Oklahoma Sooners vs. Kansas State Wildcats

The Sooner Bandwagon as of 4:00PM CST on October 10th, 2015

Well it didn't take long for Sooner championship hopes to squirt hot diarrhea down its trouser legs.

Good Lord did the Sooners get exposed. Defensively, I guess there are some who learned to tackle in some alternate universe where throwing a head at a thigh pad is an effective method. The unit also collectively decided to ignore such fundamentals as, "Play to the Whistle". Texas passed 12 times and still couldn't stop the run, much less key on it.

Offensively, the Bill Dorn, "Ole' Bullshit" pass protection technique did little to hinder a Texas pass rush that sometimes consisted of three linemen. Berry Tramel spent all week defending the Sooner O-Line but, c'mon, they were abysmal. I was stunned to learn that Josiah St. John, the absolute worst of the bunch, is a senior. I also can't figure out if the coaches unwillingness to sub linemen out is due to policy or because the 2nd and/or 3rd string is even worse. Probably the latter.

Schematically, it doesn't appear any Texas tape was watched. The Sooners had a game plan by God and they were going to run it. Until this week, the Texas rush defense had more gaping holes than a Hanoi brothel. The Sooners averaged 1.8 yards per rush.

So now there is all this crap on tape and nobody does more with less than this week's foe, Ol Oversized Windbreaker himself. I  can imagine Bill watching OU-Texas game tape, sitting in front of the hearth with his turtleneck and his all white walking shoes kicked up on the davenport, faithful Sharon brings him a slice of Turtle Pie, his eyes moisten and the television reflects off those cold eyes of his. A faint smile crosses his lips. Buzz-cut Wildcat Nation smells blood.

I'm not excited about it.

OFFENSE

Everything needs to get better and it starts up front obviously. But Baker Mayfield needs to rebound from his worst performance as well. He made bad situations worse by not getting rid of the ball. In zone read situations he made some bad calls. If his receivers can get two hands on the football they need to catch it.

I feel I'm on a two week cycle here but I'm picking Mayfield again. Picking a running back is a joke because the running game is never going to be that important. K-State is going to blitz early and often and Mayfield's going to have to find some space fast and get rid of the ball faster. This is literally the only chance.

DEFENSE

Is it 2014 again where I feel like picking a defensive player is like deciding where I want to get punched? These guys are so annoying. The tackling "display" last week was just embarrassing. I seriously doubt it is something that is practiced. I can't imagine what "technique" is taught that results in such terrible results. I also have zero faith that any noticeable changes will be made. Oh there might be some different faces on the field. It's the players faults after all (sarcasm) but nothing that says, "we've watched tape and we stink at stopping the run up the middle we should get ready for that by finding a safety who tackles reliably and moving him a couple steps closer to the line (or something - grasping at straws here)".

In any case I suppose I'll pick Dominique Alexander. He seems to be the best tackler we have and they'll run all day. Being the best tackler on this team is like a screen door being the best boat in your Navy though.

SCORE

Yes I'm down in the dumps and no longer a believer. One week ruined it. Maybe we can get it back but we're not playing Kansas or Iowa State. These are the only teams left on the schedule who are incapable of scoring 40 on us and I'm shaken at the lack of improvement of the O-Line and our inability to stop the run. That's really everything right there.

I'm counting on a miracle. Punter/Kicker/Freshman wunderkind Austin Siebert wins this one for us today after the Sooners pick off a pass and force a fumble on special teams.

I'll go OU 31, K-State 28.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns

It's Texas week. 'Nuff said.

The Sooners, fresh off a gutty home win against West Virginny, head down south to Dallas and the Cotton Bowl to face a Texas team that, frankly, seems on the brink of imploding. How sweet it would be for the Sooners to deliver the boot that knocks the Horns over the cliff.

All signs point towards a thorough beat down. These are two teams on different trajectories. The Sooners on offense might not be a juggernaut but they are relentless and have yet to peak. Defensively, I am starting to believe. Texas doesn't play very well on either side of the ball and their defense seems to be getting worse the deeper they get into Big 12 competition. The Sooners have cracked the top 10 and might be deserving. The Horns, well, they might be top 10 in Texas.

However, this game being a rivalry anything can happen. The Sooners could just as likely give the ball up five times and crap down their trouser legs for four hours. Texas could make solid decisions and control the action. Charlie Strong's job may not be in jeopardy but a win against his biggest rival could wipe out the sting of a few bad losses. Texas's wunderkind QB Jerrod Heard also leads the team in rushing. Any long time reader of this space (and if you've watched a quarter of Oklahoma football over the past decade) can tell you that this does not bode well. This game is all about players stepping out of the shadows into the spotlight and right now there's nothing but shadows in Austin. Adding insult to injury, even Bevo is so critically ill he can't make the trip.

This year is different. Oklahoma teams of the recent past have had a noticeable lack of leadership on the field. Occasionally a single play can mind fuck them so hard the whole team unravels. That isn't the mentality with this group. If you can make the case that Texas has nothing to lose and that makes them dangerous I think you could also say that the Sooners have everything to gain. For the first time in years it feels like they actually understand this and are prepared to embrace it. This is a business trip for them.

OFFENSE

The offensive line concerns me. I have that nagging feeling that someday it's going to cost them. Not in this game but down the road. If they could only improve marginally there's no telling how far this team can go. You can't survive a season of Baker Mayfield running for his life as soon as the ball is snapped. And you can't take control of a game against the big boys with the running game in its current condition. To hell with making holes, the O-Line has allow either Mayfield or a running back to have time to make a choice.

The Texas D-line is trash so naturally you can expect them to get some push. I don't know if you  counter this with quick passes, straight rollouts or what. I do know I'd ditch the QB run on the 3rd and longs. It's too predictable. And I'd definitely try to get Mark Andrews involved in the passing game. All that guy does is make big plays.

In fact, here's who you need on the field as often as possible (in addition to Mayfield, obviously). Joe Mixon, Sterling Sheperd, Mark Andrews, Semarje Perine. Two of those four need to be on the field at all times. A total absence of any of them for prolonged periods is asinine and over thinking. You can get them rest without being cute. This is college athletics after all where athleticism rules and these guys are too young to get tired.

For my OPOG I'd love to go Mark Andrews. Someone unexpected always steps up and as I mentioned he just makes big plays. But I'm going with Semarje Perine. A big game from him would be a bit unexpected just because he hasn't been able to get into a rhythm so far this year. It's a bit foolish on my part though because for some reason I still expect Lincoln Riley to give a mouse fart about the running game and I don't think he does. But what the hell. Perine could bust out in the passing game as well.

DEFENSE

I'm starting to believe. If you take away some dumbfounding penalties last week, I'd have to say the D played about as well as you can hope against a quality spread offense. There were some breakdowns to be sure but this team seems to understand that a football game is a long slog and one play here or one drive there need not dictate the rest of the day.

I couldn't have been more surprised by Jordan Thomas's play, particularly early on. Evidently he is not interested in being 2015's Gas Rag McGee award winner. It's great to see. Mikey Stoops also threw a curveball when he said Devante Bond and Eric Striker wouldn't be playing much together. It seemed like they were on the field plenty together last week. Again, with the best athletes on the field mantra.

Speaking of Striker, good Lord did he come to play. How wonderful would it be to see him just make Jerrod Heard's life miserable?

In light of this desire and this being a big game I have to go with Eric MF Striker for my DPOG. He's forcing a fumble just watch.

THE SCORE

The Sooners understand the situation. They have a certain something they've lacked in year's past. It could be as simple as maturity or awareness. It could be something more. It's a little too early to tell. But, whatever it is will outweigh the nothing to lose mentality the Horns will be bringing and this one will go as predicted.

The Sooners will be steady eddy on offense and the D will play solid and without the boners from last week. This one is predictable in the most delightful way.

Sooners 35, Horns 14

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

Texas

As you may or may not have heard, the Sooners play their arch rival tomorrow the texas longhorns. If you own a TV, radio or have left your home in the last 4 weeks, it's also likely you know that texas hasn't been very good this year. There is apparently quite a lot of conflict within the team. It seems the upper classmen don't like the lower classmen and vice versa. I could give a shit.

texas is talented, though they have (according to Mel Kiper types) a dearth of nfl prospects with not one player expected to be drafted next spring. That said, they come in with 2 losses (OSU and Cal) that very easily could have been wins had their special teams not turned the inside of their unis burnt orange. The Sooners should win this game, they are better in all phases. However, anyone who has watched this series over the years knows, anything can happen.  The blowouts only seem to happen when they are unexpected (I took 2.3 seconds to think about that last statement). With nothing else to play for, this is the season for Ut.

