Which is the bigger 2019 addition: Jalen Hurts or Alex Grinch?

[td71sooner]

I think both are good. My choice would be Grinch. If he can get us to a Top 40 or better defense this year, we could be unstoppable.

https://stormininnorman.com/2019/03...ger-2019-addition-jalen-hurts-or-alex-grinch/

 

[iasooner1]

Excellent thread td

 

[OUnabomber]

I'm going to say Hurts. Without him we would surely be in for a mediocre season with a QB that has played very little. Now we have a chance to be a contender once again

 

[CTOkie]

I'm going to say Hurts. Without him we would surely be in for a mediocre season with a QB that has played very little. Now we have a chance to be a contender once again

Since Grinch addresses the biggest need at OU (defense) and one that goes beyond 2019, my choice is him. The lack of defense has cost OU two champions and wasted the two greatest QBs in OU by keeping the team away from a championship.
Hurts' impact on the program ends in January.

 

[veritas59]

Excellent thread td

 

[OUnabomber]

Since Grinch addresses the biggest need at OU (defense) and one that goes beyond 2019, my choice is him. The lack of defense has cost OU two champions and wasted the two greatest QBs in OU by keeping the team away from a championship.
Hurts' impact on the program ends in January.

I assumed we were talking about short term impact. My guess is the D is still going to be below average next season. I'm not expecting a miracle

 

[CTOkie]

I assumed we were talking about short term impact. My guess is the D is still going to be below average next season. I'm not expecting a miracle

Good post....but I am curious and hopeful to see how better coaching might bring better results "sooner".....starting by the second Saturday in October.

 

[humblesooner]

Grinch.
I'd be OK with a young QB who has to learn.
I've not been OK with OU's "defense" in several years.

 

[Senior Sooner]

Grinch.
I'd be OK with a young QB who has to learn.
I've not been OK with OU's "defense" in several years.

I'm OK with a QB that 'Seems' to be Good-To-Go, and let the Young Uns keep their training wheels on this year...If Hurts can get the job done, GREAT! If not, then it's Baptism by Fire for the new kids on the block...

 

[Medic007]

Grinch.
I'd be OK with a young QB who has to learn.
I've not been OK with OU's "defense" in several years.

Agreed. With a QB who just manages the game and a great defense, OU is championship caliber.

 

[humblesooner]

I'm OK with a QB that 'Seems' to be Good-To-Go, and let the Young Uns keep their training wheels on this year...If Hurts can get the job done, GREAT! If not, then it's Baptism by Fire for the new kids on the block...

Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled that LR was able to convince Hurts to come to OU.
But, the original post was "bigger 2019 addition".
Try this way of asking the question:
If you had to give up either Hurts or Grinch by the end of the day tomorrow, which would you choose?

 

[Oklabama]

! LMAO. You are funny, V-Man. Maybe clever better describes you. I can’t make up my mind. Go figure.

 

[OUnabomber]

Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled that LR was able to convince Hurts to come to OU.
But, the original post was "bigger 2019 addition".
Try this way of asking the question:
If you had to give up either Hurts or Grinch by the end of the day tomorrow, which would you choose?

Thats hard to say because we don't know what Grinch can do with this D. I'm a little surprised to see many already proclaiming that our defense is a lot better. Are these not the same players as last year minus a couple? I understand that it couldn't get much worse, but I'm not sold on them being a lot better. Not yet anyway

 

[humblesooner]

Thats hard to say because we don't know what Grinch can do with this D. I'm a little surprised to see many already proclaiming that our defense is a lot better. Are these not the same players as last year minus a couple? I understand that it couldn't get much worse, but I'm not sold on them being a lot better. Not yet anyway

Personally, I'm only proclaiming that our defense will be different.
It won't be the same crap storm that we have rolled out the last several years.
It may still be a crap storm, but it won't be the same crap storm.
Just knowing that LR is trying to make it better, rather than continuing to let MS pretend that all defenses have the same trouble as his, makes me happy.

 

[td71sooner]

Based on Grinch's past performance, scheme alone should give us quite an improvement. Accounting for the fact that we recruited some quality players currently on the roster, who may not have shined given the past scheme and coaching, I believe a new scheme and coaching will get the best from the players as well. Won't know for sure until they are battle tested, but I'm optimistic.

 

[iasooner1]

! LMAO. You are funny, V-Man. Maybe clever better describes you. I can’t make up my mind. Go figure.

That's the jazz man for ya; I can't figure out if it's at my expense either sometimes...

 

[soonersoldier]

I assumed we were talking about short term impact. My guess is the D is still going to be below average next season. I'm not expecting a miracle

Grinch. Below average would be an improvement for the defense. Consider how good the offense would be with an average to below average defense; not bottom of the barrel.

Further, Coach Riley has shown an ability to take a quarterback, with not much playing time (in games or the system), and turned them in to the Heisman winner. I will say having Hurts with a “new” offensive line is a huge help. I just don’t doubt Coach and his ability to score points; the exception being the first quarter of a playoff game .

 

[soonersoldier]

Thats hard to say because we don't know what Grinch can do with this D. I'm a little surprised to see many already proclaiming that our defense is a lot better. Are these not the same players as last year minus a couple? I understand that it couldn't get much worse, but I'm not sold on them being a lot better. Not yet anyway

How did Blake’s defense turn around in the first year with Coach Stoops? I think most would agree, the majority of the NC team was recruited and played under Blake.

 

[kcstorm06]

Glad we got Hurts and Grinch both. If offensive line gels and defensive line can discover pressure, then this year looks super promising. This especially with a DOWN conference. Just blast em all and get ready for the CFB Playoffs.

 

[JoeOU1]

I’m more excited about Grinch for the long term, although I think he will get some good results this season. And I’m glad we have a proven winner in Hurts, as having to rebuild our OL might take too much time for a newbie to overcome while they gel.
Happy to have both though.


Boomer Sooner!

 

[CTOkie]

How did Blake’s defense turn around in the first year with Coach Stoops? I think most would agree, the majority of the NC team was recruited and played under Blake.

True, but these players had no development, no swagger and it took a new and competent coach in Stoops to mold them. I give Blake no credit for his time at OU. In his years at OU (1996-98) he made a bad situation (after Schnellenberger in 1995) much worse.
The core players that Stoops inherited his first year were reborn. Stoops admitted as he took the job that there was ALREADY talent on the team to start winning immediately....with "no excuses" not to.
Huepel and Griffin, in Stoops' first recruiting class, had their impact on the resurrection as well. I'm pretty sure Huepel would not have played under Blake. The same may be true of Griffin.

 

[soonersoldier]

You mi

True, but these players had no development, no swagger and it took a new and competent coach in Stoops to mold them. I give Blake no credit for his time at OU. In his years at OU (1996-98) he made a bad situation (after Schnellenberger in 1995) much worse.
The core players that Stoops inherited his first year were reborn. Stoops admitted as he took the job that there was ALREADY talent on the team to start winning immediately....with "no excuses" not to.
Huepel and Griffin, in Stoops' first recruiting class, had their impact on the resurrection as well. I'm pretty sure Huepel would not have played under Blake. The same may be true of Griffin.

You missed the point: a defense (or a team) can have a dramatic turnaround in one year with the same players when a competent coach enters the program.

 

[CTOkie]

You mi


You missed the point: a defense (or a team) can have a dramatic turnaround in one year with the same players when a competent coach enters the program.

That’s kinda what I said isn’t it ?

 

[OUnabomber]

How did Blake’s defense turn around in the first year with Coach Stoops? I think most would agree, the majority of the NC team was recruited and played under Blake.

Yes, but the program was in a completely different place under Blake. We were terribly coached from the top down so there was room for a major improvement. I understand that Mike Stoops had a rough time, but I don't think the players were so poorly coached as they were back then. Plus, OU has a much better mental outlook than they did in the 90's. Is there room for improvement? I think so. I just don't think its going to be nearly as dramatic as the Blake to Stoops transition.

 

[soonersoldier]

Yes, but the program was in a completely different place under Blake. We were terribly coached from the top down so there was room for a major improvement. I understand that Mike Stoops had a rough time, but I don't think the players were so poorly coached as they were back then. Plus, OU has a much better mental outlook than they did in the 90's. Is there room for improvement? I think so. I just don't think its going to be nearly as dramatic as the Blake to Stoops transition.

Valid point IMO. I think I might balance it with the fact that Grinch has shown the ability to turn around a defense relatively quickly and my hope is he has never had the quality athletes he has now which should produce a quick positive impact. I mean how good would OU have been last year if they gave up 28 points a game instead of +40? And I don’t think 28 points a game is the standard we are looking for, but making that improvement in one year would be a solid improvement.

 

[OUnabomber]

Valid point IMO. I think I might balance it with the fact that Grinch has shown the ability to turn around a defense relatively quickly and my hope is he has never had the quality athletes he has now which should produce a quick positive impact. I mean how good would OU have been last year if they gave up 28 points a game instead of +40? And I don’t think 28 points a game is the standard we are looking for, but making that improvement in one year would be a solid improvement.

He came from Ohio State so he is used to this caliber of athlete. Which is probably a good thing

 

[soonersoldier]

He came from Ohio State so he is used to this caliber of athlete. Which is probably a good thing

True but I was referring to his time at WSU when he was actually the DC.

 

[roygbell]

We will have three other QBs that will be available come August Fall practice. Mordecai, Shaffer and Rattler. With all the other great offensive skill players we wouldn't be without QBs.

On the other hand having a defense will take lots of pressure off of the OU offense. It looks to me like just confidence and excitement of the defensive players will really help the 19 defense.

With three or four additional defensive stops really helps the offense. There won't be many offensive teams out there that can out score OU. Give us an improved defense will give us a huge boost.

Having a guy like Hurts will give us an offensive boost, but Grinch could give the defense a huge boost.

 

[OUnabomber]

We will have three other QBs that will be available come August Fall practice. Mordecai, Shaffer and Rattler. With all the other great offensive skill players we wouldn't be without QBs.

On the other hand having a defense will take lots of pressure off of the OU offense. It looks to me like just confidence and excitement of the defensive players will really help the 19 defense.

With three or four additional defensive stops really helps the offense. There won't be many offensive teams out there that can out score OU. Give us an improved defense will give us a huge boost.

Having a guy like Hurts will give us an offensive boost, but Grinch could give the defense a huge boost.

None of those QB have played any meaningful snaps. I think with our recent success at that position that many think its just going to keep on rolling no matter who we put in there. The starter would have probably been Mordecai and I just don't see him being much more than average at this point in his career. Hurts coming to OU is a huge deal

 

[Senior Sooner]

FYI...Sorta, Kinda, Interesting Side Note...

https://247sports.com/college/oklah...klahoma-Sooners-football-chemistry-130664898/

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

I assumed we were talking about short term impact. My guess is the D is still going to be below average next season. I'm not expecting a miracle

Just curious as to what average would be? #60? #50? #40? I do think the defense is going to be much improved but they're coming from along way down in the rankings. I'm going with Grinch. If Baker & Murray couldn't get us a Championship year, neither will Hurts. The defense has to improve to reach the promise land.

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

Thats hard to say because we don't know what Grinch can do with this D. I'm a little surprised to see many already proclaiming that our defense is a lot better. Are these not the same players as last year minus a couple? I understand that it couldn't get much worse, but I'm not sold on them being a lot better. Not yet anyway

Same guys but they'll be measurably better. Why?
1. Different scheme
2. Different attitude
3. More mature
4. Football smarter
These four things will make them same guys but 'different' players. ! think they'll get more sacks, more defensive turnovers, and more defensive points scored.

 

[OUnabomber]

Same guys but they'll be measurably better. Why?
1. Different scheme
2. Different attitude
3. More mature
4. Football smarter
These four things will make them same guys but 'different' players. ! think they'll get more sacks, more defensive turnovers, and more defensive points scored.

Well they can't be any worse right? Its not going to take much to be better than the last couple of years. I'm just under the belief that you aren't winning a championship without a very good QB. Hurts provides that

 

[WhyNotaSooner]

Well they can't be any worse right? Its not going to take much to be better than the last couple of years. I'm just under the belief that you aren't winning a championship without a very good QB. Hurts provides that

Well OU has proven that back to back Heisman winners can't win a National Championship either. I know, know, it sounds bad.... because it is bad.

 

[OUSOONER67]

I would say Hurts. Same as last season without Murray we would have lost a few more games. A lot more faith in the Offense and the talent on that side of the ball than the Defense which seems to have been an afterthought for a while now, The Defense may be improved some but I just hope its enough to get us out of a jam here and there if the Offense is having a bad day. I just don't want to hear any more lame excuses as to why we cannot play Defense in the Big 12, 11, 10. So glad Mike is gone, that alone should make the Defense a middle of the road Conference D.

 

[kcstorm06]

Sounds like Grinch has the defensive guys on their toes. But it sounds like he is not pleased yet by practices. Hard to get the MS stink off the guys. Looking forward to seeing who ends up the starters. Very glad to hear that Jalen Redmond’s health problem has cleared, and he will be a factor this year as edge rusher...with Perkins.

 

[CTOkie]

Questions on the defense likely won't be answered until the Texas Tech and Texas games.

 

[Salt City Sooner]

Questions on the defense likely won't be answered until the Texas Tech and Texas games.

If King’s knee is good to go ( & it was just a miniscus injury so barring unforeseen circumstances it should be) Houston will be a stiff test right off the bat. They had a very prolific offense when he was healthy (he missed 2 1/2 games & still accounted for 50 TD’s if that tells you anything) & except for their TE, everybody’s back, not to mention Holgorsen’s there now. He may not have ever beaten OU, but sans that weird 16-7 game a few years back, he’s put points up against us pretty consistently.

 

[OUnabomber]

Well OU has proven that back to back Heisman winners can't win a National Championship either. I know, know, it sounds bad.... because it is bad.

lol well thats true. I guess you can't win without a good QB and you can't win with a good one if you have no defense. Obviously its a team game and you need both.

 

[Soonerheart]

What is best for OU football in 2019...Alex Grinch.

Why

It’s highly likely that Alex Grinch helps significantly improve OU’s defense .. on the field of play and to a degree with new recruits. This takes would take pressure off the OU offense.

It’s not even a given that Hurts beats out Tanner Mordecai for the starting job. Mordecai is very underrated IMO by the local media and fans.

Beyond this year Alex Grinch by miles.