OU vs. TCU

Well that was exciting wasn't it? It was easily a top 5 Sooner game I've seen in person.

For grins, my top 5:

5. OU vs. Texas 1996. It was my Freshman year at OU. Only RRR game I've been to. I bought my ticket the day I enrolled. My seat was about 3 rows behind the texas bench and on the 50 yard line. OU was shit that year but won in overtime. First walkoff win I saw until...

4. OU vs. Oklahoma State 2012. A puncher's brawl. No Defense. Last team with the ball wins. OU had the ball last. Unbelievable game by the Sooners. If half the teams of the Stoops era had this team's guts, Stoops would probably have 3 titles.

3. OU vs. Nebraska 1985 - Being but a wee lad I had no idea what was on the line here. Winning seemed as natural as Saturday morning cartoons. I don't have much memory of the game except for sitting in the North End Zone with my Dad and freezing our asses off. This, along with parking cars for money to buy tickets, are my first memories of Sooner football.

2. OU vs. Nebraska 2000. The cherry on top of the cake that was Red October. Best football atmosphere I've ever felt. First time I physically felt electricity in the air.

1. The National Championship game versus Florida State 2001. The culmination of a boyhood following the Sooners. Grew up during the good times, went to OU during the bad. Standing at the doorway of the real world back on top.

Back to last week.

Man, what a game against OSU. No Defense except when it mattered. A classic Lonnie game. One stereotypical costly pass and gaudy numbers otherwise. Two double digit comebacks. Then an awesome celebration that made you remember these are just college kids. The wind was so strong up in the 103 that my eyes started misting over.

So now TCU. It's TCB Saturday Part Deux. Win and a BCS game invite is all but assured. (Great question posed by friend Lucas Howard. Do you want the Sooners to go to a BCS and face Oregon? Holy smokes. I like their chances against Kent State.) Potential letdown maybe? Sure, but this team has shown over the course of the season that they can take a punch. According to Rocky that's what winner's do.

OFFENSE

Man I want to throw Landry a bone here but I can't. I dare not even speak of what he's been doing the last couple of weeks. Instead I go Justin Brown who's been as reliable a receiver as any of the greats the last few years. He's gathered in something ungodly like 30 catches the last three weeks. Sure handed, hard to bring down, great blocker. Damn, sure do wish we had this guy another year.

PS. Please, dear Baby Jesus, don't let TCU see the tape what happens when you get pressure on Landry.

DEFENSE

It seems ludicrous to say, but maybe the boys are getting their sea legs back under them. Sure, they've given up yards in chunks and they're as soft up the middle as a three dollar tart, but they made plays when they had to last week and they need to hang their hats on these modest victories.

That said, TCU does not have the kind of offense that can score 50 points against average defenses. Even these supposed experts who say the Horned Frogs rush the ball very well are being kind at best and paranoid at worst.

TCU is not that good. I can't believe I'm doing this but I'm going Javon Harris here. If he makes me look like an asshole then it will be no surprise. But, if he can turn 3 whiffs into tackles, the defense just got about two touchdowns better. It's time for him to be a difference maker in a good way.

THE SCORE

TCU comes into the game being able to exploit the soft run defense of the Sooners. But can the Sooners take away the pass and make TCU one-dimensional enough to lock in on the run? Is the historically great TCU defense good enough to keep the Sooners offense off the field?

Maybe and no.

The Sooners are too much of a load on Offense and this could be almost like a home game for the Sooners. Fort Worth is an over 50 Sooner fan's wet dream. The only better regional location is Branson.

All things bode well for our Sooners.

OU 31 TCU 17

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

TCU

The last game of the 2012 regular season sets OU to face the Horned Frogs of TCU on the road in Texas. TCU the last new addition to the Big 12 the Sooners have yet to face as a conference foe. They aren't as good as a few years ago, but still play solid defense and are a tough win on the road. Not to mention, I'm sure they'd like nothing more than to beat the Sooners on the way out of their first in-conference season with us.

This game marks the last (non-bowl) game of the Lonnie Jones era. It's not much of a "grey" area as to where I stand on Lonnie. As Mitch mentioned last week, he'll leave as the winningest QB in OU history with nearly every passing record, yet it constantly feels as though he underachieves. However you stand on the issue, he's nearly done, and I'm not terribly upset. I am confident of one thing however, I will not be saying the words "I wish we had Landry back" next season.

In spite of my general distaste for his play, Lonnie has done pretty well the last couple of weeks. He made some big plays against WVU and managed the game well against the pokes. He'll need to be similarly protective of the ball today in order for us to win. The real question is whether or not he will be intimidated playing a school with "christian" in the name ("does god love them more than me?"...cries).

We all know that we are counting on texas to beat Kstate in order for a victory over TCU to mean a conference championship (don't give me that "co-champs" horseshit, they beat us, end of discussion). In other words, congratulations Kstate on winning the 2012 Big 12. What is more annoying is that Kent State has a real shot at getting a BCS game. This sucks. Hopefully we crush TCU, things go our way and we're playing for a bowl not sponsored by a weed-eater. (Update: I just read that Kent State lost last night, now we're looking at the less likely scenario that NIU jumps into the top 16, not impossible but more improbable than Kent State making that leap if they had won.)

Offense

Will I reverse my unwritten policy of never picking Lonnie as my player of the game? Will I throw him the ever-so-smallest of bones on his way out? I know my co-author knows the answer to those questions without reading any further (no I will not). I do however semi-contradict myself by picking WR's often. Today will be another example of that. I'm feeling a bit like going on a limb today. I'm going with Sterling Shepard. No real reason, we've got a ton of weapons on O. He's one of them, and I have a gut feeling he will do something awesome.

Defense

Not much to say here. I'm going with Tony Motherfuckin Jefferson. It's a guess. That is all.

Score

I just can't envision another 99-98 track meet today. They play better defense than that (I think) and I don't think they can score that regularly. Although, if anyone can make them look good on offense it's us. I think we do enough, win the game and watch the scoreboards the rest of the afternoon. Sooners beat the Horned Frogs 35-24.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

Bedlam 2012

OU is finishing up a run against the best offenses in the Big 12. So far, these offenses are who we thought they were. Baylor was savvy but, ultimately, not game. West Virginia was the most potent five-loss (at the time) team you are likely to see. Now it's OSU. Frankly, I fear them the most.

Conversely, the Sooner Defense is no longer who we thought they were. Sometimes statistics don't tell the whole story. Last week it did. The Sooner D at West Virginia was the worst defensive effort in Sooner history. They have been exposed and embarrassed for two weeks. Last week against West Virginia they needed someone, anyone, to step up. Landry Jones of all people bailed them out by playing one hell of a football game.

Speaking of, it's Senior Day for Landry Jones, the most polarizing player of the Bob Stoops era. A QB who re-wrote virtually all record books at OU and yet, the most readily criticized and vilified. Most praise heaped on him is deserved. When he's good he's great.

But much of his criticism is deserved as well.

I will argue forever that he leaves 150 passing yards on the field almost every game. These yards came in the form of interceptions for sure. But more often, it was a terrible swing pass or, worse, locking onto a receiver and ignoring/completely missing a more open target.

Ah well. He won a hell of a lot of football games and I really want him to win three more starting today. I hope next year I don't utter the words, "I wish we still had Landry Jones".

OFFENSE

At home, on Senior Day, against a rival, I expect the Sooners to come out humming like a sewing machine. Only a depleted offensive line can stop it completely.

The Cowboy defense is decent at best but shouldn't be able to hold the Sooners to less than 30. Shutting down Kansas and Iowa State does not make them a defensive juggernaut. No way they can stop the OU receiving corps. Will they be able to get pressure on Landry?

Kenny Fuckin Shitbag is going to pick the offensive unit up on his shoulders and make sure the Seniors, and particularly Landry, go out in style. This is the closest I can come to picking Landry. I like Kenny for 150 today.

DEFENSE

The Sooner defense is dead to rights for these last three games of the season and they know it. The Cowboys, regardless of who the Sooners face in a bowl, are the most lethal.

Joseph Randle could run for 300 yards. I guarantee Cowboy receivers will be running across the middle all day. The Cowboys are not near the levels of the last two years but they can pile up the points.

On the other hand, the Sooners have pride and legacies are at stake. 

What can the Sooners do? They can start making plays at the point of attack or they can change the scheme up a bit. Both seem difficult to do at this stage of the season. Things are a bit hard-baked by now.

I'll take my chances and hope that players will start making plays. It appears to be near impossible for coaches at this level to change schemes. I'm taking Senior DeMontre Hurst. Not that he'll have the most chances to make plays at the point of attack. He's just the most trustworthy not to screw up and he takes away half the field. He's been as solid as any DB in the Stoops era. He's had his position on lockdown for four years and no one has challenged him. He's about the only player you can trust over there these days.

THE SCORE

Of all the teams, nobody schemes on offense like the Cowboys. Of all teams, they are least respectful of the Sooners. If it can be said that anyone occupies time in Bob Stoops' headspace, it's Mike Gundy. In short, OU should be very concerned.

The Defense has been so sieve-like that the Offense might not be able to keep up. Is it possible the Sooner D is this bad? Is it possible to right the ship? Of course it is. And there's no better time than today.

Sooners 42 Cowboys 38 in a barn burner.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

Oklahoma State

Bedlam is back for it's 2012 incarnation, pitting the Sooners against inferiority complex saddled OSU. At one point this might have been the most lopsided "rivalry" in history. OSU had beaten OU something like 4 times since WW2 to around 2000. Recent years however, have shown much more parity. From the Rashaun Woods game that was a fluke to last year's assbeat in Stoolwater, the Sooners have had much fuller hands with the pokes than any Sooner fan would like. Speaking of last year's embarrassment, I'm hoping the team has a little payback on their mind. Lonnie was never more Lonnie than that game last season, it's his chance for atonement.

OSU comes in with a pretty solid defense which is out of character. Their offense is good as usual. They've lost three on the season and apart from losing to what seems to be a terrifically bad Texas squad, they've been pretty good. It will be a tough test and if we bring the same defense that we brought last week there are going to be a lot of unhappy people in Sooner nation after the game. I'm not going to spend time rehashing that game. While a lot of fun to watch, my coronaries and my sphincter aren't up for a repeat. Suffice it to say, the Sooner defense doesn't seem to be much better than last year, if at all. I'm hoping for a little ball control offense to limit OSU's possessions and maybe we can sneak it out that way.

Offense

I went for Justin Brown last week, hindsight shows that Stills would have been the guy. What a game by Fuckin' Shitbag. Mitch went for Damien Williams who had a really nice night also. I would be happy with either of those two repeating this week. But I'm going a little different route today. I'm going with the forgotten man, Trey Millard (can we agree that Millard is the overwhelming favorite to be a beast in the NFL leaving everyone wondering why we never gave him the fucking ball while at OU?). I'm not sure why he doesn't get the ball more, I guess because there are only so many touches to go around with all of our weapons. Nonetheless he's probably the most difficult matchup we have and he rarely gets touches. Just a hunch, but I think that Heupel remembers him in this one and he steps up big.

Defense

I should just start drawing a name out of hat, because I'm essentially doing that now. In light of the fact that he's a Senior and just that he's one of my favorite players on the team, I'm going with Casey Walker. I hope he crushes their QB at least once, and I'm hoping by the end that he's been in the backfield enough that they're looking for him in their huddle.

Score

I'm nervous. Our D couldn't be looking worse right now. They can score, and actually play solid D. That said, I like that this is a home game, the first in two years it should be noted. I'm sure Sooner fans are ready. I am hopeful that the players are still gargling to get the taste of last year out of their mouths. Nothing will wash it away better than a thorough drubbing. I think it will be close, but I think revenge + home crowd is enough that we get it done. Sooners take this one 38-28 in a tough one.


Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

Oklahoma vs. West Virginny

Dana Holgerson looks like the guy who rings my doorbell once a year asking for ten bucks to paint my house number on my curb. He's not a number stenciler though. He's the coach of the most disappointing team in all of football this year. These Mountaineers are not who we thought they were. This game is not for the Big 12 title after all.

The reason is simple.

The weekend of OU-Texas, I thought I watched the worst defense in the country play that morning (Texas). Then I saw the worst defense in the country play that afternoon (West Virginia). The Sooners should be licking their chops for this one.

OFFENSE

West Virginia cant't stop a wet fart which is good because nothing makes me more nervous than Landry playing in a hostile environment. It's going to be difficult for him to beat himself. But, if anyone can do it, it's him.

You could really pick anyone for today's OPOG. It's not looking through crimson-colored glasses to think that the Sooners could have three 100-yard receivers today. Landry will throw for 400 without breaking a sweat.

I think the key though is the run game. Stopping it is West Virginia's "strength" if such a thing exists on a squad that ranks 117th out of 120 teams. How much success can the Sooners have running? If it isn't working, how quickly will they abandon it?

Ever the optimist, I think the Sooners do have success and I think DD Williams gets back on track today. The last few weeks have been the Brennan Clay show. I don't care who carries the load but my gut says to pick DD. I think the Sooners really commit to running as well, if for no other reason than to keep Geno Smith off the field.

DEFENSE

The Sooners got a bit exposed last week. The good news is the D held Baylor to their fewest yards of the season. The bad news: They gave up a metric ton of rushing yards.

Dana Holgerson is the type of guy who will key in on these weaknesses and pick them like a scab if you let him. OU's Kryptonite on D is the run game. WVU does not have much of a rushing attack but will they be effective enough to open up their vaunted passing game?

At the end of the day this is going to be strength versus strength. The strength of the OU D is pass defense. The strength of WVU's offense is its passing attack. I'm cautiously optimistic about the Sooners chances. I'm optimistic because of Frank Shannon. He's my darkhorse for DPOG. A pass heavy offense means less Tommy Wort. Frank needs to be as active as he's been all season. I see no reason for him not to be.

While we're here, the Sooners have to tackle today. I'm looking at Javon Harris. If Landry leaves 150 passing yards on the field every week, Javon leaves about 6 tackles. He and Gabe Lynn cannot be doing their spark and gasoline routine today.

THE SCORE

Today the best defense is going to have to be our offense. Long, sustained drives with scores. Limited appearances by Lonnie. There is absolutely no excuse for not scoring 50. The Sooner D has to deny any rushing attack so it can focus on limiting the passing attack.

The state of Oklahoma doesn't get to look down its nose at many other states. West Virginia is one of them.

I'm very bullish on our Sooners today. Way more than I was a few months ago. No surprise, I like the Sooners big.

Oklahoma 56 West Virginia 28

Boomer to the motherfuckin' Sooner!

West Virginia

Well friends, this game isn't exactly what it looked to be before the games were played. I don't think I'm alone in saying that I thought this might be a game with two top 5 teams playing with a trip to the national title at stake. Instead, WVU after a hot start has plummeted out of the rankings thanks to a defense that appears to be looking for flags to pull off of opponents waist bands. Our guys on the other hand are a solid team, but not exactly the national title contender we thought they might be before the season (see: OU v Kansas State/Notre Dame et al). Nevertheless this is a big game in the conference, and our first trip to Morgantown as a conference opponent. I'm pretty excited to see it as they have a good atmosphere, and it will no doubt be crazy there tonight. The combo of night game + big conference opponent + the fact that WVU is one of the few universities that sells beer at their games = apeshit crowd. This will be a factor.

In spite of all of that WVU has been the cure for what ails any offense so far. The Big 12 offensive player of the week has come at the expense of the WVU defense for a few weeks in a row now. Let's hope that trend continues today in a Sooner offensive explosion.

Offense

As I said, this looks as if someone will be putting up big numbers today. It's probably a good sign that this is hard to pick. I'm going with a WR today and I'm going with Justin Brown. He's really turned into a damn good target and one that Lonnie looks to often. I think he gets behind the defense a couple of times today and gets in the endzone at least once. I like him for 100+ yards and a TD.

Defense

This is once again a crap shoot. As poor as the WVU defense is, their offense is solid. Dana Holgerson coached offenses have torched us pretty regularly in years past. Hopefully Mikey will do a better job getting us ready than Venables ever did. They pass a ton, so I'm looking to the secondary to do something special tonight. That said, I'm going with the same guy two weeks in a row, Aaron Colvin. I think they'll come after him a little and I think he'll respond.

Score

This looks like it's going to be a shootout of sorts. I hope that we'll be able to score regularly and more importantly I hope that we'll be able to get some stops and at least slow them down enough that we can get out of their with a win. Though national and conference titles are no longer on the table for us, this one still means plenty in our continuing to cling to the outside hope of getting a BCS bid. I like the Sooners today 54-38. Let's get these bitches.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

Oklahoma v. Baylor

Since I couldn't care much less for today's matchup, let's talk Landry. Landry still does Lonnie things. I can't imagine how much money he cost himself by not going to the NFL last year. His whole career he's been leaving 150 passing yards on the table week after week. Last week was no exception. He'd have records no one could touch if he could keep his head out of his ass. His two INT's in the first half single-handedly kept things interesting. I think he might be, I'm sorry to say, the dumbest QB in the Stoops era. How else can you explain the fact that he has absolutely zero authority to check out of a play. Or that he never seems to survey the field prior to a play. He HAS to check the sidelines for everything.

Iowa State's QB, Steele Jantz, caught a blitz prior to a snap. What did he do? He made a change at the line, threw a quick pass to the WR covering the blitzer and made a decent gain. What would have happened if Landry was at QB. The entire offense would look at the sidelines, get a new play, the defense would also change and then something would happen. Might have been good, maybe bad. But Landry sure as hell wouldn't have made a call at the line and exploited the situation.

In other news, I'm happy for Brennan Clay. I've never been a huge fan as, prior to this season, Clay's only real usefulness was getting three yards a carry. He was a homeless man's version of Chris "Old Steady" Brown. He's taken a huge step forward and seems to have reduced Dom Whaley and/or Roy Finch to sideline observers.

My prediction of a career day for Clay was a wild guess only for its timing. When your career long gain from scrimmage is five yards and you suddenly start rattling off 15 to 20 yarders with regularity, you're due for a breakout. If it didn't happen last week it would have happened any of the next three.

OFFENSE

The wind is going to be howling today. Nobody respects the wind more than Bobby. Josh Heupel falls right in line. Ergo, vis-a-vis, to-wit, the Sooners will rely on short passes and the run game more than anyone woud like to see. So, whilst I'm tempted to ride the B. Clay train, I'm going to pick someone from the duo of Sterling Shepard or Jalen Saunders. I think the game plan is to get those guys in the open field and let them make plays. I can't talk myself out of Saunders.

The Baylor defense is god-awful. They are slightly better than West Virigina. The Sooners should run rough shod.

DEFENSE

Well I'm going Tony Motherfuckin Jefferson today. He's going to have his hands full patrolling the middle of the football field today. If he doesn't then Baylor needs to take a hard look at their film study situation. The Cyclones only had success across the middle and they had a pretty fair amount of it last week. Tony needs to make Baylor pay for testing this area of the field.

THE SCORE

So, maybe this is a revenge game for the Sooners. Maybe it's a trap game with West Virginia next week.

Surprise, surprise. I think it's a revenge game. I like the Sooners big today. Baylor gives up 40 a game. The Sooners can exceed that at home, even with sustained gale-force winds.

I'll take the Sooners here, 63-24

Boomer to the motherfuckin' Sooner

Baylor

Good morning fine ladies and gentleman. My post today comes to you from the sunny locale of Sedona, AZ. A far cry from my decimated home city of New York. Sadly, I'll be returning there tomorrow but for now it's sunshine and lollipops for Natey. The Sooners face a solid Baylor team this Saturday afternoon. Seems odd that a few short years ago this game had a W placed next to it sometime in April, or as soon as it was scheduled. Now however, it's not Alabama but it's no gimme either.

No one is forgetting last year's barn burner where the boys in Crimson neglectfully left their defense on the bus. This Baylor team is notably lacking one RG3, but let's hope that we line up 11 conscious players on the defensive side of the ball this time (looking at you Javon G.R. Harris)*. Baylor does score points pretty well, however the one thing they are better at than scoring points is allowing them.  Besides, in spite of two losses, it feels like our defense has been better than it was last season. At the very least, it doesn't get torched with regularity anymore.

*This G.R. is noting his moniker as Gas Rag which is bestowed for his propensity to be burned easily and with regularity. This is a unilateral move by me, but I'm sure Mitch won't put up too much of a fight. While Harris does make some nice plays on occasion, he makes some real dumbshit moves as well. I'll take consistently solid over feast/famine any day of the week. Read: I really dislike Javon Harris.

I like our chances today, the team looked good against a pesky ISU team last week and avoided a let down after the emotional Notre Dame loss. It seems as though we've got a pretty decent shot at beating the Baylor Bears. Provided we can make them earn their points with long, multi-play drives and we can keep their offense off of the field with a solid ground game I think we'll win.

Offense

Mitch continued his startlingly good, season-long impersonation of Nostradamus last week with a Brennan Clay bullseye. While I'll concede that Clay was the player of the game on offense last week, I didn't do too shabby with a (less impressive) Justin Brown pick as he went for 7 and 107 with 1 TD. Let's hope we both pick different players today, and that both players proceed to dominate as they did last week. You see, readers, having two really good players on offense statistically, is better than having only one (stay with me). Today I'm going with Jalen Saunders, if for no other reason than the guy is damn fun to watch out there. I like him for several great runs after the catch, and at least one TD.

Defense

This side of the ball has proven to be a bit of a crapshoot as not only has it been hard to pick a player of the game before the game, but it's not been easy to pick one after either. Today, I'm going with Aaron Colvin. He's really developed into a damn fine DB and one that seems to be as adept in the run game as he is in providing coverage. I'd love to predict that he forces a turnover today... so I will. Either a pick or a forced fumble, but I won't decide between the two (listen, I'm no Keith "Ms. Cleo" Mitchell over here).

Score

As I said before, the Baylor fellows can score some points. As I also said before, they can give up some points too. I like the Sooners today in a bit of a shootout. We control the ground game enough on offense and the passing game enough on defense to win. Sooners 38-24.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.

OU vs. Iowa State

Sooner nation was ready to jump off a cliff following the Kansas State game. Now we see the cliff, shrug our shoulders, and back away. The Sooners didn't embarass themselves last week, Notre Dame is just better unfortunately. It's been proven on the football field that the Sooners just aren't an elite team this year. It sucks.

Notre Dame has a hell of a defense but everybody knew Lonnie wasn't going to lead a comeback. Notre Dame has an excellent football team and if the Sooners and Irish played five times, Notre Dame probably wins three.

In other news the tailgating scene was pretty awesome. To a party, every effort was made to make things "just so". Avid Steamroller reader Robert Powell had some fine smoked ribs at his Legal Eagle tailgate where I also enjoyed smoked bacon-wrapped quail and jalapeno. It was divine. The tortin' and cavortin' tailgate also had an open bar which may or may not have impacted my disposition for the remainder of the evening.

Oh well. The Sooners have a lot to play for. Namely, the Holiday Bowl or some such other mid-upper tier bowl game. They also face a stiff test in Ames against a scrappy Cyclone team. If the Sooners can't untuck their bottom lips this season will go from bad to worse.

OFFENSE

Things should return to form. Iowa State, whilst scrappy, is not the fierce unit Notre Dame is. However, it does not appear DD Williams will play much, if any. The law firm of Millard, Whaley and Clay should be fine in DD's absence.

Say, what about this Jalen Saunders? He's yet another reason why there is no good excuse for this offense to not have defenses on their heels early and often. 

Choosing an OPOG this week is throwing darts. With DD out, I'm going with Brennan Clay. He's been able to get to that second level on multiple occasions and so I like him to set a career mark for yards today.  Makes perfect sense.

DEFENSE

This group should be fired up. They clearly have room to improve and a short time to get there. The Cyclone offense is hard to figure. They seem to do poorly against half way decent defenses and they also seem to be pretty opportunistic. In short, the Sooners cannot take them lightly and the Javon Harris's of the world need to be alert.

For my DPOG I'm inexplicably going with David King. His is a name that hasn't been called that much lately so maybe it's time for that to change.

THE SCORE

I hope the Sooners don't mail in their performance like I just mailed in this piece. They need to take Iowa State very seriously. They need to get back on track. Big games are still ahead.

I think the Cyclones can get a couple of scores but I think they can't keep the Sooner offense contained.

OU 37, ISU 17

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

Iowa State

I don't have much to say about the game last week. It was a good game, we played them tough but really I thought they just seemed like the better team. The defense could have made some key stops down the stretch but as poorly as the offense played it would be asking a lot.

I love college football. I love that each week is critical. But it's times like now that I wish there was a way to make a run at the end. The conference and national championships are off the table at this point. We're playing for the best bowl we can get which already doesn't interest me. That said, I'm looking forward to today's game and the rest of the season.

I know nearly nothing about this Iowa State team. I know they play everyone tough, particularly in Ames. It's the kind of game that could easily trip us up. Though with little on the line, I suppose we don't have much to look ahead to. Let's hope we come out looking to redeem ourselves and beat the hell out of these guys.

Offense

In keeping with the idea of knowing nothing about this team, I have no idea what their defense is weak at. But, for whatever reason I'm thinking Justin Brown. He's really become a weapon and I think his number will be called a few times today.

Defense

Here I'm going with a guy who is rapidly becoming one of my favorites, Casey Walker. I like the big boy in there plugging up the middle. He's no slouch at getting some inside pressure on the QB either.

Score

I think our offense is probably a little pissed about getting shut the fuck down last Saturday. But, this isn't a gimme either and the crowd will be amped up. I think we win and score some points on the way. Sooners take it, 31-17

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.

The Oklahoma Sooners Versus the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame

Get yourself buckled up boys and girls because what we have here is a big damn football game.

Sooner Head Football Coach Bobby Stoops said earlier this week that it's probably the biggest game since Nebraska came rolling into town one Red October back in 2000. Navin and I were at that football game and I can say that it was, without a doubt, the best atmosphere for a football game I've ever been a part of. It was the first time at any sporting event that I literally felt electricity in the air.

The Sooners of 2000 were a Cinderella story in college football and the contest against the Huskers put the Sooners back on top. The thing is, in the Spring of 2000, nobody looked at the calendar, saw Nebraska on the schedule, and said, "Boy is that going to be one hell of a game." On the contrary, most  people probably hershey squirted their pants a little. Nebraska was a juggernaut at the time.

Flash forward to the Spring of 2012, however, and every Sooners fan I talked to was looking forward to this contest. It's the first time I can remember such a thing in my adult life. Not only was everyone looking forward to it but now we find a contest worthy of the hype.

All of this to say that there will almost certainly be electricity in the air once again come Saturday in Norman.

I am giddy that we find ourselves, Sooner fans, in the position of doing the circling on the calendar for once. And, I don't need to remind anyone how well the Sooners play when they are looking forward to something (look at Texas two weeks ago).

OFFENSE

The Notre Dame defense is the reason for their 7-0 start. They have yet to allow a rushing touchdown on 3rd and goal situations. Is this the day the Belldozer is contained? I'm interested in finding out. It's inexplicable that the Belldozer has yet to be contained. If anyone can do it, it's the Irish. Today is the first day I'm really excited to see him in there and I really hope it works.

The Irish also have a LB in Manti Te'o who is appearing on some Heisman short lists. He sounds like a man among boys and, in that sense, is frightening. Turnovers are the reason the Sooners have one loss. If the Irish are as fierce and ballyhooed as the pundits say, then this is a classic turnover battle game. Landry has to have protection. How far has the O-Line come since K-State. We find out tonight.

The Sooner offensive arsenal, including Special Teams, is scarier than the Irish Defense. This Te'o fella can't cover them all and smear Landry at the same time. The Sooners need to pull out all stops and take their dynamic propensities to new heights.

My favorite weapon on a day like today, and my pick for OPOG, is Night Train Trey Millard. He's the most versatile. He's a matchup nightmare. He is a man among boys on the offensive side of the football.

DEFENSE

I ain't skeered of the Irish offense. The Sooner D has been getting stronger as the season wears on and they have another shot on national television to prove they are elite.

By all accounts the offense for Notre Dame is predicated on the run game. This means a lot of Tommy Wort which is not ideal, unfortunately. Hopefully the Sooners won't get burned on play action if he's in there.

I'm unconvinced that the Irish have faced anything resembling the Sooner defense. The Irish have put up enough points to win against teams that don't really strike fear in opposing defensive coordinators.

For my DPOG today I'm going with Demontre Hurst. I think the Irish will try to sneak in some big pass plays and they have to pick on someone. Demontre will make them pay.

THE SCORE

I think this one goes along the same lines as the K-State game. It's a race to 30 points. The Sooners can't turn the ball over more than once and get there. The Irish will have to capitalize on mistakes to do it.

The atmosphere will be off the charts. The stadium will be candy-striped red and white. They are handing out rally towels (the first time I can remember a giveaway). The proverbial roof was going to be blown off without these gimmicks but it's going to be a scene unlike any other. It obviously favors OU.

OU 24 Notre Dame 17

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner!

Notre Dame

Huge game today down in Norman, enormous actually. The famous Fighting Irish of Notre Dame travel to Oklahoma to take on our beloved Sooners. Notre Dame comes in with a terrific defense that has kept them undefeated, and currently in the top 5 in the country. More importantly, they're legitimate National Title contenders thanks to that unblemished record, and who they will have beaten if they run the table (read: us).

The Sooners, as we all know, played what now looks like the best team in the conference at a time when we hadn't quite come together. That one loss might keep this game from establishing a clear national title front runner (for us anyway) but it hasn't slowed the hype machine of this massive (and nearly unheard of) tilt between two non-conference teams both ranked in the top 10. Incidentally, that loss may also be the only thing keeping Berry Tramel from exhuming Bud Wilkinson's corpse, making love to it, and then writing another nostalgia piece about nothing relevant to today's football, and by "today's" I mean the kind with non-leather helmets and face-masks. (Aside: a game I've made for myself is to go to The Oklahoma Daily's website on my phone and try to guess, by the title, which of the OU articles are by Berry Tramel. It's remarkably easy. I'd say I have about a 96% success rate. The only ones that are tough are that "gray" zone of overlap when Jenni Carlson writes one of her bullshit off-the-field-pieces. Though if it's written about a player currently on the roster then you can almost always rule out Tramel.)

GameDay is in town, tickets are tough which might mean a raucous crowd (please, please, please), and there is even a movement to set up one of those "let's all organize the color of our t-shirts" deals that is so camera-friendly. Though I have my doubts that the even/odd section coloring will actually be pulled off with any real success, still I'm hopeful. In a semi-related story the odds are strongly in favor of the back of my jockey's becoming a "brown out" prior to kick-off. In short, I'm excited.

This is going to be an extremely tough one for us to win I think. If anyone hasn't been watching, our Q doesn't do well with pressure or elite defenses (speaking of brown outs). However, he's teased us the last 3 Saturdays. Also, he's been historically better at home where the pressure of a crowd isn't on him as well. What makes me nervous is Notre Dame has been damn good against the run this season. I think our ability up to now to run the ball, more than anything else, is why Lonnie has had this string of good games. If that gets taken away tonight (a very real possibility), it's going to be up to him to carry us (cash your tickets, brown out achieved). If there is a weak area of Notre Dame's defense, it's the secondary. Let's hope we can exploit it enough. The picks...!

Offense

Man oh man, what to do here. What I'd love to say is Damien Williams. I'd love to have confidence that he will break off some big gainers, and go for about 25 carries and 175 yards with some scores mixed in there. I just don't think it's going to happen. Honestly, I'm not sure anyone is going to have huge numbers today. I do think if someone does though, it's going to be in the passing game, for reasons I mentioned before (don't think you can jump straight to the picks section, reader(s), these are complete journalistic works with foreshadowing and other crap I vaguely remember from college). I'd love for Lonnie to air it out on some deep balls to Justin Brown, and I think we'll try it a couple of times. But, it's a big game against a big time defense. I think Lonnie reverts to his old ways some today (how I hope I'm wrong) and looks to a security blanket. Since Broyles went down last season, the closest thing to that is Kenny Fuckin' Shitbag Stills. I think Stills gets a lot of looks today and does enough with them to be my player of the game.

Defense

Our defense matching up against their offense is what makes me feel hopeful today. We may have a hard time moving the ball on them, no doubt. But I think they're going to struggle doing the same. Notre Dame is unbeaten but it's not been because they're putting up 50+ a game. OK, once they scored 50, against Navy. Anyway, our D has quietly been building steam, and has been pretty damn solid all year and particularly since we lost to K State. I like Tony Motherfuckin' Jefferson to have a huge day today. He's this year's MFer. He's a total badass. Plus, it just feels like the kind of day where Mike Stoops has some crazy wrinkle he'll break out and do some cool things with Tony. I don't know why, but I've got a good feeling about Tony today. Let's pencil him in.

Score

I've left little doubt that I think this is going to be low scoring. Though my normal inclination, when everyone in the world expects a defensive struggle, is to go the other way and pick high scoring, I just don't see it today. I think it's close all the way and I think the score is low. However, I think our defense will do just enough to keep us in it for a late score and victory. I like the Sooners at home, 14-10.

Crack the PBR's, wear your lucky underwear, whatever it takes. Let's roll some heads on these fancy gingers.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.

Sooners Today

It's the midway point in the Sooners season. 6 games behind us, and 6 to go. I feel as though we've steadily progressed on both sides of the ball. Our running game is better than I think anyone expected, given the injuries to the offensive line and the question marks surrounding Dom Whaley's recovery from a broken ankle. As it turns out, Damien Williams has turned out to be an absolute monster, which is nice.

As for the passing game, we've got a really balanced set of WR's out there, and I think that's gone a long way toward making Lonnie really look at his progression as opposed to locking in a favorite every down. That said, he's looked solid 3 weeks in a row now, but still hasn't faced a decent defense in any of those games. Saturday will tell us a lot, as arguably the nation's most complete defense comes to town.

Historically, Mike Stoops guided defenses have taken a few games to get rolling and have gotten better as the season moves on. So far, this is looking to be the case this year as well. Though we've been putting up massive amounts of points the last few weeks, the D has been dominant also. The first unit hasn't given up a touchdown since the opening drive of the Texas Tech game...11 quarters ago.

