Well, that really sucked hard last week. Nothing is better than having the national championship out of the picture in mid-october. I didn't watch the game and thanks to the rain delay my DVR missed it as well. Turns out that was a good thing. From what I read, it sounds like the offense wasn't in sync early, but make no mistake, if you score 38 points and lose, the offense isn't the main problem. Fucking Venables. I'm sorry, but with the talent we have year in year out, it shouldn't be over a decade since our last title. And let's face it, our offense has scored a shitload of points every year since probably the Paul Thompson season. Anyway, enough dwelling on that. It fucking sucked last week, but nothing is left to do now but hopefully win out.
If you've read this at all the last few weeks, you'll know I'm pretty nervous about this one today. K-State, isn't dominant but they do the right things, by playing solid D and not turning the ball over. Simply doing those two things will keep anyone in nearly any game. As such, we need to come ready to do the same thing today. I'd like to see Gabe Lynn horsewhipped on the field prior to the game and then benched permanently. It's now official in my eyes, though I need to discuss it with Mitch, that Gabe Lynn is the first Matt McCoy memorial Gas Rag recipient in several seasons. Considering shifting a safety (Aaron Colvin) over to replace him turned out to be a huge upgrade says a lot.
As for today, I think we'll be coming out looking to kick some ass after last week. I hope that we can do it in a tough road environment.
Offense
I don't really know who to go with here, but I'm going with one of my favorite players. I'm going with Kenny Fuckin' Shitbag Stills today. I think he's due, and he has seemed to play well in hostile environments. Here's to hoping he does it again today.
Defense
Today I'm going with Old Steady. K-State appears to like to run the ball quite a bit. As a result I think that Old Steady will make roughly one shitload of tackles today. Not sure he gets a turnover, but I think he'll be all over the place today, and I think he's damn pissed about last week to boot.
I'm nervous about this one, I think it will be tough as hell to win here. However, I think that after last week we'll be ready. I think OU wins a tough one here today, 31-28. My ass is puckered, but let's give these fuckers a much needed defeat and get back on track.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Saturday, October 29, 2011
OU vs. K-State
Last week was an abomination. Gabe Lynn got torched so bad that Brent Vanables had to use a fire blanket to pull the lad's scorched corpse off the field. The Sooners tackling was atrocious but it's hard to say it was worse than their ability to shed blocks. The offense lacked imagination until it was too late. 5 consecutive three and outs is impossible to imagine. But it happened. Then there was the oft-maligned kicking game.
Was it a lack of motivation or Texas Tech just playing a great game? Is OU a bad team? Injuries? I can't believe it was a motivation issue. With each passing week the ultimate prize is one week closer. Even a 19 year old should be able to grasp that pretty easily.
Let's face facts: The Sooners looked average against Mizzou. They looked great against an inferior texas team. They looked average against a woeful Kansas team. And they gave up 41 points at home to a Texas Tech team that barely lost to Kansas State and Texas A&M.
Next up for the Sooners? Kansas State and Texas A&M. Oh my geez.
This week is make or break.
The matchup with K-State was already looming large but now it sets the tone the rest of the way. Lose, and nothing that lies ahead is easy save an Iowa State home game. Win, and confidence is renewed going into next week with another big one against A&M.
One last gripe about last week. The game started late and the weather sucked but by the time the Sooners were going for an onsides kick there were about 20,000 people left in the stadium. OU fans are the worst. 65,000 "faithful" were happy to bail and the oft criticized student section was never full.
OFFENSE
I'm tempted to pick Roy Finch because he played so well last week and I have no idea if Dom Whaley will be back. On the other hand I seem to be on a run of jinxing whomever I pick. In that vein I'll go with James Hanna. That way if I'm wrong it'll be so right because anytime the Sooners remember you can attempt a forward pass to a Tight End good things usually happen. And if I'm wrong it'll be just like every other game and Broyles and Kenny Fuckin Shitbag can get theirs again.
DEFENSE
I'm just going to come out with it: Demontre Hurst. Last week he actually got picked on a little bit and the Red Raiders had some success. So I think K-State will try it since they saw it on film and I think Hurst bounces back.
Let me also just say how desperately this Defense needs to get its swagger back. After ball-hawking the first 5 weeks the Sooner D has forced exactly 0 turnovers the last two weeks.
THE SCORE
I'm more nervous about this game than any other all season (that's straight from the whodathunkit files). K-State is going to be quite interested in beating some Sooner ass and ripping their spirits apart. We'll see the true measure of this Sooner football team today.
I think they'll do just enough. Josh Heupel will be playing keep away from the K-State offense. The Defense has been humbled. The coaches know they share in the blame of last week. Bobby Stoops and Venables will want to beat their Bill "Mock Turtleneck" Snyder.
Their should be no lack of hunger for anyone on the Sooner sideline. I think this could be a vicious, physical game.
Sooners 31 - K-State 24
Tip them PBR's and Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner
Was it a lack of motivation or Texas Tech just playing a great game? Is OU a bad team? Injuries? I can't believe it was a motivation issue. With each passing week the ultimate prize is one week closer. Even a 19 year old should be able to grasp that pretty easily.
Let's face facts: The Sooners looked average against Mizzou. They looked great against an inferior texas team. They looked average against a woeful Kansas team. And they gave up 41 points at home to a Texas Tech team that barely lost to Kansas State and Texas A&M.
Next up for the Sooners? Kansas State and Texas A&M. Oh my geez.
This week is make or break.
The matchup with K-State was already looming large but now it sets the tone the rest of the way. Lose, and nothing that lies ahead is easy save an Iowa State home game. Win, and confidence is renewed going into next week with another big one against A&M.
One last gripe about last week. The game started late and the weather sucked but by the time the Sooners were going for an onsides kick there were about 20,000 people left in the stadium. OU fans are the worst. 65,000 "faithful" were happy to bail and the oft criticized student section was never full.
OFFENSE
I'm tempted to pick Roy Finch because he played so well last week and I have no idea if Dom Whaley will be back. On the other hand I seem to be on a run of jinxing whomever I pick. In that vein I'll go with James Hanna. That way if I'm wrong it'll be so right because anytime the Sooners remember you can attempt a forward pass to a Tight End good things usually happen. And if I'm wrong it'll be just like every other game and Broyles and Kenny Fuckin Shitbag can get theirs again.
DEFENSE
I'm just going to come out with it: Demontre Hurst. Last week he actually got picked on a little bit and the Red Raiders had some success. So I think K-State will try it since they saw it on film and I think Hurst bounces back.
Let me also just say how desperately this Defense needs to get its swagger back. After ball-hawking the first 5 weeks the Sooner D has forced exactly 0 turnovers the last two weeks.
THE SCORE
I'm more nervous about this game than any other all season (that's straight from the whodathunkit files). K-State is going to be quite interested in beating some Sooner ass and ripping their spirits apart. We'll see the true measure of this Sooner football team today.
I think they'll do just enough. Josh Heupel will be playing keep away from the K-State offense. The Defense has been humbled. The coaches know they share in the blame of last week. Bobby Stoops and Venables will want to beat their Bill "Mock Turtleneck" Snyder.
Their should be no lack of hunger for anyone on the Sooner sideline. I think this could be a vicious, physical game.
Sooners 31 - K-State 24
Tip them PBR's and Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Unprecedented
For those interested, Mitch and I make a point not to A) discuss our picks prior to making them and/or B) read one another's "piece" prior to writing our own. That said, I just read his "piece" after writing mine and we were a Sooner touchdown away from having an unprecedented first ever identical picks day.
