Monthly Archives: January 2013

Is A 3-4 Defensive Scheme In OU’s Near Future?

Sooner4OU Commentary: It would not be surprising if this article was “on the mark”, as the defensive performance since 2008 has been average, if not poor.  Something has be done given the shortage of defensive tackle talent and the recruiting difficulties that have been well documented by the mainstream press.  The concern with going to the 3-4 is our linebacker depth and talent, as well as, the hybrids that the Sooners employ were the linebackers and safeties are largely interchangeable.  The “hybrid experiment” was utilized to try and slow down the spread being used by the majority of Big12 teams, but it is vulnerable to the run as we have a ll witnessed.  West Virginia’s Austin showed us how vulnerable we are when utilizing the hybrids regardless of the scheme.  This Spring will be very interesting with the change in personnel and schemes, not too mention if the coaches change rumors turn out ot be true.  What do you think about the Sooners potentially employing a 3-4 defense?

Article Excerpt: “On the heels of the worst defensive season in Bob Stoops’ 14-year tenure as head coach, he and brother Mike are going back to the drawing board.”

See on www.cbssports.com   Photo: (US Presswire)

Stoops On National Titles & Recruiting; Are The Sooners Headed In The Right Direction?

Sooner4OU Commentary: It is interesting how so many fans want to align themselves as either a sunshine pumper (eternal optimist) or gloomer (negative pessimist) when it comes the Sooners.  For instance if you take two different Sooner fans and have them read the Tulsa World article, you are very likely to get two wildly different opinions and suggested actions.

When really it is just an established highly regarded Head Coach supporting his players and stating that his expectations are higher than the current results.

It has been interesting to read the comments on articles of late like this and see the diversity of comments and the sugar and venom that fans spit out.

In this article for instance i agree with Stoops comments and think he is in a tough position, albeit well paid position regarding the lack of National Title contention that defines the last few years.  It is obvious, he is not satisfied, but will that satisfy the gloomers, not likely.  Will his comments embolden the pumpers…maybe.  Was the positions turned around right after the Cotton Bowl loss…absolutely!

So what is the answer, not sure I have an answer, but read the article and make your own inferences as to whether the Sooners are headed towards glory and rushing towards doom.  The ride will be interesting and controversial given the emotional investment and pride the Sooner nations has for it’s beloved team.  Boomer!

Article Excerpt: Stoops said on the recent Tony Jefferson controversy:
“You never know where things begin or who says (what). There’s always a source. It makes no sense for us not to back our kids.”

See on www.tulsaworld.com

The 20th Ranked Lady Sooners Fall Short Against #1 Baylor

B_Ball

The #1 ranked Baylor Women’s basketball team earned their ranking again today as the beat the Lady Sooners 82-65. Having the four injured Sooners out is having a negative impact on this season. The Sooners had won seven of the last eight games, but struggle against elite competition due to the injury situation. Better luck next game! Oklahoma hosts TCU on Jan. 30, at the Lloyd Noble Center.  Boomer!

Gameday: OU’s Men and Women’s Basketball Teams Playing Top 5 Teams Today

basketball-glowIt is Gameday! OU Mens and Womens Basketball teams are both playing top 5 teams today respectively. If either of the OU squads could pull off an upset victory it would be huge for them and the entire OU basketball program. BOOMER!

 

OU Women’s Basketball:
No. 20 OU (15-3, 5-1) at No. 1 Baylor (17-1, 7-0) at 11AM
Location: Ferrell Center, Waco, Texas
TV Coverage: FSN (COX 722, Uverse 1754, DirecTV 679)
Radio: KREF1400 AM in OKC
Twitter: @OUWomensHoops
Summary Preview: This is their 40th meeting and OU leads the series 25-15, although OU has dropped the last four to Baylor. The winner will lead the Big12.
Extensive Web Preview: Official OU Preview on SoonerSports.com

OU Men’s Basketball:
OU (13-4, 4-1) at No. 3 Kansas (17-1, 5-0) at 3PM
Location: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
TV Coverage: ESPN
Radio: KOKC 1520 AM in OKC and KTBZ 1430 AM in Tulsa
Twitter: @SoonerHoops
Summary Preview: This is the 203rd meeting between the two teams and KU leads the series 138-64, and KU has won the last 9 meetings against OU. The winner will lead the Big12.
Extensive Web Preview: Official OU Preview on Soonersports.com

Explosive Offense For OU In 2013, Metoyer, Reynolds Among Options At WR

Sooner4OU Commentary: OU has an embarrassment of riches at the receiver position and is set for 2013.  Jalen Saunders is set at slot with Sterling Shepard as his backup and with Trey Moteyer, Jaz Reynolds and Durron Neal on the outside, the Sooners will have a strong passing threat.  If they can get the running game going and some zone read involving the quarterback in the game plan.  The final question becomes at the quarterback position will it be veteran Blake Bell or one of the two triple threats Kendall Thompson or Trevor Knight to take the snaps and lead the offense. Regardless of which one they choose, all three of them have the ability to run and pass and add some innovation to the Sooner gameplan.  With all the talent and a little tinkering to the gameplan, the Sooners have a real chance to field an explosive offense this Fall.

Article Excerpt: Bob Stoops said “We’re very excited about Trey. He works hard and has a good attitude. Things didn’t quite click as fast as we thought, overall. Then you had some guys with experience that come about like (transfers) Justin Brown and Jalen Saunders — those guys have played a lot of football.”

See on espn.go.com   Photo: Mark D. Smith/US Presswire

Running The Ball More Effectively Next Year Is Key To OU Winning Big Games

Sooner4OU Commentary: It has been painfully obvious that the Sooners need to run the ball more often and more effectively next season if they are going to win the big games.  The inability to run and failure to convert key first downs was exploited during all three losses and this issue had a huge impact on the outcomes of these games.  Luckily, Bob seems to be putting an emphasis on having a stronger run game next year and the Spring will be key to getting the team ready to have a more downhill running as part of their playbook.  It seems strange to even discuss this as running the ball has always been part of the Sooner lore.  Here is to the Sooners running the ball more effectively next season!  Boomer!

Article Excerpt: “No one quite knows how high Oklahoma’s jack-of-all trades might climb with one more college football season, but there’s one way to all but guarantee his stock rises. It also might help the Sooners win some games.”

Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

See on newsok.com

Men’s Basketball On ESPN: Oklahoma Sooners Vs. Texas Longhorns

Sooner4OU Commentary:  Tip-off for the game is in one hour on ESPN.  It would be great for the Sooners to put it to the Longhorns on national television.  The game is being played at the Lloyd Noble Center and should have a ruckous crowd awaiting the Horns.  It is time for the Sooners to make their NCAA Tourney move and expanded their Big12 record by beating the Longhorns will help.  Even though Texas is experiencing a tough season they still can be a dangerous team and the Sooners need to “ball up” tonight.  Boomer!

Article Excerpt: We have the Texas Longhorns who are winless in Big 12 play facing off with the Oklahoma Sooners in this crucial matchup.  As mentioned above the Longhorns are 8-9 overall, 0-4 in league play while the Sooners are currently sitting at 12-4 overall, 3-1 in conference play.

See on sportschatplace.com    Photo by: USA TODAY Sports

No. 16 Kansas State Beats Oklahoma 69-60 In Manhattan

 

OUDropsKstate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sooner4OU Commentary:  No. 16 Kansas State pulled away from Oklahoma in the second half to win at home 69-60.  The Sooners (12-4, 3-1) kept up with the Wildcats and brought down 36 rebounds, but it was not enough as the Wildcats made their shots when it mattered.  The Sooners struggled throughout the game and were puzzled by the Wildcat’s pressure.  It is obvious that the Sooners still have some work to do to make the NCCA Tourney.  OU plays Texas next at the Lloyd Noble Center on January 21st.

Photo: The Associated Press

Re-Ranking The Departing Sooner Football Class Of 2012

Sooner4OU Commentary: It is always interesting to see another person/sites ranking and evaluations of recruits.  In this particluar article SoonerScoop.com takesa look at the departing class of 2012 and re-ranks them based on their contribution and output.  I tend to agree with most of the re-rankings, except the one regarding DeMontre Hurst.  I believe his was a big time contributor and his somehwta lackluster senior season was the result of being asked to play in a scheme that did not highlight his strong skills and exposed the soft underbelly of our defense.  What do you think of the re-rankings?  

Article Excerpt: Things may not have always been pretty for the group departing in the class of 2012 in spite of a racuous start including, for some, a trip to the National Championship game following the 2008 season, and then saw the Sooners win their first BCS bowl in nearly a decade that joined a Big 12 title in 2010.

See on oklahoma.rivals.com   Photo: Rivals.com

Is The NCAA Tourney In The Sooners Future?

Sooner4OU Commentary:  It is amazing how far this team as come this early in the season.  Lon Kruger has been a real blessing for the Sooners, as he coaches and reppresents the university in such a top-flight fashion. As the article discusses rthe next seven games will be very interesting a provide a litmus test as to how far this Sooner squad can go.  Must say though kruger has brought this program back faster than i thought he would.  Congrats Coach Kruger!  Boomer!

Article Excerpt: ”These next seven games could go a long way towards determining this Oklahoma basketball team’s chances of making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2009.  Is this Oklahoma basketball team is going to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009? Right now we obviously do not know the answer to that question.”

See on www.crimsonandcreammachine.com