On the heels of one of the more enjoyable, if not closely competitive, OU texas games of recent memory, we face what will probably be the worst team we play all season (yes I'm aware Ball State was on the schedule). Looking back at last week briefly, I have very little to complain about shockingly. From the credit where it's due file, Lonnie played without question his best half of football as a Sooner. His throws were on time, accurate and he calmly handled pressure. Took a sack and even threw one (that I remember) away! If this is the new Lonnie, he may get my offensive MVP before the year is out...but probably not.
What can you say about the defense? They too were straight HARD last week. Frank Alexander has to be coming up in National defensive player of the year talk now. He's been an absolute menace all season, and has emerged in my opinion as the best player on our defense (not a small compliment). I'm pumped to see what they can do against an overmatched KU squad today.
Kansas gave up points in epic fashion to an OSU squad who is looming large on our schedule at this point. (speaking of, KSU looks like it will be a tough win which would have been a laughable thing to say going in to the season). I think it's unreasonable to think we'll put up 70 on them, that just doesn't happen too often against anyone in college. I do however think this one will be over before the clock runs out. We've got too much on both sides of the ball and they, have jack shit as far as I can tell. (true to form, no homework here).
I have no venom for KU in football season (though it's a small redemption to kick their fucking asses seeing as I hate them in basketball season so much, and they're far harder to beat then), it's hard to hate a team that fucking sucks shit. They're never good, and now that Mangino isn't smuggling calzone's under his armpits on the sidelines anymore, they're harder to make fun of. In short, I have little to say about them. On to the picks.
Offense
I went out on a limb last week with James Hanna and was rewarded with one catch for 7 yards, and a dropped pass. Stellar work on my part. I have no intent on going out on said limb again this week. I think Whaley (apart from the 64 yard run) was irritated with being bottled up a lot last week. I think this week he "gets his" as the urban youths are wont to say. Over 100 yards, and two scores. Not a gutsy pick. Nonetheless, I think it will come to fruition.
Defense
Call it foreshadowing (writer speak, don't bother trying), but I'm going with the previously alluded to Frank Alexander. He's poised to break my single season record of most DPG (defensive player of the game, not disrespectful pounding of the gash, though that's good comedy) picks in a year. Really, I don't give a fuck either. I'm hard for him, no two ways about it. I think whoever their QB is gets pummeled a lot today, Frank merely is in on the fun.
Finally, we're favored by I think 37 or something crazy like that. I didn't place any bets, but I do think we'll cover in this one. KU has an epically bad defense, literally the worst in football. That isn't a good recipe for winning against our offense. Big days all around on O, and we win it going away. Brandon Williams might even get to atone for his fumble (didn't do himself any favors for playing time down the stretch there), for which I'm sure coaches gave him a big fucking bowl of "told you so" this week in practice. Sooners dominate 56-10.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
OU vs. Uterus
Damn I hate the Longhorns and I hate them now more than ever because they are ruining my weekdays. Just as recruiting chatter is the bane of my offseason existence, conference realignment speculation is the bane of my gameweeks. And these elitist cockbreaths in Austin are the cause. This week I've had to endure reports that Tulane might be joining the Big 12.
Fucking Tulane?
I'm gagging, barfing and laughing at the same time. I'm laughing so hard I just vomited through my nose and then I vomited so hard I just had to laugh. I even think I wet-farted my pants just know.
Now I've wasted a whole paragraph of my OU-Texas piece not talking real football because of these fuckwits. See how these devils never quit? Let's move on.
I love this matchup for OU. I mean, I'm giddy about it. Here's why:
This Pumpkinhead is texas's starting QB. His Daddy and Mommy are good Texans. They named their boys after a gun and a knife manufacturer, respectively (Colt and Case). "How-do!!, pardner!"
By the way, does anyone want to lay odds that Brent Musberger alludes to this gun and knife business as ABC cuts to commercial following some miracle Case McCoy scramble? 2-1, 3-2? I might, nee will, smash a hole in a wall if this happens. Case is a Freshman and he'll be, "sharing time under Center" with fellow Freshman David Ash. I imagine Brent Venables and the Sooner D are looking forward to giving these two some different looks. In fact, the Sooner D probably feels a little like this guy:
The texas offense leans heavily on the run because Case and Ash (sounds like a Bravo reality show), while accurate by some unknown accounts, are not "gunslingers". They've attempted 55 passes combined on the season. Landry has completed over twice that many by himself. Now I've not watched texas (why would I?) enough to call them one dimensional, but they aren't as potent a spread as Mizzou either. All this to say that the Sooner defense is predicated on making their opponents one dimensional. When an opponent does this for them it plays heavily into the Sooners favor (see picture above).
