Painful losses in the Fiesta Bowl have me constantly mumbling this to myself. If we lose (again), it's only an exhibition. Will this Fiesta Bowl be the same tired tune? Will I find myself pissed off, drunk, sitting by myself in the dark watching the clock wind down?
The Sooners might just lose for the same reasons they always do in these games. They've already attained their primary goal, the Big 12 Championship. This game represents a reward for that accomplishment. It means little else save an opportunity for the young guys to get some extra practice snaps. Conversely, it's the biggest game in the history of Connecticut's football program. A victory against the vaunted Oklahoma Sooners would legitimize the program in the eyes of the college football. This scenario is the same as both Boise State and West Virginia.
Signs do point to the Sooners being uninterested in history repeating itself. Namely, Stoops and the Sooners have changed virtually every facet of the preparation for this game. They are staying at a different hotel and practicing at a different location. I believe in superstition so I'm fine, nee thrilled, by this news. It also says to me that there is an active interest in winning this football game. In years past Coach Stoops would have defiantly said that none of the preparations for this game were different than the first game of the season.
It also says to me that maybe ol' Stoops is lightening up a bit. If this is the case and he is relaxing a tad and maybe having some fun, it will rub off on the troops. Playing relaxed (different than indifferent) is a good thing.
The eyes of Sooner Nation will also be fixed on Josh Heupel. One, I think he'll be overly prepared. Two, I think he'll be eager to show off his offensive "philosophy". Three, this all results in unleashing a full arsenal of offensive weapons on the Huskies. I like the idea of this very much.
Another factor is that this is the final game for some key members of the Sooner Defense. Quinton MF Carter and Jeremy Beal are playing their final games as Sooners. I had instinctively included Travis "Old Steady" Lewis as being in his final game but he's a Junior. I'm not sure he'll be back next year but I digress. In any event these guys are Captains and they'll want to go out with a "bang".
Finally, in another nod to changing the past, nobody on the Sooners has been busted for stealing coats, being academically ineligible or opted for some inexplicable surgery which would keep him out of the game. I would have lost money on this if betting on such things were an option.
Needless to say I'm feeling good about this one.
The Picks
Offense
I hate to sound like a broken record but it's DeMarco. It's his final game and that guy's been huge in the big games all season. I think he puts on a show and helps his draft status.
Defense
A tough call here. I've done zero homework on the UConn offense. I've heard they are not built to play from behind. This leads me to believe they have an aversion to the forward pass. So I'm leaning towards a linebacker. Now, it also seems like someone comes out of the woodwork for the Sooners in bowl games. Ronnell "The Hammer" Lewis was this man last year. And you know what? I'm picking him again. He's had a very up and down year and nothing would be more fitting than to leave the old whitey's of Sooner Nation dreaming of the beheadings the Hammer will administer in 2011.
The Score
OU 35, UConn 24
Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Saturday, December 4, 2010
OU vs. Nebraska, One Last Time, for the Big 12 Championship
It's been a long and winding road for the Sooners to get to this point. A couple of tough losses on the road, some shaky confidence at the QB position and in the entire defense and then redemption (and the driver's seat in the Big 12 South at the hands of the Cowboys. It didn't hurt either that texas had a season for the ages. In a bad way.
And now, the game the Sooners live for. During skeleton drills in the Summer and two-a-days in the fall, the goal is always to get to this game. It's for this reason, I believe, that the Sooners historically implode in their bowl games. The mountain has already been climbed, the goal already achieved.
That's why my confidence is sky high for this one. OU has some serious momentum. This is what Bobby lives for. Enjoy this one Sooner fans. The next game is a glorified exhibition and the Sooners will approach it accordingly. Today is trophy day.
Two other key points of off-field intrigue that will make this a great game. The Stoops and Pelini's go way back. There is no ceiling to how much they want to beat each other and do so in a surgical like manner. Also, it's the last time OU and Nebraska will play for a conference title. This fact is lost on no one.
On the field this one pits the best offense against the best defense. What more could you ask for? I believe the Sooners will be able to score some points. I think we get "Home Landry" today. What will the Nebraska offense bring to the table what with being without Taylor Martinez? Will the Sooners D bring the same effort they gave in Stillwater last week?
