Oklahoma Sooners versus Texas Tech Red Raiders

 Good afternoon Sooner fans it's a glorious day in Oklahoma. A fine afternoon for a football game. Today our 8-0 Oklahoma Sooners take on the Red Raiders in what on most days might be considered a trap game. Fortunately or no, the Sooners had their trap game last week against Kansas. It was a butt puckering affair that required Caleb Williams to invent a new football play on a 4th down conversion to pull the Sooner asses out of the proverbial fire. 

It's hard to polish a turd that wet but I'm here for it. It's good the Sooners got tested and who cares what it did to them in the rankings. They are still in the drivers seat. Now they have a home game against a team with a brand new coach, then a bye, then they run the gauntlet. It's all out there for the taking. If you break the season up into parts this might be the third act. The Sooners have two weeks to start playing their best ball and then it's six games to glory.

Let's get it going today.

OFFENSE

It's Caleb Williams world and we're just living in it. If I can pick some knits I'd like to see him distribute the ball a little more but it's tough to argue his going to where he's comfortable early and often to Jaden Haselwood. Frankly, he could probably run a smidge more too although the threat of his running is probably enough to keep linebackers in place. 

Today I look for lots of short passes with big plays by receivers. I like Haselwood to have another big day.

DEFENSE

Good Lord, these guys. They have to get their shit together and today everything is set up on a platter for them. They have the home crowd, a terrible team, a new coach and they should have a Quasimodo sized chip on their shoulder. 

So help me if they can't get off the field. They all need to answer the bell. It's exasperating as hell. I'm not picking anyone this week although I like the spirit that Key Lawrence plays with. 

THE SCORE

This damn well better be a total ass beat. If the Sooners can't come out crisp and fired up on both sides of the ball then you really will have to doubt this is the year and this is the team. I'm serious. Today is a fresh start and lots of people have something to prove a play for. 

I'm going Sooners 28, Red Raiders 7 and it better not be that close.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

Tech

Last Saturday, in the midst of a complete abortion of a first half against KU, I remarked to a friend that this Sooners team is incredibly hard root for. I love 8-0, but man has it been a headache getting there. Tulane is 1-6, KU is 1-6 and the rest are slew of mediocre teams. What do they all have in common? They've all pushed the Sooners to a 4 quarter effort and narrowly lost. Aside from Western Carolina, OU has been absolutely mediocre in doing just enough to win each game, but not nearly enough to put anyone away until the final whistle. It's brutal. If it continues, the chances of OU lucking out close win after close win to run the table are almost nil. The schedule gets tougher going forward, and by that I mean they're playing teams with winning records, starting today with Texas Tech. Who, while in disarray, still must be salivating at the opportunity to play against the tire fire that is the OU defense. 

Offense

The road to greatest freshman QB in OU history took a slight turn last Saturday with Williams looking decidedly average in a first half in which the Sooners failed to score. No one was calling for Spencer Rattler, nor should they be, but with the defense OU has, there aren't many teams that they can afford to lay an egg for a half against. While I love CW still (that strip of Brooks for a first down will go down as the stuff of legend in OU history), I think the key to this offense is getting Kennedy Brooks rolling early. I like the Sooners to regroup and pound the ball on the ground today. Brooks is my OPG.

Defense

Aside from the Western Carolina game, this defense has positively elite at allowing other teams to stay on the field and in turn, in games. Last year felt like steady progress throughout the season up to the last game where OU had, dare I say, a competent D. Unfortunately the Sooners don't really seem to be getting any better. The things they are bad at warrant an entire book, so forget about trying to do it in one paragraph. Alas, I will try to remain optimistic, but we are nearing the point where I stop picking anyone. I'm going to pick Isaiah Thomas today in hopes that he makes life miserable for the new starting QB for Tech.

Score

Tech comes in amid some turmoil. It's Sonny Cumbie's first game as HC and he has a new QB under center (I think, I'm too lazy to check). This should be a ripe opportunity for the OU D to "get right". But if there is anything I'm sure of, it's that they will not be able to get off of the field on 3rd down and this one will be (sigh) much closer than it should be. The Sooners are favored by 19, I don't think they cover, but they keep the win train rolling. Sooners win 38-30.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

Kansas

Going in to last Saturday I felt there was little question that Caleb Williams would be starting. It was the worst kept secret in Norman when Lincoln Riley attempted something akin to a poker face when he decided not to announce his starter. But after the polarized performances in the Red River, how could anyone in their right mind not continue with Williams? Still, I had some fear (as I always do) that when the pressure and time to think that comes with knowing you will be "the guy" set in on CW that he might not look the part as he did when expectations were zero. Suffice to say, that fear was quelled in the most delightful way with a dominant performance where TD passes (four) nearly matched the number of incompletions (five). I was discussing with a friend last night, and both of us were marveling at how much better Williams decision making is with so much less time in the system. Dude is unbelievable. It's nice to have KU now as a less nerve-wracking game to hopefully clean up the defense going into the rest of the season.

Offense

I was hesitant to pick CW last week. Partly because of what I mentioned earlier, but also because I'm a moron and was afraid of a jinx. I'm not going to be "smart" this week and think too much. It's Williams for me today. I think he goes inside, outside, over and around an overmatched KU squad. It should be a lot of fun.

Defense

It's a real accomplishment that what the defense did last week could be framed as an improvement. Volumes are spoken by the fact that a couple of three and outs and a fourth down stop qualify as a successful outing by a team that gave up 31 points to a decidedly mediocre TCU team. But, I'll take victories where they come. Let's all hope that this is a stepping stone and KU presents another one. If the defense can continue to improve (and it will have to in order to reach the playoff) this team could be very fun before it's over. DPG? I don't really know honestly. I'll guess Perrion Winfrey for no particular reason. 

Score

The line is 38.5 for the Sooners today. That's a shitload of points and I have to think if Rattler were starting that's at least 10 points lower. I like the Sooners big, but KU to cover. OU wins it 45-7 on a day that the defense looks just a little better than last week. Let's keep it rolling. 

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners versus Kansas Jayhawks

 Well, Sooner fans, are you not entertained? Caleb Williams looks like the cross pollination of Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray. I asked my dad if CW should start against Kansas and, after some discussion, he said, "No wonder Spencer was off. He had to be looking over his shoulder."

Kirk Herbstreit was asking for Wet Naps on national television and it was not because he finished his nachos. No, Caleb Williams is that good.

Talk of Spencer Rattler transferring is click bait idiocy though. Spencer Rattler would be a fool to do anything other than put on a headset and absorb as much as possible the remainder of the year. First, he's one play away from coming back in and a championship is at stake. Second, leaving town double post haste because you got outplayed at your spot is unbecoming of a top draft pick. And he's still young. The 2nd best QB at OU last year is leading the nation in passing TD's this year at SMU. He should ask Jalen Hurts how sticking around for a season and then weighing options worked out. 

On to hapless Kansas. There are a few things that have to happen this week. First, everyone stay healthy. Second, Get Caleb Williams somehow more comfortable. Third, continue to let the defense settle in now that the cavalry has arrived. 

OFFENSE

I'm not Adam Schefter but I've watched my fair share of good quarterbacks over the years and what we witnessed in Caleb Williams last week was one of the best QB performances I've ever seen. I've never seen an OU QB look like he's playing chess versus checkers the way I saw. Not a single throw was into double coverage. Almost every incompletion was a dropped touchdown or a pass interference that prevented a touchdown. 

Fuckin-A CW is my OPOG until he decides someone else should carry them. 

DEFENSE

TCU made some plays and the OU offense was brilliant but there's yet more work to do over here. Maybe Woodi Washington and Pat Field and Delarrin Turner-Yell being out make a drastic difference. This week offers a chance to reset the calculus a little bit. Kansas is good at nothing and needs to  remain so. 

The Sooners need to stay healthy and build some depth. Guys like Key Lawrence and Latrell McCutchen need to step up. 

I'm stumped who to pick here. I surveyed the roster and the name Reggie Grimes sticks out. I'm a regular Nostradamus.

THE SCORE

Kansas is a fucking weird place and I hope that means some goofy penalties and maybe a 5th down. I don't want to see injuries or God forbid a struggle. The Sooners TCB bigly.

OU 56 Kansas 10

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners versus Texas Christian Horned Frogs

How about that 21 point come from behind victory against the reviled Longhorns, Sooner fans? And how about that Caleb Williams? Should he start? 

• The Sooners had 500 yards and scored every time he touched the ball when he was in the game.
• The Sooners are trying to win games not please parents.
• What message does it send to the rest of the team if you start Spencer Rattler?
• Rattler was benched for his play, not for an injury.

In short, I'll be shocked if Williams doesn't start. He earned the time the same as any other position. The Sooners are at home and prohibitive favorites. If he's ineffective you bench him. For now, today, he has beat out Rattler. I would be stunned if he doesn't get the call. The offense has not been firing under all cylinders with Rattler thus far. We got a taste with Caleb Williams. Sooner Nation is dying to see how the Cadillac drives. 

OFFENSE

I would love to pick Kennedy Brooks for my OPOG today but loyal readers already know where this column is headed. Brooks has landed on my just announced All Underrated  Running Back Team. He joins Demarco Murray and Samaje Perine in this century and Greg Pruitt from last. Brooks performance against Texas was so strong and he continues to get no love.

