Um, the passing game being so important... Anything that makes the ball wet or slippery worries me.

Best Snub

Vegas says #7 Oklahoma best team left out:
Oklahoma favored by 3 points over #4 Notre Dame
Oklahoma favored by 6 points over #5 Iowa
Oklahoma favored by 2.5 points over #6 Oklahoma St

All that may be correct but OU plays in the BigXII with a bunch of teams running gimicky offenses. That is going to hurt OU no matter what anyone says. OU needs to move to the sec asap IMO. They can compete in that conference and take football to a higher level. OU doesn't need the BigXII near as much as the BigXII needs them.

I actually like OSU's chances significantly better in an ice bowl. Walshing Machine up the middle all day showin' off that toughness. Bring on the blizzard.

Wouldn't this same theory apply to OU's far superior running backs?

OU is #4 in the conference in rushing and OSU is #9.

Mayfield has out-rushed Walsh and Rudolph combined.

And OU has the better overall defense (by far) and rushing defense (slightly).

Walsh Cycle is automatic, albeit sparingly used.

Walsh Cycle is automatic, albeit sparingly used.

GROAN. :doh:

A very interesting article by Barry Trammel.

Excuses are many for the one-loss teams | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/excuses-are-many-for-the-one-loss-teams/article/5461587)

Baylor - OSU game is interesting from the Vegas perspective. Depending on which source you want to use, 68-73% of tickets being played on OSU but more total money is coming in on Baylor so far - too early to call it a sharp / square game yet but kinda headed in that direction. Tonight and Sat will tell tale on that, but right now its a contrarian type situation setting up.

Walsh Cycle is automatic, albeit sparingly used.

It's successful...because its sparingly used. It works great as a change of pace. If you roll it out, as your primary offense...well not so much. (Look no further than OSU last year, before they brought Rudolph off the bench. Or if you feel the need to look even further than that, you could look at the dumpster fire that the OU offense was for the better part of 2 years with Blake Bell, running the offense out of run heavy H Back "Belldozer" sets.

Baylor - OSU game is interesting from the Vegas perspective. Depending on which source you want to use, 68-73% of tickets being played on OSU but more total money is coming in on Baylor so far - too early to call it a sharp / square game yet but kinda headed in that direction. Tonight and Sat will tell tale on that, but right now its a contrarian type situation setting up.

Not only that but the line has actually moved from OSU -1 to a pick em. Reverse line movement usually tells you to play Baylor. Not sure though, is Stidham healthy?

Also, where do you find out that there's more total money being placed on Baylor?

^Subscription - Sports Insights but I am sure there are lots of other similar sites.

Interesting to see how it tracks into tomorrow. Gonna be windy and pretty chilly.

^Subscription - Sports Insights but I am sure there are lots of other similar sites.

Interesting to see how it tracks into tomorrow. Gonna be windy and pretty chilly.

I'm hearing that the wind will die down a lot by tomorrow night.

^Subscription - Sports Insights but I am sure there are lots of other similar sites.

Interesting to see how it tracks into tomorrow. Gonna be windy and pretty chilly.

My buddy actually just started subscribing to them. How are their picks? You got any winners today?

Baylor has moved from pick em to -3 on just 34% of tickets bet so yes big $ bets hitting on Baylor driving line. OSU needs to hope sharp money is wrong tonight.

Kinda like Ga Southern getting 14 from Ga; have ou -10 and that line has moved to 17 on Boykin news release this AM. But Im grinding numbers now...ha ha

Yeah I liked OU -10 as well. Saw this morning at 18 at one point. Biggest line jump I've ever seen, I think. I like Ga Southern as well; they've been covering a lot this year. I've been looking at going against the public lately which has done me well. Already played Va Tech and Cal. Also looking at Ole Miss.

Going into today's games here is how Vegas would rank the top 10:

Vegas Top 10 (College FB)
1) Alabama
2) Ohio St
3) Clemson
4) Oklahoma
5) Okla St
6) N Dame
7) Baylor
8) Florida
9) Stanford
10) N. Carolina

^^^^^^
Which further illustrates the subjectivity of the idiotic selection committee process.

Vegas is not in it to lose money. These days they rely HEAVILY on computer algorithms, power rankings, etc.. Obviously they are also influenced by handle, but the outright rejection of objective (computer) analysis (as opposed the the SUBJECTIVE style points/conference/eye test BS being pushed by the committee) completely compromises the end result. It's completely political, and also influenced heavily by appealing to the highest number television viewers. Terrible, CORRUPT criteria. It's like the judging of Olympic gymnastics.

JC, the solution is so simple. Get 8 slots. Fill the slots using a combination of computer analysis and (qualified) human polling, much like the original BCS formula. Play. End the season with an undisputed champion. Make tons of money in the process.

Until that happens, we will continue to have BS, controversial "championships".

After tonight's games, Bedlam sill remains very important to both teams. OU will be the champ with a win and OSU could still be the champ with a win and a TCU victory over Baylor. A lot will depend on who is healthy enough to play in next weekend's games for OU, Baylor, and TCU. OSU is quite capable of beating OU even with Baker playing. If he is out I would think that OSU would be favored.

OSU is quite capable of beating OU even with Baker playing. If he is out I would think that OSU would be favored.

completely agree... with mayfield playing (which i have a feeling he will) it's anybody's ballgame... with knight playing, well, i don't think the sooners have much of a shot.

i was floored this evening when knight was throwing passes in the middle of the 4th when ou should have just been eating up clock... that "strategy" almost cost them the game. i would've favored tcu in overtime and was (pleasantly) surprised that they went for two on that final drive. from ou's perspective, the mvp of the game should go to gary patterson. -M

completely agree... with mayfield playing (which i have a feeling he will) it's anybody's ballgame... with knight playing, well, i don't think the sooners have much of a shot.

i was floored this evening when knight was throwing passes in the middle of the 4th when ou should have just been eating up clock... that "strategy" almost cost them the game. i would've favored tcu in overtime and was (pleasantly) surprised that they went for two on that final drive. from ou's perspective, the mvp of the game should go to gary patterson. -M
No doubt. I'm sure that Stoops gave Patterson a big thank you hand shake after the game.

And osu sucks per always

And osu sucks per always

yeah, 10-1 is just awful :rolleyes:

Well, I just have a few seconds to post a couple quick thoughts...maybe more later.

All week long, we talked about the single biggest liability OSU faced was their lack of a run game, and that proved to be a fatal flaw for the Pokes. A bad run game is almost always the result of a weak offensive line, and that was further evidenced by seven (or more?) sacks of Cowboy quarterbacks. If you can't compete physically in the trenches, it's very, very difficult to be successful no matter what kind of offense you run.

And, for OU, it shows you how you can lose a game offensively if you lose sight of the importance of burning out the clock late with a double-digit lead.

More later.

The Pokes by nine.
The Sooners by seven.

And that, laddies and lasses, is why I long ago ceased to place even friendly wagers with friends.

^^^^^^
Well, you of course never know when someone important will get hurt. If Mayfield doesn't get a concussion from an illegal targeting, it's seven points and then some. Throw in Mixon and Perine both getting dinged up, and it's still a good win.

OSU, on the other hand, simply stunk it up. Losing on your home field to a third string QB who hadn't thrown a pass all season? Pathetic. Looks like they were a paper tiger after all. Or maybe they have a Baylor problem.

We do have a Baylor problem. Funny how that can change, and that's my biggest disappointment from this wknd... I can handle my other OSU losing, I've known all along they weren't really very good, its been a fun year having that trophy around, and Sparty is as tough as it gets. On the other hand, I'm downright bummed that we let BAYLOR come into BPS where we are like 44-3, and leave with their first victory since the 30s. That's depressing.

Congrats to OU. You guys now carry both the conference banner and the target on your back.

ESPN Gameday in Stillwater next weekend for OU game. :)

ISU fires Paul Rhoads today.

OU always has a target on their backs this is nothing new

OU always has a target on their backs this is nothing new they always seem to do better when they don't start the season ranked top 5 ;) I can't help but feel paranoid that ISU is going to headhunt an OU coach. Maybe even a certain O coordinater who's got a funky fresh offense, young, slick, and seems like a recruiting superstar.

target on their backs ...some helmets as well.

And osu sucks per always

I'm a Sooner fan, but a 10-1 record hardly sucks.

Of course, this comment comes from the great BoulderSooner Football Prognosticator, who last year said Baker Mayfield would never be offered a scholarship at OU. Remember this?

http://i.imgur.com/FsAtyO0.jpg

And, as if that weren't enough...

http://i.imgur.com/JNbZlyI.jpg

You are always so cocksure about - everything - I just had to remind you.The guy who might get a seat in New York this year....and you were SO sure he wouldn't even get a scholarship at OU!

BoulderSooner: You're no Jimmy The Greek.

Looks like vegasinsider.com show us an opening line of OU -3.5, and the Wynn already has it up to -5. I'm thinking of playing OSU moneyline to hedge my emotions. If Mayfield plays, I think we should be able to pull out the win. But you never know what can happen in those environments. Primetime Saturday night, nationally televised, Gameday atmosphere. It's going to be nuts.

And as far as the playoff rankings, I think the committee already showed their cards in last week's rankings. So, I'm not expecting OU to jump into the top 4 this week. However, it wouldn't surprise me as several national pundits had us in their top 4 today. Also, Notre Dame barely beat a terrible Boston College team, so you never know. Just need Stanford to help us out this week, and there shouldn't be any controversy if we can win in Stillwater.

Also, how bad was Trevor Knight?!?! It's amazing how different things were when he entered the game.

No chance if Mayfield doesn't start. If Mayfield starts I would def bet Oklahoma side of line.

Dean Blevin's Blog on Mayfield status:

Dean's Blog: Bob Stoops Sounding Positive About Mayfield's Chanc - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/30581415/deans-blog-bob-stoops-sounding-positive-about-mayfields-chances-to-play)

ESPN Gameday in Stillwater next weekend for OU game. :)

Do you suppose we can arrange a nice earthquake again to shake up the ESPN crew?

Herbie might not survive another Okie quake!:rolleyes:

Do you suppose we can arrange a nice earthquake again to shake up the ESPN crew?

Gameday in Stillwater and Kirk will be there. Secure your personal property! As good an earthquake predictor as there is! Poor guy though. Seriously, he still talks about that now and then - it's made an impression for sure.

So far, so good for Baker.
Oklahoma football: Baker Mayfield has passed concussion tests, but Bedlam status still uncertain | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/oklahoma-football-baker-mayfield-has-passed-concussion-tests-but-bedlam-status-still-uncertain/article/5462204)


Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield passed concussion tests given to him both during Saturday's win over TCU and Sunday, and his removal from the game after halftime was precautionary, according to sources close to the program.

OU medical staff will continue to monitor Mayfield's status over the next couple days, but the signs so far appear good for Mayfield's chances to play in next weekend's season finale at Oklahoma State, where the Sooners can secure the Big 12 championship.


It would be fitting for this huge game to be decided with both teams at full strength. He also needs another big stage to stay in Heisman contention.

Looks like they were a paper tiger after all.

I tweeted earlier this week that I had a nagging feeling that our house of cards would come tumbling down this week and show that we aren't really as good as our then 10-0. I definitely agree with this statement.

That third string QB from Baylor who only got two FBS offers looks pretty good though. Baylor sure can put out some QBs.

they always seem to do better when they don't start the season ranked top 5 ;) I can't help but feel paranoid that ISU is going to headhunt an OU coach. Maybe even a certain O coordinater who's got a funky fresh offense, young, slick, and seems like a recruiting superstar.

I can't imagine any fresh young coach wanting to head to that graveyard. I still think the upside of the Big 12 is very limited, and if it collapses, ISU could easily be a program that finds itself without a conference. I wouldn't want to be a coach in that position.

If Lincoln Riley wins a Big 12 title and makes a run in the CFP in his first year as a coordinator, he's going to get looks from a LOT of people next season. I think he'd need another year of D1 seasoning before doing that, but man, what he's done this season is incredibly impressive. His intense, no-nonsense, no-fear style is the most impressive thing about him to me.

Les Miles at LSU looking pretty shaky and a couple of guys on ESPN this AM predicting he will not be back. Maybe he and Gundy can trade jobs..ha

Les Miles at LSU looking pretty shaky and a couple of guys on ESPN this AM predicting he will not be back. Maybe he and Gundy can trade jobs..ha

LSU just may be ready to throw Les Miles out with the bath water.

Wow, has Les Miles imploded in the second half of the season.

This is the way in the current big stakes in CFB; big stakes in terms of what it means to the universities but also in terms of coaches commanding huge salaries.

With Beamer retiring at Virginia Tech, Stoops is now tied with Iowa's Ferentz for longest tenure in college and Gundy is not far behind. Both schools are lucky to have such great coaches and long-term continuity.

^And Les has a $15 mill buyout and his assistant coaches split $2 mill if they are not retained. You are right in terms of big time/big stakes/ big money college football.

^^^^^^
Well, you of course never know when someone important will get hurt. If Mayfield doesn't get a concussion from an illegal targeting, it's seven points and then some. Throw in Mixon and Perine both getting dinged up, and it's still a good win.

OSU, on the other hand, simply stunk it up. Losing on your home field to a third string QB who hadn't thrown a pass all season? Pathetic. Looks like they were a paper tiger after all. Or maybe they have a Baylor problem.

TCU played the ENTIRE game w/o their best 2 players and most of their defense. OU got LUCKY this year. They caught Baylor during a bad weather game with their FRESHMAN backup quarterback and they caught TCU w/o their heisman frontrunner quarterback and biletnikoff award frontrunner wide receiver.

How is OSU pathetic losing to a GREAT team, but OU isn't pathetic by losing to a HORRIBLE team?

LSU just may be ready to throw Les Miles out with the bath water.

I've heard for several years that NO ONE at LSU was *ever* particularly a big fan of Miles, but they were willing to tolerate him because his teams won. Now, they've stopped winning. No more Miles toleration.

And I heard rumblings a *week* ago that if the Texas job opens - and there are rumors Charlie Strong has made overtures to Miami - that Texas would be interested in Miles. Overarching story I keep hearing is that Strong just wants out of the Texas mess.

How is OSU pathetic losing to a GREAT team, but OU isn't pathetic by losing to a HORRIBLE team?

It's the old.... "rivalry" excuse. Makes the OU/Texas game into a wildcard. And if they lose to OSU, it will be the "spoiler" excuse... that OSU spends the entire season focusing on how to beat OU, and OU doesn't give them two thoughts.

The fact of the matter is that both teams are decent but not great this year. Both teams are looking at worst at a 10-2 regular season, and one will be 11-1. Right now, I could not predict which. OSU has a real running game problem, but their passing game, when on, is amazing. Their defense will have to find a way to control Mayfield (if he plays). Not sure if that is possible. If it's an ice bowl, then that's a whole other wild card.

I heard on The Animal that Mayfield participated at practice today. With the current focus on concussions I don't think that would happen if there was much doubt about his being OK.

And I heard rumblings a *week* ago that if the Texas job opens - and there are rumors Charlie Strong has made overtures to Miami - that Texas would be interested in Miles. Overarching story I keep hearing is that Strong just wants out of the Texas mess.

Strong has repeatedly and emphatically denied any interest in other jobs. I don't think he's going anywhere this offseason.

Since Miles has been brought up, I wanted to point out some scores from the SEC this past weekend:

FAU 14 Florida 20 (OT)
The Citadel 23 S.Carolina 22
Ga Southern 17 Georgia 23 (OT)

So to all those who say the SEC is just this powerhouse with such better athletes than the Big XII, and that OU couldn't win in the SEC, give me a break. Also note that Idaho put up 34 points on Auburn. Outside of Bama, I don't see anyone that looks dominant at all. Things are changing, and this SEC bias has got to come to an end.

Strong has repeatedly and emphatically denied any interest in other jobs. I don't think he's going anywhere this offseason.

That's fine. And we all know there are statements made for public consumption, and then there are private realities. Everything I've read indicates the situation down in Austin is just horrific, even in spite of him having beaten OU, and even a legit media outlet reported that he had made some back-channel inquiries about the Miami job.

Who knows. We'll just have to see how it all settles out. We've all been in miserable jobs at some point, and I think that may be the case for Strong, public assertions to the contrary notwithstanding.

TCU played the ENTIRE game w/o their best 2 players and most of their defense. OU got LUCKY this year. They caught Baylor during a bad weather game with their FRESHMAN backup quarterback and they caught TCU w/o their heisman frontrunner quarterback and biletnikoff award frontrunner wide receiver.

How is OSU pathetic losing to a GREAT team, but OU isn't pathetic by losing to a HORRIBLE team?

Find someplace - ANYPLACE - where I have said that the Texas loss was anything other than pathetic and inexcusable. It makes me mad right now just thinking about it. Terrible loss. I haven't even trotted out the rivalry excuse. Fortunately for OU it seems like early season games are more excusable (and always have been), and I guess there is a certain amount of logic to that.

Nor did I say that the TCU win was a GREAT win. I called it GOOD, and it most certainly was, since OU played the second half with no quarterback, apparently. And with their OWN Heisman candidate on the bench after an illegal targeting removed him from the game.

Regarding Baylor, by most accounts, Jarrett Stidham is special and probably the best QB on campus there. He was good enough to be in the Pokes' asses IN THEIR OWN DAMN HOUSE from the outset, and then HIS backup came in and handled OSU just fine, and in fact secured a thumping. All without having thrown a pass in a game for the entire year. Yeah, that's a bad loss for an undefeated team in contention for a playoff spot.

OU beat them IN WACO; first BU loss ever in that stadium, and first loss to ANY team in the past 20 games at home. So I'm not sure what exactly your point is regarding the Bears and their games between OU and OSU respectively, but if I were you I would steer clear of that argument. The BU matchup is clearly advantage OU. If I were you I'd stick to Texas.

More good news about Baker.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/baker-mayfield--expected-to-play--against-oklahoma-state-195110671.html


Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield will play against Oklahoma State on Saturday barring a health setback, according to the university.

I guess Baylor played in some weather that ou didn't that game. Or maybe it was because we had 15k sooner fans in Waco. (Amazing we sell out home games and travel well).

The same an we shut down. Lit up osu. Then his back up did. And they ran at will


Osu can't run the ball and is 86th in d. Ie paper tiger

Haha completely missed "bad weather game". Like OU didn't have to play in the exact same weather. Speaking of pathetic, THAT weak excuse was exactly that.

Since Miles has been brought up, I wanted to point out some scores from the SEC this past weekend:

FAU 14 Florida 20 (OT)
The Citadel 23 S.Carolina 22
Ga Southern 17 Georgia 23 (OT)

So to all those who say the SEC is just this powerhouse with such better athletes than the Big XII, and that OU couldn't win in the SEC, give me a break. Also note that Idaho put up 34 points on Auburn. Outside of Bama, I don't see anyone that looks dominant at all. Things are changing, and this SEC bias has got to come to an end.

Is Texas' field real grass? If not, gonna have to get some for Les to chew on...

Strong has repeatedly and emphatically denied any interest in other jobs. I don't think he's going anywhere this offseason.

Ehhhhh...I don't think he's going anywhere either, but he is definitely at the "update resume/linkedin profile" stage. He said right before he departed Louisville that he was not interested in any other opportunities, and the next day it was JK guys, buh bye. So I wouldn't put anything he said as more than standard CYA coach-speak.

He has a lot of contacts in Florida, whereas in Texas, he is pretty much having to start from the bottom. And FWIW, I really like Strong, but his poor recruiting will be his undoing. He isn't willing to do the whole politicking and HS Coach butt-kissing that Mack was so successful at and is pretty much a requirement if you are going to get Texas kids. Plus, the UT AD office & BOR are disasters, and way too many boosters are still having fantasies/delusions that they can get Nick Saban. Until any of this changes, I think he will always have one foot out the door.

Haha completely missed "bad weather game". Like OU didn't have to play in the exact same weather. Speaking of pathetic, THAT weak excuse was exactly that. no because surely the seasons he spent on the bench at Texas Tech gave baker the advantage to throw a wet football!!!! OSU rules, OU can suck it! Btw what do the pokes have to worry about with QB troubles? Don't they have 6 or 7 that take regular snaps during a game?