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A word of warning regarding the OU game from a retired (for now) coach

umgrad92

Second Team QB
Gold Member
The OU game this weekend has all the makings of a trap game, even though we should not be over confident, given our last outing against LSU. That said, here are some facts for consideration:

1. OU was embarrassed on their home field by USCe this past Saturday in a game where they were favored ( -2 on most sites) to win. OU is a storied, proud program. The players will hear about it all week from fans, coaches, and media. It would be a normal occurrence for this type of environment to provide the fuel for a team to play with its hair on fire this weekend after consecutive embarrassing performances.

2. OU is currently listed as +18.5 or more on most sites this weekend. This has to embarrass and humiliate them,... coaches, players, fans, all. When was the last time OU was a nearly 3 touchdown dog? This unprecedented line could further fuel OU's focus and determination to play hard. Remember, this is a proud program. They will hear about it,...all week.

3. OU has struggled in its initial season in the SEC. Their remaining schedule includes Missouri, Alabama, and LSU. Ole Miss game is probably viewed by their coaches, team, and fans, as their best remaining opportunity to salvage their season. This, coupled with the blueprint Kentucky provided, could give OU extra ammunition for a last stand type effort against Ole Miss.

4. OU fired their OC after the USCe game. The offensive reins were given to Joe Jon Finley ( now that is a football name), who was the Co-OC. He is familiar with the offense, so adding play calling responsibilities to him will not be a massive overhaul of unfamiliarity. He is rehearsing for the full-time gig and/or a job somewhere else so I would expect OU to pull out all the stops to try and ignite their stagnant offense. It appears we will see Arnold at QB. He is a former 5-star player who hasn't had that breakout moment yet. We have to get after him early and often and not let him get settled in and the game slow down.

I could talk about a couple of other things that might give us pause to start looking towards UGA (uh, we haven't won in Fayetteville since 2008) but the bottom line is this: We have the team, especially if we can get some guys back on the OL as expected this week, to make a 2nd half run and get to 10-2 and see where the chips fall. However, we can't get to 10-2 until we get to 6-2. OU is a wounded, dangerous football team. We have to come out and firmly implant the dagger in their chest early and make them start looking at the scoreboard early, hoping the clock runs out as fast as possible. The longer OU is allowed to hang around, the more dangerous Saturday's game becomes. The Nettleton Legend and I will be there in section Q, decked out in our game gear, ready to go. I hope the team is ready. LFG! HYDR! Beat OU!
 
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