I think OU is in for some pain this season...I think they lose to Nebraska, Kansas State and then Texas in the first 6 weeks of the season...This fiasco with Cale Gundy is just the latest...It looks like a Clusterf**k waiting to happen...In 1988-1989 after Switzer was forced out, OU hired 3 bad coaches, until Stoops came along...Perhaps Venable is a brilliant DC, but so far, with his 2 parent family recruit focus faux pas, and accepting the resignation of a loyal Sooner for simply stating what he saw on a ipad (maybe he utilized the word N**** because that is what he read, and did not use it to demean player, is not grounds for termination in any organization, I would question the lack of discipline on why a OU Football Player would have rap lyrics on his laptop in the first place), OU is ripe for long term fade...and an under bet for the 2022 season futures...whatever that is...
I think OU is in for some pain this season...I think they lose to Nebraska, Kansas State and then Texas in the first 6 weeks of the season...This fiasco with Cale Gundy is just the latest...It looks like a Clusterf**k waiting to happen...In 1988-1989 after Switzer was forced out, OU hired 3 bad coaches, until Stoops came along...Perhaps Venable is a brilliant DC, but so far, with his 2 parent family recruit focus faux pas, and accepting the resignation of a loyal Sooner for simply stating what he saw on a ipad (maybe he utilized the word N**** because that is what he read, and did not use it to demean player, is not grounds for termination in any organization, I would question the lack of discipline on why a OU Football Player would have rap lyrics on his laptop in the first place), OU is ripe for long term fade...and an under bet for the 2022 season futures...whatever that is...
I think OU is in for some pain this season...I think they lose to Nebraska, Kansas State and then Texas in the first 6 weeks of the season...This fiasco with Cale Gundy is just the latest...It looks like a Clusterf**k waiting to happen...In 1988-1989 after Switzer was forced out, OU hired 3 bad coaches, until Stoops came along...Perhaps Venable is a brilliant DC, but so far, with his 2 parent family recruit focus faux pas, and accepting the resignation of a loyal Sooner for simply stating what he saw on a ipad (maybe he utilized the word N**** because that is what he read, and did not use it to demean player, is not grounds for termination in any organization, I would question the lack of discipline on why a OU Football Player would have rap lyrics on his laptop in the first place), OU is ripe for long term fade...and an under bet for the 2022 season futures...whatever that is...
I'm curbing my expectations for OU this season. I'm expecting around 9 wins give or take. They really haven't had to deal with a brand new coaching staff since 1999. So it's really a crapshoot on how long it takes things to come together. I am concerned about the Sooners early games while they are still trying to put their pieces together. But if they get past their Big 12 opener with KSU I think OU will defend their home field. It's the road games that are my biggest concern. Nebraska, TCU (this could be a big play for me because of the spot), WV and Texas. This conference is up for grabs more than it has been in a long time. Nothing would surprise me.
I think OU is in for some pain this season...I think they lose to Nebraska, Kansas State and then Texas in the first 6 weeks of the season...This fiasco with Cale Gundy is just the latest...It looks like a Clusterf**k waiting to happen...In 1988-1989 after Switzer was forced out, OU hired 3 bad coaches, until Stoops came along...Perhaps Venable is a brilliant DC, but so far, with his 2 parent family recruit focus faux pas, and accepting the resignation of a loyal Sooner for simply stating what he saw on a ipad (maybe he utilized the word N**** because that is what he read, and did not use it to demean player, is not grounds for termination in any organization, I would question the lack of discipline on why a OU Football Player would have rap lyrics on his laptop in the first place), OU is ripe for long term fade...and an under bet for the 2022 season futures...whatever that is...
I'm curbing my expectations for OU this season. I'm expecting around 9 wins give or take. They really haven't had to deal with a brand new coaching staff since 1999. So it's really a crapshoot on how long it takes things to come together. I am concerned about the Sooners early games while they are still trying to put their pieces together. But if they get past their Big 12 opener with KSU I think OU will defend their home field. It's the road games that are my biggest concern. Nebraska, TCU (this could be a big play for me because of the spot), WV and Texas. This conference is up for grabs more than it has been in a long time. Nothing would surprise me.
Assuming it happened as he says or anything remotely close then have to assume someone left the meeting and told on him .. then rest of the team stays quiet and doesnt stand up for him even the bonehead that did it .. coach accepts his resignation they put out competeing statements trying to see whose more spineless .. only guy to defend him is Joe Mixon .. wtf ..
Not sure whats going on sign of a football team that wants to win anything it is not ..
Assuming it happened as he says or anything remotely close then have to assume someone left the meeting and told on him .. then rest of the team stays quiet and doesnt stand up for him even the bonehead that did it .. coach accepts his resignation they put out competeing statements trying to see whose more spineless .. only guy to defend him is Joe Mixon .. wtf ..
Not sure whats going on sign of a football team that wants to win anything it is not ..
It's a university compliance / RECRUITING / BIG BUSINESS thing .....
Supposedly someone reported it to the compliance office - who went crazy with it - went to Venables with a strong 'recommendation' that CG be gone. Seems silly as hell sure - but risks / rewards don't balance here. Keep him and give every team massive artillery in recruiting - "wanna go to THAT racist POS school - where your coach calls you a N?" No choice - he has to go.
The old days ha - you call the team together, or HC with team captains, and talk it out. Its all business now (sponsors / TV $)
The impediment to action advances action - what stands in the way becomes the way.
It's a university compliance / RECRUITING / BIG BUSINESS thing .....
Supposedly someone reported it to the compliance office - who went crazy with it - went to Venables with a strong 'recommendation' that CG be gone. Seems silly as hell sure - but risks / rewards don't balance here. Keep him and give every team massive artillery in recruiting - "wanna go to THAT racist POS school - where your coach calls you a N?" No choice - he has to go.
The old days ha - you call the team together, or HC with team captains, and talk it out. Its all business now (sponsors / TV $)
It's a university compliance / RECRUITING / BIG BUSINESS thing ..... Supposedly someone reported it to the compliance office - who went crazy with it - went to Venables with a strong 'recommendation' that CG be gone. Seems silly as hell sure - but risks / rewards don't balance here. Keep him and give every team massive artillery in recruiting - "wanna go to THAT racist POS school - where your coach calls you a N?" No choice - he has to go. The old days ha - you call the team together, or HC with team captains, and talk it out. Its all business now (sponsors / TV $)
These days the players can all be behind you, except that "one guy." And that's all it takes. Given the number of players who have come out for their support of Gundy, I have a feeling this is what happened. As much as people want to make it about political correctness, debating the fairness of this incident is silly. Cale worked for a University. They have their set rules. He knew better. He very likely acted out of impulse and frustration during the meeting. That does not excuse his decision to read the word out loud twice. The first reading I can understand a mistake. The second is cringe. With a big distraction 3 weeks before kickoff and a sure suspension looming for Gundy, I don't see how there was any way forward out of the situation. I don't like it (at all) and the whole situation sucks. But I don't see how this could have gone any other way.
It's a university compliance / RECRUITING / BIG BUSINESS thing ..... Supposedly someone reported it to the compliance office - who went crazy with it - went to Venables with a strong 'recommendation' that CG be gone. Seems silly as hell sure - but risks / rewards don't balance here. Keep him and give every team massive artillery in recruiting - "wanna go to THAT racist POS school - where your coach calls you a N?" No choice - he has to go. The old days ha - you call the team together, or HC with team captains, and talk it out. Its all business now (sponsors / TV $)
These days the players can all be behind you, except that "one guy." And that's all it takes. Given the number of players who have come out for their support of Gundy, I have a feeling this is what happened. As much as people want to make it about political correctness, debating the fairness of this incident is silly. Cale worked for a University. They have their set rules. He knew better. He very likely acted out of impulse and frustration during the meeting. That does not excuse his decision to read the word out loud twice. The first reading I can understand a mistake. The second is cringe. With a big distraction 3 weeks before kickoff and a sure suspension looming for Gundy, I don't see how there was any way forward out of the situation. I don't like it (at all) and the whole situation sucks. But I don't see how this could have gone any other way.
As a Clemson fan, I think this year’s OU is underrated with a season wins total at 8.5 over -160. Venables is a great coach who will let the OC do his thing just like Dabo never interfered with the defense at Clemson (though he does interfere with the offense to the consternation of Clemson fans). There will be other good teams in the conference, of course, so I’m not making predictions beyond OU winning 9 or 10 games.
I'm thinking it's going to be around 9 games, even though OU will have the superior personnel/coaching staff on the field against every team they play. The main problem for the Sooners was losing 15 key players to the portal and now bringing in new players from all over to try to mesh together in a new system with new coaches. Venables was as good as they come as an assistant coach. But it still remains to be seen how he'll fare as a first year HC of a blueblood football program with a big target on their backs as they head out the Big 12 door. I'm expecting some inconsistency in the first half of the season. And I'm hoping like hell that Gabriel doesn't go down, because we really don't have anything behind him since Rattler and Williams transferred out.
As a Clemson fan, I think this year’s OU is underrated with a season wins total at 8.5 over -160. Venables is a great coach who will let the OC do his thing just like Dabo never interfered with the defense at Clemson (though he does interfere with the offense to the consternation of Clemson fans). There will be other good teams in the conference, of course, so I’m not making predictions beyond OU winning 9 or 10 games.
I'm thinking it's going to be around 9 games, even though OU will have the superior personnel/coaching staff on the field against every team they play. The main problem for the Sooners was losing 15 key players to the portal and now bringing in new players from all over to try to mesh together in a new system with new coaches. Venables was as good as they come as an assistant coach. But it still remains to be seen how he'll fare as a first year HC of a blueblood football program with a big target on their backs as they head out the Big 12 door. I'm expecting some inconsistency in the first half of the season. And I'm hoping like hell that Gabriel doesn't go down, because we really don't have anything behind him since Rattler and Williams transferred out.
Yep and trying to figure out what to do w troubled Agiye Hall I would assume they'll get him back in if he's a sure thing starter but man, rough fall camp ..
Saw Dillon Gabriel was ~5-1 for heisman at BOL so kinda passed on that but seeing 30-1 at fan duel and mostly 20ish-1 at other shops but maybe more if you shop around .. not sure if some weird news struck them too but Lebby running the show saying they're going ultra fast this year .. household name from a household heisman program so idk that sounds very possible and also got clearly a down looking year for the B12, OU that far ahead in the power rankings they could just run away w it easy ..
Yep and trying to figure out what to do w troubled Agiye Hall I would assume they'll get him back in if he's a sure thing starter but man, rough fall camp ..
Saw Dillon Gabriel was ~5-1 for heisman at BOL so kinda passed on that but seeing 30-1 at fan duel and mostly 20ish-1 at other shops but maybe more if you shop around .. not sure if some weird news struck them too but Lebby running the show saying they're going ultra fast this year .. household name from a household heisman program so idk that sounds very possible and also got clearly a down looking year for the B12, OU that far ahead in the power rankings they could just run away w it easy ..
@DrStrangelove Yep and trying to figure out what to do w troubled Agiye Hall I would assume they'll get him back in if he's a sure thing starter but man, rough fall camp .. Saw Dillon Gabriel was ~5-1 for heisman at BOL so kinda passed on that but seeing 30-1 at fan duel and mostly 20ish-1 at other shops but maybe more if you shop around .. not sure if some weird news struck them too but Lebby running the show saying they're going ultra fast this year .. household name from a household heisman program so idk that sounds very possible and also got clearly a down looking year for the B12, OU that far ahead in the power rankings they could just run away w it easy ..
As long as Gabriel can stay healthy I think he can put up some good numbers. He's only faced 3 Power 5 teams in his career before getting hurt against Louisville last year. He's not a big guy, so I hope they can keep him upright. He's facing some quicker defenses in the Big 12. Especially OSU and Baylor. And KSU's DL can be a handful at times. Nebraska also has some VHT on their DL. So we should find out pretty fast how well Gabriel adjusts to these defenses. The kid I really like on that offense is WR Marvin Mims. He's probably a longshot as a Heisman candidate being only a sophomore, but the kid is the real deal. I think he'll put up some big numbers this season if Gabriel stays healthy.
@DrStrangelove Yep and trying to figure out what to do w troubled Agiye Hall I would assume they'll get him back in if he's a sure thing starter but man, rough fall camp .. Saw Dillon Gabriel was ~5-1 for heisman at BOL so kinda passed on that but seeing 30-1 at fan duel and mostly 20ish-1 at other shops but maybe more if you shop around .. not sure if some weird news struck them too but Lebby running the show saying they're going ultra fast this year .. household name from a household heisman program so idk that sounds very possible and also got clearly a down looking year for the B12, OU that far ahead in the power rankings they could just run away w it easy ..
As long as Gabriel can stay healthy I think he can put up some good numbers. He's only faced 3 Power 5 teams in his career before getting hurt against Louisville last year. He's not a big guy, so I hope they can keep him upright. He's facing some quicker defenses in the Big 12. Especially OSU and Baylor. And KSU's DL can be a handful at times. Nebraska also has some VHT on their DL. So we should find out pretty fast how well Gabriel adjusts to these defenses. The kid I really like on that offense is WR Marvin Mims. He's probably a longshot as a Heisman candidate being only a sophomore, but the kid is the real deal. I think he'll put up some big numbers this season if Gabriel stays healthy.
Yeah I think part of the calculus on DG's heisman odds is he's really got some guys to catch the ball and just thumbin thru part of that spring game it looks like they're very much already on the same page .. injury risk for sure tho ..
Yeah I think part of the calculus on DG's heisman odds is he's really got some guys to catch the ball and just thumbin thru part of that spring game it looks like they're very much already on the same page .. injury risk for sure tho ..
My preseason power ratings on these first Big 12 games. The only one that I feel could be way off on is TCU/CU. I feel like TCU will improve (possibly a lot) now that Patterson is gone along with the toxic atmosphere that was surrounding the team. But feelings very seldom win me money.
OSU -16.5 (-21)
The last couple of seasons this OSU class has been notorious slow starters. And this year QB Sanders has a few new pieces he has to work with on the OL and RB. So they could potentially get off to a slow start again even though Sanders has a ton of experience. CMU has been excellent against the run in the last couple of years, but lost several of their best tacklers to the portal and graduation. So your guess is as good as mine how they'll perform in this first game.
OU -25.5 (-31)
Lots of moving parts we have to "guess" about with OU. New HC, new coordinators, losing 15 players to the portal and bringing in new players from all over the country to learn a totally new system. Is OU better than -31 over UTEP? Maybe so, but the problems you run into with a new coaching staff/players/schemes will be their game plan coming into this game. Will OU be playing for a big blowout in Venables first game as HC or will they be taking it easy and working on scheme and execution, or with Nebraska coming up in a couple weeks will they be working on depth in a live game while coasting to a comfortable (but non-cover) win? That's part of the problem with playing big spreads in first games with new coaching staffs.
Texas -27.5 (38.5)
Big difference! Under past coaches, Texas has usually laid the wood to these kinds of teams in their first game (if they can). You just have to hope ULM doesn't put up a couple cheap scores after the Horns pull their starters out for Bama the next week..
TCU -2.5 (-10.5)
I feel like this is the one Big 12 teams I could really be far off on my number. Colorado will suck, but how far can you downgrade them? TCU going on the road for the first time with a new HC and schemes, a QB battle and a shaky defense (LY). If that D is improved, TCU will be a pretty tough out as we get into Big 12 play.
Pitt -10 (-7)
Pitt was pretty much losers in the portal, after losing one of the nation's best WR's Addison. But they did get former USC QB Slovis to take over for Pickett. They picked up a couple of WR's from G5 programs to take Addison's place. It remains to be see how these players perform. Especially against WV, whose D can be very difficult to play against even for the best offenses. As a side note, Pitt is one of the top 3 "play against" teams on my ATS list this year. So I'm going to pick my spots "carefully" with this team if I play them at all this season.
My preseason power ratings on these first Big 12 games. The only one that I feel could be way off on is TCU/CU. I feel like TCU will improve (possibly a lot) now that Patterson is gone along with the toxic atmosphere that was surrounding the team. But feelings very seldom win me money.
OSU -16.5 (-21)
The last couple of seasons this OSU class has been notorious slow starters. And this year QB Sanders has a few new pieces he has to work with on the OL and RB. So they could potentially get off to a slow start again even though Sanders has a ton of experience. CMU has been excellent against the run in the last couple of years, but lost several of their best tacklers to the portal and graduation. So your guess is as good as mine how they'll perform in this first game.
OU -25.5 (-31)
Lots of moving parts we have to "guess" about with OU. New HC, new coordinators, losing 15 players to the portal and bringing in new players from all over the country to learn a totally new system. Is OU better than -31 over UTEP? Maybe so, but the problems you run into with a new coaching staff/players/schemes will be their game plan coming into this game. Will OU be playing for a big blowout in Venables first game as HC or will they be taking it easy and working on scheme and execution, or with Nebraska coming up in a couple weeks will they be working on depth in a live game while coasting to a comfortable (but non-cover) win? That's part of the problem with playing big spreads in first games with new coaching staffs.
Texas -27.5 (38.5)
Big difference! Under past coaches, Texas has usually laid the wood to these kinds of teams in their first game (if they can). You just have to hope ULM doesn't put up a couple cheap scores after the Horns pull their starters out for Bama the next week..
TCU -2.5 (-10.5)
I feel like this is the one Big 12 teams I could really be far off on my number. Colorado will suck, but how far can you downgrade them? TCU going on the road for the first time with a new HC and schemes, a QB battle and a shaky defense (LY). If that D is improved, TCU will be a pretty tough out as we get into Big 12 play.
Pitt -10 (-7)
Pitt was pretty much losers in the portal, after losing one of the nation's best WR's Addison. But they did get former USC QB Slovis to take over for Pickett. They picked up a couple of WR's from G5 programs to take Addison's place. It remains to be see how these players perform. Especially against WV, whose D can be very difficult to play against even for the best offenses. As a side note, Pitt is one of the top 3 "play against" teams on my ATS list this year. So I'm going to pick my spots "carefully" with this team if I play them at all this season.
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