🏈 Oklahoma has reasons to believe it might upend Alabama in Sugar Bowl

[TerryP]

For the third time this season, OU will enter a game as a double-digit underdog. But here are five reasons why the Sooners might — might — have a better chance than most expect in the Sugar Bowl.

Mash this...

 

[bamaraider]

Well, I just that Anthony Steen is out. Not to bash any players, but I have not been at all impressed with Arie Kounj. this year. We'll still probably run more left than anything, but the loss of Steen does hurt.

 

[252BAMA]

Playing musical chairs on the OL, both before and during the Utah game, killed Bama.

 

[TheChief]

This game has Utah repeat written all over it.

 

[Crimson&WhiteGecko]

Nah, I am not worried about the letdown per say. The depth of the O-line is much better than 2008's team. Also, A Smith's issues came relatively late into & CNS will have had more time to get reps for the Steen's replacement.

Also, did I hear that Oklahoma is going to be having a brand new QB play? When has that ever worked out against our Defense?

 

[planomateo]

Will Grant Hill take Steen's spot?

 

[JoshB]

Kellen Williams...

 

[252BAMA]

This game has Utah repeat written all over it.

Bama has the wherewithal to write Michigan State repeat all over it. It's up to them.

 

[foshman]

For the third time this season, OU will enter a game as a double-digit underdog. But here are five reasons why the Sooners might — might — have a better chance than most expect in the Sugar Bowl.

Mash this...

I would say that Utah team was a better team than this OU team. OU, having a more storied tradition, is not as likely to be overlooked by the Alabama players. Auburn wasn't playing in the BCSNCG when you guys played Utah. Saban doesn't make the same mistakes twice very often. You can bet he learned from Utah.

I still think you guys win by 3-4 scores.

 

[bama alum]

I still think you guys win by 3-4 scores.

I agree. Saban also was without a full team of his recruits who have bought into his process, say unlike the DJ Halls of the early years.

 

[PhillyGirl]

Well, I just that Anthony Steen is out. Not to bash any players, but I have not been at all impressed with Arie Kounj. this year. We'll still probably run more left than anything, but the loss of Steen does hurt.

Agreed, I personally find Arie overrated.

I am a little nervous about this game but I hope the seniors intend to go out with a BIG bang.

 

[JoshB]

I dont see how Arie has been overrated, he's a first year starter that doesn't get much publicity... he's been a solid player all year tho. He's made mistakes but he's started every single game and been solid all year.

 

[MunchyOs]

This game has Utah repeat written all over it.

I just don't see another Utah happening. Andre Smith's screw up was a large part of that whole debacle.

 

[bamaledge]

I'm not woriied at all about a let down. I think we still kill them by 21 at the least.

 

['65 Cobra]

Well, I just that Anthony Steen is out. Not to bash any players, but I have not been at all impressed with Arie Kounj. this year. We'll still probably run more left than anything, but the loss of Steen does hurt.

I agree about Arie, but I think the biggest problem is Coach Cristobal. Big drop-off from Stoutland. I hope Cristo gets replaced for next year.

 

[CrimsonPirate]

Better to be nervous than over-confident. That goes of both team and fans.

 

[PhillyGirl]

I agree about Arie, but I think the biggest problem is Coach Cristobal. Big drop-off from Stoutland. I hope Cristo gets replaced for next year.

Agreed. I am glad my Eagles got Stoutland, but I just feel that we don't get the same production out of the o-line as we did last few years. Arie had a slow start, and granted this was his first season as a full out starter, and he had the injuries and whatnot .. I think he has a lot of potential, but I didn't see it on the field as much. I think he is a high ceiling player, but we just didn't see as much of it. I like his 'tude though, wasn't there a video or two of him just throwing guys to the ground in protection?

 

[psychojoe]

I will reserve judgment on on Mario. Losing the thre starterswe did on the OL it is unrealistic to expect the same results with this group. This group is not not as big, not as experienced, and not as talented.

 

[JoshB]

Hmmm lets see Mario lost 3 of the best O-Linemen we've ever seen from one of the best offensive lines we've ever had...

2012: 3,185 yards rushing, 5.6 yards per carry, 227.5 yards per game rushing; 35 sacks allowed
2013: 2,544 yards rushing, 6.0 yards per carry, 212.0 yards per game rushing; 21 sacks allowed

But yeah Mario can't get the job done...

 

[bamafan4ever]

A couple of you are being hard on Mario, IMO. Like these guys said, he had 3 guys that he had to get ready to start. AJ went what, 5 or 6 games without being sacked? Pretty good pass protection and they were getting better in run support as the year went on. Cristobal is a damn good recruiter from what I hear and he can sell Alabama to all his south Florida connections.

Easy on the trigger. Sounding like UGA fans in here!