My true outlook for game vs Bama

[Soonerborn59]

i have a lot of respect for that program and actually have no dislike of them outside of Saben. However what he has done is beyond reasoning with the way Bama has been so dominant. I don’t think its good for CFB as a whole but its up to every team to break that stranglehold.

I want to go with my heart and say OU will win but as a realist I just don’t see our defense being able come away with key stops while I think Alabama will get some. As good as our offense is I also realize this Bama D is unlike any they have faced this season. So with that being said and I hope I am wrong as hell I do believe it will be a competitive game but in the end I just do not see our D making enough stops.

Even in a loss though I think LR is on the verge on greatness and if he stays around long enough he will be remembered in the same regard as Bud and Barry and most recently Bob.

This team actually exceeded my expetations this season due to the defense so win or lose very proud of this team.

Merry Christmas everyone and again I hope I am very wrong. Alabama 51-39.

 

[Senior Sooner]

Along that same line of thinking, Soonerborn59, If we aren't able to Score The 'W', my hope is that we avoid an embarrassing loss. There is no shame in losing a hard-fought game to another good team, but my fingers are crossed that it's OUr Turn!

 

[Soonerborn59]

Along that same line of thinking, Soonerborn59, If we aren't able to Score The 'W', my hope is that we avoid an embarrassing loss. There is no shame in losing a hard-fought game to another good team, but my fingers are crossed that it's OUr Turn!

Totally agree

 

[kcstorm06]

I am going 45-39 Sooners...a true hard battle of back n forths. If Kyler can establish a solid pocket, he can work his magic on the Bama db’s. Getting Sermon and Brooks on the loose will be huge too.

 

[soonermade]

I don't know what to expect at all in this game. If you watch Bama, they look like an NFL team at times, but also give up a lot of big plays, something OU thrives on. Georgia was able to expose Bama a lot and should have won that game, the same Georgia team we should have beaten last year.

Bama's offense looks unstoppable at times but looked pretty bad against Georgia, with Tua in the game.

OU's had a Jekyll and Hyde defense. One minute they look like pure garbage, the next they look elite, making big plays. One minute they easily create a 3 and out, the next they look like they can't stop a HS team.

With that said, OU has the ability to make some key stops or big plays, and with penalties and turnovers and possibly the same Tua that showed up against Georgia, OU definitely should have a shot if they can move the ball.

 

[Schoonerman]

1. OU simply cannot have have any turnovers, while getting two from Bama and converting them to points (preferably TDs).

2. OU must establish the running game to keep the offense in 3rd and short situations and sustain drives.

3. The D has to make at least two stops per half and have at least one more stop than Bama at the end.

IF those things happen, OU will win this game. 38-34 Sooners.

 

[fortworth4ou2]

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I am going 45-39 Sooners...a true hard battle of back n forths. If Kyler can establish a solid pocket, he can work his magic on the Bama db’s. Getting Sermon and Brooks on the loose will be huge too.

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I am going 45-39 Sooners...a true hard battle of back n forths. If Kyler can establish a solid pocket, he can work his magic on the Bama db’s. Getting Sermon and Brooks on the loose will be huge too.

I agree kc. I see OU winning. I believe LR learned a bunch from last year's Rose Bowl loss to Georgia. He let it slip away then but not this year.

Our D will rise to the occasion against Bama. Our D sucked last year but we played a special game defensively against Ohio State. We will make just enough stops (downs, turnovers) to allow the offense to work its magic. Bama is stoppable and our O will keep them in panic mode. Just a hunch.

Bama is a 14 point favorite. The pressure is all on them. How will they react when faced with any adversity? There was a great deal of panic on the Georgia sideline in last year's RB towards the end of the 1st half.

 

[Oklabama]

i have a lot of respect for that program and actually have no dislike of them outside of Saben. However what he has done is beyond reasoning with the way Bama has been so dominant. I don’t think its good for CFB as a whole but its up to every team to break that stranglehold.

I want to go with my heart and say OU will win but as a realist I just don’t see our defense being able come away with key stops while I think Alabama will get some. As good as our offense is I also realize this Bama D is unlike any they have faced this season. So with that being said and I hope I am wrong as hell I do believe it will be a competitive game but in the end I just do not see our D making enough stops.

Even in a loss though I think LR is on the verge on greatness and if he stays around long enough he will be remembered in the same regard as Bud and Barry and most recently Bob.

This team actually exceeded my expetations this season due to the defense so win or lose very proud of this team.

Merry Christmas everyone and again I hope I am very wrong. Alabama 51-39.

Really good post, 59. I feel as you do but maybe, just maybe, I have a little better feeling about our chances. I will be surprised if Alabama scores 51. I think it’s no more than a 8 point game and if I’m right, OU has a legitimate shot. BOOMER!

 

[SoonerSA]

So you say there's a chance? IMO Kyler will drive Alabama's defensive line crazy and they will tire. If we can keep it close we will win the fourth quarter and possibly the game. We need Marquis Brown early (if he is available) to stretch the secondary and leave gaps for Kyler to run. Kyler is good for 6-8 yards anytime. If Kyler is on point with his passing our offense will do fine against Alabama as we are much better offensively than Georgia and LR will not let up and play conservative with a lead like Georgia did. Defense will be the question but I remember back in 2014 against Alabama the talking heads were talking about our pedestrian defense but we sacked McCarron 7 times and he had only been sacked twice that season against SEC defenses and we only had five sacks all season.. I only watched Alabama twice this year and they run the same type of offense under Tua as they did McCarron but Tua is a better QB. Our defensive players are better served against the Alabama offense than a BIG12 offense. And they don't have Derrick Henry (Heisman), Amare Cooper or DJ Yelden. Their replacements are good but not quite as good. Our defense will struggle but when we needed them at WVA and the CCG they did make a few notable stops. And maybe a few stops is all we need. We just need to punt one less time than they do and that may be enough. Let's just hope it is not a USC type game where we make too many mental mistakes.

 

[OUSOONER67]

I really don't know how the game will play out, Bowl Games are always tough to call no matter who is playing, that said we were not supposed to be competetive in the Sugar vs Bama, we were not supposed to be competetive vs Georgia last year and we are not supposed to be competetive against Bama this year either. I really was unsure of what to think about the SB in 2014 vs Bama not because the so called experts said we would get the brakes beat off us but because of what I saw all year from OU, the same applies now as I just really don't know how to call this one either. I do however believe this years Sooner Squad is better than the team that won the Sugar vs Bama at least offensively but the defense is pardon the pun, the Elephant in the room.

I feel pretty much now like I did before we played Georgia, I think we can play with them and it will likely be a close game but just as soon as I start to feel a little confident about my thoughts the Defense creeps up into my psyche and I feel a little worry creep in with it. Either way I thought OU would lose at least 2 games this season without Baker and I was wrong, just glad OU made it back for the second year in a row and hopefully its our turn this year. You never know, strap em on and line em up lets see how we stack up against what the so called experts are calling one of the greatest teams of all time. The Sooners have a chance to make history, lets hope they are up to the challenge.

 

[Scottsdale.Sooner]

Game Planning!!!!!!!!!! I agree on establishing the run but it won't happen between the tackles. Their LBs are quick. We will have the most success when we pull a guard or center to either side. RB pitch back options won't work either. Every offensive play must go forward from the snap. Bama does not defend a fast paced offense very well so setting up and snapping quick is a key element. Bama secondary is their weak point so we have to get Meier and Calcaterra past their backers. Our O-Line looms large in the key to scoring often and quick. We have the best in college football. Riley made some bonehead coaching mistakes last year against Georgia that gave them momentum. OU plays best as the underdog. Saban does not know how to scheme OU's offense. OU 45-42

 

[thatdude35]

We either win barely or lose barely. This 2 TD dog stuff is ridiculous. I haven’t seen us get beat down in years. This team won’t let that happen. The only thing that will bother me is the Bama run game and if we aren’t in a 4 man front. If we don’t have Gallimore out there in a base 4-3 or any 4 man front they will run all over us. Passing game doesn’t bother me we’ve faced better receivers.