Those that know me personally know I only like burnt orange in one capacity, my nether regions. They also know I expect the worst nearly every week. I am nervous about this. After TCU publicly fisted them last weekend, the masses expect a repeat. I don't see a demolition, I think this will be tough.

Offense

Man, Baker Mayfield is making it awfully hard for me to not pick him every week. He's been stellar nearly every game. Mixon has been spectacular, but seems to have angered someone as he routinely sees about 4 snaps a game. Perine has been relegated to the football equivalent of a closer. I just have to go with Mayfield this week. He's been great and I think he continues to extend plays this Saturday and carries the Sooners again. 300+ yards and he accounts for 4 scores.

Defense

Big stage for the defense against a mobile quarterback. This one will be up to the front 4 to contain the Q and apply pressure. I've been all over the place with my picks on D and so far I don't think I've even come close yet. That changes Saturday. Eric Motherfuckin Striker takes the field for his last taste of Bevo (not beaver, presumably he'll taste more of that down the road). He was an absolute menace last week and I think he carries it over. 3 sacks, tackles by the shitload and a turnover.

Score

The spread I saw most recently was OU by 17.  I don't quite think the Sooners cover. I think it is a somewhat ugly game, but the Sooners do enough to make the sphincter relax by 1:30 or so. For my man RP I think the Sooners put up 40, texas 27.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

Oklahoma Sooners vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

If you were a season ticket holder for Good Ol Alma Mater how much would you donate if your non-conference home slate consisted of the following: Georgia Southern, Liberty and Maryland? How confident would you be after hammering these wet bags of turd and heading out on the road for the first time all season against a capable conference foe?

I'll tell you I wouldn't blown my nose with my tickets for those scrimmages and I'd be puckered up like a snare drum if I was West Virginia. Honestly, I didn't know Liberty had a football team. So the Mountaineers have a top 15 offense and defense. Cue the slowest, most sarcastic slow clap I can muster. 

I'm not, by any stretch, implying the Sooners have nothing to fear here. They know how big this one is. They've asked the fans to candy stripe the stadium and they're pulling out the alternate uniforms because they A) need to protect the house (something that didn't happen last year) so they can B) start/stay in the Big 12 championship chase and C) make a strong early season impression on voters/computer against a currently ranked, undefeated team. The Sooner faithful should be in full throat in spite of yet another 11am kickoff.

OFFENSE

This is the key to the whole ballgame. It's going to become a broken record if it isn't already but the Sooner offense is truly the best defense. If the Sooners can get rolling early and pop a defense that's been untested it may provide enough cushion to win the day.

This is true. Georgia Southern got routed by West Virginny 44-0 and attempted 13 passes. This is the best offense they've faced. If the Sooners game plan isn't to hit the Mountaineer defense early, keep them on the field and wear them down then I know nothing. I expect a lot of hands on hips from the Mountaineers. 

The other key for the Sooners is to hang on to the ball. They should have buried Tulsa two weeks ago but turnovers cost them about 31 points. West Virginia is opportunistic and experienced. If the Mountaineers get some breaks off turnovers and capitalize then all bets are off. If the Sooners shove it down their throat and bring a gun to a gun fight they'll win. It's such a simple game really.

The scary thing is the Sooners haven't fired on all cylinders yet. They've gotten off to slow starts, the run game has struggled at times and they've had fumble-itis. They will hit their stride this week. They have 9 receivers for Baker Mayfield to choose from. They have a dynamic backfield (although I can't fathom why David Brooks got so many early carries over Joe Mixon against Tulsa).  I really want to pick Semarje Perine for my OPOG but I can't do it. I'm going Baker Mayfield. He's on fire. His ability to keep plays alive and distribute the ball is awesome. What he did against Tulsa was video game stuff. I'll keep the Semarje card in my back pocket and take ol' Baker. Not sure if he can hit 86% completion for 6 million yards again but I'll be thrilled with less gaudy numbers and the same dearth of INT's.

DEFENSE

I'm a little nervous when the absence of Jordan Thomas is the excuse for giving up ∞ yards to Tulsa. It's also mildly jarring to read that Devante Bond and Eric MF Striker aren't going to be on the field much together going forward. I get it, but how frustrating is it to get picked apart because there is zero pressure from up front? Why not take a couple chances with your best players on the field together? You get scored on anyway. You have to disrupt the rhythm of either the QB or the receivers. I like Striker and Bonds versus a QB than Jordan Thomas et al against everyone else. Especially at home.

Someday, some defensive coordinator in the Big 12 is going to quit trying the same thing over and over and will change things up drastically, shut down some big time offenses and become a well-paid head coach in the SEC. He'll probably come from TCU.

Anyway, I'm skeered of the Mountaineer offense and particularly Wendell Smallwood at running back. My worst nightmare is a 3rd and medium scenario and this guy just shoving it down our throats.

For DPOG I'm making a pick based on sheer force of will. I desperately want someone on the D-Line to get to the quarterback if the Sooners are going to stubbornly refuse to send someone from the edge.

::closes eyes, points fingers at depth chart::

I'm going Charles "Chaz" Walker because I like his name. Note: I am not in defensive indifference mode yet. That won't happen until after Texas Tech I hope. I just want someone on the D-Line to step up and I have no idea who that will be at this point.

THE SCORE

If the Sooners can pick up where they've been leaving off and hang on to the ball we're golden. If the defense can hold the Mountaineers even one touchdown below their season average the Sooners win.

I think the D will do a little better than that and the Mountaineer D just isn't ready for this test yet.

Sooners 49, West Virginny 35

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner

The West Virginia Mountaineers

Sooner fans, it's been an exciting year up to now. An improbable road win against a solid SEC opponent, a TCB win against an also-ran, and a grind it out win in a trap-game against a high-scoring offense. Now the season gets serious as conference play begins. It's no patsy either as WVU comes in unbeaten and ranked 23.

In doing some "research" on a website called smokingmusket.com (a website I fully expected to 1. require my credit card info to access, and 2. melt my computer as soon as I entered) I learned that the mountaineers come into the game leading the country in points and turnovers....on defense. Sure, we always expect Holgerson's teams to score, but this one seems to understand tackling and coverage etc. Granted, they haven't exactly played the 2007 Patriots, but nonetheless this is new territory for this team.

Since joining the Big 12, WVU has yet to finish in the win column against OU. The comments I've read from the players leads me to believe they've circled this game for some time. It's their chance to beat a big time team as well as firmly establish themselves as a Big 12 title contender. It's also the first game of a murderous stretch for the Mountaineers (OU, OSU, Baylor, TCU). They've proven they can score, now paired with a solid defense this represents a very tough test for our Sooners.

Offense

With a week off to heal up bruises, tweaks and pulls I expect the full arsenal of weapons to be at Lincoln Riley's disposal. Mayfield has been nothing short of great in every game. He extends plays, takes his shots when they're there, and scrambles for postive gains when they aren't. He's also realized that it's acceptable to go through a progression and throw to any receiver who might be open. No small feat, and one we haven't really seen since Bradford. Now that I've spent this whole section verbally fluffing Baker Mayfield, I'm going in a different direction. This game will likely see plenty of scoring. This one will be won by the team that can grind it out late. After getting embarrassed by Perine last season, they'll be keying on him, that's why I like Joe Mixon to make his name a household one in this tilt. It's his coming out party tomorrow, 150+ total yards and a score.

Defense

This is becoming harder to pick. We've had solid play from several different guys in every game. One area where I feel comfortable avoiding a pick is the secondary. They were just scorched by Tulsa. Truly an awful showing. For this game we will need balance in both the run and pass phases of the game. I like Dominique Alexander to come strong in this one. He's been quietly solid and I think Saturday he makes some big plays and contains the high flying Mountaineers.

Score

This is a huge game, first one of the season in conference, two unbeaten teams, two ranked in the top 25. The winner stays the course for those preseason aspirations, the loser says the right things and quietly begins scoreboard watching. The Sooners have had two weeks to get ready for this game. It's in the right stadium, and they've still got that "nobody-believes-in-us" mentality accompanying a sub-top 20 preseason ranking. It'll be a very tough test, but the Sooners do enough and win it 31-27.


Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner. 

Livin' On Tulsa Time

Great song, better post title. The Sooners come into this test fresh off of a great (however improbable) win that took me back to the early Stoops era where wins were pulled out with regularity. It was the opposite of a gut punch and was so much fun to watch. Let's hope it doesn't breed complacency and rather pushes the boys on a roll that lasts all season.

