There are some major distinctions between the false sense of entitlement the whorns had last year and what OU brings next season.
The whorns went to a power running game without a power running game and they didn’t have a D-line that could stop any one, or any depth to back them up. Not only that, they had a hands-off CEO for a head coach and a coaching staff that was rudderless, with players who performed the same way. Go back to the first TD OU scored on the whorns, they weren’t lined up and were still trying to figure out where they needed to be when the ball was handed to Murray.
OU knows they were only a few plays away from being undefeated and playing for the national championship. Having not only so many quality starters return, but so many quality players that played last year gives this team good depth in most positions and they have reason to believe as Lewis does. Besides talent, they have a head coach who is very hands on and won’t hesitate to pull a player that isn’t performing.
I hope the championship attitude is being developed in the off season. It isn’t just about size, speed or talent, but attitude and what is in their hearts. Fourth quarter meltdowns against out manned opponents needs to be replaced with a vicious contest for every yard.
I know an old ball coach that won state championships at every high school he coached, some were schools with decades of losing seasons or mediocre ones. What he looked for from his players in a lopsided win was effort, and he went to his backups to get it. What he looked for from his opponent was that moment when they wished they were wearing his teams jersey. He not only wanted to win, but to take away the opponents desire to be there.
This team will be a contender, no doubt, but there are many questions as to how they will perform. With a new OC we can only hope the system that will be used next year will be as productive as in years past.
OU’s players need to be reminded why they are there and it is to win championships, which have to be earned through adversity and hard work. With players like Lewis on defense and Broyles on offense that know what it takes, they can provide proven leadership to their team mates.