Tired of hearing about Oklahoma’s Fiesta Bowl loss?
You might want to look elsewhere, then.
If you can’t get enough about the Sooners, watch my latest video commentary or read below:
Oklahoma needed DeMarcus Granger.
And Reggie Smith.
And Lendy Holmes.
The Sooners needed all of them Wednesday night with the 11 other defenders already playing in the Fiesta Bowl. Give OU 14 guys against West Virginia. Maybe then, the Sooners could’ve tackled someone.
The Sooners’ night in the desert was a total disaster. The Mountaineers were supposed to be the team in disarray, the program in peril. Instead, the Sooners were the ones who looked discombobulated.
Another big game for the Sooners.
Another big loss.
Granted, OU has needed to win its share of big games just to make it to six BCS bowls in the past eight seasons. But after winning in their first two BCS appearances — the 2000 Orange and 2002 Rose – the Sooners have lost four consecutive BCS bowls. They’ve lost them by an average of 16 points, too.
Not good.
Not good at all.
Before the Fiesta Bowl, some thought Oklahoma had a legitimate argument that it should’ve played in the national championship game. After the way the Mountaineers stuck it to the Sooners, though, it looked more like West Virginia was the one with the should-been-in-the-title-game argument.
This game continues the tarnishing of the Sooner shine.
Used to be, pundits and prognosticators thought OU was one of the four or five elite teams in the country. Now, the Sooners are bound to be lumped in with a much bigger group of teams that are still very good but aren’t those chosen few. That perception change matters as long as humans are involved with the BCS formula.
Look at Ohio State. The computers liked the Buckeyes this season, but the thing that propelled them to the BCS championship game were the humans. Ohio State finished third in the computer rankings but was first in both of the human polls.
If OU’s in a similar situation next season, will the voters be as generous? It’s impossible to know, of course, but continuing to lose BCS games signals at least in part to the voters that you have a soft regular-season schedule, that you struggle to keep up with elite teams, that maybe you don’t belong.
Not good for the Sooners.
Not good at all.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:45 am
It seems to me that OU is getting more coverage on there loss then OSU on there win, the “Step Child” syndrom is alive and well in oklahoma.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:47 am
It seems to me that OU is getting more coverage on there loss then OSU on there win, the “Step Child” syndrome is alive and well in oklahoma.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I was reading your column about the outrage people are feeling about the loss.
I am over it to the extent that you can only control what you can control. Its over. We didn’t play well and that is all. The coaches know why, so do the players.
The fire Stoops stuff is stupid. It really is…and if people are saying that then they have a shoe with “stupid” written on it that fits on their foot. His numbers and success speak for themselves. Who are you going to bring in that is better? Saban (he’d come for 5 million)?, Miles (will be exposed for the joker he is in the next few years)?, Petrino? (he’d come….just to come). Who is better than Stoops in the country? That is the point…..there is an argument and he is in it. So….ask yourself…if you are calling for his head……how stupid am I really? Cuz…..ya ARE…if that is your logic. So enough!
Yes, they have to address their preparation. They are too business as usual and not hungry enough. That is about tradition and believing that things will just happen if you show up. Sport requires emotion, ability passion and desire. You have to want things more than the other guy and you have to have enough talent to make that happen.
We do……we have speed and strength and power and smarts (aside from Granger and Holmes….dummies….sorry but they earned it for a little while longer). But we lack a whole lotta wannabe. Why? Because we are Oklahoma…..and your not. So we will win if we take care of business. That is until someone hits them in the mouth. Then the heads drop and there is no coming back. This has to be overcome.
We lack the element of hunger. Of starvation. We have been too successful ……..if that can happen. So now….we have to find that hunger. These guys didn’t play like last year bothered them. WVU played like everything bothered them…the lack of respect…the coaching adversity….all of it. Then Coach Stew packaged it all and used it. Stoops did this one week this year…..The Big 12 championship. He was edgy and passed that on. Players played with a chip. But that is it….the only game.
We need to be consistent with that…..you can’t win them all….but you can always make the other guy not want to play you. We lack consistency around will and wannabe. I am sure they know this.
So…….get off the fire this one or that one stuff. How would you like it if Stoops and Co. showed up to your job, telling you……. you suck and firing you. How would that be for you? Stupid isn’t it?
Thanks!
Jeff
January 4th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
OS…………….WHO? Boone Pickens………..U? 6 and 6 should never be in a discussion about post season. Unless of course, its about the two packs of quality Vermont beer you are choosing from at the local store. Magic Hat or Longtrail?
Had to………
January 6th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
How does Kieth Nichol fit in the 2008 Sooners?
January 6th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Sorry i misspelled my e-mail ID. Again How does Kieth Nochoil fit in the 2008 Sooners? Will he be able to contribute or possible push the current QB to better results?