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Articles by Jay Attal
Oklahoma named a week 6 winner, A QB Quandary, and More
If you’re still processing the emotional whiplash of Oklahoma’s 55-48 win over Texas in the Red River Showdown, you’re most certainly not alone. A quarterback controversy, an offense discovering its big play ability, and a resilient defensive effort are just a few pieces of an incredible story that reminds us all why we love college football so much in the first place. In his weekly recap, Paul Myerberg listed the Oklahoma Sooners as one of college football’s biggest winners in week 6.
Why OU-Texas could be the big game this Sooner has been waiting for
With five weeks in the books on the 2021 college football season, the Oklahoma Sooners have had a mixture of playmakers lead the way for the offense. Mario Williams, Jadon Haselwood, Marvin Mims, and Michael Woods have each had a standout performance and led the team in receiving in a game this year. Of those four, Mims is the only one that has done it twice. In the backfield, Kennedy Brookes and Eric Gray have led the team in run production.
Is this former Sooner the NFL’s top rookie?
Former Sooners and current NFL quarterbacks Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield are in the headlines for strong play that has led their teams to a 4-0 and 3-1 start respectively. But there is another OU great who’s putting together an impressive 2021 campaign. Kansas City Chiefs’ center Creed Humphrey has been dubbed the top offensive rookie through the first four weeks of play per Pro Football Focus.
Recapping the Big 12 Weekend that was
The Oklahoma Sooners got another close win to remain undefeated on the year, defeating Kansas State for the first time since 2018, 37-31. However, this win may have been the Sooners’ most complete performance of the season. Spencer Rattler played great, throwing more touchdowns (2) than interceptions (1) for 243 yards as the offense scored on seven of its eight drives.
2 Sooners to watch on defense in Week 5
Whether or not Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson plays tomorrow, Oklahoma can still expect a big game from its pash rush. The Wildcats’ offensive line has surrendered 13 sacks against Thompson and backup quarterbacks Will Howard and Jaren Lewis through four games. Oklahoma State shut down K-State’s passing attack in week four, limiting Lewis and Howard to just 198 total yards with a touchdown and an interception.
The Oklahoma Sooners are making their own luck in close games
On Tuesday, Lincoln Riley spoke to the media and provided his thoughts after the season’s first month. With three of the Sooners’ first four games coming down the wire, Riley addressed concerns that Oklahoma is simply “surviving” each week. Surviving vs. go take them and win them and I feel like we’ve gone and taken them and won them It’s great to be in all these different situations. You can’t simulate those.
Opinion: The Sooners have flaws, but don’t dub them “losers”
Many words adequately describe the start of the Oklahoma Sooners 2021 football season. You could call it surprising; a Lincoln Riley team struggling in three of its first four games is something few anticipated — especially when you consider how easy the nonconference schedule was supposed to be. You could also label it an offensive disappointment. Fans anxiously awaiting another year of high-flying offense and blowout wins haven’t received what they anticipated. That much is undeniable.
Oklahoma continues its slide down the AP Top 25 Poll
Another week, another hard-fought win for the Oklahoma Sooners. OU’s 16-13 win over West Virginia is its third nail-biting victory through four games. Despite a 4-0 record, Oklahoma continues to fall in the polls due to its inability to win games in a commanding fashion. After dropping to no. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll, Oklahoma also slides to no. 6 in the latest AP Top 25. Two members of the Big 10 now sit above the Sooners.
Threat Assessment: A deep dive into the Mountaineers before week 4
Opponent: West Virginia Record: 2-1 Threat level (1-10): 7 Rundown: If the Mountaineers can find a way to hold onto the football, they could be a pretty good team this year. Through just three games, they have coughed up four fumbles and three interceptions and rank 124th in the FBS in turnovers lost. Takeaways proved to be the difference-maker in week one.
Former Sooners QB breaks SMU record in season opener
Former Sooners quarterback Tanner Mordecai did not take long to prove he’s the right man under center for SMU. Mordecai tossed a program-record seven touchdowns in the Mustang’s 56-9 dismemberment of Abeline Christian on Saturday. A mark that also ties the American Athletic Conference single-game record per smumustangs.com. The veteran quarterback looked comfortable in his Mustangs debut, throwing for 317 yards and no interceptions before being relieved by backup quarterback Derek Green.
Isaiah Thomas, Sooners defense take over in the second quarter
The opening 15 minutes had Sooners fans a little nervous as the Tulane Green Wave looked sharp and polished on two touchdown drives. But the defense buckled down to start the second quarter and has helped OU take a commanding 37-14 lead into intermission. Nik Bonitto started Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt’s misfortune by torpedoing himself onto a botched snap that led to a short field and a Sooners’ field goal.
Twitter reacts to Tre Bradford’s departure from Sooners
Just 24 hours ago, we discussed how Marcus Major’s ineligibility would impact OU’s backfield. Now, for the second time in as many days, Lincoln Riley and the Oklahoma Sooners are suddenly without another running back in Tre Bradford. Bradford’s unexpected departure leaves running backs coach DeMarco Murray in strange territory.
How David Ugwoegbu seeks to lead the Sooners in 2021
On Wednesday, the media spoke to linebacker David Ugwoegbu following OU’s practice. The junior fielded questions about his development, his teammate’s progress, and his willingness to be a leader this upcoming season. Ugwoegbu was laser-focused while answering the questions placed in front of him, but he couldn’t help but smile when discussing what this Sooners’ defense is capable of in 2021. Ugwoegbu transitioned to inside linebacker last season and made three starts in his 11 appearances.
Former Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman ranked No. 1 right tackle in the NFL
Make no mistake, Oklahoma is QBU. Two of the last four Heisman winners are Sooners in Baker Mayfield (2017) and Kyler Murray (2018). Now, they both start on Sundays in the NFL. Jalen Hurts enters the season as the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. And OU’s current signal-caller, Spencer Rattler, is a Heisman favorite and a projected first-round draft pick in 2022. That trend is expected to continue when five-star prospect Malachi Nelson arrives in 2023.
Oklahoma Sooners’ WR Mario Williams earns ESPN All-Freshman honors
Sooners’ wideout Mario Williams has been named to ESPN’s 2021 preseason true freshman All-America team (subscription required). A consensus four-star recruit from Tampa, Florida, Williams cracks ESPN’s list just three days after being named to 247Sports’ true freshman team. The attention Williams is receiving is well deserved.
Blowouts and building blocks : Takeaways from Lincoln Riley’s four season openers
While Oklahoma didn’t punch its way into the College Football Playoffs in 2020, the COVID-altered campaign still provided some very positive takeaways for the Crimson and Cream. In week five, the Sooners took down the Horned Frogs, 33-14 in Fort Worth. Quarterback Spencer Rattler dissected the TCU defense for 332 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Sooners from both sides of the football named to ESPN’s Preseason All-America Team
The time for talk will soon be over. Oklahoma’s September 4th season opener versus Tulane continues to creep closer and closer. But until then, each passing day brings college football fans another power ranking, preseason poll, or all-regional award list to wade through. Today, two Sooners were named to ESPN’s Preseason All-America Team.
WR Luther Burden decommits from Sooners’ 2022 class
Four-star wide receiver Luther Burden of the Sooners’ 2022 recruiting class has decommitted, as announced by Hayes Fawcett of on3.com. Burden, a senior at East St. Louis High School, was Oklahoma’s top offensive recruit from the 2022 draft class according to ESPN. However, the four-star prospect is now the third receiver from next year’s class to decommit from the Sooners since July.
Where do the Oklahoma Sooners rank over the last 20 years?
Since Bob Stoops took over the Oklahoma Sooners in 1999, hit set the program on a path to be one of the most successful college football teams in the country during his tenure. Since the turn of the millennium, few programs have had more or as much success as the Oklahoma Sooners have during the Bob Stoops and Lincoln Riley eras. John La Fleur of Athlon Sports tabbed Oklahoma as the nation’s fourth-best program since 2001 on his top 10 FBS list.
Oklahoma sits atop preseason Big 12 power rankings
The Oklahoma Sooners have won the Big 12 an unprecedented 14 times since joining the conference in 1996. Of those 14 titles, only one is shared as they split the trophy with Kansas State in 2014. For many, OU’s hoisting of the championship banner is something they can set their watches to. The Crimson and Cream have brought the title back to Norman each year since 2015. The Sooners have put together formidable squads over these last six years.
Former Sooners QB headlines PFF’s fantasy football rankings
With the NFL season just four weeks away, it’s time to prepare your fantasy football master plan. Pro Football Focus’ Andrew Erickson named former Sooner Kyler Murray as a top quarterback pickup for any PPR (points per reception) fantasy team this season. Erickson labeled Murray as a tier-one option, placing him in the same category as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Dak Prescott.
OU Football estimates 90% of team is vaccinated against COVID-19
The Sooners expect to contend for a national title behind the arm of Spencer Rattler. But could a decision they make off the field ultimately make the biggest impact? During Tuesday’s media session, cornerback D.J. Graham estimated 90% of the Sooners are already vaccinated against COVID-19, as reported by Jesse Crittenden of the Norman Transcript. Sooners cornerback DJ Graham estimates about 90% of the team is vaccinated.
Unfettered Optimism Pt.2- Why 2019 Could Be Special for the Cowboys
In 2016 the expression “the great wall of Dallas” found new life. Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliot was averaging over 5 YPA behind a massive barricade of humanity. Since then, injuries across the offensive line have left the wall looking more like a fence. However, after some draft attention, recovery time for players such as Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick, and fortuitous development of defensive pieces; Dallas is looking deep in the trenches.
Player Profile: Michael Gallup
• Drafted in the 3rd round, 81st overall selection out of Colorado State University in 2018 This is why Michael Gallup was a Biletnikoff Award finalist as the nation's top receiver. #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/YFjQdE7tpE — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 17, 2017 Michael Gallup made a name for himself at Colorado State with his strong hands and a physical play style after the catch.
Dallas Sports Fanatic
Jerry Jones and company could be found smoking expensive cigars and watching Amari Cooper highlight tapes last night. It’s rightfully deserved. With all the production Cooper added to the Cowboys offense, the Cowboys would willingly trade their 1st round pick again if they had to. That being said, not every team in the division took Thursday night off. Here’s what the bad guys did and what it means for Dallas. The New York Giants: Well, blogging the boys said it best.
How I met Sean Lee (and a realization) at a coffee shop
I have been watching quite a bit of tape lately. Randall Cobb’s 2018 season in Green Bay, Robert Quinn’s tenure with the Dolphins and even some tape on George Iloka’s time in Minnesota. It has been a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. I still have much to learn about the intricacies of football and the tape is as good a teacher as any. I was watching tape for a piece about Robert Quinn when someone outside the coffee shop window caught my attention.
Dallas Sports Fanatic
Cowboys fans were rightfully excited when they received news that Dallas traded for nine-year veteran Robert Quinn for nothing more than a 2020 sixth-round pick and a half-eaten Snickers bar. Quinn is a quality defensive end who also has experience at the linebacker position. However, injuries and inconsistent performance over the last several seasons has significantly lowered the value of the former 2x Pro Bowler.
What kind of player did the Cowboys get in Cobb? A deeper look at his 2018 campaign
My initial reaction to the Tuesday afternoon announcement that Dallas had signed former Green Bay Packer Randall Cobb was mixed. One one hand, I was excited due to his success in Green Bay over the last eight seasons. On the other, I was concerned about Cobb’s perceived injury history ( it would seem the Cowboys are as well– considering his contract is one year and 5 million dollars). But after closer inspection, there is little to complain about regarding Cobb’s on-field production.
Unfettered optimism- Kellen Moore may be an offensive genius
In week 11 the Kansas City Chiefs did battle with the Los Angeles Rams on a Monday night in LA. 1001 total yards and 105 points later, the world had just witnessed one of the most dominant offensive performances in the history of pro football. In this game, the Rams utilized play action to terrorize Kansas City. Quarterback Jared Goff threw his Rams to victory to the tune of 413 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Dallas Sports Fanatic
“Jason Garrett will call the plays in 2019” “Jason Garrett will not call the plays in 2019” “Kellen Moore is one of the candidates for OC” “Kellen Moore is likely to be OC” If anyone is nervous about Jason Garrett staying on as head coach (calling or not calling plays), or Kellen Moore becoming the offensive coordinator– you have a perfectly rational fear. As big as the cloud of uncertainty may seem on the offensive coaching staff, the skies seem clear defensively.
Dallas Sports Fanatic
Friday afternoon, the Cowboys announced they had “mutually parted ways” with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. Whether or not the departure was truly mutual may never be confirmed, and if we’re being honest, it really doesn’t matter. Linehan’s five-year run with the Cowboys was beginning to look more like an inside joke than a legitimate long-term strategy with every passing day. An inside joke that was only funny to the Cowboys front office.
The Elephant in the room needs to put on a jersey and help the Cowboys o-line block
This year’s rendition of the Cowboys offensive line leaves me genuinely confused. Gone is the “great wall of Dallas,” missing a fundamental cornerstone in center Travis Frederick. “The chasm of chaos”(it’s a working nickname) has done the Cowboys no favors through the first half of the season. Yes, the passing game is bad, and hopefully, the acquisition of Amari Cooper can help with that.
Texas Legends to Give Away New Car to Lucky Fan
If anyone needed any extra motivation to get out to Dr. Pepper Arena to see the Texas Legends this season, it has arrived. The Legends announced a partnership with Ewing Buick GMC that will have the G-League franchise displaying a sparkling new 2018 Buick Encore directly above center court at all home games this season. Not enough? How about this? One lucky fan will win the car at the last home game this season.
Dwight Powell paying tribute to former Maverick Justin Anderson with pregame handshake
When Justin Anderson played with the Mavs, he had this pre-game handshake he would complete with forward Dwight Powell following the National Anthem that essentially ended with jumping high-fives. Back in February, after Anderson was traded, along with Andrew Bogut and a protected first-round pick, to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Nerlens Noel, Powell still completed the handshake only with air high-fives as if Anderson was still there.
Breaking Down The Wide Receiver Madness
The Cowboys have left plenty of room for speculation in regards to roster spots this off-season. While some may call this an annoyance, I simply call it fun. With the exception of the Quarterback position, and about 4/5th of the Cowboys’ Offensive Line, each position’s depth chart could shape up in any number of ways. So,which position group would be the most fun to break down and analyze? I emphatically tell you that it is the receiving corp.
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