18 Burst results for "Kj Jefferson"
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"You've got all of you coming in. Somewhat of a mystery team. They could come out of here with a win and they have Tennessee next week and suddenly they're feeling great about themselves. But auburn, how do you describe that to him? And what is their ceiling here other than bumping their head? It feels like it feels like a crawl space. I mean, if we're putting it in those terms, you never know, they could, it could be in ascendant team. You're hard pressed to point to something that says, okay, because of this cornerstone of our team, we're now going to be able to build towards dot dot dot. I mean, when we talk about just overall competency and you look at teams that say, this is our identity. And identity becomes this kind of vague term. But basically it's, hey, what are we good at? And is it worth being good at? At this? Because whatever it is, you know, if you're great on punt cover, that only takes you so far. You better have something that's pretty significant in regular downs. I don't know what you point to right now. And they don't have components in place currently anyway, or you say, okay, but because we've made this improvement, we know eventually that a couple of weeks from now, we're a few weeks away from competency. Your hard pressed to do that. Part of its, you know, you've got a new face a quarterback, TJ Finley not available a week ago. You gotta win. They also are now down to their third string center. You understand a little bit more about that than we do. And that's evident, right? That's evident. It's a really important position. It's important if you're tempo. It's important for a variety of reasons. You gotta know what you're doing. He's a quarterback of the offensive front, all those things. They weren't great going into the season. They weren't going to be great necessarily they could have improved, but they weren't going to be great in week one or week two. And now you start injecting new faces and especially at center right where you don't have to be. You're not a left tackle. No, but you're also the pivot of the entire offensive front. To be at number three now, far from ideal. And there's a reason why three was at three. So it's not going to help, especially with the meat eaters that are in this conference. There are other conferences where you can survive inside out where maybe there's some guys that can't really hold up. You better be able to hold up, especially guard to guard and that's not to ignore tackles, right? There's great outside rushers. But this conference is capable of. There's so many good outside rushers that on a third and obvious. Now you're outside Russia as you move those guys inside and you bring in fresh outside rushers. And now you're outside guys are over your guards and centers. Good luck. It's an athletic mismatch. And now you're talking about newer faces and different protections that have to be changed on the fly. It's just none of its ideal. There's your understatement of the year. It's just not ideal on the planes right now, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Final question, the game at Arkansas this week, there's no way of knowing how the razorbacks recover from that game. You can pick your poison. We know where Alabama is right now. They're seemingly playing a lot better. They're not playing a lot of great teams. How do you frame this game? Yeah, you know, Arkansas has been more tested, right? And I think partly because Arkansas insists on trying to make things interesting for themselves. They will go out of their way to take a game that maybe they could have controlled and they won't. No one Saturday night. Yeah, we saw one Saturday night, right? We were just sitting there, you're going, that was an unlikely sequence of events and even at the outset, right? We were going KJ Jefferson, who's played really well this season, made good decisions, and you're going, you're on like the 5 yard line. And what are we doing? What's the thought process there? And you know, sometimes guys go into vapor lock, whatever it is. It was a pivot point in the game. It changed the game. I don't know that it's an inflection point for the balance of the season, but boy does it take some of the some of the momentum, some of the powder out of this game, because you think you got an undefeated Arkansas on the heels of a win over a and M, right? And now it's Alabama on the road, not just Alabama, but Alabama on the road, which we've learned and that might change. Maybe they slay that dragon this week is that Alabama on the road, going back to last season, even including this season, is a different team than Alabama at home. I don't know if after what just transpired. Once again, for Arkansas, where they seem to find a way to lose a game that they may be otherwise should. That's not a habit, not nearly the habit that it used to be. Somewhat anomalous now understand Pittman, but it is going to be a challenge for them to bounce back. They are underhanded on defense. Undermanned. And it looks like Alabama's going to get some new faces that receiver. JoJo Earl is supposed to be available. They've been waiting on some guys to come back. Does that change? Do we now see the passing game more unleashed, perhaps? So what used to be what I would have thought was going to be the game. This is the game to point to and preseason. I was like, you know, I think Arkansas might be the team that gets banned this year. If we're going to pick up sets, maybe it's Arkansas, you know, now after last week, you think, maybe it's Tennessee, a couple of weeks from now. So it does kind of take the staying out of that matchup, I think, coming into it for sure. Always great to talk to you. Man, it was fun. One of my favorite moments of the week to talk to a smart. Oh, sure. Analyst. Not just a pretty analyst. Wow. Man, we're just shoveling out compliments. All these Romans and drawings and drawings. I mean, I just like a smart guy in here. Yeah, I don't even use hair products. The guy that played actually played football in the offensive line versus all these other tape in this segment was pretty good. Email it to those guys. Thanks so much. We'll take a short break. We are coming back with a lot more. You are listening to the Paul finebaum show podcast.
AP News Radio
Achane leads No. 23 Texas A&M past No. 10 Arkansas, 23-21
"Devon a chain in damani Richardson each had big touchdowns while number 23 Texas a and M was scoring 23 straight points in a 23 21 triumph over tenth ranked Arkansas A chain rushed for 155 yards in a touchdown And Richardson sprinted the final 82 yards on the wild fumble return The TDs came after the razorbacks took a 14 zero lead Arkansas had a chance to take the lead with one 30 remaining but cam little's 42 yard field goal attempt hit near the top of the right upright and fluttered to the ground KJ Jefferson threw scoring strikes on consecutive drives to give Arkansas a two touchdown lead I'm Dave ferry
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"Could have coming in there, but you know, you got to hope that mystique of the swamp will help them and all that, but it's going to be a tough opener for them for sure. Coach, so many times we'll bring this up with landing and obviously Billy Napier. When you take over a program, as you have many times, what's that first game like? You know your team, but it has to be different, doesn't it? Yeah. I mean, you think you know them, but at the same time, all spring, you're trying to get to know your team, but you're also out raising money and meeting alumni and going to a booster programs to try to get things going and selling tickets and everything. And I think sometimes you don't know enough about your own team and you know a lot more about the alumni. So it's very important that you build that bond with those kids because it's kind of like a divorce. You're taking over somebody else's kids and you really haven't gotten to know them like you need to, but it's very important that you build some chemistry early and you know just the routine things that all of us take for granted the press box communication, the halftime adjustments, all those things. As much as you practice them, it's still not like being in the heat of battle. So it'll be a tough opener for both these coaches. You've made you've been very successful part of national championships at the biggest programs around from your time. At Oklahoma to winning them at Marshall, but in Napier's case, I mean, he's been very successful at a good program, but now he's on a different type of stage. When you made that move to Georgia, what do you feel in that first game? What is it like? Well, I hope he feels better after the game than I did in mine 'cause we got her butt feet by southern mist, but I think it's just really important that you understand that like Billy has he's been to the dance. He's been coaching at Alabama at Arizona state. He knows what big games are all about. And he grew up as a coach's son. So I've always been impressed with Billy. I think you'll do a great job there. And the biggest thing for him is just to articulate the message that he wants to his players and coaches and hope that they can play well under pressure. You know, when you got a quarterback like Richardson that can run and pass and make things happen with his legs, that really helps a new dynamic to your team and I think maybe the receiver cores is down a little bit, but I got two good facts. I look for this team to improve dramatically as the season progresses and it'll be a team that will be really pretty quickly for that Kentucky team right off the bat there in a big conference matchup. I was talking to some Friends of mine this morning in Arkansas coach and that program seems like it's on fire, but there's also the reality of a schedule. Not only Cincinnati, they have a road game in the middle of the season. It BYU and of course, all the usual suspects in the SEC. What are your thoughts on KJ Jefferson and what Sam Pittman has done in Fayetteville? Well, right off the bat, he's done a tremendous job and he's assembled a really good staff and he's picked up some transfers. He actually has two from Georgia that'll be starting for him. Landers and brainy, who are really good players. You know, George has got 8 players in the SCC that have eligibility that are playing for other teams right now. So Burton really good receiver talks laying down at Florida along with kimber. A lot of good players that couldn't play at Georgia are playing for other teams, but I think Sam Pittman really personifies what it means to get that lifetime job. He's been waiting as an assistant coach. He really relates to the people of Arkansas. He just players coach anyhow. I mean, he's always been an O line coach and he's really gotten his kind of tough guy philosophy across those kids and able on some really close games there at Arkansas. It's made the difference in having a bowl team and being a team. It's not that good. But at the same time, the closer you get up to the top of the mountain and everybody gets those expectations, the more the wind blows, you know that ball and certainly starting now a Cincinnati who really has a good team lost some good players to the pros, but I think we can see some hammer and Tom by Arkansas in this game. I think they can line up and get after them with their own game and it'll be a tough task for their first Cincinnati going and when it razorback stadium. Talking to Jim Dodd in the former Georgia coach, I want to ask you about the auburn situation. We had Brian harsen on about an hour ago and he was talking about TJ Finley winning the job, Ashford's there who started out at Hoover, went to Oregon. Calzada clearly was a favored going in. Does that tell you anything about auburn? And I realized the first two weeks are layups, but it gets serious very quickly after that. You got to establish sky there in Finley who's been around the program and knows what wants. It's tough to come in and win the job as a transfer. We saw max Johnson not win the job there at a and M and certainly calzada is probably the only guy in that auburn building that has a win over Alabama. So like you said, he was probably the favorite. But Finley has shown me a lot over the years and he certainly did what they needed to last year in that big win when it looked like it was going to be just a death no type deal against George's day look like the game was over and he came in and saved him. But you know all birds don't Tulsa time right now. They're living on top. I mean, they gotta get something going here now because you know in the coach they're talking about letting them go and March and April and his first year I mean everything he does is going to be scrutinized and he's had a good background.