Just sayin'...
Just sayin'...
Tech
Back again for another week of Sooner football, this time v. Texas Tech. Though not the pass happy yard hogs of the Mike Leach era, these Raiders still put up pretty impressive numbers offensively. And though I haven't bothered to look, naturally, I'm assuming that ours are better offensively. Mostly because few teams who play competition like ours put up our kind of numbers. I don't know much about the defense either, matter of fact I really know dick about the whole Red Raider squad. I know their QB has a last name that is probably hard to pronounce, or at least not obvious from the spelling, and their coach was a failure at his previous job. All of that with the topping of Owen Field spells trouble for their club.
The Sooners are well positioned to dominate in this one. Coming off a lack luster performance against an inferior team, they will be ready to eat babies and and shit on the collective township of Lubbock. However, what is weird is I hope it's closer than it looks like it will be. The reason is, if we run them out of the stadium today to the tune of 56-3 or something that spells trouble. Here's why. Every game we've played this season where we've looked like a team that could win it all, we follow it up with at least one half of shit football the following week (read: Mizzou and Kansas et al). I'm not sure we can survive in Manhattan next week by taking a dump in our socks in the first half of that one. Can you tell I have a bad feeling about next week?
Anyway, today looks promising for the Sooners and really you have to win this one before we can worry about the next, and win I think we will. We have too much on both sides of the ball for them to hang. They will probably score a few on us, but I don't think this one will be too close for comfort. I say all of that with the caveat that last week I would have bet my scrotum that we were up 21 on KU at half, and that game was competitive well into the third quarter, so who the fuck knows.
Offense
I honestly don't know what to do here, I'm hard downstairs for so many players on our offense and defense that's it's getting tough to avoid picking the same two or three each week. However, I'm going with a "safe" pick this week. I don't think I've picked him yet this season and I'm too lazy to go back and look, but this week I'm going with Broyles. In all likelihood I'm a week late with this, but I don't care. He's been lights out all season, and is just putting up huge numbers when everyone knows he's our biggest weapon. That's impressive. I think the crowd will be wet in the crotch to welcome him home after breaking the record and I think he responds.
Defense
This week, I'm getting back to my roots so to speak. I picked him once earlier in the season and lately I just feel like he's playing at a higher level. He's living up to his moniker after a shaky beginning, and I think we see a nice afternoon out of Tony Motherfuckin' Jefferson. I see multiple tackles, one forced turnover, and here's the kicker one "wow" play. By wow, I mean we see him in the post-game shower to the tune of 9 inches of deli meat tucked between his legs and bruising his hammie's as he twists back and forth (I've been drinking).
This game looks to be a prime week for a tune up. As I said before Tech can't hang with us. I don't know what the spread is but I think we put a fair amount of points up, and a fair amount more than them at that. They'll get some, but we'll handle it setting up a huge showdown for next weekend. Sooners take this one 49-21.
Let's TCB this week, and get the t's crossed and our lower case j's dotted for the stretch run.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
The Sooners are well positioned to dominate in this one. Coming off a lack luster performance against an inferior team, they will be ready to eat babies and and shit on the collective township of Lubbock. However, what is weird is I hope it's closer than it looks like it will be. The reason is, if we run them out of the stadium today to the tune of 56-3 or something that spells trouble. Here's why. Every game we've played this season where we've looked like a team that could win it all, we follow it up with at least one half of shit football the following week (read: Mizzou and Kansas et al). I'm not sure we can survive in Manhattan next week by taking a dump in our socks in the first half of that one. Can you tell I have a bad feeling about next week?
Anyway, today looks promising for the Sooners and really you have to win this one before we can worry about the next, and win I think we will. We have too much on both sides of the ball for them to hang. They will probably score a few on us, but I don't think this one will be too close for comfort. I say all of that with the caveat that last week I would have bet my scrotum that we were up 21 on KU at half, and that game was competitive well into the third quarter, so who the fuck knows.
Offense
I honestly don't know what to do here, I'm hard downstairs for so many players on our offense and defense that's it's getting tough to avoid picking the same two or three each week. However, I'm going with a "safe" pick this week. I don't think I've picked him yet this season and I'm too lazy to go back and look, but this week I'm going with Broyles. In all likelihood I'm a week late with this, but I don't care. He's been lights out all season, and is just putting up huge numbers when everyone knows he's our biggest weapon. That's impressive. I think the crowd will be wet in the crotch to welcome him home after breaking the record and I think he responds.
Defense
This week, I'm getting back to my roots so to speak. I picked him once earlier in the season and lately I just feel like he's playing at a higher level. He's living up to his moniker after a shaky beginning, and I think we see a nice afternoon out of Tony Motherfuckin' Jefferson. I see multiple tackles, one forced turnover, and here's the kicker one "wow" play. By wow, I mean we see him in the post-game shower to the tune of 9 inches of deli meat tucked between his legs and bruising his hammie's as he twists back and forth (I've been drinking).
This game looks to be a prime week for a tune up. As I said before Tech can't hang with us. I don't know what the spread is but I think we put a fair amount of points up, and a fair amount more than them at that. They'll get some, but we'll handle it setting up a huge showdown for next weekend. Sooners take this one 49-21.
Let's TCB this week, and get the t's crossed and our lower case j's dotted for the stretch run.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
OU vs. Tech
This rabid Sooner fan went to a costume ball last week instead of watching the game. Then, I fat fingered (technical term) my DVR so I pretty much got to see dick of the contest last week. I was able to make it home in time to see the second half thanks in large part to a terribly timed closing of the bar. (Note to future party planners: If you want the party to end just close the bar. It's fool-proof) It sucked that I missed seeing Ryan Broyles smash the FBS receiving record. But, Navin offered some small measure of consolation by pointing out that, "It'll probably happen again next year".
I'm glad I missed the defense's uninspired first half. Lazy dumb crap wears me out more than anything anyways. The second half was where it was at on that side of the ball.
So this week offers up a mysterious Texas Tech squad. I still have yet to figure out their identity now that Tommy Tuberville has taken over. I guess they still rack up the yards. I heard their QB is leading the league (maybe nation) in total offense. I'd look it up but it's Texas Tech. Those are 10 seconds I might not get back.
I do know Tech has lost two games in a row, presumably to the only decent competition they've faced. Those two teams are K-State and A&M which OU has not played. So, tough to compare.
All of my confidence derives from the fact that this game is at home. It's been a while since the boys played at Owen Field. It will be nice to see them again in person and I'm sure my feelings are reciprocated by the squad. Also note: Texas Tech does not play the Sooners well in Norman.
Are you picking up what I'm putting down here? These are all glad tidings.
OFFENSE
I was a great date at the costume ball. I grabbed a beer and a chair and proceeded to watch ESPN Gamecast on my phone. I was able to keep up with what has to be one of the statistically poorer games of Lonnie's career. He started off 0-4. That never happens. System QB's don't go 0-4 during any stretch in this OU offense. Quoth Charles Barkley, "That's Turrible".
A home game is the tonic for Lonnie's game. I'm not picking him though. Hell no. Navin and I are now seeing things eye to eye on Lonnie.
You can also mark it down that whomever I pick will play sparingly, if at all, and will have little to no impact on the outcome of the football game.
So I'm picking Ryan Broyles. He's a can't miss. If he catches less than 10 balls and goes for less than 150 then I'll justyank my telegraph right out of the wall fling my iPad 2 like a frisbee and give up this weblog business. I kid. My public needs me.
DEFENSE
Jamell Fleming is out. Not that I would pick him anyways but I wanted to prove I could read the scrolling ribbon on ESPNNews. I'm happy to let Navin have dibs on Franky Alexander.
I'll go with Tony Motherfuckin Jefferson. He nearly had 4 INT's the last time the Sooners were at home. A spread attack is where he makes hay. He's a gentleman, a scholar and hell of a guy. Works for me.
THE PICK
On paper last week was business as usual and expected. Everyone knows better. The Sooners have to be more consistent and have better execution. That's bad news for Tech.
It's not as close as the score would indicate but the Sooners come out on top 42-21.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner. Tip them PBR's
Praise Jehovah Jireh forYouTube
I'm glad I missed the defense's uninspired first half. Lazy dumb crap wears me out more than anything anyways. The second half was where it was at on that side of the ball.
So this week offers up a mysterious Texas Tech squad. I still have yet to figure out their identity now that Tommy Tuberville has taken over. I guess they still rack up the yards. I heard their QB is leading the league (maybe nation) in total offense. I'd look it up but it's Texas Tech. Those are 10 seconds I might not get back.
I do know Tech has lost two games in a row, presumably to the only decent competition they've faced. Those two teams are K-State and A&M which OU has not played. So, tough to compare.
All of my confidence derives from the fact that this game is at home. It's been a while since the boys played at Owen Field. It will be nice to see them again in person and I'm sure my feelings are reciprocated by the squad. Also note: Texas Tech does not play the Sooners well in Norman.
Are you picking up what I'm putting down here? These are all glad tidings.
OFFENSE
I was a great date at the costume ball. I grabbed a beer and a chair and proceeded to watch ESPN Gamecast on my phone. I was able to keep up with what has to be one of the statistically poorer games of Lonnie's career. He started off 0-4. That never happens. System QB's don't go 0-4 during any stretch in this OU offense. Quoth Charles Barkley, "That's Turrible".
A home game is the tonic for Lonnie's game. I'm not picking him though. Hell no. Navin and I are now seeing things eye to eye on Lonnie.
You can also mark it down that whomever I pick will play sparingly, if at all, and will have little to no impact on the outcome of the football game.
So I'm picking Ryan Broyles. He's a can't miss. If he catches less than 10 balls and goes for less than 150 then I'll just
DEFENSE
Jamell Fleming is out. Not that I would pick him anyways but I wanted to prove I could read the scrolling ribbon on ESPNNews. I'm happy to let Navin have dibs on Franky Alexander.
I'll go with Tony Motherfuckin Jefferson. He nearly had 4 INT's the last time the Sooners were at home. A spread attack is where he makes hay. He's a gentleman, a scholar and hell of a guy. Works for me.
THE PICK
On paper last week was business as usual and expected. Everyone knows better. The Sooners have to be more consistent and have better execution. That's bad news for Tech.
It's not as close as the score would indicate but the Sooners come out on top 42-21.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner. Tip them PBR's
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tuesday Thoughts
Well, mere hours after I gave him the highest of praise, Lonnie regressed to the system QB I often detest. So many missed balls in the first half especially. It's crazy really, he'd miss a pass to wide open receiver that was as simple as a game of backyard catch one down, then follow it up by threading the needle on some 30 yard crossing pattern. I can't figure him out, and maybe that's just it. He's simply inconsistent as hell. Next week, he'll look like a world-beater again at home. However, I'm getting more and more nervous about that game at KSU in two weeks. That crowd will be hostile, that team is built on defense, and Lonnie on the road generally spells poor performance.
As for the defense on Saturday, it was truly a jekyll and hyde performance. They looked fairly disinterested in the first half and allowed a generally terrible KU team to hang around. To their credit however, they looked dominant once again in the second half allowing a total of six (6!!) yards. That is beyond Playstation numbers.
Also, how about Broyles. Not just breaking the all-time national receptions record but absolutely shattering it. I also thought it was pretty fucking sweet that the coaches dialed him up for a bomb on the record breaker. That was a pass that Lonnie couldn't have thrown better, perfectly in stride and Broyles broke away easily. Props on that shit, I'm interested to see how much distance he can put between himself and Stubblefield now.
Speaking of nice performances, Whaley again looked hard. 30 for 165 is damn good, and it proves he's gone beyond a co-feature back to being the workhorse. Granted, Brennan Clay is clearly more hurt than anyone is admitting, but Finch got meaningful carries (and was a great change-up, looked like last season) and Whaley still ran it 30 times. I'm not sure one back hasn't gotten that many carries since AD was on campus.
This Saturday should be a good one, the Sooners feature a decent Tech team in Norman. More to come on that later in the week however.
As for the defense on Saturday, it was truly a jekyll and hyde performance. They looked fairly disinterested in the first half and allowed a generally terrible KU team to hang around. To their credit however, they looked dominant once again in the second half allowing a total of six (6!!) yards. That is beyond Playstation numbers.
Also, how about Broyles. Not just breaking the all-time national receptions record but absolutely shattering it. I also thought it was pretty fucking sweet that the coaches dialed him up for a bomb on the record breaker. That was a pass that Lonnie couldn't have thrown better, perfectly in stride and Broyles broke away easily. Props on that shit, I'm interested to see how much distance he can put between himself and Stubblefield now.
Speaking of nice performances, Whaley again looked hard. 30 for 165 is damn good, and it proves he's gone beyond a co-feature back to being the workhorse. Granted, Brennan Clay is clearly more hurt than anyone is admitting, but Finch got meaningful carries (and was a great change-up, looked like last season) and Whaley still ran it 30 times. I'm not sure one back hasn't gotten that many carries since AD was on campus.
This Saturday should be a good one, the Sooners feature a decent Tech team in Norman. More to come on that later in the week however.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
OU vs. Kansas
Boy this one stacks up pretty one-sided. I don't think Kansas is good at anything. I wasted a few minutes of my life watching them early in the season and the KU Defense looked like they dressed out part of the KU marching band.
For OU this one is about two things. First, no texas hangover. The good news (and I am vigorously knocking on wood as I type) is that Bobby Stoops's Sooner teams have never lost the game after texas.
Second, keep everyone healthy. There will be no good excuse for Landry Jones playing more than a series in the second half if this one goes as expected.
This game is not appealing at all. That said, how bout them Sooners last week? Damn they looked good. And, as of this writing, those same longhorns who got taken behind the woodshed last week gave OSU a bit of a game. So, I think that makes what the Sooners did look a tad better.
As previously reported on this website early on in the season, our defense is fucking hard. They are running all over the football like a bunch of scald ass apes. They really managed to "get their hands on a lot of balls" didn't they?
OFFENSE
Because this game is expected to be a snooze I'm going on a limb here. No, I won't be picking Roy damn Finch. That limb snapped mercifully. No I'm taking Brandon Williams. He should get 20 carries and I'd like to see some razzle dazzle. "Feel me"?
Also, I'm going to go ahead and pencil in Ryan Broyles for 7 catches, 159 yards.
DEFENSE
Hmmm. This really could be anybody. Everyone should have some success today. I guess I'll go ahead and say Ronnell "The Hammer". I don't think I've picked him yet and he seems due.
This needs to look like PlayStation set on Rookie
THE RESULT
I guess what I am most looking forward to see is how the O-Line works the running game. The run game is the weakest link so far so let's get that shored up.
