It's football time in Oklahoma.
Don't be fooled by the bona fides of ULM. They beat Arkansas last year when the Hogs were ranked 8th in the country and they should have been ranked 88th. They beat Auburn and they were awful too. But the Sooners need to respect them. They have a solid QB by all accounts.
I'm eager to take the pulse of Sooner Nation and see how quickly people can put on their big boy pants and get on board the 2013 campaign.
OFFENSE
I think Josher will look to get Trevor Knight in a rhythm early. Knight will probably find a TBD safety blanket pretty fast and once that opens up the running game, it's over. I'm taking Jalen Saunders today for my OPOG. I think some wide receiver will catch about 10 balls. Might as well be him.
I also think the DD Williams train gets rolling. With everything else going on he's been under the radar this offseason. He can serve notice that he'll be a major factor on that side of the ball this year.
Also keep an eye on Roy Finch. He's back in good graces apparently. He's a senior too so it's all or nothing for him this year. Other things I'm excited for would be the return of Jaz "Hands" Reynolds, LaColton Bester and the line.
DEFENSE
Hooboy. The D doesn't have to be great today. I don't think they even need to show the promise of greatness. They just need to be solid. They need to do some things they can build on. Let's take baby steps here.
I'll take greatness though.
I'm picking Aaron Motherfuckin Colvin. There's no other choice really in the first game. I ride with the horse that brought me here. Half a dozen tackles, a couple break ups and a minimum number of balls even thrown his way will make his day a success.
I'll be happy if I can leave the stadium today with a feeling of excitement rather than dread about the future of defense.
THE SCORE
Ultimately, this provides a fine first test. The defense needs to get their sea legs under them fast. Trevor Knight needs some practice under the lights and 90,000 people. It won't be perfect but it will be fun and I'm pumped for another season.
OU 34 ULM 14
Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
The 2013 Steamers
The Sooner Steamroller preseason awards (dba The Steamers) guarantee success or failure just as much as the AP Pre-Season awards. Congratulations to all the "winners".
Without further ado:
The 2013 Sooner Steamroller MF'er
Goes to Aaron Motherfuckin Colvin. He was, by a mile, the only defensive player last year who played well on a consistent basis. He'll be on an island this year and, by all accounts, he's in full lock down mode. I'm excited about what this ball player brings to the table. He's a senior, he's a captain, he's the 2013 MF'er.
For the uninitiated, the MF'er is the most prestigious award handed out by Steamroller staff. It goes to the defensive player who most exemplifies everything you want in a Sooner. The MF'er brings his hard hat and lunch pail every game and can otherwise best be described as a "Baby Eater" on the football field. He makes plays that make you turn and ask the people around you, "Did you see that play? Aaron Motherfuckin Colvin, man!"
T-Shirts Here
Old Steady
Old Steady is the player (up to this point a running back) who brings the same effort every play. You know exactly what you're getting with Old Steady, a decent yards per carry, no fumbling, no dicking around in the backfield. This year the award goes to Brennan Clay.
Clay was much balleyhooed when he arrived on campus but he began his career as the homeless man's version of the original Old Steady, Chris Brown. Sure, he could get you two or three yards a touch but is that a feature back? Last year, however, he turned it on in a great way. This year, with a better (when healthy) O-Line and no plodding oaf QB to get in his way I see big things happening here.
I'd also like to "give propers" to Trey Millard as well. He's definitely good enough to earn Old Steady honors but, after discussing with Navin, we just don't trust Josh Heupel to feed him the ball enough for him to qualify. It's ridiculous that a lack of touches is a possibility. For Thunder fans it's the opposite of the Kendrick Perkins effect. Stubbornness keeps Perkins on the court and he is a black hole on offense. Millard is always on the field, lined up everywhere and is stubbornly denied the ball.
Gas Rag McGee
To the player on defense who looks more lost than my mom in a Tokyo subway station. If opposing Offensive Coordinators have two brain cells to rub together Gas Rag McGee is the guy they will scheme endlessly to get man coverage against. Last year it was Tom Wort. Bless his heart he had the "motor" but he just couldn't hang physically.
This year Gabe Lynn puts the trophy back on his mantle. He's been lost in the secondary since he stepped on campus. Until someone steals the title from him, he's the guy. With plenty of newcomers this could be quite the little horse race this season.
Offensive Newcomer
Has to be Trevor Knight. It's not every year the Sooners usher in a new quarterback. Right or wrong the question is will he be the next great one. This implies trips to New York for Heisman ceremonies. That's a perfectly reasonable expectation isn't it? No pressure or nothin'.
Keith Ford could also be a choice here but there's no way he has the impact, good or bad, that Knight will.
Defensive Newcomer
Smart money is on someone like Quincy Russell, DJ Ward or Charles Tapper. The line was hideous last season and if any of these guys can bolster that unit, particularly Russell, then that would be huge. I'm going Quincy Russell here.
If you're feeling a little more daring I would say Hatari Byrd because Mike Stoops is so excited about him he reportedly stalks the practice field with what looks like a corn dog in his coaches shorts.
Coach or Player I Will Blame for Anything Bad Now That Landry is Gone
Josh Heupel. To say I'm underwhelmed by him is too kind. We haven't made a defense look clueless in three years. The only hurry up we do is a quick handoff. The Belldozer package was born of desperation and is successful because Blake Bell is bigger than a Honda Accord.
In my opinion Josher has more pressure on him to show something than Trevor Knight.
Home Game I Can't Believe I'm Missing
West Virginny. Life is full of tough choices. I've chosen a day of music over football on September 7th. Yep, One Direction is coming to town.
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner
Without further ado:
The 2013 Sooner Steamroller MF'er
 |
| Aaron Motherfuckin Colvin |
For the uninitiated, the MF'er is the most prestigious award handed out by Steamroller staff. It goes to the defensive player who most exemplifies everything you want in a Sooner. The MF'er brings his hard hat and lunch pail every game and can otherwise best be described as a "Baby Eater" on the football field. He makes plays that make you turn and ask the people around you, "Did you see that play? Aaron Motherfuckin Colvin, man!"
T-Shirts Here
Old Steady
Old Steady is the player (up to this point a running back) who brings the same effort every play. You know exactly what you're getting with Old Steady, a decent yards per carry, no fumbling, no dicking around in the backfield. This year the award goes to Brennan Clay.
Clay was much balleyhooed when he arrived on campus but he began his career as the homeless man's version of the original Old Steady, Chris Brown. Sure, he could get you two or three yards a touch but is that a feature back? Last year, however, he turned it on in a great way. This year, with a better (when healthy) O-Line and no plodding oaf QB to get in his way I see big things happening here.
I'd also like to "give propers" to Trey Millard as well. He's definitely good enough to earn Old Steady honors but, after discussing with Navin, we just don't trust Josh Heupel to feed him the ball enough for him to qualify. It's ridiculous that a lack of touches is a possibility. For Thunder fans it's the opposite of the Kendrick Perkins effect. Stubbornness keeps Perkins on the court and he is a black hole on offense. Millard is always on the field, lined up everywhere and is stubbornly denied the ball.
Gas Rag McGee
 |
| Gas Rag McGee Photo by Chris Landsberger - The Oklahoman |
This year Gabe Lynn puts the trophy back on his mantle. He's been lost in the secondary since he stepped on campus. Until someone steals the title from him, he's the guy. With plenty of newcomers this could be quite the little horse race this season.
Offensive Newcomer
Has to be Trevor Knight. It's not every year the Sooners usher in a new quarterback. Right or wrong the question is will he be the next great one. This implies trips to New York for Heisman ceremonies. That's a perfectly reasonable expectation isn't it? No pressure or nothin'.
Keith Ford could also be a choice here but there's no way he has the impact, good or bad, that Knight will.
Defensive Newcomer
Smart money is on someone like Quincy Russell, DJ Ward or Charles Tapper. The line was hideous last season and if any of these guys can bolster that unit, particularly Russell, then that would be huge. I'm going Quincy Russell here.
If you're feeling a little more daring I would say Hatari Byrd because Mike Stoops is so excited about him he reportedly stalks the practice field with what looks like a corn dog in his coaches shorts.
Coach or Player I Will Blame for Anything Bad Now That Landry is Gone
Josh Heupel. To say I'm underwhelmed by him is too kind. We haven't made a defense look clueless in three years. The only hurry up we do is a quick handoff. The Belldozer package was born of desperation and is successful because Blake Bell is bigger than a Honda Accord.
In my opinion Josher has more pressure on him to show something than Trevor Knight.
Home Game I Can't Believe I'm Missing
West Virginny. Life is full of tough choices. I've chosen a day of music over football on September 7th. Yep, One Direction is coming to town.
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
This is Sooner Football 2013
Welcome, Sooner fans, to the 2013 season. It's been a long and all too familiar offseason of stewing in one's own stink. Losing ugly to Texas A&M on national television at the Cotton Bowl has the Sooner faithful questioning everything they've long held dear. The net effect here in the heartland seems to be indifference. Expectations haven't been this low since Bob Stoops arrived 15 years ago.
I understand if you subscribe to the Championship or bust mentality. It has to be the mindset of the greatest college football team of all times. But let's be honest here. The odds of raising an 8th National Championship banner are not good. You say, "But Keith, do you mean not.. good.. like.. one out of a hundred?" I'd say more like one out of a million. But I'm telling you there's a chance!
So we need to make some lemonade out of last year's lemons. Here are five things to get excited about.
1. Landry Jones is Out
The Sooners could lose every game this year and I can say with absolute confidence that I will never utter the words, "No way would we have lost if we still had Landry". It won't happen. Quarterbacks not named Landry Jones are exciting.
2. Trevor Knight is In
A Redshirt Freshman quarterback being handed the reigns at a powerhouse is actually pretty frightening. And don't go tricking yourself into thinking he's the next Johnny Manziel. But this offense could put up 40 points if I was quarterback. It's loaded. The O-Line is experienced, there are playmakers and deep threats at wide receiver and the running backs are stacked. Throw in Knight, who can use his feet to escape pressure and stay ahead of the chains, and we might see opposing defenses on their heels again.
3. A Crapshoot Defense
The odds are stacked against the Sooners because last year's defense was terrible down the stretch. Four starters return from a unit that was ranked 64th in total defense last year (Of note: Brent Venables' Clemson Tigers D ranked 63rd). The situation can only improve in year two of Mike Stoops Part Deux, right? Or, could the inexperience of the new names and faces make them worse? We have no idea what to expect.
4. Jay Boulware, Special Teams Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach
Why is this a big deal? Last year one Tight End caught three balls. That's three balls. All season. They were coached as part of the Offensive Tackles group. I'm not pretending that an effective (existent) Tight End game is the single key to success in modern football. But having the option is nice.
Also note the Special Teams Coordinator title. OU hasn't had a coach with this responsibility since 2005 (Kevin Sumlin). Not coincidentally, special teams have vacillated between average and embarrassing in recent years. Special teams can win or lose football games.
A renewed emphasis on these two groups is definitely a good thing.
5. Trey Millard Decided to Come Back
He should have taken NFL money but I'm glad he's back. The guy is a man among boys. It appears that the attitude in Norman has changed from complacency to near desperation. Hopefully this means Josh Heupel will be calling Millard's number early and often. If it happens get ready for Millard Mania©.
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner! Coming up next will be Preseason Awards and more prognostication.
I understand if you subscribe to the Championship or bust mentality. It has to be the mindset of the greatest college football team of all times. But let's be honest here. The odds of raising an 8th National Championship banner are not good. You say, "But Keith, do you mean not.. good.. like.. one out of a hundred?" I'd say more like one out of a million. But I'm telling you there's a chance!
So we need to make some lemonade out of last year's lemons. Here are five things to get excited about.
1. Landry Jones is Out
The Sooners could lose every game this year and I can say with absolute confidence that I will never utter the words, "No way would we have lost if we still had Landry". It won't happen. Quarterbacks not named Landry Jones are exciting.
2. Trevor Knight is In
A Redshirt Freshman quarterback being handed the reigns at a powerhouse is actually pretty frightening. And don't go tricking yourself into thinking he's the next Johnny Manziel. But this offense could put up 40 points if I was quarterback. It's loaded. The O-Line is experienced, there are playmakers and deep threats at wide receiver and the running backs are stacked. Throw in Knight, who can use his feet to escape pressure and stay ahead of the chains, and we might see opposing defenses on their heels again.
3. A Crapshoot Defense
The odds are stacked against the Sooners because last year's defense was terrible down the stretch. Four starters return from a unit that was ranked 64th in total defense last year (Of note: Brent Venables' Clemson Tigers D ranked 63rd). The situation can only improve in year two of Mike Stoops Part Deux, right? Or, could the inexperience of the new names and faces make them worse? We have no idea what to expect.
Why is this a big deal? Last year one Tight End caught three balls. That's three balls. All season. They were coached as part of the Offensive Tackles group. I'm not pretending that an effective (existent) Tight End game is the single key to success in modern football. But having the option is nice.
Also note the Special Teams Coordinator title. OU hasn't had a coach with this responsibility since 2005 (Kevin Sumlin). Not coincidentally, special teams have vacillated between average and embarrassing in recent years. Special teams can win or lose football games.
A renewed emphasis on these two groups is definitely a good thing.
5. Trey Millard Decided to Come Back
He should have taken NFL money but I'm glad he's back. The guy is a man among boys. It appears that the attitude in Norman has changed from complacency to near desperation. Hopefully this means Josh Heupel will be calling Millard's number early and often. If it happens get ready for Millard Mania©.
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner! Coming up next will be Preseason Awards and more prognostication.
2013 (half-assed) Preview
Here we are faithful reader(s), back again for another fall of The Steamroller. It's been a somewhat uneventful off-season. There were a few position coaching changes but the base staff remains intact and Mike Stoops emerges from under the blanket of not being acclimated to the new style of play in the Big 12. In other words he really doesn't have many excuses left.
On that note the defense looks pretty thin. Up front we return very little and those that are back aren't raising tents in the pants of sooner nation. The secondary could be decent. Aaron Colvin looks tough but little else is proven and in some cases (I'm looking at you Gabe "Gas Rag" Lynn) all that's been proven is that he couldn't cover a baby's eyes with both hands. That said there are some young bucks who will vie for meaningful PT so it might not be as bad as we think. The LBs are all promise and no production up to now but we can hope Corey Nelson et al can figure it out. Things look bleaker than they have in years but the unknown also brings promise with dread.
Offensively, things look much better with proven experience at almost every position save one. That of course is QB where a redshirt frosh won the job over the only guy who does have experience there. I'll take that as a positive sign. He's well positioned to succeed with the loaded backfield and WR corps, not to mention a pretty well seasoned OL. As for our QB, I'm clinched up like everyone else hoping for Bradford not Bomar.
It's kind of a strange year. It's the lowest my expectations have been in years, but while the untested nature of the squad isn't ideal, I'm almost excited about not knowing. The wildcard here is Knight, and while he's been (allegedly) a world-beater in practice, that's a long way from Saturday mornings. I'm hopeful, I like that expectations are down. Lets hope that the lack of pre-season consideration for anything meaningful pertaining to the end of the year gets Bobby back to his old ways and has this team playing like the Sooner clubs of old.
I'm predicting a Big 12 championship, which may speak more to the conference than to our squad.
This year's MF is none other than Aaron Motherfuckin' Colvin.
We haven't discussed this year's Old Steady but I'm leaning to Brennan Clay. Mitch?
I'm pumped to have another fall of football at hand. We'll be back soon to talk ULM.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Super Bowl XLVII
So...It's Super Bowl Sunday. Niners-Ravens.
Did you know the Harbaugh brothers are coaching against one another? Well they are and it's awesome because that never happens.
Did you know it's Ray Lewis's last game no matter what (hopefully)? It is. And few people are more divisive than Ray Lewis. The press corps will tell you.
Did you know when Colin Kaepernick was a ute, he wanted to play in the NFL for the 49ers?
Fine. You want hard-hitting? You want to know who I think is going to win and why?
::Scratches head, searches for fresh angle::
In Steamroller fashion I'm going scarlet/garnet/crimson colored glasses and rooting for the Niners. Here's why. Back in the Niner glory days my dad was a big fan. Admittedly, Montana, Rice, Craig, Young, Lott, Haley, Deion, etc. Those were heady days. This is also the franchise that gave us Merton Hanks's neck.
Also, whilst I was in middle school, I loved the Jim Harbaugh-led Indianapolis Colts. They played hard and wore black shoes. For the uninitiated, that last sentence is why you should never get sucked into that vortex that is college football recruiting. 17 year olds choose which institution of higher learning they'll play football for based on similar criteria and flimsier. Might I recommend the book Meat Market: Inside the Smash-Mouth World of College Football Recruiting by Bruce Feldman for a "deeper dive" without having to lose your dignity by visiting recruiting message boards.
Finally, I like this Colin Kaepernick fella. He's a lithe bad boy (tattoos). Whoops, I've said too much. I mean he throws a nice spiral and he's part of the National Football League's new wave of young Quarterbacks who are going to shape offensive trends for the remainder of the decade.
OFFENSE
Here's the deal. Baltimore is here because the team is rallying around Ray Lewis and they want to carry him off the field on their shoulders. They do not want him to lose his last game. It's a more powerful rallying cry than the time honored but effective, "Nobody believed in us" routine. The Niners don't have that. That debnidly puts them behind the eight-ball.
They do have Kaepernick and Frank Gore and Michael Crabtree and, perhaps most important, Vernon Davis. There's also this; Everyone's favorite NFL writer, Peter King, says the Niners offensive coordinator Greg Roman is the smartest football mind he spoke with on either team this week. It should be noted that Peter King picked the Chiefs to win the AFC West this season.
I'm going to pick Crabtree for my OPOG. I hated him because he was so damn good while he was at Texas Tech and he's finally looking like a man amongst boys in the NFL.
DEFENSE
Dare I call the Ravens offense dynamic? They have Joe Flacco who is solid and playing very well. Ray Rice is a beast. Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith make nice duo. I particularly like this Smith kid. He has "wheels".
The Niners defense is stingy. Patrick Willis is a bona-fide man amongst boys. Justin Smith has been a badass for forever. Aldon Smith has nearly 20 sacks. For shits and grins I like what this Dashon Goldson offers in the name department.
For my DPOG I'm going Aldon Smith. Why not?
THE SCORE
I really think this game could be one of the most vicious Super Bowls of all time. These two teams might be like Tommy and Brendan Conlon in Warrior. I'm hoping anyhow.
The Rally Around Ray factor is going to be massive but this is a man's game. It's Chess not Checkers like college. For that reason I can still talk myself into the Niners.
Niners 24 Ravens 17
I wonder what the commercials will be like?
Did you know the Harbaugh brothers are coaching against one another? Well they are and it's awesome because that never happens.
Did you know it's Ray Lewis's last game no matter what (hopefully)? It is. And few people are more divisive than Ray Lewis. The press corps will tell you.
Did you know when Colin Kaepernick was a ute, he wanted to play in the NFL for the 49ers?
Fine. You want hard-hitting? You want to know who I think is going to win and why?
::Scratches head, searches for fresh angle::
In Steamroller fashion I'm going scarlet/garnet/crimson colored glasses and rooting for the Niners. Here's why. Back in the Niner glory days my dad was a big fan. Admittedly, Montana, Rice, Craig, Young, Lott, Haley, Deion, etc. Those were heady days. This is also the franchise that gave us Merton Hanks's neck.
 |
| Merton "Giraffe" Hanks |
Also, whilst I was in middle school, I loved the Jim Harbaugh-led Indianapolis Colts. They played hard and wore black shoes. For the uninitiated, that last sentence is why you should never get sucked into that vortex that is college football recruiting. 17 year olds choose which institution of higher learning they'll play football for based on similar criteria and flimsier. Might I recommend the book Meat Market: Inside the Smash-Mouth World of College Football Recruiting by Bruce Feldman for a "deeper dive" without having to lose your dignity by visiting recruiting message boards.
Finally, I like this Colin Kaepernick fella. He's a lithe bad boy (tattoos). Whoops, I've said too much. I mean he throws a nice spiral and he's part of the National Football League's new wave of young Quarterbacks who are going to shape offensive trends for the remainder of the decade.
OFFENSE
Here's the deal. Baltimore is here because the team is rallying around Ray Lewis and they want to carry him off the field on their shoulders. They do not want him to lose his last game. It's a more powerful rallying cry than the time honored but effective, "Nobody believed in us" routine. The Niners don't have that. That debnidly puts them behind the eight-ball.
They do have Kaepernick and Frank Gore and Michael Crabtree and, perhaps most important, Vernon Davis. There's also this; Everyone's favorite NFL writer, Peter King, says the Niners offensive coordinator Greg Roman is the smartest football mind he spoke with on either team this week. It should be noted that Peter King picked the Chiefs to win the AFC West this season.
I'm going to pick Crabtree for my OPOG. I hated him because he was so damn good while he was at Texas Tech and he's finally looking like a man amongst boys in the NFL.
DEFENSE
Dare I call the Ravens offense dynamic? They have Joe Flacco who is solid and playing very well. Ray Rice is a beast. Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith make nice duo. I particularly like this Smith kid. He has "wheels".
The Niners defense is stingy. Patrick Willis is a bona-fide man amongst boys. Justin Smith has been a badass for forever. Aldon Smith has nearly 20 sacks. For shits and grins I like what this Dashon Goldson offers in the name department.
For my DPOG I'm going Aldon Smith. Why not?
THE SCORE
I really think this game could be one of the most vicious Super Bowls of all time. These two teams might be like Tommy and Brendan Conlon in Warrior. I'm hoping anyhow.
The Rally Around Ray factor is going to be massive but this is a man's game. It's Chess not Checkers like college. For that reason I can still talk myself into the Niners.
Niners 24 Ravens 17
I wonder what the commercials will be like?
Friday, January 4, 2013
Texas A&M
My original title for this post was "Johnny Footbal...er Texas A&M", but Mitch beat me to the punch on that one, so-to-speak. This is always a bitter-sweet post for the season. It's the last until a long summer, football void. Yet, it's generally preceding the most important game of the year. Although this isn't a BCS bowl (NIU more than proved their worth by kinda hanging with an underwhelming FSU team for nearly 3 quarters), it's certainly the cream of "the rest" if you will. In fact, apart from the National Championship and last night's (in hindsight) less-than-competitive Fiesta Bowl, I don't think it's reach to say this is the most interesting matchup of this bowl season. That fact alone has me pumped for this one.
This is the end of an era of OU football. It's the last game for an icon, the hero to all who've ever done less with more, the master of hurrying under center then standing up and looking to the sideline to see what he should do, JC's favorite son, Lonnie Jones. Needless to say, my mention of this post, and the game it pertains to, being bitter-sweet certainly alluded to Lonnie regarding the "sweet" part of it. I'm not sad to see him go, not even a little. When he inevitably throws a terrible pick this evening, I'll get some small bit of satisfaction knowing it's the last game I'll have to endure it.
However, this might also be our last year of real contention for a bit. We stand to lose quite a bit in terms of personnel. Too much to even begin to highlight really. This doesn't even include the underclassman who may leave early. I know we probably have some pretty decent young guys who will step up next season, but I think there are going to be some rough times next year. I digress however, tonight is a huge challenge and I am not sure if I've had this much doubt going into a game in a long time.
We all know about Manziere (Can I say that this nickname is number one on my list of disappointments as it pertains to conference realignment? It's too perfect, we could even alternate in "The Bro" from time-to-time. Such a bummer), he's an absolute animal. Not to mention, if you were to have Japanese scientists design a cyborg QB tailor-made to shred every OU defense of the last decade it would be this guy. This alone is terrifying, but throw in an all-world offensive line (including a possible #1 overall NFL draft pick/4 year starting LT) facing a subpar and now depleted DL and things look very grim indeed.
Our best chance in this one is to hope that we can keep pace with their scoring, we get a couple of more turnovers than them, and that Mike Stoops is able to work some of his old magic (read: don't count on it). This is getting depressing, on to the picks!
Offense
Last game of the year and I haven't given this too much thought really. I've thought about the game, but not who I think will step up. There are several people who I'd like to see step up, in fact I hope they all do. I'd love to say Justin Brown in his last collegiate start, or Fuckin' Shitbag who may also be suiting up as a Sooner for the last time, but I'm not. I'm going to go with Damien Williams. I think tonight is his coming out party on the national stage. It's high time everyone else got a look at the guy we've known was hard all year. I like him to break off at least one long one and show that extra gear. It will be awfully fun if he does.
Defense
I have about as much confidence here as I have any other game this year, that is to say none. I really wish David King or one of the guys up front really put on a clinic tonight and keep the Manziere in check. Sadly, I don't see it. For no other reason than I'm going with my heart here, I'm picking Tony Motherfuckin' Jefferson. He's gotten to the point, I think, where he's so consistent that it's hard to notice how much he does. Tonight, I think we get a taste of how dominant he can be. I've got a bad feeling this is his last game as a Sooner. I think he knows it, and I think he steps up accordingly.
Score
As I said, I've got an awful feeling here, I really do. But, I also have faith and I think if we play as well as we're capable of that we can win. They're good, but they've got the same number of losses that we do. I think the offense does it's thing, and the defense does just barely enough. It's a close one, and it comes down to the fourth quarter. Sooners pull it out (tee hee) 31-30.
Now, for the last time this season, let's roll some motherfucking heads and show these rotten bastards that they're lucky to have left the Big 12.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
This is the end of an era of OU football. It's the last game for an icon, the hero to all who've ever done less with more, the master of hurrying under center then standing up and looking to the sideline to see what he should do, JC's favorite son, Lonnie Jones. Needless to say, my mention of this post, and the game it pertains to, being bitter-sweet certainly alluded to Lonnie regarding the "sweet" part of it. I'm not sad to see him go, not even a little. When he inevitably throws a terrible pick this evening, I'll get some small bit of satisfaction knowing it's the last game I'll have to endure it.
However, this might also be our last year of real contention for a bit. We stand to lose quite a bit in terms of personnel. Too much to even begin to highlight really. This doesn't even include the underclassman who may leave early. I know we probably have some pretty decent young guys who will step up next season, but I think there are going to be some rough times next year. I digress however, tonight is a huge challenge and I am not sure if I've had this much doubt going into a game in a long time.
We all know about Manziere (Can I say that this nickname is number one on my list of disappointments as it pertains to conference realignment? It's too perfect, we could even alternate in "The Bro" from time-to-time. Such a bummer), he's an absolute animal. Not to mention, if you were to have Japanese scientists design a cyborg QB tailor-made to shred every OU defense of the last decade it would be this guy. This alone is terrifying, but throw in an all-world offensive line (including a possible #1 overall NFL draft pick/4 year starting LT) facing a subpar and now depleted DL and things look very grim indeed.
Our best chance in this one is to hope that we can keep pace with their scoring, we get a couple of more turnovers than them, and that Mike Stoops is able to work some of his old magic (read: don't count on it). This is getting depressing, on to the picks!
Offense
Last game of the year and I haven't given this too much thought really. I've thought about the game, but not who I think will step up. There are several people who I'd like to see step up, in fact I hope they all do. I'd love to say Justin Brown in his last collegiate start, or Fuckin' Shitbag who may also be suiting up as a Sooner for the last time, but I'm not. I'm going to go with Damien Williams. I think tonight is his coming out party on the national stage. It's high time everyone else got a look at the guy we've known was hard all year. I like him to break off at least one long one and show that extra gear. It will be awfully fun if he does.
Defense
I have about as much confidence here as I have any other game this year, that is to say none. I really wish David King or one of the guys up front really put on a clinic tonight and keep the Manziere in check. Sadly, I don't see it. For no other reason than I'm going with my heart here, I'm picking Tony Motherfuckin' Jefferson. He's gotten to the point, I think, where he's so consistent that it's hard to notice how much he does. Tonight, I think we get a taste of how dominant he can be. I've got a bad feeling this is his last game as a Sooner. I think he knows it, and I think he steps up accordingly.
Score
As I said, I've got an awful feeling here, I really do. But, I also have faith and I think if we play as well as we're capable of that we can win. They're good, but they've got the same number of losses that we do. I think the offense does it's thing, and the defense does just barely enough. It's a close one, and it comes down to the fourth quarter. Sooners pull it out (tee hee) 31-30.
Now, for the last time this season, let's roll some motherfucking heads and show these rotten bastards that they're lucky to have left the Big 12.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
OU vs. Johnny Football dba Texas A&M
Even though the Sooners were hosed by the BCS, the AT&T Cotton Bowl does present a more attractive matchup than all the other BCS games save the Championship. Our beloved Sooners take on Heisman Trophy™ winner Johnny "Football" Manziel and the Aggies down at Jerry World where, according to sources, people are paying $200 for standing room only seats. These folks, with something between "Too Much" and "Not Enough" discretionary income, are eager to see if the Sooners can avoid going 0-3 against Heisman Trophy™ finalists this season.
Elsewhere, in storylines, you have former Sooner Co-Offensive Coordinator Kevin Sumlin going up against Josh Heupel (advantage Sumlin), Landry's last stand, and the Sooner Defense with one last chance to prove it can stop anything in the middle of the football field.
OFFENSE
The 2012 Sooner offense has never really looked like the juggernaut of years past that keeps defenses on their heels with a relentless attack. But it has been able to go toe-to-toe with some of the top offenses in the country. They've struggled against the best defenses but the Aggies are not elite. In fact, I think they're ripe for exploitation.
Of course it starts with Landry. Our relationship might be love-hate but it's never boring. I will toast his obligatory INT. I will seek pleasure in knowing there's three passing TD's following it, that this game means nothing and it's the last I'll ever see of him in a Sooners uniform.
He has everything he needs to go out on a high note. The rest of the offense is all systems go thanks to Jalen Saunders not getting left in Norman after getting busted with marijuana (a deadly gateway drug kids dabble in).
I think the offense will have a field day and I really hope Trey Millard gets a lot of chances. I like him for my Offensive POG. I would like nothing more than for him to show how badass he is to a national audience. As much as I would hate to see him leave, he should take NFL money.
One last note on Landry. I hope that in the NFL he gets to study under a Master thereby improving his chances of success. Say, somebody like the Denver Broncos. That would be an awesome fit. I'm certain Navin feels the same way.
DEFENSE
The last time the Sooner D took the field they looked like they had buttoned some things up. But, they weren't playing a dynamic QB or offense like they'll face Friday night. The Sooners have been abused for a lot of the season. Most of it is their own doing in the form of missed tackles and poor D-Line play more than being lost or out game planned. Can they get it straightened out against a truly top-flight offense?
Don't you think the Sooners have to have one person shadowing Johnny Manziel on every play? Who is that going to be? Not Tommy Wort. Could be Corey Nelson, Frank Shannon, Javon Harris, Gabe Lynn, Julian Wilson or Tony Motherfuckin Jefferson. Maybe they take turns. Hell, I don't know what the answer is here. But Johnny Football is the way, the truth and the light of this offense so the Sooners must break him (in Ivan Drago voice). It would stand to reason that the DPOG should come from this group. But, alas, no.
It seems like in bowl games the best player on defense that year is the defensive POG. This year it's hard to argue for a clear cut best player so I'll go with my favorite, Aaron Colvin. My runner-up choices (for DPOG, not player of the year) would be Javon Harris for the second straight game or Frank Shannon. Neither would surprise me with a good game, particularly Shannon. But Colvin is the choice here.
SCORE
Obviously, this one has shootout written all over it. The advantage for the Sooners is that they call a matchup against this type of offense, "Next". A&M hasn't faced a Sooner level offense outside of Lousiana Tech (whom they could not stop). I'm also not mentally prepared to put A&M into the elite class of the SEC. If they aren't elite then they're average, contrary to what any SEC fellating scribe (read: all scribes) might like you to believe. The SEC is overrated this year. Book it.
I like the Sooners here 42-38.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner! Tip them PBR's and enjoy it.
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