Joining the Bloguin Network has been great for many things. Amongst them is being able to talk with other blogs from the opposing teams. It gives us the ability to pick the brains of some great writers.
With the UConn Huskies playing the Oklahoma Sooners in tonight’s Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, I was able to catch up with Allen from Blatant Homerism earlier in the week. Allen does a great job of covering the Oklahoma Sooners for Blatant Homerism so be sure to check out his site for a view from the enemy.
Many thanks to Allen for taking the time to answer some questions from me for tonight’s game.
1. Oklahoma has had good seasons in the past only to falter in the BCS bowl games. Is there any reason why?
Blantant Homerism: If I knew the answer to that, I bet I could convince Bob Stoops to split one of those BCS bonus checks he gets with me.
Part of OU’s BCS struggles can be attributed to simply playing really good teams in tough circumstances. For example, I have a hard time believing any team can beat LSU in a national championship game in the Superdome.
That’s not a very satisfying answer, though. In terms of what OU can actually control, it seems like the Sooners have sometimes put so much emphasis on the conference championship game that they lose focus during the holiday break. I think that was a factor in the losses to Boise State in 2007 and West Virginia in 2008.
To continue reading the Q&A, click on the read more button below.
2. We all know about the high powered offense of Oklahoma. Will it look any different under new co-offensive coordinator Josh Heupel. And how can UConn stop them?
BH: Heupel hasn’t had much time to put his own stamp on things from a “look” standpoint. Any major changes in that respect would likely come in the offseason, and I don’t think many in Sooner Nation expect any significant tweaks.
The main concern I’ve heard expressed is that as a former quarterback, Heupel may lean too heavily to the pass in his play selection. Obviously that remains to be seen.
The teams that have had the most success slowing down OU’s offense have worked to put pressure on Landry Jones and confuse him with blitzes coming from multiple angles. The goal is to force Jones into mistakes and capitalize on his tendency to stare down receivers on hot reads.
It’s difficult to keep OU from moving the ball – better to focus on taking chances to create opportunities for turnovers and negative plays.
3. Give us a player or two who isn’t a star but could be a factor in the game for the non-Oklahoma fan.
BH: Middle linebacker Austin Box missed the first half of the year with a back injury, but he seemed to make lots of big plays for OU’s defense late in the season. A fourth-year junior, Box understands the Sooners’ defensive scheme as well as anyone, and his coverage skills have made him a valuable asset on passing downs.
On offense, senior wide receiver Cameron Kenney really hit his stride late in the season. He has always had an ability to get open, but drops have kept him on the bench in the past. Something clicked in OU’s final two games of the year, as he was instrumental in big wins against Oklahoma State and Nebraska.
4. Jordan Todman has carried UConn all season long on the ground. How will Oklahoma try to stop him?
BH: OU’s line is the weak spot of the defense. The front four struggle to generate a consistent push, which means the Sooners will have to stack the box to keep Todman under wraps.
Defensive coordinator Brent Venables will take his chances with Zach Frazer and count on the secondary to make due with little help.
5. Your prediction for the game.
BH: OU, 35-14.
Thanks again to Allen for taking the time to answer the questions.
Photo credit: John Woike – Hartford Courant (No. 17)
