Offseason Notes

Wellsy, wellsy, if we aren't back for another season of the Steamroller. We are on the cusp of the 2011 campaign, and looking back it's hard to believe this is our second (SECOND!) season of doing this. Where has the time gone? In all seriousness, I'm impressed we stuck with it even the one season, but it turns out it's pretty fun to do.

The past offseason was both pretty nice, and pretty upsetting for the Sooners. We lost two (that I know of) outstanding players of the modern era. First, Brandon "Cueball" Everage (RIP), passed away in a tragic drowning incident. Mitch may know more of the details than I do, but regardless it's untimely. Everage was one of the pioneers of the modern era of Sooner football. One of the elite defenders that pulled a program laying firmly on the coals of the college football landscape, and elevated it to the clean bright air of a National Championship. Known as cueball by Mitch and I (one of the earliest nicknames we handed out), for his punishing lead-with-the-helmet style of hitting he was truly a great one, and one of my all-time favorites.

Additionally, and more widely published, was the unfortunate death of Austin "Soggy" Box. While no one knows the exact circumstance of his death, we all know the cause and frankly none of it matters as that is simply too young to go. While Box didn't get to fully establish his legacy as Everage did, he did solidify his reputation as a damn good player. Most notably, his replacement of Tom Wort solidified a previously shaky 2010 Sooner defense and fueled us to a Big 12 conference championship and Fiesta Bowl win.

Both will be missed as great Sooner players, albeit in different capacities.

****

This offseason in college football has been pretty shitty for many programs. We watched, nee, enjoyed the downfall of several programs notably Ohio State among others and were quietly pleased it wasn't us again (read: Bomar et al: complete morons). While seemingly the college football world crumbled for many top programs, the Sooners simply went to work in the Spring and Summer months, continued through Fall workouts and emerged with an all but consensus preseason #1 ranking.  Honestly, with the cast we return I think it's legit. Obviously we have questions, but they aren't as numerous or critical as some in season's past. How will the RB situation play out? Can the shuffling defensive backfield survive inevitable early season breakdowns? Can we play enough defense to win without Travis Lewis? In other words, there are tough questions on both sides of the ball. Most of them will be answered in a September 17th tilt at Florida State. Highly ranked in the preseason like us, they will be a serious early season test. One that will likely go a long way in establishing an early national perception of our team. Though it's not idealistic at all, national perception goes a long way in determining voting and ranking in the current system.

I still haven't decided about doing a position by position preview like we did last year. I'm sure Mitch and I will discuss it, but I'm personally leaning toward no. Mostly because it was pretty time consuming (something I'm currently short on), not to mention I was fairly shitty at it. But a full Tulsa breakdown is coming from the both of us. Mine will be up a week early as I will be out of the country and unable to post.

Finally, Mitch and I had our annual preseason discussion on who will be awarded the two most prestigious awards handed out in the college football landscape. Each year we hand out the Chris Brown (former Sooner RB, not woman beating R&B singer) memorial "Old Steady" award and the Roy Williams memorial "Motherfuckin'" aka "M.F." award, depending on your audience. Old Steady is award to the player who doesn't necessarily blow your mind regularly, but consistently plays outstanding football and generally is a player who you look at in the box score and realize he had some pretty damn good numbers. This year's Old Steady goes to Travis Lewis. While we debated as to whether or not the injury should preclude him from the award, we decided that he is the incumbent and injury should in no way lessen his qualification.

Next, we handed out the Motherfuckin' award. While Old Steady is certainly a tremendous honor, Motherfuckin' is the ultimate award handed out. Starting with Roy Motherfuckin' Williams through last year's winner Quinton Motherfuckin' Carter, the title of Motherfuckin' has separated the first and last names of some fucking stud players. (A quick aside: while the title Old Steady stands alone, Motherfuckin' is to be used within the context of the players name. In other words in mentioning Old Steady, one implies that Travis Lewis is being discussed, conversely Motherfuckin' does not stand alone as a proper noun, merely as the most bitchin' adjective possible. Example: "Dude, Old Steady had 14 tackles and a sack!" Now, we all know that Travis Lewis being referenced here. However, one wouldn't say "Did you see him jump over the blocker and swat the ball from Simms? Motherfuckin'!" No! You would say "Did you see him jump over the blocker and swat the ball from Simms? Roy Motherfuckin' Williams!" Get it assholes?) So as Quinton Carter has left to the NFL, a new player was to be bestowed. This year's winner is Tony Motherfuckin' Jefferson (really rolls off the tongue). Frankly, I think we both went in knowing this is who we would pick and as a result deliberations were fairly brief. He is a serious badass, and is also the youngest player to ever have the award. He is also poised to be the first player to return the next season with an opportunity to wear the crown twice. I'm pretty excited. (T-Shirts are available at http://www.cafepress.com/warningtrkpower)

Finally, one more offseason note. There has been a huge, albeit involuntary, change in a long standing tradition. Due to manufacturer preference (i.e. they no longer make them) Heinken keg-in-a-cans are no longer the official beer of Sooner football. I'm pretty bummed because they ascended to that title in the year we won the 2000 championship. Alas, as they are no longer available for purchase, things had to change. Mitch and I deliberated and decided on PBR tall boys. While these are certainly not entrenched to the point that the keg-in-a-cans were, if this season plays out like the last time we established an official beer then look for them for many seasons to come.

So, with all of that said, I'm ready for some fucking college football. If we can stay healthy and play well defensively out of the gate (anything but a given), we've got a chance to have a pretty nice season. It's time to strap the pads on and play some fucking football.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner