Georgia

Holy smokes, this is a big one. If you would have talked to me a few weeks ago, specifically right after the Big 12 championship, I would have been pretty confident for this one. But as time has passed, my confidence level has gone down notably and Georgia increasingly looks like a really tough draw. Don't get me wrong, I'd prefer to play them over Clemson or Alabama, but their defense is really, really good. Historically, it seems (to me anyway) that when a high powered offense meets a dominant defense, the defense typically has the edge. I certainly hope that doesn't hold true tomorrow afternoon.

Georgia relies on defense and ball control offense. This certainly matches up well for them as it has a two-fold effect of stopping the OU offense and keeping them off of the field with a very strong running attack. What they don't necessarily excel at is the passing game. This is probably a best case scenario for the leaky OU secondary. With any luck, Mike Stoops will have a solid plan to contain the Bulldog backfield. Otherwise, it could be a long afternoon for the Sooners.

Offense

Much hand wringing and angst has been happening over Mayfield and his illness. Rightfully so, as he goes so do the Sooners playoff hopes. Basically, it's the same story as it has been all year, Mayfield will need to carry the team in this one. With that in mind, it seems obvious he should be player of the game pick. True to form however, I am going to outsmart myself yet again with a "savvy" pick. It goes without saying that everyone is going to have to play lights out for OU to have a shot. I'm going to say Mark Andrews is the key to them winning. I think he has to have a big game softening up the secondary and opening up the run game with some big plays underneath.

Defense

If OU has a chance, it will be because the stop the run and make the Georgia freshman QB beat them. The D Line will have be stout and the LB's will be the key to them winning this one. I like Emmanuel  Beal to have a big game bottling up the Georgia Chubby. I think he makes a shitload of tackles and forces at least one turnover in a key performance.

Score

I'm shitting bricks on this one. OU has won all year by scoring early and often. I just don't see that happening against a stout Georgia defense. For the first time all year, the Sooners will need long methodical drives and they will have to play a ball control offense where points are at a premium. Though the Sooner D has been pretty terrible all season, I think Georgia's offensive style is a decent matchup for them. I think Mayfield does enough, and the defense does too in a butt clincher. OU 24, Georgia 20. Let's beat these guys.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

CFP - The Rose Bowl

Happy New Year loyal readers and welcome to the College Football Playoff. You're either Biff Tannen or looking through the rosiest of rose-colored glasses if you thought, prior to the season and as recently as November, that OU would be here. I myself have learned, gladly, not to bet against Baker Mayfield.

The Sooners take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the Rose Bowl. It's the first meeting between these two teams. The Sooners feature the Heisman Trophy winner, an historically great offense and a defense that plays well enough to win. The Bulldogs feature a dynamic running game and a "vaunted SEC defense". 

I'm feeling really good about this game.

OFFENSE

The other day I watched a 2017 season recap show. Granted, it's nothing but highlights. Holy smokes there are weapons all over the place for this team. Tell me how a defense is going to shut down Rod Anderson, Dmitri Flowers, Mark Andrews, CeeDee Lamb, Hollywood Brown and then keep Baker Mayfield contained while also dealing with the best offensive line in football.

Talking heads say that someone needs to shadow Mayfield every play. That's fine and dandy but teams have been "containing" him all year. He can run but it isn't always his first choice. He'll kill you with the pass. If you keep that LB in place to shadow him, he'll throw to the running back instead. Or vice versa. It's a real pick your poison situation.

I think the Sooners are going to spend a fair amount of time trying to beat the Dogs at their own game. That is, running right at them and then working that play action. It will be devastating. It will be beautiful.

Obvious OPOG is Baker. There's no mincing around at this point. The Sooners live and die with him.

DEFENSE

All my hopes and dreams rely on the idea that this D 1) plays to the level of its competition 2) gets jacked in big games 3) has made plays when it absolutely had to all season. They've also listened for the last month about how average they are so they'll have a massive chip on their shoulder. That's always a good situation for them.

Another positive is Georgia doesn't have a running quarterback. All the talk is about the two headed running monster of Nick Chubb and Sonny Michel. If you give Mikey Stoops one thing to focus on he's pretty good at shutting it down. And by the way, their numbers aren't all that much greater than Rod Anderson and Trey Sermon combined. Good numbers, yes, but not gaudy.

For my DPOG I'm going with Obo. I really want to go Caleb Kelly here too but I'll stick with this pick. Obo wants to be the leader. Let him lead.

THE GAME

This one could easily go either way. Could the Georgia D shut the offense down and then could the Georgia offense wear tracks down the Sooner D's backs? Or, will it prove true that the Georgia D has yet to see anything like what's about to hit them and the Sooner D can bow up when it matters most? We've seen both over the years.

It's the latter, friends. It's a new era. The offense is going to put up points. They are going to battle. They are going to make key plays. The Sooner D will step up.

The Sooners win 35-24.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner.

The Big 12 Championship

The Sooners have played their way into the Big 12 championship yet again and have a chance to start putting a pretty bow on a season for the ages. To recap,  Bob Stoops resigned and the Lincoln Riley era began. Baker Mayfield returns to "finish what he started". Then, in spite of losing their top wide receiver and top two running backs from a year ago, Baker manages to run an offense that's arguably improved over last year. Aaand, he's running away with the Heisman Trophy.

Following the inexpicable Iowa State loss, the offense has rolled on and the D has done enough to not ruin hopes and dreams. They've run the Big 12 gauntlet. Everything is out if front of them.

I am, dare I say, optimistic. It's all out there for the taking. A win and they're in the playoff. Standing in the way is a pesky Gary Patterson TCU squad. He will be pulling out all the stops.

OFFENSE

At this point there are no surprises. The presumptive Heisman trophy winner, the best O-line in college football and play makers all around. The Sooners need to take care of the football and not take sacks to win this one. TCU has to play otherworldly and still the Sooners will score points.

Round 1 of this matchup was the Rodney Anderson show. He dominated rushing and receiving. This may have been born more out of necessity than game plan as TCU has a salty pass defense. It's going to take a more complete collective effort from the wide receivers to build up enough scores to get comfy. Distributions to a variety of wide receivers and a bruising run game should soften things up nicely.

Baker is OPOG 1A (and spoiler: he will be for every remaining game) but for 1B I'll go Marquise Brown. Just a gut feeling. Visions of him catching the ball in stride in open space get me fired up.

DEFENSE

The oft maligned defense has managed to do just enough over the course of the season to win but, to their credit, they've battled, made plays when they absolutely had to, and made more adjustments both in game and in season than I can ever recall.

The good and frustrating thing about this D is they tend to play with an edge in big games. So they should be good to go. Why they can't do it all the time is beyond me but I'm moving on from it. All I care about is good effort and good tackling.

Much like the last time these teams met I'm not scared of Kenny Hill. He is average at best. This offense is a pretty good matchup for this defense. I'm sure there will be some frustration with awful tackling including some missed chances in the backfield and a run or two up the middle that go for big yards. It's just what you get with these guys. All you can ask is to keep it to a minimum.

I don't think there's a individual you can pick in this group. It'd be a stretch to say that's a good thing because the collective is untrustworthy. If forced I'll take Caleb Kelly. He has the potential to make an impact blitzing Hill, stopping the run or defending the pass.

SCORE

I'm feeling pretty good about this one. I ain't skeered of the TCU offense. I think the Sooner D will step up but they are going to take some big shots from the Frogs. Again, TCU has nothing to lose and will relish playing the spoiler role. The Sooners offense is going to do what it do. I'd like to see the Sooners keep the hammer down. No points are too many. No lead is safe. Hopefully they don't have to play from behind.

The D really just needs to be it's average best. If TCU punts more than five or six times I think that's enough cushion for the Sooners to build up a solid lead. Then it's on to the next round.

I'll take the Sooners 42-28

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner.

Big 12 Championship

It is now the first weekend in December and all that stands between OU and the college football playoff is the Conference Championship game. I'll admit that although I was ready to move on from Bob Stoops (whose "salad days" were shrinking in the rearview), I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from Lincoln Riley and the new-look Sooners. I was certainly brim full of optimism, but also a dread feeling in the recesses of "careful-what-you-wish-for." Well, my complaints are minimal at this point, and almost all of them are still directed at a Stoops. Tomorrow provides another opportunity for the Sooners to keep it going with the conference title and a playoff berth at stake.

It's somewhat appropriate that TCU will be the opponent tomorrow as the color of my butthole will likely alternate between purple and white as the game dictates. In spite of the moderately dominant performance against this same squad but a few weeks ago, I do not rest easy in this one. Gary Patterson has proven time and again that he can game plan and that he does not walk into a gunfight with a knife. If you don't think that he and his staff haven't poured over the tape of the first meeting, you're insane. If you don't think he hasn't taken that tape and formulated a plan for each weakness that OU exploited, and a plan to attack the Sooner defense, then you sit in a diaper and smear mayonnaise on your nipples.

The bottom line in this one is that it's going to be an extremely tough matchup. It's never easy to beat the same team twice in one season, particularly when that team has a good coach, nothing to lose, and no pressure whatsoever. I just leaked in the back of my jockey's.

Offense

TCU has easily the best defense in the Big 12. They boast the best pass rusher in the conference (who missed the vast majority of the first meeting due to being a prig), and the have the best run defense by a good measure. I would love to jot down DimitRod Serdams, I just don't think any one of the four-headed monster will be the dominant force in this one. And yes, I think Mayfield will come to play but I think the WR corps will be the difference with guys breaking deep. The guy I think blows up in the passing game is CeeDee Lamb. He's been great, he continues that with a huge game.

Defense

While improving in terms of points allowed, this defense still looks like a tire fire, albeit one that has gone from blaze to smoldering. There simply isn't anyone who routinely stands out as great. The lack of consistency and great playmakers makes this really tough to pick. But my heart  is winning this week and I'm going with Steven Parker, I've always thought he was salty and I think he makes a huge play in this one.

Score

It's going to be a nut-buster. TCU is coming in with everything to prove against "big, bad" OU. Shit, they're a top 12 team so this isn't a cake walk regardless of the stakes, but with them playing the spoiler, they will come out hard and OU will face a very dangerous opponent. This has a lot of the makings of a letdown, but I'm hoping fresh-faced Lincoln Riley has them ready and Baker Mayfield continues his hit parade. Sooners win this in a white-knuckle ride, 31-30.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.

West Virginia

The last game of the regular season is upon us. The mountaineers of West Virginia come to town today to take on our beloved Sooners. A spot in the conference championship game is already secured but eyes are on a bigger prize. I'm writing this without access to the internet which makes for a convenient excuse as to why I've done no research, but let's be honest I wouldn't have anyway. With that in mind, I think there is a chance the WVU QB is out with a finger. This may or may not be accurate, but before we get excited, the last time an unproven backup on an inferior opponent came to town, Iowa state happened. 

As I'm sure everyone knows by now, mayfield will not be a captain or a starter in this one as penance for his Man In the Mirror audition on the KU sidelines last week. I'm hopeful this is little more than a wrist slap and he's back in on the second series. But regardless, the boys need to keep it close. Bad things can happen, just ask Miami, the Sooners just need to keep winning and the playoff prize is in their hands. 

Offense

This unit has been a real treat to watch all season. Without mayfield starting they surely won't be as dynamic, but I think there is enough talent that they can still put up some points. I think they will lean more heavily on the run and as a result I'm going with Rod Anderson today. I think he has a big game, even after mayfield retakes the helm. 

Defense

We might as well accept that this defense sucks dick and can't stop a Hershey squirt. What a futile exercise this pick has become. Winning cures everything but this team has been an abomination to watch on defense. I'm going with Caleb Kelly for no decent reason whatsoever. 

Score

WVU can score, Dana holgerson teams always do. I don't know if their QB is playing or not but does it really matter? I think the sooners will show up today however and the offense will get rolling with mayfield back in. Sooners head into the conference championship with just one loss, 45-31. 

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

Sooners vs. Jayhawks

The Sooners do their best SEC impersonation this week when they simulate a late season bye week by playing a patsy. The Kansas Jayhawks are losers of 9 straight. It's hard to imagine a team that has raced faster back to the bottom after having made an appearance in a BCS bowl.

The Sooners need to stay healthy and "TCB". It would be a bonus if they could leave the outcome so little in doubt that as many players as possible get some "quality reps". The defensive backfield in particular needs to take this one quite seriously. Today could be the springboard towards galvanizing a very young secondary for the rest of the season.

OFFENSE

Is there a good way to describe being aggressively on cruise control? Whatever that is, is what the Sooners need to be today. They need to put the hammer down and be sharp. Motivation could be tough and they need to get on the board early. It'd be nice to see Baker get his arm loosened up by making some easy throws to some different targets. Maybe the offensive line can set the tone. Orlando Brown has spoken highly of the KU d-line in the past so I assume he'll be ready to play.

For my OPOG I'll go Rodney Anderson. Going into the season he would not have been in my top 7 list of difference makers on offense and he has been absolutely incredible. I'm real happy for this young man what with overcoming multiple years lost to injury. I think he'll run rough-shod over a discombobulated and overwhelmed Jayhawk defense.

DEFENSE

This D needs a break but that should not be confused with rest or complacency. It's actually the opposite. They need a break from looking like hammered dog shit and hanging on for dear life. They need to be crisp. They need to figure out what they have going forward and they, above all, need some confidence.

This is an opportunity to do all of that and more. As mentioned previously there are guys up front like Amani Bledsoe that they are still trying to work into the rotation. The secondary could see three freshmen starting. They need reps, reps and more reps. It's regrettable that, at some point, this team will need Jordan Thomas to step up and be ready. So if/when he gets a chance maybe he can have some success. The Ghost of Parnell Motley might want another chance.

The point is this could be chance to reset, regroup and lock it in for the rest of the season for this group. It's a big day for them.

For DPOG I'll go dartboard style and take Kenneth Mann. I hear his name every now and then. I'm not even sure if he'll play today. Sounds perfect.

THE SCORE

This just needs to be a business trip. TCB on offense, reset on defense. It would be a total waste to come out flat, uninterested and leave Lawrence less prepared for West Virginny next week.

I'll take the Sooners 56-10

KU

The Sooners travel up the road to Lawrence today to take on the Jayhawks. On paper this looks like a sizable mismatch. Hopefully the results on the field look the same. In the interest of covering all angles, this has major letdown written all over it. After two weeks of playing top 10 opponents, and preceding another 2 huge games in top 25 West Virginia and the conference championship, this doormat in the middle must look like a bye to the Sooners. While KU is certainly a massive mismatch in terms of talent (in the good way), sleepwalking against a conference opponent is never a good idea.

The sooners need to come in to this game looking at it as a task that simply needs to be done, don't over think it, and most of all don't get hurt. If things go the way OU wants, Mayfield and company will be sipping gatorades and wearing ill fitting OU baseball caps by halftime. In other words, TCB.

Offense

As Mitchy made mention of last week, the WR corps has, almost without exception, stepped up and dominated this season. That has to be a nightmare for defenses. What started out as take Mark Andrews away, has quickly become a matchup nightmare at almost every spot. The dart throw of a nightmare that picking a defensive player of the game has become, is beautiful opposite on the offensive side of the ball. I think today the Mayfield plays his usual game, the offense hums and the ground game comes in and salts away a nice tune-up win in preparation for the big finish of the season. With that in mind I'm going with Trey Sermon today. I've liked him all year, and though Rod Anderson has been an absolute man child of late, I'm probably out thinking myself and going with Sermon.

Defense

This is the broken record section of the "piece". It's really bad over here for the most part. For no particular reason I'm going with Kenneth Murray today. That is all.

Score

While this is certainly a trap and has all of the makings of a let down game, I think the Sooners are too talented in this one. I don't necessarily think this will be the ridiculous blowout that it projects to be. But, the Sooners get it done doing the yeoman's work today, 36-20. Stay the course, 1000 points of light etc.


Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

Sooners versus Horned Frogs

Look no further than Sooners v. Horned Frogs if you wanted to make the case that college football doesn't need a playoff because the whole season is, itself, The Playoffs. For the record I think that argument is bullshit. The Sooners, in a massive win last week, eliminated the Cowboys, made most Oklahomans shit themselves and had me saying out loud that I was done with football (due to painfully numerous and long reviews). Now the Sooners and Horned Frogs play in another elimination game. This time it's in Norman. At night. Baker Damn Mayfield called out the fans this week. I have a feeling the fanbase is going to respond. This one could get rowdy.

The Horned Frogs come in with just one loss and, surprise surprise, I haven't watched them so I assume they are yet another well coached Gary Patterson squad that wins because they don't beat themselves. Patterson is one of those rare coaches that plays chess in a checkers world. Can they game plan the Sooners a la Iowa State and, if so, can the Sooners adapt?

OFFENSE

How about that Marquise Brown. Holy smokes. I don't usually like nicknames from on-air personalities but if you go for 260 yards in Bedlam, have a full mouth of gold teeth and you're from Hollywood, Florida, I'm good with the nickname Hollywood. It's always awesome to see someone so fast they make other players look like they're in slow motion.

Navin made a great point last week about how incredible the running back group has been by stepping up as a platoon and replacing Joe Mixon and Samaje. You can now say the same about the receivers. DeeDee, Mark Andrews, Brown, Bedet, Mykel Jones. Lethal.

