Oklahoma Sooners versus West Virginia Mountaineers

Last week against Nebraska the defense proved its mettle and it was the offense that had fans pacing the floor. I'm pretty sure it was a top 3 prediction failure for yours truly. I predicted the Sooners would put up 63 and watched as Nebraska played a ball control game while Spencer Rattler looked like he was playing a playground game (in the poor decision making, fuck around sort of way. It was near worst case scenario as the Huskers played way above the heads while, fortunately from the Sooners, making more self inflicting errors than the Sooners).  The Sooners scored 23 and won 23-16.

 West Virginny comes to Norman today to take on the undefeated Sooners. The Mountaineers are fresh off an upset of Virginia Tech. Nebraska wound up being a good test. The Mountaineers absolutely are.

OFFENSE

It's hard to explain Spencer Rattler but it's almost as if his decision making is based off what throw he wants to make instead of just making the right throw on a given play. As if taking what is given to him is too boring. He needs to do everything with flair.

Pretending this to actually be the case, he needs to learn that by playing the system that he will drastically improve his value as a quarterback by taking the throws that are there as often as possible rather than constantly trying to do something gaudy. Hopefully there is enough on film at this point to be able to point out these obvious easier throws. He needs to bore the hell out of himself and make some smart throws today. I mean, I bet he could put a scare in the 80% completion percentage mark if he'd participate in my plan. He should be able to make easy throws that make the offense look like a 7 on 7 drill.

He's my OPOG because I really do want to see him show a command of the offense. 

DEFENSE

Statistically, this defense is everything we could hope for. There are areas that they can improve, sure, like tackling, but defenders (even and especially Pat Fields) seem to be in the right place to make a play more often than not. It could be that I'm high but I don't recall a completely busted defensive play to  date that resulted in a long touchdown. 

West Virginny seems to rely a lot on their run game. The Sooners have been very good at stopping the run. That's the difference today and so I'm going Perrion Winfrey for my DPOG. He's a beast and can ruin some running plans for sure if he balls out. Fumbles seem to be our jam, too, so let's have a portion or three of that. 

Also, I think there are a few guys who were banged up last week who will be back this week. Billy Bowman chief among them. That will help.

THE SCORE

This matchup is probably second on my list of Big 12 games that I'll miss when the Sooners move to the SEC. The states of Oklahoma and West Virginia are constantly battling for rating 49th or 50th (or 1st or 2nd) depending on the  statistic. There are few states we can say, "At least we don't live there" so I think there's some pride on the line in this one. 

Today, the Sooners get back above 40 on offense and the defense plays well enough to carry it under the lights, in PRIMETIME. I'm going Sooners 42, Mountaineers 24.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Tulane Green Wave

Welcome back, Sooner fans. The world seems to be going to hell in a hand basket* as I type this but football is moving forward. Football will always be there. Speaking of forward, forward and upward is the trajectory of our Sooners and, if you can believe it, expectations and hype are higher than any year in recent memory. The Sooners take on the Tulane Green Wave in week 1.  Spencer Rattler is the early odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. The Sooner D, fresh off an ass beat of Florida in the Cotton Bowl, look as though they may not give up even a first down, much less a point all season. This in spite of notable departures at key positions in Country Music and PRCA Champion Ronnie Perkins and defensive backs Tre Brown and Tre Norwood.

Alas, the hype is much deserved. Spencer Rattler is back and should make a noticeable leap, the mere thought of which is kind of bananas. And he's surrounded, as per usual, with dynamic playmakers like Marvin Mims and Kennedy Brooks (who should be in incredible shape after a year off). It is with regret I do have to mention that dumbassery has negatively impacted this side of the ball with Trejan Bridges, Seth McGowan and Mikey Henderson all running afoul of the law and Marcus Major flunking his classes. All of these guys would have seen the field a lot. So it goes. 

OFFENSE

The Spencer Rattler leap is going to be fun to watch. The key to it happening is going to be making sure he doesn't get into any lulls where he's trying to do too much too fast. He needs rhythm. The addition of Mario Williams at wide receiver should help.

I'm also keenly interested in the running back group. They are thin and led by Kennedy Brooks. He took last year off because of Covid. Eric Gray is his backup and comes from Tennessee. Then there's.. nobody. I imagine Jeremiah Hall is going to get a lot of action. I'm not saying he's Rhamondre 2.0 but if you asked Rhamondre to play TE he could do it and he would look like Jeremiah Hall. That's trouble if utilized correctly.

For my OPOG I'm going Spencer. It's opening day. He's the Heisman front runner. Let's do this. 

DEFENSE

Expectations are sky high for this group which is a nice change. There are key pieces to replace in the secondary but it looks like the DJ Grahams and Woodi Washingtons of the world are ready to step up at defensive back.

Today I'm watching the linebackers and nickle spot. There is talk about how the 'backers are some of the best the coaches have ever assembled. Let's see it. I'm going Nik Bonitto, preseason All American, for DPOG. How nice is it to have a front seven that is full of playmakers? Also, interestingly the Sooners feel they have enough depth to use eight guys among the front four. 

As far as nickle goes, Billy Bowman is the guy to watch. Much ballyhooed out of high school, he was expected to see the field on either side of the ball and he's getting his first chance on D replacing departed knucklehead Brendan Radley Hiles. I think he might also be a kick returner. He's a serious athlete.

THE SCORE

It's a shame climate change has moved this game to Norman. That would have been a cool atmosphere in Nola. I don't think it affects the outcome much. I expect the Sooners to cruise with the second unit on offense getting some oohs and aahs in mop up time. If Caleb Williams gets to play that will be must see tv.

I'm going sooner 49, Green Wave 10

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner!

* When I speak of the world going to hell I mean specifically that this past week Hurricane Ida ravaged most of the eastern half of the United States, starting with Louisiana. The Sooners and Green Wave were scheduled to play in New Orleans and now the Sooners get an extra home game. 

The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic - Oklahoma Sooners vs. Florida Gators

Goodyear Cotton Bowl? More like Badyear Coughing Bowl because of Covid, amirite? Enough jokes. We have a quality matchup of blueblood programs today in Dallas. The Sooners, as has become their stock in trade, have shrugged off inexplicable in-season losses and back doored their way into a New Years Day Six Bowl. The Gators are looking to re-establish their place amongst college football's elite. The Sooners can make a major statement with their defense, effectively putting the college football world on notice for next year. The Gators can make a statement by, well, beating the Sooners. Each team has much to prove. 

OFFENSE

I don't know shit about Florida football and I have zero interest in learning more than I have to. Here's what I do know. In general, the SEC takes pride in its big, fast, physical defenses. From what little I know of Dan Mullen, he seems to fit that mold. He kind of reminds me of Tom Herman for some reason. Anyway, I'm spinning this yarn to say I would think the Gators would like to bully and push around Spencer Rattler and his wide receivers. The Sooners offense, with the notable exception of Rhamondre Stevenson, seem to be finesse type players.

For instance, you won't see Rattler lowering his shoulder on his way out of bounds and then hopping up and woofing like Baker Damn Mayfield would. But I can damn sure see Florida woofing and trying to bully Rattler. They'd probably be happy with an early late hit on SR.

So can the Sooners take the punch, keep their poise and deliver some haymakers of their own? Yes of course through my crimson colored glasses I can see the way.  

Quick aside: Do we think Rhamondre was okay physically against Iowa State? I mean, some runs he seemed very slow in attacking the line. Was he trying to be Le'Veon Bell or was he unable to accelerate? it's important because he's key. He did have almost 100 yards and averaged 5.4 per so I'm inclined to think he's ok. 

Beyond, Rhamondre, it is crucial for the O-Line to have their best game of the year. If Spencer has time to throw it's game over. You know he can make All The Throws and if he meets with some early success it's swagger time. I'm taking SR for my OPOG. 

DEFENSE

It is reported that Florida is very heavily tilted towards the passing game. Well, whoopty friggin do is what any self-respecting defense in the Big 12 should say. But the Sooners are only becoming self respecting so they best not slip. 

I feel comfortable that they will have a good game plan. I see nothing that would indicate that they won't play hard. They are who they are at this point. 

Is Kyle Trask the best qb this defense will see all year? Is he better than Sam Ehlinger or Brock Purdy? The answer to both would seem to be yes. (Editors note: He's a Heisman finalist, stupid) That said, can the Sooners force him to make some mistakes and how will they do that without Trey Brown?

It is helpful that the Gators are without Trask's favorite receiver. That will somewhat offset the loss of Brown. The Sooners need to make Trask uncomfortable and hopefully he can't run. His career rushing average of .4 ypc would indicate he is not much of a dual threat. 

That seems like a big advantage. For my DPOG I'm going Perrion Winfrey. He's missed on a lot of backfield tackles lately but has been absolutely hounding QB's. I feel like he gets them today and generally makes life miserable for Trask.

THE SCORE

I think this will be another grinder. Good news is the Sooners are accustomed to it. I'm taking the Sooners here in their home away from home 35-28.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner.  

