Who To Root For If…

…you’re like me and still holding out even the slightest hope that OU can win out, win the Big 12, and back door their way into the playoffs. I wrote about the possibility earlier this week (HERE).

I know, I know guys…it’s not going to happen. The comments were duly noted. I’m just not ready to completely resign myself that quite yet. It’s more fun (for me) this way!

So here are the teams I’ll be rooting for in this weeks match-ups. I’ll keep doing this each week so long as OU keeps winning.

Oregon vs. Cal: Rooting for…Cal

I haven’t seen Cal play this year but just looking at their stats it appears that coach Dykes finally has that passing game going. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear he’s got much going on defense.

Texas vs. Kansas State: Rooting for…Texas.

I gotta do it! Texas surprising a team like KSU would go a long way in putting OU in a better position to potentially win the Big 12. This possibility seems possible. The Texas defense didn’t look too hot last week against Iowa State, but they’ve been nails for much of the season. Texas missing their true freshman safety, Jason Hall, hurts. They’ll need to stay aggressive up front. Waters doesn’t deal with pressure well, and Texas has a corner that can match-up with KSU’s best target. KSU’s center had a hell of a game last week. He really gave Jordan Phillips fits in the second half. If he plays like that again, KSU will be able to run the ball against Texas very effectively. If last week took a toll on him then Texas may be able to disrupt the KSU run game. Texas is also more stout at the LB position than Oklahoma, and I don’t see them getting walled off as easily as the OU LBs were. I don’t know if most of y’all can muster the strength to do it (or even care to)…but, personally, I’ll be pulling for Longhorns.

Mississippi State vs. Kentucky: Rooting for…Stoops’ Troops!

This game probably doesn’t matter as much because the little hope I have that OU wins out is based on the idea that the playoff committee is going to refuse to put two teams from the same conference in unless the records are vastly different. But the more chaos there is the better. Kentucky got smacked around pretty good by LSU last week, but up until then they’d actually won three SEC (East…hmmm) games. I haven’t really seen Kentucky play yet, but I have seen Mississippi State play and they look good. If I had to point to one area where they aren’t as good, it’s in the secondary. But their defensive line does a great job of covering up any back end deficiencies. Again, this one is a long shot but I’ll still be rooting for baby Stoops!

Michigan vs. Michigan State: Rooting for…Michigan!

While I’ve got no ties to the state of Michigan (other than my friendship with RB I suppose), I’m big fan of coach Narduzzi’s defense. I’ve seen Michigan State play and unless you’re an excellent excellent offensive team, they’ll usually suffocate your ass. They aren’t in the habit of making decent or even pretty good offenses look good. But this is a rivalry and anything can happen in rivalry games. I haven’t seen Michigan play yet, but I know they came off an emotional win last week so their players might be feeling a little momentum. And of course you know coach Hoke is going to be trying to save his job, and what better way to do it than get a way over their in-state rival. It’s always an uphill battle against MSU’s stingy D, but I’ll be sending the Maize and Blue some good vibes from the gulf coast!

Texas Tech vs. TCU: Rooting for…Shades!

This is another situation where I’m rooting against what I love and rooting for what I don’t (I’m not a hater!). Coach Patterson is a defensive guru and Texas Tech is defensive optional, so normally I’d rooting for Frogs but not this week. The sooner TCU loses the better. That TCU/WVU game is going to be critical next week. Of course OU also needs WVU to drop one as well, but hopefully it’s to some random team they aren’t expected to lose to…like Iowa State or Texas…cause they could do us a lot of favors if they’d take down KSU and TCU.

Ole Miss vs. LSU: Rooting for…Geux Tigers!

I’m just hoping that maybe LSU found some swag last week and that their young defense is finally putting it together. I’m also hoping Ole Miss will act like a team that hasn’t been in this position before, because they haven’t (at least not in a long time) and will lay an egg.

Alabama vs. Tennessee: Rooting for…Rollllll VOLS!

Tennessee has a decent defense, a good set of WRs, and a pretty good quarterback, but their offensive line is just not good. They aren’t able to run the ball nor are they aren’t able to pass protect. Alabama looked like some wolves last week and chances are they’re going to tear Tennessee apart. I guess all I’m hoping for is that their margin of victory is less than OU’s was. The playoff committee isn’t just a bunch of coaches and guys around the country trying to quickly fill out a ballet. They know their votes will be totally diluted by other voters, as well as both national and local media. They are well respected, select individuals who, I believe, will deliberate on a lot of details including comparing like opponents. If Alabama wins the SEC and OU found a way to win the Big 12, then maybe OU has a slightly more compelling case based on the results of the games with the two common opponents.

Ohio State vs. Penn State: Rooting for…Penn State!

Since all my hopes of OU winning the Big 12 and somehow getting into the playoff are built on the idea that the playoff committee is going to prefer a two-loss conference champion over a one-loss SEC team, it’s still critical that at least one of the Power 5 conference champions has two losses. At this point, FSU isn’t likely to have two losses. The Big 10 overall hasn’t looked great, so they’re the easiest target to get rid of in my opinion. But the Buckeyes are one of those sexy name brands the playoff committee would be more than willing to put in, so the sooner Urban Meyer drops another one, the better. Plus Ohio State is probably the lone team in the Big 10 with a reasonable chance of beating Michigan State…and that would help OU (or whoever the Big 12 winner ends up being) immensely…assuming of course that Ohio State drops an additional game as well.

If Bob Stoops is right and the parity in college football is becoming an insurmountable issue, then surely one of these games can go OU’s way!

89 Comments

  • Wild Will says:

    I love the optimism and feel the same way. I know it’s a long shot, but I remember a two loss LSU team winning it all in 2007. That was only a two team playoff!

  • Bluegrass Sooner says:

    K, I love it. I love looking at what can happen. All it takes is a few teams losing a couple of close games, which we all know too well is very possible.

    • Super K says:

      It’s quiet in here because I think maybe we’re the only ones that want to dare to hope ahahaha. I don’t blame folks for being down right now though but I’m the eternal optimist!

      • EasTex says:

        I’m with ya’, but the salt mine keeps getting in the way.
        Until or unless the coup de grace is applied the Sooners still have a shot. As wacky as this season has gone I believe anything is possible.
        At this point I’m pulling for Miss. St. to win out which would mean Bama has two losses and Ole Miss would have at least one and maybe two.

        • CS says:

          Can easily imagine this scenario. In my mind big12 team with 2 losses getting a bid over one loss pac12 or big10 team or ND seems tough to me.

          • EasTex says:

            I don’t think the PAC12 teams are done bashing each other and ND still has some tough games left. Heck, UNC gave the domers all they could handle.

      • Boom says:

        Interesting. Years ago, Schools used to have 105 on scholly plus a more walkon’s. This lead to more domination. Then it dropped to 95 which hurt some but when it dropped to 85, it opened the door for more and more parity. When rooting for the underdog, the underdog isn’t as much of one anymore. The delta or margin is slim in today’s college football. Go underdogs, except for ISU.

  • OUn8v says:

    It would be nice if we didn’t have to have half the country to lose this and that so that, somehow, OU could back into the playoff. Right now, I’m just worried about the fat man schooling our coordinators on Nov 1st !

    • Super K says:

      LOL…”It would be nice if we didn’t have to have half the country lose this and that so that…” That line actually got me laughing out loud. good stuff!

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Gotta say I’m rooting for the same teams and for the same reasons. If we can’t win it all, I want total chaos.

  • Sooner_Ace says:

    Honest Questions , who believes OUr team is actually a top 4 team now? Granted this only matters if the “chaos” scenario is in play…

    • Brian says:

      I believe OU is capable of being a Top 4 team…at our best. Our O hasn’t clicked on all cylinders an entire game yet. K-State and WVU were close, Tulsa was for 3 quarters…

      Our D against Tulsa and Tennessee was near-complete and flying to the ball and making plays.

    • Super K says:

      The way they are playing now? No. But OU playing their best with the right calls and other teams playing their best with the right calls and OU can beat anyone in the country. I haven’t watched everyone but I’ve seen a lot of the top teams and there aren’t a whole lot of complete teams.

      • soonermusic says:

        Totally agree with you Super K. and I even if I’m alone on this, I don’t think the team is that far off, on either side of the ball, frankly.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      Having one of the best 4 teams on the field, and having one of the best 4 seasons are two different things. If OU wins out, we’ve almost certainly had a top 6-7 season. We could get bumped to 4 depending on other factors.

    • tfb_fortyseven says:

      Good question: Absolutely not. If the coaches and players start gel’ing then maybe so, but definitely not right now.

  • EasTex says:

    That’s the spirit.
    “gonna win…we’re taking over”
    We have a theme song for the rest of the season.

    • Boom says:

      That’s funny. Long time ago I was at a club on Valentine’s night and the band came out and this was the 1st song they played. Guys loved it, fun night.

  • Zack says:

    I don’t think we are totally out of it but we need to be flawless the rest of the year. Putting up 60 in the each of the final 5 games would help. As it stands right now I would have the mississippi schools fsu and notre dame in the final 4. With bama at #5. And every one of those teams is going to get the best out of their opponents and it’s very likely all 5 end up with one more loss and still very likely all end up with 2 losses. Depending on when and how they lose will determine whether ou can creep back into the top 4.

    • Super K says:

      I think for OU to really start to impress again they do need to be more efficient on offense but the defense has to get back to being feared. The national perspective was that the OU defense was back and I think that was driving a lot of excitement and the national interest. That’s wavering. Defensive prowess is highly valued and distinguishes a team. Plenty of good offensive teams but very few really good defensive teams.

      • Zack says:

        They need to just let striker and Grissom get after the qbs make them adjust to our attacking defense as opposed to us playing back. And teams are max protecting so they’re leaving 6 or 7 in to block or at least chip. And if 6 guys can’t cover 3 then we have a huge problem.

    • Tulsa Terry says:

      The offense likely does hit 50+ from here out.

  • CS says:

    So, we are rooting for the underdogs in each one of these games, the theoretical probability of it all happening as portrayed above is at about 0.005%, maybe? But, never say never!

  • HeathC says:

    After looking at the big 12 schedules I can actually see a very good possibility of there being 3 or maybe even 4 teams with two conference losses. Which would really be tough figuring out who to make the Big 12 champion.

  • Billy Jackson says:

    I watched some of the Cal/UCLA game between timeouts of aTm’s wonderful beating, and it’s true about Cal’s defense, but it doesn’t matter if they can keep scoring points the way they currently are. They nearly had UCLA, and while I believe Oregon’s defense is better than the Burins’ D, Cal is one of those teams that you just never know. The only problem is one of their best receivers won’t be playing this weekend.

  • EasTex says:

    Super K, OT but you might find this interesting.
    A number of good high school games live tonight on various channels, but on espn2 Cedar Hill vs. Desoto at 7p.m. Lots of talent on that field tonight.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      Oh crap. I’m actually working right in that area this week (Red Oak, one town south of DeSoto). Good to know. Game is in DeSoto?

  • Boom says:

    K, will we have a new feature during the week – picking upsets? These are some tough games to win. Texas is @ KSU, TT @ TCU but PSU & LSU are at home. I will pick UT, TT, LSU & PSU.

  • SoonerfanTU says:

    I like the optimism too. I said it as soon as OU lost to KSU, this thing isn’t over yet.

    There is only one team remaining on our schedule that “should” give us problems, and that is Baylor. I think OU winning out is probably the hardest thing that needs to happen, but I fully expect a bunch of 2-3 loss Big 12 teams, and if things break right, I fully expect a two loss Big 12 winner to have a shot at the 4 team playoff.

    Just gotta find a way to get KSU, Baylor, and TCU two losses.

    • CS says:

      In my mind, I would put the probability of KSU losing two at over 90%, but TCU losing one more seems a lot lesser probable (in my mind, WVU is the only real threat in their path). Even if that happens, I really don’t see the rational the poff committee will use to put a 2 loss big12 team in over a one loss pac12 big10 team or even ND.
      So, I would say we realistically have a shot at big12 but poff is kinda outta reach (unless Ks prediction of chaos reigns supreme).

      • SoonerfanTU says:

        I could see KSU or UT beating TCU. Not saying it’s likely, but UT will be a better team towards the end of the season when they play. You mentioned WVU. ISU could pull a shocker, but that game is in FTW, so unlikely.

    • OohRah Mama says:

      Maybe it’s my Gloomy Gus showing through…but if we don’t play lights out, come to win big and slobberknock ’em all 4 quarters, there’s a good chance OKState beats us too. Out of pure revenge and bitterness. Yep, could happen.

      Eeyore out.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Every time I think we’re approaching the end of the rainbow, you all prove me wrong.

    • Super K says:

      Haha you didn’t get your fill of the doom and gloom the past couple days? 🙂

      • Jordan Esco says:

        You know I have purposely not written anything this week b/c I knew people didn’t want to read my current take on things. So I’m just glad everyone is getting the sunshine they needed.

        • Boom says:

          Jordan, I like the sunshine but realize the reality too. The Sooners remind me of the last 5 years or so of Mack Brown’s early years at Texas. 10-2, great season but no championships.

          • Jordan Esco says:

            Nothing wrong w/ either, IMO. I think it’s always best to present both sides, which is why I humbly believe K and I pair so well together in our respective approaches. I just knew there was really no sense in piling on this week just for the sake of piling on.

          • Boom says:

            Agreed. The approaches are great too. Tuff week for everyone and no news recruiting either so it seems like a dead period. Keep up the great work as I truly appreciate it.

        • tfb_fortyseven says:

          Dude, just dude, …. LET ‘ER RIP!!!! Don’t hold back and play it safe, you’re gettin’ to be like Bob!!

    • Boom says:

      Hey Debbie-

  • Jason Vos says:

    Problem with this theory is that the chances of Us not losing another game are slim to none

    • Super K says:

      It’s one of the problems haha! Though I think OUs chances of going undefeated are better than “slim to none”

  • SavageSoonerEsq says:

    I’ll NEVER “root” for the longwhorns. However, if they win and it helps us, I’ll be more happy than sad.

  • Eddie and Amber says:

    I’d route for horns if our chances were more realistic like I remember doing ONCE back in mid/late 2000’s. But now … I’m looking for them to get beat to a pulp. Go KATS.

  • ratman says:

    The KSU loss was a big one because it was at home. Even if others have 2 losses that will come back to haunt us.

  • Exiled In Ohio says:

    At this point you play for pride. If the playoffs happen, great.

  • rphokc says:

    “here’s the play”……….”NO!……HERE’S the play!”………..”NO!…….TIMEOUT!!”

    …..http://i.imgur.com/iTC3Ypa.gif

  • rphokc says:

    …the humor of lsu freek, if you’re not familiar……..

    ……..http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa404/kingswitz/KansasSt_vs_OU.gif

  • JJsooner1 says:

    Help me out here. Assume that we win out. How does it help us if we are tied with KSU and TCU with 2 losses? We lost to both.

    Sorry I haven’t commented since the game. I’ve been here, just not posting. We have 2 losses by a total of 5 points against ranked teams, with one on the road. This loss to KSU was really hard because of how we lost. I would have never seen that coming. Hunniecut has been money. Got spoiled I guess.

    Super K, if you can swear that God told you to root for UT this weekend, then I’m on board.

    • Super Keith says:

      It’s all about the national ranking now (the college playoff committee rankings). Assuming the rules are the same as they were under the BCS, the team with the highest ranking gets the title (has to be at least two spots ahead of the team they lost to head-to-head). In other words, if OU wins out and TCU loses again, OU should jump them at some point. As long as everyone else has 2 losses, and TCU isn’t within two spots of OU, we would be conference champions. (I used TCU, but you could put KSU in there too).

      It’s going to take a lot of help, but it’s still possible.

  • boomersooner says:

    can we call this weekly segment, for as long as it lasts, “lets polish this turd”?

  • Katyboomer says:

    Hey was talking to some friends today that are big SEC guys and asked this question. If the SCE is so strong who do you take in these matchups
    Miss st vs Baylor
    Ol miss vs TCU
    Auburn vs KSU
    Alabama vs OU
    MU vs OSU
    LSU vs WVU

    Thoughts?

    Ps got my BOOM T-shirt in the mail, got to say I love it.

    • Clint Lenard says:

      Miss St
      TCU
      Auburn (already won, although KSU gave it to them)
      Bama (OU looks bad lately, Bama looks decent)
      Okie Lite
      WVU

      Pretty much even there, IMO. The only blowout there might be OU if they played the way they have been.

  • Super Keith says:

    I’d love to see all of those upsets. However, I think there are only a few that have real possibility of occurring:

    Texas over KSU – Texas has the best defense in the conference, I think they could cause some real issues for the Cats, and it appears Swoopes may be coming into his own.

    Michigan over Michigan State – This is probably the least likely of my “likely” upsets, but if Michigan has any ounce of pride left, it’ll show up in this game.

    LSU over Ole Miss – LSU isn’t terrible and they’re getting Ole Miss in Death Valley…at night. That’s as tough a road game as there is in the country. I like the Fighting Miles’ in this one.

    • tfb_fortyseven says:

      I hope everyone realizes LSU will jump ou if the tigers win? The dynamics of the voters this season has changed, and big wins tend to vault the winner to a higher spot than in past years given the same scenario. Now if tosu, Nebraska, and asu all lose, that will be effin awesome!! What isn’t helping is that ou is idle.

  • JJsooner1 says:

    Ok I understand conference rankings and power rankings, Why the heck is it, that not unlike the SEC, the Big 12 beats up on itself. Why is that so different? Pretty sure that for the last couple of years Mizzou and aTm did some damage. We spanked Bama….I don’t get it.

  • Stephen Dale says:

    all the selections were emotional picks. Bob Stoops isn;t right. Parity isn’t the issue as much as improving one’s recruiting………OU is in the wrong conference given its location and demographic problems……

    • Super K says:

      Lol I wasn’t picking those teams to win…they were just teams, as the title says, I’m “rooting for”

  • Wilson says:

    Call me crazy (and it is Texas) but I think the short horns beat the K-Cats….