Welcome back to Stephen A.

Welcome back to Stephen A.

Smithshal right here over the digital airwaves of YouTube and of course iHeartRadio. It's time to get to the twenty twenty four college football season that kicks off this weekend. With a few changes, a number of college football powerhouses have changed conferences this year, resulting in the Power Five Conferences becoming the Power four Conferences. In addition to that, the playoffs have been expanded from four schools to twelve schools, with the postseason lasting one full month. Who better to talk to than my next guest here here is the mouth of the South, the raiding champion as far as I'm concerned when it comes to analysis of college football, the one and only Paul Firebaum is in the house. My pleasure, buddy.

Smithshal right here over the digital airwaves of YouTube and of course iHeartRadio. It's time to get to the twenty twenty four college football season that kicks off this weekend. With a few changes, a number of college football powerhouses have changed conferences this year, resulting in the Power Five Conferences becoming the Power four Conferences. In addition to that, the playoffs have been expanded from four schools to twelve schools, with the postseason lasting one full month. Who better to talk to than my next guest here here is the mouth of the South, the raiding champion as far as I'm concerned when it comes to analysis of college football, the one and only Paul Firebaum is in the house. My pleasure, buddy.

What's going on? Man? How you doing? How you doing? I am doing great. It's such a thrill to be all with Steven. I thank you so much, man, Please the honest all mind.

What's going on? Man? How you doing? How you doing? I am doing great. It's such a thrill to be all with Steven. I thank you so much, man, Please the honest all mind.

Although you and I have gotten into it a little bit over the last few meets with the blasphemy coming out of your mouth, I mean I couldn't believe it. Almost had a heart attack, almost faded, I said. I'm in great health. I'm feeling great. I'm in the best shape I've been in the nearly thirty years. And then Paul Farnbaum almost sent me to my grave because in a world where we're looking at the top twelve schools, you're talking about twelves, were not a fourteen playoff, a twelve team playoff. You actually indicated it's a possibility that Alabama wouldn't even qualify.

Although you and I have gotten into it a little bit over the last few meets with the blasphemy coming out of your mouth, I mean I couldn't believe it. Almost had a heart attack, almost faded, I said. I'm in great health. I'm feeling great. I'm in the best shape I've been in the nearly thirty years. And then Paul Farnbaum almost sent me to my grave because in a world where we're looking at the top twelve schools, you're talking about twelves, were not a fourteen playoff, a twelve team playoff. You actually indicated it's a possibility that Alabama wouldn't even qualify.

I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe you said it.

I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe you said it.

I'm gonna give you an opportunity to correct the error of your ways, Paul Firebaumb, and tell the world that something was wrong with you that.

I'm gonna give you an opportunity to correct the error of your ways, Paul Firebaumb, and tell the world that something was wrong with you that.

Day, that you did not mean what you said. The only thing wrong that day, Stephen A. Smith, was your hearing because I said there was a possibility. I didn't declare Alabama again. In fact, I think they will make the playoff right on the cut line. But your reaction and I don't know what your health is, and I'm not asking for your your your your private physician to show me your latest physical, but I think it's time for you to go back and see the funny guy with the hat, because you, I mean, I have really have ever seen you melt down like that over something as trivial as Alabama possibly missing the playoffs. Steven eight, Your buddy Nick Saban is working at ESPN now he's no longer the coach, And if you don't understand what that means, then you need to come down here to the South and I'll give you a tutorial. Well, what about Kaitlyn de Boy? Everybody's was raving about the man.

Day, that you did not mean what you said. The only thing wrong that day, Stephen A. Smith, was your hearing because I said there was a possibility. I didn't declare Alabama again. In fact, I think they will make the playoff right on the cut line. But your reaction and I don't know what your health is, and I'm not asking for your your your your private physician to show me your latest physical, but I think it's time for you to go back and see the funny guy with the hat, because you, I mean, I have really have ever seen you melt down like that over something as trivial as Alabama possibly missing the playoffs. Steven eight, Your buddy Nick Saban is working at ESPN now he's no longer the coach, And if you don't understand what that means, then you need to come down here to the South and I'll give you a tutorial. Well, what about Kaitlyn de Boy? Everybody's was raving about the man.

The man is twenty five and thirteen over the last over the last twenty five and three, I'm sorry, over the last two years. He was in the National Championship game last year. Okay, he's one ninety percent of his games as a head coach, all right, no matter where he's been included three national titles on the Division two level before he arrived and watched him. He's a back. He's a two Tome PAC twelve Coach of the Year. This dude has no slouch, now, Paul five bop. I mean he's got a pretty damn good resume.

The man is twenty five and thirteen over the last over the last twenty five and three, I'm sorry, over the last two years. He was in the National Championship game last year. Okay, he's one ninety percent of his games as a head coach, all right, no matter where he's been included three national titles on the Division two level before he arrived and watched him. He's a back. He's a two Tome PAC twelve Coach of the Year. This dude has no slouch, now, Paul five bop. I mean he's got a pretty damn good resume.