I don't guess I've got much else to say this week.
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner y'all.
For OU this one is about two things. First, no texas hangover. The good news (and I am vigorously knocking on wood as I type) is that Bobby Stoops's Sooner teams have never lost the game after texas.
Second, keep everyone healthy. There will be no good excuse for Landry Jones playing more than a series in the second half if this one goes as expected.
This game is not appealing at all. That said, how bout them Sooners last week? Damn they looked good. And, as of this writing, those same longhorns who got taken behind the woodshed last week gave OSU a bit of a game. So, I think that makes what the Sooners did look a tad better.
As previously reported on this website early on in the season, our defense is fucking hard. They are running all over the football like a bunch of scald ass apes. They really managed to "get their hands on a lot of balls" didn't they?
OFFENSE
Because this game is expected to be a snooze I'm going on a limb here. No, I won't be picking Roy damn Finch. That limb snapped mercifully. No I'm taking Brandon Williams. He should get 20 carries and I'd like to see some razzle dazzle. "Feel me"?
Also, I'm going to go ahead and pencil in Ryan Broyles for 7 catches, 159 yards.
DEFENSE
Hmmm. This really could be anybody. Everyone should have some success today. I guess I'll go ahead and say Ronnell "The Hammer". I don't think I've picked him yet and he seems due.
This needs to look like PlayStation set on Rookie
THE RESULT
I guess what I am most looking forward to see is how the O-Line works the running game. The run game is the weakest link so far so let's get that shored up.
I don't guess I've got much else to say this week.
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner y'all.
Kansas
On the heels of one of the more enjoyable, if not closely competitive, OU texas games of recent memory, we face what will probably be the worst team we play all season (yes I'm aware Ball State was on the schedule). Looking back at last week briefly, I have very little to complain about shockingly. From the credit where it's due file, Lonnie played without question his best half of football as a Sooner. His throws were on time, accurate and he calmly handled pressure. Took a sack and even threw one (that I remember) away! If this is the new Lonnie, he may get my offensive MVP before the year is out...but probably not.
What can you say about the defense? They too were straight HARD last week. Frank Alexander has to be coming up in National defensive player of the year talk now. He's been an absolute menace all season, and has emerged in my opinion as the best player on our defense (not a small compliment). I'm pumped to see what they can do against an overmatched KU squad today.
Kansas gave up points in epic fashion to an OSU squad who is looming large on our schedule at this point. (speaking of, KSU looks like it will be a tough win which would have been a laughable thing to say going in to the season). I think it's unreasonable to think we'll put up 70 on them, that just doesn't happen too often against anyone in college. I do however think this one will be over before the clock runs out. We've got too much on both sides of the ball and they, have jack shit as far as I can tell. (true to form, no homework here).
I have no venom for KU in football season (though it's a small redemption to kick their fucking asses seeing as I hate them in basketball season so much, and they're far harder to beat then), it's hard to hate a team that fucking sucks shit. They're never good, and now that Mangino isn't smuggling calzone's under his armpits on the sidelines anymore, they're harder to make fun of. In short, I have little to say about them. On to the picks.
Offense
I went out on a limb last week with James Hanna and was rewarded with one catch for 7 yards, and a dropped pass. Stellar work on my part. I have no intent on going out on said limb again this week. I think Whaley (apart from the 64 yard run) was irritated with being bottled up a lot last week. I think this week he "gets his" as the urban youths are wont to say. Over 100 yards, and two scores. Not a gutsy pick. Nonetheless, I think it will come to fruition.
Defense
Call it foreshadowing (writer speak, don't bother trying), but I'm going with the previously alluded to Frank Alexander. He's poised to break my single season record of most DPG (defensive player of the game, not disrespectful pounding of the gash, though that's good comedy) picks in a year. Really, I don't give a fuck either. I'm hard for him, no two ways about it. I think whoever their QB is gets pummeled a lot today, Frank merely is in on the fun.
Finally, we're favored by I think 37 or something crazy like that. I didn't place any bets, but I do think we'll cover in this one. KU has an epically bad defense, literally the worst in football. That isn't a good recipe for winning against our offense. Big days all around on O, and we win it going away. Brandon Williams might even get to atone for his fumble (didn't do himself any favors for playing time down the stretch there), for which I'm sure coaches gave him a big fucking bowl of "told you so" this week in practice. Sooners dominate 56-10.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
What can you say about the defense? They too were straight HARD last week. Frank Alexander has to be coming up in National defensive player of the year talk now. He's been an absolute menace all season, and has emerged in my opinion as the best player on our defense (not a small compliment). I'm pumped to see what they can do against an overmatched KU squad today.
Kansas gave up points in epic fashion to an OSU squad who is looming large on our schedule at this point. (speaking of, KSU looks like it will be a tough win which would have been a laughable thing to say going in to the season). I think it's unreasonable to think we'll put up 70 on them, that just doesn't happen too often against anyone in college. I do however think this one will be over before the clock runs out. We've got too much on both sides of the ball and they, have jack shit as far as I can tell. (true to form, no homework here).
I have no venom for KU in football season (though it's a small redemption to kick their fucking asses seeing as I hate them in basketball season so much, and they're far harder to beat then), it's hard to hate a team that fucking sucks shit. They're never good, and now that Mangino isn't smuggling calzone's under his armpits on the sidelines anymore, they're harder to make fun of. In short, I have little to say about them. On to the picks.
Offense
I went out on a limb last week with James Hanna and was rewarded with one catch for 7 yards, and a dropped pass. Stellar work on my part. I have no intent on going out on said limb again this week. I think Whaley (apart from the 64 yard run) was irritated with being bottled up a lot last week. I think this week he "gets his" as the urban youths are wont to say. Over 100 yards, and two scores. Not a gutsy pick. Nonetheless, I think it will come to fruition.
Defense
Call it foreshadowing (writer speak, don't bother trying), but I'm going with the previously alluded to Frank Alexander. He's poised to break my single season record of most DPG (defensive player of the game, not disrespectful pounding of the gash, though that's good comedy) picks in a year. Really, I don't give a fuck either. I'm hard for him, no two ways about it. I think whoever their QB is gets pummeled a lot today, Frank merely is in on the fun.
Finally, we're favored by I think 37 or something crazy like that. I didn't place any bets, but I do think we'll cover in this one. KU has an epically bad defense, literally the worst in football. That isn't a good recipe for winning against our offense. Big days all around on O, and we win it going away. Brandon Williams might even get to atone for his fumble (didn't do himself any favors for playing time down the stretch there), for which I'm sure coaches gave him a big fucking bowl of "told you so" this week in practice. Sooners dominate 56-10.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
OU vs. Uterus
Damn I hate the Longhorns and I hate them now more than ever because they are ruining my weekdays. Just as recruiting chatter is the bane of my offseason existence, conference realignment speculation is the bane of my gameweeks. And these elitist cockbreaths in Austin are the cause. This week I've had to endure reports that Tulane might be joining the Big 12.
Fucking Tulane?
I'm gagging, barfing and laughing at the same time. I'm laughing so hard I just vomited through my nose and then I vomited so hard I just had to laugh. I even think I wet-farted my pants just know.
Now I've wasted a whole paragraph of my OU-Texas piece not talking real football because of these fuckwits. See how these devils never quit? Let's move on.
I love this matchup for OU. I mean, I'm giddy about it. Here's why:
This Pumpkinhead is texas's starting QB. His Daddy and Mommy are good Texans. They named their boys after a gun and a knife manufacturer, respectively (Colt and Case). "How-do!!, pardner!"