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"To the Paul finebaum show podcast. And we are back in John is up next in Louisville. Hello, John. Hey, good afternoon, Paul. And I want to talk about John Cale Perry as well as the transfer portal, but I wanted to mention pat Smith. It's always fun when you visit with him because it kind of gives us new people a bit of a genesis of your show. Well, thank you. Yeah, and there's nobody better to go to than him. He is the official historian of the show. Are you since he originated it, but I appreciate you saying that. I thought that was a really sometimes you forget when you're interviewing somebody who's a friend of yours and a partner for many, many years that you're being heard by other people. Yeah, he's one of the building blocks of the show, no doubt. Stars, John Keller. So somewhat, I feel the arrogance just who's this through his part. He reminds me a little bit of Rick Pitino, just cheats a little less. He's a coach. I mean, he's a coach who's not won a national title in ten years and I don't think he's been to the final four in 6 or 7 years, but his job is to coach. It's not to be the athletic director. And I think he was based on this interview with you earlier as well. He's pushing for a new Taj Mahal facility that really is all about nice fancy offices for him and his staff. And oh yeah, we'll add a training facility to it. But he probably makes 9 million years probably has net worth of 50 million be set passionate about a new building, be like Jim Harbaugh. He gave $2 million back to the athletic department. I just think he needs to stay in his own lane. Well, one thing about people like that, John, they forget because they're so used to bullying their way and getting their way. And manipulating their way that going public with that, at this moment in time is the wrong thing to do. Anyone who's in business knows what the last quarter looked like or the earnings report and it was the wrong time to do it. And he's now paying for that. Yeah, with the budgets being what they are. You had an interview with pat coats, not pay codes, Andrew coats. Yeah. Last week, I believe it was. And he talked about the importance of making changes to the transfer portal. And then I recall sometime in the last month or two, there was a proposal for limiting the transfer portal to say two openings a year. And it was going to come up for a vote. So my question is, is that still coming up for a vote? And when would it kick in the new rules? Yeah, John, it was supposed to come up and it has not. So I don't know exactly what has gone into the labor. But that's the one thing and talking to senator tuberville and talking to coach and talking to other people that almost is uniform that the transfer portal is the bigger issue here. Let's check in with Andy, who is in Kentucky. Hey Andy. Hey, Paul, how are you doing? Very well. Thank you. Okay, how about to talk about the John Tyler Perry thing? I do not condone what he said I do agree that we are a basketball school hysterical historically. But there is no reason for what he said. John calipari's problem is he lets his mouth get the best of them at times. But I do not agree with you saying the other day that you think Kentucky would be better off with another coach other than John calico like somebody like a million Donovan who would not even come. He turned the job down twice. I don't think they're coaching out there. That we would want more than John Gallo Perry. I mean, I have had criticisms about how more and more probably each year, but a lot of it is more off the court with just his mouth. As far as the practice facility goes, I mean, other schools are upgrading practice facilities. I mean, that's what they're doing. That's probably what cost us from getting tray young. I mean, if you were saying that we could have another who do you think some type of logically go out and get and be better off with? Well, Andy, I think you either go someone like I mentioned or you take a shot at somebody very successful who doesn't look like they're going to make a move or you gamble a little bit. On a younger coach, but I know I've gotten a lot of pushback and I didn't intend to say that John caliper ought to be fired. I think a lot of people in that state have misconstrued my statement. I was asked a question on a radio show and I was giving a very long answer and I don't know if nor am I calling for somebody to make a change up there. I'm just simply stating at some point you have to examine is this back and forth worth it. And until John calipari wins a national championship, the noise is going to be there. Hey, thanks for the call. That's just the standard of Kentucky.
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"And if so, can you explain how lane kiffin ended up recruiting a punter on frat row? Oh man. I mean, I don't know too much about it, but I do know that I'm sure everyone knows that he was seeing a frat house drinking the get a party. Which is pretty interesting to see coming from a ponder. He was, I believe, I think he's 250 pounds, I believe. So it's pretty, it's pretty funny to see. Hey, I don't know what's more surprising. The fact that upon our way is 250 pounds or the fact that there's drinking going on on the on this campus. But anyway, let me get back to football for a second here. Just in terms of expectations, the quarterback value you've mentioned, it seems like a lot of great players have left this program. It's hard to keep up with everyone that has joined in the portal. Where are the strengths? And the weaknesses of this team, as you see it. Well, the strengths I would say is surprisingly are not, I don't think surprisingly, but it's offense. All miss got a lot of offensive transfers. Headlined by former 5 star recruit out of high school Zach Evans. He was at TCU last season, so he came over. Quarterback tight end Michael trigg from USC. He played with dart. So they have a little relationship with each other, which is always a plus. I think Michael trick could be really something special this year. I expect him to get a lot of looks in the red zone. And his size and speed speed like wide receiver ability, his hands. They kind of remind me of Michael R Kyle Pitts in a way. But yeah, we got a lot of got a lot of explosive players from the transfer portal. As you look at that schedule and we'll show it for those who aren't as familiar as you in a minute, there are some breathers. I mean, last year, if I remember almost start off in one of the neutral site games and had a chance to get going, there's always difficult games, of course, Alabama pops up. The usual suspects this year, it's Troy, central Arkansas, and then at Georgia Tech, which is an unusual game, but certainly by no means extremely difficult and Tulsa. And then Kentucky and Vanderbilt. I mean, it looks to me as a schedule that is incredibly manageable early on. How do you see it? No, yeah, I expect or miss to go, I think 9 9 and three at best. I don't think they'll struggle to start out the season. I think it's really easy to go 6 O, just because they play Troy central Arkansas. Georgia Tech Tulsa, Kentucky might be a little challenge, but I think almost to come out with the win. But then as you look towards the end of the season, you see matchups like Alabama, you see matchups like Texas a and M, Arkansas. I think olmes loses to three teams, I think auburn, Alabama, and Texas a and M auburn because they've always given the rebels fits in the past. I think they've once 6 or 7 straight against olmes and then Alabama's Alabama so you just got to pray for that game. And then Texas a and M, they're really tough to beat at home. We saw that last year when they beat Alabama. I kind of feel so it's also kind of early to tell how this group will perform just because there's so many new guys Sony new coaches. So we would just have to see how the season of hopes. And one thing that we are trying to do and when we talk to young people like IQ on the campus is find out a little bit more about you and what you've done. I know you've done a lot of interesting things for a young reporter covering major league teams. Tell us about your background and what brought you to Oxford. Yeah. So I'm from Miami, Florida. The first time I went to Oxford was when I was a sophomore in high school, I was going to visit my older brother who was at the time attending home is. So I remember going up for an LSU game. And the moment I went into the town, I just fell in love, the people there are just so close knit campus is beautiful. And everyone there just loves football, SECs, the place to go. So being from Miami, Florida, it's such a big city. There's so many people. I think ostrich was a nice change of pace and I just really enjoyed it. Aiden, not to rush you out of Oxford, but at some point you'll have to cross the bridge into the real world that all of us adults deal with every day. What would you what would you like to end up doing once you get out of school? I hope to be a sort of professionally insider. You see a guy like Adrian was asking, you see guys like Judd pass in that type of guy. But we'll see what happens and see if everything comes into place. Well, I'll say this of all the classifications at the big networks like ESPN. You have picked one of the best. Based on knowing those individuals and how valuable they are to the company. Joining us Aiden, thank you so much for the time. We hope to see you as the season develops and I think you're on your way. Really appreciate your time today. Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Aiden joining us from Oxford, Mississippi, as we take a break back with more of your phone calls right after this. You are listening