Well he does. He wouldn't have gone the job with that all that, but that doesn't mean anything. Steven. I've covered Alabama a long time, as you know, do you realize and I hate to give you trivia quick questions here, But every coach at Alabama since Bear Bryant retired he retired in nineteen eighty two. Do you realize every coach at Alabama in his first year has lost four games or more. What I'm saying is that in a difficult transition, it's not like taking over in certain places. There's so much pressure. And this is a guy that has a schedule. I'm not saying he's going to lose four games, but he could lose three, and three would knock him out of the playoffs. And it's not that far fetch. And I'll tell you what. He has a road game against Michigan the third week of the season. I think they'll win that game, but it's tricky. And then he's got Georgia at home. I don't care about the record last year, the year before against Georgia. Georgia has a better team than Alabama. He goes on the road to Knoxville, Tennessee, LSU and bat Rouge in Norman, Oklahoma. It's not far fetched to think he can lose a couple of games. He's also got Missouri at home. Steven A, this is not a lock. This is not saying Nick Saban is going to be in the playoffs like he was almost every year of his tenure at Alabama. This is a completely different situation.

Well he does. He wouldn't have gone the job with that all that, but that doesn't mean anything. Steven. I've covered Alabama a long time, as you know, do you realize and I hate to give you trivia quick questions here, But every coach at Alabama since Bear Bryant retired he retired in nineteen eighty two. Do you realize every coach at Alabama in his first year has lost four games or more. What I'm saying is that in a difficult transition, it's not like taking over in certain places. There's so much pressure. And this is a guy that has a schedule. I'm not saying he's going to lose four games, but he could lose three, and three would knock him out of the playoffs. And it's not that far fetch. And I'll tell you what. He has a road game against Michigan the third week of the season. I think they'll win that game, but it's tricky. And then he's got Georgia at home. I don't care about the record last year, the year before against Georgia. Georgia has a better team than Alabama. He goes on the road to Knoxville, Tennessee, LSU and bat Rouge in Norman, Oklahoma. It's not far fetched to think he can lose a couple of games. He's also got Missouri at home. Steven A, this is not a lock. This is not saying Nick Saban is going to be in the playoffs like he was almost every year of his tenure at Alabama. This is a completely different situation.

I love how you bring up the fact that Nick Saban is no longer there, and obviously those are huge shoes to fill and as a result that can be an impediment to the success of Alabama. But you just you just shove aside. You know, when you talk about Michigan, you say you think they'll win that game. Jim Hobball is no longer this Ron Moore. I mean, we we assume he can coach and what have you, but we don't know what he could do. When we talk about the reigning defending national champion Michigan Wolverines, what are your expectations for them for this upcoming season light of the fact that Abba was no longer there.

I love how you bring up the fact that Nick Saban is no longer there, and obviously those are huge shoes to fill and as a result that can be an impediment to the success of Alabama. But you just you just shove aside. You know, when you talk about Michigan, you say you think they'll win that game. Jim Hobball is no longer this Ron Moore. I mean, we we assume he can coach and what have you, but we don't know what he could do. When we talk about the reigning defending national champion Michigan Wolverines, what are your expectations for them for this upcoming season light of the fact that Abba was no longer there.

Hey, let me carry right. So, but I think Alibam's playing at Wisconsin, not Michigan. So I'm glad. I'm glad you brought Rishkin up. I think Michigan is a really good Team's real more did a good job last year. I mean, I I wasn't crazy about some of the things he said that all the Kumbai eye about Jim Harbough, but he got the job.

Hey, let me carry right. So, but I think Alibam's playing at Wisconsin, not Michigan. So I'm glad. I'm glad you brought Rishkin up. I think Michigan is a really good Team's real more did a good job last year. I mean, I I wasn't crazy about some of the things he said that all the Kumbai eye about Jim Harbough, but he got the job.

And the crying and the crying, well, let's not forget the crying. I didn't understand all that crying after they wanted to get it really annoyed me. We'll go ahead, No I did I mean.

And the crying and the crying, well, let's not forget the crying. I didn't understand all that crying after they wanted to get it really annoyed me. We'll go ahead, No I did I mean.

One hundred were we are one hundred percent agreement? It was too much, But he he won the big games. He survived. Uh, yeah, he had Listen. I think Steven Smith could have coached that team to uh the playoffs last year. Wasn't that difficult considered with talent that Jim Harbaugh at assembled. But uh, their schedule is going to do them in. They have Texas to the second week of the season. Uh, and and they could lose if they lose the Texas game. I think they're gonna they're they're going to be essentially out of the playoffs because they're not going to beat Ohio State for the fourth year in a row. They've got let's see, I think they've got a bunch of other schools like, uh, like Oregon's on that schedule in Washington. Seeing it is a it is a tremendous challenge and it's not that they're gonna they'll take a slight step back. It won't make the playoffs. When you're looking at the top team in the nation. I'm just looking at Ohio State.

One hundred were we are one hundred percent agreement? It was too much, But he he won the big games. He survived. Uh, yeah, he had Listen. I think Steven Smith could have coached that team to uh the playoffs last year. Wasn't that difficult considered with talent that Jim Harbaugh at assembled. But uh, their schedule is going to do them in. They have Texas to the second week of the season. Uh, and and they could lose if they lose the Texas game. I think they're gonna they're they're going to be essentially out of the playoffs because they're not going to beat Ohio State for the fourth year in a row. They've got let's see, I think they've got a bunch of other schools like, uh, like Oregon's on that schedule in Washington. Seeing it is a it is a tremendous challenge and it's not that they're gonna they'll take a slight step back. It won't make the playoffs. When you're looking at the top team in the nation. I'm just looking at Ohio State.

Now.

Now.

They got this kid, Jeremiah Smith that everybody's been raving about having the potential, you know, the best recruit in the.

They got this kid, Jeremiah Smith that everybody's been raving about having the potential, you know, the best recruit in the.

Nation at the position.

Nation at the position.

Obviously, you see about some of the superstar transfers they have available to them. Chip Kelly's their new offensive coordinator. A lot of people are talking about Ohio State and the kind of noise that they're making. But I know I'm talking to the mouth of the South and one of the elite football analysts in America college or pros so, and I know how you feel about Georgia.

Obviously, you see about some of the superstar transfers they have available to them. Chip Kelly's their new offensive coordinator. A lot of people are talking about Ohio State and the kind of noise that they're making. But I know I'm talking to the mouth of the South and one of the elite football analysts in America college or pros so, and I know how you feel about Georgia.

Where is your mindset right now?

Where is your mindset right now?

Because even though they call you the mouth of the South, the fact is you're known for your objectivity. You're gonna call it like you see it. Are you viewing Ohio State as the top team in the nation or are you viewing Georgia in that regard.

Because even though they call you the mouth of the South, the fact is you're known for your objectivity. You're gonna call it like you see it. Are you viewing Ohio State as the top team in the nation or are you viewing Georgia in that regard.

I'm giving Georgia a slight edge. Stephen A.

I'm giving Georgia a slight edge. Stephen A.

I think in.

I think in.

Many ways Ohio State has more talent. I mean, they went on a buying spree last winter, which is now legal in college football, and ended up where just an enormous class. The difference between Georgia and Ohio State is the quarterback position. Will Howard is a transfer over from Kansas State. He is serviceable, he is not elite. Carson Beck is very likely the number one QB that's going to be taken in the draft, and I think that's essential. But I think they'll meet for the national championship. The path of the national championship will be fascinating, though, and what we see today in August is not exactly what we're going to see at the end of the playoffs. The playoff does not end until January twentieth. Last year, the season ended on January eighth. Why am I bringing this up? We have a playoff for the first time that goes on beyond more than more than two games. You could conceivably play four or five games if you don't get the top four seeds, and there's going to be attrition. So how much depth do you have? I think right now Ohio State probably has more depth than Georgia, but I'll still give Georgia the slight edge because of the quarterback position. But now you know what you I got you.

Many ways Ohio State has more talent. I mean, they went on a buying spree last winter, which is now legal in college football, and ended up where just an enormous class. The difference between Georgia and Ohio State is the quarterback position. Will Howard is a transfer over from Kansas State. He is serviceable, he is not elite. Carson Beck is very likely the number one QB that's going to be taken in the draft, and I think that's essential. But I think they'll meet for the national championship. The path of the national championship will be fascinating, though, and what we see today in August is not exactly what we're going to see at the end of the playoffs. The playoff does not end until January twentieth. Last year, the season ended on January eighth. Why am I bringing this up? We have a playoff for the first time that goes on beyond more than more than two games. You could conceivably play four or five games if you don't get the top four seeds, and there's going to be attrition. So how much depth do you have? I think right now Ohio State probably has more depth than Georgia, but I'll still give Georgia the slight edge because of the quarterback position. But now you know what you I got you.

Let's get into a conversation real quick, Paul about the transfer portal.

Let's get into a conversation real quick, Paul about the transfer portal.

Uh.

Uh.

Who do you think one in that regard? How have you felt about the transfer portal? How has affected college football? And who do you think won this offseason?

Who do you think one in that regard? How have you felt about the transfer portal? How has affected college football? And who do you think won this offseason?

Ohio State won? Uh? You know they got the quarterback I mentioned a minute ago. Not only that, they got Judkins from All Miss Uh. He was he was the best running back of the SEC two years ago. He had some issues with Lane Kiffin about playing time, so he found the place that he wanted to go. Uh. He also he got Caleb Downs from Alabama. Uh, Steven that you've been that you know how good. Caleb Bowns would arguably be the best freshman in the country last year. He's a dB for Nick Saban. Uh. He almost went to Georgia. Ohio State figured out a way to get him there. That is valuable. As important as he is for Ohio State in the defensive backfield, he's hurting Alabama by not being there because he could control a game. Uh. That's that's just a couple of players got. They got Alabama center. Uh. They got Julian Sayan, who's not not a well known player. He was Alabama top recruit this incoming season. It was a five star from southern California that Nick Saban worked hard to recruit. He shows up on campus for a couple of weeks and he's gone to Day Saban after Saban Leeds. So I mean they had a monstrous take outside of Ohio State, probably Ole Miss had the best class in the portal and that's why Lane Kiffin's program in Achurch is one of the top five or six teams in the country this year. Kind of surprised.

