JR's 7 Points to Ponder – Texas

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).

 1. The Oklahoma Offensive Line. The key to Oklahoma winning this year’s Red River Shootout against #2 ranked Texas very well could be the OU offensive line. Can left tackle Trent Williams, who is starting his 4th OU-UT game; lead an inexperienced and undistinguished group against an experienced and speedy Longhorn defense while establishing a “must have” running game and keeping Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford vertical?
 
2. Protect and Trust Sam. Texas will come after Sam Bradford as if #14 stole the ‘Horns last rib right off their dinner plate. A key match up to watch will be OU’s right tackle Jarvis Jones against Texas’ DE Sergio Kindle. If Kindle (#2) can be neutralized, the Sooners chances for victory increase. Expect Texas to challenge OU’s inexperienced offensive guards especially now that veteran Brian Simmons is out with a knee injury. If OU can run the ball between the tackles plus allow Bradford the time to make his reads, the Sooner offense has the tools to shock UT.
 
3. Sink the Shipley. If Jordan Shipley has another huge game in the Cotton Bowl, this game could quickly get bowling shoe ugly. Texas’ #8 leads the Big 12 in receptions, receiving yards, and in punt returns. Shipley burned OU’s underneath coverage in ’08 with 11 catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns and no one should think that Saturday won’t be any different regarding UT’s offensive strategy. BTW Shipley has 47 receptions already this season which is scary numbers for a soon to be 24 year old with 4.5 speed. The Sooners have to be physical with Colt McCoy’s roommate every down.
 
4. The “real” McCoy. Gerald, meet Colt. Gerald, please sack Colt. Gerald please make Colt feel as comfortable as bumping into one’s ex-wife at the mall. QB Colt McCoy is deserving of every accolade a student athlete can earn and is the heartbeat of the University of Texas Football Team. However, containing #12, who can beat a great defense with his legs as readily as he can with his arm, isn’t just suggested….it’s mandatory. McCoy will be starting his 4th OU-Texas game for those keeping score at home and has a 167 QB rating in his previous three starts vs. the Sooners.
 
5. Sooner Playmakers. Getting slot receiver Ryan Broyles back from a hairline fractured shoulder blade would be huge. Broyles is lethal in space and had 7 TD’s before he was injured on the 1st play of the Miami game. The thought of Broyles, Demarco Murray, and Chris Brown on the field simultaneously, provides OU with three big time play makers that would be problematic for any defense. Plus, wide receiver Brandon Caleb has big play potential along with still unproven, 6’4” wide receiver DeJuan Miller whose size and speed is restaurant quality. With multiple playmakers on the field and with Texas’ defensive team speed, can the Sooners perhaps exploit the ‘Horns with misdirection, a well timed reverse, etc? Will a non mentioned Sooner wide receiver step up Saturday or possibly could Texas forget to cover one of OU’s obscure, tight ends, none of which are named Henry Hill, for the record.  
 
6. The “Little” Things. OU must cover all kicks intelligently and with malice. Texas leads the nation in kickoff return yards w/ speedy D.J. Monroe. Shipley’s the man on punt returns. Tackle them. Plus, Oklahoma must take advantage of punter Tress Way’s big left leg and find the ball and DOWN punts deep in UT territory unlike last week against Baylor when the punting team seemingly could not “find” the ball. A plethora of non contact penalties will put us out of our misery. Protecting the ball and leaving Dallas with fewer penalty yards and fewer turnovers than the ‘Horns is a major priority. Great blocking and tackling still wins football games or so this old schooler believes just as sure as I know that great BBQ has to be slow smoked. The “little” things aren’t really so little.
 
7. Sooner Magic. Texas leads the nation in scoring averaging 46 points per game but the Sooners defense is potentially dominating lead by three roommates,  DE Jeremy Beal (44), Lombardi Award semi-finalist DT Gerald McCoy (#93)…same as the great Lee Roy Selmon, and #86 DT Adrian Taylor. However, in two, one point loses this season the OU “D” has been unable to make the big play when they had to have it. Saturday, around lunch time, the Oklahoma defense must play hungry, tackle ravenously, and significantly slow down the Longhorn offense if OU is to pull off the “upset,” or so say the experts, and stay in the hunt for their 4th consecutive Big 12 Title. Non believers should stay at home or not watch the game on ABC. However, I happen to be a believer and will not only be going down to Dallas but will be headed South early and will be hoping to witness one of the most significant wins in Bob Stoops’ tenure at the University of Oklahoma. Can Oklahoma win this game? Oh, Hell yeah!
 
J.R.