Sooner teams for more than half a century have been known for their speed. From sprinting halfbacks (Greg Pruitt) to speed linebackers (Rod Shoate) to blazing quarterbacks (Charles Thompson).
But tonight, in a very familiar place, the Sooners find themselves in a very unfamiliar role.
Under the palm branches of Miami and in the national championship game, stages that have been second homes to Oklahoma football, OU plays to relieve the burden of four straight BCS bowl defeats and a month of defending its right to be here.
And the Sooners are the tortoise to Florida's hare.
"They'll be the fastest team we've seen," said OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables.
Maybe ever.
Florida coach Urban Meyer arrived in Gainesville four years ago wanting to make the Gators the fastest team in America. Darned if he hasn't done it.
Here's how fast are the Gators. Flanker Louis Murphy, who covers 40 yards in 4.3 seconds, says wingback Percy Harvin has the "fastest 10 yards I've ever seen, and he keeps getting faster and faster as he runs."
Yet Harvin is no better than the third-fastest Gator, behind tailbacks Chris Rainey (4.24 40) and Jeff Demps (10.01 100 meters).
"They're fast," said OU d-end Jeremy Beal. "They're real fast. That's our main concern."
But before we hand the BCS trophy to Florida's rabbits, remember the fate of the tortoise.
"There's a lot of equalizers out there on the field," Venables said. "Playing smart, playing disciplined. Talent isn't what wins."
Heck, witnesses as varied as Bob Stoops and Vance Bedford scoff at the tortoise label anyway.
Bedford, who played against the Sooners almost 30 years ago as a Texas defensive back and coached against the Sooners this decade as Oklahoma State's defensive coordinator, said anyone who touts Florida's team speed over OU's is blowing smoke.
"They have some guys that can flat fly," said Bedford, now Florida's cornerbacks coach. "They have three or four receivers, they touch the football, they can be in the end zone. It's going to take a full team to slow 'em down."
Stoops said that until you're on the field, you can't gauge team speed, although I would assume he makes individual exceptions for the likes of Demps and Harvin.
Stoops pointed out a Miami trip of recent vintage. OU came to the Orange Bowl eight years ago and heard all about Florida State's speed. The Sooners won 13-2 and the game could have lasted into the next morning without the Seminoles sniffing the end zone.
And for a more recent lesson, the Fiesta Bowl last January. West Virginia coaching legend Don Nehlen warned us that the Mountaineers were lightning-swift, but not until his school pinned a 48-28 loss on the Sooners did folks outside Appalachia believe it.
Stoops' theory: the top team in most every conference can run. Florida, OU, West Virginia last year. "Utah looked really fast" in the Sugar Bowl, Stoops said. "I don't know if anyone knew how fast they were."
Truth is, both defenses must corral ballhandlers, be they fast or elusive.
"Tackling will be the most important thing in this game," said OU free safety Lendy Holmes.
Sooner cornerback Dom Franks spent most of the week throwing laurel wreaths at the Gators but got grilled for his one sidestep, about quarterback Tim Tebow.
"They're probably the fastest team in the country on offense," Franks said.
"You can't simulate it. We haven't seen anything like that.
"You just gotta fly around to the ball. Just gotta tackle well. That's all we've done is tackling drills."
Team speed shows up on Florida's defense, too. If the Gators can quickly pressure Sam Bradford, their chances of victory skyrocket. If those Gators get blocked, their chances of victory plummet.
"Every team has an extra gear," Bradford said, "and it's going to be faster on game day than in practice."
But who knows? The race is not always to the swift, nor even to the strong, but rarely is it won by a football team that is neither.
Tonight at Dolphin Stadium, where the Sooners have achieved great glory and suffered massive despair, we find out just how much of a shell the Oklahoma turtles carry.
Berry Tramel: 405-760-8080. Berry Tramel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal network, including AM-640 and FM-98.1.
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Dave, It's not Bob's fault, but every since his brother left the defense has been the same. They play a good game tonight though. we just left some touchdowns on the field.
The only one dumber than Bob Stoopes is Barry Switzer who said prior to the Sugar Bowl that Utah did not have a single player on their roster that could play at Alabama. How stupid is that?
Hey! What do you expect from a team that was named after some criminals that hid in the weeds prior to the land rush so they could stake out the best land ahead of the honest folks. Clay Bennett would be proud of their cleverness. USC thanks you for your inept performance and their half of the national championship.
only a few minutes until i get to log into the sports animal on line and listen to all the whiners. this is going to be sweet. take that bob stoops. you should have saved some of those points you classlessly ran up against the jr high school teams you played this year. just like every other year. what a boob. i can just picture all you OU losers at your gay watch parties your wives set up feeling another one slip away. can you feel it? it's that tingly sensation that's making you just want to start the whole day over again. suckers.
Which team will win, the one that choked away 14 red zone points, or the team that is taking advantage of the other teams inability to spy the only real offensive threat the opponent has?
Based on the first half performance I would say that USC is the best team in the country. OU clearly padded their stats against a weak Big 12 conference. Florida doesn't look much better.
OU is in trouble folks--watch out because they have to kick to Florida to start the 2nd half--OH CRAP!!! Plus the 2 terrible red zone plays--all I freakin here about is how great OU is in the red zone...
...and I'm not putting any bets up tonight. Normally I'm convinced of an OU win, but this game has me a bit uncomfortable. If both sides show up, OU is good to roll! If not, it will be a long night. GO SOONERS!!! I need a new gator skin purse!!!
Cooter, Cooter...You have your states mixed up entirely. The inbred rednecks live in Kentucky with kin in Arkansas! Most Okie rednecks route for OSU anyway, not OU. It's nice to see we disagree again!!!
Tim Tebow(Baby Jesus) is in for a rude awakening tonight. OU has faced a qb like him this season. Zac Richardson from OSU is a better runner than Tebow. OU learned from Zac how to defend Tebow. OU will not be in total shock like the experts think they will be in. The experts talk about the speed Florida has, but OU is not slow. OU will give up some points tonight, but they will score more points than Florida. Take it to the bank..... OU 46 Florida 17.....
Bob in Signal Hill, you surprise me! I thought you rooted for OU when they were not playing OSU? Not a slam on you, I just thought most Oklahomans would be proud to see some of the home state boys do well.
Chris/Jones, Yah Boy! Go sit in front of your TV right now, and then wait until the game comes on. Oh yeah, be sure and turn it on first...then tune to espn. Hope you enjoy it, pal.
Trojan, Exactly my point. You can feel the wind (not all the time), and see what the wind does, but you can't see the wind. But you know it's there. The same with the Lord. You can feel the Lord (not all the time), and you can see what the Lord does, but you can't see him. But you know He's there. That's the best metaphor I can think of, in regard to faith. I appreciate your interest and I'll definitely be praying for you. BTW, Texas/Austin has some extremely valid points and I have to agree with him/her. But because of the Texas/Austin signature, and my judgmental tendencies, I have to assume T/A is a rival, in regard to our teams (just playin). Thank God it's level ground at the foot of the cross.
Trojan, I have got to get off of here. have to try and get home. I just want you to know that I am a seminary student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I have based my life to teach Theology on the mission field, so if you have any more questions feel free to email me at floydreiter@yahoo.com. And I also want to wish the OU fans a "good luck" on tonight's game. I think that yall will shut-up any criticism of the Big-12 after tonight. I also hope that yall do not base your opinion of Texas' fans off of Mack Brown. Just like there are some good OU fans, there are also some good Texas fans (I had about 20 of them in class with me on Monday nights last semester; most of them will be on the mission field in the next couple of years). Like Christianity, every school has fans/coaches/players that they are not too proud of as well. Good luck and God bless.
We saw you run it the first time Rob. Who cares? Whats left to talk about anyways? You are obviously on here to read about OU, so they run OU stuff. The subject is talked out though. Which explains why we have turned to a religious discussion.
Trojan, To look at Him, we have to look at him through faith. Our physical eyesight is that of our body, our imagination is the eyesight of our soul, and faith is the eyesight of our spirit. That's why we as Christians are commanded to walk by faith not by sight. Faith is something hoped for, knowing it exists without seeing it (physically). I hope this helps.
I am sure that you are familiar with Pascal's wager and the advantages and disadvantages that go along with it, but I want to use it to illustrate my point. The future has only two possibilities: 1) There is no life after this one (Your belief) or 2) There is a life after this one (My belief). From these possibilities come two consequences: 1) You are right. Implications: People will die; they do not lose anything no matter what they believe, life just ends. Or 2) I am right. Implications: People will die; some will go to heaven; some will go to hell. You will notice that in both possible consequences, people still die. Now, I want you to think about that person that you really love. Imagine yourself beside their death bead. You have been told that they are about to die. Are you so confident that there is no life after this one that you would be willing to tell that person that there is no life after this one? Are you willing to gamble that there is no life after this one with your own life? After all, there may not be any evidence to prove that there is a god (which I would say is a false statement), but there isn't any evidence to prove that there isn't a god either.
Nathan, they have been fighting for centuries over a religion. And I can see that you were making a point. I did not take you as just picking on Islamic extremists. In fact, can you think of another religion that has the extremists that Islam has? I cannot think of one. Matt, you do have a good point about USC fans. I will have think about that one.
Trojan, Just because we can't see or touch something physically, doesn't mean that it's not real. You have to look at the affects. Have you ever seen the wind?
Cooter, go ahead and blast away tomorrow if we lose. But if OU wins, then you should have to put up with something that irritates you also. I hope you put some big money on Florida for tonight. That's the way we usually reinforce the things we say in these parts, with a financial transaction. That way, if you were wrong, you pay. If you were right, you are rewarded. So go ahead and speak your mind today, and if you so dare, bet your mind, but be willing to receive as well as give come tomorrow.
Trojan. At the most BASIC level you should have faith that Jesus Christ died to forgive your sins. Try out some churches. You wont like them all, but most Christians have a church "home", a place where we worship in a setting that allows us to have a relationship with God without all of the "religion" getting in the way.
Trojan, again, dont let the acts of PEOPLE affect your judgment. Christians do not SPEAK for God. Nobody does. Here is an example: You are a USC fan. Im sure that you will agree that there are a few jerks and boneheads who are USC fans. Should that affect whether you remain a fan or not? Also, do not group religion and faith together. People of different religions will always squabble just as fans of different football teams do, only the stakes are usually a little higher.
The Israeli-Gaza conflict and other religious extremists take things out of context. Extremely out of context. Frankly, stereotypes of the Islamic faith are due in part to both the extremists as well as the US media. Nothing in the Koran (as I have been informed of by a very good Islamic friend of mine) says anything about a "holy war" or forcing your beliefs upon someone. That's the great part about human influence on religion; we have the abilities to make our own decisions. Most are good - some are bad. But it's not anything new, either. Just look at the crusades. I haven't met anyone who looked back and said, "You know, they had it right!"
Cooter, cooter, cooter, please buddy...I'd never wish you to drown, I merely implied to stop when water is filling your lungs. I assumed you could swim. I guess I should have put a few more directional steps in the SOP. Just playing around buddy, didn't mean to show my IQ (a whopping low of 167. And that's not even based off of a reliable internet IQ quizz). BTW, I'm 54 years old, 6'2", 235 lbs, no gut, 50" chest...better not boast on the rest of how you profiled me...hyuck, hyuck. Trojan, it's a long time misconception that Christians are perfect. Judgmental? Yes. Free from sin? No. Free from the penalties of sin? Yes. If more Christians were to keep their eyes on Jesus to look for perfection, they would never be let down. But when anyone looks at another human being, eventually you will be let down. In other words, don't look at me, look at Him. OU 30 - FU 20
Nathan, I don't think that there is anything wrong in having a purpose. That is why I don't really like evolution. However, you cannot say that there is a God based upon these presuppositions. And tell me, how do the rules and guidelines of religion make society better as a whole. I only need to point to the Israeli-Gaza conflict to show that this is an objectionable statement.
I would argue this: what's wrong with having a purpose? People who believe in any type of religion do nothing more than carry a purpose with them in their lives. Do they fail? Sure. But if someone wants to go through life believing in rules and guidelines that make society better as a whole, then why be critical?
just like a thought, you don't have a team because you got a big L sitting on top of your forehead. Losers like you are always hating on winners. So what happened man, did a Sooner steal away your girlfriend?
Trojan. Most of the world beleives in a higher power. Three of the largest religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all believe in the existence of Jesus Christ. There is as much evidence to support the resurrection as there is to support any other event in history short of video and photos. Are you saying that we cant believe anything in history prior to photography?
Go ahead Boomer losers...put me on ignore because tomorrow I'll be in here under a different name blasting you losers all up and down the discussion board. BUWAHAHAHAHA BOOMER LOSERS!!!
Go ahead Boomer losers...put me on ignore because tomorrow I'll be in here under a different name blasting you losers all up and down the discussion board. BUWAHAHAHAHA BOOMER LOSERS!!!
OrlandoSentinel.com
Sooners will redeem 'big game' name
Mike Bianchi
SPORTS COMMENTARY
January 7, 2009
MIAMI ?
There was a time when Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops was known as "Big Game Bob" because of his penchant for outcoaching the competition in monumental end-of-the-season showdowns.
Likewise, I should be called "Big Game Bianchi" or "Mega Game Mikey" because of my unbelievable acumen for predicting the winner of national championship games involving the Florida Gators. If you're scoring at home, I'm a perfect 3-0 in forecasting the outcome of the University of Florida's national championship games.
My published prediction of a Nebraska victory before the Cornhuskers and jailbird tailback Lawrence Phillips stampeded the Gators 62-24 in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl: "The game is at night and everybody knows criminals do their best work after dark."
My published prediction before Florida annihilated FSU 52-20 in the 1997 Sugar Bowl: "Just as my gut told me the Seminoles would win a close one in the last game [of the regular season] between the two teams, it tells me now the Gators will win the Sugar Bowl and win comfortably."
And, finally, my published prediction two years ago before Florida shocked everyone and pounded Ohio State 41-14 in Phoenix: "I've learned not always to pick the team with the best credentials. Sometimes, you have to pick the team with the most incentive."
That's why I picked Florida then.
That's why I'm picking Oklahoma now.
History shows that when it comes to picking the Gators in the national championship game, I'm the '72 Dolphins. Meanwhile, my opponent, David Whitley, is the '08 Lions.
It almost doesn't seem fair to be predicting against Whitley, who wrote two years ago that Ohio State could beat Florida "with its eyes closed." Sometimes, I think Whitley would be better off writing his column with his eyes closed.
The only two people who pay less attention than Whitley during college football Saturdays are Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden.
Hey, maybe it's time for the Sentinel to hire a prognosticator-in-waiting for Whitley.
As usual, Whitley is just part of the herd mentality that has made Florida the trendy pick in this game. The Gators are the media darlings even though Oklahoma has played better competition. Tim Tebow is the rock star even though Oklahoma's Sam Bradford beat him out for the Heisman.
Even though it was Tebow who threw down the first gauntlet by saying he would use the Heisman snub as motivation, and even though it was Tebow who first slighted Big 12 defenses in comments to CBS commentator Verne Lundquist, it is the Sooners who are being vilified for dissing Tebow.
Such is the Tebow lovefest that pervades college football. When Tebow says something controversial, he's a fiery competitor. When Oklahoma players respond, they are lowdown trash-talkers.
Anybody who's been in South Florida this week can just feel the seething rage that is simmering within Oklahoma's players and coaches. The Sooners look much like the Gators did two years ago: Angry, focused and possessing a chip on their shoulder the size of a Citrus Bowl cockroach.
Stoops has lost his last four BCS bowl games and allowed an average of 42 points in doing so. He's seen his program called "Chokelahoma" and has heard the national media ridicule his "Big Game Bob" moniker.
The Sooners are the No. 1 team in the nation, yet they are the underdog in this game. Oklahoma has perhaps the most potent offense in the history of college football, but its production has been minimized by UF players like Brandon Spikes who called Big 12 defenses "a joke" this week.
When Stoops was asked if his team is using all of the perceived slights as motivation, he intensely stared a hole into his inquisitor and said simply and succinctly: "Maybe."
There's no maybe to it.
This is a definite.
Big Game Bob will make his triumphant return Thursday night.
Big Game Bianchi never went anywhere.
Oklahoma 45, Florida 34.
Mike Bianchi's Open Mike blog can be read at OrlandoSentinel.com/openmike, and his radio show can be heard every weekday from 9-11 a.m. on 1190 AM.
Well, since the Sooners have the best program in modern college football history, you must be referring to yourself. But chumps like you cooter are always running your mouth. Check back after the game chump.
OK the thing with wikipedia is, if you say you get your info from there, it just doesn't carry as much weight as if you say...got your info from the Library of Congress or something. Wikipedia contains a lot of gossip, rumors, and undocumented information. Well, it is documented, but only on wikipedia. I'm not saying everything there is false, it's just that anyone can post on wikipedia. So some idiot from Florida could say one thing and an idiot from Texas could say another thing, and the information gets warped and ends up full of misinformation and lies. That's all...but anyway...USC looks alright this year. I was impressed.
Go Sooners. Good luck playing against God and the rest of the Gators tonight!
Raven, Edmond's Ghetto (Guthrie) - Jan 8, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Trojan,
You lost me on that one. I rely on wikipedia, becasue a lot of times the info is peer-reviewed. However, you should stick to sports and leave religion out. What the heck do you mean by "typical christian" or assuming some one is a Christian because they disagree with you? Wow, now you're throwing out stereotypes, along with your USC hype? Would you like for us to lable you as a typical California nut-job? Your comments earn an ignore button from lots of us. bye bye
Trojan. All I will say is that I am a Christian and that I used to call myself an atheist. I said and felt more hateful things towards Christians than I have ever seen coming from Christians. Do not judge people because you think they are judging you. At the very core of Christian beleifs is the knowledge that none of us is perfect and that we can never be perfect. Many Christians ARE judgmental, but it has nothing to do with their faith but the fact that they are human.