Ohio State won? Uh? You know they got the quarterback I mentioned a minute ago. Not only that, they got Judkins from All Miss Uh. He was he was the best running back of the SEC two years ago. He had some issues with Lane Kiffin about playing time, so he found the place that he wanted to go. Uh. He also he got Caleb Downs from Alabama. Uh, Steven that you've been that you know how good. Caleb Bowns would arguably be the best freshman in the country last year. He's a dB for Nick Saban. Uh. He almost went to Georgia. Ohio State figured out a way to get him there. That is valuable. As important as he is for Ohio State in the defensive backfield, he's hurting Alabama by not being there because he could control a game. Uh. That's that's just a couple of players got. They got Alabama center. Uh. They got Julian Sayan, who's not not a well known player. He was Alabama top recruit this incoming season. It was a five star from southern California that Nick Saban worked hard to recruit. He shows up on campus for a couple of weeks and he's gone to Day Saban after Saban Leeds. So I mean they had a monstrous take outside of Ohio State, probably Ole Miss had the best class in the portal and that's why Lane Kiffin's program in Achurch is one of the top five or six teams in the country this year. Kind of surprised.

You mentioned about three guys that departed from Alabama the second Saban left and obviously Kaylyn the Boy comes on board. What are we to make of that, if anything at all, Because again, I know you're not saving but in the same breath, you've had your level of success as well, and for players the quality of Downs and others that were willing to depart to go to play for Ryan Day, who's had success but has lost the last three years to Michigan. As it won a national title, one would think you would have given Kaylyn the Boy an opportunity.

You mentioned about three guys that departed from Alabama the second Saban left and obviously Kaylyn the Boy comes on board. What are we to make of that, if anything at all, Because again, I know you're not saving but in the same breath, you've had your level of success as well, and for players the quality of Downs and others that were willing to depart to go to play for Ryan Day, who's had success but has lost the last three years to Michigan. As it won a national title, one would think you would have given Kaylyn the Boy an opportunity.

What do you make of that? The fact that they.

What do you make of that? The fact that they.

Did it well.

Did it well.

Stevid that what happened with Saban announces on a Wednesday that he's leaving. I mean there is shock. The Boor comes in on Friday, and it took him a couple of days to to gather up and and to and to go to at full speed. And in the process, the sharks are out there. You know that. You know the way college football is right now. There's Kirby Smart, there's Ryan Day, there's other coaches, and just a couple of things got lost in the translation. Caleb Downs everybody thought was going to play for Kirby Smart. But but Sayan's the most interesting one. There's a book out next week that says that that Cavin de Boor had a meeting with saying and he and he asks Juan Julian Saying how to spell his name, and the kids said, I'm out of here. Uh. I mean, these are minor things. But Nick Saban would have never made a mistake like that. And I'm not suggesting that that the Boor isn't an elite coach. I think he is. But coaching at Alabama is not like coaching at Washington or at some nai A school. It's a it's a different world. And the sharks that are out there, I mean and literally stealing players off your rusher right now, make the old days of college basketball recruiting really look tame. I mean, it is vicious, and it's also the money is unbelievable. That's that's the reason why Nick Saban retired.

Stevid that what happened with Saban announces on a Wednesday that he's leaving. I mean there is shock. The Boor comes in on Friday, and it took him a couple of days to to gather up and and to and to go to at full speed. And in the process, the sharks are out there. You know that. You know the way college football is right now. There's Kirby Smart, there's Ryan Day, there's other coaches, and just a couple of things got lost in the translation. Caleb Downs everybody thought was going to play for Kirby Smart. But but Sayan's the most interesting one. There's a book out next week that says that that Cavin de Boor had a meeting with saying and he and he asks Juan Julian Saying how to spell his name, and the kids said, I'm out of here. Uh. I mean, these are minor things. But Nick Saban would have never made a mistake like that. And I'm not suggesting that that the Boor isn't an elite coach. I think he is. But coaching at Alabama is not like coaching at Washington or at some nai A school. It's a it's a different world. And the sharks that are out there, I mean and literally stealing players off your rusher right now, make the old days of college basketball recruiting really look tame. I mean, it is vicious, and it's also the money is unbelievable. That's that's the reason why Nick Saban retired.

I mean Nick Saban and I when and we sat in his office, we spoke privately about this. He considered it embezzlement for crime now loud. He said that the game is deteriorated, not the game on the field, but in terms of recruiting, getting talent to your program.

I mean Nick Saban and I when and we sat in his office, we spoke privately about this. He considered it embezzlement for crime now loud. He said that the game is deteriorated, not the game on the field, but in terms of recruiting, getting talent to your program.

Et cetera, et cetera.

Et cetera, et cetera.

He was just really really down on the climate and how it had changed, and indicated that it had played a pivotal role in his willingness to step away from the game of football. Do you see it getting any better or worse in the world of college football?

He was just really really down on the climate and how it had changed, and indicated that it had played a pivotal role in his willingness to step away from the game of football. Do you see it getting any better or worse in the world of college football?

No? And I'm glad you told that story. That that's a very little known story about that conversation you had with him, because he had he did not share information like that with very many people. And I know how much he trusted you. And I mentioned this once on first take, But when you came down and spoke at his to his team a couple of years ago. I'm told by people inside that building, and let me tell you, they had Chris Paul this year. They've had Mike Tyson, They've had Pete Rose, They've had Kobe stephen A. Smith is considered the best speaker ever to a Nick Saban team in Tuscaloosa. So he trusted you. He told you things that he didn't tell a lot of the rest of us. Stephen A, but he couldn't handle it anymore and he didn't need to handle it anymore. He was seventy two years old, he had won seven national championships, he had retired the trophy, so to speak, and he could not deal with it because there were players on the plane ride to Pasadena stephen A for the national semifinal who were hitting up assistant coach. It's about, hey, what am I going to get? It was the season could be. If it's over next week of the week after, I'm thinking about going somewhere else. I mean, that's where these guys are right now. I don't blame them for wanting their money, but if you're seventy two and you've done it all, you don't want to deal with it.

No? And I'm glad you told that story. That that's a very little known story about that conversation you had with him, because he had he did not share information like that with very many people. And I know how much he trusted you. And I mentioned this once on first take, But when you came down and spoke at his to his team a couple of years ago. I'm told by people inside that building, and let me tell you, they had Chris Paul this year. They've had Mike Tyson, They've had Pete Rose, They've had Kobe stephen A. Smith is considered the best speaker ever to a Nick Saban team in Tuscaloosa. So he trusted you. He told you things that he didn't tell a lot of the rest of us. Stephen A, but he couldn't handle it anymore and he didn't need to handle it anymore. He was seventy two years old, he had won seven national championships, he had retired the trophy, so to speak, and he could not deal with it because there were players on the plane ride to Pasadena stephen A for the national semifinal who were hitting up assistant coach. It's about, hey, what am I going to get? It was the season could be. If it's over next week of the week after, I'm thinking about going somewhere else. I mean, that's where these guys are right now. I don't blame them for wanting their money, but if you're seventy two and you've done it all, you don't want to deal with it.

What do you make of the teams that changed conferences. We've got teams in the Big twelve now that when the Pac twelve, and obviously teams in the Big Ten now that wasn't in the Big Ten before. Speak to that and a kind of effect you think that's going to have on a game of college football.

What do you make of the teams that changed conferences. We've got teams in the Big twelve now that when the Pac twelve, and obviously teams in the Big Ten now that wasn't in the Big Ten before. Speak to that and a kind of effect you think that's going to have on a game of college football.

Well, there's a couple of really important ones to keep your eye on. Texas left the Big twelve, the Big Twelve for the SEC. Texas was in the playoffs last year. Another one that really matters is Oregon. Oregon is the top three team in the country this year under under Dan Landing, may have one of the top quarterbacks as well, and Dylan Gabriel. So that's going to really shake up the Big Ten. If you had to say, what's the biggest game of the year in college football this year, it is going to be Ohio State at Oregon and some of some people watching or going, I didn't really even realize Oregon was in the Big Ten. The one that's not making the much of an impact is Southern Cal under Lincoln Riley. They're now in the Big Ten as well. They announced two years ago as opposed to a year or a year later with Oregon and Washington UH and and that that's a program that's that's really in a lot of trouble in the year after cable down. So those are the ones to keep your eye on. Colorado is now in the in the Big twelve from the PAC twelve, so I mean there's mass chaos and think about this, stephen A. Uh. In the ACC this season, they will be playing with SMU, which was in the American last year, and Stanford in California. Stanford and California are now playing on the in the same league with Syracuse, Florida State, North Carolina, and Miami.

Well, there's a couple of really important ones to keep your eye on. Texas left the Big twelve, the Big Twelve for the SEC. Texas was in the playoffs last year. Another one that really matters is Oregon. Oregon is the top three team in the country this year under under Dan Landing, may have one of the top quarterbacks as well, and Dylan Gabriel. So that's going to really shake up the Big Ten. If you had to say, what's the biggest game of the year in college football this year, it is going to be Ohio State at Oregon and some of some people watching or going, I didn't really even realize Oregon was in the Big Ten. The one that's not making the much of an impact is Southern Cal under Lincoln Riley. They're now in the Big Ten as well. They announced two years ago as opposed to a year or a year later with Oregon and Washington UH and and that that's a program that's that's really in a lot of trouble in the year after cable down. So those are the ones to keep your eye on. Colorado is now in the in the Big twelve from the PAC twelve, so I mean there's mass chaos and think about this, stephen A. Uh. In the ACC this season, they will be playing with SMU, which was in the American last year, and Stanford in California. Stanford and California are now playing on the in the same league with Syracuse, Florida State, North Carolina, and Miami.

One of the three reasons I brought you on this show is because I want you to preview tomorrow's game between you know of Florida State and Georgia Tech.

One of the three reasons I brought you on this show is because I want you to preview tomorrow's game between you know of Florida State and Georgia Tech.

I wanted to get in that.

I wanted to get in that.

But before I did any of that, I've got to ask you because you brought up three programs with very prominent names at the head coaching position. Let's start first with USC and Lincoln Riley. You have been unapologetic and very very candid about your feelings about him, and you said he should be on the hot seat and if he doesn't produce this year, he needs to be gone. Speak to why you've been so down on Lincoln Riley and what kind.

But before I did any of that, I've got to ask you because you brought up three programs with very prominent names at the head coaching position. Let's start first with USC and Lincoln Riley. You have been unapologetic and very very candid about your feelings about him, and you said he should be on the hot seat and if he doesn't produce this year, he needs to be gone. Speak to why you've been so down on Lincoln Riley and what kind.

Of of of hope or enthusiasm you could put anybody could potentially have towards him for this upcoming season, because I get the sense that you don't have much full I.

Of of of hope or enthusiasm you could put anybody could potentially have towards him for this upcoming season, because I get the sense that you don't have much full I.

Don't And listen, you have Caleb Williams as your quarterback and you throw away a season because you don't spend enough time on the defensive side of the ball. That's not something new for Lincoln Rally. We all know who his quarterbacks were at Oklahoma. I mean he had Kyler Murray, he had Baker Maconfilt and Jayuen Hurtz and he and he couldn't any and he normally I think one year they were in the they went to overtime of Georgia, but the other two years in the playoffs, they were literally blown out of the entire stadium. Uh. He went out and got another coordinator from UCLA. Things are supposed to be better, but I but I don't believe it. Lincoln Rally, to me is not a top flight coach. I think he has missed his moment. You go back two years ago. There was so much enthusiasm in that program. He owned LA for a very brief time and they were won the Heisman, and they had a great season his first year, but they couldn't sustain it, and I think it will be much more difficult now.

Don't And listen, you have Caleb Williams as your quarterback and you throw away a season because you don't spend enough time on the defensive side of the ball. That's not something new for Lincoln Rally. We all know who his quarterbacks were at Oklahoma. I mean he had Kyler Murray, he had Baker Maconfilt and Jayuen Hurtz and he and he couldn't any and he normally I think one year they were in the they went to overtime of Georgia, but the other two years in the playoffs, they were literally blown out of the entire stadium. Uh. He went out and got another coordinator from UCLA. Things are supposed to be better, but I but I don't believe it. Lincoln Rally, to me is not a top flight coach. I think he has missed his moment. You go back two years ago. There was so much enthusiasm in that program. He owned LA for a very brief time and they were won the Heisman, and they had a great season his first year, but they couldn't sustain it, and I think it will be much more difficult now.

Primetime Deon Sanders University of Colorado did it started off strong three and ozero and then after that they nose dived and obviously won one of their last eight games or what have you, And we know is cluding six straight. And we know that he's been in the news on a lot of occasions over the last a few months. The sizzle has always were prime time, you know. I think that he has the potential to be a great coach. I know he was the one of the he's the greatest quarnback that ever lived. And I think that he's an elite motivator. My wish for him is that he had gotten the Florida State job when he wanted it, before Colorado ever came along, or he had gotten a job at Texas A and M. That would have been my wish for them, and competing in the SEC. I think being in bolder Colorado. I don't like his answers. You know Paul fine Baum, but your thoughts about primetime Deonce Sanders and what that program is going to do well.

Primetime Deon Sanders University of Colorado did it started off strong three and ozero and then after that they nose dived and obviously won one of their last eight games or what have you, And we know is cluding six straight. And we know that he's been in the news on a lot of occasions over the last a few months. The sizzle has always were prime time, you know. I think that he has the potential to be a great coach. I know he was the one of the he's the greatest quarnback that ever lived. And I think that he's an elite motivator. My wish for him is that he had gotten the Florida State job when he wanted it, before Colorado ever came along, or he had gotten a job at Texas A and M. That would have been my wish for them, and competing in the SEC. I think being in bolder Colorado. I don't like his answers. You know Paul fine Baum, but your thoughts about primetime Deonce Sanders and what that program is going to do well.

They owned the college football season last year for about five weeks, and some of it was predicated on upsetting TCU and then beating Nebraska, having people like you, Shannon the Rock, others show up and it just infused so much energy that everybody wanted to watch them. And then when they went off the cliff, people turned away. And I don't think they're turning back this season, steven A, and I think that's going to frustrate coach Prime. I have great respect for him. He's recruited a lot of amazing players. I mean, Travis Hunter might be the best player of the country, but it's not enough, and it just it's the league is easier this year being in the Big twelve, but he's still to be relevant, has to be a playoff contender, and I don't think they are. In the moment that they lose enough games where they're no longer part of the conversation, I think we will all move on to those who matter most. Think that will drive him crazy. I agree with you. You put him in any number of places and he can he can recruit the talent. You can only recruit a limited amount of talent too bolder. So I hope he's patient, But ultimately I think that's a dead end job for him.

