J.R.’s 7 Points to Ponder: Sooners vs. Idaho State

J.R.’s 7 Points to Ponder
 
1. The Sooners have several issues that must be addressed going into Saturday’s home opener against Idaho State and QB Landry Jones, named after former Dallas Cowboy coach Tom Landry, is on that list but the redshirt freshman certainly isn’t at the top of it. The offense was in a funk before Sam Bradford went out with 7 seconds to go in the half due largely to embarrassingly poor offensive line play and receivers with hands of stone. I am of the belief that if one can’t solve a problem then it must be eliminated which essentially means that specific, personnel changes are due. Brody Eldridge is still tougher than a $2 steak and will play tight end this week with a broken finger. The Senior Captain had 20 pancake blocks last Saturday night playing center for the first time and was the most emotionally vested offensive lineman on the field.  Eldridge, at tight end, can hopefully help jump start a running game that needs to get on a roll immediately.
2. Offensive linemen that can’t comprehend a snap count need to sit down, sip some Gatorade, and enjoy the game on the sideline. The Sooners offensive line has too much physical talent to play so poorly. I choose not to question their hearts but one can certainly question their focus which was harder to locate than economical food in the new, Cowboys Stadium Saturday night. Bottom line is that abundant, non contact fouls are inexcusable. Starting many series with 1st and 15 or 2nd and 20 is an unforgivable sin.   
3.  Expect to see Matt Clapp not only carry the ball more Saturday night but to see the 250 pounder as the fullback in the “I” blocking for Demarco Murray and Chris Brown, no fumbles accepted or the RB’s should also join their erring teammates on the bench, but will hopefully run in the direction of #83 Brody Eldridge and hold on to the pigskin like I do a pulled pork sandwich. This team needs to give new meaning to the term “pound the rock” on Saturday night which then puts the Sooners in a position to execute a manageable, play action passing game. I’ve seen Clapp catch the ball in practice and then run over people and would love to see that occur Saturday night on Owen Field. Clapp out of the backfield may compensate somewhat for the absence of big receiver Gresham as it relates to short and intermediate routes.  
4. The potential big play making abilities of Ryan Broyles at split end and Mossis Madu at slot intrigues me. These two create bubble screen ops along with reverses and speed sweeps. Both Broyles and Madu are considered “playmakers” so what’s the hold up? Freshman Jaz Reynolds and JUCO transfer Cameron Kenney, both potentially dynamic receivers, should get their opportunities to catch the ball, as well. As former coach Herm Edwards once passionately said, “You play to WIN the game.” Therefore, receivers play to CATCH the ball. With Jermaine Gresham unfortunately and tragically out for the year, the Sooners must get some production from a tight end, any tight end. Every where I’ve traveled this week, and believe you me I’ve caught more hell for my Oklahoma Fanaticism in airports such as Chicago’s O’Hare this week from strangers than you can believe but I thought it was important to wear my Crimson and Cream the day after we got taken to the woodshed by BYU and to represent. One, a positive note many fans have found solace, is that the that the defense is much better than at this time last year and will likely continue to improve if they aren’t hit but a rash of injuries. DT Gerald McCoy was awesome Saturday night along with LB Travis Lewis, DE Jeremy Beal, and DE Austin English. OU’s front 7 have the potential to be game changers but to the D’s gut wrenching chagrin they could not make a play when they needed one on BYU’s impressive, game winning drive where their QB Max Hall called every play himself. There is something to be said with being in the huddle, feeling the game, looking one’s teammates in the eye and going with one’s instincts. I know that’s old school but it worked last Saturday night.
5. The Sooners need to create more turnovers on defense and in special teams because with those turnovers comes new, scoring opportunities. Returning a pick, a punt, or a fumble for a score Saturday night always ignites a crowd on a night that the Sooner faithful might not be on a frenzied edge as they should be for our team’s first home contest. The 6 o’clock start can be good as long as our fans come to raise hell and make a difference and not adopt a wait and see attitude regarding the team.  
6. The kicking game and special teams are much improved over last year. Left footer Tress Way can boom the ball and I have seen him make field goals of more than 55 yards in practice. Before all is said and done Way’s punts and long field goals will be one of OU’s big assets. Jimmy Stevens has improved his leg strength and accuracy and it would have been the 5’6” place kicker trying the 50 yarder if we had not received yet ANOTHER five yard pre snap, non contact penalty .  
7. Yes, Idaho State is out manned and they really have nothing to lose. If I were them I would gadget my arse off with reverses, QB passes, end rounds and anything else that I thought might work and create positive yards. Idaho State needs hope and a fair amount of luck to hang with OU. But even a lopsided victory proves what? To think that OU has lay-ups with Tulsa and Baylor before flying to South Florida to play Miami is ridiculous, contrary to what Mr. Football, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit has said this week that OU did not even need a QB to beat Idaho State and Tulsa. I think Tulsa and Baylor will give us all we want before we get a much needed week off to do extra work for “The U.” The Sooner staff is looking for players who want to play with total passion and commitment  and even though the coaching staff is taking their share of heat for the BYU loss, and rightfully so, at the end of the day I am of the belief that these problems largely come back to the players. The Sooner staff needs to locate its leaders and the young players who want to totally sell out for their team. The national media’s opinion that the Sooners are dead is extremely pre-mature. I’m a believer and I don’t choose to change at this stage of my game. Boomer Sooner to all and let’s not allow our neighbors at the stadium to phone it in Saturday night and let’s create a game atmosphere second to none.

Editor's Note:  Jim “J.R.” Ross is a WWE Hall of Fame broadcaster who has also broadcast in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons and the XFL on NBC and spent 20 seasons as a football official. J.R., with wife Jan, has penned two, best selling cookbooks and is the owner of J.R.’s Family BBQ in Norman. J.R.’s slow, hickory smoked “Q” is nationally known and located on the East side of I-35 at the Main Street Exit (109) in Norman and is open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. For tail gate packs, to go orders, catering, or any other info, call 405-360-4BBQ (4227).