As the 2014 season is one week away, expectations are high in the Sooner Nation.
Not just because of the after-swell of the Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama. Although that feeling has not worn off...yet.
No, there is something else in the air.
A confidence from the no-nonsense head coach that is unusually giddy for this time of the year.
A defensive coordinator who is spewing superlatives about his freshman players like never heard before in these parts.
Even with all of the off-the-field suspense involving suspensions, indictments and eligibility concerns, the Oklahoma coaches are downright besides themselves overflowing with confidence.
So what's the fuss?
Aren't all coaches optimistic in the pre-season?
Yes, but expectations are annually so high in Norman that the coaches intentionally downplay expectations until the season starts.
Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells used to say "you are what you are!" Namely, your record speaks for itself.
So before the season starts and everyone is undefeated, why are the Sooners coaches so optimistic?
Returning Starters
Namely, nine defensive starters return along with seven offensive starters. That's 16 starters from last years Big 12 runner ups and the Sugar Bowl champions.
Ok. Not bad. But don't a lot of schools return double digit starters?
Yes, but the depth of talent on this team behind the starters is incredible and they're young to boot.
Only 6 upper classmen return in the offensive skill positions--and two are tight ends and blocking backs. The entire offensive line that contributed over 100 game starts returns save Gabe Ikard and Bronson Irwin.
The Sugar Bowl MVP quarterback returns off of his all-time best game behind him.
A defense so deep Sugar Bowl hero Geneo Grissom is being moved to linebacker and nickel back Julian Wilson is being moved to corner. Defensive stars on the line, linebacker group and safeties aplenty.
The Big 12's #1 defense returns everyone except for safety Gabe Lynn and corner Aaron Colvin. Plus, newcomers Stephen Parker at safety, Jordan Thomas at corner and sophomore sensations Hatari Byrd and Ahmad Thomas will all push for starting time giving Mike Stoops a depth in the secondary he has never seen at Oklahoma.
So yes. This team has potential to be the best.
But what exactly does that mean?
At the University of Oklahoma that means defense.
The Top 5 Best Defenses
So let's take a look at the all-time best defenses in the history of Oklahoma football and see what the best means and where this group stacks up:
1955/56
Bud Wilkinson's second and third national championship teams were a combined 21-0 in two seasons.
The 1955 squad outscored opponents 380-60 including five shutouts.
The 1956 team outscored opponents 466-51 including six shutouts.
These two teams are two of the best ever to play at Oklahoma and deserve top accolades. They kept the 47-game winning streak alive. The nation's best ever. They deserve the top notch.
Wide receiver Tommy McDonald still gets most of the buzz even all of these years later. But he also played defense along with one of the greatest Sooners ever: Jerry Tubbs.
These two teams epitomized Bud Wilkinson's team concept and the record reflects it.
1974
Hard to separate the 1974 and 1975 back-to-back national championship teams but I'll take the '74 bunch over the 75' group.
Simply because of perfection: 11-0.
And three shutouts.
No game was close except a 16-13 win in Dallas over Texas.
Selmon brothers, Jimbo Elrod, Randy Hughes and 3-time All American Rod Shoate.
Part of the 73' group, Barry Switzer's first, that went 32-1-1 his first three seasons.
Take no prisoners.
1986
The 85' group won the national championship with a single loss versus Miami but the 86' bunch was better.
Five shutouts along the way to an 11-1 season. A three-year lowest point total allowed with 81. The 85' and 87' teams gave up 103 and 102 points, respectively.
A lone loss in the Orange Bowl to Miami in September cost them the national championship.
Only Nebraska at 20-17 in Lincoln was close.
An overmatched Arkansas squad was beaten 41-8 in the Orange Bowl.
Brian Bosworth, Steve Bryan, Darrell Reed, Troy Johnson, Dante Jones, Sonny Brown and Rickey Dixon were the defensive stars.
1987
This group was actually an extension of the 85', 86' and '87 bunch. A group that went 33-3.
11-0 regular season with two shutouts.
Only Missouri and Nebraska played it close.
A 20-14 defeat to a Miami team that beat them three years in a row to represent their only three losses cost them a seventh national championship.
A total of six defensive starters were drafted by the NFL including round one pick Rickey Dixon.
Summary
So you don't have to go undefeated or win a national championship to be considered among the top five Sooner defenses.
However, it helps. But doesn't necessarily mean greatness.
These five teams assembled a gaudy 54-2 record in those five seasons, won five Big 7 & 8 Championships along the way and won three national championships. A total of 23 All-Americans, 25 NFL Draftees, 7 national award winners and a nation's all-time best 47-game win streak.
A hallmark of each was a swarming, hit-you-in-the-mouth attitude. Superb team play, well-coached and well-positioned. Nothing flashy in any of them. Just good ole' hard-nosed, line up and hit you defense.
It helps when you have a once-in-a-lifetime talent anchoring the group: a Jerry Tubbs, Lee Roy Selmon or Rod Shoate. However, for every one of those guys, a Dante Jones, Paul Migliazzo, Brian Bosworth and Sonny Brown emerges.
Oklahoma has produced 14 undefeated seasons in its' 119 seasons of playing football. Four of those teams also won national championships.
I think 2014 has a very good chance of producing undefeated season #15 and national championship #8 primarily based upon the defensive outlook and potential.
At the end of the day, will they be ranked up there with these five? Check back on January 12.
Boomer!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Our Time Is Now!
The Big 12 unveiled a new logo last month shortly before their annual media days unfolded in Dallas.
And, once again the interesting moniker "One True Champion!" was marshaled throughout the hallways of the Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas.
Something that rankled Sooners Coach Bob Stoops a few years ago when unveiled to mark the beginning of round-robin play. Stoops remarked, "I thought we proved that on the field the past ten years."
The Sooner coach was rightfully miffed because his Sooners had just completed an unprecedented run of 7 Big 12 championships in 11 years during a period when a conference championship game was held to determine the true conference champion.
But regardless of a new logo or championing an old themeline, what was past is now prologue as the 2014 college football championship season begins August 30 culminating with a new 4-team tournament.
Because Bob Stoops Oklahoma Sooners are back in the mix of national championship discussions. And, the Sooner coach knows it doesn't matter whether it's a conference championship game or a round-robin format, his Sooners are poised to make an appearance in the first College Football Championship game.
Oh, and it's no coincidence that the inaugural championship game will be played a few miles west of the Omni Hotel in JerryWorld at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Sooners fans prefer to call it "Baja Oklahoma!"
And, in 2014, all roads to the first College Football Championship game go through Oklahoma.
A Season to Remember
Bob Stoops Sooners are still riding the momentum wave of throttling defending national champion Alabama 41-27 in the All State Sugar Bowl en route to finishing off an 11-2 season.
As they should be.
No one gave Oklahoma a chance to beat the Crimson Tide outside of the state of Oklahoma. In fact, an ESPN poll showed 80% of the nation picked Alabama to beat the Sooners.
So, who can blame Stoops and the Sooners from still reveling in their post season success in New Orleans?
No, Bob Stoops told his team they could beat Alabama and they did. Heck, he even began calling out the SEC in the spring of 2013 to anyone who would listen.
Now, he returns a bevy of starters and prime-time newcomers, including a top transfer, who are all focused on one thing: bringing national championship #8 to Norman.
Why There's Only One Oklahoma
Oklahoma returns 9 defensive starters, an offensive line boasting over 100 starting games, a rejuvenated Sugar Bowl record-breaking MVP quarterback and a favorable schedule.
Meaning? The skill position newcomers on offense will get time to jell behind a massive offensive line and returning superstar quarterback and because no one will move the ball on this Oklahoma defense in 2014.
But, the team that scores the most wins. So the Sooner offense will have to make the scoreboard light up if Oklahoma has a chance to sweep through a tougher-than-it-looks early schedule to be poised to win late at home.
Here's a look at the keys to victory:
The "D"
This is Mike Stoops third season back in Norman after his first stint at Oklahoma resulted in one National Championship and another BCS National Championship appearance in 2003.
It may have taken him two seasons to get his players and defense in place but boy is he stocked in 2014. And, after experimenting with a "30" man front in 2013, he now has the players attention as well as the rest of the college football world. Oklahoma is back.
And, only one word describes the potential of this Oklahoma defense: Shut-down!
Bob Stoops wouldn't go that far in Dallas in July. But he was close to saying it.
Up front, the Sooners return the entire defensive line that finished 2013 with four straight victories including a Bedlam win over OSU followed by the Alabama victory in New Orleans and were responsible for 33 sacks.
That unit also led the Big 12 in total defense, passing defense and was second in rushing defense and scoring defense.
That's a far cry from the school-record 376 yards per game Stoopses unit gave up in 2012.
Tackles
The much-aligned defensive line last year at this time will be anchored by redshirt Sophomore Jordan Phillips at tackle. The 6' 6" 334 pound Phillips was an unstoppable force last year until a back injury suffered against Notre Dame ended his season with surgery.
Phillips is 100% and will anchor the tackle position this year. However, he will have a healthy rotation that includes Chuka Ndulue, Jordan Wade and Torrea Peterson all of whom replaced him last year.
Also, redshirt freshman Charles Walker has turned heads since last spring and into this summer. Plus, Juco transfer and 2012 NJCAA All-American Quincy Russell is also back after an unheralded 2013 where he only played in two of 13 games.
So, the defensive line is stacked at tackle with two-deep talent that will keep the starters fresh and opposing Big 12 quarterbacks scrambling for cover.
The Ends
How good are the defensive ends? Sugar Bowl hero Geneo Grissom was moved to linebacker this summer.
Replacing him will be All-Big 12 first teamer Charles Tapper and newcomer D.J. Ward.
Tapper started 12 of 13 games, was a force in 2013 and will anchor the ends. Ward sat out in 2013 after spleen surgery and hasn't played since his junior year in high school but is turning heads in practice. So much so, the coaches felt comfortable moving Grissom.
Joining them will be dependable returners Matt Dimon and Rashod Favors.
And, don't fret standout Michael Onuoha's recent suspension. In a pinch, the versatile Chuka Ndulue can switch back outside as can the recently moved Grissom.
The end result? Constant pressure and harassment of Big 12 quarterbacks.
Linebackers
It's hard to believe that just two years ago this defense experimented without any linebackers.
Once considered the short-coming, now it is one of the strengths only second to the defensive line.
Returners Frank Shannon and Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year Dominique Alexander return to anchor the linebacking unit. Alexander played in all 13 games and started the final 8 games. Shannon started all 13 games and led the Sooners with 92 tackles. Alexander had 80 tackles. And, returning sophomore Jordan Evans played in 8 games early and returns following a sensational season backing up both last year.
And, don't forget Sugar Bowl hero Eric Striker. The All-Big 12 First Team selection was sensational in 2013 coming off of the edge making spectacular, game-changing plays. If you loved the Sugar Bowl, you loved Strikers' performance: 3 sacks, matched a career high seven tackles and forced the first fumble of his career. And don't forget his Bedlam performance when he returned a fumble 3-yards for a touchdown.
Move Geneo Grissom back to this group and it is simply outstanding. Perhaps the best linebacking crew in Oklahoma in many years.
And, don't fret Shannon's pending Title IX investigation ruling him ineligible due to a school expulsion. Juco transfer Devonte Bond is turning heads in Norman and actually pushing Grissom for a starting spot.
Secondary
This is both Stoopses brothers specialty so you would expect a solid unit here.
Losing Aaron Colvin and Gabe Lynn from last season might cause a concern of a drop off.
However, the cupboard isn't bare.
Returning starter Zack Sanchez returns and will anchor one sideline. Returners Cortez Johnson, Dakota Austin and Stanvon Taylor are batting with returning nickel back Julian Wilson for the second corner spot.
Austin and Taylor's size may be a concern but the much bigger Johnson, albeit a step slower in coverage, and the versatile Wilson add depth.
I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Wilson secures the second spot in camp. After all, he was recruited to play corner out of high school. And, Stoops did bring him to Dallas for media days. But either way. The rest are solid backups and will see plenty of action.
Senior Quentin Hayes returns at strong safety. Joining him will be heralded sophomores Hatari Byrd and Ahmad Thomas who are both fighting for playing time at free safety. Thomas is versatile and can play either safety spot as well as at nickel. Byrd was highly touted coming out of high school and told the media last August Coach Stoops had told him he would start. He failed to live up to expectations but mainly because Gabe Lynn excelled at the safety spot last year. Byrd should get his chance this season to meet his incoming freshman boasts.
Freshman Stephen Parker from Jenks is also pushing for playing time at safety.
So, the secondary is loaded with plenty of talent and should be just fine.
Summary
The bottom line is this is as talented and deep a bunch as Mike Stoops has had to work with since his first stint in Norman.
And, make no question about it, the Sooners fully expect to compete for a national championship, the first since 2008. And if history is any indication, the Oklahoma defense will have to be elite to win it all in 2014. Past National Championship teams in 1955, 56', 74', '75, 85' and 2000 have been elite on defense.
And this Sooners team is already setting a goal to lead the nation in total defense something an Oklahoma team hasn't done since 1986. So they are talking the talk. But do they have "shut-down" potential?
Although expectations run high in Norman, brother Bob stopped short of using the "s" word this summer in Dallas, but he threw down the gauntlet to his team when he said this:
"We’ve got a chance,” Bob Stoops said. “But we’ve got to go earn it, perform, gotta do the preparation. Are guys gonna play intelligently and do what they need to do? So there’s potential there, but we haven’t done it yet."
And Now for The Offense
Bob Stoops has won eight Big 12 titles with six different quarterbacks.
He will win a ninth in 2014 with his seventh different quarterback.
Redshirt freshman Trevor Knight came of age in the Sugar Bowl with a record bowl game performance against Alabama.
His four touchdowns tied a Sugar Bowl record and set an OU record plus his 348 yards passing set a career high.
The off-season saw fellow starter Blake Bell switch to Tight End and fan favorite Kendal Thompson transfer to Utah.
So the job is solidly Knight's and only injury will move him out of the spot.
Behind him are redshirt freshman Cody Thomas and true freshman Justice Hansen so there is a cautious wind blowing in Norman that hopes Knight can stay healthy. Texas Tech walk-on transfer and Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year Baker Mayfield isn't currently eligible. However, he has hired the same attorney Johnny Manziel hired last year to argue immediate eligibility due to his walk-on status at Tech.
And, with an offense that only returns 6 upper classman at the skilled positions, the Sooners will need a solid year from Knight as well as his leadership if they hope to reach the first-ever National Championship game in Dallas.
So here is the offensive rundown:
Upfront
The Sooners return eight players on the offensive line who have started over 109 games.
Seniors Daryl Williams and Tyrus Thompson anchor the tackle position with 40 starts between them.
Redshirt senior Tyler Evans returns for a sixth season with 29 starts at guard after receiving a medical hardship because of suffering back-to-back season ending knee injuries in 2012 and 2013.
Nila Kasitati and Adam Shead both return at guard with 12 starts each. Kasitati also doubles at center which is encouraging since a true freshman will serve as the primary backup.
Throw in Trevor Knight's Headington Hall roommate junior Ty Darlington at center, who is charged with replacing All-American Gabe Ikard, redshirt Juco transfer Josiah St. John and redshirt junior Derek Farniok, who made his first start against OSU, and this unit will be the difference maker in 2014.
Running Backs
After graduating seniors Brennan Clay, Damien Williams, Roy Finch and Trey Millard, one might think this unit would drop off in 2014.
However, Bob Stoops has assembled a stellar cast of replacements who are bigger, faster and stronger than last years unit.
At 5' 11" and 206 pounds, chiseled sophomore Keith Ford impressed everyone last year with his bull-like rushes and quickness on the way to a 5.8 average per carry. However, ball control issues limited his carries. Ford will anchor the running backs but will be tested for playing time with returning sophomore Alex Ross.
At 6' 1" and 221 pounds, Ross is bigger and stronger than Ford but didn't play much after an 8-yard run against Louisiana-Monroe resulted in punching a player on the Sooners sideline right in front of Coach Bob Stoops. He didn't help his case much by jawing with the Head Coach while walking off the field post-game in front of television cameras. Little surprise Ross only had two more carries and was limited to special teams action the remainder of 2013.
Sophomore David Smith and heralded freshman Samaje Perine could both make immediate contributions, as well.
Prototypical lead blocker Aaron Ripowski returns at fullback and will be joined by freshman Dimitri Flowers, a Trey Millard look-a-like who turned heads last spring.
We aren't even talking about the #1 running back in the nation freshman Joe Mixon from Oakley, California in the mix. His July 26 incident on Campus Corner in the wee hours of the morning have him suspended until Norman Police submit a report to the District Attorney, likely next week.
If he is charged with felony assault against a fellow student, consider his Sooner career over before it started. Anything less including a misdemeanor charge and he likely stays a Sooner but will most assuredly redshirt or face a lengthy suspension.
Either way, the Sooners are loaded at running back and should have enough productivity on the ground behind a massive, experienced and talented offensive line until the passing game jells with only one returning player who scored a touchdown in 2013.
Wide Receivers
Sterling Shepard is the only returning receiver with a touchdown catch in 2013. He also has 96 career receptions. The rest of the wide receivers have 21 career receptions. Junior Durron Neal is the only other returner with game experience.
But don't worry. The Sooners have a talented bunch for coach Jay Norvell to work with in 2014.
Redshirt freshman Jordan Smallwood has recovered from a foot injury and redshirt season. He has turned heads since the spring with his big frame at 6' 2" and 212 pounds and has the speed and athleticism to make Sooner fans forget Jalen Saunders and Lacoltan Bester.
Sophomore Derrick Woods and redshirt freshmen Dannon Cavil and K.J. Young also are expected to vie for playing time as is incoming freshman Michiah Quick from California.
But who is kidding who? The big off-season news was the arrival of Dorial Green-Beckham from Missouri in June. He was kicked off the team by Head Coach Gary Pinkel for off-the-field incidents that did not result in any formal charges by local police.
The Sooners are hoping to file an appeal with the NCAA later this month seeking an immediate eligibility clearance for the former top high school recruit. He had 59 receptions for 885 yards and 12 touchdowns last season for Missouri and was instrumental in the Cotton Bowl victory over OSU.
Oklahoma officials are optimistic DGB will be immediately eligible. If so, watch out. This Sooners offense just became explosive.
Tight Ends
Oklahoma hasn't made much more than blocking dummies out of the tight end position the past few years.
Since James Hanna left in 2011, the tight end position has basically vanished from the Oklahoma offense.
You can blame H-back Trey Millard for some of that because of his versatility blocking, running and catching the ball.
However, this year the big news is former quarterback Blake Bell's switch to tight end. At 6' 6" and 259 pounds, Bell brings prototypical size and speed to the position. Don't be surprised if Bell starts the season because Coach Stoops loves his leadership and work-ethic not to mention his nose for the end zone.
Regardless of Bell's move, incoming tight ends Tyler McNamara and Connor Knight, fraternal brother of quarterback Trevor, both have good size and hands and Juco transfer Isaac Ijalana has also turned heads. Also, Dimitri Flowers has the size and speed to take some snaps at tight end, as well.
So, look for a new wrinkle with Bell emerging as a favorite target of Trevor Knight to keep defenses honest. Also, look for a tight end reverse play-action pass also thrown in for good measure.
Summary
A deep, experienced and talented offensive line will go a long way to giving Trevor Knight time to jell with a new receiver corps while the young running backs learn their ways in big-time college football.
Knight's health is a major issue based upon his performance in 2013. However, both Cody Thomas and Justice Hansen appear talented enough to make adequate backups, if necessary. This issue becomes moot if Baker Mayfield succeeds in gaining immediate eligibility if cleared by the NCAA.
This unit has a chance to be very special. However, add Dorial Green-Beckham and Joe Mixon to this group and watch out.
Special Teams
Special Teams have been a hallmark of Head Coach Bob Stoops teams especially because he has personally overseen the unit many years under his tutelage. However, he hired his first Special Teams Coordinator last year in Jay Boulware, who did an outstanding job with three special teams touchdowns in 2013.
Returning kicker Senior Michael Hunnicutt returns and is on virtually all watch lists as one of the top kickers in the country. He hit 88.9% of his field goals in 2013 and also caught a touchdown pass from holder Grant Bothun in last years Bedlam victory.
Senior Jed Barnett returns at punter where he booted 65 punts for a 47.1 average in 2013.
Senior Nick Hodgson boomed 43 kickoffs for touchbacks last year and set a career high with a 65.7 kickoff average in the Sugar Bowl and returns.
Key return men Brennan Clay and Ray Finch anchored the return game the past few years but have graduated so Bob Stoops will look for a new look to set-up the Sooners offense with good field position where they were 4th in the Big 12 last year with a 25.6 yard return average. Expect two of the freshman running backs to make an immediate impact in this area but don't be surprised if projected starters Keith Ford and Alex Ross open up on August 30. Stoops has a stubborn history of utilizing his starters on special teams.
The only weakness in this bunch is the loss of starter Austin Woods to graduation. Finding a deep snapper who can jell with the existing unit will help ease this loss.
So What Does It Mean?
With 9 returning starters on defense, a solid and deep offensive line, Sugar Bowl MVP quarterback Trevor Knight returning and a whole host of talented newcomers, Bob Stoops has reason to be bullish on this team.
However, as we have seen in previous seasons, injuries, suspensions and expulsions have doomed the Sooners. Career-ending injuries to seniors Corey Nelson and Trey Millard stained an otherwise stellar season in 2013 and combined with untimely injuries to center Gabe Ikard, receiver Sterling Shepard and quarterbacks Blake Bell and Trevor Knight, some would say cost the Sooners an undefeated season.
But you can't count on injuries and the off-the-field stuff to continue to haunt Oklahoma.
The Sooners have finished #1 in the Big 12 in 3 of the past 5 years and have 8 overall championships, 5 more than the next closest team. And, they have been ranked #1 in the nation in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and 101 times since the AP began keeping track in 1936--more than any other team.
Bob Stoops has been close but never this talented and deep since his championship run in 2008. And, his Sooners have played in four National Championship games the past 14 seasons.
If his players stay healthy and eligible, this will be his fifth appearance in the National Championship game and second title.
The Sooners have had 14 undefeated seasons including four National Championship seasons in 1955, 1956, 1974 and 2000.
I have a sense they will add season number 15 in 2014.
Prediction: 13-0. Big 12 Champions. National Champions.
Boomer.
And, once again the interesting moniker "One True Champion!" was marshaled throughout the hallways of the Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas.
Something that rankled Sooners Coach Bob Stoops a few years ago when unveiled to mark the beginning of round-robin play. Stoops remarked, "I thought we proved that on the field the past ten years."
The Sooner coach was rightfully miffed because his Sooners had just completed an unprecedented run of 7 Big 12 championships in 11 years during a period when a conference championship game was held to determine the true conference champion.
But regardless of a new logo or championing an old themeline, what was past is now prologue as the 2014 college football championship season begins August 30 culminating with a new 4-team tournament.
Because Bob Stoops Oklahoma Sooners are back in the mix of national championship discussions. And, the Sooner coach knows it doesn't matter whether it's a conference championship game or a round-robin format, his Sooners are poised to make an appearance in the first College Football Championship game.
Oh, and it's no coincidence that the inaugural championship game will be played a few miles west of the Omni Hotel in JerryWorld at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Sooners fans prefer to call it "Baja Oklahoma!"
And, in 2014, all roads to the first College Football Championship game go through Oklahoma.
A Season to Remember
Bob Stoops Sooners are still riding the momentum wave of throttling defending national champion Alabama 41-27 in the All State Sugar Bowl en route to finishing off an 11-2 season.
As they should be.
No one gave Oklahoma a chance to beat the Crimson Tide outside of the state of Oklahoma. In fact, an ESPN poll showed 80% of the nation picked Alabama to beat the Sooners.
So, who can blame Stoops and the Sooners from still reveling in their post season success in New Orleans?
No, Bob Stoops told his team they could beat Alabama and they did. Heck, he even began calling out the SEC in the spring of 2013 to anyone who would listen.
Now, he returns a bevy of starters and prime-time newcomers, including a top transfer, who are all focused on one thing: bringing national championship #8 to Norman.
Why There's Only One Oklahoma
Oklahoma returns 9 defensive starters, an offensive line boasting over 100 starting games, a rejuvenated Sugar Bowl record-breaking MVP quarterback and a favorable schedule.
Meaning? The skill position newcomers on offense will get time to jell behind a massive offensive line and returning superstar quarterback and because no one will move the ball on this Oklahoma defense in 2014.
But, the team that scores the most wins. So the Sooner offense will have to make the scoreboard light up if Oklahoma has a chance to sweep through a tougher-than-it-looks early schedule to be poised to win late at home.
Here's a look at the keys to victory:
The "D"
This is Mike Stoops third season back in Norman after his first stint at Oklahoma resulted in one National Championship and another BCS National Championship appearance in 2003.
It may have taken him two seasons to get his players and defense in place but boy is he stocked in 2014. And, after experimenting with a "30" man front in 2013, he now has the players attention as well as the rest of the college football world. Oklahoma is back.
And, only one word describes the potential of this Oklahoma defense: Shut-down!
Bob Stoops wouldn't go that far in Dallas in July. But he was close to saying it.
Up front, the Sooners return the entire defensive line that finished 2013 with four straight victories including a Bedlam win over OSU followed by the Alabama victory in New Orleans and were responsible for 33 sacks.
That unit also led the Big 12 in total defense, passing defense and was second in rushing defense and scoring defense.
That's a far cry from the school-record 376 yards per game Stoopses unit gave up in 2012.
Tackles
The much-aligned defensive line last year at this time will be anchored by redshirt Sophomore Jordan Phillips at tackle. The 6' 6" 334 pound Phillips was an unstoppable force last year until a back injury suffered against Notre Dame ended his season with surgery.
Phillips is 100% and will anchor the tackle position this year. However, he will have a healthy rotation that includes Chuka Ndulue, Jordan Wade and Torrea Peterson all of whom replaced him last year.
Also, redshirt freshman Charles Walker has turned heads since last spring and into this summer. Plus, Juco transfer and 2012 NJCAA All-American Quincy Russell is also back after an unheralded 2013 where he only played in two of 13 games.
So, the defensive line is stacked at tackle with two-deep talent that will keep the starters fresh and opposing Big 12 quarterbacks scrambling for cover.
The Ends
How good are the defensive ends? Sugar Bowl hero Geneo Grissom was moved to linebacker this summer.
Replacing him will be All-Big 12 first teamer Charles Tapper and newcomer D.J. Ward.
Tapper started 12 of 13 games, was a force in 2013 and will anchor the ends. Ward sat out in 2013 after spleen surgery and hasn't played since his junior year in high school but is turning heads in practice. So much so, the coaches felt comfortable moving Grissom.
Joining them will be dependable returners Matt Dimon and Rashod Favors.
And, don't fret standout Michael Onuoha's recent suspension. In a pinch, the versatile Chuka Ndulue can switch back outside as can the recently moved Grissom.
The end result? Constant pressure and harassment of Big 12 quarterbacks.
Linebackers
It's hard to believe that just two years ago this defense experimented without any linebackers.
Once considered the short-coming, now it is one of the strengths only second to the defensive line.
Returners Frank Shannon and Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year Dominique Alexander return to anchor the linebacking unit. Alexander played in all 13 games and started the final 8 games. Shannon started all 13 games and led the Sooners with 92 tackles. Alexander had 80 tackles. And, returning sophomore Jordan Evans played in 8 games early and returns following a sensational season backing up both last year.
And, don't forget Sugar Bowl hero Eric Striker. The All-Big 12 First Team selection was sensational in 2013 coming off of the edge making spectacular, game-changing plays. If you loved the Sugar Bowl, you loved Strikers' performance: 3 sacks, matched a career high seven tackles and forced the first fumble of his career. And don't forget his Bedlam performance when he returned a fumble 3-yards for a touchdown.
Move Geneo Grissom back to this group and it is simply outstanding. Perhaps the best linebacking crew in Oklahoma in many years.
And, don't fret Shannon's pending Title IX investigation ruling him ineligible due to a school expulsion. Juco transfer Devonte Bond is turning heads in Norman and actually pushing Grissom for a starting spot.
Secondary
This is both Stoopses brothers specialty so you would expect a solid unit here.
Losing Aaron Colvin and Gabe Lynn from last season might cause a concern of a drop off.
However, the cupboard isn't bare.
Returning starter Zack Sanchez returns and will anchor one sideline. Returners Cortez Johnson, Dakota Austin and Stanvon Taylor are batting with returning nickel back Julian Wilson for the second corner spot.
Austin and Taylor's size may be a concern but the much bigger Johnson, albeit a step slower in coverage, and the versatile Wilson add depth.
I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Wilson secures the second spot in camp. After all, he was recruited to play corner out of high school. And, Stoops did bring him to Dallas for media days. But either way. The rest are solid backups and will see plenty of action.
Senior Quentin Hayes returns at strong safety. Joining him will be heralded sophomores Hatari Byrd and Ahmad Thomas who are both fighting for playing time at free safety. Thomas is versatile and can play either safety spot as well as at nickel. Byrd was highly touted coming out of high school and told the media last August Coach Stoops had told him he would start. He failed to live up to expectations but mainly because Gabe Lynn excelled at the safety spot last year. Byrd should get his chance this season to meet his incoming freshman boasts.
Freshman Stephen Parker from Jenks is also pushing for playing time at safety.
So, the secondary is loaded with plenty of talent and should be just fine.
Summary
The bottom line is this is as talented and deep a bunch as Mike Stoops has had to work with since his first stint in Norman.
And, make no question about it, the Sooners fully expect to compete for a national championship, the first since 2008. And if history is any indication, the Oklahoma defense will have to be elite to win it all in 2014. Past National Championship teams in 1955, 56', 74', '75, 85' and 2000 have been elite on defense.
And this Sooners team is already setting a goal to lead the nation in total defense something an Oklahoma team hasn't done since 1986. So they are talking the talk. But do they have "shut-down" potential?
Although expectations run high in Norman, brother Bob stopped short of using the "s" word this summer in Dallas, but he threw down the gauntlet to his team when he said this:
"We’ve got a chance,” Bob Stoops said. “But we’ve got to go earn it, perform, gotta do the preparation. Are guys gonna play intelligently and do what they need to do? So there’s potential there, but we haven’t done it yet."
And Now for The Offense
Bob Stoops has won eight Big 12 titles with six different quarterbacks.
He will win a ninth in 2014 with his seventh different quarterback.
Redshirt freshman Trevor Knight came of age in the Sugar Bowl with a record bowl game performance against Alabama.
His four touchdowns tied a Sugar Bowl record and set an OU record plus his 348 yards passing set a career high.
The off-season saw fellow starter Blake Bell switch to Tight End and fan favorite Kendal Thompson transfer to Utah.
So the job is solidly Knight's and only injury will move him out of the spot.
Behind him are redshirt freshman Cody Thomas and true freshman Justice Hansen so there is a cautious wind blowing in Norman that hopes Knight can stay healthy. Texas Tech walk-on transfer and Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year Baker Mayfield isn't currently eligible. However, he has hired the same attorney Johnny Manziel hired last year to argue immediate eligibility due to his walk-on status at Tech.
And, with an offense that only returns 6 upper classman at the skilled positions, the Sooners will need a solid year from Knight as well as his leadership if they hope to reach the first-ever National Championship game in Dallas.
So here is the offensive rundown:
Upfront
The Sooners return eight players on the offensive line who have started over 109 games.
Seniors Daryl Williams and Tyrus Thompson anchor the tackle position with 40 starts between them.
Redshirt senior Tyler Evans returns for a sixth season with 29 starts at guard after receiving a medical hardship because of suffering back-to-back season ending knee injuries in 2012 and 2013.
Nila Kasitati and Adam Shead both return at guard with 12 starts each. Kasitati also doubles at center which is encouraging since a true freshman will serve as the primary backup.
Throw in Trevor Knight's Headington Hall roommate junior Ty Darlington at center, who is charged with replacing All-American Gabe Ikard, redshirt Juco transfer Josiah St. John and redshirt junior Derek Farniok, who made his first start against OSU, and this unit will be the difference maker in 2014.
Running Backs
After graduating seniors Brennan Clay, Damien Williams, Roy Finch and Trey Millard, one might think this unit would drop off in 2014.
However, Bob Stoops has assembled a stellar cast of replacements who are bigger, faster and stronger than last years unit.
At 5' 11" and 206 pounds, chiseled sophomore Keith Ford impressed everyone last year with his bull-like rushes and quickness on the way to a 5.8 average per carry. However, ball control issues limited his carries. Ford will anchor the running backs but will be tested for playing time with returning sophomore Alex Ross.
At 6' 1" and 221 pounds, Ross is bigger and stronger than Ford but didn't play much after an 8-yard run against Louisiana-Monroe resulted in punching a player on the Sooners sideline right in front of Coach Bob Stoops. He didn't help his case much by jawing with the Head Coach while walking off the field post-game in front of television cameras. Little surprise Ross only had two more carries and was limited to special teams action the remainder of 2013.
Sophomore David Smith and heralded freshman Samaje Perine could both make immediate contributions, as well.
Prototypical lead blocker Aaron Ripowski returns at fullback and will be joined by freshman Dimitri Flowers, a Trey Millard look-a-like who turned heads last spring.
We aren't even talking about the #1 running back in the nation freshman Joe Mixon from Oakley, California in the mix. His July 26 incident on Campus Corner in the wee hours of the morning have him suspended until Norman Police submit a report to the District Attorney, likely next week.
If he is charged with felony assault against a fellow student, consider his Sooner career over before it started. Anything less including a misdemeanor charge and he likely stays a Sooner but will most assuredly redshirt or face a lengthy suspension.
Either way, the Sooners are loaded at running back and should have enough productivity on the ground behind a massive, experienced and talented offensive line until the passing game jells with only one returning player who scored a touchdown in 2013.
Wide Receivers
Sterling Shepard is the only returning receiver with a touchdown catch in 2013. He also has 96 career receptions. The rest of the wide receivers have 21 career receptions. Junior Durron Neal is the only other returner with game experience.
But don't worry. The Sooners have a talented bunch for coach Jay Norvell to work with in 2014.
Redshirt freshman Jordan Smallwood has recovered from a foot injury and redshirt season. He has turned heads since the spring with his big frame at 6' 2" and 212 pounds and has the speed and athleticism to make Sooner fans forget Jalen Saunders and Lacoltan Bester.
Sophomore Derrick Woods and redshirt freshmen Dannon Cavil and K.J. Young also are expected to vie for playing time as is incoming freshman Michiah Quick from California.
But who is kidding who? The big off-season news was the arrival of Dorial Green-Beckham from Missouri in June. He was kicked off the team by Head Coach Gary Pinkel for off-the-field incidents that did not result in any formal charges by local police.
The Sooners are hoping to file an appeal with the NCAA later this month seeking an immediate eligibility clearance for the former top high school recruit. He had 59 receptions for 885 yards and 12 touchdowns last season for Missouri and was instrumental in the Cotton Bowl victory over OSU.
Oklahoma officials are optimistic DGB will be immediately eligible. If so, watch out. This Sooners offense just became explosive.
Tight Ends
Oklahoma hasn't made much more than blocking dummies out of the tight end position the past few years.
Since James Hanna left in 2011, the tight end position has basically vanished from the Oklahoma offense.
You can blame H-back Trey Millard for some of that because of his versatility blocking, running and catching the ball.
However, this year the big news is former quarterback Blake Bell's switch to tight end. At 6' 6" and 259 pounds, Bell brings prototypical size and speed to the position. Don't be surprised if Bell starts the season because Coach Stoops loves his leadership and work-ethic not to mention his nose for the end zone.
Regardless of Bell's move, incoming tight ends Tyler McNamara and Connor Knight, fraternal brother of quarterback Trevor, both have good size and hands and Juco transfer Isaac Ijalana has also turned heads. Also, Dimitri Flowers has the size and speed to take some snaps at tight end, as well.
So, look for a new wrinkle with Bell emerging as a favorite target of Trevor Knight to keep defenses honest. Also, look for a tight end reverse play-action pass also thrown in for good measure.
Summary
A deep, experienced and talented offensive line will go a long way to giving Trevor Knight time to jell with a new receiver corps while the young running backs learn their ways in big-time college football.
Knight's health is a major issue based upon his performance in 2013. However, both Cody Thomas and Justice Hansen appear talented enough to make adequate backups, if necessary. This issue becomes moot if Baker Mayfield succeeds in gaining immediate eligibility if cleared by the NCAA.
This unit has a chance to be very special. However, add Dorial Green-Beckham and Joe Mixon to this group and watch out.
Special Teams
Special Teams have been a hallmark of Head Coach Bob Stoops teams especially because he has personally overseen the unit many years under his tutelage. However, he hired his first Special Teams Coordinator last year in Jay Boulware, who did an outstanding job with three special teams touchdowns in 2013.
Returning kicker Senior Michael Hunnicutt returns and is on virtually all watch lists as one of the top kickers in the country. He hit 88.9% of his field goals in 2013 and also caught a touchdown pass from holder Grant Bothun in last years Bedlam victory.
Senior Jed Barnett returns at punter where he booted 65 punts for a 47.1 average in 2013.
Senior Nick Hodgson boomed 43 kickoffs for touchbacks last year and set a career high with a 65.7 kickoff average in the Sugar Bowl and returns.
Key return men Brennan Clay and Ray Finch anchored the return game the past few years but have graduated so Bob Stoops will look for a new look to set-up the Sooners offense with good field position where they were 4th in the Big 12 last year with a 25.6 yard return average. Expect two of the freshman running backs to make an immediate impact in this area but don't be surprised if projected starters Keith Ford and Alex Ross open up on August 30. Stoops has a stubborn history of utilizing his starters on special teams.
The only weakness in this bunch is the loss of starter Austin Woods to graduation. Finding a deep snapper who can jell with the existing unit will help ease this loss.
So What Does It Mean?
With 9 returning starters on defense, a solid and deep offensive line, Sugar Bowl MVP quarterback Trevor Knight returning and a whole host of talented newcomers, Bob Stoops has reason to be bullish on this team.
However, as we have seen in previous seasons, injuries, suspensions and expulsions have doomed the Sooners. Career-ending injuries to seniors Corey Nelson and Trey Millard stained an otherwise stellar season in 2013 and combined with untimely injuries to center Gabe Ikard, receiver Sterling Shepard and quarterbacks Blake Bell and Trevor Knight, some would say cost the Sooners an undefeated season.
But you can't count on injuries and the off-the-field stuff to continue to haunt Oklahoma.
The Sooners have finished #1 in the Big 12 in 3 of the past 5 years and have 8 overall championships, 5 more than the next closest team. And, they have been ranked #1 in the nation in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and 101 times since the AP began keeping track in 1936--more than any other team.
Bob Stoops has been close but never this talented and deep since his championship run in 2008. And, his Sooners have played in four National Championship games the past 14 seasons.
If his players stay healthy and eligible, this will be his fifth appearance in the National Championship game and second title.
The Sooners have had 14 undefeated seasons including four National Championship seasons in 1955, 1956, 1974 and 2000.
I have a sense they will add season number 15 in 2014.
Prediction: 13-0. Big 12 Champions. National Champions.
Boomer.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Mistake On The Lake!
And, that fact is especially relevant with Coach Stoops' "you never know" quote post-Sugar Bowl, which had everyone on edge about his NFL coaching aspirations. This situation was further compounded by the rumor of his interest in the Browns open job and combined with his nearby Youngstown, Ohio roots sent the Sooner Nation into panic-mode.
However, rest assured Sooner Nation. I still have contacts in Cleveland and my sources there tell me the Browns organization is just as dysfunctional as they were when I left in 1996 (well, maybe not so bad as they didn't have a team in 1996!)
The team owner is embroiled in a federal rebate fraud investigation with his "real" company, they have a non-football guy who was run out of Philadelphia in charge of football operations and they can't draft worth a damn! So the distractions there are real and not imagined.
So without further adieu, here is my list of the top 5 things Coach Stoops won't miss about Cleveland.
1. Weather
Ok, I realize Oklahoma is experiencing an unseasonable severe winter chill for this time of the year that is making many very uncomfortable with the record low temperatures.
Welcome to Cleveland Coach Stoops!
This type of weather is exactly what you get on a daily basis with winters in Cleveland.
I know firsthand because I lived in ground-zero: downtown Cleveland.
Cleveland is located at the northern end of Ohio right up against one of the Great Lakes: Lake Erie.
As such, Cleveland is the last city before you get to Canada.
Affectionately, known as the "North Coast," northeastern Ohioans know full-well what that location means: arctic Canadian-winter winds sweep down across Lake Erie and bring almost a daily event onto the streets of downtown Cleveland called "lake-effect snow."
And, Cleveland being a pretty much non-public transportation city, except for inner-city RTA lines and busses, means most Clevelanders travel by private car which results in a lot of walking.
Heavy top coats, hats, gloves and galoshes are standard attire from basically November to early April. Leave home without one of these essential elements at your own risk.
Also, since Ohio is located in the middle of the snow-belt, transportation officials are deftly prepared to maintain and clear area highways and roads.
This means much ice and sand strategically placed on roadways which ends up on your vehicles and creates a mess of your shiny new car not to say the potential rust erosion later that diminishes its life cycle.
Yes folks, Cleveland is cold. Just how cold you might ask?
