Sooner Offense Unstoppable In Fiesta Bowl With Landry Jones As Trigger Man
by ccmachine on Jan 2, 2011 1:00 AM CST
in Oklahoma Sooners Football
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PrintAnother year, another bowl game, another record setting performance. Welcome to the life of Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones, quite possibly the most underrated Sooner signal caller of the Bob Stoops era. In two seasons he's led Oklahoma to back-to-back bowl wins, won a Big 12 Championship and ended Oklahoma's BCS bowl skid. Not bad for a kid who's biggest drawback is that he isn't Sam Bradford.
Last season Jones set a school passing record in his first bowl game with 418 passing yards and three touchdowns against Stanford in the Sun Bowl. Saturday night in his, BCS bowl debut, he broke his own record with 426 passing yards, 3 touchdowns and a pick. It was a performance that left him just two yards shy of the single season passing yards mark at OU.
If you're looking for the perfect quarterback then you'll want to move on from Jones and continue your search. Good luck though because that guy you're looking for doesn't exist. However, if you want a guy who is efficient, moves the ball and wins games then Landry Jones might be your man because that's exactly how his performance in the Fiesta Bowl should be described. Jones completed almost 70% of his passes (68.8%) and led the team to scores on half of their offensive possessions, including four of Oklahoma's fist five possessions.
The two biggest beneficiaries of Jones' record setting performance were Ryan Broyles and Cameron Kenney. Broyles hauled in 13 passes for 168 yards while Kenney grabbed 7 for 154. Both receivers had touchdown catches with Kenney's being a game long of 59-yards. Jones also had an 8-yard TD toss to tight end James Hanna.
We can be critical of Jones' interception for a minute because its a area where he still needs to improve. Under pressure he tends to make a rushed pass, off his back foot, into a crowded area. Its something that every quarterback has done and a mistake that most will grow out of in time. Time is something that Landry Jones has because he's just a sophomore and I would be willing to bet that's his focus this spring and summer.
In his debut as Oklahoma's play caller Josh Heupel didn't disappoint either. His offensive game plan racked up 524 yards in offense and produced 34 points. If the Fiesta Bowl is a sneak peek into his philosophy then he's gonna be a coach quarterbacks are going to love. I'm not saying that running backs are going to hate him because DeMarco Murray got 25 carries but he's going to lean a bit more towards passing. Jones dropped back and threw the ball 48 times and the offensive line didn't allow a single sack which was a huge key to Oklahoma's success.
Then there's another theory. On a night where Heupel could have taken what he wanted from the UConn defense he clearly chose to take the passing game because that's where the most mismatches were. The Huskies just didn't have the athletes to cover Oklahoma's receivers. In addition to the big games from Broyles and Kenney, freshman receiver Kenny Stills also had 8 receptions for 73 yards. That's not to say the rushing attack was ineffective though. Heupel used it to keep the defense honest. Murray averaged 3.8 yards per carry and piled up 95 rushing yards.
My thought is that Oklahoma's commitment to the passing game is the reason why Trey Millard was missing from the offensive attack but still, my personal preference is that they have to find a place for him no matter what the game plan is. However, when our biggest criticism is that they didn't find enough playing time for a freshman then I think we're doing alright.
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oh, boy.
with all due respect— see my post a few minutes ago on the “landry jones?!” thread— i couldn’t disagree with this post much more than i do.
what’s landry’s completion percentage not counting (essential) laterals?
system quarterback. bell me.
Disagree, Landry is pretty good!
Landry IS NOT SAM BRADFORD!!!!!!! He wil not be back! start accepting that!
"I feel fortunate.... It's just great to get another championship." Bob Stoops
are you Blake Bell's dad by any chance?
…seriously though, Blake is going to be a RS Freshman next season and still needs time to grow…here’s hoping that Stoops finds some time at the end of next years games to get Blake some good solid playing time, assuming that we’re far enough ahead
by soonernation9 on Jan 2, 2011 6:53 AM CST up reply actions
Everyone Is Entitled To Their Opinion
But there is no chance Bell is the QB next year. Time to give Landry some credit for what he’s done. He completed 16 passes for 10 yards or more and had two bad throws – 1) The pick 2) Floating the ball over an open receiver.
Like I said, if you’re looking for perfect move on from Jones but wanting to put the ball in the hands of an freshman, who has never played a down of college football, instead of a quarterback who just led the team to a Big 12 championship then I’m gonna call that crazy.
By the way. Was Sam a system quarterback?
he played in a system
just like anyone else who inherits/earns the keys to this offense. but as he is demonstrating on sundays, sam is more than that. were sam’s numbers better because of the team and system around him? absolutely. was sam the best quarterback in the game, and the best we’ve ever had? positively. the combination of the two resulted in the greatest offense in the history of college ball.
landry has the ability to work in a system. if landry played his football in a pro-style system, none of us would have ever heard of him.
and frankly, this just feels like a confirmation bias thing. just the eye test last night… so many near-interceptions, forced throws into double/triple coverage along the sideline. sam had the ability to, and often did, put the team on his shoulders and make improbable throws or look off defenders or run through progressions to find a way. landry has not demonstrated any of these things. but luckily for his legacy, he picks up 20 completions and 200 yards a game in cushion by throwing 0-5 yards to the sideline.
not saying, START BLAKE BELL. i’m saying it should be an open competition. we’re all just laymen. i’d like heupel and stoops to go into next year with an open mind, and if jones in the better option, the i’m behind him 100%.
when you throw 617 passes in a season there will be some bad throws
only 12 picks in 617 attempts is pretty darn good actually.
Going in to next season who else out there is better than Landry to lead the Sooners?
Landry 2-0 in Bowls
Sam 0-2 in Bowls……….
"I feel fortunate.... It's just great to get another championship." Bob Stoops
Is Landry good enough to win a National Championship with??
Landry is OK…i just don’t think he’s consistent enough
Colorado Rockies correspondent at My Team Rivals (www.mtrmedia.com/rockies) and my own site Rockies Reporter (www.rockiesreporter.wordpress.com)
I think he can, but not for the reason you are suggesting...
It will be a team effort next year when we win the NC. Landry will be a big part of it, but he is not the strong leader Sam was. Sam was one of the great that will ever be. His will alone won games, with a team that clearly had some not so great players. Landry is a very good player and with what looks to be a very balanced team. Every player will be on a comparable level with Landry. This will be the beginning of a 3-4 year run that could start a new dynasty. But this will be more a team effort than ever before, by anyone. We will see history made the next few.
Boomer Sooner!!
Im not implying this is going to be easy...
We have some issues like the offensive & defensive lines. And we have some seniors that do not have any eligibility left. It will need to be a long hard spring football season & fall practice.
Replace an award winning QB with a freshman?
I don’t see that happening.
LJ was the offensive MVP of the Fiesta, won a tough one on the road at bedlam, won the Big 12 championship against the #2 pass defense in the country and won the Sammy Baugh award.
I don’t understand why some want to be so critical of him when he has accomplished so much and is only a red shirt sophomore.
One thing I would like to point out is the quality offensive line that Sam had his freshman and sophomore season, including the tight end. Then look at the O-line he had as a junior. That is always where it begins and ends is the line play. I was very critical of the O-line this year, especially after the TAMU game where they had their gluteus maximus exposed to the world, but they did improve. Their improvement is essential to a BCS championship run next year. The one pick LJ threw was not only due to a bad throw, but also because of the fact that he was running out of time and the UC D-back made a good play cutting off Stills route.
If LJ improves as much between now and next year as he did from last year to this one, I don’t think his level of play will be the problem if the Sooners don’t win it all.
If LJ and the other returnees take the experiences of this year, and build confidence from it, we will all be some happy keyboard clackers next season.
I will tell you why....
some OU fans are critical of Landry Jones. It is because many will never forgive him for 2009. OU was supposed to win the national championship that year, but did not, and many blame Landry for it. Landry will not be forgiven for Missouri and Texas A&M this year, which by the way… does anyone think maybe SPECIAL TEAMS deserves a bit more criticism? And another thing with all this Sam praise… when did he WIN a national championship? Last time I checked, Landry Jones still has that opportunity.
I'm a Sooner Born and a Sooner Bred, and when I die I'll be a Sooner Dead!!!
to the contrary...
i think most reasonable fans give him a pass for last year’s results. but when you consider landry as a quarterback, everyone hoped/said/assumed the decision making, checkdowns, poise would come along a lot further between last year and this… and that’s just not the case.
Which I will never understand
Why anyone could blame LJ for the ‘09 season. He got thrust into a starting role after Sam got blasted on a blitz. There was one returning starter on the O-line last year when the season started, nearly got Sam killed and continued to morph throughout the season due to injuries and ineffectiveness.
LJ didn’t pick up on the adjustments the Mizzou defense threw at him, I understand that.
Not punching in those three 1st and goals at TAMU can’t be laid on LJ, that was a O-line and coaching problem.
LJ is a proven product, at this point. He may not be the best that has ever played the game, but he’s pretty danged good, especially when they let him throw down field.
Congrats Guys
Wanted to give my props on your win last night. I was really proud of how hard my team fought, trying to overcome it’s overwhelming incompetence at the WR position.
We made you squirm a bit in the third quarter and played really tough. At the end of the night, realistically, that’s all I can ask for.
This Sooner fan was impressed. Major props to UConn for playing hard till the final whistle and being a quality opponent!
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
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+1 UConn played hard all game, very well coached and classy team.
Congrats on an Excellent year and good luck next season.
"I feel fortunate.... It's just great to get another championship." Bob Stoops
Landry is not Sam
However, I think most of us would have expected him to be a little more stable under pressure with almost two complete seasons under his belt. I keep saying to myself, “he is young and will mature into it”, but we still see him freak out last night when I thought the Offensive line did a pretty good job with their pass protection. Like it or not, we may just have a quarterback that just does that sometimes and will always be like that.
by Dis_SoonerFan_placed on Jan 2, 2011 11:44 AM CST reply actions
i agree with what you're saying here
i typically think it’s kind of lazy when landry supporters immediately counter any criticism with “sam isn’t coming back!” i always think, ok, thanks… i’m aware of that. it’s kind of insulting to assume anyone who isn’t thrilled with landry is just some moron who can’t appreciate that bradford was an exception to the rule.
landry has the physical gifts… he’s just (sorry) not very bright about his decision-making, and borderline self-destructive under pressure. cc counted two bad passes last night. i might just ask him to try and catch a replay… at least a handful where the huskies player had a better shot than the intended receiver, and (besides the pick six) at least three where a guy got his hands on it and couldn’t bring it in.
Absolutely outstanding post CC
Could not have said it better myself and you hit on every single point I would have made. If you’re an OU fan and you’re not incredibly excited about last night and how that translates into next year you’re crazy!
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
It’s amazing to watch the game and it seems like Landry is doing ok, making some nice throws and a few errant ones, then at the end his numbers are simply astonishing. And it’s not just because of 3 yd passes either. I think if he is given a line that can both run and pass block, he’s gonna look even better than he does now, probably much better. If the defenses have to be a little honest, he may turn out to be scary. When you watch the replay, look at the pass to Kenney (a couple of them in fact) and the toss to Hanna, and the one to Broyles in the end zone, and you can’t help but think he’s the real deal. Boomer Sooner.
He's got a strong arm
"I feel fortunate.... It's just great to get another championship." Bob Stoops
Landry's last five games after A&M
142-220 1,881yds 6 ints 16 TDs 65%comp
Only one game at Home! Pretty sick numbers if you ask me.
12 for 12 starting the game was pretty good too.
I think we all agree he needs to work on throwing the occasional ball right to the other team and I think he will correct this through the spring and next season.
These last 5 games showed me alot about his maturation as a QB and leader.
I’m very excited for next year!
"I feel fortunate.... It's just great to get another championship." Bob Stoops
Just for old time's sake
I synced the radio broadcast over the internet with my tv so I could listen to Bob Barry one last time. It was nostalgic since I can remember being a very little kid hearing him broadcast the Norman High games! Their sideline guy was way on top of the R. Lewis story, a long time before the tv coverage even noticed it, and had the medical report immediately. Merv called for the long pass to Kenney seconds before they did it as well. It was fun and I didn’t end up feeling like throwing something at the tv announcers like I do every game either…:-)
exactly how did you do that,
whenever I try the TV broadcast is always behind and not in sync. My HT has much better speakers and the school broadcast makes sure they get the band really good. After a TD I always love to crank it up and let the neighbors a block away know OU scored. HAHA. How about some pointers on what you use to do this.
One more thought
No penalties, save one at the very end, no touchdowns given up by the D, and the offense ties all time Sooner most points in a bowl game record. Pretty good.
One last thought on the Game from me...
I thought Josh did a great job calling the game. I know its only one game, but I feel very strong that he is going to have a great career as an OU coach.
hopefully
the lack of millard was just a single-game match-up decision, like a lot of folks have said in other threads and in other forums…
to steal someone’s line, he has a chance to be to the FB position what gresham was to the TE position. turning him into nothing more than a blocker would be such a huge mistake.
I think Heup felt confident in what he knows about the team and indivivuals and that is the way he called it.
after some time getting to evaluate and coach the complete offense I think we can see more of a wide open offensive game plan unfold.
i just read elsewhere
that millard may have had an illness/injury that limited him to covering kicks, for the most part. and he made it in there on at least bunch set. haven’t seen that anywhere, officially… so grain of salt.
and reportedly he’s looking at a shoulder operation between now and spring? i don’t know anything about the injury…
trotter
has a recap online where stoops basically makes it clear that millard will play a big part next season. something like, “will josh play millard?” “he had better.”
Oklahoma Football history has been dominated by RB's and QB's on offense
In the most recent years we have went through Heupel, White, and Bradford and now we have Jones. As stated above, Landry is by far the most under appreciated player to come through OU in recent years and I honestly think he will never get the respect that is due. Landry Jones can set records and win awards but for these OU fans, it will never be enough…I would even be willing to go as far as to say that Jones could win the Heisman and a National Championship in the same year and it still wouldn’t be enough. And to boot Landry will come back his Jr. season, yes he will be a Jr., and most likely set all the passing records at OU but it still isn’t enough. (For Landry to go up against the previously mentioned QB’s and one up them is a huge accomplishment.) I, however, boarded the Landry Jones Train at the beginning of the season and due to the O-Line being inconsistent Landry was afraid and played like it (compare it to one of the best O-Lines in college history when Bradford was taking snaps and who could blame Landry for being scared) but I was willing to accept it and knew the line would progress and gel. IMO Blake Bell would be lucky to put up the same numbers Jones will be putting up next season and I can gladly say that Jones will be QB1 next season!
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