And exhale. Oklahoma and Kansas State will be footballing tomorrow at high noon. East coast time, of course.
Welcome back. It's been awhile. The Happy Hour my friends is back. Maybe we should start doing an actual happy hour in the OKC area (socially distanced, of course, wink wink).
Here's some thoughts as we head into what I'm considering the 'first' actual real football weekend of the year. And no this doesn't coincide with the return of the SEC, but has more to do with Oklahoma actually playing a real football team on Saturday.
* I'm excited to see more of Spencer Rattler. Yeah, okay. Everyone is. The throw the Theo Wease on the sidelines was elite. The throw to Jeremiah Hall on the first series. How about the throw to Charleston Rambo (see below).
It's refreshing. I want more. I want to become addicted to it. Rattler's 303.3 passing efficiency rating vs. Missouri State is the best in the nation this season by 50 points and set Big 12 and OU freshman records.
I know, I know. Let's see him do against someone other than a defense Jotay's nephew could start for.
* Seth McGowan. Uh ... as advertised, indeed. Much like Rattler I want to see more but there was a heckuva lot to like in his debut. You could even throw Marvin Mims into that mix as well. His 148 all-purpose yards were the second most by an OU freshman in his career debut.
Me thinks recruiting matters.
McGowan and Mims were two of 11 true freshmen who saw the field for OU in the opener.
This isn't new to anyone reading but when you evaluate and recruit as well as Oklahoma has in recent years under Lincoln Riley, it's hard not to think it's going to be fun to see that talent develop over the next few years.
* Speaking of true freshmen ... I'm ready to see the Anton Harrison and Andrew Raym. I think we'll get that opportunity this weekend.
How much does that help the Sooners offensive line? That's probably still in question but I do think it'll be fun to see them perform.
* Listen to Alex Grinch and I think you hear optimism and confidence. It's my belief they think this defense can be pretty good.
How good? We'll see. But listen to Grinch talk and there's a number of players in the program that could have a bright future in the Sooners Speed D.
We're talking about the Nik Bonitto, David Ugwoegbu, Isaiah Thomas and Brian Asamoah's of the world.
Like Grinch said earlier this week ... it's time for them to consistently make plays on Saturday. Afterall, that's when it counts.
* When it comes to the OU student section ... why are we mad at college students for being college students? Wait. Don't answer that.
* Redshirt freshman safety Eric Gallegos entered the transfer portal this week. I'll be honest. I didn't even know he was on the team. Goodluck to him.
Some notes that caught my eye:
* The road team has won six of the last nine meetings in the OU-Kansas State series, but the home team has won three of the last four, including each of the last two.
* Some of these numbers may be a bit of a surprise to you .... last season in Big 12 play, OU led the league in total defense (330.6 ypg) and passing defense (190.4 ypg), and ranked second in rushing defense (140.1 ypg), pass defense efficiency (125.7 rating) and third- and fourth-down conversion percentage (33.3 each)
* I'm pretty proud of our guys @Josh_M and @BPrzybylo ... in recent weeks we've see Ethan Downs, Mario Williams, Danny Stutsman, Clayton Smith. Bob went and saw Jordan Mukes a few weeks ago. Tonight Josh and I will get and up close look at Choctaw and Mukes when they take on Booker T. Washington.
SCOOPHD: Ethan Downs
SCOOPHD: Mario Williams
SCOOPHD: Danny Stutsman
SCOOPHD: Clayton Smith
* OU baseball Fall ball is underway ... some new names that I have heard impressed: Brett Squires, Jimmy Crooks, Dalton Fowler, Luke Taggart ... also was told Cade Horton and Jace Bohrofen are 'better than advertised'. That's some positive news. I'm hoping to sneak into a couple intrasquad scrimmages soon.
* Loved the steak thread on the board. I'm a huge Mohagany guy. Love a good trip to the Ranch. And Michael's is, indeed, way underrated. Dynamite shrimp at the 'Hog is a great appetizer. It's almost red wine season and that's when we thrive.
* I got blocked by resident idiot Christine Brennan on Thursday night. That felt good. Someone please keep me in the loop if she says anything more dumb than she already has.
* Lastly, what an incredible tragedy in NE OKC on Thursday morning. Here's a link for the GoFundMe if you are interested.
Good to be back. Let's have a weekend, everybody.
I'll be around this afternoon. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