There was much hand wringing about Mayfield and his lack of production last week until the 4th quarter/OT. Maybe I'm crazy but I thought he did a fine job through the game. It was basically, hike, run for your life each down. Couple that with several drops and he wasn't exactly set up for success.

Tulsa has been scoring points in buckets this season. Admittedly their competition hasn't been the best, but it still takes talent to score. I think our D will be tested and this has all of the makings of a trap game. Let's hope the Sooners stay focused and do what everyone expects today.

Offense

So far, the Air Raid attack has been on high and as a result the ground game hasn't exactly dropped jaws. I think the coaching staff uses this game as an attempt tune up the balance and get the ground game going. Samaje busts out today and gets his first hundo of the season and finds the end zone at least once.

Defense

There has been a clear cut best player on the defense this season so far, and it's someone who's not been mentioned much on this blog apart from the mention of his cameo on Hill Street Blues. That guy is Devante Bond.  Bond was all over the field last week and I think he will be again. The man has been an absolute beast.

Score

I think Tulsa will score a lot on OU today, they run the fast pace aerial attack that generally gives the defense fits. Pair that with the trap game set up (coming off a huge win/going into a bye/seemingly lesser opponent) and this will be tougher than anyone thinks. As I mentioned, Tulsa scores, they also give up a lot of points. OU wins this one and heads into the off week 3-0. Sooners take it 44-34.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner. 

Oklahoma Sooner vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Sooner fans may still be basking in the afterglow of last week's miracle but the boys on the field need to get right back to work.

First, may I share a few words on last week's environment? Knoxville is one of the coolest college towns I've ever been to. The people were amazing. The bar scene was spectacular. The tailgates were crazy in that they are shoved into every nook and cranny (technical term) from inside parking garages to yacht decks on the Tennessee River. And make no mistake. They were yachts. It was also the loudest venue I've ever been to in my life and it wasn't even close. I could not more highly recommend spending time on a college football weekend in Knoxville.

Bob Stoops called the win perhaps the favorite of his tenure. It was pretty awesome and I will never forget the sight of 100,000 Volunteer fans getting their hearts collectively ripped out. That's exactly what you could sense happening on that long drive in the 4th quarter that tied the game.

Now we move on to Tulsa. I thought for sure this would be a great homecoming game to work on some things going into a bye. Then I spoke with an historically pessimistic tailgating buddy who informs that Tulsa has a 5-Star QB who transferred in with new head coach and former Baylor Offensive Coordinator Philip Montgomery. Turns out it's true and so this may prove to be a nice test for the defense and the secondary in particular.

OFFENSE

Baker Mayfield was obviously great last week. However, his ability to scramble highlighted the fact the O-Line needs to pull up their big boy pants and start putting some helmets on someone. No more of this "ole' bullshit". Can you imagine how many times Landry Jones would have been sacked last week?

The Sooners also need to get in a rhythm early. A slow start against Akron is OK in game 1. A slow start against Tennessee is OK in a hostile road environment against a pretty decent defense. A slow start against Tulsa has me making that sucking in noise through my teeth and worrying we've got a bad habit on our hands that's going to bite us in the ass sometime sooner than later.

There are some good options to get the rhythm going. You could run Mayfield, Perine or Mixon. You could try to strike deep with Shepard. Or you could pull a Heupel and do none of these (using your best players being too obvious).

I'm a big "ride the hot hand" guy so I'm taking Sterling Shepard this week. He was yoooj, just yoooooj last week and, as a veteran, he can get things going early.

DEFENSE

This unit is clearly improved but I'm still not convinced they are the real deal. I can't believe it but today will show a lot. Tulsa has what appears to be a balanced and potent offense. Baylor Light may be an insult to both Baylor and Tulsa but if it winds up being the case then the Sooner D is only going to grow from the experience.

Again, in the vein of riding the hot hand I'm going to take Devante Bond. He's been in beast mode for two weeks now. He's kept Frank Shannon off the field. I like him to continue today. Hopefully he can get some good pressure on this QB and the Sooners can turn them over a couple times.

THE SCORE

Tulsa gives up a ton of points. They score a ton. I feel like this one's going to start off as a shootout before the talent gap takes over. The Sooners do get going early on offense, the D shows signs of future struggles against potent offenses before showing flashes of potential.

Sooners 56, Tulsa 28

Boomer to the Motherfuckin Sooner