The only thing that's going to be larger than 20 is the number of pounds overweight most of the loser Sooner posters are in here. BUWAHAHAHAHAH!!! BOOMER LOSER!!!!
Hey David, you going to take time out from helping the convenience store clerks in Yukon in the back room to watch the game? I heard the cops there love them Quik Stop quickies!! BUWAHAHAHAHH!!
Look at all the hee haw inbreds throwing out threats..."Yew shud drown in yer car Cooter hyuck hyuck"...typical inbred Okie mentality..your team sucks, everyone knows it, so your only defense is to throw out threats at people because it's the only way to compensate for your low IQ, huge gut and lack of gonads. BOOMER LOSERS!!!
And no Matt, Christianity does not have anything to do with the number of national titles. It is just that I have been posting on here for the last three months, and wikipedia has been used on here a number of times, and no one has ever said anything until I use. And then Nathan makes a judgment that he is clueless and has no right to make. This is why I am not a Christian, and in fact, don't believe in God. It is not that I don't want to believe, but I see how all these 'believers' act and speak. Nothing genuine there. By the way Nathan, I received my undergrad from USC, and I am currently an adjunct at UC Santa Barbara.
Hahaha awesome. I love these arguments. Because of my beliefs, that automatically means that I should never make mistakes or say certain things that can be taken the wrong way? I didn't mean to insult you, it was just playful banter. But if I did, I apoligize. And how do you put yourself above us "crazy believers" by labeling stereotypes? You are classic.
Well, I suppose plagerism is the primary concern, but using it as a "source" is something different. Pretty much any source you use should be qualified with another source anyways. I have seen tons of wrong or biased information on wikipedia but you can usually verify things pretty quickly. USC does, in fact, claim those titles. The argument is only if they are widely recognized. Dont think being Christian has anything to do with it though.
Never had a professor allow me too. Actually, one did. She was fired the same semester because half of the students got caught by the dean for plagiarism. And yes, Trojan, I am. Way to cast the first stone.
Thanks Matt. And Nathan, you laught at me like I haven't had a college education? You make a judgment call sitting at a computer more than 2000 miles away. LOL! Its amazing how you can judge so well. I'll bet you are a Christian! Hypocrite.
Nathan. That is not entirely true. Many professors will allow you to cite Wikipedia as a source, provided that it is not the only source. I suppose it depends on what you are researching though.
I give you that Trojan, but generally speaking people recognize AP titles in the modern era (with helmets and the forward pass) No disrespect to USC. They are arguably the best program in football right now. I just dont put a lot of stock in some of those older titles when teams were still playing against high school teams. It was basically like intermurals back then and the titles were even more mythical than they are now.
Trojan, did you just call Wikipedia a "credible source?" Are you kidding me? Oh my goodness - you just gave me a laugh. If you had a college education, you would know that NO credible professors EVER accept "wikipedia" as a "credible source". My goodness - thanks for that one. I'm going to search for bigfoot and fat Paris Hilton pictures - because we all know they exist if it's on Wikipedia!
Really Matt? Maybe you should go and look for yourself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCAA_Division_I-A_national_football_championship. "Concensus National Champions." Pretty good source.
As an OSU fan, I really can't bring myself to root for the Sooners, but I have to say that I think they will win this game. FL may have some faster guys, but OU is NOT slow, as in Ohio State slow! I really don't think that will be a factor. I think OU fans should be concerned about the special team play, which just might turn out to be the difference in this game. I believe the Sooners will score, maybe not 60, but then FL didn't put up all that many points against a lot of lesser teams and I don't see them doing it against OU. In a shootout, I think OU will win, but if it turns into a defensive struggle then I think FL will win. Anything in between, I like the Sooners chances. I was not impressed with FL's win over Bama, because I think Bama was overrated all year. Utah proved it, with a more dominant win that FL laid on the Tide. I will be watching with a lot of interest tongiht, rooting a great game, but not for either team!
I love it when no one gives the Sooners a chance of winning, that is when the Sooners show up with a chip on their shoulders and take out the fustration on the opposing team. These people should ask Chris Weinke or Chase Daniel or Graham Harrell or Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Macklin about not giving any respect the this team. Weinke spent most of the night of the 2000 OB on his back with 3 or 4 sooners on him. Chase Daniel did not learn even after twice last season and got hammered worse this season by this "SUSPECT" defense. Its funny that all of the espn/abc jerks love the shorthorns so much, but when asked, the players who played against both UT and OU, which one they thought was the better team, the answer was always the same, "OU"! I expect this team to show up tonight and play "LIGHTS OUT FOR 60 MINUTES" with a big CHIP on their shoulders and take out 4 bcs bowls of FUSTRATION out on the Gators tonight! We have gotten NO RESPECT from anybody this season, UT and USC both are claiming they should be National Champions already. Lets look at what everybody hears from our friends at espn/abc wants us to hear. They all only want us to remember 45-35, but not the 39-33 UT/TTU score, USC defense only gives up 8 points a game, but they only faced 2 offenses all season. The beavers put up 28 on them and then got RAILED by the Ducks. Galen Hall and Joe Pa put up 28 on them as well and Zona scored more than 8 as well. Now compare ranked opponents, USC played only 3 ranked teams all year including the bowl game. UT played 6 ranked teams including the bowl game and 5 of those were Big 12 teams. OU has played 7 ranked teams so far and will play 1 more tonight. Now if we play the way played the last 3 games of the season tonight, the Gators will be defeated and the NT brought back to OKLAHOMA where it belongs! Coach Stoops and Staff and the team can serve up the CROW to all of the nay sayers!!!!! GO SOONERS, SHOW NO MERCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trojan, the sources that you use to claim 10 would also allow us to claim like 16 or something. Princeton can claim like 26. Many of those dont count. Anyways, I will say that we definately need a playoff. There are 5 teams now with a legitimate argument. Utah is undefeated and beat Bama. UT has one loss and beat OU. Florida and OU have one loss and are on a roll. I guaranty nobody across the country is dying to get a piece of that USC defense. I think we will see a playoff sooner than folks think.
I've been a SOONER and will be a SOONER no matter what the outcome of the game is tonight. Those that like to throw out the hate just wish you had a team that gets to play for the crystal ball and just maybe their 8th NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!
Cooter, Just to help you out on your duplicate posts. 1) Submit your post; 2) Refresh; 3) When prompted, enter cancel; 4) Go back to the article to see that you only have one post, no duplicates; 5) Turn your PC off; 6) Get in your car; 7) Turn it on (that doesn't mean foreplay); 8) Drive in any direction until you can't breathe due to water coming into your lungs or you can't move due to the freezing temps or you're ambushed by jungle guerillas. I sincerely hope this helps you. I know it will be a huge contribution towards conserving space in the comments section, as well as saving the Sooner fans alot of time for the rest of our lives. I'm gonna miss ya buddy...it really has been fun. OU 30 - FU 20
Cooter is a SCUMBAG SEATTLE TROLL. His posts can also be heard on the THUNDER pages. He is a piece of work!!! He really KNOWS sports... Hang on, I'm still laughing about that one!!!! UofW Cooter, still laughing, Seahawks Cooter.... I can't go on, I'm laughing too hard!!!
Jolly, you and Richard are funny! Sooner fans have a right to be down on OU's defense. Did you know that there is only one Big 12 team (Texas -#17) with a defense ranked in the top 55? You are right about one thing. Defense is going to be key tonight!
OK. Number 1 Prediction: Cooter's name will disappear tomorrow, after Florida receives a thumpin. OH, he'll return and pose as a Boomer fan, probably. He's just another carpetbagger (best disgraceful term I can think of for him).
OK. Number 1 Prediction: Cooter's name will disappear tomorrow, after Florida receives a thumpin. OH, he'll return and pose as a Boomer fan, probably. He's just another carpetbagger (best disgraceful term I can think of for him).
Jolly I agree with what you have observed about how the opinions of OU fans regarding their defense has swung to being incredulous about any criticism. With that being said that is the only thing you have posted that I can agree with. Thomas in Lawton, I hear you and feel the same way.....dang if I don't think OU can win this game, but am haunted by reminders of bowl games in the past. However, this is not the same team as then and the opponent is different in many ways...once again too many variables to feel confident.
I regrettably am not "sold" on my Sooners. I justs can't forget the 55-19 trashing and the feeling I had afterwards. I'll just wait for the outcome before I get "giddy".
I find it hilarious that OU fans who were blasting their defense and coordinator earlier in the year are now fighting mad that people are questioning the defense and that they're the key to winning this game. You got to love the fans.
Keys to this game: Defense: keep everything in front of you. Tackle; not just hit someone but wrap up and keep yards after catch down. Play assignment football; keep containment on Tebow. Make him beat you with his arm. Special teams: tackle; don't give up the big play.
Offense: Huge line! block! block! and block some more! Get the running backs out of the backfield. Use the rollout to escape pressure the USC did to us a few years back. No turnovers. Hang on to the ball.
Awww..Randy and David, you two lovers going to cry and kiss when OU loses and everyone laughs at them again? Can't take much more of this national embarrassment, I nearly laughed myself into a coma last time OU lost and got chumped!! BUWAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
Awww..Randy and David, you two lovers going to cry and kiss when OU loses and everyone laughs at them again? Can't take much more of this national embarrassment, I nearly laughed myself into a coma last time OU lost and got chumped!! BUWAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
Awww..Randy and David, you two lovers going to cry and kiss when OU loses and everyone laughs at them again? Can't take much more of this national embarrassment, I nearly laughed myself into a coma last time OU lost and got chumped!! BUWAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
For anyone tired of hearing how bad OU’s defense is, I have put together some thoughts.
We need to stop listening to the national media when it comes to stats. Journalists will improperly use statistics to their advantage without revealing the whole picture. There are legitimate reasons that OU will give up more points than traditional offensive teams. 1. The no-huddle offense uses less clock giving the opposing team more possessions in the game. 2. OU throws the ball and gets a lot of first downs; both will stop the clock, giving the other team more time to score. 3. OU scores fast; not a lot of 16-play, grind it out drives in Norman. This gives the other team more time to score. 4. OU finishes the game early; many of the touchdowns against OU have come in the second half when OU is already up by 40 or more points. Besides, the whole point is to score more than the other team, not record shut-outs. 5. This is not a stat, but worth mentioning. OU has had it share of injuries on defense. Most of these players are healthy for tonight’s game or their replacements have had time to mature. 6. One reason that OU does give up points is field position. OU led the nation in kick-offs (over eight a game) and our sub-average kicking game does give opposing teams good field position; which is not a reflection of the defensive play. Once again, this is a result of a high-powered offense and very average special team play, not poor defense. 7. The only stat that really means anything, win-loss record and the polls; OU looks pretty good in both
For anyone tired of hearing how bad OU’s defense is, I have put together some thoughts.
We need to stop listening to the national media when it comes to stats. Journalists will improperly use statistics to their advantage without revealing the whole picture. There are legitimate reasons that OU will give up more points than traditional offensive teams. 1. The no-huddle offense uses less clock giving the opposing team more possessions in the game. 2. OU throws the ball and gets a lot of first downs; both will stop the clock, giving the other team more time to score. 3. OU scores fast; not a lot of 16-play, grind it out drives in Norman. This gives the other team more time to score. 4. OU finishes the game early; many of the touchdowns against OU have come in the second half when OU is already up by 40 or more points. Besides, the whole point is to score more than the other team, not record shut-outs. 5. This is not a stat, but worth mentioning. OU has had it share of injuries on defense. Most of these players are healthy for tonight’s game or their replacements have had time to mature. 6. One reason that OU does give up points is field position. OU led the nation in kick-offs (over eight a game) and our sub-average kicking game does give opposing teams good field position; which is not a reflection of the defensive play. Once again, this is a result of a high-powered offense and very average special team play, not poor defense. 7. The only stat that really means anything, win-loss record and the polls; OU looks pretty good in both
Awww..Randy and David, you two lovers going to cry and kiss when OU loses and everyone laughs at them again? Can't take much more of this national embarrassment, I nearly laughed myself into a coma last time OU lost and got chumped!! BUWAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
For anyone tired of hearing how bad OU’s defense is, I have put together some thoughts.
We need to stop listening to the national media when it comes to stats. Journalists will improperly use statistics to their advantage without revealing the whole picture. There are legitimate reasons that OU will give up more points than traditional offensive teams. 1. The no-huddle offense uses less clock giving the opposing team more possessions in the game. 2. OU throws the ball and gets a lot of first downs; both will stop the clock, giving the other team more time to score. 3. OU scores fast; not a lot of 16-play, grind it out drives in Norman. This gives the other team more time to score. 4. OU finishes the game early; many of the touchdowns against OU have come in the second half when OU is already up by 40 or more points. Besides, the whole point is to score more than the other team, not record shut-outs. 5. This is not a stat, but worth mentioning. OU has had it share of injuries on defense. Most of these players are healthy for tonight’s game or their replacements have had time to mature. 6. One reason that OU does give up points is field position. OU led the nation in kick-offs (over eight a game) and our sub-average kicking game does give opposing teams good field position; which is not a reflection of the defensive play. Once again, this is a result of a high-powered offense and very average special team play, not poor defense. 7. The only stat that really means anything, win-loss record and the polls; OU looks pretty good in both
I'll say it again. Florida HAS to get pressure with four, or they're in for a struggle. Oklahoma has to play assignment-sound defense, or we'll have stress. Florida has speed like OU has not seen this year. Oklahoma has a QB and an offensive system that are far-and-away better/different than any in the SEC (sorry, Timmy Tebow). All I know is I am so fidgety at work I can hardly focus. Been watching the "It's Time" video from soonersports.com and it's got me wound! Just win, baby. Just win. Boomer!
OU's offense can neutralize some of that Florida speed on its defense by getting the hurry up going, well, in a hurry. Watched that SEC speed in the Alabama-Utah game get negated by never really getting a chance to set the d or get caught adjusting. Florida is fast as are most SEC teams, but if you watched any bowl games you saw that it was not superhuman fast. Iowa handled a speedy South Carolina team, Utah which was fast itself did very well, Georgia did not blow anyone off the blocks, even in Tech's loss to Ole Miss, speed was not the reason for losing. OU may not be as fast, but it is fast enough to win. The one thing I am concerned about is conditioning. Did the o-line maintain its conditioning to run the no huddle-hurry up offense? Are Madu and Brown in shape enough to do the work once done by three backs? Can the OU defense run all night with the Florida offense or will they wear down? On the other hand, Florida has not faced an offense with so many people to account for. You know Florida watched every offensive play on tape and they are going to bring the pressure. They watched TCU and Texas pressure OU, they saw that getting Bradford's face is the only way to slow him down because he is not going to self-destruct and have a bad game unless you force him to bad situations and only go through part of his reads. That means man-to-man coverage, which OU has abused all season. SO many angles and points of intrigue regarding this game...cannot even make a prediction for the score...just HOPING OU shows up, wins, be it by a little or a lot.
hey cooter from cowardville, it's obvious that you're an envy stricken OsU fan so come on out of the closet,...,no not that closet, the one that you're hiding behind and are scared to post your name. it's only a message board, so don't be afraid that you will get hurt like when your boyfriends do you.
Got ya. Im pretty realistic about this game. I know OU has a shot, but Florida is very good too. We can talk all day about so-and-so beating so-and-so and we beat so-and-so, that means we will win, but none of that matters. Also, SEC and Big XII doesnt matter. What matters is blocking, tackling, turnovers, and penalties. NOBODY can predict that, and Im not going to beat me team up or make excuses if my team loses some of those battles. Now, I can see complaining if we have another USC type score. I think it is amazing how all these people are predicting blowouts on both sides. Not that it couldnt be a blowout for one team, but we know FOR SURE that about half the people on here are wrong in the extreme.
Adam, Broken Arrow. I get what you are saying, but what are we supposed to do? We are dissappointed and discouraged at losing those BCS games. We dont bring them up, haters like Cooter and Paul do. So, at that point we have two choices: downplay the loss or lash out at our own team. We are put in a position where we cant win, especially by OSU fans. If we downplay the loss, we are labeled as you have labeled us. If we get upset with the loss, we are called fairweather or bandwagon fans because "we dont support our team through tough times." No matter what we do we will be called bad fans. All I can do tonight is support my team. If we lose, I will be dissappointed, but I will move on. If we win, I may gloat a little, tastefully of course. Either way, I will be the same person when I wake up tomorrow, but will I be sluggish or have spring in may step?
OH NO keep my opinion to myself...I can't have an opinion on the boomer losers....LOL I'm going to be watching the game tonight and laughing my butt off every minute of them as Florida STOMPS on OU...keep an eye on me in here to be posting my play-by play commentary of the national embarrassment called OU. BOOMER LOSER!!
So Paul, the moron named Cooter.....if you aren't fan's don't get involved with the Sooners, just keep your opinions to yourselves. Don't watch the game, (which I'm sure that you'll be sitting right up in front of the tv so that you can have a negative opinion about that too) don't have a say so about it coming or going...simply just leave us die hard SOONER fans to enjoy this..another huge mile stone with some of the best football players in the country, doing what they do best.......GO SOONERS!
I don't know who will win tonight, but there's one thing I do know that a lot of the sooner fans and sooner nation media (i.e. Daily OK'man) apparently don't. They all keep talking about the lack of respect OU has gotten from the national media... Do you think that any of this has to do with OU's last four BCS tries? Don't you think OU's football team has to EARN the respect of the media? Sooner Nation is so amped on what they have done in the past - doesn't that past include 4 of the last 5 years? Show up tonight, prove you belong in a BCS game, rather than your infamous "at least we got there" moral victory, and then get your national respect. Until then, quit the whining.
I thought Cooter was the guy on Dukes of Hazard? lol! OU 41 - Florida 31. We WILL score points against that "fast" defense. We scored a few against Texas and they have some pretty good speed as well. The question is can we stop their O? They are the best offensive team in the SEC but like they say about the Big XII's lack of D, the SEC lacks O. No dumb mistakes and we win. Lose and we'll all hear "Fire Venables/Wilson/Joe C/David Boren!" all week. Some may even say fire Stoops and let Heupel be the HC. Sadly I've heard that from a few friends already.
As a Sooner fan living in the heart of Gator country, I'm just ready to let the game be played! The media and fans down here give us no chance. I'm certainly no expert, but I think if we can protect Sam, not turn the ball over and be decent on kickoff coverage, we will win this game. Those are pretty big "ifs", but they are possible.
KAUT 43 already cursed the game today...they were holding up the OU National Champions t-shirt to the camera and when they did the front was shown for a brief second to everyone....OU is cursed now. Game over.
Stephen and Andrew, you guys make it sound like OU's coaching staff hasn't been doing anything over the past four weeks...and if you think Florida has a "masterful offense", what do you call OU's record-breaking offense with all of it's weapons?
Demarco Murray's loss will be felt...but I'm thinking it's OU's defense that really holds the key. Look for this disrespected unit to play the game of their careers and the Sooners win by 10.
Stephen,
My opinion is pretty close to yours. I think Tebow's elusiveness and Florida's overall offensive speed will cause too many problems for OU's defense and I'm concerned that having so much time to plan and prepare that UF's defense will slow OU down enough to get the victory. Also, based on what has transpired on OU's special teams this year, Florida will be gifted better field position (if not outright touchdowns)throughout the game. These factors, plus (and I hate this) OU's recent showings in the bowls all equal a Florida victory. I hope OU wins but I believe they will not.
Stephen,
My opinion is pretty close to yours. I think Tebow's elusiveness and Florida's overall offensive speed will cause too many problems for OU's defense and I'm concerned that having so much time to plan and prepare that UF's defense will slow OU down enough to get the victory. Also, based on what has transpired on OU's special teams this year, Florida will be gifted better field position (if not outright touchdowns)throughout the game. These factors, plus (and I hate this) OU's recent showings in the bowls all equal a Florida victory. I hope OU wins but I believe they will not.
I sure want OU to win this game, but I just don't think it's going to happen. I think this game is going to come down to a masterful Florida offense that OU's defense just can't handle. OU will put up some points, but not as many as Florida. I think Florida's defense will handle OU's offense within reason (28 points or less). And the OU special teams could be a disaster in this game if they haven't got their problems fixed in practice. My prediction: Florida 42 OU 28. I know I will take a beating on the board for this and I hope to eat my words tomorrow. What is everyone else's predicted score and why?
174
Published: January 8, 2009
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Gutless defense.
Gutless defense.
Go OU!!!!!
Can we just get on with this damn game?
GO OU!!! Friday there will be a big sale on Gator Luggage!!!
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Re: Orlando Sentinel Face-off about OU vs. UF Reply
________________________________________
At like his thinking.
Here is the text of the article:
orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-colbianchi07010709jan07,0,2804222.column
OrlandoSentinel.com
Sooners will redeem 'big game' name
Mike Bianchi
SPORTS COMMENTARY
January 7, 2009
MIAMI ?
There was a time when Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops was known as "Big Game Bob" because of his penchant for outcoaching the competition in monumental end-of-the-season showdowns.
Likewise, I should be called "Big Game Bianchi" or "Mega Game Mikey" because of my unbelievable acumen for predicting the winner of national championship games involving the Florida Gators. If you're scoring at home, I'm a perfect 3-0 in forecasting the outcome of the University of Florida's national championship games.
My published prediction of a Nebraska victory before the Cornhuskers and jailbird tailback Lawrence Phillips stampeded the Gators 62-24 in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl: "The game is at night and everybody knows criminals do their best work after dark."
My published prediction before Florida annihilated FSU 52-20 in the 1997 Sugar Bowl: "Just as my gut told me the Seminoles would win a close one in the last game [of the regular season] between the two teams, it tells me now the Gators will win the Sugar Bowl and win comfortably."
And, finally, my published prediction two years ago before Florida shocked everyone and pounded Ohio State 41-14 in Phoenix: "I've learned not always to pick the team with the best credentials. Sometimes, you have to pick the team with the most incentive."
That's why I picked Florida then.
That's why I'm picking Oklahoma now.
History shows that when it comes to picking the Gators in the national championship game, I'm the '72 Dolphins. Meanwhile, my opponent, David Whitley, is the '08 Lions.
It almost doesn't seem fair to be predicting against Whitley, who wrote two years ago that Ohio State could beat Florida "with its eyes closed." Sometimes, I think Whitley would be better off writing his column with his eyes closed.
The only two people who pay less attention than Whitley during college football Saturdays are Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden.
Hey, maybe it's time for the Sentinel to hire a prognosticator-in-waiting for Whitley.
As usual, Whitley is just part of the herd mentality that has made Florida the trendy pick in this game. The Gators are the media darlings even though Oklahoma has played better competition. Tim Tebow is the rock star even though Oklahoma's Sam Bradford beat him out for the Heisman.
Even though it was Tebow who threw down the first gauntlet by saying he would use the Heisman snub as motivation, and even though it was Tebow who first slighted Big 12 defenses in comments to CBS commentator Verne Lundquist, it is the Sooners who are being vilified for dissing Tebow.
Such is the Tebow lovefest that pervades college football. When Tebow says something controversial, he's a fiery competitor. When Oklahoma players respond, they are lowdown trash-talkers.
Anybody who's been in South Florida this week can just feel the seething rage that is simmering within Oklahoma's players and coaches. The Sooners look much like the Gators did two years ago: Angry, focused and possessing a chip on their shoulder the size of a Citrus Bowl cockroach.
Stoops has lost his last four BCS bowl games and allowed an average of 42 points in doing so. He's seen his program called "Chokelahoma" and has heard the national media ridicule his "Big Game Bob" moniker.
The Sooners are the No. 1 team in the nation, yet they are the underdog in this game. Oklahoma has perhaps the most potent offense in the history of college football, but its production has been minimized by UF players like Brandon Spikes who called Big 12 defenses "a joke" this week.
When Stoops was asked if his team is using all of the perceived slights as motivation, he intensely stared a hole into his inquisitor and said simply and succinctly: "Maybe."
There's no maybe to it.
This is a definite.
Big Game Bob will make his triumphant return Thursday night.
Big Game Bianchi never went anywhere.
Oklahoma 45, Florida 34.
Mike Bianchi's Open Mike blog can be read at OrlandoSentinel.com/openmike, and his radio show can be heard every weekday from 9-11 a.m. on 1190 AM.
Copyright ? 2009, Orlando Sentinel
Go Sooners. Good luck playing against God and the rest of the Gators tonight!
You lost me on that one. I rely on wikipedia, becasue a lot of times the info is peer-reviewed. However, you should stick to sports and leave religion out. What the heck do you mean by "typical christian" or assuming some one is a Christian because they disagree with you? Wow, now you're throwing out stereotypes, along with your USC hype? Would you like for us to lable you as a typical California nut-job? Your comments earn an ignore button from lots of us. bye bye
"Barack Obama transition team urges delay in digital TV transition"
Offense: Huge line! block! block! and block some more! Get the running backs out of the backfield. Use the rollout to escape pressure the USC did to us a few years back. No turnovers. Hang on to the ball.
We need to stop listening to the national media when it comes to stats. Journalists will improperly use statistics to their advantage without revealing the whole picture. There are legitimate reasons that OU will give up more points than traditional offensive teams. 1. The no-huddle offense uses less clock giving the opposing team more possessions in the game. 2. OU throws the ball and gets a lot of first downs; both will stop the clock, giving the other team more time to score. 3. OU scores fast; not a lot of 16-play, grind it out drives in Norman. This gives the other team more time to score. 4. OU finishes the game early; many of the touchdowns against OU have come in the second half when OU is already up by 40 or more points. Besides, the whole point is to score more than the other team, not record shut-outs. 5. This is not a stat, but worth mentioning. OU has had it share of injuries on defense. Most of these players are healthy for tonight’s game or their replacements have had time to mature. 6. One reason that OU does give up points is field position. OU led the nation in kick-offs (over eight a game) and our sub-average kicking game does give opposing teams good field position; which is not a reflection of the defensive play. Once again, this is a result of a high-powered offense and very average special team play, not poor defense. 7. The only stat that really means anything, win-loss record and the polls; OU looks pretty good in both
We need to stop listening to the national media when it comes to stats. Journalists will improperly use statistics to their advantage without revealing the whole picture. There are legitimate reasons that OU will give up more points than traditional offensive teams. 1. The no-huddle offense uses less clock giving the opposing team more possessions in the game. 2. OU throws the ball and gets a lot of first downs; both will stop the clock, giving the other team more time to score. 3. OU scores fast; not a lot of 16-play, grind it out drives in Norman. This gives the other team more time to score. 4. OU finishes the game early; many of the touchdowns against OU have come in the second half when OU is already up by 40 or more points. Besides, the whole point is to score more than the other team, not record shut-outs. 5. This is not a stat, but worth mentioning. OU has had it share of injuries on defense. Most of these players are healthy for tonight’s game or their replacements have had time to mature. 6. One reason that OU does give up points is field position. OU led the nation in kick-offs (over eight a game) and our sub-average kicking game does give opposing teams good field position; which is not a reflection of the defensive play. Once again, this is a result of a high-powered offense and very average special team play, not poor defense. 7. The only stat that really means anything, win-loss record and the polls; OU looks pretty good in both
We need to stop listening to the national media when it comes to stats. Journalists will improperly use statistics to their advantage without revealing the whole picture. There are legitimate reasons that OU will give up more points than traditional offensive teams. 1. The no-huddle offense uses less clock giving the opposing team more possessions in the game. 2. OU throws the ball and gets a lot of first downs; both will stop the clock, giving the other team more time to score. 3. OU scores fast; not a lot of 16-play, grind it out drives in Norman. This gives the other team more time to score. 4. OU finishes the game early; many of the touchdowns against OU have come in the second half when OU is already up by 40 or more points. Besides, the whole point is to score more than the other team, not record shut-outs. 5. This is not a stat, but worth mentioning. OU has had it share of injuries on defense. Most of these players are healthy for tonight’s game or their replacements have had time to mature. 6. One reason that OU does give up points is field position. OU led the nation in kick-offs (over eight a game) and our sub-average kicking game does give opposing teams good field position; which is not a reflection of the defensive play. Once again, this is a result of a high-powered offense and very average special team play, not poor defense. 7. The only stat that really means anything, win-loss record and the polls; OU looks pretty good in both
Demarco Murray's loss will be felt...but I'm thinking it's OU's defense that really holds the key. Look for this disrespected unit to play the game of their careers and the Sooners win by 10.
My opinion is pretty close to yours. I think Tebow's elusiveness and Florida's overall offensive speed will cause too many problems for OU's defense and I'm concerned that having so much time to plan and prepare that UF's defense will slow OU down enough to get the victory. Also, based on what has transpired on OU's special teams this year, Florida will be gifted better field position (if not outright touchdowns)throughout the game. These factors, plus (and I hate this) OU's recent showings in the bowls all equal a Florida victory. I hope OU wins but I believe they will not.
My opinion is pretty close to yours. I think Tebow's elusiveness and Florida's overall offensive speed will cause too many problems for OU's defense and I'm concerned that having so much time to plan and prepare that UF's defense will slow OU down enough to get the victory. Also, based on what has transpired on OU's special teams this year, Florida will be gifted better field position (if not outright touchdowns)throughout the game. These factors, plus (and I hate this) OU's recent showings in the bowls all equal a Florida victory. I hope OU wins but I believe they will not.
Boomer Sooner Baby!!