The 2000 team played its best football in October, and had a couple of really close calls towards the end, as the offense lost a little steam, in part due to JH's tender elbow. I really think we're playing our best football right now, as the offense has continued to develop and improve, especially up front. The defense has played well, and has created turnovers down the stretch. The way we're rolling right now, I wish we were playing in two weeks. They continue to improve week to week..... I hate to break that momentum.
Difference between 2000 Sooners and this year's team
- Thread starter wsmonroe
- Start date
I welcome the break. Time to heal. This also gives OU a leg up in recruiting as they're off and many of the other conferences are still active with a Champ games. It also allows more time to install some game plans.
Biggest difference is that they're 15 years apart. Since realignment, this is our first shot at a NC. We need to take full advantage of it, as its now the exception, rather than the rule for Oklahoma.
I think the biggest difference is that in 2000, no other college top 20 program was running a true spread, much less no huddle spread concepts. FSU liked to use four wide sets, and some no huddle, but it wasn't this offense with the run game based on a zone read concept, even if Heupel didn't keep it much.
And we were the only defense in the top 20 using a 4-3 Eagle defense. It was a great defense against non spread teams. We also had Roy Williams, who was a perfect fit at nickel back / OLB / mostly safety against a four wides offense with an immobile quarterback.
Now the whole dang country uses the former, and with mobility at quarterback and pace, it is hard to stop, even if you have better bigger athletes. So the strategic advantage the Sooners had in 2000 doesn't exist any more. Clemson is using a lot of that offense, with the most athletic quarterback of the final four, if they don't screw the pooch this weekend.
And Ohio State is lingering in the shadows if a miracle happened and Florida somehow beat Alabama. I wonder if that happened, and MSU beat Iowa, would one loss Iowa or one loss Ohio State go over the two loss Gators? Or would Bama still get in? Sorry for the rabbit trail.
This OU team has a former walkon taking the snaps. That Sooner team a a former walkon making the snaps. Both have a Florida based linebacker who likes to talk and makes a bunch of big plays. Both had significant contributions from Californians.
Both had a key player who was a Sooner football legacy. Both started the season hopeful and on the fringes of the top 20 after a five loss season that included a loss to a team from the south in a bowl played in the other guys' bordering state. Both had a lot of unsung contributors, but it was mostly about amazing quarterback play and an underrated defense. Both had a three game run that was key to the season.
There was one major difference. Those guys announced their greatness beating the Horns by 49.
And neither Bob nor Mike had a double chin yet.
And we were the only defense in the top 20 using a 4-3 Eagle defense. It was a great defense against non spread teams. We also had Roy Williams, who was a perfect fit at nickel back / OLB / mostly safety against a four wides offense with an immobile quarterback.
Now the whole dang country uses the former, and with mobility at quarterback and pace, it is hard to stop, even if you have better bigger athletes. So the strategic advantage the Sooners had in 2000 doesn't exist any more. Clemson is using a lot of that offense, with the most athletic quarterback of the final four, if they don't screw the pooch this weekend.
And Ohio State is lingering in the shadows if a miracle happened and Florida somehow beat Alabama. I wonder if that happened, and MSU beat Iowa, would one loss Iowa or one loss Ohio State go over the two loss Gators? Or would Bama still get in? Sorry for the rabbit trail.
This OU team has a former walkon taking the snaps. That Sooner team a a former walkon making the snaps. Both have a Florida based linebacker who likes to talk and makes a bunch of big plays. Both had significant contributions from Californians.
Both had a key player who was a Sooner football legacy. Both started the season hopeful and on the fringes of the top 20 after a five loss season that included a loss to a team from the south in a bowl played in the other guys' bordering state. Both had a lot of unsung contributors, but it was mostly about amazing quarterback play and an underrated defense. Both had a three game run that was key to the season.
There was one major difference. Those guys announced their greatness beating the Horns by 49.
And neither Bob nor Mike had a double chin yet.
S
SoonerTulsan
Guest
Good background on the differences in offenses & defenses in the past 15 years Plaino. Reading the rest reminded me of the similarities between the Abraham Lincoln/JFK assassinations that came out in the 70s! LOL. Seriously though, I have a tendency to put weight on trends and historical comparisons....so I like it!. I also happen to think we have the best team with a healthy JFW. I "think" OU/Clemson would be the best game, and our toughest. However, as you mention...a LOT can change this weekend.
Lack of serious injuries to the entire roster, except Rodney Anderson. This is remarkable.