Oklahoma Sooners versus Oregon Ducks in the Valero Alamo Bowl

Life comes at you pretty fast, Sooner fans. The last month has been bananas. The Sooners lost to the Cowboys in Bedlam. Then Lincoln Riley bolts for USC. Doom and gloom sets in for a week before the triumphant return of Brent Venables buoys the hopes and dreams of Sooner Nation yet again. We had a season with championship aspirations and a Heisman Trophy quarterback and now we've got the Alamo Bowl, Spencer Rattler gone and Bob Stoops coaching the game.

There have been decommitments,  transfers and opt outs. Rattler, predictably, is gone. Austin Stogner went with him to Shane Beamer and South Carolina and Jaden Haselwood left for Arkansas. Perrion Winfrey, Isaiah Thomas and Nik Bonitto are notables on defense who have opted out of the bowl game. These are major blows but much has been salvaged. Theo Wease (he of 0 catches all season) entered the portal but decided to stay, there have been a couple of transfers from the portal on their way in and the recruiting class is still top 10 for whatever that is worth.

Most importantly, Caleb Williams thus far has stayed. I think if he was leaving he would have done so already. But besides going to USC to follow Riley, where else could his situation be improved? Kennedy Brooks, Marvin Mims and Mario Williams have also decided, thus far, to stay. I wouldn't be surprised if Brooks opts for the NFL after the bowl game, however. 

I think they've been convinced to stay by Jeff Lebby who, statistically, has had a top five offense nationally the last three years at Ole Miss. The Sooners offense, by contrast, has been around 40 the last three years. I didn't realize this until I obsessively started following the coaching search.

All of which has me looking at the program in a new light. First, it's possible OU just got better all around. Anybody would say Brent Venables is an upgrade from Alex Grinch and statistically the offense has room for improvement. Second, it's possible that the legend of Lincoln Riley is just that. It will be very interesting to watch the development of his former players compared to his new guys over the next three years. Third, there now seems to be a very intense focus on player development and for OU to become known as a conduit to the next level. 

Oregon, if you can believe it, finds themselves in a similar if not worse situation. They also lost their coach and due to transfers and opt-outs are missing something like thirty players for the bowl game. With expectations now through the floor and nothing on the line, this one looks like it could be a pretty fun one to watch.

OFFENSE

It's Cale Gundy calling plays and one wonders if this means everything will be simplified or if new OC Jeff Lebby has been doing any work trying to install some of his offense to try out. My guess is there will be a let 'er rip approach but with a heavy lean on the run game. By that I mean I don't think the run will be abandoned the way Lincoln sometimes would and I also expect there won't be a lot of playing for field position or punting. I bet the Sooners go for it on 4th at least three times, not including some late game obvious 4 down situation. 

I'll go with CW for my OPOG because I think he'll have quite a few designed runs for him. I wouldn't call it a coronation per se, but I think this will be a showcase game for him. 

DEFENSE

This is where things get real interesting. Nearly the entire D-line has opted out. You have a handful of coaches sticking around before heading off to new jobs and you've got Bob Stoops and Venables around but, in the case of Venables, not technically part of the staff. 

I think this lends itself to a hair on fire approach where a lot of new faces get a lot of snaps to audition for parts in next years D. Things could get extremely ugly but with Oregon being so shorthanded maybe the Sooners catch some breaks. 

Defense seems harder to adjust in a short time frame and I'll be interested to see if there's as much pre-snap movement or if new concepts are being installed. I will be shocked, in a bad way, if the D does not come out highly motivated and flying to the football. Those that are here and intend to be on campus next year should be very keen to be on Venables radar as soon as possible.

For my DPOG I'll go with Danny Stutsman who impressed me all season and who absolutely should be on the short list for players to make a big jump next year in the new Venables defense.

THE SCORE

Surprise, surprise I think the Sooners win this one going away. The line is Sooners -7 and I'd be jumping all over that if I were a betting man. There is no reason to think the Sooners offense can't be potent, especially with one of the best defensive players in the country opting out for Oregon. 

And don't forget this game is a meaningless exhibition, which is when Oklahoma teams really shine. All this points to good times and one last ice bucket bath for Coach Bobby.

Sooners 42, Ducks 17

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

Bedlam

It's Bedlam, bitches, and it's always more fun when it means something. Usually that something is Little Brother trying to wreck Sooner hopes and dreams. It is true that a Sooner loss would essentially end the season. However, Cowboy tears will be shed if their inexplicable bubble gets burst. It's win or go home today.

I'm not feeling all that confident about the Sooners chances. The Cowboys defense is legit and even if it were only passable that would give them an edge over what the Sooners have been trotting out more often than not. And, as mentioned, the Cowboys are playing for a title game berth and a shot at the playoff. It's in Stillwater at night. 

But let us not forgot who has been here before. In a dogfight you have to like the Sooners chances. God knows they can win close and ugly. You know the Cowboys could come out with either their nuts in their throats or overconfident. The Sooners are made for this. 

OFFENSE

I would love (though not enough to actually follow through looking for it) to watch the tape of some of these plays where Caleb Williams is going deep or hanging on to the ball forever just to see if there are any open underneath routes. I have to believe he's not going through progressions or something. There has to be something easier than what it seems like he is always trying to do. 

He needs to get settled down early. He needs to run early. I wouldn't be surprised to see some razzle dazzle to see if the Cowboys over run. 

CW needs to be the OPOG here but I'm picking Mario Williams. He's on the cusp of some big stuff.

DEFENSE

For all the shit talk on these guys they did play a nice game last week. It certainly seems like the infusion of Jalen Redmond is a big reason. Obviously, for the Sooners to have any chance they have to play their best ball today. 

This Cowboy offense is not exactly dynamic. They are certainly capable of mediocrity. If Redmond, Isaiah Thomas and Perrion Winfrey can get some pressure then the Sooners will get some breaks you can count on it. 

Conversely, this defense can also make the worst offenses seem dynamic. If they can't get off the field on third and medium plus I will be calling it an early night and sitting in the dark feeling sorry for myself like a little bitch.

My crimson colored glasses don't allow me to see this happening, though, and so I'm going to pick Jalen Redmond for my DPOG.

THE SCORE

The Sooners will show up on D. CW will use his brain and his feet. The Cowboy faithful will water their miserable little patch of prairie with warm coed tears.

The first team to 24 will win. Tonight it's the good guys. The Sooners win and make a pretty big statement, 31-17.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

OSU

 What familiar waters we find ourselves in this week. Trying to win, making a case, watching scoreboards etc. It’s as consistent as the leaves changing. The Sooners are once again on the outside looking in and while of course I want them to get to the conference championship, win the big 12 and eke their way into the playoffs, frankly they don’t belong there. The committee is nothing if not flawed, but they got it right keeping OU low. The offense has looked uncharacteristically bad, vanilla even. And the defense is, well, the same. I remarked to a friend last week, during a moment when it certainly looked like the Sooners were going to piss it away to Iowa State,  this has been an exceedingly difficult Sooners team to like. They do so many things shittily. So with that dose of sunshine, on to the picks. 

Offense

The Sooners have struggled mightily here, switching QBs, trying trick plays and still barely scoring any points. It is a thankfully unusual circumstance for one of Riley’s teams. And at this point he gets the benefit of the doubt that it’s an outlier. However, one things had been remarkably consistent, Kennedy Brooks. Dude is as good as they come with that rare blend of power, speed and vision. I am going with him again today. My only question: why are we only getting him 10-15 touches a game?

Defense

Christ they are bad. Horrid tackling, guys out of position, can’t get stops on third and fourth down…and round and round spins the broken record. 

Score

The Sooners go into this one as four point dogs on the road. I believe (though am too lazy to confirm) that this is the first game this year where they haven’t been favored. Nothing else has gotten their attention so far, I’m stupidly hopefully that this will. Sooners do just enough 31-30. 

Boomer to the Motherfuckin’ Sooner 

Iowa State

Well, it wouldn't be a fall in Norman if the football Sooners didn't lose a stupid game they shouldn't have. I can't think of a team in recent memory more frustrating than this one. Their ability to play to the level of their opponents is absolutely unparalleled. Frankly, they were lucky to get to 9-0 before they lost one. Tulane should've beaten them week 1. It's been a maddening year, and one where the Sooners don't belong amongst the nations elite teams. 

Offense

I'll say Marvin Mims. My fire for the season took on a lot of water last week and I'm just having a hard time getting pumped up for this one. I hope the offense gets back on track and a good start would be getting the ball in the hands of a playmaker like Mims.

Defense

I'm a believer that coaches need time and a certain amount of leeway in order to get players that fit their systems, to establish their identity as coaches and to implement the strategies that comprise winning football. So I'm not saying Alex Grinch needs to go yet, but that leeway is being consumed at a prodigious rate. 

Score

Iowa State always plays OU very well. They just saw Baylor completely control both sides of the ball. I hope the Sooners might have gotten a wake up call however and can do enough to win today. I think they do, 24-21.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners versus Iowa State Cyclones

 The Sooners luck ran out last week in Waco as the defense's inability to get off the field cost them dearly. I turned it off when the Bears rattled off a 15 yard run on a 3rd and 12. My crimson colored glasses had me believing that so many close games and comebacks portended a story book season where all the breaks go your way. All this time it was just dumb luck.

Anyway, speaking of disappointments, the Iowa State Cyclones come to Norman today. They no doubt saw the film last week and have some ideas on how to further ruin the Sooners hopes and dreams since they have nothing else to play for at this point. 

OFFENSE

Last week the Sooners just couldn't get into any rhythm. Caleb Williams kept looking to go deep and the running game was inconsistent.