The Sooners have already been forged by fire. Texas has not. The Sooners played well in a very hostile environment in Prime Time and left town victorious (FSU for any knotheads who might be reading. Wait! I didn't mean it, please don't leave the site, we need you). Also, the Sooners dealt with a pretty feisty Mizzou squad. It took a miracle for texas to pass it's only test of the season, at home, against BYU.
Finally, Mack Brown just doesn't have the bullets in his gun. He's playing about 15 freshmen and none of them are named Vince Young. He has almost an entirely new coaching staff. Normally I'd be scared that the horns might have that "back to the wall" mentality but not here. Not with Mack Brown. He just doesn't want to get embarrassed.
OFFENSE
How could I go against Dom Whaley? Sure, I Iignored him for three weeks. I prentended he existed only as motivation for Roy Finch. But Dom Whaley is easily the Sooners' best weapon outside of Ryan Broyles. The fact you have a triumvirate of Landry, Whaley and Broyles makes me feel good. This group of talent is as perfect a trifecta as any collegiate football team could hope for.
I'm taking Whaley just because someone on the Sooners Offense has to step up. No one can make a difference quite like Dominique. Choosing Broyles is too easy. Also, choosing Landry is unacceptable. Landry is bound to throw some picks and do some stupid shit. As always, his numbers will be gaudy but you'll be left wondering what might have been.
Dom Whaley is a great story. But if you isolate him to this game he's an ever better story because he's going to be the player that people have heard of but haven't experienced. This game always has a Cinderella story Now is his opportunity. Someone has to step up. If it isn't Whaley I'll also accept Kenny Fuckin Shitbag Stills, Jaz Reyonolds or Brandon Williams.
DEFENSE
The worst thing that can happen to the Sooner Defense is for texas to have success running the football. If they can do that twice in consecutive series, the Sooners could lose confidence.I'm not terbbibly worried about it. This defense and team is resilient. They can get popped in the mouth and hit right back.
With Travis Old Steady Lewis wearing Number 12 I really can't pick against him. His enthusiasm will be off the charts. I'd also like to pick Tony Motherfuckin Jefferson but my gut insists on Old Steady.
THE RESULT
OU should have their way. The longhorns have earned nothing.Their undefeated record is probably the weakest in college football. Yet, they are texas and have nearly found themselves in the Top 10. The good news for the Sooners is that, for at least this Saturday, this victory will look a lot better than it actually is. Good news for people who like polls and realignment chatter.
OU 35 Texas 17
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner
Fucking Tulane?
I'm gagging, barfing and laughing at the same time. I'm laughing so hard I just vomited through my nose and then I vomited so hard I just had to laugh. I even think I wet-farted my pants just know.
Now I've wasted a whole paragraph of my OU-Texas piece not talking real football because of these fuckwits. See how these devils never quit? Let's move on.
I love this matchup for OU. I mean, I'm giddy about it. Here's why:
 | |
| texas Freshman QB Case McCoy |
This Pumpkinhead is texas's starting QB. His Daddy and Mommy are good Texans. They named their boys after a gun and a knife manufacturer, respectively (Colt and Case). "How-do!!, pardner!"
By the way, does anyone want to lay odds that Brent Musberger alludes to this gun and knife business as ABC cuts to commercial following some miracle Case McCoy scramble? 2-1, 3-2? I might, nee will, smash a hole in a wall if this happens. Case is a Freshman and he'll be, "sharing time under Center" with fellow Freshman David Ash. I imagine Brent Venables and the Sooner D are looking forward to giving these two some different looks. In fact, the Sooner D probably feels a little like this guy:
The texas offense leans heavily on the run because Case and Ash (sounds like a Bravo reality show), while accurate by some unknown accounts, are not "gunslingers". They've attempted 55 passes combined on the season. Landry has completed over twice that many by himself. Now I've not watched texas (why would I?) enough to call them one dimensional, but they aren't as potent a spread as Mizzou either. All this to say that the Sooner defense is predicated on making their opponents one dimensional. When an opponent does this for them it plays heavily into the Sooners favor (see picture above).
The Sooners have already been forged by fire. Texas has not. The Sooners played well in a very hostile environment in Prime Time and left town victorious (FSU for any knotheads who might be reading. Wait! I didn't mean it, please don't leave the site, we need you). Also, the Sooners dealt with a pretty feisty Mizzou squad. It took a miracle for texas to pass it's only test of the season, at home, against BYU.
Finally, Mack Brown just doesn't have the bullets in his gun. He's playing about 15 freshmen and none of them are named Vince Young. He has almost an entirely new coaching staff. Normally I'd be scared that the horns might have that "back to the wall" mentality but not here. Not with Mack Brown. He just doesn't want to get embarrassed.
OFFENSE
How could I go against Dom Whaley? Sure, I Iignored him for three weeks. I prentended he existed only as motivation for Roy Finch. But Dom Whaley is easily the Sooners' best weapon outside of Ryan Broyles. The fact you have a triumvirate of Landry, Whaley and Broyles makes me feel good. This group of talent is as perfect a trifecta as any collegiate football team could hope for.
I'm taking Whaley just because someone on the Sooners Offense has to step up. No one can make a difference quite like Dominique. Choosing Broyles is too easy. Also, choosing Landry is unacceptable. Landry is bound to throw some picks and do some stupid shit. As always, his numbers will be gaudy but you'll be left wondering what might have been.
Dom Whaley is a great story. But if you isolate him to this game he's an ever better story because he's going to be the player that people have heard of but haven't experienced. This game always has a Cinderella story Now is his opportunity. Someone has to step up. If it isn't Whaley I'll also accept Kenny Fuckin Shitbag Stills, Jaz Reyonolds or Brandon Williams.
DEFENSE
The worst thing that can happen to the Sooner Defense is for texas to have success running the football. If they can do that twice in consecutive series, the Sooners could lose confidence.I'm not terbbibly worried about it. This defense and team is resilient. They can get popped in the mouth and hit right back.
With Travis Old Steady Lewis wearing Number 12 I really can't pick against him. His enthusiasm will be off the charts. I'd also like to pick Tony Motherfuckin Jefferson but my gut insists on Old Steady.
THE RESULT
OU should have their way. The longhorns have earned nothing.Their undefeated record is probably the weakest in college football. Yet, they are texas and have nearly found themselves in the Top 10. The good news for the Sooners is that, for at least this Saturday, this victory will look a lot better than it actually is. Good news for people who like polls and realignment chatter.
OU 35 Texas 17
Boomer to the motherfuckin Sooner
OU-texas
Another year has passed and we are on the cusp of another OU texas game. It is simultaneously the game that gets me the most pumped up and the most nervous. While I do appreciate being in the position of the favorite and what that means, I hate the pressure being on us with them having something to prove. Luckily, this isn't usually a game that either team looks past, regardless of ranking.
If you're reading this, you know the stories. Throw the rankings out, etc. Though the Oklahoman went to great lengths to illustrate that the rankings DO matter, I still call bullshit. This game is always close regardless of rankings, and close plays come down to momentum shifts and turnovers, and rankings don't mean shit for those two things.
texas is greatly improved this year. Although, they were pure shit last year, so that isn't terribly monumental. Maybe it would be more appropriate to say they are more like teams of the past. However, they are quite young, notably at the skill positions and in the secondary. To me this is the huge advantage for us. Experience goes a long way in this game and in this atmosphere. That said, I think it will be a close game.
I know last week I made a point of Ikard getting tested at center. In hindsight, I probably brought that out a week early as this week he looks to face some legit division I tackles. texas is big and fast up front, our line will be tested. Additionally, by all accounts, they like to blitz a lot. The biggest question I have in this one is how Lonnie will react to the blitz and being under duress. If it's anything like he's reacted in the first four games, it will go a long way toward keeping texas in this. He has, I repeat, HAS to handle pressure better. There has been a fair amount of talk about how he's only been sacked once. Credit the O-line certainly, but I could avoid sacks too if I took a snap and blindly threw off my back foot at the first sign of a blitz (read: 5 Int's). Lonnie has to give his O-line a chance to protect against the blitz, furthermore he needs to utilize that time to go through a progression and actually find an open receiver. If that means getting sacked or throwing one out of bounds on occasion that's cool. I think our defense can be trusted, so it's OK to punt if it means avoiding a pick.
That's the other side of the coin. I think our defense comes in ready. Sure, they (their offensive coordinator particularly) have a reputation for trick plays and lots of shifting and motion plays to fuck with the D's heads. However, a key element is they have two first year starters running that shit, so if we can see through all of the movement, my guess is the plays get more simple after the snap. In that vein, I expect to see a healthy dose of all-world freshman Malcolm Brown along with the veteran muppet. We will definitely be fooled a few times, and expect to see them try for a home run at LEAST once in the first quarter (second drive I think) to try to give them momentum/confidence. We need to avoid a slow start and, unlike last year, put them away.
I'm nervous about this one for sure, but I think it stacks up fairly well for us. If we can avoid giving up the big plays and avoid turning it over it bodes very well for us. Those are two big "if's", but I think our defense will be ready and ultimately that will be the key. We have to keep their drives short in order to get our offense (and their defense) back on the field, as I'm guessing they will desire to do precisely the opposite.
Offense
Last week was pretty unbelievable, admittedly against inferior competition, nearly everyone had a huge day. I don't expect that again, but I think we can move the ball on them. I hope Whaley continues his excellent start and has a huge day. I think he can for sure, although it will get tougher now as I'm sure teams have started to notice him. I have sort of a gut feeling that we might see a little of Brandon Williams in some meaningful minutes. However, my pick this week is James Hanna. Big and athletic, and has stepped in big games before. With all of our weapons, he seems easy to lose and I think this week he capitalizes.
Defense
I love Frank Alexander and Tony Jefferson here. I think both will have big days, but I'm going with Old Steady this week. It's his last OU-texas game, he's wearing Soggy's number, and his foot is supposed to be fully healed (not that it's slowed him down much). My guess is he's had one of those emergency boners you hear about on the Viagra commercials (...an erection lasting longer than 4 hours) all week in anticipation of this one. I think he's all over the field, and makes the most of his last go at these fucks.
Finally, the score pick. I think this one will be close (our D + Lonnie's pant shitting = close game, it's simple math really), I think Texas will make some big plays, but I think we will do enough to pull it out. It goes down to the end, but I think the Sooners take it 24-17. I've been the definition of anti-flaccid all week with thoughts on this game. I can't wait for the action. Let's roll heads on these rotten motherfuckers.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
If you're reading this, you know the stories. Throw the rankings out, etc. Though the Oklahoman went to great lengths to illustrate that the rankings DO matter, I still call bullshit. This game is always close regardless of rankings, and close plays come down to momentum shifts and turnovers, and rankings don't mean shit for those two things.
texas is greatly improved this year. Although, they were pure shit last year, so that isn't terribly monumental. Maybe it would be more appropriate to say they are more like teams of the past. However, they are quite young, notably at the skill positions and in the secondary. To me this is the huge advantage for us. Experience goes a long way in this game and in this atmosphere. That said, I think it will be a close game.
I know last week I made a point of Ikard getting tested at center. In hindsight, I probably brought that out a week early as this week he looks to face some legit division I tackles. texas is big and fast up front, our line will be tested. Additionally, by all accounts, they like to blitz a lot. The biggest question I have in this one is how Lonnie will react to the blitz and being under duress. If it's anything like he's reacted in the first four games, it will go a long way toward keeping texas in this. He has, I repeat, HAS to handle pressure better. There has been a fair amount of talk about how he's only been sacked once. Credit the O-line certainly, but I could avoid sacks too if I took a snap and blindly threw off my back foot at the first sign of a blitz (read: 5 Int's). Lonnie has to give his O-line a chance to protect against the blitz, furthermore he needs to utilize that time to go through a progression and actually find an open receiver. If that means getting sacked or throwing one out of bounds on occasion that's cool. I think our defense can be trusted, so it's OK to punt if it means avoiding a pick.