They owned the college football season last year for about five weeks, and some of it was predicated on upsetting TCU and then beating Nebraska, having people like you, Shannon the Rock, others show up and it just infused so much energy that everybody wanted to watch them. And then when they went off the cliff, people turned away. And I don't think they're turning back this season, steven A, and I think that's going to frustrate coach Prime. I have great respect for him. He's recruited a lot of amazing players. I mean, Travis Hunter might be the best player of the country, but it's not enough, and it just it's the league is easier this year being in the Big twelve, but he's still to be relevant, has to be a playoff contender, and I don't think they are. In the moment that they lose enough games where they're no longer part of the conversation, I think we will all move on to those who matter most. Think that will drive him crazy. I agree with you. You put him in any number of places and he can he can recruit the talent. You can only recruit a limited amount of talent too bolder. So I hope he's patient, But ultimately I think that's a dead end job for him.

Do you believe that he'll ultimately get a job at a big time program or do you believe that times are going to be so rough that it could ruin his future prospects of getting a job at a big time program.

Do you believe that he'll ultimately get a job at a big time program or do you believe that times are going to be so rough that it could ruin his future prospects of getting a job at a big time program.

I think ads know what he's capable of. Now, some will not hire him. You know that, and I know that. But but there are there are athletic directors out there at good schools who need who need a change agent, who I think will take the chance, by the way, not a chance, make a very smart move. I think there are a lot of places that he could completely turn it, turn it upside down, where he would have a legitimate chance. By the way, Auburn's another school that could have had him two years ago, and they ended up hiring Hugh Freeze, who who was run out of the business eight or nine years ago, or at all miss But somebody, somebody will take a chance on him, and I think they'll be rewarded. I give Colorado credit for trying he's changed that he's made that place at least a conversation, please, but ultimately it's still Colorado and they are never even even with the deon Chanders for to be a significant player in college football.

I think ads know what he's capable of. Now, some will not hire him. You know that, and I know that. But but there are there are athletic directors out there at good schools who need who need a change agent, who I think will take the chance, by the way, not a chance, make a very smart move. I think there are a lot of places that he could completely turn it, turn it upside down, where he would have a legitimate chance. By the way, Auburn's another school that could have had him two years ago, and they ended up hiring Hugh Freeze, who who was run out of the business eight or nine years ago, or at all miss But somebody, somebody will take a chance on him, and I think they'll be rewarded. I give Colorado credit for trying he's changed that he's made that place at least a conversation, please, but ultimately it's still Colorado and they are never even even with the deon Chanders for to be a significant player in college football.

You know, the next person that I'm going to bring up, I'm incredibly fond of. I haven't spoken to him in over a year, but I've always been very, very fond of Dabo. Sweety goes to the national championship for the you know Nashville college football players four or five years won two national championships. Give him a lot of credit where credit is due, no question about it. Over the last several years. The worst season he had was last season where he won nine and four. But I do find myself I can't wait to see him. I got a lot of love for him, but he's old school, and he's somebody that seems very averse to the changing times. Doesn't want to adjust and adapt but so much, and I think that actually may get in the way of any future success he's hoping to have at Clemson. Your thoughts about the one and only Dabbos Sweedey, There was a time when we talked about Saban.

You know, the next person that I'm going to bring up, I'm incredibly fond of. I haven't spoken to him in over a year, but I've always been very, very fond of Dabo. Sweety goes to the national championship for the you know Nashville college football players four or five years won two national championships. Give him a lot of credit where credit is due, no question about it. Over the last several years. The worst season he had was last season where he won nine and four. But I do find myself I can't wait to see him. I got a lot of love for him, but he's old school, and he's somebody that seems very averse to the changing times. Doesn't want to adjust and adapt but so much, and I think that actually may get in the way of any future success he's hoping to have at Clemson. Your thoughts about the one and only Dabbos Sweedey, There was a time when we talked about Saban.

We were talking about him.

We were talking about him.

When we talked about Kirby Smartt, when we talked about obviously Urban Maya. At the time when he was in college football, we still found ourselves talking about Dabbos Sweetey. That isn't the case at this particular moment in time. Your thoughts about the Clemson head coach.

When we talked about Kirby Smartt, when we talked about obviously Urban Maya. At the time when he was in college football, we still found ourselves talking about Dabbos Sweetey. That isn't the case at this particular moment in time. Your thoughts about the Clemson head coach.

It's it's remarkable what he did. He played for four national championships. He beat Nick Saban twice. He was he was in the playoffs a couple more times. But I think I think his term has ended and and he's done it to himself. And one on one hand, stephen A, you have to admire him. He's stuck to his principles. He's he's very old school for a guy that's not that old. But it's hard to be old schooled in an age when players have their hands out and they have no loyalty. And I think he's been burned on that. And you know, he's in a league now where Florida State is probably a little bit better. I think Miami could be better this year, and I think it makes it more complicated for him to return to prominence. It's not impossible to get in the playoffs now. He can do that it's a little bit easier being in a twelve team than it was a four team. But I think the days when we talk about him on a regular basis on shows like yours every morning are over. Paull far Ball. Last question Florida State's open the season.

