Breaking down ND/OU

[VadersbrOU]

I think you're undervaluing BYU and Stanford's defenses. BYU has allowed fewer PPG than OU.

we are not Playing BYU or Stanford, and in the context of your argument ND did not light those defense's up. they struggled big time! and at home

 

[BarrySwitz]

To get to the point of this: those of you most familiar with OU, how do you think your boys are going to respond to the hype this weekend? Unlike years in not-to-distant past, I think it's going to help ND, and I expect us to be cool and comfortable at gametime.

edit: can i just say how refreshing it is to have actual, informed fans of football from an opposing team posting here? SOS aside, Its almost enough to make a guy root for OU in the following weeks.

Our home record has become almost a negative for us in recent years. Fans show up and expect to win--especially the older ones. We're faithful, but we're not loud, vicious, or crazy like LSU fans (for example). In 2008 we played #1 Texas Tech. Bob Stoops called out the fans during his presser and the fans showed up LOUD--during timeouts, between plays, 1st down, 4th down-- you couldn't hear yourself think. Will it be like that again? Probably.

Notre Dame plays in big games each year and we know they won't be intimidated by playing at Oklahoma. But has an unbeaten (midseason) Notre Dame played in a hostile environment of 85,000+? No offense intended.. but this Notre Dame team isn't coming in with multiple losses like the past few Notre Dame teams have when visiting USC, Michigan, and the like.

As far as the players responding, hopefully they're not reading too many press clippings. I'm sure after the first few plays, the butterflies will settle and they'll get to business. I think this game will be won with X's and O's and not emotion and crowd participation. But the environment is sure to be electric-- even if it is chilly and in the 40s.

 

[PraetorianND]

I think you're undervaluing BYU and Stanford's defenses. BYU has allowed fewer PPG than OU.

we are not Playing BYU or Stanford, and in the context of your argument ND did not light those defense's up. they struggled big time! and at home

No we didn't light up those defenses. In fact we generally don't light up any defenses. We run the ball and control the clock. In the second half against BYU we threw the ball 3 times. We don't look to score fast like an OU or Oregon. We want to limit your possessions and score where we can.

How would OU look if they all the sudden started their backup QB against the best defense they have faced all year? What do you think would happen?

 

[PraetorianND]

Our home record has become almost a negative for us in recent years. Fans show up and expect to win--especially the older ones. We're faithful, but we're not loud, vicious, or crazy like LSU fans (for example). In 2008 we played #1 Texas Tech. Bob Stoops called out the fans during his presser and the fans showed up LOUD--during timeouts, between plays, 1st down, 4th down-- you couldn't hear yourself think. Will it be like that again? Probably.

Notre Dame plays in big games each year and we know they won't be intimidated by playing at Oklahoma. But has an unbeaten Notre Dame played in a hostile environment of 85,000+? No offense intended.. but this Notre Dame team isn't coming in with multiple losses like the past few Notre Dame teams have when visiting USC, Michigan, and the like.

As far as the players responding, hopefully they're not reading too many press clippings. I'm sure after the first few plays, the butterflies will settle and they'll get to business. I think this game will be won with X's and O's and not emotion and crowd participation. But the environment is sure to be electric-- even if it is chilly and in the 40s.

I don't think you understand ND's rivalries very well. For example, last year at Michigan? How about MSU? These places are LOUD. The big house seats over 100k man. First night game EVER at Michigan. We know what a loud crowd is like.

 

[VadersbrOU]

cannot grind the clock if you are behind.

I think interesting thing to watch is OU runs a spread and power . ND has mostly played against teams with Power sets, with the exception of Michigan . The Wolverines moved the ball but turned it over (a lot)

You will need turnovers from OU as well

 

[PraetorianND]

cannot grind the clock if you are behind.

I think interesting thing to watch is OU runs a spread and power . ND has mostly played against teams with Power sets, with the exception of Michigan . The Wolverines moved the ball but turned it over (a lot)

You will need turnovers from OU as well

That's exactly what we did against BYU. We ground the clock when we were behind, and won.

 

[aubeirish]

Stanford and BYU are not even in the same discussion with the Speed of OU

ND is also much faster than those 2

Regardless, Stanford's defense held USC's offense to only 14 points. USC's offense is as fast as you will find. To say they are not a top flight defense is wrong. They are as physical as anybody and we took it to them.

 

[PraetorianND]

Co-Signed.

Switz, dude, it's NOTRE DAME. The crowds are there and loud. Their foes give them their best shot, just like us.

Aside from the crowds, there is an enormous amount of pressure being a player or coach at ND (OU too). There is a reason why they say the ND coaching job is the toughest in the country. Expectations are sky high every year (unreasonably high in recent years). SUPER tough academics for the players.

These kids are no strangers to pressure. Not to mention the enormous amount of HATE they get every week because we're ND anyway.

 

[woolybug25]

cannot grind the clock if you are behind.

I think interesting thing to watch is OU runs a spread and power . ND has mostly played against teams with Power sets, with the exception of Michigan . The Wolverines moved the ball but turned it over (a lot)

You will need turnovers from OU as well

It is a complete falacy that you cant "grind" if you are behind. Of course, that is if you aren't severely behind. I promise you that if we are down by less than two possessions, we will continue to grind. We will run the ball and try to score on long drives. We score fast on defensive turnovers, not pass-happy offense. This is how Bama and Florida play as well.

Stanford and BYU are not even in the same discussion with the Speed of OU

ND is also much faster than those 2

You must not watch many Stanford games.

 

[BarrySwitz]

Rankings at this point are useless because it really depends on who you play. Stanford/BYU's front 7> OU's, OU does have better DBs, imo. But a strong front 7 is a hell of a lot more important.

I agree. At this point in the season, NCAA statistics and rankings cause people to get into circular logic arguments.

Watch the games and see who passes the eye test. ND defense has looked great all season. OU offense looked average for the first 3 games but has looked nearly unstoppable the last 3 games. OU defense has looked very good all season and ND offense has looked just average all season.
To me, in Norman, that equates to an OU victory. But I'm sure you guys see it differently. I'm sure you guys are also hoping for an "X factor" or an advantage in turnover margin--both things could swing the game in your favor.

 

[koonja]

I hope we kick-off. Put our defense out there in the first possession to set the mood, quiet the place. Watching the 1st quarter of their KSU game, and their running game doesn't scare me at all. Stuff the run, get them into obvious passing situations, and have fun blocking our front seven on 3rd and long. That being said, 1st and 10 PA fakes (or any other non-obvious passing down passes) scare me against this team.

Side note, their QB does a great job directing the no-huddle. Also, their DBs move/tackle really, really well.

 

[aubeirish]

I agree. At this point in the season, NCAA statistics and rankings cause people to get into circular logic arguments.

Watch the games and see who passes the eye test. ND defense has looked great all season. OU offense looked average for the first 3 games but has looked nearly unstoppable the last 3 games. OU defense has looked very good all season and ND offense has looked just average all season.
To me, in Norman, that equates to an OU victory. But I'm sure you guys see it differently. I'm sure you guys are also hoping for an "X factor" or an advantage in turnover margin--both things could swing the game in your favor.

Our defense is going to show up. I don't think anybody expect otherwise. To me the X factor is Golson. Can he take care of the football? Can he make the right reads? Is Kelly going to let him run? Those are some of the questions marks I have going in the game.

I haven't seen OU play this year, but I expect a strong opponent across the board. Stoops teams are always well coached and discipline. It will be a nail bitter in my opinion. Frankly, I can't wait.

 

[RDU Irish]

Hard for us to "expect" a win when we are 10 point dogs. I think this is an unusual case of a lower ranked team being this strongly favored. When is the last time two top 10 teams faced off and one was favored by 10 points, let alone the lower ranked team favored so much?

I won't be surprised if we win, but I am not crazy enough to expect to win. I think the point spread creates a great opportunity for ND to prove it is legit.

 

[BarrySwitz]

I hope we kick-off. Put our defense out there in the first possession to set the mood, quiet the place. Watching the 1st quarter of their KSU game, and their running game doesn't scare me at all. Stuff the run, get them into obvious passing situations, and have fun blocking our front seven on 3rd and long. That being said, 1st and 10 PA fakes (or any other non-obvious passing down passes) scare me against this team.

Probably a good idea. Would be shocked to see you take the ball if you win the coin toss.

 

[BarrySwitz]

Hard for us to "expect" a win when we are 10 point dogs. I think this is an unusual case of a lower ranked team being this strongly favored. When is the last time two top 10 teams faced off and one was favored by 10 points, let alone the lower ranked team favored so much?

I won't be surprised if we win, but I am not crazy enough to expect to win. I think the point spread creates a great opportunity for ND to prove it is legit.

Vegas sets their line in order to maximize betting and profits. OU being 10 point favorites just says that bets are likely to be hedged that way. The line is not really set based on anything logical in the football world.

 

[PraetorianND]

I agree. At this point in the season, NCAA statistics and rankings cause people to get into circular logic arguments.

Watch the games and see who passes the eye test. ND defense has looked great all season. OU offense looked average for the first 3 games but has looked nearly unstoppable the last 3 games. OU defense has looked very good all season and ND offense has looked just average all season.
To me, in Norman, that equates to an OU victory. But I'm sure you guys see it differently. I'm sure you guys are also hoping for an "X factor" or an advantage in turnover margin--both things could swing the game in your favor.

I think everyone will agree with you on all points. I think where ND fans get upset is when OU fans say it's going to be a 50-10 victory.

 

[Patulski]

If you’re going to peel the onion on that question, why not do it for Rutgers, Louisville and Ohio. They, too, haven’t done a whole lot the last 20 years and they, too, are unbeaten.

I think a whole lot of Sooner fans are going to have a moment during the game when they say, "Holy **** did you see how fast that big guy ran", and it dawns on them that Nix and Tuitt are different from the defensive linemen at Rutgers, Lousiville and Ohio.

If I were one of these trolls that have invaded our board this week, I'd be more concerned with Landry Jones being knocked out than getting all hot and bothered about what happened to Bradford three years ago.

 

[PraetorianND]

I understand what you're saying, but how many losses did you have going into those games? Going into Michigan in '11 you were 0-1, not exactly the same as 7-0. 2010 at Michigan State, you were 1-1, again, not exactly the same as playing a 7-0 Notre Dame.

and THAT was the point I was trying to make. Pressure has not been this high nor have the expectations. I don't care if you're Notre Dame. If you're 4-3 going into a show down it's different than being 7-0.

When OU and Texas play eachother it's wild no matter how many wins/losses they have. It's the same situation for Auburn v Bama, OSO and Michigan and ND v. Michigan, MSU, USC, Miami, FSU, BC, Purdue, etc. People live for football in the midwest just like they do in your area and get up for games against ND regardless of records. Not to mention we had Gameday on our campus once already this year, and should have had it against MSU. We're used to it.

 

[BarrySwitz]

Our defense is going to show up. I don't think anybody expect otherwise. To me the X factor is Golson. Can he take care of the football? Can he make the right reads? Is Kelly going to let him run? Those are some of the questions marks I have going in the game.

I haven't seen OU play this year, but I expect a strong opponent across the board. Stoops teams are always well coached and discipline. It will be a nail bitter in my opinion. Frankly, I can't wait.

I would agree, if Golson can turn it up a notch, it's a totally different game--but he hasn't shown it yet so it might be wishful thinking.

To me, OU's "X factor" is the offensive line and being able to keep him protected in the pocket. I think we can both agree that if Landry Jones isn't pressured and/or sacked multiple times (and by multiple times I mean consistently) during the game, OU will win.

I'm sure Stoops will have them (OL) coached up and ready but who knows what Kelly and your DC will throw at them.

 

[PraetorianND]

I think a whole lot of Sooner fans are going to have a moment during the game when they say, "Holy **** did you see how fast that big guy ran", and it dawns on them that Nix and Tuitt are different from the defensive linemen at Rutgers, Lousiville and Ohio.

If I were one of these trolls that have invaded our board this week, I'd be more concerned with Landry Jones being knocked out than getting all hot and bothered about what happened to Bradford three years ago.

I agree completely. I think these people think we recruit slow midwest kids like Big10 teams. We get the best players from all over the country. We pluck kids from UT, Bama, Georgia, USC, etc. If you think these guys are just going to fall over when they see players from OU you're out of your mind.

 

[PraetorianND]

In Norman we're used to getting up on good teams early and seeing it snowball. It's not meant as any disrespect-- the fans are just spoiled with these types of victories and predicting them isn't as crazy as you might think.
Could it happen? Yes..but IMO it probably won't because ND has a good defense. A good defense is less likely to completely fall apart (as opposed to a good offense). Snowballing seems to happen when offenses get out of sync.

ND's offense is constantly out of sync. It works for us.

 

[OUMallen]

I think a whole lot of Sooner fans are going to have a moment during the game when they say, "Holy **** did you see how fast that big guy ran", and it dawns on them that Nix and Tuitt are different from the defensive linemen at Rutgers, Lousiville and Ohio.

If I were one of these trolls that have invaded our board this week, I'd be more concerned with Landry Jones being knocked out than getting all hot and bothered about what happened to Bradford three years ago.

I don't know how long you've been watching football, but typically, "I hope those big mean men don't knocked our QB out of the game!" is not typically a gameweek concern for the fanbase, unless you're severely overmatched.

 

[PraetorianND]

No one is saying that.

Well you clearly don't respect ND if you think we're going to lose by 40 pts. Maybe that's what happened against KSU?

 

[PraetorianND]

Where the F did I say OU wins by 40?

Don't feed the idiot-trolls man. A few of us on here have shown to be pretty reasonable.


Anyone that wants to take OU -39, I'll put some money up on ND +39.

I'm not saying "you" as in you personally. I'm saying OU fans. So what I'm saying is that that sort of belief could be a weakness. Don't call me an "idiot." Thx.

 

[OUMallen]

I was calling OU fans calling for a 40-point blowout "idiot-trolls". I did call you "man" though. And then I said there's no way OU by 40 happens.



Theoretically, I can't really be on your side any more than I currently am.

 

[Patulski]

I don't know how long you've been watching football, but typically, "I hope those big mean men don't knocked our QB out of the game!" is not typically a gameweek concern for the fanbase, unless you're severely overmatched.

Well it should be. Because your boy is going to get rocked a few times by USC/Alabama/Florida caliber linemen who are big, fast and relentless, and we've got the best blitzing inside linebacker in the country.

 

[PraetorianND]

I was calling OU fans calling for a 40-point blowout "idiot-trolls". I did call you "man" though. And then I said there's no way OU by 40 happens.



Theoretically, I can't really be on your side any more than I currently am.

OK, quite the confusion. Apologies. At any rate ND is sweet.

 

[OUMallen]

Well it should be. Because your boy is going to get rocked a few times by USC/Alabama/Florida caliber linemen who are big, fast and relentless, and we've got the best blitzing inside linebacker in the country.

OK OK OK I'm opening up the pocketbook:

I have $50 that says Landry Jones is not injured enough to be knocked out of the remainder of the game, that time limit expires with 3:00 left in the 4Q if OU is up by at least 9 points (two possessions). I'm not paying out if LJ is knocked out, but it's too late for ND to win anyway.

I also have $50 on ND +39 if anyone will take that. If I lose that bet...well, I'll live.

 

[PraetorianND]

OK OK OK I'm opening up the pocketbook:

I have $50 that says Landry Jones is not injured enough to be knocked out of the remainder of the game, that time limit expires with 3:00 left in the 4Q if OU is up by at least 9 points (two possessions). I'm not paying out if LJ is knocked out, but it's too late for ND to win anyway.

I also have $50 on ND +39 if anyone will take that. If I lose that bet...well, I'll live.

I'll take ND +39

 

[BarrySwitz]

Well it should be. Because your boy is going to get rocked a few times by USC/Alabama/Florida caliber linemen who are big, fast and relentless, and we've got the best blitzing inside linebacker in the country.

Alabama caliber? While you're smoking dope you might as well go all out and compare them to the Chicago Bears line.


PS. Nice defense for the Bears last night!