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"Good afternoon to you. Good afternoon. All right, you know what? Everybody gave me an idea about what is that Ring of Honor, callers, bracket. I have one for you. How about cops 16 guests have them in a tournament? Just like March Madness, top 16 guests, you have on like I'll give you an example. My Griffith expects are et cetera and have this broadened cockroaches on social media plus on air. So you can advance them one by one so that I'm looking to lead a final four to finals matchup to determine who's the best guess because everybody says team Brando. Everybody says tear burn. What must determine? I mean, it's a great idea to find mom. That's number one peak. Number two, I have another great idea. What did you have, the background cheerleaders to do the show? What our teach, like you could have heritage into an hour, you're going to have jamari doing an hour, et cetera, et cetera. Think about that too. And the last thing, mister Randy heritage, the way you laugh my brother is his life is going to be an earthquake. I hope the studio doesn't collapse. Thank you so much for taking my call, mister 5 bob. You know what time will cheaper on? It's all energy whatsoever. 100%. You can't hang with me, hold me. Gotta go mister fine, bob. He's up for Canada. Is there a medicine that cures whatever he has? Because terminal is a strong word, but I think it's accurate. Pat is up next. The medicine's called southern comfort. That's pretty good. Give me some of that. Let's talk Kentucky for a minute. Right today, they are a house divided, no doubt about that. And they are a basketball school, Paul. Their football program with stoops is becoming relevant. I think they'll finish second in the east. Worse, maybe third, but Kentucky, as you all know, 8 national championships in basketball. There are fewer and further between right now that last one being in 12 and calipari spend there since O 9. He's got one. And we are getting into this one and done, so you've got to know how to recruit, but how much coaching do you do with 5 superstars, you don't think they need to be coached, but Stegman coliseum in Athens. Probably been there 50 times in my lifetime. It's not more. Right now it's a fantastic facility. I'd rather have refer arena and have Kentucky's basketball record over the years than George's basketball record. Can they get their can they get their house undivided, do you think, and move on? I'm not optimistic, pat. I think this is a situation that was allowed to fester and everyone's taken sides and what's right or what's wrong really isn't the issue of the fact that they have some issues up there. And ultimately, caliper can win his way out of this. But he has to, but he has to do something he's only done once. And that's when the national championship, because winning a bunch of games no longer counts much. Fans are restless up there. And he did the one thing he didn't really need to do. And that was step on that I'm using a charitable word there. Mark stoops. Absolutely. Well, is he beginning to look like Bobby Knight in his waning days at Indiana at Kentucky? Do you think maybe? I don't think he, listen, bob knight had done a lot of things before he was eventually fired. He had tried to choke a student reporter. He had acted irrationally. I mean, calipers only allowed his tongue to get in his way so far, but ultimately people remember what you've done lately and the last thing John calipari did was lose the same Peters, which is somewhat unforgivable. Let's take a break. More to come. We'll start back up with our tour of the student reporters across the SEC. AC is short. No, I read that wrong. Aiden is joining us next. You are listening to the Paul finebaum show podcast. We continue going back to school. You see all the back to school signs up for the local malls? Well, we're doing it as well, except we're not going to the mall. We're going to the campuses and finding some of the most outstanding and brightest young student journalists including Aiden Gallardo from the daily mississippian. He joins us Aiden, thank you for the time and what's it like being in your roll right now with lane kiffin about to start another season. Good afternoon. Hi, thank you, Paul, for having me. It's been a whirlwind of an off season to be honest. There's so many new names coming in. So many new faces, we got a quarterback battle between Jackson dart and Luke all Meyer, which is pretty, it's pretty interesting to see because it's not as it's pretty close. More close than people thought. So there's still not a clear cut quarterback one for the four week one, so they're still trying to figure that part out. Aiden, I know what becomes almost cliche to talk about the coach because there are a lot of great players, as you mentioned battling for positions and hoping to at least equal or improve on what almost did, but it's hard to get away from lane kiffin. In terms of the average student. I mean, you are an average student, but you're also a member of the media. So you have a closer view, but what is his rep on campus among the rank and file student? Honestly, we love him. He's kind of relatable in a sense just because he's one of the younger coaches in college football. So we have, we could sort of relate to him a little bit. I don't know if you've heard of his dog juice. He's been kind of the spotlight in recent weeks. He's got like 19,000 Twitter followers or just crazy. So he's just Kevin's just kind of like a fun guy to be around. He's not too serious, but he's serious at times when he needs to be. I have heard of the dog and I thought somebody asked me this the other day and I heard about it, but I'm not really paid any attention to it, but is this story true? And if so, can you explain how lane kiffin ended up recruiting a punter on frat row? Oh man.
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"One podcast. And we begin the program with one of the rising stars in the southeastern conference. He is KJ Jefferson, the starting quarterback at the university of Arkansas, huge season last year as a razorback surprise, a lot of folks. First of all, KJ, thank you very much for dropping by. I know you have a lot of preparation before the season begins. How are you? I'm doing good. I'm glad to be on the show. I'm just taking it day by day and embracing it. I know at this point, all the Talking Heads have made the predictions and the fans are excited as one of the leaders of this football team. What's the most important thing for you right now in terms of keeping your teammates calm and getting ready for the opener, which is a big one. Just being able to be disciplined and also just being consistent. And also just coming from a leadership standpoint just being more vocal in adverse situations and making sure my guys are on the same page and we all don't want to court. Coach peppermint has talked a lot about the moment when it finally happened for you. Everyone has different views of when young players ascend and become the leaders or one of the leaders. As you reflect back, was it a particular moment was a particular game or did you simply evolve into this role? I would say I just evolved into this role. I mean, I don't look at it as a particular game, I just really stood out and showed great leadership and I feel like it kind of growed on me as the season went on and now I'm in the position to where I'm confident and comfortable with being more vocal as a leadership standpoint and just also being able to just gain the confidence on my teammates and also putting their confidence in myself and being able to just come out and just show them that I'm a good leader and a very vocal as well. KJ, listen, you were there when things were grim. A lot of younger, a lot of folks right now, the underclassmen don't know what you went through and some of your friends along the way went through, what is coach Pittman met in terms of the moment he took over to where this program is now. I just making sure that we're all together. I mean, the locker room being divided under those circumstances so just make sure that we're all together. We trusted him with touching the whole country that he put together. And then just also just being a lawyer. I mean, the main thing is being a lawyer once you get a new coaching staff to come in and you want to gain their trust, you just have to be loyal and just willing to do anything for that culture staff and just, I mean, my teammates were all just we love the white culture came in bought into the system put together around us and the culture that he brought back with the heart of working mentality. So we all just bought in and just the process. Fans KJ had their own mind on what the team is going to do and commentators like myself. We get fixated on. Okay, we know what happened last year. Here's where we think it will be this year. As a player, do you and your friends on the team pay attention to the predictions where the media has you? And if so, does it affect you? We look at it, I mean, just social media side of social media. I mean, pretty much we were on social media throughout the day. So I mean, we check, we seize it, but I mean, it just also just motivation to drive us each and every day to just prove everybody wrong. I mean, that's just the standard here. I mean, we always been the underdogs. So just being able to look at those predictions and then just move along, embrace it, and we look at it, use it as motivation to fire. Does it bother you at all when you look at the rankings and they're out this week and you have Alabama, of course, number one in Georgia number three. And there's Texas a and M in the top ten. This is a team that you guys beat last year. You'll play again. Reasonably early in the season. And I'm not saying Arkansas is low. I mean, you're certainly in the top 25 at a good position, but you're behind a couple of other schools. Does that affect you at all? I mean, we try not to just be me. I try not to look at it too much. I just would like to put my head down and keep going to work and then I just also encourage my teammates not to try to do it on a ranking when I look at the at the end of the day. It doesn't really matter as long as you put the work in and you're grinding each and every day at your teammate's building, chemistry and bundle with each other, the work that just show yourself. So just being able to just come in and just keep working and don't pay attention to the right things at all. To put it mildly, you have a very difficult schedule. Everyone knows where Cincinnati was last year on New Year's Eve. They were in Dallas taking on Alabama for ticket to the national championship. The second week of South Carolina, that's another team that shocked everybody. A and M, we already talked about and then there's Alabama and Mississippi state. In terms of the first half of the season, and it doesn't really get that much easier after that. Can you afford to calculate it or as coaches always talk about? We only know what we're playing in the first game, and that would be against Cincinnati. Yeah, I mean, I mean, we have a pretty tough schedule looking at it, but I mean, that's how we want it. I mean, we want to be able to have a tough schedule to just showcase our tenant. And so we can do on the national stage, a big stage. So it's been able to have a schedule like that. I mean, it really shows that our program where our program stands, all we want to rise or open complacent, stuff like this. So just being able to look at the skill to go take it one game at a time, starting off with September Cincinnati, just being able to come out and just play hard and stand the football. KJ, before you go a couple more questions just about yourself and I know quarterback sometimes with the toughest ones on themselves, they live in the film room. They're always trying to correct. When you evaluate yourself, and I know that's not the easiest thing to do, but you have to do it when you're dealing with your coaches. What do you see today and how do you feel you have improved from a couple of years ago and when you were talented but quite raw? Decision making. I would say the season making just a footwork within the pocket. I mean, I know I can get out the pocket and create plays, but also just being able to have great footwork in the pocket and being able to deliver a great ball out in the back of being rich and still like this, I was just being able to be calm in the pocket and deliver a good bottle of my teammates.
