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September 25, 2009
Oklahoma Recap
BY: Jason Nafziger
Oklahoma lost to BYU and lost Heisman QB Sam Bradford for several weeks. The team bounced back by shutting out cupcakes Idaho State and Tulsa.
Stats so far: Oklahoma is 34th with 4.91 yards per rush attempt and 31st with 8.1 yards per passing attempt. Overall, they have scored 40.7 points and gained 452.7 yards on offense per game. Defensively, they are 1st with 1.21 yards allowed per rush attempt and 24th with 5.4 yards allowed per pass attempt. Overall, they have allowed 4.7 points and 223.3 yards per game. Coming up: The Sooners have big tests coming up in Miami (FL), Baylor, and Texas. They need to win out to keep their championship hopes alive, but if they're not careful (or if Bradford isn't healthy), they may end up losing all three.
Jason Nafziger writes about Pro and College Football at
http://onfootball.wordpress.com
September 2, 2009
What to Watch: OU-BYU
by Blatant Homerism
Oklahoma Sooners vs. BYU Cougars
Date: September 5, 2009
Time: 8 pm EST
Place: Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
Vegas Line: OU -221. Who's playing where--and how--on the OU offensive line
For the layman, evaluating quality line play is incredibly difficult. First, the objectives of the players pitted in the wars in the trenches can be tough to extrapolate. Second, good technique and skill for a lineman is more difficult to pick out than figuring out who can run fast and juke defenders out of their shoes. Lastly, as typical viewers of a football game, we tend to follow the ball when taking in the action--center to quarterback, quarterback to receivers or running backs.Sooner fans should force themselves to watch the line of scrimmage when the offense is on the field if they want to learn more about this team's prospects. Granted, the BYU defensive line has sustained significant casualties in the offseason. However, OU supposedly will have a tight end starting at center, and he'll be just one of a host of unknown commodities populating the Oklahoma o-line. The Sooners have loads of talent up front, but chemistry is so key.
2. Special teams play
Despite the Sooners' monumental special teams struggles last season, the cast of characters for this unit looks pretty familiar. Jimmy Stevens--whose preseason spot on the Lou Groza watch list calls the award's credibility into question--returns to handle the placekicking duties. Kickoff specialist Matthew Moreland is back for another go-round after OU gave up the most kickoff return touchdowns in the nation in 2008. The OU coaches claim they have made special teams play a point of emphasis this offseason. It can only get better, can't it?3. How many reps DeMarco Murray gets
Running back DeMarco Murray's health has remained a hot topic since the spring. Meanwhile, it sounds like offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson intends to shuttle Mossis Madu, who saw significant playing time at tailback in '08, back and forth between receiver and running back. Whether or not the indecisiveness regarding Madu results from concerns about Murray's ability to stay on the field is anybody's guess. It could be that the receiver experiment with Madu just isn't working out. Either way, if Madu sees time early, it could mean Murray still isn't at full speed. Watch for how many carries redshirt freshman Jermie Calhoun gets, too.4. Who plays on defense on obvious passing downs
Freshmen defensive backs Javon Harris, Demontre Hurst and Marcus Trice currently have spots in the OU two-deep. Will they see action in nickel and dime sets? In a wide-open league like the Big 12, the strength of the reserve DBs take on particular importance. Also, look to see if Trice is used in coverage or as a designated blitzer.5. The split between run and pass plays on offense
For all the glory given to the OU passing game last year, the Sooners actually relied on a meticulously balanced game plan--OU ran on 589 plays and passed on 517. (Bear in mind that a slew of lopsided games left OU calling about 50 percent more run plays than passes in the fourth quarter, 144 to 95.) With all the unproven players on the offensive line, it should be interesting to see if there's a big difference in this group's ability to run and pass block. Additionally, the run-pass ratio may say a lot about the coaches' opinions of the receiving corps.
August 31, 2009
“It’s Time”
By MJL
The Anticipation of ‘09
The wait is finally over. College football is officially here. It's game week and I can’t remember a more anticipated college football season than the one that’s about to kickoff. So anticipated, that the buildup for this season might be unlike anything we’ve ever seen. All three of last year’s Heisman finalists return as the favorites in a field of worthy candidates. But the Heisman trophy might be the last thing on the minds of the “Big Three”. Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow (2007 winner), and Sam Bradford (2008 winner), are back to lead their respective teams on their path to the BCS championship in Pasadena, and trust me…they all want the crystal ball much more than any individual award they could ever receive. Now, I’m not saying they wouldn’t like to win the Heisman trophy. Of course they would, but winning the National Championship would have to be their primary focus. Winning both would be nice, but if they had to choose one or the other, I’m sure they would all tell you that leading their team to a National Championship win is more important than any individual honors. They will arguably be three of the most decorated college football players in history when they leave. Tebow already has a Heisman and two BCS championships, Bradford has a Heisman and will be aiming at a BCS title this year, and McCoy who has neither, might be the guy that gets both this year.
Remember the OU/Texas controversy from last year? Well, it’s still very fresh in peoples minds. So is the constant bickering between OU and Florida that has gotten to the point of people calling it a new rivalry. OU and Texas know each other very well as they meet annually in one of the biggest rivalry games in college football. OU and Florida know each other pretty well now after squaring off in last years BCS championship game, which was won by Florida. And the hype surrounding these three will continue to build as the season gets under way. It’s no big surprise that these three will start out as the top 3 ranked teams in the country. Florida, the defending national champion and heavy favorite to get back to the final game this year, will start at #1. Texas checks in at #2, followed by Oklahoma at #3. This is as good of a top 3 to start a season as there has ever been. The eyes of the entire nation will be focused on these three teams and their Heisman candidate QBs. Sure, there are plenty of other really good teams and countless great players....but OU, Texas, and Florida are the best of the best, and all three would love nothing more than to be National Champions when the smoke clears at the end of the season. Many teams can contend for the title, but only two teams can play for it, and only one can win it. What we’re about to witness in ’09 might be nothing short of greatness.
The Sooners
As we prepare to kickoff a new year of college football, I leave you with these final thoughts on my Oklahoma Sooners. This team is loaded. In fact, they are as loaded as it gets. Let’s just put it this way….I don’t think you could find a single OU fan anywhere that would trade our current roster for that of another program in the country. That’s how high the level of talent and established playmakers is at OU right now. Even with some new faces at key positions, this team has the potential to be great. We know about the offense and defense. Special teams should be much improved, and this could be the year where OU returns to deadly form in all three facets of the game.
But here’s the real key to the season….COACHING. As impressive as OU has been in this decade, it seems like the team has come up short too often lately in some big games, especially bowl games. And it almost always appears to be coaching that gets the Sooners beat. In recent bowl games, there has been a noticeable lack of creative offensive play calling and defensive scheming/game planning. It seems like the opposition is always a step ahead, even with all the talent that OU has on the field. Predictability is not a good thing when you're facing the elite opponents. Sure, OU can win a lot of games on talent alone, but that doesn’t cut it in BCS bowl games. It takes hard work and preparation, and that’s where coaching comes in. The guys on the sidelines matter, and this has been OUs downfall in some of those BIG games. Even great players need coaching, and the Sooners need their coaching to shine now more than ever. It can make the difference every time. It’s not just about players. This team has the talent to be among the best in the nation on both sides of the ball, but if they are going to achieve their ultimate goals, they will need Kevin Wilson and Brent Venables to be top notch in their preparation and strategy. They need to be just a little bit better. If they can do that, then there’s no reason why the Sooners won’t be playing in Pasadena……..but this time, we’ll be the victorious ones.
August 26, 2009
Wanna Beat OU? Here's How by Blatant Homerism
The Sooners have lost a total of five games in the past two seasons. What should opponents learn from those losses?
1. Limit big plays in the passing game. OU averaged 9.5 yards per passing attempt in 2008 and 9 yards per attempt the year before. Florida held Heisman winner Sam Bradford to just 6.2 yards per pass in last year's title game, while Texas limited OU to 9.4 yards, a hair under the teams average. In 2007, Colorado, Texas Tech and West Virginia gave up between 5.9 yards and 7.3 yards per passing attempt in their wins over OU. As efficient as Bradford's numbers are, he's not a dink-and-dunk thrower. OU's offense thrives when he's connecting on the intermediate and long routes. Limit those looks for him, and you take away OU's bread and butter.
2. Take some chances. This applies on both sides of the ball. When defending OU, you have to realize that Bradford just doesn't make many mistakes. He has thrown a total of 16 interceptions in 28 collegiate starts. In 2008, despite the fact that OU attempted more than 500 passes on the season, fifth most in D-I, Bradford had just 8 picks. Setting aside the Texas Tech game in 2007 in which he was knocked out early, Bradford threw at least one INT in each loss. However, he's not going to sit back and give them to you. You need corners and safeties who are willing to jump routes and try to make a play. Likewise, don't be scared to blitz Bradford and force him into an early throw. On offense, bear in mind that the underdogs Texas Tech and Colorado in 2007 both had success going for it on fourth down against OU, with the Red Raiders converting both attempts and the Buffaloes getting two out of three. The more often you punt, the more often you concede to allowing OU's potent offense on the field.
3. Don't play in Norman. OU doesn't lose there.
4. Buckle down on third down. Nothing deflates a team more than watching an opponent convert time and again on third down. In the last couple years, OU has been one of the best in the country at consistently moving the chains. The Sooners finished in the top 10 in third-down conversions in both 2007 and 2008, converting roughly 50 percent of the time. In all five losses, however, OU fell short of that that mark, sometimes dramatically so. Versus Colorado in '07, for example, OU converted just one of nine attempts.
August 20, 2009
Preseason Report: New Faces Emerge
By MJL
Jermie Calhoun RB- Coaches have been very impressed with Calhoun in preseason practice, saying he looks faster and more confident than he did in workouts last spring. Although the Sooners possess maybe the best RB duo in the country in DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown, you can never have too many good runners. Having a player of that caliber that can come in and take some of the load off of the o ther guys is always an advantage, and with Mossis Madu slated to see more time in the slot this year, this will be a good opportunity for Calhoun to show what he can do. His presence will only make the running back group even stronger.
Cameron Kenney, WR- No player has caught the attention of Bob Stoops more lately than junior-college transfer Cameron Kenney. Kenney has been lining up with the first team unit at receiver along with Ryan Broyles and Adron Tennell in preseason practices. And he’s not failing to impress. One of the biggest questions coming into the fall was how to replace Juaquin Iglesias and Manny Johnson. Broyles and Tennell are certainly a good start, but you need more than that, and this guy has really caught Stoops’ eye. The word is that Kenney has been making play after play in practice. “That’s been a really exciting part of camp, because we needed to step up (at receiver) and Cameron is,” coach Bob Stoops said. “He’s shown competitiveness, he’s got excellent burst and speed to separate and he’s making more plays. He also looks like he’s becoming more comfortable.” That’s some pretty good praise coming from the head coach, and it appears that he could see significant playing time this year. But it doesn’t end there for Kenney. The former soccer star is also working out at punter, where Stoops believes his athletic ability will make him a factor at the position. So it looks like he could make an impact on offense and special teams for the Sooners.
Sam Proctor/Quinton Carter, Safety - With the kind of jaw-dropping hits Quinton Carter was delivering late last season, it was a no brainer that he would be the guy to replace Lendy Holmes at free safety. But say hello to Sam Proctor, Carters new partner in crime. Proctor, a sophomore, was a regular face on special teams in ’08, and will now become the new starting strong safety, replacing Nic Harris. He has been very impressive in preseason workouts and coaches feel he and Carter will complement each other very well. Proctor possesses the same kind of killer instincts and hard-hitting ability that Carter does, and with a little more development on coverage skills, these two could form one of the deadliest safety tandems in college football. Great defenses need enforcers, and that’s exactly what these two guys are. Here's a good interview with Sam Proctor.
Position Battles/Rotations - Defensive end has become one of the most intriguing position battles throughout preseason camp. Senior Auston English, junior Jeremy Beal, redshirt freshman R.J. Washington, and sophomore Frank Alexander are all involved in a close battle for playing time. Defensive ends coach Jackie Shipp and assistant coach Chris Wilson insist that the competition is still wide open. Although the starting linebacker rotation appears to be set with Ryan Reynolds, Travis Lewis and Keenan Clayton, look for freshman linebacker Tom Wort to be in the mix for playing time. The Sooners beat out LSU, USC, and Florida for commitment of the England native. Wort, who played at New Braunfels High School in Texas, has only been playing American football for six years but has been as impressive as it gets so far, and has a reputation for being a hard hitter. Even with experienced players returning at the position, there’s a good chance Wort will work his way into the rotation. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder possesses 4.4 speed and so much raw athleticism that it will be hard for him not to get on the field. He also has the potential to be a special teams standout.
August 17, 2009
5 Most Likely Breakout Stars for Oklahoma in 2009
By Blatant Homerism
1. Cameron Kenney, Wide Receiver Kenney, a juco transfer out of Garden City (Kan.) Community College, appears to have the inside track to be the Sooners' third receiver behind sophomore Ryan Broyles and senior Adron Tennell. In high school, Kenney dreamed of being the United States' next big soccer star. (Or should I say "first?") With just three years of organized football under his belt, Kenney remains a promising work in progress. However, his blazing speed has caught the coaching staff's eye, and he appears to have a more polished skill set than would be expected from a prospect with such little experience. Assuming offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and head coach Bob Stoops feel comfortable with Kenney's grasp of OU's system, look for Kenney to make seeing plenty of action from the jump.
2. Quinton Carter, Safety Carter saw a few starts when the Sooners went with predominately nickel packages against teams like Missouri and Oklahoma State. He quickly offered proof of the filthy hitting ability that had led to Carter's occasional dismissal from practice early in his career. (Check out the lick he put on Jeremy Maclin in the Big 12 championship contest.) That kind of headhunting presence in the secondary has been lacking in recent years for OU. However, questions remain about Carter's ability to consistently cover the pass. If those skills catch up to his intimidating physicality, watch out.
3. Stephen Good, Offensive Line Good looks ready to get his licks in this season on his way to becoming the next great OU o-lineman. Good is probably the strongest player on the entire team, and he plays with that treasured "nasty streak" coaches and scouts love in a lineman. Line coach James Patton values versatility in his players, meaning that Good should see time at all spots along the line. If Ben Habern continues to struggle with his health, Good could even slide into the center spot temporarily. Under normal circumstances, though, Good will start at the right guard position. As good as LT Trent Williams is, Good may grade out as the best OU o-lineman at the end of the season.
4. Tom Wort, Linebacker Although this British import is a true freshman in a crowded and talented group of linebackers, he may just be too good to keep off the field. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables has raved about Wort since the early enrollee was going through spring practices. With senior Mike Balogun's eligibility in question, the possibility of Wort seeing meaningful snaps at middle linebacker right away seems highly likely. Senior Ryan Reynolds probably will receive the starting nod, but his past health concerns make having a capable backup of rotation of players crucial. At the very least, Wort should be a special teams beast.
5. RJ Washington, Defensive End Homerism will take a bit of a flyer on this reshirt freshman based on talent alone. Word out of Norman last year was that the highly touted Washington had a tough time adjusting to life at OU. Now, however, defensive ends coach Chris Wilson has started signing Washington's praises, hailing the lanky pass rusher's maturation during fall practice. Potential All-Americans Jeremy Beal, Auston English and Frank Alexander have locked up three spots in the Sooners' rotation at defensive end. If there's room for a fourth, Washington may work in on obvious passing downs.
August 10, 2009
2009 Looks Fine
By:MJL
Stoops’ Optimism- Coach Bob Stoops said during Big 12 media days that he has high expectations for this year’s team. He talked about the offensive line’s progression, players returning from injury, special teams improvement, a special defense, new playmakers, overall depth, and key leaders choosing to return. Big 12 QBs and playing in the new Dallas Cowboys stadium were also hot topics of discussion. There was one common theme with Stoops…..optimism, and an overall excited feeling. That feeling has carried over into fall camp as the Sooners are now into preseason practice. Stoops can be a hard guy to figure out, and we're sometimes left wondering what he's really thinking. But as the season gets closer, he continues to make his feelings known about where his team is at. He believes this group could be a special one and he’s not afraid to say it. When asked about how good the team could be this year, he had this to say. “We have a chance to be every bit as good or hopefully maybe a little better. Hopefully we can be a game or two better (than last season).”
Back in Action- OU was a team riddled with injury last year. Linebackers Austin Box (elbow) and Ryan Reynolds (knee), defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger (back), and running back DeMarco Murray (leg) all fell victim to the injury bug that always seems to get the Sooners. The healing process has been good so far, and the players are looking good in practice according to the coaches. But even with the progression going smooth, the coaches are still showing some caution and being careful in what they allow each guy to do. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. All of these guys should be close to or at 100% by the time the season officially starts, and that will be key for the Sooners. The team is counting on getting these guys back and keeping them healthy. Yes, there is depth all around and capable playmakers are abundant, but let’s be honest. The defense is better when Granger, Box, and Reynolds are healthy. The offense is better when DeMarco Murray is healthy. And the TEAM is better when these players are healthy.
Speed Kills- Okay, we all know the offensive line is the biggest issue going into the season, and it will continue to be until they answer the critics on the field. A lot of people think the O-line will be a weakness after losing so many starters. OU lost some great players from last year’s line and there’s no denying that. But here’s what people need to know about the old line versus the new line. The speed and athleticism just got better. At times last year, OUs line almost seemed too big for its own good. Smaller, faster defensive lineman found their way into the backfield in a couple of games, and that contributed to the Sooner's demise in those games. The reason is speed. Everybody is strong at this level, but speed and overall athleticism can always make the difference. It's hard to replace the kind of production that OU lost, but it's not We might see some growing pains from this line, but people might be surprised at how well this bunch actually plays. They've heard all summer that they won't be able to handle the pressure of replacing those stars that came before them, and now they have a chip on their shoulder. They're ready to let their play do the talking.
Back for a Reason- It’s still mind boggling to some that players like Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham, and Gerald McCoy would all choose to come back, knowing full well what lies ahead of them on the other side. Having to decide between returning to school and going on to make millions of dollars playing the game you love would be anything but easy. But they made a choice, and that choice has OU fans elated. These three guys were born and bred in the state of Oklahoma. They were born to play football. Maybe they didn't know it at first, but they know it by now. They're the best of the best, and they now have NFL dreams. But in the end, they decided they weren't ready to give up the OU life just yet. That says a lot about their character and just how special Oklahoma Football is to them. During Big 12 media days, they had no reservations about why they came back. “Anything less than a national championship would be (a disappointment), “Gresham said. “That’s what we work for and play for. Nobody on this team plays for individual awards — nobody. We play as one and the ultimate goal is to win every game.” Bradford, Gresham, and McCoy came back for one reason and one reason only…….to win a national championship. They want it for themselves, they want it for their teammates, they want it for the coaches, and they want it for the fans. The fans see that and they appreciate it. It’s just not the norm anymore for guys of this caliber to stay in school for more than a couple of years. These three certainly didn't have to, but they did, and that means something to the Sooner Nation.
August 7, 2009
Five Most Important Sooners in 2009
By Blatant Homerism
1. Sam Bradford, Quarterback OK, this one probably goes without saying. However, Bradford is THE key cog in the OU offensive machine. His numbers may take a dip this year as the Sooners work in some new faces on offense, but that won't make the reigning Heisman winner any less vital to OU's success. As I've mentioned before, for OU coach Bob Stoops and his team, Bradford is the difference between contending for a national title and just trying to make a second-tier bowl.
2. Ben Habern, Center I was tempted to put Habern at number one. OU is counting on the redshirt freshman, who was granted a medical redshirt last year after sustaining an early season-ending injury, to step in and replace four-year starter Jon Cooper. Cooper was the underrated backbone of the Sooner offensive line throughout his career in Norman. Habern has impressed the coaches so far and looks like a more than capable successor. With Jason Hannan quitting the team this summer, OU is frighteningly thin at center.
3. DeMarco Murray, Running Back Is Murray really healthy as fall practice begins, and, if so, can he stay that way for an entire season? Bizarre injuries have cut Murray's past two seasons short, while rumors have circulated this summer that the talented runner is struggling to get back to 100 percent. Murray already has proclaimed himself 100 percent. As good as Chris Brown is, he isn't the same kind of big play threat as Murray.
4. Adrian Taylor, Defensive Tackle With Demarcus Granger sidelined since December with debilitating back problems, Taylor's progression could help elevate the defensive line to the level of OU's best under Stoops. Many Sooner fans took umbrage with my characterization of Taylor as "serviceable" a few weeks back. There's no doubt that Taylor has great potential to be a force in the middle, but he hasn't reached that level yet. If Taylor develops into the Dusty Dvoracek to studly Gerald McCoy's Tommie Harris, that pair of tackles should dominate opposing offensive lines. In particular, a disruptive pass rush from that spot would enable Brent Venables to dial back on "blitzing by necessity" to pressure the quarterback on third down and keep an extra player or two back in pass coverage.
5. Kevin Wilson, Offensive Coordinator After pulling down the Broyles Award as the nation's best assistant coach last year, Wilson's reputation took a serious hit when the Sooner offense sputtered in the national title tilt versus Florida. That doesn't diminish the O's performance during the regular season, though, which has to be considered one of the best in college football history. And therein lies the rub: Is Wilson a "system" guy? Is he better at designing an offense than putting together and executing a one-off game plan? If I had to draw an analogy to college basketball, think Roy Williams versus Rick Majerus. Wilson has done an outstanding job implementing a high-powered system that leverages his program's talent. I can't help but wonder if the OU offense has been out-schemed in some of its recent losses. For more analysis of the Sooners and the college football world at large, visit www.blatanthomerism.com. E-mail Blatant Homerism: ak@blatanthomerism.com or blatanthomerism@gmail.com.
August 3, 2009
It’s Football Time in Oklahoma
By: MJL
It’s that time of year again. Kickoff is just around the corner. For some, college football is nothing special, but in Oklahoma, it’s a way of life. Proud tradition and rich history are what define OU football, and the standards are of the highest. Expectations seem to be at an all-time high as we approach what should be another great season of college football. With some key players returning on a very talented squad, the buzz in Norman is that this team could be a special one.
Offensive Firepower-2008 Heisman winner Sam Bradford is back at the helm to lead an offense that returns the entire backfield and some high-quality receiving targets. Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray return as one of the nation’s top running back duos. Each rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2008, and both will be looking to have another big year. Redshirt freshman Jermie Calhoun should see his share of carries while backing up Brown and Murray. Mossis Madu, who was a part of last year’s running back rotation, will be playing in the slot. Although he could still see some limited action at running back, slot receiver could be where makes his biggest impact. The bad news at the receiver position is that Juaquin Iglesias and Manuel Johnson graduated. The good news….tight end Jermaine Gresham and wide receiver Ryan Broyles become Bradford’s new primary targets. Both were key players last year and will be counted on to make big contributions in ’09. Senior Adron Tennell and junior Brandon Caleb will start at wide receiver along with Broyles. Sophomores Dejuan Miller and Jameel Owens will see significant playing time as well. This could be a big statement year for the receivers. With the kind of playmakers OU will have on the field this year, this offense could be very deadly.
“D” Is Where the Heart Is-We know this team is loaded on offense, but the defense might actually be their strength in ’09. The Sooners return 9 starters on what should be a very stingy defensive unit. Junior tackle Gerald McCoy returns to anchor a defensive line that should rank among the nation’s best. Senior DeMarcus Granger and Junior Adrian Taylor will also rotate at tackle. Defensive ends Auston English and Jeremy Beal round out the front four. Ryan Reynolds returns as the heart of the linebacker core, after missing the second half of last season with a knee injury. The linebacking trio of Reynolds in the middle, last year’s leading-tackler Travis Lewis on the weakside, and Keenan Clayton on the strongside could stake their claim as one of the best in college football. The Sooners front seven should be one of the most dominant in the nation. The secondary will be lacking in depth, but should still be good enough to not be a weakness. Senior Brian Jackson and junior Dominique Franks return as the starting cornerbacks. Both are considered to be lockdown defenders and their experience should help set the tone for the secondary. The safety position is where new faces will emerge. The departures of veteran starters Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes left big shoes to fill. Hard-hitting junior Quinton Carter will replace Holmes at free safety, while sophomore Sam Proctor takes over the duties at strong safety. A strong showing from these two players could solidify the defense. Overall, this could be one of the best defenses of the Stoops era. They say defense wins championships, and this one should be dangerous.
Make or Break-Although this team appears to be primed for big things, there will still be some serious questions and concerns heading into the ’09 season. The obvious question on everyone’s mind………how can the offensive line recover after losing four starters from last year’s group? The Sooners lost a group that included Big 12 offensive lineman of the year Jon Cooper, as well as two-time All-American Duke Robinson. Phil Loadholt and Brandon Walker were also all-conference performers. Replacing players of that caliber won’t be easy, but there is plenty of reason to be optimistic. Senior tackle Trent Williams is the lone returning starter from last year’s group. Williams passed up the NFL draft in favor of returning for his senior year. His leadership will be vital to the progression of the group. Joining Williams are junior tackle Cory Brandon, senior guard Brian Simmons, and Stephen Good, a highly touted recruit from the 2008 class. All three players spent time in the rotation last year. Redshirt freshman Ben Habern takes over at the center spot. Bob Stoops made it known that he wasn’t happy with the work ethic of the O-line in off-season workouts, but has since given some praise, saying he believes they can be a good group as long as they continue to work. Coaches seem to be high on the potential of this group. The season is riding on the O-line, and how fast they can progress will be a determining factor in OUs bid to contend for the national title. If they can play at a consistent high-level, Sam Bradford and his arsenal of weapons will make things happen. The one other major area of concern is special teams. For those that don’t remember OUs special teams play last year, well…..it was pretty bad. Both the kicking game and the kick coverage were very uncharacteristic of what we’ve seen in the Bob Stoops era. The Sooners ranked among the worst in the nation in those statistical categories. Those problems will need to be addressed if the team is to be a legitimate contender in ‘09. Look for sophomore kicker Jimmy Stevens to be much more consistent than he was in ’08. Redshirt freshman Tress Way will replace departed punter Mike Knall and handle some kicking duties as well. Dominique Franks and Ryan Broyles will handle the majority of kickoff and punt returns. DeMarco Murray won’t spend much time on the field as a return man this year. If I know coach Stoops, then we can expect to see much better special teams play in ’09. After last year’s disasters, a lot of emphasis has been put on fixing those mistakes. So don’t expect to see OU giving up kickoff returns for touchdowns this time around.
Familiar Foes-
The 2009 schedule will arguably be one of the toughest in college football. The non-conference slate is highlighted by a season opener against BYU in the new Cowboys stadium in Arlington, as well as a trip to Miami to take on what should be an improved Hurricane team. The Hurricanes will be looking for revenge after the 51-13 thumping that took place in Norman in 2007. The atmosphere should be electric when OU rolls into town for this renewed rivalry. Both of these games represent an opportunity for early credibility. Win these two, and the rest of the nation will take notice. The biggest tests in conference play appear to be Texas and Oklahoma State. As usual, the Sooners annual clash with Texas in Dallas could have major implications. The winner will more than likely have an inside track to win the south division, the Big 12 championship, and a possible spot in the BCS championship game. This game will feature as much talent as any matchup this year. With Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy back to lead their respective teams, this year’s Red River Shootout should be another epic battle. The Sooners main competition in the south might start with Texas, but it certainly won’t end there. Oklahoma State seems to be a very hot pick heading into the ’09 season. Mike Gundy’s offense should once again be one of the nation’s most efficient, and the defense should be much improved. If the Cowboys can play up to their potential, their trip to Norman for a season-ending Bedlam showdown could be one of the biggest games of the year. Three top ten ranked Big 12 south teams, and all three play each other. Does anybody see shades of 2008? Remember the three-way tie from last year? You know, the one that had the Sooners jumping for joy while Texas fans were furious, and Texas Tech was left saying “what about us?” It’s not something anyone would wish for, but that kind of chaos could certainly happen again. Making it through the Big 12 south gauntlet unscathed will be tougher than ever. The ’09 schedule has many roadblocks, both in conference play and in the non-conference portion, but the Longhorns and Cowboys will clearly be the Sooners main competition. Win these two, and the rest of the nation will take SERIOUS notice.
Pasadena or Bust-
Oklahoma has been one of the most consistent programs in the country under Bob Stoops. Playing in BCS bowl games and championships is nothing new. But recent struggles in those games have left a bad taste among the Sooner Nation. The consensus among players, coaches, and fans is that there is a need for redemption. This season could be a chance to achieve that. As the Sooners enter the season, serious questions will once again be raised about the team’s performance in crunch time. Can OU really win the big games? Where’s the Sooner Magic? A lot of people might say the program has lost its swagger, its edge. But make no mistake about THESE Sooners. The ’09 team has all the makings of a championship caliber team. Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham, and Gerald McCoy were all projected as top 10 picks in last years NFL draft. We know what that means….lots and lots of money, and a life of luxury. All three chose to return to OU instead. What does that say about the team? Well, it says this team wants to win and win big. These guys are not afraid to put it all on the line. The team should have all the motivation it needs, and mental toughness should not be lacking with this bunch. The Sooners are a team with dreams of playing at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, sight of the BCS championship game. Fans are wondering when their boys will bring home the crystal ball again. They want it badly. If Stoops troops play this season with a chip on their shoulder, the Sooner faithful just might get their wish.
Boomer Sooner!
July 28, 2009
Oklahoma: Top Issues for 2009
By: Blatant Homerism
Welcome to Phil Steele’s Oklahoma Sooners blog. By way of introduction, I run Blatant Homerism, a college football blog with a distinctly Sooner flavor. I look forward to the opportunity to (hopefully) provide a little insight on all things OU this season.
For my first post, I thought it would be appropriate to look at the five biggest issues facing the Sooners heading into fall camp, which opens August 8.1. Special Teams
This may seem like an odd choice for the top spot, but if you watched the Sooners at all in 2008, you know it’s not. OU’s special teams play—particularly kickoff coverage—was shockingly bad. The Sooners gave up four kickoff returns for touchdowns, including a game changer to Jordan Shipley in the Texas game, placing them dead last in the country in ‘08. They allowed an average of 23.8 yards per return, ranking 103rd in the nation.
Finding a reliable field goal kicker is another area of concern. Sophomore Jimmy Stevens returns following an uninspiring ’08 season. Stevens connected on 8 of 12 field goals last year, with a long of 42 yards. He also missed five PATs. OU also must replace departed punter Michael Knall.2. Quarterback Depth
Given that the Sooners return a Heisman Trophy winner, you’d expect some drop-off between first and second string at the quarterback. However, Sam Bradford’s backups don’t appear ready for meaningful snaps yet.
Redshirt freshman Landry Jones, a highly touted pro-style recruit out of New Mexico, is the presumed number two. The third-ranked quarterback in the 2008 recruiting class, Jones’ rep is that he’s an accurate passer with a live arm. He struggled in the spring Red-White Game, however, doing little to ease fans’ fears.
The summer depth chart actually lists freshman early enrollee Drew Allen as tied with Jones in the race to be Bradford’s top understudy. Allen looked equally shaky at Red-White, though, and it’s tough to see coach Bob Stoops going with a true freshman in times of trouble.3. Offensive Line
Most prognosticators consider this group OU’s biggest question mark in 2009, with four starters gone from last season. Phil Steele has noted that the big uglies vying for spots in the rotation have just 32 career starts among them, 107th in the country. Stoops himself blasted the new group of players prior to spring practices for what he perceived to be sloppy offseason work habits. Yet, as I’ve written previously, I think those concerns are somewhat overblown.
Offensive line coach James Patton has plenty of raw materials to work with in this rebuilding project. Left tackle Trent Williams, who the coaching staff says had the strongest 2008 of any member of the offensive line, turned down a shot at the NFL to come back to Norman for his senior year. Senior left guard Brian Simmons has seen spot starts throughout the previous three seasons and plenty of action as a reserve. Like his predecessor Jon Cooper, redshirt freshman Ben Habern has the makings of a four-year cornerstone at center. Right guard Stephen Good, a sophomore who played in seven games as a true freshman, was considered one of the top O-line recruits in the country coming out of high school. Lastly, spring surprise Cory Brandon, a junior saw time in nine games last year, has emerged as the frontrunner for the starting right tackle spot.
Stoops has backtracked a bit lately in his criticism and seems downright optimistic about the line’s prospects for ’09. That doesn’t happen too often.4. Safety
Nine starters are back on the OU defense, which is shaping up to be one of the best of Stoops’ tenure. Every spot is rock solid with proven commodities, except for safety.
Gone are longtime starters Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes. Junior Quinton Carter will take over for Holmes at the free safety position. Carter worked his way into the mix last season, earning two starts when the Sooners went to a five defensive back lineup. Ask Jeremy Maclin about Carter’s hitting ability. Sam Proctor, a sophomore who played special teams in ’08, appears to be the favorite to start at strong safety. The coaching staff’s assessment of Proctor seems to shift about as often the winds sweeping down the Oklahoma plains, so talented underclassmen such as Joseph Ibiloye and Javon Harris could make a push in the preseason.5. The 800-Pound Gorilla
Fair or not, “Chokelahoma” has replaced “Big Game Bob” as the identity of OU football. That kind of reputation can really start to weigh on a team’s psyche. Heading into the Red River Shootout, for example, questions from the media about struggles in big games will be as common as the ones about shutting down Colt McCoy and keeping Sergio Kindle out of the backfield.
How the Sooners deal with those demons may be more important than who the backup quarterback is or who starts at strong safety.