This week there has to be some semblance of a plan to get easy throws to the middle of the field. There just have to be opportunities less than 15 yards down the field. There are too many good receivers for CW to have all day and only be looking for bombs. 

I guess I'll go CW today for OPOG although for the first time in ages it's hard to know where a spark will come from on offense.

DEFENSE

Fuck these guys. I'm so tired of watching them be in a position to stop or slow down someone at the line of scrimmage only to whiff and give up chunks of yards. Seriously, at the point of attack all a defender has to do is slow down the ball carrier and wait for help to arrive. Just wait for the cavalry. But no. It's painful to watch.

THE SCORE

I mean I think the Sooners can win but it's going to be another butt clincher. I'm going Sooners 20, Cyclones 17.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

Baylor

 Since we last got together for a Sooners game the playoff rankings have been released. Many years ago in my younger and more naive days, the Sooners poor ranking would've given me much angst and vitriol to spew about fairness and blah blah blah. My nephew and I had a conversation that afforded me the new, and strange, role of talking him down as he had the same angst and vitriol I just mentioned. But years of watching, and being let down, have given me perspective and perhaps a whiff of insight. As I told him, none of it matters unless the Sooners win the rest of their games. One loss at this point, and we're pretty much done for the playoff anyway, regardless of our initial ranking. Like it or not, unlike Alabama for example, OU has done nothing to earn the benefit of the doubt. And, if the Sooners do win out (massive "if" given what we've seen from the defense), things will take care of themselves and everything we dream of each season will still be on the table. But, none of it matters if OU rolls into Waco today and loses a tough, conference road game. Which, I fear, is a very real possibility. 

Offense

Caleb Williams has ignited a Sooner fanbase unlike any player I can quickly think of since the likes of Adrian Peterson. Not since AD has any player, let alone another true freshman, been so obviously better than most (if not all) of the players on the field. He's so fun to watch because in addition to all the obvious athleticism and talent, he really seems to be a smart player inherently. Converse to the defense it's nice to watch someone not fuck things up regularly. This is a tough road game against a very good team. And while the Sooners don't win without a great game from CW, the run game is essential to controlling the ball and keeping our abysmal defense off of the field. As such, I like Kennedy Brooks in this one. He has decidedly been out of the limelight since CW took over, but he's still a complete badass. I like Lincoln to lean on him today, and he delivers.

Defense

If you just picked up the newspaper and read the box score, it would look like the Sooner defense played a pretty solid game (by their woefully low standards) against Tech. But it was still the same story of guys out of position, missed tackles, and generally shitty play. And as I threatened before that game I refuse to pick anyone on that side of the ball until they start playing respectably. 

Score

OU is 5 point road favorites, Baylor is a solid team with nothing to lose. This is a recipe for a bed shitting. I'm predictably nervous, and a loss wouldn't surprise me. From here on out the schedule is a real rectum tester. But, one game at a time. I think OU does enough to escape Waco with a win and remain unbeaten. Sooners win it, 27-24. 

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner 

Oklahoma Sooners versus Texas Tech Red Raiders

 Good afternoon Sooner fans it's a glorious day in Oklahoma. A fine afternoon for a football game. Today our 8-0 Oklahoma Sooners take on the Red Raiders in what on most days might be considered a trap game. Fortunately or no, the Sooners had their trap game last week against Kansas. It was a butt puckering affair that required Caleb Williams to invent a new football play on a 4th down conversion to pull the Sooner asses out of the proverbial fire. 

It's hard to polish a turd that wet but I'm here for it. It's good the Sooners got tested and who cares what it did to them in the rankings. They are still in the drivers seat. Now they have a home game against a team with a brand new coach, then a bye, then they run the gauntlet. It's all out there for the taking. If you break the season up into parts this might be the third act. The Sooners have two weeks to start playing their best ball and then it's six games to glory.

Let's get it going today.

OFFENSE

It's Caleb Williams world and we're just living in it. If I can pick some knits I'd like to see him distribute the ball a little more but it's tough to argue his going to where he's comfortable early and often to Jaden Haselwood. Frankly, he could probably run a smidge more too although the threat of his running is probably enough to keep linebackers in place. 

Today I look for lots of short passes with big plays by receivers. I like Haselwood to have another big day.

DEFENSE

Good Lord, these guys. They have to get their shit together and today everything is set up on a platter for them. They have the home crowd, a terrible team, a new coach and they should have a Quasimodo sized chip on their shoulder. 

So help me if they can't get off the field. They all need to answer the bell. It's exasperating as hell. I'm not picking anyone this week although I like the spirit that Key Lawrence plays with. 

THE SCORE

This damn well better be a total ass beat. If the Sooners can't come out crisp and fired up on both sides of the ball then you really will have to doubt this is the year and this is the team. I'm serious. Today is a fresh start and lots of people have something to prove a play for. 

I'm going Sooners 28, Red Raiders 7 and it better not be that close.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner