Crimson And Cream Machine - All PostsA Site For Sooner Fans By Sooner Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48625/crimsonandcream_fave.png2024-02-14T11:17:53-06:00http://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/rss/current/2024-02-14T11:17:53-06:002024-02-14T11:17:53-06:00Crimson And Cream Machine is looking for a new site manager
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Alamo Bowl-Arizona at Oklahoma" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SGqFBaE4fmR7WUnt3gAN28A4_FY=/0x0:8001x5334/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73139140/usa_today_22186259.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>Here’s your chance to cover Oklahoma for us</em> </p> <p id="QYi4CU">Crimson And Cream Machine is looking for a site manager to take over leading and overseeing content on the site. If you are an Oklahoma fan and enjoy writing and talking all things Sooners these roles could be the perfect paid opportunity for you!</p>
<h2 id="h5Fj2T"><strong>What does the roles entail?</strong></h2>
<p id="G8LofK">The site manager is in charge of managing a content calendar, assigning stories to potential new writers and contributing to Crimson And Cream Machine.</p>
<p id="ueyvP6">This role is a contract role compensated with a monthly stipend.</p>
<h2 id="a5jLPq"><strong>What qualifications should you have?</strong></h2>
<p id="t2fC39"><strong>Our best candidates will:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="PTRjIf">Have a passion for Oklahoma athletics.</li>
<li id="ItWflb">Have writing and/or digital media experience — and experience writing about college sports and/or Oklahoma is a plus.</li>
<li id="sJBJP6">The ability to edit and write clean copy.</li>
<li id="eOA3da">The ability to communicate efficiently with other bloggers and the Associate Director of College coverage whenever needed.</li>
<li id="W08MwO">Be comfortable working in a remote environment.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="hErvtb"><strong>How do you apply?</strong></h2>
<p id="lCJWnr">To apply, please submit a cover letter detailing why you’re the best person for the role, a resume showcasing any previous writing and/or digital media experience, and one writing sample showing what you can do in this role. You must submit all items to be considered for this opportunity. All items should be submitted to Beth Maiman, Associate Director of NCAA coverage at SB Nation. Please email the materials to beth.maiman@sbnation.com. Please headline the subject of the email as <strong>“Crimson And Cream Machine: Site manager application.</strong>”</p>
<p id="CdzuzC">Vox Media, SB Nation and Crimson And Cream Machine are committed to bringing you coverage of the Sooners from a diverse array of voices and perspectives. If your experience and background do not perfectly align with every single thing we’re looking for, but you believe you have the ability to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply!</p>
<p id="WrUZx7"></p>
<p id="3Nbvik"></p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2024/2/14/24073001/crimson-and-cream-machine-is-looking-for-a-new-site-managerbethmaiman2024-02-12T10:21:55-06:002024-02-12T10:21:55-06:00Changes at Crimson & Cream Machine
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: The Oklahoman" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2RVHRFlxKu1u0N7FogyyuN8Po5g=/184x0:5275x3394/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73132759/usa_today_21424219.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Effective March 1, I’ll be stepping down as site manager at Crimson & Cream Machine. Fortunately, I’ll still be around in some capacity. </p> <p id="T7FMXg">It’s never easy to make an announcement like this, but here we are.</p>
<p id="I0dUC1">Last week, I informed SB Nation of my intention to step down as site manager of Crimson & Cream Machine. Unfortunately, due to various family health issues over the past several months, I have not been able to dedicate my full attention to this publication. You may have noticed that our publishing frequency has diminished as of late. I love C&C Machine, so I want to ensure that it is in the right hands. As it currently stands, that simply isn’t the case. Our readers deserve more. </p>
<p id="Bznew0">Fortunately, this isn’t goodbye for me. I’ll be sticking around in some capacity — whether that be writing posts or managing the social media. </p>
<p id="niiCLA">My final day as site manager will be Feb. 29. In the meantime, I’ll be working with SB Nation to find the perfect replacement. We’ll be publishing the opening soon, and if you’re interested, don’t hesitate to send me an email (jackshields34@gmail.com). </p>
<p id="dK0wjl">I’ve had the privilege of managing this site since August of 2016, when Matt Hofeld passed me the torch. We’ve had some outstanding contributors during that time. Seth Oliveras was a mainstay with the Hot Links posts, and Chisholm Holland brought his own flavor to it over the past couple of years. Allen Kenney provided outstanding X’s and O’s content (and still does over at Through the Keyhole). Kamiar Mehrabian produced a hell of a podcast (and still does with Bud, Barry, Bob & Beer). Everyone who has contributed to this site has left their mark, and we look forward to continuing to serve as a platform for creative people. </p>
<p id="Xi4AkB">I’d like to thank Luke Zimmerman for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m pretty sure I got him into trouble with his supervisors on more than one occasion, but he was always patient with me on everything. Matt Brown was an incredible boss, as was Caroline Darney. Both as doing great things in their new endeavors, and I’m grateful to have worked with them. Our current boss, Beth Maiman, is fantastic. She’s continues to be very helpful and understanding in this transition, and I promise that this site will be in good hands as long as she is around. </p>
<p id="6t74pb">Finally, I’d like to thank all of the readers and commenters. You’re what makes this site great. I’m excited for what we’ll be able to bring to you in the future, and I look forward to our continued interactions and heated debates. </p>
<p id="TlHX6F">I love you all, and Boomer Sooner! </p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2024/2/12/24070623/changes-at-crimson-cream-machineJack Shields2024-01-06T14:31:22-06:002024-01-06T14:31:22-06:00Oklahoma Basketball vs. Iowa State: Preview, Game Thread & How to Watch
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Green Bay at Oklahoma" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KonUWXyYHcU5pOJrRezOYr6NCcU=/0x0:5546x3697/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73030208/usa_today_22123475.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Oklahoma opens Big 12 play against one of the best defensive teams in the country. </p> <p id="IlUNfj">The No. 11 <a href="https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com">Oklahoma Sooners</a> (12-1) face a tough test to open Big 12 play as they welcome the <a href="https://www.widerightnattylite.com">Iowa State Cyclones</a> (11-2) to Norman this Saturday. </p>
<div id="2BmrXZ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Big 12 battle at our place <br><br> » 5 PM <br> » ESPN+ | <a href="https://t.co/iDMvxVUsZs">https://t.co/iDMvxVUsZs</a><br> » <a href="https://t.co/M6AhVRFm2j">https://t.co/M6AhVRFm2j</a><br> » <a href="https://t.co/lJdnrhzzOO">https://t.co/lJdnrhzzOO</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rg7Wn9kaL2">pic.twitter.com/Rg7Wn9kaL2</a></p>— Oklahoma Basketball (@OU_MBBall) <a href="https://twitter.com/OU_MBBall/status/1743657085861056662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="rvERL9">
<h3 id="PyXYgf"><strong>How to Watch</strong></h3>
<p id="GNxhkY">Time & TV: Saturday, Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. CT on ESPN+</p>
<p id="zVHxJV">Commentary: Pete Sousa and King McClure</p>
<p id="Jnam2Y">Live Stream: <a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/eventCalendarId/401603402?gameId=401603402&sourceLang=en&om-navmethod=espn%3Aglobalsearch%3Aresults">ESPN+</a></p>
<p id="OV6xTb">Line: Oklahoma -2.5 (as of Saturday at 2 p.m. CT)</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="VibbXW">
<h3 id="A76TUR"><strong>About Iowa State</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="5oSFAX">Iowa State is one of the best defensive teams in the nation, sitting at No. 4 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency rankings. The Cyclones average 12 steals per game, which is second nationally and leads all power conference programs.</li>
<li id="EEwYr7">The ‘Clones are led by sophomore guard Tamin Lipsey, who is averaging 15.5 PPG and converting on 42.9 percent of his three-point attempts. He also leads the team with 6.1 assists per game, 5.9 rebounds per game and 3.6 steals per game (No. 2 nationally). </li>
<li id="JXNHsG">In total, Iowa State has six players averaging at least 9 PPG. They are guard Keshon Gilbert (14.4 PPG), forward Milan Momcilovic (13.6 PPG), forward Tre King (10.6 PPG), guard Curtis Jones (9.9 PPG) and forward Robert Jones (9.4 PPG). </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="4C0wzn"><strong>Prediction</strong></h3>
<p id="RuOYAL">In the past two seasons, Porter Moser’s teams have paid for an inability to win vital home games. Last year, OU started Big 12 play back-to-back one-score home losses to Texas and Iowa State. In the end, missing those opportunities prevented them from making a real run at an NCAA tournament berth. The Big 12 is a meat grinder of a basketball conference, and you have to take advantage of every opportunity — particularly at home. </p>