That's the other side of the coin. I think our defense comes in ready. Sure, they (their offensive coordinator particularly) have a reputation for trick plays and lots of shifting and motion plays to fuck with the D's heads. However, a key element is they have two first year starters running that shit, so if we can see through all of the movement, my guess is the plays get more simple after the snap. In that vein, I expect to see a healthy dose of all-world freshman Malcolm Brown along with the veteran muppet. We will definitely be fooled a few times, and expect to see them try for a home run at LEAST once in the first quarter (second drive I think) to try to give them momentum/confidence. We need to avoid a slow start and, unlike last year, put them away.
I'm nervous about this one for sure, but I think it stacks up fairly well for us. If we can avoid giving up the big plays and avoid turning it over it bodes very well for us. Those are two big "if's", but I think our defense will be ready and ultimately that will be the key. We have to keep their drives short in order to get our offense (and their defense) back on the field, as I'm guessing they will desire to do precisely the opposite.
Offense
Last week was pretty unbelievable, admittedly against inferior competition, nearly everyone had a huge day. I don't expect that again, but I think we can move the ball on them. I hope Whaley continues his excellent start and has a huge day. I think he can for sure, although it will get tougher now as I'm sure teams have started to notice him. I have sort of a gut feeling that we might see a little of Brandon Williams in some meaningful minutes. However, my pick this week is James Hanna. Big and athletic, and has stepped in big games before. With all of our weapons, he seems easy to lose and I think this week he capitalizes.
Defense
I love Frank Alexander and Tony Jefferson here. I think both will have big days, but I'm going with Old Steady this week. It's his last OU-texas game, he's wearing Soggy's number, and his foot is supposed to be fully healed (not that it's slowed him down much). My guess is he's had one of those emergency boners you hear about on the Viagra commercials (...an erection lasting longer than 4 hours) all week in anticipation of this one. I think he's all over the field, and makes the most of his last go at these fucks.
Finally, the score pick. I think this one will be close (our D + Lonnie's pant shitting = close game, it's simple math really), I think Texas will make some big plays, but I think we will do enough to pull it out. It goes down to the end, but I think the Sooners take it 24-17. I've been the definition of anti-flaccid all week with thoughts on this game. I can't wait for the action. Let's roll heads on these rotten motherfuckers.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner
Friday, October 7, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
(hairy) Ball State
Good, nee GREAT title. So the Fighting Somethings (probably) of Ball State come into Norman tonight to defender the honor of The (insert mid-major conference here). I personally think that OU is going to handle this one. In fact, you might say I think we'll come out with a mind to do a little Ball busting. Even though they may have inspirations of being Cinderella tonight, I don't think they're going to enjoy the Ball. However, their offense isn't terrible and so our defense will really need to be on the Ball. Personally, I hope they everyone of them runs out like they just snorted an eight Ball. It won't hurt that Still and Broyles will (probably) be on the field and feeling well together for the first time all season, just to get the Ball rolling. Also, I think Dom Whaley is going to go out today and straight Ball. In short, I look for OU to have a Ball in this one.
Wow, I simultaneously embarrassed and impressed myself with that montage (by the way, what is the over/under on Berry Tramel making a similar pun, only in seriousness, at some point in regard to this game?). The fellows from Ball State may have fallen into a bad week to come to Norman. Allegedly everyone is pretty pissed at how they played last week on our defense and my guess is they'll look to make a statement and get the confidence going again a bit in anticipation of next Saturday's showdown.
Keith made some nice points in his mid-week bullets. However, he buffed out the scratches a bit for my taste. Let's be honest, Landry has looked terrible all year. Yeah, he has put up gaudy numbers but I can't think of one time where a drive looked great because he made excellent throws. He constantly over and under throws players, he makes at least 3 or 4 plays a game that make you say out loud the words "What the FUCK was he doing?", and he rarely (if ever) seems to go through a progression. Don't believe me? Watch him and where he is looking on pass plays, he almost never goes to a second or third option. Mark my words, if/when we lose this season it won't be in spite of him.
