Some Thoughts On OU vs. Iowa State
Posted on: November 8, 2015
Image via Siandhara Bonnet/The Daily
OFFENSE
* That trick play. I knew as soon as it would happen some OU fans would start bitching about it on Twitter. And while to a certain extent I understand their point — (1) Why not save that for Baylor or TCU? (2) Where was that creativity against Texas?!? — but as someone with the reputation of being the most miserable of OU fans, even I was able to enjoy that one.
* I hate to start with something that could be perceived as negative, especially after the guy went for 342 yards, 3 TDs & 0 INTs. But Baker Mayfield’s refusal to throw the ball away and ‘live to fight another day’ is becoming a problem. Not only because he tends to lose yards when trying to extend plays, but more so because it leads to him taking unnecessary hits on almost every occasion.
Oh, I also don’t know what the frack Mayfield was doing with his feet on that one TD run, but my father and I — we Skype for every game one of us isn’t at — got endless entertainment out of it.
* Also didn’t feel as though this was the strongest of performances from OU’s offensive line after having played pretty well in recent weeks. Maybe it had something to do with Jon Alvarez being out and/or maybe it was Iowa State just selling out to stop the run. I just know the o-line/run game is going to critical to OU’s chances of winning these next three games and making a potential playoff run.
* Mark Andrews…..holy wow! I mean I knew the big man could move pretty well for a guy his size after having watched a good deal of his h.s. film. But I didn’t know he could still move like that after bulking up under Schmitty. I’m not going to turn this into another pointless ‘explain to me again why he isn’t targeted more’ rant, but explain to me again why he isn’t targeted more?
* He may not be a game breaker or anything, but as a fan I’m happy for the senior season Durron Neal is having AND at this point I think OU has established him as a reliable No. 2 receiver. Which was always important to help take the focus off Sterling Shepard.
* Thought it was really good to see Daniel Brooks back out there after having missed the last couple games with an ankle injury, and did he ever impress even with a limited number of carries. Hard not for me to think he’ll have ‘change of pace’ type role in this offense over these next three games.
DEFENSE
* I had a couple people ask me on Twitter during the game whether or not Dakota Austin would remain in the starting lineup once Zack Sanchez returns. To which I was pretty quick to say ‘no’ only to the surprise of those that had asked.
I just really don’t see that happening, though I do think it’s a testament to how well Austin has played these last couple weeks that it is even a question worth asking.
I think there was a decent amount of good fortune to the interception he pulled on Saturday night, he was actually beat by a pretty good margin but was the benefactor of a poorly thrown ball. That said, to his credit the play he made on that ball was pretty damn impressive. To have not only the presence of mind, but the calmness to tip that to himself was slick. Only missed out on a second INT because of a nice play from the Iowa State WR playing defender.
* Speaking of Sanchez, I’m not entirely sure why I enjoyed it as much as I did but that whole bit of him handing out candy to guys that made big plays as they came to the sideline was easily one of the highlights of the night.
* If there was anything to be concerned about Saturday night, I thought it was the plays Joel Lanning made with his legs. And clearly it wasn’t about Saturday night, but the big picture of things considering this three game gauntlet the Sooners are about to face.
Whether it’s Jarrett Stidham, Trevone Boykin, and/or the Mason Rudolph/J.W. Walsh combo, mobile quarterbacks and this OU defense’s ability to contain them are going to be a recurring theme moving forward.
* I know you have to take into consideration the competition they’ve been facing, but man alive this OU defensive line has been so disruptive over these last several games. I know for the second straight week Charles Tapper will get the headlines, and for good reason but I just hope it continues against OLs that aren’t KU or ISU, but I thought Charles Walker was straight beastin’ on Saturday night.
* Even though I don’t recall either making any huge plays, it was obviously good to see both Devante Bond and Jordan Evans back out there.
SPECIAL TEAMS
* Your weekly spot reserved for my complete and utter bafflement as to whatever the hell it is OU believes it is trying to accomplish with its punt return team.
* If you didn’t know any better, one might think Austin Seibert is aiming for the uprights.
* I don’t know what the hell happened to Alex Ross as a kick returner, but it has to be considered easily one of the most disappointing aspects of this entire season so far. Admittedly, he’s being done few favors by those in front of him blocking. But at the same time this guy was a freaking first team All-American kick returner last year, and yet this season some might even swear dude is running with his eyes closed.
354 Comments
Russell is hurt
The D-line is going to take a lot of stress off the secondary because teams won’t know who to double team and who to leave one on one
Ross cannot find the holes, or make the cut to get there even if he does see them. He reminds me of what a 2×4 would look like trying to run with the football. Now, he is one damn fast 2×4!, but still stiff as a board nonetheless. And with our return blocking (or lack there of), we need someone with some ability to move laterally. Plus, you’d be surprised how much better the blocking looks when we have a guy who can create his own hole.
Put Mixon on kickoff returns please, and give Ross a damn fly route or two…
Pretty sure on Austin’s pick he wasn’t beat. Looked like cover 2 to me and Austin had the flat. With no real threat he kept sinking underneath. Safety was late.
exactly.
That’s it, I believe. Austin indicated as much in his post-game comments.
That’s what I was saying about Thomas too. Looked like he was playing underneath and maybe was releasing the guy too soon, but it didn’t seem to me that he was getting beat like the people around me thought. Still something we’ll have to get sorted before next week because baylor would be happy to take those plays all day and their receivers will have a good chance to break it instead of only a 10 yard gain
Dakota wasn’t beat in the slightest during that oskie. He was playing underneath and dropped back because there wasn’t anything in front. Great play.
Austin needs to stay on the field somewhere when Sanchez returns.
Nickel and Dime packages.
I believe he covers better than anyone on the team. That will be a premium the next 3.
Well, the next three, we would probably be in nickel/dime packages most the time anyway.
He’s playing better than all of the CBs. He’s gotten picked on but he is perfect for defending these offenses with his sure tackling. Also he has shown he is more than capable of ball hawking. If anyone thinks he should be replaced then they also shouldn’t bitch when Stoops is too loyal to upperclassmen/starters. Sanchez is an important part of this team but I don’t think he deserves the start just because. Drew Bledsoe was the man too.
One way to look at it but what a great problem to have.
I still think Shannon brings that something “extra” to the defense. Seems like when he is out there it isn’t long before you know it. You hear his name and see him involved. Evans is solid but until he does something you don’t even know he’s there. I saw a couple of plays where ISU picked up yards and he was just standing there with his arms out, like he was saying “what just happened?” and the rest of the defense looking at him saying “come on man”.
I say if you are injured, you are not guaranteed your starting position.
Agree
Shannon is a physical player. I like his toughness. Its nice to have both of them as options.
I think they need to go 50/50 and see which one is playing better each time. Evans will make plays that Shannon cannot but Shannon makes plays Evans can yet for some reason does not.
I loved the candy bit too. I watched Shep on the sidelines after he scored a long TD and come up to Sanchez and say something to the effect of “Give me that candy!”
Then there’s this:
Jake Trotter ESPN Staff Writer
Oklahoma WR Sterling Shepard on facing No. 6 Baylor, which has routed the Sooners the last two years. “This is one I’ve been waiting on, man. Teammates are excited. We just got hyped about it in the locker room. We’re ready to get after it.”
This step 1. Let’s get it. We’ve had a good year so far, can make it great.
Yes! Destroy them Shepard, destroy them.
I’m more worried about whether Mike is ready. We have to have a better gamelan than last year and that despicable second half.
I hear ya, Kyle, but have a little faith. The defense has grown remarkably since last year and it shows. Both communication and technique have greatly improved. The physicality also looks improved. Also remember, Mike has a whole different view of the game now as well. I expect another solid inspired performance from a well-coached defense.
I hope so. I’m expecting a better showing.
I think the key is don’t over coach. We seem to have something really special going. Fine to throw in a wrinkle or two, but don’t make huge changes to something that is working. Focus on staying focused and execution. In the past I think MS would try to design all kinds of special stuff that didn’t work.
Can I just say how impressed I am that we came out so focused the last two weeks with the gauntlet of games we have coming up. Credit to the coaching staff for sure.
That was impressive and was my biggest concern. Some previous OU teams would have just barely won a couple of those games and maybe even lost one. Focus seems to be really good and I like that they are opening up the offense regardless of the opponent. With Big 12 offenses, you cannot afford to hold much back. Like getting a 14 point lead and trying to set on it. Thinking we might really be able to run through these last 3.
It appeared to me that they were picking on Thomas more last night. It was just a curious question.
That’s what I saw. Austin’s a better tackler too. Austin opposite Sanchez?
Sanchez whiffs on more tackles than either.
Thomas has been good all season, but yes, he wasn’t up to par last night. He isn’t in danger of losing his starting spot due to one below average performance.
What is J. Thomas’ height? I know those ISU guys were all 6′ 2″ – 6′ 5″
It was just a question based off his play since being put in the starting lineup. Also the competition hasn’t been at the elite level either.
Thats a sweet picture above with the four of them hitting the banner simultaneously, and the team following behind. That one should be in the Switzer center somewhere if/when this season turns championship style…
Baker has ups like Billy Hoyle.
In regards to the punt return team, last night made it pretty clear that the goal is just to catch the ball and that’s probably why Shepard is still back there. The rest of the return team put so little effort into returns that on one there were at least six Cyclones encircling him on a catch. This all makes me think that Shepard is the best at catching punts and that’s all they’re told to do at this point.
I think Mayfield’s footwork at the goal line was just too insure no one hit him low as he crossed. Based on where the defender was, the only place he could’ve been hit was the ankles.
It totally was. He leaped to avoid one tackler, and leaped again for good measure. It sort of reminded me of the older madden games, where you could press triangle (play station) over and over again and make the player keep hopping.
The linemen on punt returns just stand there and don’t even try to block. Seriously, that’s all they do. That’s the reason SS is surrounded when the ball comes down. It’s like they even get out of the way of the kick team. And Ross? that’s putting it mildly.
I really wish the lineman would try and block at least. Fair catching or not, being totally surrounded by opposing players makes the catch all that much more difficult, and a fumble recovery (if it should occur, which is more likely with that many surrounding you…) dang near impossible.
Yep.
Havent seen the replay on youtube yet, but if you all have espn, you can go to watchespn.com or app, and watch the replay.
OU has a punt return team?
Yeah, they are the guys who are all headed toward the sidelines while Sterling fair catches the punt.
That’s funny but it’s the truth. I saw the line get blocked for a nano second and then they stood like drug store indians.
I know, and I don’t understand that. Yeah, Shep has great hands, but eveyone drops one now and then, and there is usualy NO ONE in an OU jersey anywhere near him to recover should he not handle it.
BM had to make that sweet little scissor-kick when he crossed the goal line. He just HAD to.
Looked like he was in Super Mario Brothers.
He thought the last tackler was going for his ankles, so he took evasive steps. And it looked cool, too.
After reading above, I have a question:
Ummmmm did we win? 🙂
J/k Jordon.
I did not understand Baker’s unwillingness to throw it away either – and on multiple plays. He took losses when he could have easily pitched it OB. As good as he is, and he is certainly damned good, he still has some learning to do. I just hope that it is not at the expense of an injury.
I too am ready to see if we are for real or not. Any way you cut it, Baylor is a top 10 team, knew QB and all, and this week should give us an excellent yardstick as to whether we are contenders or still a year away.
Was it me or was this Walker guy who was the announcer had a man crush on Baker. I like that he was positioning Baker for the heisman but he sold out. Must of said Baker is so athletic, most people don’t realize it. Baker this/that. If I was ISU fan watching, I would’ve turned off the sound. Again, I almost thought it was comical.
If I was an ISU fan during last night’s game, I’d have just been glad that they weren’t talking about my team.
Mayfield holds the nations best QBR, id say he deserves some love. Definitely deserves to be in the heisman mix.
It’s high cause he won’t throw it away. stats are a funny thing. I’m a fan of Baker so hopefully it isn’t taken wrong but he and the rest can always improve.
70.2% completion, 10.2 YPA, 33 total td to 4 int.
Ill take whatever bad aspects about him to get production like that.
Yeah, I think the people who complain should be forced to go back and watch every game from last year- painful. Baker is a huge upgrade. If Baker has a high completion percentage then it WOULD be lower if he’d thrown it away several of those times, right?
I couldn’t listen to that team of announcers. Can’t stand those who think they have to constantly explain the rules, such as…”only one foot inbounds in college”. Been watching football at all levels for over 60 yrs….don’t appreciate that kind of help.
Going to start with Dakota Austin. Someone said he did a good job against Coleman in hs camps. He has been great in relief. Has not been caught looking into the backfield, no busted assignments that I’ve seen. I say match him up.
I’d say start Sanchez if he’s 100%. If he’s 75%, start Austin.
The number 1 skill I look for out of a cornerback is the ability to cover. To stay with his guy throughout a game and not give up easy, wide open catches. Austin does that maybe better than any corner we have on the roster.
I have no doubt Sanchez is going to win his job back when he is healthy. I just hope if he starts getting burnt, the staff gives Austin a chance. Same with Thomas if he can’t hold up. I think Austin has shown enough to get that chance should Sanchez/Thomas struggle at all in the upcoming games.
I’m just afraid Austin isn’t going to see the field enugh for my liking when Sanchez gets back. I’m believing he should even start over Sanchez.
I would say start Austin opposite Sanchez. JT Was beaten several times and I thought he did not play well. He was easily moved by ISU receivers at los. Coleman will be jumping all over that kind of play.
Kick returns. I know if Ross were from out of state everyone would be bashing him. He seems like he’s lost confidence. Not sure if he can flip the switch and I know we are all pulling for him. However, if they make a change, my #1 pick would be Brooks.
Ross is due. And he’s going to take one to the house before the season is over.
You’re always “due” until it happens. Sometimes it does, but sometimes it doesn’t either. I would guess you to be right, at “some point” Ross will take one, but I’m not sure I’m willing to wait that long anymore. I’d rather have a guy who can get me to the 30-40 yard line nearly every time, and sometimes break one, than to have the guy who usually gets absolutely nothing, but occasionally breaks one. And bad luck for Alex, the occasionally hasn’t happened yet this year. Give me Neal or Mixon, and I would bet we see an immediate production increase back there, and better field position.
I don’t agree.
I saw several players on the kick off team banging their helmets or slapping their hands for having missed the block that got Ross tackled. It isn’t on the returner to create the lane, only to secure the ball, find it and run through it. I haven’t seen many clear lanes this year.
I don’t disagree with your thought, definitely need blockers. BUT, a more slippery returner, with both his agility, and ball carrier vision, will make it seem like there are suddenly more holes to get through. It can’t all be on Ross, but it can’t all be on the blockers either.
Stayng with defense, OU is 2nd in the nation in sacks. How that will play out against Baylor, who is 1 of the tops in ‘sacks allowed’, only 5. They get rid of the ball so fast and Stidham has unreal accuracy. But gotta think he is going to feel the pressure, at the very least, with Tapper and Walker making plays now and Bond healthy to go with Striker.
Should be able to force some mistakes from the Baylor freshman QB. He has not ever had a taste of what he is going to confront on Saturday.
Key will still be in coverage. They get the ball out so quickly that the rush doesn’t have time to disrupt . Have to stay with the receivers and break on the ball.
I don’t have any problem with what Mayfield is doing. That’s the one thing that keeps the receivers working. He’s not giving up, so they can’t either.
The thing about people with great vision, Mayfield, is that they see what others don’t see. Visionaries usually have great belief, in themselves and those surrounding them. They bring out the best in others.
How can someone not see that the persona of this team has changed. The most obvious example I can offer up is Perine. He has a little attitude this year and at times get in some sly woofing, brush of the shoulder against an opposing defender.
I’m okay with losing so long as I lose on my terms. Enough about Mayfield. Get off his back. The kid is trying to win games. He’s single-handedly lifted the potential of the offense.
Agree. The same thing that allows him to extend plays and make some great ones, is the same thing at times causes him to hold on to the ball too long at times.. You have to take the good with the bad. It’s a switch you can’t just flip. I’ll take a few of those plays where we say “he held on too long” for all those others where we say “did he really just make that play”.
But, He’s Baker Mayfield, he should know exactly the times, EVERY TIME, of when to hold and make a big play, or to just throw it away, because its obvious and so easy to see and figure out when to exactly do that, or not.
/s
Maybe not, but he shouldn’t step out of bounds, 2-3 yards behind the line of scrimmage, and take a hit while doing so. I don’t have a problem with him scrambling TO the sideline, but good QB’s know where they are on the field. Toss it out of bounds. Avoid an unnecessary shot from the defender. AND don’t lose 2-3 yards. He’s doing this once or twice a game it seems. It’s a silly mistake that needs to be corrected. I don’t think OU fans are saying don’t scramble. They just want the stupid sacks/losses that don’t have to happen to end.
I get what you’re saying. I do and I agree to a point.
I’m not comparing Mayfield to Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan but they had those same qualities. They always believed they could pull off the, seemingly, impossible. And because of that, sports fan got to witness some amazing things that made them shout “Did you see that?”
We’re going to have to live with that. He’s protecting the ball.
Thats why I said the /s. I was being totally sarcastic. I’m somewhere in the middle on this. There are certainly times where he could throw it away to save some yardage. One last night in particular where he ran out of bounds three yards behind the line (a different one than the one you referenced, cuz he didnt get hit on this one..), and took a loss, when he could have EASILY thrown it out, for an incomplete pass, and no yards lost. And there are several examples of that sort, I’m with ya there..
Exactly!
I just hate the disparity in how people view Baylor vs. how they see OU. No one is talking about how Baylor played inferior competition. They only talk about what Baylor did against that inferior competition. Mayfield is on the field, he’s always at risk just like everyone else.
I just don’t get why we are looking for the perfect game from OU. If you study anything long enough, you’re going to find something wrong. Take the most beautiful woman, she has physical or perhaps character flaws.
Isn’t a win enough?
SamSooner, wins are good. To get better at anything, you have to improve and that means football or work. That means breaking down good/bad plays. I’m not negative on OU, quite the opposite. However, Baker is not off limits for him to improve. We are pointing out how he can get better, not bashing him. He is a fighter but sometimes we don’t need that mentality to create a positive play.
Boom, I don’t disagree with you. In fact, I wish he didn’t take those losses. His play has not stalled drives as much as it’s kept them going.
You’re right: Mayfield is not off limits. So is this post: it’s not off limits. I like what Jordan has to say most of the time but it’s like it’s a stretch for him to say something positive. After the last four games, it shouldn’t be that difficult.
Sometimes I think we OU fans create a mythology around how our great teams of the past played. Sure on average the King’s teams lost what 1-1/2 games a year? But I remember the 74-75 team fumbling 10 times against Oregon still winning and games like 82-42 against Colorado.
I hear ya. On the other hand, if I had any idea way back then just how rare and special those teams were, I would have savored the experience even more than I did. I wonder how many are truly appreciating just how special this team is becoming despite whatever flaws can be found.
A win against inferior teams needs to be according to the betting line because after all, this is a beauty pageant. However, facing Baylor, TCU, and the pukes, a 1 point win will suffice.
Him not getting rid of the Football isn’t what’s really hurting this team, anyway.
Could not be happier to see Neal coming on. Would love to see Andrews on the field with Shep and Neal. And was great to see Brooks in. He has another gear and agree would be great later in the half after teams have been pounded by Samaje.
Except for the unexplainable RRS, I see this year’s team improving each game. It seems there are some of our fans are never convinced. It’s always “wait until we play______”.
Likewise, clueless poke fans and other outsiders believe this is the still the same team from the past few years. This is totally without regard for our new coaches and several new players.
Currently, I no longer have to worry if our team is even going to show up on the field. I don’t have to worry that our coaches will have them properly prepared and in the right places. Yeah, the kids make mistakes, but for the most part, I think they’re playing great at the right time of the season and look forward to the next 3 weeks.
Thank you!
Thats just the thing though. In a way, the RRS wasn’t “unexplainable,” because a loss like that has seemed to plague Bob’s teams of the past 5 years or so.. I’m with you on it seems like the team is constantly improving, and providing that “edge” that has been missing for a while. But until we can finish the FULL season again, I’m not sure I am as confident as you are. Next three weeks are certainly telling, no matter what the final three scores say. So for me I wouldn’t say “worry” so much, as I’m just ready to see a Sooner squad that are FINISHERS, and until they can prove it, I’m still a bit hesitant to believe they’ve have fully turned that corner. But lets do this!
Love the photo. Great. I hear Ozzy’s “Flying High Again” when I see it.
After watching the one-dimensional, QB-free offenses of the sec again this weekend, I really hope the BIg 12 gets a chance to play as many “Supremely Exaggerated Conference” teams as possible in the post season. I see shredding in their future.
Holy crap, guys. This team is white-hot right now. I am impressed. Baylor game tells the tale of the season. This team is night and day from the RRS!
Anyone know where I can see the game online? Don’t have dish hooked up in the new place yet, so I missed it last night.
It will probably be on youtube soon.
If you have ESPN, you can go to watchespn and watch the replay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv_4VCRsVdo
Nice! I looked there before I went to espin, but is wasnt on youtube yet. Good find!
Yeah, It didn’t show up in search for whatever reason.
Okay, thats what I thought. That bugs me, because I have a youtube app on my tv’s, and when I search for the game by title for replays, I can’t seem to get it to pop up. SO I always just have to watch the replay from the link people on here post, hence on my computer, rather than the big tv’s on the wall! lol
Huh. I would just try to keep track of the accounts that upload the games. You should be able to look at their uploads on the app, right?
I haven’t found how to search subscribers content from the tv apps yet. But you’d think its there somewhere..
Sweet! I was just there and only saw some really crappy highlights. Thanks!!
How do you find it, did you go to a certain subscriber, or just search for OU vs Iowa State 2015, cuz even after its “posted on youtube,” I still cannot find it by searching in search bar.
I found someone who uploaded the previous game and checked their uploads.
It (Baylor) is on ABC so it probably will be an over the air broadcast.
I’m super pissed at TCU for losing, b/c now the OU/TCU game probably isn’t a night game. I was hoping for one final 6pm start in Norman this year, but I’m guess now Baylor/OSU get that spot for sure, and OU/TCU gets a 2:30 start. Booooo.
I gotta admit, OSU looked pretty salty yesterday though. Probably their best game of the year. Ogbah and Washington are scary matchups.
I think that if we beat Baylor and TCU wins next week our game might very well be the night game.
Yea, still a big time matchup. Plus with all the bitching that went on earlier this year about all the 11 am kickoffs, might get a payback that week. Got to get past da bears though!
Why? It would be a 1 loss OU vs a 1 loss TCU, or a 1 loss Baylor and an undefeated OSU. OSU being undefeated wins that discussion, I’d imagine.
By far that was osu’s best performance and at a much needed time for them.
I’m kind of hoping they get the Iowa State’s again, and you know, lose to Iowa State again. Though it’ll probably bode well for us if we both win the next two..
Helps OUr chances if OSU is ranked highly
I really don’t think it’ll matter. The Big 12 is going to have a difficult time sending a 1 loss team, ANY 1 loss team, to the Playoffs, unless a lot of stuff happens between now and then.
An undefeated Clemson team belongs in the Playoff over a 1 loss Big 12 team.
And undefeated Big 10 team belongs in the Playoff over a 1 loss Big 12 team.
A 1 loss SEC team probably belongs in the Playoff over a 1 loss Big 12 team.
Stanford and ND at 1 loss would both have an argument.
Playoff picture:
Iowa and tOSU -0 losses, MSU -1 lose
Clem -0 losses, NC -1 lose
Bama -1 lose (might as well be undefeated), Fla -1 lose
Stan & Utah -1 lose
Bay & OSU -0 loses, OU & TCU -1 lose
ND 1 loss
ND = WF, BC, Stan*
Stan = Ore, Cal, ND*, PAC12 Champ*
Utah = Ari, UCLA*, Colo, PAC12 champ*
Clem = Syr, WF, SC, ACC champ
Bama = MSU, CHst, Aub, SEC Champ*
Fla = SC, FAU, FSU*, SEC Champ*
tOSU = Ill, Mst*, Mich*, Big Champ*
Iowa = Min, Pur, Neb*, Big Champ*
They need to beat ISU to help the Big 12, but I hope it’s a tough game for the Pokes.
There’s no getting around the fact that osu has a powerful offense. Losing Doctson hurt, but osu was already dominating when he was playing. About all losing him did was assure there would be no chance at a comeback. I’m glad we had some 1,2,3 play drives yesterday because Baylor and osu have a lot of those.
OSU looked good, but that was TCU’s worst performance in two years. They were out of sync, and losing Doctson killed them. This is not a typical Frog defense. Their injuries and inexperience are killing them.
I’m no OSU fan but the OSU defense make TCU out of sync. Hats off to them as they played their best and most complete game of the year.
This, the OSU D played a great game. And the TCU offense stunk for an entire half before Doctson was injured. They actually played better, on paper, without him in the 2nd half.
OSU winning was actually the best thing that could happen.
Now, in our last 3 games, we face a team with 0 losses, 1 loss, then 0 losses(if OSU wins vs baylor)
At worst, it will be 0 loss, 1 loss, 1 loss.
Had OSU lost, it would have been 0 loss, 0 loss, 2 loss(assuming OSU lost to baylor after losing to TCU)
We now have the #1 remaining SoS in the country. Our destiny is in our hands.
So assume OSU wins and loses the right games to make your point? If TCU had beaten OSU, and OSU beaten Baylor, it’d be 0, 0, 1. But you/we are splitting hairs. It isn’t going to matter that much. And I don’t like OSU having any kind of a shot at winning the Big 12 or making the Playoffs. You think their fans are bad now…..
0, 1, 0 is better than 0, 0, 1. OSU is our final chance at making an impact on the committee, its better for us if they are undefeated.
My assumption is also that we win out, so in that scenario OSU dosent make the playoffs anyway.
I get you dont like OSU, but my only concern is our chances of making the playoffs. OSU beaing TCU helped us.
im a little concerned about getting jumped by a 1 loss ND if they beat stanford. Im hoping beating a potentially top 5 undefeated OSU will get us over the hump.
I don’t care if we play day or night. Let’s take care of business against Baylor (on the road) and serve them their first loss. Being on the road, this should give us a slight edge for the quality of win, and help neutralize the effect of the OSU win vs. TCU.
So Florida curb stomps (tongue in check) that SEC powerhouse, Vandy, 9-6 (and lucky to have won it at all), have the same record as OU, and are rated in front of us in the coaches poll? Nope, SEC bias is a total fantasy, doesn’t exist.
It’s beyond absurd. LSU was exposed as a one-dimensional, QB-free team by Bama, and they’re still in the top 10. Bama’s loss to Ole Miss has been wiped from memory. As I mentioned in an ealrier post, I really hope BIg 12 teams get a shot at some sec teams in the playoff and bowls.
The trick play will force Baylor, TCU, & OSU to not get aggressive crashing down on Perine and Mixon.
Jordan, I too am completely baffled by our punt return philosophy (or lack thereof). I am a believer that you need to have either a philosophy of putting pressure on the punter and/or setting up the wall for the punt return. We simply have no rush at all on the punter and therefore he has all day to get off his best punt which means he can get plenty of hang time. Shepard has no chance for a punt return. He is always surrounded by 3 to 4 tacklers as he fair catches. In fairness to Shep, if he does try to return a punt he is going to get killed. At this point, it is what it is and what it is is not very pretty.
happy to hear I’m not alone 🙂
My only hope is we change this during the stretch. If we do, no one will be ready for it especially us as fans.
Yeah, pretty sure you’re wrong about Austin’s INT and he is a big improvement as a tackler over Zac. Also, Mayfield won the Tennessee game- he put us on his back. There are several times his instincts and natural field generalship have won us games. I’d stay off of that train if I were you. Lastly, Walker was exceptional, but Tapper was too. It’s not an either/or. Everything else I can agree with; not that it matters of course.
Austin admits to busting the coverage on that play. Good throw and its a huge gain. He made a great recovery but if he did the same thing against a good qb its a bad result. Everyone is very pleased with Baker being our QB but he has areas where he struggles and it’s painfully obvious to anyone that has a clue.
Bullshit- Landry Jones took sacks and threw the ball away- I bet you bitched about him too. Baker’s instincts and leadership has given this team a chance this year. Your clue is grown men don’t say things like “anyone who has a clue” when they are spouting an OPINION.
He can have a fiery leadership style and still understand it is silly to run out of bounds three yards behind the LOS while scrambling. We are not bashing Mayfield. He is a fine QB but there is a glaring point where he can improve.
This isn’t another OU forum I can think of. Let’s try and keep things civil. BM is not a perfect QB. If he was he wouldn’t need coaches. He is a very good QB who can be more effective in one area. If you can’t see that I would suggest looking at some film breakdowns from former players and coaches. TFB does a good job explaining these concepts and pointing out coaching points.
I’m not spouting an opinion my friend. I’m stating facts. It is 100% factual that Baker has areas where he needs to improve. It is 100% factual that he holds the ball too long, and has done a poor job throwing it away when out of the pocket.
Disagree 100% Lots of big time plays that may have won us games have occurred for one reason- Baker held the ball and made a play either with his feet or with a WR/RB who came open LATE. I agree he can improve.
you just disagreed and then agreed. fair enough
Hooknladder, easy big boy. How many D1 kids have your coached in HS? Josh has quite the resume. I agree, along with anyone who knows the QB position. I like Mayfield but he always looking for the big play. That killed us against UT. Mayfield stats are great cause he won’t throw it away. Good/bad. If he hits the underneath guy, he may make 3 – 10 yards are more. Also, I would rather him dump it off to a more athletic runner who will take the hit.
Landry is Landry and it’s painfully obvious now that he’s in the pros.
Pat Jones has a resume too- so does Bill Callahan- that doesn’t mean that every word that falls from their lips is a fact. Sometimes it’s just an opinion.
Lol can’t argue with stupid boom.
Sanchez ranked #2 in the Big 12 in tackles by a CB when he got hurt so your 1st comment is mathematically incorrect. Watch the KSU and TTU games and you will see Mayfield taking more inderneath options and the offense is more dynamic. The article is not an indictment of BM but an observation of one aspect of his game.
No you are wrong Austin was absolutely beat in the interception play, the ball was thrown short which allowed him to get it.
* beat
thanks
That’s what I’m here for.
Looked to me more like there was supposed to be a safety over the top, but he didn’t get there. Austin was likely playing under, expecting help over the top. Tough to know for sure. Great athletic play on his part, regardless.
Jordan you are pretty spot on in this one bud. Baker has a real issue holding the damn ball. When he rolls out and then just runs oob 3 yrds behind the los, just ridiculous. Also, he continues to pass up open underneath receivers because he wants the big play then ends up taking a sack. If the offense plays like they did last night and has a stretch of punt, fumble, punt, punt, punt.. they will get buried the next 3 games. He has to learn to take what the defense gives him. Mark Andrews must be on the field and own the middle of the field. He will draw so much attention from backers and safeties it will free up outside receivers and help running game also.
Defensively they need to play with more discipline, see okst v tcu. DBs weren’t great in coverage and JT trailed his receiver far too often. Do that against Baylor and it’s 88 and out the gate.
Conceding you’re going to suck at 1/3 of the game is unacceptable.
I don’t care about the final score of this game. OU plays at this level again they will not win another game.
ot……..rip just caught a nice pass for a good gain and trucked the tackler….
People who are down on Ross for the downtick in the kick return game this season often overlook how great Rip was in plowing over people on special teams. Miss him this year.
Running out of a reverse wishbone set!
Minor point but I’m watching the replay of the OU game – and they made a score announcement of the UT-Ks game, and said they were “Red River rivals.” What?
I remember that. I think they were trying to say our red river rival but it came out all wrong.
Gosh I miss Mr. Rip! What a beast
https://twitter.com/packers/status/663423203994308609
Yep! Glad my Packers picked him up. He’ll be a star for the Packers.
Awesome!
Flowers?
Flowers doesn’t play for Green Bay.
No, he was offering flowers… you know like roses, daises, etc…
Ah.
I know. I was trying to say that Flowers is nowhere near Rip and Millard yet.
Mark Andrews to me, is a first-round type of talent , he has the ability to be a game-breaking factor
Don’t know about first round, the potential is there, long way to go yet. He is fun to watch. That was quite a run after catch for a big guy.
Next year he’ll start. Westbrook, Quick, Baxter, Andrews, Mead, Smallwood, Miller, Green, Humphreys,
Ross can’t find the holes cause there isn’t a hole. He showed last year what he can do if you give him a hole. If anything, based upon the last few games of the season last year, he’s greatly improved at both reading blocks and making moves in traffic. He’s improved, but the blocking for him clearly has not. Take a look at his first down run a week ago to see what he does when given a little bit of a crease–and it wasn’t a sweep or a run wide.
He has had several decent kick returns this year, including at least one that was called back. On kick off returns (as distinct from punt) you want someone who runs north and south immediately. It’s not about shake and bake, it’s about getting directly up the field as fast as possible and getting in the lane if there is one. It’s not a mystery. They practice these plays, and he knows where the hole is supposed to be. It’s just not there.
Maybe we need to see if BJW is available for some special teams’ consultation. They were pretty good when he was here. 🙂
Alex Ross is just not a college RB. He is a freak athlete but that’s it. If he needs a gaping hole to get a gain passed the line then he’s not a RB.
We’ll agree to disagree on that. Imho, he doesn’t need a gaping hole, but he also doesn’t need a defender or defenders hitting him in the backfield. Imho, he would be a starter on many many other college teams.
Well as he rarely sees carries as a RB, you’re disagreeing with everyone.
He did run for 100 yards last week in … what… a little over a quarter.
He is a track star. He is very fast. He does not have the skillset to be a consistent contributor at RB.
Sorry, but I don’t agree. Last year as one of the three primary ball carriers, he averaged 6.8 yards per carry, the highest of the three. This year he’s averaging 5.8 per carry, second best on the team, tied with Perine. Clearly, he started out as fourth string, and depending upon Brooks’ recovery, probably still is, behind two of the best running backs ever. But if you think his performance is one of someone who “doesn’t have the skill set” to be a running back, then I (along with the coaches, who could easily keep Brooks or someone else in there with the subs) disagree with your evaluation.
Best RBs ever? Lol You’ll say anything to hold on to your opinion and that’s fine but 4th string is 4th string bud.
lol right back at ya. I’ll give you the point that Perine, even with the all time single game rushing record, may not be one of the best ever, and similarly Mixon, although I’m thinking the jury is out on both of those guys as far as their future potential.
At any rate, the point stands that I think Ross as 4th string rb behind those guys, has some talent as a running back and would play rb elsewhere. You don’t think so, and for some reason you think “everyone” agrees with you. Lol at that. We’ll just agree to disagree and move on.
I don’t mind disagreeing, but when you average almost 7 yards a carry and the coaches still play three guys in front of you, you probably aren’t really a running back. I mean if we’re gonna use stats William Perry has to be a Hall of Fame RB because his touch per TD ratio is insane.
Sorry, but I don’t agree. Last year as one of the three primary ball carriers, he averaged 6.8 yards per carry, the highest of the three. This year he’s averaging 5.8 per carry, second best on the team, tied with Perine. Clearly, he started out as fourth string, and depending upon Brooks’ recovery, probably still is, behind two of the best running backs ever. But if you think his performance is one of someone who “doesn’t have the skill set” to be a running back, then I (along with the coaches, who could easily keep Brooks or someone else in there with the subs) disagree with your evaluation.
You would pick up a couple 1st downs against the Jayhawks.
I don’t doubt he’d start elsewhere I just don’t think it’d be at RB.
Dakota Austin had terrible coverage on the interception but he made a great play on a poorly thrown ball. Win some, lose some. I know that Austin will get beat at times but he will come back and make his own competitive plays also. Especially considering he is “only” a backup I am pretty happy with his play so far.
Maybe, but it would be interesting to know if he was doing the right thing undercutting the route. It’s possible that the safety was supposed to be behind and was late. sometimes things look “terrible” when they’re not.
If you look at the coverage I believe it becomes clear that Dakota undercut on purpose. I really think he was trying to get the ball thrown his way on that play. I know people keep saying it was bad coverage that then turned into a lucky turnover. I do not see that way at all. Safety was supposed to be over top and I believe Dakota was to be underneath.
I can understand why fans want a more explosive return game. I agree with this in the kicking game. Unlike most however, I am very happy with our punt game. Think of all the teams (even us in past seasons) that lose games on muffed punts and fumbles or take fair catches on the 5 yard line. We don’t have that problem. We play solid ball control special teams and set the offense up for success.
Re: the opening play. Imho, it’s not about holding something back for TCU or Baylor or OSU, it’s about what they see is available on film, and secondarily it’s about giving those teams something to think about. Those plays are not just randomly perfect whenever you put them in, simply because of the surprise value. If Texas’ defense shows you on film that the double reverse is gonna get eaten up in the backfield before the pass ever comes open, you don’t run the play. If it’s perfect for this game, you don’t sit on it till Baylor only to discover that their tendencies are different and it might not work. I’m always concerned when I see a “trick play” that it means we need it to win, but clearly that wasn’t the case. It was beautifully timed to make sure we didn’t face “flat” or “loss of momentum” at the start of the game. Great call.
Yeah, its not like that was the only trick our bag. Besides, great coaches know how to build trick plays on top of each other so that the meat and potatoes of one trick play is only the hand waving of another trick play.
For example, it LOOKED like a double reverse (which we have run before) but that was only the hand waving that lead to a flea flicker. Riley isn’t stupid.
I think you’re right about showing Baylor and TCU something else they have to plan for. I like that.
Dakota Austin is playing great, and has definitely risen to the occasion in a big way. But, I don’t feel the need to micro manage which players the coaches think are doing the best and should be on the field once Zack returns.
Baker Mayfield stats vs. Jameis Winston’s Heisman year stats (2013). Yet Mayfield still has no Heisman talk. Meanwhile Derrick Henry is on pace to have a similar year to Mark Ingram, the most underwhelming Heisman winner I can remember.
Oh, Mayfield will end up with quite a few more rushing yards than Winston as well.
Well, there was Chris Weinke.
And Troy Smith. Both deserved the Heisman more than Ingram. 1650 yards or so is not a Heisman year, it’s an average year for most decent RB’s, especially in a Running conference.
I forgot about Troy Smith. That’s a good one. I will say there are a number of runners up who I believe were more deserving of the winner. Adrian Peterson, Toby Gerhart, Vince Young. We have had some clunkers in the last 15 years.
Yes and I’d rather not see another. Henry is a good RB, but he’s not having a Heisman year. Unfortunately he will rack up some more yards vs. teams like A&M who play no defense, too.
Thanx! I think the Heisman talk being driven by ESPin should diminish, if not cease, for the “Legend” — Leonard Fournette — given his performance yesterday. Maybe even Trevone Boykin. He kind of blew up as well. But I bet the ESPin “experts” start promoting Derrick Henry. It’s in ESPin’s best interest to push anything SEC. Hopefully, knowledgeable people will see thru that. It would help matters though if Baker has three kick-ass games vs Baylor, TCU and Okie Lite. No team in college football has a remaining strength of schedule like ours.
Spot on.
We win those three games. Top 5.
They won’t be able to ignore him.
The only Heisman talk I heard on espn was last night’s announcers.
This morning I had College Football Sunday on while I putzed around and made buttermilk pancakes. I left it on for consecutive one hour shows and NOT ONE TIME did they show the OU highlights and only heard the name mentioned when talking about our three remaining opponents.
They did show some women’s soccer highlights, though.
Hey but they did run that ALabama got a commit in the 130 range.
over and over and over
Yeah, I went to ESPin CFB to see if, by chance, their “experts” had added Baker to their list of candidates and if the “the Legend” had been demoted. Heck, they’re not even posting an article which, previously, they did almost on a daily basis. Guess ESPin took their football and went home.
Ive been trying to make a case for baker on boards, but its like people refuse to believe the stats in front of their eyes.
Hes leading the nation in QBR 9 games into the season. We are ranked 12th. You’d think he would at least be in people’s top 5, even if only 5th place.
I like that he isn’t getting much talk.
Let’s stay under the radar one more week to punish baylor.
OU gets the W’s it will be because baker is playing at a high level and he will get recognized.
Cale Gundy said two weeks ago that the major topic of conversation in coach’s meetings was how to get Andrews targeted more. One of the issues, as you know, is that he plays in the same spot that Shep plays, and I’m sure you don’t want Shep targeted less. Since Gundy’s comment, Andrews has been on the field more, and has been targeted in more situations, leading to some big plays like the one this week. Not sure why that would warrant a complaint.
arkie hc in post-game interview after upset………””I’m looking forward to hopping on the wife,” he said before quickly correcting himself. “Hopping on the plane. Hopping on the plane … with my wife. I can’t believe I just said that.”*
Completely agree with you on Alex Ross. Blocking isn’t good, Stoops has said that but can he not make anyone miss?
Only problem I had with the game (especially now that I feel like our OLine is playing better), is what you mentioned about Mayfield. I appreciate that he’s eliminated the frequent picks from his Tech days and spring ball days but his inability to throw the ball away or take the dump off pass is frustrating. Don’t get me wrong. I will take the momentarily 2-5 yard loss on every possession to get the bomb on the next play all day long. But as you’ve said, he’s taking hits on almost all of those plays and he’s losing yards. That’s eventually going to cost us an important field goal or 1st down in a game. Hopefully he can fix that soon.
I’m thrilled that this is the only complaint I can come up with at this point. Great play by the defense and our offense is regularly putting up serious points again!!! #BoomerSooner
You’d want a guy like Alex Ross to be successful, especially in kick returns. He reminds me of the way Allen Patrick had run – trying to use only speed to make people miss. As great as the offense has produced, it seems like trying to build success on special teams is overshadowed.
Re Baker holding on to the ball. While it’s possible to critique one or two plays where he doesn’t find a receiver or fails to throw the ball away, I think this is the best case scenario of the “gambler” mentality. I expect that this is one of those, “improve every week” issues, that they will work on, and as long as he continues to take care of the ball and his TD to interception ratio remains where it is, and it’s ridiculous btw, I’m gonna give him a lot of leeway before I start second guessing his judgement.
good point.
In his post game interview Baker admitted he needed to do better at throwing the ball away.
Love the way the offensive coaches are grabbing the receivers after a big play and coaching them up. It doesn’t look like just a high-five. It looks like they are talking about what they did and why it worked.
Totally agree on Neal. He’s completely stepped up and while it may go unnoticed on occasion, in addition to to the obvious big plays, he’s consistently making timely plays to keep drives alive.
Guy has been solid this season. Reminds me somewhat of Brown a few years back- gets those very important eight or ten yards that won’t show up on highlight reels.
Goodness, you would think ou almost got beat yesterday reading some people’s posts. Ou soundly beat an ISU team that gave Baylor and tcu a tough game. Baylor scored 45 on them and gave up 27, while tcu scored 45 and gave up 21. Our starting d gave up 9 points. 9 points people, I’d call that a great day. And everybody wants to talk about Dakota Austin being beat on his int, well he said in his post game interview that it was a coverage bust and he was supposed to have help over the top and he was supposed to be underneath, which explains why his coverage wasn’t very tight. He made a heck of a play on that ball and then an excellent return. Let’s all be happy that Ou dominated last night and that they have a chance to win this conference and get into the playoff. Boomer!
Austin, I agree. OU is playing great right now. I’m noticing Mayfield staying in the pocket a little more which means he trusts his OL. Dakota is playing some great ball.
I’m torn because I agree with everything you said, but your name reminds me of something terrible this season
I thought it was a coversge bust when I saw it. He didn’t turn on the jets u till after he looked back and saw no safety help. That’s something we haven’t seen in a while- bust on who has deep route.
I agree with you.
Defense shut down the top freshman RB in the country, held them to 9 points and made them turn the ball over on a 4th and goal.
All the criticisms just make no sense to me. Let the boys play and cheer them on.
Amen, brother – The team did us proud once again. You have to remember that many of those posters are the same ones that threw the team, coaches and program under the bus just a few short weeks ago. Bear with them just a bit as they have a lot of ‘crow’ to eat and a lot to learn about the realities of college football.
dittos JE
Jordan Thomas took a step back for me, seems like he was off last night.. The next 3 games are simple whoever stops the run, is able to run the ball and who can score TDs in the redzone wins. (Besides the obvious turnovers and injuries). All about the DL and OLs.
He got bored and complacent. They hadn’t thrown his way for majority of the game
He looked bored. He got ragged in his backpedal and slow on his breaks. He best shake out of it as he and this defense are about to get a marked step up in competition.
“looking bored” is the same thing as playing like crap. I think he is our best cover corner (including Sanchez) but he did not play well last night.
I think Dakota Austin may be our best corner. Tackles better and defends better. Just need to find a way to keep him on the field when Sanchez returns.
Neal is doing great but he is receiver #3
Daniel Brook is so explosive man wow
He truly is.
And I know a senior in high school just like him that isn’t being recruited.
These Baylor posts came from a post on another board. I thought some might enjoy them here.
“Ok seriously… What am I missing… They look really good. Convince me I am wrong.”
“Nothing from me. They do look good. Gonna be a helluva task, even at home.”
“I’ll go one further. I thought they look pretty average through the Texas game. Now they look like the OU teams from the Stoops hey day since then.”
“Agreed. I’m a nervous Nancy about this game.”
“Since the UT debacle, they have scored more than 55 points a game. They finally bought into Riley Lincoln’s schemes plus he knows the talent better. Mayfield has matured.”
“They are loaded for Bear.”
“Weaknesses include OL and safeties. We will beat them deep several times. I don’t they will be that effective running on us, but we better be ready to open the playbook and score a ton because right now OU is the best team in the Big 12. We are lucky to catch them at home.”
“First time Stoops brings his team to McLane, and I think Mayfield is good for 2 to 3 picks. I like our chances.”
“That blackout game in 2013 was the most electric game I’ve ever attended. Crazy atmosphere and the guys were feeding off of it. Want to duplicate that.”
“This is definitely a scary game, particularly considering how ou sucks has played since texas, and how we have played versus iowa state and kansas state. they also have significant revenge and motivation. and the Billings injury is a major concern. ”
“OU is basically who I think we figured they’d be coming into the season. I’m not sure why everyone is coming across as being shocked that there a good team. I still like our chances against them on Saturday, although I’d like them a lot better with Russell.”
Personally, I think the comment about our OL and S’s has a lot of merit.
I would much rather Baylor enter this game over-confident and complacent, underestimating us, and then we crush them.
As I watched Mark Andrews jet down the sideline I jumped out of my recliner and thought “Good Gawd that big man has some serious wheels!!”. He needs the ball A LOT more often!! Dude can flat out fly for someone his size!!
Yeah! We should bench Shepard so he can play the slot more.
Dumb
16 catches and 6 td’s is still a lot more production of out the TE spot than we have seen in a while.
This isnt 2010 when we needed broyles to catch 140 balls. This team is balanced. Riley is making an effort to get the TE involved, and andrews easily has 20+ targets(hes had a couple drops and a few overthrown balls).
More touches for him means less for our other guys. I have faith in riley’s distribution.
Andrews is a slot receiver, not a TE, for the most part. Not sure if he is what you are referring to as “TE production”. Most of his catches, he is lined up in the slot. He is listed as Shepard’s backup on the depth chart. Gundy says he is a slot receiver, not a TE.
Yep. He’s not the blocker needed at TE. Until he is, he’s stuck in a weird position of being too slow to replace the current WRs and not a good enough inside guy to replace the TE or HBack spot.
They will not make any attempt to make him an H-back. He is a receiver at OU and has probably had the most targets of any Freshman so his future as a receiver is sky high.
Ill admit i primarily watch skill guys when we are on offense, not blocking, but i was under the assumption he lined up as a blocker, ala TE role at times?
He is not a TE but he certainly has a TE type of body and that is really what we have all been clamoring for. Size, speed, and hands in the red zone. So whether he is a slot WR or a TE, I don’t really care. The bottom line is he causes match up problems.
I believe he is what they like to call a flex TE kindof like Jimmy Graham.
Right but he really is listed as Shep’s backup so he is a true Slot WR rather than a flexed TE. Its all semantics though. The bottom line is he will almost never be asked to line up tight and block.
I think there are many things to be pleased with, and many things that are still worth critiquing because there’s always room for improvement.
Glass half-full stuff:
1. I love that as much as has been said about giving Andrews the ball more, it’s slowly coming to fruition. It’s still too soon to tell, but it seems like the coaching staff is much more open to these schematic changes than the “give Millard the ball more” issues of years past. I can dream, at least.
2. Love that Neal has done as well as he has lately. Between him, Shep, and DeDe (might throw some of the other guys in there like Mixon and Andrews), there are TONS of go-to receivers in this offense, and I’m glad to see Riley and Mayfield take advantage of the talent instead of focusing on only 1 or 2 receivers like we’ve seen in years past (more on this later).
3. Seems like there’s just overall more aggression on this team than we’ve seen in a while – offensive swagger and defensive tenacity. Less recklessness, more confidence. Good to see heading into the final stretch.
4. Listening and reading the comments from the post-game interviews, there’s a lot of phrases like “buying into the system” and “we know ____ has our back.” Hopefully it’s more than empty talk.
5. Sure tackling, mostly-sound assignments, and trust in the system are difference makers.
Glass half-empty stuff:
1. OU still hasn’t played the top teams – so as much as we want to make out how great OU is looking right now, it means absolutely nothing if we cave in during the next 3 games. While it would be absolutely wonderful if OU ran the gauntlet and we could talk about Red November in the years to come (hopefully erasing talk of some Sugar Bowl victory), it is still very possible for OU to lose some or all of those games. Nothing is guaranteed, and these next few weeks will be very telling about truly how good the team is. We are still very much in the mix for an 8-5 season.
2. Agreed on Mayfield’s reluctance on getting rid of the ball. We’ve been extremely lucky/fortunate this season so far by his desire to get the long-bomb, but in the next 3-4 (possibly 5) games we’re going to be going against some of the better defenses that aren’t going to give him that kind of time. He’s going to need to be ok dumping off the ball for a 3-5 yard gain instead of taking a sack that might lead to a fumble or throwing an interception.
3. Also agreed on our not-so-special teams play. Boulware seemed to do so great in 2013, his first year on the job, and even last year Ross was doing great things. We’ve regressed, and we need to be dominant in all phases.
4. Focus is definitely a problem for our teams of late. I think it’s becoming more evident that there are individual players on the team that aren’t giving their full effort on every play. The best players give everything they’ve got on every single play. Everyone needs to be focused in…giving up or slacking off will lead to mistakes that can kill the momentum in a game.
“Boulware seemed to do so great in 2013, his first year on the job”
I am of the opinion that it’s a group effort, but since everyone wants to keep saying this, I’d say that “seemed” is the operative word there.
In 2011 under BJW the special teams were ranked 16th;
in 2012 they improved to 14th.
In 2013 under Boulware they were ranked 34th. (last year they improved to 32nd).
phil steele’s rankings.
Agreed! Seemed is the operative term here. Perception does not always reflect reality.
Ho hum. Just another game winning drive for Landry.
Why was Landry playing and what did he do? I’ve been outside most of the day and haven’t kept up with football.
Big Ben hurt his foot. On the last drive Landry hit Brown for about a 60 yard gain that put them in field goal position.
Sweet, I bet I can catch it on the sports extra. 🙂
I’m not sure if he played before the final drive. I switched over just after Oakland’s last TD.
He played two drives.
Cool.
He threw short passes to the best WR in the league and let him win the game.
Gotta love those Steelers played in SB X, XXX, and XL, so you’d have to think we have a shot to play in SB L. I mean math right?
Cowboys suck.
LANDRY JONES!!!!
..
..Laundry Jones ….did okay.
..
So where’s our next commit? Who’s the next man?
Put me in the category of those who hated that first play. When you are playing someone that you should beat, it’s critical to get off to a good start and don’t let them gain confidence. Opening up our first series with a 10-yard loss is just not wise in my book. Yeah, it worked this time, but it just seemed unnecessary. LR has been calling good games, but I don’t like that call.
I hate gimmick plays as well. It sure is fun when it works but I’d rather see our athletes moving downhill rather than laterally behind the LOS.
I understand where you are coming from. I, on the other hand, love tricksy plays. We called it “skull effing” our opponents. Makes it hard for them to focus their eyeballs if you are successful.
Bob did a lot more of it earlier in his career, and it always seemed to pay off. Not just in the immediate sense, but in the sense that it made it seem like we would try anything and could accomplish anything.
Exactly up100
Keep’em guessing.
Always look across the field with a crazy eye…..make’m shake in their boots. 🙂
Skull effum.
Uh, what does’ effum mean? LOL!
My thoughts may not always be pure, but I don’t need to express them in a vulgar manner. :->
Absolutely.
It screws teams up mentally when you pull those kinds of plays off. Makes them start thinking and slows them down.
Exiled, where have you been bro? Get your leaves to the curb yet?
While I understand where you’re coming from if it doesn’t work, I’m with EasTex.
You have to show the willingness to do that kind of stuff just to give them something else to think about.
I’m sure all of their DBs have to come to play. They will finally have to defend the whole field. Let’s make them think as much as possible.
I kind of think the LR just wants the next few opponents to have to game plan around as many things as possible- the more practice time they spend on things like this, the better.
Take a look at how many different players have scored TD’s for us this year…
We’re gonna smash ’em in the mouth anyway, right?
So true, RBear.
Went ahead and took a look-see at the stats:
5 different rushers have scored TD’s
11 different receivers have scored TD’s
(some of the 5 are also in the 11 but you get the idea)
Exactly. The last few seasons some of their players could help or not do anything at all. This year, they all have to be on guard. The LBs can’t come to bring pressure because of how LR uses Mixon, just like in the KU game. He ran right by the LBs.
Yep, well-designed- just dumped it right over the top.
Anybody know what the OU sections will be for the game this weekend? I’m looking at tickets now.
We have never been to this stadium. But, I would guess they are close to the edge of the open horseshoe. Looking in from the open end of the stadium, the seating would be on the right hand side, next to the open end. I went there for a KSU Baylor last year.
The big open area around the bottom of the pic is student section. At the far end of the student section you can see some purple people.
We ordered ours
with our season tickets and received them last week, They are in section 315.
329&131 are at the edge of the open end. 314-317 are at the top in the closed end. Those are the designated visitors sections.
love the way Austin played .. just think if got on a really good weight gain regimen this off season he could bulk up 3 or even 4 pounds to say, 76 or 77 pounds and then what a defender he would be ! whoa , lookout big 12 🙂
Ha! Gotta love CFB. He may not weigh much but he has an edge on the competition because he brings all of it. Really impressed with his play so far. Will Johnson is looking great as well.
In truth, I suspect he is closer to 150 than 170.
He’s also short enough that the bottom of his number just about goes into his pants.
He’s a gamer, though. Certainly has some moxie.
Hey, don’t be dissing us gravity challenged speed demons….we can make your knee caps hurt like hell. 🙂
You know, gravity is not only a good idea…it’s the LAW!
Much better than the original concept of velcro!
about the trick play ..
Dimitri Flowers has been working hard and deserved his big play . It might not have worked so well against a faster team , so good for him .
Who complains about a 70 yard Fullback touchdown?
You either didn’t play, or you were a skinny, if you don’t find absolute joy in the Fullback scoring from that kind of distance.
I’ve seen it already today…just sayin. 🙂
OU fans. 🙂
The trailing defender on the reverse peeled off and was just a step away from blowing that play up. Pretty ballsy of Baker to step into that throw and put it on target.
Shepard could have kept that ball.
I’m going to assume Riley has at least three options he can run off of that play.
and now the other teams must prepare
It’s a beautiful thing.
yep, one that includes Shepard throwing it or keeping it.
If OU, Bama, and ND all make the playoffs can you imagine the marketing?
TV would rather have Ohio State than OU. Way bigger fan base. ESPN would prefer to have a 2nd sec team or texas
Was Austin beaten on the play he makes the pic? It looked to me like he released the receiver to the safety over the top and played underneath coverage and just watched the QB’s eyes.
I believe it has been a topic of discussion here today. Austin reportedly says he was not beaten, it was a safety bust on the play, some here say it was on Austin. Someone is lying, just don’t ask me who. 🙂
I saw Austin’s post-game interview, the safety didn’t get over.
From the looks of the film A. Thomas is absolutely supposed to be help over the top. I mean I know he wasn’t supposed to just be standing next to D. Alexander like he was.
I posted earlier today on this subject, Austin said in his post game interview that he was supposed to have over the top help from the safety and that it was a coverage bust. Heck of a play on his part to turn it into a big play for the good guys!
OU opens as a five point dog. Who wants to bet the farm?
Where My Dogs At?
My mom would say “after the at”. 🙂
And I would say never end a sentence that way, but that’s what the Sooners say when they are getting ready to leave the locker room for a game.
Anybody remember this song. http://youtu.be/DvWZK7Cuj_A
Remember it well.
Down to 4 at my book. If it gets to three, I’m putting a little down on Baylor. That way, either OU wins a BIG game, or I win a little money. 🙂
LOL!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub8uMcLiKJk
May as well be a pick’em.
good, want to be underdogs
Heard it opened 7 and immediately dropped to 5. Don’t know if that is true or not.
Could have. I expect it to move around all week.
Don’t want the points, don’t need the points. I’m taking the money-line. Conservatively, it should come out at +150 or better(1 1/2-to-1). By the way, I live in NV where such behavior is allowed to free men.
Coach Stoops show is on at 7p.m. FSSW.
I’ll be watching.
We’re the players brown, samia and lindley? I caught the very last part.
Yes.
For the number crunchers out there:
http://stats.ncaa.org/team/index/12240?org_id=522.0
Lots of good numbers but..
1) rush defense.. Baylor is a running team. 75% of their plays are run or PA. Need to eliminate that.. Period.
2) red zone offense. Need tds No fgs.
I will be saying all week.
We are not losing to a true freshmen QB ( I can’t be more profound)!
Big thank you to hambone694 again for the Sooner highlights.
https://youtu.be/dcoCUlNMBTo
hambone is the new holakyle.
So last night when I was watching the game I knew Charles Walker was making plays, but wow! He was all over the place in that highlight video. I didn’t realize he made that many big plays last night.
I want to know changed since 2010? https://youtu.be/pQiirpgJzBE
Hope Baylor has enjoyed this little win streak they’re on against us.. Because it all comes to an end Saturday! The bear hunt starts at 8 Saturday night boys(I’m on eastern time) and I’ve got a feeling we’re not coming home empty handed.
I hope. We beat them in 2012. I am angry. We need to score and score.
I hope the team plays angry.
I hope our defense rattles the He!! out of that freshman QB! I won’t our D to step up and show us something this weekend!
Different players for both teams is the biggest difference. Baylor has recruited better since and we had several players on that team who went on to sign with an NFL team.
Why have they beaten us two in a row? Better players? Or did we not have a competent offense?
RG3 opened some recruiting doors for them and yes, we wondered the desert for a while looking for an identity.
Not just any one thing. Better players at certain positions. A good scheme on offense. Momentum. Confidence.
This was the first OU game I went to. Watching Murray run down the sideline was amazing. I’ll never forget it.
J Esco
Oh, I also don’t know what the frack Mayfield was doing with his feet on that one TD run, but my father and I — we Skype for every game one of us isn’t at — got endless entertainment out of it.
Did you see the Ahmad Bradshaw highlights today? It must be something in the water.
That sweet little scissor-kick was something he did on a touchdown pass too.
Watching a replay of the game, he went running down the field after a touchdown pass and on the replay you could see he did that same sweet little scissor-kick.
Whatup, BM?
I’m guessing he was one of those kids that jumped up and down on the furniture and drove his parents crazy. 🙂
The scissor kick. “Jump”.
Qbs in the nfl to do that as well.
Aaron Rodgers learned it from Brett Favre.
Keeps shoulders square also keeps their arm in motion to the WR in case they get hit from a defender. Awhile running, keeps your motion forward.
Def looks funny 🙂
Dakota Austin has played so well. What I have been really impressed with is his tackling especially at his size. Coverage has been great. Really hope they give him a chance.
The other guy that has been incredible is Will Johnson. Played every play like its his last and for the life of me I can’t figure out why he wasn’t playing sooner.
He had to learn the position as he had been working a different position since he came on board in January. Once he had demonstrated in practice he understood his assignments he has been Aces.
I’ve been saying since before this season.
If we can find someone to play the Nickle in order to keep Parker at safety
This defense can be special.
Will Johnson has been an asset. I hope he can continue to play well going into this nov gauntlet
Did anyone else notice the little wrinkle we added with Perine? He kind of shuffles off to the side and Mayfield pitches to him. It get’s him on the outside, but with his shoulder square to the line of scrimmage. Suddenly Perine is now an outside runner rather than going between the tackles. Nice little wrinkle to take advantage of his strengths.
Whatever they can do to get mixon or perine in space or favorable blocking numbers is great. What I want to see is the counter plays out of the shotgun…worked wonders for Texas against us.
Maybe it’s just me, but I would love to see Dakota Austin or Daniel Brooks returning kicks (punts & kickoffs). Those shifty types with moves can’t be any worse than what we have seen this year, so far!
I agree but hands and seniority usually win out on that decision
sammy delivers strike to beat the girls…..nice to see him happy after a game
Yeah!!!! Sammy!!! and Happy Birthday.
Happy birthday, Sammy B! That was awesome! 😀
Loved it!
Not for a Cowboys fan. 🙁
Yeah, thankfully the Cowboys fan in our house fell asleep after first quarter. It allowed me to root for the Eagles without hiding it.
From the baby bear boards…
These **** talking douche bags lost to the worst UT team I’ve seen since 1998. The combined record of teams they’ve beaten is around .480.. Tulsa had them on the ropes and they knew it.
Their coaches are so pussed out afraid they ratted out one of their own former players as a spy.
48-14, Baylor effin Bears
if any OU fans are reading this, just know we are going to take that drag queen ****** you call a president and send him back to the. Norman gay bar where he belongs.
For a Baptist school, their women are really crude…..
Diversity is a wonderful thing.
Amazing the type of fans newfound success after years of failure will attract. She will probably sell her new Baylor shirt after we kick their asses.
Does she kiss Baby Jesus with that mouth?
Anybody excited about the baylor game?