching staff understand the moment? Lee thinks Alan Bowman is playing his best football of his career (13:00). OU's defense is banged up. We both don't expect to see much from Danny Stutsman this week (19:00). Lee says OU's...2023-11-021h 30
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 273 - Sawchuk Shines as OU Ends 2022 With Another Close LossThe guys are back at the mics to discuss OU's close Cheez-It Bowl loss to Florida State. They open the show by briefly discussing the road-like atmosphere for the Sooners in Orlando, while praising the bowl game for making a second-tier bowl feel pretty important (:40). OU should have won despite being 10-point underdogs. The game sure seemed to play out similar to a lot of other OU losses this season. Grant liked the way OU's offensive line played despite missing multiple starters (3:05). Let's talk about the game, beginning with C.J. Coldon's missed opportunity on the game's first series (12:00). Dillon...2023-01-011h 37West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 272 - OU Secures Elite Class Ahead of Cheez-It Bowl vs. FSUThe guys are back at the mics after a Merry Christmas gathering in Oklahoma City. While we are days away from OU playing FSU in the Cheez-It Bowl, Lee & Grant open the show by congratulating Brent Venbales on securing the Number 5 recruiting class in 2023. We've now seen plenty of evidence Venables and this staff can recruit -- but, can they *coach* (2:15)? Grant was highly entertained by the Peyton Bowen saga last week. Lee is already guarding against Bowen's bust potential as a 5-star safety (9:10). Lee has some brief thoughts on Jackson Arnold, particularly Arnold's size. Grant thinks P. Bowen looks...2022-12-261h 45
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 266 - Sooners Suffer Baffling Loss at West VirginiaFor the first time in the podcast's history, Lee & Grant sat down to record the show about 90 minutes after OU lost to WVU 23-20. Grant says the Mountaineers were begging to lose that game, but OU failed time and time again to put them away. For the first time this year, Lee's questioning whether the Sooners will make a bowl game (1:40). OU was awful on 3rd down, WVU was fantastic on 4th down, Eric Gray was the best player on the field, and the Sooners found a way to leave 18 points on the field in the first half. What's going...2022-11-131h 26West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 265 - Venables Makes Bizarre Claim and OU Preps for WVULee starts the show with some news that hopefully does not change the show too much. The guys then talk about a big time recruit decommiting. After that, Lee & Grant are perplexed by Brent Venables making an excuse about his defense being inexperienced (while saying he's not making excuses). We take a look at the upcoming matchup at West Virginia, the latest CFP rankings, and finally we make our weekly picks. | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews92022-11-101h 10West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 263 - OU Tries to Keep Good Vibes Going Against BaylorLee opens the show by taking an unwarranted shot at Grant to cover up for his lack of show prep. They then dive into Billy Bowman's health and the amount of snaps he played vs. Iowa State. Lee thinks he'll be back starting and playing a bunch this week against Baylor (1:30). Jovantae Barnes is a game time decision this week. Eric Gray will once again be super important this week and it appears we have discovered that UCF transfer RB Bentavious Thompson is a non-factor on this team (10:05). Lee was really hard on Woodi Washington last episode. Well, Lee was...2022-11-031h 33West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 241 - We're Back! Is OU Going to be Good at Football This Season?There's no opening take, but we do catch you up on what you may have missed on our last episode. We jump into the show by asking the simple question: Is OU going to be good at football this season (3:30)? Lee starts to put some stock into something Brent Venables said at Media Day -- but Grant jumps in and tells Lee to pump the brakes. This leads to a brief discussion about OU's secondary (17:15). Baylor has been picked to win the Big 12. We explain why that's kind of dumb and why OU should have once again been the preseason...2022-07-201h 47West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 239 - Spring Game Preview, Mayfield's Return, & Riley's LetterNo opening take. We begin the show by hearing from Bill Bedenbaugh and Lee tells you why he doesn't buy into PFF College very much anymore (1:30). It sounds like Andrew Raym will not be playing in the spring game. What, if anything, will we be watching for Saturday when it comes to the O-Line (6:55)? The weather forecast is not ideal for Saturday which could ruin everything (12:25). Grant really wants to see Dillon Gabriel throw it around Saturday. Lee is curious to see Theo Wease and and Jovantae Barnes in action (18:10). Grant's waiting to see all the freshmen pass catchers and...2022-04-221h 10West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 232 - Caleb Watch is Over & Revisiting Preseason PredictionsIn the opening take, Grant closes the book on Caleb Williams' college decision. Then Lee joins to tee Grant up to gloat about correctly thinking that Jaxson Dart would likely go to Ole Miss (3:00). Caleb Williams is going to USC more than a month after entering the transfer portal. How long will it take Lincoln Riley to get USC in position to compete for a Pac 12 Title? USC's roster is not very good. Can Alex Grinch immediately improve USC's defense the same way he helped OU's defense in Year 1 (7:45)? Wisconsin seemed to become a serious possibility for Caleb Williams. Lee...2022-02-021h 49West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 231 - Gabriel, Dart, and What's Going on With Caleb Williams?In the opening take, Lee likes that Brent Venables has added a healthy amount of analysts to his support staff so far. Then Grant joins to talk about Marvin Mims still being on the OU roster, but could he still leave at some point (5:30)? We take a look at OU's wide receivers and the outlook for 2022 (19:10). Grant got some criticism for his initial Dillon Gabriel take on the podcast. Has he changed his mind at all? Lee also wasn't all that excited about Gabriel when he first committed. Lee tells you the perceived strengths and weaknesses he sees in Gabriel (26:00...2022-01-262h 01West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 227 - OU's Puzzling New DC & the 2022 Signing ClassIn the opening take, Grant gives his take on OU hiring Ted Roof for the defensive coordinator job. Then Lee joins to talk about the state of the OU football program in the early stages of the Brent Venables era (6:30). Lee goes over what OU's 2022 recruiting class looked like before Lincoln Riley left compared to what it looks like today. We also talk about why we don't get super into National Signing Day (11:00). To further our argument about why we don't get super into NSD, we look back on the absolute bust that was the 2019 OU recruiting class (18:30). We don't...2021-12-161h 38West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 225 - Welp, Riley Totally Duped Us. Time For OU to Find a New CoachIn the opening take, Lee looks back at the last time a head coach left OU for a different college job. Then Grant joins as the guys give their initial thoughts on Riley's decision to leave OU (4:20). Bob Stoops is the Sooners' Interim Head coach. Lee also shares a story about Bob Stoops that he recently heard that will make you smile (11:45). Who's going to be OU's next head coach? We go over the potential candidates who've been mentioned and rumored beginning with Brent Venables. What about Matt Rhule? (26:00). The OU men's basketball team beats Florida as we are recording...2021-12-022h 09West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 224 - Let's Gather Round for a Jam-Packed Bedlam PreviewNo opening take today, but Lee admits off the top that he's already picked OSU to win Bedlam. Will his opinion change by the end of the podcast? Is this the biggest Bedlam game ever (3:00)? We go over what impresses us the most about OSU's offense (17:15). Where does OU's defense have an advantage in this one? Grant thinks the Sooners will be able to slow down OSU's run game (23:00). Lee provides his thoughts on OSU's skill position players (27:15). OSU's offense wasn't very good a year ago against OU's defense. Which Spencer Sanders will we see Saturday night (29:50)? OU could struggle...2021-11-251h 53
