Sooners News Daily 9.29.15

FOOTBALL

Maybe it’s just in my head, but I feel like this happens more than it needs to in recent years.

Baker Mayfield must be careful against Mountaineers (TW)

Don’t expect to see Eric Striker and Devante Bond on the field at the same time (NewsOK)

As expected, a third straight 11am kickoff for OU.

poooooooooooooooooor Texas

Pretty cool pic

OTHER

There’s a 100% chance Golloway wrote this himself, right?

204 Comments

  • WilliamJack says:

    BOOMER SOONER! Beat WV!

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    Holgerson really shouldn’t be too confident. The OU teams he faced in 2013 and 2014 were offensively challenged even with the veteran O-line we had. He isn’t facing those offenses. We have more skill guys even though the O-line has thus far underwelmed IMHO.

    • Stephen Dale says:

      It is difficult analyzing the WV team because it has yet to face a team with a pulse.. that will change somewhat Saturday but, on a wet & blustery field, I think WV will ‘out athlete’ OU by a couple of td’s ( primarily winning the turnover battle and field position )….this is , in many ways, a do or die year for Holgerson. This is admittedly his best team so excuses won’t suffice if the Mountaineers don’t challenge for one of the top 3-4 spots in the league and win 8-9 games…………..

  • Golfluvr13 says:

    Really?? Seriously?? There are morons out there that want the Sooners to change their mascot and name??? Get a life losers!

    http://www.foxsports.com/southwest/story/oklahoma-has-no-plans-to-change-its-mascot-092815

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    I am not a D1 coach. Coached some secondary at the HS (3A) level and a short stint at Pasadena CC, but I do not understand why we can’t get both Striker and Bond on the field at the same time at least on 1st or 3rd down. Is it because one or both are at a disadvantage against an air-raid? Or are they weak against the run? I see Tapper/Dimon and I think their only taking up space, but not getting to the QB…as well as giving up rushing yards (Tulsa). Bond could do that, right? I am pretty sure we are going to see a 3 man rush and 8 cover guys quite often. This will include 2 inside backers playing outside, leaving the middle at the second level open. The three man Dline that does not include Bond better stop the run this game. Perhaps a line with Walker, Wade, Sriker and Bond at times could get pressure.

    Either way, the wolves better show up Saturday.

    • Stephen Dale says:

      Stoops mentioned in today’s D.O. neither Striker or Bond were effective as defenders in space against 4 or 5 man receiver formations, which, addresses your question as to why they are not on the field together much…..

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        Yeah I read that after I posted. Thanks. Well, unless the DT or Tapper and Dimon can push their man into the backfield it might be a long day.

        • Boom says:

          Which would mean, 3 guys pushing 5 OL back. The rush has to come from others as these 3 will tie up the OL. We will have to do a blitz from all over but they come with big risks. We will take our shots but if we get 1 – 3 sacks, that’s huge day for any team. Goal is to get hurries or take the QB out of his rhythm.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      Because neither are good in coverage, and neither are adequate against the run in those formations.

    • SamSooner says:

      I choose to focus on what we do well as opposed to what might be a weakness.
      OU will be just fine. Eleven people have to do there job and be effective. That goes for the offense as well as the defense, and special teams.

      The team that executes the best will win: it’s all about blocking, tackling, routes, catching the ball, running the ball, ball security, etc.

    • James Gustina says:

      Striker and Bond don’t run well in our a lot of our Nickel packages because it requires our LBs to be halfway competent at pass coverage over the middle (which neither of them are sadly). You simply can’t afford to bring two pass rushers on the field when you need to cover the quick in while the safeties are pulled back on their cloud.

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  • JrsySooner says:

    I have a question . ..why do our d linemen go head to head
    I think stunting slanting shifting is more effective…this makes o linemen think
    also why don’t we jam receivers on the line..doing so takes a split second off the timing and slows the play down
    I like 4 1 5 with bond in the middle protecting run or covering te
    I think you can play both if you think it thru

    • Zack says:

      They did some stunts early on. I have no clue why we don’t try to jam receivers

      • CPSooner says:

        I think our CBs are not big / physical enough to disrupt the route that much. Plus once the WR gets past them, our S’s are not very fast, Parker is pretty good, but Thomas and Byrd are not much help deep. Hopefully in the near future we can get some more physical corners and some speed in centerfield.

        • Zack says:

          JT and PJ are supposed to be guys that can play bump in run. What I don’t understand is allowing the WRs free releases to go whichever way they want, I’m not a defensive mind but i would shade my corners to the inside, play tight coverage and force the WR to the sideline (much easier said than done I’m sure but still) it’s tough to make throws consistently outside the numbers.

          • CPSooner says:

            I agree, I hate to see the opponents WR just get off the line without a fight, but I think we’re playing not to get beat deep, trusting the D to tackle after the catch and trust that if the opposing O has to take 12 snaps to move the ball down to score, that they’re bound to mess something up at some point (bad throw, dropped ball, penalties) and we can hold….Bend but don’t break mentality. I’d much rather be attacking style D that forces things, I just don’t think we have the personnel right now to be that. PJ will be there one day, just not there yet as a true frosh, JT hasn’t played much for various reasons, so we’ll see as the year progresses. Sanchez is just not physical at all, I like his playmaking ability, but he’s not going to impose his will on very many people.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      If we’re only playing 1 LB, why would it be Bond, and not Evans or Dom?

    • Eric Hoffpauir says:

      Stunting and slanting are great, except when the offense goes the other way. Guess right, and the D gets a no gain or a loss. Guess wrong, and the D probably gives up a big gain.

    • Daryl says:

      We have done some stunting and quite a bit of twisting with our D-Line. Go back and watch Tulsa game and you will see why we don’t jam at the line. We are not very good at it, though I would like to see us Jam more. Though Sanchez especially is not the biggest so against big WRs I would think that is a hard assignment for him.

      I don’t mind a 4-1-5 except but since the rules will let us put one more player on the field I would prefer a 4-2-5 or a 4-1-6

  • Zack says:

    I don’t have a problem with players calling for the crowd to be alive. We do have a lifeless 85k if you ask me. I hate striping stadiums just do a white out.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      I would hate a white out even more. Not all OU fans own white OU gear. It’s why I hate that my section is always white during a striping game. They should find a way to mix that up. At least they finally realized it is better to do this while it’s still warm. You know how hard it is to find white OU gear that is warm? Again, most OU fans don’t own a white OU coat. lol

      • Zack says:

        Then do all red but striping is overrated.

      • Ed Cotter says:

        Hey, just wear red then. I did that for the ND game a few years back. Thankfully my section this year is red. 🙂

      • Fear The Magic says:

        Id like to see a white out actually. You’d have 86,000 people in white. 2,000 in blue and gold and one person in Burnt orange. That would be Stephen Dale. It’ll be like playing Wheres Waldo.

      • dallassooner says:

        You can but a white t shirt at Wal Mart for about $4 and a long sleeve one for about $6.

        • SoonerfanTU says:

          Yeah, I don’t buy my clothes from Walmart, but thanks.

          • Krys Allen says:

            So you’re too poor to buy a white OU shirt but don’t shop at walmart… got it.

          • SoonerfanTU says:

            Cute. It’s not a matter of having the money or not, but you already know that. Go be a d*ck elsewhere.

          • Krys Allen says:

            “Yeah, I don’t buy my clothes from Walmart, but thanks.”

            Act like a d*ck, and I will in return…

          • Defend Colfax says:

            Standing up for little ol WalMart?

          • Krys Allen says:

            Not really standing up for wal-mart, just the people out there who can only afford to shop at wal-mart. I just thought it was pretty immature and decided to call him out on it.

          • Defend Colfax says:

            There are cheaper routes than Wal Mart. I don’t think he ruled any of those out. But I was just here to get a jab a Wally world.

          • SoonerfanTU says:

            I’m sorry you aren’t very smart. There are places that have clothing every bit as cheap as Walmart. But Walmart carries crap brands that fit and look like crap. I just laugh when I walk buy their selection of college clothing. Sorry I hit a nerve. Wear your Walmart OU shirt with pride!

          • Krys Allen says:

            Ouch, real zinger there. Great job.

      • jimintexas says:

        Over the years I have one white OU shirt and one white OU sweatshirt that I only wear for stripe-the-stadium week. I only wish they would change it up and let every fan have the joy of buying something that is useless except one day a year.

    • CS says:

      Agree with your first point, been to many games, student section and also other sections, they are pretty quiet, only ND and Tech were real loud games. Most of the crowd doesn’t bother getting into it much.

      Wonder how the sound effect will be when they bowl the stadium in, pretty sure it could increase the decibel levels.

      I like the stripe the stadium thingy, it looks really cool, atleast for night games, and we usually do a great job pulling it off.

      • Soonerfandave84 says:

        I get in trouble with the people around me because I wont sit down and be quiet

        • ouwooferman says:

          dave, Sit down you dont make a good window. SHUT IT TOO> LMAO.

        • Jared William Reininger says:

          I bought some tickets one year and I was down on the 8th row. The couple in front of me kept complaining in a very passive aggressive way of “I just hate when people yell and stuff, the players can’t even hear you.” I wanted to slap some crimson and cream pride in them and say, when there are 85k of us they can, and if you gotta problem with it, go watch the damn game at home. Why would you even go to the game if it wasn’t for the atmosphere and everything. Blows my mind.

          • Soonerfandave84 says:

            lol exactly, if you want to go to be quiet thats up to you but dont complain when I go to be loud

          • Jared William Reininger says:

            Exactly. I remember being at TTU game in 2008….wow…..just wow. That was such an intense game and maybe the only one I remember where damn near every single person was yelling as loud as they could.

          • Soonerfandave84 says:

            Okie State in 2003 was pretty loud and I think Bob even said he wanted the crowd to be just like that every game

          • Soonerfan24 says:

            Ever since some people around me cheered when TK9 got hurt against Baylor, I’ve trying my hardest to zone out other fans.

          • Soonerfandave84 says:

            i wouldve slapped someone for that, glad I wasn’t at that game

          • Jared William Reininger says:

            I remember turning around and telling someone to have some class and that he was just another student athlete. I mean beyond horrible, honestly made me ashamed to be wearing the same colors as them.

          • Oscar says:

            OMG. That would make my blood boil. I get still get tired of crap fans slamming on Trevor. I have not been to the stadium in a long long time. I would be absolutely stunned if this happened around me.

          • tfb_fortyseven says:

            And texas fans were cheering when Bradford went down the second time … unforgivable.

          • Travis Coyle says:

            That’s crazy

        • Brad Warren says:

          Happens at every stadium. I’ve been to a million OU games home and away. It’s always an old lady bitching about somebody standing up. It’s not exclusive to Norman and it’s asinine to suggest as much.

        • Oscar says:

          quiet please. stop typing.

        • Golfluvr13 says:

          I was actually asked to sit down at a home opener a few years ago. I was like, if you don’t want to stand and cheer WHY ARE YOU HERE?

    • MrBigsby says:

      Unfortunately, it’s necessary in today’s world. It’s only going to get worse as OU requires higher and higher donations in order to have seats. What they are doing is eliminating the youth (read loud) and inviting the gray hairs (read quiet). In order to have a loud stadium, you need plenty of loud, rowdy, youth. The old gray hairs will sit on their butts and golf clap after a good play.

    • BigJoeBrown says:

      I am not a fan of striping the stadiums as well. The white out’s are what I always thought was cool.

      As for making it like Neyland wasn’t there an article about how they had microphones and speakers out on the field, and some of the noise was produced or enhanced per se? Yes, not every game is rocking. The big games are always the exciting ones. It’s that way everywhere, even in SEC country. Tennesse didn’t break the decible record playing Vanderbilt, Alabama or Bowling Green. Little Brother has a hard time filling Boone Pickens, but when the Sooners come to town they go all out. OU is just a big name program, so it’s a big deal when the Sooners come to town because we are still seen as an elite program. No matter what the record.

      I was at the Baylor game last year, and went to the bowl game. And let me tell you…sometimes it’s just hard to cheer.

    • Daryl says:

      I agree. This may sound dumb, but I think that Bob and players need to talk about it more. The reality is that a very large percentage of the fans never played football. Therefore, they have no idea how the crowd noise effects players on the field. That is why Bob and players need to talk about it. Not to get on fans but to help educate them on how much a loud crowd can affect an opposing offense. Especially, an up tempo offense. Whenever you can make a team have to use hand singles over calls it just helps you as home defense to know what is coming and to throw the offenses timing off.

      2008 TTU was an the most insane atmosphere I have experienced in Norman and it really did cause problems for a very very good TTU offense, and energized our guys more than usual. So tell them about it coach and players.

  • SoonerfanTU says:

    Selling my two tickets to OU/WVU. Won’t be able to make it to Norman. Face value is $190 for the pair, I’m asking $150. Tickets are in the Tulsa area. Seats are in Section 37.

  • Randy says:

    I believe OU comes out with the Tenn look of 4 LBs but WV comes out with a 5 WR set.. It seems like WV is usually a step ahead in game planning at least early as always both teams will adjust… Either way the CBs CANNOT let guys catch 9yd hitch routes, and Byrd and Thomas have to get deeper than the deepest routes then come up and punish the smaller WRs..

  • MrBigsby says:

    Yes, WV is the statistical leader in scoring defense, but since they’ve yet to play a team with a pulse, does it really matter?

    • cdzendolet says:

      I wouldn’t count Georgia Southern as a team without a pulse. Aside from their shutout against WVU, they are averaging 40+ pts a game and have the 4th ranked rushing offense with 358 rushing ypg. They went 9-3 last year in their first year in the FBS and were one of the most consistent winning programs in the FCS for a long time. What WVU did to them worries me a bit.

      • EasTex says:

        GSU has wins over W. Mich(1-3), Citadel(2-2) and Idaho(1-3). I can’t give wvu credit for beating a juggernaut at home on opening day.
        I will give wvu credit for showing a more balanced offense than in years past and an improved defense.
        Still not worried, just looking forward to a good game.

      • MrBigsby says:

        I’m not saying WV won’t be the best defense we have faced, just not willing to give them credit as the TOP defense in the country (stats lie).

        • cdzendolet says:

          I wouldn’t call them the top defense either, just that Maryland, while being not that great, is still a P5 team that shouldn’t just be dismissed, and Ga. Southern is a team that could probably beat most teams in the FBS. WVU shutting them down indicates a pretty decent, if not pretty good, defense

          • CS says:

            I agree that WVU def deserves credit. But, I am going to be skeptical of the stats on social media telling me that they have the best scoring defense, they have the best scoring offense blah blah. You should consider the opponents a team plays and then look at the stats along with it.

            Just like Baylor boasting that they have the best offense in college football so far. They could very well be that but they have beaten teams that look like they have scout players on defense.

            Should be a good game, the one coming up, we will know how legit the WVU D really is (which I believe is just good but not great).

            Edit: BTW, you can’t have an elite defense with just an elite secondary, ask Colvin, TJeff and Hurst, if your def line sucks you gonna be burnt a lot. We will know if WVU has just some good players or a good defense.

          • cdzendolet says:

            I agree with you on pretty much all points – stats for defense and offense don’t really show the full picture until you hit your conference play, and really not until late in the season when you have a much bigger picture to look at.

          • Eric Hoffpauir says:

            WVU’s D is good even adjusting for opponent.

      • DCinAZ says:

        G Southern just runs the option all game long.

    • soonermusic says:

      It matters because Holgerson said this is the best defense he’s had in 20 years of coaching. I’d pay attention to that way more than whatever their record is. Coaches at that level don’t just go spouting off about stuff like that. I think it should be a major concern.

      • MrBigsby says:

        Yeah, I remember the last time Bob spouted off about having a pretty good team. That didn’t work out so well for us then. But you guys are reading way too much into my comment. In no way did I discount their defense, just trying to point out that stats lie.

  • Matt says:

    This game becomes more and more worrisome to me the closer it gets guys..somebody tell me why we’re going to win!

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      The OL plays a lot better and Samaje Perine duplicates his game vs WVU last year

      • Fear The Magic says:

        I hope you’re right but unfortunately I don’t think thats going to happen.
        WVUs defense is better than last year and our OLine is obviously not as good.
        We can win this game but if we do I see it as more because of a stronger passing attack this year.

        • Soonerfandave84 says:

          Yeah I agree, just being hopeful. I actually think OUs D and special teams play a huge role in this one

        • SoonerOracle737 says:

          Our D is better and so is our O. We win with more offensive firepower than WVU. I’d say 42-31 good guys.

    • Matt says:

      and keep Stephen Dale away!

    • Exiled In Ohio says:

      We stop their run despite being in the nickel all game, and our DBs play much better. WVU scores 24, but that’s well short of our 38. And, to clarify, 38 > 24 and that’s why we win.

      • Zack says:

        That sounds about right. Maybe a late score from them that doesn’t matter overall I can see 42-31. I can only see a defensive style game if ou comes out tentative on offense but I think we will keep things rolling after Tulsa in which I don’t think we punted once?

    • Scott says:

      We have a Perine

    • CS says:

      Has it ever happened that we are not worried about a game? Its only natural, however, since we know we are the OKLAHOMA SOONERS and everyone wants to make a name by beating us.

      Now, reasons we will win, we are better than last year on both sides of the ball. We have played in a tough, close game in front of a hostile crowd and proved we are not fazed. We know we are mentally prepared for a slug fest, we have had a live audition while WVU is going to be new to that and its going to be a difference.

    • Brad Warren says:

      Because we’re better than wv. Pretty simple.

      • John Garner says:

        Brilliant! As “lebval” pointed out above, we’re not Liberty, Georgia Southern or a bad Maryland team. That’s who WVU has played and beaten so far.

    • soonermusic says:

      Because our defense is going to show up and keep us in the game. 🙂

    • EasTex says:

      Because we also have Coach Smitty and Coach Tiff.
      http://www.1037thebuzz.com/!userfiles/fun%20fingers2.jpg

  • lebval15 says:

    Of course WVU’s defense is statistically good so far, they’ve played Georgia southern, Liberty and a bad Maryland team.

  • Soonerfan24 says:

    I’ve seen some people mention this in the past, but if teams go with an empty set in the future, do you think OU will deploy a 2-4-5 with Striker and Bond on the outside?

    • Maverick says:

      Usually the teams that go empty do so without subbing with a rb in the game. So I would say it’s difficult sub in players specifically for that.

  • SamSooner says:

    It’s just a thought folks, but this would be my base defense for the spread. I know there are people who are a lot smarter than I am but, I like what I see here. I think for the first time, OU could make defenses adjust to them. This way, you keep your best players on the field.

    We have enough DLs to rotate. We’re deep at that unit.

    • Oscar says:

      I would start running my linebacker, running at the the center from 10 yards back anticipating the snap, and let him choose his gap at the last second. Do this every play and knock that QB on his butt.

      • SamSooner says:

        That’s exactly my point. Get to the QB and make him start rushing his throws. He will be far less accurate as the game progresses.

      • tfb_fortyseven says:

        Mike would abandon this setup once Sanchez gets burned long … see the ‘X’ near box #2. The thing I love about your ‘setup’ is that you’re willing to experiment and do things out of the norm. I firmly believe THAT mindset is what it’s going to take for a DC and crew to effectively stop the spread. Look how long it took for teams to effectively stop the ‘bone? Some one, or some group, needs to start thinking outside the box and come up with scheme(s) that work for the college player. I mean hey, the pros aren’t dependent on slants and the reason is they don’t work enough to carry the offense. Pro defenses know how to combat the spread. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Mike’s scheme. I think we should all petition OU to add elective research courses designed to help Mike out. 😉

        • SamSooner says:

          TFB 47, I agree. DCs have to experiment. The best way to help your player is to limit what they have to think about. That DB you’re referring to is the only one with soft coverage because that’s the boundary side. That’s a shorter throw for the QB, who could potentially hit a deeper throw. This is the only player who plays bend but don’t break. And if you see you’re going to get beat, tackle the WR.

          You have to make the QB and the OC think. The QB has to think faster because with all of that pressure coming at you, time is limited. We worry about time between plays and never about the time to execute a play. If they want to play fast, make them play fast the whole time.

          Getting hit almost every time puts accuracy, decision making at risk.

          • tfb_fortyseven says:

            I totally agree but the two-step drop virtually assures the QB won’t get hit .. IF he can get rid of the ball that fast. So, my take is that the D-line has to get in the way somehow on these quick drops. Not sure how, but they need to put their big bodies in the passing lanes – if even for a few seconds – then continue their rush. This is definitely a challenge for mike, and if he can overcome it, he’ll be known as the DC who stopped the spread. Serious fame and fortune!

          • EasTex says:

            The wvu QB is 6’0″. If they can take away his passing lanes some how, I have no idea how mobile he is or how accurate he is throwing on the run.

        • Oscar says:

          Would it be available in Continuing Ed Outreach? (online) I’ll do it!

          • tfb_fortyseven says:

            I’d come back to school to take a few of such courses. It’d certainly be interesting, and who knows how creative people who think “outside the box” could actually get?!!

    • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

      Aw. Hugs vs. kisses. I love you too, SamSooner. 🙂

      • SamSooner says:

        I’m going to hug them, alright.

      • SamSooner says:

        What’s up, RR?

        • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

          Not much, man. Just scanning the morning usual. That and seeking affirmation for my suspicions that OU is better than the haters say, that WVU is worse than the doom-and-glooms fear, and that the Charlie Strong experiment is a circus tent in flames.

          How ’bout choo, brother man?

          • SamSooner says:

            I am good. I am also content to watch texsa eat its young.

            I choose to believe OU will always come out ahead. Not like some who just don’t have enough faith. This team has not did anything to cause me to doubt them.

            I was watching the Tulsa game again, the offensive line looked great, in my opinion.

          • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

            Heck yeah. I’m pumped. Exciting match-ups (not to be confused with mash-ups, though those are fun, too) are what this game is all about, nam sayin’?

    • DCinAZ says:

      That looks incredibly vulnerable to RB screens and or the H-Back/Fullback slipping out of the backfield to the middle of the field which would be empty.

      • SamSooner says:

        Yep, that QB looks extremely vulnerable.

        You can play this how you’d like to. You could not rush a LB in order to account for the RB.

        You could move two LBs to the same side.

        Regardless of what happens, anything is better than letting a QB pick you apart because he’s got all day to find a receiver. We know that coverage will break down at some point. Let’s give the DBs as much help as we can.

        You take away complicated routes, which means less thinking by the DBs.

        Remember, make the QB feel some pain.

        • DCinAZ says:

          Not a bad plan. I’d like to add a chaos front to it with lots of movement and Dline standing up. If their O is going to stand there and watch you line up so they can call the perfectly play and change their routes based upon your DB alignment, cause as much chaos as you can with movement instead of letting them just sit there and read your defense.

          • SamSooner says:

            I agree with you 100%. Disguise where the pressure is coming from by using stunts and twists, rushing the LBs, and not rushing LBs, dropping the DL into coverage. In short, refuse to be predictable.

            I mean you can eliminate so much: no more defensive calls or use signals to get in assignments but the lineup is pretty much the same.

            The big thing is making the offense play faster and think faster than they are used to. Imagine a WR cutting his route shorter because he feels he needs to be available.

            Time, taking away time is the best defensive approach.

          • DCinAZ says:

            Exactly. Line up a certain way and let them look to the sidelines and once they start barking out their changes, everybody starts moving including the DBs. Baylor’s offense wins because defenses stay in their alignments while they look to the sidelines. If everybody starts moving while they’re looking at the sidelines or as they make their adjustments prior to the snap, it will cause lots of confusion and TOs on their part and frustrate their QB. Just standing there lined up is a sure fire loser every time and it makes me crazy watching coordinators do this time and time again.
            Half the battle is causing confusion on their sidelines IMO prior to the snap. Confuse their Oline blocking assignment reads and the WR routes with chaos and pressure. All the time.

          • SamSooner says:

            You got it.

            I mean, this is one alignment we could have called in the Tulsa game. We could have easily reached the QB in less than three seconds. No way everyone gets blocked. Somebody gets to the QB.

          • DCinAZ says:

            Yup. QB needs to get hit early and often, relentlessly.
            Saw the Packers do something interesting last night that I really liked. On 3rd and long they would pull all their DTs and put in a 4 man front consisting of nothing but pass rushing DEs. The benefit is obviously you get a pure pass rusher at every position across your front and it tempts them to run the ball on 3rd and long which is preferable. That front really gave KC trouble last night. We’re going to have to be unconventional on defense to beat these teams. Right now we’re fighting a guerrilla war with conventional tactics and that’s the problem IMO. Frustrating to watch.

          • SamSooner says:

            Sir, if I could add to what you’ve said, I would.

          • hOUligan says:

            Watched that, too. Oline likes to call their blocks and the movement creates confusion which creates gaps. Dom Capers is a mad man.

          • SamSooner says:

            OU has to dictate the terms whenever possible.

          • Boom says:

            We’ve done this in the past with Venables & Mike has used it some too. There are multiple packages for the QB.

    • Birddawg says:

      Guy on that island by himself needs to be your best tackler.

      Any big WR over 6’2 could muscle the ball away (hitch, slant) from the corner.
      Def not putting ZS over there. Esp if hes hurt. He has no help.
      I like it. Best players on the field, best pass rushers, depth at DL used. Beat up the QB.
      Body shots all game long.
      One other thing, it dictates the O to go to that one vs one. Which means the D has leverage everywhere else. So if you can find your best cover guy that matches that one v one on the outside. You’re in good shape.
      Very cool
      Who would you want on that island? Parker?

      • SamSooner says:

        Yes, Parker on the Island. He’s been in great position on every play.

        There are some things to worry about but there’s always a weakness that will get exposed. But, time, time is on your side. I don’t see how an OL can hold up to this much pressure. I mean, the QB has a maximum of 2 to 3 seconds to get rid of the ball. And, he has to be accurate.

        If nothing else, you are extending the drive for TDs, limiting their offensive possessions.

      • Walter Sobcek says:

        “Go to the body, Rock. Go to the body.” The 4th quarter becomes the 12th round, when cumulative QB body shots begin to result in rushed throws, early scrambles from the pocket, and the nagging desire to head to the locker room.

      • SoonerMo says:

        I wonder if Jordan Smallwood can play CB.

    • Fear The Magic says:

      Ok someone send this to Bob Stoops. I fully expect to see Sam Sooner in the DC press box upstairs next week.
      Sayonara Mike.

      • SamSooner says:

        I’m your man.

        But we need to attack more. I think the whole team would prefer to go down in flames dictating the terms rather than a slow death.

        The big thing I want to emphasize is that the defensive pressure should put a clock in the QBs head. That clock should be stuck at 3 seconds to get the ball out of my hand.

        The QB is going to get his share of completions and picking himself up, clearing grass out of his face mask. Make him rush everything.

        Like I said below, DCs spend too much time worrying about the time that elapse between plays, as opposed to total time it takes to run the entire play. I would focus on decreasing that time.

  • BigJoeBrown says:

    Maybe the Longhorns can ask Mark Mangino what he thinks about the Big 12 refs and Texas.

  • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

    I will say, Byrd and Thomas, when not on the field, need to take note of Karl Joseph’s game. That’s how a dude plays safety. With his hair. On. Fire.

  • BigJoeBrown says:

    The Sunny Galloway firing is crazy, he was just hired. He sounds like a walking soap opera. The three things I know about him is he had a pretty good record, the guy is a jerk nobody really likes him, and his daughter posed in …..

  • Daddy R says:

    Ripkowski’s, “I Fear the winter beard, cuz I’ve never been in one.” IS HYSTERICAL!

    • Oscar says:

      He should. LOL I can barely take Cleveland winters. Even native Clevelanders can barely take Cleveland winters, and Green Bay is worse!

      • Jed says:

        I did three winters in Minneapolis. Two things you must do: channel your inner viking and buy a pair of Arctic Pak Sorels.
        That and develop a taste for Jaeger shots.

        • Defend Colfax says:

          St. Paul was the first time I’d ever seen frozen fog. -21 man.

          • Jed says:

            Halloween Blizzard of 1991. 55 degrees at lunch time, then it started snowing. Didn’t stop for 3 days. 39 inches of snow. Then it went to -45. There’s a reason I say I ‘did’ three winters there. It’s like an effing prison.
            But nice people and they don’t look down at you for drinking like a fish to make it through. They all do.

          • Sooner 76 says:

            There it’s called, “Getting all liquored up.” LOL

          • Jed says:

            Ya. Dontcha know.

          • OohRah Mama says:

            Lived just north of Marquette in U.P. in Michigan.

            I.

            HATE.

            SNOW.

    • Eric Hoffpauir says:

      Rip is from Houston, isn’t he? I lived in Louisiana and Texas growing up, and I thought Oklahoma winters were fierce when I first experienced them.

  • Oscar says:

    “For me to be fired by Auburn is outrageous. The allegations against me are pretextual. I have made no mistakes.(here at Auburn) If some, who want me gone, say mistakes were made, they are the mistakes of others, who have conspired to make ME the victim. (wahhh) If it is necessary in the coming days to air these matters, folks from Jay Jacobs on down — but not me — will be the ones wishing Auburn had handled this differently (threat) . As for President (Jay) Gogue, he does not know the facts. If he did, he would not have acquiesced in this decision.

    “This is a program that hired a disgraced Bruce Pearl, yet now seeks to make a good man (me) and a good coach (me), who is nothing but a winner, the fall guy. (yes me)

    “I am not only a winner, I am a fighter. I have four years left on my contract. There are good arguments, which we (me) are prepared to test in court, that I actually have a lifetime contract.(stop laughing) If serious offers of severance are not soon forthcoming, (bookoo bucks) I will be fighting this matter in some forum(Twitter), quite visibly, as long as it takes to redeem my good name and to provide just compensation for me and my family.” (note to attorney: please have your secretary re-write so it looks like it came from you, thanks)

  • 47 Straight OU Know says:

    “It’s always a great day to be a SOONER”

  • Defend Colfax says:

    I feel as though neither side of the ball has showed much this year as far as creativity goes. I know this is for a reason so I’m not too worried but I think this week may be the one we see some things. Seems as if we purposely aren’t using many stunts and A gap blitzing has been absent. Not being aggressive will be the worst look to fans, we’ve seen that. So I have to believe they’ll pick up the intensity on D.

  • KJ1123 says:

    I dont like bye weeks. Especially at the begining of the year. The team will have to work to snap back into “work mode” after being off since Thursday. I fear they’re going to come out flat Sat and being an early game compounds things in my opinion. If they can string a few first downs or hold wvu to a punt (not necessarily 3 and out) that would be a decent start to me. Have to get our ground game going early against these guys.

    • Birddawg says:

      Youth, inexperience, bye week, 11am kick… b12 opener against argueably the best team we’ve faced so far… I don’t like it one bit.

      • KJ1123 says:

        Exactly, next two practice days are crucial for this week.

      • EasTex says:

        Conversely, first road game for wvu, first game against a quality ranked opponent, 11a.m. kickoff, first conference game against a team they have never beaten since joining the Big 12.

        • hOUligan says:

          I like your thinking.

        • Angryinch says:

          Add – First road game for the WV Freshman QB if he takes a few hits and if the fans can get the noise going he may implode. I really have a feeling this is going to be the first game that Offense, Defense and Special teams click and play a complete game.

        • paganpink says:

          And without being dismissive of the ‘teers, that is much scarier then our situation. I like our chances!

          • EasTex says:

            WVU’s three games, all at home, have kicked off thusly:
            1)6:30P.M.
            2)2P.M.
            3)2P.M.
            OU has already had an 11a.m. home game.
            One thing I learned from years of business travel and travel in general is, the first thing that goes out the window is sleep(travel lag/different time zone/new environment/different mattress) and the second is diet. I’m sure the coaching staff has a plan, still have to find out. Add a hostile crowd and not the adoring home crowd they are used to and not knowing how they will respond to adversity(like trailing by two TDs in the 4th qtr), yeah I like OU’s chances very much. This isn’t even considering the talent level and quality depth factors.

      • tfb_fortyseven says:

        i’m afeared too … but since I only have one leg and one arm due to buying tickets in Section 7 for the 11am kickoff, I’ll try to get over it.

    • holieway4ou says:

      I think this team needed the extra time to try and get some of the kinks out(especially along the OLine). We had 2 injuries on the OLine that needed time to get well. This will be the biggest test yet for the defense and the OL. West Virginia looks like the real deal.

  • j l says:

    “Fox has created a new football timeslot, that starts at 730 AM. Why? Because f*ck OU, thats why”

    Hate these crappy timeslots….

  • RBear says:

    I’m respectful of every opponent but… WV has played no one of note. Ga Southern, Liberty and a Maryland team who got waxed by Bowling Green and sits 6th in the Big X East. Ga Southern is respectable but isn’t going to pose that many problems for anyone, and Liberty?

    Last week, through wishful thinking, I tried to make more out of the Maryland/WV Border Battle than was there- that’s before I really took a look at Maryland. I just don’t think the Mountaineers have been tested so far and their first true test is Saturday, on the road, at 11:00am in Norman which is, IMO, going to be a wake-up call for the hill people. WV’s road record since joining the conference is not good-

    Hopefully Ty Darlington’s plea for noise will be accommodated and Owen Field (players and fans), rocks WV right on out of the stadium.

  • RBear says:

    Just out of curiosity, how many of you here are going to the game on Saturday?

    • Maverick says:

      I’ll be there. About the north 45 yard line, 5 rows up. Opponents bench. Being loud.

      • RBear says:

        Good deal- that’s really what I wanted to know, if folks that were going were going to BE LOUD and encourage others to BE LOUD.

    • Austin says:

      I’ll be there. Flying from South Carolina on Friday morning. Section 19 in the North endzone. I’m ready to get loud and see this team get to 4-0!

  • rainydaze114 says:

    I wonder what would happen if OU just decided to start the game whenever they wanted to.

    Fox, “Game starts at 1100.”

    OU, “Ok, see you at 1900.”

    Fox, “…”

  • HoustonChiver says:

    I can’t stop watching that behind the back half court shot. I’m a bad person

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