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
Showing posts with label CeeDee Lamb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CeeDee Lamb. Show all posts
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Friday, October 25, 2019
Oklahoma Sooner versus Kansas State
The undefeated Sooners stroll into the Little Apple this Saturday to face a Wildcats team I know nothing about. It looks like they play a style of football hell bent on setting football back 25 years. I'm assuming they will look and act like a homeless version of Texas.
OFFENSE
If, in fact, this is a take 2 of a homeless man's Texas then the formula is pretty simple. Don't turn the ball over. If K-State's offense wants to hang on to the ball then the Sooners need to maximize their opportunities. Obviously this all depends on Jalen Hurts. Hurts boners against the Longhorns kept the game too close for comfort. K-State doesn't need to be led to believe they can hang.
I look for lots of running from the Sooners. There's been a lot of rumbling/grumbling about Trey Sermon's lack of carries but the simple fact is Kennedy Brooks is the best running back in the Sooners stable right now. The dude glides. Also, Hurts is more than eager to call his own number. Regrettably, what's left is table scraps.
Anywho, I'm going with Charlston Rambo this week because the Sooners will pass and K-State should probably try to make someone besides CeeDee Lamb beat them. We'll see how that goes.
DEFENSE
Supposedly K-State leans heavily on their running attack. This has country music super duo Kenneth Michael Murray and Ronnie Perkins licking their chops. The gang tackling continues this week with the same quality results.
Thus concludes my understanding of the K-State attack. They have a new coach and I have yet to watch them play.
For my DPOG I'll go with another wild card: Delarrin Turner-Yell. He's starting to fly all over the field. I think he helps the cause in a great way.
THE SCORE
Well, I think the Sooners keep from turning the ball over and the ball control offense that K-State hopes to deploy doesn't really work. In short, it's crimson-colored glasses all day, baby!
I like the Sooners 35-14
Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner!
OFFENSE
If, in fact, this is a take 2 of a homeless man's Texas then the formula is pretty simple. Don't turn the ball over. If K-State's offense wants to hang on to the ball then the Sooners need to maximize their opportunities. Obviously this all depends on Jalen Hurts. Hurts boners against the Longhorns kept the game too close for comfort. K-State doesn't need to be led to believe they can hang.
I look for lots of running from the Sooners. There's been a lot of rumbling/grumbling about Trey Sermon's lack of carries but the simple fact is Kennedy Brooks is the best running back in the Sooners stable right now. The dude glides. Also, Hurts is more than eager to call his own number. Regrettably, what's left is table scraps.
Anywho, I'm going with Charlston Rambo this week because the Sooners will pass and K-State should probably try to make someone besides CeeDee Lamb beat them. We'll see how that goes.
DEFENSE
Supposedly K-State leans heavily on their running attack. This has country music super duo Kenneth Michael Murray and Ronnie Perkins licking their chops. The gang tackling continues this week with the same quality results.
Thus concludes my understanding of the K-State attack. They have a new coach and I have yet to watch them play.
For my DPOG I'll go with another wild card: Delarrin Turner-Yell. He's starting to fly all over the field. I think he helps the cause in a great way.
THE SCORE
Well, I think the Sooners keep from turning the ball over and the ball control offense that K-State hopes to deploy doesn't really work. In short, it's crimson-colored glasses all day, baby!
I like the Sooners 35-14
Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner!
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Oklahoma Sooners versus West Virginny
Gooood morning, undefeated Sooner fans! Here's to hoping the Sooners, fresh off a signature victory down in Dallas, are less hungover than I am today. Today, West Virginia comes to Norman with arguably their worst squad since joining the Big 12. The Sooners are in the driver's seat and need to stay there. They can do so by staying engaged in this one. I know it's a lot to ask to match the intensity of a rivalry game week in and week out but that should be the goal.
OFFENSE
Crucial red zone takeaways marred what was otherwise another dominant performance by the offense against texas. The offensive line performed admirably. CeeDee Lamb made the case he is the best wide receiver in college football. Jalen Hurts showed resiliency after the two turnovers.
Today there is nothing to work out or get back on track. The hammer just needs to come down on the Mountaineers and there will be no answer, at least from their defense.
It's clinical at this point to assume Jalen or CeeDee will be offensive players of the game so it's not real fun to pick them. I guess I'll go with Kennedy Brooks today. I love his running style and he can pile on yards in a hurry.
On another note, I was checking the box score from last week and was surprised to see only five players caught balls for the Sooners. I bet that's the fewest this century but I'm way too lazy to check.
DEFENSE
The kudos, first trickling and now flooding in, are much deserved. This defense can win games and that is so massive and refreshing. Alex Grinch would very much like to create more turnovers but, **flicks on crimson colored glasses CSI Miami style**, that's what punts are.
However, if turnovers are the next evolution towards true saltiness then today presents an opportunity. Former Sooner QB Austin Kendall leads the Mountaineers and he's thrown seven INT's in five games and is sporting an abysmal 45.7 QBR (Jalen Hurts 95).
I think Alex Grinch keeps this group engaged today by keeping the aggressive play calling ratcheted up in an effort to start getting some of those turnovers.
Speaking of refreshing, how about being able to reliably pick a DPOG for the first time in years? Kenneth (dare I saw MF?) Murray is in full on beast mode. So, I've got to stretch the brain cells a smidge (not easy) and ID someone besides him.
I'll go Parnell Motley today in an effort to try to show some faith and support in homepiece. He's close to playing at a high level again. He could make a big step today.
THE SCORE
This one should be over by half time. I'm most interested in seeing what the attitude is like following a huge win and now being in the driver's seat. It's all out there in front of them. This is the time to shore everything up so that control is never taken away.
The Sooners win this one big, 56-14
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner
OFFENSE
Crucial red zone takeaways marred what was otherwise another dominant performance by the offense against texas. The offensive line performed admirably. CeeDee Lamb made the case he is the best wide receiver in college football. Jalen Hurts showed resiliency after the two turnovers.
Today there is nothing to work out or get back on track. The hammer just needs to come down on the Mountaineers and there will be no answer, at least from their defense.
It's clinical at this point to assume Jalen or CeeDee will be offensive players of the game so it's not real fun to pick them. I guess I'll go with Kennedy Brooks today. I love his running style and he can pile on yards in a hurry.
On another note, I was checking the box score from last week and was surprised to see only five players caught balls for the Sooners. I bet that's the fewest this century but I'm way too lazy to check.
DEFENSE
The kudos, first trickling and now flooding in, are much deserved. This defense can win games and that is so massive and refreshing. Alex Grinch would very much like to create more turnovers but, **flicks on crimson colored glasses CSI Miami style**, that's what punts are.
However, if turnovers are the next evolution towards true saltiness then today presents an opportunity. Former Sooner QB Austin Kendall leads the Mountaineers and he's thrown seven INT's in five games and is sporting an abysmal 45.7 QBR (Jalen Hurts 95).
I think Alex Grinch keeps this group engaged today by keeping the aggressive play calling ratcheted up in an effort to start getting some of those turnovers.
Speaking of refreshing, how about being able to reliably pick a DPOG for the first time in years? Kenneth (dare I saw MF?) Murray is in full on beast mode. So, I've got to stretch the brain cells a smidge (not easy) and ID someone besides him.
I'll go Parnell Motley today in an effort to try to show some faith and support in homepiece. He's close to playing at a high level again. He could make a big step today.
THE SCORE
This one should be over by half time. I'm most interested in seeing what the attitude is like following a huge win and now being in the driver's seat. It's all out there in front of them. This is the time to shore everything up so that control is never taken away.
The Sooners win this one big, 56-14
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Texas Tech
Welcome back to another week of the Steamroller. The Sooners go down to Lubbock for a tilt with Kliff Kingsbury and the Red Raiders. The Sooners D looked halfway decent last week. I'm not sure if this due to the new system paying dividends or a really putrid K State offense, but I'm inclined (read: negatively conditioned) to think the latter. Regardless, it was nice to see the defense get stops and keep the OU offense on the field. Let's remember, with the OU offense, the '85 Bears aren't needed, just something other than paper cutouts of football men.
This week will certainly provide a tougher test. I read an article on Thursday talking about the 2016 matchup. At the time I was incredibly irritated (hope you were sitting down) by the horrid defense, but it was pretty amazing to watch the offensive exhibition by both teams. I'm grossly paraphrasing but, the article quoted Bob Stoops as telling Riley to keep his foot on the gas because, essentially, he had zero faith that the defense could stop Tech. I think that says a lot about his faith in brother,Mikey's D.
The Tech offense is going to be tough. It's going to score fast against the D and it's going to score more than any Sooner fan would like. Fortunately, I believe the OU offense will score a good bit too. The atmosphere will be intense; Tech is solid and a Saturday night home tilt against a top 10 team will bring out the crowd. There are a slew of huge games this Saturday, OU can't get caught scoreboard watching (as I will be doing), just beat Tech and keep the train rolling.
Offense
Another week, another surprise at RB. After writing off Trey Sermon last week, he came out and put both of his cleats squarely up the collective Wildcat ass. Which is tough because kicking with both feet is physically impossible, but humor me. I temper my excitement again because it was a dreadful K State team, but it looked like the running game may finally be rolling again after a long adjustment of missing Rod Anderson. Kyler Murray is so fun to watch too and CeeDee Lamb is breaking out as a dominant receiver. With all of those weapons, it makes zero sense that I'm picking Kennedy Brooks this week. He runs so hard, and I have visions of him catching a screen or short dump off and taking it all the way to the house.
Defense
I think the defense gets exposed again this week for the first time since that godawful texas game. My hope is that it isn't that bad again. The OU secondary hasn't been good, which does not bode well for this matchup. And while the lack of pressure sans blitz has been demoralizing, I think that's the difference today in that Amani Bledsoe come up with at least one huge sack/forced fumble that turns the momentum to OU for good.
Score
OU was -13.5 last I looked and the O/U is 78, so the pros agree that this will be high scoring. I like the offense to move the ball well and I think the defense does enough in a tough road test. I'm taking the over (barely) and OU to cover (barely), Sooners take it 48-31.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
Saturday, October 27, 2018
K State
I didn't get to sit down and watch last week's game start to finish, but I did catch a good majority of it in bits and pieces. I'm most likely far from correct, but it looked to me like the defense did a little better. They're certainly far from elite, but with the offense the Sooners possess they don't have to be either. If they can just tackle and not give up 10 home runs every week, they should win. The blitzing looked to be far less frequent and certainly less predictable. In short, it seemed to be an improvement. But I temper my expectation as Mitch made a good point last week in that, we'll really know what's going on in a couple of weeks.
Speaking of tackling and not giving up home runs, the Wildcats of K State come to Norman this fine Saturday. Bill Snyder has carved out a legendary career based almost exclusively on fundamentals and not beating himself. Though his national relevance has certainly waned in correlation with his years of life, the Wildcats are still a sound team. Once a perennial thorn in OU's side, recent years have proven to be less of a test, but OU still needs to come strong today. With a tough road test against high-flying Tech next week, this could be a bit of a trap game. The Sooners still have everything they want in front of them, but not if they lose another game.
Offense
Another week and another significant injury. After losing Rod Anderson for the season earlier this year, RB was already a bit thin. Now Trey Sermon is likely out, though his injury seems to be of a mystery (at least to me) for the most part. The lack of a definite report from Lincoln Riley doesn't scream minor or that he'll be out there this week. Kennedy Brooks looked very good stepping in, but as with Anderson, it's impossible that loss isn't felt. In better news, it appears Hollywood Brown is good to go and that speed on the outside is huge. All of that is a lot of fluff in me getting to CeeDee Lamb as my player of the game. That guy is always making big plays, whether it's a long TD or a clutch 3rd down catch. I like more of it today against K State.
Defense
As I alluded to before, I have cautious optimism around this D now. It's classic addition by subtraction here. K State employs the dreaded running quarterback, long the checkpoint to the Sooners night of partying. texas' own Sam Ehrlinger looked like Jamelle Holieway circa '85, which was a lot of fun to watch for Sooners fans. Hopefully OU can play some disciplined defense today, stay in position, and not give up huge gains. I like Kenneth Murray today to make a bunch of tackles and force at least one turnover.
Score
This does feel a bit like one the Sooners could be looking ahead on. They got back on track against TCU last week, have a tough road test next week, and have nothing K State this week. Against a disciplined football team, that can be dangerous. But I think OU will have too much offense against them, despite them hanging around a little longer than the home faithful would care for. OU TCBs but just misses the cover and hits the over (OU -24.5, o/u 64.5) today 47-24.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Speaking of tackling and not giving up home runs, the Wildcats of K State come to Norman this fine Saturday. Bill Snyder has carved out a legendary career based almost exclusively on fundamentals and not beating himself. Though his national relevance has certainly waned in correlation with his years of life, the Wildcats are still a sound team. Once a perennial thorn in OU's side, recent years have proven to be less of a test, but OU still needs to come strong today. With a tough road test against high-flying Tech next week, this could be a bit of a trap game. The Sooners still have everything they want in front of them, but not if they lose another game.
Offense
Another week and another significant injury. After losing Rod Anderson for the season earlier this year, RB was already a bit thin. Now Trey Sermon is likely out, though his injury seems to be of a mystery (at least to me) for the most part. The lack of a definite report from Lincoln Riley doesn't scream minor or that he'll be out there this week. Kennedy Brooks looked very good stepping in, but as with Anderson, it's impossible that loss isn't felt. In better news, it appears Hollywood Brown is good to go and that speed on the outside is huge. All of that is a lot of fluff in me getting to CeeDee Lamb as my player of the game. That guy is always making big plays, whether it's a long TD or a clutch 3rd down catch. I like more of it today against K State.
Defense
As I alluded to before, I have cautious optimism around this D now. It's classic addition by subtraction here. K State employs the dreaded running quarterback, long the checkpoint to the Sooners night of partying. texas' own Sam Ehrlinger looked like Jamelle Holieway circa '85, which was a lot of fun to watch for Sooners fans. Hopefully OU can play some disciplined defense today, stay in position, and not give up huge gains. I like Kenneth Murray today to make a bunch of tackles and force at least one turnover.
Score
This does feel a bit like one the Sooners could be looking ahead on. They got back on track against TCU last week, have a tough road test next week, and have nothing K State this week. Against a disciplined football team, that can be dangerous. But I think OU will have too much offense against them, despite them hanging around a little longer than the home faithful would care for. OU TCBs but just misses the cover and hits the over (OU -24.5, o/u 64.5) today 47-24.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Saturday, September 15, 2018
OU vs. Iowa State
The Sooners head up to Ames, Iowa today. A place I treat like 7-Up; Never have, never will. But the Sooners should be much more interested in the trip as revenge is on all their minds. The Cyclones depantsed the Sooners in Norman last year and put Mike Stoops and the defense on their heels, a position they stayed in the rest of the year.
This year is different. Through two games the defense is clearly ahead of where they were a year ago at any point in the season. Whereas last years group hoped to just hang on, this years group has demonstrated an ability to hold down the fort while the offense gets its rhythm. This could come in handy today as the Cyclones are well coached and the Sooners are without Rodney Anderson. The day could require a complete team game.
OFFENSE
Losing Rod hurts badly. The offense struggled for quite a while after he left against UCLA. Credit the Sooners scheme and depth for being able to adjust in game. It doesn't hurt to have big time athletes all over the field either.
Today the key is who fills Rod's shoes. Trey Sermon has been mediocre. Marcelias Sutton can hit a hole hard but seems to have trouble getting to the second and third levels. This duo, or even T.J. Pledger getting in the mix, needs to provide more than a wrinkle.
Meanwhile, how do the Cyclones (or anyone) stop the Sooners passing attack? If they blitz, Kyler Murray will abuse you. If you hang back, Hollywood Brown or CeeDee Lamb will punish you. It's lethal and fun to watch.
Today for OPOG I'm going CeeDee Lamb. Not so much because of what I expect him to do today but as recognition for how badass he was last week. Good Lord is he good. That said, why can't he do it again today?
DEFENSE
I'm dying to be on this bandwagon. I'm like a guy hopping a train who is hanging on and getting dragged down the tracks while trying to pull myself aboard.
The team speed and collective discipline they've shown so far has been awesome. The front 7 is by far the best it's been in, what, six years or so?
I actually have players I want to pick and since I don't know anything about the ISU offense, save the fact they have a good downhill running back, I'm going to get on with it. I'm going Kenneth Michael Murray who, like CeeDee, got in the groove last week. He can build on that this week and start being Curtis Bolton's top sidekick.
THE SCORE
Make no mistake this is going to be a great test for the Sooners. It's their first road game. It should be a hostile environment. The Sooners have played against good coaches already but this is the first game against a team this settled and experienced. And there's some question in my mind about the Sooners running game.
I'm sure that last one will be resoundingly answered. If the D can maintain its discipline then I think the Sooners will just be too much and will punish the Cyclones.
If you can believe it I like the Sooners here.
Sooners 35, Cyclones 17
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner
This year is different. Through two games the defense is clearly ahead of where they were a year ago at any point in the season. Whereas last years group hoped to just hang on, this years group has demonstrated an ability to hold down the fort while the offense gets its rhythm. This could come in handy today as the Cyclones are well coached and the Sooners are without Rodney Anderson. The day could require a complete team game.
OFFENSE
Losing Rod hurts badly. The offense struggled for quite a while after he left against UCLA. Credit the Sooners scheme and depth for being able to adjust in game. It doesn't hurt to have big time athletes all over the field either.
Today the key is who fills Rod's shoes. Trey Sermon has been mediocre. Marcelias Sutton can hit a hole hard but seems to have trouble getting to the second and third levels. This duo, or even T.J. Pledger getting in the mix, needs to provide more than a wrinkle.
Meanwhile, how do the Cyclones (or anyone) stop the Sooners passing attack? If they blitz, Kyler Murray will abuse you. If you hang back, Hollywood Brown or CeeDee Lamb will punish you. It's lethal and fun to watch.
Today for OPOG I'm going CeeDee Lamb. Not so much because of what I expect him to do today but as recognition for how badass he was last week. Good Lord is he good. That said, why can't he do it again today?
DEFENSE
I'm dying to be on this bandwagon. I'm like a guy hopping a train who is hanging on and getting dragged down the tracks while trying to pull myself aboard.
The team speed and collective discipline they've shown so far has been awesome. The front 7 is by far the best it's been in, what, six years or so?
I actually have players I want to pick and since I don't know anything about the ISU offense, save the fact they have a good downhill running back, I'm going to get on with it. I'm going Kenneth Michael Murray who, like CeeDee, got in the groove last week. He can build on that this week and start being Curtis Bolton's top sidekick.
THE SCORE
Make no mistake this is going to be a great test for the Sooners. It's their first road game. It should be a hostile environment. The Sooners have played against good coaches already but this is the first game against a team this settled and experienced. And there's some question in my mind about the Sooners running game.
I'm sure that last one will be resoundingly answered. If the D can maintain its discipline then I think the Sooners will just be too much and will punish the Cyclones.
If you can believe it I like the Sooners here.
Sooners 35, Cyclones 17
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner
Friday, December 1, 2017
Big 12 Championship
It is now the first weekend in December and all that stands between OU and the college football playoff is the Conference Championship game. I'll admit that although I was ready to move on from Bob Stoops (whose "salad days" were shrinking in the rearview), I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from Lincoln Riley and the new-look Sooners. I was certainly brim full of optimism, but also a dread feeling in the recesses of "careful-what-you-wish-for." Well, my complaints are minimal at this point, and almost all of them are still directed at a Stoops. Tomorrow provides another opportunity for the Sooners to keep it going with the conference title and a playoff berth at stake.
It's somewhat appropriate that TCU will be the opponent tomorrow as the color of my butthole will likely alternate between purple and white as the game dictates. In spite of the moderately dominant performance against this same squad but a few weeks ago, I do not rest easy in this one. Gary Patterson has proven time and again that he can game plan and that he does not walk into a gunfight with a knife. If you don't think that he and his staff haven't poured over the tape of the first meeting, you're insane. If you don't think he hasn't taken that tape and formulated a plan for each weakness that OU exploited, and a plan to attack the Sooner defense, then you sit in a diaper and smear mayonnaise on your nipples.
The bottom line in this one is that it's going to be an extremely tough matchup. It's never easy to beat the same team twice in one season, particularly when that team has a good coach, nothing to lose, and no pressure whatsoever. I just leaked in the back of my jockey's.
Offense
TCU has easily the best defense in the Big 12. They boast the best pass rusher in the conference (who missed the vast majority of the first meeting due to being a prig), and the have the best run defense by a good measure. I would love to jot down DimitRod Serdams, I just don't think any one of the four-headed monster will be the dominant force in this one. And yes, I think Mayfield will come to play but I think the WR corps will be the difference with guys breaking deep. The guy I think blows up in the passing game is CeeDee Lamb. He's been great, he continues that with a huge game.
Defense
While improving in terms of points allowed, this defense still looks like a tire fire, albeit one that has gone from blaze to smoldering. There simply isn't anyone who routinely stands out as great. The lack of consistency and great playmakers makes this really tough to pick. But my heart is winning this week and I'm going with Steven Parker, I've always thought he was salty and I think he makes a huge play in this one.
Score
It's going to be a nut-buster. TCU is coming in with everything to prove against "big, bad" OU. Shit, they're a top 12 team so this isn't a cake walk regardless of the stakes, but with them playing the spoiler, they will come out hard and OU will face a very dangerous opponent. This has a lot of the makings of a letdown, but I'm hoping fresh-faced Lincoln Riley has them ready and Baker Mayfield continues his hit parade. Sooners win this in a white-knuckle ride, 31-30.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
It's somewhat appropriate that TCU will be the opponent tomorrow as the color of my butthole will likely alternate between purple and white as the game dictates. In spite of the moderately dominant performance against this same squad but a few weeks ago, I do not rest easy in this one. Gary Patterson has proven time and again that he can game plan and that he does not walk into a gunfight with a knife. If you don't think that he and his staff haven't poured over the tape of the first meeting, you're insane. If you don't think he hasn't taken that tape and formulated a plan for each weakness that OU exploited, and a plan to attack the Sooner defense, then you sit in a diaper and smear mayonnaise on your nipples.
The bottom line in this one is that it's going to be an extremely tough matchup. It's never easy to beat the same team twice in one season, particularly when that team has a good coach, nothing to lose, and no pressure whatsoever. I just leaked in the back of my jockey's.
Offense
TCU has easily the best defense in the Big 12. They boast the best pass rusher in the conference (who missed the vast majority of the first meeting due to being a prig), and the have the best run defense by a good measure. I would love to jot down DimitRod Serdams, I just don't think any one of the four-headed monster will be the dominant force in this one. And yes, I think Mayfield will come to play but I think the WR corps will be the difference with guys breaking deep. The guy I think blows up in the passing game is CeeDee Lamb. He's been great, he continues that with a huge game.
Defense
While improving in terms of points allowed, this defense still looks like a tire fire, albeit one that has gone from blaze to smoldering. There simply isn't anyone who routinely stands out as great. The lack of consistency and great playmakers makes this really tough to pick. But my heart is winning this week and I'm going with Steven Parker, I've always thought he was salty and I think he makes a huge play in this one.
Score
It's going to be a nut-buster. TCU is coming in with everything to prove against "big, bad" OU. Shit, they're a top 12 team so this isn't a cake walk regardless of the stakes, but with them playing the spoiler, they will come out hard and OU will face a very dangerous opponent. This has a lot of the makings of a letdown, but I'm hoping fresh-faced Lincoln Riley has them ready and Baker Mayfield continues his hit parade. Sooners win this in a white-knuckle ride, 31-30.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Kansas State
Well, OU survived again last week. That's what it's come to at this point, isn't it? The glad tidings and hand jobs that followed the (increasingly improbable) road win at Ohio State have all be vanished. A home loss to a decidedly mediocre team and a sphincter testing rally against another decidedly mediocre rivalry team will do that. Nonetheless, a win is a win and today looks to be another challenge. Hopefully the Sooners will do their usual trick of coming out of the gates sprinting and get a sizable lead. Hopefully they will not forget that the game is 4 quarters instead of 2 again. K State is always a tough win, and they seem to win a game or two every season that they have no business winning. Playing solid fundamentals and putting players in position to make plays will do that, regardless of talent discrepancies. Snyder, no matter what your taste for him is, always has his guys ready and that's highly respectable. In short, this game is certainly not a gimme and a loss, while deflating, would not be incredibly shocking at this point.
Offense
Mark Andrews reestablished himself as a man amongst children last week and basically kept the ever-so-slim national title hopes alive single handedly. Mayfield continues to do his thing and nearly every game I find myself thankful he's a Sooner and not a foe when he scrambles around for 15 seconds and then cuts the opponents heart out with an unlikely first down scramble or long completion. With that said, K State generally does a decent job of making teams beat them with someone other than their marquee players. I think CeeDee Lamb steps up today and gets a lot of looks and, consequently, has a huge day as the Wildcats work hard to take away Andrews.
Defense
They looked a little better last week, but make no mistake, texas is pretty bad, and their QB is shit. I don't know much about K State at all, let alone how much experience they field at various skill positions, but I'm comfortable guessing their QB will have a career day today. It's been a rocky season up to now for LB Kenneth Murray, but Snyder's teams often go with the "5 yards and a cloud of dust" method so I think the youngster has a big day against a run heavy attack.
Score
This game has loss written all over it. Going to Manhattan is always a tough win, and as I mentioned earlier, the Wildcats are always prepared. I hope it's not another late-game meltdown, but it's certainly a possibility. For now, I'm going to remains as optimistic as I can and say the Sooners escape again, this time with a 24-21 victory.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Offense
Mark Andrews reestablished himself as a man amongst children last week and basically kept the ever-so-slim national title hopes alive single handedly. Mayfield continues to do his thing and nearly every game I find myself thankful he's a Sooner and not a foe when he scrambles around for 15 seconds and then cuts the opponents heart out with an unlikely first down scramble or long completion. With that said, K State generally does a decent job of making teams beat them with someone other than their marquee players. I think CeeDee Lamb steps up today and gets a lot of looks and, consequently, has a huge day as the Wildcats work hard to take away Andrews.
Defense
They looked a little better last week, but make no mistake, texas is pretty bad, and their QB is shit. I don't know much about K State at all, let alone how much experience they field at various skill positions, but I'm comfortable guessing their QB will have a career day today. It's been a rocky season up to now for LB Kenneth Murray, but Snyder's teams often go with the "5 yards and a cloud of dust" method so I think the youngster has a big day against a run heavy attack.
Score
This game has loss written all over it. Going to Manhattan is always a tough win, and as I mentioned earlier, the Wildcats are always prepared. I hope it's not another late-game meltdown, but it's certainly a possibility. For now, I'm going to remains as optimistic as I can and say the Sooners escape again, this time with a 24-21 victory.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Baylor
Conference play for the Sooners opens up today down in Waco. Baylor comes into the game a paltry 0-3 and it appears the salad days are over. After Art Briles built Baylor into a perennial conference, if not national, title contender through some good coaching, recruiting and cultivation of a lawless, despicable culture his ouster seems to have brought the Bears back to earth. It isn't evident yet if Baylor will resume its role as a place to smear muddy boots for everyone else in the conference, but an 0-3 start doesn't portend an imminent upswing. On paper, today doesn't seem to be the launch-pad for a season turnaround either.
OU fell from #2 to #3 through no fault of their own last week. At this point, that fall is nothing to even bat an eye at. Frankly, I think it's deserving, Clemson went on the road against a pretty decent Louisville team (helmed by the reigning Heisman winner) and absolutely embarrassed them. That defense looks stout. Regardless, either #2 or #3 looks like a tough matchup for a Bears squad that lost at home to both Liberty University and The University of Texas...San Antonio, ouch. They do have Seth Russell still, who can definitely sling the ball, and although the next snap I see of Baylor this year will be the first, I feel confident that there isn't much of a supporting cast around him.
After a sluggish start last week that had 80,000 in Norman repeatedly saying "we're fine" amidst nervous laughs and non-sequiturs, the defense buckled down and Baker Mayfield did Baker Mayfield things and all was right with the world. I haven't seen enough of this team to know if that was this year's version of a "let-down", but if it is, then I'm going to have a 5-month chubby. To the picks!
Offense
CeeDee Lamb was on his way last week to creating the illusion that I knew what I was talking about for 2 straight weeks, before the referees observed him doing something along the lines of tackle football and kicked him out. Make no mistake, this sort of luck will not befall me again this season so sorry whomever I pick, the kiss of death may be back. Again, BD Mayfield is the easy choice, so naturally I'm not going to do that. Instead I'm going with a different weapon who stepped up last week and look really solid in Lamb's absence. I'm going with Marquise Brown, which a quick google search revealed he is from Hollywood, FL. You can't be from Hollywood, Anywhere and not be nicknamed Hollywood, so Hollywood Brown it is.
Defense
For the first time in a long time, the dart throw on this side of the ball is due to a plethora, rather than a dearth of options. That is one damn nice change of pace. I've gone DL, LB the first two weeks. I'm going to continue the progression to the secondary and resist the temptation no more by going with Parnell Motley. First of all, that's a fucking great name. Second of all, he has continued to live up to the billing each week and is on the verge of dusting off the Motherfucker moniker (stay tuned). Baylor will try to throw it all over the field, I think Parnell steps up and has fine game.
Score
The conference games are always tougher. There is history between the schools, familiarity with one another and the stakes of the conference championship to consider. In turn, the divide in talent is always lessened, particularly when the better team is on the road. But, I think the first quarter last week was a bit of a wake up call and I think the Sooners come out determined. Baylor will be fired up, three straight losses to open the year won't set well with them and the crowd will be fired up, no matter, the Sooners come out swinging a tire iron and beat some ass, 52-17.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner.
OU fell from #2 to #3 through no fault of their own last week. At this point, that fall is nothing to even bat an eye at. Frankly, I think it's deserving, Clemson went on the road against a pretty decent Louisville team (helmed by the reigning Heisman winner) and absolutely embarrassed them. That defense looks stout. Regardless, either #2 or #3 looks like a tough matchup for a Bears squad that lost at home to both Liberty University and The University of Texas...San Antonio, ouch. They do have Seth Russell still, who can definitely sling the ball, and although the next snap I see of Baylor this year will be the first, I feel confident that there isn't much of a supporting cast around him.
After a sluggish start last week that had 80,000 in Norman repeatedly saying "we're fine" amidst nervous laughs and non-sequiturs, the defense buckled down and Baker Mayfield did Baker Mayfield things and all was right with the world. I haven't seen enough of this team to know if that was this year's version of a "let-down", but if it is, then I'm going to have a 5-month chubby. To the picks!
Offense
CeeDee Lamb was on his way last week to creating the illusion that I knew what I was talking about for 2 straight weeks, before the referees observed him doing something along the lines of tackle football and kicked him out. Make no mistake, this sort of luck will not befall me again this season so sorry whomever I pick, the kiss of death may be back. Again, BD Mayfield is the easy choice, so naturally I'm not going to do that. Instead I'm going with a different weapon who stepped up last week and look really solid in Lamb's absence. I'm going with Marquise Brown, which a quick google search revealed he is from Hollywood, FL. You can't be from Hollywood, Anywhere and not be nicknamed Hollywood, so Hollywood Brown it is.
Defense
For the first time in a long time, the dart throw on this side of the ball is due to a plethora, rather than a dearth of options. That is one damn nice change of pace. I've gone DL, LB the first two weeks. I'm going to continue the progression to the secondary and resist the temptation no more by going with Parnell Motley. First of all, that's a fucking great name. Second of all, he has continued to live up to the billing each week and is on the verge of dusting off the Motherfucker moniker (stay tuned). Baylor will try to throw it all over the field, I think Parnell steps up and has fine game.
Score
The conference games are always tougher. There is history between the schools, familiarity with one another and the stakes of the conference championship to consider. In turn, the divide in talent is always lessened, particularly when the better team is on the road. But, I think the first quarter last week was a bit of a wake up call and I think the Sooners come out determined. Baylor will be fired up, three straight losses to open the year won't set well with them and the crowd will be fired up, no matter, the Sooners come out swinging a tire iron and beat some ass, 52-17.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Tulane
I hate to discuss old business at the beginning of this every week, but that was a damn good time last Saturday. At the risk of disparaging Bobby Stoops, that was the type of performance that hasn't been seen at OU in a decade. I can't remember the last time the Sooners played on a stage that big (and no, a nationally meaningless sugar bowl does not count) and kicked a team's teeth in. Aside from a solid drive, following a big kickoff return to open the second half, Ohio State did nearly nothing. Which leads us to the crux of the situation and I can't believe I'm even saying it but, the defense looked fucking good. Granted Ohio State hasn't done one thing to prove it's a good offense at this point and the Sooners may have exposed JT Barrett as what he is, a running back playing quarterback, even still that was damn fun. Let's also not overlook the OU offense. Offensive question marks aside, I don't think many would argue that Ohio State has a bad defense, in fact their front seven is one of the best in the country. Last Saturday, the only team that stopped OU on offense was OU. Bask in that glow for as long as you like.
....and we're back. Tulane rolls into Norman today for a tilt with the, now number 2 in the country, Oklahoma Sooners. Tulane resides in the heart of a rabid college football town, alas the town is rabid for LSU. While the Green Wave is never much more than a blip on the national spectrum, this is no run of the mill doormat. Should OU roll? Yes. Should this game be a formality? Yes. But, Tulane generally has a handful of NFL caliber players on the roster, and this is a prototypical let-down game. Am I worried? For the first time in years, I actually feel confident. Did I mention I'm excited for the Lincoln Riley era?
Tulane evidently runs some old school option type offense. I'm sure this is a jazzed up (New Orleans joke) version with some odd formations that get them in that game, but it boils down to disciplined assignment football. Ohio State game aside, this is not the type of offense that the Sooners under Mike Stoops have struggled with. The reason that option football has all but disappeared is because defenders have gotten so fast and athletic that teams who don't stay disciplined, or that miss assignments can recover. Fortunately for Sooner nation, the OU defense is both fast AND athletic. Basically, OU needs to get out of this one healthy and tuned up for conference play.
Offense
Cutting and pasting Baker Damn Mayfield here would be a short and accurate way of nailing this each week, but that would deprive you loyal reader(s) of me making an absurd and stupid pick each week (Trey Sermon last week not withstanding). I read earlier this week that coaches expected Mark Andrews to play this week, but predictably the Oklahoman neglected to revisit the subject as practices commenced. Why would anyone be interested in the health of the Sooners second best offensive weapon? (Regardless of his health, it seems like a good week to rest him in that I think this is winnable without him.) I went RB last week and I think (for now) Sermon has solidified himself as the first option. That said I think I'm going to go with CeeDee Lamb, he looks like the real deal and as fun as Badet is to watch, I think Lamb has the makings of a star WR.
Defense
Wow, what a show last Saturday, several guys looked the part not the least of which is Parnell Motley who really has the makings of being a stud. He was tested several times and answered. I don't however, envision Tulane passing a lot (though the may be forced to eventually if the score dictates it) so I'm going with Caleb Kelly. He's been somewhat quiet the first couple of weeks and with his speed I think he's going to make a bunch of tackles against the Green Wave's run-first offense
Score
I do think there might be some letdown after last week's emotional win. It has to be hard to get up for a second tier team after beating the number 2 team on the road. I do think the Sooners roll, however, just maybe not as dominating as could be. Sooners tighten up in this one, 49-21. This is getting fun again.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
....and we're back. Tulane rolls into Norman today for a tilt with the, now number 2 in the country, Oklahoma Sooners. Tulane resides in the heart of a rabid college football town, alas the town is rabid for LSU. While the Green Wave is never much more than a blip on the national spectrum, this is no run of the mill doormat. Should OU roll? Yes. Should this game be a formality? Yes. But, Tulane generally has a handful of NFL caliber players on the roster, and this is a prototypical let-down game. Am I worried? For the first time in years, I actually feel confident. Did I mention I'm excited for the Lincoln Riley era?
Tulane evidently runs some old school option type offense. I'm sure this is a jazzed up (New Orleans joke) version with some odd formations that get them in that game, but it boils down to disciplined assignment football. Ohio State game aside, this is not the type of offense that the Sooners under Mike Stoops have struggled with. The reason that option football has all but disappeared is because defenders have gotten so fast and athletic that teams who don't stay disciplined, or that miss assignments can recover. Fortunately for Sooner nation, the OU defense is both fast AND athletic. Basically, OU needs to get out of this one healthy and tuned up for conference play.
Offense
Cutting and pasting Baker Damn Mayfield here would be a short and accurate way of nailing this each week, but that would deprive you loyal reader(s) of me making an absurd and stupid pick each week (Trey Sermon last week not withstanding). I read earlier this week that coaches expected Mark Andrews to play this week, but predictably the Oklahoman neglected to revisit the subject as practices commenced. Why would anyone be interested in the health of the Sooners second best offensive weapon? (Regardless of his health, it seems like a good week to rest him in that I think this is winnable without him.) I went RB last week and I think (for now) Sermon has solidified himself as the first option. That said I think I'm going to go with CeeDee Lamb, he looks like the real deal and as fun as Badet is to watch, I think Lamb has the makings of a star WR.
Defense
Wow, what a show last Saturday, several guys looked the part not the least of which is Parnell Motley who really has the makings of being a stud. He was tested several times and answered. I don't however, envision Tulane passing a lot (though the may be forced to eventually if the score dictates it) so I'm going with Caleb Kelly. He's been somewhat quiet the first couple of weeks and with his speed I think he's going to make a bunch of tackles against the Green Wave's run-first offense
Score
I do think there might be some letdown after last week's emotional win. It has to be hard to get up for a second tier team after beating the number 2 team on the road. I do think the Sooners roll, however, just maybe not as dominating as could be. Sooners tighten up in this one, 49-21. This is getting fun again.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
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