Bedlam

2020 has decided to throw a bone to Sooner (and, begrudgingly, Cowboy) Nation with today's Bedlam matchup being meaningful, at night and on national television. Little Brother thinks this is their year so the prospect of the Sooners breaking their spirits while also getting back into Big 12 championship game contention is a cherry on the cake.

OFFENSE

The Cowboys believe they have a respectable defense for once and are eager put it on display. I do not wish them the best and am having difficulty imagining a scenario where they hold the Sooners under 35. The Sooners, and particularly Spencer Rattler, will need to make some poor decisions in the passing game to not make the magic number. 

Rattler's decision making continues to improve, however, and I think their plan today is to wear out the Cowboy defense with a bludgeoning mix of Rhamondre Stevenson and quick throws to the sidelines. It will pay off in the last 20 minutes with the Sooners going over the top and stocking the highlight reel. It's gonna be a party.

I'll go with Spencer today for my OPOG in what I can see being his best game as a Sooner. He's much more prepared for the spotlight here in late November than he was as the much ballyhooed wunderkind of early September.  

DEFENSE

There is no doubt the Sooner D is rounding into something resembling form but they need to be careful today. It's a knifes edge between playing fast and having that speed exploited and the Cowboys do have pieces around the field to turn strength to weakness. 

The key will be how Alex Grinch handles the second level. For instance, I would much rather see Brian Asamoah, DaShaun White, Nik Bonitto and David Ogwoegbu at the point of attack than having Bookie or, God forbid, Pat Fields trying to contain or shadow Spencer Sanders. 

You obviously have to stop Chuba Hubbard while also keeping Spencer Sanders from running the ball. Here is where the D-Line has to be aggressive like they've been all year without being too fast and running themselves upfield so quickly they get exploited. 

I may be prematurely prognosticating here but I'm going to pick a DPOG. Ronnie Perkins. He looks like a baby eater and will put on a show tonight.

THE SCORE

A lot of people think this will be low scoring by Sooner standards but I think the Sooners will get to that magic number of 35. The Cowboys will have to work hard for what they get and will get lucky a little too because it's Bedlam and shit gets wild. 

But I like the Sooners easy at home 35 Cowboys 20.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners versus Kansas Jayhawks

Happy Saturday, Sooner fans. The Sooners take on the Jayhawks today in Norman in a contest that hopefully will be called faster than the Oklahoma presidential race this past week. Kansas is atrocious. Owasso High might be able to give them a game. 

The Sooners, for their part, are coming off arguably their most complete football game against Texas Tech, a game where the Red Raiders were shellacked by a feisty and opportunistic Sooner defense, run over by Rhamondre Stevenson and smoked by Spencer Rattler who was doing his best Pat Mahomes impersonation. 

OFFENSE

It's crazy but the Sooners return to Norman for the first time since the K-State loss on September 26th. The group taking the field today is much further along and should cruise on friendly territory against the hapless Jayhawks. 

Rhamondre Stevenson looked fresh last week and should be a proverbial bull in a china shop. He'll be my OPOG today but don't sleep on Seth MacGowan. Lincoln Riley is finding news ways to get him the ball every week. He could be devastating in the passing game today by being a check down for Spencer Rattler. Rattler, for his part, can continue to progress by going through his reads. 

The Jayhawks are target practice and it's going to be devastating.

DEFENSE

There was a lot to be excited about last week with the performance of the D. The return of two-time PRCA gold buckle winner Ronnie Perkins injected some much lacking fire and snarl. Better yet, that attitude persisted for four quarters and was rewarded with more batted balls, INT's and loose balls than I can recall in years. 

Again, today provides an opportunity to build on that performance and continue to add depth everywhere. The Sooners will throw the kitchen sink at the Jayhawks both in terms of scheme and personnel. This game at this point of the schedule is a gift on a par with what the SEC does with mid-season Division II games.

Out of an abundance of caution I will not pick a DPOG this week.

THE SCORE

The newspaper today said the over/under on this game was 63 which seems ludicrous as the Sooners will have to stop themselves from scoring 70. While a shutout would be capital, it's hard to see a mistake free game from the D.

The Sooners obviously win easily and take this one 70-7.

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners versus Texas Christian

 Good morning, Sooner fans. Would you agree that it's always a better feeling coming off a win against Texas? The Sooners won a classic by coming up big on defense in overtime but it shouldn't have had to come to that. Predictably and regrettably, that same Sooner D allowed Sam Ehlinger to run roughshod in the final minutes to tie the game up. Alas, a win is a win and it represents a step forward for the D. 

Today it's TCU and a perfect trap game for the Sooners. Gary Patterson is a crafty sumbitch and will no doubt have gleaned some key data points from the Sooners game tape. The key for the Sooners is, like always, can they bring the same mentality and effort level they had against Texas into Fort Worth today? History says it's doubtful.

OFFENSE

Spencer Rattler got benched in the first half which may have knocked him off a few Heisman ballots. More important, it exposed what seems to be his biggest weakness which is his trying to do too much. His arm is incredible and clearly people have told him as much. He believes that it's not only okay to throw back across his body into double coverage but that, unlike anyone else in the history of high level football, that it will work. Does he watch other football games? He needs to chill out and I think that's essentially what Lincoln Riley told him. To his credit, he came back out in the second half and played really well and made some nice throws when he had to. 

Importantly, he found his safety blanket in Austin Stogner. The next step is to find that wide receiver who makes things happen one on one or in space. That person is Marvin Mims. The O-line needs to provide enough push that the Sooners average 4.5 yards per carry. If they can do that it's ballgame.

Today I look for a ball control game with easy throws and reads from Rattler to continue to build up his game management skills. I'll pick him for my OPOG.

DEFENSE

Even if his defense has not turned it around as quickly as anyone would like, Alex Grinch is a breath of fresh air from an honesty perspective. His transparency with the media offers actual insight. For instance, he admitted that, like everyone, he had no idea what to expect with the pandemic and in hindsight believes he may have fucked his planning up tremendously. He said he tried to get young guys college ready and, before he knew it, they had to be game ready. Hence, the initial lack of fresh faces on the field, particularly in the secondary. Now some of those young guys are finding the field and hopefully they will be able to stay there. Also, it is my most sincere hope that there is someone coming up behind Patrick Fields who is just brutally awful this year. He sticks out in a bad way on an average at best defense. Grinch jokingly warned his team that if the play more consistently like they did against Texas they may find themselves being accused of being decent.

Today I fear the Sooners will not have the same mentality as they brought to the table last week. If they do bring it that's a win on a number of levels but none more important than it may signify Grinch's attitude shift is starting to gain traction. 

I also worry that Gary Patterson has some bullshit up his sleeve and we as fans are to be subjected to long sustained drives with back breaking third down conversions. Maybe I just have PTSD from watching it week in and week out for the last 12 years it feels like. 

In any case, I'm still not ready to pick a DPOG.

THE SCORE

I am optimistic that Spencer Rattler is going to take a step forward after having been benched and that the Sooner D is unwilling to take two steps back in their quest to be decent. I think if the Sooners can average 4.5 yards per rush it's ball game. 

Sooners 38 TCU 24

Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners versus Iowa State

Quick post today, my friends, because, like the Sooners against K-State, I too can bail on quality work before the game or season is over.

Why the hell is there a culture of ineptitude on defense? How can you roll over both player and coach personnel and still continue to have a culture that allows big plays at bad times and is always awful at tackling in space?

I'll give a pass to the offense because Spencer Rattler was making his second career meaningful start and is not accustomed to playing with his back against the wall. For him, it was a good learning experience. You look at the last three QB's and all were seasoned before they stepped foot on campus. But this defense, my God. They had an opportunity to take a step forward, to bail out the offense and to secure a game at home. Instead, they shit down their trouser leg and take three steps back. Maddening.

OFFENSE

Today the Sooners need to demonstrate a killer instinct and cannot under any circumstance take their foot off the gas. Spencer Rattler has to take a step forward and learn from last week's interceptions. He can't cram the ball into double coverage. There is no need. He doesn't need to play hero ball with his arm. For my OPOG I'm going Austin Stogner. He seems like a security blanket that Rattler can check down to instead of forcing something downfield. 

DEFENSE

Christ Almighty these guys. I guess the bar is so low here that I'd be satisfied if we can not allow a former walk on linebacker cum quarterback to turn in a Heisman worthy performance. Is that too much to ask? I fear it may be.

Look, I have to go to soonersports.com every week just to scroll through the roster to find someone to pick on this side of the ball and I've been doing that shit for about six years. I'm tired of it. I'm not picking a DPOG today and maybe not for a while until some one, any one, can start turning in a consistent enough quality performance such that I can remember their name from television from week to week. The whole defense can be DPOG by not stepping on their own dicks and maybe forcing a turnover. For real this is bullshit.

SCORE

You know Iowa State is going to play hard just like K-State and that they're well coached and that the Sooners have a preternatural knack for playing to the level of their opponent. So of course you should expect this to be closer than it ought to be. I'll say Sooners 35 and Iowa State 34.

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.