Second, the defense looked bad. What the fuck is all of this three man rush shit? More importantly, where are the alternatives when it doesn't work. The first two drives against Mizzou, we had three down linemen generate zero pressure on their QB. It was that or bring 8. Can we get some 4 or 5 man rushes on occasion? However, I'm not nearly as worried about the defensive situation as I am with Lonnie. I think (hope) last week was an aberration and a wake-up call for the D. I can see how they might have been patting their backs a little after the effort at FSU and let up some. Hopefully they learned that it doesn't work that way and it didn't cost us a loss last week.
Finally, it's probably deserving of at least a mention on here that Habern is out for several weeks. The O-line has been a bit of a patchwork job already thanks to injuries. We are getting some guys back, as Jarvis Jones looks to return to more regular duty this week. But, losing our center and arguably our best lineman is tough. We will definitely miss him, but hopefully Ikard can fill in adequately. Watch for some bobbled snaps in the gun possibly today. Hopefully not though.
OK, enough pessimism. That probably should've been it's own column last week but I never got it done. Anyway, I don't know a ton about Ball State. I know the basic stuff that's been in the papers (None of the Homework!). They evidently have a decent offense, and one that has been perfect in the red-zone. I don't think they turn it over much, maybe even no picks by their QB yet (what that must be like). But, apart from an Indiana team... er, scratch that, they've played no one. I think we'll, handle them pretty well today on both sides of the Ball (keep 'em coming). Zing!
Offense
Well, I'll save the suspense of telling you who I'm not (ever) going to pick. Instead, let's talk about who I think it will be. I know I've not mixed up the players of the game too much this season, but nonetheless I'm going with my gut again. I think it's going to be Dom Whaley. I just love that guy and, let's be real, Brennan Clay is a good player but he shouldn't be starting or taking carries away from this guy. Whaley is great in all aspects of running the ball. I haven't paid much attention to his blocking, but I don't remember him getting beat specifically, at least not consistently and he seems to catch the ball pretty well although that sample size is pretty small. Let's start to feature him I say. Anyway, I think he breaks 100 this week for the first time and scores twice.
Defense
Somebody is going to have to step up and impress this week. I know Old Steady will be out there being, well, steady. He's vocal and he'll have the boys fired up. Also, I think we're due for a Tony Motherfuckin' Jefferson break out game. He's been solid but quiet so far this year. Don't make us regret the Motherfuckin' award. I'm keeping with my repeats theme for defense today and going with Frank Alexander. I don't think it's even a close race as to who has been our defensive MVP thus far and overall most improved player. He's been an absolute beast, and that Mizzou game last week fucking impressive. I think big Frank gets to the QB at least once and continues to be the disruptive force he's been all year.
Overall, I think we'll handle these guys. They'll no doubt score a bit, but I don't think they really threaten us at all in this one. I think the Defense come out fired up, and I think the offense clicks well. I hope Ikard gets enough reps. under center this week to be comfortable going into next week. I think we score early, I think we score often, and I don't think they do too much at all. Drew Allen gets some completions this week and Roy Finch gets plenty of touches as the Sooners win going away 48-14.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner!
Wow, I simultaneously embarrassed and impressed myself with that montage (by the way, what is the over/under on Berry Tramel making a similar pun, only in seriousness, at some point in regard to this game?). The fellows from Ball State may have fallen into a bad week to come to Norman. Allegedly everyone is pretty pissed at how they played last week on our defense and my guess is they'll look to make a statement and get the confidence going again a bit in anticipation of next Saturday's showdown.
Keith made some nice points in his mid-week bullets. However, he buffed out the scratches a bit for my taste. Let's be honest, Landry has looked terrible all year. Yeah, he has put up gaudy numbers but I can't think of one time where a drive looked great because he made excellent throws. He constantly over and under throws players, he makes at least 3 or 4 plays a game that make you say out loud the words "What the FUCK was he doing?", and he rarely (if ever) seems to go through a progression. Don't believe me? Watch him and where he is looking on pass plays, he almost never goes to a second or third option. Mark my words, if/when we lose this season it won't be in spite of him.
Second, the defense looked bad. What the fuck is all of this three man rush shit? More importantly, where are the alternatives when it doesn't work. The first two drives against Mizzou, we had three down linemen generate zero pressure on their QB. It was that or bring 8. Can we get some 4 or 5 man rushes on occasion? However, I'm not nearly as worried about the defensive situation as I am with Lonnie. I think (hope) last week was an aberration and a wake-up call for the D. I can see how they might have been patting their backs a little after the effort at FSU and let up some. Hopefully they learned that it doesn't work that way and it didn't cost us a loss last week.
