Welcome to the 2011 season everyone. It's the last year of the Big 12 as we know it. Collegiate Armageddon is unfolding. It feels like the perfect time for the Sooners to win Number 8.
On the heels of Navin's pointed discussion I'd like to propose a slogan for the Steamroller; "All of the Homer, none of the Homework". It really seems to fit.
I know nothing about this Tulsa team and couldn't give two craps less. I know that when I was a yute in Edmond, Oklahoma,Bill Blankenship was at the helm a then juggernaut Edmond Memorial Bulldog squad. He is now coaching the Golden Hurricane and this represents his first game coaching at the FBS (that moniker makes me want to puke) level. This bodes well for our Sooners.
Here are some other things that I like. We don't lose at home. It's the opening day of the pomp and pageantry of college football. Clear blue skies. BBQ smoke wafting through campus. Everyone in the state has been counting the days to today.
I also like the Sooner offense's potential. You start with a now veteran offensive line, mix in not one but two Heisman candidates, badass wide recievers and a stable of running backs who each bring a different style. Now give Josh Heupel the headset and it all adds up to long days for opposing defenses.
I'm really pumped about honoring Austin "Soggy" Box's memory by choosing a defensive player to sport Box's number 12. This week it's Tom Wort's turn which is a brilliant choice. Not only does Wort play Box's position but last year's "Gas Rag McGee" award winner needs to step up his play. If wearing Box's number 12 inspires Wort to do so, no better time than right out of the gate.
I'm nervous about our defense though. As Navin said, we like to give up big plays and do ill-timed, "dumb things" early in the season. This will be a good test but no way can Tulsa keep up. If Tulsa kicks field goals you can start breathing a sigh of relief.
Know what else I want to see? The Sooner kickoff coverage being worth half a shit. That would make me real happy.
OFFENSE
On offense I've got a Semi to watch Lonnie Jones fire lazerbeamz all over the football field to a slew of talented wide receivers. It's truly an embarassment of riches. Ryan Broyles is a man among boys. Kenny "Fuckin Shitbag" Stills is poised to improve on what was a stellar Freshman campaign. And a defense can't afford to sleep on DeJuan Miller, Jaz Reynolds, Trey Franks or Tight End James Hanna.
I'm even more intrigued to see how the Running Back situation plays out. Brennan Clay bears all the marks of being the next Old Steady. Roy Finch is my personal favorite. You can feel the collective breath of 85,000 fans get held every time Finch touches the ball. Roy is also a receiving threat which means lost jocks and soiled britches for defensive backs in the open field.
For my player of the game I'm going with Lonnie. He's the leader of this offense. I think he's finally ready to be the steady force this squad needs. I wouldn't be surprised to see him complete in the neighborhood of 70% of his passes today. It will be surgical domination.
DEFENSE
For all the veterans returning to this unit there are still a lot of areas that need proving. For instance, the interior defensive line. Also, how will the LB's, much less the entire D, play without their leader, Travis "Old Steady" Lewis?
The good news for Brent Vanables is that the talent on this side of the football is prodigious. To hear Venables tell it he's had a difficult task finding room for all his exceptional playmakers.
The choice for Defensive Player of the Game has to come from Ronnell "The Hammer" Lewis, Corey Nelson, Tony "Motherfuckin" Jefferson, Demontre Hurst or Jamel Fleming. I can't in good conscience stray from Tony M.F. Jefferson in the opener. Navin and I picked him for a reason and I'm eager to see how much bigger, faster and better he is this year.
THE PICK
Tulsa's offense could be God's gift to football and they still won't be able to match the Sooner offense on this day. The Sooner D will have its' unfortunate share of foibles. In the end the faithful go home early and happy.
OU 55, Tulsa 24
Don't forgot to drink your PBR Tallboys
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
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