#8 in 2017, please.

[JConXtsy]

Need an ESPN Insider account to read it, but this statement is free at least:

"Riley interviewed for Houston's head-coaching vacancy and likely will be entering his final year as a coordinator," Rittenberg wrote. "Despite his age, he exudes maturity, which should serve him well with those making hires."

http://insider.espn.com/college-foo...6335/finding-college-football-next-tom-herman

 

[iasooner1]

Calling Castiglione now !!

 

[Oklabama]

Need an ESPN Insider account to read it, but this statement is free at least:

"Riley interviewed for Houston's head-coaching vacancy and likely will be entering his final year as a coordinator," Rittenberg wrote. "Despite his age, he exudes maturity, which should serve him well with those making hires."

http://insider.espn.com/college-foo...6335/finding-college-football-next-tom-herman

I don't find this too surprising especially "when" the Sooners get back to the playoffs in 2017. There could be a shit load of SEC jobs open up, but if I was a betting man, I would wager a bit on Riley going out to your neck of the woods, JCon. UCLA or Arizona St. will open up unless Mora and Graham's teams are much better this fall. Riley's
style of offense is better suited for the PAC than the SEC unless A&M fires Sumlin, IMO.

 

[JConXtsy]

Saban's acceptance of Kiffin and Sarkisian kinda tells me that he's willing to start looking at some of these more involved offenses. I agree that Riley currently looks the part of other conferences, but I wouldn't hold out on the SEC not moving towards putting up more points.

As dumb as this sounds, Saban's recent bowl losses have been from being outscored, not an issue with his defenses.
2013 to Oklahoma (31 - 45)
2014 to Ohio State (35 - 42)
2016 to Clemson (31 - 35)

and he barely outscored Clemson last year (45-40).

Imagine had he lost to Clemson last year, 4 straight bowl losses. What would we be saying about Saban today?
And if Saban starts entertaining more exciting offenses, you know the rest of his conference won't be far behind in their game of keep-up.

 

[jd1025]

Saban's acceptance of Kiffin and Sarkisian kinda tells me that he's willing to start looking at some of these more involved offenses. I agree that Riley currently looks the part of other conferences, but I wouldn't hold out on the SEC not moving towards putting up more points.

As dumb as this sounds, Saban's recent bowl losses have been from being outscored, not an issue with his defenses.
2013 to Oklahoma (31 - 45)
2014 to Ohio State (35 - 42)
2016 to Clemson (31 - 35)

and he barely outscored Clemson last year (45-40).

Imagine had he lost to Clemson last year, 4 straight bowl losses. What would we be saying about Saban today?
And if Saban starts entertaining more exciting offenses, you know the rest of his conference won't be far behind in their game of keep-up.

this just goes to show you how overrated the whole SEC plays defense and the rest of the country doesnt is.....it just show the SEC doesnt have any offenses. The reason that Bama does so well in the SEC is because they have had some decent offenses in recent history. And teams give them free defensive TDs

 

[CTOkie]

this just goes to show you how overrated the whole SEC plays defense and the rest of the country doesnt is.....it just show the SEC doesnt have any offenses. The reason that Bama does so well in the SEC is because they have had some decent offenses in recent history. And teams give them free defensive TDs

True, but I wouldn't mind OU having the same track record in recent years.

 

[jd1025]

True, but I wouldn't mind OU having the same track record in recent years.

true, but its just because of the lack of offense in the SEC that Bama has gotten where it it is the past several years. Saban deserves all the accolades but the SEC does not as a whole.

I also think what you might start seeing is the either the SEC changes to better O

Or that people outside of Bob Stoops will see that SEC propaganda is what it is... espn selling their tv coverage...there is talent everywhere. Bowl season the SEC had more points scored against them than any conference...

 

[PtLavacaSooner]

The media is bought and paid for, no matter what part of it you look at... the sucsucsuc has been over hyped and collectively shoved down the throats of sports fans for over a decade...

 

[JConXtsy]

I think with Bama getting the best talent in the country yet being defeated due to scoring matches, what we're seeing is that you can outsmart people with offense. You cannot outsmart someone on defense (Leach's downfall).

Defense is pure talent and a somewhat natural ability to ball-hawk. Defense is through recruiting first, coaching second.
Offense relies on speed and your coach getting everyone in a position to be open and win. Offense is through coaching first, recruiting second.

 

[Oklabama]

Saban's acceptance of Kiffin and Sarkisian kinda tells me that he's willing to start looking at some of these more involved offenses. I agree that Riley currently looks the part of other conferences, but I wouldn't hold out on the SEC not moving towards putting up more points.

As dumb as this sounds, Saban's recent bowl losses have been from being outscored, not an issue with his defenses.
2013 to Oklahoma (31 - 45)
2014 to Ohio State (35 - 42)
2016 to Clemson (31 - 35)

and he barely outscored Clemson last year (45-40).

Imagine had he lost to Clemson last year, 4 straight bowl losses. What would we be saying about Saban today?
And if Saban starts entertaining more exciting offenses, you know the rest of his conference won't be far behind in their game of keep-up.

Well, if that's the case Tennessee, Arkansas and Auburn may be possible schools that will be interested in Lincoln Riley depending upon how well they do next year. I can't believe the Hogs are holding their breath that Bielema will suddenly turn the corner. And, Malzahn? Butch Jones failed big time last season. I was a believer and even posted that I the Vols would challenge for the SEC title. Dumb on my part. The Vols need help because those poor souls have to play Alabama every year unlike others in Bama's division. Why I don't get it, but my Vols buddy has told me the pressure will be on Butch next year. Only thing is, the Vols haven't been too lucky hiring first time head coaches. I certainly wouldn't like to see Riley go to the SEC. I am still hoping for the PAC of all the Power 5's.

 

[JConXtsy]

Riley's history is Texas, Carolina and Oklahoma. His familiarity is with Big XII, SEC and ACC recruiting territories says he might prefer those conferences.

But maybe he likes a challenge.

 

[iasooner1]

Keep him in Norman !

 

[CTOkie]

I don't dispute the SEC gets over hyped, especially since it is a conference that's so top heavy, with 5 teams that are Top 25 ranked and not much beyond those teams.
But....
The SEC, by far, sends the most talent to the NFL.
The SEC has had 9 teams winning national championships since 2003.....with Alabama winning 4 of the last 8 championships. That is history, not hype.
And where were Oklahoma's great offenses vs LSU, Florida, Texas A&M during that time.....or even vs Clemson (ACC) in 2014 and 2015 ?
And in 18 bowl games since 1999, OU is 9-9, which includes wins over 7-5 Arkansas, 8-5 Stanford, 8-5 Connecticut, 7-6 Iowa and 8-5 Auburn.......and blowout losses to USC, West Virginia, Texas A&M and Clemson twice.
I'm more concerned about OU representing itself better in the post season, much more than I am of Alabama's successes or Texas' failures.

 

[WP76]

CT is spot on. When was the last time we beat a legit NC contender OOC? The Alabama win was nice but, at the end of the day, all either team was playing for was a Sugar Bowl trophy.

Until we get into the playoff and win, we're going to be derided as "chokelahoma" and "big fish in a little pond." It may not be either accurate or completely fair, but it's the sad reality of the current national perception of our program.

 

[CTOkie]

CT is spot on. When was the last time we beat a legit NC contender OOC? The Alabama win was nice but, at the end of the day, all either team was playing for was a Sugar Bowl trophy.

Until we get into the playoff and win, we're going to be derided as "chokelahoma" and "big fish in a little pond." It may not be either accurate or completely fair, but it's the sad reality of the current national perception of our program.

The Alabama upset win was a quality win....at that time.....but OU did not have that win providing any momentum the following year for one reason or another. I believe that Alabama was affected by its "quick six" loss to arch rival Auburn weeks before....and really did not prep for OU, or at least focus on playing OU....and Trevor Knight's Cinderella performance caught everyone by surprise.
But at this time, I feel OU has both upgraded its coaching staff and, consequently, has elevated its recruiting to a much higher level over the past 2-3 years. On paper, I see no reason why OU can't participate in the playoffs in the next few years.....but that may not happen in 2017 as OU loses three franchise caliber players and introduces so many young (and very talented) players.

 

[SoonerMikee05]

Need an ESPN Insider account to read it, but this statement is free at least:

"Riley interviewed for Houston's head-coaching vacancy and likely will be entering his final year as a coordinator," Rittenberg wrote. "Despite his age, he exudes maturity, which should serve him well with those making hires."

http://insider.espn.com/college-foo...6335/finding-college-football-next-tom-herman

Predict OU does not let Lincoln get away. They make him Asst. HC and bump him up to $1.5 - $2M, Head Coach Trainee.

 

[Oklabama]

Predict OU does not let Lincoln get away. They make him Asst. HC and bump him up to $1.5 - $2M, Head Coach Trainee.

The head coach in waiting deal hasn't worked out for too many schools, but that would be a good deal for OU. But highly unlikely, IMO

 

[JConXtsy]

Stoops is still only 56, and from the notion I get, especially with him not wavering through so much recent negative pressure, he's sticking around for the long haul like a Paterno or the likes. I see Stoops easily going another 10 years. Riley isn't going to wait for that. Now heading off and leaving the door open behind him? Sure.

 

[JConXtsy]

.but that may not happen in 2017 as OU loses three franchise caliber players and introduces so many young (and very talented) players.

Luckily the franchise players are all on offense which hopefully Riley can prove his worth in dealing with. And of course, the main position, QB, is still filled.

I think most would expect our defense to be better.

Needs - Rodney Anderson and Abdul Adams to step up big. All indications are that they can. Maybe Trey Sermon can come in and light it up. The best news here is that we return our entire OL, starters AND backups except for Sam Grant. That's pretty phenomenal news.

Westbrook was one bad hombre, but look at how many prospects are gaining a year of experience. One star down, but this many potential stars stepping up one rung might be an overall improvement in the receiving department. This is a whole lot of targets for Baker. No wonder he wanted to stick around:
Mark Andrews
Nick Basquine
Dahu Green
Mykel Jones
Jeff Mead
AD Miller
Jordan Smallwood

and new talent
Zach Farrar
Marquise Brown (#3 WR recruit)
Ryan Jones
Charleston Rambo
Cedarian Lamb

And of anyone here, CTOkie, you should appreciate that we would all expect our special teams to be better with kicking/punting additions.

I'm staying optimistic.

 

[CTOkie]

Mayfield and Andrews, and to a lesser degree, Basquine and Mead, are the only established skilled position players returning. Adams will be good, as will a healthy Anderson at running back, but expecting them (or any of the new running backs) to play at the level of Perine and Mixon now is premature speculation....and probably wishful thinking.
Jordan Evans impacted the defense greatly last year and his absence was apparent in the second half of the West Virginia game. It's anyone's guess how the young linebackers will come together....but my guess is that they will, at least after a few games.
Much has been said about Siebert's problems with field goals last year and it's been said that freshman Reeves Mundschau can relieve Siebert of punting chores so he can focus only on place kicking. Yes, that should improve the kicking game.
If OU can somehow be undefeated by the Texas game, the Big 12 and a playoff spot will be theirs to lose.

 

[JConXtsy]

Green, Miller and Smallwood all have game starts under their belts.
Jones showed flashes last year.

I don't think anyone expects Adams and Anderson to be as good as Perine and Mixon. That's ridiculous to assume. I think they are good backs that can get us the needed yards on every down if blocking is carried out properly, and I think our blocking should be as good or better since the entire OL is back besides Sam Grant.

I never really saw Jordan Evans as a big time player. I'm not entirely worried about his absence. Some of the new guys were getting good looks and performing well at the end of last year, especially Caleb Kelly in the bowl game.

 

[CTOkie]

Green, Smallwood and Miller are not established big game performers.....yet.
I'm not concerned so much about Evans' departure, but last year, he was OU's best linebacker. His presence made the other linebackers better.

 

[Oklabama]

Green, Smallwood and Miller are not established big game performers.....yet.
I'm not concerned so much about Evans' departure, but last year, he was OU's best linebacker. His presence made the other linebackers better.

All good posts, CT.

 

[Oklabama]

Green, Miller and Smallwood all have game starts under their belts.
Jones showed flashes last year.

I don't think anyone expects Adams and Anderson to be as good as Perine and Mixon. That's ridiculous to assume. I think they are good backs that can get us the needed yards on every down if blocking is carried out properly, and I think our blocking should be as good or better since the entire OL is back besides Sam Grant.

I never really saw Jordan Evans as a big time player. I'm not entirely worried about his absence. Some of the new guys were getting good looks and performing well at the end of last year, especially Caleb Kelly in the bowl game.

All good posts, JCon.

 

[Oklabama]

This has turned out to be a great thread especially for this time of the year. Remind me. How long is it before the first game?

 

[BillyRay]

I don't dispute the SEC gets over hyped, especially since it is a conference that's so top heavy, with 5 teams that are Top 25 ranked and not much beyond those teams.
But....
The SEC, by far, sends the most talent to the NFL.
The SEC has had 9 teams winning national championships since 2003.....with Alabama winning 4 of the last 8 championships. That is history, not hype.
And where were Oklahoma's great offenses vs LSU, Florida, Texas A&M during that time.....or even vs Clemson (ACC) in 2014 and 2015 ?
And in 18 bowl games since 1999, OU is 9-9, which includes wins over 7-5 Arkansas, 8-5 Stanford, 8-5 Connecticut, 7-6 Iowa and 8-5 Auburn.......and blowout losses to USC, West Virginia, Texas A&M and Clemson twice.
I'm more concerned about OU representing itself better in the post season, much more than I am of Alabama's successes or Texas' failures.

^^best post of the thread right here!!!

 

[Oklabama]

This has turned out to be a great thread especially for this time of the year. Remind me. How long is it before the first game?

Boy, how things have changed since I posted this! Everyone seemed to have had a lively interest and much enthusiasm for Spring ball to begin, I was feeling great, then "BAM", Baker peed on my rug!

 

[CTOkie]

Well, regardless how you or I feel about Mayfield's "accident", it's safe to say he will start the Ohio State game on September 9th.

 

[Oklabama]

Well, regardless how you or I feel about Mayfield's "accident", it's safe to say he will start the Ohio State game on September 9th.

Of course. But if for any reason Bob decides not to play him, I won't complain even knowing our chances of winning go down big time.

 

[DubaiSooner]

Obo and Kelly will take it up a notch or two this season. We will see a few more true freshman on the field this year than in the past. Several will be on campus for the spring workouts. The recruiting from the last couple of years should yield a few more standouts on the field. I was told that the kid from Collinsville (Levi?) shows "Boz" type of grit.

 

[RCSooner]

I was told that the kid from Collinsville (Levi?) shows "Boz" type of grit.

You were told? By who?

 

[DubaiSooner]

You were told? By who?

One of Todd Graham's guys. ASU was interested but never had a chance.

You were told? By who?

A member of the ASU staff that frequents the same watering hole as me in Scottsdale. ASU was interested but knew he was committed to OU from birth.