Did it help us or hurt us that Texas lost?

Saturday was another close one, still another victory. I hope we're building up some of that "know how to win close ones" stuff that people talk about. It feels more like we've been surviving though. I'm getting pretty tired of everyone ramming it up our asses in the fourth quarter. Even FSU got a TD against us in the fourth, albeit a garbage time score on the last play of the game. If we can't put away Cincy, Air Force, or Utah State for chrissakes, then conference opponents are going to win at least one that way if we don't get it fixed. Not to mention teams will never feel out of the game, which makes it that much harder on us if we're truly getting someones best shot for four entire quarters. Anyway, I did a little research and crunched the numbers, and what I came up with is that Mitch is absolutely correct: 4-0 is better than 3-1. Which is why I asked the question that I did to open this column.

The Sooner fan in me has an ingrained love for watching Texas lose. I'd love it if they lost every game of the season. But let's be honest, that would take a lot of the fun out of beating them (remember when we used to do that? Check your almanacs) and it would remove a marquee win from our schedule. Although, it seems that playing piece of shit teams week in/week out, winning a bullshit conference with no real contenders several years in a row, and getting up for the 1 or  2 decent teams you play each season (much easier to do than if you play them every Saturday) and winning those games earns you serious national title consideration (see: Boise State et al). Whoa, back on track here. If we manage to beat Texas this weekend then we've beaten a top 25 team and that's about it. In fact depending on how we win they may fall out all together. Then you start hearing talk of how we we scraped by the teams we should have rolled over and didn't play anyone in conference. If it comes down to a three team race of unbeatens (unlikely, I admit), that is a real turd in our collective punch bowl. Outside of all of that nonsense, do we now play a Texas team already thirsty for our blood but with the added incentive of "something to prove"? If we lose to Texas this year, it won't be like others where we lost to a top 5 team, and if we win out and they stumble we'll be right back in it. Our hole may already be dug (take that sentence and run with it).

In hindsight I guess I should have titled this, "Texas Losing: Bad for Sooner Nation". Hey, go fuck yourself I'm not a journalist.

4-0 is Better than 3-1. Just Ask Texas. Hey Speaking of...

I don't know what to make of this team yet (still). If I wasn't such a die-hard and could just casually watch the games I'd probably enjoy this team a lot more. They clearly have some pluck. They make the plays when necessary which is a huge plus. They seem to give up big plays at the worst times which sucks. But in the end, they eek these things out. And, it appears, lady luck, nee Sooner Magic, appears to be with this team.

To wit, the play that Jonathan Nelson made on the Cincy Wide Receiver who was running unabated to the endzone was pluck. JN never gave up, timed his punch perfectly and made what wound up being a game saving play. When that same Cincy receiver later muffed (tee-hee) a punt inside his own 10 maybe that was some Sooner Magic.

The Defense still needs work but they make a hell of a lot of plays. There are a lot of newcomers making an impact; Tony Jefferson, Stacy McGee, Tom Wort, Aaron Colvin (possibly). The offense has enough, ultimately, to score some points.

I might have a heart attack at some point but as long as we win who gives a shit.

PS- It's OU-Texas week and it'd be a lot more awesome if texas hadn't choked on each other's cocks last week. Oh I'm sure they'll be all "fired up" after that embarrassment, eager to show the world the real texas. But they've been exposed. Garrett Gilbert sucks. The defense is not as good as the past. Mack Brown is still an asshole.

I really, really feel good about this one. Crimson Colored Glasses are in full effect.

Getcha a taste:

The Award for "Worst Blogger in September - Sport or Group (In Season)" Goes to:

Me.

Real quick like:

Offensive POG: Lonnie
Defensive POG: Jamelle Fleming
Final Score: 30-13

Cincinnati

Well, our first road game of the season comes at a semi-neutral site. Hopefully that bodes well for our team that, as everyone knows, sucked a giant cock on the road last year.  Our QB was sub-par at best on the road and that includes the Stanford game which everyone assumed was Lonnie turning the corner. As we now know, like a Cinemax late movie Lonnie can tantalize us but for the most part leaves us wanting more. I definitely like the fact that the two time reigning Big East champ has gotten off to a pretty shitty start this season. While it doesn't help our resume all that much to win this necessarily, we've got plenty of tests down the road that it doesn't matter really either. And thanks to the crack reporting of the Oklahoman I've learned that after football Lonnie wants to be a minister (not to mention I've walked a mile in the kicker's cleats, really Carlson? See man, it's clever because a kicker doesn't just wear shoes he wears cleats. I hope that Jenni Carlson gets exposed as the center piece in a 2 on 1 pig roast with Berry Tramel slipping his tattered cock from under his tweed jacket and turtle neck in the back, and Jake Trotter sweating his fat ass off on the other end gagging her. I'm drunk). While I can't think of a worse job than spreading the word of the good book, I'm willing to give him a pass only because we're stuck with him as our QB. I really don't care if he prays our way to victory, as long as we win. As for our opponent, they allegedly have a lot of talent, if not injuries, on the offensive skill positions. However, by all accounts their offensive line is shit. I'm not positive but I think they lead the country in sacks allowed. Which, gets me rock hard thinking of Frank Alexander and Beal pummeling their passer early and often. I feel like our defense might get exposed a little early, but unlike last week I think (hope) that we lock it down in the second half. I honestly don't know much about their defense, but it's somewhat moot if Lonnie can't find and hit our open receivers. Our run game has been slow to get going, mostly because teams can stack up for it while Lonnie flounders. Let's hope that we change that today and hit some big plays.

Offense

This week I really like our run to get going. I think Lonnie struggles enough that he doesn't really earn this award. But, and here's the kicker, I think that Mossis (my dog) Madu comes to play today. I think that DeMarco will get his, but Madu has been poised to break out as the 2 in our 1-2 punch running game. He looked salty against FSU, and in spite of an uninspiring performance last week, I think he's breaks at least two big ones today. I think the oft talked about O-line rotation gets rolling and opens some holes. I like the idea of this very much.

Defense

On this side of the ball, I'm going with the vogue pick of late. I really like Tony Jefferson (true frosh no less) to do something big today. This guy feels like he might be the real deal. I'm already fully in his camp, and he's got future MF'er all but tattooed on his face. I like him to force at least one turn over today, and make two more plays that make us feel funny "down there".

Overall, I'm pretty fired up about this game. Two of Mitch and I's closest buddies are out visiting me and so far our itinerary for the day has us getting lunch and then holing up in a bar and watching this game (amongst others).  It's not often living in NYC that I get to watch the game with legit Sooner fans who know the team and I couldn't be much more fired up about that prospect. As a result, I think we bring it today, but with the caveat that Cincy will be ready. Like most weeks this game was circled for them a while ago. But, unlike most games this one was probably circled for us too as it's our first road test. I think it's a good game, and they hang with us better than either of us would like. But, as always, I think we do enough to go into Red River unbeaten. I like the Sooners in this one shutting them down late and winning 28-17. Again, we don't necessarily impress anyone but we continue to win. Let's get these fucksticks.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

Phew. No Shit.

Those were the last two texts exchanged by us after Saturday's game. I'm glad we won, sure. But I'm disappointed that it was that close and even more disappointed in the way it happened. I know that they are like no one else we face, and the option is still a great offense, and all sorts of other horse shit that I couldn't give a fuck less about. The bottom line is we should have won and we did, but we shouldn't have let them back in the game in fourth quarter. I can see them getting some yardage and points, but to let them rally for 14 in the final quarter is unnerving to say the least. After they scored that first touchdown the D should have really buckled down. Credit them for doing what almost no one else has done at our place during the Stoops era: run it up our ass. It shouldn't have to come down to a clutch third down pitch and catch from Lonnie to Stills. But it did, and we held on.

Speaking of Stills, Mitch I really liked that pick and while I'm not sure I'd hand him the player of the game he played his way into the discussion and given the first two weeks I'd call your prediction genius. It's certainly seemed as though he's improved each week and I'm sure the fact that he bailed us out on the last play will build some confidence with Lonnie. I like him to continue to break out.

Finally, I'm not sure I like the way Stoops and Ronnel Lewis seem to be verbally sparring a bit through the Oklahoman. First of all, Lewis had some balls to even try that shit. Second of all, I can't believe Bobby played that game instead of just putting a foot straight up his ass in practice. Whatever, it doesn't really matter I suppose. I hope that amends are made and that is the last we hear of that distraction.

Three and 0 and looking forward to the game this weekend in Cincy. I hope we get back on track defensively and Lonnie remembers not to take the #2 train to brown town in the back of his jockey's just because he didn't get to sleep in his dorm room last night. More on that game later in the week.

OU - Air Farce

Navin, I really like what you've done here. Might I say drunk writing is a strong suit. As much as I want to agree with everything you say I'll try to shake it up a bit for the benefit of our vast and ever expanding readership.

First let's tackle this Brave or Sooner business. Who gives a shit? This conversation, if it ever needed to take place, should have happened sometime during the Summer. Berry Tramel was too busy writing puff pieces about the glory days of Bud and Barry. I think he has so little access to the locker room that he has to write about stuff like this when there is actual football to discuss. All I know is today will probably be the loudest home of the Sooners yet. I'm indifferent because I'm usually sucking down beers in the parking lot whilst this is going down. But don't judge me. I'm a patriot.

I'm excited to see this razzle dazzle Triple-Option for the Teens (or whatever this decade winds up being called). The Sooners have spent time preparing for it in the offseason and this spells trouble for Air Force. Oh they'll make some play I'm sure but Brent Vanables always says that discipline is the key to beating the option. So far, the 2010 Sooner D has shown it can be quite disciplined. If they play disciplined today then watch out the rest of the season. This D will be for real and will certainly be conference-championship caliber (that's right, already looking ahead).

Offense

I like the Lonnie pick. I really do. But I'm going to go with a bit of a dark horse here in Kenny Stills. He took a big leap from the Utah State game to the FSU game and I see another step today. I sense that this guy can make people miss in the open field and that Lonnie can give him some opportunities today. The WR rotation seems to be set but if the law firm of Broyles, Kenney and Kenny can collectively have some confidence built up by next week that will be huge.

Defense

After reading over the last two weeks that the base package for the Sooners this season will be the Nickel and how this means less playing time for Ronnell Lewis in comes an Air Force team that will take the Sooners out of their base package for most of the game. So, I'm going out on a limb and presuming Ronnell will see more time today and so I'm picking him. Some big hits will keep the crowd bloodthirsty.


The Result

Sometime in the first three or four drives the Sooner D will look shaky and probably give up some points. But no worries as they settle down and depth and athleticism win the day. Lonnie has a fine day and that helps the ground attack also. The Sooners have no problems scoring. I like the Sooners here 35-14.

Boomer to the motherfuckin' Sooner

Air Force

OK, So I was out pretty late last night and honestly I think I'm still drunk. That's probably irrelevant. Air Force comes to Norman today, and by all accounts they've perfected the option and are likely to run it straight up our ass all day long. Well, I have no doubt they'll get their yards but I don't think they're going to destroy us with it. Granted, they've ran it on some pretty good teams and have hung around with a few teams they probably have no business hanging around with. Basically their lack of really talented players have forced them to figure out one thing they can do (the option) and then just keep doing it until they've nearly perfected it. However, while Air Force has played almost everyone competitively the last few years since Fisher (dingle) DeBerry retired/fired/quit (whatever he did, because really, who cares?), I think that playing a legit title contender on the road (not to mention that they currently maintain the nations longest home winning streak) may be a bigger challenge than they're used to. Of course this is the biggest game of their careers and as such we will get their best shot. In that vein, I'm guessing we see a little deviation from their bread and butter early with some play action and some deep shots down the field attempting to catch us with only the run game in mind. But, unlike most of the nonconference schools we play, they are not going to abandon what they normally do in order to fake punt their way to a moral victory. Which is why I like us in today's game. I definitely think they'll get some yards on the ground. In fact, I think they'll get a good chunk more than we're A) used to giving up and B) going to allow by any other team. I imagine there will be moments where the Sooner faithful are pretty pissed off at the fact that we can stop the option. However, I think we will also blow them up a few times more than that and really take it to them defensively.

Also, I know Stoops wants it really to be home of the "brave" at the end of the national anthem but I frankly don't give a shit who we're playing, I'm a big fan of stirring up the home crowd any way we can (even if that move was bitten off of a number of NFL teams, the Chiefs who I might hate more than Texas have been doing that shit since the early 90s). So let's hope the crowd today wasn't terribly distorted by our absolute dismantling of FSU last week, and stay in it even if we don't necessarily do what we want when we want on every single play. I love a game like last week as much as anyone, but to have the expectation that it will happen every week is absolutely ridiculous (possible even ridonkulous, sp?). On to the awards.

Offense

This week I really like Lonnie again, I know this makes two weeks in a row but I'm feeling him and if he can put together two starts in a row like last weeks', then I think that sets him up well to be supremely confidant (what we need) in a tough first road game. I think Air Force spends all of their time in practice playing against an offense that essentially runs the ball (nearly) every down. As such, I think they do a nice job of limiting our run game (clearly our weak point, in spite of the Utah State game). Our O-line hasn't been opening up serious holes since 2008 (possibly the most experienced/best offensive line of the Stoops era, oh and a future #1 overall pick to think about in regard to the passing game), and I don't think we figure that out with this team for at least another couple of weeks and that is being optimistic. As such I think we'll be dedicated to the run game today, as always, but I don't see it really catching fire and I think we'll be able to throw it. Especially if Cameron Kenney really has stepped up into the number two receiver role. I like Lonnie for 300+ and 3 TD's again.