Of course the D is going to be ready to play. It's the Stoops v Pelini corollary. I expect to see lots of PA (Play Action to the layperson) and misdirection to keep the aggressive Nebraska D off balance. I also expect to see lots of Nebraska fans dressed like douchebags. I digress.
The Picks
Offense
Mini-limb, quasi hunch here. I'm going Kenny Fuckin' Shitbag Stills. I think the Sooners have a couple of surprises in store using ol' Kenny. He's been a little quiet lately. Perhaps, too quiet. Hmm, hmmm?
Defense
Well, I'm not sure if Nebraska has a threat outside of Roy Helu Jr. Suffice it to say, stopping him should be of the highest priority. That means the Linebacking crew needs to bring their lunchpails. I believe they will. The Oklahoman says Ronnell Lewis needs to step up. I'm tempted to go with Austin "Soggy" Box. But I have to go with the best of the bunch, Travis "Old Steady" Lewis. I think his name will get called a lot tonight.
The Score
Well, I can't see the Huskers D holding the Sooners under 21 points if the Sooners play like it's a home game (which they should). I can't see the Husker offense doing a whole lot without Taylor Martinez. But some average Wide Receiver will probably be a thorn in the Sooner side much of the game and go all-world. I hope not. I like the Sooners pretty comfortably.
OU 28, Nebraska 14
And now, the game the Sooners live for. During skeleton drills in the Summer and two-a-days in the fall, the goal is always to get to this game. It's for this reason, I believe, that the Sooners historically implode in their bowl games. The mountain has already been climbed, the goal already achieved.
That's why my confidence is sky high for this one. OU has some serious momentum. This is what Bobby lives for. Enjoy this one Sooner fans. The next game is a glorified exhibition and the Sooners will approach it accordingly. Today is trophy day.
Two other key points of off-field intrigue that will make this a great game. The Stoops and Pelini's go way back. There is no ceiling to how much they want to beat each other and do so in a surgical like manner. Also, it's the last time OU and Nebraska will play for a conference title. This fact is lost on no one.
On the field this one pits the best offense against the best defense. What more could you ask for? I believe the Sooners will be able to score some points. I think we get "Home Landry" today. What will the Nebraska offense bring to the table what with being without Taylor Martinez? Will the Sooners D bring the same effort they gave in Stillwater last week?
Of course the D is going to be ready to play. It's the Stoops v Pelini corollary. I expect to see lots of PA (Play Action to the layperson) and misdirection to keep the aggressive Nebraska D off balance. I also expect to see lots of Nebraska fans dressed like douchebags. I digress.
The Picks
Offense
Mini-limb, quasi hunch here. I'm going Kenny Fuckin' Shitbag Stills. I think the Sooners have a couple of surprises in store using ol' Kenny. He's been a little quiet lately. Perhaps, too quiet. Hmm, hmmm?
Defense
Well, I'm not sure if Nebraska has a threat outside of Roy Helu Jr. Suffice it to say, stopping him should be of the highest priority. That means the Linebacking crew needs to bring their lunchpails. I believe they will. The Oklahoman says Ronnell Lewis needs to step up. I'm tempted to go with Austin "Soggy" Box. But I have to go with the best of the bunch, Travis "Old Steady" Lewis. I think his name will get called a lot tonight.
The Score
Well, I can't see the Huskers D holding the Sooners under 21 points if the Sooners play like it's a home game (which they should). I can't see the Husker offense doing a whole lot without Taylor Martinez. But some average Wide Receiver will probably be a thorn in the Sooner side much of the game and go all-world. I hope not. I like the Sooners pretty comfortably.
OU 28, Nebraska 14
Nebraska
Well, I'll be honest I never thought we'd get here after the A&M loss. In all fairness, however, my cowriter laid out the course plan in one of his earlier posts that we'd, predictably "back door" our way into this game. Prophetic in that we did precisely that. Now, let's hope we take his prediction one step further and win this game (we'll stop there as I don't want to shit ourselves in the bowl game).
Last week, throwing a large middle finger in the face of history, Mitch and our good buddy Robbie (aka Robert Parish Powell, aka RP, aka RPP, aka Stinkfinger, ok I made up the last one), marched up to the Bedlam game and, guessing by the final score, enjoyed themselves. I couldn't not have been more shocked that we won that game. It had all the makings of being a historic embarrassment for us. I forgot one factor though, that OSU shits themselves in larger (and presumably smellier) quantities in big games even more than we do. Whatever, we won and we are now heading down the highway to Dallas for the Big 12 title, a trip to a BCS bowl, and a party of blowjobs given out by the self-esteemless daughters of oil men on the line.
Nebraska is good, particularly on defense. Their offense was also pretty prodigious early in the season. But, there best offensive player and catalyst little t-mart (if you don't know Dave Chappelle show, then that was lost) is hobbled and playing is a question mark at this point. I expect we'll see him, but how much and how effective he is will go a long way to determining their productivity. They are also missing their best receiver, forgot his name, which will hurt. They can run the ball quite well however. In fact, everyone is touting them as one dimensional. If true, that bodes well for us, particularly since the one dimension is running. What no one seems to mention is that our defense isn't that great.
The other side of the matchup is our best unit, offense, vs their best unit, yep you guessed it, defense (looking at a pulitzer here with this hard hitting report). Seems to me that by and large, good defense trumps good offense which sucks. The "experts" though, think that we'll score enough and they will have no offense without martinez. I'm less convinced, they'll score no doubt about it. I just hope we can pressure that frosh a bit into making a couple of boners (old timey meaning, not hard dick, still hilarious though). If we can, I think that will be the difference.
Offense
At the risk of getting predictable, I'm going with Broyles again this week. Hold on, hold on, let me explain. You see DeMarco doesn't appear to be full strength, and that might make one think that Roy Finch will have a big day. DeMarco will play some though, and enough that I think Finch won't bust out enough to win this award. I refuse to go with Landry. That leaves, Broyles as the guy. He was snubbed on the All-America team in spite of leading the fucking country in multiple receiving categories. If I were him, that would piss me right off.
Defense
Who the fuck knows really? It could be anyone, and more likely it could be no one that stands out on defense this week. With that in mind, I'm going with a hopeful pick more than one I expect I guess. I'm going with Austin "soggy" Box. I would love to see him bust up run plays all night, pressure the QB a bit and make a play or two in the passing game.
I think this game will be an ugly affair. Grinding, frustrating and old school battling between two schools that made that famous. I think it's cool that we're playing Nebraska in the last season of the Big 12 as it currently exists for the championship. That said, I hope we kick the shit out of them, but I doubt it. I don't think Bo Pelini's hat could get any more "casual" on the back of his head. That sentence had absolutely no bearing on anything else in this "piece" but I felt like throwing it in there because he looks like such a fucking cumdumpster wearing it that way. I think we'll fall behind early in this one, just a hunch. But, I think we'll come back in it and pull it out. I think it will be ugly, but I'll take a win any way I can get it. Sooners take this one, and the conference, 24-20.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
Last week, throwing a large middle finger in the face of history, Mitch and our good buddy Robbie (aka Robert Parish Powell, aka RP, aka RPP, aka Stinkfinger, ok I made up the last one), marched up to the Bedlam game and, guessing by the final score, enjoyed themselves. I couldn't not have been more shocked that we won that game. It had all the makings of being a historic embarrassment for us. I forgot one factor though, that OSU shits themselves in larger (and presumably smellier) quantities in big games even more than we do. Whatever, we won and we are now heading down the highway to Dallas for the Big 12 title, a trip to a BCS bowl, and a party of blowjobs given out by the self-esteemless daughters of oil men on the line.
Nebraska is good, particularly on defense. Their offense was also pretty prodigious early in the season. But, there best offensive player and catalyst little t-mart (if you don't know Dave Chappelle show, then that was lost) is hobbled and playing is a question mark at this point. I expect we'll see him, but how much and how effective he is will go a long way to determining their productivity. They are also missing their best receiver, forgot his name, which will hurt. They can run the ball quite well however. In fact, everyone is touting them as one dimensional. If true, that bodes well for us, particularly since the one dimension is running. What no one seems to mention is that our defense isn't that great.
The other side of the matchup is our best unit, offense, vs their best unit, yep you guessed it, defense (looking at a pulitzer here with this hard hitting report). Seems to me that by and large, good defense trumps good offense which sucks. The "experts" though, think that we'll score enough and they will have no offense without martinez. I'm less convinced, they'll score no doubt about it. I just hope we can pressure that frosh a bit into making a couple of boners (old timey meaning, not hard dick, still hilarious though). If we can, I think that will be the difference.
Offense
At the risk of getting predictable, I'm going with Broyles again this week. Hold on, hold on, let me explain. You see DeMarco doesn't appear to be full strength, and that might make one think that Roy Finch will have a big day. DeMarco will play some though, and enough that I think Finch won't bust out enough to win this award. I refuse to go with Landry. That leaves, Broyles as the guy. He was snubbed on the All-America team in spite of leading the fucking country in multiple receiving categories. If I were him, that would piss me right off.
Defense
Who the fuck knows really? It could be anyone, and more likely it could be no one that stands out on defense this week. With that in mind, I'm going with a hopeful pick more than one I expect I guess. I'm going with Austin "soggy" Box. I would love to see him bust up run plays all night, pressure the QB a bit and make a play or two in the passing game.
I think this game will be an ugly affair. Grinding, frustrating and old school battling between two schools that made that famous. I think it's cool that we're playing Nebraska in the last season of the Big 12 as it currently exists for the championship. That said, I hope we kick the shit out of them, but I doubt it. I don't think Bo Pelini's hat could get any more "casual" on the back of his head. That sentence had absolutely no bearing on anything else in this "piece" but I felt like throwing it in there because he looks like such a fucking cumdumpster wearing it that way. I think we'll fall behind early in this one, just a hunch. But, I think we'll come back in it and pull it out. I think it will be ugly, but I'll take a win any way I can get it. Sooners take this one, and the conference, 24-20.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Bedlam...Nuff Said
I have good news. I visited the oracle this morning and the oracle says OU victory. By oracle, I mean I had one of the most fulfilling shits in recent memory. Pretty much a courtesy wipe and a lingering feeling of bliss (at least half an hour) in my gut. Had it been a scatalogical nightmare (read: double-digit wipes) I'd have a sense of doom.
There are other signs that should make Sooner fans feel good. Both Desmond Howard and Lee Corso picked OSU. Desmond Howard might be the dumbest "analyst" on television. Lee Corso is, as we all know, a jinx and blithering asshat.
On GameDay this morning, the tension within the OSU crowd was palpable. They stood, stone silent as the crew made their picks. There were signs saying, "No Poke Choke". Okay, when your legacy is choking and you feel compelled to make a sign trying to reverse-jinx said legacy, it tells me your head is in a bad place.
My broham, Navin, is in full-bore Doomsday McGoo mode. This always lifts my spirits.
Finally, this is one of those rare occasions where the Sooners find themselves in the underdog role. The theme of this week has been that the OSU offense is unstoppable, the Sooner defense is a sieve. OSU is at destiny's doorstep. This is the biggest game in the history of their program. This is already the winningest season in their program's history (chortle). So Bobby and the Sooners have a chance to, A) silence critics by beating a top-10 team on the road B) said top-10 team is an in-state rival, C) a trip to the Big 12 Championship is on the line and D) the week's conversation has been nothing other than this is OSU's championship to lose, not OU's chance to win.
I think the Sooners will be "focused".
There are two keys to the game (from a Sooner perspective and that's all we're interested in). First, can Landry Jones not crap his jock? Dear please God say yes. Two, can the Sooner D-Line get to Weeden? He does not like to run. In theory, this should bode well for the Sooners.
The Picks
Offense
On offense I can not justify picking anyone other than DeMarco Murray. I just can't. The man is on a mission and today that mission is to make Cowboy fans remember this as the game where DeMarco Murray ran roughshod up and down the field and ripped our collective hearts out.
Defense
I'm sticking with my theory and picking the best player on that side of the ball. I'm with Navin. That player is Tony Jefferson. I want to pick someone on the D-Line. I want to pick someone like Casey Walker because my father-in-law says he's back and will be a tremendous help. But this is not the day to step out on a very slender limb. I have to go with our best here.
Conclusion
I'll be in attendance with my main man Robbie. I hope our karmic levels are high. If the Sooners win I cannot wait to feel the hopes and dreams of 55,000 poke fans vanish into the ether. If the Sooners lose I'll make my escape quickly whilst some pencil-dicks get maced by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol as they try to take down the goalposts. Dear God let the Sooners win.
Final Score: OU 38, OSU 31
Boomer to the motherfuckin' Sooner
There are other signs that should make Sooner fans feel good. Both Desmond Howard and Lee Corso picked OSU. Desmond Howard might be the dumbest "analyst" on television. Lee Corso is, as we all know, a jinx and blithering asshat.
On GameDay this morning, the tension within the OSU crowd was palpable. They stood, stone silent as the crew made their picks. There were signs saying, "No Poke Choke". Okay, when your legacy is choking and you feel compelled to make a sign trying to reverse-jinx said legacy, it tells me your head is in a bad place.
My broham, Navin, is in full-bore Doomsday McGoo mode. This always lifts my spirits.
Finally, this is one of those rare occasions where the Sooners find themselves in the underdog role. The theme of this week has been that the OSU offense is unstoppable, the Sooner defense is a sieve. OSU is at destiny's doorstep. This is the biggest game in the history of their program. This is already the winningest season in their program's history (chortle). So Bobby and the Sooners have a chance to, A) silence critics by beating a top-10 team on the road B) said top-10 team is an in-state rival, C) a trip to the Big 12 Championship is on the line and D) the week's conversation has been nothing other than this is OSU's championship to lose, not OU's chance to win.
I think the Sooners will be "focused".
There are two keys to the game (from a Sooner perspective and that's all we're interested in). First, can Landry Jones not crap his jock? Dear please God say yes. Two, can the Sooner D-Line get to Weeden? He does not like to run. In theory, this should bode well for the Sooners.
The Picks
Offense
On offense I can not justify picking anyone other than DeMarco Murray. I just can't. The man is on a mission and today that mission is to make Cowboy fans remember this as the game where DeMarco Murray ran roughshod up and down the field and ripped our collective hearts out.
Defense
I'm sticking with my theory and picking the best player on that side of the ball. I'm with Navin. That player is Tony Jefferson. I want to pick someone on the D-Line. I want to pick someone like Casey Walker because my father-in-law says he's back and will be a tremendous help. But this is not the day to step out on a very slender limb. I have to go with our best here.
Conclusion
I'll be in attendance with my main man Robbie. I hope our karmic levels are high. If the Sooners win I cannot wait to feel the hopes and dreams of 55,000 poke fans vanish into the ether. If the Sooners lose I'll make my escape quickly whilst some pencil-dicks get maced by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol as they try to take down the goalposts. Dear God let the Sooners win.
Final Score: OU 38, OSU 31
Boomer to the motherfuckin' Sooner
OSU
I'm typing this on my phone so it's going to be short and to the point. I have a terrible feeling about this. I think our defense is going to need to play far and away their best game. I think Landry is likely to set the single game record for fullest pants in the shit category. But, predictably I think we will win it.
Offense
I think landry does, in fact, make some dumb plays and miss some open receivers. However I think he does enough that Ryan Broyles is my player of the game. I think Broyles puts a rest to the Blackmon argument with a huge day.
Defense
Over here I like Tony Jefferson. I think he really becomes an OU star. Big stage, I think he makes some big plays both against the pass and coming up against the run.
Now I know everyone and their brother sees this as a shootout. I however think it will be lower scoring. OU wins 21-17.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
Offense
I think landry does, in fact, make some dumb plays and miss some open receivers. However I think he does enough that Ryan Broyles is my player of the game. I think Broyles puts a rest to the Blackmon argument with a huge day.
Defense
Over here I like Tony Jefferson. I think he really becomes an OU star. Big stage, I think he makes some big plays both against the pass and coming up against the run.
Now I know everyone and their brother sees this as a shootout. I however think it will be lower scoring. OU wins 21-17.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
OU vs. Tech Post-Mortem and OU vs. Baylor
I'm about to write the easiest "piece" in the history of football. The only thing making it difficult is that I'm so drunk every sentence takes me about 10 minutes to hammer out.
I failed to write a column leading up to this Texas Tech game. If you co-write this blog you already know this. If you don't, then I'm just taking up 0's and 1's on the "Interwebs" and wasting my e-breath.
Had I written an OU-Tech pregame it would have said something about how Landry Jones (no nicknames; Solidarity) was certain to throw for 400+ yards and who knows how many touchdowns. Well, he had 5. Big fucking deal. I would have said DeMarco would be steady as a rock and how the defense would get some sacks and get some turnovers. Well, they did. Of course they did. It's a fucking joke how this team is all-world at home and first class pant-shitters on the road. I couldn't even enjoy this game because every time something positive happened I couldn't help but say to myself (or, because I may or may not have been inebriated, to every one in my purview), "OF COURSE THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE WE ARE AT HOME, NOT ON THE FUCKING ROAD!"
It's so easy to predict it's sickening. The Sooners can beat anyone by two touchdowns at home. I'd love to make it a challenge and look forward to the road games coming up (Baylor, OSU) but it's not so much an anticipatory adventure as much as a fucking crapshoot.
Oh well, on to bigger and better things.
Baylor should be as close to a home game on the road as Texas is at the Cotton Bowl. I mean, all bets are off if the Sooners don't show up for this one. But Robert Griffin III is quite capable and to call us shaky on the road is like calling Tony Parker foolish for cheating on Eva Longoria.
But who gives a shit because you know why? I'm going to New York City to watch this one with my buddy and fellow co-blogger Navin. I could not be more pumped. I COULD NOT BE MORE PUMPED!
We'll be enjoying some adult beverages at a hole-in-the-wall, Sooner-themed bar in Manhattan where we'll, together, get to witness an OU road-game bed-wetting. Innocent bystanders might not be ready for the scene, even New Yorkers.
I'd like to say we'll have the wherewithall and inclination to do something maxo-zune-dweebie like co-blog or live blog the game and our experiences. But we are not assholes so unless something really strange happens (probably won't because we'll be so sober) don't count on it.
Quick picks before I hit the road.
Offense
It can only be one of four players. DeMarco, Ryan Broyles, Kenny Fuckin Shitbag Stills or Roy Finch. I feel like I pick DeMarco every week so he's out. Ryan Broyles only sets records at home because Landry gets confused when he isn't wearing a red jersey. So he's out. Ditto Kenny Fucking Shitbag. Roy Finch might not get on the field. Coaches Stoops and Wilson will explain it away like the Baylor scheme wasn't right for him or something nonsensical. Nonetheless, I'm stealing a page out of Navin's playbook and picking Roy.
Defense
Another crapshoot. Obviously someone is going to have to shadow Robert Griffin III. So whoever that is makes for a good candidate. But that person is probably a LB. That means Tom Wort (fuck no) and Travis Lewis (becoming the pick du jour a la DeMarco on offense). Shit. Well, I guess I'll go with Jamelle Fleming. Demontre Hurst never gets opportunities and Griffin III will throw to someone so it's Fleming by default.
The Score
Well, let's see if the Defense can defend the middle of the field. Let's see if they can keep Griffin III from running roughshod all day long. Let's see if the offense can keep from stepping on their own dicks. Of course I'm hopeful. But then of course I'm delusional.
OU 35 Baylor 21
I failed to write a column leading up to this Texas Tech game. If you co-write this blog you already know this. If you don't, then I'm just taking up 0's and 1's on the "Interwebs" and wasting my e-breath.
Had I written an OU-Tech pregame it would have said something about how Landry Jones (no nicknames; Solidarity) was certain to throw for 400+ yards and who knows how many touchdowns. Well, he had 5. Big fucking deal. I would have said DeMarco would be steady as a rock and how the defense would get some sacks and get some turnovers. Well, they did. Of course they did. It's a fucking joke how this team is all-world at home and first class pant-shitters on the road. I couldn't even enjoy this game because every time something positive happened I couldn't help but say to myself (or, because I may or may not have been inebriated, to every one in my purview), "OF COURSE THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE WE ARE AT HOME, NOT ON THE FUCKING ROAD!"
It's so easy to predict it's sickening. The Sooners can beat anyone by two touchdowns at home. I'd love to make it a challenge and look forward to the road games coming up (Baylor, OSU) but it's not so much an anticipatory adventure as much as a fucking crapshoot.
Oh well, on to bigger and better things.
Baylor should be as close to a home game on the road as Texas is at the Cotton Bowl. I mean, all bets are off if the Sooners don't show up for this one. But Robert Griffin III is quite capable and to call us shaky on the road is like calling Tony Parker foolish for cheating on Eva Longoria.
But who gives a shit because you know why? I'm going to New York City to watch this one with my buddy and fellow co-blogger Navin. I could not be more pumped. I COULD NOT BE MORE PUMPED!
We'll be enjoying some adult beverages at a hole-in-the-wall, Sooner-themed bar in Manhattan where we'll, together, get to witness an OU road-game bed-wetting. Innocent bystanders might not be ready for the scene, even New Yorkers.
I'd like to say we'll have the wherewithall and inclination to do something maxo-zune-dweebie like co-blog or live blog the game and our experiences. But we are not assholes so unless something really strange happens (probably won't because we'll be so sober) don't count on it.
Quick picks before I hit the road.
Offense
It can only be one of four players. DeMarco, Ryan Broyles, Kenny Fuckin Shitbag Stills or Roy Finch. I feel like I pick DeMarco every week so he's out. Ryan Broyles only sets records at home because Landry gets confused when he isn't wearing a red jersey. So he's out. Ditto Kenny Fucking Shitbag. Roy Finch might not get on the field. Coaches Stoops and Wilson will explain it away like the Baylor scheme wasn't right for him or something nonsensical. Nonetheless, I'm stealing a page out of Navin's playbook and picking Roy.
Defense
Another crapshoot. Obviously someone is going to have to shadow Robert Griffin III. So whoever that is makes for a good candidate. But that person is probably a LB. That means Tom Wort (fuck no) and Travis Lewis (becoming the pick du jour a la DeMarco on offense). Shit. Well, I guess I'll go with Jamelle Fleming. Demontre Hurst never gets opportunities and Griffin III will throw to someone so it's Fleming by default.
The Score
Well, let's see if the Defense can defend the middle of the field. Let's see if they can keep Griffin III from running roughshod all day long. Let's see if the offense can keep from stepping on their own dicks. Of course I'm hopeful. But then of course I'm delusional.
OU 35 Baylor 21
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Tech
In light of last weeks game, I'm pretty discouraged in this one. Mitch wrote an excellent piece giving a good look into some questions that have to be asked by Sooner nation. The two of us have discussed at length the struggles of OU in big games over the last several years. Hell, this wasn't even a "big" game last week in the sense that no one really expected A&M to be terribly competitive, let alone kick our ass.
It used to really piss me off that the national media gave us no respect when being discussed among the national title contenders. I hated that we were always dubbed as lucky, or a tier below the big SEC teams. Now, I just tend to nod my head and agree. Why would I continue to let it bother me? We haven't really won many (any?) games the last five years against teams that were equally talented or better than us. When talent is taken out of the equation, that leaves coaching to blame.
For a time in the last few years it looked as if we were unmotivated, that our players looked as if they felt that just by showing up to the stadium and playing they would win the game. Someone either gave them that idea, or failed to dispel that myth. Now, we just look inept. Predictable play calling (if I'm sitting on my sofa guessing the correct play we are about to run more than I'm not, I'm pretty sure a professional coach is getting quite a few more of those right than I am), players out of position, poor tackling, and repeatedly failing to defend or execute something that has been working all night (read: cannot adjust) are the consistencies in our game that make me want to, first: scream and carry on, and second: give up.
It's not even a pattern any more, it's the epitome of our football team. Every. Single. Year. Sure, we will out-gun people to 8 or 9, maybe 10 wins every year, but without something changing we won't win championships, and we will fail to underperform under the brightest lights. The times when Joe CasualFan is watching, and that's where reputations are made. We are like the NCAA basketball team that bombs away from 3 point land, runs the floor and beats people 110-99. Sure, they will often get to 20-24 wins, make the tourney and even make a run perhaps. But, when the shots don't fall or even if they do and they face a balanced team that plays solid defense they lose.
So I ask, are we content to continue to win these 8,9,10 games each season, maybe some conference championships and then get hammered by a legit team, AT THE MOST? Then sprinkle in some Missouri and A&M games in between those "good" seasons and be disappointed? Looking back to the 90s, it's easy to say yes. But I say that the tradition of this football program demands more. Yes, I like to be in the discussion annually, but I want to be the powerhouse again. I want to be the team that does more with less, or at the very least fulfills potential (it could be argued that the 2000 championship team was the least talented of the Stoops era). Nothing in sports is more frustrating and anger-provoking than underachieving. And underachieving is directly on the shoulders of the coaching staff. Period.
Oh yeah, Tech.
Offense
I'll be honest, I don't much like Landry Jones (that's right, I can't even enjoy a nickname anymore with this guy) anymore. I'm already hoping the Blake Bell era starts now. However, as I alluded to last week Dr. Jekyll is likely to show up at home. Also, hopefully Kevin Wilson remembers to look at his playbook this week rather than staring at his "Up The Gut" tattoo on his left forearm. With that in mind, I'm sure that Jones will be a world beater today and pass like he's the second coming of Warren Moon in the Run-And-Shoot (old school). So, I'm going with Ryan Broyles. I refuse to honor Landry (damn straight it's an honor), and somebody has to catch the ball as well. Broyles in this one.
Defense
This is even harder, but I'm looking to the future again today and I think that Tony Jefferson (is it too early to dub him MF?) does some big things today. I like him for a pick and plenty of passes defended.
I think OU wins this one, it's a home game after all, and then I think our season really goes down the toilet with road games (against decent teams no less) the next two weeks. The plus, Mitch and I will be watching it together. A prospect that has me more than a little excited. Final score this week, 35-21.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
It used to really piss me off that the national media gave us no respect when being discussed among the national title contenders. I hated that we were always dubbed as lucky, or a tier below the big SEC teams. Now, I just tend to nod my head and agree. Why would I continue to let it bother me? We haven't really won many (any?) games the last five years against teams that were equally talented or better than us. When talent is taken out of the equation, that leaves coaching to blame.
For a time in the last few years it looked as if we were unmotivated, that our players looked as if they felt that just by showing up to the stadium and playing they would win the game. Someone either gave them that idea, or failed to dispel that myth. Now, we just look inept. Predictable play calling (if I'm sitting on my sofa guessing the correct play we are about to run more than I'm not, I'm pretty sure a professional coach is getting quite a few more of those right than I am), players out of position, poor tackling, and repeatedly failing to defend or execute something that has been working all night (read: cannot adjust) are the consistencies in our game that make me want to, first: scream and carry on, and second: give up.
It's not even a pattern any more, it's the epitome of our football team. Every. Single. Year. Sure, we will out-gun people to 8 or 9, maybe 10 wins every year, but without something changing we won't win championships, and we will fail to underperform under the brightest lights. The times when Joe CasualFan is watching, and that's where reputations are made. We are like the NCAA basketball team that bombs away from 3 point land, runs the floor and beats people 110-99. Sure, they will often get to 20-24 wins, make the tourney and even make a run perhaps. But, when the shots don't fall or even if they do and they face a balanced team that plays solid defense they lose.
So I ask, are we content to continue to win these 8,9,10 games each season, maybe some conference championships and then get hammered by a legit team, AT THE MOST? Then sprinkle in some Missouri and A&M games in between those "good" seasons and be disappointed? Looking back to the 90s, it's easy to say yes. But I say that the tradition of this football program demands more. Yes, I like to be in the discussion annually, but I want to be the powerhouse again. I want to be the team that does more with less, or at the very least fulfills potential (it could be argued that the 2000 championship team was the least talented of the Stoops era). Nothing in sports is more frustrating and anger-provoking than underachieving. And underachieving is directly on the shoulders of the coaching staff. Period.
Oh yeah, Tech.
Offense
I'll be honest, I don't much like Landry Jones (that's right, I can't even enjoy a nickname anymore with this guy) anymore. I'm already hoping the Blake Bell era starts now. However, as I alluded to last week Dr. Jekyll is likely to show up at home. Also, hopefully Kevin Wilson remembers to look at his playbook this week rather than staring at his "Up The Gut" tattoo on his left forearm. With that in mind, I'm sure that Jones will be a world beater today and pass like he's the second coming of Warren Moon in the Run-And-Shoot (old school). So, I'm going with Ryan Broyles. I refuse to honor Landry (damn straight it's an honor), and somebody has to catch the ball as well. Broyles in this one.
Defense
This is even harder, but I'm looking to the future again today and I think that Tony Jefferson (is it too early to dub him MF?) does some big things today. I like him for a pick and plenty of passes defended.
I think OU wins this one, it's a home game after all, and then I think our season really goes down the toilet with road games (against decent teams no less) the next two weeks. The plus, Mitch and I will be watching it together. A prospect that has me more than a little excited. Final score this week, 35-21.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
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