Oklahoma Sooners Versus Kansas State

 

The Sooners are 1-0 and happy to be here frankly. As of this writing, it is unclear whether Kansas State will be able to field a team on account of Covid. Such is the world we live in. The Sooners say they’re ready though and I feel sorry for the Wildcats as the Sooners come off a bye week and a glorified scrimmage against Missouri State. The Sooners looked polished in that one and proved the cupboard is not bare.

Spencer Rattler looked like the real deal as he fired 50 yard lazer beams that looked effortless. Also, standing out was Seth McGowan who physically looks like a leaner Trey Sermon but who has tremendous vision for the hole and speed to get to it and through it quickly [Insert “That’s what she said” joke here].

Let’s pretend this game will happen and that we have any idea what’s going to happen, shall we?

OFFENSE

I think Sooner quarterbacks combined to throw passes to no less than 34 different receivers so I look for that to continue this week as they feel out who can be reliable and the next “big star”. Marcus Mims threw his hat in the ring last week by flipping the field on punt returns (which was nice to see) and by hauling in one of the longer TD passes from (snake strike sound) Rattler.

I want to see more of this Seth guy, though, because he has legit homerun ability. He’s my OPOG today.

DEFENSE

I wish I could say I got some feel for these guys, at all, against the Bears but truth be told this game was over midway through the first quarter and I was in the hot tub already dipping into the bubbly.

Alas, there was a guy, number 24, Brian Asamoah, who seemed to be flying to the ball. He seemed ready for the moment. I’ll ride that pony to my DPOG this week.

THE SCORE

I like the Sooners big here provided the game gets played. Look for Spencer Rattler domination and I’ll predict the D gets two turnovers.

Sooners 49, Kansas State 14

 

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner.

K State

After a week off, the Sooners resume the tenuous 2020 campaign. Coming off of a demolition of Missouri State that was no surprise (but let’s be honest, in the past there have been plenty of instances where B was not TC’d in similar instances), the Sooners look to keep rolling against a Kansas State club with a ton of inexperienced starters (including, I believe, the entire O Line). Speaking of those starters, they embarrassingly lost to Arkansas State in week 1. If trends continue, it will be a long Saturday afternoon for the Wildcats. Thanks to there being no network willing to show a top 5 team when there were about 6 other games two weeks ago, I have very little in the way of insight. But, getting any good intel from this column has become like having a firm stool after eating Arby’s, just isn’t going to happen. 

Offense

By all accounts Spencer Rattler was as advertised. I believe he played little, if any, of the second half after absolutely torching the pathetic Bears. Also, if you had any doubts about Rattler being selected over Mordecai (injury and game scenario not withstanding), both went 14/17 last week, but one went for 290 yards, 4 TDs and no picks vs 157/1/1. And  while Rattler is probably the safest bet for big numbers, I’m going with Seth McGowan for a big game today. He looked like the next standout Sooners RB and I’m eager to see him get more involved in the passing game as well. 

Defense

I’m hopeful that this is the year the D finally becomes average. And while that wasn’t much of a test two weeks ago, they still put up zeros. Which, as I alluded to earlier, was no given in years past. So, one benchmark made, now just keeping adding to it. No one player lit it up as best I can tell, but I’m going with Brian Asamoah. Mostly I’m hopeful he becomes a meaningful player on that side of the ball. 

Score

K-State no doubt had a wake up call two weeks ago. But, as I mentioned, they are pretty inexperienced. Plus, this is just year two with their new coaching staff and we still don’t really know how that will play out. The spread is just 28, that feels ripe for a little trip to cover city. I think OU fingerblasts the wildcats to the tune of 55-10. 

Boomer to the Motherfuckin’ Sooner. 

Missouri State

Welcome back to another season of Sooner Steamroller. I'm frankly shocked that this is even happening, but here we are and the season appears to be going on. I know that you faithful reader(s) have come to expect subpar writing from me. I combine terrible writing with an almost complete lack of preparation. However, I want to say that I've lowered the bar even more this season as I've spent the last few weeks expecting a cancellation announcement and, in turn, have read literally nothing about the team. So here comes some garbage.

Offense

The combination of player attrition and my lack of attention have left me with an extremely limited list of players that I can even name on offense. But, even if I'd known every player on the offense, I still would've gone with Spencer Rattler. He's been given the access codes and he's now manning the console for the season. I, for one, am very much looking forward to hearing about his performance (as I'm not ponying up for PPV vs Missouri State...this is another tirade I'll spare you). I think he throws for 300+, rushes for 75+ and accounts for 4 TDs.

Defense

Full disclosure, off the top of my head I couldn't name one active defensive player this morning before I talked to Mitch. As a result, I fully agreed with him and went with Jaden Davis. I see him making tackles and generally seeing the field today.

Score

As a former attendee of Missouri State, located in my hometown, I can unequivocally say they've been abysmally awful my entire life. They did hire Bobby Petrino in an unabashed grab at relevance. That said, this will be a professional assbeat. The last spread I saw was 44.5, I think OU covers and wins 63-10. It's strange to be back.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner.

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Missouri State

 Welcome, Sooner fans, to the 2020 dystopian hellscape of a football season. Death and disease be damned, the show goes on. The Sooners hope to offer a glint of joy to we weary fans.

Enough of my doom and gloom. 

What do the Sooners bring to the table this year? Well, Spencer Rattler at the quarterback position for one. He's much ballyhooed and already appearing on Heisman watch lists. It's not as far fetched as it sounds what with Lincoln Riley being a quarterback whisperer. Also, the Sooners have very little in the way of returning running backs so Rattler will almost certainly be forced to carry more of the load until that position gets settled. Trey Sermon transferred, Kennedy Brooks opted out of the season and Rahmondre Stevenson is suspended. CeeDee Lamb is also gone. 

What I'm saying here is there are opportunities for new faces to step up. This is especially so this season because there is no eligibility limit. This is a free season for everyone so lots of younger players should see the field.

All this makes for some compelling television. 

OFFENSE

I've already spent some time talking about Spencer Rattler but there are other playmakers to watch for today in Charleston Rambo and Trejan Fields at the wide receiver position. As previously mentioned, the running back position needs to get settled. 

The O-line features a true freshman starting at left tackle. I'm too lazy to look him up. Honestly, I didn't think there would be a season so I don't know any of these fucking guys. 

Missouri State figures to be a perfect opener to knock the rust off and get up to speed. I'm taking Spencer for my OPOG.

DEFENSE

We last saw these boys getting their asses spanked by LSU and they still might be still be having nightmares from that shit show. 

However, just as last year was worth watching to see what the Alex Grinch defense might look like, so is this year worth watching to see if a giant leap forward is forthcoming.

It should, not only because of experience and comfort, but also because of that eligibility rule. Expect to see a ton of young guys get some opportunities to elevate this defense. 

Sadly,I'm not sure I could name a starter on this side of the ball. I'm excited to learn their names along with everyone else. It is my understanding that there is some solid young talent in the secondary which would be much welcomed.

In the meantime I will take Jaden Davis as my DPOG because I recognize his name and I imagine he'll see some snaps today.

THE SCORE

I'm going to say Sooners 70, the Bears 7. This is going to be a weird season with a giant asterisk at the end. But, it's football and it's a reprieve so let's enjoy what small pleasures we can these days.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner.

Oklahoma Sooner versus Louisiana State Tigers

The Sooners overcame a costly loss at Kansas State and caught more than a couple of lucky breaks to earn their way back into the College Football Playoff. Their reward is a four seed and a matchup with LSU and Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow. It's the College Football Playoff at the Peach Bowl.

Nobody believes the Sooners have a shot against what might be the most lethal offense in SEC history. The Sooners are the biggest underdog in CFP history, breaking a record they set last year against Alabama.

The Sooners have also done themselves no favors as country music legend and defensive stalwart Ronnie Perkins got himself suspended along with Rhamondre Stevenson and freshman WR Trejan Bridges. Rumor is they got caught snorting booger sugar which is much less pedestrian than stealing coats. They've really outdone themselves this time.

Also, starting safety Delarrin Turner-Yell broke his damn collar bone so he's out. So, to recap, the Sooners are down a starting DB and their best pass rusher against Joe Burrow who looks pretty unstoppable.