Finally, it's probably deserving of at least a mention on here that Habern is out for several weeks. The O-line has been a bit of a patchwork job already thanks to injuries. We are getting some guys back, as Jarvis Jones looks to return to more regular duty this week. But, losing our center and arguably our best lineman is tough. We will definitely miss him, but hopefully Ikard can fill in adequately. Watch for some bobbled snaps in the gun possibly today. Hopefully not though.
OK, enough pessimism. That probably should've been it's own column last week but I never got it done. Anyway, I don't know a ton about Ball State. I know the basic stuff that's been in the papers (None of the Homework!). They evidently have a decent offense, and one that has been perfect in the red-zone. I don't think they turn it over much, maybe even no picks by their QB yet (what that must be like). But, apart from an Indiana team... er, scratch that, they've played no one. I think we'll, handle them pretty well today on both sides of the Ball (keep 'em coming). Zing!
Offense
Well, I'll save the suspense of telling you who I'm not (ever) going to pick. Instead, let's talk about who I think it will be. I know I've not mixed up the players of the game too much this season, but nonetheless I'm going with my gut again. I think it's going to be Dom Whaley. I just love that guy and, let's be real, Brennan Clay is a good player but he shouldn't be starting or taking carries away from this guy. Whaley is great in all aspects of running the ball. I haven't paid much attention to his blocking, but I don't remember him getting beat specifically, at least not consistently and he seems to catch the ball pretty well although that sample size is pretty small. Let's start to feature him I say. Anyway, I think he breaks 100 this week for the first time and scores twice.
Defense
Somebody is going to have to step up and impress this week. I know Old Steady will be out there being, well, steady. He's vocal and he'll have the boys fired up. Also, I think we're due for a Tony Motherfuckin' Jefferson break out game. He's been solid but quiet so far this year. Don't make us regret the Motherfuckin' award. I'm keeping with my repeats theme for defense today and going with Frank Alexander. I don't think it's even a close race as to who has been our defensive MVP thus far and overall most improved player. He's been an absolute beast, and that Mizzou game last week fucking impressive. I think big Frank gets to the QB at least once and continues to be the disruptive force he's been all year.
Overall, I think we'll handle these guys. They'll no doubt score a bit, but I don't think they really threaten us at all in this one. I think the Defense come out fired up, and I think the offense clicks well. I hope Ikard gets enough reps. under center this week to be comfortable going into next week. I think we score early, I think we score often, and I don't think they do too much at all. Drew Allen gets some completions this week and Roy Finch gets plenty of touches as the Sooners win going away 48-14.
Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner!
OU vs. Ball State
One pair of OU football season tickets costs no less than $800.00. Your $800 gets you six games. In Oklahoma, the year is measured by the first game of the football season and the BCS Championship game. We'd just as soon not have January through July. So, to me, the idea of not going to a home game is ludicrous. But Oklahoma football fans are pretty spoiled and, believe it or not, this incoming Ball State football team has not captured the imaginations of the Sooner faithful. The result is the easiest, cheapest ticket you can imagine for a top-5 football team. I swear I saw Sooner fans giving tickets instead of coin to local panhandlers this week.
It doesn't help that last week's performance against Mizzou was marked by a pretty heartless effort by the Sooners. For whatever reason no one in Sooner nation seemed real fired up.
This Ball State ball game should serve as a perfect opportunity to correct last week's mistakes and get sharp in some areas because next week is a damn big one.
Things to work on:
OFFENSE
I'm stepping out on a precarious limb here but I'm going to go with Roy Finch today. In a perfect scenario Dominique Whaley's day is done after the first or second series of the 3rd Quarter. Finch or possibly even Freshman wunderkind Brandon Williams should see a good number of touches. If Finch is to have any kind of meaningful impact for the Sooners this year he needs to make the most of his chances today. So I believe (stupidly) in the good of humanity and I enjoy seeing the triumph of the human spirit so I believe Finch will rise to whatever occasion might be presented. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see him try too hard and fumble which would be devastating for him from a future PT (now that's Playing Time - Football Lingo) perspective.
