The undefeated Sooners stroll into the Little Apple this Saturday to face a Wildcats team I know nothing about. It looks like they play a style of football hell bent on setting football back 25 years. I'm assuming they will look and act like a homeless version of Texas.
OFFENSE
If, in fact, this is a take 2 of a homeless man's Texas then the formula is pretty simple. Don't turn the ball over. If K-State's offense wants to hang on to the ball then the Sooners need to maximize their opportunities. Obviously this all depends on Jalen Hurts. Hurts boners against the Longhorns kept the game too close for comfort. K-State doesn't need to be led to believe they can hang.
I look for lots of running from the Sooners. There's been a lot of rumbling/grumbling about Trey Sermon's lack of carries but the simple fact is Kennedy Brooks is the best running back in the Sooners stable right now. The dude glides. Also, Hurts is more than eager to call his own number. Regrettably, what's left is table scraps.
Anywho, I'm going with Charlston Rambo this week because the Sooners will pass and K-State should probably try to make someone besides CeeDee Lamb beat them. We'll see how that goes.
DEFENSE
Supposedly K-State leans heavily on their running attack. This has country music super duo Kenneth Michael Murray and Ronnie Perkins licking their chops. The gang tackling continues this week with the same quality results.
Thus concludes my understanding of the K-State attack. They have a new coach and I have yet to watch them play.
For my DPOG I'll go with another wild card: Delarrin Turner-Yell. He's starting to fly all over the field. I think he helps the cause in a great way.
THE SCORE
Well, I think the Sooners keep from turning the ball over and the ball control offense that K-State hopes to deploy doesn't really work. In short, it's crimson-colored glasses all day, baby!
I like the Sooners 35-14
Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner!
Showing posts with label Trey Sermon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trey Sermon. Show all posts
Friday, October 25, 2019
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Oklahoma vs. Kansas
Sorry for the stinkfest 3000 last weekend, fans and loyal readers. In all the hundreds of posts here I've never lost my work until last week. Trust me, I nailed it. My best work and all for naught. I now try to make it up to you.
The Sooners (4-0, 1-0) head to Lawrence to take on the (checks notes) hapless Kansas Jayhawks. Les Miles is back and I'm glad for him and his inability to correctly size a hat.
OFFENSE
Here's something I came up with last week but it got lost in the ether. How lethal would it be if the Sooners ran some old school triple option with Jalen Hurts, Trey Sermon, Kennedy Brooks and even some Jeremiah Hall mixed in? Deadly. You won't see it this week for sure, and possible not at all, but the idea of unleashing it against Texas has me giddy.
First things first and this week it's more of same because Kansas is a turd. I'm picking Jalen because he's playing out of his gourd. Any one is poised for a breakout in a given week and you could throw darts (in a great way) with picking an OPOG but it starts with him.
On that note, this feels like a Trey Sermon bust out. So mark that down.
DEFENSE
We've found Gasrag McGee and his name is Patrick Fields. Alex Grinch said in the preseason that there was a lack of competition at Safety and that Fields and Delarrin Turner-Yell had locked down the spots. In a crimson colored universe this was taken by me to mean they were so clearly ahead that the position was in good hands. Fast forward and Grinch has recruited 5 star wide receiver Trejan Bridges to move over to safety to try and shore up what is proving to be the weak link on D.
Fields sticks out on tape like a sore thumb in this revamped defense. Every time look up he's somewhere trailing the play and taking a bad angle. The good news is that he's the only one who I notice consistently.
Please don't confuse this rant with displeasure for the defense overall. It is night and day so far from the previous three plus years.
Today depends on stopping the run game. Last year the Pookah Williams ran for 250 yards. It's stops today with my DPOG Neville Gallimore wreaking havoc up front. Gallimore has been awesome so far this season.
THE SCORE
This one lacks a lot of intrigue. I'm not buying the Les Miles knows how to shock the Sooners narrative. The spread is 32 and that seems low.
Sooners 63 Jayhawks 14
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner
The Sooners (4-0, 1-0) head to Lawrence to take on the (checks notes) hapless Kansas Jayhawks. Les Miles is back and I'm glad for him and his inability to correctly size a hat.
OFFENSE
Here's something I came up with last week but it got lost in the ether. How lethal would it be if the Sooners ran some old school triple option with Jalen Hurts, Trey Sermon, Kennedy Brooks and even some Jeremiah Hall mixed in? Deadly. You won't see it this week for sure, and possible not at all, but the idea of unleashing it against Texas has me giddy.
First things first and this week it's more of same because Kansas is a turd. I'm picking Jalen because he's playing out of his gourd. Any one is poised for a breakout in a given week and you could throw darts (in a great way) with picking an OPOG but it starts with him.
On that note, this feels like a Trey Sermon bust out. So mark that down.
DEFENSE
We've found Gasrag McGee and his name is Patrick Fields. Alex Grinch said in the preseason that there was a lack of competition at Safety and that Fields and Delarrin Turner-Yell had locked down the spots. In a crimson colored universe this was taken by me to mean they were so clearly ahead that the position was in good hands. Fast forward and Grinch has recruited 5 star wide receiver Trejan Bridges to move over to safety to try and shore up what is proving to be the weak link on D.
Fields sticks out on tape like a sore thumb in this revamped defense. Every time look up he's somewhere trailing the play and taking a bad angle. The good news is that he's the only one who I notice consistently.
Please don't confuse this rant with displeasure for the defense overall. It is night and day so far from the previous three plus years.
Today depends on stopping the run game. Last year the Pookah Williams ran for 250 yards. It's stops today with my DPOG Neville Gallimore wreaking havoc up front. Gallimore has been awesome so far this season.
THE SCORE
This one lacks a lot of intrigue. I'm not buying the Les Miles knows how to shock the Sooners narrative. The spread is 32 and that seems low.
Sooners 63 Jayhawks 14
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Alabama
The College Football Playoff commences today with our beloved Sooners facing the mighty Crimson Tide from Alabama in the second of two huge games. This marks the third time OU has been to the College Playoffs and the second consecutive year in it. Alas, the next win in this setting for the Sooners will be their first. Going into this game last year, I felt OU had a decent chance of winning. Sure Georgia was tough, but OU had proved their mettle, in spite of a bad defense, with a road win at Ohio State. This year the defense is worse--much worse--and with no real banner wins, my confidence level is near zero.
If you own a TV, or have a reasonable idea of what a TV is, you've probably heard that Alabama is good. As usual, they have a defense that is loaded with NFL prospects and first-round draft picks. They are huge and athletic and fast and mean and can actually fly in short, 15- 20-yard increments. One of their linebackers is in actuality a minotaur that lives on the blood unborn sheep and can bench press 3500 pounds. So yeah, they're imposing. What stands out however, is not the mythical half man/half bull they signed out of rural New Mexico, it's that they have an offense that can score. Not only can they score, they're actually really good at it. So good in fact that their starters hardly played at all in the 4th quarter this season. I present the Sooners first 13 games as exhibits A-M in my case for OU as worst defense of all time. This is not a good matchup.
Optimism? Fear not, I'm sure Mitch will be your divining rod for optimism in the Sahara of this game. I, however, will do my best. Saban has historically had trouble defending an offense like OU. Alabama generally does well against NFL-style offenses found in the SEC. Improvising quarterbacks, and speed based offenses that spread the field and attack are a Big 12 novelty, and not easy to defend. OU is very good at doing these things, and with a stout offensive line, they might actually be able to move the ball and put up some points, minotaur be damned. The other side of the ball? Well, I don't want to ruin the ending for you.
Offense
Last year, you may remember, OU came out very strong and looked all but unstoppable against a good Georgia defense. Then Lincoln Riley showed his youth and inexperience by getting cute and moving away from the bludgeoning run game that had been so effective in the first half. It's not likely that scenario plays out again, but in the event something is working well, let's hope the Sooners stick with it. I think Kyler Murray winning the Heisman was cool, but what Alabama didn't need was material for their bulletin board. With that in mind, I think the Tide is going to be frothing over the chance to crush Kyler. I think Trey Sermon is the Sooners answer. Make no mistake, Murray has to be great, maybe transcendent for OU to have a chance, but I think OU rides Sermon behind a good offensive line.
Defense
Alabama has, for once, a good offense, maybe even a great offense. The Sooners defense is unbelievably bad. I think I'll be surprised if Alabama punts before half time. Oh how I hope I'm wrong. I think the Sooners best chance is to make Alabama sustain drives, and hope for a few lucky bounces with turnovers, dropped passes etc. The fact that this is what I'm hoping will happen is really not good. I will pick Curtis Bolton today simply for the fact that he is often the most fired-up guy. Here's hoping he lays a few big hits and disrupts their offense a bit.
Score
One thing I like about the build-up to this game is that nobody, and I mean nobody, thinks the Sooners have a realistic chance of winning. That's a potent motivator, and I hope Riley and his staff are reminding the team of that often. OU will need to play not only its best game of the season, it will have to be damn near perfect in all phases (no gimme field goals allowed on special teams right before half time, please). I'm fired up to watch this game, and I'm hoping OU comes out and stuns everyone from the get-go, but I just can't do it, Alabama wins it 49-38.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
If you own a TV, or have a reasonable idea of what a TV is, you've probably heard that Alabama is good. As usual, they have a defense that is loaded with NFL prospects and first-round draft picks. They are huge and athletic and fast and mean and can actually fly in short, 15- 20-yard increments. One of their linebackers is in actuality a minotaur that lives on the blood unborn sheep and can bench press 3500 pounds. So yeah, they're imposing. What stands out however, is not the mythical half man/half bull they signed out of rural New Mexico, it's that they have an offense that can score. Not only can they score, they're actually really good at it. So good in fact that their starters hardly played at all in the 4th quarter this season. I present the Sooners first 13 games as exhibits A-M in my case for OU as worst defense of all time. This is not a good matchup.
Optimism? Fear not, I'm sure Mitch will be your divining rod for optimism in the Sahara of this game. I, however, will do my best. Saban has historically had trouble defending an offense like OU. Alabama generally does well against NFL-style offenses found in the SEC. Improvising quarterbacks, and speed based offenses that spread the field and attack are a Big 12 novelty, and not easy to defend. OU is very good at doing these things, and with a stout offensive line, they might actually be able to move the ball and put up some points, minotaur be damned. The other side of the ball? Well, I don't want to ruin the ending for you.
Offense
Last year, you may remember, OU came out very strong and looked all but unstoppable against a good Georgia defense. Then Lincoln Riley showed his youth and inexperience by getting cute and moving away from the bludgeoning run game that had been so effective in the first half. It's not likely that scenario plays out again, but in the event something is working well, let's hope the Sooners stick with it. I think Kyler Murray winning the Heisman was cool, but what Alabama didn't need was material for their bulletin board. With that in mind, I think the Tide is going to be frothing over the chance to crush Kyler. I think Trey Sermon is the Sooners answer. Make no mistake, Murray has to be great, maybe transcendent for OU to have a chance, but I think OU rides Sermon behind a good offensive line.
Defense
Alabama has, for once, a good offense, maybe even a great offense. The Sooners defense is unbelievably bad. I think I'll be surprised if Alabama punts before half time. Oh how I hope I'm wrong. I think the Sooners best chance is to make Alabama sustain drives, and hope for a few lucky bounces with turnovers, dropped passes etc. The fact that this is what I'm hoping will happen is really not good. I will pick Curtis Bolton today simply for the fact that he is often the most fired-up guy. Here's hoping he lays a few big hits and disrupts their offense a bit.
Score
One thing I like about the build-up to this game is that nobody, and I mean nobody, thinks the Sooners have a realistic chance of winning. That's a potent motivator, and I hope Riley and his staff are reminding the team of that often. OU will need to play not only its best game of the season, it will have to be damn near perfect in all phases (no gimme field goals allowed on special teams right before half time, please). I'm fired up to watch this game, and I'm hoping OU comes out and stuns everyone from the get-go, but I just can't do it, Alabama wins it 49-38.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Bedlam
Another week, another big showdown for the Sooners. This one is the always heated in-state rivalry. OU didn't do so well in their last rivalry game, let's hope this isn't a repeat. The suddenly vaunted defense reverted to a very stoopsian feel against the high flying Red Raider offense. Sadly, I don't think it's going to improve much for the rest of this season anyway. Looks like OU will continue to have to outscore everyone in a track meet if they want to win games against the tough teams.
OSU is not as good offensively as they normally are, but this OU D is the cure for what ails any offense. I expect another shootout today, and OSU while inconsistent, has shown they can hang with and even beat some good teams. I'm thankful it's at home as a road test would have me clinched up like a snare drum.
Offense
It's becoming increasingly difficult to not look like a psychic when picking an OPG. Nearly every skill player goes off each week. Kyler Murray has been great, and after years of watching QB's in his mold frustrate and tear apart the OU defense, it's a beautiful thing to have that on the right side. But, in a predictable attempt at outsmarting myself I'm once again going away from him. I like Trey Sermon in this one. Dude is a beast and he only seems to be getting better.
Defense
After two weeks of glad tidings against putrid offenses, the status quo was restored last week. Two uncharacteristic Murray int's early and an extremely questionable PI call on Parnell Motley late, didn't do them any favors, but they once again showed little ability to get consistent stops. I appreciate wanting to make offenses sustain drives, but the 18 yard cushion the DB's have been giving makes the 10 yard out all but guaranteed. I don't really have much faith in anyone, but Kenneth Murray has been pretty consistent, hopefully he'll do some nice things today. How's that for a tepid pick?
Score
The Sooners enter the day as 21.5 point favorites. I feel like I could make a decent living betting on Sooner opponents to cover. I certainly hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see how the D does enough to maintain that margin. I do think OU can score however and I like them to win this one 52-38, hitting the over in the process.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
OSU is not as good offensively as they normally are, but this OU D is the cure for what ails any offense. I expect another shootout today, and OSU while inconsistent, has shown they can hang with and even beat some good teams. I'm thankful it's at home as a road test would have me clinched up like a snare drum.
Offense
It's becoming increasingly difficult to not look like a psychic when picking an OPG. Nearly every skill player goes off each week. Kyler Murray has been great, and after years of watching QB's in his mold frustrate and tear apart the OU defense, it's a beautiful thing to have that on the right side. But, in a predictable attempt at outsmarting myself I'm once again going away from him. I like Trey Sermon in this one. Dude is a beast and he only seems to be getting better.
Defense
After two weeks of glad tidings against putrid offenses, the status quo was restored last week. Two uncharacteristic Murray int's early and an extremely questionable PI call on Parnell Motley late, didn't do them any favors, but they once again showed little ability to get consistent stops. I appreciate wanting to make offenses sustain drives, but the 18 yard cushion the DB's have been giving makes the 10 yard out all but guaranteed. I don't really have much faith in anyone, but Kenneth Murray has been pretty consistent, hopefully he'll do some nice things today. How's that for a tepid pick?
Score
The Sooners enter the day as 21.5 point favorites. I feel like I could make a decent living betting on Sooner opponents to cover. I certainly hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see how the D does enough to maintain that margin. I do think OU can score however and I like them to win this one 52-38, hitting the over in the process.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Texas Tech
Welcome back to another week of the Steamroller. The Sooners go down to Lubbock for a tilt with Kliff Kingsbury and the Red Raiders. The Sooners D looked halfway decent last week. I'm not sure if this due to the new system paying dividends or a really putrid K State offense, but I'm inclined (read: negatively conditioned) to think the latter. Regardless, it was nice to see the defense get stops and keep the OU offense on the field. Let's remember, with the OU offense, the '85 Bears aren't needed, just something other than paper cutouts of football men.
This week will certainly provide a tougher test. I read an article on Thursday talking about the 2016 matchup. At the time I was incredibly irritated (hope you were sitting down) by the horrid defense, but it was pretty amazing to watch the offensive exhibition by both teams. I'm grossly paraphrasing but, the article quoted Bob Stoops as telling Riley to keep his foot on the gas because, essentially, he had zero faith that the defense could stop Tech. I think that says a lot about his faith in brother,Mikey's D.
The Tech offense is going to be tough. It's going to score fast against the D and it's going to score more than any Sooner fan would like. Fortunately, I believe the OU offense will score a good bit too. The atmosphere will be intense; Tech is solid and a Saturday night home tilt against a top 10 team will bring out the crowd. There are a slew of huge games this Saturday, OU can't get caught scoreboard watching (as I will be doing), just beat Tech and keep the train rolling.
Offense
Another week, another surprise at RB. After writing off Trey Sermon last week, he came out and put both of his cleats squarely up the collective Wildcat ass. Which is tough because kicking with both feet is physically impossible, but humor me. I temper my excitement again because it was a dreadful K State team, but it looked like the running game may finally be rolling again after a long adjustment of missing Rod Anderson. Kyler Murray is so fun to watch too and CeeDee Lamb is breaking out as a dominant receiver. With all of those weapons, it makes zero sense that I'm picking Kennedy Brooks this week. He runs so hard, and I have visions of him catching a screen or short dump off and taking it all the way to the house.
Defense
I think the defense gets exposed again this week for the first time since that godawful texas game. My hope is that it isn't that bad again. The OU secondary hasn't been good, which does not bode well for this matchup. And while the lack of pressure sans blitz has been demoralizing, I think that's the difference today in that Amani Bledsoe come up with at least one huge sack/forced fumble that turns the momentum to OU for good.
Score
OU was -13.5 last I looked and the O/U is 78, so the pros agree that this will be high scoring. I like the offense to move the ball well and I think the defense does enough in a tough road test. I'm taking the over (barely) and OU to cover (barely), Sooners take it 48-31.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
Saturday, October 6, 2018
texas
This is a big one today. No matter the stakes as they pertain to the national picture, this game gets me more fired up than any non-playoff game. I'm guessing that's true for most of Sooner nation. For the first time in a while (a more definite time frame would require 3 seconds of effort) both teams are ranked in the top 20. After stumbling to a respectable Maryland team, texas has rattled off nothing but wins. But as I was discussing this with my friends Mark and Mitchy, neither of them were too impressed with the opponents. "Who the fuck is T C U?" was asked incredulously. Nonetheless, I'm predictably nervous in this one.
texas always plays OU tough and last season they were about the only defense to really contain Riley's high-flying offense. Expect more of the same today. The O/U is 60.5, I think given the competitiveness of this game I would take the under there. Yes, that's probably giving undue credit to the Mike Stoops powder puffs, but I'm optimistic they'll do something resembling a defense. Either way, I'm hoping the OU can do enough to get out of this game with a win.
Offense
This is Kyler Murray's first and, likely, only Red River game. Everything I've read about him (read: very little) indicates he won't be the least bit intimidated. Up to now he's basically duplicated Mayfield's Heisman winning season from last year; the numbers are pretty uncanny. But, I think the atmosphere gets to him some and he has, by his own standards, an off day today. Even though I still like him to make several improv plays that delights OU and infuriates the texas faithful. That rambling diatribe somehow leads me to my pick, Trey Sermon. I think this game is more of a slugfest, and even though it's a timeshare backfield, I still like Sermon to do most of the heavy lifting in this one.
Defense
While the OU defense has been embarrassingly soft this year, particularly up front, the linebackers have done a pretty respectable job. Both Kenneth Murray and Curtis Bolton have been tackling machines. I think texas hits a few big plays on the secondary, but I think when it comes to crunch time that the LB's step up, and I like Curtis Bolton as my dpg today.
Score
Not to go all Lee Corso on you (I don't know how to type slurring), but I think this one is closer than the experts think. OU is giving 7.5 and I already mentioned that I would take the under. In spite of the Sooners juggernaut offense, I think they struggle to score against a texas team with plenty to prove. While I struggle to stay conscious during this one due to 80% of my blood flow diverted to my O-ring, OU wins a squeaker 19-17.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
texas always plays OU tough and last season they were about the only defense to really contain Riley's high-flying offense. Expect more of the same today. The O/U is 60.5, I think given the competitiveness of this game I would take the under there. Yes, that's probably giving undue credit to the Mike Stoops powder puffs, but I'm optimistic they'll do something resembling a defense. Either way, I'm hoping the OU can do enough to get out of this game with a win.
Offense
This is Kyler Murray's first and, likely, only Red River game. Everything I've read about him (read: very little) indicates he won't be the least bit intimidated. Up to now he's basically duplicated Mayfield's Heisman winning season from last year; the numbers are pretty uncanny. But, I think the atmosphere gets to him some and he has, by his own standards, an off day today. Even though I still like him to make several improv plays that delights OU and infuriates the texas faithful. That rambling diatribe somehow leads me to my pick, Trey Sermon. I think this game is more of a slugfest, and even though it's a timeshare backfield, I still like Sermon to do most of the heavy lifting in this one.
Defense
While the OU defense has been embarrassingly soft this year, particularly up front, the linebackers have done a pretty respectable job. Both Kenneth Murray and Curtis Bolton have been tackling machines. I think texas hits a few big plays on the secondary, but I think when it comes to crunch time that the LB's step up, and I like Curtis Bolton as my dpg today.
Score
Not to go all Lee Corso on you (I don't know how to type slurring), but I think this one is closer than the experts think. OU is giving 7.5 and I already mentioned that I would take the under. In spite of the Sooners juggernaut offense, I think they struggle to score against a texas team with plenty to prove. While I struggle to stay conscious during this one due to 80% of my blood flow diverted to my O-ring, OU wins a squeaker 19-17.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Iowa State
The Sooners travel to the bustling burg of Ames, IA, today to take on the Cyclones. If you were unaware that OU lost its only regular season game of last season against Iowa State, simply peek through your blinds, there is likely a bi-plane over your house dragging a banner behind it saying as much. In short, even in Louisiana I've been beaten over the head with this detail. It was a perfect storm of a bench QB being much better than even his own coaches thought, and a (marginal) defense being completely unprepared for him. This season, it sounds like (un)Kempt(beaver) may not even play due to injury. Regardless, I don't think the element of surprise will rear its ugly head again.
Last week was a win, but if there is such a thing, it was the worst kind of win. The kind where your Heisman hopeful (read: dominant) RB goes down for the year "with a knee." The "experts" and even Lincoln Riley seem to have downplayed this injury quite a bit. I was talking with Mitch earlier this week and we both agree that replacing Rod is no easy task. Yes, there are other weapons on the offense and even in the backfield, but he's clearly the best back on the team. That's not a loss that goes unnoticed. The question today is how much will Trey Sermon step up and can Kyler Murray take the next step as a passer to relieve some of the pressure off of the run game. Couple that with the first road test of the year and this is no key party in terms of guaranteed success.
Offense
So far the offense has (shockingly) not missed a beat from last year. It's a different style, and we can credit wunderkind Lincoln Riley for putting his guys in a position to succeed. The ball has been spread around nicely, presumably making it difficult for defenses to take away one particular weapon. As I mentioned before, injury has done those defenses a favor in taking away a big one. But I think Riley will adapt and I'm going to go with Trey Sermon today. I think he's heard the doubters and moreover, I think Riley wants an "I told you so" statement that the running game is still strong. This plays well for Sermon's confidence and for future opponents to know that even without Rod they'd better be ready for a run game. Sermon goes for 100+ and 2 (that's right, 2) TDs today.
Defense
If I were writing this same crap 15 years ago, defense would've been the fun part to pick. This season, albeit against 2 (so far) questionable opponents, the defense has looked...has looked...halfway decent? There, the kiss of death, so far I've dealt it to two players, now why not the whole unit? Today will present a tougher test I think, and the road factor always makes it tough, particularly if they have success early. One guy I've liked so far is Curtis Bolton. He beat out all-world recruit Caleb Kelly and has played well so far. Basically, I just guaranteed that he's out with severe food poisoning or he's spontaneously combusted.
Score
While the Sooners have given plenty of reason for optimism in the first two games, this is on the road against a pretty tough opponent. Iowa State has a good coach and these conference games are always a challenge. I think revenge is on the minds of the players for last season however, and I think Riley learned from last year that every opponent has to be taken very seriously. The Sooners withstand a close first half against a fired-up Cyclone team and pull away late to take this one, 41-24.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Last week was a win, but if there is such a thing, it was the worst kind of win. The kind where your Heisman hopeful (read: dominant) RB goes down for the year "with a knee." The "experts" and even Lincoln Riley seem to have downplayed this injury quite a bit. I was talking with Mitch earlier this week and we both agree that replacing Rod is no easy task. Yes, there are other weapons on the offense and even in the backfield, but he's clearly the best back on the team. That's not a loss that goes unnoticed. The question today is how much will Trey Sermon step up and can Kyler Murray take the next step as a passer to relieve some of the pressure off of the run game. Couple that with the first road test of the year and this is no key party in terms of guaranteed success.
Offense
So far the offense has (shockingly) not missed a beat from last year. It's a different style, and we can credit wunderkind Lincoln Riley for putting his guys in a position to succeed. The ball has been spread around nicely, presumably making it difficult for defenses to take away one particular weapon. As I mentioned before, injury has done those defenses a favor in taking away a big one. But I think Riley will adapt and I'm going to go with Trey Sermon today. I think he's heard the doubters and moreover, I think Riley wants an "I told you so" statement that the running game is still strong. This plays well for Sermon's confidence and for future opponents to know that even without Rod they'd better be ready for a run game. Sermon goes for 100+ and 2 (that's right, 2) TDs today.
Defense
If I were writing this same crap 15 years ago, defense would've been the fun part to pick. This season, albeit against 2 (so far) questionable opponents, the defense has looked...has looked...halfway decent? There, the kiss of death, so far I've dealt it to two players, now why not the whole unit? Today will present a tougher test I think, and the road factor always makes it tough, particularly if they have success early. One guy I've liked so far is Curtis Bolton. He beat out all-world recruit Caleb Kelly and has played well so far. Basically, I just guaranteed that he's out with severe food poisoning or he's spontaneously combusted.
Score
While the Sooners have given plenty of reason for optimism in the first two games, this is on the road against a pretty tough opponent. Iowa State has a good coach and these conference games are always a challenge. I think revenge is on the minds of the players for last season however, and I think Riley learned from last year that every opponent has to be taken very seriously. The Sooners withstand a close first half against a fired-up Cyclone team and pull away late to take this one, 41-24.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Friday, August 31, 2018
Florida Atlantic
We're back again loyal reader(s) for another year of the oft ignored/seldom read Steamroller. I am not sure how long we've been doing these posts but I'm thinking it has to be getting close, if not surpassing, ten years. Not a lot has changed save the forgettable and undoubtedly maligned audio/visual season. I could fairly easily go back and look up exactly how long it's been but that type of superficial research would break precedent of this half-assed site. Instead we'll press onward, facts and accuracy be damned. Welcome back.
Last seasoned ended in unceremonious if not typical sooner fashion, with copious scoring and a steadfast refusal to attempt anything resembling defense. Several key players are gone from that very good sooner team none more notable than Baker Mayfield. When a player is drafted first overall, it's generally safe to say his replacement will represent a decline in production. For the first time in a few seasons QB is a question mark, however it's not a question of whom, but of how big that decline will be. Much of the luster has worn off of Kyler Murray since his freshman year at texas A&M. In part due to an underwhelming first year there, but also simply because time tends to create doubt, warranted or not. He looked good in tiny appearances last season, but teams gameplanning for him specifically represents a completely different obstacle. It will be interesting to see how he does.
Offense
The aforementioned QB change aside, plenty has changed on the offense otherwise. Most notably the loss of key components on the offensive line. As any analyst worthy of an ESPN Under Armor high-school all-star game will tell you, this is where games are won and lost. Mayfield was great, make no mistake, but great protection and running game certainly help. Speaking of running game, last year's committee at RB slowly evolved into the Rodney Anderson show (who's inexplicable abandoning against Georgia cost OU the game in my opinion, but I digress), and what a show it was. That said the Sooners still possess great depth here. I'm a sucker for Trey Sermon who's a beast and it speaks to Anderson that he's gotten almost no hype going in to the season. WR looks well stocked and Calcaterra appears to be a capable replacement at TE. In this one however, I have to go with Anderson. Ball control will be essential against a fast paced, capable offense like FAU, and feeding Rod (really need a solid nickname here, The Rod?) will be a must. I think he goes for 150 on the ground and scores twice.
Defense
As optimistic as I am with the offense, the defense is equally discouraging. I'm not sure where to find optimism, though I'm sure Mitchy can, yin/yang etc. Has anyone had a wider swing of adoration to loathing than Mike Stoops? I have ran the gamut with him and I've come to the conclusion that he's probably a great coach, coaching in the wrong era and unable to adapt. This could be a week one problem against a Lane Kiffin team that might as well be in the Big 12 with their style of play. Oh yeah, I'm supposed to pick a player here. I will go with Caleb Kelly. My main reasons are he has shown promise in the past, was a physically gifted recruit, and I'm 75% sure he's still on the team.
Score
I think, as most do based on what I've read, that this will be a shootout. If OU comes to play defense in this one, let's just say it will be a welcome break of character. The last line I saw had OU -21, I would take FAU in that one, and I might now that Mississippi has sports books and I'm passing through there this weekend. I didn't see an over/under but barring something absurd I'll take the over. I do like the Sooners at home, and I think they do enough to win this in an angst provoking win. Sooners take it 47-33. It feels good to be back and it feels good to again say:
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Saturday, November 18, 2017
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
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
Saturday, September 16, 2017
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
....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.
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.
Saturday, September 9, 2017
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.
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.
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