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"They're running back room is deeper. They should be able to play Sam Pittman football. You know, to be physical, control the clock and get KJ Jefferson and some spots where he could do some damage. So we talked about Bert. I think that hurts not having trail in this year, but they have some transfers, some young guys a chance to step up. I think there's reasons for optimism and payet bill and a list of the schedule, the first three games of the year right here in pay at Bill. So you take your where you can. I think our pretty optimistic follow-up encore this year. I was going to say, if I'm at Arkansas fan, I'm still pretty excited about this year despite losing all of the talent that Sam Pittman did over the last season. He hit the transfer portal hard though, got some guys even within the SEC, so we'll see what kind of contributions they can make early on. We're talking with Josh Bertha Cheney of the red zone with JB can listen to him on 92.1 the ticket in Fayetteville. I kind of want to take a step back for a second here because we've seen so many changes, Josh, when it comes to hiring of college football coaches and coach Pittman three years ago, was one of those hires where some people were scratching their heads going, all right, no head coach experienced no coordinator experience who's an offensive lineman coach, they take a chance on him and it's been a whole new world in Fayetteville. I mean, the interests, the excitement, is fully back for this team. What do you think that this hire not only does for Arkansas football moving forward, but says to the rest of the country, as far as maybe not necessarily needing a stacked resume, looking at the example of Pittman. It's a great question. Listen, too. And I think your razorback awareness obviously operating at a high level. That's a higher that I've actually, I remember coming on this show what was in that three four years ago Alyssa and saying kind of in a questioning term, what you just did. You know, Sam Pittman, no head coaching experience. Maybe better suited in a coordinator role. There were other flash Seeger names out there. You know, that Arkansas could have gone and made an offer to. But at the end of the day, you're right. It was a good-looking move for the hunter. You're a check. Who has tended to make the right move with most of his hires here at Arkansas the last few years and that's a huge part of why Arkansas seems to be turning things around across the board. Not just in football, but back to your question about Pittman. He's relatable. He's personable. You know that you've talked with him plenty of times. He's going to look in the eye when he talks to you and really, really think about your questions. Before he gives you a response, guys been happily married to his wife at 35 years, you know, homegrown from the middle of the country. And I think his relatability really illicit with the fans. I mean, I've seen him in any number of situations at the basketball games at press. Walmart one time, getting besieged by people, you know? When people come up, I would say, but it's the razorback coach. And that makes a lot of people uncomfortable. You know, guys, girls, whatever, when you're out in public, just shopping for food or whatever, and all of a sudden people are up in your face and they want to talk to you and picture with you. I'll say this at a fan Pittman. He thrives in those moments, and I don't think that's an act. I think there's got to be who you are. And he just really seems to like talking to people, and so yeah, that was an outside the box higher. A lot of folks maybe thought, you know, that there wasn't the most slam dunk type move, and maybe it wasn't, but as sure it seemed like it's worked out so far and yeah, they renegotiated his contracts and now you're talking about a salary range that puts them right there, what, 6, 7th in the league, we're talking 6 to 7 million a year. So I think that makes him happy and it also makes Arkansas feel happy that you're paying him like half of what some other coaches are making. I don't think Sam Pittman takes that personally. I think he thinks of himself as like pounds per pound dollar for dollar, the best head coach out there and good for him to believe that, you know? Yeah, I love what you mentioned about his person ability because I got to call the auburn Arkansas men's basketball game in Fayetteville when coach musselman and the guys upset the auburn tigers. Number one team in the country and Pittman was there, and you would have thought he was the president, with the amount of people just gathered around him and he took the time to say hi to every single person there. It was truly, really cool to watch. Josh, before we let you go, I would be remiss to let you leave without talking about jaylen Catalan coming back because that's another layer of what has Arkansas fans so excited missing most of the season last year after that injury. What is Catalan's presence going to do for this team this season? Yeah, I mean, he is dynamic. As anybody, this side of KJ Jefferson, we spent a lot of time talking about here today. I think Catalan is Arkansas, as you allude to. You know, he's their second most indispensable player. He's a guy who on defense. Yeah, I know bumper pool is back in the huge, but he's the guy in defense. He sets the tone and you know when he's out there because he makes plays. He almost can't help him make plays, but it's breaking something up. Whether it's playing up in the box because they use them sometimes as a little bit of a run stuffing safety, you can blitz him and then obviously when the ball is in the air, this guy always knows where it is. He's an interception letting that happen. Now last they didn't have them halfway through the season after the shoulder injury. And I'd be a knock on jail in just that he's a little smaller for a guy who plays that aggressively. I mean, you love his style, but he's right around 6 feet tall. So he's not going to, you know, he's actually going to be able to deliver punishment all day without paying for it at some point. And I think talking to gentle a little bit on the radio a few months back, he knows yes to pick his spots just a little better this year. But just the fact that he's going to be out there, he's got a swagger, he's got to determine, kind of like KJ Alyssa, Jalen, one of those old school lead by example type players.
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"The pride, passion, and pageantry of college football lives here. This is the Paul fine bomb show hour three podcast. Welcome in to the Paul fine bomb show on ESPN radio, Alyssa Lang filling in for Paul finebaum. Today, thank you so much for having me. It's been so fun about halfway through our show so far. We're gonna get back to the phone lines in just a few minutes because right now I want to talk about something that's been irking me. You see all these preseason lists, the accolades, the takes, flying across social media. And I sit here and I always wonder when I pull up Twitter and I refresh the Twitter pages and I'm reading and I'm looking at the takes and the opinions, especially when it comes to quarterbacks, why are more people not talking about KJ Jefferson? He had 27 touchdowns last season, 21 passing 6 rushing, he led Arkansas in rushing yards last year, Arkansas led the SEC. In rushing production last year, only two quarterbacks. Finished with a higher QBR and SEC play last year, the KJ Jefferson that was Bryce young and stetson Bennett, the two quarterbacks who faced off and the SEC championship game, and then eventually winning a college football playoff championship with stetson Bennett and the Georgia bulldog. So I'm sitting here scratching my head going, is it because trail and Burks is gone? Is that why people aren't given KJ Jefferson to love because the dude is athletic. I am so excited to see what he does in year two as a starting quarterback out in Fayetteville, Sam Pittman back again with this Arkansas team that so much of college football has fallen in love with. Not only the way he's turned this program around, but the way they've been able to win games stay competitive. In some of these SEC matchups that three, four years ago, no one would have given them a chance to even be involved in in the third quarter. I want to talk more about this now with Josh bernardini joining us from Fayetteville you hear him on the red zone with JB on 92.1 the ticket out there in Arkansas. Josh, thank you so much for hopping on. This is something that is just astounding to me as we've gone through the summer. Am I wrong in this? Is KJ Jefferson getting love from someone and I'm just not seeing it? Well, listen, it's great to be on with you. You're doing a fantastic job today and really enjoy your stuff on the SEC network. So good to hear your voice and you're coming from the heart for the heartstrings today, lady for the folks here at Arkansas. KJ Jefferson, he's the rockstar. He next to Sam Pittman going into this, the biggest storyline certainly for razorback football. So what is it going to take for KJ to get a little bit more love from the national media? 'cause I know I've said this before. You know, I did a bunch of Arkansas games Chad Morris last season. I think I was actually there four times. And it got to the point where I was in the lobby of the hotel, and Arkansas fans were coming up to me saying, why did they, why do they keep sending you here? We're bad. This is not fun. So it's been extra fun for me to really see what it's looked like the past two seasons, but what is it? I alluded to maybe is it because Burks is gone and people are chalking it up to he's not going to have that big target to hit this year. What do you think? Do you think that narratives shifts at all? Yeah, I think you're asking all the right questions. I mean, the first one you asked is why is KJ not getting more love as far as the best quarterbacks in this conference and really a list I think one of the reasons is because a lot of people clearly didn't watch our play last year. They were getting more exposure, the better you play, the more times your game is going to be on prime time. We're going to get better afternoon slots. You know that. So by the end of the year, Arkansas was getting on television a little more, but I mean, I would argue the better part of 6 7 weeks. KJ Jefferson was playing under the radar and, you know, you need the exposure. You need to hype going in just to make sure that folks in our line of work are paying attention to you a little bit. I don't think KJ is going to have that problem as you alluded to at all this year. Your steps are on point, 21 passing touchdowns, 6 wrestling touchdowns. You know, he was thrown for 200 yards a game. He was rushing for another 60, 70 yards on top of it. You've watched him play. You know about his durability, the guy to take the licking and keep on checking. And his accuracy really came on at the end of the year. I mean, last few games of the year, he was completing three out of four passes. So not having Burke's right, we could talk about that a little if you want. That's going to hurt him. But I think KJ Jefferson by the end of last year had clearly if you're talking about in the way you are in other folks are now had opened up and not buys that I think a lot more people paying attention to KJ going into 2022. And everything you said from last year, that was all against this second toughest schedule in FBS. I think that was according to ESPN's FBI. They were playing a tough schedule and it's tough again this year, 12th toughest in the country, not quite second, rich Sam Pittman is probably a bit thankful for that. That being said, KJ aside, obviously this team lost a lot of talent on both sides of the football. We talk about Trey lindberg, he kind of leads that class. Grant Morgan wasn't necessarily an early draft pick, but was the heartbeat of that defense. So what are some of the questions that you anticipate getting asked and hopefully getting answered at media days next week? Yeah, look, I mean, your name is some of them, and they're a lot more where that came from. You're absolutely right. We're program that as you alluded to, had the dark years of Chad Morris and some up and down years, certainly with red dillman. It's a long time since Arkansas got into an SEC media days coming off of a positive season. Let alone an 8 win regular season Alyssa first time. Since 2011 into 2012, we're talking 11 years ago that Arkansas beginning a one season after coming off an 8 and four regular season. So I think the program seems like it's stabilized, right? Sam Pittman only in year three, but given COVID and everything we all went through, it feels like a lot more than three years so far. And this program is his now. I mean, it's got his identity, they're bigger on the offense of line.
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"Filling in for Paul at brayden gall on Twitter if you want to get to me there. 855-242-7285 if you want to get into the phone lines. Chris slowe coming up in just a few minutes, of course. Listen, that's embedded thing is fascinating to me because I think he just got largely disrespected. Again, I will hold myself accountable and say I was guilty of that asking about JT Daniels for the better part of a year and a half. Now let's be very clear. If we are ranking quarterbacks in the SEC, which I don't like to do on radio because ranking stuff is kind of silly. But if you are ranking quarterbacks in the SEC, stetson Bennett is not one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. He's not one of the best quarterbacks in the country because then you're talking about talent. And you're talking about statistical production and you're talking about all the different things that goes into playing that position. So here's the thing. This is where two things have to be true at the same time. Two things can be true. And yes, I have faith in all of you that you can keep two things in your mind at the same time. That stetson Bennett won the national championship was a worthy winner of the national championship, earned the ring that he won with the Georgia bulldogs. And was an excellent player for them. And also, at the same time, is not one of the best three or four quarterbacks in the SEC this year. Is that fair to say? I don't think that's unfair. Bryce young is the best quarterback in the SEC in my opinion. Oh, crazy, hot take, right? Two through four to me are pretty even. I'm okay arguing whoever you want to argue. KJ Jefferson at Arkansas hinden hooker and Will Rogers. No surprise hooker and Jefferson will be in Atlanta at SEC media days representing their universities. A little surprise Will Rogers will not be for Mississippi state. He's played a lot of games. I would put those three guys at two three and four in some order. However you want to order them, that would be two through four in the conference. Then at 5, you could discuss a lot of different players. Anthony Richardson at Florida will levis a Kentucky our top ten caliber draft picks as projected right now by the experts. Are they better a quarterbacks than sets in Bennett? Certainly not from an accomplishment standpoint or from an experience standpoint. But if you put those two guys in Georgia's roster as their offense a little bit better, maybe. So I think you could argue Richardson and leave a set at 5 and 6. All right, well, where to stetson Bennett, you can't knock stetson Bennett down to 7th in the conference, can you? I think stetson Bennett could be national championship caliber good on that particular Georgia team and also still be the 6th, 7th or 8th best quarterback in the league. I don't think I don't think that's that crazy of a statement. And that doesn't include a whole lot of really talented players that we haven't even brought into this conversation in this league. Who wins the job at a and M, I bet you was going to be a really talented player. No matter who it is, you know, Haines king, max Johnson, Connor Weidman, you name it. Who's going to win the job at LSU, Jayden Daniels, Garrett nussmeier. Miles Brennan, like, pretty talented guy there. The old miss Jackson dart pretty talented transfer from USC. Spencer Rattler was a FrontRunner when the Heisman just last season. This is one of the best collections of quarterbacks. I have ever seen at this stage heading into an SEC football season. Now, I guess you'd have to point back to, was it 2013? We're good friend Aaron Murray was there. I want to say Johnny manziel dak Prescott. I think Zach mettenberger was at LSU. I want to say it was James Franklin, the player, not the coach at Missouri, right? So that 2013 season, I'm sure I'm missing some guys here, but that 2013 year was a pretty exceptional year for quarterback play in the SEC. And frankly, part of the reason the conference struggled after that was bad coaching and a lack of talent the quarterback position. That has all changed. The coaching now in this league off the charts. The quarterback play in this league coming into this year off the charts. So I think this stetson Bennett conversation is, I don't know why it's still a thing that we talk about. And maybe I'm the one who's guilty about it because I'm the one talking about it right now. But maybe I just don't think it's disrespectful to call him the 5th or 6th best quarterback in the SEC. But I also think he deserves credit for winning a national championship and making big plays all season long when he needed to. 8 5 5 two four two 7 two 8 5 8 5 5 two four two 7 two 8 5 JK and Birmingham. JK, what's up, man? What's going on, buddy? What's up dude? Hey man, let me address pat I'm gonna call him a so called George a fan. This guy waited almost 800 and 41 years before George and won another national championship and he wants to dog out his quarterback that actually won a national championship. What happened to all the quarterbacks that he was fond of since the years of Herschel Walker and the championship? I mean, that's just to me that's totally disrespect. And pat ought to be ashamed of himself and just congratulate the young man and hope he does the same thing this year. But what I called about is I'm a Miami hurricane fan calling the fine bomb show. Here in SEC country. I want to get your opinion on the top end where my hurricanes are going to finish. And the worst scenario where they got to finish this year because I'm looking for a play out run. Oh, I like thank you, JK for the call. I love this. I love where this Miami team is going. I do not know if 2022 is the year where they get there. But I think they can win the division. I think Tyler Van Dyck, and we're going to learn a lot about Miami in week number three against Texas a and M on the road in College Station. That is such an underrated non conference game. That is a preseason top ten a and M team and a preseason top 20 Miami team, two huge brands. Mario Cristobal just crushing it on recruiting trail right now in South Florida. The name image and likeness stuff for Miami's in full effect, they are absolutely reinvesting in college football. Unlike Miami has done in years, it is fun to see the you looking like the you at least the beginning stages of it. So Miami at a and M is going to show us a lot about how good both of those two teams are. And I don't think many people are talking about that game. Tyler Van Dyke, very, very good. I think the upside is ten wins. And you win the division and you compete for an ACC championship. I think that's upside. I'm not willing to say playoff yet is the upside. The downside is you have a tough schedule, a lot of teams in the ACC are better than you think. Florida state's better teams in your division are better in the coastal. You lose to a and M and the non conference, all of a sudden you're 8 and 7, 8 wins. And you've had a solid season, but it's not big time. That to me is the window for Miami. 7 wins up to about ten wins. That would be the window for Miami. I think there are preseason top 20 team. I think they should win the division and compete for an AC championship. That's how much I think of Cristobal and that's how much I think of Tyler Van Dyke. More of your phone calls 855-242-7285 brayden Gaul in for Paul here on the Paul fine bomb show. Get your calls lined up. We'll take some calls and then we'll talk with Chris Lowe as well from ESPN. This is the ball fine bomb show on ESPN radio. You are listening to the Paul fine bomb show podcast. Fine bomb show Braden call in for Paul at brain goal on Twitter 855-242-7285
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"Bomb show here on ESPN radio brayden Gaul in for Paul. Happy Friday afternoon everybody. Hope everybody had a great holiday week. Is it still count today? Today still count as part of the holiday week. I think it does. We can celebrate America gets a full week of a birthday. I think that's fine. I don't have a problem with that. 855-242-7285. You can get to me on Twitter as well at brayden Gaul. Chris marler from Saturday on south college football and censored podcast coming up here in just a few minutes, but let's head back to the phone lines. Again, 855-242-7285. Let's head to AC in New Jersey, AC, what's up, man? How are you? Good afternoon. Thank you so much for taking my call. And thank you so much for holstering the show. I appreciate that. And I'm going to answer, I'm going to answer all the best game look to look forward to this weekend. I'm going to put you in a tough situation with a question, but the best game I'm looking forward to have a bare cast and Arkansas. Let's place it if they're kept these find a way to defeat our tensor if they were on the table, when I see them again in college football playoff in January fund on the stake in January. Now I'm going to put you in a tough position. What the best and worst part of a host of Paul 5 bombs. So I put you in the spot, man. Let me hear your reaction. The phone bomb. I'm looking forward to calling your son next week and I'm about to roll up all the losers out there. Thank you very much. Thank you all weekend, sir. Thank you, AC. It is an odd, I say this not tongue in cheek at all. It's obviously an honor to sit in Paul 5 bomb's chair. I'll just. That's really all there is to say. You folks, I have worked my entire career around college football people in college football and you folks are my people. So getting to talk to you and getting to talk about college football, the details, the ins and outs, the what I have used, of college football. Look, I could do an entire segment right now in Cincinnati and Arkansas. AC. So there is no negative here. There's no negative. Unless the phone's break and then, you know, 855-242-7285, Cincinnati Arkansas is a spectacular football game this year. And very under the radar in week one, not only is it at a home site, it's not a neutral site game. It's in Fayetteville. That stadium is going to be absolutely packed in rocking. Arkansas, I think, is going to be very good this year. Very dangerous. KJ Jefferson's back, they're getting a bunch of guys back healthy. Bumper pool. I think Arkansas is really, really good. I think they're pre season top 25 good, and I think they got a chance to be, they've got a really tough schedule. Cincinnati, are they playoff good? I don't know. They lost a whole lot of NFL talent and normally group of 5 teams can not replace that level of NFL talent that quickly. Normally, but they got pretty good quarterback situation. They got a transfer from eastern Michigan who used to be at Cincinnati. They got a