I
can never remember a time when I didn’t love sports….
I
grew up…or should I say…I grew older…in a time before Sports Center ran
highlights 24 hours a day. When I was a kid, the Braves weren’t on TBS, the
Cubs weren’t on WGN, there was no NFL ticket, or MLB package.The Rangers home games weren’t televised, and
even an occasional Cowboys game would get blacked out…and due to numerous
factors (like probation) rarely were my Sooners on TV. I listened to games on
the radio, watched coach’s playback shows…and waited patiently for Harold Taft
to do the weather so I could catch a 20 second highlight of one of my team
during the sports segment of the nightly news.But when it came to getting my sports fix…there was nothing that could
rival the sports section of the newspaper.
I
can never remember a time when I didn’t love the sports page…
The
sports page was my recap, my highlights, my ritual, my library book…I would read
every inch of it.Pulling off the rubber
band, unrolling the paper and pulling out the sports section was as much a
thrill to me as running down the hall on Christmas morning. The sports section was my first habit…one that
I've yet to even attempt to kick.I
may or may not have brushed my teeth when I arrived at school each morning, but
I can guarantee you that remnants of black newspaper ink could be found somewhere
on my fingertips.
Today
is my birthday…so I decided I would treat myself to breakfast at my favorite
place this morning….much like I do a couple times a week on days that aren’t my
birthday.
I’d
never met the man, but felt like I had known him all my life.He had never spoken a verbal word to me, but
I spent most of my life soaking up every possible thing he had to say.He never personally gave me a single word of
advice…but he influenced my perspective, made me think and taught me the
ability to laugh at myself.Yes, the
news that Frank Luksa had passed away the night before hit me hard.
I
had no idea how lucky I was to get to grow older reading the likes of Bud
Shrake, Blackie Sherrod and Frank Luksa. Those three all wrote for the Herald or
Morning News. Reading the columns of
those three and the work of Dan Jenkins, who wrote at the Morning News before
my time, are the reason I like to write and whose styles I most try to emulate.
“I own
the distinction of working for all three metropolitan dailies and helping only
one out of business.” –Frank Luksa
To
me, Frank Luksa didn’t so much write about sports and he did tell a story.For over five decades, Luksa wrote for the
Herald, the Morning News and Fort Worth Star Telegram…using his wit, color and
sarcasm to paint sports pictures I couldn’t get enough of. Luksa had a way of
telling it like it was but in a way that seemed gentle, not critical.As Brad Sham, the radio voice of the Cowboys
is quoted as saying “The thing that Frank could do-and it’s somewhatof a lost art these days -- is be critical without being mean.”But
of all his writing flairs, it was Luksa’s self-effacing style that I most try
to emulate.
With
Bud Shrake having passed away in 2009 and Blackie Sherrod in 2005…Luksa was the
last local link to the Dallas sports scene that I grew up in. I guess that
is why news of his death hit me so hard this morning…sometimes the good old
days, just simply were...the good old days.They don’t
make many like Frank Luksa anymore, and that’s a shame.
Rest
in peace Frank Luksa…thank you for all the highlights, insight, perspective and
laughs that you shared with me over the years……please know that you were
appreciated…and most of all....that these ink blotched fingertips will miss you.
Just
the Opinion of a Lucky Guy Who Got to Read Frank
Luksa
The OAS would like to thank Trae Anderson for taking the time and initiative to find the answer to the OU Drum Major Question I presented in the last post...
Good Stuff Trae....thank you Plus...any chance I get to mention Gene Thrailkill is awesome!
Hey Trae -
Gene Thrailkill invented our Drum Major Strut in 1971. He wanted something
unique to OU, but it was inspired by the Michigan Drum Major Strut (where Gene
did his undergrad degree work). He pioneered this and the current pregame show
that same year. Both have stood the test of time. Must have been a good
idea!
Boomer Sooner!
BB
Brian Britt | Gene Braught
Chair in Music Director,
“The Pride of Oklahoma” Marching Band Assistant Director, The School of Music
‘Coach, did you learn anything about
your team today?’
“I didn’t, but you guys did” –Bob
Stoops
Wow…I
gotta be honest; I didn’t see that coming at all.Sure, I thought we would have a chance to
win…but this?This was a complete ass
kicking like none I have seen in my thirty years of going to the Cotton Bowl. Don’t let the final score fool you…it wasn’t that
close. We gave them their first 8 points….the
other 13 they got late in the fourth quarter when the OU coaches were sending
in guys who associated being on the field with running to or from the locker
room. In fact, should points even count if they are scored against guys not
listed in the program and 90% of your fan base is either eating a funnel cake
or on I-30?
SCATTERSHOOTING…
AND BESIDES, BIG TEX LIVES HERE
The
State Fair of Texas…man I love that place.It’s an instant tailgate party. A warm beer in a wax paper cup is 7
coupons, or the real world equivalent of $3.50. There is no need to cook, since every possible
food group is represented and available for my dining pleasure…all within a
short walking distance for whomever I con into going to get it.Easy to find picnic tables and an electric
atmosphere are provided at no extra charge…so tell me again why I would ever
want this game moved to Jerry’s World?
STOOP-ID GOOD
Man,
it is so good to have Mike Stoops back.This defense is getting better each week…he has players playing in the
right positions (Jefferson, Colvin)…he isn’t afraid to make a change, even if
it means trusting a young player (Shannon)…and he’s not afraid to challenge Bob
should the need arrive. His game plan Saturday was obviously dead on
genius.Texas wouldn’t have scored a
meaningful touchdown if they had played for a week.
REASON #1...AS TO WHY I HAVE TO PAY FOR MY NIKE COACHES VISOR
AND BOB STOOPS DOESN’T:
What
I said before the game was:
I don’t think the Sooners are physical enough on offense to consistently run
the ball with any kind of success.
What
I meant to say before the game was:Despite numerous injuries and players having
to playing out of position, I think the OU offensive line will physically pound
those soft Longhorn bastards like Kirstie Alley would a cupcake. I expect OU running backs to go through the
Horns defense like General Grant went thru Richmond, burning up the clock, the
light bulbs in the scoreboard and the resolve of the Longhorns defense.Only a whorehouse
handyman travels less distance to score than Blake Bell does, so should the
Sooners find themselves inside the Longhorns 5 yard line…which they often will
on Saturday… look for a steady dose of the BellDozier. Three maybe even four
touchdowns would not be out of the question for the Sooners back-up QB.
STEPPING IN HIGH COTTON
The
OU Drum Major is a bad ass….best I have seen in years at doing that backwards
head tilt thing that OU drum majors do when they lead The Pride out onto the
field.Which begs the question…why do
the OU drum majors do that backwards head tilt thing that OU drum majors do
when they lead The Pride out onto the field?
GOOD SEATS NOW AVAILABLE
Starting
as early as midway through the second quarter…it was like a fire drill siren
was going off in the Texas end of the Cotton Bowl when OU would score.“Longhorn fans, your exits are located just above
your team’s ability…as well as far below your unrealistic expectations…the bathrooms
are clearly marked should you feel the need to throw-up while departing the
Cotton Bowl.Should you need further
direction, a crimson dressed Sooner representative would probably me more than
happy to assist you.
‘THEY CALL ME…TATOR SALAD’
Maybe
it is about time I start to recognize what we have at tailback with this Damien
Williams guy. You would think that someone who was averaging over a 100 yards a
game and 7 yards a carry would be getting more attention and recognition…but
hell, I have trouble even remembering his name. The name on the back of his
jersey is D.D. Williams. Hell, I’ve
called him Billy D, LaDanian D, David, LaDavid, Venus Williams, Andy Williams,
Robin Williams, Roy Williams, that Williams guy, that JC transfer running back
dude, that guy that should be starting…now I think it’s time I call him…‘pretty
damn good’. (See video of his 95 yard run above)
DON’T IT MAKE YA WANT TO SMILE
Couldn’t
get enough of the red beans and rice this year…good stuff, short line.The nice lady with the hairnet who works
there has a pleasant attitude and most her teeth…which can be a tough
combination to find at the fair sometimes.
IS THAT YOU…OR JUST A BRILLANT DISGUISE
“It’s just unacceptable for Texas to lose to
Oklahoma like that, much less anybody and especially two years in a row. I’m
disappointed for our coaches, our fans and our players because that’s not who
we are.”-Texas head coach Mack Brown
Mack,
either that IS who you are, or it’s the most elaborate disguise of a good
football team ever seen. Dude, whatever gets you thru the day…but I’m thinking
the 92,500 people who were in the Cotton Bowl are going to be more of a realist
than you.
TWO BE OR NOT TWO BE
At
halftime, the Texas Longhorns had: two points, two first downs, and had taken
only two snaps in OU territory.The
result of those two snaps? Well, two
interceptions of course.With all that
being said, I guess the best way to describe how the Longhorns played in the
first half?Like #2.
TWO GIVITH…
Seconds
before the Sooners attempted what would be the first of many extra point tries…I
turned to Kristen and said, “Just nothing bad happen here please.” Maybe next time I should be a little more
specific.While no one died, the extra
point attempt that happened next was a train wreck from the get go.The snap was bad, the hold was worse…and the
attempt by Hunnicut to still try and kick the ball…ranged from comical to downright
absurd.
It
was like watching Joe Bob from Poteau, OK try to win a year’s supply of cheeseburgers
from Carl’s Jr in the pre-game punt pass and kick competition.Joe Bob has about as much chance of
successfully kicking the extra point as he did successfully finishing tenth
grade…which is zero…which is probably good…since JB needs free burgers for a
year about as much as he needs a third hidden firearm in his truck…but anyway…I
digress.
Like
Joe Bob, Hunnicut shanks the kick about four feet.But unlike Joe Bob…Hunnicut doesn’t get to
wave at the crowd, hug the guy in the oversized hamburger costume and go back
to his seat happy he didn’t hurt anyone...no, what Hunnicut needs to do is make
a tackle.The flat footed, standing
still, Super Toe board game looking, ill-advised kick has just one hopped into
the arms of a Longhorn…a fast Longhorn….Before we could even get the Sooner
Schooner off the field…OU 6 Texas 2.
AND TWO TAKITH
AWAY
When
the Sooners pinned Texas at its own 1 yard line with about six minutes to go in
the second quarter…for some reason Torrence Marshall and his legendary pregame
handshake with Chris Weinke came to mind. Slightly altered…“You got my teams
two points, and I’ve come to get it back!” One play later and the Sooners had done just
that.
ALSO AVAILABLE IN SOBER
An
11:00 AM kickoff means being way deep into a flask of Crown Royal Reserve
before 1:00 in the afternoon, especially if you are sharing.Undoubtedly, my near empty flask following the
game was a result of Kristen hogging it when I wasn’t looking. How she could walk straight or speak without slurring
after drinking so much was impressive but disturbing…especially since I couldn’t
do either. I should talk to her about
the merits of moderation, as soon as I figure out exactly what that means.
REASON #2...AS TO WHY I HAVE TO PAY FOR MY NIKE COACHES VISOR
AND BOB STOOPS DOESN’T:
What
I said before the game was:
I was concerned that Texas was either going to run the ball down our throats,
or at minimum, run it effectively enough to control the clock, tire out our
defense and keep the ball away from the Sooners offense i.e.…run the ball effectively
enough to win.
What
I meant to say before the game was:Texas would be better off to save themselves
some heartache and just quick-kick on first down…because they won’t be able to
run the ball against this Sooner defense.Our defense line will control the
line of scrimmage…which will allow our linebackers to be on Longhorn running backs
like rats on Cheetos.I would be willing
to bet that I average more oz. of Crown per sip…than Gray and Bergeron do yards
per carry…which would mean we are all getting hammered during the game. No running
game for Texas means, no chance to win.
FEELINGS, NOTHING MORE THAN FEELINGS
I
guess the one thing that I would say that was a little disappointing about this
year’s OU/Texas was the overall vibe of the weekend.Definite down in comparison to those of the
past….certainly not bad…but not that electric feel to it that the weekend usually
possesses. Not even enough people after the game to take the annual group photo…first
time in 10 years.
GOODBYE TEXAS
Needless
to say, the Sooners played an almost perfect game against the Horns on Saturday.
While I was hopeful of a victory, I
certainly didn’t see a scenario where OU would totally and completely kick
their ass like they did…but they did. It will be very interesting to see where
the Longhorns go from here…if they tank like last year, then is it possible
that we might have just seen the last of Mack Brown? Hope not.
47 STRAIGHT REASONS WHY
If
nothing else, the victory should help shine the spotlight a little brighter on
what lays just ahead.The Sooners should
take care of Kansas at home this weekend…which would set up a prime time
showdown with Notre Dame the following weekend in Norman. Hopefully, the Irish
will come to Owen Field undefeated…giving the Sooners a chance to serve up some
long-overdue revenge.I can’t wait….see
you in Norman.Beat KU.
(Sorry it's a little long this week...for some reason I had a lot to say!)
“It’s
over:Two
words…Three vowels…Four consonants…Seven letters. It can either cut you open to the core,
leaving you in ungodly pain…or it can free your soul and lift a tremendous
weight off your shoulders” –Maggi
Richard
Dear Landry:
This letter is to inform you that I no
longer wish to continue our relationship.Yes, that’s right…I’m breaking up. Yes, I realize that we've done this before,
but this time it’s different, this time it’s for real. This time, we won't be making-up, nor will there be any begging to get back together. There won't be any couple’s therapy, or QB camp,
nor any extra time spent watching film. I won’t be changing my mind, nor will I be having
a change of heart.The bridge is burnt,
the curtain has dropped and the fat lady has sung. This manic, rollercoaster ride we’ve been on for the last three years has just
came to a screeching f-ing halt…in fact…I’m surprised The Purple Wildcat out
front of Gaylord Memorial Stadium didn’t tell you. Yes, Landry….this thing
between you and me…it’s over.
I’m sorry that it's come to this, I really am. I haven’t had to break up with an OU quarterback
since I left Eric Moore for Justin Fuente back in 1997...but I am just too
unhappy to go on like this anymore.Truth
be told, I had secretly wished for you to turn pro after last season so the possibility of something like this wouldn’t exist…but you didn’t. Once I
heard the news that you were returning, I'll admit that I was more excited
than I was disappointed.Maybe I thought
I'd miss you, or that I'd be unable to replace you with someone I cared about…I
don’t know exactly why, but I let myself fall for you again. That was obviously
a big mistake. Just like that 39 game
home winning streak we use to have...this thing between you and me…it’s over.
I apologize for
airing our dirty laundry in print…I would've preferred to just scream
obscenities at you anonymously from the stands or maybe call into one of the
sports radio talk show as “Bobby from Bixby” and rant about how much you
suck like most normal OU fans do…but I'm just too upset, to emotional.Maybe I just needed you to know how
disappointed I am…or maybe I thought a public break up might serve as some sort
of exorcism- or maybe the reason I’m writing this letter is that I needed a
forum in which to ask you the following question: how is it even f-ing possible
for a fifth year senior to play as shitty as you did last Saturday night? Just
like the unbeaten series record we use to have against Baylor….this thing
between you and me…it’s over.
