While I was out playing with the kids after the game trying to overcome my disappointment, I started thinking about my pre-season observations. I had analyzed our starting line-ups and the schedule and realized that if we were going to have a really good shot at a MNC run in the next 3-4 years, this is really it.

Why?

POS ## OFFENSE
WR 1 Johnson, Manuel – SR
WR 85 Broyles, Ryan – RS FR
WR 9 Iglesias, Juaquin – SR
QB 14 Bradford, Sam – SO
RB 7 Murray, DeMarco – SO
TE 18 Gresham, Jermaine – JR
OL 71 Williams, Trent – JR
OL 73 Walker, Brandon – SR
OL 50 Cooper, Jon – SR
OL 72 Robinson, George – SR
OL 79 Loadholt, Phil – SR

So we lose the entire OL, top receivers, and possibly Gresham. My discomfort with Bradford increased today in the way that he handled the 4th quarter. Next year without a solid OL for pass blocking and experienced receivers and considering the problems that we have had with opening anything up for the rushing game, that also adds to the problems as Bradford will be expected to carry the offensive load even more.

The defense loses Harris and Holmes which I think will be big, but otherwise we get pretty much everyone else back. But after the Fiesta Bowl problems and today’s game, I wonder if the problem is personnel or coaching.

The schedule for 2009 also lines up much less favorably than this year with a non-conference game at what I expect to be a much improved Miami, a sometimes dangerous Tulsa, and conference away games at Kansas, Nebraska (again, I expect that the Cornhuskers will be better in Pellini’s second year), and Tech.

Based on everything I have read about Texas, this was supposed to be their “rebuilding” year to line up a run at the MNC next year. So, to wrap up my Debbie Downer post, I think I might spend the next several years on the second Saturday in October curled up in a fetal position to save myself the trouble.

Boomer Sooner – Beat Texas

I am tired, but I still feel the excitement of that game. I know it’s tough, Sooners, but you have a darn good football team. Sam Bradford is the real deal. Man, when he gets time to throw, he’s as accurate as they come.

Season’s not over. We still have a very tough schedule ahead of us, and OU remains one of the top teams in the nation. We obviously cannot meet for the Big 12 championship game and it is doubtful the voters would ever allow a national title game between us, so I guess we will see you again next year. Hopefully, it’s another classic game (or maybe not… my voice is nearly gone and the emotional roller coaster is just draining).

Hats Off to Texas, They played a great game. My Heart sank the most seeing Ryan Reynolds go down again with his third ACL injury. Very disapointing for him, he was playing great this year and was already the leader on defense.I knew then, the Sooners were in serious trouble right then and there. It changed the game as Texas rightly and immediately attacked the weak spot, the middle of the field. It was obvious that the Sooners were demoralized and shaken with the loss. Now for the Sooners is what to do at Middle Linebacker for the rest of the year. They are thin and inexperienced there to say the least.
Brandon Crow was torched yesterday I felt bad for him in that situation.
I hope Stoops and Venables will consider this option, put Jeremy Beal at Middle Linebacker.
I know Jeremy personally through my stepson attending Carrolton Creekview High School and playing on defense with him through their Senior years. Jeremy mostly played Middle linebacker and was outstanding at the position. He played Defensive end only a little his senior year. I feel he could quickly make the adjustment and he is very smart thus being able to get Travis Lewis and Clayton into position and would excell there with some games under his belt. OU has good depth at DE including Frank Alexander being healthy now and R.J. Washington ready to play next year. I feel this would be OU best chance for maximizing their talent on defense for this year and years to come.

What do you guys think?

SonnerMike