It's it's remarkable what he did. He played for four national championships. He beat Nick Saban twice. He was he was in the playoffs a couple more times. But I think I think his term has ended and and he's done it to himself. And one on one hand, stephen A, you have to admire him. He's stuck to his principles. He's he's very old school for a guy that's not that old. But it's hard to be old schooled in an age when players have their hands out and they have no loyalty. And I think he's been burned on that. And you know, he's in a league now where Florida State is probably a little bit better. I think Miami could be better this year, and I think it makes it more complicated for him to return to prominence. It's not impossible to get in the playoffs now. He can do that it's a little bit easier being in a twelve team than it was a four team. But I think the days when we talk about him on a regular basis on shows like yours every morning are over. Paull far Ball. Last question Florida State's open the season.

They kicked up college football season against Georgia Tech Saturday afternoon.

They kicked up college football season against Georgia Tech Saturday afternoon.

First Thinks.

First Thinks.

First, your thoughts about Florida State and what happened to them last year when they weren't picked to be in the College Football Playoff one of the four teams. Did you agree with that decision? Do you believe they got screwed over? What were your thoughts about that.

First, your thoughts about Florida State and what happened to them last year when they weren't picked to be in the College Football Playoff one of the four teams. Did you agree with that decision? Do you believe they got screwed over? What were your thoughts about that.

I completely agreed with the decision to leave them out, And by the way, I'm sorry they lost a quarterback, Jordan Travis. That's that's part of football, you know. Had he not been hurt, they probably would have gotten it. But I had I frankly thought the team that they got screwed last year wasn't Florida State. It was Georgia They were better than Florida State. And I'm not trying to use the sixty three to three score in the Orange Ball as a comparison because so many players had already opted out of Florida State, but Alabama was fortunate to get in. But what the reason why Alabama got in is on the biggest stage of the year in college football. They beat the number one team and that's the last thing that committee saw as first. As far as Saturday, uh, I think they'll they'll they'll handle Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech's a good is a good program. They're they're they're they're as sending. They beat Miami last year, they beat some other schools, but but this to me looks like about a two touchdown game. I think Florida State is not is not what they were last year, but they're still pretty good. In fact, I like Miami to win the ACC this year. Wow. Okay, very very last question.

I completely agreed with the decision to leave them out, And by the way, I'm sorry they lost a quarterback, Jordan Travis. That's that's part of football, you know. Had he not been hurt, they probably would have gotten it. But I had I frankly thought the team that they got screwed last year wasn't Florida State. It was Georgia They were better than Florida State. And I'm not trying to use the sixty three to three score in the Orange Ball as a comparison because so many players had already opted out of Florida State, but Alabama was fortunate to get in. But what the reason why Alabama got in is on the biggest stage of the year in college football. They beat the number one team and that's the last thing that committee saw as first. As far as Saturday, uh, I think they'll they'll they'll handle Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech's a good is a good program. They're they're they're they're as sending. They beat Miami last year, they beat some other schools, but but this to me looks like about a two touchdown game. I think Florida State is not is not what they were last year, but they're still pretty good. In fact, I like Miami to win the ACC this year. Wow. Okay, very very last question.

Biggest story in college football this season.

Biggest story in college football this season.

Is what it's the playoffs because steven A, even though we talk about Alabama and post Saban, that will stayed away pretty quickly. But why it's so important is you can now lose an early season game miss You can can lose to Texas, Alabama can drop the Georgia game. At the end of September, Ohio State can go to Oregon in October and it's not over right. I mean, the calculus is that ten and two is probably going to get you in the playoffs. So instead of maybe five or six schools trying for those four spots, you may have twenty schools and even more important than that at the end of the season when things usually start to get pretty stale in college football, and it's all about those three or four schools. Now, we have conversations just like you do in the NFL. Are you in the playoffs? Do you have a first round by do you have home field? College football is now the NFL and stephen A, the NFL sells well in this country.

Is what it's the playoffs because steven A, even though we talk about Alabama and post Saban, that will stayed away pretty quickly. But why it's so important is you can now lose an early season game miss You can can lose to Texas, Alabama can drop the Georgia game. At the end of September, Ohio State can go to Oregon in October and it's not over right. I mean, the calculus is that ten and two is probably going to get you in the playoffs. So instead of maybe five or six schools trying for those four spots, you may have twenty schools and even more important than that at the end of the season when things usually start to get pretty stale in college football, and it's all about those three or four schools. Now, we have conversations just like you do in the NFL. Are you in the playoffs? Do you have a first round by do you have home field? College football is now the NFL and stephen A, the NFL sells well in this country.

One of the best college football and it's one of the best football analysts in America, the one to knowing. Paul Farmball blessed me with his presence. Thanks a lot, buddy, I'll see you soon, man, Thank you so much.

One of the best college football and it's one of the best football analysts in America, the one to knowing. Paul Farmball blessed me with his presence. Thanks a lot, buddy, I'll see you soon, man, Thank you so much.

The pleasure with mine. Thank you. Steven H.

The pleasure with mine. Thank you. Steven H.