DEFENSE
If I had to select a defensive MVP for the Sooners so far this season it would have to be Frank Alexander. He is a one man wrecking crew. Any Sooner opponent watching film has to be making plans to avoid this man whenever possible. I would even hope an opponent as hapless as Ball State is aware of this. That means, like a pack of lions working the hunt in tandem, Ronnell Lewis is going to have a lot of opportunities to make plays. If all goes according to my plans, he might break someone in half today. I'd be all for it. So The Hammer is my defensive pick.
THE PICK
Ball State are 40 point underdogs. The only real question is can the Sooners cover it. I know they can but I don't think they will. Josh Heupel seems pretty content to run whatever kind of offense he needs to keep the opponent at arms length. He'll have the Sooners going on long, boring methodical drives and it will be as vanilla as possible given the Red River Rivalry is coming up.
Maybe I should try to give away my tickets after all. Nah.
Sooners 42, Ball State 7
Edited to add: Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner! Tip them PBR's
It doesn't help that last week's performance against Mizzou was marked by a pretty heartless effort by the Sooners. For whatever reason no one in Sooner nation seemed real fired up.
This Ball State ball game should serve as a perfect opportunity to correct last week's mistakes and get sharp in some areas because next week is a damn big one.
Things to work on:
- Pass Defense. The Sooner D was gashed last week and so far this season this unit either gets tackles for losses or gives up yards in massive chunks.
- Sustained aggressiveness on the Offensive Line. The Sooners can score fast and look like a machine when the O-Line is nasty. This unit needs to prove they can keep their heads out of their asses and keep their focus for a full game. It will be hard for them to do today.
- The Backup QB situation. Lonnie's jersey has been kept pretty clean this year but all it takes is one play for your whole season to ride on someone untested. The Stoops era has been marked by a stubborn unwillingness to give backup QB's any meaningful game reps. It's never made sense to me but maybe Bobby learned something from Sam Bradford's Senior season. There's no better time to strengthen the depth chart than today.
- The 3rd and 4th Wide Receivers. See the Backup QB Situation. Besides the emergence of Dom Whaley the most intriguing story on the Sooners Offense, to me, is who ultimately wins that 3rd spot out of Trey Franks (who won't play today), Dejuan Miller, Jaz Reynolds and Kameel Jackson. Franks, Miller and Reynolds have all made cases while Jackson is the darkhorse but is being given every chance.
- Spreading the ball around. I really don't see this happening because Texas is next week but Lonnie could benefit by practicing checking down his receivers, working on reading progressions and distributing the ball to as many people as possible.
OFFENSE
I'm stepping out on a precarious limb here but I'm going to go with Roy Finch today. In a perfect scenario Dominique Whaley's day is done after the first or second series of the 3rd Quarter. Finch or possibly even Freshman wunderkind Brandon Williams should see a good number of touches. If Finch is to have any kind of meaningful impact for the Sooners this year he needs to make the most of his chances today. So I believe (stupidly) in the good of humanity and I enjoy seeing the triumph of the human spirit so I believe Finch will rise to whatever occasion might be presented. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see him try too hard and fumble which would be devastating for him from a future PT (now that's Playing Time - Football Lingo) perspective.
DEFENSE
If I had to select a defensive MVP for the Sooners so far this season it would have to be Frank Alexander. He is a one man wrecking crew. Any Sooner opponent watching film has to be making plans to avoid this man whenever possible. I would even hope an opponent as hapless as Ball State is aware of this. That means, like a pack of lions working the hunt in tandem, Ronnell Lewis is going to have a lot of opportunities to make plays. If all goes according to my plans, he might break someone in half today. I'd be all for it. So The Hammer is my defensive pick.
THE PICK
Ball State are 40 point underdogs. The only real question is can the Sooners cover it. I know they can but I don't think they will. Josh Heupel seems pretty content to run whatever kind of offense he needs to keep the opponent at arms length. He'll have the Sooners going on long, boring methodical drives and it will be as vanilla as possible given the Red River Rivalry is coming up.
Maybe I should try to give away my tickets after all. Nah.
Sooners 42, Ball State 7
Edited to add: Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner! Tip them PBR's
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