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 221 - Sooners Get Whacked in WacoIn the opening take, Lee highlights 5 separate plays that soured what turned out to be a pretty good OU defensive performance. Then Grant joins to react to that ugly Sooners loss at Baylor. Does OU have a problem playing well when they have more than one week to prepare? Does Lincoln Riley have a problem making in game adjustments (3:45)? Do we all need to pump the brakes on Caleb Williams (13:30)? More talk about the OU defense. Lee keeps trying to figure out if OU ever is supposed to have a guy set the edge (16:30)? Grant says Gerry Bohanon was awful...2021-11-161h 27West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 220 - Grant is Really Mad About the Playoff RankingsIn the opening take, Grant very much hates the weekly reveal of the College Football Playoff rankings. Then Lee joins to provide his thoughts on the latest CFP rankings and what a surprise the guys find themselves at a disagreement about something (4:30). Lee has been told that Woodi Washington is expected to be available to play Saturday against Baylor. Lee is very happy to have been wrong about the timetable for Washington's return (19:30). Will Washington be a full go? What does OU do with Key Lawrence with Washington coming back? Lee has a "dream scenario" and Grant has a more...2021-11-121h 04West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 219 - Sooners No. 8 in the First CFP RankingsIn the opening take, Lee is trying desperately to figure out what is going on with Billy Bowman. Then Grant joins the show and is immediately offended by something Lee said. OU is No. 8 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, the guys provide their reactions to seeing the Sooners so low. Alabama being at No. 2 drives Grant crazy (6:55). With OU being at No. 8, does that mean the Sooners will have to go undefeated to make the Playoff? Yes OU still controls its own destiny, but Lee got a Tweet from a listener that presented an interesting end of season...2021-11-041h 33West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 217 - Worse Than the 2018 OU Defense (Right Now)In the opening take, Lee crunched the numbers and the current Oklahoma defense is statiscally worse than what we saw from the Sooners in 2018. Then Grant joins to go over all of your "3 Word Reviews" from that horrible Kansas game. Topics include Caleb Williams' steal play, one of the best moments in sports history, being annoyed by OU overlooking KU, one listener has lots of questions for Lincoln Riley, people not understanding why OU fans are frustrated with this 8-0 start, Grant hating LSU, congratulating fans for going to Lawrence, a wide open Heisman race, why doesn't Howard Schnellenberger get...2021-10-281h 54West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 213 - It Certainly Feels Like Caleb Williams is QB1 Right NowIn the opening take, Lee goes over the big story of the day involving the "OU Daily" reporting on OU Football practice. Then Grant joins to talk more about the "OU Daily" story and the new story that OU has created for itself by canceling media availability (5:00). Grant has some early thoughts on the upcoming TCU game. What will we be saying about Caleb Williams after that game? And Lee wonders where Alex Grinch was on Tuesday (11:35)? OU's been very good after the Texas game under Lincoln Riley, but could this QB situation be a distraction that prevents the Sooners...2021-10-141h 40West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 212 - Caleb Williams Electrifies Cotton Bowl, OU Beats TexasNo opening take. Grant is podcasting from a parking lot in Liberty, Missouri fully sunburnt, and lacking much of a voice. Grant provides a first hand perspective of what it was like at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, while Lee does his best to fill in all the details. Lee asks Grant if that game felt like the OU-Georgia Rose Bowl, but actually cool for the Sooners this time (3:20). The game could not have started worse for Oklahoma. The guys go chronilogically through the game leading up to the point in which Caleb Williams takes over for Spencer Rattler. Grant...2021-10-111h 08West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 205 - Will OU Be Fully Prepared and Focused For Nebraska?No opening take today. Both guys have had an unusual week of podcast prep but we bring you the best we've got of OU-Nebraska preview coverage beginning with our thoughts on the Nebraska offense facing off against OU's defense. Lee is much higher on Adrian Martinez than Grant (3:00). Is Lee crazy for thinking Adrian Martinez would be a great fit in the Ravens offense (13:40)? Grant's got some interesting stats that highlight Nebraska's offensive line problems. OU's D-Line is a distinct advantage in the trenches (17:45). The Huskers have a limited amount of weapons on offense (21:25). Will Adrian Martinez and Scott Frost...2021-09-161h 24West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 203 - Spencer Rattler, Playing 4 Quarters, and a Mixed Message on DefenseIn the opening take, Grant provides more thoughts on OU-Tulane after completing his re-watch. Then Lee joins as Grant calls Jalen Hurts underrated, which leads to a debate about Hurts' effectiveness at OU -- which then leads to a discussion about Spencer Rattler's play so far at OU (4:30). Lee thinks the Tulane game is part of a trend of Rattler underestimating teams that aren't supposed to pose much of a threat to OU (12:40). Lee goes through what he likes about Rattler, and then what he doesn't like about Rattler (14:10). Lee's not sure if Rattler has the full "buy in" from...2021-09-091h 47West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 202 - OU Takes the 2nd Half Off, Nearly Loses to TulaneIn the opening take, Lee goes back through the Lincoln Riley era and points out all the times the Sooners have struggled as a massive betting favorites. Then Grant joins as the guys give their initial thoughts on the Tulane game. Grant says OU looks to be a mentally weak football team (5:40). Tulane's offense gave OU problems for most of the game. Bizarrely, OU's best offensive players mostly didn't do anything in 2020 (17:40). Lee tries to get into some of the good things we saw from the defense Saturday (26:10). Grant says he thought Tulane's defense tackled better than OU's defense. Lee...2021-09-061h 50West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 201 - OU Welcomes Tulane for an Unexpected Home OpenerIn the opening take, Grant applauds OU and Tulane for making sure the game is happening this weekend. Then Lee joins to discuss the worsening OU running backs situation. What does this do to OU's offense? Will other players switch positions to RB (7:50)? It's been reported that Theo Wease is injured (16:20). Lincoln Riley told us who was going to be playing on the O-Line this Saturday. Then a day later, the depth chart came out with at least one puzzling designation (20:10). Alex Grinch maintains that 8 players will get snaps on the inside of the D-Line and also that 6 different players...2021-09-021h 56West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 200 - It's the 2021 Big Season Preview. Emphasis on "BIG"*NOTE: you may need to delete, then re-download the episode. The original version was not properly synced. Apologies for the error* -- **NOTE: we recorded before we found out Marcus Major was ineligible -- but it shouldn't really change anything we said** -- In the opening take, Lee recently learned a little something about Cover-2 from an expert on the subject. Then Grant joins to tell the story about how Florida fans attacked him on Twitter one time. Followed by a few thoughts on Andrew Raym being incredibly confident (11:45). Time for the "Big Season Preview" -- who will be OU's...2021-08-252h 55West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 198 - Fall Camp is Here and Bill Bedenbaugh is Very HappyIn the opening take, Lee thinks the national media will give OU the benefit of the doubt right now -- but that's not going to last long. Then Grant joins to talk about how he's way more excited for football than he was last season. Also Lee talks about going to OU practice Tuesday morning, and is it just us or has OU's social media been putting out way more videos than usual (4:05)? It looks like some guys are much bigger and the Sooners decided to put a very large person in No. 44 this year (13:15). Bill Bedenbaugh talks Andrew Raym...2021-08-111h 19West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 196 - OU Can Maximize its Football Program in the SECIn the opening take, Lee says whenever Oklahoma joins the SEC the Sooners will be entering a new conference feeling like underdogs. Then Grant joins to briefly talk about our recent trip out West, before getting into what you all care about and that's the OU/Texas to the SEC news. Were we shocked? How did we find out? What are our initial thoughts on this news (7:30)? Grant is confident that OU and Texas will be playing in the SEC in 2022 (19:20). Grant says this has been one of the most entertainig sports stories of his lifetime and he's fired up...2021-07-281h 38
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 194 - Is the NCAA's Business Model Doomed?In the opening take, Grant gives his initial thoughts on the recent Supreme Court ruling that found in favor of student/athletes against the NCAA. Then after Lee joins the show, Grant wants to clarify some of his comments from our last episode. He also has a philosophical question for Lee about why we have a podcast about OU football (5:45)? Sliding into the recent SCOTUS decision. Lee tries to explain what this is all about and what it means (14:00). Grant is afraid this SCOTUS decision could harm college sports, but Lee isn't all that concerned (17:45). The NCAA recently voted to...2021-06-301h 02West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 193 - Encouraging Playoff Expansion News & Bookie Re-Watch ResultsIn the opening take, Lee says Josh Heupel and Roy Williams should already be in the College Football Hall of Fame. Then Grant joins to give his thoughts on the careers of Heupel, Williams, and Vince Young (6:10). An interesting report from Yahoo Sports says that a 12-team playoff model is gaining some traction. We're both surprised that 12 is the most likely number at this time (13:20). Why we think the idea of an 8 team playoff is not good enough. Also for those arguing against playoff expansion, are they actually arguing against more college football (23:45)? Brief talk on college football before the...2021-06-091h 46
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 187 - A Lot to Talk About as Spring Practice BeginsIn the opening take, Grant gives you probably the smartest breakdown of the Chandler Morris OU/TCU transfer situation you'll hear. Then Lee joins to ask a question about that whole thing before we get to the meat of the show which is the beginning of OU spring football (10:45). Lee asked Delarrin Turner-Yell, Nik Bonitto, and Spencer Rattler questions about 2021 expectations. We play their answers and decide if we like what they're saying, or not. Grant makes fun of lifting weights and we have a great time with everything. Plus Grant has some takes about Texas and Iowa State that...2021-03-251h 35West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 184 - As Bookie Enters the Transfer Portal, Lee Begins a RewatchIn the opening take, Lee talks about a project he's working on that involves Bookie and reminds us all about how bad the 2018 OU defense was. Then Grant joins to talk more about the terrible 2018 Sooners' defense (5:30). We move on to specifically talk about Bookie entering the transfer portal. We go back to the beginning when the hype was as high as ever -- and even some of the OU coaches were saying that he was really good before he ever took a snap (16:15). Did OU's coaching staff fail Bookie by not playing him at corner? When Alex Grinch came...2021-02-101h 32West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 181 - Smoked Gator: Sooners Roll in Cotton Bowl, Eye 2021In the opening take, Grant applauds OU for a Cotton Bowl victory in what he believes was a complete joke of a game. Then Lee joins to congratulate Grant on correctly predicting the outcome of the game and Grant expands on why he was so annoyed with Florida. Lee wasn't as annoyed and was mostly happy with what he saw in the Cotton Bowl (4:30). Lee thinks Kyle Trask's teammates hung him out to dry in that game (13:00). We jump into the "3-word reviews" as they drive the show beginning with OU's historical rushing effort. Marcus Major was fantastic, so will...2021-01-011h 37West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 179 - OU Holds Motivation Edge in Intriguing Cotton BowlIn the opening take, Lee's encouraged that a prominent member of college football media has come around on playoff expansion. Plus Lee lays out what a 24 team playoff would look like this season. Then Grant joins to give a brief update on the upcoming schedule before the Cotton Bowl before jumping into our thoughts on the very short break between the Big 12 Championship and the bowl game (10:30). Grant thinks the playoff has devalued all the other bowl games and he doesn't like it. Lee has some push back and for some reason we talk about the OU-Boise State game from...2020-12-271h 36West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 176 - Finding the Beauty in an Ugly Sooners WinIn the opening take, Grant explains why OU's worst offensive performance in the Lincoln Riley era is not necessarily a bad thing. Then Lee joins to admit that we need to be better on this fine podcast and we find out Grant's never left an iTunes review for anything (03:50). So do you all care about an in depth discussion of how OU can make the College Football Playoff (06:30)? So what the heck happened to OU's offense against Baylor? Lee says it was a lot more about what Baylor did than anything else. Plus a lot of talk about the offensive...2020-12-102h 12West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 173 - This Bedlam Matchup is Quite IntriguingIn the opening take, Lee asks if what we've seen from OU in its last three games is real, or more about who the Sooners have been playing? Then Grant joins to talk a little bit about Lee's opening take and we decide if OSU's defense is actually really good (5:00)? The guys agree that Rhamondre Stevenson is OU's biggest advantage when the Sooners have the football in this game (14:40). Grant says this game will come down to Lincoln Riley not getting cute with his playcalling (18:50). Grant says Jim Knowles may probably need to change up his philosophy in order to...2020-11-191h 32West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 168 - Sooners Finally Beat Texas After Blowing Another Late LeadIn the opening take, Lee tells you what he was thinking throughout Saturday's crazy win over Texas. Then Grant joins to briefly talk about his appearance on another OU football podcast (5:50). Lee thought re-watching that game was exhausting. Grant defends re-watching old OU games (7:00). We get into the game. Horrible start for OU, but then out of nowhere the Sooners got a takeaway. OU really shut down the Texas run game (10:25). The OL and the running backs played their best game, particularly T.J. Pledger (14:05). The offense struggled punching it in from short yardage early in the game (18:25). Tre Brown...2020-10-152h 34West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 166 - How Much Do You Care About That K-State Disaster?In the opening take, Lee presents his mea culpa for his horrible predictions last week and also wonders about the general interest of college football across the nation. Then Grant joins to take his licks about his Deuce Vaughn takes from last week (7:00). It doesn't take much time into getting into how stupid and dumb that K-State game was (8:10). Lee wants Grant to react a little bit about opening take (11:00). OU's lost a lot of these types of games since 2009 (14:55). What's the deal with OU's offense late in close home games? Also, has OU just been really lucky in recent...2020-10-011h 56West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 165 - K-State Doesn't Look Good... But That Didn't Matter Last Year, Did It?In the opening take, Lee laments everything that Houston's football team has had to go through since the beginning of September. Then Lee talks a little bit about the possibility of Saturday's game against K-State getting postponed before bringing Grant in for his thoughts (4:30). Just how short-handed was K-State in its season opener against Arkansas State (12:05)? We may have gotten a little ahead of ourselves last episode inferring that other programs may not take contact tracing as seriously as others (21:45). It seems like OU's roster should be a lot more full this Saturday (26:20). We look ahead to K-State, beginning with...2020-09-241h 47West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 164 - Missouri State Wrap, Contact Tracing Trouble, and the Big TenIn the opening take, Grant has some advice for us as we look ahead to the remainder of the 2020 college football season. Then Lee joins to ask Grant for his hot takes, and we start with Spencer Rattler talk (4:40). Lee comes in with a hot take about Marvin Mims, which leads Grant to go into his full fledged defense of Charleston Rambo (17:20). Okay now let's talk about Mims (24:05). Rattler sounds like he's matured quite a bit since he arrived in Norman (28:20). If you're going to criticize any part of OU from Saturday it would be the running game (31:45). Seth McGowan...2020-09-172h 21West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 161 - Grading Preseason Predictions and Terrible TakesNo opening take for this episode because we are continuing on from the last episode. Back in August we made a bunch of preseason predictions after Florida played Miami. This leads Grant to making a very early hot take (1:35). We jump into all of our preseason OU predictions beginning with the running backs and then realizing we both whiffed on a freshman WR (4:05). Grant went outside the box for OU's leading tackler, and he was pretty close (6:55). Lee is obsessed with the theory that OU "goosed" tackle stats in 2018, and he's got some numbers to back it up (8:00). Without looking...2020-03-271h 09
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 157 - Peach Bowl "What Ifs" and Reflecting on Hurts' OU CareerIn the opening take, Grant is glad we took an extended "cool down period" before recording the latest episode and he's finally figured out LSU's Joe Burrow. Then Lee joins in time for Grant to call the Peach Bowl his least favorite OU game of all time and we try to pinpoint why we just really hate the LSU football program right now (6:00). Lee re-watched the Peach Bowl up until the game wasn't competitive anymore and took a lot of notes (16:00). There was one play very early in the game that showed us Jalen Hurts just didn't have it (19:05). Parnell...2020-01-151h 03
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 155 - The Sooners' Slim Chances Are Somehow Even Slimmer NowIn the opening take, Lee knew OU didn't have a great chance to beat LSU at the start -- and somehow now the Sooners' chances are even worse. Then Lee jumps into the news of LSU's starting running back getting hurt this week (5:50). Next, we toss it to Grant who gives his thoughts on the news that three players will be suspended for the Peach Bowl. Grant also thinks losing Clyde Edwards-Helaire would be a massive blow for LSU (7:35). Lee responds to Grant's comments. Touching on Kenneth Murray's role in the Peach Bowl and the importance of Edwards-Helaire in LSU's...2019-12-211h 07
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 154 - Can We Take Anything From That Early LSU-Texas Game?In the opening take, Lee wants to make sure everybody is on the same page before we begin this episode of "West of Everest". Then Grant joins to give his thoughts on some of the rumors and gossip that have gone around message boards and OU websites of the past 48 hours (4:55). Grant didn't pay attention to any of the Heisman stuff this weekend because the show is just boring at this point and there wasn't much of a reason to watch if you like OU football (14:35). Should we care that some people didn't vote Joe Burrow for the Heisman? And...2019-12-181h 39
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 152 - One Final Chance to Impress the Playoff CommitteeIn the opening take, Grant lays the case OU vs Utah. Then Lee jumps in to explain that he's not too concerned about CeeDee Lamb's body language (7:15). Riley talked a little bit about the GT Counter play that we all love (9:35). Lee plays audio from Alex Grinch as he explains what he's seen from his defense over the last few weeks (10:50). The All-Big 12 Awards came out Wednesday, and Grant thinks there were a bunch of questionable selections (15:55). The guys separately give their thoughts on the matchup between OU's offense vs Baylor's defense (24:00). Lee looks back at Alex Grinch's history to...2019-12-051h 01
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 151 - OU Wins Bedlam With True Complementary FootballIn the opening take, Lee thinks Lincoln Riley's done a remarkable job over the past 10 quarters of OU football. Then Grant joins to briefly talk about his trip to Las Vegas (5:35). The guys jump right into their Bedlam reactions beginning in chronological order with the Sooners' opening drive of the game (7:10). OU converted a 3rd & 12 by completing a pass to a split out wide Rhamondre Stevenson (14:30). Parnell Motley straight up took the ball away from Dillon Stoner, and he was assisted by Brendan Radley-Hiles (16:45). OU's offense takes advantage of the Motley INT and goes down and makes it a 10 point...2019-12-031h 38
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 149 - Sooners Barely Beat TCU... And That's OkayIn the opening take, Lee talks about his own "24 hour rule" when it comes to Oklahoma football. Grant's not in today, but he left some audio clips for Lee to play, so we begin with Grant's general thoughts on OU's close win over TCU and Lee reacts to Grant's audio (5:20). Lee looks to a particular series in the 1st half that provided evidence that Hurts is still limited in this offense (16:10). Grant was disappointed to see the passing game largely shut down and (22:45). Meanwhile, the Sooners ran the football really well, it was just annoying they couldn't pay off a...2019-11-251h 09
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 148 - Sooners Search For Statement Win Over TCUIn the opening take, Grant tells you why we're going to find out a lot about this OU team this Saturday against TCU. Then Lee joins to go over the news and notes of the week including CeeDee Lamb's status, the offensive line, and how the Patriots' 25-point come from behind Super Bowl victory is relevant (4:20). Lee was a bit irked by something Alex Grinch said Monday, plus Grinch all but confirms something that happened from the game (10:15). Lee asked Grinch if they practice playing with a "backs against the wall" mentality and we also got to speak with Delarrin...2019-11-201h 34
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 146 - Which Version of the Sooners Will Show in Waco? (Part 1)(Part 1 of 2) In the opening take, Grant puts his happy face on and gives you reasons why you shouldn't be worried about OU losing to Baylor this Saturday. Then, Grant joins to talk about losing Trey Sermon and Kenneth Mann for the rest of the season (6:05). Lincoln Riley didn't provide a clear update on Adrian Ealy's status for the Baylor game, although Grant thinks Riley may have given us some good news (11:40). Before we continue, Grant's annoyed with the narrative this week surrounding that close win against Iowa State (14:45). Could Grant Calcaterra be sitting out the rest of the season...2019-11-131h 20
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 142 - OU's Unique Challenge Against Kansas StateIn the opening take, Grant tells you what kind of opportunity this OU team has this weekend when they play at Kansas State. Then Lee joins to go over the news and notes of the week beginning with the loss of Jon-Michael Terry (5:30). Remember Caleb Kelly? What if he gets healthy and comes back to play at some point down the stretch (11:50)? Lee's giddy over the offensive line and its potential (17:50). Alex Grinch as a head coach? That was a thing this week and Lee goes over why he doesn't think Lincoln Riley is leaving Norman anytime soon (21:40). How has...2019-10-231h 41
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 140 - OU's Defense Should Really Shut Down West Virginia. Weird.In the opening take, Grant explains that like it or not -- OU's defense now has expectations. Then Lee joins immediately as we discuss the news that Austin Kendall is going to start Saturday against the Sooners before discussing the eery similarities between this game and the 2017 home game vs. Iowa State (2:00). We go through some offensive news and notes of the week including Grant Calcaterra's status, Adrian Ealy and Erik Swenson looking good, Trey Sermon's role vs. Texas (7:00). Defensive news and notes include Roy Manning's impact on the corners, the lack of takeaways, Lincoln Riley not overreacting to defensive...2019-10-181h 22
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 138 - While Texas Talks, Jalen Hurts Isn't Saying Anything (Part 2)In the opening take (of part 2), Grant lays out how OU has fallen short of expectations way too many times in the Red River Rivalry. Then Lee joins to go over the injury situation in this game, beginning with Texas who's expected to have a decent amount of guys go Saturday (7:10). Grant gets a chance to comment on Adrian Ealy and Erik Swenson's health before Lee has some good news/bad news when it comes to this scenario (10:15). Texas has a good, efficient offense and it's all because Sam Ehlinger is having a career year (16:15). What scares us the most...2019-10-111h 37
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 130 - Young Sooners Shine in Rout of South DakotaIn the opening take, Grant explains why he was underwhelmed by OU's performance Saturday night against South Dakota. Then Lee joins to quickly point out which offensive player stood out most in the win (5:00)? Is Jalen Hurts a robot sent from the future to win the Sooners a national championship (6:40)? Lincoln Riley gives his thoughts on Hurts' Saturday performance and Lee saw a play that provides further evidence that Hurts still has a lot of room to grow as a passer (8:50). Marquis Hays was out Saturday, which meant RJ Proctor started at LG and Erik Swenson started at LT. Grant...2019-09-0952 min
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 126 - Rejoice! The 2019 Big Season Preview is HereIn the opening take, Grant essentially crosses off two teams from the list of 2019 contenders. Then Lee joins and makes the mistake of asking Grant about the Miami-Florida game (3:45). We begin with predicting who will be the 3rd running back behind Kennedy Brooks and Trey Sermon -- even though Grant didn't understand the question (7:15). We both think CeeDee Lamb is going to be the top WR, so we predict which true freshman pass catcher will have the most impact (10:55)? Grant takes a flyer on who's going to lead the Sooners in tackles this season (15:05). Who's going to have the most...2019-08-261h 41
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 125 - Hurts is QB1, But The Defense is More InterestingIn the opening take, Lee believes Baker Mayfield is one of the most authentic athletes in the world right now and Mayfield was just staying on brand in the recent GQ article. Those that are new to the show will enjoy this announcement (7:10). Then Grant joins to talk about one year of being married and that time he recorded a podcast from Greece (7:45). Jalen Hurts is your starting QB for Week 1 and we make quick predictions on how many touchdowns he'll account for in 2019 (9:00). Tanner Mordecai is the backup, although Lee thinks Spencer Rattler will eventually be the true backup...2019-08-211h 22
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 114 - A Shocking Point Spread and Ranking Head CoachesIn the opening take, Grant takes a stroll down memory lane and revisits a game from 2017. Then Lee joins to describe his night covering OU softball as the Sooners fell in the WCWS (5:30). The Golden Nugget in Vegas has released a crazy spread for the OU-Houston game (9:25). Grant was scared for Jalen Redmond after reading a recent story from the Norman Transcript (17:50). The guys respond to a listener email asking about the true freshmen who recently arrived in Norman. Grant's got thoughts on a handful of players, while Lee provides evidence backing up the futility of Wichita area football (25:50). Grant...2019-06-061h 16
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 112 - It's Late May, So Let's Predict the Week 1 Depth ChartIn the opening take, Grant waxes poetic about the old school NCAA Football video game and the potential of the franchise making a return. Then Lee joins to predict the the 2019 Oklahoma 2-deep beginning with the easy positions on the offense (9:30). Moving to the offensive line where we predict the starters and reserves from right to left (15:30). Where does Michael Thompson fit in on the offensive line? And could he switch back to defense (26:00)? There's a ton of talent at wide receiver, but who's going to start alongside CeeDee Lamb and Grant Calcaterra (30:45)? Moving over to the defense, beginning with...2019-05-221h 54
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 103 - Top 5 Players to Watch in Grinch's DefenseIn the opening take, Grant explains why he was intrigued by a recent tweet thread by former Sooner Orlando Brown. Then Lee joins to reminisce about OU being double-digit underdogs to FSU in the 2001 Orange Bowl which leads to a brief talk about past spreads in national championship games (6:30). The guys countdown their top 5 defensive players they're most looking forward to seeing play in the new Alex Grinch scheme, beginning with a linebacker (15:20). Grant has a pair of DBs listed at No. 4 and No. 3 on his list (25:15). Lee's No. 4 player was an incredibly polarizing member of the 2018 Sooners' defense (31:35). Lee's...2019-02-271h 25
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 101 - Caleb Kelly's Perfect Fit in Grinch's "Speed D"In the opening take, Grant is all over the place because he's so distraught that there's no football for a very long time. Then Lee joins to remind the listeners that this podcast will not touch on traditional National Signing Day, although Grant provides predictions on who he thinks will sign with the Sooners (8:40). Is Kenneth Murray the linebacker who will benefit most from the defensive coaching changes? Or is it Caleb Kelly (11:00)? Judging by Alex Grinch's history at Wazzu, there may be an obvious 2019 position for Kelly (17:20). The middle linebacker under Grinch at Wazzu constantly made a lot of...2019-02-061h 33
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 99 - Kendall Transfers and Grant's Mad at the Media CoverageIn the opening take, Grant explains the Sooners are fortunate to get Jalen Hurts for the 2019 season. Then Lee joins and triggers Grant right off the bat with OU's 2007 loss to Texas Tech (6:00). We move on to more pressing topics like Austin Kendall's transfer from OU. Lee establishes a timeline of events. Lincoln Riley told Kendall to enter the portal, so what does that mean (9:00)? Lincoln Riley tells his side of the story in regards to blocking Kendall's immediate eligibility at WVU (21:50). Lee's thoughts on this story have evolved over the past week (26:00). Grant points out this story is incredibly...2019-01-211h 41
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 96 - Slow Start Sinks the Sooners in South BeachIn the opening take, Lee congratulates Alabama on a job well done (sort of). Then Grant joins to discuss his feelings after OU's Orange Bowl loss (5:30). OU's slow start was certainly not expected (7:20). Lee thinks you're an idiot if you second guessed Lincoln Riley's decsion to defer and he's annoyed by other Twitter takes (10:00). Marquise Brown had a horrible night and we feel terrible for him (13:00). Alabama's offense was able to do whatever it wanted (14:35) and Tua Tagovailoa was perfectly fine and played awesome (16:15). The guys argue over what a catch is and it's probably boring podcasting (18:25). As soon as...2018-12-301h 25
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 83 - Everything is Terrible. (And OU Should Win Bedlam)In the opening take, Grant says this college football season has been pretty terrible -- and he's got plenty of evidence. Then Lee joins to talk about Grant's opening take and read a couple listener thoughts on the state of the 2018 college football season (6:35). A listener pointed out that it looked like Cody Ford got spit on during the Tech game, which prompted that punch (13:30). We wonder if Bookie will play this Saturday (18:30)? OSU's offense has been incredibly inconsistent this season, but if OU's game plan is similar to Tech it play right into OSU's hands (20:35). Grant explains how he'd...2018-11-081h 31
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 82 - OU Wins a Garbage Football Game in LubbockIn the opening take, Lee realized something Saturday evening while watching college football. Then Grant joins to talk about the biggest headlines from OU's win over Texas Tech and it seems that Grant is more optimistic than Lee (4:00). Kyler Murray's bizarre early interceptions put the defense in horrible spots (11:30). OU's defensive line was tremendous against Tech and Lee thinks the DL is now the strength of the Sooners' defense (14:30). Grant says nothing has changed for OU as far as the Sooners outlook on the season (20:00), but Lee is just disappointed in the defensive game plan (21:50). Grant wants to talk offense...2018-11-051h 13
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 72 - Will OU's Defense Have the Last Laugh Saturday?In the opening take, Grant's really let that OU-Army game get to his head and he's got no idea what kind of defense the Sooners will play this Saturday. Then Lee joins to push back against Grant's opening take (5:55). Looking back at the 2017 debacle in Waco where OU's defense got lit up by a QB who's currently flipping burgers (10:15). Charlie Brewer looks like he's taken over the starting QB job for Baylor and his arm strength is not great - but he's got above average accuracy (15:35). Baylor's got some talented skill players -- but man, the Bears struggle to run...2018-09-271h 26
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 71 - Seriously, This OU Defense is Super FrustratingIn the opening take, Lee tells you what he was thinking the second Parnell Motley intercepted that final pass in overtime. Then Grant joins to talk about that weird game against Army where the Sooners clearly showed that they weren't prepared to defend the triple option (3:00). Lee explains why OU could not get Army's offense off the field (9:10). Grant thinks OU went into this game just trying to "get by" and that's really frustrating (13:15). Lee doesn't think OU's players truly understood their assignments for defending the option, and Grant makes it clear that OU should have been more aggressive defensively (16:15...2018-09-241h 11
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 70 - Lee's Got Something to SayIn the opening take, Grant puts into perspective the superb start by Kyler Murray. Then Lee joins to explain his strategy to covering OU football while also providing honest content to the listeners (7:45). Lee looks back at a pair of plays from the Iowa State game that he got wrong -- and also correct (17:15). Army and OU haven't played since the 60's and the last time the two teams played the Sooners used a revolutionary trick play to win the game (20:10). Getting into Army's option offense going against OU's defense (26:20). There's not much to say about OU's offense against Army's...2018-09-201h 17
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 69 - OU's Defense Has Us Questioning Everything. Again.In the opening take, Lee takes issue with a bizarre comment from Joel Klatt and recommends that people stop living in the moment so much. Then Grant joins to give the people what they want, which is a discussion about OU's defensive shortcomings against Iowa State on Saturday. Should we be thinking "here we go again" (8:20)? After a lot of negative stuff, Grant brings some perspective and adds positive spin to the defense (21:00). A particular play in the 3rd quarter really annoyed Lee because it was a blown coverage on what should have been a very simple read (27:25). Grant is...2018-09-171h 18
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 64 - Beware of the OwlsIn the opening take, Grant has an important message for Sooners fans who are taking FAU lightly. Then Lee joins to get an update on Grant's European honeymoon (5:30). We're recording Tuesday, so at this time there still isn't an OU depth chart. Will the Sooners even release one (9:20)? Covering the rest of the news and notes from Lincoln Riley's Monday presser including Justin Broiles being a student of the game and one depth chart question has already been answered (13:30). Is FAU really a top 20-25 team in the nation (20:35)? FAU has a new offensive coordinator and some key pieces returning...2018-08-301h 34
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 63 - It's Finally Game Week. Let's Make Some Predictions**BIG SEASON PREVIEW PODCAST** In the opening take, Lee provides a primer on what to expect from this episode. Then Grant joins to reminisce about some of last year's predictions (3:00) before jumping into the individual player predictions beginning with OU's leading receiver in 2018 (5:30). The guys play it safe with their prediction for OU's leading tackler (9:30). It's difficult to predict OU's sacks leader (11:35). Predicting OU's most important offensive player (16:30). Kenneth Murray is discussed quite a bit as the guys predict the most important defensive player (20:40). Lee picks a RS-Freshman and Grant takes an unusual route when talking about OU's sleeper offensive...2018-08-271h 29
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 60 - We've Got Theories on Kyler Murray and Trey SermonIn the opening take, Grant outlines the main position battles you need to pay attention to at Sooners fall camp. Then Lee joins to talk about Nate Hybl and the 2002 Big 12 Champoinship game (8:55). Kyler Murray and Lincoln Riley don't seem to be on the same page as Murray's agent (11:55). Lee has a possibly crazy theory as to why OU is not publicly saying this is Murray's final year playing football (19:15). Starrland Baldwin will miss the season (23:00). Rodney Anderson and a couple other notable players were limited Monday at practice, but this doesn't seem to be a big deal (25:10). Lee was...2018-08-0850 min
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 59 - Early Position Battles and Playoff PredictionsIn the opening take, Lee has an update on the OU secondary position battles heading into fall camp and brings up one question that hasn't fully been answered yet. Then, Grant joins to talk briefly about Baker Mayfield's positive training camp so far with the Browns (6:10). Grant describes an unfortunate story that dominated OU's "ChampU BBQ" over the weekend (9:50). Shifting back to the Sooners' secondary as Lee explains why he's not thrilled about the idea of a base Nickel defense. Grant tells us how a Nickel defense could be a good thing (18:30). Grant is puzzled by the strong safety position...2018-08-011h 28
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 57 - There's Something About Kenneth MurrayIn the opening take, Lee talks about the most interesting thing he heard while attending Big 12 Football Media Days at the Star in Frisco. Then Grant joins to explain why we didn't use a DeMarco Murray play in the intro (5:00). Shifting to the OU QB competition. Lee has a theory that Austin Kendall may actually be the best person to start for the Sooners (8:15). Grant buys Lee some time while he pulls up Riley's soundbite about offensive leadership (21:10). Grant is worried that Jonathan Alvarez is mentioned among the offensive line (24:00). Is it troublesome that Riley did not mention Bobby Evans...2018-07-201h 44
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 40 - Kyler Murray is Making a Smart DecisionIn the opening take, Grant lays out a scenario where college football may be finally seeping into the NFL. Then Lee joins to talk about National Signing Day (one day early), Kyler Murray's decision to continue playing baseball, and six Sooners are invited to the NFL Combine. Plus we discuss the struggling OU basketball team and Lee's 11-year streak of picking the Super Bowl incorrectly is over! Also, which commercials were actually good -- and which ads kinda sucked? Join us, will you?
Email the Show: westofeverest@gmail.com
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Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonNews9
Follow...2018-02-071h 16
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 36 - Goodbye College FootballGrant says goodbye to college football in the opening take. Then Lee joins to ask Grant about the trio of recruits OU just got commitments from. The guys touch on Brown, Andrews, and Lampkin all declaring for the draft. Plus we look back at all of our preseason predictions -- what was right? What was wrong? Here's to hoping the offseason doesn't last too long.
Email the show: westofeverest@gmail.com
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Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25
4:10 Lee corrects a mistake from the last episode
5:10 Grant briefs us on the three big defensive recruits who recently...2018-01-101h 22
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 35 - Gut Punch in PasadenaIn the opening take, Lee explains the importance of trusting yourself. Then, Grant joins to tell us all what it was like to be at the Rose Bowl Game. We know you may not want to talk about this game, but we think this podcast can provide clarity and hopefully be a little therapeutic. That was an amazing first half, huh? Who's to blame for the loss? What's up with the squib kick? Didn't we expect the defense to play poorly? How awesome was Steven Parker's scoop 'n score?
What was up with some of those late game play calls...2018-01-051h 43
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 33 - Merry Christmas! We're One Week From OU-Georgia.In the opening take, Lee outlines the worst possible scenario for the Rose Bowl. Then Grant joins to criticize the early National Signing Day. Lee talked to Dru Samia, Will Johnson, and Emmanuel Beal last week and got their thoughts on Georgia. Plus the guys break down both UGA-Auburn games, "Film Time w/Lee", and bowl picks. What a show.
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**NOTE: At the 1:05:00 mark Grant's audio goes out. He's making a super hot take about how UGA's defensive line is in the middle of the pack. Just skip ahead a few seconds. We apologize...2017-12-251h 27
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 32 - A Shocking Georgia Stat Provides Hope for OU's OffenseIn the opening take, Grant explains what he's thankful for this time of the year and wishes all the listeners happy holidays. Then Lee joins to talk a little about Early Signing Day. The guys offer thoughts on UGA-Notre Dame and UGA-Mississippi State, plus Grant has an astonishing stat about the Georgia defensive line. Also, "Film Time w/Lee" breaks down an OU play that could present UGA's defense with problems in the Rose Bowl.
Email the show: westofeverest@gmail.com
5:15 Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt will be bummed they can’t call the Rose Bowl
6:20 Lee has a follow up...2017-12-201h 23
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 31 - How Good is Georgia's Offense? Depends on Who You AskIn the opening take, Lee congratulates Baker Mayfield before reminding us all what truly matters this time of the year -- a National Championship. Then Grant joins to argue with Lee about Georgia's offensive effectiveness, Lee breaks down what he saw in the UGA-Missouri game from October, the guys answer a "Listener Question" and then pick some of the early bowl games.
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4:50 What is the most listened to episode of “West of Everest?”
7:15 which cities listen to the podcast the most? Only one city in the Top 5 is outside of Oklahoma
9:30 outside of the USA...2017-12-131h 19
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 30 - Awards Season Gets SeriousIn the opening take, Grant touches on the long layoff between the Big 12 Championship and the Rose Bowl. Then Lee joins to discuss the Rodney Anderson situation, awards season, and updated early thoughts on the matchup with Georgia. Plus, Grant calls Lee a homer.
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1:00 Rodney Anderson has been accused of rape, and Anderson has publicly defended himself.
7:00 Baker Mayfield is going to win the Heisman this Saturday
13:25 Lee isn’t an awards guy, he’s more interested in winning the National Championship
15:50 Mark Andrews is the first OU player to ever win the Mackie Awar...2017-12-0734 min
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 29 - After Another Big Win, the Sooners Come Up RosesIn the opening take, Lee hones in on the Sooners' defensive efforts in their biggest games of the season -- and why that's useful now. Then Grant joins to talk about OU's dominating Big 12 Championship win. After that Grant disagrees with the Playoff Committee, Lee yells at everybody who's in charge of the Playoff in general, and we answer a listener question.
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2:00 Grant’s Big 12 Championship prediction was pretty much spot on
4:15 Caleb Kelly and the Sooners “D” set the tone from the very beginning
6:10 Lee liked what Mike Stoops said after the win over T...2017-12-041h 02
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 24 - The Committee Really Botched This OneIn the opening take, Grant explains that a lot of the top teams in college football are flawed -- which could benefit the Sooners. Then Lee joins in to talk about what we want to see in the OU-KU game. Plus the guys seriously question the latest CFP rankings (Grant is not happy).
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4:20 for some reason Grant remembers a lot about the 2009 OU-Kansas games
6:50 KU’s defensive line is actually pretty good — which is weird because the Jayhawks defense is terrible overall
9:05 KU has some defensive players with insane numbers this season — yet the Jayhaw...2017-11-161h 13
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 23 - Stunned By How Easy That Win WasIn the opening take, Lee praises the Sooners for their workmanlike effort on a day where some of the best teams in college football went down. Then Grant joins in to talk atmosphere at Owen Field and the ease with which OU moved the football against one of the best defenses in the nation. Plus Lee breaks down a little film, and how about all those freshmen starting on the Sooners defense?!
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3:00 Lee was at the OU-TCU game, so the guys talk about the atmosphere at Owen Field Saturday night.
4:05 comparing and contrasting the 2008...2017-11-1356 min
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 22 - The Best Player in Program History Just Called You OutIn the opening take, Grant explains that the OU fan base has a 2008 Texas Tech problem. Then Lee joins to try and make the case that TCU's defense may not be as good as everybody says it is. Plus Grant shares one statistic that heavily favors the Sooners' offense. When we're done predicting what will happen Saturday night in Norman, we provide an updated Top 10 and Week 11 Picks!
Feel free to email the show: westofeverest@gmail.com
3:10 a big “thank you” to all the listeners
5:50 is the TCU defense the best defense OU will have faced so far this season?
8:00 when...2017-11-091h 10
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 21 - Don't Waste Baker Mayfield's TalentIn the opening take, Lee waxes poetic about the best quarterback and the best offense in college football. Then Grant joins in for a deep exhale after the Sooners Bedlam win. The guys try and fix OU's defense, find a little bit of hope moving forward, and Lee second guesses Lincoln Riley.
3:40 Bedlam was a stressful watch
5:15 OU’s defense is fortunate to have gotten out of that game having allowed only 52 points
6:25 What is wrong with OU’s defense?
9:10 Lee is incredibly frustrated that the defense is scheming to prevent big plays — yet OU gives up a ton of big pl...2017-11-0656 min
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 15 - The Sooners Save Their Season. For Now.Lee thanks the Sooners for their season-saving win over Texas in his opening take. Then Grant joins in to praise the OU defense. We try not to critique the officiating too much -- and then we talk about the refs for, like, 15 minutes. Plus, Sooners' fans are absolutely spoiled by Baker Mayfield.