Appropriately, we're riding the Caleb Williams train today. The guy has an extra level and electricity that comes through the television. When he trots on the field today the crowd is going to lose their shit. This dude has it.

He's my OPOG and it's job until he loses it. I love how he stuck in the pocket, commanded the offense and made confident throws. He's got this.

DEFENSE

As per usual I have no idea what TCU brings on offense. I'm guessing an average QB who will play solid but throw at least one really dumb INT. They'll have a running back who is solid between the tackles but won't get to 100. I bet they have one really good wide receiver who will expose Jaden Davis or Latrell McCutchen. 

Today I expect a defense that has consistently done "just enough to win" to be their usual selves but they'll shine because the Sooner offense will look more like its expected self. 

For my DPOG I'm going Shane Whitter. He caught my eye last week. Maybe I should rename this award to the Hot Hand on D because that's how I roll. 

THE SCORE

I like the Sooners big on what otherwise might be a letdown alert for a few reasons. First, Caleb Williams starting. Second, homecoming. Third, at night. Iowa is losing at home as I write this. Anything can happen any week. But with factors in play that give the Sooners an extra edge there is no letdown today.

Sooners big. OU 49, Horned Frogs 17.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner.

TCU

The fighting Gary Pattersons make their way up to Norman today for a showdown with our beloved Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners come in to this one fresh off of the most improbable victory that I can remember. A victory that prompted me to ride a bipolar roller coaster of emotions that included turning the game off after the first quarter, taking the OU flag down off of my house and then fielding a (very rare) phone call from my nephew imploring me to turn the game back on and finally me witnessing the bliss of Kennedy Brooks putting a stamp on the epic comeback.  It was Sooner Magic in vintage form and I can't get enough. Oh and Caleb Williams appears to be the anti-Rattler. That is to say, stepping up in the face of pressure and taking over the game. It was a beautiful thing to watch and I can't imagine that we go back to Rattler at this point. TCU is always a tough game, and there is strong letdown potential after last week. I think the Sooners are in for another close game.

Offense

I'm so excited for the Caleb Williams era. Dude was an absolute monster last week coming off of the bench. But, what a precipitous fall for Spencer Rattler! Basically he was the consensus favorite for the Heisman and presumptive first overall draft pick in next year's draft. Now? Presumably benched for a true freshman wunderkind. I can't think of a precedent for this, and if there is, they are few and far between. I hope Caleb Williams is lead-pipe-lock for OPG for the remainder of his Sooners career. But, I think this game is close and I think the Sooners lean on Kennedy Brooks again this week. He's my OPG with another huge effort.

Defense

As fun as the game was last week, the Sooner D looked pretty shitty last week. That said Nik Bonitto was again big in the Red River Shootout. I think he's the guy again today as it's becoming painfully, sadly, difficult to come up with other options.

Score

The Sooners are favored by 13.5 in this one. Coming off of last weeks miracle and coupled with an always sound TCU squad, I can't see the Sooners covering. I think the D looks shaky again and TCU keeps it close. But, I think the Sooners find a way yet again and win this at home 31-27.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners versus texas Longhorns

Fuck texas

The 5-0, still undefeated Oklahoma Sooners take on the abysmal and off-putting texas Longhorns in the Red River Showdown today at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas Texas. The Sooners are the ugliest 5-0 team in recent memory. But they find ways to win and must do so again today against a texas squad who, if nothing else, will attempt to run the ball down the Sooners throats all day.

OFFENSE

Spencer Rattler showed flashes of brilliance last week against K-State by putting up some gaudy completion numbers. If the offensive line can hold up today I look for him to be solid yet again. By solid I mean #52 redshirt senior Tyrese Robinson needs to pull his head out of his ass. He more or less had a penalty flag stuck in his ass crack all last week.

If the line can hold then perhaps the Sooners can establish a running game. Pundits seem to think this is the missing link to the Sooners being dynamic on offense. 

In this game I always like to pick someone lesser known to step up. Today I'm going with Brayden Willis. He was targeted a few times last week and is a big target that makes for a good safety blanket. 

But the key today is that line and their ability to be aggressive and not commit dumb penalties.

DEFENSE

The texas quarterback seems to be shaky as hell. That's good news. The bad is that shakiness is overcome by brick shithouse running back Bijan Robinson. Obviously the Sooners need to stop him first, second and third. This will stress the db's because you know the Longhorns will try to go over the top.

The Sooners will have to get an INT or two to assure victory methinks. 

Also, the Sooners need to be better at getting off the field. Last week was a mess in the respect. It reminded me of a youth baseball pitcher who perpetually gets to a 3-2 count only to walk the batter. The Sooners need to be better at the point of attack and it will difficult to win that battle against Robinson today if the initial tackler can't at least slow him down while others come to help.

Today I'll go with Nik Bonitto simply because on this side of the ball I have to go with our best on a big day. 

THE SCORE

This is one of the few games you don't have to worry about the Sooners being as excited to play as the other team. If they bring that expected intensity and focus to this one it should be a long day for the Horns. They just have more holes on both sides of the ball than do the Sooners. But the Sooners have shown they can play down to any level necessary to make for a close game. 

I pray that Tyrese Robinson has been removed from the line and that Spencer Rattler enjoys the throwing lanes he had last week. That will be the difference.

Sooners 31 Texas 24

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

texas

 We are back for another edition of the Red River Rivalry, and back with full attendance this year. Which, should result in a pretty raucous crowd I would think. OU has been very consistent this season in that they've been underwhelming. Seemingly, they're content to keep every game within one score. If that trend holds true, I think today will be a loss. This is always a tough, throw-the-records out rivalry contest and I think the edge goes to the underdog for that reason. OU needs to combine a good day on offense and a good day on defense for the first time this year. If they can't get it together in this one, then they truly have no business being ranked in the top 10. 

Offense

My inclination is to go with Kennedy Brooks here. Dude is an absolute monster and he's been the most consistent guy on an otherwise woefully inconsistent team. Spencer Rattler is the antithesis of consistent. He makes so many dumb dick throws that I never really feel comfortable with him. Let's not forget he got benched in this one last year. It was clearly a turning point in his season, but unfortunately that solid play has not carried over. I think he makes some dumb plays today, and I can't pick him for that reason. However, I think he does get the ball to Marvin Mims often today, and I think Mims makes the most of it. I like MM for my OPG. 

Defense

Mirroring the team as a whole, the defense has been all over the place. At times, looking very tough, and then looking like a collective piece of wet toilet paper. In turn, the guys stepping up has been varied as well. For the first time in a long time there are actually a few guys to like on this defense, 11th year senior Pat Fields not withstanding. I'm going with the guy that has really stepped up in this game previously, Nik Bonitto. 

Score

I can't see this being a blowout. While texas has a loss, they're always highly talented and that doesn't really even matter in this one, it's nearly always close. I have a predictable bad feeling today, but I'm going with my hope of hopes. I think the Sooners do just enough to win, but not cover (OU -3.5). Sooners eke it out again, 21-20.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Kansas State Wildcats

 Happy college football Saturday, friends. The Sooners are taking on Kansas State in Manhattan and, oh boy, am I puckered up for it. The Sooners are 4-0 and have done quite literally just enough to win the last two weeks. Now they find themselves playing on the road for the first time against an always game Wildcat squad. In sports, the past is not always prologue but today we've got what look to be two fairly matched teams, especially on defense. It will come down to who is toughest. The Sooners have proven to be tough enough so far. Can they do it again today?

OFFENSE

Well, Spencer Rattler has taken much heat both in this space and from his own home fanbase. It turns out that maybe the offensive line is a little shitty. The Sooners inability to run the ball is costing them dearly. Today we need to find out if the offensive line can improve and if Lincoln Riley can draw something up to carve out some semblance of a run threat. I still cannot for the life of me understand why Kennedy Brooks is not getting more touches. My peanut sized football mind can't figure it out.

All this talk about the line and the run game and yet what the Sooners will especially need today are some big plays which have also been notably absent. Marvin Mims needs to bust out and apparently he has been moved back into more of a slot position. Jaden Haselwood has been good too. But where is the space and separation? Where are the easy throws. I am, again, much vexed.

For my OPOG I guess I'll go with Michael Woods II. He gets a lot of targets and seems to make the most of them. I can't believe I'm guessing on offense but here we are. 

DEFENSE

A quick look at Kansas State statistically would indicate that they like to run the ball a lot and might use multiple QB's. Once again, holding the opponent to 21 should be enough and would be beyond enough in recent years. 

The Sooners need more than that today. Again, no big plays. This Deuce Vaughn (RB, KState) needs to graduate because he's a major pain in the ass. If the Sooners can shut him down maybe they can get a pick or two on some obvious passing downs.

For my DPOG today I'm taking a page of Nate's playbook and going Delarrin Turner-Yell. He was all over the field last week and hopefully can wreak some havoc this week.

THE SCORE

Oh baby I'm nervous. I just don't see the offense busting out so the defense just needs to keep things close and count on Rattler et al to gut it out. Thankfully we have the nations best field goal kicker who is liable to get 4 scores today. That still may not be enough.

Sooners 27, Wildcats 21

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner.