Ranking BCS NCG Runs...

[Sooner Among The Pack]

Got to thinking this morning after the Florida State game, how this 2011 team stacks up to other BCS MNCruns during the Stoops era on offense and defense. Not necessarily by the numbers, but in terms of their ability to dominate. Curious to see where people rank 2011 now, and where they might rank their potential as the season unfolds.

Offense
1. 2008
2. 2003
3. 2011?
4. 2004
5. 2000

Defense
1. 2000
2. 2003
3. 2011?
4. 2008
5. 2004

Interesting how hard it is to rank some of these. 2000 is interesting because it's clear to me that the D is head and shoulder above, but where to place the offense against years like 2008, 2003? And 2004 is kind of strange one too...our D seemed so soft against A&M and OSU, but dominated against Texas.

And 2011? I think the D can be better than 2003, and the O maybe can too. Does this team have the best balance of any of the other national title runs? I think maybe.

[thecrimsoncrusader]

Where Oklahoma lacks for the 2011 squad compared to the 2000 and 2003 squads is special teams play overall is overall lackluster. Oklahoma has one of best punt returns in the nation, but no one knows it because the complete failure to block the gunners. Kick returns are very average because of poor blocking/scheme. Place-kicking is scary as hell from 41 yards in and almost impossible to try beyond 41 yards. Kick-offs very rarely go deep into the endzone instead of at least occurring a few times a game, something I have seen quite a bit of from other teams around in the nation. The only two comforting aspects of Oklahoma's special teams right now is Tress Way's punting and punt coverage.

With that said, winning it all is about staying healthy, having chemistry and finding ways to win. After talent and coaching that is. I have a feeling this team has that.

I would say the 2003 team was the most dominant as the 2008 team had serious issues on defense after Ryan Reynolds went down and only started to get better once the late Austin Box started figuring things out. The only thing that hurt the 2003 team was not being required to beat KSU to play in the BCS title game and then Jason White breaking his hand in that game, which wasn't recovered in time for the BCS title game. If Oklahoma is healthy in the BCS title game, they'll win it.

[Boomer!!]

2009 team had a quality defense

[starclassic tama]

yea but that team wasn't a national championship contender

[Sooner Among The Pack]

2009 team had a quality defense

Just teams that appeared in the national title game. 2001 would be #2 if it was the entire decade for me.

[Boomer!!]

Oh ok my bad shoulda read more in depth lol

[rock on sooner]

The balance this year...D is strong and gonna get stronger and O is only going to get better...great team focus...one game at a time...
may be the best balance of all of Stoops' BCS teams...Crimsoncrusader said it..."Stay healthy and we'll win it!"

[pphilfran]

The 2000 defense started slow and jelled during the second half against KU...

[cccasooner2]

Yes, it seems championship teams don't dominate in anything except winning. The road is usually rough before hoisting the crystal.

[8timechamps]

Right now, I wanna say this team rivals the 85 Sooners (I know it's not of the BCS era), at least defensively, but it's still way too early to tell.

The key to our NC run of '00 was no major, long-term injuries. That seems to be a common denominator when it comes to any national title team. I hope that our injury bug is over, and we can run 100% from here on out.

I think this team has the potential to be very special...but lots of football left.

[Sooner Among The Pack]

The key to our NC run of '00 was no major, long-term injuries. That seems to be a common denominator when it comes to any national title team. I hope that our injury bug is over, and we can run 100% from here on out.

I think this team has the potential to be very special...but lots of football left.

Getting TLew back early (or playing in a boot because he is a man beast), and Jarvis Jones is certainly trending the right way, heck, even Broyles was hurling and dug deep this week. I like the toughness we are showing.

[Salt City Sooner]

Got to thinking this morning after the Florida State game, how this 2011 team stacks up to other BCS MNCruns during the Stoops era on offense and defense. Not necessarily by the numbers, but in terms of their ability to dominate. Curious to see where people rank 2011 now, and where they might rank their potential as the season unfolds.

Offense
1. 2008
2. 2003
3. 2011?
4. 2004
5. 2000

Defense
1. 2000
2. 2003
3. 2011?
4. 2008
5. 2004

Interesting how hard it is to rank some of these. 2000 is interesting because it's clear to me that the D is head and shoulder above, but where to place the offense against years like 2008, 2003? And 2004 is kind of strange one too...our D seemed so soft against A&M and OSU, but dominated against Texas.

And 2011? I think the D can be better than 2003, and the O maybe can too. Does this team have the best balance of any of the other national title runs? I think maybe.
From a personnel standpoint, I'd switch the '04 & '11 offenses pretty quickly. Other than that, I think you're pretty close.