#Countdown2Kickoff Here Comes the Boom #SoonerMagic

Although the Oklahoma Sooners fell short of the College Football Playoff title game, the season was far from a disappointment.The Sooners won their first out right Big 12 Conference Championship since 2010 and with Coach Bob Stoops signed through 2022, winning conference titles may be destined to continue.

In year one of the Lincoln Riley era, a once anemic offense exploded one big play after the other. Baker Mayfield went from outcast to walk-on to All-American and his Heisman snub may be just fuel the Sooners’ fiery leader needs to duplicate and exceed the success of last season. The Sooners may be a spread offense, but their run game is certainly not for the faint of heart. Samaje ‘Optimus’ Perine shrugs off arm tackles and if defenders dare to try and tackle low, they are liable to be ran over or receive a stiff arm from Perine’s legendary 23 inch biceps. And if body blows by Optimus were not enough Joe Mixon  will have defenders begging for a pass just to get a break from the onslaught of punishment.

Since Sterling Shepard has finally ran out of eligibility, the wide outs will need to step up in order to keep opposing defenses from putting nine in the box. Thirty percent of the Sooners receptions must be replaced and early buzz suggests that talented sophomore Mark Andrews just may be the next great Sooner receiver. Unless the Sooners intend to run a wing-t, playmakers will have to step up and fast because the Houston Cougars and the Ohio State Buckeyes will certainly be ready.

On defense the Sooners have talent but most are largely unproven. The Sooners may have lost 4 1st team BIG 12 players to the NFL but 4 BIG 12 2nd teamers are poised to take their place. Cornerbacks Jordan Thomas and PJ Mbanasor boast both the size and speed to likely play on Sundays. And despite questions at linebacker, an experienced defensive line led by All-American Charles Walker will be terrors in the backfield.

The Sooners came up short last season but it appears Big Game Bob Stoops may be back. With few questions on offense, the Sooners title hopes will rely on DC Mike Stoops and the Sooners defense. Offense may sale ticket but defense still wins championships. Will 2016 be a BOOM or a BUST? Stay tuned…I know I will. – A. Denmark

 

Anthony Denmark is a writer for eatdrnkslpsprtz.com. Follow him on Twitter@eatdrkslpsprtz2, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Listen to eatdrnkslpsprtz radio  Subscribe to podcast

 

Road2Arlington: Is Big Game Bob Stoops Back? #BoomerSooner

For over a decade the Oklahoma Sooners have been the epitome of inconsistency, boasting the talent of an elite program but falling short year after year time after time breaking the hearts of Sooner faithful along the way. But after the Sooners win over the czar of college football Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide, the hype machine has returned, the Bob Stoops coaching hot seat has cooled and many believe that the Sooner Magic is back. And the losses and disappointing finishes have all but been forgotten.

The source of excitement in Norman is largely due to the growth of quarterback Trevor Knight who can extend plays with his legs and has the arm strength to make defenders pay for gambling. Although only 7 starters return on offense the cupboard is far from bare and players like running backs Keith Ford  and freshman phenom Joe Mixon may become household names at season’s end. Despite the Sooner embracing a next man up mentality the key to the Sooners National Championship hopes may be determined by the uncertainty at the wide receiver position. No one will contest the game breaking ability of receiver Sterling Shepard, but more playmakers will be relied on to play beyond their years. The concerns at wideout would all but be eliminated if Missouri  Tigers transfer Dorial Green Beckham is granted immediate eligibility.

Despite the uncertainty at wide receiver, the Sooners will boast one of the scariest defenses in the nation that may be able to win their fair share of games on their own. After weathering the storm of inexperience and inconsistency the Sooners apparently figured it out. Blessed with both talent and depth the defense promises to be fierce, ferocious, and fresh. The Sooners may boast the best collection of linebackers in the country. Last season Dominique Alexander and Eric Striker gave opposing quarterbacks nightmares one jarring hit after the other. The defensive line led by Charles Tappner will be relied on heavily to give the talented yet inexperienced Sooner secondary time to get their barrings.

In the age of the aerial onslaught that now defines the Big 12 Conference one slight mental era in the secondary could be the difference of dreams of a national championship being realized or ruined. Conference titles and BCS Bowls games have become the norm during the Stoops era, but National Titles have constantly alluded him. With an impressive cast of players returning, will things finally be different in 2014? Is Big Game Bob Stoops back or will Sooner fans be shedding more tears, yet again? Stay tuned…I know I will. Boomer Sooner

 

Anthony Denmark is a writer for eatdrnkslpsprtz.com. Follow him on Twitter@eatdrkslpsprtz2, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Listen to eatdrnkslpsprtz radio  Subscribe to podcast