 

[thatdude35]

Game Planning!!!!!!!!!! I agree on establishing the run but it won't happen between the tackles. Their LBs are quick. We will have the most success when we pull a guard or center to either side. RB pitch back options won't work either. Every offensive play must go forward from the snap. Bama does not defend a fast paced offense very well so setting up and snapping quick is a key element. Bama secondary is their weak point so we have to get Meier and Calcaterra past their backers. Our O-Line looms large in the key to scoring often and quick. We have the best in college football. Riley made some bonehead coaching mistakes last year against Georgia that gave them momentum. OU plays best as the underdog. Saban does not know how to scheme OU's offense. OU 45-42

47 (Christian Miller) isn’t quick at all dude was getting burnt in the Georgia game. I can see Lincoln picking on him heavily. The middle of the field is open a lot too.

 

[thatdude35]

@1:56

Georgia did a lot of this and it worked... their LBs can’t cover their receivers in the slot. Middle of the field was wide open.

 

[thatdude35]

Georgia’s receivers dropped a lot of passes that were on the money too. We need our receivers to just catch. They’ll be open especially underneath, middle and the running backs in the flat will be open (even though we don’t throw there much anymore). Grant will be an ex factor... I think he can outrun their lbs... he will need to have a huge night

 

[thatdude35]

5:35 in the video is another area to exploit. We motion a lot which can confuse Bamas defense. Georgia does this then hits Swift who is wide open in the flat and scores. Lincoln will have to open up the playbook. Motion everything, keep Bama on their heels.

 

[Schoonerman]

5:35 in the video is another area to exploit. We motion a lot which can confuse Bamas defense. Georgia does this then hits Swift who is wide open in the flat and scores. Lincoln will have to open up the playbook. Motion everything, keep Bama on their heels.

I've always thought Sermon was a fantastic receiver out of the backfield and would have liked to seen him get more passes his way this season (12 in 2018, 16 in 2017). Hope he gets a few thrown his way on Saturday night!

 

[Oklefty44]

My biggest fear is the last time we played for a NC in the Orange Bowl against USC. Please, I said Please don't quit like those guys did on that night. My most ashamed moment of being a Sooner was not the loss that night, but the lack of "intestinal fortitude" that was lost or left back in Norman that week. But I still hear USC players from that night talk of OU players quitting.... Whatever goes down guys, play with pride and don't ever quit!!!

 

[thatdude35]

I've always thought Sermon was a fantastic receiver out of the backfield and would have liked to seen him get more passes his way this season (12 in 2018, 16 in 2017). Hope he gets a few thrown his way on Saturday night!

Me too I just haven’t seen it done much of those passes this year

 

[thatdude35]

My biggest fear is the last time we played for a NC in the Orange Bowl against USC. Please, I said Please don't quit like those guys did on that night. My most ashamed moment of being a Sooner was not the loss that night, but the lack of "intestinal fortitude" that was lost or left back in Norman that week. But I still hear USC players from that night talk of OU players quitting.... Whatever goes down guys, play with pride and don't ever quit!!!

Ou hasn’t quit like that in a long time, I don’t see that happening

 

[runningback43]

I'm sure Coach Riley will have some new wrinkles for Bama. Hopefully OUr offensive line gets going early in the game and opens up some big holes in the run game. If we can run the ball I can Bama have trouble stopping OUr offense. I believe the Sooners will win this game. Bama had trouble lining up against Georgia and their offense isn't near as prolific as OU's.

 

[bamapower]

Bama will create Turnovers in this game I believe with rush and Int's. and make very few if any on offense. This will be the difference in the game imo. Think it will be scoring in 40's. Feet quickness of OU QB is the only thing that concerns me for Bama.

 

[thatdude35]

Bama will create Turnovers in this game I believe with rush and Int's. and make very few if any on offense. This will be the difference in the game imo. Think it will be scoring in 40's. Feet quickness of OU QB is the only thing that concerns me for Bama.

Your linebackers should be one. Lincoln can exploit them just like Georgia

 

[Oklabama]

Your linebackers should be one. Lincoln can exploit them just like Georgia

I caught that too. I hope Lincoln calls plays over the middle about 15 yards or so. A lot of room against Georgia.

 

[iasooner1]

Hope to see a lot of that which should help open the running game

 

[thatdude35]

I caught that too. I hope Lincoln calls plays over the middle about 15 yards or so. A lot of room against Georgia.