I remember when
we first met.It was in Dallas…September
of 2009 and we were playing BYU in the season opener.I was seeing Heisman Trophy winner Sam
Bradford at the time.Sam and I had been
together for two years and I thought we were in a really good place; but unfortunately,
unbeknownst to me, our relationship would soon become more than he could shoulder.With Sam lying on the Cowboy Stadium turf, your
image was suddenly flashed onto the giant Jumbotron.The shock of realizing that you were going into
the game, combined with the panic of trying to find your helmet gave your eyes
a look normally found on a deer…right before it becomes a hood ornament.You were so young, so naive…nothing more than
a baby faced QB from New Mexico with a big arm and a horribly bad 70’s porn
mustache. Looking back, I guess you could say the porn ‘stache was a
sign….cause Landry you have been screwing us ever since. Landry…just like The Beatles, typewriters,
pay phones, soap-on-a-rope and demands for your autograph …this thing between
you and me…it’s over.
Look, I know I'm
not without fault here.I realize now
that in the beginning I was so enamored with your cannon of an arm, that I
was willing to overlook other things…things that would eventually become fatal
to our long term relationship.Your poor
footwork, your inability or unwillingness to look off safeties and your dreadful
play on the road were all things that I guess I thought would change. I thought
you'd grow up.I assumed that you'd learn from your previous failures.I held onto the hope that one day the light would come on for you…and
when it did, you'd lead us to the Promised Land. Yo, Landry…I’ve been to Shreveport my man…and
it ain’t the Promised Land.I believed
in you, defended you to my friends…but after Saturday night…just like our nationaltitle dreams, the disco era, & RJ
Washington’s NFL career, this thing between you and me…it’s over.
“Can you ever remember a time when we
couldn’t stand to be apart, a time when we enjoyed every single moment that we
were together?” - Yep, me neither
Look, don’t get
me wrong…I’m not saying that we didn’t ever have a good time or a great moment
together…cause we did…But even the good times and great moments that you were
able to cook up from time to time, too often were accompanied with an
unnecessary side order of trauma or drama that was hard to swallow. For example: In 2010 you threw for 468 yards
and 4 TD’s to beat OSU in Stillwater. But it took a liter of Crown Royal that
night to help me digest the fact that you also threw 3 INT’s, including one
that was returned for a TD that almost cost us the game.Yes, you won a BCS Bowl game…which is a pretty big deal when you take into
consideration that neither of OU’s Heisman Trophy winning QB’s can make that
claim.In fact, not since Nate Hybl gave
me Roses in 2003 had a QB done that for me…but again, you even made winning
that 2010 Fiesta Bowl harder than it needed to be. That pick 6 you threw just before
half allowed an overmatched UConn team to hang around in the game way longer
than they should've. Then in 2011, with our backs against the
wall and the Seminole war chant ringing in our ears, you took us the length of
the field to win on the road in Tallahassee. It was a great drive and a great
win, but it was made necessary in part because of the two INT’s you'd thrown earlier
in the game.
But Landry…I
challenge anyone that doesn’t require a dog and a stick to cross a busy street,
to find one positive thing about your performance last Saturday night.The best thing I can come up with is that it
might actually of been the most consistent you have been in a game your
entire career.From Star Spangle Banner to ‘Please
Drive Home Safely’ you truly sucked. But amongst all the stupid shit you
did Saturday night, there is one moment that to me, will forever be your
signature Sooner QB moment…and the moment that I knew…just like Milli Vanilli, New Coke, The
Berlin Wall and John Travolta’s heterosexual status…this thing between you and
me….it’s over.
The score was
3-0 OU…it was third and long…you were deep in your own territory…You dropped
back…you had time…you made your reads…and decided nobody was open.This is where a younger,
inexperienced 2010 Landry Jones might've made a game changing mistake...but
this was no young, inexperienced Landry…This was 2012 fifth year senior Landry…the
four year starter Landry…this Landry has been in this type situation before and
learned from it….right Landry? Hello?
…we
interrupt this 2012 bone-head Landry Jones moment….in order to flashback to
this 2010 Landry Jones bone-head moment…
Surely you know what situation I am
talking about…2010, Cotton
Bowl, Texas Longhorns, OU winning 28-20, 3rd and long, deep in your own
territory. Anything ring a bell yet?
Ok…you drop back
to throw…you have time, but nobody is open so you start to waddle to your right
like a fat girl headed to the turkey leg line. I scream NO please don’t, you
hold the ball out like its water for a marathon runner, I scream NO again only
louder with an obscenity attached, then too nobody’s surprise but yours, you're caught and hit near your own goal line.
Remember now?
I scream
&%#*, you fumble, I scream &%#* again only louder, and then watch in horror as the five Longhorns
who gang tackled you, lunge toward the ball. Amazingly, it somehow rolls out of
bounds. I pound down some Crown and give a nod of thanks to God above and start
the process of apologizing to all those around me that deserve one, which is ¾ of
section 24. Catastrophe is adverted, your life is spared, we win the game and I
go drink with my friend Big Tex. Anything?
I guess the fact that you don’t remember makes sense, because if you had remembered then you might of learned from it. If you had, then maybe you'd have done what you were
supposed to do when you found yourself in such an eerily similar situation
Saturday night.What you should have
done was throw the ball to Bill and Eileen
Wickersham. The Wickersham’s live in Guthrie where they raise two kids, run a
small business and attend the First Baptist Church on most Sunday’s. They also
happen to sit in seats 6 & 7 on the 16th row of section 32
during OU home games…section 32 is located on the east side of the stadium…and
most importantly, it is at least 30 yards from the nearest KSU defender.
But you didn’t
throw the ball to the nice people from Guthrie did you Landry? Instead, you
decide to ‘roll out and try to make
something happen.’There are so many
things wrong about this choice that it makes my head hurt.First
of all, you’re not the f-ing Make a
Wish Foundation, so quit trying to ‘make
something happen’. Making something happen is what redshirt freshman do
right before they get benched.Secondly, you run like you should have
a Jerry Lewis hosted telethon named after you. I could be wrong, but rarely would I think it a good idea for people whose forty yard dash times are recorded with
a sun dial, to try and use speed as a way to avoid crisis, but that’s just my
opinion. Third and most importantly,
is the fact that you've done this kind of thing before and should've known
better than to try and do it again.
But clearly you
never learn and you’re never going to change because…You waddle to your right
like a Kardashian girl chasing a camera…all the while holding the ball like you’re
allergic to it.Before I can even cuss
you, you've been sacked. One cue, you fumble…on cue, I spew Crown Royal.The 14 K-State players surrounding the ball
play rock-paper-scissors to determine who gets to score the easiest TD in
Wildcats history.I start dialing
American Airlines to cancel the plane tickets I recently bought to Morgantown…just like pet rocks, answering machines,
Dick Clark and OU’s top 10 ranking…this thing between you and me….it’s over.
Landry…you and I…we
just aren’t a good match. When it comes
to making good decisions at crucial moments, it’s like you turn into Charlie
Sheen in a helmet and shoulder pads. Look, I like Charlie Sheen, been known to
do an imitation or two of him myself from time to time…but I don’t want a
relationship with the guy. Maybe even that would be all right if I were
equipped with the proper anger management skills necessary to handle you’re
never ending bone head mistakes like an adult….but I’m not.The bottom line is that after last Saturday
night, I don’t trust you anymore. It was
one thing to act like an idiot when you were young and playing on the road…but now as a red-shirt senior you've brought that brain-dead shit into
our home…and that…I can’t and won’t tolerate.
Hell, come to
think of it, Charlie Sheen would be a better choice at QB than you Landry…at
least he is winning.
Landry, just like this Dear John Letter…you
and me….it’s
over.
2012 OKLAHOMA SOONERS INTRO VIDEO If this doesn't give you chicken skin, then you are simply not a Sooner fan...there is only ONE OKLAHOMA
I don't like spiders and snakes…and that ain't what it takes to love me…like I want to be loved by you" -Spiders & Snakes – Jim Stafford
The Sooners opened the home portion of their 2012 schedule last Saturday night with a 69-13 victory over the Florida A&M Rattlers. For OU, it was the third straight year that the second game on the schedule featured a foe from Tallahassee, Florida...and for the third straight year, the Sooners emerged from the game victorious. But if you're thinking about humming 'I Got You Babe', don't…because this is where any similarities that would make this some sort of Floridian Football Groundhog Day end. In 2010 and 2011, the victories were against Florida State, a top ranked team rich in talent and tradition. The victories were impressive and bequeathed the Sooner Nation with some confidence and swagger going into conference play. That is not the pervasive sentiment after Saturday night's win. In fairness, the game against the Rattlers was a no-win game for the Sooners. If they play poorly, then they would get blasted for doing so. If they play well and win big…the response is either indifference because of opponent, or ridicule for running up the score. But that being said, Saturday night's win over Florida A&M, a FCS Division I school and 50 point underdog, did nothing to subside the concerns that emanated from the lackluster win over UTEP.
Yes, OU fans can be spoiled and hard to please at times, but a second straight week of dropping a spot in the AP Poll would indicate that others outside of the Sooner Nation are equally unimpressed by what they have seen from OU so far. The Sooners have an extra week to practice and prepare for what looks like a pretty good K-State team coming to Norman. From what this fan saw on the field against FAMU, that extra time is a good thing… As Jim Stafford might say...'beating snakes is great, but that ain't what it takes to love you'...you gotta beat K State 'for me to love you, like you want to be loved by me.'
"And in the naked light I saw, ten thousand people, maybe more…people talking without speaking…people hearing without listening…people writing songs that voices never share…and no one dared…disturb the sound…of silence." Sounds of Silence – Simon & Garfunkel
Saturday night's game was the 81st consecutive sell-out at Oklahoma's Memorial Stadium…which just goes to show…a large crowd does not automatically equate to being…a loud crowd. I'm not sure that I've ever been to an OU game where the crowd was that quite…not even a spring game. How quiet was it you ask? It was so silent you could almost hear the fans on the east (opposite) side yawn. It was almost like the PA announcer had asked the crowd too: "please bow your head and join me in recognizing this game with a few hours of silence." Seriously, at times it felt like being at church, except that it wasn't Christmas Eve, my mom wasn't forcing me to be there and when you gave money to the guy at the end of the row, you got peanuts back. What I'm trying to say is…it was not a loud crowd.
I really thought coming into the season that R.J. Washington was finally ready to live up to the hype that made him the nation's top recruit in the 2008 class. After spending a lot of time focusing on his play Saturday night, all I have to say is….Oops…my bad. Look…I also thought OJ would be found guilty and that Starbucks was a bad idea…so it's not like I was on some sort of prognostication unbeaten streak…but that being said, it still would have been nice to have him emerge into a defensive difference maker this year. My next prediction: is that before I have learned how to pronounce his name, Chuka Ndulue will replace RJ in the starting line-up. (P.S…If I was Teddy Lehman or Tinker Owens, I would ask Washington to switch back to #91…cause his play so far is not doing much for #11 jersey sales.)
Good to see Mike Stoops screaming at teenagers on the OU sideline again. Mike looks like he ate well during his time in Tucson…the added weight makes me think he is on the same diet I am. Hey Mike…you might want to mix in a salad with that cover-two every once in a while…just sayin'.
Kenny Stills had a big night….10 catches for 120 yards and a TD. Stills dropped a perfect strike from Landry that would have been a second TD….but he also made a terrific one handed, highlight reel catch that showed he is not afraid to go over the middle like some have suggested. I have no comment on his yellow Mohawk hair-do…keep having 10 catch games and I won't care if he sports a chartreuse mullet.
New item at the concession stand….Parmesan French fries.
The second largest cheer of the night came when freshman wide-out Sterling Shepard caught his first pass as a Sooner. Shepard, from Heritage Hall in OKC, wears #3 just like his father Derrick did when he played WR and returned punts for the Sooners from 1983-1986…the largest cheer of the night? It was reserved for former Sooner All-American and NBA All-Star Blake Griffin. As a football fan, I can't help but daydream about what kind of TE Blake might have been.
Trey Metoyer…made great catch for a TD…his timing with Landry looked a lot better.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly…Justin Brown. While the Penn State transfer had 2 catches for 55 yards, it is his ability to return punts that has OU fans excited. He had three returns for 102 yards…including one for 62 yards. Twice his returns had the Sooners offense starting inside the Rattlers 20. I do hope he tightens up one aspect of his punt returning repertoire… twice he dribbled the ball when making a fair catch. You can't always count on the bounce to be so kind….just like you can't always count on me not to spew obscenities.
Speaking of spewing obscenities…section 5 was spared my verbal displeasure when Tony Jefferson emerged from getting his ankle rolled up with only a mild strain. It happened right in from of me and looked extremely ugly. He is a player that the Sooners can ill afford to lose. Need an example? His replacement blew a coverage that resulted in long TD pass play for FAMU. (OAS note: I thought the guilty party, Jessie Paulsen, played well otherwise).
The Bell-Dozier was ineffective in limited action Saturday night. Until the forward pass is a real and viable option when using this package, I feel like defenses will catch up to this sand lot shtick soon if not already. Why can't the Sooners get the same blocking and yardage when they hand off to a running back?
Trey Millard…Am I the only guy wearing crimson that wants to see him carry the ball more? While Trey-Dozier might not be as catchy, I bet it would be more effective.
Last week The OAS rambled about the good and bad of Landry Jones. Against FAMU he had an INT and had another one that hit a Rattler d-back in the dread-locks only to be dropped…that kind of good fortune probably won't be available against the likes of Texas and Notre Dame.
Damien Williams had another good game. 156 yards on 10 carries…his 15 yards per carry average aided by an 89 yard jaunt in the second quarter. Good speed not to get caught by D-back…K-State will be better test for what the Sooners have in the JUCO transfer.
Casey Walker is back on the team…David King is back to Defensive end…and The OAS is back to you after the K-State game. Until then…Boomer Sooner.
You have heard of coyote ugly, right? That’s when you wake up with your arm around a
girl so ugly, that you would rather gnaw your arm off than risk waking her up.
Then there is also double coyote ugly…that’s a
girl so ugly that you would rather gnaw off your arm than risk waking her
up…then…when you get back home, you gnaw off your other arm, cause you know
that ugly beast is gonna be looking for a one-armed man.
Saturday night, ‘Out in the west Texas town of El
Paso’, the Sooners defeated UTEP 24-7.Yes, the Sooners won, but it wasn’t pretty.How ugly you ask?Well, if this game had been a girl, it would
have been coyote ugly.
While the Sooners returned home victorious, they
no doubt woke up Sunday morning a little embarrassed about the situation they
found themselves in. But whereas you will go to any extreme, even
self-mutilation, to reach the goal of not awakening the ugly girl…OU fans can
only hope that this game gnaws at the Sooners players and coaches enough to serve
as a wake up call.
Look, I hate to ‘cry wolf’ after one
game…especially a victory…but the OU team I saw play in the Sun Bowl Saturday
night was not a top ten or even top 20 football team. I don’t feel like I am going too far out of a
‘limb’
when I say that if not for UTEP’s bad luck, bad conditioning and atrociously
bad kicking, Sooner fans might have awaken Sunday morning to find themselves staring
at a double coyote ugly situation .Believe
me…a loss against UTEP to start the season would have really had the Sooner
Nation up in arms…at least until we chewed them both off.
THE
SEASON OPENER
The music charts were filled with songs by the likes
of Nine Inch Nails, Sneaker Pimps and Hanson, a boy band from Tulsa.If you wanted to go watch the Titanic sink,
Men in Black or Jurassic Park, it would cost you $4.50.The Dow Jones closed above 7000 for the first
time, residents of Hong Kong needed to brush up on their Chinese, and a little
storm named El Nino started being blamed for almost everything.Tiger Woods won his first Masters at age 21,
Mike Tyson bit off Evander Holyfield’s ear, President Clinton was starting his
second term, and when her car crashed in a Paris tunnel, Princess Di…did.
The year was 1997 and until last Saturday night, it
was the last time that OU opened the season with a game outside of the state of
Oklahoma (OU played @ Tulsa in 2002, the
only other time the opener has not been at home since 1997). In August of ‘97, the Sooners played Northwestern
at Soldier Field in Chicago. I remember it well, because I was there. The game
was called the Pigskin Classic.They
could have saved some lettering on the t-shirts and just called it The Pig…because
it was anything but a classic.I had
very low expectations for OU that year, expectations that were immediately met
when the Sooners got thrashed 24-0 by a Northwestern team that would go on to
finish 7th in the Big 10 Conference.The OU coach was JohnBlake…enough said? Yes, I thought so.
SCATTERSHOOTING….
Maybe it is a good thing that OU didn’t move to
the PAC-10 conference like so many people wanted them to.If the game starts when Mickey Mouse’s little
hand points at the nine or higher…we suck.We lost the Tech game last year, at home no less, when it kicked- off late
because of storms….we played like we suffered from Somnambulism (sleep walking) against Kansas
when the game started the same time as Letterman…and Saturday night we looked
sloppy, slow and unmotivated against UTEP...another kickoff just past my
mother’s bed time. Lord, who are we…the Golden Girls? Are we afraid
of the dark?Can’t they give the players
a Red Bull or one of those 5 hour energy drink things? I don’t know, maybe they
need a nap, a visit from a therapist or poked with a cattle prod…Whatever…all I
know is that the current game-day schedule isn’t working when kickoff is past 8
bells. I’m just sayin. The only thing worse than the team sucking late at
night, is the manner in which I react to their ineptness.Tardy kickoff = extra cocktail time = more
volatility = less desirable behavior = more broken decorative household items. Please…help save a knick-knack …say no to
late kickoffs.
The good news is that Landry Jones returned for his senior
year…his third as a starter.The bad
news is that Landry Jones returned for his senior year…his third as a
starter.Not since Cale Gundy have I wished
for a kid with this kind of talent to graduate…all the while fully knowing that
I am going to miss him when he’s gone.He
has so much natural talent…NFL type talent.The throw he made to Kenny Stills Saturday night, was the kind of throw
that makes NFL scouts drool.But as is
always the case with Landry...you can’t have the good, without also getting the
bad.He still holds the ball way to
long…he still misses too many wide open receivers…and he is still seemingly
incapable of making even the slightest movement in the pocket to bail out a
lineman or buy more time.
When the Landry Jones era at OU is over, the record
books will undoubtedly show that statistically, he was the best to ever play
the position at OU…but how he will be regarded historically in the eyes of the
Sooner Nation is still very much up in the air.Landry has a chance to end his career 3-0 as a starter against Texas,
win a second Big 12 Title…as well as become the only QB in OU history to start
and win 4 bowl games. But to do so, he must make better decisions; be more
consistent in making the routine play…and maybe most importantly…figure out a
way to be better when playing on the road.Bottom line…more good Landry…way less bad. The season should be on the line when the Sooners
travel to Morgantown in late November and to Fort Worth in early December.Play well and lead the Sooners to a BCS game
and his place in history will improve dramatically in the eyes of the Sooner Nation…play
mediocre on the road like he did in El Paso Saturday night, and the result
could be a return trip to El Paso in late December for his last game as a
Sooner. Winning Sun Bowls are nice, but it doesn’t do much for your legacy…just
ask the 1993 Sun Bowl MVP…former Sooner QB Cale Gundy.
Other than Kenny
Stills…I wouldn’t have been able to recognize a single wide receiver if they hadn’t had their names on the back of their
jersey’s.
Why did RJ
Washington switch from wearing jersey #91 to #11? Unless he plans of
getting a few snaps from center, it doesn’t make any sense. Speaking of RJ…did anyone else catch this little
nugget from FOX Sports TV color commentator J. C. Pearson: “the experts are
projecting RJ Washington as an outside linebacker at the next level”….excuse me? Look, I’m no expert, but how
can you project a player to play a different position in the NFL, when he
hasn’t shown the ability to play his current one in college? While I feel RJ
has the ability to have a good to great season in his final year at OU…the fact
is...based on what he has done in college…the only projection you could make in
regards to his NFL future…is failure. Defensive
Lineman: One injury here and we are screwed. David King, who moved to tackle from DE, played well…but he, along
with JaMarcus McFarland, had to play almost the entire game because we have no
depth.Fatigue can lead to injury…something
that the Sooners simply can’t afford at this position. Speaking of Jamarcus McFarland, he has been average
at best…certainly nowhere near the player the experts projected him to be
coming out of high school…but he is on the team and playing…which is more than
can be said for Casey Walker. Walker is listed as out with a non-football related
issue. Reportedly, Walker is trying to
decide if he wants to play anymore.Great... Stacy McGee may have the desire to play, but
unfortunately, the powers that be at OU don’t share that same sentiment. McGee is suspended indefinitely, rumored to be
three more games…we really need him back cause evidently the coaches don’t think
the young d-tackles are ready for meaningful action.
My other concern for the defense is at
Linebacker.I feel certain that Tom Wort
is a nice guy, a hoot at parties, polite to strangers and respectful to his
elders…but what Tom Wort is not…is a middle linebacker. He has relentless
effort and his speed allows him to cover backs out of the backfield…but his
lack of size results in him getting completely steamrolled out of the play way
to often…it also has made him susceptible to injury.Has anyone seen Cory Nelson? If you do see
him, please have him report to the Sooners defensive huddle immediately. His
presence is very much needed.
After being
a disaster last year, the defensive secondary might actually be one of the team
strengths this year. Tony Jefferson is a star. In my opinion
he is finally in the right position…which is at safety and not some sort of
hybrid d-back/linebacker thing. It looks like Mike Stoops is going to turn him
loose and let him just go play. Jefferson had at least two TD saving tackles against UTEP. Combined
with Aaron Colvin, the Sooners have
two great players in the secondary. A third player in Demontre Hurst that is above average…and there is also safety Javon Harris…well, ok…did I mention how
good Jefferson and Colvin are?
Who is the UTEP kicking coach…Jimmy Stevens?
The Sooners face Florida A&M this weekend in
Norman.Hope to see you there…
It’s October…and that means one thing to me: OU/Texas. I don’t care about watching a leaf change color before it falls off a tree and dies. Until United Nations Day is recognized with a day off, my excitement for it will continue to be minimal. This is my birthday month, but those are overrated…unless of course you aren’t having them. Halloween?…never been a fan. October is OU/Texas…and Saturday will mark my 29th consecutive year of attending the game. Thought I would take a look back at my OU/Texas history…by the numbers
1- My first OU-TX game was in 1982. I was sixteen years old. The cost of gas was $1.20. Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger was topping the charts, E.T was number one at the box office and the top rated show on television…why Dallas, of course.
2- Number of times since 1982 that the two teams ended the game with the score knotted (1984/1985). Ironically, it is the same number of times I have tied the knot during the same…proving that whether it’s the game of football, or the game of life…when it comes to ties…nobody goes home happy
3- The yard line the Longhorns were on when Texas QB Major Applewhite connected with Wayne McGarrity for a 97 yard touchdown pass in 1998. It is also the same number of OU fans still sitting in the south end of the stadium by the time McGarrity crossed the goal line.
4- The number of pork chop sandwiches I ate at the OU/Texas game in 2003
5- The longest win streak by either team (OU 2000-2004) in my 29 year consecutive game streak
6- The number of touchdowns scored by Sooner RB Quentin Griffin when the Sooners beat Texas 64-14 in 2000.
7- The number of coupons you need to buy a warm beer in a waxed paper cup at the State Fair of Texas
8- The number of vowels you would have to buy if you were trying to spell the name of former Sooner DB Chijioke Onyengecha on Wheel of Fortune.
9- The number of combined head football coaches for the two teams since 1982.
10 – Jersey number of Peter Gardere, Texas Longhorns QB (1988-91). Nicknamed “Peter the Great” by Longhorn fans, Gardere remains the only starting QB from either team in the 100 year history of the series to win 4 consecutive games against the other team. Not sure, but OU may have even been favored to win all four. Still have nightmares about Gardere throwing to the Cash brothers.
11- As in 11 A.M. kickoff. Who is the asshole TV network executive that thinks this is a good idea?
12- The row my seats are on in section 103
13- The number of times the Sooners have won since 1982. It is also the same number of times the Longhorns have won since 1982
14- The number of different variations of red, crimson and maroon that you will see Sooner fans dressed in at any given OU/Texas Game.
15- The average number of teeth found in the mouth of a State Fair of Texas carnival worker.
16- The number of different dates I have taken to the OU/Texas game in the last 29 years. None of which would go again on a bet.
17- The over and under number on how many beers I will drink on Saturday
18- The jersey number of Sooner QB Troy Aikman. Aikman was the starting QB in the 1985 OU/Texas game, a game won by OU 14-7.
19- The age of OU freshman student John Tyler Hammon. Why this might not seem interesting to you, maybe the fact that he is also the recently elected Mayor of Muskogee might be.
20- The jersey number of former Sooner LB Rocky Calmus. Calmus, with his right wrist in a cast, picked off Texas QB Chris Simms and returned it for a TD in the 2000 game.
21- The jersey number of Darrell Royal when he was an All-American….at The University of Oklahoma. Nice to know that UT has named their stadium after a Sooner
22- Marcus Dupree, Quentin Griffin
23- Big Tex wears Dickey jeans with a waist size of 23”
24- The number of days the State Fair of Texas runs every year
25 – The number of times in 106 meetings that the Sooners and Longhorns come into the game undefeated.
26- The number after 25
27- The average dollar amount you will spend on the Midway because some guy who hasn’t bathed in a week is challenging your ability to toss a ring around the neck of a twelve year old Shasta bottle. Your reward for getting lucky on your ninth throw? A lime green stuffed animal of non-descript origin so large that it requires a game ticket. It took you 30 minutes to win the thing, and about five minutes to get tired of carrying it around. Eventually you will set it down next to the funnel cake stand because you can’t even give the f-ing thing away. But hey, you showed Frank the Carney that you are nobody’s ring toss bitch.
28- Adrian Peterson
29- The number of times that I have gone to the game saying to myself, ”I want the Sooners to win this game more than any year I can ever remember”
