Emails in on anthem & OU-Nebraska

The new emails are in, and lots of stuff here. The national anthem. OU’s disastrous football season. My proclamation that every place ought to be like Lincoln, Neb.

Let’s start with The Star-Spangled Banner. Tom: “As a native of Oklahoma and a veteran, I find the shouting at the end of the national anthem rude, disrespectful of the anthem and brings disrespect to the state as well as the university. Maybe those that want to change it should write a new anthem, if Boomer Sooner is not enough for them. But please leave my national anthem alone. Too many people have already paid for it.”

You know, it really doesn’t bother me when they yell ‘Sooners,’ I guess because I’m used to it and I’m sort of settled on the notion that all kinds of numbskulls walk among us. But it really does paint the state in a bad light.

Cindy: “Good for you for taking a reasoned position without using a sledge hammer. Not sure if one of the hundreds of emails you must have gotten have referred to this, but Atlanta Braves fans o this with the anthem, but for obvious reasons have avoided the controversy. They loudly sing home of the BRAVES to finish the song. No one’s ever thought it was disrespectful, even though they’re clearly not referring to the valor of our soldiers.”

I sort of remember home of the Braves. But that was back when I remembered we still played baseball in this country.

David: “It has been a long time since I have taken exception to one of your articles, but this one, I do.  No one would sing ‘Sooners’ at an important event like an inauguration (doesn’t matter who; president or company picnic).  But at a sports event?  Like a college football event?  Back in the ”70s a lot of people wouldn’t stand or sing when the anthem was played. Anyone, including you, that is upset over this issue is just too puckery.  I am not sure I can define, puckery, but the sound probably conveys the meaning.”

First of all, the goobers yelling “Sooners” would yell it out at their own murder trial. But you’re right, David. It’s a sporting event. I would vote to quit singing the anthem at sporting events. We don’t sing it at movie theaters or school plays. But we sing it at ballgames. And if you’re going to sing it, sing it right.

Keith: “I respectfully disagree with you.  The American soldiers are not the only ‘brave’ who live in this great country.  A lot of people who love this country have never put on a uniform, but they nonetheless love America and have done acts of bravery.  The truth is that America is home of the Sooners.  There is nothing wrong with American/Sooners celebrating their country and their team at the same time on a Saturday before a game of football.  My suggestion is that everyone lighten up and have some fun.”

You know, that’s not a bad point to make, that this isn’t necessarily a military issue. But just because it’s not doesn’t mean people should do whatever they want with the anthem. Again, let’s be clear. Everyone has the right to redo the words to the anthem or sit on their butt during the song or line dance with their girlfriend. Just accept the consequences, which are these: you look like a gooberhead and make our state look bad.

Jason: “I think it is disrespectful too. I don’t think it’s spit in your face disrespect, but more thoughtless disrespect. Am I surprised that some college-aged people would be thoughtless? No, but it is still wrong and needs to end. On changing the anthem to America the Beautiful, I have to disagree. Not because it is not a magnificent song, but because of how people sing the anthem  -  only the first verse. How many people know four words from the second verse from The Star-Spangled Banner? How many people even know there are other verses? If we would sing verses two and three of America the Beautiful instead, I could agree. I love that each verse pays homage to God, and each stanza is good or even great. But this country is not great because of the natural beauty mentioned in the first verse. This country is great because of those who have decided the price of freedom was worth putting their lives in harm’s way to defend it, and the Divine Hand of Providence that has guided us despite our imperfections. Whatever part of whatever song we sing to honor our country at events around the nation must remind us of the price that was paid for our freedom on the battlefields of our country and others around the world, and the reliance on God as the only source of that freedom.”

Wait a minute. I didn’t advocate changing anthems. I just suggested singing America the Beautiful instead. There’s no law that says The Star-Spangled Banner has to precede every ballgame. And I would vote to sing verses 1-2-3 of America the Beautiful. It’s a far better song. The only reason we sing only the first verse of the anthem is because it’s two minutes by itself. You can sing all three verses of America the Beautiful in less time than it takes to sing the anthem.

Josh: “This is what I’ll call educated speculation. Kansas City Chiefs fans have a long tradition of replacing ‘brave’ with ‘Chiefs’ at the end of the anthem. I have no idea why and always found it rather juvenile, but that’s neither here nor there. If you go to Arrowhead, pay close attention to the crowd at the end of the anthem. A friend of mine went to the 2000 Big 12 title game there and came back complaining that people had ‘ripped off’ the anthem ending from the Chiefs. Considering I never heard it when I was a student there in ’97-98, I’m going to randomly guess that some overlapping Chiefs/OU fans thought it funny in Arrowhead that year, and it stuck around with enough Owen Field residents to become a quasi-tradition. Do they do the same thing when the band plays the anthem too?”

