8timechamps
10/17/2012, 01:05 PM
ESPN's Ivan Maisel thinks so. I thought this was a good article.
Sooners are poised
Ivan Maisel - ESPN
In the abstract, No. 9 Oklahoma is not the best team to move up in the BCS ratings. Not only is Kansas State fourth, but the Wildcats already have defeated the Sooners -- in Norman.
In reality, though, the Oklahoma that humiliated archrival Texas last week -- 63-21, and it wasn't even that close -- can beat any team, anytime, anywhere. That's why the Sooners have the best shot at moving into BCS championship contention.
Looking back at the first half of the season, it's easy to forget that the Sooner defense had to adjust to a new coordinator. Granted, Mike Stoops is the head coach's brother, and the concepts didn't stray too far from the philosophy that Bob Stoops has used to win 143 games in 14 seasons in Norman.
But the defense that limited Texas to 289 yards is a defense that wins championships. And the offense is beginning to find a rhythm, too, after losing two offensive line starters to injuries in August. The Sooners racked up more than 300 yards passing and more than 300 yards rushing against the Longhorns.
If the Sooners can maintain the efficiency and prowess they displayed at the Cotton Bowl, the schedule will give them opportunity to move up in the ratings. No. 5 Notre Dame comes to Norman on Oct. 27. When Oklahoma lost at home to Kansas State, Bob Stoops' record at Memorial Stadium plummeted to 78-4.
Of the Sooners' five opponents after the Irish, three are ranked and the fourth is in-state rival Oklahoma State. That is to say, Oklahoma will be challenged, and the worth of those victories will be reflected in the polls and computer ratings that make up the BCS standings. But the Sooners' only game against a higher-ranked team is at home, and the rest of the schedule has some heft to it.
Oklahoma needs some help, but what one-loss team doesn't?
Sooners are poised
Ivan Maisel - ESPN
In the abstract, No. 9 Oklahoma is not the best team to move up in the BCS ratings. Not only is Kansas State fourth, but the Wildcats already have defeated the Sooners -- in Norman.
In reality, though, the Oklahoma that humiliated archrival Texas last week -- 63-21, and it wasn't even that close -- can beat any team, anytime, anywhere. That's why the Sooners have the best shot at moving into BCS championship contention.
Looking back at the first half of the season, it's easy to forget that the Sooner defense had to adjust to a new coordinator. Granted, Mike Stoops is the head coach's brother, and the concepts didn't stray too far from the philosophy that Bob Stoops has used to win 143 games in 14 seasons in Norman.
But the defense that limited Texas to 289 yards is a defense that wins championships. And the offense is beginning to find a rhythm, too, after losing two offensive line starters to injuries in August. The Sooners racked up more than 300 yards passing and more than 300 yards rushing against the Longhorns.
If the Sooners can maintain the efficiency and prowess they displayed at the Cotton Bowl, the schedule will give them opportunity to move up in the ratings. No. 5 Notre Dame comes to Norman on Oct. 27. When Oklahoma lost at home to Kansas State, Bob Stoops' record at Memorial Stadium plummeted to 78-4.
Of the Sooners' five opponents after the Irish, three are ranked and the fourth is in-state rival Oklahoma State. That is to say, Oklahoma will be challenged, and the worth of those victories will be reflected in the polls and computer ratings that make up the BCS standings. But the Sooners' only game against a higher-ranked team is at home, and the rest of the schedule has some heft to it.
Oklahoma needs some help, but what one-loss team doesn't?