By the way, does anyone want to lay odds that Brent Musberger alludes to this gun and knife business as ABC cuts to commercial following some miracle Case McCoy scramble? 2-1, 3-2? I might, nee will, smash a hole in a wall if this happens. Case is a Freshman and he'll be, "sharing time under Center" with fellow Freshman David Ash. I imagine Brent Venables and the Sooner D are looking forward to giving these two some different looks. In fact, the Sooner D probably feels a little like this guy:
The texas offense leans heavily on the run because Case and Ash (sounds like a Bravo reality show), while accurate by some unknown accounts, are not "gunslingers". They've attempted 55 passes combined on the season. Landry has completed over twice that many by himself. Now I've not watched texas (why would I?) enough to call them one dimensional, but they aren't as potent a spread as Mizzou either. All this to say that the Sooner defense is predicated on making their opponents one dimensional. When an opponent does this for them it plays heavily into the Sooners favor (see picture above).
The Sooners have already been forged by fire. Texas has not. The Sooners played well in a very hostile environment in Prime Time and left town victorious (FSU for any knotheads who might be reading. Wait! I didn't mean it, please don't leave the site, we need you). Also, the Sooners dealt with a pretty feisty Mizzou squad. It took a miracle for texas to pass it's only test of the season, at home, against BYU.
Finally, Mack Brown just doesn't have the bullets in his gun. He's playing about 15 freshmen and none of them are named Vince Young. He has almost an entirely new coaching staff. Normally I'd be scared that the horns might have that "back to the wall" mentality but not here. Not with Mack Brown. He just doesn't want to get embarrassed.
OFFENSE
How could I go against Dom Whaley? Sure, I Iignored him for three weeks. I prentended he existed only as motivation for Roy Finch. But Dom Whaley is easily the Sooners' best weapon outside of Ryan Broyles. The fact you have a triumvirate of Landry, Whaley and Broyles makes me feel good. This group of talent is as perfect a trifecta as any collegiate football team could hope for.
I'm taking Whaley just because someone on the Sooners Offense has to step up. No one can make a difference quite like Dominique. Choosing Broyles is too easy. Also, choosing Landry is unacceptable. Landry is bound to throw some picks and do some stupid shit. As always, his numbers will be gaudy but you'll be left wondering what might have been.
Dom Whaley is a great story. But if you isolate him to this game he's an ever better story because he's going to be the player that people have heard of but haven't experienced. This game always has a Cinderella story Now is his opportunity. Someone has to step up. If it isn't Whaley I'll also accept Kenny Fuckin Shitbag Stills, Jaz Reyonolds or Brandon Williams.
DEFENSE
The worst thing that can happen to the Sooner Defense is for texas to have success running the football. If they can do that twice in consecutive series, the Sooners could lose confidence.I'm not terbbibly worried about it. This defense and team is resilient. They can get popped in the mouth and hit right back.
With Travis Old Steady Lewis wearing Number 12 I really can't pick against him. His enthusiasm will be off the charts. I'd also like to pick Tony Motherfuckin Jefferson but my gut insists on Old Steady.
THE RESULT
OU should have their way. The longhorns have earned nothing.Their undefeated record is probably the weakest in college football. Yet, they are texas and have nearly found themselves in the Top 10. The good news for the Sooners is that, for at least this Saturday, this victory will look a lot better than it actually is. Good news for people who like polls and realignment chatter.
OU 35 Texas 17
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner
Fucking Tulane?
I'm gagging, barfing and laughing at the same time. I'm laughing so hard I just vomited through my nose and then I vomited so hard I just had to laugh. I even think I wet-farted my pants just know.
Now I've wasted a whole paragraph of my OU-Texas piece not talking real football because of these fuckwits. See how these devils never quit? Let's move on.
I love this matchup for OU. I mean, I'm giddy about it. Here's why:
 | |
| texas Freshman QB Case McCoy |
This Pumpkinhead is texas's starting QB. His Daddy and Mommy are good Texans. They named their boys after a gun and a knife manufacturer, respectively (Colt and Case). "How-do!!, pardner!"
By the way, does anyone want to lay odds that Brent Musberger alludes to this gun and knife business as ABC cuts to commercial following some miracle Case McCoy scramble? 2-1, 3-2? I might, nee will, smash a hole in a wall if this happens. Case is a Freshman and he'll be, "sharing time under Center" with fellow Freshman David Ash. I imagine Brent Venables and the Sooner D are looking forward to giving these two some different looks. In fact, the Sooner D probably feels a little like this guy:
The texas offense leans heavily on the run because Case and Ash (sounds like a Bravo reality show), while accurate by some unknown accounts, are not "gunslingers". They've attempted 55 passes combined on the season. Landry has completed over twice that many by himself. Now I've not watched texas (why would I?) enough to call them one dimensional, but they aren't as potent a spread as Mizzou either. All this to say that the Sooner defense is predicated on making their opponents one dimensional. When an opponent does this for them it plays heavily into the Sooners favor (see picture above).
The Sooners have already been forged by fire. Texas has not. The Sooners played well in a very hostile environment in Prime Time and left town victorious (FSU for any knotheads who might be reading. Wait! I didn't mean it, please don't leave the site, we need you). Also, the Sooners dealt with a pretty feisty Mizzou squad. It took a miracle for texas to pass it's only test of the season, at home, against BYU.
Finally, Mack Brown just doesn't have the bullets in his gun. He's playing about 15 freshmen and none of them are named Vince Young. He has almost an entirely new coaching staff. Normally I'd be scared that the horns might have that "back to the wall" mentality but not here. Not with Mack Brown. He just doesn't want to get embarrassed.
OFFENSE
How could I go against Dom Whaley? Sure, I Iignored him for three weeks. I prentended he existed only as motivation for Roy Finch. But Dom Whaley is easily the Sooners' best weapon outside of Ryan Broyles. The fact you have a triumvirate of Landry, Whaley and Broyles makes me feel good. This group of talent is as perfect a trifecta as any collegiate football team could hope for.
I'm taking Whaley just because someone on the Sooners Offense has to step up. No one can make a difference quite like Dominique. Choosing Broyles is too easy. Also, choosing Landry is unacceptable. Landry is bound to throw some picks and do some stupid shit. As always, his numbers will be gaudy but you'll be left wondering what might have been.
Dom Whaley is a great story. But if you isolate him to this game he's an ever better story because he's going to be the player that people have heard of but haven't experienced. This game always has a Cinderella story Now is his opportunity. Someone has to step up. If it isn't Whaley I'll also accept Kenny Fuckin Shitbag Stills, Jaz Reyonolds or Brandon Williams.
DEFENSE
The worst thing that can happen to the Sooner Defense is for texas to have success running the football. If they can do that twice in consecutive series, the Sooners could lose confidence.I'm not terbbibly worried about it. This defense and team is resilient. They can get popped in the mouth and hit right back.
With Travis Old Steady Lewis wearing Number 12 I really can't pick against him. His enthusiasm will be off the charts. I'd also like to pick Tony Motherfuckin Jefferson but my gut insists on Old Steady.
THE RESULT
OU should have their way. The longhorns have earned nothing.Their undefeated record is probably the weakest in college football. Yet, they are texas and have nearly found themselves in the Top 10. The good news for the Sooners is that, for at least this Saturday, this victory will look a lot better than it actually is. Good news for people who like polls and realignment chatter.
OU 35 Texas 17
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner
OU-texas
Another year has passed and we are on the cusp of another OU texas game. It is simultaneously the game that gets me the most pumped up and the most nervous. While I do appreciate being in the position of the favorite and what that means, I hate the pressure being on us with them having something to prove. Luckily, this isn't usually a game that either team looks past, regardless of ranking.
If you're reading this, you know the stories. Throw the rankings out, etc. Though the Oklahoman went to great lengths to illustrate that the rankings DO matter, I still call bullshit. This game is always close regardless of rankings, and close plays come down to momentum shifts and turnovers, and rankings don't mean shit for those two things.
texas is greatly improved this year. Although, they were pure shit last year, so that isn't terribly monumental. Maybe it would be more appropriate to say they are more like teams of the past. However, they are quite young, notably at the skill positions and in the secondary. To me this is the huge advantage for us. Experience goes a long way in this game and in this atmosphere. That said, I think it will be a close game.
I know last week I made a point of Ikard getting tested at center. In hindsight, I probably brought that out a week early as this week he looks to face some legit division I tackles. texas is big and fast up front, our line will be tested. Additionally, by all accounts, they like to blitz a lot. The biggest question I have in this one is how Lonnie will react to the blitz and being under duress. If it's anything like he's reacted in the first four games, it will go a long way toward keeping texas in this. He has, I repeat, HAS to handle pressure better. There has been a fair amount of talk about how he's only been sacked once. Credit the O-line certainly, but I could avoid sacks too if I took a snap and blindly threw off my back foot at the first sign of a blitz (read: 5 Int's). Lonnie has to give his O-line a chance to protect against the blitz, furthermore he needs to utilize that time to go through a progression and actually find an open receiver. If that means getting sacked or throwing one out of bounds on occasion that's cool. I think our defense can be trusted, so it's OK to punt if it means avoiding a pick.
That's the other side of the coin. I think our defense comes in ready. Sure, they (their offensive coordinator particularly) have a reputation for trick plays and lots of shifting and motion plays to fuck with the D's heads. However, a key element is they have two first year starters running that shit, so if we can see through all of the movement, my guess is the plays get more simple after the snap. In that vein, I expect to see a healthy dose of all-world freshman Malcolm Brown along with the veteran muppet. We will definitely be fooled a few times, and expect to see them try for a home run at LEAST once in the first quarter (second drive I think) to try to give them momentum/confidence. We need to avoid a slow start and, unlike last year, put them away.
I'm nervous about this one for sure, but I think it stacks up fairly well for us. If we can avoid giving up the big plays and avoid turning it over it bodes very well for us. Those are two big "if's", but I think our defense will be ready and ultimately that will be the key. We have to keep their drives short in order to get our offense (and their defense) back on the field, as I'm guessing they will desire to do precisely the opposite.
Offense
Last week was pretty unbelievable, admittedly against inferior competition, nearly everyone had a huge day. I don't expect that again, but I think we can move the ball on them. I hope Whaley continues his excellent start and has a huge day. I think he can for sure, although it will get tougher now as I'm sure teams have started to notice him. I have sort of a gut feeling that we might see a little of Brandon Williams in some meaningful minutes. However, my pick this week is James Hanna. Big and athletic, and has stepped in big games before. With all of our weapons, he seems easy to lose and I think this week he capitalizes.
Defense
I love Frank Alexander and Tony Jefferson here. I think both will have big days, but I'm going with Old Steady this week. It's his last OU-texas game, he's wearing Soggy's number, and his foot is supposed to be fully healed (not that it's slowed him down much). My guess is he's had one of those emergency boners you hear about on the Viagra commercials (...an erection lasting longer than 4 hours) all week in anticipation of this one. I think he's all over the field, and makes the most of his last go at these fucks.
Finally, the score pick. I think this one will be close (our D + Lonnie's pant shitting = close game, it's simple math really), I think Texas will make some big plays, but I think we will do enough to pull it out. It goes down to the end, but I think the Sooners take it 24-17. I've been the definition of anti-flaccid all week with thoughts on this game. I can't wait for the action. Let's roll heads on these rotten motherfuckers.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
If you're reading this, you know the stories. Throw the rankings out, etc. Though the Oklahoman went to great lengths to illustrate that the rankings DO matter, I still call bullshit. This game is always close regardless of rankings, and close plays come down to momentum shifts and turnovers, and rankings don't mean shit for those two things.
texas is greatly improved this year. Although, they were pure shit last year, so that isn't terribly monumental. Maybe it would be more appropriate to say they are more like teams of the past. However, they are quite young, notably at the skill positions and in the secondary. To me this is the huge advantage for us. Experience goes a long way in this game and in this atmosphere. That said, I think it will be a close game.
I know last week I made a point of Ikard getting tested at center. In hindsight, I probably brought that out a week early as this week he looks to face some legit division I tackles. texas is big and fast up front, our line will be tested. Additionally, by all accounts, they like to blitz a lot. The biggest question I have in this one is how Lonnie will react to the blitz and being under duress. If it's anything like he's reacted in the first four games, it will go a long way toward keeping texas in this. He has, I repeat, HAS to handle pressure better. There has been a fair amount of talk about how he's only been sacked once. Credit the O-line certainly, but I could avoid sacks too if I took a snap and blindly threw off my back foot at the first sign of a blitz (read: 5 Int's). Lonnie has to give his O-line a chance to protect against the blitz, furthermore he needs to utilize that time to go through a progression and actually find an open receiver. If that means getting sacked or throwing one out of bounds on occasion that's cool. I think our defense can be trusted, so it's OK to punt if it means avoiding a pick.
That's the other side of the coin. I think our defense comes in ready. Sure, they (their offensive coordinator particularly) have a reputation for trick plays and lots of shifting and motion plays to fuck with the D's heads. However, a key element is they have two first year starters running that shit, so if we can see through all of the movement, my guess is the plays get more simple after the snap. In that vein, I expect to see a healthy dose of all-world freshman Malcolm Brown along with the veteran muppet. We will definitely be fooled a few times, and expect to see them try for a home run at LEAST once in the first quarter (second drive I think) to try to give them momentum/confidence. We need to avoid a slow start and, unlike last year, put them away.
I'm nervous about this one for sure, but I think it stacks up fairly well for us. If we can avoid giving up the big plays and avoid turning it over it bodes very well for us. Those are two big "if's", but I think our defense will be ready and ultimately that will be the key. We have to keep their drives short in order to get our offense (and their defense) back on the field, as I'm guessing they will desire to do precisely the opposite.
Offense
Last week was pretty unbelievable, admittedly against inferior competition, nearly everyone had a huge day. I don't expect that again, but I think we can move the ball on them. I hope Whaley continues his excellent start and has a huge day. I think he can for sure, although it will get tougher now as I'm sure teams have started to notice him. I have sort of a gut feeling that we might see a little of Brandon Williams in some meaningful minutes. However, my pick this week is James Hanna. Big and athletic, and has stepped in big games before. With all of our weapons, he seems easy to lose and I think this week he capitalizes.
Defense
I love Frank Alexander and Tony Jefferson here. I think both will have big days, but I'm going with Old Steady this week. It's his last OU-texas game, he's wearing Soggy's number, and his foot is supposed to be fully healed (not that it's slowed him down much). My guess is he's had one of those emergency boners you hear about on the Viagra commercials (...an erection lasting longer than 4 hours) all week in anticipation of this one. I think he's all over the field, and makes the most of his last go at these fucks.