Should they even play the game?

OFFENSE

The 21st century style triple option the Sooners have adopted this season has been brutally effective as a ball control, time consuming steamroller. It is the best friend of the Sooner D and it could potentially frustrate LSU on both sides of the ball.

But speaking of frustrating, the story all season has been turnovers. It's all well and good to have long, extended drives but if they end with turnovers what's the fucking point? It's almost a lock the Sooners will give the ball up once but you never know.

If I may beat a dead horse, the offense starts and ends with Jalen Hurts but Kennedy Brooks picks up yards in chunks and Stevenson was a luxury as a third option. TJ Pledger and/or Jeremiah Hall will probably pick up some of Stevenson's reps but I've got a feeling Lincoln Riley has something up his sleeve to unleash Brayden Willis.

Anyone who's watched a game with me this year is probably rolling their eyes because every time Willis is on the field I comment on it and spin a yarn about how he's built and used like a TE but listed as a FB. But he's a solid player who makes for a really good possession receiver.

At the end of the day, though, we know the drill. In your biggest games you get the ball in the hands of your best players. Those players are, in order, CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Hurts and Kennedy Brooks. If CeeDee and Kennedy have more touches combined than Jalen then the universe is in good alignment. If things start getting Jalen heavy it's probably not going well.

I'm picking CeeDee for my OPOG. Best player, biggest game.

DEFENSE

Joe Burrow is a freak. To me, he looks like a bigger, faster Baker Mayfield. He absolutely deserved the Heisman. However, can we briefly talk about how the SEC as a whole may be a smidge overrated? I mean, half the league can't fall out of the top 25 (nee top 15) or the ESPN satellites would fall back to earth. Is it possible that maybe, just maybe the Sooner D could offer a different look that no one else in the SEC is offering?

And if that's possible and if the Sooners could have some success against the vaunted LSU offense, could the Tigers maybe start pushing just a bit? Anything could happen. I just can't help but think that nobody benefits more than the Sooner D from all the hype about how awesome this LSU offense is.

That said, how do the Sooners do it? They have to keep Burrow bottled up a la the way they played Baylor. They need to somehow make Burrow get rid of the ball before he wants to or otherwise get him off his rhythm.

Kenneth Michael Murray has to keep Burrow bottled up. Neville Gallimore and Bookie can keep him on his toes. But someone else is going to need to step up big time. Parnell Motley perchance?

For my DPOG I'm going Kenneth Michael Murray. He's the heart and soul of this unit.

THE SCORE

Lost in all the LSU hype is that OU's offense is still OU's offense. They are capable of going score for score with anyone in the country. And for years, Sooner fans have been asking for just a decent defense. Now they are not only decent but one that, at times, is even better. They are peaking at the right time.

So don't believe the hype. The Sooners belong. Both teams have everything to prove but OU has nothing to lose and that makes them very dangerous. They are playing with house money. If LSU puckers up just a bit and the Sooners play their most complete game, I think the Sooners absolutely can do this.

And they will.

Sooners 34 Tigers 31

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

LSU - College Football Playoff Semifinal

Once again, the Sooners eeked out a spot in the playoffs. And this year, every media member and all but the most delusional of fans has OU as the one thing that is not like the others in the final four of football. What that "thing" happens to be is an elite football team. Yes, the Sooners are a solid team, but most anyone would agree that there are probably a couple of teams that didn't even get in that are better top to bottom. That's the luxury of playing outside of the most competitive conference, even if it sets up a yearly punishing that just leads to a chorus of "I-told-you-sos" from the southeastern quadrant of the lower 48.

OU is once again a joke on defense. The secondary is laughably bad, lacking even one decent cover corner. The difference in this team and the past two years--is that the offense--while excellent, no longer feels as though nothing can stop it--other than itself. LSU employs an outstanding defense, with multiple DBs slated to be drafted in the first round, and with only one OU receiver in the caliber to truly test them, this feels like an advantage for LSU. Another notable difference from the past two years is that this is the first time they are facing a truly dynamic passing attack, with no less than the Heisman winning QB leading it. Can you feel my optimism?

Offense

If OU is to even make this remotely competitive, I think they have to shift gears. I'm looking at the second half of the first Baylor matchup as a template. Announcers there mistakenly gave the OU defense a lot of credit for shutting down the Bears. In reality, a missing CeeDee Lamb effectively forced the Sooners to simply grind out drives, simultaneously burning clock and more importantly keeping their atrocious defense of the field. Hurts can pass, but realistically he is a giant RB. I think Kennedy Brooks is the guy today, I think Hurts gets his, but I think CeeDee will be nullified and if this is to be at all interesting for the Sooners, Brooks will have to grind it out.

Defense

My skin versus a tanning bed may be the only bigger mismatch that comes to mind when comparing our D to their O. LSU is multifaceted, and have not only the Heisman-winning QB, but an elite set of WR's and line. It's questionable whether their RB will start due to hamstring injury, but will this really matter? OU has not been able to stop the pass all season, and is doing an astounding job of being bad in almost all phases of pass defense, copious PI calls to extend drives, an unbelievable amount of completely blown coverages, and loads of missed tackles that turn dump-offs into big gains or scores. Couple that with the suspension of country music legend Ronnie Perkins (one of the 3 respectable defenders the Sooners employ) and things look grim. I'm going with Canadian Bacon today; he's got to make an impact in the pass rush as well contain burrow. Basically, the pass rush needs to force bad throws that lead to turnover, and create sacks to end drives; help me Neville Gallimore, you're our only hope.

Score

Perhaps the only thing OU really has going for it is the "nobody gave us a chance" theory. They can play loose, take chances, and come out with absolutely no pressure on them. If they somehow can get an early lead; grab a little momentum; and take the LSU faithful out of it early, maybe the Tigers tighten up a bit force some things and we can make this interesting. A long shot? Um, of the most ridiculous proportions. But, I will keep the faith and say OU somehow rekindles some of that long lost Sooner Magic of the 80s, OU pulls it off 24-21.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner

Big 12 Championship

Everything went just right last night as Oregon did the big 12 a favor and knocked off Utah in the PAC 12 title game. I’ve been down on OU and perhaps a bit more than I should have been lately, but my biggest complaint is that they don’t take care of business when they control their own fate.  And while they definitely need help from LSU today, they have everything in front of them if they can beat Baylor a second time, if they lose, none of it will matter.

The first Baylor tilt was insane, and OU needed an historic comeback to pull out a win in Waco. While the home crowd and the stakes meant Baylor gave their best shot, OU certainly helped things along with turnovers. The scale tilted in the complete opposite direction in the second half an OU cobbled together a win. But, in spite of the stat-sheet tale, let's not oversell the defense their. Baylor got nothing going simply for lack of ever having the ball. It's really the Sooners best strategy, keep the defense off the field all together. And in the interest of credit where do, OU pretty much did a 180 from their fast-break offense and turned into a grind it out running attach to do so. I think it's a sound strategy.

Offense

Much was made about the absence of CeeDee Lamb in the first game, much more than I thought necessary prior to kickoff. However, I was more wrong than I could have imagined, his absence was glaring. Hurts struggled to find receivers and basically turned into a hike, cursory look downfield, and scramble guy for the second half. CeeDee is back today, and while the offense goes through Hurts and the run game, I like CeeDee to punish Baylor in his second chance to get on the field against them. Lamb has a big one today.

Defense

I watched last week's game in sporadic fashion, but appeared the defense looked a little bit better, albeit against a somewhat depleted OSU squad. Make no mistake, the defense is still a soggy diaper, but hopefully they can do enough against a Baylor team that, save for turnovers, did pretty much what they wanted last time out. I'm basically a two-trick pony here and I'm not changing now, this week it's Canadian Bacon playing big in the middle. I'm even predicting a sack.

Score

Win, TCB, cross t's dot i's etc. etc., OU needs to go out play their best game of the year and win. Forget about style points, just get the W. Baylor didn't forget about the first meeting, they will be ready to redeem themselves after an epic collapse and prove they aren't pretenders. OU is feeling like the first matchup should've never been as close as it was. It will all shake out this morning. OU does enough, and starts watching the SEC championship with more than a little interest. Sooners take it 38-32.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner