Oklahoma Sooners versus West Virginia Mountaineers

Last week against Nebraska the defense proved its mettle and it was the offense that had fans pacing the floor. I'm pretty sure it was a top 3 prediction failure for yours truly. I predicted the Sooners would put up 63 and watched as Nebraska played a ball control game while Spencer Rattler looked like he was playing a playground game (in the poor decision making, fuck around sort of way. It was near worst case scenario as the Huskers played way above the heads while, fortunately from the Sooners, making more self inflicting errors than the Sooners).  The Sooners scored 23 and won 23-16.

 West Virginny comes to Norman today to take on the undefeated Sooners. The Mountaineers are fresh off an upset of Virginia Tech. Nebraska wound up being a good test. The Mountaineers absolutely are.

OFFENSE

It's hard to explain Spencer Rattler but it's almost as if his decision making is based off what throw he wants to make instead of just making the right throw on a given play. As if taking what is given to him is too boring. He needs to do everything with flair.

Pretending this to actually be the case, he needs to learn that by playing the system that he will drastically improve his value as a quarterback by taking the throws that are there as often as possible rather than constantly trying to do something gaudy. Hopefully there is enough on film at this point to be able to point out these obvious easier throws. He needs to bore the hell out of himself and make some smart throws today. I mean, I bet he could put a scare in the 80% completion percentage mark if he'd participate in my plan. He should be able to make easy throws that make the offense look like a 7 on 7 drill.

He's my OPOG because I really do want to see him show a command of the offense. 

DEFENSE

Statistically, this defense is everything we could hope for. There are areas that they can improve, sure, like tackling, but defenders (even and especially Pat Fields) seem to be in the right place to make a play more often than not. It could be that I'm high but I don't recall a completely busted defensive play to  date that resulted in a long touchdown. 

West Virginny seems to rely a lot on their run game. The Sooners have been very good at stopping the run. That's the difference today and so I'm going Perrion Winfrey for my DPOG. He's a beast and can ruin some running plans for sure if he balls out. Fumbles seem to be our jam, too, so let's have a portion or three of that. 

Also, I think there are a few guys who were banged up last week who will be back this week. Billy Bowman chief among them. That will help.

THE SCORE

This matchup is probably second on my list of Big 12 games that I'll miss when the Sooners move to the SEC. The states of Oklahoma and West Virginia are constantly battling for rating 49th or 50th (or 1st or 2nd) depending on the  statistic. There are few states we can say, "At least we don't live there" so I think there's some pride on the line in this one. 

Today, the Sooners get back above 40 on offense and the defense plays well enough to carry it under the lights, in PRIMETIME. I'm going Sooners 42, Mountaineers 24.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic - Oklahoma Sooners vs. Florida Gators

Goodyear Cotton Bowl? More like Badyear Coughing Bowl because of Covid, amirite? Enough jokes. We have a quality matchup of blueblood programs today in Dallas. The Sooners, as has become their stock in trade, have shrugged off inexplicable in-season losses and back doored their way into a New Years Day Six Bowl. The Gators are looking to re-establish their place amongst college football's elite. The Sooners can make a major statement with their defense, effectively putting the college football world on notice for next year. The Gators can make a statement by, well, beating the Sooners. Each team has much to prove. 

OFFENSE

I don't know shit about Florida football and I have zero interest in learning more than I have to. Here's what I do know. In general, the SEC takes pride in its big, fast, physical defenses. From what little I know of Dan Mullen, he seems to fit that mold. He kind of reminds me of Tom Herman for some reason. Anyway, I'm spinning this yarn to say I would think the Gators would like to bully and push around Spencer Rattler and his wide receivers. The Sooners offense, with the notable exception of Rhamondre Stevenson, seem to be finesse type players.

For instance, you won't see Rattler lowering his shoulder on his way out of bounds and then hopping up and woofing like Baker Damn Mayfield would. But I can damn sure see Florida woofing and trying to bully Rattler. They'd probably be happy with an early late hit on SR.

So can the Sooners take the punch, keep their poise and deliver some haymakers of their own? Yes of course through my crimson colored glasses I can see the way.  

Quick aside: Do we think Rhamondre was okay physically against Iowa State? I mean, some runs he seemed very slow in attacking the line. Was he trying to be Le'Veon Bell or was he unable to accelerate? it's important because he's key. He did have almost 100 yards and averaged 5.4 per so I'm inclined to think he's ok. 

Beyond, Rhamondre, it is crucial for the O-Line to have their best game of the year. If Spencer has time to throw it's game over. You know he can make All The Throws and if he meets with some early success it's swagger time. I'm taking SR for my OPOG. 

DEFENSE

It is reported that Florida is very heavily tilted towards the passing game. Well, whoopty friggin do is what any self-respecting defense in the Big 12 should say. But the Sooners are only becoming self respecting so they best not slip. 

I feel comfortable that they will have a good game plan. I see nothing that would indicate that they won't play hard. They are who they are at this point. 

Is Kyle Trask the best qb this defense will see all year? Is he better than Sam Ehlinger or Brock Purdy? The answer to both would seem to be yes. (Editors note: He's a Heisman finalist, stupid) That said, can the Sooners force him to make some mistakes and how will they do that without Trey Brown?

It is helpful that the Gators are without Trask's favorite receiver. That will somewhat offset the loss of Brown. The Sooners need to make Trask uncomfortable and hopefully he can't run. His career rushing average of .4 ypc would indicate he is not much of a dual threat. 

That seems like a big advantage. For my DPOG I'm going Perrion Winfrey. He's missed on a lot of backfield tackles lately but has been absolutely hounding QB's. I feel like he gets them today and generally makes life miserable for Trask.

THE SCORE

I think this will be another grinder. Good news is the Sooners are accustomed to it. I'm taking the Sooners here in their home away from home 35-28.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner.