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Picker Corrects Stoops
Published: 8/10/2009 5:02 PM
Last Modified: 8/10/2009 5:02 PM




Here are some superb questions and even better answers.
Q: Would winning the Big 12 constitute a successful season for OU this year?
A: Maybe.
Were OU to duplicate last year's record, with the talent it has, it would NOT be a successful season.
Stoops says winning the conference is the most important thing the Sooners can do.
But that's only if OU wins a BCS game.
Beating a weak Big 12 North team is not as important as beating a BCS opponent.
Period.
Q: Who is overrated?
A: Southern Cal.
The quarterback is everything. USC doesn't have one.
Q: What about the OSU quarterback?
A: Ouch.
If he's injured before practice starts, it makes a person aware of how quickly a 10-2 team could turn into 6-6.
Running Robinson on the option is the worst idea in college football.
Q: What is the key to OU's year?
A: Venable's cornerbacks.
One good one a decade shouldn't be too much to ask.
Q: Who figures to be cheated the most this season?
A: Boise State, which will go undefeated and could catch the Big 12's second best in a fringe BCS bowl.
Q: Name some surprises.
A: Auburn, Mich.
Q: Will OU have any trouble with BYU?
A: Lay the 21 in a legally controlled atmosphere.
Q: Why have there been no good Big 12 quarterbacks in the NFL?
A: Because the conference is overrated.
Q: What worries you?
A: TU finishing above .500. OU without Bradford next year.
Q: How's the Bob Barry impression coming?
A: As Mr. Barry returns for his 100th year of doing OU play by play, we plan for the impression to be respectful and accurate.
Q: Will there be any surprises in the Picks this year?
A: Not concerning successful picking statistics.






Reader Comments 11 Total
MexiMike (4 years ago)
Q: What about the OSU quarterback?
A: Ouch.
If he's injured before practice starts, it makes a person aware of how quickly a 10-2 team could turn into 6-6.
Running Robinson on the option is the worst idea in college football.

Actually, I think Coach Stoops would have responded truthfully like this:

"The Bedlam game last year would have been much worse if it wasn't for Zac's running ability. His mobility kept OSU in the game until midway through the 4th quarter. You can't discourage a player from using one of his best strengths for fear of injury. Football is a violent sport. Injuries happen. But winning games is what it is all about and in order to do so, you must utilize and take advantage of your players' abilities at all times."
BobSmith007 (4 years ago)
I suspect SoCal will find a quarterback soon. When was the last time you saw a good Pac-10 quarterback in the NFL? About three seconds ago. Burt Bacharach always has the pick of the litter. That would make me a great coach, too.
The Picker (4 years ago)
Bob, USC lost pretty much its whole defense as well. Last year's quarterback was really good. I don't think it's quite like Tech where you just plug them in. Those guys are average.
 
Cowboy Robinson sat out another practice.
Beware.
Dash Riprock (4 years ago)
USC has way too much talent to just be average and Cal is the only team that can compete with them this year for the PAC-10 title. Oregon has a new coach with some talent coming back, but nowhere near the previously mentioned elite two.

Pick, I truly love how you are starting the 'dig and poke' as is your normal custom with the loyal fans of OU and OSU. It lets me know that just over the next hill...it's football season. The Pokes have the talent on offense, as we all know, the concern is Bill Young is a great defensive coach, but where is the talent on that side of the ball to stop anyone? Last time I checked, he couldn't actually go out on the field and play in a game. I hope Poke fans know that Georgia has had about 8 months to prepare for this offense...look out.  
MexiMike (4 years ago)
Dash, the OSU linebackers are studs...all experienced and very athletic. The backfield is young but it is also very talented and stronger than it has ever been. The DE's are plentiful and are going to be a huge strength. The problem lies in the DT's. We moved Burton Jr. inside to add experience and athleticism but that still only gives us 2, maybe 3 solid guys. We will have to rely on quickness at that position to overcome the weight difference they will face.
Ignatz (4 years ago)
Worried about  TU and .500 prospect, could be. No Big 12 NFL qb's? Overrated conf.? Will a Big 12 "overrated" team beat a mid-range or slightly better team  from a "rated" conf. (Georgia)? Stay tuned.
Coxy24 (4 years ago)
"Venable's cornerbacks.
One good one a decade shouldn't be too much to ask"

Picker, come on now.  Name the best CB in the Big12... Guess what? He plays at OU, wears #15.  Or maybe he's just the one per decade...
BobSmith007 (4 years ago)
...then Oct. 17 would be a great time for #15 to prove it!
wk (4 years ago)
Mexi  -You must be confusing the OSU players with a defense. I'm not against the pokes, I'm just saying quit sounding like a sooner until OSU proves its got a real defense.
The Picker (4 years ago)
Did 15 play versus Texas or
Florida?
The only two good foes on the slate last year.
MexiMike (4 years ago)
WK, you must be confusing your comments with legitimate facts. I gave you the rundown based on expert opinion from different national analysts. I'm not trying to sound like a sooner. Maybe the defense is just getting better. We'll see.
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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.

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