Defense

When facing a team that runs at all costs it seems obvious to pick someone in the front 7 to have a big week. I think guys will up there, and we may even have a Ronnell Lewis sighting in our base set, but I think they are good enough at doing their thing that they will have the guys up front accounted for on a fairly regular basis. That's why I'm going with my second repeat of the young season and picking Quinton (motherfuckin') Carter. I think he's flying around, coming up on blitzes and run support in general. They'll be feeling pretty good getting the front guys accounted for only to have necks broken by a full steam QC hitting the holes faster than their RB's. I like him for 10 tackles today and a forced fumble. That's right, I'm being that specific, so you can suck it.

As for the final score, I like us in this one and I think we'll get a hot start. However, I for some reason feel like the offense might still a bit in the middle of the game. So, I think they'll hang around more than anyone wants them to. I think we'll pull away late and hopefully make the score look like we destroyed them for the benefit of the pollsters who only look at box scores. I like the final to be 36-17. I'm ready to destroy these rotten bitches.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

Semirolled

Hey Navin see what I did there? I combined Seminoles and Rolled (as in, the Sooners Rolled over the Seminoles). We didn't even discuss this beforehand. Our title-writing is without peer.

I have to give you serious "props" for nailing two out of two Offensive POGs. I thought it was the best game of Lonnie's career. Hopefully this portends good things and not that Sooner Nation is in line for a season long roller coaster ride. "Stache - The Ride" doesn't sound fun even for a Tuesday night at Buddy's in KC.

Also, the O-Line was phenomenal. Lonnie had all day and they opened up some nice holes. It was an awesome showing by that whole group.

On Defense what can you say other than everything that the Sooners did poorly last week they did well this week. The tackling was solid (again), the seconday got their hands on a lot of balls and Navin is right, the Christian Ponder for Heisman campaign got derailed, "In a great way". It's still early but I think this defense could be something special. As a unit they seem to be smarter than team's past. They are in position, fundamentally sound and even the young guys seem to have a veteran presence. I'm definitely excited for the 2010 Sooner Defense.

As far as Ronnell Lewis as 2010 M.F.er we were spot on. We (rightly) rationalized that an M.F.er cannot be named on hype. This isn't a preseason Watch List. The award is based on known commodities and thus far, Quinton M.F. Carter is proving himself worthy. He's Steady Eddy in the Secondary.

Speaking of, my Quinton M.F. Carter t-shirt is finally being delivered today. Our long national nightmare is over.

I told you I was going to try to do better than last week's Photo Essay. Well, I shot some video because you were asking about the crowd. I was hoping to get some of the pregame crowd stuff but copious beers at the tailgate made us late to our seats.

This will probably get chosen for Sundance or something:

Semolition

Ha! Get it? It's like I mixed demolition with Seminole! Whew, with those snappy titles I'll beating off suitors with both hands...er, nevermind. Anyway, that was a ball stomp in its purest form. Aside from the first drive of the game for FSU, we absolutely dominated in all phases of the game. We single handedly ended Chris Ponder's Heisman campaign. I would have never guessed it would be that lopsided, hell not even Sunshine and Lollipop's Mitchell  guessed it would be that bad (although he was much closer to being right than I was). I thoroughly enjoyed the game and hope it sets the tone for the season. I also hope the Lonnie we saw Saturday is more true to form than the one we saw in week 1. He looked really good and only really missed on a couple of balls that I can think of off hand. Defensively, that was a totally different team out there. Good pressure, and even better downfield coverage. The return of Frank Alexander (see: 2 sacks) was huge, and I don't think I'd be the only one to say that Tony Jefferson looks as though he may be the real deal.

Mitch, what was the crowd like on Saturday? It seemed solid on TV, but then it's easy to be pumped when the team is imposing it's will on the other team in all phases.

From the pat myself on the back and effectively jinx myself out of ever predicting anything accurately again category (not the snappiest title for a category), this is the second week in a row that I confidently say I predicted the offensive player of the game nearly to a statistical T. One could even make a case that I nailed defense too, but Travis Lewis was rather quiet in getting 6 tackles and a pick. Lonnie dominated and really the only thing I missed was that he didn't throw the pick I thought he might. Though Kenny Stills teased me with a couple of early grabs, Cameron Kenney stepped up for the time being as our top second option at WR. In addition to some nice catches and a TD, his block downfield sprung James Hanna on his TD grab. We'll see if he's really figured it out or if it's a repeat of last season where seemingly every week someone new was poised to break out.

Air Force is unique challenge, so much so that according to the Oklahoman, we actually took some time in fall camp preparing for them (precious time not even afforded to the likes of Texas or FSU). They currently lead the nation in rushing (generally what we excel at stopping), and I'm sure they'll get some yards but I think we'll be ready. Of course, I'll get into that more later in the week. For now I'm enjoying this drubbing for the next couple of days. I'm hoping we keep building and getting better.

Finally, as the season plays out in it's early stages, I'm becoming increasingly glad we didn't name Ronnell Lewis MF'er. While he absolutely murdered that poor fellow on that kick return, he's largely been absent from anything meaningful. Part of that is because we seldom run the base 4-3 these days. While it's a bummer he's not in, I'm guessing if he was truly dominating the coaches would find a way to get him out there regardless of the set. On the flip side, Quinton led the team in tackles this week and has generally been a dominant force. I'm pretty damn fired up.

Florida State - the return of Doomsday McGoo

Well, Mitch has predictably put together a well written, well thought out post full of words with more than two syllables. Now I'm going to attempt to drag my knuckles through a post and not chip any of my prominent front teeth on whatever stationary object may be in front of me. Old crimson colored glasses seems confident that last week was the requisite wake-up call on our march to another national title. I feel less confident. How many times in the last few seasons have we struggled against someone clearly inferior and chalked it up not being ready, looking past them, etc.? In fact, I've dared blaspheme that this is becoming alarmingly regular for Bobby and his staff. I, for one, am sick and tired of playing under the notion that just setting foot on field is enough to win games. How about playing like we really want it. The Texas Tech home game from two years ago is the last time I can remember us really looking like we wanted to eat babies. All of that said, I still think we will win this game. In fact, out of a decade of picking games like this each week I've never picked the Sooners to lose (homer much?), and don't plan on breaking that streak today. After jabbing Stoops not three sentences ago, it's telling that I've been wrong only 28 times in his tenure. So let's get to FSU.

The first season for FSU without Bobby Bowden since powdered wigs were in style had a pretty auspicious debut over a pretty shitty team. Essentially they did what everyone thought we would do last week to Samford. So it appears that everyone is ready to crown Jimbo Fisher's ass. By the way, nice fucking name. Jimbo? Really, Jimbo? Is he a 50's greaser? In that same vein, Christian Ponder is potentially going to miss this start with a raw dick from the media relentlessly jerking him off all week. While I'm on the subject of stupid fucking names, Christian? If your parents name you Christian and you elect to be called that over Chris then fuck you. You've sealed your fate as a douche. I knew a guy who was called that once, and I felt like giant tool every time I was forced to call him by name. If you make other people feel like a tool then go by something else. Basically, I think this guy is a fuck and I hope we pummel him early and often. By all accounts he's a terrific passer with a terrific arm, a better passer than the guy we saw last week, but not as mobile. Which, I think bodes well seeing that if there is one thing that has consistently given our defense problems over the last several years it's a mobile QB who can improvise. Now, the flip side of that, as it relates to today, is their offensive line is considerably more seasoned and generally better all around than the one we saw last week. This will make it difficult to set up camp in their backfield with guys like Beal, as Mitch alluded to. However, I believe Frank Alexander is back this week (an early fringe candidate for MF'er this year), which will give them one more legit pass rusher to think about. This battle (the line) will absolutely determine the game, on both sides of the ball (I'm Navin, I like to make long winded posts concluded with obvious comments). On to the awards...

Defense

I'm starting with the D this week. I think these guys are feeling pretty sick and tired of being told they will be carved by Christian Ponder this week. I think the secondary is going take a step forward today and eliminate some of the gaffs from last week. I think we will give up some yardage, and some big plays but I think we'll stop enough of them to put up some more respectable numbers than last week, and against a better team. However, I'm going in another direction this week. I'm taking Travis Lewis on that side of the ball. Everything I've read from him after last week indicates he is one pissed off  motherfucker about the way the D was abused by Utah State. I think this week is the first time we say, "holy shit, he's everywhere out there". I like him for not only his standard dozen tackles or so, but something big possibly a forced fumble, or a couple of sacks.

Offense

Here, I really can't argue with Mitch and his DeMarco Murray pick, that guy was the reason we won last week. He can do it all, but with Mossis "My Dog" Madu, back he will get fewer touches I think. I'm going slightly outside of the box and picking Lonnie to be my player of the game. Playing on the same theme of "something to prove" that I did with Lewis, I think Lonnie bounces back this week. I'll even say he turns it over once, but I think he clears 300 yards and throws at least 3 TD's. In a related note, I think another receiver emerges this week to take some heat off of the hardass that is Ryan Broyles (Kenny Stills, please report to the wide side of the field). I'm going to keep harping on names here, I really like the name Kenny Stills. He sounds like someone destined to be a stud, especially at WR. "Hey, who do you think is the best WR of Stoops' career? I'll tell you who I like, Kenny Stills" Sounds legit 'eh? Anyway, if Lonnie doesn't bounce back, then I think it's the beginning of the end for him and suddenly his career will feel a lot more like Hybl than Heupel.

Sooners in this one, but I think it will be a struggle from the beginning. I think we come out strong and hold off a hungry FSU team in the second half to win. Turnovers are huge and I think we will win that battle. I don't imagine Bobby has much interest in being out-defensed  (I may have made that word up) by his younger brother.

Final Score 31-27 in favor of the Sooners. Lives up to the billing as well.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.

OU - FSU Gameplan/Strategy/Hope/Prayer

You'd be hard pressed to find a 1-0 team whose stock dropped more precipitously than the Sooners did this past week. A poor showing at home to the inferior Aggies of Utard State (a clever name courtesy of the father-in-law) and a Florida State asswhoopin' of Samford will do that.

So it's Week 2 and already Sooner Nation finds itself at a fork in the road. The Sooners can live up to the anti-hype or take it as the proverbial "warning shot across the bow" and get their shit together. I've spent all week talking myself out of the former and into the latter. I've been successful. I'm now convinced that this narrow loss was the perfect splash in the face of cold water that this Sooner team needs heading into their biggest non-conference game of the season. I'm convinced the defensive miscues of last week are correctable as opposed to brain farts to be endured all season.

FSU is also at a crossroads. Are they as good as everyone currently fellating them says? Or are they poised now for some come-uppance because OU is no Samford?

I guess what I'm saying is I have questions and, come Saturday evening, there will be some answers.

This will be a hell of a game if OU comes out playing like their hair is on fire and FSU does the same due to the fact they inexplicably believe in themselves like no other time since 2001. There is much talk of superior athleticism on the FSU sidelines.

In addition, two Stoops brothers will be facing off for the first time. I can't imagine how badly these two would love to beat each other. I can imagine that both defensive units are aware of the situation and frothing at the mouth to win for their respective coach.

I'm expecting a close game with some special teams fireworks.

On Offense
At the risk of getting into a rut (by alternating all season between DeMarco and Ryan Broyles) I'm going to say DeMarco Murray. He's clearly the bell cow and he's going to be pivotal in keeping Lonnie from smearing his britches all day. He looked like an elite runner last week. He had the glide. I've got a real good feeling he's going to take a kickoff to the house.

Tangentially, if DeMarco is healthy all season, where does he rank in OU history? I have a feeling his legacy will be somewhat diminished because of how smoothly he runs. He's not a freight-train like AD. He doesn't have the novelty of size or the pinball action of Q Griffin. But he's better than pretty much everyone else in the Stoops era wouldn't you say?


On Defense
I like Tom Wort here. I have quickly become a believer. The guy was all over the place against Utah State and he just looks like a mean motherfucker. I am perfectly content with him manning the middle. 

My question is does he speak with a British accent? I didn't know he spent a good portion of his childhood in England as this article says. If so, that's badass.

The important question for the Sooner defense is can they get pressure on the QB? Last week Jeremy Beal set up a tent in the backfield but coralling the QB was difficult. In spite of that we got three INT's. Can OU force FSU into more turnovers than FSU can get from Lonnie?

The Verdict
I really think this is going to be an awesome game. FSU has a brilliant special teams player in Greg Reid. OU has brilliant return men in Broyles and Murray. I think this could be the key. Also, will Lonnie look like a true Freshman or like a guy who's started a dozen games at this level? Will the line give him some time just in case he wants to go through a progression?

I think so and the defense will be eager to put in the past last week's transgressions. Also, Sooner Nation is going to be ready to cheer long and loud. 

I of course like the Sooners.

OU 35, FSU 17

PS- Is it a good sign when, in Week 2, there's a poll in the paper asking if you'd rather have your starting QB or a guy who isn't even on campus? Note: Berry Tramel is a dick so leave it to him to start asking inane questions.

