Open Post | Tuesday, Dec. 9th (UPDATE 2:06 pm)

Image of Josh Smith via 247 Sports

Chason Virgil: As many of you are now aware, 2015 West Mesquite QB & Bedlam visitor Chason Virgil was offered during his trip to Norman this past weekend. Our DFW guy, Alex King, has reached out to a source about the situation to see where everything stands at this point. If you weren’t already aware, Virgil is set to graduate this week and plans to enroll early wherever he eventually commits.

We’ve been told that with this offer from OU, the Sooners are a definitely player in this race, along with SMU and Louisville. And we are hearing that Virgil could make an official visit to Fresno State this weekend, but that has not been officially set up at this point (UPDATE: Virgil confirmed to TFB the Fresno State trip is happening). The offer put OU in this race, but it doesn’t sound like a commitment is imminent because of it.

Like we mentioned before, SMU is a strong player here and we can tell you that their head coach, Chad Morris, has already been back in regular contact with Virgil.

This one will take a little bit more time it appears, but with the 6’2″ & 180-pound signal caller starting classes at whatever school he chooses next month, his decision should be coming in the next few weeks.

Josh Smith: OU has officially offered 2015 LB and Vanderbilt commit Josh Smith (Murfreesboro, TN). We haven’t had a chance to speak with Josh yet, but I (K) caught up with a friend who has covered Smith’s recruiting. We were told that Smith is very intrigued by two schools right now, and OU is one of them. The other is Kentucky and our friend went far enough to say he believes Smith will end up at one of those two schools.

The Sooner staff reached out to Smith recently, and he has already told them that he’d like to take a visit. At this point I’m not sure what is driving this interest and my friend wasn’t either. He simply said that for some reason, Smith was very open and receptive to Oklahoma. Some good luck on the recruiting trail certainly couldn’t hurt at a position of greater need for the Sooners.

Kareem Orr: Bobby Jack Wright tweeted out that he is headed to the 423 area code today to see the recent Bedlam visitor & 2015 CB. Orr picked up a Clemson offer yesterday, so we plan to check with him to see how that offer might change things for him. Because after this past weekend we really felt Orr was OU’s to lose.

JP Urquidez: The 2016 OL from Maryland is one of the top offensive linemen in the country in next year’s class, and coach Bedenbaugh has already managed to get him out on a visit. Urquidez was in town for the Bedlam game and told our guy Brandon Drake that he had a great visit! He said he spent a lot of time with Bedenbaugh and the head man, Bob Stoops. JP said that he is currently making a list of his top tier schools and when asked where OU stood after the trip, he said ‘at or near the top.’

It’s starting to feel like Bedenbaugh is just getting better and better. His 2014 class closed out nicely, this 2015 class looks to be even better, and he’s already picked up a top OL commit for 2016.

– UPDATE (11:57 am): Gundy & Bedenbaugh hitting the road to see OU 2016 commit.

– UPDATE (2:06 pm): Another update from 2015 CB Kareem Orr.

orr

 

218 Comments

  • Brian says:

    First!

  • Brian says:

    We need to put the full court press on Josh Smith! That kid is a stud and early impact player if he comes to Norman…

  • Marshall says:

    I think a point that’s not being made enough is the OU coaches ability evaluate the new athletic type of QBs they’re recruiting.

    Before Thompson and Knight, OU was recruiting the Pro style QBs and had a good feel of what they’re looking for in a kid. Now, with it being their first time coaching this style of offense and recruiting this type of QB I think they’re trying to learn how to evaluate at the high school level.

    No question, evaluating a Pro style QB means looking for certain passing traits but when evaluating more of an athlete those same passing traits may not jump off the screen. (Possibly leading to a struggle in who to offer vs. not) Everyone can watch Kyler Murray and see tremendous upside, but being able to evaluate Virgil and some other QB prospects is (IMO) what has led to the late QB offers and less than ideal QB play.

  • Katyboomer says:

    Sorry and I know about the H.S. coach thing, but are we really in a tight race with SMU and Louisville for a Texas QB? Has he watched what the other OU QB’s have done this year? If I am a H.S. QB I am liking my chances.

    • Indy_sooner says:

      A lot of times, QB stuff is alot about development and relationships, less than the name itself. If he really has a good connection with Chad Morris, it becomes a significant issue. Doesn’t help that we’ve had alot attrition at QB in the last year.

    • Brent says:

      unless they hope on improving and developing in the next 4-5 years I agree with you.

    • Boom says:

      Oh how I wish we could land Kyler Murray. I’m not sure JH would know how to coach that type of player. However, if he did, look out. Kyler Murray is a winner, leader, and has been tutored for a very long time. Kyler is who I’ve wanted all along.

    • Katyboomer says:

      Man it would be nice to get this guy. I know he has to see the chance to come in and take over the O sooner rather then later as would be the case at the other school.

    • Shelby is a Patriot says:

      As others have said, I wish OU could get him.

      • Boom says:

        How about a package, Murray & Lodge. I’m sure the OU staff wouldn’t have any issues with this arrangement.

  • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

    Noticed that Alabama flipped 5* OLB Adonis Thomas from Florida yesterday….which would should further improve our standing with DeBerry, right?

    And have you heard any news regarding Neville Gallimore? I’ve got a feeling it won’t go OU’s way in the end since tOSU’s on a roll right now…but I’m remaining hopeful

    • Mr. Jones says:

      You would think it would help. That gives Bama 4 LB’s committed for 2015 and it’s not like they’re hurting for depth.

      • HoustonChiver says:

        They’ll just not renew scholarships for kids at the bottom of the depth chart and keep snatching up 5 star recruits. Bama is a machine!

  • Sam Philbeck says:

    I know it’s a long shot, but if OU by some chance got Kyler Murray, man talk about a huge (and much needed) boost. I’m stating the obvious I know lol

    • Katyboomer says:

      Amen to that

      • EasTex says:

        The TD run the Katy QB(Dorion?) made against Manvel was Murrayesque.

        • Boom says:

          I watched that game and Anderson is a man among boys and that was Manvel. Anderson will take one burst and he’s five yards in a flash. He does remind me of Marcus Allen of the Raiders and he post game interview was class.

        • Katyboomer says:

          Yeah I plan going to watch them at NRG this weekend. I really like Katy ILB as well he did a great job spying on the QB last game.

          • EasTex says:

            He sure did. So disciplined and well coached.
            The DBs did a great job too with that popcorn 5 WR formation.

          • Katyboomer says:

            yeah Katy always show a lot of speed and they really don’t miss many tackles. They run college type practices.

    • EasTex says:

      He is a difference maker. Allen isn’t 40-0 and 2 state titles in the top Division of Texas high school football with him as QB for no reason.
      Planning on going to see Allen~Skyline at SMU stadium Friday night, provided the salt mine doesn’t interfere.

      • Boom says:

        My son wants to go as well so I might make a road trip from Houston. My son is 12 and Kyler is his favorite player. Get to see Wheeler too so it would be a win.

        • EasTex says:

          A ton of talent on that field Friday night.
          Most folks around here are hoping for an Allen~Cedar Hill rematch in the championship game the following weekend.

          • Boom says:

            That would be a great game too. I’m sure this game will be televised so I will look for that too. If I do come, hope we run into you.

          • EasTex says:

            It will be a game day decision for me if I can go. If I have appointments on Friday afternoon it will be tough, as there are only so many profitable business days left in the year. Wish they were playing on Saturday.

          • EasTex says:

            I will have a better idea on Friday morning. If I do go I will hang around the main entrance with my black ball cap with the crimson OU on it and a pull over OU Football hoody.

          • Boom says:

            Cool, let me know and we will make the track. That would be fun.

          • EasTex says:

            I will have a better idea Friday morning, that is about as far ahead as I can plan. Don’t know how else to let you know.

          • Boom says:

            no worries, that is about when I can make a final call anyway.

          • EasTex says:

            If nothing else, just remember black ball cap, Crimson OU front and back-Crimson pull over hoody with OU Football on the front-big ugly guy.

          • Rashad See says:

            They would not play if both win this weekend. Allen plays Skyline this weekend and if they win they would play the winner of Cy-Ranch and Converse Judson. Whereas if Cedar Hill is able to defeat Westfield then they will play the winner of Cibolo Steele and Katy. There is actually no way that Allen could play Cedar Hill this season. Sorry to burst your bubble.

          • EasTex says:

            You are correct, got my divisions mixed up.
            The rematch would be Katy and Cedar Hill.