To say it all goes with/through Baker though is such an understatement and a broken record though. He is a bona fide Sooner legend at this point. One of the all time greats by any metric.

For my OPOG I'm breaking me own rule and going with Baker. It's not my fault he's this good and I shall not punish him for it.

DEFENSE

I mean, I just don't know what to make of this situation. My head about popped off last week when Jordan Thomas cemented his place as one of the all time worst corners in OU history. It boggled my mind though when Parnell Motley was benched before Thomas for being ineffective. I mean, I get it if Motley was off. But how much worse could he have been than Thomas? Anyhow, they both wound up getting replaced by freshmen and it might happen again today.

I am impressed by Mike Stoops willingness to get out of his comfort zone and change personnel until he find pieces that a) give a shit and b) are effective. But Stoops is living in his own little playoff scenario wherein he's scheming for his coaching life. At OU anyway.

I don't care what happens as long as Kenny Hill Jr. gets knocked on his ass many times. This is a particular kind of asshole. He tried to patent his nickname, "Kenny Trill" for fucks sake.

For my DPOG I'll go Tre Brown. I think he's the freshmen CB who had two INT's wiped out by penalty last week. There is a very good chance he won't see the field today.

THE SCORE

I'm really thinking this is a low scoring (compared to last week) slugfest. TCU will score because they can fog a mirror and the Sooners offense will have to work it's ass off to get things rolling. Still, Sooner Nation wants this to be a legendary evening and the collective will wins out.

Sooners 34 Horned Frogs 28

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

TCU

Welcome back loyal reader(s), if you thought last week was a butt clincher, prepare to strangle your butthole yet again this week. That O-State was an embarrassment to the concept of defense. Yet, our beloved Sooners prevailed, on the road, in a huge matchup. I can go and pick nits, but a W is still a W and we can move on.

By this point, we pretty well know what this team is, an offensive juggernaut that can and will score in bunches. It is also, sadly, a defensive pants smear that couldn't hold a spicy thai meal from restaurant directly home (sigh). But, in spite of the warts it's still a winning and still in the playoff picture at this point. Today a much tougher opponent come to town. Last week was a battle of strengths, and we simply out-OSU'd OSU. TCU boasts a top flight defense and the always crafty Gary Patterson patrols the sideline. He's the Bill Snyder of the post-Great War era, getting the most out of a marginal roster sprinkled with a few token stars.

Both teams are top 10, the Sooners are calling for mayhem, 2008-Texas Tech style, and need every ounce of energy from the fans and themselves. Suffice it to say OU needs their most complete effort of the season today to come out of this with a W.

Offense

Well, it was obvious from the beginning, Mayfield was the guy. He shattered records last week and absolutely controlled that game from an offensive standpoint. All in all, it was one of the greatest Sooners performances I've ever seen. That said, let us not forget Marquise Brown and the clinic he put on. I texted Mitchy at one point in the game positing he was the yin to Jordan Thomas' yang of putridity (not sure if that is a word).  Bottom line, he's hard. Today though, I'm going RB, and jumping hard on the Rod. Rod Anderson that is, he goes off big today.

Defense

Again, this is a joke. No matter who I pick they will likely suck. I'm damn sure not going secondary, aka where WR's go to get drafted. I will throw my dart in the general vicinity of Caleb Kelly today. I have no wit or insight as to why, it's truly random.

Score

The track meet that was Bedlam will likely feel like a distant memory against a very good TCU defense. I hope I'm wrong, but Mayfield will be contained I think. The saving grace may be that TCU also doesn't score enough. I'm nervous, but shading to optimism with a Sooner W, 23-19. Whew, hold on to your fucking hats.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.

Bedlam

You couldn't ask for much more when the Sooners take on the Cowboys up in Stoolwater this afternoon. The winner remains in the hunt for the Big 12 championship game and the College Football Playoff. The loser is almost certainly out of the former and most definitely out of the latter.

This iteration features a Cowboys "wing and a prayer offense" against a defense that has a hard time not rewarding such gambles. And Baker Mayfield, a guy who you simply do not bet against. It's hard to imagine this one not living up to its name.

OFFENSE

The Sooners offense is now a fully formed juggernaut. Provided they can avoid stepping on their own dicks the Cowboys will find it difficult to keep the score low. I like the Sooners offensive line chances against the Cowboys front. I am saying that with little to no knowledge of the Cowboys front. Whoever they are they are not as good as the o-line.

In recent weeks the biggest developments have been the called runs for Baker and the emergence of Mykel Jones at wide receiver. There is speed, speed and more speed all over the field and when that needs a break you can go bruiser with Dimitri Flowers and Mark Andrews.

I would love to see longer ball control type drives of the sort the Sooners finished the Red Raiders off with last week. They went 65 or so yards  and it took 11 minutes and 18 plays or some nonsense. That is extreme. But some scoring drives that take four to seven minutes off the clock would be sublime. The Sooners M.O. is quick strike but with our D versus the Cowboys O, the Sooner offense could be the best defense today.

Obviously the OPOG has to be Baker but in the spirit of participatory medals I'll pick CeeDee Lamb today. That guy is a beast. He will be an all-time great before his days are done.

DEFENSE

The Sooners demonstrated the ability to adjust on the fly after a horrific start last week. So, that is promising. The changes were made up front and this week it appears that Neville Gallimore will be back in the lineup. This will be key.

Victory hinges on two things. First, get pressure on Mason Rudolph. He is, apparently, an NFL prospect but to my untrained eye the Cowboys have their version of Landry Jones. What I'm beating around the bush about here is that Rudolph will smear his britches and throw anyway if the Sooners can get to him before his receivers have time to run their routes. If this happens the second key is safety coverage over the top. Double team James Washington every play. Take your chances on everyone else.

Two picks from Rudolph and it's game over. Conversely, it spells doom for the Sooners if there's no pressure and characteristically poor coverage.

SPECIAL TEAMS

You have to make special mention of the fact that the Cowboys special teams are historically atrocious. This can't be overlooked. If it turns into a knife fight, the Sooners have the edge with the less harebrained kicker.

THE SCORE

The teams are so close statistically it's pretty bizarre. ESPN has the odds at 50-50. Two great offenses. It will be Bedlam for sure. As mentioned previously, I wouldn't bet against Baker Mayfield, especially in a situation where there are apparently no statistical differences between the two teams.

Sooners 45 Cowboys 38

Boomer to the motherfuckin' Sooner

Bedlam

Whoa mama, this is gonna be a tough one. The Sooners travel up the road tomorrow to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The days of this being a big brother/little brother matchup are gone.  Granted OU holds a likely insurmountable edge in the all-time series, OSU has been consistently good for well over a decade now. The two teams are again highly ranked and again, both have plenty to play for.

The initial playoff rankings were released on Tuesday and they did an excellent job of serving as sports talk fodder and causing much angst and hand wringing. In reality, they mean absolutely nothing. The chances of these rankings being the same at the end of the season (when they do mean something) are as good as my chances of getting a nice bronzy tan next summer. Every team has it's fans (and sometimes coaches) complaining about where they are ranked and what they "deserve" etc about this time of year, I've been guilty of it plenty of times (this year included), but those complaints often have a way of working themselves out in the form of prompt losses. I didn't care for OU coaches and players coming out with that shit this week, if you win, it all sorts itself out. Which brings us to Bedlam, this and every game from here on out are must-wins if OU wants a shot at the playoff.

This week won't be easy. OSU comes in with a very high-powered offense that can score in bunches. If you've watched any OU football this year, that doesn't set up to be a great matchup against the Red Carpet. In my eyes, this game will come down to one position battle, the Sooner defensive line vs the OSU offensive line. If OU can generate consistent pressure without bringing the house, they have a great chance. If not, and the OU secondary is tested, it could be a long, frustrating day. OU will score, but that was never the question, how many times they can stop the pokes is.


Offense

How about the RB situation for the Sooners? I, and many others (I think), assumed this would be a weak point after the departures of Mixon and Perine. If anything it's looking like a major strength. To be fair, they are in a great position to succeed behind an outstanding offensive line and a QB that is a Heisman hopeful. But, nonetheless, they have really done the almost impossible job of being a committee where I'm happy to see any of them come in rather than the opposite. But back to that QB they play behind, he's been next to unstoppable lately. I think big rivalry games like this are what he lives for, I'm going with Baker Mayfield in this one. I think he has monster day and frustrates the Cowboy defense all afternoon.

Defense

In the "Credit Where Due" file, I'd like to submit Mike Stoops photo. I have complained a lot about his inability to make in-game, née in-season, adjustments. After a disastrous opening quarter of defensive football against Tech, the Sooners switched up their fronts and essentially dominated on defense the rest of the way. I have no idea (and even less faith) whether they can repeat that sort of adjustment, but it will be critical to the outcome of this game. As I alluded to earlier, getting pressure on Mason Rudolph and disrupting the run game up front is key. I will be as hopeful as possible and say DJ Ward has a big game on the edge and gets a sack in a key moment.

Score

My gut does not send out good vibes in this one. On the plus side, there is no way they can be looking past OSU. I choose to ignore the minus side. OU will need to play a very complete game, something they haven't done since Ohio State. Let's hope they get it together and crush the flying mullets. Sooners eke out a must-win 29-27.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

Texas Tech

I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of this horrid defense. Each week it's the same frustrating scenarios, and boiled down it's the complete inability to stop any offense ever. The offense which is consistently solid and I'm convinced can score on any defense is going to ultimately be wasted by a defensive unit that is shit. Unless things get cleaned up on defense I don't think OU even wins the Big 12, let alone gets in the playoff.

I don't know much about Texas Tech and I'm not about to break precedent now and actually learn about the opponent. I imagine they pass it a lot, but have no clue who their QB is or if he's any good. I do know they played O-State pretty closely a couple of weeks ago. Suffice it to say, I think they'll put up some points against the Red Carpet (my nickname as well, incidentally).

Offense

Baker Mayfield

Defense...just kidding, but it really is that easy. The offense hasn't been quite as dominant lately and the recipe seems to be to sit back in a zone and make Mayfield scramble. Fortunately, he's pretty good at that, but the receivers do need to step up. With that in mind I'm going to go with Mark Andrews. He's the biggest mismatch out there and he's really been Mayfield's go to guy.

Defense

This is the unit single handedly responsible for taking the Sooners Boner Meter from Cold Steel to Flacid Frank. There is little more irritating in the sporting world than rooting for a team that cannot play defense. At. All. Poor tackling, guys out of position and a complete and total inability to make any adjustments. I'm not even talking about in-game adjustments, I mean week to week. It's the same shit repeatedly. I'm going with Parnell Motley because he's about the only guy worth a shit. However, that may be purely based on the fact that no one throws his way on account of gas rag manning the opposite side. Who knows?

Score

This feels like a track meet, and it probably will be to some extent. But, I feel like these games that feature two high powered offenses often fail to meet the hype. So I'll say it's low(ish) scoring by OU's standards, Sooners hang on again 30-27.


Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners versus Texas Tech

What a confusing team this is. You have to hand it to them for playing with heart. I mean, they've shown real guts on the road this year against the Buckeyes, Longhorns and now the Wildcats. They legit could have three losses by now. Baker Mayfield deservedly gets a lot of credit for being the heart and soul of this squad. Where would this team be without him? Holy smokes this guy is a legend in the making.

On the other hand, what in the ever holy shit is it going to take to get some halfway decent defense? The average scoring difference between the Sooners and their opponents is less than a touchdown over the last four games. They are 60th in total scoring defense. Meanwhile, the offense is top 3 in total offense.

I try to be all namaste' and, "winning by 1 point is all that matters" (which is true) but this is bullshit. The offense needs some help stat. This is not a championship team with this defense. It's not a Playoff team with this defense. It's probably not a Big 12 champion with this defense. Texas Tech put up approximately 4,653 yards against this D last year and TCU, West Virginny and OSU are all still on the slate.

OFFENSE

Let's scrap the wildcat formation. It's a gimmick that does this offense a complete disservice. With Baker Mayfield you have a guy who can run play action, run himself, scramble to buy time, look off defenders and throw laserbeams. On any given play he can do any thing. When you run the wildcat you are taking the ball out of the hands of the most difficult player in college football to defend. As a play caller you are doing the one thing that makes life easier on the defense. So why?

End rant.

Interesting story from the camping trip and sitting around watching the game with a bunch of dads. One guy played in a golf tournament with Lincoln Riley a couple years ago. Riley told this guy that Rodney Anderson had more skill and potential than either Joe Mixon or Semaje Perine. Anderson demonstrated said skill against K-State. What a run for the game winner. I had no idea he was a four star recruit.

Meanwhile this offense is rounding into form. Mykel Brown and Marquise Brown really stepped up last week and have the wide receiving crew looking like a four or five deep machine. Abdul Adams should be back this week too which will be nice.

My official new strategy for OPOG is going to be pick someone besides Baker. Just for fun. I'm going to ride the Rod Anderson train.

DEFENSE

I will begin positively by noting that in the second half of last Saturday's game and late against Texas, the D stepped up when it needed to. But let's not over polish this turd. The tackling is (broken record alert) atrocious. Jordan Thomas is getting worked. The inconsistency is so frustrating.

Kansas State had scored something ludicrous like six total points in their prior three games before us. Texas, likewise, was having difficulty scoring. Iowa State trotted out a QB who had never played in live action before. They all put up boucoup points It's a trainwreck and is going to ruin any chance at glory.

So I'll put on my crimson colored glasses and pick Caleb Kelly this week. Out of the people who kind of disappear in games he seemed to get the most fire lit under him in the second half last week.

THE GAME

I can't imagine 9,000 combined yards happening again since Pat Mahomes moved on to the NFL. But as mentioned earlier any QB that can fog a mirror can put up points against this D. Having Abdul Adams back will help the Sooners. Baker will be Baker. I think it will be another shootout.

Sooners 49 Red Raiders 42

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

Sooners vs. KSU

On my phone here from Camp Classen in Davis OK. I'm with about 20 second graders and their dads.

Solid if not butt puckering W last week. I hope there's no let down today. Between a D that has a hard time getting turnovers and injuries I'm a little nervous.  Also the weather is going to be shitty. It seems like that favors the turtlenecks.

I hope wrong. For my OPOG I'll go Trey Sermon. For D I'll say Devonta Lampkin.

Score Sooners 31 and Wildcats 17
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner.

Kansas State

Well, OU survived again last week. That's what it's come to at this point, isn't it? The glad tidings and hand jobs that followed the (increasingly improbable) road win at Ohio State have all be vanished. A home loss to a decidedly mediocre team and a sphincter testing rally against another decidedly mediocre rivalry team will do that. Nonetheless, a win is a win and today looks to be another challenge. Hopefully the Sooners will do their usual trick of coming out of the gates sprinting and get a sizable lead. Hopefully they will not forget that the game is 4 quarters instead of 2 again. K State is always a tough win, and they seem to win a game or two every season that they have no business winning. Playing solid fundamentals and putting players in position to make plays will do that, regardless of talent discrepancies. Snyder, no matter what your taste for him is, always has his guys ready and that's highly respectable. In short, this game is certainly not a gimme and a loss, while deflating, would not be incredibly shocking at this point.

Offense

Mark Andrews reestablished himself as a man amongst children last week and basically kept the ever-so-slim national title hopes alive single handedly. Mayfield continues to do his thing and nearly every game I find myself thankful he's a Sooner and not a foe when he scrambles around for 15 seconds and then cuts the opponents heart out with an unlikely first down scramble or long completion. With that said, K State generally does a decent job of making teams beat them with someone other than their marquee players. I think CeeDee Lamb steps up today and gets a lot of looks and, consequently, has a huge day as the Wildcats work hard to take away Andrews.

Defense

They looked a little better last week, but make no mistake, texas is pretty bad, and their QB is shit. I don't know much about K State at all, let alone how much experience they field at various skill positions, but I'm comfortable guessing their QB will have a career day today. It's been a rocky season up to now for LB Kenneth Murray, but Snyder's teams often go with the "5 yards and a cloud of dust" method so I think the youngster has a big day against a run heavy attack.

Score

This game has loss written all over it. Going to Manhattan is always a tough win, and as I mentioned earlier, the Wildcats are always prepared. I hope it's not another late-game meltdown, but it's certainly a possibility. For now, I'm going to remains as optimistic as I can and say the Sooners escape again, this time with a 24-21 victory.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

The Red River Rivalry - OU vs. Texas

Well three weeks ago I had a real cavalier attitude and would have been brimming with confidence that the Longhorns would get worked by the Sooners and stay relegated to middle of the pack in the Big 12 for the remainder of the season. But I'm now reeling after what might be the worst Sooners loss of All Times. The Sooners were 31 point favorites at home.

I am specifically very concerned about Jordan "Gas Rag" Thomas and the Defense and the fragility of the offense, particularly with regards to the wide receivers.

Let's scrap this doom and gloom though. We need some positivity because this is a big one. Both coaches need this. Both schools needs this. This is huge from a balance of power perspective.

OFFENSE

I am very concerned about what the loss of CeeDee Lamb meant to the Sooners offense last week. That a freshman wideout is apparently the only person who can reliably get open is alarming. I am confident and hopeful that the game plan will be better this week. I expect more Mark Andrews and Grant Calcaterra on crossing routes. And some other wideout needs to emerge and be useful. The lanky guys like Jordan Smallwood and AD Miller are wasting their careers being mediocre and unreliable.

I'd like to see some sparkle from the running game today too. The Sooners need to use the line and get yards in chunks via the run game. It is unclear if Abdul Adams will play. I assume no. So someone needs to be third banana behind Trey Sermon and Dimitri Flowers. I think it will be Baker Mayfield.

In big games you stick with big players and OU has the best player on the field in Baker Damn Mayfield. I can pick no one else for OPOG. I envision more designed runs on first or second down with the goal being to open up some short easy throws. The scramble and go deep method seems problematic.

Basically, all phases of the offense need to fire on all cylinders. But it starts and ends with BD Mayfield.

DEFENSE

Here is a question I've been floating around all week. Why does OU play their cornerbacks based on the hash mark (boundary vs. wide or whatever they call it) instead of based on matchup? Is this common? Is one method easier to learn or teach than another?

I would be inclined to put my best corner on the oppositions best player, take my chances and make the other team figure out another way to beat me. That's just me. But I read in the Oklahoman just this morning that Mike Stoops is reluctant to change his Scheme. It's been working too well, I guess. So the freshman Texas QB should have little to no issue identifying where on the field Parnell Motley is. Typing this makes me angry. Isn't the goal to make life for the opposition more difficult?

The front four, and namely the middle two, need to get some damn push too. This freshman QB could be a nightmare. He can run which is the only dimension you need to give a Mike Stoops defense fits.

For my DPOG I'll pick Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. He's a senior, he's hopefully pissed about last week and, frankly, I'm not sure who else to pick. I'd say Parnell Motley but for reason's already stated I imagine his name gets called infrequently today.

THE GAME

The defense has to hold texas to less than 24 points. They just have to. I really think Mike Stoops job is on the line here. He was a holdover for the sake of cosistency but he is threatening to ruin hopes and dreams if he doesn't get the defense's shit together.

On offense the wide receivers have to step up. Mayfield could have smoked cigarettes in the backfield last week waiting for someone to get open and it wasn't happening. Piss poor. Can't have it today.

I think the Sooners bounce back but I fear texas has a bigger chip on its shoulder at the moment.

Sooners 35, Texas 31

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

texas

Hello reader(s), doing this thing on my phone this week as I'm out of town. So please excuse the fact that it's shittier than usual and enjoy that it is much shorter. As for last week, the defense looks worse than last year, that's tough to pull off. I don't know enough to know if it's a talent or coaching issue, or both, but guys are consistently out of position and they have absolutely no ability to stop the pass. Oh and Jordan Thomas fucking sucks, he's the new Matt McCoy memorial Gas Rag.

Offense

The juggernaut was decent last week, but Mayfield's inability to find receivers downfield even when having all day to throw was troubling. I'm going to go with Trey Sermon. No reason really, I just like him a lot.

Defense

Geez, back to shit town here. I'm not ready to wash my hands of them yet so I'm going to make a pick. I'm going to go with okoronkwo (sp?), it's throwing darts at this point and I landed on him.

Score

This game had me nervous before the shit show that was Iowa State. texas always comes to play in this one and they really have little to play for besides ruining the Sooners season. Oh and we all remember the last Tom Herman squad that OU played. Still I'm hopeful Iowa state was the wake up call I thought Baylor was. Sooners edge them in a tough one 31-30.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Iowa State

The Sooners have gone to the Bill Belichick School of Motivation and are pulling out all the stops today for Iowa State. They've asked fans to candy stripe the stadium in red and white and they are wearing alternate uniforms.

Hey, whatever it takes to avoid a pitfall at this point. The Sooners are "In Control of Their Own Destiny" so why take chances? Apparently the Sooners haven't lost to the Cyclones in 38 years or something ridiculous. That's the kind of stat that makes me smear my britches.

OFFENSE

I mean no offense to Iowa State but that rumble the Sooners feel underneath their tires will be the ISU defense. This Sooner offensive juggernaut is really just too much for the Cyclones. I'm not just being an asshole. What are you supposed to do if you bottle up all those receivers and BD Mayfield finds Dimitri Flowers or just scrambles for a first down? It isn't fair really. And what does a defense do come the 4th quarter when Orlando Brown starts treating you like a steam roller on a street construction project?

This offense is fun to watch and I've tried to just ride the hot hand with my picks for OPOG. This week I'm going Ceedee Lamb. That dude is electric and I think with this 11am start time he'll be all Wakey Wakey Eggs and Bakey.

DEFENSE

No one could have used a bye week like these dudes. Most of the secondary and half the linebackers are "dinged up". Jordan Thomas will be back which is nice. Hopefully he's good and fired up after getting lit up like a Christmas tree against Baylor. 

I watched a little of the Iowa State - Texas game a week or two ago and this ISU QB is "Average at Beest". This bodes well. Parnell Motley, Esq. should have a field day.

For my DPOG I'll take Steven Parker Jr. He seems like a good Christian.

THE GAME

This one makes for a nice easy Saturday. It's an early start to a nice stress free Saturday. Enjoy the boys as they "TCB" and cruise to a comfortable victory. 

Sooners 49, Iowa State 14

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

Iowa State

The Sooners come into this one off of a narrow and ugly win vs. a winless Baylor team. As usual, my crack reporting was woefully off, thinking Seth Russell still played for them--and as usual, I'll brush that off with a "fuck it." As you may have ascertained from my "piece" last week, I was fully drinking the Sooner Kool-Aid and felt as though they may never lose again. Ever. But hindsight, being what it is, it merits a quick review of teams the Sooners had beaten. UTEP, Ohio State, and Tulane all have what in common? None of them know how to execute the forward pass with any consistency. Granted QB or not, Ohio State has loads of talent, but OU has historically done well against run-first teams. Baylor passes first and asks questions later, the RB being mostly a "show-piece." This is alarming going into conference play where, as you may have noticed, the spread is all the rage.

In spite of the lamentations that the Sooners' bye was too early in the season, at this point I'm happy with its timing. If they had rolled over Baylor, I, too, may have wished for a bye a few weeks later to heal up, but as it stands, I think coming off a reality check where the D was exposed, the bye could be helpful. Ideally the Sooners have been "woken up" to the reality that maybe they aren't as complete as they thought they were. The offense continues to look good, but hopefully the defense gets it together and is ready for Big 12 play.

Iowa State is a solid team. 2-2 at this point, but narrowly losing a close rivalry game against a good Iowa team and also losing against texas who is probably better than their record would let on, belies a solid squad. They roll into Norman ready to give their absolute best shot to the number 3 team in the country. Coming off the bye, I hope the Sooners aren't looking ahead to the texas game and are focused on TCB today.

Offense

The worries coming into the year of having lost 3 essential skill players from last year have been mitigated by a great offensive line and a QB that elevates everyone around him. It seems each week that someone new steps up and has a great game, all of which of course is predicated on BD Mayfield. Today I'm throwing my dart in the direction of Mark Andrews. I feel like he's had an off-week to let that knee heal up and though he's played through that, I think he's close to 100% this week and has a big game against an Iowa State defense that I don't think can match up with him.

Defense

Whew, last week was ugly. PTSD inducing flashbacks to last year (and last several years). No ability to pressure the QB on obvious passing downs, and receivers getting open deep on said passing downs. It was a maddening effort littered with big plays and an inability to get off of the field on 3rd down. Aside from being torture to watch, that shit won't fly if a national championship is the goal. But I'm not ready to wash my hands of them just yet. While Parnell Motley has stepped up as the most reliable defender, I'm going to go with another DB that has been overshadowed a bit this year. I like Steven Parker to have a solid game today in all phases, stepping up in the run game and making a couple of big plays in the secondary.

Score

My mood has gone from overconfident to cautiously optimistic, or cold steel to firm chubby on the boner-meter for you high-brow types. And while I think Iowa State is better than their record, I think a Sooner squad at home, coming off of a bye is just too much today. I think the Sooners get back on track to some extend and win this one in a tune-up for Red River. Sooners win it 44-20.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.

Baylor

Conference play for the Sooners opens up today down in Waco. Baylor comes into the game a paltry 0-3 and it appears the salad days are over. After Art Briles built Baylor into a perennial conference, if not national, title contender through some good coaching, recruiting and cultivation of a lawless, despicable culture his ouster seems to have brought the Bears back to earth. It isn't evident yet if Baylor will resume its role as a place to smear muddy boots for everyone else in the conference, but an 0-3 start doesn't portend an imminent upswing. On paper, today doesn't seem to be the launch-pad for a season turnaround either.

OU fell from #2 to #3 through no fault of their own last week. At this point, that fall is nothing to even bat an eye at. Frankly, I think it's deserving, Clemson went on the road against a pretty decent Louisville team (helmed by the reigning Heisman winner) and absolutely embarrassed them. That defense looks stout. Regardless, either #2 or #3 looks like a tough matchup for a Bears squad that lost at home to both Liberty University and The University of Texas...San Antonio, ouch. They do have Seth Russell still, who can definitely sling the ball, and although the next snap I see of Baylor this year will be the first, I feel confident that there isn't much of a supporting cast around him.

After a sluggish start last week that had 80,000 in Norman repeatedly saying "we're fine" amidst nervous laughs and non-sequiturs, the defense buckled down and Baker Mayfield did Baker Mayfield things and all was right with the world. I haven't seen enough of this team to know if that was this year's version of a "let-down", but if it is, then I'm going to have a 5-month chubby. To the picks!

Offense

CeeDee Lamb was on his way last week to creating the illusion that I knew what I was talking about for 2 straight weeks, before the referees observed him doing something along the lines of tackle football and kicked him out. Make no mistake, this sort of luck will not befall me again this season so sorry whomever I pick, the kiss of death may be back. Again, BD Mayfield is the easy choice, so naturally I'm not going to do that. Instead I'm going with a different weapon who stepped up last week and look really solid in Lamb's absence. I'm going with Marquise Brown, which a quick google search revealed he is from Hollywood, FL. You can't be from Hollywood, Anywhere and not be nicknamed Hollywood, so Hollywood Brown it is.

Defense

For the first time in a long time, the dart throw on this side of the ball is due to a plethora, rather than a dearth of options. That is one damn nice change of pace. I've gone DL, LB the first two weeks. I'm going to continue the progression to the secondary and resist the temptation no more by going with Parnell Motley. First of all, that's a fucking great name. Second of all, he has continued to live up to the billing each week and is on the verge of dusting off the Motherfucker moniker (stay tuned). Baylor will try to throw it all over the field, I think Parnell steps up and has fine game.

Score

The conference games are always tougher. There is history between the schools, familiarity with one another and the stakes of the conference championship to consider. In turn, the divide in talent is always lessened, particularly when the better team is on the road. But, I think the first quarter last week was a bit of a wake up call and I think the Sooners come out determined. Baylor will be fired up, three straight losses to open the year won't set well with them and the crowd will be fired up, no matter, the Sooners come out swinging a tire iron and beat some ass, 52-17.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner.

Tulane

I hate to discuss old business at the beginning of this every week, but that was a damn good time last Saturday. At the risk of disparaging Bobby Stoops, that was the type of performance that hasn't been seen at OU in a decade. I can't remember the last time the Sooners played on a stage that big (and no, a nationally meaningless sugar bowl does not count) and kicked a team's teeth in. Aside from a solid drive, following a big kickoff return to open the second half, Ohio State did nearly nothing. Which leads us to the crux of the situation and I can't believe I'm even saying it but, the defense looked fucking good. Granted Ohio State hasn't done one thing to prove it's a good offense at this point and the Sooners may have exposed JT Barrett as what he is, a running back playing quarterback, even still that was damn fun. Let's also not overlook the OU offense. Offensive question marks aside, I don't think many would argue that Ohio State has a bad defense, in fact their front seven is one of the best in the country. Last Saturday, the only team that stopped OU on offense was OU. Bask in that glow for as long as you like.




....and we're back. Tulane rolls into Norman today for a tilt with the, now number 2 in the country, Oklahoma Sooners. Tulane resides in the heart of a rabid college football town, alas the town is rabid for LSU. While the Green Wave is never much more than a blip on the national spectrum, this is no run of the mill doormat. Should OU roll? Yes. Should this game be a formality? Yes. But, Tulane generally has a handful of NFL caliber players on the roster, and this is a prototypical let-down game. Am I worried? For the first time in years, I actually feel confident. Did I mention I'm excited for the Lincoln Riley era?

Tulane evidently runs some old school option type offense. I'm sure this is a jazzed up (New Orleans joke) version with some odd formations that get them in that game, but it boils down to disciplined assignment football. Ohio State game aside, this is not the type of offense that the Sooners under Mike Stoops have struggled with. The reason that option football has all but disappeared is because defenders have gotten so fast and athletic that teams who don't stay disciplined, or that miss assignments can recover. Fortunately for Sooner nation, the OU defense is both fast AND athletic. Basically, OU needs to get out of this one healthy and tuned up for conference play.

Offense

Cutting and pasting Baker Damn Mayfield here would be a short and accurate way of nailing this each week, but that would deprive you loyal reader(s) of me making an absurd and stupid pick each week (Trey Sermon last week not withstanding). I read earlier this week that coaches expected Mark Andrews to play this week, but predictably the Oklahoman neglected to revisit the subject as practices commenced. Why would anyone be interested in the health of the Sooners second best offensive weapon? (Regardless of his health, it seems like a good week to rest him in that I think this is winnable without him.) I went RB last week and I think (for now) Sermon has solidified himself as the first option. That said I think I'm going to go with CeeDee Lamb, he looks like the real deal and as fun as Badet is to watch, I think Lamb has the makings of a star WR.

Defense

Wow, what a show last Saturday, several guys looked the part not the least of which is Parnell Motley who really has the makings of being a stud. He was tested several times and answered. I don't however, envision Tulane passing a lot (though the may be forced to eventually if the score dictates it) so I'm going with Caleb Kelly. He's been somewhat quiet the first couple of weeks and with his speed I think he's going to make a bunch of tackles against the Green Wave's run-first offense

Score

I do think there might be some letdown after last week's emotional win. It has to be hard to get up for a second tier team after beating the number 2 team on the road. I do think the Sooners roll, however, just maybe not as dominating as could be. Sooners tighten up in this one, 49-21. This is getting fun again.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

Oklahoma Sooner vs. Tulane Green Wave

We got us a football team. The boys looked sharp and composed in their thumping of the bygod Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus last week. The defense played bigly and you can't say enough about Baker Mayfield. Without a doubt he is the heart and soul of this team. I can't recall the last Sooners team that had this kind of attitude.

Now the Sooners find themselves at number two in the polls, receiving first place votes and in control of their own destiny. This is where Sooner teams should expect to be. The challenge will be in keeping the edge week to week and taking everyone's best shot. I feel good about it but it's easier said than done. Lincoln Riley and Co.'s work is really just beginning.

Up next, the Tulane Green Wave.

OFFENSE

The Sooners need three things to happen today on offense. First, bring the same TCB attitude to this game that they've had in the first two games. With Mayfield leading the way, coming out flat seems impossible. Dude bro probably plants a flag in his apartment after a bowel movement.

Second, continue to develop receiver options. This shouldn't be too hard either as Mark Andrews is out for today and that's a bummer. The silver lining is everyone else has to step up. Baker can't have too many options.

Third, stay healthy. It would be great to see a bunch of "2's and 3's" getting some early playing time. How validating was it when last week BD Mayfield got "dinged" and Kyler Murray had to fill in. Sure it was one play but in year's past it might well have been his first play as a Sooner let alone of the season. No bueno in that situation.

For my OPOG today I'm going with Trey Sermon. He gets his first start today and a chance to stake his claim as the feature back. Something tells me he's, "gonna go for it honey".

DEFENSE

I guess it's time to start believing in these guys. The athleticism of this unit is clearly a step above last year. They really need to stay healthy as depth is already becoming an issue in the secondary.

Steamroller homepiece RPP texted during the game last week that Parnell Motley should be the MFer for this year. Navin correctly pumped the brakes. This is a developing situation but it's encouraging that there is at least one candidate. One could also make a case for Ogbonnia as well. I was skeptical but he is playing real well.

Today I think I'll take the freshman Kenneth Murray as my DPOG. It seems like in this gimmicky run-oriented offense that he could really pile up the tackles.

THE GAME

The Sooners need to TCB on offense, don't "break contain" on defense and get out of this one healthy. An apparently one dimensional run offense is going to have a difficult time keeping up with the Sooners offense, to say the least. The Sooners cruise in this one. Mayfield sits the second half. The D looks sharp again.

Sooners 52, Tulane 10

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner.

Oklahoma Sooners versus Ohio State Buckeyes

In victory last week the Sooners managed to not only avoid calamity, as the Longhorns of Texas and Bears of Baylor could not, they looked damn good in what was a very businesslike and near flawless ass whoop of UTEP.

Regrettably, the UTEP Miners are not on the slate this week. It's The Ohio State Buckeyes and revenge is on the minds of the Sooners.

I am cautiously optimistic about the Sooners chances but I think it's certainly fair that the Sooners are more than touchdown underdogs (as of press time).

OFFENSE

The most interesting factoid I read this week was that more Sooners caught balls against UTEP (14) than did across all games last year. So.. I don't know if that means there is more depth or if it's a natural evolution of a Lincoln Riley/Baker Mayfield offense. The concept of spreading the ball around seems positive to me but it's more likely just scrubs getting to play more than usual in a route.

The second most interesting thing I noticed was the Sooners O-Line seemed to do a lot of pulling of the guards. I asked at the time if anyone could remember seeing us do that because I couldn't. Mark Schlegel, good dude and loyal reader, agreed. My father-in-law waived me away and said we do it all the time. It looked great.

I think the key here this week is in the five headed run game (Since they remembered Dimitri Flowers is also very good) being at least moderately effective. No matter the score and win or lose the Sooners will have balance in the play calling. They will run the ball a lot. If you do nothing else but check the box score tomorrow for yards per carry you'll be able to tell if the Sooners won or not. If it's below 2.5 yards per carry they lost.

In that vein I am going to go a little off script here and take Abdul Adams for my Offensive Player of the Game. It's foolish to take someone besides Mayfield but what's the fun in that? I also really want to pick Dimitri Flowers because of his versatility and the apparent willingness to, Gasp!, take advantage of it.

Other things I really liked last week before we move on. Abdul Adams, the liberal sprinkling of Dimitri Flowers, Mark Andrews now a wide receiver in a tight ends body. Lincoln Riley sitting Mayfield the whole second half.

DEFENSE

When I watched OSU get a little scare from Indiana last week I came away unimpressed with JT Barrett's passing ability. On the flip side, OSU continues to churn out high quality running backs.

In watching the new look Sooner D it appears the secondary should be a strength and the linebackers have some work to do.

It was Emmanuel Beal who looked a little lost to me. Kenneth Murray disappeared a little but give him a pass for it being his first collegiate game. I'm picking knits because overall the D was PlayStation level after the first UTEP drive.

The point is the defensive line and the linebackers (dba the 4-3) need to play huge for the Sooners to have a shot. The OSU run game cannot be allowed to turn Barrett into even a moderately effective passer. They also can't let short plays turn into long gains.

OSU just overpowered this group last year. We will learn a ton about them today. For my Defensive Player of the Game I'll go with Jordan Thomas. I like his game and desperately hope he gets one, maybe two picks.

THE GAME

I am clinging to the belief that there is greater depth across the board for the Sooners to stay fresh enough to keep up with the strength of the Buckeyes. If the Sooners can run the ball, control the clock and, in a perfect world, jump out to an early lead, JT Barrett might be pressed just enough to do something dumb.

The Sooner D doesn't have to be perfect but they need to keep the running game in check and get off the field on third down.

Barring an absolute whipping, nobody is going to get too bent out of shape with a loss. Or they shouldn't. That's the benefit of being a new coach. The Sooners can do this though. A smart, confident, total team concept can get this done.

Sooners 28, Buckeyes 21

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

Ohio State

As debuts go, you'd be hard pressed to find one better than Lincoln Riley's debut as head coach of our beloved Oklahoma Sooner football team. Most key starters on offense were sipping chilled drinks and planning their celebratory evening from the bench after half time, not bad at all. Riley's squad met the ridiculous expectations of only one outcome would be viewed as a success, a drubbing. Of course the caveat is they were playing an obscenely overmatched UTEP squad. Still, we've endured some games over the years that everyone expected to turn out that way and they didn't, so let's not undersell meeting those ridiculous expectations. That said, it wasn't much of a measuring stick but as it turns out a rather sturdy measuring stick happens to be up next.

Last year's Ohio State game was a methodical assbeat. A steady, consistent, thorough jamming of the proverbial bone up the ass. OU had a cupboard full of weapons and none of it mattered. The offense was contained and the defense was the brand-x paper towel on an 80s Bounty commercial. Last week UTEP opened the game with an easy march down the field for a TD, sparking disgust and a Goodfellas level profane tirade from me. But, credit where due, they didn't give up a point or even a reasonable drive, really, after that. This will be the fulcrum of this game. I don't think Baker and co. will put up an easy 56 again, but I'll be surprised if they don't score enough to win...provided the defense plays well. A huge provision to be sure. On to the picks!

Offense

It's no secret that Baker Mayfield is the key to this whole thing. I suppose that is true of the QB on any team, ever. But, for this team, it's especially true. There is no second fiddle really at this point. Mark Andrews raised his hand last week, but suffice it so say if BD isn't great tonight, the Sooners don't stand a chance. Which (finally) leads us to my point, that someone else is going to have to be great tonight too. Mayfield can't do it all against a team of this caliber on the road. I guess that makes my pick more of a hope rather than a prediction, but someone at RB needs to play well. I'm going with Trey Sermon. He wasn't even the best RB last week, but I'm "high" on his "upside". I think he establishes himself as the main RB tonight, and goes Old Steady on the Buckeyes when OU needs him most.

Defense

I'm not sure who I took away from last game as a real standout. Several guys looked really good, surprisingly enough. I'm a big fan of Steven Parker and I also really like Neville Gallimore (great name). Honestly, all of the defense is going to have to play much better than anything we've seen the last few seasons. Ohio State starts a true freshman at RB who only set the school record for rush yards in an opener, go ahead and marinate on that for a minute. JT Barrett is precisely the type of QB that has given OU fits since I was in school there (read: forever ago). Someone is going to have to be great today, and I think that person is Kenneth Murray. The true frosh looked very solid last week and OU has almost always spit-out great college LBs. I think he blows up today and has a very good game, even forcing a fumble.

Score

Whew, I don't feel remotely good about this game. Lincoln Riley gives me some naive optimism that OU will surprise everyone with a win on the road. But, after my disgust squashed the tradition of always picking an OU win last year, I'm trying to be more realistic. I think (hope) the game will be tight, it sucks gearing up for a huge game only to have it be decided (for the opposition) by half-time. OU will want to save face from the beating last season, and will be appropriately fired up for this one. I think Riley will take some chances and go for broke in this one, he doesn't have anything to lose really. But, all of that won't be enough and I see the Sooners losing this one 38-28 to a better Ohio State team. Of course, being wrong would be oh so sweet.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.

Oklahoma Sooner vs. UTEP Miners

Hello Steamroller fans! It's football time in Oklahoma and I'm glad you're here because this sports blog writer promises this will be the least informed, crimson colored season yet.

That's right folks I read tea leaves not Athlon. I attempt to parse tidbits from Oklahoman puff pieces. I'm excited for the season though because much like a music festival with a lineup of unfamiliar names, this Sooners team has lots of surprises in store and most of them should turn out well.

To wit: Lincoln Riley, The RB Situation, who replaces Secretary Dede Westbrook, is a 4-3 defense going to be less sieve-like, is true freshman Kenneth Murray a baby-eater for a new generation?

For the record I am excited for the Lincoln Riley era. Bobby Stoops earned the opportunity to stay as long as he wanted and if he truly did go out on his terms then good for him. Thank you Coach Stoops for turning around a program (and really a university) and putting Oklahoma football back in the conversation, making visors kind of cool for minute and showing me a new way to clap.  Lincoln Riley is going to be a great football coach though. If nothing else he'll recruit well (80% of the job) and his team will score 50 points a game.

OFFENSE

We do know that Baker Damn Mayfield is back and he has, at minimum, the best offensive line in the Big 12. That's 8-10 wins right there. Mayfield also has Mark "I Catch Touchdowns" Andrews which is super.

It looks like, at least for a few weeks, it will be a quartet of running backs behind him led by Rodney Anderson. I'm sorry but it's not the star power I have become accustomed to. But in a Lincoln Riley offense I would imagine there will be schemes to take advantage of the strengths of each. That could be cool but after Abdul Adams I'm like those construction workers in Major League, "Who are these fuckin guys"? Maybe Dimitri Flowers gets some love too. I'd be "down".

The same lack of recognition goes for the wide receivers after Andrews and Jeffrey Meade. But there are High Hopes for true freshman CeeDee Lamb. If he plays half as great as his name he could be a star.

Today I look for the line to give BD Mayfield enough to time to start finding some receivers he can trust and it would be foolish in my mind to pick anyone besides Baker for Offensive Player of the Game.

DEFENSE

If you trust the Oklahoman (and I don't) this defense is the Ogbonnia Okoronkwo show. He looked great at times last year but I'm afraid he's just the best quote and most accessible player to those lazy writers. There are plenty of other good players who could make or break this unit.

Neville Gallimore, for instance, could have a breakout year along with Caleb Kelly. Steven Parker and Jordan Thomas are great already and the emergence of Parnell Motley at the other corner back spot is the key thing to watch for all season. Two legit corners changes the whole dynamic.

"They" also seem to be raving about middle linebacker Kenneth Murray. Every time I hear the name I want to think of a country musician named Kenneth Michael Murray but I don't know if such a thing exists. I'm not sure if it's a lack of depth or if he's the next great one but I'm hoping for the latter obvs (trying to connect with Millenials).

I am cautiously optimistic that this group will be vastly improved (not greatly!) but I'm going to sit back with my arms crossed, second guess everything and reserve judgment until I feel these guys can be trusted to contain a wet fart.

In the grand tradition of throwing darts on this side of the field I am going to go horse racing style and pick Neville Gallimore for Defensive Player of the Game because I like his name.

THE GAME

I know nothing about UTEP except where it exists on a map (roughly) and I don't care to learn more until I watch the game. The Sooners will come out jacked to get a win under Lincoln Riley's belt. There's no looking ahead to next week either. I expect the boys to look sharp.

Sooners 56, UTEP 20

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

UTEP

Welcome back loyal reader(s) for another fall football season with the Steamroller. For the first time in the history of this "publication" the Sooners will take the field on Saturday with a coach other than Bob Stoops leading them. It's a bittersweet thing for me personally. Stoops took over a floundering Sooner program that had languished under a parade of has-beens and never-would-be coaches culminating in the disaster that was John Blake. To say Stoops injected life into the program would be an overstatement of both life and injections. Stoops made Sooner football appointment television for not only people in Oklahoma circles, but across the nation. That national relevance was proven merited as they went undefeated in only his second season as head coach. Trick plays, going for broke, a high-wire offense and a defense that absolutely dominated. It was so fun to watch those teams. They were among the most talented, but the separation came from a young coach that did not give a fuck and was always several steps ahead of his contemporaries.

Top recruits in the country lined up to play for him, end of season award shows were littered with OU players and national championships were regular dates. Alas, after that magical run another title was not to be had. "Hey it's only been 5 years since they won it", slowly gave way to "It's been longer than it was after Switzer". In that interim, OU has been good but not great. While Stoops will never lose his place as one of the best to ever coach in Norman, Sooner football aims for greatness. I believe it was the right time for a change.

In steps a young buzzed about coach with a name that sounds like an ill-conceived late 70s sport hatch-back. While he certainly doesn't inherit the rubble that Stoops did nearly two decades ago, he does inherit a program in need of some energy and change. I'm fully aware that in two or three years I may be lamenting the move, that I may be longing for the days of a 10 win season and a conference title on a consistent basis, but for now I'm excited. I'm excited to see if OU can again play its best when the lights are brightest. I'm excited to see if they catch teams off guard with unexpected game-plans. I'm excited for a change. I just hope it's the right one.

Oh yeah, UTEP is playing in Norman this weekend. They have a team, presumably with helmets and everything. Of course in 2012 I thought the same thing and OU eeked out a short stainer 24-7. Which, is precisely the type of over-confidence and lack of preparation that I will hopefully not see. I couldn't know less about UTEP, I'm hopeful the 9 seconds I took to type this sentence is the sum total of time I spend wondering about them.

Offense

I'm not sure if you've heard or not, but OU lost some key weapons to the draft. Gone are the top rushers and receiver from last year. I'm sure there are some young bucks that are going to win over our hearts as fans, but Perine, Mixon and The Secretary will sorely be missed. With Ohio State looming, this is precisely the sort of game where their heir apparents need to make themselves known. In the meantime, I'm not sure how I can go with anyone other than .12 BAC himself. If anyone is going to lift up the young guys, it's Baker Mayfield playing behind what is likely the Big 12's best offensive line. I'm looking to see some Kyler Murray in the second half of this one.

Defense

If you read any of this blog last season (and hats off to you if you did), you probably became vaguely aware that I was disenchanted with the defensive play. It was summarily dogshit. If the guys want to do anything resembling a national title run, it will have to start with major improvement on the defensive side of things. I have to think Mike Stoops' leash got notably shorter now that big brother has gone off into the sunset. Maybe this will get him going and turn the defense around. There wasn't much to like last year, but Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was one who steadily improved throughout the season. I like him to have a very nice afternoon vs the Miners.

Score

I'm unusually optimistic in this one. I think there will be kinks to work out, but I think the Sooners come out fired up in this tune-up for Ohio State. UTEP will hang around for a bit, but OU pulls away at the end of the first half and wins it going away 59-10. Let's hope this is the beginning of a new era that proves as fruitful as the last new beginning did.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.

The Oklahoma Sooners versus the Auburn Tigers in the Allstate Sugar Bowl

The Sooners opened the 2016 campaign with an egregious loss to Houston. At the time, Sooner fans joked they wouldn't have to be emotionally invested the rest of the season. It turns out they were right.  Playoff hopes were already on life support. One more loss would seal the deal. Such is life in college football. Two weeks later and Ohio State came to Norman and throttled the Sooners. The door was truly closed and deservedly so.

The Sooners still controlled their own destiny to an extent. The Big 12 was wide open. The Sooners, having started 1-2, rattled off nine straight, finishing undefeated in the Big 12 and headed for a "New Year's Eve Six" bowl game. There were brief, deluded hopes by some that the Sooners might be able to back door their way into the playoffs but mercifully it did not come to pass. An historic offense has barely managed to overshadow a pretty rancid defense. For reference, Clemson has the lowest rated defense in the Playoffs at 15 in the country. The Sooners are at 87.

I've had a month to warm up to this ballgame. Can you be that excited about another essentially wasted season? 10 wins, a Big 12 Championship and on the outside looking in come playoff time? Am I spoiled rotten? Is it disappointment for the season or anxiety about getting pasted on national television?

I think it's the latter. After a month of bowl games the oft dismissed Big 12 has held its own. The SEC is showing it's top heavy. There is some conference pride riding on this. This is a big game now that the day has come. And, oh boy, I can feel it coming. I'm not excited about the inevitable SEC coronation should Bama win another championship and Auburn win a Big Six game while the Big 12 shows their best simply isn't good enough. Damn it the Sooners need this and Clemson needs to win next week.

OFFENSE

The Sooners have faced two defenses the same caliber as Auburn's. Ohio State and Houston. Auspicious as that sounds, I would argue that the Sooner offensive juggernaut had not been fully unleashed by week three. There were times early in the season where it seemed Lincoln Riley was still trying to figure out what he had and was trying to force the ball into the hands of who he rightfully believed was his biggest weapon, Samaje Perine. But Perine was not himself really until around Texas or so. The offensive line was in major flux due to injury and overall youth. Dede Westbrook had done very little.

The Sooners have now rounded into full beast mode. The Big Three of Baker Mayfield, Semaje Perine and Joe Mixon has turned into the Big Four with Secretary Dede Westbrook. Even the supporting cast has stepped up. Dimitri Flowers is a weapon in both the running and passing game. Geno Lewis, Joe Mixon and some combination of Nick Basquine/Jeffrey Mead/AD Miller can make it tough on defenses to help with Dede. Auburn have their hands full.

For my OPOG I'm going with Baker Mayfield. The Sooners success depends on his ability to stay on the field. He greases all the skids so to speak. He might not be the MVP of the game (I think that will be Joe Mixon) but it will take all his skill for the Sooners to score enough against this Auburn D to have a shot (read: overcome the Sooner defensive shortcomings).

DEFENSE

This defense has shown some steady improvement over the last month or so. Shutting down Baylor, OSU and West Virginia back-to-back-back is no joke. Still, it's the worst defense of the Bob Stoops era, right?

The good news for Sooner fans is that Auburn is the ideal matchup for this defense, if such a thing exists.

The Auburn passing attack is on a par with Kansas State. If the Sooner secondary can lock it down without having to blitz the Linebackers I think they're golden. I'm worried about getting gashed right down the middle of the field though.

I think the conventional wisdom would be to try to shut down the Auburn running attack and force them to pass. I'm no X's and O's guru but I would do the reverse. Neutralize the passing attack and key on the run. Make it strength versus strength and see how much pride the Sooners have.

I've picked Jordan Evans for my DPOG for about six straight games and I'm trying hard to talk myself out of it. But I won't. He's the best player on D. He'll be key in stopping both the run and the pass.

THE SCORE

I'm not real impressed with Auburn in general (Being the K-State of the SEC is not a favorable comparison) and the SEC's performance in bowls to this point doesn't leave me shaking in my boots. Their best win was against Arkansas. Their D gave up 30 to Alabama and while the Sooners are not Alabama by any stretch, I do believe if there is any comparison it's on offense and offensive game planning. I do think the Auburn D will have some success though.

Again, as ever this season, it's all about the Sooner defense. Can the Sooners keep a team that apparently doesn't make a lot of big plays from making big plays? Can they physically match up with the Auburn front line and running attack?

I don't expect a shootout in the Big 12 high scoring sense but I am keeping the Depends on standby and flexing my sphincter throughout the day in preparation for a close one. I imagine Auburn holds the Sooners to less than their scoring average and the Sooners give up what Auburn normally takes.

Sooners 31, Auburn 30

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner.