Show Us What You Got!
Well folks, it's finally here - yet another Texas/OU Saturday. And yet again, it's one of the bigger (if not biggest) game of the weekend in terms of long-term implications. Texas wins and they still control their own fate. If they lose, any shot of a national title is a very unlikely scenario.
Although it may seem so here in Austin, Texas, there are other big games with big implications this weekend. Perhaps you've heard that USC is coming off of a bye week to travel to South Bend to take on the Irish. Oh, and Ohio State FINALLY travels outside the confines of the Shoe to visit Wisconsin. Missouri, looking to jump back into the national top 25 travels to Stillwater to take on a very suspect Oklahoma State team. Bottom line, lots going on with national and Big 12 implications so let's dive in. And of course, I can't NOT start with...
I told you to be worried, Texas fans, and you should be. I can point to a lot of reasons why Texas should win this game (and I will), but it's one key intangible that scares me most...and yes, I'll get to that too. But first, let's look at the key concerns that each team must address for this game.
Concerns for Oklahoma - Lots of concerns for the Sooners right now, can't deny it. BUT, I still wouldn't ever count these guys out entirely, especially not in this game.
Who needs to step up for the Longhorns? Anyone not named Jordan Shipley. Seriously, this really should be Colt McCoy for all the reasons I mentioned above, but you have to throw in the the other receivers here. Kirkendoll, Buckner, Collins - they need to make some plays. Pull in a tough catch, break a tackle, or whatever. Shipley can't do it all himself (which is pretty much what he has done thus far).
With all of this said, I still gotta pick someone to win, right? I'll be honest, I've been leaning towards picking OU all week simply because these pressure situations most have a tendency to bite Texas in the ass. It's Texas' return game and defense that has me leaning back towards the Longhorns. As I said with Colorado, I hoped to see a team that comes out with razor-sharp focus and intensity (of course that never happened against the Buffs), and I I still hope to see this. I'm giving the Texas coaching staff the benefit of the doubt, hoping they can get this team mean and ready to lay the wood. If Texas can get up big, early, I think they'll run away with it, but when have we known Texas to jump out to any early, big leads?
Texas - 34
Oklahoma - 30
One last test for the Gators comes this weekend when Arkansas comes to town. Classic trap game here for the Gators and Arkansas seems to be getting better and better as the season progresses. I can't for the life of me understand why Florida is continuing to get coupled with Alabama as the "premier" teams in the league when they've played exactly no one. Of course you can point to the LSU game on the road, which is usually a big game, but LSU is simply not the same team they've been in the past - they're frauds and will get exposed as frauds as the season goes on. They still get Arkansas, Auburn and Alabama this year and I'll go on a limb now and say they lose all of those.
Nevertheless, I don't necessarily think this will be a cake walk and this trap is the same trap they fell into last year when coming off of an LSU win, they get upset by Ole Miss. I don't think Florida will make the same mistake twice, although I would be giddy if they did.
Arkansas' offense is turning into a well-oiled machine, but they will have their hands full with this Gator defense. The key for Florida will be getting pressure on Mallet, who's a very, very good quarterback and if he's got time, he'll pick you apart. I imagine we'll see Mallet running for his life in most of this game, greatly slowing down the scoring attack. I'd love to see the Razorbacks pull this one out, and I guess anything is possible, but I seriously doubt they'll be able to score enough to pull it out.
Florida - 37
Arkansas - 26
It's do or die time for Weis. Win this one Charlie, and you're safe (hell, they'll probably give him a 10-year extension because the athletic dept in Notre Dame seem to be some dumb SOBs). Lose and you'll most definitely be gone at season's end. As good as Clausen's numbers have been this year, and they have been impressive, let's remember that they haven't really played any stellar teams - certainly nothing that would constitute putting them in any sort of "elite" category. And, they're just barely squeaking by these teams. Meanwhile, USC is still somewhat of a question mark for the time being. The win over Cal was a good one, but as usual Cal has proven to be a head case of a team.
I imagine the Golden Domers will be pumped up for this one and I also imagine they'll be able to put some points up on the board on this USC defense. But stopping the Trojan offense is another story. Notre Dame's defense is horrible and USC's offense is getting better and better by the game. I think we're going to see a shoot out here, but the Trojans will ultimately pull away.
USC - 32
Notre Dame - 24
Couple of good ones in the Big 12. Most notably, it's an opportunity for redemption as Missouri visits Oklahoma State. Yet again, a game that will give us some idea (any idea) of just how good these teams are. As will be the case for the rest of their games, a win here and Okie State stays on the national radar so to speak. Lose and you're off of it...probably for good.
Meanwhile, Mizzou is trying to bounce themselves back into the top 25 with a solid road win here. Obviously the Cowboys are capable of dropping a home game (see Houston) and they've been shaky at best. Meanwhile, the Tigers have to be kicking themselves after completely imploding the final 15 minutes of the Nebraska game. If they're serious about contending for the north, this is a must win for the Tigers. Same goes for Okie State, if they want that Halloween game against the Horns to mean anything, they need this win.
In another big game (on paper), Texas Tech visits Lincoln to take on Nebraska. Will be interesting to see how this Nebraska defense can contain Tech's circus offense. The difference in this one is I think the Huskers will be able to get quite a bit of pressure on Potts (or whomever suits up for the Raiders). Look for Tech to turn the ball over more than average and struggle mightily against Nebraska's now formidable defense. Look for Suh to have a huge game for Nebraska.
I'm taking the home team in both games.
Oklahoma State - 27
Missouri - 20
Nebraska - 30
Texas Tech - 22
Let's get a second opinion on those Red Raiders, shall we: http://fannation.com/blogs/post/464779
Other Notes From the World of College Football...
Although it may seem so here in Austin, Texas, there are other big games with big implications this weekend. Perhaps you've heard that USC is coming off of a bye week to travel to South Bend to take on the Irish. Oh, and Ohio State FINALLY travels outside the confines of the Shoe to visit Wisconsin. Missouri, looking to jump back into the national top 25 travels to Stillwater to take on a very suspect Oklahoma State team. Bottom line, lots going on with national and Big 12 implications so let's dive in. And of course, I can't NOT start with...
I told you to be worried, Texas fans, and you should be. I can point to a lot of reasons why Texas should win this game (and I will), but it's one key intangible that scares me most...and yes, I'll get to that too. But first, let's look at the key concerns that each team must address for this game.
Concerns for Oklahoma - Lots of concerns for the Sooners right now, can't deny it. BUT, I still wouldn't ever count these guys out entirely, especially not in this game.
- Offensive line and QB protection is of course tops on this list. This is even more of an issue now as the lone veteran on the Sooner O-line is out of the game with an injury. Although OU has faced better competition, they haven't faced a defense like this Longhorn defense and that will really put pressure on this line. If Bradford is running for his life in this game, the Sooners have no chance. Furthermore, OU's running game isn't near what it was last year so the offensive line needs a big game just to give the team a chance.
- Playmakers are dropping in Sooner land. I know they say Broyles is planning on playing this weekend, but I see that as a desperate move. They're rushing this guy back for this game - I can't imagine he's going to be too effective. But now with Broyles coming in less than 100%, the loss of Gresham for the season, Bradford's injury, and now their best O-lineman, Simmons. Someone's going to have to step up and make some plays. The only thing keeping Bradford from throwing 450 against Baylor was dropped passes. Demarco Murray and Chris Brown need to have a combined big game. This will take pressure off of Bradford for a bit.
- The secondary has been surprisingly...bad. Both BYU and Miami were able to put up big passing numbers and touchdowns. No doubt Texas will look to exploit that. Oklahoma is going to have to spend a lot of sleepless nights accounting for one Jordan Shipley. As mediocre as the other receivers have been for Texas, any of them are capable of breaking one off on any given play. I'll be interested to see this.
- To a lesser extent, offensive line play is a bit of a concern. Texas has a pretty weak running game and a QB running for his life more than I think most expected. Bottom line, they've got to be a lot better in this game. This will be by and far the most talented defensive line this team has faced and will be a big challenge. If the Sooners can get pressure on McCoy and force him into mistakes, it will be hard for Texas to win.
- Our new favorite turnover machine, Colt McCoy. He has to get through this game without turning the ball over. I know some of those picks are the result of receivers dropping balls, but not all of them. I heard this interesting stat on the radio - of Colt's 7 turnovers this season, 5 have come within the first 3 plays of a drive. And 4 of those 5 have come from inside his own 20. Yes, I know, this is way too small to draw any real conclusions, but work with me. Colts' gotta make better decisions early on.
- Putting out and APB for the Texas running game. This most definitely will have to improve for this game. For starters, it would be nice if we had any idea whatsoever what our depth chart is. So now I hear Cody Johnson is going to start? OK, whatever. I think at the end of the day, the overall success of the running game will hinge a lot on Colt's ability to make plays with his feet. Whether this is a called play or him seeing an opening and taking it, Texas needs Colt to rush well - it's good for the running and passing game.
- Pressure. OU has none of it and Texas has all of it. And this my friends is what worries me most; how will Texas handle the pressure. The Sooners have absolutely nothing to lose. They are throwing everything and the kitchen sink at this - bringing Bradford back, rushing Broyels back...I think they're resting their whole season on this game. I have no doubt Texas will have better athletes given all of OU's injuries, but that don't mean much in this game. You have to want it and play harder to get it. This point will decide the game.
Who needs to step up for the Longhorns? Anyone not named Jordan Shipley. Seriously, this really should be Colt McCoy for all the reasons I mentioned above, but you have to throw in the the other receivers here. Kirkendoll, Buckner, Collins - they need to make some plays. Pull in a tough catch, break a tackle, or whatever. Shipley can't do it all himself (which is pretty much what he has done thus far).
With all of this said, I still gotta pick someone to win, right? I'll be honest, I've been leaning towards picking OU all week simply because these pressure situations most have a tendency to bite Texas in the ass. It's Texas' return game and defense that has me leaning back towards the Longhorns. As I said with Colorado, I hoped to see a team that comes out with razor-sharp focus and intensity (of course that never happened against the Buffs), and I I still hope to see this. I'm giving the Texas coaching staff the benefit of the doubt, hoping they can get this team mean and ready to lay the wood. If Texas can get up big, early, I think they'll run away with it, but when have we known Texas to jump out to any early, big leads?
Texas - 34
Oklahoma - 30
One last test for the Gators comes this weekend when Arkansas comes to town. Classic trap game here for the Gators and Arkansas seems to be getting better and better as the season progresses. I can't for the life of me understand why Florida is continuing to get coupled with Alabama as the "premier" teams in the league when they've played exactly no one. Of course you can point to the LSU game on the road, which is usually a big game, but LSU is simply not the same team they've been in the past - they're frauds and will get exposed as frauds as the season goes on. They still get Arkansas, Auburn and Alabama this year and I'll go on a limb now and say they lose all of those.
Nevertheless, I don't necessarily think this will be a cake walk and this trap is the same trap they fell into last year when coming off of an LSU win, they get upset by Ole Miss. I don't think Florida will make the same mistake twice, although I would be giddy if they did.
Arkansas' offense is turning into a well-oiled machine, but they will have their hands full with this Gator defense. The key for Florida will be getting pressure on Mallet, who's a very, very good quarterback and if he's got time, he'll pick you apart. I imagine we'll see Mallet running for his life in most of this game, greatly slowing down the scoring attack. I'd love to see the Razorbacks pull this one out, and I guess anything is possible, but I seriously doubt they'll be able to score enough to pull it out.
Florida - 37
Arkansas - 26
It's do or die time for Weis. Win this one Charlie, and you're safe (hell, they'll probably give him a 10-year extension because the athletic dept in Notre Dame seem to be some dumb SOBs). Lose and you'll most definitely be gone at season's end. As good as Clausen's numbers have been this year, and they have been impressive, let's remember that they haven't really played any stellar teams - certainly nothing that would constitute putting them in any sort of "elite" category. And, they're just barely squeaking by these teams. Meanwhile, USC is still somewhat of a question mark for the time being. The win over Cal was a good one, but as usual Cal has proven to be a head case of a team.
I imagine the Golden Domers will be pumped up for this one and I also imagine they'll be able to put some points up on the board on this USC defense. But stopping the Trojan offense is another story. Notre Dame's defense is horrible and USC's offense is getting better and better by the game. I think we're going to see a shoot out here, but the Trojans will ultimately pull away.
USC - 32
Notre Dame - 24
Couple of good ones in the Big 12. Most notably, it's an opportunity for redemption as Missouri visits Oklahoma State. Yet again, a game that will give us some idea (any idea) of just how good these teams are. As will be the case for the rest of their games, a win here and Okie State stays on the national radar so to speak. Lose and you're off of it...probably for good.
Meanwhile, Mizzou is trying to bounce themselves back into the top 25 with a solid road win here. Obviously the Cowboys are capable of dropping a home game (see Houston) and they've been shaky at best. Meanwhile, the Tigers have to be kicking themselves after completely imploding the final 15 minutes of the Nebraska game. If they're serious about contending for the north, this is a must win for the Tigers. Same goes for Okie State, if they want that Halloween game against the Horns to mean anything, they need this win.
In another big game (on paper), Texas Tech visits Lincoln to take on Nebraska. Will be interesting to see how this Nebraska defense can contain Tech's circus offense. The difference in this one is I think the Huskers will be able to get quite a bit of pressure on Potts (or whomever suits up for the Raiders). Look for Tech to turn the ball over more than average and struggle mightily against Nebraska's now formidable defense. Look for Suh to have a huge game for Nebraska.
I'm taking the home team in both games.
Oklahoma State - 27
Missouri - 20
Nebraska - 30
Texas Tech - 22
Let's get a second opinion on those Red Raiders, shall we: http://fannation.com/blogs/post/464779
Other Notes From the World of College Football...
- 2 of the dumbest things I've read/heard this week: 1) Andre Ware said that the advantage goes to Bradford in the QB battle because "he has much more weapons around him than Colt does". Oh really, so you're counting the weapons that are injured and out for this game? Do you're effing homework Andrea. 2) "Tim Tebow seems to be running away with the heisman trophy". This is absolutely absurd. I like Tebow a lot, but I'm so ready for this guy to be gone so the talking heads and writers can come back down to earth. Reminds me of the "Reggie Bush is the greatest athlete to ever play the game" bullsh*t from '04-'05. What happened to Bush in his last game?
- Remember when OU went to the Big 12 and national title games last year? Texas won't have that luxury if they lose on Saturday.
- Not-so breaking news out of Boulder, Brad Hawkins has benched his son in favor of the backup QB Tyler Hansen. This was about 2 or 3 games too late.
- Cincinnati is looking more and more for real each week.
- Big game in the ACC as Virginia Tech visits Georgia Tech. The Hokies will get a huge test on defense as Paul Johnson and team will have their triple option in full form. Mark this one down as the potential upset of the day. I still say Virginia Tech is one of the top teams in the country, but this will be a big test for Beamer's bunch.
- Rumors swirling of Jon Gruden going to Louisville next year. Interesting....very interesting.
- I hope Boise State is preparing now for the fact that no matter what, they won't make the national title game. Not saying it's right or wrong, just saying it is what it is.
posted by The Bearden Wonder at 4:18 PM
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