big time prospect coming up as well. So they'll replace Desmond Ritter pretty well. I think Luke fickle is going to have a real good team. We're going to learn a lot about both of those teams right out of the gate Cincinnati at Arkansas week one. Hell yeah. Sign me up. And no, there is not a single negative thing I can say. About hosting the Paul fine bomb show. Breaking goal in for Paul here at brayden Gaul on Twitter 855-242-7285 Nikki in Alabama Nikki, what's up? Welcome to the show. Hey. How you doing? Hi, I just want to tell you a couple of stories. One story, all right, I was in Greenville, North Carolina live in there. And there was this guy that looked like Marcus Michael Vick. He was getting beer at the local grocery store. He had two women, and he was a younger brother, a Michael Vick. Michael Vick was coming to town from Virginia tech and that town was electric. So I want a bunch of money there because you know what happened. It was 30 zero and a half stop. But you've got, you've got Mac Brown, you've got dabo Sweeney and you've got James Franklin. You've got these guys in the ACC that is rating Newport News Hampton. All that area, they're getting all the talent. Now you're talking about Virginia, Virginia, if you add Virginia to the SEC, they've already got Vanderbilt. You're getting another Vanderbilt. They're making a big mistake by not going with Virginia tech. That's just my opinion. I know that area. I know that fan base and if they go with Virginia, they're going to get a flat out just like Vanderbilt and do they need that? They're doing this because why they're doing this because a football. Only because of football and they're making a huge mistake in my opinion by going with Virginia. That's all I got and I love your show and have a great day. Thank you. Thank you, Nick. I appreciate that. I tend to agree that Virginia tech is the far better commodity. I think they draw better TV numbers. They've had a better football program. They recruit in state better. They've got a bigger crowd, a bigger stadium. It's closer to the SEC teams. To me, it's a no brainer, culturally, from a brand identity standpoint. And from a passion standpoint, and from a history standpoint, it's all points to Virginia tech over Virginia in the SEC. And I say this in the nicest possible way, but Virginia walks talks and acts like a Big Ten school. It does. Plain and simple full stop. 8 5 5 two four two 7 two 8 5. Bubba, North Carolina bubble. What's up? Welcome to the Paul fine box show. Hey dude, you got a clear sucking up to these tech just fans. There's only one UT in the southeastern conference and that's on rocky top big guy. Hey, I spent many a night in the fort, so I know all about it, bubba all right? Hey, we're going to be serving up bevo barbecue down at Calhoun's on the rear. I can't wait till they bring that big, big steer to Knoxville with them. We're going to eat that sucker. I don't know if they I don't know if bevo travels, man. I don't know if he travels to any game. I'm sure we can get a lot of steak out of that big guy. Oh, I believe it. I believe it, bubba. Yeah, but you're going to have to maintain, hey, you're going to, you're going to maintain your VFL credentials and quit second up to these taxes playing. Hey, listen to me. How about this? Here's one you got to admit. You know I have to be politically correct. I hate I hate that too. But here's what I'm saying. Listen, I call it how I see it. And if somebody's gonna cook a cow, I want it to be somebody from Texas. Is that all right? Yeah, but that burn orange looks like something I scraped off of my boots after it rained hard, man. You can not call bernards. They were Tennessee on. There's no way. Fair enough, thank you about that. I appreciate the call. Listen, here's the deal though. I don't know, dude, if someone's cooking brisket, someone's cooking cow, I think I'll take the person from Texas doing it. If someone's doing some vinegar pork, now we're talking North Carolina. We're doing ribs, maybe conversation as well. I say this with all due respect, and keep in mind I said with all due respect, so now I can say whatever I want. South Carolina, what
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"The SEC, I say only the favorite didn't make it. But what about auburn last night at an Oregon celebration time and why not? They advanced to the college World Series and get underway in just a few days, a huge moment for the auburn program. So this is what we have heading to the college World Series, Texas and Stanford. It seems like they are always there Arkansas has been a regular Oklahoma, of course. A and M and with a new coach, auburn, all miss and Notre-Dame. Speaking of Arkansas, what did that KJ, Jefferson? He's just not your normal quarterback coming back after a huge year. And we're joined by Brandon Marcello, who has done a deep dive into that program in quite a few quite a few others. Brandon, thank you. Certainly KJ part of the attack. They have a difficult schedule, but a lot of optimism. Good afternoon. Hey, Paul. Yeah, okay, Jefferson is the quarterback that Arkansas didn't quite know it had last season. They knew that he was a pretty efficient passer could protect the ball, but it wasn't until week one when they got down early against rice, believe it or not. And they had to score 31 straight on the answer points. And KJ Jefferson did some damage with his legs. And Arkansas realized, hey, after this past spring, when they weren't allowing him to be live and scrimmages that they had something else there. And as we saw last season, he was able to carry the razorbacks on his back and some really big games. And even though it was a loss, I think you could easily circle that old miss game that thriller last season in Oxford. It was back and forth. KJ Jefferson, without him, the hogs would not only, of course, lose that game, but probably would not have been close to the fourth quarter. What should we expect this year from the razorbacks? Yeah, as you said, that schedules incredibly difficult, but you got to give them any chance in the world against that schedule because of KJ Jefferson and what he brings to the quarterback spot. I'm not directly comparing him to Cam Newton, but he's got that body type. You could run some similar things. And what that air raid offense that Kindle browse runs. Listen, every quarterback that goes through that system is successful, but when you have that duality and someone who could take a beating back there and then also lay out a beating, it gets some linebackers. That makes that offense extra special. The big question for them in my opinion is just trying to find or replacement for trailer Burke's all American type of receiver that they had. That was a big play threat. But they've got a lot of other weapons there. We got Jayden heads who will come in from Oklahoma. He was at one point, the number one receiver of the entire country in the class of 2019, out of high school, according to the 24/7 sports composite. So they reloaded. And watch out for this razorbacks defense too. They bring a lot of good pieces back, especially in that front area, and the linebacker corps are going to be really strong. This could be a team that maybe replicates its record last season as a 9 one team, but looks better in doing so. They're going to be a threat in the SEC west. Talking to Brandon Marcelo and we're finally talking some football on the field. Let me stay on the field for just a moment before we get off. And Brandon, everyone has seemingly in cement when it comes to how they feel about the respected divisions at particularly in the SEC. But I want to ask you about Alabama surprisingly, because we've had two different guests in recent days, find something wrong with them. And they've talked about the offensive line. Is that a cause for concern or are we just trying to find something negative to say about the preseason number one team? Paul how dare you? I try to find something negative about Alabama. How dare you? You know, listen, it's very difficult to find a weakness out of a team. Maybe you could look at that off its wine, but I like it. And listen, that defensive line and those linebackers, especially linebacker court, might end up being the best in the nation, which is saying something because of what you see with Clemson returning on defense this year in the front 7, but I'm not at all really concerned with any position at Alabama, including whoever delivers the Gatorade on game days. They are deep. They are strong and they are definitely in a position, Paul, to have potentially the best team of the Nick Saban era, which is saying something considering what we saw in 2020. I thought, and I think that easily is the best team of the Saban era. And one of the best teams in modern college football history, this one coming up might just happen. That's an amazing statement. And I'm not going to go into my usual shock and awe of something you said because I tend to agree. I think it's that good, which brings me to the game everyone has circled even though for some reason there are going to be more interesting games. And the reason I bring October 8th up, since we saw you in Destin, there's been a little more news on the Jimbo front just as everyone who said, okay, we're done with that. And it came out in a news story the other day. Concerning the athletic director at a and M, putting in writing a letter to Greg sankey. And then we learned after that that apparently shanky talked to Jimbo Fisher, a new twist to the same story. What do you make out of the new revelations? It's just surprising to me that he put it in publication in print for it to be picked up in open records requests, Ross Björk and co. You know, listen, I think it seems pretty clear to me that Texas a and M is okay with that getting out there. Otherwise, they wouldn't have put in writing in an email, could have made that phone call, but again, maybe you needed a formal request. I'm not so sure about the SEC policies as far as requesting punishment of another school or another coach. But listen, it's very clear that a and M was not happy. And it's still not happy about what Nick Saban had to say, but sankey came in and told them all set and down was listen. Enough of this stuff. I'm publicly reprimanding everybody. We're not going to discuss this anymore in a public form. Everybody better move on because here's what here's what I have to say. There's no punishments going outside of this public reprimand. You better leave it still, otherwise I'll come in with more problems on your plate. Which is interesting because the fact that it's commissioner talked to Jimbo Fisher, he had talked to Jimbo Fisher before, we know that. After.