PPS- In this article on August 25th I wrote:

Will some Mouth-Breathing Knuckle-Dragging Clod on the O-Line Quit the Team Come September 2nd?

I don't know what it is about O-Linemen but it seems like a right of Autumn that one of these jackoffs has had enough of windsprints and Oklahoma Drills and quits the team. I'm always one who says if they're not tough enough to handle it we don't need them anyways. Which is true. But just this once can these jackholes keep it together long enough to develop some chemistry before Cincinnatti? Pretty please?

I'll be damned if Guard Tavaris Jeffries didn't go and get his self arrested. He's not on the two-deep but he's trying to screw things up.

My Photo Essay from Week 1

Or, the 3 pictures I took:

The scene at the tailgate:

My Mother-In-Law Preparing to Sneak Some Merlot into the Stadium via Her Sunglass Case:

The View from the Seats:

Well, We're 1-0

My pregame analysis pretty much took a giant shit on itself. Our players of the game were pretty spot-on though. This game was weird.

On one hand, there were some things that were very encouraging. On Offense, DeMarco and Broyles were workhorses. The WR's as a unit were pretty solid. There were not a lot of drops (none that I can recall). Cameron Kenney seems more comfortable and DeJuan Miller caught a couple of key passes. There were no fumbles.

Unfortunately for the Offense, Lonnie was inconsistent at best and showed little, if any, improvement that I could tell. He seemed to lock in on receivers (only 5 players caught balls), was eager to move out of the pocket (read: happy feet), threw some awful balls and generally seemed out of sorts a lot of the time. This was just one game, of course, but the notion that we may have seen Lonnie's career ceiling already is disheartening. It's hard for me to watch the O-Line in person and I don't know a lot about that unit anyways (as far as nuances of the position) but I'm going to presume they were average/below average given that Lonnie was sacked 3 times and threw the ball away more times than that. Whether that's on the Line or Lonnie or WR's I don't know.

On defense there were also some positives if you can believe it. Jeremy Beal looked very good and was spending a great deal of time in the backfield. The LB's looked good as well. Ronnell came in for 3-4 situations and Tom Wort was all over the place. What a great name for a LB by the way, Tom Wort. Travis Lewis had a predictably quiet steady game. In the secondary Tony Jefferson caught my eye and Quinton M.F. Carter looked like the leader he should be.

However, virtually everyone in the secondary staked their claim to be the next "Gasrag McCoy", even Quinton and DeMontre Hurst (who they almost never threw to). At some point, somebody made an egregious error in coverage that cost the Sooners. At this point I'd say Jamelle Fleming or Jonathan Nelson are the leaders in the clubhouse though. What was odd but mildly encouraging was that on some of these mistakes, the defender was in good position, he just didn't turn to find the ball. It wasn't always a completely blown coverage.

For every positive there was a negative. Utah State played well, no doubt, but there is no reason in the world that game should have been close. Hopefully this performance got the attention of the right people. Even as close as this game wound up being, I still think this team can be really good. The mistakes seem fixable.

At the end of the day we're 1-0 and still in control of our own destiny. And, unlike teams of the past, this one on this day made plays when they had to and persevered. Yes, I am trying to be as positive as possible because now next week looks very, very scary.

Other Notes

• I can believe that OU would try to charge people to listen to games on the Internet. Such is the state of big time sports. I cannot believe anyone would be willing to pay. That's a crock. The good news is I believe every other game will be televised.
• I cannot say enough about DeMarco. 35 carries is a ton. He hit holes hard, hung on to the ball, showed some patience and had that breakaway speed in the open field. Very, very encouraging. Kudos to you on the call.
• Shouldn't Jamarkus McFarland be called "Booger" from now on? Sure, it's technically taken but anytime you have the chance to call someone Booger I feel it's my obligation as an American to do so.
• You know how football is such a copycat sport (Wildcat). Well, at Coach Camp this offseason I guess the big new thing was to run traditional running formations out of the shotgun. For instance, DeMarco lined up a lot behind Lonnie in the Shotgun. Or, there would be an off-balance I-Formation behind Lonnie in Shotgun. Utah State was doing this also. I can't remember seeing it before.
• This game had a terrible vibe. The crowd was shit.