This is what is known as grassroots history. Peeling back the onion of how things got to be the way they are. I can buy the Chiefs story. And my man, maybe you’ve stumbled upon another solution for Owen Field. Don’t sing the anthem. Just let the band play the music.

Gene: “Just wanted to mention my two bits.  As a long-time attendee to all OU football and basketball games, at first I was also a little annoyed at substituting Sooners for brave. However, it seems to me that before King Boren starts getting after a some fans for doing that, he might suggest to his student athletes that they could at least stand at attention with their hand over their heart rather than chewing gum, picking their noses and checking out the cheerleaders.   That jerks my chain more than saying Sooners!”

You know, that reminds me of an old debate. Remember when NBA player Chris Jackson, who changed his name to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, got in trouble for sitting around during the anthem and declining to even stand? He’s a knucklehead, but my point was this. Why is it wrong for Abdul-Rauf to ignore the anthem, but it’s OK for the TV cameraman who focused in on Abdul-Rauf to not stand at attention?

Brian: “After reading your blog about the issue of Oklahoma fans yelling ‘home of the Sooners,’ I was shocked to say the least.  How you can talk about how disrespectful it is for fans to yell ‘home of the Sooners)’ (I agree that it is disrespectful) then suggest using a wounded soldier to make a plea against the practice?  Then you continue on to say that the veteran should be in a wheelchair or using a cane for effect.  Oh the irony.  As someone who has seen Iraq firsthand, spent over 16 years in the Army and National Guard and is a lifelong Sooner fan, I am not having a tough time determining which is more offensive.  Perhaps it is you who needs to review your priorities.  To suggest that this issue is so grave you would support exploiting a wounded soldier to make your point speaks very poorly of your values. I hope that the Sooner fans who bastardize the anthem change their ways, but I also hope the university is smart enough to not follow your lead.  If you think that I am overreacting please feel free to contact me and I will gladly arrange for you to stop by Walter Reed Army Medical Center if you ever come out to Washington D.C.”

I’m surrendering on this one. I certainly did not mean to endorse exploiting soldiers and I certainly realize that’s what could be construed from what I wrote.. I was just thinking of the best way to make people realize what they were doing. I’m not trying to be a wisenheimer here, but maybe it’s like the suggestion that I tour Walter Reed. I have no doubts that such a tour would affect me and change me. Which is sort of the effect I had in mind for the stadium. But Brian is right. The idea was in poor taste.

Corky: “Hooray for you, Berry!  Is OU listening?  Could these same disrespectful fans also learn to salute the flag?”

Oh, I suppose they could. But that leads me to a pet peeve. What I call the patriotic police. People who want to tell you how to show respect. When I was a kid, we put our hand over our heart to say the pledge of allegiance. We stood at attention when the national anthem was played. But some people believe you should place your hand over your heart during The Star-Spangled Banner, too. I got a phone call once from a guy who saw me at a basketball game, without my hand over my heart during the anthem. I think that’s different from rewriting The Star-Spangled Banner for rowdy-schoolboy reasons, but it’s a fine line.

Pam: “It is disrespectful to change the words to the national anthem and I never do it when I attend every home and away game.  However, I am just one person in this free country and we don’t have to abide by my personal conduct rules, just as we don’t have to abide by yours. Was it just a slow sports day or were you trying to create controversy?  Hard to tell. Now you’ve taken that ‘timeout’ and it’s going to be louder than ever before. I enjoy your sports coverage more than your personal behavior ideas.”

I wonder if she’s right? I wonder if The Oklahoman’s coverage of the issue will make “Sooners” more prevalent or less. We’ll know tonight, I suppose.

OK. Let’s move on to the plight of the Sooners. Shlomo: “Got Blocks?  As the O-line gets thinner with each new injury (and it’s not like the original cast was all that good), I think back to the pre-glory days of Jack Mildren. That is, the days when OU expected him to pass and he couldn’t.  That was the beginning of the Wishbone, and I will capitalize that because it was and is the greatest darned offense ever run, if you have the people to run it.  But I digress. We can’t block anybody, not pass block, not run block.  Can’t block, period.  Well, given the need to hold the block on both running and passing plays, it might not be a bad idea to tear a page out of that old 1970 playbook and run some option. No, I’m not saying bring back the ‘bone.  We don’t really have the personnel.  But a modified option that moves the pocket and allows the play to develop without the linemen having to hold their blocks might do wonders for the offense, make the D even more effective and result in some wins. Now, that might seem like a panic move, and perhaps it is.  But, unless the coaching staff really thinks that the O-line is going to get better during the final games of the season, there is really nothing to lose.  The only question is whether Jones can run and whether he can take hits. If he can, good.  Murray would be good in the option and Madu, too.  Brown could spell Clapp at FB.  The running yards would start to pile up and the passing game would benefit with play action passes; the receivers would be open more and more likely to hold on to what was thrown to them. Is it too late to make such changes?  Are we going to beat Texas Tech or Oklahoma State without some drastic changes?  The question is whether or not the coaches would buy into something new at this late stage, or whether they are going to dance with the girl that brung ‘em, even when she steps all over their toes.”

I love you, Shlomo, but you’ve got be kidding. Landry Jones running the option? Even if he could run it, who’s his backup for the 25 hits a game he’ll take. Switching offenses in mid-November, to something no one has run and which fits not much of anybody? You said it right. Panic move. The kind of move that would exist only in the movies and on video games.

Bob: “I would agree whole heartedly that recruiting in college football is 85% of the key to sustained success.  Coaching then becomes an important 15% mainly to keep focused in a positive direction (the egos and high energy of these mostly) pampered young fellows.  It is really satisfying to watch a player in September evolve into a much better player as the season progresses.  Many do not. College football is the single most difficult of all team sports because you need about 44 or 45 quality people each year to perform, knowing injuries and competition and grades and social issues will interact with 100 young men over a six month period.  Oklahoma finally played a tough pre-league; Miami and BYU are programs with solid mature athletes who will go toe to toe with most opponents.  Texas seems to outcoach Oklahoma every year because I always look for the adjustments made in the second half and Texas has been dominant in the last two years in the second half. I look forward to a 16-team playoff, and each league providing a champion plus five at-large.  In 2008 the two best football teams were Texas and USC.  Now it is a Madison Avenue PR drill. In a bizarre way, I have more respect this year for Oklahoma as losers than the last five years where they are 0-5 in post season play and were portrayed as whiners throughout the national collegiate football scene.”

When was OU ever perceived as whiners? Everyone else seems to whine about OU. And I don’t know what you mean by Oklahoma ‘finally’ playing a tough non-conference schedule. OU played Cincinnati and TCU in 2008. Miami in 2007. Oregon and Washington in 2006. TCU and UCLA in 2005. Oregon and Houston in 2004. Alabama, Fresno State and UCLA in 2003. Alabama and South Florida in 2002. I probably shouldn’t waste my time on somebody this clueless, but as far as outcoaching? I’ll give you 2008. But in 2009, OU lost its Heisman Trophy quarterback on the second series and, still playing with a patchwork offensive line, lost 16-13 to a team everyone is saying is one of the nation’s three best teams. Who outcoached who on that day?

David: “This year has been a combination of many unfortunate events for the Sooner football team.  I wouldn’t know how to assign blame between injuries, inexperience, recruiting, coaching or any other factors.  Certainly, injuries and inexperience have been major issues.  But think about how John Blake would have thought about being the coach of a 5-4 team.  Think about how Gary Gibbs would have thought about all the Big 12 championships and just playing for the number of national championships OU has over the past decade.  We were a hair away from a national champion last year with the current coaches.  Coaching can’t be the major problem. I do wish we had Blake as an line coach.  Think about the recruiting and coaching expertise he has.  Just don’t let him talk to the media.”

Talking to the media never was Blake’s problem. Talking to his players was where the communication broke down. Not that either side knew it.

Tom: “Good analogy about false starts. Some folks in this part of the pigskin world refer to Flozell Adams as Falsestart Flozell!”

Adams must be one hellacious blocker, to keep playing for as much as he jumps offsides.

Terry: “Do you think Bob Stoops is on the verge of losing the team for the season?  I guess we will find out as I expect A&M will come to town ready to play even after their own loss last week.  I hate to admit it, but I’m losing my enthusiasm.  I can take losing when you play hard and are improving, but last week looked exactly like the team that came out in the second half at Jerry’s World on Sept. 5.”

Well, I see no evidence that Stoops is losing the team. But I see plenty of evidence that Stoops is losing the fan base. Not forever, just for this year. And that’s a sad commentary on the Sooner faithful. Anybody can be a fan when things are great. But jumping ship on a 5-4 team is not indicative of a great fan base.

Sixto: “Disgusting loss against Nebraska. Completely pathetic effort from an offense out of sync from the first snap. I cannot believe that OU’s once potent offense could not even muster one lousy touchdown. Unbelievable. Does OU have any hope for next season, or are we seeing a true step change where OU takes a definite fall downward for the next few years? I thought Landry Jones was going to be all right, but five interception eggs makes all kinds of doubts suddenly creep up.”

Does OU have any hope? You know, this season is just what Sooner fans needed. I’m serious. I think OU fans have forgotten that winning is not a divine right. That winning doesn’t come easy. That championships have to be earned, just like Stoops has been saying for years. So in some ways, this season could be really therapeutic.

Roger: “Your column on Bob Stoops makes perfect sense to me. I agree – football is not a board game or guessing contest.  Teams win because of better players who are properly trained and motivated. Not by the coach with better play-calling. Coaches have their share of the blame but not for play-calling. They did a poor job of recruiting receivers this year. I remember that some highly-rated recruits bailed out a few years ago – I suspect because Coach (Kevin) Wilson had intimidated them or ‘worked them too hard.’ Duke Robinson stayed and prospered. I congratulate him.   OU no doubt recruited some new top athletes for the 2009 offensive line, but they haven’t shown us much yet.  Is it due to poor development or were they just recruiting errors?  Are they just lazy? I hope the O-line improves next year, just as the O-line improved from 2007 to 2008.  I believe the O-line is second only to the QB in importance to the offense. But if OU had no injuries this year, Wilson would now be viewed as an offensive coaching genius.”

You’re exactly right. If Bradford and especially Gresham were healthy, there would be no criticisms. But the coaches have not done a solid job in developing players on this roster.

Jerry: “Your column about Stoops was right on.  You had the guts to say it.  He would not admit it, but I’m sure you have Stoops thinking. It appears Weis is going to be fired at Notre Dame.   Stoops is definitely on their short list. Doubt that he would leave.”

I can’t see Stoops leaving for a college job. I actually think he’s here for a long time more, but anything that would entice him would not be another college job.

Brian: “I don’t see this season as incredibly unusual. We were due for one of these. What I do see in the past is a flaw in the overall results. We are really, really good, but for whatever reason we never completely finish. How can we lose so many bowl games? What I notice about UT, Bama, Florida is they have no flaws. They are complete football teams. No special team problems, linebacker or kicking problems. Over the last 5-6 years, we have a glaring flaw somewhere, we just aren’t complete. That has basically been our problem. One so called expert thinks it is due to players from all over the country playing on the team. Maybe they are more concerned about themselves and their NFL future than winning each game without breakdowns somewhere. Is this coaching or just a glitch in the system?”

I don’t buy it. I don’t think OU in 2003 or 2004 had a flaw. I would say OU in 2008 is no more flawed than Texas in 2009. I don’t think geography has anything to do with it. All kinds of teams, good and bad, have players from all over the country. All kinds of teams, good and bad, have mostly locals.

Scott: “It’s doubtless true that the Oklahoma media plays softer than, say, Dallas, but I’m not sure fans want a media that is that hyper-critical. Jenni Carlson got lambasted for a tough article on Bobby Reid. That kind of article is common (at least in terms of pros) in larger metro areas. Talk radio in Dallas is brutal, and the papers can be just as bad. And people say they’re easier than the Philly or NY media, but I’ve never paid it that much attention. So, do Oklahomans want a vicious media? The reaction to the Reid article, whether you think it was fair or not, seems to be, no they do not. They may accept it when the player has done wrong off the field, ala Bomar or Chris Collins, but if a player has just performed inadequately, they don’t want that. Interestingly, they do seem to want that for coaches. At least OU fans seem to want you guys to be more aggressive with the OU staff right now. Message boards are full of posts accusing the Oklahoma media of being soft on coaches for any number of reasons. I think it’s very fair to say the play-calling is less of an issue than the recruiting and talent evaluation. It just doesn’t satisfy the mentality out there because, well, you can’t fix anything right now. You can’t go back and recruit better; it is what it is. OU is short on receiving and offensive line talent, the actual problem is that OU isn’t a program that should ever be this short on depth at those positions. They aren’t OSU or Missouri, where that’s more expected. OSU lost pretty much all its receiving  talent from a year ago. Dez Bryant, gone. Damian Davis, gone. Bo Bowling, gone. Brandon Pettigrew (and his projected successor), gone. Yet the Cowboys seemed to have capable depth at the position where OU doesn’t (imagine if OSU had gotten Broyles). Talent evaluation just didn’t go right for the Sooners and went pretty well for OSU, although in actuality OSU’s offense is not nearly as good as 2008. It’s just not in the toilet. Anyway, thanks for the good column on what fans should really criticize. They won’t do that for the same reason people hated the Reid article. In Oklahoma, people just don’t like the media taking swipes at the players.”

Never really thought of it that way. And I’m not sure I agree. I don’t think it’s protectionism of the players. I think it’s more of that mentality Scott mentioned, that it’s far easier to blame play-calling. It’s an easier fix.

Mike: “Good column about Coach Stoops.  Especially the line about this not being ‘rock, paper, scissors.’ And fair criticism about evaluating recruits.  But one point that seems to always get overlooked in recruiting is that it is not some science, either.  The NFL certainly tries to make it so, with all their objective criteria in evaluating draft picks.  But when it comes to evaluating high schoolers, some of these guys are only 16 and 17 years old when the college coaches are looking at them.  There is a lot of growing up (both physically and emotionally) which occurs during this time.  So, holding coaches to their recruiting evaluation is kind of like predicting how your kid’s first t-ball team is going to perform (with the exception of the rare Adrian Petersons of the world). By the way, I don’t agree with your statement that you thought he came across looking bad. In fact, I thought it was about as real as I’ve seen Stoops in a long time.  Very frank, which is I think one of the points you made in the column. My question is this:  Is there a disconnect between Wilson and Stoops?  Are they playing good cop/bad cop with the players?  Seems like Stoops is really on them sometimes, and Wilson is coming to their defense and taking the blame.  I’m wondering how you think that plays with the players themselves, and is this a certain psychological tactic the coaches are doing to get a response from the players? Or am I over-analyzing?”

I think you’re probably overanalyzing. But where’s the fun if we don’t? I don’t think the players get too much involved in coaching politics. But the good-bad cop deal is probably right on.

Jason: “I think Oklahoma would be fine at wide receiver if Josh Jarboe and Julio Jones would have worked out. Maybe ‘knuckleheadedness’ and losing out on a fantastic player like Jones was the bigger issue. How many catches would Jones have had last year and this year combined? Probably more catches than he’s even had thrown his way at Bama. Those two could have changed fortunes of the receiving corps in a very positive way. I know Jarboe has done little at Troy, but I think that whole fiasco he caused has thrown things for a loop for him.”

Jarboe is something like the No. 5 receiver at Troy. But yes, Julio Jones would have made quite the difference. Of course, OU came just as close to not getting Ryan Broyles as it did to getting Jones, so that’s a wash.

Jeff: “I agree that our in-game coaching decisions have not determined the fate of this season. And it amazes me how much we question the offensive coaching after such a run the past few years. And I am generally very critical of our team. I like to think that standards should be high if we want high results.  I do feel that is unusual for this staff that our line and some of the receivers have failed to develop this late in the season, with the exception of Dejaun Miller. Almost every year early struggles in any one area are usually corrected by this coaching staff this late in the season. I do feel the coaches are highly disappointed in these offensive players. And the coaches have proven the ability to ‘coach up.’ I would argue these players have much more to prove than the coaches. The Sooner fan base, despite rightful super high expectations, needs to have a bit more perspective. Back to Dejaun Miller. I believe he is playing at a high level and has been since his insertion after Cameron Kenney’s tipped pass at Kansas. Miller is at a much higher level than the rest of the receiving corps and new starters along the line (with the exception of Broyles). Miller should have played earlier and has been solid. “

I agree. I have no idea why Miller hasn’t been playing all year. Very puzzling.

Brad: “Did Stoops address not audibling to a quarterback sneak on that fourth down? I was screaming at my television.  You could have gained two yards.  How Landry doesn’t see that is beyond me.  Isn’t that basic 101? I’ve never played organized football, but my friends say you learn that in peewee football.”

Maybe so, but peewee football doesn’t have defensive tackles like Nebraska’s. The coaches could have audibled but chose not to. Kevin Wilson said NU was baiting OU to run a sneak, that the DTs were slanting in ready to pop Jones. OU is 2-of-7 on QB sneaks this year. Wilson said something like he didn’t think it was wise for his weakness to take on NU’s strength. Made a certain amount of sense, because I wondered how the Huskers could leave the middle so open. The answer probably is, they didn’t.

Greg: “Your comments were very appropriate on whiffing on wide receiver talent EXCEPT with Miller.  I know Landry does not intentionally do this, but I have never seen a receiver get so many balls thrown behind him, off the back shoulder, etc. In all of that he has made some very good, acrobatic catches, maintained stride and performed well. I consider Tennell, Caleb (effort, limited talent), Kenney almost totally lost causes. Your assessment of Broyles and being taken at the last minute was so good.  Can  you imagine how good OSU would be with Ryan Broyles?  I think all this flailing away is going to do is to ensure if Broyles has a good season is to possibly entice him to come out THIS YEAR.  If you take the injury lesson in watching Bradford’s odyssey, how is Broyles going to improve on his performance or draft standing from this year?  Arguably, his performance given the QB play, O-line performance has to be determined to be outstanding. He is playing a position which given its usual priority in the draft, should find him being drafted to a place like New England, Dallas, Vikings, etc. He is a ‘completion’ draft; special teams capable, specialty player a great team can add as an afterthought, like Wes Welker.”

I don’t think Broyles will make it in the NFL. He easily could prove me wrong, but Broyles looks a little spindly for the pros. I don’t think he’s anywhere nearly as stout as Welker always has been. And yes, I thought Welker would make it in the NFL.

Terry: “If someone would have told me this would be what we were looking at nine games in, I would have bet my child into slave labor. I cannot remember a team more snakebit than us this year. Do you? Especially OU? I am even getting ‘sorry mans’ from Longhorn fans. That is how bad it is. I so long for the one fingered salute I normally get. It has nothing to do with play calling, the only question I have for the coaches, is how did you not have an O-line ready? This isn’t on the coaches. I wish it were. SNAKEBIT I tell you.”

Child slave labor? Please don’t bet your child into slave labor. But while no one could see this script, no individual loss should be shocking. I said before the year started that OU had seven losable games. Some looked at me like I was crazy. But BYU, Miami, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas Tech and OSU all seemed losable. Not that the Sooners would lose them all, but they could lose any of them. And in those games so far, OU is 1-4.

Brent: “I’ve never seen anything quite like what is currently going on surrounding OU football. We know that Oklahomans are angry. Just angry, generally. They’re not happy with their President. They’re not happy with their economic situation. And now OU football has gone south. It appears to me that if anything major happens with this program, it will be stimulated from the bottom up. In the old days, the pressure came from the top down. But that was before message boards and bloggers. Yesterday was the deadline for applications for bowl tickets. One telling statistic to check out is what the demand for bowl tickets is this year compared to historical demand. I will venture a guess: 50 percent.”

I’ll tell you something to watch for. Empty seats. If someone wants Stoops gone, staying home is the surest way to achieving the goal. Empty seats are what got Gary Gibbs fired. But let me add, if someone wants Stoops gone, they’re certifiable.

Danny: “The fire is gone, get out the pooper scooper. Anyone could see who wanted that OU-Husker game more.  I wonder if Sooner fans are ready for a 6-6 season or maybe 5-7 and no bowl?  Remember when the Stoops brothers and Brent Venables were always being warned about being on the field.  When was the last time we had a sideline penalty?  Sorry, but I think we ought to give Coach Stupid or Big Lame Bob another million and that will fix everything.”

Who wanted it more? That’s interesting. That speaks to emotion. And the two places where OU most lost the game  -  quarterbacking and place-kicking  -  are the most emotionless positions on the field. Even offensive line is a largely emotionless position.

Ron: “Even though I have lived in the Fort Worth area for about 30 years, I grew up in the Altus area. I lived in Oklahoma for my first 30 years. Have always and will always be an OU fan, through the good, the bad, and the ugly. And yes, this year has been UGLY. And as frustrating as the fans get, I don’t imagine anyone is more frustrated than Stoops. He is still a great football coach. I do think, however, that he needs to take a hard look at the offense after the season. Something is terribly wrong.  Too many injuries, too many mistakes, no self-discipline. That has to come back on Kevin Wilson and the offensive staff. Maybe some coaching staff needs to be replaced after the season. The season is not over. There is still some hope. Hey, I can remember when I lived in Oklahoma, driving down the road and looking at the Bury Barry bumperstickers one year.”

Actually, there weren’t any Bury Barry bumperstickers. After seeing what Chuck Fairbanks went through  -  “Chuck Chuck”  -  Switzer took out the rights to Bury Barry. But let me get this straight. After a season in which Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham, Brian Simmons, Brody Eldridge and Jarvis Jones have been lost for the season, you want Stoops to fire the offensive coaches who last year led a unit that set an NCAA record for points scored?

Tim: “I just read where Coach Stoops was asked if the no-huddle or hurryup offense was causing the penalties. He replied, ‘that’s making excuses for the players,’ and he doesn’t buy into that. Why hasn’t anyone asked him why they had to call four timeouts right after the offense had taken the field and kept looking to the sideline for the play? Seems to me they should already know what they need to do. It’s the offensive coordinator’s responsibility to be ready after the defense has stopped the other team. Does Stoops not buy into that either? A lot of confusion on what the plays are and what to do. I can see why they jump off side or get frustrated.  This isn’t the first time this has happened.  Sad to say, but Coach Wilson spent his wad last year.”

Well, yes, I would say coordinating an offense that scored 700 points is spending a wad. Firing Wilson is goofy. But there does seem to be communication problems getting in the plays from the sideline. Stoops has admitted as much. That needs to be fixed.

Brad: “I hope I’m wrong, but I am not sold on Landry  Jones. We’ve had five great QBs under Stoops (including Paul Thompson), thus we are spoiled. I just don’t think he brings any versatility to the table. Again, I hope I’m wrong. Maybe Allen or Bell will shine.”

Paul Thompson a great quarterback? Hey, I love Tall Paul. Did some radio with him. But he once was 3-of-12 throwing in a game. OU had some wild things back in those days  -  like a field-goal kicker and a decent offensive line  -  and somehow still won the game 17-16, but let’s not write off Landry Jones this early. Versatility was not the trademark of Jason White or Sam Bradford.

Patrick: “Having just watched another offensive OU offensive performance, there are a few things that should be considered about this Sooner season. 1. Landry Jones in not a top tier Division I quarterback. 2. Mark Wilson could not fool a 12-year-old trick or treater with his play calling. 3. Christmas comes early to Bo Pelini. Landry Jones cannot move to his left, period. He has started, is it three or four games, and played in two others and has completed more passes to Texas, Miami and Nebraska receivers than those in crimson.  His foot work is as atrocious as my writing ability and the lack of faith shown him by the offensive play calling staff is obviously warranted. Mark Wilson is so predictable that my friends refuse to watch games with me because there is no suspense when I tell them every play before it is called.  Makes me wonder if it is his fear showing through in Landry’s play or vice versa. Finally, I know that this is a season mired by injuries and was likely a championship caliber team when healthy, but there is never a reason to stoop to throwing a game to help an old friend.”

The name is Kevin. Kevin Wilson. You know what I’d like to do. I’d like to organize all these guys who say they can predict what play is coming, and I’d like to do a wager: $10,000 or so. If they can guess with 50 percent accuracy the play that is coming  -  which is 30-40 percent below their claims  -  they win. Otherwise, I win. By the second quarter, they will have predicted two plays out of 25 and I won’t be able to watch the game because my mind will be racing, trying to figure out how to spend $10,000.

Brad: “If OU had Alabama’s kicker, would they be 9-0?”

Great question. I’m going to say no. Bama’s Tiffin is pretty good, but I don’t know that he makes the 54-yarder vs. BYU. And a good kicker would have gotten OU only as far as overtime against Texas.

Elisabeth: “Been wanting to ask this for a while now. Why, pray tell, will Stoops not play the studly kicker they recruited from Norman North?  Isn’t he supposed to be really, really good? And is it just me, or is Tress Way’s field goal kicking far worse than Stevens’?  Way looked totally lost and uncomfortable.”

Yes, it’s just you. Way’s kicks at least rise. Stevens’ kicks are wounded ducks. Bryce Easley got sick early in the year and lost a bunch of weight and power. Hasn’t really in the mix. And they all are supposed to be really, really good.

Derek: “I was looking through OU’s list of 148 all-Americans. One thing jumps out. OU, since the start of the modern two-platoon era (1965, I believe), has never had an all-America kicker. That’s 148 all-Americans, but no modern kickers. On the Mack Brown-Texas site, they list Jeff Ward (1986), Kris Stockton (2000), Happy Feller (1970), Russell Erxleben (1976-78) and Phil Dawson (1996). As we both know, OU has had some stellar kickers (Uwe and Tim Lashar come immediately to mind), but could Stoops’ record in close games have something to do with the fact that the kicking game is not exactly emphasized in Norman?”

I vote no. Like you said, OU has had some stellar kickers. Heck, Stoops has had some stellar kickers. All-American is a little too subjective to use. Stoops has had one all-American wide receiver (Mark Clayton), but that certainly hasn’t been a problem until this year. Tim Duncan, Garrett Hartley, they were fine. I think OU just blew it on Jimmy Stevens. Gave him a scholarship for reasons I don’t understand. Doesn’t have a booming leg. Didn’t have a great high school field-goal percentage. Recruiting mistake.

Richard: “If someone had told you before the season that OU and USC would be mixing it up in SoCal at the end of the year, you probably would’ve booked your press passes for the Rose Bowl, not the Holiday Bowl, months in advance.”

It’s fun to think about, but I say USC is headed for the Fiesta Bowl.

Mike: “A team and coaching staff in disarray? Kevin Wilson admits that under pressure, i.e. behind on the scoreboard, they fold. Character?”

Is lack of discipline a character issue? If so, then yes. If not, then no.

Tad, a Nebraska fan: “What’s up? I am hoping you can pass on a little tidbit for all the OU fans down there: YOU HAVE THE BEST DAMNED COACH IN THE LEAGUE. Stop bitching about him. He is a proven winner that has dominated for a decade. Be careful what you wish for. Think about our trade of Solich for Callahan. Stoops is a future Hall-of-Fame coach. So what if he is having a down year? You have not been embarrassed once this year. BYU, Miami, Texas, and Nebraska are not exactly lightweights. Nebraska may just have the best defense in the country right now.”

This kind of message won’t appease the mob crowd, but sure works on me.

Enough is enough. Let’s move on to the gratitude of the Huskers. Ott: “Just a note of thanks regarding the great writings about the sportsmanship of Nebraska football fans. I am a native Okie, but several years ago I was transferred to Lincoln, a complete stranger to Nebraska. My job required I work with people living throughout the state. You not only described the football fans there but very close to the state’s total population. With the possible exception of a few soreheads, if you can find them, the Nebraska people are just fine folks. They work hard, play hard and most are well educated. My 16 years in Lincoln were extremely enjoyable as well as a great place to rear our children. I would have retired in Nebraska but for one negative. COLD.”

You were running for governor there for awhile, but now, you’re off the ticket. You said the magic world. Personally, I think Nebraska’s cold is overrated.

Mike: “Long-time friends who live in Oklahoma City sent the original copy of the Nebraska article, the most positive and most complimentary newspaper story I have ever read. Subsequently, local friends found it on the Internet, so it is being shared with many football fans on both sides of the line of scrimmage.  I was also thrilled Saturday with the crowd’s response to the halftime introduction of the many Oklahoma stars and Barry Switzer.  It all made for the ultimate athletic experience. I am very grateful that you shared our fans’ respect for Oklahoma.”

You know, maybe it’s me that should be running for governor of Nebraska.

William: “I’ve been to several NU-OU games, and through all of those contests, I have learned the two reasons that make this game the greatest rivalry in college football are great football and great fans. I have attended Husker-Sooner games that were the most important games of the week (or even the most important game in November) and some that, like Saturday night, meant little more than bragging rights this time around. Through all my NU-OU experiences, whether the game itself caused me elation or heartache, I have always been treated with courtesy and respect by the Sooner faithful.  It doesn’t matter if the game is in Lincoln or Norman, nor whether the game is THE game in college football or if it just means a lot to us. Every time I have been to Norman, I too have felt like a guest as opposed to the enemy; the fans have always been great.  Rest assured that there is at least one place like Lincoln to watch a game, and that’s Norman, Oklahoma.”

Well, that’s some mighty high praise. I don’t buy it, of course. I don’t see Sooner fans applauding the Huskers. I don’t see the commitment to sportsmanship that you see in Lincoln. But if some Nebraskans think it so, good for the Sooners, I say. But did you read what William called OU-NU? The best rivalry in college football. Think any Sooner fans say that? I’m telling you, Nebraskans hold this series in high regard.

Tom: “As a die-hard Husker fan, I’ve been to games in Norman several times over the years.  I was always treated just as nice as OU fans are in Lincoln.  Last time there in a crowded bar, I was offered a chair at a table of OU fans and we had a good laugh and chat.  I’ve always considered Norman the friendliest opposing stadium to visit in the Big 12; Colorado and Missouri tie for worst. OU/NU fans are a lot alike and I feel there’s a common sense of respect not found in a lot of other rivalries.”

Personally, I would Texas Tech the worst. Maybe it’s a North-South thing.

Don: “I don’t like the booing other teams, either.  I will say there were some rude, obnoxious Nebraska fans as visitors at OU when Callahan was coaching.  They were the younger crowd and I was surprised by them.  I had never seen that mentality of Nebraska fans before in 30 years attending games.  I hope this is not a glimpse of the future when the younger crowd takes over.”

Maybe it’s just a bunch of yahoos without the coverage to try those stunts in Lincoln. Have to do it on the road, away from adult supervision.

David: “You wrote, ‘I’ve always thought Nebraska fans loved the series more than Oklahoma fans, though I don’t really know why. Maybe because the Huskers don’t have a natural rival…’ Suddenly it reminded me of a long-ago column of yours where you said something to the effect that Oklahoma was the mirror through which Nebraskans judged themselves and how they stood, ‘and as any woman will tell you, it’s never good to be without a mirror.’ I believe you wrote that when OU was down in the mid-’90s, explaining how the Huskers actually missed the days when OU was a saber-toothed rival. It was a cool twist on why Nebraska fans love the series maybe even more than we Sooners do.”

I wrote that? Hey, that’s pretty good.

Robb: “I enjoyed your article on Lincoln.  I spent seven years there as an undergraduate and law student from 1983 to 1990.  I witnessed the self-policing where NU fans would tell one of their own to stop negative things.  However, I also witnessed the same great fans when I went to Norman.  I went in the ’80s and again last year.  Both times, we were treated so well by OU fans.  Last year, it was unbelievable how nice every one was.  Granted, they did not have much to fear and the outcome of the game was determined early.  However, all of the OU fans were encouraging us Husker fans after the game, telling us to be patient, that Bo Pelini was the right guy, and to remember OU’s own dark days in the ’90s. I have never enjoyed a Husker loss as much as last year in Norman.”

Mighty nice of those Sooner fans to preach patience. Let’s see how man of them can still practice it.

Dick: “As a Nebraska alum living in Oklahoma, I was somewhat surprised and at the same time delighted to read your column regarding the behavior of Nebraska fans at Lincoln.”

I’m going to take that as a backhanded compliment.

Dewayne, an OU fan: “What a great story!  There is so much negative in today’s sports that it really is nice to see someone recognize another for good sportsmanship. Even moreso when it is not just the players or the team, but an entire culture of upbringing and responsibility among the fans of Nebraska. I think we, as OU fans, should follow suit. I don’t see where we need to trash another team or their fans with insults and trash talk. Just play the game and be satisfied that we were there to compete, win or lose. Over all, our record on the field will say all that needs to be said. We don’t need to make ourselves look like the hillbillies that some have labeled us. Maybe there was some truth to that statement.”

We can’t get the hillbillies to quit yelling “Sooners!” during the anthem. Now you want them to act civilized to the opposing team?

-------------Berry Tramel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including AM-640 and FM-98.1. You can e-mail him here and follow him on Twitter @BerryTramel. Visit Berry's website here.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.

Powered by Wordpress | WP Premium theme by WP Remix
Copyright 2007. Berry Tramel's Blog. All rights reserved

• Home
• RSS Feed
• Berry Tramel’s Website | NewsOK
• Contact Berry
• Berry on Facebook
• Berry’s Bio
• Sports | NewsOK