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"Otherwise, I mean, the best I can do for a sleeper 40th call for the college football playoff is probably Clemson and that's not very good sleeper. By the way, that's one of the funniest things I've ever heard. When you consider their track record in the past well, I just think people may be pushing them off a little bit. When you have a ten win season and people think it's a bad thing. I look at Clemson. They got desensitized by how good the quarterback play was with deshaun Watson, Watson, Trevor Lawrence, and then DJ, you won the Lele struggles against Georgia last year. And I guess three first round picks coming back on that defense, they'll still be the best team in the ACC in 12 and one should get you in and they're right there with Georgia, Alabama, high state, the usuals that are probably going to be there at the playoff push. That's funny because you're right. What is their quarterback situation look like? Well, I mean, DJ on the lela showed up in the spring, apparently a little bit trimmer in shape, looking good. And they've got a freshman cape club Nick that everybody's going to be fascinated with. 5 star kid out of Texas from west Lake. I mean, like Travis. Big arm. And that's the thing. Clemson's had good quarterback play for a decade. If they put that back on that offense with the running game, they have around it. I mean, I still look at them as the team to beat in the ACC. I don't know that anybody can touch them when they bring their a game. I mean, they beat way four last year and they barely lost in some state. It's not like they had this fall off the cliff. A couple more moments with Bill bender of the sporting news Bill in the SEC, everyone is going to pick Alabama in Georgia to meet all miss had a big portal year, some are really high on them, a and M, I think they just, it just comes with the territory now. Who's after the top two? Okay, so you kind of scored me last year when I had Sam Pittman ranked too low in our coach ranking. So I'm not going to make that mistake again here in about a month. And I like what Arkansas has coming back at the quarterback position with KJ Jefferson, good skill position talent. Played shop for shot with Alabama for a half. I don't know if they're good enough to do it every week, but what Sam Pittman has done there is pretty incredible. I think there'll be ranked most of your good tests of Cincinnati off the bat. They're kind of a team I'm watching. But if I had to pick somebody behind Alabama and Georgia, probably detect to say and M I mean, if they get the right quarterback play and can do it every week, whether it's Mac Johnson or Haynes king, I think they'll be right there in that playoff conversation as well. Bill bender always great stuff. Bill many thanks. You take care of yourself. And you'd be good, Paul. Thanks so much for having me. Take care. We'll talk about arch Manning and mint. I want to go back to something art said before we head to the break and get some reaction. And I asked the audience not just to say I'm a Florida grad and there's nothing like going to Florida. I mean, I get all that. But saying you can't use your own school. Because we all would probably put our own school. But other than your favorite school, what campus blows you away? Because I think when arch Manning is talking about the university of Georgia, he's not talking about the campus only. He's talking about Athens. So let me rephrase that. Which college town do you most like to go back to? There are so many obvious choices because of reputation, but I'm just talking about, I mean, I've never been to Athens downtown campus where I didn't come away shaking my head. I didn't go to school there. I always feel that way about the school. I went to. I mean, there's just so many embedded memories. But other than your own favorite team, I'm curious what do you agree with arch Manning? Is it Athens the best college town in the SEC in the country? Or are we missing one? Anyway, we will head to the break a couple more guests to go. It's been a busy show. And I mentioned we'll talk to Sabin and Kirby smart tomorrow. We talked to them yesterday at the golf tournament, so we'll recap those interviews and show you what they had to say. We're.
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"Has been fantastic. Hasn't it? 9 wins and years two and I think the buzz just continues for this football program as we get ready for spring practice to start one week from Sunday, we had the chance to catch up with coach. I think he was making the rounds here a couple of days ago and he's just all fired up for some new players on campus already and then of course for some early enrollees. So your love where he's at already KJ Jefferson coming back, he's got everybody thinking of a miracle run to a playoff and maybe a Heisman contender kind of season out of him. I know that's putting the cart way ahead of the horse here, but a lot of excitement headed into the spring and really the big question here right now, Paul is what is the deal, literally. What is the ambient new contract going to look like? And with the last we heard, right? A couple of months back was it was negotiating for a new contract with new agent Sammy Jimmy Sexton, so I don't know. He probably going to get a big raise, know word on that yet, but Pittman saying he's not going anywhere, and I have to believe him right now. I mean, he's got things rolling here. They always go, they always hire Jimmy Sexton. Hired him late in his career at the end of the mississippian pitman had piven did pip and have an agent before that, Josh? He did. A Gallup by the name of Judy Henry has long time friend and agent, yes. So I guess it was time to move on to greener. You call your friend and say, listen, you were a great you're a great friend, but you're no longer my agent. It's nothing personal. It's business, Paul. Not with a guy like me. I mean, if you had been my agent all along Josh, you would have stayed my agent. I believe you too. That's why we love you, Paul. You're so loyal. You're so low. JB, come back soon. We're always enjoy the conversation. Paul appreciates you. Talk to you again. Great stuff from Josh bernardini. Man, Pittman hiring Jimmy Sexton. What else can we learn on a Friday afternoon? Kyle Tucker will join us in a minute. We'll talk about the cats. Talk about run to the final four. That could be in the equation as well. You were listening to the Paul finebaum show podcast. Charles Barkley. Your.
Bet The Board
"kj jefferson" Discussed on Bet The Board
"Now lost 16 straight games versus teams ranked in the AP top 5, ten of those 16 losses came against Alabama. When you look at the crimson tide, if there are questions about this Alabama team, clearly, it's about their offensive line and their inability to consistently run the football. That job's probably not going to get that much easier as they lost one of their depth running backs in roydell Williams, meaning Bama is down to just two scholarship backs on their roster. As you begin to figure out Alabama's attack plan, not only for this game, but what we'll see in the iron bowl, and of course, the SEC championship game in a few weeks. Bryce young has been asked to take on a lot of the responsibility pain. He's going to go up against a defensive coordinator that we've seen so throw some wrinkles at young quarterbacks in the past. You think Barry Odom has anything in the tank to try and slow down Alabama? Probably not to win this game outright, but to keep the razor back in it for a full four quarters. I think that's the big question, right? Arkansas's defense kept them in the game last week at Death Valley. Hell bell is shoe to a 9% success rate on passing downs, shut down the explosive play in the second half. That's going to have to be the case again this week to stay within the three touchdown spread at Alabama. And this isn't really anything new. We've talked about Barry Odom's defense before, and he's a really good defensive mind. And he's got a style that you don't always see, although it's becoming a little bit more prevalent now with all the spread attacks. But the rush three drop a defense is confused, a lot of quarterbacks, a lot of young quarterbacks in the past. Odom does have some pieces now. He can rush four and 5, so Arkansas can be more versatile there. But for the most part, there's still an Arkansas defensive plays with 5, 6 or more defensive backs on the field. And their goal is to mix and match their coverages and give different looks pretty snap than what actually is coming post snap, confused quarterbacks, right? Lure them into some mistakes. And it's worked in some big spots. Picked Matt crawl off 6 times last year. Really confused two young quarterbacks earlier this season and Hudson card and Zack calzada. No doubt, bray young appears far better than the latter two, but he still young, you still learning. They're still going to be some bumps along the way. But what is interesting stylistically? Is Bryce young has been willing to take what you give him. He's shown to be the quarterback that can beat this kind of defense. He's not going to put the ball in harm's way. He's difficult to confuse just 1.8% of his passes have been turnover worthy only three picks on the season. Bryce young's style isn't one where he necessarily gets frustrated because you're not giving him the easy explosive over the top pass that allows bam and a score in one or two place. You know, he's willing to throw it short and intermediate. And I look at his numbers, that's actually where Bryce young has been best in those short and intermediate windows on passes beyond the line of scrimmage that don't travel 20 or more yards. Bryce young has a one 43 passer rating 22 touchdowns one pick, only two turnover worthy throws on a 192 attempts in that window area. The other thing worth mentioning here is Bryce young and Alabama played a similar style defense in old miss back in week 5. And Bryce young didn't really need to be a factor in that game because Bama was able to move the ball on the ground against a light box, and obviously Arkansas plays that similar style. Now give Arkansas credit. And as I mentioned, they have more SEC talent along the defensive line and because of that they are top 40 in line yard stuff rate and EPA per rush out. But I do think Alabama is able to have some traction on the ground here, Todd. If they're constantly seeing three and four and 5 men. Fronts from Arkansas. So I just, you want to go into this game and be like, you know, Alabama hasn't looked the best prior to the buy, came out, didn't really beat anybody. There's some holes there defensively. There's some holes offensively. They don't have the cast of weapons they've had in years prior. But just stylistically, you would think Alabama is going to be able to do enough to move the ball on the ground and light boxes and the way Bryce young is operated passing the ball. He's not the kind of guy that needs to hit 20 yard passes or he gets frustrated. He's more than willing to take that check down. That typically is the way you beat a defense like this. Yeah, I mean, I'm not quite sure on the other side, either what Arkansas can do to consistently move the ball against Alabama. I know when Arkansas played the number two team in the country at the time, George is still better defensively than Alabama. But they never really put together a threat whatsoever. I mean, KJ Jefferson wasn't able to make some of the decisions he needed to or their chunk plays just weren't available. And listening to you talk about Bryce young and this may sound like a hot take, but I'll throw it out there anyways. I'll make the claim pain that what we're seeing from Bryce young this year is much more impressive on a game to game basis than what we saw from Mac Jones last year. Because when I watch Alabama this season, and this isn't to knock John mechie who's been the short guy versus Jameson Williams is the deep threat. The weapons at the crimson tide have available for Bryce young are nowhere close to what Matt Jones had at his disposal last season in Alabama's romp to the national title. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, I think it's more so the offensive line. That's kind of the one area we've pegged. They can take Alex leather would back from the Raiders if they want them. You lost lane and Dickerson. You lost some guys along the offensive line that certainly aren't as good this year. I would say that Devante Smith and naja Harris are certainly better than what Alabama currently has at this juncture, no doubt about that. I am obviously a Mac Jones guy, so I'm not going to throw shade on him and you know we've kind of made these comparisons year after year with Alabama. It's like last year Mac Jones was better than to it. The year before. And he wasn't throwing to four NFL receivers. He was just throwing to one after jaylen one. And I don't want to see that weird that weird debate, but I would say like you, at least in their current form. There's a ton of talent. We don't want to play the Saab game for Alabama. No, no, no, no, no. I have a ton of weapons, just they're not quite developed to be as impactful yet. And this isn't throwing shade at Mac Jones by any stretch of the imagination. I'm just saying that Bryce young, I think, is doing quite a bit. We know why he was the highest rated recruit that Nick Saban had ever brought into the quarterback position. And I can tell you watching Mac week over week in the National Football League. There's a coach on the West Coast and Kyle Shanahan that I'm sure would much rather have Mack Jones leading his offense than the direction that organization went and Trey Lance as you wonder what could have been what should have been, or maybe even jets fans will see if the Zach Wilson experience pays off. But it's just a credit to a consummate, mature quarterback and what Bryce is brought for a lot of the reasons you outline that he's not surrounded with that elite building block offensive line and skill position talent and go this week. And we'll get a better idea of what Bryce can do when he's under duress in a couple of weeks when they take on..