Yup their linebackers aren’t as good as they used to be. We can gash them in the flats and the middle.

 

[bamapower]

Agree with you guys on Bama LB's- they have gotten weaker and weaker in performance as the season has gone on mainly in tackling and filling holes. The one thing they do better than any Bama LB's of the past is Pass Defense- both insiders run very, very well 4.5's in 230's. Never had as fast as LB's but they are not Hitters and tackling is suspect- much the same I hear on OU's defense.
Bama Thuds more than anybody- well there is a difference in tackling to the ground and thud??

But they will do well against a heavy passing team like OU- watch and see, these guys can INT well.
If your backs were big and powerful like UGA's and can break past the DL's then you could really hurt Bama in center of the field. But I don't think you are built for that!!
But their quickness and QB quickness might be a problem if they can break containment.
I think you will only see one LB for most of the game and 6 or even 7 DB's from Bama. Our fastest players will be on the field most of it I feel. Bama has done this a lot with passing teams.

Ought to be a great matchup - our DL and OU OL's.

Bama fans do highly respect OU- consider them similar to us in a lot of ways. I think it is going to be a great game. Wished you could play this Bama team coming out of offseason in September. We always wear down and get much weaker in November and Dec. but sometimes we rebuild for the New Years game well gaining back near Sept levels physically. We shall see what teams show up? I hope both QB's are 100% too.

 

[thatdude35]

Agree with you guys on Bama LB's- they have gotten weaker and weaker in performance as the season has gone on mainly in tackling and filling holes. The one thing they do better than any Bama LB's of the past is Pass Defense- both insiders run very, very well 4.5's in 230's. Never had as fast as LB's but they are not Hitters and tackling is suspect- much the same I hear on OU's defense.
Bama Thuds more than anybody- well there is a difference in tackling to the ground and thud??

But they will do well against a heavy passing team like OU- watch and see, these guys can INT well.
If your backs were big and powerful like UGA's and can break past the DL's then you could really hurt Bama in center of the field. But I don't think you are built for that!!
But their quickness and QB quickness might be a problem if they can break containment.
I think you will only see one LB for most of the game and 6 or even 7 DB's from Bama. Our fastest players will be on the field most of it I feel. Bama has done this a lot with passing teams.

Ought to be a great matchup - our DL and OU OL's.

Bama fans do highly respect OU- consider them similar to us in a lot of ways. I think it is going to be a great game. Wished you could play this Bama team coming out of offseason in September. We always wear down and get much weaker in November and Dec. but sometimes we rebuild for the New Years game well gaining back near Sept levels physically. We shall see what teams show up? I hope both QB's are 100% too.

It’s either 47 or 49 that couldn’t cover anyone out there that SEC game. I think it’ll be a good high scoring game even if we don’t have Hollywood. I don’t see any forced turnovers happening. Texas was super aggressive and took away the run game yet we didn’t have any turnovers.

I do see Kyler AND Tua throwing at least one pick. Game will be in the high 30s or mid 40s. Ou will be able to get passes in the middle I’m sure your zone is pretty soft well it was against Georgia and if you do bump and run we will feast on that. Saban would be wise to run more zone schemes and just hope QW and those front guys get a solid pass rush. Georgia wasn’t gashing you up the middle from runs they were spreading you out sideline to sideline and then throwing middle because you left it open and the flats were completely open at times.

The spread is a joke though.


I haven’t seen OU get beat by more than 2 scores in 3 years. Since Riley took over the team doesn’t quit.

 

[bamapower]

It’s either 47 or 49 that couldn’t cover anyone out there that SEC game. I think it’ll be a good high scoring game even if we don’t have Hollywood. I don’t see any forced turnovers happening. Texas was super aggressive and took away the run game yet we didn’t have any turnovers.

I do see Kyler AND Tua throwing at least one pick. Game will be in the high 30s or mid 40s. Ou will be able to get passes in the middle I’m sure your zone is pretty soft well it was against and if you do bump and run we will feast on that. Saban would be wise to run more zone schemes and just hope QW and those front guys get a solid pass rush. Georgia wasn’t gashing you up the middle from runs they were spreading you out sideline to sideline and then throwing middle because you left it open and the flats were completely open at times.

The spread is a joke though.


I haven’t seen OU get beat by more than 2 scores in 3 years. Since Riley took over the team doesn’t quit.

47 is a DE- decent athlete. He didn't play until his 5th year- this year. They will play RAY #99 who has really come on at the end of the year in his Spot most of the game. He is 275 and is very good at disrupting QB at the right side DE- 47 will play spot duty. This Ray kid will be a STAR in next years D which might lose 3-4 guys on DL this year.
TUA Never threw an INT until the very end of the season. At one point he had 27TD passes and NO INTS. If he is well and OU don't get a lot of pass rush to look out- he will put on a Passing Clinic reading OU defense. Got 5 very good receivers who are quick and fast- 4 3stars and 2 5 star. Plus some think #82 is the best TE in America. So offense is not going to be an issue for Bama. Man did OU load up at WR this year- wow..
It is all about how many times will Bama D get a Stop on the OU offense? 3-4 times and I think Bama wins. Bama needs to stay away from Field Goals- awful at this part of kicking game. Anything past 15-yard line and it is under 50% he will make it. Likely set a team record for the number of extra points missedZ!! Help is on the way with the best Kicker in the country from the best HS program in the state - Birmingham Hoover.

 

[bamapower]

BREAKING NEWS:
"We have three players, Deonte Brown, Elliot Baker and Kedrick James, who did not make the trip and are suspended due to a violation of team rules and policies," Saban said in a statement.

Brown made his first career start at left guard against Tennessee and has started five games and played in 12 games this season, missing only The Citadel game because of a turf toe injury. With the 6-foot-4, 344-pound Brown not in Miami, senior Lester Cotton should start at left guard.

Deonte Brown is hands down the BEST Run Blocker Bama has! Bama runs behind him frequently so this is big news for me. Other two do not play at ALL..

 

[thatdude35]

47 is a DE- decent athlete. He didn't play until his 5th year- this year. They will play RAY #99 who has really come on at the end of the year in his Spot most of the game. He is 275 and is very good at disrupting QB at the right side DE- 47 will play spot duty. This Ray kid will be a STAR in next years D which might lose 3-4 guys on DL this year.
TUA Never threw an INT until the very end of the season. At one point he had 27TD passes and NO INTS. If he is well and OU don't get a lot of pass rush to look out- he will put on a Passing Clinic reading OU defense. Got 5 very good receivers who are quick and fast- 4 3stars and 2 5 star. Plus some think #82 is the best TE in America. So offense is not going to be an issue for Bama. Man did OU load up at WR this year- wow..
It is all about how many times will Bama D get a Stop on the OU offense? 3-4 times and I think Bama wins. Bama needs to stay away from Field Goals- awful at this part of kicking game. Anything past 15-yard line and it is under 50% he will make it. Likely set a team record for the number of extra points missedZ!! Help is on the way with the best Kicker in the country from the best HS program in the state - Birmingham Hoover.

It was 49 then, that senior LB. Will Brown being suspended hurt? I know he starts but he could have a good backup.

 

[bamapower]

49 is Buggs a 300lb DT or DE at times. He has had a mediocre year- worse than last year. Star in JC. Still starts but production this year is way down. He does not pass defend or should not be. #33 Jennings a JR. the left DE is a kid I trained and he has been a surprise 3 star Alabama kid that at times has dominated. Just not consistent, partly due to injuries.. He is 6-4 and about 265lbs and can be very disruptive in pass rushing. LB's in middle are 32 and 30 Wilson both 5 Star Talents but struggle to hold their ground tackling against 225 or very hard-charging running backs. Usually, grab and hold on- which don't stop 1st downs. IMO the weakness but should not be as MLB's with their reputation and raw talent, but are and a bit lesser right CB- he is 5 star transfer from LSU, and until he gets tired can play very well. Freshman LCB is Surtain a future superstar. Now plays like a soph and a lot more comfortable- he is 6-2 and long. Dad played in NFL and a star. Over most of his frosh mistakes now. Two new kids playing a lot now at DB is #5 and #21 Mayden plus two good safeties #14 Thompson best of all of them giving the Tide 6 very good ones- when they load up DB's and they, have added a LOT to the Defense last 3 games.

 

[thatdude35]

49 is Buggs a 300lb DT or DE at times. He has had a mediocre year- worse than last year. Star in JC. Still starts but production this year is way down. He does not pass defend or should not be. #33 Jennings a JR. the left DE is a kid I trained and he has been a surprise 3 star Alabama kid that at times has dominated. Just not consistent, partly due to injuries.. He is 6-4 and about 265lbs and can be very disruptive in pass rushing. LB's in middle are 32 and 30 Wilson both 5 Star Talents but struggle to hold their ground tackling against 225 or very hard-charging running backs. Usually, grab and hold on- which don't stop 1st downs. IMO the weakness but should not be as MLB's with their reputation and raw talent, but are and a bit lesser right CB- he is 5 star transfer from LSU, and until he gets tired can play very well. Freshman LCB is Surtain a future superstar. Now plays like a soph and a lot more comfortable- he is 6-2 and long. Dad played in NFL and a star. Over most of his frosh mistakes now. Two new kids playing a lot now at DB is #5 and #21 Mayden plus two good safeties #14 Thompson best of all of them giving the Tide 6 very good ones- when they load up DB's and they, have added a LOT to the Defense last 3 games.

Saban had him out in coverage in zone schemes against Georgia when he was at DE... which was dumb. I think he was trying to confuse Fromm.

 

[Oklefty44]

Ou hasn’t quit like that in a long time, I don’t see that happening

I sure hope we dont even get in a position for that to be possible. If we are kicking their arrogant asses then we wont be worried about that right... Go Sooners!!!

 

[soonersoldier]

49 is Buggs a 300lb DT or DE at times. He has had a mediocre year- worse than last year. Star in JC. Still starts but production this year is way down. He does not pass defend or should not be. #33 Jennings a JR. the left DE is a kid I trained and he has been a surprise 3 star Alabama kid that at times has dominated. Just not consistent, partly due to injuries.. He is 6-4 and about 265lbs and can be very disruptive in pass rushing. LB's in middle are 32 and 30 Wilson both 5 Star Talents but struggle to hold their ground tackling against 225 or very hard-charging running backs. Usually, grab and hold on- which don't stop 1st downs. IMO the weakness but should not be as MLB's with their reputation and raw talent, but are and a bit lesser right CB- he is 5 star transfer from LSU, and until he gets tired can play very well. Freshman LCB is Surtain a future superstar. Now plays like a soph and a lot more comfortable- he is 6-2 and long. Dad played in NFL and a star. Over most of his frosh mistakes now. Two new kids playing a lot now at DB is #5 and #21 Mayden plus two good safeties #14 Thompson best of all of them giving the Tide 6 very good ones- when they load up DB's and they, have added a LOT to the Defense last 3 games.

To me this game is about how Alabama handles a team that will score. Tua was unstoppable and made no mistakes until there was pressure. OU’s defense is not as good as Georgia, but has a knack for making plays. OU’s offense is much more established and likely to have consistent success. If Tua plays OU like he did against the suspect competition, prior to Georgia, OU will get beat. If not, I like OU’ chances.

 

[veritas59]

One thing is for sure. If we somehow miraculously beat Alabama it will be because they weren't up for the game.

 

[Oklabama]

One thing is for sure. If we somehow miraculously beat Alabama it will be because they weren't up for the game.

I can see the headline now.

LOW TIDE LOSES TO SOONERS AGAIN

LMAO.

 

[CTOkie]

One thing is for sure. If we somehow miraculously beat Alabama it will be because they weren't up for the game.

With a national championship on the line and on the heels of an undefeated season and an SEC title, Alabama will definitely be up for the game.....and a desire to avenge 45-31.

 

[thatdude35]

One thing is for sure. If we somehow miraculously beat Alabama it will be because they weren't up for the game.

They’re never up for their losses I heard it from a reliable source

 

[thatdude35]

With a national championship on the line and on the heels of an undefeated season and an SEC title, Alabama will definitely be up for the game.....and a desire to avenge 45-31.

I’m sure they don’t even care about 45-31 anymore