HornSports Members Prediction Thread: OU

[Sirhornsalot]

 

[dillohorn]

That NC St game was a cluster.  I watched from the stands as 3 punts were blocked I believe?  Ok, gotta move on...its almost been 20 years!

We were there too.

 

[primal defense]

I'm glad OU has Mike Stoops.


College football games, Week 6: Oklahoma's defense could cost Sooners big-time vs. Texas


Oklahoma isn't going anywhere without a defense. The definition of "anywhere" is clear as we head toward the sexiest Red River Showdown in years. Texas has both a ranking (No. 19) and a quarterback (Sam Ehlinger). Meanwhile, the No. 7 Sooners' much loftier goal is to win the Big 12 for the 12th time in the last 19 years and get to the College Football Playoff for a third time.

The definition of "defense" at OU is a bit cloudier. Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops' group was the ultimate culprit is last year's crushing CFP semifinal loss to Georgia. It remains the assertion in this space that, if the Sooners had held on against the Dawgs, they would be national champions, not Alabama. The Baker Mayfield-led scoring machine was that good.

This year, that scoring machine is just as potent, maybe better. Kyler Murray is raising an interesting question: Is he actually better than Mayfield?

Before answering that, we must consider whether this year's defense is worse than the one fielded in 2017. So far the answer is yes, at least statistically. Teams 91st in total defense don't win championships. Last year's unit -- the one that that blew a 17-point lead to Georgia -- finished 67th.

What has to be troubling is that OU hasn't really played anyone yet. Texas will be the first ranked opponent it has faced this season. Winless UCLA (120th in total offense) and Iowa State (123rd) scored their season-high totals  against the Sooners.








 




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There is sort of a dichotomy here. As D-coordinator, Stoops does coach two of the top five tacklers in the country. Sophomore linebacker Kenneth Murray leads all Power Five defenders with 12.8 tackles per game. Senior linebacker Curtis Bolton is tied for fifth nationally at 12.4.

There are good players on the defense, but the annual howl about Stoops would hit its usual pitch if Texas pulls the upset. Two years removed from Bob Stoops shadow, coach Lincoln Riley now has the cover now if wants to make a move on brother Mike.

And now, the rest of our Week 6 storylines.

1. Meanwhile, at the Texas State Fair … There are enough sights and smells in this rivalry (that predates Oklahoma's statehood, by the way) to fill the Golden Hat. The fried ice cream, the Krispy Kreme burger, the cookie fries and the Elvis sculpture -- made of butter. On the field, there is a path to victory for Texas (7.5-point underdogs). Take the air out of the ball. Snap it with four or five seconds left on the play clock. Limit possessions. Go all Bill Snyder on OU. That would keep Murray off the field and expose that defense you read about above. In consecutive games, Army and Baylor have combined to run twice as many plays as OU. The Knights and Bears have held the ball 68 percent of the time.

Efficiency is key. OU comes in 120th in time of possession but is averaging a robust 1.87 points per possession. Texas holds the ball longer but is averaging only 0.86 of a point per possession. You better believe Tom Herman has noticed this trend. And you better believe the Horns have a chance. Meanwhile, we cannot wait to have a corndog with the Human Torso.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-games-week-6-oklahomas-defense-could-cost-sooners-big-time-vs-texas/

 

[CharcoalPuppy]

I don't think I've been this excited about Texas football since the championship game against Alabama.  I'm friggin giddy. 

 

[CharcoalPuppy]

I mean , this could be the moment Texas finally turns the corner it's been on for 8 years

 

[drgilbert]

Can we fix the title of this thread. We need to put sucks after OU. 

 

[Sirhornsalot]

We were there too.

 

[prosfromdover]

I mean , this could be the moment Texas finally turns the corner it's been on for 8 years

It could also be the beginning of a championship level resurgence. That's what the guy was brought it for, after all. A few more breaks and a few more recruiting breaks to go along with it and presto bango. Man that would be fun.

 

[417Horns]

I don't think I've been this excited about Texas football since the championship game against Alabama.  I'm friggin giddy. 

Agree. 1st time post here. Im fired up tbh. Very proud of team after Maryland lost.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Agree. 1st time post here. Im fired up tbh. Very proud of team after Maryland lost.

Welcome to the family! Looking forward to more of your posts!

 

[prosfromdover]

Didn't want to create a new sub so posting here but great story on Dickson. Hope Bjzwecksych has a good day tomorrow.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2798802-michael-dickson-meet-the-trick-shot-punter-whos-seattles-secret-weapon

 

[MikeV73]

View attachment 1783

Were you in the helicopter with him?

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Were you in the helicopter with him?

Yes, and dodging sniper fire

 

[Big Daddy Cane]

 

[Big Daddy Cane]

 

[Big Daddy Cane]

 

[Big Daddy Cane]

 

[Big Daddy Cane]

 

[MikeV73]

Thoughts on Shack starting st center vs Rodriguez?  Rodriguez shifting to right guard, Kerstetter to backup.  I wouldnleave the starting five in from the last 3 games with their success.  Of course I’m assuming Herb Hand knows more than me about OL play.

 

[Big Daddy Cane]