Ouch

Well, that game wasn't exactly the slaughter we hoped for. In fact, it was as embarrassing as a win can be. Mitch, what the hell happened down there? Was it the typical Sooners effort from recent years (see: attitude that we are entitled to win and therefore go through the motions)? Looks like we both did a decent job on our players of the game. Quinton MF Carter came through with a decent effort statistically, 7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, and 1 pass broken up. I nearly nailed DeMarco with 250 APY (he finished with 256), and a case could certainly be made for Broyles (9 catches for 142 with 2 TDs). However, no one could have predicted the absolute diarrhea our pass defense would resemble. While I thought we would cough up a few big gainers and maybe some points, I never thought they would carve us up like they did. I didn't get to watch the game or listen to it (can you believe they charge  to listen to the game on the web? Sorry Merv, your folksy color commentary warrants payment to avoid), but I would love to hear your thoughts Mitch since you saw it first hand. Any early takers for this years Matt McCoy memorial Gas Rag (as in "easily burned")? I'm pretty discouraged, but not as much as I was after last season's opener. I'm not even going to mention what, by all accounts, was a shit performance from Lonnie. All I know is he'd better settle in or the calls for Blake Bell will start coming in pretty heavily. I'm far more nervous about next week than I was on Friday. We'd better get some things fixed or FSU will end our 31 game home win streak going away.

OU - Utah State THE BREAKDOWN

Here's the way it should go; The Sooners embark on a new voyage towards another national title. The sun is shining, the air is crisp, grill smoke is wafting through campus and a lame duck opening opponent takes the pistol-whipping they are paid to take. 90,000 spoiled fans see the bloodbath they crave. Everyone totters home drunk and happy.

It had damn well better go this way.

Navin has done a fine job identifying the "strengths" of this Utah State team. I'm too lazy to confirm his research by doing my own and thus am unable to refute or add to his assertions. Which is fine and dandy anyways because whilst Navin tends to be more pragmatic I, on the other hand, wear "Crimson Colored Glasses" and think every game should be won handily, PlayStation style, like the game was set on Beginner. I'm too old to change who I am.

So if, as Navin suggests, the Utah State attack is predicated on running the football, then they are fucked. The calling card of a Brent Venables defense is stopping the run. This makes me giddy because there is nothing I enjoy more than watching the Line Backers get a dozen tackles per man. It will also force Utah State into long third downs at which point I'll enjoy watching the Sooner D-Linemen pin their ears back, forcing the Utah State QB to both shit his pants and throw ill-conceived passes into tight coverage. Hopefully this means several turnovers, maybe even a defensive touchdown. See above the note on bloodbaths.

So here's who I like in this one on both sides of the ball:

On Offense

I'm really feeling Ryan Broyles here. He's getting a lot of love nationally. A lot of pub, if you will. In week 1 he exceeds the hype. The reason being that Offensive Coordinator Kevin Wilson loves to get his QB's settled down and into the game by calling easy little passes. Broyles is going to be Lonnie's security blanket in this game and probably all season. This means short throws to Broyles in the open field where Lonnie gets in a rhythm and Broyles does what he does best; Running like his hair is on fire.  I'm calling at least 150 yards and the Heisman Hype engine firing up on the first turn of the key.

On Defense


I've already mentioned how I envision the Linebacking corps amassing roughly 50 tackles as a unit. In spite of that, I cannot go with anyone other than Quinton M.F. Carter as my Defensive Player of the Game. We made a t-shirt for him for God's sake. I think an INT would be a bonus but I'm more excited to see some bone-crunching hits and maybe a sack or two from Quinton. Carter and Ronnell Lewis could be the biggest bonecrunching duo since Roy M.F. Williams and Brandon Everage. This is legitimately exciting.

The Score


This one isn't as close as the score would indicate.

OU 63, Utah State 6

Big 12 Rankings and Predictions

Just because I feel like it.

Big 12 North 
Nebraska (Someone has to win)
K-State (Gut feeling they'll pull something out of their ass)
Mizzou (Pinkel is Einhorn, Einhorn is Pinkel; I hate them)
Kansas (Average as per usual; starting off 4-0 as usual)
Colorado (If Hawkin's son is still at QB they are here. If they got someone real maybe they move up)
Iowa State (Everything about this place stinks)

Big 12 South
Oklahoma (Like I would pick anyone else)
texas (No on else fits here; I will never capitalize it)
Baylor (Gut feel a la K-State)
OSU (Living in a fantasy land)
Texas Tech (Heading South)
Texas A&M (Nothing going for them)

Update
I just read this on cnnsi.com. Under "Bold Prediction" that Asshat Stewart Mandel (Navin's Nemesis) has predicted Baylor will finish ahead of Oklahoma State. Not sure if I should feel upset that my prediction will now almost certainly not come true or vindicated that I could, nee should, be doing that dingleberry's job.