Finally, the score pick. I think this one will be close (our D + Lonnie's pant shitting = close game, it's simple math really), I think Texas will make some big plays, but I think we will do enough to pull it out. It goes down to the end, but I think the Sooners take it 24-17. I've been the definition of anti-flaccid all week with thoughts on this game. I can't wait for the action. Let's roll heads on these rotten motherfuckers.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Friday, October 7, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
(hairy) Ball State
Good, nee GREAT title. So the Fighting Somethings (probably) of Ball State come into Norman tonight to defender the honor of The (insert mid-major conference here). I personally think that OU is going to handle this one. In fact, you might say I think we'll come out with a mind to do a little Ball busting. Even though they may have inspirations of being Cinderella tonight, I don't think they're going to enjoy the Ball. However, their offense isn't terrible and so our defense will really need to be on the Ball. Personally, I hope they everyone of them runs out like they just snorted an eight Ball. It won't hurt that Still and Broyles will (probably) be on the field and feeling well together for the first time all season, just to get the Ball rolling. Also, I think Dom Whaley is going to go out today and straight Ball. In short, I look for OU to have a Ball in this one.
Wow, I simultaneously embarrassed and impressed myself with that montage (by the way, what is the over/under on Berry Tramel making a similar pun, only in seriousness, at some point in regard to this game?). The fellows from Ball State may have fallen into a bad week to come to Norman. Allegedly everyone is pretty pissed at how they played last week on our defense and my guess is they'll look to make a statement and get the confidence going again a bit in anticipation of next Saturday's showdown.
Keith made some nice points in his mid-week bullets. However, he buffed out the scratches a bit for my taste. Let's be honest, Landry has looked terrible all year. Yeah, he has put up gaudy numbers but I can't think of one time where a drive looked great because he made excellent throws. He constantly over and under throws players, he makes at least 3 or 4 plays a game that make you say out loud the words "What the FUCK was he doing?", and he rarely (if ever) seems to go through a progression. Don't believe me? Watch him and where he is looking on pass plays, he almost never goes to a second or third option. Mark my words, if/when we lose this season it won't be in spite of him.
Second, the defense looked bad. What the fuck is all of this three man rush shit? More importantly, where are the alternatives when it doesn't work. The first two drives against Mizzou, we had three down linemen generate zero pressure on their QB. It was that or bring 8. Can we get some 4 or 5 man rushes on occasion? However, I'm not nearly as worried about the defensive situation as I am with Lonnie. I think (hope) last week was an aberration and a wake-up call for the D. I can see how they might have been patting their backs a little after the effort at FSU and let up some. Hopefully they learned that it doesn't work that way and it didn't cost us a loss last week.
Finally, it's probably deserving of at least a mention on here that Habern is out for several weeks. The O-line has been a bit of a patchwork job already thanks to injuries. We are getting some guys back, as Jarvis Jones looks to return to more regular duty this week. But, losing our center and arguably our best lineman is tough. We will definitely miss him, but hopefully Ikard can fill in adequately. Watch for some bobbled snaps in the gun possibly today. Hopefully not though.
OK, enough pessimism. That probably should've been it's own column last week but I never got it done. Anyway, I don't know a ton about Ball State. I know the basic stuff that's been in the papers (None of the Homework!). They evidently have a decent offense, and one that has been perfect in the red-zone. I don't think they turn it over much, maybe even no picks by their QB yet (what that must be like). But, apart from an Indiana team... er, scratch that, they've played no one. I think we'll, handle them pretty well today on both sides of the Ball (keep 'em coming). Zing!
Offense
Well, I'll save the suspense of telling you who I'm not (ever) going to pick. Instead, let's talk about who I think it will be. I know I've not mixed up the players of the game too much this season, but nonetheless I'm going with my gut again. I think it's going to be Dom Whaley. I just love that guy and, let's be real, Brennan Clay is a good player but he shouldn't be starting or taking carries away from this guy. Whaley is great in all aspects of running the ball. I haven't paid much attention to his blocking, but I don't remember him getting beat specifically, at least not consistently and he seems to catch the ball pretty well although that sample size is pretty small. Let's start to feature him I say. Anyway, I think he breaks 100 this week for the first time and scores twice.
Defense
Somebody is going to have to step up and impress this week. I know Old Steady will be out there being, well, steady. He's vocal and he'll have the boys fired up. Also, I think we're due for a Tony Motherfuckin' Jefferson break out game. He's been solid but quiet so far this year. Don't make us regret the Motherfuckin' award. I'm keeping with my repeats theme for defense today and going with Frank Alexander. I don't think it's even a close race as to who has been our defensive MVP thus far and overall most improved player. He's been an absolute beast, and that Mizzou game last week fucking impressive. I think big Frank gets to the QB at least once and continues to be the disruptive force he's been all year.
Overall, I think we'll handle these guys. They'll no doubt score a bit, but I don't think they really threaten us at all in this one. I think the Defense come out fired up, and I think the offense clicks well. I hope Ikard gets enough reps. under center this week to be comfortable going into next week. I think we score early, I think we score often, and I don't think they do too much at all. Drew Allen gets some completions this week and Roy Finch gets plenty of touches as the Sooners win going away 48-14.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner!
Wow, I simultaneously embarrassed and impressed myself with that montage (by the way, what is the over/under on Berry Tramel making a similar pun, only in seriousness, at some point in regard to this game?). The fellows from Ball State may have fallen into a bad week to come to Norman. Allegedly everyone is pretty pissed at how they played last week on our defense and my guess is they'll look to make a statement and get the confidence going again a bit in anticipation of next Saturday's showdown.
Keith made some nice points in his mid-week bullets. However, he buffed out the scratches a bit for my taste. Let's be honest, Landry has looked terrible all year. Yeah, he has put up gaudy numbers but I can't think of one time where a drive looked great because he made excellent throws. He constantly over and under throws players, he makes at least 3 or 4 plays a game that make you say out loud the words "What the FUCK was he doing?", and he rarely (if ever) seems to go through a progression. Don't believe me? Watch him and where he is looking on pass plays, he almost never goes to a second or third option. Mark my words, if/when we lose this season it won't be in spite of him.
Second, the defense looked bad. What the fuck is all of this three man rush shit? More importantly, where are the alternatives when it doesn't work. The first two drives against Mizzou, we had three down linemen generate zero pressure on their QB. It was that or bring 8. Can we get some 4 or 5 man rushes on occasion? However, I'm not nearly as worried about the defensive situation as I am with Lonnie. I think (hope) last week was an aberration and a wake-up call for the D. I can see how they might have been patting their backs a little after the effort at FSU and let up some. Hopefully they learned that it doesn't work that way and it didn't cost us a loss last week.
Finally, it's probably deserving of at least a mention on here that Habern is out for several weeks. The O-line has been a bit of a patchwork job already thanks to injuries. We are getting some guys back, as Jarvis Jones looks to return to more regular duty this week. But, losing our center and arguably our best lineman is tough. We will definitely miss him, but hopefully Ikard can fill in adequately. Watch for some bobbled snaps in the gun possibly today. Hopefully not though.
OK, enough pessimism. That probably should've been it's own column last week but I never got it done. Anyway, I don't know a ton about Ball State. I know the basic stuff that's been in the papers (None of the Homework!). They evidently have a decent offense, and one that has been perfect in the red-zone. I don't think they turn it over much, maybe even no picks by their QB yet (what that must be like). But, apart from an Indiana team... er, scratch that, they've played no one. I think we'll, handle them pretty well today on both sides of the Ball (keep 'em coming). Zing!
