4 Keys to Beating Clemson

[fortworth4ou2]

1. Neal has to play his best game of his career. None of his customary pass drops. He would be a terrible choice for a 3rd down pass option based on his questionable hands.

2. Sanchez needs an oskie, hopefully in the 1st half to set the tone of his play.

3. Ross needs a 50+ yard KO return.

4. Most importantly, the snapper and place holder on field goals and extra points must bring their A games. This game might be decided by such a kick.

I believe all others will be on their usual game.

Boomer Sooner

 

[K2C Sooner]

#5......No hangover from the long layoff on both sides of the ball. Play like we did against OSU in our last game...........

 

[8085sooner]

I like the Neal but I think Andrews needs to have a good game, three to five clutch plays

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

I don't know if Neal will get the TD play called on his #, but he may need a key 3rd down or two. It's Andrews that will most likely need to step up. He has big play capability. I think he gets his.

I also agree about the kicking game. I think it'll play a big part of the game. Ross w/ a 50 yd return might be a bit too much to depend on though.

 

[fortworth4ou2]

To me, Neal is OUr worst receiver and might be the worst in my 40+ years watching the Sooners.

All too often, it seems in the clutch, he has one eye on the ball and the other on his defender. He seems to pay too much attention to the approaching "footsteps" to be a consistent and clutch option.

I cringe when Mayfield targets Neal.

I love Westbrook and Shep and I prefer Baxter and Andrews over what Neal usually brings. Shep's gonna get a large share of Tiger attention so the others will need to bring it.

Boomer Sooner

 

[Soonersincefitty]

FWIW I think our premier, best two back tandem in CFB in Mixon and Perine need to combine for 200+ yards rushing to keep the linebackers and DBs honest.
They do that and Baker will slice and dice them with the money passes. IMO

 

[K2C Sooner]

To me, Neal is OUr worst receiver and might be the worst in my 40+ years watching the Sooners.

All too often, it seems in the clutch, he has one eye on the ball and the other on his defender. He seems to pay too much attention to the approaching "footsteps" to be a consistent and clutch option.

I cringe when Mayfield targets Neal.

I love Westbrook and Shep and I prefer Baxter and Andrews over what Neal usually brings. Shep's gonna get a large share of Tiger attention so the others will need to bring it.

Boomer Sooner

I disagree. Neal is at the bottom of your list? He had some clutch catches this year. He wasn't a 4 star over his career, but he did have a better year.

More important: Start your game thread earlier in the day on New Years Eve. You have been slacking off with the start times.....HA!

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

It'll be the 4th qtr that matters. I'm curious to see how conditioned Clemson is. Unless they stop the running game early, they will have to play about 18 more defensive plays than they have on their season avg. Conditioning will be their best hope as IMO, their not as deep on defense, especially the abilitiy to rotate their D-lne.

 

[fortworth4ou2]

Clemson will likely play to take away our run game. We'll need the pass, as usual, to open up our running play. In the 1st half, I see our RB's as being more valuable in the passing attack.

I see a defensive game for most of the 1st half. I, then, believe our OL will start to do some damage to the Tiger front and open things for Perine and Mixon.

 

[Soonersincefitty]

It'll be the 4th qtr that matters. I'm curious to see how conditioned Clemson is. Unless they stop the running game early, they will have to play about 18 more defensive plays than they have on their season avg. Conditioning will be their best hope as IMO, their not as deep on defense, especially the abilitiy to rotate their D-lne.

Good point...

In fact, the balmy Miami temps and humidity might favor the more acclimated OU Sooners, especially in a full out slug fest. Which I anticipate this might turn into.

Hello Clemson cramping!

 

[fortworth4ou2]

I disagree. Neal is at the bottom of your list? He had some clutch catches this year. He wasn't a 4 star over his career, but he did have a better year.

More important: Start your game thread earlier in the day on New Years Eve. You have been slacking off with the start times.....HA!

Maybe so K2C. But, we've been able to overcome Neal's lackluster play this year with others coming up clutch. As an example, for such a big game against OSU with everything on the line, Neal, IMO, choked.

Neal must be a heckuva practice player to get so much PT.

Your game day thread comment has been noted.

Boomer Sooner

 

[SoonerTulsan]

BVs defenses are designed to confuse a very good QB. However, that's a prototypical drop back QB.

BVs gotta decide if he wants to try and take away the running game combo of Perine, Mixon, and JFW, or if he wants to load the box and force Mayfield to beat us with his arm with Shep double-teamed. Baylor, TCU, and OSU were faced with the same choices. Pick your poison Brent. I think the best he can hope for is to slow down our offense...a little.

The key to the game to me is the coaching chess match between Coach Mike and Clemson's OC. Haven't watched Clemson enough to comfortably say how they will try to attack us, but based on what I've heard/read, my guess is they will be a lot like a TCU offense led by Boykin.

To win that battle, Will mean a lot of man coverage with safety help...and patience by our LBs to contain their QB and running game. Keep him in the pocket and beat the Hell out of him so he wants to throw it.

Pretty simple.

 

[Soonersincefitty]

BVs defenses are designed to confuse a very good QB. However, that's a prototypical drop back QB.

BVs gotta decide if he wants to try and take away the running game combo of Perine, Mixon, and JFW, or if he wants to load the box and force Mayfield to beat us with his arm with Shep double-teamed. Baylor, TCU, and OSU were faced with the same choices. Pick your poison Brent. I think the best he can hope for is to slow down our offense...a little.

The key to the game to me is the coaching chess match between Coach Mike and Clemson's OC. Haven't watched Clemson enough to comfortably say how they will try to attack us, but based on what I've heard/read, my guess is they will be a lot like a TCU offense led by Boykin.

To win that battle, Will mean a lot of man coverage with safety help...and patience by our LBs to contain their QB and running game. Keep him in the pocket and beat the Hell out of him so he wants to throw it.

Pretty simple.

I think they'll test OU initially with their jack rabbit QB using the QB run option. Until he gets tired.
Then second half Striker can just tee off on him until he says "Calf rope".

 

[SoonerTulsan]

I think they'll test OU initially with their jack rabbit QB using the QB run option. Until he gets tired.
Then second half Striker can just tee off on him until he says "Calf rope".

If they do that...hit him hard...early and often. Just like Baylor.

 

[Scottsdale.Sooner]

Hands down our O Line has to create a solid wall of protection for Baker. Give he and our RBs time to develop the plays.

 

[CTOkie]

1. Neal has to play his best game of his career. None of his customary pass drops. He would be a terrible choice for a 3rd down pass option based on his questionable hands.

2. Sanchez needs an oskie, hopefully in the 1st half to set the tone of his play.

3. Ross needs a 50+ yard KO return.

4. Most importantly, the snapper and place holder on field goals and extra points must bring their A games. This game might be decided by such a kick.

I believe all others will be on their usual game.

Boomer Sooner

OU's kicking game.....to force Clemson to start its drives deep in its own territory by having:
*a good return (or two) by Ross on kickoffs
*clutch place kicking and punting by Siebert
*kickoffs by Hodgson for touchbacks
*a good punt return or two by Shepard
* good coverage on punts and kickoffs.
This makes the job of both the defense and offense much easier.
Siebert will be OU's main weapon in my opinion.

 

[humblesooner]

I don't think all of fortworth's points are "must have" to win, ie. "Keys to beating Clemson".
We can win this game without Neal even having a catch.
We can win without a 50 yard kick-off return.
We can win without a Sanchez interception.

I agree that our kicking game must be solid.

But, if fortworth's four points all do happen, OU should easily win this game.

 

[OUFB90]

I think we need to score more points than they do.

 

[bcsoonerfan]

This game will be won in the trenches and by the quarterback who creates the most plays outside the pocket.

 

[Clemson Mafia]

Good point...

In fact, the balmy Miami temps and humidity might favor the more acclimated OU Sooners, especially in a full out slug fest. Which I anticipate this might turn into.

Hello Clemson cramping!

Do you think Oklahoma has more humidity than South Carolina? I just don't see it as I've been to Norman before in the Summertime. We have also already played in Sun Life Stadium this season back on October 24th. Turned out pretty good for us with a 58-0 victory. Good luck Sooners. You have an amazing football history and great fans.

 

[stuck in del rio]

To me, Neal is OUr worst receiver and might be the worst in my 40+ years watching the Sooners.

All too often, it seems in the clutch, he has one eye on the ball and the other on his defender. He seems to pay too much attention to the approaching "footsteps" to be a consistent and clutch option.

Boomer Sooner

I disagree. Tell me, of the stat lines below, who is the worst receiver?

42 Rec 527 Yards 12.5 YPC 71 Long 3 TDs
17 Rec 148 Yards 8.7 YPC 1 TD

The top line is Neal, this year. The bottom line is Trey Metoyer, 2012. Trey Metoyer was widely viewed as the 2nd best WR prospect in the country. I don't even know where Trey is now (not in jail).

 

[GLSoonerfan]

We need to limit turnovers. ND turned the ball over 4 times in the second half, otherwise they would likely have beat Clemson.

 

[CTOkie]

Of OU's three top WRs, Shepard, Westbrook and Neal, no question Neal is the third best.....which hardly makes him a bad receiver.
I expect every player to step up now and realize this game is not just a single postseason honor, but a stepping stone to a higher goal.
Neal has gotten the message.

 

[TimmyBobby]

Good point...

In fact, the balmy Miami temps and humidity might favor the more acclimated OU Sooners, especially in a full out slug fest. Which I anticipate this might turn into.

Hello Clemson cramping!

We played at Miami this year and won 58-0

 

[TimmyBobby]

We need to limit turnovers. ND turned the ball over 4 times in the second half, otherwise they would likely have beat Clemson.

Clemson was a dropped td away from going up 28-3 in the 3rd. We started subbing, calling vanilla plays to run the clock and hopefully learned our lesson

 

[LongTimeSooner]

Clemson was a dropped td away from going up 28-3 in the 3rd. We started subbing, calling vanilla plays to run the clock and hopefully learned our lesson

But ND played their backup QB, so the win doesn't count, right?

 

[8085sooner]

If Andrews has five catches, we win the game.

 

[Soonersincefitty]

We played at Miami this year and won 58-0

I know, just seeing if you guys are paying attention...you are indeed.

Then again, Miami? Whatever.

 

[Soonersincefitty]

But ND played their backup QB, so the win doesn't count, right?

That right, if we're to vacate all our wins against 2nd and 3rd QBs, then everyone has to.

Gosh, talk about splitting hairs.

 

[fortworth4ou2]

Of OU's three top WRs, Shepard, Westbrook and Neal, no question Neal is the third best.....which hardly makes him a bad receiver.
I expect every player to step up now and realize this game is not just a single postseason honor, but a stepping stone to a higher goal.
Neal has gotten the message.

Neal may've gotten the message but I don't believe it will do any good.

Neal looks fine against let's say Kansas as he is more athletic in comparison to their defensive personnel. Put him up against comparable to better athletes such as BU, TCU, and OSU and he seems distracted by the defender's footsteps. He's not clutch...far from it. Seems all too spooked against those teams and ineffective play becomes his norm. JMHO.

I'd much rather Baxter and Andrews get the 3rd option attention from Baker.

Boomer Sooner

 

[TimmyBobby]

ND also had to play in the rain. It wasn't fair to them haha

 

[CTOkie]

Neal may've gotten the message but I don't believe it will do any good.

Neal looks fine against let's say Kansas as he is more athletic in comparison to their defensive personnel. Put him up against comparable to better athletes such as BU, TCU, and OSU and he seems distracted by the defender's footsteps. He's not clutch...far from it. Seems all too spooked against those teams and ineffective play becomes his norm. JMHO.

I'd much rather Baxter and Andrews get the 3rd option attention from Baker.

Boomer Sooner

I am more concerned that Neal had better stats than Quick, Todd, Baxter, Mead and A.D. Miller than I am Neal himself. No young receiver came in this season and really established himself. Thankfully, Westbrook came in to give OU a good one-two punch.
No doubt if OU had the depth it had at receiver in years past, Neal might not have had his 42 receptions and 527 yards.
I watched every game this year and Neal had some good moments....just not as many as I would have wanted from the team's third wide receiver.
Next year, we may wish he was still around, unless the youngsters step up....or newcomers step in.

 

[BillyRay]

I am more concerned that Neal had better stats than Quick, Todd, Baxter, Mead and A.D. Miller than I am Neal himself. No young receiver came in this season and really established himself. Thankfully, Westbrook came in to give OU a good one-two punch.
No doubt if OU had the depth it had at receiver in years past, Neal might not have had his 42 receptions and 527 yards.
I watched every game this year and Neal had some good moments....just not as many as I would have wanted from the team's third wide receiver.
Next year, we may wish he was still around, unless the youngsters step up....or newcomers step in.

Well CT, we can hope that another year under the new WR coaches can really make a big difference with the WR group. But I am certainly concerned about next year with the departure of Shepard. That is a HUGE loss that is going to be difficult to overcome. But instead of hoping OU has another "go to guy" like Shepard, just need all WRs to step up and just spread the ball around more to make up that gap.

 

[CTOkie]

Well CT, we can hope that another year under the new WR coaches can really make a big difference with the WR group. But I am certainly concerned about next year with the departure of Shepard. That is a HUGE loss that is going to be difficult to overcome. But instead of hoping OU has another "go to guy" like Shepard, just need all WRs to step up and just spread the ball around more to make up that gap.

In the Stoops era, the receiving corps have usually been solid, so it seems to me that OU will reload fairly quickly....but with such a gifted quarterback on hand for another season, I hope he has capable receivers to throw to, like at least 4-5.

 

[koala22]

I am a Gamecock fan and I am pulling for the Sooners to beat Clemson! In fact, I have an Oklahoma shirt that I will be wearing that day. Clemson usually plays well in big games when they have had this long to practice. Just bring your A game and you should be playing for the national title.

 

[onebadtiger29]

It'll be the 4th qtr that matters. I'm curious to see how conditioned Clemson is. Unless they stop the running game early, they will have to play about 18 more defensive plays than they have on their season avg. Conditioning will be their best hope as IMO, their not as deep on defense, especially the abilitiy to rotate their D-lne.

I have not seen enough of Oklahoma playing this year to know how good their offensive line is but who do you think is the best defensive line they have faced? Clemson's defensive line is the biggest strength and depth of their defense.

 

[ctsoonerfan]

I think one of the keys to the game is whether or not Clemson will be able to get pressure rushing 4 DL. If BV has to resort to blitzing than I think we can win on mismatches. Their LBs play down hill and I am not sure how good they are in coverage, I am hopeful LR takes advantage of this mismatch. The thing that stood out to me looking at Clemson games is how they can seemingly take control of game, and then play not to lose. The other thing I am trying to figure out is for a defense as good as the claim, how in the world does UNC score most of their TDs in drives of less then 2 mins.

Defensively I think our DBs can run with their receivers, their TE makes me nervous because in that option they run we tend to get too aggressive initially to beat up on Watson and might leave the TE to roam. Parker will need to have big game, and Striker will need to play within himself and not over pursue Watson. Gallman is good back but I think the Sooners see two better backs in practice.

 

[Sooner_Dynasty]

The two teams are so closely matched I think it's whoever shakes off the rust of having a 3-4 week layoff.

 

[SoonerTulsan]

I think one of the keys to the game is whether or not Clemson will be able to get pressure rushing 4 DL. If BV has to resort to blitzing than I think we can win on mismatches. Their LBs play down hill and I am not sure how good they are in coverage, I am hopeful LR takes advantage of this mismatch. The thing that stood out to me looking at Clemson games is how they can seemingly take control of game, and then play not to lose. The other thing I am trying to figure out is for a defense as good as the claim, how in the world does UNC score most of their TDs in drives of less then 2 mins.

Defensively I think our DBs can run with their receivers, their TE makes me nervous because in that option they run we tend to get too aggressive initially to beat up on Watson and might leave the TE to roam. Parker will need to have big game, and Striker will need to play within himself and not over pursue Watson. Gallman is good back but I think the Sooners see two better backs in practice.

Very good insight. I haven't got to watch Clemson much this year but was able to learn a few things from your post. Appreciate it.

 

[ctigers85]

But ND played their backup QB, so the win doesn't count, right?

Yeah, just like Baylor and tcu played their back up QB.... Lol