READ TODAY'S STORIES AND E-EDITION
SUBSCRIBE
|
CONTACT US
|
SIGN IN
news
sports
business
scene
opinion
obits
blogs
comics
multimedia
weather
jobs
autos
homes
pets
classifieds
search
OU
|
OSU
|
TU
|
ORU
|
HIGH SCHOOLS
|
THUNDER
|
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
|
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
|
NFL
|
OUTDOORS
|
GOLF
|
PROS
|
ALL
@TWSportsExtra
HOMEPAGES
OU Sooners
OSU Cowboys
TU Golden Hurricane
ORU Golden Eagles
High School Sports
College Football
2012 High School Football Preview
2012 College Football Preview
SPORTS EXTRA BLOGS
OKC Thunder
OU Sooners
OSU Cowboys
TU Golden Hurricane
ORU Golden Eagles
High School Sports
Sports Writer Jimmie Tramel
Outdoors Writer Kelly Bostian
Fantasy Football
Pro Baseball
FOR THE RECORD
Scores, statistics and standings for local and national sports.
LOCAL PROS
Tulsa 66ers
Tulsa Drillers
Tulsa Oilers
Tulsa Shock
Tulsa Talons
Oklahoma City Thunder
ALL SPORTS
Golf
Horse racing
Major League Baseball
Motorsports
NBA
NFL
NHL
Other sports
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
OU photo slide shows
OSU photo slide shows
TU photo slide shows
College football highlights
OUTDOORS
Home page
Kelly Bostian's columns
Kelly Bostian's blogs
Videos
Slide shows
FIND A STORY
Search the World's archives
EMAIL ALERTS
OU Sooners
OSU Cowboys
TU Golden Hurricane
High Schools
SOCIAL MEDIA
Sports Extra on Facebook
@TWSportsExtra
@MGPeters23
@EricBaileyTW
@MikeBrownTW
@GuerinEmig
@BillHaisten
@KellyHinesTW
@JohnEHoover
@JohnKleinTW
@BarryLewisTW
@JimmieTramel
@ThePicker
@kellybostian
@TWfantasyworld
RSS FEEDS
OU Sooners
OSU Cowboys
TU Golden Hurricane
ORU Golden Eagles
High School Football
John Klein Columns
Picker columns
CONTACT US
Editors
Michael Peters
Sports Editor
Patrick Prince
Asst. Sports Editor
Columnists
John Klein
Sr. Columnist
John E. Hoover
Columnist
Writers
Eric Bailey
OU sports, Big 12 sports
Guerin Emig
OU sports
Jimmie Tramel
OSU sports, ORU sports
Kelly Hines
OSU sports
Bill Haisten
TU sports, Thunder
Barry Lewis
High Schools, Drillers
Mike Brown
High Schools, Shock
Kelly Bostian
Outdoors
BUY PHOTOS & PAGES
Buy a published photo by clicking the "Order this Picture" link on the photo. For a full-color page reprint, call 732-8198 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday or
order online
.
ADVERTISE ON SPORTS EXTRA
Learn more about the site.
Your bookmark will appear on your Profile page. Please give it a title,
and short description so that visitors to your page will understand where
the bookmark leads.
Bookmark Title :
Bookmark Text :
At Least OU Testy Off Field
Published:
11/24/2007 11:35 AM
Last Modified:
11/24/2007 11:35 AM
With an inside track to a national championship game wide open, and with a nation watching, and with a dog of an opponent across the line, TV analyst Paul Maguire said: Why don't they cover that guy?
It's what people with any football sense have been asking for years.
Saturday's loss to a joke of a team in Texas Tech brings to the front this question: What's wrong with OU?
If a team is content to compete for a league title and then go play Ucon in a bowl, finishing with a couple of losses most years, and going 50-50 in mostly meaningless bowls, nothing is wrong with OU.
But if you want a shot a national championship, something is a little wrong with the Sooners.
Surely some kind of world record was set Saturday when Tech passed 70-some times and OU didn't record a single sack! You could get Uncle Ralph and Aunt Minnie and put them at linebacker, and get a few sacks against 70-some throws! When OU blitzes, it's as though the players are told to find a blocker and run into him. Until Saturday, it was not humanly possible to throw so many passes without a single sack.
Obviously the secondary schemes are off. The possibility that something might be wrong back there came to discussion when defensive great Bo Pelini worked miracles at Nebraska and LSU, yet couldn't fit in with the Norman crew.
"He's still open," is a phrase that carries over from year to year in the OU secondary.
What's unfortunate is the greatest set of receivers in college football has not been used enough.
The staff used to be defensive about every other question. Now it seems pouty about all that is asked -- this time Venables said the media made the run for a title game sound too easy. Be defensive on the field, not off.
The main thing that seems to be missing is a national championship passion. Since all the assistants left after that magical title run, games seem to have been approached on a flat line in terms of emotion, with Iowa State seeming to be as vital as USC. But big-games are more important than little games, conference title shots are not even on the same page with national championship possibilities.
Dust off the King for the next title-run pep talk.
For those satisfied with coming close to national title games, nothing is wrong, all is fine, in fact.
For those interested in getting there again, it's time to add spice.
Check out the Week 13 Picks:
Many things worth giving thanks for
Reader Comments
54 Total
Show:
Newest First
Learn About Our Comment Policy
ALPHA DOG
(5 years ago)
PLEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZ. The media has made a mockery of Kansas's schedule, take a look a little closer to home. When Texas and Missouri stand out on your schedule as the games to watch.......your schedule sucks. You can set your watch to a late season OU bag. The tertiary, pardon me, secondary should bathe with Solarcaine after every game. The OU offense is so plebian Bill Land could announce games.
Rade Coberts
(5 years ago)
I find it absolutely mind boggling that nobody mentions two things: kevin wilson's horrible playcalling, and the reviewed play at the very end of the game.
"Left Oklahoma to rely heavily on the run?" That's B.S. On only 1 of 5 possessions did OU run for the first play. EVerything else was a throw by a quarterback who is out of his league. Kevin WIlson's obvious dislike for the running game is appalling. T-Tech has consistently failed to stop the run all year, so what do we do? WE PASS? With a horribly uncomfortable quarterback. Which makes me wonder: just how much time would T-Tech have had to score in the 1st half if we would've moved the ball with the run game? It's an absolute travesty when an O coordinator FAILS TO SEE WHO HIS BIG PLAYERS ARE WHEN NEEDED MOST, AND INSTEAD OPTS TO PUT THE GAME IN THE HANDS OF A QUARTERBACK WHO IS OUT OF HIS LEAGUE.
The review could be called sour grapes by me, but the ball wasn't out. Both players had their hands on the ball, and both players had a foot inbounds. The ball never touched the ground, which means SOMEBODY CAUGHT IT. Then who? Manual Johnson had 2 hands on it, the Tech guy had 1. You tell me who had possession. Even if you say it's a tie, or possession couldn't be differentiated between the two, then A TIE OF POSSESSION ALWAYS GOES TO THE WR. THAT'S IN THE RULEBOOK. Once again, OU gets robbed in Lubbock, even after they sucked it up, the refs called everything on us and nothing on them, and our own offensive coordinator screws up. Why do you think Tech scored so many points? BECAUSE THE OU DEFENSE WAS ON THE FIELD FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE GAME. That's simple football...
Jimbo
(5 years ago)
Does this mean Stoopr doesn't get his million dollar Christmas bonus?
WORLDPICKER
(5 years ago)
Rade: Before the season started, after returning from watching New England practice, Kevin Wilson was quoted as saying that he was not impressed with Tom Brady's arm strength!
Enough said?
Rade Coberts
(5 years ago)
kevin wilson should be given an all-expense paid trip to stillwater. perhaps the college team there is more on his level. he clearly cannot handle big games or big expectations.
putting the game in the hands of an untested quarterback instead of an explosive RB? amazing....
John in Yukon
(5 years ago)
Although the defensive plan for the game seemed to be going well the first few series, once Bradford was hurt and the offense became unproductive, OU was in deep (fill in the blank). A number of 3-and-outs forced the defense to go back on the field; they got tired. The barrage of blitzing seemed to taper off as the game went on also.
I get so tired of seeing receivers for the opposition running around with a d-back not within 10 or 15 yards. There have been way too many "mental" breakdowns this year (and last year, and the year before that) in the secondary. Is it bad coaching, or are the players just out there freelancing?
From the Tulsa game on, I have said that this OU team just doesn't have the killer instinct needed to win a national championship. Turns out I was right. What a shame...
K-FED
(5 years ago)
Ya, Kevin Wilson is qualified to come to OSU. HAHA! No thanks, I will take Fedora any day. Just because we are not having as good of a season as OU doesn't mean their coordinators are any better.
WORLDPICKER
(5 years ago)
How can a team rush a slow-footed passer 72 times, blitzing on numerous occasions, and not run into a single sack?
Seriously.
It used to be impossible.
John in Yukon
(5 years ago)
Although the defensive plan for the game seemed to be going well the first few series, once Bradford was hurt and the offense became unproductive, OU was in deep (fill in the blank). A number of 3-and-outs forced the defense to go back on the field; they got tired. The barrage of blitzing seemed to taper off as the game went on also.
I get so tired of seeing receivers for the opposition running around with a d-back not within 10 or 15 yards. There have been way too many "mental" breakdowns this year (and last year, and the year before that) in the secondary. Is it bad coaching, or are the players just out there freelancing?
From the Tulsa game on, I have said that this OU team just doesn't have the killer instinct needed to win a national championship. Turns out I was right. What a shame...
soonerjohn
(5 years ago)
The problem is defense or actually the lack of defense by OU. I admire loyalty as much as anyone, and I know about the ties and the past between BOB and BRENT, but this guy is like a stone around our necks. Venables needs to be fired and we need to hire BO PELINI, the picker said it and I really hate to agree with him, but this Pelini guy knows his business. We can take up a collection and pay him more than bob and even whine if we have to, whatever it takes to get him back here to teach our defense how to stop a pass attack. If our defense had been able to keep tech form scoreing on just half of their first half positons this would have been a very different game. BOOMER!!!!!!!!!SOONER!!!!!!!!!!
soonerjohn
(5 years ago)
The problem is defense or actually the lack of defense by OU. I admire loyalty as much as anyone, and I know about the ties and the past between BOB and BRENT, but this guy is like a stone around our necks. Venables needs to be fired and we need to hire BO PELINI, the picker said it and I really hate to agree with him, but this Pelini guy knows his business. We can take up a collection and pay him more than bob and even whine if we have to, whatever it takes to get him back here to teach our defense how to stop a pass attack. If our defense had been able to keep tech form scoreing on just half of their first half positons this would have been a very different game. BOOMER!!!!!!!!!SOONER!!!!!!!!!!
Jason Rogers
(5 years ago)
If the sooners don't get there game going early this weekend for bedlam there will be a lot more pouty sooner fans on monday...Go Pokes you can do it.........
jason rogers
(5 years ago)
The cowboys will crush the sooners remaining hopes for a higher bowl...After saturday the sooners will be playing in the toilet bowl against michigan...
Jimbo
(5 years ago)
I think the time has come for baby brother UT-Stillwater to beat middle brother UT-Norman.
Rade Coberts
(5 years ago)
Jason rogers:
please, i didn't just hear an OSU fan mouthing about OU going to a weak bowl did i.
Gundy said he describes this season a success because he's bowl eligible. You can read that under the OSU- 3 questions story. You're so full of BS you don't even realize when you insult yourself.
T Bone
(5 years ago)
My gosh, I'd hate to be around a bunch of Gooners when they lost four or five games in a season. It seems to me that the Scholarship limit has leveled the playing field. Its tough out there on the Coaching Level and I still think CheatO U. has some of the best Coaches in the Nation.
BOB STOOPS
(5 years ago)
OU coaches DO get testy when asked basic questions. It all flows from Stoops. Bottom Line: The Sooners are one of the easiest teams to scheme against, both offensively AND defensively, because we hardly change a thing from week to week. Most of the time (7-10 games per season) this works since our athletes are generally superior to our oppositions (or at least we run deeper talent-wise). But for 2-4 games per season, we get "out-coached" in the sense that the opposing coaches find wrinkles and flaws to exploit. BTW, its a moot point now, but why would Kevin Wilson put in "The WIld Hog" with Murray back in the A&M game, and then NEVER run that formation again? I really don't get it. Help me, someone.
Greg
(5 years ago)
Picker, as usual you are 98 1/2 % correct.
And now for some random thoughts: I have never been impressed with the way Venables has prepped for a pass oriented opponent. And Wilson shore don't awe me with his brilliance either. Stoops needs
to make some adjustments to his staff.
It seems that the Sooners all got a little loopy when Bradford went down.
That fake punt was a fakin' disaster.
Murray might have rivaled A.D's freshman success if they would have let him play.
Alan Patrick's fumble was the domino that started the tumble.
Picker's lil' helper
(5 years ago)
Questions for OU fans in August???
1. Can we find a QB that just won't screw things up????
2. The O-line is going to be goooood!!!
3. We have the best WR's but can anyone get them the ball???
4. Patrick, looks like a good replacement for AD and all-world Murray, just may be better than AD....Hmmm
5. Our defense is loaded with bluechippers so this year we will stop everyone!!!
Now, 3 months later, lets try it again...
1. Bradford has been great, better that anyone could have expected and we still don't have a backup.
2. WRONG, average at best!!!!
3. WR's are good but the best one has no heart, Hey Kelley, show up when we need a big play in a big game!!!!!
4. Where have you gone Patrick and why hasn't Murray became the #1 RB by now?
5.OVERRATED players, DB's seem lost, LB's can stop run but they can't play pass defense and D-line can't get pressure anyone!!!!
Trader
(5 years ago)
The national Sports Media is the ones that started all talk about OU being the National Championship calibur team. Best Defense and best offensive Line. Great Back, Great Receivers. Stoops in the past has been a little more animated about the strength of his team. This year its always "we got a lot of football to play" I get the feeling he knew we didn't have all the elements to go all the way. One thing we had in the past if the offense fell apart the defense would keep us in the game. NOT THIS YEAR. Being a Switzer Fan its all about defense and we don't have a Championship level defense.
CRW
(5 years ago)
In response to #4, given the supposed expertise of OU coaches, didn't you put all your proverbial eggs in one basket again? How much preparation was given in the past week/year to "what-ifs" & key players? Remember just before the season, the question was, "which one of three wi;; be QB?" How many snaps did #2 & #3 get in practice?
Most football teams, college & pro, play about 3 quarters; some neglect the 1st, some can't make it thru the 4th. Winners play sixty minutes with whatever talent they have available!
Mack
(5 years ago)
Nobody is perfect. The Sooners had an off day. Also, saying they have the greatest set of receivers in college is quite a stretch.
Epphan
(5 years ago)
Akin to John Cooper at Ohio State. Solid teams. No passion. Each game no more important than the other. Some games ARE more important. If you are on the road against a team that is going to pass 135 times a game…shouldn’t you be a little extra hungry for a bunch of sacks?…for a few interceptions? Step it up when the offense needs you? Or would that disturb the monotone atmosphere?
TS
(5 years ago)
OU = Overrated University
The most insulting thing about OU is the uneducated and obnoxious fans. Sonner BOOMERed in his pants. They get their can handed to them and they still won't shut up...
WORLDPICKER
(5 years ago)
You people have never been better.
Trader: It's not so much the national media as it is the local homers. Actually it seems to start with Stoops, everybody is great, best ever, then Dean and Al pick up on it, then it trickles up to the national people.
This one Saturday is starting to look more like a pick-'em game ..... you know OU will overreact and run non-stop. When that's the last thing it should do, as OSU has the worst pass defense in captivity.
A little freshening of the staff might be a welcome relief. This stop the run first mentality was fine until people stopped running!
Anyway, you people are making tremendous sense.
25 of 54 comments displayed
|
View All
To post comments on tulsaworld.com, you must be an active Tulsa World print or digital subscriber and signed into your account.
To sign in to your account, go to
tulsaworld.com/signin
.
To activate your print subscription for unlimited digital access and to post comments, go to
tulsaworld.com/activate
.
To purchase a subscription, go to
tulsaworld.com/subscribe
.
Submitting your comment, please wait...
Out Pick The Picker
The Picker began entertaining – and infuriating – sports fans in 1993. Each week during football season, he writes about his picks of college and NFL games in his Thursday Sports column. He's never afraid of sharing his opinions about the game and the personalities who play it. Readers have a chance to go against him each season in the Outpick the Picker contest. He welcomes the competition.
Follow The Picker on Twitter
Subscribe to this blog
Archive
Past Articles By The Picker
1/31/2013
The Picker: Super Bowl merely a distraction from OU woes
The Picker's Blog Archive:
2/2013
1/2013
12/2012
11/2012
10/2012
9/2012
8/2012
7/2012
6/2012
5/2012
4/2012
3/2012
2/2012
1/2012
12/2011
11/2011
10/2011
9/2011
8/2011
7/2011
6/2011
5/2011
4/2011
3/2011
2/2011
1/2011
12/2010
11/2010
10/2010
9/2010
8/2010
7/2010
6/2010
5/2010
4/2010
3/2010
2/2010
1/2010
12/2009
11/2009
10/2009
9/2009
8/2009
7/2009
6/2009
5/2009
4/2009
3/2009
2/2009
1/2009
12/2008
11/2008
10/2008
9/2008
8/2008
7/2008
6/2008
5/2008
4/2008
3/2008
2/2008
1/2008
12/2007
11/2007
10/2007
9/2007
8/2007
7/2007
6/2007
5/2007
4/2007
3/2007
2/2007
1/2007
12/2006
11/2006
10/2006
9/2006
8/2006
Home
|
Contact Us
|
Search
|
Subscribe
|
Customer Service
|
About
|
Advertise
Copyright
© 2013, World Publishing Co. All rights reserved.