OU vs. Louisiana-Monroe | What I’ll Be Watching

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* Cornerback: Might as well go ahead and get the Captain Obvious one out of the way right off the bat. I’ll freely admit I know very little about this Louisiana-Monroe team, but if they have a quarterback with an arm attached to his body with which he is capable of throwing a forward pass then whomever OU lines up out there opposite Jordan Thomas is going to get tested….A LOT.

After what we all saw on Saturday, every upcoming OU opponent is going to test the corners. Maybe even Thomas, who I didn’t feel played particularly great against Houston, more than some fans might expect.

I’ll be especially intrigued if it’s Michiah Quick who gets the nod, if for no other reason than it will literally be our first time to see him play on the defensive side of the ball. Likewise, from an intrigue standpoint, if it’s Parrish Cobb simply to see if he has that short-term CB mentality to bounce back from a bit of a rough outing last Saturday. Maybe the coaches even get really crazy and play the one prototypical NFL corner on the roster in PJ Mbanasor?

* Lincoln Riley, Play-Caller Extraordinaire: Why start with just one Captain Obvious observation when you could start with two!?! Yes, I and every OU fan on the planet will be anxiously awaiting the game Riley plans to call after what pretty much everyone agreed on was easily the weaker of the two units against Houston.

Feel like it’s a pretty safe bet Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon get more than a combined 12 carries in this one, but that also isn’t going to be news for this ULM defense. So assuming they anticipate what the rest of us are, and sell out to stop the run, will Riley get creative trying to get those two involved? Or rather pass first to open up the run?

I have the utmost confidence in the guy, even after the Houston game, but to act like the pressure isn’t on at least a little bit here, even against a team like Louisiana-Monroe, would be pretty naive.

I posed the following on Twitter earlier in the week and was kind of surprised at what turned out to be, in my estimation, the majority of the responses.

I figured most people would respond with something to the effect of “of course not” and/or “only the idiot OU fans would boo” and there definitely was some of that. But I’d actually say the more popular response was people expecting to hear some boo’s if this OU offense comes out and gets off to a slow start Saturday night.

Now maybe I shouldn’t be surprised by that, but I was. And to be fair, I asked this on Tuesday so maybe there was still too much resentment hanging over from that Houston game to get a truly unbiased response to the question.

I don’t know. Hopefully OU avoid having to find out altogether and looks like the offense we hoped to see last Saturday.

* Take Your Shot: Related, will Riley and Baker Mayfield actually take any big shots down the field? I suspect I wasn’t alone this week in noticing this became a popular topic of discussion among OU fans, especially (it seemed to me anyways) after that Texas/Notre Dame game on Sunday night.

I don’t expect many would actually admit it, but I’d be willing to bet there was a fair share of OU fans watching that game awful envious of that shiny new toy of an offense the Horns are now running in Austin.

* Samaje’s Shoulder: I know what Bob Stoops has said all week regarding Perine’s shoulder injury. That it was a muscle issue and not serious. But for some reason I’ve just had this sneaking suspicion there might be something more to it than what Stoops has led us to believe.

Now that is 1000% speculation on my part, so I want to be perfectly clear on that. I’m sure I am dead wrong and it’s exactly what Stoops said it was. Considering the opponent, assuming the game goes the way it damn sure better go we’re all assuming it will go, I expect they’ll be judicious with how they use him. But it might be something just to keep an eye out for early.

* Freshmen/First Year Guys: After only playing Parrish Cobb and Mark Jackson last week, I’ll be really interested to see who the coaches burn the shirts on/get out there from this group against ULM.

In particular, for me: Abdul Adams, Amani Bledsoe, Mykel Jones & Caleb Kelly.

* Kickoffs: I’m gonna promise to try to not make this something I harp on every week, and to DEFINITELY not be that guy who says ‘I told you so’ when/if OU gets popped for a big return because Austin Seibert cannot consistently put the ball into/thru the end zone.

For whatever it’s worth, he was 1-for-4 this past Saturday in terms of touchbacks, though I will point out he does seem to get really good hang time on both his kickoffs and punts which really helps his teammates defend returns.

What will you be watching for Saturday night?

258 Comments

  • ohiosoonerdevildog says:

    I’ll be watching to see if OU comes out and plays like their hair is on fire. If we see another sluggish start with no fire I’ll be extremely disappointed in the coaching staff.

  • cush creekmont says:

    Whew…so much today…Okay.

    I will want to see BM get rid of the ball. I want to see the CB play better at least. I want to see the LBs improve. I want to see Samia at RG and how that works.

    And I will see it all Sunday or Monday on the replay because I won’t pay that!

  • Daniel Ruffo says:

    We all understand if kickoffs are touchbacks, there won’t be any returns to worry about. I wouldn’t discount the success OU had with kickoffs that reached near the goal line with hang time. I recall at least twice that Houston had to start drives inside their 20 yd. line. If OU can’t reach the end zone on kickoffs, at least their coverage group can help limit their return yardage.

  • Birddawg says:

    I’m watching
    O, The right side of the offensive line, counting how many different WRs make catches, and if someone surprises me
    D, 2nd corner rotation, 4 man/3 man front, adjustments/schemes that may translate to ohio state game.

  • jmshake says:

    I’ll be disappointed with anything less than a 3-4 score first quarter honestly. Can’t afford to look forward to Ohio State when you just got your butts beat. They need to play mean and take no prisoners.

    • Ura Mazin says:

      Yep, full speed the entire game on offense and defense, no matter who’s playing.
      And special teams!

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Ill be watching who plays RG and will Baker use his checkdowns

  • bommer85 says:

    the Mbanasor thing is very weird. how did he end up in the dog house and why is he still there?

  • Birddawg says:

    1st team Oline should be in the entire game. They need the reps to gel.
    But Perine/Mixon can sit after the second series ..Baker/Parker/JT/Walker after half…. but Bob will play them until the mid 4th or something…

    • KJ1123 says:

      “1st team Oline should be in the entire game” agree 100%. They are the only group that needs to play alot together to get better.

  • OnlyOneBoomer says:

    Regardless of the score I think the Offensive and Defensive Lines should play the entire game. THEY NEED THE REPS.

    • CrimsonGhost says:

      I understand what you’re saying, I think. And I agree to a degree with the O-line, but, we seriously need to build some depth experience with these younger guys on the D-line.

      • OnlyOneBoomer says:

        I agree with you also, I think they can rotate in younger guys once we get up big and still play the starters a lot through the whole game if that makes sense? We all realize that Ohio State is going to bring it, and we need to be a well oiled machine. I think just playing the starters the first half would be a bad idea in my opinion.

  • KJ1123 says:

    Run: ALOT
    Pass: More Andrews
    Blocking: Less lazy play and mental errors
    Tackling: More sound tackling
    Defense: MORE TURNOVERS at least one, more blitzing.
    Helmets: TO STAY ON….for crying out loud.

    • OnlyOneBoomer says:

      I agree with all plus:

      Regardless of the score I think the Offensive and Defensive Lines should play the entire game. THEY NEED THE REPS.

    • Birddawg says:

      “helmets to stay on” no joke.. double strap it!

    • Rick says:

      I’m going to beat a dead horse (again) KJ. I have no issue with your list, I’m just still in hopes we have several receivers step up. I do want Andrews used more, but I want 4-5 receivers with multiple catches, not just 2 receivers.

      • KJ1123 says:

        That would be great, have a plethora of receivers contribute. My only worry is Baker doesn’t seem to be seeing the field as well I hoped. He was so used to locking in on Shep last year, that I think he’s still trying to figure out how to distribute the ball. I’d like him to settle and find his go to guy first then work on the other receivers.

        • Rick says:

          I really think they get suckered into the media phrase, who will be the go to guy? I liked the wishbone the most when all of the backs were good and I liked the 2000 natty receiving crew that were all good, and you couldn’t key on any one receiver, they all caught the ball and ran.

    • Indy_sooner says:

      “Helmets: TO STAY ON”
      I about blew a gasket when I saw three of our guys lose helmets continuously. I’d read just how critical Herman is to this exact issue.. no excuse for this at all

    • jimintexas says:

      Do you know why OU has such a helmet problem? Lose good players for a play.

    • Brick says:

      For real on the helmets…seriously.

  • Sooner Jay says:

    I won’t be watching. However, I will be relying on TFB for updates!!!!!! All I’m hoping for is that we win the game in such a matter that instills confidence within the whole team. If not, then I’m gonna be concerned going into tOSU game.

    • Sooner Jay says:

      Actually, there is one other. I want to see Bob treat this like a preseason game and sits only the crucial players(Perine, Mixon,JT,Walker,Parker, Samia,Brown,Andrews) we have after the first quarter.( no matter if we are up by 1 or God forbid behind on the scoreboard). I understand Bob being big on accountability and responsibility, but these are football players not politicians. They are gonna make mistakes, its part of the game. I don’t like the fact a player like Mbanasor gets done the way he has been because of a bad game from last year. I’m probably wrong and oh well that’s life but what’s the worst than can happen?(not gonna lose the game no matter) The one thing that gets me, is that ever since the Peterson and Bomar debacle. Stoops has become to conservative whether in recruiting (until this year) or with how he manages the game. Its like we play scared. No guts, No glory! Go ahead ridicule me, but I’m not a SD or an imposter of SD. I love my Sooners, but I’m tired of getting taken out behind the ol’ woodshed for a good ol’ country ass whoopin. We should never lose to a Boise State,Houston,Clemson, Baylor,TCU or any team that’s not a traditional blue blood. I love underdogs, just not when we play them. We should have the underdogs mentality. I want my Sooners to be the most physical team there is no matter the year or level of competition.

      • LBS says:

        I just want him to sit those guys because, depth is always where we fall short against the major teams. Our 1’s are good enough to take on Bama/Clemson. But our 2s get blown off the field. Thats unacceptable. Got to get those kids in the game to keep them engaged and pushing for playing time.

  • SoonerFan92 says:

    I want to see Caleb Kelly get in there. Also the younger guys on the DLine like Gallimore, Bledsoe, Mann, Campbell and Lampkin.

  • Dana Rogers says:

    A root beer float. If the fellas don’t score four touchdowns in the first quarter I’m going down the road and having an A&W root beer float.

  • DCinAZ says:

    I don’t think people should boo but let’s be honest. These guys have played in this offense since the start of last year. The only major piece we’re trying to replace is Sheperd. Other than that it’s two very mediocre OL that couldn’t get drafted and a mediocre WR that never lived up to his billing, couldn’t get drafted, and also didn’t make it as a UFA. There’s no excuse for this offense to be operating so poorly.

  • Birddawg says:

    Any word on Christian Daimler?

    • KJ1123 says:

      He’s kinda back. That’s why Samia has been on PAT/FGs because he’s not full go yet.

      • Birddawg says:

        Gotcha, thanks KJ
        It seems the oline been unsettled since he got injured. Either way we need healthy bodies. Hope he comes back soon.

  • metzker says:

    Same response i had to your? on twitter.No boos for this game but if tosu woops us bad then yes boos might happen.

  • CrimsonGhost says:

    ULM had 325 yards rushing last week against Southern. I’d like to see us keep them under 50 in our refurbished house.

  • Fear The Magic says:

    I want to see a lot of what everyones already mentioned has said but I also want to see if the stadium is any louder with the new accoustics ( comparatively louder, I know its only Louisiana Monroe ).

  • Sooner Ray says:

    I got the feeling that the short high kicks were by design to gain field position advantage, but what do I know.

    • jimintexas says:

      I think you are correct. The kicks are short, but high. Overall, it worked well. It is taking a higher risk in that if anyone gets out of their lane, it could be all the way. But that seems to be typical stoops to try to be perfectly disciplined.

  • Dwebb_96 says:

    I won’t be watching because I am too tight to spend the money on PPV. I will be listening however and looking to forward to hearing a great game from and offensive point of view. Actually a complete turnaround from last week. No offense ULM, but you are not in the same league as UH.

  • metzker says:

    Big win as expected move on to tosu and no injuries.

  • KJ1123 says:

    Depends, if we start out with 2 or 3 three and outs, and it’s competitive then no boos. If the three and outs come from REALLY poor play, and alot of lost yards, then maybe.

  • SoonerfanTU says:

    My standard in games like this is always to compare it to Bob’s first game as coach of OU. Indiana State in 1999…..we played a very clean game. One penalty if I remember right. Scored often and efficiently. D pitched a shutout. Only thing to not like about that game were the 4 turnovers. So that is what I want. A clean game. No penalties. Score efficiently. D should play well (doesn’t have to be a shutout).

  • KellyB says:

    I will be very interested to see how Baker performs. Last week half of his passes were behind the LOS. Several times our receivers were wide open for 1st downs but he didn’t see them and got “happy feet.” Fully expect him to watch film, learn and have a big game against ULM

  • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

    I won’t be watching because it’s on PPV and both times I paid to watch the game the stream either didn’t load or it sucked. Perhaps Stephen Dale can help me with my cable.

    Other than that, I’m not sure that ULM is going to do much passing. They didn’t do much against Southern. They did run the ball from Monroe to Baton Rouge, though.

    Absolutely don’t care about UT’s offense. So there.

  • Dustin says:

    Here’s what I’ll be watching:
    CMU @ OSU 11 a.m. FS1
    Tulsa @ tOSU 2:30 ABC
    Arkansas @ TCU 6:00 ESPN
    #nomoreppv #nowayjoec
    http://506sports.com/ncaaf.php

  • Dustin says:

    Here’s what I’ll be watching:
    CMU @ OSU 11 a.m. FS1
    Tulsa @ tOSU 2:30 ABC
    Arkansas @ TCU 6:00 ESPN
    #nomoreppv #nowayjoec
    http://506sports.com/ncaaf.php

  • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

    Certainly don’t understand the hypothetical, depressive question that was asked…

    It’s odd to me to ask a question about what people will do if Oklahoma looks worse than ULM, as if a loss to a good Houston team (albeit with mistakes and poor form on OU’s part) means that OU is suddenly in dire straits, disarray, and confusion (I hear you Stephen Dale!).

  • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

    Certainly don’t understand the hypothetical, depressive question that was asked…

    It’s odd to me to ask a question about what people will do if Oklahoma looks worse than ULM, as if a loss to a good Houston team (albeit with mistakes and poor form on OU’s part) means that OU is suddenly in dire straits, disarray, and confusion (I hear you Stephen Dale!).

  • Sooner Jay says:

    We invented the Oklahoma Drill which led us to invent Championships. Use the damn drill!!! These kids and parents know the ramification of playing the sport. I’m tired of hearing about concusions. I’ve worked in some dangerous fields for way less money or recognition. You live by the sword and you die by the sword! That’s all the rants I have for the day. God bless you all and BOOMER SOONER!!!!!!

  • SoonerSouthoftheRed says:

    Man if I was Cobb or Mbanasor I would probably feel pretty bad that a converted WR is starting (potentially) before me.

    • Jesse says:

      If I was a betting man my money would be on Cobb to start.

      • SoonerSouthoftheRed says:

        And going one further, if I was Mbanasor, I would feel pretty bad that a freshman that showed up late to camp is starting (potentially) before me.

        • Jesse says:

          Yeah mbanasor was thrown in against probably the hardest offense to stop in college football. Imo you have to let the kid live and learn. They buried him after that game which I don’t feel was the right thing to do especially because he was a true freshman last year. Hope it makes him even hungrier. He will be a stud if the coaches give him another chance.

    • LBS says:

      Well to be fair, he was converted to a WR from CB first, so its not really a true conversion.

      • SoonerSouthoftheRed says:

        Ah, I didn’t know he started as CB. Thanks for the heads up!

        • LBS says:

          Yeah he was listed as a 4-Star ATH, but played CB in high school. His 247 rating was really high like 97/100, if i remember correctly if projected at CB.

  • GrandeBass says:

    Ladies, Gentlemen, Boys and Girls of all ages. What lies before OU is a fabled path to unimaginable glory, or utter ruin. The 11 week playoff has begun. It is win or scratch playoff and New Year 6 hopes for the year.

    Baker’s OU team always liked having a chip on it’s shoulder, but instead of a chip, we find desperation. Every week is a must win week now. Winning HAS to be the new status quo for the season. With their backs against the wall, what are we gunna see?

    Will the players rise to the occasion? Will the coaches listen to the advice TFB has given them and/or remember how to coach? Will Paul Finebaum ever shut up?

    All these questions and more will be answered everyweek from here on out.

    The time for losing is over. The time to rise to the occasion is now.

    There is only one goal now for the only Oklahoma.

    WIN

  • Ura Mazin says:

    Just run the ball the ENTIRE first half. Riley owes Perine and Mixon big time.

  • Mark_in_VA says:

    Regardless of whether Stoops is telling the truth or not, I don’t want Samaje to play. Until this O line proves otherwise, we have to assume our RBs are going to take a beating. And we will absolutely need Optimus Perine for tOSU. Further, we have to assume there will continue to be some battered up RBs, meaning depth–quality depth–is going to be crucial. Perine is already da bomb; he ain’t gettin’ better just by beating up on ULM.

    Therefore, I want to see Mixon/Adams as our 1/2 back combo, spelled with plenty of snaps by Brooks. We may need all 4 to get through tOSU.

    Secondly, I am ready to see them commit to Cobb. Let the guy get get a full game against an opponent where the mistakes won’t likely be as costly. Seems pretty clear he’s our 2nd best at this point.

    Finally, yes on Mykel. In fact, yes on getting every receiver out there. See how shines under the lights. We need someone besides Westbrook and Andrews we can count on, and it didn’t seem to me anyone was ready to take that step who saw the field last week.

    • KJ1123 says:

      I would actually hold Samaje out for this game too.

      • Mark_in_VA says:

        Heck yes!

        • KJ1123 says:

          Additionally, I kind of want to see how Joe carries the entire load. Two years now he’s been sharing, if Samaje leaves after this year and Joe stays, then I’d like to see what he can do as the featured back.

          • Ura Mazin says:

            I’m pretty optimistic about what he can do. Would love to see it!

          • KJ1123 says:

            Definitely, I think he’d tear this defense up on his own.

          • Kim says:

            Joe gets wide open and Baker doesn’t pass to him. Saw it happen last year all the time and then last week ?

          • Kim says:

            Absolutely want to see Joe get more carries! Get the ball in his hands and let him go! He can do so much more than they are allowing him to do. It’s a shame and a waste of great, natural talent! Hopefully after last week they realize that! ??

    • Ura Mazin says:

      Wouldn’t have a problem with sitting Perine. But the running game needs to be resurrected.
      And yes, what a great opportunity to see what Adams and some new receivers can do.

    • RDC212 says:

      I’d limit his touches for sure, but I’d damn sure be giving Adams some reps.

    • LBS says:

      Agreed! The OL I think did fine, or good enough anyway, I’d like to see Perine sit bc like you said, he won’t be needed. Mixon and Adams or Mixon and Brooks. Thats what should be out there, give teams more to prepare for. Also, someone fix Dimitri Flowers, he’s broken. At the CB spot, I want to see Quick and Cobb, Quick was almost as highly touted as Cobb coming out at CB. It’d be interesting to see that battle.

    • diablodejalisco says:

      baker has to throw the ball before anyone can show they can catch it.

  • Dallas Sooner says:

    Good stuff, Jordan. I expect to see a ticked off team blow out ULM in the first half and get the young guys alot of playing time in the second half while we preserve the starters for Ohio State (even though this isn’t Bob’s MO). Michiah Quick/Parish Cobb can’t be any worse than Dakota was last week, but I’d still like to see Dakota get a chance at redemption — you don’t want him to lose all confidence.

    Boomer!!!

  • Jesse says:

    all I want to see this week is the defense play the entire game like they did the second half against Houston (consistency) and I want to see the offense come out mad. Scoring early and often. (rhythm)

  • 47 Straight OU Know says:

    A, Win.

  • Stephen Dale says:

    I will be watching and reading the hysterically funny comments after this blowout game… “we are back”.. “why didn’t we do that last week?”… “tosu no problem”… ou wins their first game…and we learn nothing from it.. most of you stay in your delusion that this team is going to the playoffs… 8-4 on its way…

    • LBS says:

      Big early season wins are about as predictive as big early season losses, so your point is moot.

    • Mizuno45 says:

      ahem…

    • CrimsonNative says:

      There will be a few who put on their “Crimson Glasses.” I honestly, don’t see us beating tOSU and we’ll be *really* lucky to finish in the top five. I do think that we’ll do better than 8-4…maybe, 9-3 with a shot at our conference championship.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I understand the role you seem to play here and while others I’m sure would VERY much disagree, I generally don’t have a problem with it.

      But I say that w/ a major caveat. Comments such as the one above suggest you know you’re trolling others and that, I’m afraid, simply won’t fly.

      I have no issue whatsoever with a dissenting opinion, but if you want to deliberately troll others here your stay will be short.

      Consider this your first and only warning, thanks.

      • ouwooferman says:

        The enforcer is in the house.

      • Drew says:

        This isn’t the “real” SD. If you check his profile, he only has 15 or so comments. The actual SD has been posting for much longer. This guy is just impersonating to troll.

        • Drew says:

          And you are impersonating me. I have only ever posted on this site like 4 times max, yet your profile says 1204 comments. Hey brainiacs, i think you guys have people hacking your site

        • Drew says:

          And you are impersonating me. I have only ever posted on this site like 4 times max, yet your profile says 1204 comments. Hey brainiacs, i think you guys have people hacking your site

      • SWoods says:

        Not the real Stephen Dale. He’s a fake.

      • Stephen Dale says:

        its difficult to be a dissenting opinion on this board….
        going forward I wont be as brash..But it doesn’t change my opinion of this ou team…. and i refuse to be a sunshine pumper and to wear your crimson glasses and be completely ignorant to the facts.. for example, you say β€œthere is an obvious talent gap” I agree with you… I will go one step further and say its going to cost ou 3 more games… see ya on sat

  • Jeff says:

    Don’t care they will handle ULM, OSU will tell me if OU will win 10 games or 8

    • LBS says:

      if they beat tOSU, I’d say nothing short of 11 wins is on the docket. There is not a more talented team in the country outside of Bama and Clemson. That being said, I don’t see them doing it either.

      • CrimsonNative says:

        I’d have to agree. tOSU will be the determining game to the success of our remaining season.

  • LBS says:

    I’ll be looking for an aggressive offense. We seemed to come right out intent on stomping on Houston, but after the big play to Mixon, the whole offense stopped moving quick. The quick snaps, the fast pace, the aggressive tendency all evaporated after Perine got hit on a safety flying down hill (which I hope IS nothing bc I thought he fractured his collar bone or separated his shoulder). They seemed like they had no intention of putting the game out of reach early. Killer Instinct. Need it. want it.

    • Stephen Dale says:

      not exactly a good thing to have all these visitors come in and watch ou get demolished………..

      • CrimsonNative says:

        I get that you are stating a very real scenario, but c’mon man…

      • Fear The Magic says:

        Really, if you’re going to fake being SD you’d be much more entertaining if your posts were all about praising and gushing over the Sooners. At least be creative about it.

        • ouwooferman says:

          Jordan brought the wood to him just below.

        • SWoods says:

          Of all the people to pretend to be, who pretends to be SD?

          • Bob Edwards says:

            SD at least has several memes on this board attached to his name. What have you done?

          • SWoods says:

            Okay Bob, I like you. Not trying to stir anything up. Just find it funny that someone would pretend to be someone else just to troll some fans. If you want to troll someone just say it yourself, why pretend to be SD?

          • Bob Edwards says:

            I wasn’t trying to stir anything either. Just a somewhat sideways method of pointing out that SD does have some notoriety even if he doesn’t have any respect. More people probably know his handle than yours or mine, but hopefully more people have a better opinion of us. Well, at least, you.

          • SWoods says:

            I see how it sounded that way. Didn’t mean for it to sound like I’m some how more “valuable” than SD. Everyone knows SD because he is controversial. I was saying if you’re going to pretend to be someone, why pretend to be someone who seems as miserable as SD? Why not someone a little more upbeat?

          • Bob Edwards says:

            I didn’t think you came across as more valuable. I took it to be an honest question, but answered in, what I thought, was a somewhat humorous way. As often happens my somewhat bent humor went amiss.
            My point was that SD has some notoriety, so someone would pretend to be him to play off of his notoriety. A lot of people are already programmed to responded to him. Fake SD certainly got a lot more interaction than the guy would have gotten posting as himself.

          • SWoods says:

            I apologize Bob, sorry I didn’t understand. I see your point.

          • SWoods says:

            Thats the problem with written communication, its difficult to understand how someone is saying something.

          • soonerinks says:

            Actually SD has become an infamous legend on the board. I actually kind of like Stephen.

          • Bob Edwards says:

            SD at least has several memes on this board attached to his name. What have you done?

  • Mizuno45 says:

    The worst thing which could have happened to this years team, being ranked #3 in preseason.
    The best thing which happened to this years team so far, losing game #1.

    • CrimsonNative says:

      I love his potential. He is going to be a key to our future success.

    • KJ1123 says:

      Nevilles never had problems with his pass rush. It’s his run stop that needs some work which is one of the reasons why he doesn’t get more time.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      That may be the play I’ve referenced over and over regarding 3rd down conversions, rushing 3/4, tackling etc. Three Sooner dlinemen should have had Ward on that play, and I believe he scrambles all the way to the right sideline, and fires a ball down field for a long completion.

      Can’t blame Mike Stoops or the db’s for that one.

  • SoonerFan92 says:

    I’d like to see Kendall get some mop up duty starting in the 2nd half and tear it up. Boost his confidence a little, ya know?

    • KJ1123 says:

      Yeah I just dont want to see him come in during a blowout and hand the ball off alot, which could be the scenario.

      • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

        That’s not smart. If he’s coming in then we need to run the offense the same. He needs to get throws in even if it’s against a horrible team. Would love to see Overton, gallimore, Bledsoe, M Jackson, JMT, Cobb, quick, haughton, Sylvie and that beast Kelly get quality pt for most, if not all of the second half.

        • KJ1123 says:

          I’d like to see that too, more of the young defensive guys get in there.

          • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

            Our offense will figure it out. I’m worried about the defense if we lose one of the major contributors. We need these young dudes getting minutes.

          • LBS says:

            Yeah,I wish we would just start subbing 2nd and 3rd stringers in and out all game regardless of the score. Lets be honest, ULM isn’t going to win this game. and this is the only game we can get those guys experience before it matters.

      • SoonerFan92 says:

        Couldn’t agree with you more. Kendall needs some actual game time. When I said mop up duty I mean’t for him to be in there with a comfortable lead and not because of an injury to Mayfield. He needs to throw the heck out of it.

  • Tulsa Terry says:

    My daughter asked me if we get Houston at home next year and I said no it was a one off game. She asked how could we be silly enough to go play an away game without a return game. Can anyone help me answer her? Responses with nuetral field save your breath

    • KJ1123 says:

      I think someone said yesterday we get them in 2019? At home I believe.

      • SoonerFan92 says:

        We do.

      • Kevin Burger says:

        Even if we didn’t, the Houston area has a bunch of good recruits. The only reason I would object to a one off game played in a recruiting hotbed would be if we made a poor showing.

        • KJ1123 says:

          We could be playing them every year starting next year.

          • Kevin Burger says:

            Could be. I’d be a bit surprised if that happened, as I believe plenty of schools feel we’re Texas heavy enough as is.

          • KJ1123 says:

            I agree, I hope we dont. I mean im sure they would be competitive, but like you said, too many teams from there already.

          • Kevin Burger says:

            I wonder if we could persuade the university to relocate before joining the Big 12. It doesn’t hurt to ask!

      • Soonerfandave84 says:

        By then Ed Oliver will be the #1 overall pick at least

        • Birddawg says:

          Hes in the 2018 draft class.. so he will be gone by then so will herman. .. hopefully back to the big10

          • Soonerfandave84 says:

            Only if Hunt can convince Jerrah to give up the #1 overall pick for a carton of pall malls and a tube of toothpaste for his inmat…er I mean players

          • Soonerfandave84 says:

            Only if Hunt can convince Jerrah to give up the #1 overall pick for a carton of pall malls and a tube of toothpaste for his inmat…er I mean players

    • ouwooferman says:

      8/31/19 in norman

    • Burger4President says:

      We get them in 2019 at home (assuming the Big12 doesn’t add them). I also read that we were paid something like 1.4m for this trip and Houston will get roughly 400k for their trip to Norman. If we had been awake and won the game, it would have worked out well.

      • Tulsa Terry says:

        Thanks Burger, kinda like OU was the premier game for TCU’s renovation but they were added to the Big 12 making it a conference game.

        • Burger4President says:

          Yep. We are also scheduled to play at UCLA in 2019. So it would be interesting to see who they would replace Houston will, should the Cougars get the Big12 nod (assuming Boren hasn’t snuck us off to the B1G or SEC by then). ha.

    • Spitting Bull says:

      It also could have and should have been a great game for recruiting. It still might of been. Yet to be determined but everyone knows that Houston is a hotbed of talent.

      • Tulsa Terry says:

        That’s the main reason I wanna see Christian Daimler take over R Tackle and move Dru Samia to R Guard. That puts our best line together and Daimler’s from Houston. You gotta play the Houston guys to keep recruiting there

  • ouwooferman says:

    Well the Houston Chronicle is still at OU. Bulletin Board Material IMO.

    • LBS says:

      wow. haha Yeah I hope thats in the locker room

    • Mark_in_VA says:

      Seriously. Boren should say we’d be delighted to admit UH, as soon as we are released from the GOR and they can take our spot.

      I feel like Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose:

      And he called to the pests on his horns as he threw ’em, “You wanted my horns; now you’re quite welcome to ’em!”

  • Burger4President says:

    I would like to see the offense come out and throw 40+ short passes and maybe 1 or 2 shots down the field. We don’t have anyone on the roster with the speed to create separation like that Texsa receiver, at least nobody that has shown they can. This offense can wear teams down with the run game and short passes while running tempo. I would like to see Baker not try to win the Heisman on every play, and just make the simple passes quickly. Taking what the defense gives you, given the talent we have at the skill positions, will put a lot of points on the board. I know passes into the flat and bubble screens aren’t pretty, but getting the ball into the hands of a playmaker quickly can result in some positive yards.
    One defense, if Cobb and Quick are essentially tied for the starting spot, put in Cobb. The kid has a lot of upside. You will have freshman mistakes, but if he did catch on as quick as the coaches say, he will learn from those quickly. And he will learn even quicker if he is on the field (no puns intended…quick….). I’m curious to see the pass rush this week. Last week they were focused on keeping Ward contained and I think that slowed the pass rush a bit, which leaves more burden on the corners on pass plays. Can the d-line get the QB quickly, can Kelly, Jackson, and Obo come quick off the edge like they keep telling us? Let us see it! This is the perfect game to get guys reps.
    And finally, I REALLY hope we are up big early in the 3rd quarter so that Kendall can take a lot of reps in this one. Unless something changes big time, and assuming Baker stays healthy, he won’t be getting mop-up reps until Mid-October after this one.
    I can’t wait to get to the stadium tomorrow!

  • Jason Vos says:

    Daimler. What’s his status

  • Jason Vos says:

    We need to get our most explosive players on the field. If that includes Mykel Jones, then so be it

  • rainydaze114 says:

    Caleb Kelly better see the field this week. I wanna see the hype in action. Curious about Quick as well. Wouldn’t mind Samaje sitting out to rest that shoulder so he’s 100% for tOSU. I also want to see Riley earn his (currently underserved) paycheck.

  • Ibtwan says:

    What limits the amount of players we can recruit at a specific position? We recruited a small class year. Looks like other big schools recruit 20+ every year.

    • Kevin Burger says:

      Just available number of scholarships. If you have a lot of people go pro early, then you can offer more scholarships every year compared to a school that has a higher graduation rate.

    • Bob Edwards says:

      According to rules no more than 25 per year and no more than 85 total. However, the per year rules have so many exceptions they don’t really matter.

      Just because a player commits doesn’t mean they sign and just because they sign doesn’t mean they make it to campus and take up a scholly. Some schools will sign kids they know won’t make grades in order to up their recruiting rankings or to give them a leg up on recruiting them out of JUCO. Some times schools decide they don’t have a scholly for the kid like Michigan did with the Swensen kid we picked up. Some of the shadier schools will “grey shirt” a kid and tell him to wait until after the first semester to get his scholly which allows them to count him against the next year. Etc. Then there are medical issues, transfers, academic casualties and early draft entries.

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      There are ways to make schollies count for a previous year and then the old Butch Jones greyshirt

  • metzker says:

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  • Big Higg says:

    What I’ll be watching: other football games since I don’t have the ppv option…?

  • Daryl says:

    I want to see who steps in for Dalton and how the OL looks. They should dominate and need to.

    CB of course.

    Austin Kendall how good is this kid. Seemed very in spring

    Will Baker take what def. gives him? He missed lots of shorter throws trying to wait for homeruns.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Production half a hundred on O and the CBs and defense play consistent. Allowing no more than 14 points.

  • Stephen Dale says:

    I;m not sure any success the Sooners have against ULM will mean anything until they have similar success against the likes of tOSU / TCU / Texas..

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      Success means hope for tOSU poor play means DOOM & GLOOM

    • bommer85 says:

      obviously this is true, but this team needs some confidence etc..

      also how do you feel about the imposter version of yourself?

    • bommer85 says:

      obviously this is true, but this team needs some confidence etc..

      also how do you feel about the imposter version of yourself?

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      True and we knew this from Spring. But what do we say if Cobb and Quick and PJ get burned consistently by ULM WRs? ULM throws the ball all over the place and the QB had 150 yards rushing. So, it’ll tell us something. You play and beat whoever is on the schedule. At this stage OU is still the favorite over tcu, txas, osu no?

    • Clint Lenard says:

      This sounds too much like rocket science.

  • cdzendolet says:

    I’ll be watching that beautiful huge screen lighting up!

    Just got into town to see the home opener, and I couldn’t be happier! The stadium looks incredible! Hopefully the boys play a game worthy of the field.

  • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

    https://twitter.com/murrayyy_2/status/774385200323104768
    This dude is lightning fast on that football field! Wow. And he’s a LB?

  • Scott says:

    Louisville is scary good.

  • Hotrod33 says:

    I want to see this team come out with some emotion and take care of business. They can’t think about tOSU or overlook anyone. BOOMER!!!!!!

  • hOUligan says:

    ‘What I’ll be watching’, wish it was ‘the game.

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  • KJ1123 says:

    Well, I know who I wont be watching!

  • Zack says:

    I don’t want to see Perine after the first quarter. Get him some reps and show the fans he didn’t have his arm amputated and then get him the hell out of there.

  • MoJoOkie says:

    Couple of thoughts: I’m not saying this is the case with Seibert, but sometimes the coaching staff wants a high kick at the goal line so coverage can get a stop before the 25. If that was the case last Saturday, it seemed to work well a couple of times. And I hate this to be a reflection on my fandom, but I ain’t paying $60 for ULM. Got it recording on Wednesday though so I can critique. Love you all and here’s to a good clean game with everyone healthy for tOSU.