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"County alabama air the wild counter. You back and cut though here. I'm i've talked to remember that. I wish i had let somebody cut it one day and the next thing you know. It's all gone hooky. Look she does some burke okay cami when somebody says that i'm all over it. I wanna know. I wanna know known hell fan. But if they're going to walk in four for you know exactly what the answer is because you live in alabama really. Don't so this is a more florida. They really kimball crater for his and his i. I don't really like the quavo one thing. I thought before the season could rise young handle that atmosphere. He's done well so far but he's still hasn't see he hasn't been in an atmosphere. Yeah hey thanks. Give your sister. My best shannon is up next hello shannon. I hear somebody from south carolina or south on a fan save at south. Carolina might have a chance to beat jordan. Yeah we had one who said they will definitely win. One has said they might because they have the best running back room on In either the nfl or college football. All mike's mike's girl in a birds but and might sink going to get it. Done against georges offense or their defense from south carolina. I mean i. I love their their fervor and their fandom but they need to taste a dose of reality at reality abbots in in coming to the real world. I don't know what game they watched saturday when when south carolina had the beat a directional carolina team On a last second field goal. I mean this is a nominal. The me that the well but didn't you hear the guy say that you know that's a that's a big time offensive headed east carolina. Think they scored seven fourteen points or seventeen. Karen member in this in south carolina may have towns of defensive front. But i will. I will bet my next paycheck is new front facing it's clemson. I'm trying to remember the the georgia clemson game a couple of weeks ago but i. I was fairly impressed with clemson's defensive front. What about you. I was very impressed with the front door to you. Know was basically stifled offensively. You know cat from south carolina. So maybe he's just hitting the cat moonshine or something. I don't know paul. What's going on carolina. Those jokers are in la la land. Thanks go we just had a somebody on twitter. hit us up and i'll read. It's gonna wane. He said is the shane train similar to the gust. Bus asking for a friend as they say we are heading to a break. Next hour buddy martin longest tenured writer covering the university of florida. He's covered the gators for more than fifty years may be more than that maybe sixty. I don't know. I'll ask him but he's going to respond to my good friend. John salty do own or rent your home. Sure you do. Fortunately geico makes it easy to bundle your home and car insurance..
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"Why did it checked it in cater. You don't know what makes you okay. Will you listen. You be careful you take care of yourself and you let us know what's going on. Paul is up next in baton. Rouge good afternoon paul. Hey paul thanks for taking my call. i just wanted to compliment you of everything. I'm this last here. It was your friday afternoons on campus. That's just a great to end the week. I love you on the saturday morning show. Sec nation now and I did have a question about this last week. Was about say saying that in. Yeah i mean last year. With last year sucked. Okay i mean looking. I don't know what else to say about it. I mean the football was good but the atmosphere was terrible. And not getting out was was dreadful. Well on the saturday show. I know there's a lot going on six Nine eleven guys mentioned anything about Freddy's pretty joe stein mark for texas. That played in sixty nine game. I just think he's such. Oh wow Art of that yeah. No i know exactly who you're talking about. I remember that story very well. I don't think it came up We did a nine eleven pieces. You may have seen great. But i don't think freddie was mentioned That that that is that is a story. i. I had forgotten about that story man. I remember it vividly now. Yeah i can barely remember that game. I remember snippets of it I think it was eight at the time. But i read the book Some years later and it was inspiring into a sad. A sad in that Story paul. I'm glad you mentioned and i. It is a particularly moving store. Hey thank you for the call. Thanks for the kind words heading to a break buddy. Martin responds to john..
The Paul Finebaum Show
"kj jefferson" Discussed on The Paul Finebaum Show
"We welcome you to another day and man. We got a lot going on today. We're getting closer to the weekend where there are some epic football games. One in penn state with auburn another winning gainesville. We'll have coverage of both of them and don't forget friday we will be in. Gainsville will be doing the show from campus and have many many people dropping by including the athletic director including the hp. Those are just for starters. Let's get right to it. As we began another game. The crowd on their side. Gators defense looks to battle. Highly touted alabama. Boy that's a that's a that's a new okay. Don't go anywhere. Aren't you gator. Fans to listen to john. Tall t of al dot com. Right here last night. I that the texas game will probably get more attention and i think especially because of your guy wayne kiffin. That ole miss game at home on october second. I think it's going to get a lot of high games. That i said we're gonna feel more of that. Big game atmosphere. I'm not feeling it from the alabama side of things. And i think that could also partly be paul. Because i don't think alabama fans are worried about this game. I think they expect to win. And so there's not that worried dealing of nervousness. Get ready for that game. I think they expect to go into gain weight. And so maybe the gainesville things. There was that optimism that they can knock off that big bad alabama. But i'm not getting it into alabama spotted things alabama. Sandra worried about this. Well here's why they're not with tim. Tebow gators to and wind against tide. Look at it since then. Oh and six point productions down. The opposition production is up turnover differential. I think you know it listen. I was particularly interested in what john had to say. Tuesday because he's in birmingham he. He's at the epicenter of alabama football tuscaloosa. Right around the corner. Here's some fans all the time. And i'm talking to my friends in gainesville and we'll talk to a few today and this is epic. I didn't interview yesterday with your orlando sentinel and one of the biggest games in recent history at the university of florida. You talk to an alabama fan. Yeah it's we're times a game network. Sec network espn cbs. That's there is a big difference. Penn state auburn. Nobody's taking this for granted. We'll talk to jay return. Oh a little bit later on the son of the legendary coach they will get the white out treatment now. The white treatment hasn't had that much impact. But think about this for a second. There's auburn go on the road very often first time since thirty one when i was ten years old that auburn will be going to a big ten campus. Last road game road game clemson before that it was kansas state before that was clemson. They used to play georgia tech all the time they did play. Usc oh to that was a pete. Carroll versus tommy cover ville matchup. Whatever happened to those two guys that was that was quite a game back Back in the day Auburn played pretty well. That was that was the beginning of the Usc dynasty did not last very long but That was a memorable encountered peak. Carol of course was seattle. Tommy has anybody know what happened. The tom recoverable. Is he still coaching coaching in washington. Right now washington. Dc dj jefferson. You know him. He's a star quarterback in hogle and he'll be with us and a couple of minutes. Buddy martin i know buddy of nobody thirty years so maybe maybe longer buddy will have a response to john. Dalton if you know. John you better warn him. The young man is about to be taken to the woodshed by veteran. At least that's what buddy tells me he's going to do. Jay paterno is a trustee at penn. State father one of the most famous coaches of all time andrea. Carter elissa lang. They'll join us and the poet laureate of college football. He's not really. I just made that up. Andy staples join us later on. Let's get to some calls and this next caller. I usually start with him but this man was attacked yesterday. By joe from red bay. He's been attacked by the former guy on twitter. He's he is. larry has gone after him. Legend has gone after him mad. How're you doing my friend. He'd been all madam care the lack of embarrassed team play against arkansas but look beyond the relied on the show. I think he office delete defense. Is playing lights out. Really good if this. I'm sorry for taking he's out with gal. I don't know by the offense to get stuff in mexico. And i'm not worried about arkansas. Because record over though it has to deal rebbe enlightening in drugging airy. Ican that he all you what you nicely arkansas. So ooh hey hey mad. You're the one who's been running your mouth about how The the tide was going down. You still feel that. He is gone. And i can ask you fall term Regretting your life that you wish you never did. Have i ever done things. Yeah i have a few regrets my advice anakin you feel that way sometimes. Well you have to live your life matt and you can't let mistake. You just have to learn from mistakes and correct them and and live on Have you done something that you're concerned about. Is that what you're asking me and that he could easily told you about. When i feel like going good so far knowing the package one of the great my girlfriend i tell you what i don't wanna make it famous dick again. Thank you so so matt you how well do you know this young lady. We've been talking for about maybe morning. A couple of days now and It's going good matter yet. We're going to do that. Are fight video chat. Come down here and gone date with their day. Get the go around texas and go on daylight that yeah. Let me give you a little bit of advice Couple of things So you're about to meet her for the first time. I just don't give it. Just don't give your credit card your social security number or anything that you that valuable. Okay not yet. I want l. denver. We'll get all point of my friend. And i feel like i'm a trusting person even coming from the profession that i i been in I i trust most people. Just don't be. Don't don't just be careful thing. Remember that it's a great relationship to have but if it ended you need to guard you need to put some guardrails up in case it ends sooner than you think. Or what do that. Paul all i like. I wanna likeness. We came back here all even my notre dame but method that. Okay well you take care of yourself and you have my number if you need any help at any. What are you guys going to do when you get together all dinner here movie at dinner there. The movie theater dinner What kind of food aid. yeah. I'm i mean if you're you're gonna and i would think You're in texas mexican. Food would be pretty easy to find right. Now let's keep in north texas gray mexican. I've had some of the best mexican food in my life in in fort worth and places like that we're to get through that..