          • Katyboomer says:

            Cedar Hill is pretty good and will be tough for Katy if they both make it.

        • EasTex says:

          Major correction, the game is Saturday at 6p.m. not Friday.
          I had looked at another schedule earlier and just checked the Dallas Morning News and it shows Saturday 6p.m. at SMU’s Ford Stadium.
          I am so there.

          • Boom says:

            Throws a wrench in things. We will have to check out and not attend. Thanks, wish it would’ve worked out.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Perhaps it depends if Bob will say to him that he’ll get a chance to start as a freshmen it’ll help. But who was the last true freshman to start for OU?

  • Scott says:

    If I’m a QB recruit,I’m simply worried about QB development. Knight hasn’t looked good and as a Dual Threat they made him a Pocket Passer. Not exactly what I’d want to see.

    On the other side, they have a shot at winning the starting job. I can’t see Stoops not starting Knight next year, but back up role is def open.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      Uh, I can definitely see Stoops not starting Knight next year. Bob doesn’t like losing 4 games, and hearing it from the fans and the media. If Mayfield or whomever is better, I think they win the job. Period.

      • HoustonChiver says:

        I think Mayfield really wanting to be on this team would put off any recruit. He was the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year at Tech and he’s had a year to learn the offense on our scout team. Knight isn’t good enough, that’s been proven, and CT doesn’t look like he’s anywhere near ready.

        • JB says:

          Agreed.

        • j l says:

          Knight ran the scout team for a year, and was labeled manziel jr from it.
          Running the scout team well dosent guarantee success.

          • HoustonChiver says:

            Apparently crushing out scout team defense from last year wasn’t that hard.

            Mayfield has REAL Big 12 experience and was successful.

          • j l says:

            ya he does, and he got ran off from TTU by a true freshman, who in turn got replaced by another true freshman this year.

            trevor knight QBR this season? 80.0
            baker mayfield QBR last season? 56.4

            You are welcome to think mayfield is the answer at QB. The stats dont lead to that conclusion though.

          • HoustonChiver says:

            Im not saying he’s the answer, but I am saying he is 100% better than Cody Thomas. I’m also saying that if Knight continues on his trend of mediocre play then he will get replaced early next year. I’d rather have Mayfield out there than Thomas or Knight. Hopefully Justice Hansen is better than all three but we won’t know until we get there. Outside of Shepard, no one has looked like a good received when Knight is on the field and i doubt that is a coincidence.

          • j l says:

            I dont think its the talent at the position bud. Cody thomas can absolutely sling the ball, but basically every QB has failed under heupel as OC.
            Either bell, knight and thomas were all top 10(in their respective recruiting class) busts, or heupel cant develop QB’s when hes trying to run the offense too.
            I believe it to be the latter. Personally i think heupel would take a young joe montana and make him look awful.

          • HoustonChiver says:

            He’s shown he can sling the ball with the number of overthrown passes he’s done this year. He can’t hit a wide open receiver so either he’s not mentally good enough to remember the plays or his nerves are absolutely killing him out there. Looks to me like even Blake Bell has to stretch to catch a good number of passes that come his way, the guy is 6 foot freaking 6.

      • ratman says:

        If i were a qb that needs to be developed I would have serious doubts about playing for Heupel. SMU won’t win quick but Chad Morris is a much better coach then Heupel.

        • SoonerfanTU says:

          It’s a toss up. I know Knight/CT haven’t really developed much, but Bradford and Landry did just fine. A lot of folks say Landry stopped developing. I don’t really buy into that. I think maybe he just hit his ceiling early, and that last year or two, we were asking him to do too much given our lack of running game and our bad defense. That shouldn’t be a negative against JH, per se.

          • Jed says:

            Landry’s problems weren’t talent-based. I’ve rarely seen a guy with the tool box that he had. His problems were all psychological. His ‘warrior gene’ was utterly missing and that lack of physical courage trumped everything else he brought to the table. Josh was simply not a psychiatrist.

        • thebigdroot says:

          Heupel the OC/QB coach is not good. Heupel the QB coach did a great job.

    • Billy says:

      3 years ago I would have agreed with you. After Bob not starting Bell, I am inclined to think differently.

    • Brent says:

      I think we should just go after JUCO QBs until Heupel leaves. If he’s not going to develop anybody, why go after high school kids?

  • Scott says:

    My biggest thing with the state of Oklahoma recruiting is the following;

    You take a look at a player like Justin Reid who OU was in on very early and had a great shot. Then hometown LSU offered and it seems like a done deal to LSU.

    OU offered a local kid and they aren’t sure they may come to OU. Big difference is that these OU offers aren’t so attractive to local kids that they commit on the spot. I wish they were.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      You are cherry picking though. That ignores the hometown guys we offer that commit on the spot, and the hometown guys that we manage to steal from other guys.

      I get what you are saying, but you can’t focus on one or two guys like that, and call it a problem. Offering a guy like Reid is just a chance you take.

    • Borba22 says:

      You’re also conveniently leaving out that his brother went to LSU as well. Which has more to do with why the LSU offer basically ended his recruitment than anything else.

  • DCinAZ says:

    Bedenbaugh doing work and reeling in 2016 recruits already and Kish doesn’t have a single recruit yet for 2015.

    • ratman says:

      Why is KIsh still here?? He doesn’t coach and he can’t recruit. All he does is burp Mike. Let Monty coach the front 7 in the bowl game.

      • hOUligan says:

        Still chuckling. Nominate POD!!

        We are getting to the 11th hour on LBs and seeing the usual scramble. Calling Dwaine Thomas…phone call for Mr. Dwaine Thomas… Several in play but cannot say OU LEADS on a single one. Like someone said, OU went to the 3-4 because we had more LB types than DL. Might be time to go back 4-2-5 with Monty bringing in DLinemen and zero LBs. Or we can go back to the 4-0-7 ‘sieve’ Mike ran against WVU in ’13.

      • DCinAZ says:

        I think he’s one helluva drinking buddy……..or something.

  • HoustonChiver says:

    Can Bendenbaugh host a workshop teaching the other coaches how to communicate with kids, get them fired up, sell the program, and actually put in work? That would be great.

  • OklaSooner says:

    Has there been anymore whisperings of Murray’s interest lately? Or all we all just dreaming?

  • EasTex says:

    A name that never gets mentioned anymore is Torrance Gibson.
    I don’t know if OU has interest any longer, but if he was leaning OSU he must be wondering about them now that their 3rd QB lit up the scoreboard the other day.

    • SamSooner says:

      EasTex, he committed to tOSU a few weeks ago.

    • Shelby is a Patriot says:

      Oh, yeah I forgot about him!

    • hOUligan says:

      The way things are playing out for CBs and S, maybe McKinley Whitfield finally gets and takes an offer. Know Mike likes him at LB and maybe he could grow into one. After all, they are after McKee at 6’1 195 for LB and Whitfield is 6’4 195.

      • EasTex says:

        Yes!
        Whitfield, please.

        • Boom says:

          Indeed

        • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

          A 6’3″ 230ish OLB…? Oh s***, yes. Kam Chancellor size.

          I must not know talent. McKinley would have been offered months ago by me. No one else seems to think he’s good enough. He can cover and you can’t teach size. Make him eat a bunch a’ PB&Js, lift some big weights, and he’ll be fine.

  • Mr. Jones says:

    Anyone know the max number of O-lineman we’re willing to take?

    • hOUligan says:

      I’ve heard 6 but if Coach B is on a roll, maybe more if Barnett and Wariboko both want in. The way things are going, OU’s strength going forward is Oline and RBs. Feed ’em the ball along with some TEs and dink and dunk passing and off we go.

      • EasTex says:

        I love the simple passes to the FB in the flat.

      • Mr. Jones says:

        You definitely have to play to your strengths! I’m just curious as if they would actually turn away Barnett, Wariboko or Rankin if all three wanted to come to OU.

    • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

      Eleventy.

  • thebigdroot says:

    Which would you want/expect to see happen: Big XII expands or Big XII implodes and the Power 5 become the Power 4 with Big XII teams joining the other conferences?

    • Sooner_Ace says:

      hope for implosion, fear things stay the same

      • thebigdroot says:

        Where would you like to see teams go?

        • Sooner_Ace says:

          Good question….the only team that I am really considered about is OUr one 🙂 Personally , I think the PAC 12 would be an ok fit. I don’t think Sooners, Pokesm or Texsa should be joined at the hip any longer. They can OOC games if needed.

          • Katyboomer says:

            Games are so late though

          • Sooner_Ace says:

            indeed that is a concern

          • MrBigsby says:

            Only because it’s a west coast team against a west coast team. An OU vs Oregon or Texas vs USC would NOT get the late slot.

          • SoonerfanTU says:

            They would if the game were played out west. Now, the home games for OU, sure, wouldn’t be that late.

          • MrBigsby says:

            Do you understand how TV ratings work? And check this out http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2014/06/pac-12_opens_11_am_television.html. That would mean the Central Time Zone teams would be playing games at 1pm local time.

          • SoonerfanTU says:

            Not good at math?

            How does opening ONE early time slot, ensure that OU isn’t, more than often, going to be playing road games out west in the late evening? By pure definition, everything will be at least two hours later. So they start playing games out there at 1pm central. The next set of games would be at what, 4 or 5? Followed by games starting at 7-8pm central time.

            It’s not rocket science.

          • MrBigsby says:

            No, it’s not rocket science. Don’t expect 4 CST teams to be on the west coast at the same time, fighting for 1 slot. The conference would make sure to maximize their television dollars, ie eyeballs on sets. I’m not saying a CST team would never get the late slot, but it would be rare that one ever kicked off later than 6 or 7pm which is the same as the Big 12 dud of a conference.

          • Katyboomer says:

            Ok Cool

          • thebigdroot says:

            The SEC west would have name brands out the wazzou though. Plus that would open the door to some of those SEC recruits we’ve been unable to get.

      • Boom says:

        We could keep it together and grow and we would be one of the top conferences. There are some attractive options and when one domino falls, others will open the door. That is what I find interesting.

        • Sooner_Ace says:

          The issue at hand is TV sets unfortunately, any addition would need to add TV population (read $$$$) to be viable. IF we are going to add teams BYU and CSU could be options.

          • Boom says:

            Be careful for what you ask for. UCF is the largest school out there and Cincy has a large base to pull from so both are attractive. Other options could fall too. Multiple ways to make income and adding is the best. BYU to me is not an option. Do you want a school dictating on when they will play and the whole conf would have to work around them? Location? No Thanks

          • Sooner_Ace says:

            ” Do you want a school dictating on when they will play and the whole conf would have to work around them? ”

            Dont we have that with Texsa? 🙂 lol

          • Gary Robbins says:

            Good answer, but I think BYU refuses to play any games in any sport on Sunday. Is that true? WVU to BYU is a long trek. I like the brand name of BYU and their following just seems hard to make it work.

          • Sooner_Ace says:

            I think the Sunday thing is true, logistically it is a point of concern. There has been talk of looking at Cincy, new stadium coming (40K seating) closer to WVU. I think Tulane may be worth a look personally, Good academics (AAU member) in road to LA and New Orleans. Just spitballing here…

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      I don’t mind implosion, in theory, I just don’t like our current options. We probably have the most in common with the SEC, and in time we’d do well there, but we aren’t set up for that to be an easy transition.

      We don’t recruit a ton out west, and I’d hate the travel to the west coast and the late games.

      And the Big 10 is just a bad conference, with bad teams, and cold weather.

      • Katyboomer says:

        I am not sure if OU has enough Bag Men to go to the $EC JK kinda

      • HoustonChiver says:

        I wouldn’t hate the Big 10 though. Obviously a much more stable conference since they were able to stay relevant for years without a championship game, and smart enough to know when to evolve with expansion.

    • EasTex says:

      I just wish OU didn’t have to be conjoined with OSu or Texsa.

    • boomersooner says:

      “get busy living or get busy dying”. i think if we keep being the only conference missing the playoffs, that question will be answered for us. small sample size with this being the first playoff, but even though they are saying the ccg didn’t matter, it looks like it just might have. so we may need to head this thing off and get bigger

    • Steve Cooke says:

      I hope it completely implodes! Was all for an sec move when we had the chance.

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Anyone hear how DeBerry’s in home visit went? Think it was Sunday.

  • vargo05 says:

    It will be interesting to see the Josh Smith thing play out. Bob Stoops has always been adamant about not recruiting against his brother(s). I’d hope he’s off that stance when it comes crunch time.

    • Zack says:

      Not sure that I’ve heard that about recruiting but I don’t doubt it. But mark has brought some good players to Kentucky so if bob doesn’t want to try recruiting them, then I don’t know what his goals are as far as building the most talented team he can build.

      • vargo05 says:

        I’ve seen it mentioned many times, especially when Mark was at FSU when OU was working the state of Florida more than it is now. Like I said, Bob may have come off that stance, realizing it’s not the greatest idea.

  • Glocal Sooner says:

    I know with Landry’s inability to avoid a turtle we all started screaming for a mobile QB and started wishing for Johnny Football, Cam Newton, Steve Young, or Randall Cunningham but I think I’m about ready to ditch this experiment. I know we’re only 2 years in but if we’re going to keep Heupel (which I’m not completely opposed to) we definitely need to get back in the market for a drop back QB who can move around in the pocket or avoid the rush if needed like Bradford. I know Sam Bradford’s don’t grow on trees but there are QB’s out there who can hit an open receiver and even get a 1st down with his legs if needed. Let’s go find him!!!

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      You described Cody Thomas, but Thomas is no where near ready to win a game with his arm

      • Glocal Sooner says:

        I would love it if we had someone on our current roster who could be that guy. Maybe we do. I don’t know where the Sugar Bowl performance came from. We can’t seen that from TK9 before then or since. I keep telling myself we’re a very young team except the OLine. Hopefully next year will be much better from the whole team. I just feel like years where the OLine is so experienced, you hate to waste those years because you only get them every 3-4 years. I feel like we wasted one this year.

        • Soonerfandave84 says:

          I hear ya, this was supposed to be the year the defense put it together and the OL was going to pave the way to a NC.

      • Billy says:

        I’m not going to rule out a kid, but he has a long way to go to be at that level. I’m inclined to believe it’s a mental thing and he will snap out of it.

        • Soonerfandave84 says:

          I was referring to a pocket passer who could scramble for an occasional first down. Thomas is a guy who will need all the time he can get in the offseason to practice and develop. Maybe he’ll be ready by his Jr. season. That would be the hope anyway

          • SoonerfanTU says:

            That’s the weird thing. Based on how I’ve seen them move, I’d say Knight was the pocket passer who could move some, and CT was the dual threat guy.

            Fine line with some of these guys.

          • Soonerfandave84 says:

            Yeah, neither are running QBs. Knight is mobile not a playmaker with his feet

          • Katyboomer says:

            I don’t know when he ran and jumped over the guy, that was pretty cool

    • thebigdroot says:

      I didn’t want that JM, CN, or RC type. Now the Steve Young type that has the ability when neccessary, I can get behind that.

    • hOUligan says:

      Key word here is ‘mobile’ as in having the ability to move around in the pocket, hit a receiver while on the move or scramble for 4 yds and a 1stD…not necessarily ;dual threat’. I know they don’t grow on trees but those 3* guys that you can develop are out there. Maybe Cody, IF he dropped baseball and devoted himself full-time to football. He has enough mobility and is great at ball handling/fakes.

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        OU won a Big 12 title with a Paul Thompson on roll outs, with a great RB. Let’s do it again. Thomas sucked as a passer.

    • Mysterio1 says:

      I thought coming out of high school this was Cody Thomas?

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Yeah! Good attitude. This OU Baylor and TCU have had their freakin 15 minutes. OU in 2015.

  • Bam says:

    Rivals has Justin Martin visiting this weekend. JUCO CB. You guys talk to him?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      As I understand it, OU has very little chance here. But maybe something changes w/ a visit.

      • John Garner says:

        You’re right. Tennessee placed him and Tennessee will get him. Can’t blame him. UT is getting better and we’re getting worse.

        • HoustonChiver says:

          and yet they still aren’t good enough to beat us in arguably our worst year in the Big 12

          • paganpink says:

            Boom.

          • j l says:

            Tennessee didnt return a single starter on either offensive or defensive lines, we were at home, and they still gave us a tough game.

            We will get smoked next year without significant changes being made.

            They are most definitely trending opposite of us right now.

          • HoustonChiver says:

            I think we have shown over the past two years that we, at the moment, are a better road team than home team. Makes no sense to me either. That being said our offense is young, minus the line, and our defense held their up-trending offense in check for most of the game.

          • j l says:

            We shall see next year when we have the brand new o line, and they have some experience.

          • John Garner says:

            We weren’t all that good when we beat them. They’re young and well-coached. They’ll be primed when we visit Knoxville next year. Speaking of primed, Texas will be as well. Defensively they got much better as we got worse.

  • bjwalker82 says:

    I just can’t believe we could lose Mbanasor. I obviously don’t blame him. How these types of season long f ups can continue to happen is beyond me.

  • Jeff says:

    Need to get in touch with PJ, looks like he is looking around!

  • Jeremy Phillips says:

    According to 247. PJ has his in home visit Thursday.

  • dallassooner says:

    Vigil is the kid that was committed to Mississippi State up to about two weeks ago when the pulled his scholie cause they over “signed” guys. Pissed off a lot coaches in Texas. Not sure where he is rated. But in his defense he just came back on everyone’s radar cause he’s been committed to the Bulldogs for a while.

  • SamSooner says:

    There seems to be a lot of discussion about recruiting, the lack there of, the coaches can’t evaluate or develop players and that OU hasn’t had a top 10 recruiting class in a while.

    Lost in this discussion is how teams who’s recruiting classes were rated above OU haven’t fared much better, though they have better talent, apparently.

    Georgia, Penn State, Clemson, Florida, LSU (in my opinion LSU is the biggest disappointment), A&M, South Carolina, Notre Dame, and USC, or any school higher than OU the last few years, what have they done?

    OU has won 7 National Championships. They’ve did that with the players on their roster, not the ones not on the roster. The last National Championship was done by a class that was probably not ranked in the top 25.

    I’m not trying to tell anyone how to think or behave. But the world isn’t ending.We need to stop acting like it is. The championships OU won did not have Herschel Walker, Tony Dorsett, Charlie Ward, Emmit Smith, Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, Charles Woodson, Earl Camplbell, Desmond Howard, or anyone who has played for another team. Somehow, OU did win them.

    It’s called desire. Thelonious Monk said, “whatever you think is impossible, somebody else will come along and do it.” Anyone who thinks we won’t win another National Championship at OU and it’s impossible and choose to go somewhere else, wait and see. If someone thinks their chances are better somewhere else, that’s their choice. Good luck.

    I’m hitching my wagon to OU.

    Finally, there’s a ladder in that dark hole that’s been cast on anyone who want what’s well for OU, if we use it, we can climb out whenever we’re ready.

      • Easton says:

        Wow L’Carpetron. Nice work.

      • Jed says:

        So, essentially, we rank behind ‘Bama overall, about neck and neck with LSU and perhaps slightly behind Oregon over whatever time frame is being scored. Interesting considering we all know that the sky’s falling.

      • Bob Edwards says:

        Interesting data. Now which is causing which? Is good recruiting causing on field success, or is on the field success causing good recruiting? As we say in mathematics, correlation does not imply causation.

        • Easton says:

          Positive Relations Mr. Bob.

        • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

          I would make no attempt to answer the causation question. I’d phrase it “correlation does not equal causation.”

          Reciprocal causal effects. Cross-lagged correlation. Rogosa has some words on that.

        • SamSooner says:

          Bob, this is the stuff I like to see. Data, baby.

      • SamSooner says:

        Good stuff, L ‘Carpetron, good stuff.

      • Katyboomer says:

        Awesome

    • Wilson says:

      anyone who quotes Thelonious Monk gets an up vote from me…lol..oh and I think we are ready…

    • bjwalker82 says:

      I think it’s just frustration. I can see with my own two eyes that the talent is there. The execution is lacking. Why? Well we all have our theories.

      • SamSooner says:

        BJ, it is frustrating. When someone rags on OU I take it personally, though all I do is smile and wave. To me, it’s not our turn yet. If Bob could have beat LSU and Florida, no one would be worried.

    • EasTex says:

      Well said.
      Hitched my wagon 58 years ago and it has been a great ride. Can’t appreciate the highs if you never know the lows.

    • John McCroskey says:

      The last 4 recruiting class rankings for Baylor & OU, respectively:

      Baylor:

      2010 – #39
      2011 – #46
      2012 – #45
      2013 – #31

      OU

      2010 – #7
      2011 – #14
      2012 – #11
      2013 – #15

      • SamSooner says:

        That’s exactly what my post was meant to illustrate. Most people are getting out-of-shape over recruiting, as if that alone will get OU back on top. Some people crying foul if a player commits somewhere else.

        I mentioned some other schools who aren’t doing squat with the classes they are landing, most rate higher than OU’s. It’s hard as hell to win today.

        We are living in an age of parity. Add to that some of the offensive systems that are out there, which in and of itself, will level out or tip that parity in favor of or against you. That’s why you see the likes ULM and East Carolina hanging in there with the big boys.

        It’s not about who you get all the time. It’s about what you get out of who you get.

        I’m sure you’ve heard this one before: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s about the size of the fight in the dog.”

  • Wilson says:

    How many top rated kids did we recruit and sign last year that red shirted? I remember some of those kids being a ‘must have’ at least in the eyes of some on different boards. I really don’t follow recruiting as closely as some, because it can be so 60/40 40/60 with most kids. I really like to monitor the kids who are here and develop (that hasn’t happened a enough lately). I know there has got to be some studs in waiting. Any thoughts? Jason? Super K? anybody?

    • Zack says:

      I believe these guys red shirted: Todd, Hansen, Andrews, brown, frison, Paul, Garnett, windham, green, orso, mixon, dalton, Bolton, Evans, Meier, ijalana.
      Guys that played a lot: Thomas, Parker, bond and quick. Oh and perine and flowers.
      Guys who didn’t make it to campus: mcquinnie and Curtis
      Guys who burned a RS for absolutely no reason: mead and Alvarez.
      Guy I’m not sure about: horky but I think he played.

      • Sooner Ray says:

        That red shirt list is impressive and were celebrated last year as “must haves”. Wonder how many of them we will be excited about after the season gets started next year?

        • Zack says:

          It is impressive. Some very highly rated guys on that list. Now obviously mixon wasn’t supposed to but now it’s like he’s a part of the incoming class.
          I wish the list had mead and Alvarez on it because the coaches wasted this year for them.
          I will be excited to see if Todd gets on the field. I thought he was the most polished wr we had in 2014 and he did some workouts with stills last spring.

      • Katyboomer says:

        Saw horky on punt return team vs osu

  • ellisbr says:

    Does anyone know WHEN the coaching change is going to take place? or WHO it will be?

    • Katyboomer says:

      My guess would be after NSD as in the past

    • Bob Edwards says:

      Probably depends. If they are in the “help find another job” camp then whenever staffs are put together that they might fit with. If the are in the “don’t let the door hit you on the way out camp,” after NSD so you disrupt recruiting as little as possible.

  • vargo05 says:

    Asked this yesterday, but saw no answer. Is this the banquet weekend for OU football? It tends to be a good recruiting weekend and is typically the 1st weekend after the end of the regular season.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I’ve seen this suggested, believe it’s been this wknd in years past, but I haven’t seen anything about it so I’m honestly not sure.

  • rphokc says:

    ……on os, there was a stat that we had 87 tot pr yds for the entire yr…….

  • Jordan Esco says:

    OU offer & 2015 CB, Colin Samuel, has committed to UCLA

  • james babcock says:

    What this team need’s is for frank shannon to come back next year he is better than any linebacker we are recruiting.

    • Zack says:

      I would disagree. But his experience would payoff more next year than any of the talent the HS guys have. I think shannon would have eventually become the 3rd ILB last year. I think Evans and Alexander were going to pass him by. However if we switch to a 4-3 like I want, then shannon may be the best MLB for a 4-3.

      • james babcock says:

        Don’t forget last year when was the starting linebacker we where top 25 defense this year we fell out of the top 50 without him.

  • wubear says:

    Any word on Jalin Barnett? I saw that the Hogville guys said he’s unlikely to sign with Arkansas and that Arky has moved on. Is that good news for OU, or are we moving on too? I know he’s a quiet kid but just wondering if you guys had heard anything.

    • Zack says:

      I will say you’ve heard right. Other than that no one knows what is going on with Barnett. As far as what I’ve read.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      Seen a story about that over the weekend. He really has nothing to gain by playing a bowl game so I will be shocked if he puts off surgery.

  • Clint Lenard says:

    Colin Samuel is off the board. Committed to UCLA. https://oklahoma.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1713912

  • Tyler says:

    Is OU still going after Jalin Barnett?