Just watched the 2008 Fiesta Bowl

[TMcGee86]

and two things stuck out to me (besides the fact that it still makes me physically ill to watch it)

#1 - Night...and...Day. I'm actually glad I forced myself to watch this game. When I saw it on the guide, I figured I would watch it just to see why we had such trouble stopping a spread mobile QB attack. However, what struck me most was the fact that this year's team looks nothing like last year's team. It's crazy going back now because they appear to be in slow motion. Funny how soon you get used to seeing the hyperspeed of the no-huddle.

If this year's squad played that game, we would win 68-48. Everytime Sam tried to throw, it was open. The difference was we didn't attack like we do this year. We ran the ball much more (I actually forgot that AP was on the team last year, for some reason it seems like that was two years ago) and when we did throw, it was rarely the type of quick strike passes that dominate this years game plan, but when they did throw them they worked to perfection.

Not only that, but the defense looked nothing like this year's squad. I had convinced myself that this year's D was subpar, obviously by listening to eveyrone in the media tell me they are subpar, but you compare the OSU or TTU game with the Fiesta Bowl, and it's like watching the JV vs. the Varsity, and THIS year's team is the varsity. They looked timid last year, lost, slow, and weak. It's no wonder that team lost to CU and TTU.

I watched Lofton literally watch an option to the right, run to the sideline and attempt to tackle the fullback who never recieved the pitch. It was crazy. I know he had to have seen the pitch, it wasn't a disguised play, but he somehow forgot who the ballcarrier was by the time he made it to the outside. It was weird. And the CB play doesn't even compare to this year. Nor does the Safety play. Like I said before, I'm now glad I watched because I feel better than I have all year about this year's team.


#2 Attitude.

It is painfully obvious from watching that game that those guys just didn't want to be there. For whatever reason, they decided early on that if it wasn't going to come easy, then it really wasn't worth pursuing. I shouldn't have been surprised when Lofton declared early because watching him during that game you could see him look around at guys like WTF are you all doing?? Am I the only one who gives a **** around here? While WVU was so damn happy to be there they were all crying after every touchdown. I've never seen so much damn crying.

Needless to say, there is no possible way this team goes into this game with the attitude that permeated the 07 team. The MNC alone prevents this. But also this team is just different. I ignored the loss to CU and TTU last year because I am a blind homer 99% of the time. But all the signs were there for a team that couldn't pull it together when things got tough. A slight momentum shift to WVU and that was all she wrote. This year, when the going got tough, they put up 21 unanswered.

Anyway, while it was disgusting to watch it again, I'm glad I did. It's amazing how much you forget in a year.

Bring on Flaw-duh.

[Crucifax Autumn]

We're way more aggressive and way more hungry on both sides of the ball this year.

Great post.

[TheGodfather889]

I think the reason why OU didn't show up to that game was because they were shunned from the National Championship by Less Smiles University and that's not to imply that they shouldn't have been but I do believe that's why they weren't very motivated since they didn't just want to play in the Fiesta Bowl again. As a prospective sports journalist I would have to pick Florida because the linebacking play scares the hell out of me because Tim Tebow is larger than all of our linebackers except for Mike Balogun and I'm not sure if the defensive line will get enough leverage and Florida's defense is so athletic that they really do swarm to the football. However that's just on paper and that doesn't mean anything will happen. However I think OU can win the game if they play well on the offensive and defensive lines and logically I would think they would if they did. Like I've said I've never seen a Bob Stoops team lose if they are motivated and ready to play. I would also probably pick Florida so I wouldn't be disappointed like in 2003 and 2004 and a part of me is so superstitious that maybe if I pick Florida then OU will win. It doesn't really matter what any of us really think anyway, it has no effect on the outcome.

[Sooner98]

Spek for simply watching that abortion of a football game again.

[o0Dan0o]

A lot of OUr yards are after the catch and after the first hit, but even if you take those away we still average over 5 yards a play, which if I count right is enough for first downs. They may slow us down, but I doubt they stop us. The question is how much can we slow them down, and I have a pretty good feeling about that.
Dan

[Boomer38Sooner]

Great point. And I completely agree with how you said that we attack more this year and that our team is more hungry than last year's

[RoaminSooner]

My roommates a really good x's and o's guy. And an SC homer yes, but he's got a coaches mind - he told me that we were going to lose that game a week ahead of time due to defensive schemes and personnel. Gaps and reads and mismatches etc. I didn't want to believe it but he said we were slow. He said it was an awful match up for us and obviously it was.

That was the first game I've ever seen a Stoops team quit. I've blocked most of it out and will not revisit it-- but I recall the lost look of quitters. It was after that game the coaches said alright...our D's not perfect but it works most of the time- lets just score so many points our defensive issues won't matter...but when this issues come up it seems to just fall apart.

Texas the whores they are proved that because of the fact we play assignment football, if you remove an element the whole damn system breaks down. Which brings forth my biggest concern and that my friends is what you all recognize as the dreaded "3rd and 7 - secondary is covering well, pressure can't get to Tebo - Tebo runs for 12" nightmare playing out all night long.

Tebo's running ability scares the **** out of me. If they try to put together those looong painful drives where we burn out on 4 3rd and long conversions to score, --then our O comes out and punts after a 3 and out...It makes me sick thinking about it. :confused: If that **** starts going down, we've got to make the adjustment this year---immediatly......no more laying eggs in games we should win :mad:

[SoonerNerd]

I still don't get what everyone's love for the SEC is all about. The Sporting News had a good article about it. They quickly reference the Big 12. I'm not sure if this is a repeat post so my bad if it is.

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/Noplayoffs/177891

[tommieharris91]

I think the reason why OU didn't show up to that game was because they were shunned from the National Championship by Less Smiles University and that's not to imply that they shouldn't have been but I do believe that's why they weren't very motivated since they didn't just want to play in the Fiesta Bowl again. As a prospective sports journalist I would have to pick Florida because the linebacking play scares the hell out of me because Tim Tebow is larger than all of our linebackers except for Mike Balogun and I'm not sure if the defensive line will get enough leverage and Florida's defense is so athletic that they really do swarm to the football. However that's just on paper and that doesn't mean anything will happen. However I think OU can win the game if they play well on the offensive and defensive lines and logically I would think they would if they did. Like I've said I've never seen a Bob Stoops team lose if they are motivated and ready to play. I would also probably pick Florida so I wouldn't be disappointed like in 2003 and 2004 and a part of me is so superstitious that maybe if I pick Florida then OU will win. It doesn't really matter what any of us really think anyway, it has no effect on the outcome.

You will go farther if you learn how to use a comma.

Anyway, their corners Jenkins and Haden are young, just like our corners. Sam and the WRs are going to be their biggest challenge they have faced all season long. Then again, Dunlop and the rest of their DLs are pretty good, and the OL has a big task on its hands.

[olevetonahill]

FIRE Brent Venables :mad: :D :rolleyes:

[Toronto Sooner]

These guys did not play D in last year's game:

*DB - D. Franks
*DB - B. Jackson
*OLB - T. Lewis
*MLB - A. Box/M. Balogun
*DE - F. Alexander
*DE - A. English

All of these guys have demonstrated this year that they never quit, and I believe these guys are all guys that would flatten any team member that even vaguely considers quitting - and, they don't even have to take lessons from C. Moore (you know, J. Stevens incident?). Add to that the fact that each one of these guys have made major improvements in their play over the past 3 games against top 25 teams (with the exception of A. English, coming off an injury).

Clearly, this is not the same D that played in last year's bowl game.

[JLEW1818]

Holmes did not play last year either, but Franks did start in the Fiesta bowl...

Which is good that Dom has seen some BCS

[olevetonahill]

Didnt we Have 7 New starters ?

[Crucifax Autumn]

You will go farther if you learn how to use a comma.

Hell, a period would be nice too!

[Toronto Sooner]

"Holmes did not play last year either, but Franks did start in the Fiesta bowl..."

That's right, Franks replaced Reggie Smith for the bowl game, I think. We should probably give him a free pass though, as it was probably his very first game as a starter, and likely his very first meaningful minutes also. You're right though, it is important big bowl experience that should provide big rewards this year.

That's right, Lenny wasn't there in the bowl game last year either. I think it was an academic reason.

[Boomer Mooner]

I'll add my spec for watching that game again too.

I watched it the first time at a bar in one of the Universal Studios hotels in Florida (family vacation), decked out in my OU duds. Only OU fan in the joint but stayed in that bar and watched it to the bitter end. I won't watch it again.

[Hot Rod]

Any of you still wanting to watch it, it's available here:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/6341/tostitos-fiesta-bowl-2008-tostitos-fiesta-bowl-game-2008-oklahoma-vs-west-virginia

[Boomer Mooner]

I think the reason why OU didn't show up to that game was because they were shunned from the National Championship by Less Smiles University and that's not to imply that they shouldn't have been but I do believe that's why they weren't very motivated since they didn't just want to play in the Fiesta Bowl again. As a prospective sports journalist I would have to pick Florida because the linebacking play scares the hell out of me because Tim Tebow is larger than all of our linebackers except for Mike Balogun and I'm not sure if the defensive line will get enough leverage and Florida's defense is so athletic that they really do swarm to the football. However that's just on paper and that doesn't mean anything will happen. However I think OU can win the game if they play well on the offensive and defensive lines and logically I would think they would if they did. Like I've said I've never seen a Bob Stoops team lose if they are motivated and ready to play. I would also probably pick Florida so I wouldn't be disappointed like in 2003 and 2004 and a part of me is so superstitious that maybe if I pick Florida then OU will win. It doesn't really matter what any of us really think anyway, it has no effect on the outcome.

Take the advice on using commas and periods. I'll add your post would be more readable if you broke it down into a paragraph or two also.

You might consider taking Technical Writing. I am an engineer but I think this was one of the most useful classes I took while attending OU. The ability to clearly convey your thoughts in writing is an important skill no matter your profession.

[boomermagic]

My roommates a really good x's and o's guy. And an SC homer yes, but he's got a coaches mind - he told me that we were going to lose that game a week ahead of time due to defensive schemes and personnel. Gaps and reads and mismatches etc. I didn't want to believe it but he said we were slow. He said it was an awful match up for us and obviously it was.

That was the first game I've ever seen a Stoops team quit. I've blocked most of it out and will not revisit it-- but I recall the lost look of quitters. It was after that game the coaches said alright...our D's not perfect but it works most of the time- lets just score so many points our defensive issues won't matter...but when this issues come up it seems to just fall apart.

Texas the whores they are proved that because of the fact we play assignment football, if you remove an element the whole damn system breaks down. Which brings forth my biggest concern and that my friends is what you all recognize as the dreaded "3rd and 7 - secondary is covering well, pressure can't get to Tebo - Tebo runs for 12" nightmare playing out all night long.

Tebo's running ability scares the **** out of me. If they try to put together those looong painful drives where we burn out on 4 3rd and long conversions to score, --then our O comes out and punts after a 3 and out...It makes me sick thinking about it. :confused: If that **** starts going down, we've got to make the adjustment this year---immediatly......no more laying eggs in games we should win :mad:

We can win the bowl game but we must play defense like we did against TT..

[Okie35]

We can win the bowl game but we must play defense like we did against TT..

yup and no disrespect to anyone on the defense last year but this year the defense is faster...

[Knippz]

AP? As in Allen Patrick? As in good when AD was in, but Murray stole the show?

Don't get me wrong, I love Allen Patrick, but he's no Chris Brown.

[soonerbrat]

you're talking about the 2007 Fiesta Bowl right? against Boise State?

or are you talking about Allen Patrick? Because Adrian Peterson didn't play against West Virginia. he was rookie of the year in the NFL that year.

[TMcGee86]

you're talking about the 2007 Fiesta Bowl right? against Boise State?

or are you talking about Allen Patrick? Because Adrian Peterson didn't play against West Virginia. he was rookie of the year in the NFL that year.

AP, not AD.

noob. :rolleyes: :P

[Theskipster]

We can win the bowl game but we must play defense like we did against TT..

NO! That would be the worst thing we could do. Florida's offense is built on a power running quarterback that must be accounted for. Texas Tech is pretty much the exact opposite.

[birddog]

NO! That would be the worst thing we could do. Florida's offense is built on a power running quarterback that must be accounted for. Texas Tech is pretty much the exact opposite.

i don't actually think he means scheme-wise. but i won't speak for him. tt and florida are definitely opposites. our d will have to read more at the l.o.s.

[Pigface1]

I shouldn't have been surprised when Lofton declared early because watching him during that game you could see him look around at guys like WTF are you all doing?? Am I the only one who gives a **** around here?

That was what I was thinking during the game, too. On defense it looked like Lofton was the only one who cared, he was all over the field making plays. Everyone else just showed up for the free stuff and to steal coats. It was pathetic.:mad:

[soonerbrat]

AP, not AD.

noob. :rolleyes: :P

check the post count before you call me a n00b

i've seen people call AD AP before. and I don't know you, so I didn't know if you were stupid or not.

[OKLA21FAN]

check the post count before you call me a n00b


note to self:

check her bra size before calling Brat a BooB as well! :pop:

[soonerbrat]

note to self:

check her bra size before calling Brat a BooB as well! :pop:

DD baby, DD.

[TMcGee86]

check the post count before you call me a n00b

i've seen people call AD AP before. and I don't know you, so I didn't know if you were stupid or not.

yeah I did, that was why i said that. Sarcasam... if you will.

Oh and I meant to use ;) instead of :rolleyes: sorry for the confusion.

And I am stupid, so your first instinct was correct. ;)

[Knippz]

DD baby, DD.

So that's you in all of those pictures surfacing on our forum?

[soonerbrat]

So that's you in all of those pictures surfacing on our forum?

which forum is that?

[tommieharris91]

which forum is that?

The top secret Soonerfans.com Porn Forum.

[JLEW1818]

Stoops should make the entire team watch the usc and wv games

[josh09]

All of these are good enough points for me.

[Freelemur]

I think the reason why OU didn't show up to that game was because they were shunned from the National Championship by Less Smiles University and that's not to imply that they shouldn't have been but I do believe that's why they weren't very motivated since they didn't just want to play in the Fiesta Bowl again. As a prospective sports journalist I would have to pick Florida because the linebacking play scares the hell out of me because Tim Tebow is larger than all of our linebackers except for Mike Balogun and I'm not sure if the defensive line will get enough leverage and Florida's defense is so athletic that they really do swarm to the football. However that's just on paper and that doesn't mean anything will happen. However I think OU can win the game if they play well on the offensive and defensive lines and logically I would think they would if they did. Like I've said I've never seen a Bob Stoops team lose if they are motivated and ready to play. I would also probably pick Florida so I wouldn't be disappointed like in 2003 and 2004 and a part of me is so superstitious that maybe if I pick Florida then OU will win. It doesn't really matter what any of us really think anyway, it has no effect on the outcome.

I appreciate your fair take on the game and agree with most of what you say, but shouldnt OU have been motivated to beat texas this year? One of the things that has me confident in this game is the fact that Bob Stoops has allowed his teams to be embarrassed so frequently in BCS bowl games since 2000. I can understand overlooking Boise and getting down early, or not being ready for what WVU does and getting beat. But in both cases there were opportunities to make adjustments and both times they were either not made by the coaches or either not executed. You actually came back against boise to take the lead only to give it up again.... OU shouldnt lose to Boise St. ever, and i know you guys feel the same. Against WVU they looked confused and slow on both sides of the ball from the very start. Now this OU team is definitely an improvement over those teams and they'll certainly have more of a reason to focus on this game... but Stoop's inability to prepare them in recent big games is something I'd be concerned about.

[Boomer Mooner]

Stoops should make the entire team watch the usc and wv games

Yeah, the wv game for sure since some of the same players are involved.

[MI Sooner]

One thing I like about this year's team is that our corners are physical and can tackle. That'll be important in stopping WR screens and the lateral running plays. Even if they don't make a tackle, if they beat a block and make a WR make a cut before he gets to the line, that'll help immensely. One thing to watch for is whether or not the officials call holding (if there is holding) on the WRs blocking DBs. If they do, that'll help us immensely, since we don't run as many screens and the ones we do run are often inside.

[OKLA21FAN]

but Stoop's inability to prepare them in recent big games is something I'd be concerned about.

so UF's record in 'big game' under the current coach's tenure is not an equal concern?

its pretty much a wash if you look at both objectively

[VA Sooner]

Missing 5 starters in last year's embarrassment, Fiesta Bowl

Reggie Smith (toe injury in the kickoff for the Big 12 CCG)
Malcolm Kelly (persistant hammy)
DeMarcus Granger (the stolen coat incident)
Lendy Holmes (academic inelligibility)
and DeMarco Murray (dislocated patella)

I don't think Auston English was a 100% either by then.

But it came down to this... the team didn't want it bad enough. I think if we come in as the underdogs and Texas fans keep the heat up, we'll be just fine. Nothing tilts the playing field more than disrespect.

Bring it on.

[KingBarry]

I too saw the Fiesta Bowl game against WVU the other night, but I saw it for the first time.

I pretty much agree with all the points made thus far on this board, but there was one glaring weakness that just JUMPED out at me, and nobody has mentioned it here.

And that is quarterback play.

The 2007-08 Sam Bradford, as good as he was, was just a shadow of the 2008-09 Heisman winning Sam Bradford that we know and love today.

In that Fiesta Bowl, Bradford would telegraph passes to the right side of the field by never looking to his left.

If a rusher got into the backfield, Sammy would be flustered and desperate, and the result would be either throwing the ball away, a feeble attempt to run, or a sack.

I only watched about a quarter and a half of the game, but there were several occasions where Sammy would be in trouble, and it was crystal clear that THIS YEAR's Sammy would have deftly side stepped the rusher and pitched a rope to streaking receiver downfield.

QB play alone makes these Sooners a completely different team.