I've been reading this blog for awhile, but last night's game was the first motivation I've felt to post. I can't believe we were out-coached by Texas Tech, but that's the hard truth. Here are my thoughts on all aspects of coaching:

1. Head Coaching - Halzle looked like a deer in the headlights for three quarters, and definitely appeared to have a limited playbook despite having as much time in the system as Bradford. I don't know how many snaps gives his backup QB during the week, but it appears that its not enough. OU also had 4 blowouts to start the season (not to mention the A&M and Baylor games) where Halzle only managed to get 8 attempts. So in 2 seasons as the primary backup, Halzle made 10 throws in game action. It seems like this could have been managed better. (To put it in perspective, Nichol already has 7 attempts in his career and don't get me started on blowing his redshirt.)

And what happened to Stoops' cojones? There was a lot of punting/kicking on fourth and short - he might want to look at Leach's success in this area.

2. Offensive Coordinator - I have never been a big fan of Kevin Wilson, and this game showed why. There is no consistency in personnel from week to week - where where Gresham and Murray early? His refusal to run early in games also gets maddening - I feel like Stoops must eventually yell at him and demand to run. Even then, his play-calling consistently put the offense in 3rd and long with an inexperienced QB.

I feel the offensive system has not really progressed since Long (and maybe as far back as Mangino) left. What does Wilson bring to the table as an OC? I would like to see a change here.

3. Defensive Coordinator - I will somewhat defend Venables: OU's strategy in recent years has been to keep Tech in front of them and make the tackles. But Crabtree is a beast and this strategy did not work in the first half. After that, the damage was already done. However, I do feel like the creative/aggressive blitzing we have seen in year's past has just not been there this year. I was secretly hoping that Mike Stoops would get fired and come back, but that's not going to happen now.

It's going to be hard for the team to get up for OSU - I'm worried about next week.

Great blog - let's get ready for basketball season!

This could have been OU's year for the Championship, since no one else has a firm grasp and we have the talent.  Last night's loss to Tech was disappointing, in that Baylor racked up about as much yardage the week before, but the defense stopped them when they had to on scoring, and we racked up more points.  Injuries had some effect, but it wasn't Halzle's job to stop Tech's D-lineman from stuffing a run on 3rd and goal from the 1 foot line.  When you want to show the nation you deserve number one, you don't settle for a FG, then, or when we were stopped on Tech's 9 yard line.  If you want to play desperate, do it early in the game, not with time running out.  Bad replay on the OU touchdown as well, but it never should have come to that to win.  

how was that not a TD pass in the third quarter?
you all know what i am talking about, please post the picture of the "TD" if you find it.

for Stoops to be pissed off at the lack of:
1)good assistant coaching
2)team preparation
3)crummy secondary play
4)non existent run blocking

 and the constant

1)crappy self inflicted penalties
2)crummy fumbling
3)not waking up till the 4th qtr
4)losing in games we are picked to win
5)getting blown out by good and crappy teams

Listen to his teleconference on Sunday afternoon. Non-chalant, nose stuck up in the air attitude. I like Coach Stoops and would trade him for any other coach, but give me a break.  He should be lighting a fire under the staff and players asses about now.