Comments on: Switzer tales: 1974 defense the best?

By: Tony

Tony — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:25:29 +0000

It was a shame that team wasn’t on TV. In my opinion, the 73 through 75 teams were the best OU teams of the modern era. No disrespect to the 50,55, 56, 85 or 2000 teams…but THIS team was a special, special group of talent that I’ve not ever seen assembled before or since.

I’ll even go as far to say that had they been on TV, and not tied USC in ’73…they would have had the chance to be the only THREE time national champions. They were THAT good!

By: Tony

Tony — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:05:03 +0000

I remember that no matter how the offense was doing at the time…turnovers, nine-men fronts to shut down the ‘bone, whatever…I always knew the defense would carry the team if needed.

That defense was in a class all its own. Few injuries insured that the consistency was always on the field. And add in the backups were almost as good as the starters.

I can also remember seeing the eyes of the QB’s that played against us that year…you could see the fear in their eyes as they went under center…knowing they were in for more of the same every play. If they got the pass off, it was never by much, and they took hits 80% of the time anyway.

I would have hated to play against that defense in 1974.

By: oSu Charlie

oSu Charlie — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:48:39 +0000

berries, you sho gotta pretty mouth

By: j. adams

j. adams — Wed, 19 May 2010 22:59:03 +0000

Let’s here it for defense. Wish OU had some. A lot of Switzer’s teams played
smash mouth style, back in tha’ day, when Switzer was bold, and OU was the
leader.

By: warren applegate

warren applegate — Wed, 19 May 2010 02:20:38 +0000

I’ve always thought the 73 defense was the best for OU. 10 of the 11 starters played in the NFL. Mike Struck DE was the only one who didn’t play in the NFL. Ask Switzer how Elrod signed with OU, that is another recruiting story.

By: DK Coverdale

DK Coverdale — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:17:53 +0000

Its hard to argue with Coach Switzer. Looks like you couldn’t lose picking either
defense. Those were some great days for sooner past!