<p id="duObnJ">Put today’s game into that category. A win today would help prove that Oklahoma has turned over a new leaf and would give them a major statement for the NCAA Tournament committee. The Cyclones are currently No. 9 in NET, so a win today would really pay off come March.</p>
<p id="gT0iGm">Prediction: Oklahoma 74, Iowa State 70</p>
<p id="xPwPkQ"></p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2024/1/6/24028039/oklahoma-basketball-iowa-state-preview-how-to-watch-time-tv-channel-live-stream-point-spread-big-12Jack Shields2024-01-04T17:30:46-06:002024-01-04T17:30:46-06:00Oklahoma, defensive coordinator Ted Roof have “mutually agreed to part ways”
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: The Oklahoman" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S3upF-pvmbnmSGKG_dH85c-Kgus=/0x0:3609x2406/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73024331/usa_today_21610999.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Roof had served as OU’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the past two seasons. </p> <p id="vR91qK"><a href="https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com">Oklahoma Sooners</a> head coach Brent Venables announced that OU and defensive coordinator Ted Roof have “mutually agreed to part ways”. Roof has also served as linebackers coach for the past two seasons. </p>
<div id="6fNGoa">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coach Venables announces defensive staff change.<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/VE8oZwly3h">https://t.co/VE8oZwly3h</a> <a href="https://t.co/om5NcmsPgz">pic.twitter.com/om5NcmsPgz</a></p>— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/OU_Football/status/1743024084194041925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="jirPCw">Per Venables: “I have the utmost respect and appreciation for Ted. I told him Wednesday I made a decision to go in a new direction at defensive coordinator and offered him an opportunity to remain on our staff in a different role. He explained that he has a deep desire to keep coaching and will look to do that at a different school. Ted is an incredibly knowledgeable coach and teacher, and his players love playing for him. Our program is thankful for his extreme dedication the last two seasons and for helping make us better.”</p>
<p id="6Gj11a">As for next moves, another internal promotion seems like a potential scenario. Todd Bates and Jay Valai already hold co-DC titles, and safeties coach Brandon Hall is a name that has generated a considerable amount of buzz in the program since he arrived in Norman. </p>
<p id="2iLLIq">Additionally, if it is indeed an inside promotion for DC, we’ll see a search for the new linebackers coach. Roof was well liked by his position group and throughout the program, but a young, hungry recruiter would be a welcome addition. </p>
<p id="IwNVew"></p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2024/1/4/24025967/oklahoma-football-defensive-coordinator-ted-roof-part-waysJack Shields2024-01-03T19:42:22-06:002024-01-03T19:42:22-06:00Oklahoma Football: Final thoughts on the 2023 season
<figure>
<img alt="Valero Alamo Bowl - Arizona v Oklahoma" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MArF3JUsVKPhrDHU0jCwXb1vYVE=/0x0:4500x3000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73021092/1883331949.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Sooners finish their final season in the Big 12. What have we learned?</p> <p id="CmHji6"><em>What's good? </em></p>
<p id="YeAoVo"><em>Heading into 2023 there was a lot to talk about pertaining to the </em><a href="https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com"><em>Oklahoma Sooners</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<ul>
<li id="r5mavW"><em>How will Brent Venables and Jeff Lebby fare in close games?</em></li>
<li id="LmB3DV"><em>Does Dillon Gabriel’s inaccuracy on open throws get corrected?</em></li>
<li id="Npun0T"><em>Does the ‘key down’ play calling not become a talking point?</em></li>
<li id="C1mpZZ"><em>Who replaces Marvin Mims?</em></li>
<li id="4c9mFn"><em>Who takes control of the running back room? </em></li>
<li id="lZKE0u"><em>Does the offensive line’s years of regression finally change course? </em></li>
<li id="qxAZIm"><em>Does the defense up front see the BV bump?</em></li>
<li id="yqpExJ"><em>Do the portal additions across the board jump-start the rebuild?</em></li>
<li id="GQ4s2n"><em>Is this team ready for the SEC in 2024?</em></li>
</ul>
<p id="3ntr7E"><em>Well, it is 2024... let us answer those first eight to answer that ninth one. </em></p>
<p id="DSvEO2"><strong>How did Brent Venables and Jeff Lebby manage close games this year? </strong></p>
<p id="sKbr1e">In 2022, Oklahoma was historically bad in close games, with their winning percentage in one-score games one of the worst all-time in school history. Coming in with what was billed, and delivered, as an easy schedule, Sooners still played in a bunch of those. This year they went 3-2 in those games. Better. Perfect? Far from it. The Sooner's losses felt so very avoidable against Oklahoma State and Kansas. However, UCF is a game they lose in 2022. Texas is a game they lose in 2022. BYU might be a game they lose in 2022. Improvement in game management was there — slightly. I still think in wins there are reasons to be second-guessing some choices, but 2022 was all-time bad. This season was just slightly poor. Which is a big big improvement. The losses to Kansas and Oklahoma State still really sting.</p>
<p id="TeBN3q"><strong>Did Dillon Gabriel’s improvement in the offseason led to cleaner outcomes in the passing game?</strong></p>
<p id="soyMPd">Gabriel went up 6.5% points in completion percentage from last season to this one. Oklahoma will always be known as the school with three different guys making the Heisman ceremony in 3 straight years. A QB school, and growth at the most important position is how I will always judge them. Gabriel was better this year, but the one area I thought he most improved as avoiding sacks. Gabriel, behind in my opinion a worse offensive line, took fewer sacks this season. A little over 30% fewer. Interceptions were still low, so that carried over. Was he one of the best in country? Probably not, but there were times when it appeared to be the case. He was less prohibitive? ABSOLUTELY.</p>
<p id="DqhD6f"><strong>Did Jeff Lebby take himself out of the spotlight by fixing the third down and ‘key down’ play calling? </strong></p>
<p id="tmtfWa">Yeah, I phrased that question like that on purpose. When it comes to the play calling, and not the off-the-field distraction element, did the Sooners improve? Nope. I mean, do I need to list all the plays this year that made the fan base call for his job? I will simply just remind everyone of the fourth down call in Bedlam. Throwing the ball to Drake Stoops is a great idea. Rolling to the short side and having a route short of the sticks is all-time bizarre. Now, Oklahoma will have a new man calling plays, so we’ll see what changes in 2024.</p>
<p id="xSRGoq"><strong>Who replaces Marvin Mims?</strong></p>
<p id="kAy4GL">Going into 2023, I was ready to give Jalil Farooq the keys to this receiving room. Generally in a Lebby offense, we see the targets funneled to one guy. Little did I know that I was not dreaming big enough. Drake Stoops became the guy and delivered. Most receptions, yards, and tied for touchdowns. I have long believed that Stoops was underutilized by this team. Well, in year six (!), no one can claim a poor target share for Stoops. Nic Anderson and Andrel Anthony were the breakout stars, though, without a doubt for this team. Becoming the big play threats and getting to double-digit touchdowns for Anderson, including the biggest touchdown against Texas, makes him a very rosey mark. It was also a promising season from Anthony prior to a season-ending injury. I loved that Jayden Gibson showed us some big-play ability, as did the speedy Brennan Thompson. </p>
<p id="ywdWAL"><strong>Gavin Sawchuk had a big bowl game against </strong><strong>Florida State</strong><strong> in 2022. Is the running back room fully loaded?</strong></p>
<p id="X8nJyJ">This was a room of uncertainty. From Tawee Walker, to Marcus Major, to Jovantae Barnes, and closing with who we all thought would be the leader in the clubhouse — Sawchuk. The running attack left so much to be desired in the early going. Sawchuk, when fully healthy, eventually arrived with the big-play ability and at times kept Oklahoma afloat down the stretch. Gabriel also used his legs more, especially in the red zone this season. </p>
<p id="t48Pj7">Hard to imagine the Oklahoma offense surviving next season purely on the arm of Arnold, so someone other than Sawchuk will have to step up in 2024. Will it be Barnes? Will it be ballyhooed freshman Taylor Tatum? Will Kalib Hicks take a step forward? It’s safe to say that DeMarco Murray would welcome all three scenarios. </p>
<p id="acVyas"><strong>Does the offensive line, which has been in backslide since 2020, finally get fixed? </strong></p>
<p id="rwEjT4">I have been critical of this room for a couple of years now. The highs of the highs are long gone. Suddenly it seems to be at the point where the expectation is that high-end talent might exist, and one or two players will intrigue the NFL scouts, but the unit as a whole leaves a bit to be desired. The run game was horrible for much of the season. The blame can be shared by many, but this is where I am putting it for the minute — it felt like Gabriel was under pressure this season more than last, and this was with a group that had some experience under its belt. They weren’t good. In this article, I am feeling generally positive about this team going into next year, but this is my bright red “if next season in a complete disaster my guess is because of this” flag. Truthfully, especially after Cayden Green’s exit, I am worried. </p>
<p id="Pa8BLu"><strong>Can the front seven be game wreckers like we assumed Brent Venables would deliver? </strong></p>
<p id="6Y8qnI">“New names” was the name of the game going into this year. So much hope for guys from other places. Who led the team in sacks? Ethan Downs, Danny Stutsman, Marcus Stripling, Jaren Kanak, and THEN Kendal Dolby. It takes until the fifth Sooner before we get to the first newcomer. Dolby obviously was in the secondary as well. </p>
<p id="u1lzsp">Let’s take a look at the defensive front’s portal additions:</p>
<p id="x6j0ef">Trace Ford - 0 sacks</p>
<p id="nyIGkR">Dasan McCullough - 0 sacks</p>
<p id="B52GA2">Rondell Bothroyd - 0 sacks</p>
<p id="7EKLn7">Davon Sears - 0.5 sacks</p>
<p id="FpWg9j">Jacob Lacey - 1 sack</p>
<p id="r0SW4R">DaJon Terry - 1 sack</p>
<p id="5KPHtZ">Now, it’s worth noting that a defensive player’s impact is not judged solely by stats, and particularly not solely by sacks. Lacey and Terry certainly helped a ton. Still, this is not exactly what anyone was expecting.I have no idea what to make of that. None. </p>
<p id="pBA6dU">It just seems so random which stars make the transition and which don’t. Bothroyd was given the reigns to make plays from the jump of the season. He did fine, but never really stood out. McCullough dealt with injuries. I don’t put it on the kids. I don’t put in on the coaches. I put it on the fact that we, as a college football whole, haven’t solved how to make player production transferable yet. With the move to the SEC, I’d expect McCullough to play a bigger role at the Cheetah. Lacey and Terry return, and I’d expect them to bring some solid leadership up front. </p>
<p id="FxP5iS">Danny Stutsman and the returning linebackers absolutely showed some things this season. Ethan Downs had a solid year. PJ Adebawore showed flashes when given the opportunity. David Stone, Jayden Jackson, Nigel Smith and Danny Okoye enter the picture in 2024. The portal will obviously be utilized between now and the fall. The outlook looks good for next year. </p>
<p id="MxpLC4"><strong>Do all these big names from the portal jump-start this rebuild?</strong></p>
<p id="vzDhFy">See above. The recruiting and development give us hope. I am very high on what OU has done with the young guys. As you can tell, I am not anti transfer portal. I am just skeptical of it being the foundation of a program, obviously. Not every big-time transfer addition immediately blows the roof off of the place. Like freshmen, they need time to get acclimated to the system, too!</p>
<p id="jlweRM"><strong>Moving Forward</strong></p>
<p id="RvbCmE"><em>I do believe that Oklahoma can hang in the SEC. OU can be a second-tier team in the SEC next season. For Year 1, that would be acceptable. However, like every team, it isn’t a slam dunk. Oklahoma needs to solve the offensive line badly. Jackson Arnold needs to keep improving. The defensive front seven just needs to hold on the same path it is currently on. Believe in your player development. </em></p>
<p id="eb6Zwe"><em>Happy 2024 and talk to later, knuckleheads.</em></p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2024/1/3/24021413/oklahoma-football-2023-season-venables-jackson-arnold-dillon-gabriel-danny-stutsman-billy-bowmanChisholmHolland2023-12-28T19:13:00-06:002023-12-28T19:13:00-06:00Alamo Bowl: Game Thread and How to Watch
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: The Oklahoman" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tGAiNP_GAnVGFFtJL11hbRQJd_w=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73005861/usa_today_22179625.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Jackson Arnold’s first start has OU fans excited.</p> <h2 id="RtnTtX"><strong>Head on down to the comments section to give us your thoughts on tonight’s action!</strong></h2>
<div id="hEYBfj">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight, two years after the passing of the visor, Sooner Nation returns to the River Walk seeking to end this bounce-back season with a bang. <br><br>Scene Setter presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/FollowMercy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FollowMercy</a> ⤵️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OUDNA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OUDNA</a> <a href="https://t.co/PVyhqV953o">pic.twitter.com/PVyhqV953o</a></p>— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/OU_Football/status/1740372030799646785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h3 id="IBRqsb"><strong>How to Watch</strong></h3>
<p id="eNrAjc">Time & TV: Thursday, Dec. 28 at 8:20 p.m. CT on ESPN</p>
<p id="Bq8wTb">Commentary: Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers and Cole Cubelic</p>
<p id="RZjaWm">Live Stream: <a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/">ESPN+</a></p>
<p id="K4hwSt">Line: Arizona -2.5 (as of Thursday at 7 p.m. CT)</p>
<p id="I1Ficl"></p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2023/12/28/24018287/oklahoma-sooners-football-vs-arizona-alamo-bowl-game-thread-and-how-to-watchJack Shields2023-12-28T10:36:48-06:002023-12-28T10:36:48-06:00Oklahoma vs. Arizona: Alamo Bowl Q&A with Arizona Desert Swarm
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: Arizona Republic" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G3h2yTExuz7sVP8hwDjPZ0IJPgc=/0x0:3400x2267/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73004458/usa_today_22179627.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>What’s been the key to Arizona’s success? Brian Pedersen of Arizona Desert Swarm breaks it down for us.</p> <p id="uULkh8">After finishing the regular season at 10-2, the <a href="https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com">Oklahoma Sooners</a> are set to face the <a href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com">Arizona Wildcats</a> (9-3) in the Alamo Bowl. Here to discuss the opponent is Brian Pedersen of Arizona Desert Swarm. </p>
<p id="uPS0w1"><strong>1. Noah Fifita took over at QB midway through the season, and he’s certainly been turning some heads. What’s been the biggest key to his success?</strong> </p>
<p id="QmdiYC">He was the first quarterback Jedd Fisch and his staff recruited after taking over the program in December 2020 and so his skill set fits perfectly into the offense. Jayden de Laura did great as a bridge in 2022 and the beginning of 2023, but the hope had always been that once Fifita got his shot he would thrive. No one could have expected it to be at this level almost immediately.</p>
<p id="vysVd3"><strong>2. Sticking with the offense, which of the skill position players is most likely to make an impact play this week?</strong> </p>
<p id="RsXxag">Sophomore receiver Tetairoa McMillan could be a first-round pick in 2025, and he’s a big game away from the single-season yardage record. At 6-foot-4 he has an amazing catch radius and can run all the routes, and his hands are tremendous.</p>
<p id="EtZ8ms">Tight end Tanner McLachlan broke Rob Gronkowski’s UA career catch record last month and he’s a very reliable target over the middle, though he may end up having to stay home more to block if new left tackle Joe Borjon struggles with Oklahoma’s pass rush.</p>
<p id="03ytlt">The run game is by committee, with Jonah Coleman the most physical of the ball carriers. They’re all good catching the ball, too, so that has to be accounted for when they leak out of the backfield.</p>
<p id="BZHLgz"><strong>3. Jedd Fisch is in Year 3 at the helm in Tucson, and his teams have improved drastically each season. How has he been able to accomplish this?</strong> </p>
<p id="f3ip6x">I wish there was a better way to describe it, but it’s come down to creating a plan early on and sticking to it. That first year (he calls it Year Zero) allowed him to see just how bad things were and how much had to change, and the first full offseason was devoted to overhauling the offense so Arizona had a chance to hang with teams the following year. This past offseason it was about revamping the defense, and the results have been very noticeable.</p>
<p id="EvB8xg">Fisch and his staff also managed to recruit a top-30 class in 2022 while going through a 1-11 season that included the tail end of a 20-game losing streak, and that sophomore class has made 80 starts this season.</p>
<p id="527Cfu"><strong>4. Entering bowl season, Arizona sits at No. 45 nationally. What has been the biggest strength of the unit, and in which area does it need to improve? </strong></p>
<p id="aWZQiF">Arizona is No. 6 in the country in third down offense, 11th in red zone offense and 12th in red zone defense. UNLV is the only other FBS school in the top 12 in two of those three categories. The Wildcats are good at extending drives, maximizing their scoring opportunities and limiting the damage when opponents get inside the 20.</p>
<p id="CX58Nz">As for deficiencies, the pass offense can stagnate if McMillan and/or Jacob Cowing are off the field, while on defense the number of dropped interceptions has been a source of frustration. There’s nothing particularly great or terrible about the special teams.</p>
<p id="2UDWS3"><strong>5. What’s one thing Oklahoma fans should know about Tucson, Arizona?</strong></p>
<p id="MQaZJJ">It’s the only place in the world where you’ll find a stravenue, a portmanteau of ‘street’ and ‘avenue.’ In the city’s main grid, east/west roads are streets and north/south ones are avenues, but when diagonal ones were needed they became stravenues.</p>
<p id="OH6weN">Might not be interesting to most people, but if you’re ever one of my Uber passengers that’s among my Tucson fun facts I’ll share. </p>
<p id="jVEsQo"><strong>6. Who is your favorite U of A alum of all time?</strong> </p>
<p id="nWD5tJ">Tedy Bruschi, the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1995 (my sophomore year at the UA) and a 3-time <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> champ with the Patriots who is now a special assistant to Jedd Fisch in addition to his ESPN gig. Bruschi was the bouncer working the back door at the closest bar to where freshman orientation was held in 1994 and he let 17-year-old me in the back door for $5.</p>
<p id="lDGbwY"><strong>7. On a scale of 1-10, how excited are Arizona fans about their future in the Big 12?</strong></p>
<p id="LrITZF">In football, there will always a certain level of melancholy since Arizona was the only school from the Pac-10 era (1978-2011) not to make the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a>, though Oklahoma and Texas leaving for the SEC makes the league feel ripe for a program on the rise to assert itself.</p>
<p id="j2poJn">In basketball, particularly on the men’s side, there’s major anticipation for being in the same league as Houston and Kansas, among others, though I don’t know if the fanbase is prepared for having a 12-8 conference record still be considered good.</p>
<p id="X4eIoy">It should also be good for baseball, while it will be a major step down for the storied softball program, and I wonder how much the added travel will impact other non-revenue sports. </p>
<p id="6KFyA0"><strong>8. What’s your score prediction?</strong> </p>
<p id="jsRw1y">Making a bowl game this season seemed doable back in the summer, but not one of this stature. This is a huge deal for Arizona, which has only gotten to 10 wins three times in its history, and it’s treating this like a championship game. Combine that with defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen’s ability to craft game plans to hold 5 of 6 teams during the win streak to below their scoring average and I’m expecting Arizona to post its most significant bowl victory since beating Nebraska in the 1998 Holiday Bowl. Arizona wins 30-26.</p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2023/12/28/24017659/oklahoma-football-arizona-wildcats-alamo-bowl-noah-fifita-jedd-fischJack Shields2023-12-27T13:21:07-06:002023-12-27T13:21:07-06:00Preview: Alamo Bowl vs Arizona Wildcats
<figure>
<img alt="TCU v Oklahoma" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9PpU1Dqo3SowBPFkq-3K0SrKvCA=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73002100/1871317666.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Sooners try to close the season with their 11th win as they prepare to head to the SEC.</p> <p id="4rMIBy">What’s good?</p>
<p id="C0lKU8">What a bowl season it has been. So much to take in and try to factor into this one. When the regular season ends, we have become accustomed to seeing names in the portal immediately, coaches changing hands, seniors sitting out, and much more college football chaos. Feels like the Sooners have a ton of that heading into this game against Arizona. And yet, things appear to be in a healthy spot. </p>
<p id="gjDIOm">A new quarterback, a new play-caller, and a new offensive line make this thing fun to anticipate. These are the best games for fans. No matter what happens, you just get to be excited for every glimmer of talent you see from the young guys. We all remember Gavin Sawchuck last year against <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a>. That is the part you hold on to. Not the loss at the hands of an eventual undefeated team the following season. </p>
<p id="4xpGQ9"><strong>What will I be watching?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="0CGsKf">Let's start with the new kid on the block pulling the trigger. Jackson Arnold comes into a situation that isn’t perfect, but also not all that bad. With his play caller taking a new gig, the offense likely won’t be exactly the same as it was all season. Fortunately for him, there is continuity on the offensive staff with Seth Littrell and Joe Jon Finley now running the show. Arnold has shown some moments that make you believe in the talent promised. He is all the obvious things you think of compared to Gabriel, but for the sake of word count, I will list them out for you. Bringing much more explosive athletic ability to the table, especially in the run game. From the little we have seen this year, it does feel like Aronld has a little of that hyper-efficiency to the table similar to Jalen Hurts. When I think of Hurts, I think that he gets every obvious yard available. It might not be flashy, but he very rarely backtracks or cuts, leading to negative plays. Arnold also brings the big arm, which I am sure will be uncorked at some point. Mostly though, I am excited to see his attitude on the field. How does he act? What his emotion? How does he talk to his teammates? How does he talk to the opponents? Always fun to see the new leadership taking the field for the first time.</li>
<li id="OF1X4t">Littrell will be calling in the plays and taking over for Jeff Lebby. Lots of people on the internet think this in the long run will be an upgrade. I am open to that idea, but also aware that I have been wrong more times than I can count, and easy answers don’t exist in college football coaching evaluations. Simply put though, here is what I am watching for — 3rd and 6, somewhere between the 30s, is there something drawn up/called that looks easy? I have long been a harsh evaluator of playcalling in this one simple factor — do you make it easier on your players in the big spots? Or harder? We have seen a few clunky 3rd and 4th downs recently. Does that go out with the previous coach, or is there something still left to be fixed?</li>
<li id="bWTgwo">Skipping over the obvious rotating door at the offensive line, I will go a little more niche. I want to see this linebacking core, especially some of the young guys more. Arizona has some pop to them, and one of their big contributors is the run game. Can those guys make it tough on Arizona and force the Wildcats to play behind the chains? We will see Danny Stutsman and Jaren Kanak like we have all season, but with a heavy dose of Kip Lewis, Kobie McKenzie and we hope Lewis Carter. Again, this position is one of my personal favorites to watch, and with Venables being one of the best developers of the position, it leads to me always being dialed into the young guys. </li>
</ul>
<p id="Sqa4WA"><strong>Know your opponent: </strong><a href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com"><strong>Arizona Wildcats</strong></a></p>
<ul>
<li id="OyTWrm">Jonah Coleman is the straw for this offense. The explosion comes from the passing game for Arizona but the down-to-down efficiency lies at the feet of Coleman. He is averaging over 5.5 yards a carry on first down, allowing this offense to play on its front foot. The young sophomore has shown a knack for the explosive as well, breaking off runs and receptions multiple times over 40 yards. Coleman took over the backfield in week 5 and never gave back the reigns after a 180-yard day against USC. In every game in which he has at least 8 carries, he has a run over 12 yards. The Sooners will have their hands full with this Wildcat.</li>
<li id="I48kSV">Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan are the hammer and nail here. Fifita, the freshman QB, really caught fire in the late part of the year pushing the ball downfield. In every game in which he started, he’s had a completion percentage above 70%, with the exception of their win against Colorado. Fifita’s favorite target is the deep threat McMillan, who has about half the receiving yards of this Arizona passing offense when it’s been led by Fifita. McMillan is one of two Wildcat receivers with double-digit touchdowns. Bowman and the other members of this OU secondary will have to be disciplined against Arizona, as they can and have made teams pay this season for their mistakes. </li>
<li id="tAJ6IP">Taylor Upshaw and Jacob Manu are the two linebackers for this defense and the two stars. They lead the team in sacks and are the big playmakers for Arizona. The offense for the Wildcats is scary, this defense though is not. The Sooners will have chances with Jackson Arnold to control possessions and score points. They have to take advantage of that if they want to win this bowl game. </li>
</ul>
<p id="oEc0rN"><strong>Score Prediction</strong></p>
<p id="c5Sf9H">While transparently I am a little worried that this is the second straight bowl opponent that seems to be coming in close to full strength coming off last season against Florida State, for some reason I am just feeling the Seth Littrell hype train coming down the tracks. A simple offense against the Wildcats should put up some big numbers and get everyone excited for next year. I am feeling points and a lot of them. </p>
<p id="gfrixb"><em>Oklahoma - 44</em></p>
<p id="EC5RYB"><em>Arizona - 20</em></p>
<p id="ER4A8X">Talk to you next season, knuckleheads.</p>
<p id="CXXtHu"></p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2023/12/27/24016264/oklahoma-sooners-football-preview-alamo-bowl-vs-arizona-wildcats-jackson-arnoldChisholmHolland