The KState game is really starting to loom large. Not to get ahead of ourselves, we still play #5 Notre Dame this week, travel to a "tough out" on the road at Iowa State, go to a better-than-they've-looked the last few weeks WVU, and none of that even considers OSU (home) and TCU (road) which aren't gimme's, but that narrow loss that probably shouldn't have been is keeping us out of any championship talk for now. Plus, KState really only plays (a probably overrated) Texas Tech the rest of the year. They have a great shot of going undefeated.

With any luck our D will continue to play as well as they have. I don't envision pitching a shutout every week, but we can survive Lonnie and his inevitable melt-down's if the D continues to play well. I'm pretty excited to see how the season plays out, I feel like our D is the best it's been in years and I think if we can continue to protect the ball on offense (read: enormous "if" given our QB), we've got a chance to win out.

I'll be back later in the week, along with Mitch, to discuss an absolutely huge game this Saturday (for a number of reasons) against a suddenly relevant Notre Dame team that travels to Norman. Game Day is in town. It's "on", as the kids are saying.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

OU - Kansas Homecoming

Confidence at Steamroller HQ is sky high after the PlayStation Beginner Level-esque de-pantsing of the Longhorns. Last week the defense looked baby eating fierce and the offense, without having to resort to razzle dazzle, broke the spirit of a hapless Lonhorn defense.

There is officially an embarassment of wealth on offense. The offensive line is improving week to week. The first team D has given up 5 touchdowns. The Sooners are back in this thing officially.

The key this week is to take the confidence accrued from near flawless execution and use the hapless Kansas Jayhawks as a tool upon which to improve. Because, I don't know if you've heard or not, but a highly regarded Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team comes to Norman next week.

First things first though. Let's keep it simple and smack the Jayhawks.

OFFENSE

Last week was one of the finest offensive performances Sooner fans will ever see. The Sooners pounded and punished and outmanned Texas. They dominated individual matchups and unleashed their biggest multi-threat weapon in Trey Millard.

I cannot say enough about Millard. Something good almost always happens when he touches the ball. It was nice to see him get featured. I don't think anyone expected him to go off like he did but he clearly is capable of being more than just an occasional safety valve. He needs to be a focal point.

This week the offense just needs to keep refining what they do and stay healthy. The rapidly improving O-Line needs to continue to take steps forward. They've been awesome the last few weeks.

For my OPOG I'm going DD Williams. I'd love to go ride Millard's hot hand but maybe by not picking him I'll reverse-jinx the Sooners into using him as much as they did last week. In short, I hope I'm wrong with my pick.

DEFENSE

I have to pat my own back for hopping on the Aaron Colvin bandwagon pretty early. He's starting to stand out on a defense that's starting to come together, "in a great way".

For my DPOG I'm going to take a page out of Nathan's playbook and go with Casey Walker. The dude has been on a mission lately and is a big reason the D has become so menacing lately.

THE SCORE

After last week's trouncing I'm content like a fatty who's eaten his weight at Thanksgiving. I hope the same cannot be said for the Sooners. This week is the closest thing to a bye they'll have all year. They have to use it for improvement, not rest. They also can't afford to be like fans and look forward to next week.

A letdown seems unlikely. It's a homecoming night game and they're returning after two absolute trouncings. The Sooners will rise to the occasion and satisfy everyone's bloodlust. Then get ready for an epic tilt next week.

Sooners 63, Jayhawks 10

Boomer to the Mothrfuckin Sooner

Kansas

I'll be truthful here. Last week was a lot of fun. On the same note, I never saw it coming. Yes, our offense looked dominant, but at this point I think they may be a hat tip to the shitty texas defense as much as it our offense. However, what we did to their offense reminds me of what made me so hard for the return of Mike Stoops. Suddenly the dismantling of Tech two weeks ago seems more impressive as well. Time will tell if that's a mirage or not.

This week we play a traditionally poor Kansas squad who is doing nothing this season to change that perception. It's being viewed by some as a trap game. Possible considering the bookends on it. But, I just can't picture it.

Charlie Weis has made the KU defense somewhat respectable, kind of like a stripper who insists on always wearing pasties is respectable. I'm sure Lonnie will do something dumb but he really played pretty well last week and that makes two consecutive weeks he's done so. My hope is we'll get the run game going and make things easier on everyone.

Defensively, it's going to be a real let down if we don't dismantle them. I really think we will though. I'm not sure if it's simply coincidence but the rise of Frank Shannon has mirrored our defensive ascent. The secondary has looked awesome and Aaron Colvin in particular has looked like a badass. I'm very excited, I hope they continue to "gel" as the kids are saying. We'll need everything they've got in the next couple of weeks.

Offense

Lonnie described his receiving corps as the deepest in his time at OU. It's hard to argue as there are 6 really good options at least. But in my mind it's been the running game that has made the biggest difference. It just opens everything else up. Today I like the guy who was the MVP of last week in my opinion, Trey Millard. He really took over and sounded the truck horn a few times. I hope this opens Huepel's eyes to what a serious weapon he has there. Millard springs Williams a few times and gets in himself for at least one touch.

Defense

There is a lot to like here. Especially because it's been a total group effort so far. I'm sold enough at this point that I'm going with Frank Shannon. He's really played well and seems to elevate everyone else. I like him for a big sack today and multiple tackles.

Score

I think we'll probably come out a little sluggish. As a result I'll probably have blood seeping out of my eye by halftime from overreacting to the fact that we don't have a fifty point lead after two quarters. Fear not, I think we'll get it together and win this one going away. Sooners roll today 45-10.

Let's TCB today.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.

texas

The Red River Game is on us again. This is going to be an epic showdown. There's no love lost between these two. You can throw out the records on this one. It's going to come down to who can protect the football. These two are going to leave everything on the field. It's going to be a street fight.

And so it goes with these types of games. I'll admit I've got a railroad spike between my legs for this one. I do hate texas. One of those pure hates where it's nearly impossible to imagine a scenario where I'd root for them to win. (You have to root for Texas or go down on Rosy O'Donnell with a nasty yeast infection fresh after a marathon. Me: how hot is it during the run?) Even if you take all of the rivalry out of the picture (impossible) this game is enormous in both the conference and national landscapes. Oddly though this is the first year in a while where the conference championship didn't rest on this game. Both teams come in with conference losses. Nonetheless if the Sooners can win it they still have most of (if not all of) their goals within reach.

Now that I've ran the importance of the game into the ground, let's look at the game itself. I have visions of 2001 in this one. A tight defensive (or maybe inept offensive) game where it comes down to the end. Also like 2001 this game features a QB wont to shit all over the field in the face of pressure. Unlike 2001, that QB is a Sooner. I have a terrible fear that the texas D-Line will (easily) coax Lonnie in to multiple turnovers. Let's hope I'm as off the mark with that prediction as I normally am.

I think our defense is improving and will be able to do a decent job with their offense. Javon Harris, in spite of his pick 6 last week,consistently misses tackles and is obviously out of position. He is the worst piece of an otherwise solid secondary. Frank Shannon gave us hope last week that the flailing cockney tackler-Tom Wort's days may be numbered. I don't hate Wort but he's been a pretty average (at best) player. Though coaches are saying Wort will start, my guess is his lease will be pretty short. Regardless I think Shannon will get significant meaningful minutes. Let's hope last week wasn't an aberration.

Offense

To his credit, Lonnie has played relatively well against texas. That said, this is his first go at them without Broyles. While he did play well last week, he's been historically hot and cold week-to-week. As I texted Mitch last week, I guess we're getting Mr. Hyde this week. Here's hoping I'm wrong. I'm not going to get too out of the box on this one. I'm going with Kenny Fuckin' Shitbag Stills. I like him for 2 (that's right 2!) scores today.

Defense

Oh how I want to pick Frank Shannon, everyone's newest darling. But I'm not ready to, ahem, crown his ass just yet. I'm going slightly off the beaten path here and going with Casey Walker. He had a big game in Dallas last season and I think today he gets back in the groove again.

Score

As I said, I think this is going to be a low scoring affair. I've really had a bad feeling all week but I awoke today with renewed enthusiasm (read: morning wood). I think our D keeps us in it and we do enough to eek this one out. Sooners win, 17-13.

Now let's go out and roll these rotten motherfuckers.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner!!

OU - Texas

It's cliche in College Football to say that every week matters (thanks, ESPN) but this year's Red River Rivalry game (henceforth dba RRR) alters the course of the season for both teams. For the Sooners, a win against the 'Horns means the K-State loss goes from ominous portent to ghostly apparition. The winner remains relevant across the college football landscape. The loser spends the rest of 2012 playing for pride and trying to avoid the Holiday Bowl.

National implications aside, nothing feels better than beating these scumbags. I'd love to hate these guys even more but this year they are too generic. They're Texas corn-fed football 'bots. Of course their fanbase is laughably smug. But the 2012 version of the Horns isn't despicable because they're so good the way Alabama is. Nor are they universally loathed for being actual assholes the way USC is. No one stands out enough athletically to hate them out of jealousy. I'm just happy that for 100 years before and after this Saturday the Horns suck and they're fun to beat in anything.

Let's get down to brass tacks.

OFFENSE

Last week's spanking talked Sooner Nation off the cliff. There's a lot of Bro's who deserve game balls but I have to single out Landry. He threw some really nice balls and made some great plays. I hope his performance stemmed more from his gaining trust in the O-Line and receivers more than Tech's D being terrible. And, obviously, I hope we see the Lonnie from last week show up this week.

Dammit, Good Lonnie will show up this week so let's assume the much ballyhooed Texas D is above average at best. The Sooners, if the O-Line can keep their pads on somebody, should be able to score some points. Each week a new weapon is revealed by the Sooners (Durron Neal as a for instance last week) making it harder for defenses to take away options.

This week the Sooners add to the war chest. This Jalen Saunders fellow makes me giddy. It's unreasonable to expect anything from him. Nonetheless, it's nice to have his skills available and this is the type of game where bit players can have huge impacts.

For my OPOG I'm going with Kenny Fuckin Shitbag. I'm climbing aboard the bandwagon of believers. He lives the RRR, he loves the RRR, he's bigtime in the RRR.

DEFENSE

It seems like for the umpteenth year in a row I ain't skeered about anyone on the Longhorns Offensive depth chart. Likewise, for the umpteenth year they have a Shipley and McCoy on the roster.

The key to me on defense is going to be slowing down this David Ash rascal. He's been firing laserbeams with a nearly 80% completion rate. It's been like skeleton drills for him. So the Sooners have to find ways to make him uncomfortable.

Last week the Sooners were hellbent on getting to Seth Doege. The same strategy applies here. Ash can't be allowed to sit back and pick the D apart. The D-Line probably won't be able to get enough pressure by itself (although Casey Walker played really well last week). So blitz blitz blitz. In fact, this should be the Sooners calling card going forward.

In keeping with the them of bit players standing out I'm going out on a very thin limb for my DPOG pick. R.J. Washington. Here's a young man, a Senior, who's never really lived up to expectations and is now playing in his final RRR. So I think he makes it a memorable one.

Before moving on to the game pick can I just throw out there how excited I am for the Frank Shannon era? He's earned more "reps" and here's hoping he gets them.

THE SCORE

These teams are pretty evenly matched actually so it could be a pretty awesome heart attack inducing game. Texas scores a full TD per game more than OU. OU gives up a full TD less per game. Both teams have good balance.

In the end OU's D is the difference. Texas hasn't faced a competent one yet. I'm less nervous about this one than Tech. The Sooners will pack their hard hats and lunch pails and Mack will be making excuses for someone.

OU 28, Texas 24

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner.


Click here  for some more hard hitting game info from Berry Tramel, a man who clearly has unlimited access into the Sooner football team. Pulitzer stuff here.

Texas Tech

Honestly, I don't where to begin this morning. I'm still thinking about the KState game, or more accurately, I've nearly quit thinking about this season as a result. I've had on my list to get something up about the KState game for two weeks. I just really haven't had the heart to do it. It's nothing about KState in particular that I especially hate, it's the type of loss that punches my stomach like Ali. I've thought of tons of things about my OU fandom in the last week, but suffice it to say this is the nadir of my tenure as a diehard Sooner football fan.

I don't want anyone getting the idea that I'm fair-weather, band-waggoner, front-runner or any other cheap-fan adjective. Those that know me know that isn't true, but if there are doubters just know that I spend time every morning of the year following the Kansas City Royals (and enjoy the hell out of it). So maybe it's expectations that are killing me here in Sooner land. I have none in baseball, but I certainly do in the college football landscape. That's part of what comes with winning a national championship in your second year, returning three more times, and resurrecting a storied program out of rubble. Those things, along with the 10 wins that Mitch mentioned, buy Stoops the longest leash available. But if you haven't noticed a trend of playing "entitled" football over the last 6 or 7 years, you haven't been watching the same team I have.

It's no secret what my thoughts on Lonnie are. How I long for the days of Sammy B. How I long for the days of nearly any quarterback of the Stoops era (honestly, I can't think of anyone I'd choose Lonnie over, that's sad given the likes of Paul Thompson and Nate Hybl) other than Lonnie. It's hard to disassociate Lonnie from Stoops. Losing is losing. Maybe whoever takes over next season at QB (or if we hit the lottery, this year) will be stellar and Bobby will again look like a premier coach. But for now, we're stuck with ineptitude and failure at the most critical position on the field. If our coaches can't get the other 21 guys ready to roll heads, then that's on Stoops. I'm tired of looking like we don't care. I'm tired of looking unprepared for teams. I fondly remember the days (nearly a decade ago!) when we came up biggest when the spotlight was brightest. Now, I just feel defeated, constantly waiting for the river of shit to come flowing from under the covers.

Fear not, I will persevere. I will continue to watch. I will continue to scream at the TV. I will continue to have genuine disbelief when even the most predictable calamities occur. This team is my team, and though disgust I may have, I will never quit watching, caring, or following them religiously. There is a game today. In spite of my previous rambling diatribe on the disappointment that this team embodies, I feel good. I'm pumped to watch the boys play. I'm pumped to see some football on this Saturday afternoon. I'm pumped to watch OU kick the bloody shit out of Tech down in Lubbock.


Offense

This gets harder to pick every week. I really agree with Mitch that Heupel just doesn't have any ability to game-plan or prepare his players.  Much of the blame, admittedly falls on Lonnie, but still. Every time I pick someone they seem to vanish that week, so I'm trying to decide who I should eliminate from the possibility of touching the football and making forward progress. I think I'm going to go with Damien Williams. Not that I want him to disappear, I just think all of this talk about how many carries he should get means we'll force feed him the ball all day. If success follows I've got no problem with this move. He's really been our only consistent weapon on offense to date. I think he breaks at least one long run and cracks 100 yards today.

Defense

The picks don't get any easier over here. I don't know what Tech does well, nor do I care. However, I'm sure that by 6:30 EST I'll know full well. Up to now the ballyhooed (by me, I admit) return of Mike Stoops has been, ahem, underwhelming. I still feel we'll improve with him calling the shots. Today I'm getting back to square one. I'm not going to over-think it, which really means I'm going to be predictable and go with the best player we've got on the field, Tony Motherfuckin' Jefferson.  I think Tony has a big day today. I'm not necessarily saying he forces a bunch of turnovers, but I think he'll be noticeably involved and light a couple of poor saps up.

Score

I'm not foreseeing a rout of any sort. I don't think we're good enough to blow anyone out. We are however, good enough to beat anyone we play. Doing so is a different matter entirely. For whatever ever reason we tend to struggle in Lubbock. That's a bad thing for this team. But, I'm optimistic we can get it done today. I think the Sooners do enough, and Lonnie is passable (get it?). OU wins 24-20. It's ugly, but at this point I'm not looking for style points.

Tip the PBR's. Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.

OU vs. Texas Tech

I'm skeered. I am Chicken Little to my rotten core this week. The Sooners are pretty much terrible in Lubbock. The Red Raiders went to work in Norman last year. Obviously the Sooners got exposed last week. So on and so forth.

(Mumbling to myself: I will believe that nothing carries over week to week. Years past do not matter. Revenge has nothing to do with anything and Saturday is a new day.)

There truly is very little on paper to lead a Sooner fan to believe that victory is in sight. The Red Raiders are one of a handful of teams in the country who rank in the top 10 both offensively and defensively. Tech has had success through the air and on the ground as well. I predict the Sooners call a defensive timeout during the first series.

The Sooners, on the other hand, were their own worst nightmare against K-State. One can only hope they value the football on the road. With any luck Landry's obilgatory INT will come early, be on a deep toss on 3rd down (essentially making it a punt) and Tech goes three and out.

OFFENSE

This offense isn't exactly anemic. Take away the turnovers and there were some positives against K-State. Sterling Shepard "arrived" for instance. So let's put all that crap behind us and choose an Offensive POG from one of the following athletes. Dom Whaley (solid but underwhelming so far - due for a breakout?), DD Williams (possible home run with any touch), Kenny Fuckin Shitbag (Gets his hands on a lot of balls), Justin Brown (Just been delightfully good) and Sterling Shepard (See: "Arrived").

I'll mention Roy Finch for fun just once, the same number of times Toby Rowland probably will. He averages 10 yards per carry if you're keeping score at home.

I'm going with Justin Brown. I've just been real impressed by this youth thus far and I think he's ready to go beyond solid to making some game changing plays.

DEFENSE

According to my crack statistician, Gene Morgan, the Sooners have force one turnover so far. Not exactly the ball hawks we all looked forward to. This unexpected turn also makes selecting a Defensive POG something akin to throwing darts.

In that vein I can only choose by process of elimination. I probably can't pick an interior lineman. Tom Wort made me look like an asshole when I picked him for K-State. Nobody has exactly looked like a man amongst boys.

I guess I'll say Aaron Colvin just for grins. I mean, what the hell?

THE SCORE

In spite of my fear and doom and gloom I do realize that someone needs to knock the smirk of Tommy Tuberville's face. He's so smug. I think he feels like he's playing chess vs. checkers having come from the SEC. Screw him.

If anyone should do it it should be our Sooners, damnit. And they will do it. The defense plays just well enough and the offense exposes a defense that's played nobody.

Sooners 31, Texas Tech 27

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

OU - KState Post Mortem

I'll get to Texas Tech but first let me get out this post K-State ramble I had put together.

Since 2000, every opponent treats a game against the Sooners as if it's the biggest game in program history. And for 90% of opponents that is the case. Even if they've played the Sooners 50 times, if they win, it's the biggest victory in progam history.

Why in the fuck, then, do the Sooners never realize, much less match or exceed, an opponent's level of intensity/urgency? K-State was business like. They acted like they were 3-0 and 4-0 would be a big fucking deal. This game was a big deal.

I like to imagine this Disney movie scene where K-State had to ride down to Norman on a bus with no AC. Someone insulted someone's mother and it turned into a shitshow on that thing. Then Old Man Snyder wouldn't let the boys off the bus until they came together (take that how you like). The squad gels and proceeds to put on a clinic.

Can you imagine that happening with this OU team? No. Frickin. Way. Who is to blame? Is it the coaches? It's their job to get players ready, right? Or, should the players be responsible for understanding the gravity of the situation and it's their fault they aren't ready to play?

I think it's the coaches.

That said, Bobby Stoops can stay as long as he wants. 10 wins a year let's you do as you please. But there is a very serious issue with his team's sense of the moment. It's been a problem for years and it starts and ends with him.

OU played like they could coast until Texas or Notre Dame.

Then there's Landry doing obligatory Landry things. Some of his throws are the worst pieces of shit of all time. It's some of the most god-awful decision making you'll see at this level. It's textbook Pant Shitting. There's always one play where there is no pressure, he has time and he fires a laserbeam  that's literally into an opponent's numbers. It's so awful it's impossible to defend and it's so predictable I feel like I write it every week. Against K-State it cost dearly.

He's a system QB with an overmatched offensive coordinator. Shit rolls downhill. Nate will put a blunter point on it and say something to the effect of, "He's a fucking piece of shit".  Thank Jesus for Nate.

Other offensive miscues, of course, included the Belldozer fumble and the Lonnie fumble for touchdown. You just can't do that and win. The fact that Lonnie is still doing this crap though is real cause for concern.

You can't give the defense a free walk either. They had every opportunity to shut K-State down and get them off the field but they rarely did. They didn't force a single turnover. They couldn't get a stop when they had to. K-State converted a 3rd and 15 in the 4th quarter. K-State valued the football and OU could not get them off the field.

A couple other lines from my notepad:

• Roy Finch had 1 carry for 11 yards. This in and of itself did not cost the Sooners the football game. But for real, why doesn't he play?
• Tom Wort seemed overmatched.

I'd love to talk about what K-State did well. I don't give a shit though. They were handed at minimum 17 points. They deserved to win but fuckem all the same.

Kansas State

Another fall Saturday and another prime-time game awaits Sooner nation this fine September morn. The Sooners open the conference slate with a stiff test against the Wildcats from Kansas State. The purple nurple's boast a fine running quarterback and an even better christian in Colin Klein.  With Lonnie running our huddle I'm putting the over/under on prayer circles organized in this one at 5.5. I just hope that Jesus can get a sideline pass for this one so that the devout may revel in his glory as the feverishly point to the sky after each touchdown scored today.

The Sooners will test their mettle so-to-speak today, even though they've had one fairly tough test so far this one looks much harder. Kansas State is a typical Monty Burns Bill Snyder team in that they are pretty disciplined and don't fuck up too much. However I think their dicks have been kissed by the lips of the media a bit early and often thus far. Yes, they beat Miami, currently a name and not much more and a couple of patsies otherwise, including Missouri State University (go Bears?). However, they do have revenge on their minds as we dismantled them in front of friends and family last year.

Though they run the ball like crazy, and that includes their Q, I think they'll shake things up a little today. I predict they go to the air earlier than is typical for them and I think they'll burn us a bit early with it. I hope we can stay disciplined and adjust accordingly so that this early trend doesn't continue. Sadly, my biggest concern is that we won't be able to score. Playing at home helps immensely, and having two weeks to prepare has historically boded (a word?) well for Bob Stoops and his minions.

Offense

I'm extremely tempted to pick Damien Williams here. He's been nothing short of a total badass this year. So good in fact that I've nearly forgotten my man-crush from last season, Dom Whaley. However, I've got another feeling that I can't shake. I think Lonnie gets on the same page with his newest baby blanket, Kenny Fuckin' Shitbag Stills. I think Kenny has a really nice day with over 100 receiving and at least 1 touchdown. I like it. I like it very much.

Defense

Here, I'm not sure what to do. I want to say a DL, I really do. However, I just don't think that we'll hold up extremely well there against their O-line. With all of the running they do, I think I'm going to go Corey Nelson. I feel like this guy has underachieved a bit so far. Today, I think he steps up and makes some big tackles and forces at least one TO. I hope I'm right. Oh how I hope I'm right.

I'm nervous in this one. I've got somewhat of a bad feeling here. I think we get in a hole early, and I think their defense will make it tough to crawl back. That said, I think we will. We've had two weeks to get ready. We're playing at home. We historically have matched up well with teams that play this style of offense. I think the Sooner rally in the second half and pull out the victory with 31-24 win. Let's get these motherfuckers.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.

OU - KState Preview

Iconic Turtlenecks

This Saturday the season begins in earnest. It's Bob Vader v. Bill Kinobi. Give Bobby some truth serum and he wants this game as bad or worse than he wants texas or OSU. This bodes well as the Student is coming off two full weeks of preparation for the Master. Let's break it down.

DEFENSE

The Sooner defense is famous (in my mind) for shutting down Heisman hopefuls. Last year that reputation took a major hit when Robert Griffin III all but thanked "The Sharks" when he accepted his Heisman Trophy.

This week the boys have a chance to cleanse their sullied reputations. But they'll have to hustle. This Collin Klein (Or Kellen Klein or Collin Quinn as I'll inevitably start calling him by late Saturday) is built like a brick shithouse and he's starting to show up on Heisman short lists. He's no RGIII but he is the cornerstone of the K-State attack. For the first time in Steamroller history I had to check two sites (read: work overtime) to confirm a stat. This sumbuck rushed the ball 327 times last year (!) and scored 27 TD's on the ground.

He's also a soulless Ginger which makes him extra dangerous. ZING!

But fear not, for I do bring glad tidings this day. He doesn't value the football. Here's hoping an aggressive and opportunistic defense can capitalize on his carelessness. I've had visions this week of a defensive touchdown. Dear Jehovah let me be right!

I study lots of film so I believe the Linebackers are key to stopping this Klein attack. They must "mind their gaps" and "not break contain". So, my choice for Defensive Player of the Game (dba D-POG) must come from the duo of Tom Wort or Corey Nelson. I have more confidence in Tommy Wort not making me look like a bigger doofus than I already am so I pick him.

OFFENSE

Lonnie really loves playing K-State. He put up PlayStation numbers against the Wildcats last year. We don't need that to happen again to win (but I'll take it!). The offensive line simply needs to give him time to "look left" or "look right" (I think these are the two plays on his wristband play sheet) and get rid of the ball. Anything to get K-State defenders out of the box is what we're after.

Then the Sooners can hammer the run game. Again, the O-Line doesn't have to set the world on fire. We are learning all they have to do is give DD enough time to get to that 2nd level. Then it's "on". The K-State secondary is crap. Their defensive line is where it's at. It must be neutralized.

Some semblance of a balanced attack and this football game is over. Through two games (and especially against Florida A&M) the balance has been pleasantly awesome. Balance against K-State would mean something else entirely and would establish it as the Sooner offensive identity going forward. That would make me giddy as a schoolgirl.

For my Offensive Player of the Game (O-POG) I shall not disembark the DD Williams train until someone makes me. Another strong performance will have him moving up some Heisman watch lists in his own right. To paraphrase the incomparable Clark Griswold I couldn't be more surprised if I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet.

SCORE

I have good feelings about this football game. I am looking through crimson-colored glasses this week and I received a text from Nate saying he had bad feelings.

All is right in Sooner Nation.

In addition, the Sooners are coming off a bye, Bobby wants to take the old man behind the woodshed again and it's another night home game. Let's do this.

Sooners 38 Wildcats 21

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner. Crack them PBR tallboys!

Sort of a Week 2 Recap

I'm going to give my two cents on the Florida A&M game as well. Keep in mind the fact that I saw not snap one of the contest, as it was on PPV and unavailable here.
Side note: if one is selling a product in today's age of information and data overload, wouldn't you think you'd try to make that product available to as wide of an audience as possible. As opposed to selling it exclusively in the one place where it is least marketable as the vast majority of those who would normally want to purchase it aren't need of it as they are going to see the game in person. That last rant was a shining example of the crisp, concise writing style I pride myself on.

However, from what I read it sounded like a pretty solid assbeat as I had expected/hoped for. From all accounts Damien Williams was an animal again, he certainly had the numbers to back it up. Let's talk quickly about the DD v Damien thing. Mitch, I know you love the DD. For whatever reason when I hear it I picture a stereotypical secretary circa 1983:

Boss-type: DeeDee? Can you bring me my dictaphone? Also, Xerox 3 copies of the Thompson file, and when you're finished have the Town Car gassed up and waxed.

Anyway, it seems that the folks at the Oklahoman keep calling him Damien (which might be enough reason for me to stop). I don't know what to do. I'm sticking with Damien for now while reserving the right to change my mind at any moment.

One disturbing trend I did see is that, predictably, Lonnie completed about 97.4% of his passes to Stills. This is his last year, he's been the starter for 4 years now. When can he figure out the fucking progression? In my lifetime I cannot remember a college QB so lauded who is so obviously destined to fail at the next level. Unbelievable.

Now I'd like to speak to the point of "worst pass ever". I do hate Lonnie, and certainly no one does it on a bigger stage, but I make a strong claim to title holder of worst pass ever. It happened about 6 years ago. My wife and I were on vacation with Mitch and his best gal down in Mexico. Now, we were at one of those all-inclusive beach resorts where the beer flowed like wine and the women instinctively flocked like the salmon of Capistrano. I had the foresight to bring a football along. As we had little to do to while the hours away apart from playing catch on the beach (you could do worse), we threw roughly 1,000,000 passes over the course of the week. As you might expect, we were in pretty good practice. So one afternoon late in the week we're at the pool when they announce a football tossing contest. Basically you stood on this sort of island in the middle of the pool and tried to toss a football threw a hula hoop about 10-15 yards away. Several contestants made their tosses, some respectable some not so much. When my turn came I uncorked my claim to "worst pass ever". It had the all of the tight spiral of a kick off, and was about 5 yards short and 10 yards wide right. I felt my face turn red and was soothed by the sounds of Mitch cackling uncontrollably at my hideously errant throw. I'm not sure how well that re-tells, but it's certain to get a laugh from my co-author at any mention (Co-Author's Note: He's right. I laugh every time I think of it. It was truly the worst). So with all due respect, I'll argue that it was the "worst pass ever".

Well, with that digression out of the way, I'm about done with this. Tony going down hurt, no doubt, I'm certainly glad we have the extra week for him to heal up. The D seemed solid apart from the mistake by the backup that Keith mentioned. All in all it was the drubbing we needed to soothe our worried minds after the UTEP debacle.

No games this week, but K-State the following weekend should provide a challenging opening to conference play.

Great photo essay Mitch, really captured the "mood" of game day in Norman. I, for one, am looking forward to more of that down the road.

OU - Florida A&M Recap - TCB

Not a lot to say about this one. The Sooners needed to get crisp in some areas and they needed to build some confidence heading into the Big 12 opener vs. Kansas State. They needed to stay healthy. For the most part they did all three.

Tony MF Jefferson "went out with an ankle" but he'll be good to go on the 22nd. Hopefully.

As far as being crisp it was an exhibition for the offense. The Sooners piled up nearly 700 yards of offense, 350 of which came on the ground. DD Williams was a beast again. He has that coveted breakaway speed. I am not making a comparison here but OU hasn't had a threat like this since DeMarco.

Quick Story: I'll argue with anyone who will listen that as time goes on DeMarco will go down as the most underrated running back in Sooner history. I nearly mentioned OU hasn't had a threat like DD since AD. See what I mean?

Landry did take his obligatory stab at "World's Worst Pass" in the 1st quarter when he hit a Florida A&M DB right in the chest. The next drive ended with a fumble but then the Sooners reeled off 8 straight touchdowns.

Justin Brown is also proving to be more than capable returning punts. A very nice development indeed.

Defensively there was one major breakdown by Tony's replacement, Jesse Paulsen (From here on he shall be called, "His Name Was Jesse Paulsen" - Shoutout to Nick Pointer for coming up with it).

Stats, stats, yada yada. The day was more about getting back into the swing of tailgating, seeing old friends and enjoying absolutely perfect weather (which rarely happens to start the season).  I took full advantage and the late start gave me plenty of time to, "pull the cork".

My goal for the day was to snap some pics. I pride myself on making terrible photo essays. I feel like I succeeded.

Self Contained

Clearly ready to accept more tailgaters, particularly lady-folk

The Schooner grill, Amurrican flag, Firefighters, guitars, beer, multiple coolers.
The proprietor of this tailgate has an eye patch.
You could not cram more America or Sooner Nation in a tailgate.

Amurrica

Ribs

The official vehicle of our tailgate

There's only one
Pictured: Crimson-colored glasses wearing Father-in-law

Obligatory art shot

At left: Sooner Steamroller Co-Author
At right: A Steamroller fan asking to pose for a picture
Note: I always have time for fans, don't be shy

Action photo

The student section has packed it in.

Florida A and M

Here we go Sooner fans, another game to start our home football season. After a lackluster debut against a pretty bad team, the Sooners look to right the ship and dominate a presumably bad Florida A and M team. It may be a good sign that the Oklahoman's biggest piece on these guys centered around their marching band, but then they employ Berry "I dress like an 80's talk show guest" Trammel, so maybe that was the "angle" he thought would sell some newspapers. Whatever it is they aren't that great to begin with and in following the OU lead, managed to get several of their players suspended for the game.

Like the UTEP game, I've done very little to learn of Florida A and M. I have no idea what type of offense they run, what type of defense they run, or what players are key to their success. Again like the UTEP game, it really shouldn't matter. We should have our way with them. However, if this game is tied in the 4th quarter again, I may go "chimp" and throw my own poo at the TV. Oh wait, never mind this won't be broadcast here in the NYC. My TV is safe...for now.

The Sooners got some good news this week when the return of Casey Walker was announced. My understanding is that he won't play today but is hopeful for the K-State game in two weeks. I'm just glad he's practicing again. It's likely we'll be able to handle today without him, but we sorely need his depth on the D-line if we hope to do anything worthwhile in conference play. Also, barring a last minute change we should see the debut of Geneo Grissom today as well since his suspension was of the one-game variety. Hopefully that makes a difference in what was a subpar OU passing game last week.

Offense

I have to admit, as I alluded to briefly earlier this week, I really liked that Kenny Fuckin Shitbag Stills stepped up last week. I think he's more comfortable in the slot and the position suits him well. He was clearly Lonnie's "go-to" guy. In fact Lonnie is already in danger of developing the same tunnel vision with Stills that he had with Broyles. I don't care much for this plan of attack, but if we move the ball like we have in the past I won't complain. Now that I've said all of that I'm picking Dom Whaley again. He looked good last week I thought, but with little to work with in terms of places to run so the numbers were down. I think the line actually opens some holes for him today and he responds with 100+ and a touch.

Defense

Here I'm not sure what to do. I don't know enough about what they do to make a very good pick I don't think, so I'm just going to go with the old gut. I think David King has a really nice day today. I know he's more end than DT but I still see him being a force. I think he disrupts their offensive front all afternoon and maybe even tallies a sack. Let's be honest, he's the best guy we've got up front and I think he takes it personally that they got ran over last week.

Score

Last week I made the mistake of getting caught up in all of the hype and excitement of a new season and grossly over-estimated the score. I don't think anyone thought it would be close but I also don't think anyone would necessarily guess a shutout. Last season whenever we would wet fart on ourselves in a game, we would come back the next week and look like world-beaters. I certainly hope this doesn't become a pattern again this season, but I think for today that the motivation of last week plus the fact that it's our first home game puts Florida A and M in for a world of shit. I think Mikey has the D ready as I'm sure his jaws are woefully sore from chewing ass all week. I think the Sooners get it going a little and hammer them 41-7.

I certainly hope I'm right, because laying another turd will shape this up to be an awfully long season.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner