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The defensively challenged Sooners are riding a four-game, Big 12 Conference winning streak into their homecoming game against Kansas (FS1, 7 p.m.. ET), OU remains in the hunt for another Big 12 title.
1. Everyone should be defensive about it: Oklahoma's defense is playing at an unacceptable level, but the issues are not unsolvable. Seems like a nice drizzle of JR's HOT BBQ Sauce would light a fire under the defenders if placed in a specific spot. KU is ranked No. 5 in the Big 12 in total defense; OU is ranked No. 9.
2. Contest all thrown balls: A split-second reaction is often time all it takes to break up or intercept an opponent's pass. When the ball is in the air, it's universal property. The most polite player generally loses.
3. Tackle better: Chronically not being able to wrap up opponents (see Patrick Mahomes) or to finish the transaction is not a flattering trait for a defensive football player to possess on any level. Tackling is a part of the game that can't be compromised to achieve success. Many football people much smarter than I will say that great tackling is a mindset. I concur.
4. Sooners secondary: Lining up without any significant confusion would be a welcomed development. At this stage of the season, every one should know their assignments and players not being sure of where to line up after 7 games is intolerable. Only two Big 12 teams are statistically worse than OU in pass defense efficiency and that's Texas Tech and the Steers.
5. Front seven: This is an athletic group that needs to play with more of their God given physical gifts notwithstanding play to have more fun. Seeing this group jump around while enjoying their on field success would be contagious for the entire team. By the way, a loud, home crowd can certainly help support this theory with noise.
6. Gather at the football: While 'gathering at the river' might be more familiar to some, OU defenders need to, in multiple numbers, gather at the football while getting multiple Sooners to the ball carrier and the prized piece of pulled pork that he's carrying. A few, Slobber Knocker level hits might awaken some tardy and/or laid back students.
7. Welcome back, Austin Kendall: The true freshman QB and back up to Baker Mayfield should make his presence felt in the fourth quarter of Saturday night's homecoming game unless Halloween comes early. If Kendall isn't on the field in the 4th, then what's up?
By the way, enough is enough on complaining about a bowling-shoe ugly win as was the case in Lubbock last Saturday where it's always Halloween. Obviously, the defense must play better and my half-full, crimson-colored glass says that it will. The Oklahoma defensive players have to be feeling abused and ready to take the Jayhawks to the woodshed in a game it seems that many aren't taking too seriously. OC Lincoln Riley's offense must continue to be productive.
Prediction: OU 52 KU 21 (KU +40.5 and the Over 65)
Boomer Sooner!
Jim Ross @JRsBBQ
Jim Ross is a two time NYT Best Selling Author, a member of three Halls of Fame, Creator and Host of The Ross Report Podcast on podcastone.com and iTunes, Broadcaster Friday nights on AXSTV for New Japan Pro Wrestling Friday nights, RINGSIDE with Jim Ross Shows with info at www.jrsbarbq.com and along with wife Jan produce JR's condiments line of BBQ Sauces, Chipolte Ketchup, Jalapeno Honey Mustard, and All Purpose Seasoning available online at www.wweshop.com.