4:30 Grant says the OU defense played fantastic against Texas
6:00 The Sooners allowed just 55 yards on the first 5 Texas possessions
7:00 OU addressed issues from Iowa State
7:45 The Sooners were in man coverage basically the entire game, but Lee highlights a play where OU caused havoc by simply rushing 3 and...2017-10-1653 min
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 14 - This Game is Impossible to PredictGrant relives his history with the OU-Texas game, then Lee joins in to take a victory lap because he was 100 percent correct about Jordan Thomas's play against Iowa State. After that the guys say which injured player they hope plays for OU, discuss what will happen on Saturday, and finally unveil the updated Top 10 plus Week 7 picks.
6:30 Grant explains in detail why he absolutely loves the DeMarco Murray long TD run against Texas in 2007
8:40 why OU-Texas is so unique and one of a kind
10:10 Lincoln Riley says no defensive coaching changes are on the table
11:00 On Monday, Riley confirmed pretty...2017-10-121h 11
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 13 - In Defense of Jordan Thomas...Lee's opening take reminds everybody that things aren't always as they seem. Then Grant joins in for a deep dive into OU's stunning loss at home to Iowa State. Jordan Thomas wasn't as bad as everybody is saying, and Grant has all the words that will keep Sooners fans from losing hope.
2:15 Grant wants to burn the all red jerseys
3:30 Grant thinks this was the worst defensive performance he’s seen from an OU team since he’s been watching Sooners football. Lee disagrees.
4:25 Lee thinks ISU’s offense was actually pretty creative on Saturday, but that shouldn’t be an excus...2017-10-091h 03
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 12 - Is OU Properly Prepared for Park?In the opening take, Grant explains why he is happy to see the month of October arrive. Then Lee joins in to talk about the mismatch between OU's offense and ISU's defense, Jacob Park's talent (or lack thereof), and Lee is annoyed that people are critiquing Baker Mayfield's antics. Plus the guys unveil their latest Top 10, explain why Penn State is a fraud, and Grant has a shocking take on Clemson.
4:45 Will OU be more prepared for Iowa State than any other game so far this season?
7:00 OU’s offense vs the Iowa State defense looks like a complete mismatch
9:00 Le...2017-10-051h 06
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 11 - RIP Bye WeekLee is not a fan of the Heisman Trophy, which he explains in the opening take. Then Grant joins in to discuss Baker Mayfield's play following byes, Jeff Badet's progression, recruiting during the regular season, Sam Darnold's bad year, and we try and figure out why Penn State is getting so much love?
5:25 We give Washington State some love (kind of) by explaining why Antonio Perkins was featured in the show intro.
7:00 We try something different since this is the first Monday show in a while without an OU game to recap.
8:30 Lincoln Riley gives his thoughts on how he...2017-10-0244 min
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 10 - Bye Weeks and Blasting Tom HermanIn his opening take, Grant shows scorn for the bye week. Then Lee joins in to find out how many of the guys' preseason predictions look terrible at the 1/3 mark of the year. Plus Lee calls out Tom Herman, a brand new Top 10, and more!
3:30 Grant reveals that Baylor's offense was not all that successful against OU last Saturday
5:50 Lincoln Riley expects Will Johnson to be back for Iowa State. Jordan Thomas is fine. And maybe even Robert Barnes will be good to go against the Cyclones.
8:30 Grant's prediction for who's going to lead OU in rushing this season is...2017-09-2858 min
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 8 - Is Baylor a Terrible Football Team?Grant opens the show by looking back at that debacle of a game between OU and Baylor from 2014 and then explains how a lot has changed in the past 3 years. After that, Lee joins in to find out once and for all whether or not the Bears are a terrible football team. Plus the guys share their updated Top 10!
5:20 Is Baylor a terrible football team? Grant cheats on his answer while Lee provides a concrete response.
7:25 Baylor is actually closer to Texas Tech in quality as opposed to a team like Kansas.
9:15 Baylor's stats are awful on defense, but Lee...2017-09-211h 01
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 7 - OU Comes Out Flat, Still Topples TulaneLee opens the show hat in hand with the admission that he was wrong about Tulane. Then Grant joins in to comment on whether we should be concerned about the OU defense, worried about Baker Mayfield's arm, and why not talking about CeeDee Lamb is actually a complement.
4:30 Should we be concerned that OU's defense started slow against Tulane?
6:35 Grant is slightly concerned because of the way Tulane's offense attacked OU's defense
7:55 Lee noticed that OU's defense performed well on the very first play of the game -- except for one player
9:10 OU's defense struggled early on simply because the...2017-09-1852 min
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 6 - Talking Tulane and Top 10 TeamsGrant tackles the national perception of this current OU football team in the opening take. Then Lee joins in to talk Baker Mayfield, the most surprising things we've seen from OU in the first 2 weeks, Tulane compared to UTEP, and we unveil our first Top 10 of the season!
5:05 Lee explains why Josh Heupel and Jarrail Jackson were featured in this episode's intro
5:45 Additional thoughts on OU-Ohio State
7:10 Lee shines the spotlight on DJ Ward's performance against Ohio State
7:50 Mike Stoops praises the media for helping OU in the Sooners preparation for the Buckeyes
10:30 Baker Mayfield and the flag. (sigh)
11:35 Lee...2017-09-1458 min
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 5 - OU Leaves No Doubt in ColumbusAfter OU takes Ohio State to the woodshed on national television, Lee opens the show by explaining that the Sooners are legitimate National Championship contenders for the first time in years. Then Grant joins in to discuss anything and everything OU-Ohio State.
6:10 What does OU's win over Ohio State mean for the Sooners moving forward this season?
7:05 Saturday was not as close as the score suggested.
8:10 We are fortunate to have a chance to watch Baker Mayfield and Lincoln Riley.
8:45 Lee is happy that it looks like the entirety of OU's season will actually matter.
9:40 Lee thinks college football is...2017-09-1158 min
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 4 - Ohio State is Really Good. But Can OU Win?Grant revisits the last time OU played a top 5 team on the road in his opening take. Then Lee joins in to discuss what to expect from Saturday's matchup in Columbus.
4:00 Grant can't believe "The Kick" happened 40 years ago
5:10 Grant's thoughts on OU-Ohio State BEFORE he watched the IU-OSU film
5:55 Lee's initial thoughts on OU-Ohio State BEFORE he watched IU-OSU film
6:20 Both Lee and Grant had different feelings about Saturday's game AFTER watching Indiana-Ohio State
7:20 What we saw on film from Ohio State's defense against Indiana last week
8:50 Ohio State's defensive line jumps off the screen at you
10:20 Don't be...2017-09-0750 min
West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football PodcastEp. 3 - OU's Rout of UTEP Leads Lee to Make an Outlandish PredictionAfter spending Saturday on Owen Field watching the Sooners trounce UTEP, Lee decides the current OU offense is pretty good in his opening take. Then, Grant joins in for an in depth discussion on what we saw from the Sooners offense and defense against UTEP.
5:10 Lee explains how he spent his Saturday on Owen Field shooting OU-UTEP
5:35 Grant spent his Saturday on the couch watching football for 12 hours
6:05 Offense talk begins with the stellar performance by Baker Mayfield
7:10 Breaking down the biggest positives that stood out while watching Mayfield play tackle football
8:40 dissecting Mayfield's TD pass to Grant Calcaterra
9:25 Lee...2017-09-0448 min