Offense
Well, I'll save the suspense of telling you who I'm not (ever) going to pick. Instead, let's talk about who I think it will be. I know I've not mixed up the players of the game too much this season, but nonetheless I'm going with my gut again. I think it's going to be Dom Whaley. I just love that guy and, let's be real, Brennan Clay is a good player but he shouldn't be starting or taking carries away from this guy. Whaley is great in all aspects of running the ball. I haven't paid much attention to his blocking, but I don't remember him getting beat specifically, at least not consistently and he seems to catch the ball pretty well although that sample size is pretty small. Let's start to feature him I say. Anyway, I think he breaks 100 this week for the first time and scores twice.
Defense
Somebody is going to have to step up and impress this week. I know Old Steady will be out there being, well, steady. He's vocal and he'll have the boys fired up. Also, I think we're due for a Tony Motherfuckin' Jefferson break out game. He's been solid but quiet so far this year. Don't make us regret the Motherfuckin' award. I'm keeping with my repeats theme for defense today and going with Frank Alexander. I don't think it's even a close race as to who has been our defensive MVP thus far and overall most improved player. He's been an absolute beast, and that Mizzou game last week fucking impressive. I think big Frank gets to the QB at least once and continues to be the disruptive force he's been all year.
Overall, I think we'll handle these guys. They'll no doubt score a bit, but I don't think they really threaten us at all in this one. I think the Defense come out fired up, and I think the offense clicks well. I hope Ikard gets enough reps. under center this week to be comfortable going into next week. I think we score early, I think we score often, and I don't think they do too much at all. Drew Allen gets some completions this week and Roy Finch gets plenty of touches as the Sooners win going away 48-14.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner!
OU vs. Ball State
One pair of OU football season tickets costs no less than $800.00. Your $800 gets you six games. In Oklahoma, the year is measured by the first game of the football season and the BCS Championship game. We'd just as soon not have January through July. So, to me, the idea of not going to a home game is ludicrous. But Oklahoma football fans are pretty spoiled and, believe it or not, this incoming Ball State football team has not captured the imaginations of the Sooner faithful. The result is the easiest, cheapest ticket you can imagine for a top-5 football team. I swear I saw Sooner fans giving tickets instead of coin to local panhandlers this week.
It doesn't help that last week's performance against Mizzou was marked by a pretty heartless effort by the Sooners. For whatever reason no one in Sooner nation seemed real fired up.
This Ball State ball game should serve as a perfect opportunity to correct last week's mistakes and get sharp in some areas because next week is a damn big one.
Things to work on:
OFFENSE
I'm stepping out on a precarious limb here but I'm going to go with Roy Finch today. In a perfect scenario Dominique Whaley's day is done after the first or second series of the 3rd Quarter. Finch or possibly even Freshman wunderkind Brandon Williams should see a good number of touches. If Finch is to have any kind of meaningful impact for the Sooners this year he needs to make the most of his chances today. So I believe (stupidly) in the good of humanity and I enjoy seeing the triumph of the human spirit so I believe Finch will rise to whatever occasion might be presented. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see him try too hard and fumble which would be devastating for him from a future PT (now that's Playing Time - Football Lingo) perspective.
DEFENSE
If I had to select a defensive MVP for the Sooners so far this season it would have to be Frank Alexander. He is a one man wrecking crew. Any Sooner opponent watching film has to be making plans to avoid this man whenever possible. I would even hope an opponent as hapless as Ball State is aware of this. That means, like a pack of lions working the hunt in tandem, Ronnell Lewis is going to have a lot of opportunities to make plays. If all goes according to my plans, he might break someone in half today. I'd be all for it. So The Hammer is my defensive pick.
THE PICK
Ball State are 40 point underdogs. The only real question is can the Sooners cover it. I know they can but I don't think they will. Josh Heupel seems pretty content to run whatever kind of offense he needs to keep the opponent at arms length. He'll have the Sooners going on long, boring methodical drives and it will be as vanilla as possible given the Red River Rivalry is coming up.
Maybe I should try to give away my tickets after all. Nah.
Sooners 42, Ball State 7
Edited to add: Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner! Tip them PBR's
It doesn't help that last week's performance against Mizzou was marked by a pretty heartless effort by the Sooners. For whatever reason no one in Sooner nation seemed real fired up.
This Ball State ball game should serve as a perfect opportunity to correct last week's mistakes and get sharp in some areas because next week is a damn big one.
Things to work on:
- Pass Defense. The Sooner D was gashed last week and so far this season this unit either gets tackles for losses or gives up yards in massive chunks.
- Sustained aggressiveness on the Offensive Line. The Sooners can score fast and look like a machine when the O-Line is nasty. This unit needs to prove they can keep their heads out of their asses and keep their focus for a full game. It will be hard for them to do today.
- The Backup QB situation. Lonnie's jersey has been kept pretty clean this year but all it takes is one play for your whole season to ride on someone untested. The Stoops era has been marked by a stubborn unwillingness to give backup QB's any meaningful game reps. It's never made sense to me but maybe Bobby learned something from Sam Bradford's Senior season. There's no better time to strengthen the depth chart than today.
- The 3rd and 4th Wide Receivers. See the Backup QB Situation. Besides the emergence of Dom Whaley the most intriguing story on the Sooners Offense, to me, is who ultimately wins that 3rd spot out of Trey Franks (who won't play today), Dejuan Miller, Jaz Reynolds and Kameel Jackson. Franks, Miller and Reynolds have all made cases while Jackson is the darkhorse but is being given every chance.
- Spreading the ball around. I really don't see this happening because Texas is next week but Lonnie could benefit by practicing checking down his receivers, working on reading progressions and distributing the ball to as many people as possible.
OFFENSE
I'm stepping out on a precarious limb here but I'm going to go with Roy Finch today. In a perfect scenario Dominique Whaley's day is done after the first or second series of the 3rd Quarter. Finch or possibly even Freshman wunderkind Brandon Williams should see a good number of touches. If Finch is to have any kind of meaningful impact for the Sooners this year he needs to make the most of his chances today. So I believe (stupidly) in the good of humanity and I enjoy seeing the triumph of the human spirit so I believe Finch will rise to whatever occasion might be presented. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see him try too hard and fumble which would be devastating for him from a future PT (now that's Playing Time - Football Lingo) perspective.
DEFENSE
If I had to select a defensive MVP for the Sooners so far this season it would have to be Frank Alexander. He is a one man wrecking crew. Any Sooner opponent watching film has to be making plans to avoid this man whenever possible. I would even hope an opponent as hapless as Ball State is aware of this. That means, like a pack of lions working the hunt in tandem, Ronnell Lewis is going to have a lot of opportunities to make plays. If all goes according to my plans, he might break someone in half today. I'd be all for it. So The Hammer is my defensive pick.
THE PICK
Ball State are 40 point underdogs. The only real question is can the Sooners cover it. I know they can but I don't think they will. Josh Heupel seems pretty content to run whatever kind of offense he needs to keep the opponent at arms length. He'll have the Sooners going on long, boring methodical drives and it will be as vanilla as possible given the Red River Rivalry is coming up.
Maybe I should try to give away my tickets after all. Nah.
Sooners 42, Ball State 7
Edited to add: Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner! Tip them PBR's
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