I attended opening day of the Major League Baseball season in 1991 at venerable Municipal Stadium on April 16, 1991 and it snowed!
I lived on the 19th floor of the Reserve Square building at the eastern edge of downtown at 12th and Superior and just a few blocks from the lake.
Actually, although not built during my first stay, Reserve Square is just a handful of blocks from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The 19th floor of any building is high enough to give one a spectacular overview of any area.
Here's the view from my 19th floor apartment overlooking Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport and beautiful Lake Erie.
See what I mean? Coach Stoops won't miss this view will he?
3. Gretchen Carlson
Ok, I know Gretchen Carlson is no longer in Cleveland.
Actually, Gretchen is from Minnesota and represented that state as the Miss America winner in 1989.
But hey, in the early 90's she was the hottest thing on local television!
No Coach Stoops won't miss Gretchen by not moving to Cleveland but he can still catch her daily on Fox News!
4. Cleveland Crack
No this is not the local "crack-house" located in east Cleveland.
Actually, this is a universal sighting all over the North Coast.
I think a picture says a thousand words but I'll let your imagination do the work for you!
5. Oklahoma Is OK!
And finally, Coach Stoops won't miss being constantly asked where in the hell Oklahoma is located?
For many Ohioans, Oklahoma might as well be located in Timbuktu!
Most Clevelanders and many Ohioans have lived in the Buckeye state all of their lives.
And that is not a bad thing as the area and state have much to offer.
However, most don't know and don't care where Oklahoma is but do know it isn't in Ohio and they could care less.
So Coach Stoops won't get inundated with the inquisitive minds every time he meets a stranger who asks him: "where?"
Summary
So in the final analysis, I don't think Coach Stoops ever really seriously considered the Browns job or the prospect of moving to Cleveland from Norman.
And, certainly my tongue-in-cheek list doesn't even begin to capture all of the great things association with the North Coast namely:
1. More golf courses per capita than any other location in the U.S. (yes you can play golf in the summer!)
2. Fabulous restaurants.
3. A vibrant, thriving downtown arts district.
4. Breathtaking summer sunsets over Lake Erie.
5. Three really great professional sports brands in the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers all located in the heart of downtown Cleveland featuring some of the most loyal and long-suffering fans in the world.
I hope my personal experience does provide some sort of humor associated with the only American city that I know of where the downtown river and the mayor's hair once caught on fire and a city I was fortunate to once call home twice! (true!)
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Sweet Home Alabama!
Recently, Jay wrote a column about a stranger he met who responded "I am a columnist" when asked what she did for a living.
Cronley went on to summarize in his column that everyone was a "columnist" in today's wired world.
Cronley said that to qualify as a "columnist" one must have a story to tell that is based upon an experience, idea or opinion.
So with access to the internet, in Cronley's world, everyone with an idea, experience or opinion is a "columnist!"
So with that said, here is my "columnist" story for the 2014 Sugar Bowl.
Sugar Bowl Redux
Admittedly, I am a a bit more qualified for Cronleys' "Columnist" description. I do have an official Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and was a staff writer for my college newspaper, The Baker Orange, my freshman year in college.
I even have a certificate for my coverage of President Reagan's assassination attempt in 1981 to prove my bona fide credentials!
So, here is my story based upon my "experience, idea and opinion!"
In 2004, I was one of the over 72,000 fans in the Louisiana Super Dome when Bob Stoops' Oklahoma Sooners faced Nick Sabans' LSU tigers for the BCS National Championship.
I witnessed a stellar LSU defensive effort throttle one of the "best" teams in NCAA history as Sports Illustrated claimed as Stoops' Sooners lost to Saban's Tigers 21-14.
This was a classic "heavyweight" match between two excellent, well-coached teams.
But it wasn't what happened on the field as much as what I witnessed off the field that caught my attention.
Late in the first half of a 14-7 game, my binoculars caught some activity behind the Oklahoma bench that caught my eye.
A nattily attired man in a navy blazer and slacks was attempting to persuade a Super Dome usher to allow him access to the Oklahoma bench.
After a few minutes of standoff, the man gained access to the field, immediately proceeded to the huddle during an Oklahoma timeout, removed the headset of an Oklahoma assistant, pushed defensive coordinator Brent Venables aside and began screaming at the Oklahoma defensive players!
Surreal!
A closer look revealed the man in a hurry was Mike Stoops, younger brother of Big Game Bob and the recently named head coach of the University of Arizona!
It seems that the younger Stoops had seen enough and was anxious to help his big brother Bob!
Perhaps he knew that his big brother was outmanned.
Nick Saban had a young offensive coordinator named Jimbo Fisher and a Saban-clone defensive coordinator named Will Muschamp calling the shots.
Big Game Bob was outnumbered off the field and his Sooners succumbed to a stronger LSU defense on the field despite some peculiar play calls on the final drive.
Fast-Forward to 2014
So after a bizarre finish to the Auburn game and a miraculous finish to the OSU game, Big Game Bob and Nick Saban find themselves in a similar rematch in 2014!
Except this time, Stoops might just have the mismatch on the sidelines to Saban's #3 ranked Crimson Tide!
You see not only does Big Game Bob have little brother Mike on his sidelines this time but he also has two other secret weapons to use against Nick Saban!
In 2009, Bob Stoops and his staff spent a week visiting Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban's Crimson Tide as they prepared for their BCS National Championship game against Texas.
This act did not sit well with the Sooners arch rival in Austin.
Many Longhorns thought that Stoops was telling state secrets against Texas to Saban to sabotage a potential Longhorn upset in the Rose Bowl.
But Stoops maintained that was the furthest thing from his mind. He was only visiting Alabama to learn more about the Crimson Tide 3-man front and downfield rushing game.
But this was not the only thing Stoops stole from Nick Saban.
Later, Stoops would hire Alabama's quality control guru Chad Walker away from Saban.
Walker has been instrumental in not only installing the Bama 3-4 defense but also allowing the Stoops brothers to peek inside the Saban-led Crimson Tide and steal the "secret sauce" to Bama's success.
According to the Daily Oklahoman this week, Mike Stoops credits Walker with not so much as just installing the Bama 3-4 defense but "we had a lot of information" on the Alabama personnel, coaches and tendencies.
So much so that Stoops said that the Alabama coaches would "recognize a lot of stuff that's going on when we play."
A Game Changer?
So will the Stoops brothers advantage help Big Game Bob against Nick Saban?
Perhaps Walker's presence just reaffirms what the Stoops brothers already know about Alabama: the Crimson Tide is a well-oiled machine, angry over their last second loss to arch-rival Auburn and will be chomping at the bit to crush Bob Stoops Sooners.
Or, perhaps the Stoops brothers have another secret weapon up their sleeve?
You see, mama Stoops has a younger son named Mark who is the head coach of the University of Kentucky who lost to Alabama 48-7 this year.
Do you think that big brother Bob has talked to kid brother Mark about his thoughts on how to stop Nick Saban's Crimson Tide?
Of course, they have talked. That is what brothers do. And, what about Stoops mentor at South Carolina? Don't you think Big Game Bob has talked to his mentor Steve Spurrier on how to stop Bama's vaunted attack?
Summary
Yes, on paper this game is a mismatch for the Stoops brothers.
Alabama should just line up and run roughshod over the faster, smaller Sooners.
But a funny thing this game football is.
These are college-age kids 18, 19, 20 and 21 years old.
Emotion and coaching play big factors on motivation for these younger players.
The team that is the best on paper does not always win.
And, when there is a sibling rivalry involved and inside information from the enemy in play, anything is possible.
For the Sooner Nation and the Stoops brothers of Youngstown, here's hoping the Oklahoma Sooners finally have Nick Sabans' number!
Boomer Sooner!
Friday, October 11, 2013
Tale of The Tape
Tomorrow's OU/Texas football game marks the 108th meeting between the two football powerhouses.
So before we head to bed, here's the tale of the tape for tomorrow's battle in the Cotton Bowl.
Keys to Victory
1. Run, Run, Run
Bob Stoops is 58-1 when his Sooners rush for over 200 yards in a game. The winner of the OU/Texas game is the one who rushes for more yards historically, as well. Oklahoma features a backfield by committee in seniors Damien Williams, Brennan Clay and Roy Finch. Toss in heralded freshman Keith Ford and quarterback Blake Bell and the Sooners are the most formidable running team Texas has faced.
Texas features a fine stable of backs, too. Jonathan Gray, Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron are tough, fast runners.
Many experts think the only chance for Texas is to run straight at the Sooners and control the ball and clock and limit Oklahoma possessions.
Whoever wins this battle usually wins the game.
2. Blake Bell
Neither Notre Dame and TCU had an answer to stop Blake Bell.
The 6' 5" 252 lb. quarterback is a bruising, battering ram runner who punishes linebackers and safetys in a short yardage package and in quarterback scrambles off of the passing game.
He took over the late stages of both the Notre Dame game and TCU game and ran for crucial first downs to ice both games.
It's big, high-profile national stages like this one where legends are born.
Is Texas tough enough to stop the Belldozer?
3. Oklahoma Press Man Coverage
Bob Stoops teams are known for tight press-man coverage at the corners.
Senior Aaron Colvin and freshman Zack Sanchez have turned in shut-down performances through 5 games and are a big reason the Sooners are undefeated.
Texas strength lies in its speedy receivers: Jaxon Shipley, Mike Davis and Kendall Sanders.
Case McCoy didn't inherit his brothers passing genes.
Unfortunately for Texas tomorrow, if he is forced to make plays with his arm it could get ugly early for the Longhorns.
See Tommy Rees performance in South Bend for a sneak preview.
4. Second Quarter Turnover Blues
Oklahoma has outscored Texas 51-7 in the second quarter the past two years.
Ballgame.
To add insult to injury, Oklahoma has forced 8 Texas turnovers during that span which virtually ended all hopes for the Burnt Orange faithful.
Start slow again tomorrow and turn the ball over and it will be a long day for the Longhorns for the third straight year.
5. Bob Stoops
In today's era of high-priced head coaches, not many games of this magnitude have a coaching advantage.
But what else would you call it when Bob Stoops is 9-5 against Mack Brown and has won the last two games by scores of 55-17 and 63-21?
In fact, Bob Stoops holds the top 3 largest margins of victory over Texas in the 107 meetings between the two teams having posted over 60 points three different times.
We'll find out tomorrow if they are good enough to do anything about it.
The last two meetings were blowout victories by the Sooners which has the entire state of Texas in a state of depression in anticipation of tomorrow's Red River Rivalry which has become the Red River Rout.
So before we head to bed, here's the tale of the tape for tomorrow's battle in the Cotton Bowl.
Keys to Victory
1. Run, Run, Run
Bob Stoops is 58-1 when his Sooners rush for over 200 yards in a game. The winner of the OU/Texas game is the one who rushes for more yards historically, as well. Oklahoma features a backfield by committee in seniors Damien Williams, Brennan Clay and Roy Finch. Toss in heralded freshman Keith Ford and quarterback Blake Bell and the Sooners are the most formidable running team Texas has faced.
Texas features a fine stable of backs, too. Jonathan Gray, Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron are tough, fast runners.
Many experts think the only chance for Texas is to run straight at the Sooners and control the ball and clock and limit Oklahoma possessions.
Whoever wins this battle usually wins the game.
2. Blake Bell
Neither Notre Dame and TCU had an answer to stop Blake Bell.
The 6' 5" 252 lb. quarterback is a bruising, battering ram runner who punishes linebackers and safetys in a short yardage package and in quarterback scrambles off of the passing game.
He took over the late stages of both the Notre Dame game and TCU game and ran for crucial first downs to ice both games.
It's big, high-profile national stages like this one where legends are born.
Is Texas tough enough to stop the Belldozer?
3. Oklahoma Press Man Coverage
Bob Stoops teams are known for tight press-man coverage at the corners.
Senior Aaron Colvin and freshman Zack Sanchez have turned in shut-down performances through 5 games and are a big reason the Sooners are undefeated.
Texas strength lies in its speedy receivers: Jaxon Shipley, Mike Davis and Kendall Sanders.
Case McCoy didn't inherit his brothers passing genes.
Unfortunately for Texas tomorrow, if he is forced to make plays with his arm it could get ugly early for the Longhorns.
See Tommy Rees performance in South Bend for a sneak preview.
4. Second Quarter Turnover Blues
Oklahoma has outscored Texas 51-7 in the second quarter the past two years.
Ballgame.
To add insult to injury, Oklahoma has forced 8 Texas turnovers during that span which virtually ended all hopes for the Burnt Orange faithful.
Start slow again tomorrow and turn the ball over and it will be a long day for the Longhorns for the third straight year.
5. Bob Stoops
In today's era of high-priced head coaches, not many games of this magnitude have a coaching advantage.
But what else would you call it when Bob Stoops is 9-5 against Mack Brown and has won the last two games by scores of 55-17 and 63-21?
In fact, Bob Stoops holds the top 3 largest margins of victory over Texas in the 107 meetings between the two teams having posted over 60 points three different times.
Sooners can make it four straight over Texas tomorrow, maintain their undefeated season and Stoops will be looking for style points to please BCS voters.
Bob Stoops teams seem to play with a chip on their shoulder in this game and he has been able to get his players stoked for this game more than Mack Brown can do for his players mentality.
And, Mack Brown is fighting for his coaching life but it may already be too late to save his career at Texas.
Earlier this week Brown retold a story about his conversation with Texas coaching legend Darrell Royal and his advice for ending a losing streak in this very streaky series.
Royal told Brown this is how you end the streak:
"When you get tired of the losin' and are good enough to do something about it!"
I am certain the Texas faithful and Mack Brown are plenty tired of the losin'.
We'll find out tomorrow if they are good enough to do anything about it.
Boomer.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Beating Notre Dame Is As Easy As A-B-C!
I was visiting with Dan and Tim Norris, my fellow Sooner and 2013 Doak Walker Award committee chairperson, last month at SMU about last years Oklahoma Notre Dame football game.
I told Dan about my trip to the concession stand just after Notre Dame had scored in the fourth quarter to pull ahead 20-13. It was a cold and blustery night and as I exited the stands I encountered a rather large, burly Notre Dame fan in a t-shirt and shorts belting out the Notre Dame Fight Song in the middle of the concourse to the stunned amazement of red-clad Sooner fans.
Dan laughed and recounted his encounter with Coach Stoops this summer. He introduced himself and said he was a Notre Dame alumni. Coach Stoops immediately said "Four plays!" and stormed off.
Dan was laughing retelling the story because in reality any game comes down to a handful of plays that determine the outcome. However, Coach Stoops was right and Dan knew as much as anyone that last years game in Norman simply came down to four plays.
Which leads us to the upcoming battle next Saturday in South Bend.
Oklahoma will travel to northern Indiana for its first road game of the young 2013 season that will have much to do with not only determining the outcome of the remainder of the season for the Sooners but whether they seriously challenge for the programs eighth national championship.
But first, before we venture ahead one week, let's revisit those four plays that had Irish fans singing in the Owen Stadium concourses and caused the ball coach to snap them off at my friend Novakov last summer.
2012 Revisited
The Sooners and Fighting Irish played a game for the ages in Norman last October before 86,031, the largest attended sporting event crowd in Oklahoma state history.
The game did not let the record crowd down.
Notre Dame used some key breaks late to pull away from a 13-13 tie at the start of the fourth quarter to win a game 30-13 that was much closer than the final score.
The Fighting Irish played a hard-nosed, bend but don't break defense that effectively limited the high-octane Sooners offense to a dink-and-dunk passing game strategy and only 15 yards rushing.
Thanks to a tremendous front seven led by defensive tackle Louis Nix III and All America linebacker Manti Te'o, Notre Dame throttled the Oklahoma offense and limited it to a season low points total.
The four plays Coach Stoops noted occurred early and late in the game and were the difference makers:
1. First Quarter: Notre Dame senior running back Cierre Wood broke off a 62-yard run right up the gut to score the Irish's first score.
2. Fourth Quarter: After being briefly knocked out of the game by a viscious hit from Tony Jefferson, Notre Dame Quarterback Everett Golson trotted on the field and hit Chris Brown with a 50-yard pass to set-up a touchdown that would break open a 13-13 tie and give the Fighting Irish a lead it would not relinquish.
3. Shortly afterwards, Te'o intercepted a deflected Landry Jones pass that the entire Sooner Nation thought was pass interference that led to a Notre Dame field goal.
4. Faced with a do or die 4th down deep in his own territory, Bob Stoops elected to go for it and was stopped which resulted in a cheap Notre Dame touchdown at the end of the game for the final score.
Four plays that determined the outcome of the game.
Just like Coach Stoops said.
Fast-forward to next Saturday.
And so what does this Saturday's matchup have in store for Sooner fans?
Hopefully, a better outcome!
Beating Notre Dame Is As Easy As A-B-C!
So, here is the ABC road map to victory Saturday. Let's hope Josh Heupel is listening!
A--Air it Out
Last year Oklahoma threw 52 passes against Notre Dame.
So you might think, didn't they air it out?
If you like the dink-and-dunk variety.
Oh sure Jalen Saunders had 8 catches in the first quarter en route to an Oklahoma record 15 catches in the game for 181 yards.
But they were all short passes in front of Notre Dame defenders playing in their base cover two defense who wrapped up the OU receivers immediately to limit the yards after catch.
Yes, the Sooners marched the ball down the field but when it came red zone crunch time, the Fighting Irish defense stiffened and limited the Sooners to 13 points.
The scouting report on the Fighting Irish said their front seven was stout and they were. The same scouting report said the secondary was a mix-match of former receivers and could be tested deep.
However, Josh Heupel must have missed that e.mail because of the 52 aforementioned passes Heupel only called 3 deep balls.
Three total.
The entire ballgame.
And one of them was at the end of the game when the Sooners were desperate.
So what gave last year?
Heupel must have felt the Fighting Irish front seven was so stout that Landry Jones simply would not have enough time to wait for those deeper patterns to develop.
Even though Jones was only sacked two times the entire game, Notre Dame sat in their base defense and Heupel never threatened the weakest link of the Fighting Irish defense: the secondary.
So what is in store this year?
Hopefully, Heupel will learn from his mistake last year and open up the down the field passing playbook.
Eight defensive starters return from last year including massive linemen Louis Nix III and Stephon Tuitt, who appears healed after an early season groin injury.
However, this year they have been joined by an underperforming linebacker crew sans Manti Te'o that has forced Brian Kelly's defense to blitz more to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Fighting Irish linebacker crew had been so bad that Brian Kelly made a game-time decision and inserted three new starters before last Saturday's 17-13 win over Michigan State. The lineup change appeared to inspire the Fighting Irish who played more enthusiastically in the win over the Spartans.
However, if the linebacking play does not maintain this renewed sense of spirit, it spells doom for the Notre Dame faithful. Because if the linebacking crew lacks the speed and moxy to stuff the Sooners running game and are forced into a blitz package for pressure, the Sooners might run and pass all day all over the vaunted Notre Dame defense making this game a track meet on the deep, lush grass of Notre Dame field.
Go deep with big receivers Jaz Reynolds and underutilized Trey Metoyer against the Notre Dame cover two coverage to loosen up the secondary and keep them honest.
Flood zones underneath with crossing patterns featuring our scat-back receivers Jalen Saunders, Durron Neal and Sterling Sheperd.
Float H-back Trey Millard down the seams one-on-one with the Notre Dame linebackers and soften the cover two.
Play pitch and catch with Brennan Clay and Roy Finch out of the backfield.
Listen, learn, pass and win, Josh.
B--Blake Bell
Blake Bell is not Landry Jones.
He is also not Trevor Knight.
Which is all good for the Sooners and bad for the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame has not seen a quarterback with the size, arm and speed they will see Saturday.
Blake Bell showed a calm, cool command of the playbook against Tulsa.
He showed an uncanny touch on the deep balls and precision strikes underneath that surgically struck the Golden Hurricane defense that was playing run all game.
Expect nothing less against Notre Dame.
Bell's running ability further adds problems for the Notre Dame defense.
Yes, OU has a deep running back corps and Notre Dame is very stout against the run limiting Purdue to a school-tying record low 1 rushing first down and holding Michigan State to 13 points last Saturday.
But Notre Dame lacks the linebacking athletic speed to deal with a big, mobile quarterback with a gun for an arm in the presence of Blake Bell. Let Nix and Truitt clog the middle and push the edges of the pocket. Bell will need to adjust, step up and take off when he sees it open up. The Fighting Irish don't have Manti Te'o there this year to plug the gaps.
For the sake of the entire Sooner Nation, let's hope Josh Heupel gives Blake Bell plenty of options with his arm and feet to open up the stout Irish defense.
C--Convert Third Downs
Ask any football coach the key to winning offense and they'll automatically note converting third downs.
How did OU do last October against the Fighting Irish?
4 of 14.
And that won't get it done Saturday afternoon either.
Josh Heupel has to implement a game plan that features Blake Bell's running ability with his passing accuracy that tests the Fighting Irish deep to soften up the underneath routes that will flourish with repetition.
Mix in a few spread option reads and inside running game featuring bulworths Damien Williams, Brennan Clay and rising freshman stud Keith Ford and voila'!
The Sooners should have the bulk up front and enough quickness and talent on offense to move the ball consistently on this revamped Fighting Irish defense.
And they will need to control the ball to keep the plodding Notre Dame offense from controlling the clock. They ran off over 7 minutes in a fourth quarter drive against Purdue that effectively iced the game.
Don't think they can't do the same against the young, Oklahoma front seven just as they did last year in Norman against a much more experienced Sooner defense.
Summary
Neither team is top 10 ranked this year but the stakes are still high.
Both teams are still fighting for the illusive BCS bowl berth.
The Sooners still have their eye on playing for their 8th National Championship.
The road doesn't get any tougher Saturday in South Bend against an opponent that Oklahoma is 1-9 against all-time including the 7-0 heartbreaker in 1957 that ended Oklahoma's 47-game win streak.
Last year after the Notre Dame game, Coach Stoops made no excuses and said the Fighting Irish were the better team but was still sore in the summer over four plays that cost his Sooners.
Here's hoping that when the Touchdown Jesus bell has rung Saturday it's the BellDozer doing the ringing about his game-winning plays and somewhere in the Notre Dame Stadium concourse a Sooner fan is heard belting "Boomer Sooner" throughout the heartland!
Boomer!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
This Just Might Be Your Father's Sooners!
OU vs. Tulsa GameDay Analysis
I Grew Up Watching Glenn Dobbs' University of Tulsa NCAA Record-Breaking Aerial Circus Featuring Jerry Rhome & Howard Twilley in The 60's.
Those Great Teams Morphed Into Less-Stellar Teams Featuring Stellar Individual Talent Such As Drew Pearson, Dave Rader, Steve Largent and Steve August in the 70's.
Unfortunately For Tulsa Fans, None of Those Aforementioned Guys Are Playing Oklahoma Saturday!
The Sooners Are Too Talented, Experienced, Deep & Physical This Year For The Golden Hurricanes!
Regardless of Whomever Plays QB, OU Has Rushed For 600-Yards The Past Two Weeks. They Might Just Match That Total Tomorrow As The Oklahoma Running Game Is Reminding Sooner Fans of The Days of Owens, Pruitt & Washington.
And This Oklahoma Defense Has Only Given Up 7 Points & The Aggressive, Ball-Hawking, Take-No-Prisoners Style Is Reminding OU Fans Of The Days of Selmon, Shoate, Elrod, Hughes & Moore!
Sooners Score Early, Late & Often However They Want.
Stoops Clears The Benches.
Barry Switzer Will Be On His Cabana Wearing His "Hang Half A Hundred" T-Shirt Smiling!
Boomer!
I Grew Up Watching Glenn Dobbs' University of Tulsa NCAA Record-Breaking Aerial Circus Featuring Jerry Rhome & Howard Twilley in The 60's.
Those Great Teams Morphed Into Less-Stellar Teams Featuring Stellar Individual Talent Such As Drew Pearson, Dave Rader, Steve Largent and Steve August in the 70's.
Unfortunately For Tulsa Fans, None of Those Aforementioned Guys Are Playing Oklahoma Saturday!
The Sooners Are Too Talented, Experienced, Deep & Physical This Year For The Golden Hurricanes!
Regardless of Whomever Plays QB, OU Has Rushed For 600-Yards The Past Two Weeks. They Might Just Match That Total Tomorrow As The Oklahoma Running Game Is Reminding Sooner Fans of The Days of Owens, Pruitt & Washington.
And This Oklahoma Defense Has Only Given Up 7 Points & The Aggressive, Ball-Hawking, Take-No-Prisoners Style Is Reminding OU Fans Of The Days of Selmon, Shoate, Elrod, Hughes & Moore!
Sooners Score Early, Late & Often However They Want.
Stoops Clears The Benches.
Barry Switzer Will Be On His Cabana Wearing His "Hang Half A Hundred" T-Shirt Smiling!
Boomer!
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