The loss to Notre Dame stung. It stung really bad. And what made it worse was the way in which it happened.
I really think that overall OU and Notre Dame are very evenly matched teams. Notre Dame probably has better lines, but OU is better at the skill positions. As such it was no surprise that the game was tied deep into the fourth quarter.
It was going to take some breaks to fall on one side or the other to get the win.
And boy did Notre Dame get ALL THE BREAKS.
The OU touchdown right before halftime that was called back on a hold for instance. Between the end of that play and when the flag was actually thrown, I was able to fit in a screening of Gone With the Wind. The announcers were as baffled at that call as Stoops was.
I guess the officials thought surely there must have been a penalty. I mean Notre Dame doesn’t give up rushing touchdowns. Right?
Then there was Notre Dame’s 62 yard touchdown run early in the game. Tony Jefferson was mauled on that play and the officials looked the other way.
Finally, on the Sooners drive that resulted in the interception. Everyone in the stadium EXCEPT the refs saw that the defender hit our receiver early. What’s worse is the ball clearly hit the ground before T’eo had full control of it. Two blown calls on one play.
Add to all this the famous Notre Dame “spot” that gave the golden domers an extra yard to yard and a half on several plays and well, they didn’t need the luck of the Irish. They had the backing of Big East officials to rely on. I mean the head Referee and the Field judge must have felt right at home around the ND squad. They both officiated the Notre Dame Spring Game for the Irish this year. Just saying.
But now the Sooners have to forget about that game and focus on the rest of the season starting with Iowa State on the road.
The Cyclones might have the 2nd or 3rd worst offense in the league this year, but their defense is stout. And crazy things can happen on the road. Just ask the Cowpukes about their last trip to Ames.
If the Sooners come out and play like they can, the game won’t be close. But if they have decided that the season is lost because a shot at a National Title is gone, then the goal posts will come down in Ames for a second straight year. As such the worry meter is at 65% this week.
There is still alot left to play for. The possibility exists for a Big 12 Title if we get some help. And a BCS bowl is even more likely if we win out. It all depends on how motivated the Sooners still are. With all that being said…BOOMER!! — Dave
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