regarding the RRS is this... It's the Mike Stoops factor. I know, I know, Texas and OU fans far and wide are wondering why a guy who hasn't been the defensive coordinator at OU since 03 is the biggest topic not talked about regarding the RRS? I'll tell you why, guys. Because the OU football program misses that man more than they realize. Thing is, guys, is this. Defensive coordinators mean a whole hell of a lot more to a team than some people realize. I truly believe Mike Stoops was the wild-card that put OU over the top against UT those four years he was there. Far more talented UT teams than the one Saturday have come in and have been embarrassed by OU - because of M. Stoops. Because not only was he a TERRIFIC defensive coordinator, he breathed the same kind of fire into those defensive players that Muschamp is breathing into his players in Austin. And I truly believe a team feeds off its defense and the man who runs it. When I've watched OU post M. Stoops, I just don't see that swagger they used to have. They rarely missed a tackle, they were always where they should have been, they had a swagger that was unaparalleled (they were good and they knew it) and if it was a big game, forget it. If there was any evidence of OU missing M. Stoops more than they realize, it was last year's game. I think last year's UT team was the worst team Mack Brown has fielded since their 2003 team - the team that went up in flames 13-65 at the Cotton Bowl. Yet, that team traded punches with a far more talented OU team. A 2007 OU team with M. Stoops would have knocked UT into oblivion last year, folks. OU fans like to talk about how they're six of their last eight over UT, and how it's going to be another blowout like 2000 and 2003. I've got some news for you. OU isn't the same program they were five years ago, and neither is UT. In fact, the two teams are 2-2 against one another the last four years. Not coincidentally, those four years have been the four years since the 65-13 destruction in 2003, and they've been the years since M. Stoops was at OU. In fact, the only team that's been blowing the other guy out is UT the last four years (45-12 - although it was with VY, and 28-10 in 2006). There will be no blowout in the Cotton Bowl Saturday - not a chance. Texas does not get intimidated anymore when they see the OU on the other guy's helmet. OU may win, but they're going to have to earn this one.
I completely agree with you. At the time he left I said they let the wrong Stoops go. But I've had to back off that now with Mike's record at Arizona. I guess he's a lot like Norm Turner, he's a much better cordinator than a head coach.
Seems pausible, but their offense has taken up the slack created when M. left. This game , IMHO, will be decided by TOs and penalties.
What do offensive outputs of 10 and 12 points have to do with a Defensive Coordinator that left 5 years ago?
I think you're reaching here. A DC that left 5 years ago is no longer a factor at all. OU has proven they can both win and lose against UT without Mike Stoops. If you want to say that Will Muschamp is a factor, well, I'd agree with you.
Not to defend a Stoopsie, but Arizona was a tough place to turn around. He is not there yet but if you give him another 4-5 years they will be towards the top of the Pac 10
This is quite a reach... True, we did not have a very good team (relative to other MB teams) last year, at this time. But you also have to look at the talent level at OU each year. last year they had a Fr QB who "seemed like he sucked", and an unproven secondary, and they were coming off an upset loss (as were we) to CU. I don't think Mike Stoops would have made last years game into a blow out. It was a hard fought, evenly matched game, but OU was just plain tougher down the stretch and won. I think people got more or less what they expected. Mike Stoops or no. As for the previous 3 years, their 2005 squad was Big Game Bob's worst since 99. Mike Stoops would not have made a difference there. In 2004, they blanked us.... Can't get much tougher than that...
I don't think it is a reach. Most OU fans that know football will agree that our secondary has not been the same since he left. He gave our players that fire. What makes me nervous about this game is that it has the exact opposite feeling of 63-14 and 65-13. Those years, Texas was the higher ranked team and getting all the attention. People were saying that OU was good, but not good enough to hang with Texas. Texas was a little arrogant and OU was flying under the radar taking care of business. This year is the exact opposite. Texas is fired up and playing with passion in every game and OU is kind of arrogant expecting a blowout. Makes me nervous.
SoonerStamp: Just the opposite of you but I agree whole heartidly. Neither team has played anybody and players and teams are being raved about..... Good Luck!!
Texas was getting all the attention in 2003 as the higher ranked team? No...OU was number one in the country by a WIDE margin and UT was 11 after getting embarrassed at home by Arkansas...we were supposed to lose, and we did.
I think Mike had more to do with the early success than Bob so i agree 100% with Husker. This game will hinge on two things imo Tunrnovers (this always plays a factor) Whether we can withstand OU's 1st qtr onslaught We keep TO down and go into the second qtr tied then this thing will be a dog fight for both teams until teh end. We just can't get down 14 to 17 pts in the 1st qtr.
Where's the Arizona swagger? They're a very average team, especially on defense. I use to think our D missed Mike Stoops. This year its different. Its the most aggressive, best tackling, hard hitting D we've had since he left. left.
I think the point is valid that they haven't replaced coaching well. But I think the bigger chasm comes on offense. Everyone I've heard talk raves about Wilson over Long. IMO I hope that stays the same because Long gave Robinson big time game day fits. Hook'em
