My Stance On Why Saturday Is A Must Win For The Sooners
Posted on: November 11, 2015
Image via USA Today
In the past few years, the world has turned upside down for OU fans when it comes to Baylor. What used to be an automatic win has transformed into back-to-back losses in embarrassing fashion. If the Sooners cannot reassert themselves and come away with a win Saturday night, they would be facing the harsh reality of having lost to the same Big 12 opponent three years in a row for the first time in the 16+ years (and counting) Bob Stoops has been at the helm.
While it may be hard to admit for some, the reality is the Sooners can still have a ‘good’ season win or lose this weekend. Even with a loss, they could still realistically go on to beat TCU and/or Ok State, finish somewhat highly ranked, and play in a pretty decent bowl game.
But to be perfectly frank, none of that matters. In my mind — and perhaps to plenty of you this seems too dramatic — if Bob Stoops doesn’t beat Art Briles this year, I’m really not sure when he can expect to in the near future.
OU has to beat Baylor not only to keep alive whatever playoff chances they may (or may not) have, but perhaps equally as important is taking back some of the the recruiting momentum Baylor (and even TCU) have managed to wrestle away in recent years. The Sooners need to remind recruits they are the ‘big dog’ in this conference. Preventing the Bears from winning a third straight Big 12 title would go a long way towards establishing a psychological advantage over not just Baylor, but potentially the Big 12 as a whole. And I truly believe this is the year OU is best equipped to win.
In the next couple of days, I plan to get more into the specifics of this game. Coach Briles has both a unique offensive style and way of preparing his offense that gives nearly every team they face absolute fits. However following the loss of Seth Russell, the circumstances for this game are a bit different than in years past.
Yes, nearly everyone believes that Russell’s replacement, Jarrett Stidham, has an incredibly bright future. But he’s still a true freshman making just his second career start, and a game in which the atmosphere will be unlike any he has faced to date. Again, if Stoops isn’t going to beat Briles under these circumstances…when will he?
And if you think OU’s recruiting is going to improve regardless of the outcome Saturday night, well, you may very well be right. I can’t predict the future anymore than you can, but I’d invite you to look at Baylor’s 2017 class.
They have already secured a number of commitments from top recruits and they’re not just prospects on the offensive side of the ball. Success breeds success and with it the Bears are starting to attract the attention of not just elite offensive skill talent, but top defensive prospects as well. If left unchecked, Baylor isn’t going to just have an unstoppable offense. Their defense is also going to begin to assert itself on another level.
Baylor runs a very aggressive defensive scheme, but have never really had the talent across the board to consistently hold up (though they’ve certainly improved in recent years) overall. I know a lot of the talk that goes on behind the scenes in recruiting and one of those continually used against Baylor is, “they don’t put defensive players in the league.” Well, clearly that’s about to change. This year alone Andrew Billings and Shawn Oakman figure to be likely first round NFL Draft picks, and it only take something like that which begins to change the discussion.
Potentially three straight Big 12 titles, an explosive offense, an aggressive (fun) defense that sends guys to the league, new facilities, in-state alumni base, recent history of beating (even somewhat regularly blowing out) blue blood programs, a true freshman quarterback with a huge upside…no no no…Stoops must derail that with a swift and punishing blow this weekend.
In the immortal (and NSFW) words of Tupac Shakur from “Above the Rim”…
Keep an eye out for a more detailed preview on this game from me in the next day or two.
154 Comments
Great read K as always.I do also agree get it done this year period.As a true die hard sooner this has to come to an end this weekend,and in a beat down fashion.I believe we are equipped this year to deliver a lasting blow.K state showed how to do it had they not gone silly and tried to throw.Clearly the baylor d was tired after the first long drive for the td.Why kstate didnt run to start 2nd half tie the score befuddles me.That said we pound there ass into submission BOOMERRRRRR
Just win baby!!!
I certainly think OU has a legit shot in Waco this weekend, for the reasons you’ve outlined. But if you think OU won’t be better next year, when the game is in Norman, I think you’re incorrect. I’m happy OU has a shot this year but I’ve felt like next year would be the year OU is primed for a legit run at a title.
Only big losses for OU are Dline and WR. Should be fine at Dline, with the talent we’ve recruited. I guess Striker/Bond are technically LB’s. They will be tough to replace. Secondary should be nasty, with possibly everybody back. Offense should be good if we can find WR’s.
Only big losses for OU are Dline and WR. Should be fine at Dline, with the talent we’ve recruited. I guess Striker/Bond are technically LB’s. They will be tough to replace. Secondary should be nasty, with possibly everybody back. Offense should be good if we can find WR’s.
Agree with you in general but replacing Shep will be near impossible. It’ll be WR by committee next year.
Perfect for our system.
Especially in year two, we will only get better.
The thing with Shep – which no other OU receiver has yet to consistently duplicate/improve upon – is that he fights for the ball when thrown his way … ALL THE TIME. He is just about the only receiver we have who Baker May’feel’ confident throwing to when covered. It is a proven quality of Shep’s. Watch when Baker is going through his options while looking for an open receiver … if anyone other than Shep is covered, he most likely will not throw to such a receiver. BUT, even if Shep is covered, Baker will risk the INT and throw it Shep’s way. Many times, our receivers cannot create Shep’aration on a pass play, and Baker tucks it and runs. There are other times though, Baker just chucks it Shep’s way even though he is covered. To adequately replace Shep, we’ll need one or more of our receivers to step up this way enuff, so Baker May’feel confident enuff to throw it his way with positive results.
I see what you did there:-))
Maybe the other guys will continue to learn from him this year.
I agree, but they have managed to find a great slot guy on a regular basis. Broyles. Stills?, Clayton, Saunders………someone will come or step up.
Dede would be amazing in the slot.
I still have faith in Quick putting it together and being a force. Plus you Green.
Baylor will be better too. Again, a freshman qb. If OU can’t beat them now then it’s not about the personnel IMO. It’s about the system and structure. The past two years haven’t been close.
I agree but I think the last two years have had a great deal to with with a lack of quality play on our part at the QB position. Our QB and skill player production has been pretty bad the last couple of years outside of Sheperd, who was out injured for both games, and certainly not even close to being on the level that Baylor’s is.
This is what I am banking on.
Baylor won’t be better next season on either side of the ball.
No question Baylor loses a lot next year on both lines (4 OL +TE and 3 DL plus Billings if he comes out) TCU loses even more plus Boykin and Doctson. The team that has more coming back is OSU with 10 on offense and 7 on defense. OU loses 3 on offense and and 3 on defense. We are hurt most at LB where we lose Striker, Bond and Shannon.
The system. If we lose this year, it’ll show that our coaches are unable to devise and/or our players aren’t good enough to beat it. Either way, it may call for an overhaul of those who devise the game plan or do the recruiting. It’s like the case with Miles/LSU v Bama. Can’t beat Saban. Where do you turn?
LSU’s offensive scheme plays to the strength of the Bama defense. Throw a good/great hurry-up spread offense that has a quality defense and Bama does not look so good and which has resulted in their all losses( Ole Miss, Ole Miss, Ohio State, Auburn, OU and aTlm) except for a 6-9 loss to LSU in 2011. The spread teams that defeated the tide (6 losses) averaged scoring 36 points per game. Not the kind of defense Saban and the tide are noted for having.
Mikey went with a 2-4-5 v. a power run team with no threat of pass. Under his logic, he will go with a 5-4-2 v. a prolific pass team. Even a tigerbaiter can see us getting bombed again in baylor unless someone gets mikey out of the bar
Even great QB’s will struggle behind a bad Oline. Doesn’t Baylor have a bunch of SRs on the line? If so, next year could be interesting for Stidham.
This the year to turn the tables. Next year Baylor loses 6 seniors on offense and 4 seniors on defense. More importantly those 10 seniors include 4 OL (Colbert, Broxton, Muir and Drango) + the TE and on defense they lose 3 DL (Oakman, Blackshear and Palmer) with a good chance that Billings could out as a junior.
Win this year and blow the bears out next year and we have stymied their advancement in the league rankings. Fail to win this year and many will preceive that an OU victory in Norman could be an anomaly.
Im not seeing oakman in ANY mock drafts in the 1st round. I did preseason, but not now. I think people have figured out hes more hype than substance.
He takes plays off, and has bad technique. hes a physical specimen that can make plays on occasion, but hes not polished enough to take as 1st round pick.
Late 2nd, early third.
Billings def in first round. 20-32
That sounds about right to me.
When Bob was asked in his PC about losing three years in a row change anything. (something along those lines) and he said No. White Lie.
Bob is a competitor. He is not losing to a team (briles) 3 years in a row.
Especially against a true freshmen! Not happening.
I expect to see him, his coaches, and his players to be motivated to give everything they have and then some to bury the bears on Saturday.
Great read, K
Thank you.
I hope Bob’s pride is wounded. Getting beat 3 out of 4 times by a high school coach should piss him off.
Pretty sad state of affairs that the Sooners are in a must win game against Baylor. Baylor UGH! Who would have ever thought this was possible. I agree about the repercussions in recruiting, especially since OU always seems to get a late start with a lot of talented players. I think we have coaches in place now that have really helped improve the team, on both sides of the ball. The only question marks for the game is how will OU’s O-line hold up, and how well will the DB’s cover? If those two groups hold up well, I like OU’s chances. If those two groups do not hold up well, it will be a very long night. The OU DB’s have been playing about 5,000% better this year than they did in years past. I like their chances to hold up. The O-line is still a work in progress. If Alvarez is full strength, that will help that group a ton. I believe OU has the athletes and talent to beat Baylor, they just have to play OU’s game and dictate on defense and offense. Be aggressive. If Mike Stoops continues the play calling like he has in recent weeks, the D will be very aggressive and I love that! OU must be able to run the football as well, that is a huge key to winning the game.
After the last joke of a poll from the playoff committee I do not see any 1 loss team from the Big XII making the playoffs. That is a problem. There are different solutions to that problem, but they are not for me to decide. UGH!
Nooo. A more Sadder state of affairs is loosing to that Texass team of steers.
Somebody in the Big 12, other than OU, has to be good. I don’t think Baylor is stealing any more recruits from OU in the state of Texas, than UT was a few years back when they were recruiting really well and fielding good teams.
This stuff is cyclical. I’m not saying an OU win over Baylor wouldn’t help OU out a ton, in a lot of ways. But I also don’t think any one game makes that much of a difference. Are things really going to change much if OU beats Baylor, then loses to TCU and/or OSU?
In short, I do think this game can change perceptions a bit on both OU and Baylor, but the Big 12 needs 2-3 good teams in the league, and for the most part, I don’t really care who those teams are. It’s kind of fun seeing UT down. I wish OSU wasn’t as solid as they are. But there aren’t a lot of teams in the Big 12 that have a chance to be really good, that I don’t dislike. And just think about recent years. I know it’s a little different with Baylor, but KU had a little run, KSU has had some really good seasons…..OSU’s had a few. TCU’s had some. TT went to Norman undefeated in November 2008. OU can’t be scared of a good Baylor team. We just need to get better ourselves, and find a way to beat them more often than not.
I’m pretty sure the NCAA is starting to poke around in Waco.
“Baylor is dirtier than a _________”
Two-month unwashed prostitute … (you do realize this type of thread can get really REALLY bad don’t you?!!)
=) BOOMER
SOOONERRRR!!!
Baylor is a team that can score a lot and score a lot FAST. The one thing that OU can NOT do is get down on themselves if Baylor puts up 14 or more points on the board in row. Thats what I felt happened last year. OU just ( and I hate to say this ) gave up and that cant happen again.
The Sooners have to realize that the game is 4 quarters and that we have the capability to score points in bunches as well.
Perhaps thats the thing that I like most about Mayfield. He has that attitude that no matter what the circumstances are hes going to make it happen.
No question there is better leadership on this team and Baker is a huge reason why they can win.
“Last year. Last year. Last year.” Tired of hearing about “last year”. OU has not recruited or coached very well for the past several years and made the kind of improvements that some of the opponents have made during that same time.
THIS year, we have some new players, some new coaches that are doing very well. Some of our Juniors and Seniors have come around, while others are now riding the pine. I like our new-found attitude and swag. OU football is exciting once again. I like our chances this weekend, and the following two games. We may not win out, but damn OU is lookin good again!
Any news on Sanchez playing Saturday?
They’ve said he’s been practicing. I would assume that means he’s playing.
If we do not win, and BTW, we are not expected to, it is not the end of the world as has been expressed. Very good football will continue to be played at OU. We are much, much better than last year and we are on an upward rise. I do not buy-in for one second the notion that if we don’t beat them now, that we may never beat them. That is hyperbole at its best.
We got stagnant with a few coaches not performing up to the Sooner standard. That has been remedied with the addition of Lincoln Riley, Kerry Cooks and Diron Reynolds. Their units are performing at an extremely high level. Vastly improved over last year. Jury is still out on Coach Simmons, IMO. Baylor is very good right now. But they have to come to Norman next year, and we will be ready. I, for one, am not surrendering the Big XII conference to Baylor as others are.
It is important for OU to win. Winning each game is important for OU. De-railing BU is incidental to OU winning. Given the next two AWAY games for BU, It is not out of the question that they lose to both osu and tcu. Their play in bowl games shows some problems with their invincible nature. Right now, osu has the best chance to go undefeated. We will see how the top four Big 12 teams respond. My “feeling” is that BU will finish fourth. OU or osu will win the conference.
OSU has had every break and stroke of luck go their way this year. I fully believe that they might end up winning the conference while only being the 4th best team in it.
Every game is a must win from here on out…including the playoffs if we get there… with each win..the next one becomes increasingly more important…of course until next year…lol
True…
I’m sorry, but I can’t read such overloaded drama as to the end of OU football if we lose to Baylor. I had to quit after the first couple of paragraphs. A loss won’t be the end of OU football. A set back, perhaps, but no more than that. Over the close to six decades I have watched OU football live and in person I have witnessed OU crawl out of a lot of holes. And, if need be it can do it again.
I hope OU wins and I think we are the better team — and as we all know being the best team doesn’t guarantee a win. This isn’t the end of the world and trying to make an OU loss to Baylor as the end of the world is pretty childish to me.
Not sure I am that critical, but I do have two words: The Nineties. As always, we’ll come out of this.
This.
It’s an open discussion. This is football forum. I never understand why people read this forum go to the trouble to type something out if they are offended. Do I agree with everything…no. But dang man don’t me so sensitive….I imagine TFB as sort of a place where buddies are at a pub discussing OU football.
I have been a long time fan as well. I even was one of those that went to games where tickets were just given away and you could literally sit any were you wanted. I bought so many copies of Athalon, Sporting News, Lindy’s I couldn’t even say. Talking football is fun, no matter what you think the outcome. (except Stephen Dale)
Right on!
You are absolutely correct. But circumstances are such that a win, especially a convincing win over Baylor followed by what could easily be a convincing win in Norman next year would be a major gash in the throat for the recruiting and championship play of the Bears. It would relegate them to something less than king of the hill they are learning to expect.
If I’m recruiting against Baylor, I certainly would ask kids if they want to play against Liberty, Incarnate Word, Stephen F Austin and the likes, or do you want to see how you match up against tOSU, Nebraska’s, and UCLA’s of the world.
OU’s recruiting the last several years has fallen, but big changes have been made and it looks like OU is getting back on the right course. OU’s offense is only going to get better under Riley, especially as the OL gets better and more of his kind of players are signed. Our offense will eventually be comparable to Baylor’s (although likely never AS good) and our defense is already better than Baylor’s is and should only get a lot better as we recruit better players.
Let’s also not forget that there’s a good chance Baylor will eventually get hammered by the NCAA as they surely already have their attention due to the infractions.
Thanks for this, Super K. Though I hate to admit it, my stance on why Saturday is a must-win is much more shallow and near-term: I want to win. I want them to lose. I want to stay in contention. I want to see their hopes crushed (again).
Whacko has become South Stoolwater for me. Same caliber of fans.
Thanks for the article Super K, great insights. As you said about recruiting, success breeds success, and for evidence of this one need look no further than RGIII. His success at Baylor followed by his being drafted in the 1st round clearly put a recruiting spotlight on Baylor unlike anything they ever had before.
Thank you. Finally, someone said something of substance. This is absolutely a must win. Are we going to be the Sooners of the 2000s? Or the Sooners who think a “good” season is “good enough”
I do agree this game is a NEEDED win. Though if not this year than when I say is next year. You lose some guys but not a ton. Darlington, Shep, Nila, and Neal on offense but there is a lot of talent that has been on the field this year and I think the OL will be better next year than this year.
Defense Tapper, Striker, and Shannon. Everyone else back that defense could be salty. If this teams puts in the work and drive like this year than next year could be special IMO
and Bond
Devante Bond is also a senior.
Obo Deberry and Evans need to be next men up.
Honestly, I am not sure I agree with the “if not now, then when” attitude. I see an offense that loses a few, our center and right guard. But we do have some depth on the line. We lose Shep and that’s a loss, but we have a serious group of receivers returning. Our backfield, whoa!!!! Star quality all around.
Defensively, we lose Striker and Tapper, huge losses. But return 9 on what will be an outstanding D if we can fill Striker’s massive shoes. Sanchez could jump, but I think he knows he needs another year.
So I see the glass half full, with an offensive system that is working, putting up huge numbers, but is not even close to its potential, and a defense with decent depth and a serious chip that needs to remain firmly entrenched on its shoulder.
If we make it happen this year, that’s great. But the potential next year from my perspective is off the charts.
Agreed. I believe we have the better team this year, but all that does is increase our odds of winning. The stupid ball bounces funny, and being better this year may mean we have something like a 60% chance of winning. But next year the gap will be larger, and our chances of winning will be even higher. I just think football is too unpredictable to draw a line in the sand and say “now or never.”
Momentum is so important in college football, and the difference between winning and losing can be a simple blown assignment or a false start on your first drive, causing the opponent to seize momentum. I think we win Saturday, and possibly easily, but I think it’s unreasonable to say this is a make or break game.
On the other hand, we cannot be blown out in this game. That might be make or break.
I actually think we will have a better team next year. We are losing 3 outstanding players, but that is not really a lot in college football. There are at least 3 (probably 5+) starters right now who have the potential to become something special.
I remember OU vs OSU 2001, 2002, and 2003. The OU crowd (2003) was even more intense than the TTech game we all remember so well. There was an energy there unlike any other that day, and OU put a total beatdown on Les’ team to which he really did not have an explanation. The guy totally expected to beat OU yet again (3rd time in a row), but we really handed his butt to him on a silver platter. I was in California at the time of the game, and my craziness in my own home actually drove all my family out of the house. I was beside myself with intensity and OCDness about OU beating OSU. The outcome was friggin’ GLORIOUS!!!
I’m hoping Saturday night will be a similar outcome even though it’s in whacko as RR likes to call it. To me, we have to win this game because it’s all about respect: Respect in the FBS, respect in the Big12, respect on the recruiting trails, and most importantly, respect for ourselves and our own program. As long as we continue to lose to Baylor, we will not have the measure of respect we deserve ANYWHERE. Sure, we’ll have some, but it won’t be what OU deserves because we’re showing everyone we’re now solidly established as 2nd fiddle. I don’t want to be second fiddle, I don’t want Bob, the coaches and all the players to be second best ANYMORE!! It is time our folks step up and show everyone the s–t stops here, OU is back where it rightfully belongs!!!
Here’s to Bob, the coaches, and the players bringing that attitude back home where it belongs!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnbZwxNHKyo
Some big time players making big time plays.
The hunt is on.
http://bigpawoutfitters.com/images/black-bear-rug.jpg
Need to replace the hunters with pics of Mayfield, Perine, Striker and Tapper
We will win Saturday. These boys have been in the fire and are forged stronger than our opponent. They are mad, motivated, and have a butt kicking ready with Baylor’s name on it. That sounds like a pretty good reason for confidence to me.
Couldn’t agree more with everything you said K, it’s way more than just game for OU
Yeah, yeah, and YEAH! This one is “way more than just game for OU.”
ART LIED BAYLOR DIED
I get what you’re saying ‘on paper’ if not now, when? Momentum & all that.
So many other factors beyond paper. It’s at Baylor, 20yr old kids, Stephen Dale’s thoughts, all big factors.
If they become a stronger team, we’ll have our new Texas & better league.
Won’t change my thoughts on future. We’re getting better too.
Play & beat the best teams. Everything is cyclical.
Colorado was the new guy Baylor in conference for a while, the blue bloods/cream always rise back to top eventually. Colorados turn back to old self without Nike money.
Except maybe Nebraska.
lol @ Stephen Dale thoughts!
Baylor
This article is 100% on point. The tides have been slowly changing the past few years, and NOT in Oklahoma’s direction. The Texas loss will haunt forever, as many terrible losses throughout the recent years will. BUT OU can reverse some of the damage done starting this Saturday. I truly believe if we run this gauntlet it will change the program drastically for the foreseeable future. Lets go boys, beat Baylor!
BOOMER
I suppose I’m somewhere in the middle on this subject. I do think OU would get a great temporary recruiting bump if we handle Baylor on Saturday on the national stage. That goes without saying. But the longer term picture is that this game isn’t the inflection point that Super K thinks it is. Regardless of what OU does, Briles has created a solid foundation of success (whether done above board or not) offensively with his innovative system that so few can defend well. If Briles can solve his defensive woes, BU takes the next step up the program ladder (unfortunately). So, win, lose or draw BU is on a steady path upward regardless of what we do, and with scholarship limits there are plenty of very good athletes that can play in his system but leaves enough for other teams too. The stark reality is that we must continue to strive to improve our program and acquire athletes to compete and win against the new power teams in the Big XII. I’d love for one single win to take down their program, but it ain’t gonna happen. Briles has set up a successful system and we will have to deal with it for quite some time no matter the outcome on Saturday. I don’t like the man, but I can certainly see his successes.
If, in fact, that better defensive athletes is the solution to solving offenses such as Baylor’s, we’ll find out Saturday. OU is two years ahead of Baylor on recruiting on the the defensive side of the ball.
I hope you are right. This defensive quandary on how to defend BU’s offense reminds me of the quandary other teams had against triple option. But those teams beat it with speed on D, and I have a hunch we will have to upgrade our speed on D too in order to stop BU’s spread attack. I agree with you we have upgraded our D, but I hope it is enough. I’m not so sure it is. (BTW – I think our offense helps us win Saturday more than the D).
SO, I hope you have a point. It might have a little to do with what teams believe they can do against you. I suspect Baylor might be a little limited with their calls. I also believe Briles will show his arrogance and not change his play calls, thus, putting his freshman QB in some risky situations.
Taking away the freshman profiling (tOSU cleared all doubts backups can win) I don’t think Stidham will have the time to throw. I know Briles is not going to voluntarily run him. Anything he gets will be on broken plays but it won’t be part of the scheme. Briles can’t afford to lose Stidham.
What I hope to see is aggressive line play. They’ve been blitzing and stunting a lot more. I think this is intentional. It’s another thing they’ve got to teach the young QB. OU has did a great job of disguising things.
But, we’ll see.
In the words of Winston Churchill(-ish), “If at first you don’t succeed, blitz and blitz again.”
I edited my comment below: changed from “I hope you have a point” to “You have point.” I just caught that tonight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCOErYzhIVo
I offer you “The Adventures of Isabel”
What’s Baylor’s record when Josh Heupel isn’t Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator? That isn’t a question despite the question mark. Come Sunday morning, they still will have never beaten Oklahoma when Josh Heupel isn’t the offensive coordinator. It’s over for them; they had a good run.
OU has the talent to win this game same as the last two years. Baylor has the confidence, which is why they won. Baylor has proven they can beat OU home or away and the talent is much closer. If OU can consistently win the line of scrimmage and Mike doesn’t play off coverage and give the freshman QB confidence and Riley sticks with the run, I think they can win this game.
Motivation is a huge factor this year, I think OU is sufficiently motivated to win. Listen to the player interviews and you’ll hear an edge that I don’t hear week in and week out. I think they may play their best game Saturday. That said, they could play their best and still lose. It’s strength on strength and the defense is the key to this game. They have to get some stops, turnovers and force field goals.
I expect Baylor’s defense to come after Baker and do lot’s of run blitzing to see how this oline holds up and how quickly Riley gives up on the run. Should be a fun game!
What’s been kind of interesting is despite Baylor’s fast starts in the first quarter against basically everyone, they have never put up more than 3 points in the 1st quarter against Oklahoma during the Art Briles era at Baylor.
Hopefully, that trend will continue, but this time, hopefully Oklahoma’s offense doesn’t crater for the final 3 quarters. Oklahoma’s offense has been a much bigger problem against Baylor the past two seasons than Oklahoma’s defense.
Due to the offensive failures, Baylor had the ball 4 times in Oklahoma territory in the 2013 game and the ball on the Oklahoma 1 yard and the Oklahoma 38 yard line last season. You can’t do that against an offense like Baylor and not pay dearly for it.
Absolutely correct are you…sorry for the nerd moment. But seriously, I have felt that our defense has actually played well the past two years but were put such bad situations because of our lack of offense. Both years I watched saying to myself “the defense is about to break…there’s no way they keep this up against an offense like this.” The good news is, not only is our offense way better, but our defense is too.
Anyone catch what Joel klatt said on THE HERD today? it was good stuff about how the commmittee seems to be biased towards pro style offenses east of the mississippi. He said 60 percent of the teams east of the Mississippi are ranked higher in the committees poll vs ap and coaches while 0 west of Mississippi are. Also said that Osborne and Alvarez have tremendous influence on the “eye test” and they both are traditional football coaches…favoring the Iowa’s and Alabama’s of the world. He also said that in the Alabama LSU game they actually had a higher points per possession than the tcu okstate game but nobody looks at that they just look at the final score and assume the defenses are bad. He also called for OU to upset Baylor.
We win the next 3 and i don’t see how they can keep us out.
OU can only win and hopefully pass that ‘eye test’ and look like a dominant team. If Clemson doesn’t slip, they are in. You know there will be an sec team. OU needs some help from B10; tosu still plays Mich and Mich St. Iowa needs to lose. Same in the PAC. If there is a way, you know they want ND. OU has a narrow window and a lot of things have to happen beyond OU winning, unfortunately. For now, just win.
There’s a lot that can happen if we win out. OSU has to play MSU and Michigan; if they drop one of those and then beat Iowa, the B10 isn’t guaranteed a spot. Alabama has to play MSU and Auburn; if they drop one of those and then beat Florida, I can’t see a 2-loss Alabama beating out OU. Stanford could beat Notre Dame, and they drop their P12 championship game. Florida could lose to FSU, and then beat Alabama. Yeah, I know that none of these scenarios are for sure, or even the most likely outcome, but there’s a decent probability that some of these play out, opening a spot for the B12 in the playoffs.
I do. Notre dame. They would LOVE to get the irish in for the eyeballs they would draw.
Expect the loss to texas to get brought up a million times. “ND beat UT, OU lost to them”. Probably game over.
Comparative outcome of common opponents is the fourth defined criterion for selection of playoff participants.
http://www.collegefootballplayoff.com/selection-committee-protocol
The committee needs to look no further than what TCU did to Mississippi in the bowl last year to refute that point.
Who—Clemson and Ohio State? Lol!
I think what I meant there was more traditional….it’s not quote for quote.. but I honestly think they are valuing defenses or percieved defenses in their rankings.
When you have a sport that determines its champs by a vote, you have less of a sport. Let’s get every team in a conference including the Irish and BYU, and have teams decide playoff position on the field. Champs in, everyone else out.
We planned on winning every game since the texas game. We felt that Kansas State and Tech could be a challenge and we destroyed them. I think we are all ready to see just how good we are….
So, after OU defeats Baylor does the national media down play the win because the starting QB was out? I fear that they will discount the victory even though they are ranked very high.
i think they will unless we just dominate the game i.e. Texas Tech fashion
More likely the B12 will be down played in general unless OU stymies Baylor’s offense and then the media could not deny the quality of the OU defense. Otherwise the B12 is nothing more than a glorified arena football conference in the media’s eyes.
My take is this year might be the best chance OU has had in the last couple of years: Effective offensive scheme w/ an All Conf/AA worthy QB, AC/AA RBs/ AC/AA rec in Shep and defensive talent OU has not had recently. But next year will be even better with a better OL to go with all of the above ex Shep. On defense Bob has said this is the best group of DBs he has ever brought in to go with some highly talented hs AA recruits like DeBerry at LB and Gallimore DL. Plus, it’s in Norman. I see OU righting the B12 universe and I believe it begins this Saturday in Waco.
It’s a win game for a number of reasons which most have been stated in this thread. I also think how we win is going to be critical. I saw the OU/OSU youtube from one poster. How we won pushed us in one direction while it put OSU on a different path for a while.
Also, I find it interesting from so many that we are going to be better next year. Paper teams don’t do very well last I checked. Remember how 2009 was OUR year and we had all of our studs coming back. Good times right? Injuries wiped out that year which can happen next year so I focus on this team this year. We are just now coming out of the 2009 season with better talent, system, & coaches. Each year the team is different so not sure what we have next year other than paper. Win now.
I look at this game like HS playoffs. We are in the first round, lose and go home or live to play in the next round. We have 5 rounds to win the championship. It’s do or die each week.
“I imagine TFB as sort of a place where buddies are at a pub discussing OU football.”
I grabbed this quote from BigJoeBrown in his exchange below (thanks, BJB). What if, for TFBers living in and around the OKC area, we posted a time and place for the first TFB “Booze Brothers (and Sisters)” chill session? Or has that become too dangerous these days because of the internet crazies? Not gonna lie: I don’t want to get stabbed.
Of course, nobody has to reveal their online identity. Just show up. Chat OU football. Kick back a cold one. Good idea? Bad idea? Meh?
Yes! Good idea. I’ve got chili recipes that went to world cook off in Terlingua several years running. We could cut the heat by half and have delicious chili.
Chill meets chili. I like it!
No fair, RR. There are some of us who live in Ohio.
Now, if you did this around home games, yes, go ahead.
But you will need to find a way to code the conversation. There’s at least one person I think no one wants to see. Hint. Hint.
We’ll make it more ambitious: a week-long “Brainiac Expo” at the Chesapeake Arena. Mark your calendars. Exhibitors please RSVP before November 12.
You are still off the hook.
lmaoooooooooooooo
If i didnt live in lubbock id be down for that hell yes
Great idea…….but i live in Dallas
I would recognize you anywhere. I would look for a funny guy trying unsuccessfully not to be funny. I had cancer surgery a couple of years ago and can’t wait too long to go pee. When I have recently gone and start laughing hard enough to make a run, I’ll know exactly who you are.
LOL! Thanks for that, Rick. 🙂
of course its a must win game ,we’re Oklahoma ! They’re all must win games .
If Oakman goes 1st round, it is going to be a really poor GM making that selection.
BEAT BAYLOR!!
It’s got my vote.
BEAT BAYLOR INTO THE GROUND!!!
SEND PERINE HEADLONG THROUGH THE GOOFY FRESHMAN GAME-PEDE.
Looks like bear meat is on the menu this Saturday! OU needs to show up Oklahoma drill strong…….Boomer! OU ☝
Can’t think of any baylor players making it big in the NFL. Somebody look it up. I see a lot busts so far.
Those receivers are legit.
Who? Only ones I can think of is Kendall wright and williams. They are 4th option guys. 4 TDs between them
Coleman is definitely a legit NFL talent as well as Cannon. Now as for the rest (including Linwood) they are busts
Well considering the track record for baylor WRs. I expect them to be 4th options on their respective teams
sure their track record isn’t great but Baylor’s success has only most recently. Coleman and Cannon have been a part of that for awhile now. Especially Coleman.
I would like to inform you that I have begun to see what you are seeing. I watched some film on the Baylor game and realized that Coleman and Cannon both are lazy when they don’t get the ball. I could tell when Baylor was going to run or throw based on their stance. It was actually pathetic. However Jay Lee was consistent more. Our receivers are always consistent. So kudos to you.
Their WRs, a couple of their Dlinemen, their RB maybe, and some of their Olinemen.
No stars in the nfl. Heck only two decent guys in the nfl.
http://www.baylorbears.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/bears-in-the-nfl.html
Here is a list of who is in the NFL
Decent players but nothing to be proud of. Lots and lots of busts. I see that continuing
Only Mike Singletary comes to mind
Not just as a fan but as someone who watches a lot of football…I really believe we win this game. The last two seasons, our offense has put our defense in terrible situations. Our defense in both games started off playing well but our offense was stagnant at best. This leas to the defense eventually breaking as they just couldn’t keep it up. Then in the second half they eventually quit. Good news is, not only is our offense way better than the previous two season, but our defense is the best it’s been in maybe 5 years. I’m calling 45-37.
While I’d be happy with any win, I personally wouldn’t be surprised by any point margin in this game. I’ve said before that I could see us winning by anywhere between 3-30 points, and I stay by that. If we come out rolling and steal the momentum, this could turn ugly for the bears quickly.
Oh I would love to tear them simply just so the committee sees it.
What are everybody’s predictions? Mine is 52-31
50+-24
We defended them in a certain way and it included both playing tight at the LOS as well as off.
https://youtu.be/mQnsCCFsmX4
There’s really only one reason why we should play balls-to-the-wall Saturday: it’s the next game. If a player can’t get fired up for that then he’s playing the wrong sport and at the wrong school.
Bears, harumph.
http://media0.giphy.com/media/1278gtNOujpcd2/200.gif
NOT CONFIDENT BIG GAME BOB CAN GET THE JOB DONE, JUST SAYING.
NOT SURE I LIKE YOUR ATTITUDE, JUST SAYING
Check out his profile, his last three comments have all been calls to fire Coach Stoops.
A stooge for some other program.
Whadaya know: a troll.
Yep.
They are always trying to start trouble.
http://media2.giphy.com/media/svB2rDILCEAnu/200.gif
Briles just looks like a perv.
Unleash the fury of the defense and SMOTHER their freshman QB.
I believe the Sooners will win vs Baylor this Saturday and I expect a close game. Baylor has a great offense but their defense leaves OU’s offense something to work with. If the Sooners bring the explosive offense every possession that we’ve since the loss to Texas, and can play the solid defense that they know how to play, OU will be in this one from start to finish. I’ve been very impressed by the swagger that Lincoln Riley has brought back to our offense and Baker Mayfield will not bend over to Baylor. This is not the weak ass OU team of 2013 and 2014 where our offense struggled. No, fellow Sooners fans, if anything this is going to be a shootout where the better defense will win.
We just need to break serve a few times. If we can get +2 in the turnover margin, I think we’ll win.