Weekend Open Post | October 11th – 13th
Posted on: October 11, 2024
Sunday Brunch | Yesterday Was A Reminder
– Charlie S – Posted on: October 6, 2024
Yesterday was one for the record books for college football fans!
From one of the biggest upsets in the history of college football (Vanderbilt beating #1 Alabama) to the wee hours of the morning with Miami needing to get bailed out by the refs for the second consecutive week, College Football hit like that first smack of crisp fall air in fall which makes you just sit back and take it all in!
One thing is clear about this year in college football and that is that there is no clearly dominant team at this point and Texas, go figure, has been the one team that has been doing what it is supposed to be doing week in and week out to this point but their signature win is over a one-dimensional team that already has 2 losses (Michigan).
The weekend kicked off with some fun Friday matchups and got off to a slow start with the early games on Saturday. The early portion of the day was not a total wash for OU fans as the community gathered to watch A&M dismantle Missouri. Now, throughout that game, I reminded everyone about my two rules for watching College Football (1* Never cheer for Baylor and 2* Never cheer for A&M unless they are playing Baylor) and some are going to have to live with the consequences of their action for cheering on A&M as you know the Aggies will be insufferable this entire week and right up until they suffer their next loss.
What college football reminded us of yesterday is that the old saying ‘Any given Saturday’ truly is accurate and it is one of the most attractive things about this game that we love. You have Davids beating Goliaths, you have improbable endings, and you have blatantly biased officiating impacting the outcomes of games and so much more.
Put it all together and college football is that incredibly seductive mistress that calls us to the gathering places of worship each and every week and it leaves us wanting for more the minute that the last second ticks off the final game that is being played that weekend.
Today marks the beginning of the Red River Shootout week. The Red River Shootout is one of the crowned jewels of the sport we all love and with this community being supporters of one of the programs involved, the second Saturday of October every year is more like a high holy day than anything else throughout the year.
All of the eyes of the greater college football community will turn to Dallas this weekend and Sooner and Longhorn fans need no reminding that anything and everything can happen on any given Saturday as it usually does happen in the Cotton Bowl. Throw out the records and the odds, this upcoming game takes on a life of its own. Legends are made, heroes are born, and goats are exposed in the Cotton Bowl.
One thing is for certain, we will all be at a fever pitch by the time the ball is kicked off next Saturday at 2:30. What that fever pitch looks like varies for the individual. Some will feel sick to their stomach starting as early as Monday and the queasiness will only intensify throughout the week. Some will be so calm that it appears like any other week to them, yet they are really just paralyzed inside and their emotions stay bottled up so tight that once the ball is kicked off on Saturday, they let it all out with a guttural scream so loud that is scares those around them. The upcoming game will be over-analyzed so thoroughly that folks will be sick of hearing about their own team.
We will soak up every minute of coverage, every mention of the game, and every prediction. We will watch every interview, acknowledge any and every mention from the opposition, and use that as fuel to keep our flame burning bright until it approaches something that resembles an inferno by Saturday morning. Because this is what we live for in this realm as college football fans.
College Football is truly the greatest game on earth, and this week is the greatest week of the college football season.
Welcome to Holy Week, 2024. Welcome to the Red River Shootout week.
It’s a New World | Portal Potential
– Charlie S – Posted on: October 7, 2024
It is a new world in college football as guys are no longer just opting out of Bowl Games, they are now opting out of two thirds of seasons in order to save their redshirts and transfer after the season.
Bama DT Jehiem Oatis is absolutely a guy to keep an eye on for OU.
Not saying the Sooners will land him at the end of the day, but we are saying they will absolutely kick the tires on him. Oatis will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Wild times.
A Reminder on Pre-Season Predictions and More
– Super K – Posted on: October 8, 2024
Given USC already dropped a second game and still have a number of challenging games left on their schedule, I want to remind you of one of my pre-season predictions.
Back in August I predicted the following (HERE) regarding USC’s 2024 season:
OU’s old coach – For USC, I think this could be a rough year for Lincoln. I wouldn’t be surprised if the USC faithful are scratching their head by the end of the season.
Right now that prediction is holding up. The USC faithful have invested a ton of money into Lincoln Riley and his staff and the program overall. They are loaded with talent. And I’m sure they don’t know what to make of this. But I think it’s pretty simple.
You’ll recall that when Riley was at Oklahoma we had issues with the DL and DB play. We also had a major issue with the S&C program.
Eventually, Lincoln replaced both the DL and DB coaches. The DC was replaced, as well.
But the S&C program is still the same. I continue to surmise that without fixing that part of his program, Lincoln is holding back his team and the culture of his team.
Now, as far as my pre-season prediction for the Texas, in the same post (link above), I said…
***OU’s biggest rivals – Texas is getting a lot of love this offseason but I don’t know if I see it. The two scariest things about Texas in the past couple years were Bo Davis and Xavier Worthy. Both are gone. The back end of Texas defense was protected by what Bo Davis developed up front. We saw Nick Saban’s defense was never the same after Bo left there. Offensively, they have a lot of weapons but I’ve talked to defensive coaches about Worthy and he terrified them. I see Texas as maybe at 8-4 type team.
Texas, has looked great so far. They anre undefeated but they really haven’t faced the teeth of their schedule which will commence this weekend.
Michigan was a tough opponent that they dispatched with ease. The Texas OL made the Michigan DL (which is heralded and absolutely dominated USC’s OL – if that says anything) look like they were playing patty cake.
But the remainder of their schedule is looking tougher now than it probably did before the season.
Their upcoming games are: OU, UGA, Vandy, Florida, Arkansas, Kentucky and TAMU.
Here is the thing, folks. I’ve been saying it since that first weekend of the season, the SEC is tough. I have friends who have coached in different leagues. Folks who coach in the other leagues and scoff at the strength of the SEC, sing a different tune when they go through a full season of it.
What you saw last weekend wasn’t a display of the SEC’s weakness, it was a display of its strength. At one point, Charlie and I were on the phone this past weekend. He had multiple SEC games on and a Big 12 game on. He commented on the fact that the SEC players look so much bigger.
The lines are different. The secondaries are bigger and faster. I don’t see another easy game on Texas’ schedule including that Florida game.
But what matters right now for both OU and Texas is this weekend and I am torn. Most will probably pick Texas and there are reasons to like Texas this year…
OU has the young QB and OU has a ton of injuries on the same side of the ball as they have the young QB on.
But this game is so different and I always remind people that Tyrone Swoopes beat OU…playing QB.
So, when you think you’ve got this game figured…you don’t.
Know Your Opponent | Texas – 2024
– Charlie S – Posted on: October 8, 2024
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Head Coach – Steve Sarkisian (4th year: 1-2 vs OU)
Offensive Coordinator – Kyle Flood (4th year)
Defensive Coordinator – Pete Kwiatkowski
The Longhorns have started the year 5-0 and they are currently the top ranked team in the country according to both the AP and Coaches Top 25 polls.
Texas has wins over Colorado State (52-0), Michigan (31-12), UTSA (56-7), ULM (51-3), and Mississippi State (35-13).
On offense…
Sarkisian uses a fast-paced, no-huddle offense to keep defenses off balance and minimize their ability to substitute and make adjustments. His offenses frequently utilize spread formations, creating more room for plays to develop. He incorporates RPOs to give the quarterback options at the line of scrimmage. Unlike some spread offenses, Sarkisian’s system often integrates tight ends heavily, using them both in the passing game and as blockers, adding versatility to the scheme. Sarkisian is also known for his creative play-calling in critical moments to catch the defense unprepared.
QB #3 Quinn Ewers
RB #23 Jaydon Blue
TE #85 Gunnar Helm
– Ewers is making his return after missing the last couple of games due to injury. He is well versed in the offense so he should not skip a beat. The one thing about Ewers is that he will give the defense a least a couple opportunities every game to secure turnovers. OU HAS to capitalize on those chances.
– Blue is the nominal starter at running back for Texas, but he may come into the game lower on the depth chart due to some recent turnover issues. Quintrevion Wisner took the bulk of the snaps against Mississippi State and you can expect to see Jerrick Gibson carry the ball as well.
– I really like Helm and he is a guy who has stuck around, put in the work, and become an integral part of the Texas offense. His size and athleticism give the Horns a big, reliable target.
WR# 7 Isaiah Bond
WR #2 Matthew Golden
WR #0 DeAndre Moore Jr.
WR #5 Ryan Wingo
– Bond transferred in from Alabama in the offseason and it has worked out well for both him and Texas. He leads the team in receptions (20) and is tied for the team lead in TDs (3).
– Golden was imported from Houston in the offseason and again, nice pickup for Texas and it is working out for both pirates as he has 18 receptions on the year while also having 3 touchdowns.
– Wingo is not a starter, but the talented freshman is making his presence felt and is a big play threat worth noting.
– Overall this is a very talented and deep receiving corps that the OU backend will have to deal with.
LT #78 Kelvin Banks Jr.
LG #76 Hayden Conner
C #65 Jake Majors
RG #52 DJ Campbell
RT #56 Cameron Williams
– Kelvin Banks has been one of the best tackles in pass protection this year according to PFF. You know him, he has all the talent in the world and can certainly be a wall for the Texas QBs.
– Cam Williams at right tackle provides a massive obstacle for defenders, you may be able to find some success with speed and athleticism against him, but he is solid for sure.
– As a whole, the Texas OL has only given up 5 sacks on the year. Granted, they have really only played one defense with a stout DL (Michigan), but they pretty much had their way with the Wolverines and kept the pocket clean while providing solid run blocking. It’s a good group.
On defense…
Kwiatkowski will roll out a bunch of different looks as he likes to adjust his personnel based on the opponent. Oftentimes, early in the series, he will have 3 guys with their hands in the dirt in a 3-man front but as the series goes on, you may see 2 guys with their hands in the dirt with 2 standup edges (Jack and EDGE). Texas had to replace Sweat and Murphy on the interior and while they have not found the same sort of production, they have been steady and disciplined. Only 1 of their 13 sacks has come from an interior guy. Call it a 2-4-5 scheme though.
JACK #88 Barryn Sorrell
DT #95 Alfred Collins
NT #15 Bill Norton
DT #45 Vernon Broughton
EDGE #8 Trey Moore
– Here is a reflection of the personnel and scheme Kwiatkowski employs. His ‘starting’ nose, Norton, only has 63 snaps on the year while playing in all 5 games.
– Broughton and Collins are the stalwarts and they lead the interior guys in snaps by a good distance. One time OU transfer portal commit, Jermayne Lole, is the 3rd wheel here on the inside.
– Sorrel has 1.5 sacks to his credit, but a guy not listed above, freshman #11 Colin Simmons, leads the team with 4 sacks.
– Overall, the front for Texas is not asked to do a lot in regard to the stats sheet, but their goal is to make their linebackers job easier.
MLB #0 Anthony Hill Jr.
WLB #33 David Gbenda
– I love watching Anthony Hill play football. He is really developing nicely and he leads the Horns in tackles with 31. He has 2.5 sacks and an interception to his credit as well. Chances are, Mike Hawkins is going to get very familiar with Hill and that will be fascinating to watch play out as Hill is one backer who can match Hawkins athleticism.
– Gbenda is having a nice year. He is second on the team in tackles with 28.
CB #7 Jahdae Barron
FS #16 Michael Taaffe
BS #4 Andrew Mukuba
CB #5 Malik Muhammad
STAR #3 Jaylon Guilbeau
– Guilbeau at the STAR is basically OU’s version of a Cheetah. Has both run and pass game responsibilities. He is 3rd on the team in tackles.
– Of the starting DBs, Barron and Mukuba each have a pick, but thats it as far as interceptions for the main guys in the secondary.
– Malik Muhammad is a really good cover guy. He and Barron form a really talented duo at CB which works into the Horns favor in their goal to push everything into the middle.
Overall thoughts…
– If OU cannot come up with some semblance of a running game offensively, they could be in for a very long day offensively as Texas will undoubtedly stick with a rush 2-3, spy 1, cover with 7-8 and make the passing game very difficult for Mike Hawkins initially.
– I believe Tennessee and Auburn brought a better defensive line to the fight than Texas does, but the OU offensive line would be well served to take another step forward this week and if they do, they may be able to open up some running room to make things a little easier on Hawkins and the passing game.
– One thing I need to reiterate: Texas has the athletes to effectively spy Mike Hawkins in the scramble game. The yards will be well-earned in that respect.
– I like how the Sooners match up defensively and I think they can do a solid job of limiting the run game of Texas. They will need to get pressure on Quinn though as that group of receivers is just too talented to hold down for an extended period of time.
– Quinn Ewers will give the Sooners a few shots at turnovers, its just what he does. He will also pick you apart with the easy completions that are schemed up before Sark dials something up to beat you long. OU must secure those turnover opportunities.
– This is the Red River Shootout. Anything can and usually does happen.
Battle Tested
– Super K – Posted on: October 9, 2024
Yesterday, we started discussing who between OU and Texas is more battle tested.
Some of you continued the discussion in the comments section.
I do think it is an important question. And I think another important question is who has faced more adversity. Unless this game is completely one sided, adversity is coming for both teams.
Texas has faced: Colorado State, Michigan, UTSA, Louisiana Monroe, and Mississippi State.
Oklahoma has faced: Temple, Houston, Tulane, Tennessee and Auburn.
In terms of who has been in a hostile environment – both teams have.
In terms of schedules – I give OU the nod as the team who has played a tougher schedule. Based on what I’ve seen, I can’t say Michigan is better than Tennessee. But I give Tulane the nod over the G5s Texas has played. And I give Auburn the nod over Mississippi State.
The difference is Texas actually beat their toughest opponent and they did so with ease.
But it’s those growing pains and injuries that OU has gone through that makes them more battle tested. Now that may seem a bit unfair because part of the reason Texas isn’t as battle tested is because they destroyed everyone put in front of them.
But again, unless you think this game is going to be completely one sided, then having had to handle adversity matters.
OU has acquitted themselves well in those stressful situations.
I think another area OU has been well tested is just in terms of the pure line talent they’ve played. Tennessee, Auburn and Tulane all have pretty good talent on the LOS. Texas has the Michigan game where they faced a good LOS and did so with great success.
But the Sooners have faced a number of teams where their big boys up front have been challenged. I think this will be a big test for Texas’ OL and their ability to protect will be paramount because the Sooners are a tough team to run on and Texas is injury riddled at the RB position.
Overall, I believe OU has had a schedule that better prepares them for this upcoming matchup.
Simple Side by Side | OU vs Texas
– Super K – Posted on: October 10, 2024
Let’s look at OU vs Texas in a side by side. Let me know where you might agree or disagree.
DEFENSE
Defensive line – we could break this up into ends and interior but I’m going to give OU the nod on both.
So far, Texas’ DL has looked better than I expected given the losses of both personnel and Bo Davis. But I still give the nod to OU.
Linebacker – As Brent Venables said, Texas has one of the best young linebackers in the country. But this is BV’s position and he has both talent and depth here. I give the nod to the Sooners.
Secondary – For the past couple years, I’ve complained about Texas’ inside DB play. Have felt the safeties just haven’t been good enough.
Their safety talent has been upgraded.
But with guys like RSJ and Bowman and Bowen, the Sooners have a lot of talent on the back end as well. I’m going to give a slight nod to the Sooners.
OFFENSE
Offensive line – This one usually goes to the Sooners but not this year. BV highlighted this part of Texas’ team as a real strength. They have talent and experience. And they’ll be facing a strength of OU’s team (DL).
The solid nod goes to Texas.
Wide receiver – Going into this season, I would’ve given OU the nod here. But man, they have had a ton of injuries. If Burkes doesn’t play, the Sooners will still be playing with their second and third team wide receivers.
Again, Texas gets the nod here.
Running Back – In terms of the run game, Texas is in the top 40 in rushing offense. The Sooners are at the very back of top 100.
But I think that’s mostly because Texas has played softer defenses, Texas has a better OL, Texas has had more consistent QB play and in my opinion Texas has the better RB coach.
However, if we are talking about pure talent (given Texas’ injuries), I prefer OU’s running back room. They just haven’t been producing.
The Sooners are going to have to get a lot of yards out of Hawkins if they hope to win. I give the nod to Texas here.
But if the Sooners are going to win, they’re probably going to match or exceed Texas’ rushing yards. If they do, it’ll likely be because they’re having success with Hawkins and the defensive line is winning against Texas’ talented OL.
Quarterback – Ewers is back this week. Texas gets the nod here.
One on One’s | Oklahoma vs Texas – 2024
– Charlie S – Posted on: October 10, 2024
The Sooners take on Texas in their sixth game of the season!
Texas comes into the game 5-0 and ranked number one in the country.
The Sooners are 4-1 on the year beating Auburn on the road their last time out!
There are several key one-on-one matchups to choose from both on the offensive and defensive side.
Let’s have a look at a couple I pulled out.
One on One Number One
Oklahoma Quarterback Mike Hawkins vs Texas Linebacker Anthony Hill
Look, the OU offense has been bad over the first five games of the season and if there is going to be any sort of improvement, at this point, it is going to largely depend on the effectiveness of Mike Hawkins. An important part of Hawkins game is the ability to use his legs and going into the game, I would expect OU to actually dial up the QB run game to another level. Yes, Hawkins will need to test the Longhorn defense in the passing game, but I fully expect his number to be called on the ground for some crucial 3rd down conversion attempts. The Sooners know they have to keep the chains moving.
I expect Texas to come out in some variation of their 2-4-5 defense and focus on taking away the easy passing lanes while spying on Hawkins with one of their linebackers. Anthony Hill is the guy I would use if I were Texas DC Pete Kwiatowksi as he can match Hawkins’ athleticism. Hill is one of the better linebackers in the country as a sophomore and he is quick, fast, and strong. We have not seen anything of note about the OU run game aside from the QB run (both Hawkins and Arnold) and if Texas can force OU to rely heavily on the passing game, they could be setting themselves up for some turnover opportunities.
One on One Number Two
Oklahoma Defensive End R Mason Thomas vs Texas Right Tackle Cameron Williams
In last years victory in the RSS, the Sooners did a very good job in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The defensive line put out their best showing of the year as they helped lead the way to 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 interceptions as they won the turnover margin 3-0.
The interior of the defensive line recorded a pair of sacks (Lacey and Terry) and Ethan Downs had himself a day with a pair of sacks himself while working most of the day against All-Everything left tackle Kelvin Banks.
Cam Williams is a first year starter, and he is a behemoth at 6’5 335. R Mason Thomas leads the SEC in sacks at this point of the year and his blend of speed, athleticism, and strength have propelled him to his success. Williams is big and strong, but he is not the quickest guy. If Thomas can stay out of his grasp, he could find some success in delivering some pressure with his burst and athleticism. He will also need to be on his toes when setting the edge against the run as when Williams leans on you, you know it.
One on One Number Three
Oklahoma Cornerback Eli Bowen vs Texas Wide Receiver Isaiah Bond
I kind of went off the beaten path on this one as I am counting on Bowen seeing more snaps this week instead of being held in basically a reserve role. I think this could be one of those Red River Surprises with a bit of a new defensive look from the Sooners.
Throughout his tenure at Clemson, Venables’ defenses thrived when they had a lockdown corner as that allowed the defense to shift their focus elsewhere. When Gentry Williams went down for OU, they lost their best cover guy. Kani Walker and Dez Malone are big and long and they do a good enough job in zone, but they are not great in man at this point and Bowen has shown flashes of being a very good man cover guy.
Bond is off to a great start as he leads the Horns in receptions. He is not a big guy and that plays into the equation as Bowen is not a big fella either, so there really is not a major size disadvantage. I think you have a chance of seeing Bowen get a lot of reps against Bond and if he stays as sticky as he has shown in his limited snaps, the Sooners could be on the right path to limiting one of Texas’ most effective weapons.
