Jim Ross' Blog: OU- TCU

• TCU, according to many football people, could well be the best overall defense the Sooners will face in the regular season. TCU is ranked #1 nationally in total defense and rushing defense and have allowed only 7.8 points per game. Yes, I have seen their schedule but no one can deny these numbers.
• The Sooner coaches rave about the fundamental soundness of TCU and how well coached that they are. Head Coach Gary Patterson is a defensive guy who prides himself on coaching physical football.  
• Patterson said this week that his Frogs would feel “no pressure” when they play in Norman Saturday night. Perhaps winning 11 of their last 13 games against BCS conference opponents gives merit to that statement.
• TCU runs a 4-2-5 defense ala Virginia Tech and they run it well. TCU’s defensive ends are athletic and are aggressively active which will challenge the Sooners offensive tackles more than at any time thus far in ’08.
• Because of TCU’s solid, ball control offense, Horned Frog opponents have averaged less than 60 offensive snaps per game. This is a telling stat as TCU is the type of team that has the ability to consume large amounts of time and to keep Sam Bradford and his offensive mates on the sideline. The Sooners’ defense needs a significant number of 3 and out’s Saturday night in Norman.
• TCU is an amazing 13 of 18 in third down conversions this year.
• TCU QB Andy Dalton, #14, has carried the ball this season 41 times for 184 yards averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Dalton is a 6’3”- 210 pounder.   Dalton has also attempted 17 more passes this season than Sam Bradford. Point being made that TCU has a balanced attack that likes to run first but that can still throw the ball.
• Wide receiver Jimmy Young, # 88, has 20 catches thus far this season more than the next 3 leading TCU receivers combined.
• TCU has not trailed in a game this year.
• TCU lead their conference in sacks in 2007 and will no doubt “get after” Bradford come Saturday night. That info isn’t a revelation but will be the norm with every team the Sooners play this year.
• Special teams play is critical in this game as TCU has two players who average over 20 yard per kickoff return.
• Based on comments made this week by TCU’s Head Coach, the Frogs’ priorities this Saturday night will be to play extremely physical, stop the run, and not to allow any completed, deep balls. Those points come obviously from a defensive minded head ball coach.
• The atmosphere surrounding Owen Field Saturday night needs to be electrifying. Patterson may allude to the fact that his players will be playing with no pressure and are used to the bright lights but kids are kids and hopefully Sooner fans will be adequately motivated come the 6 p.m. kickoff. TV viewers seeing the great, Sooner football atmosphere is good for the program and impresses recruits and their parents.
• The Sooner defense will be sternly tested Saturday night especially the linemen and linebackers. Having no Demarcus Granger doesn’t do any one any favors but expect great games from Gerald McCoy, who is playing as well as any DT anywhere, Cory Bennett, and Adrian Taylor.
• This would be a great time for DE’s Austin English and Jeremy Beal to have “big play making” outings. English and Beal are the real deal.
• The Sooners must tackle well for 4 quarters. Sounds obvious I know but any extended loss of focus can result in giving up big plays and thus providing the 17 point underdog hope.   
• Turnovers, as always, will play a major factor in this one. TCU used Oklahoma turnovers to beat us in ’05.
• Oklahoma needs to concentrate on making first downs. Nothing more and nothing less.
• Will the Sooners once again utilize a 3 man defensive front from time to time in this game? That alignment has some intriguing personnel match ups.
• Jimmy Stevens’ ability to make field goals might well be a significant factor in this game.
• Count on punter Mike Knall playing a major role in this game. Knall has been excellent this season.    
•  TCU’s field goal kicker is only 2/2 this season with his longest being a 50 yarder. The Frogs haven’t been in a position to need to kick many field goals in ’08.
• The Sooner marching band has a tradition of playing the visiting school’s alma mater and why do so many fans boo it? Let’s win but let’s win with class….Sooner class.
• After the Cincy game, I witnessed some exuberant OU fans taunting the visitors as they went into their locker room after their hard fought loss. It was embarrassing. Do we really need to do that after a game? Many of us still remember how we were treated after the LSU game a few years back in the Super Dome. Not a fond memory for many reasons. Let’s not replicate that particular unsavory attitude at a university known for class.  
• BTW Larry Munson, the Legendary Voice of the Georgia Bulldogs (yes, that’s what it says on is business cards) has retired effectively immediately at the age of 86 after 43 years on the job at UGA. Munson, a devout “homer” and why the heck not, worked many years without a color analyst and is without question was one of the most colorful voices in the history of college football. When I broadcast Atlanta Falcon football on radio in the early 90’s, my Sunday night talk show on AM750 WSB followed the Georgia coaches show hosted by Munson which is where I got to know the legend. If you have never heard Larry’s work, check out his website which is www.larrymunson.com.   

 I personally want to invite all the great Sooner fans to visit either of our J.R.’s Family BBQ locations, at exit 116 in Moore just south of the Warren Theatre and at exit 109 (I-35 and Main) in Norman this weekend. Both locations open at 11 a.m. daily will gladly help you with your tailgating needs and both stores can handle your to go orders quickly and efficiently.  We will also have our BBQ trailer set up at Fan Fest and, as always, will be located right in front of the McCaslin Fieldhouse just outside the north end zone beginning around noon all the way up until kickoff.  From one Sooner fan to another, please know that we sincerely appreciate everyone’s business and support of our two J.R.’s Family BBQ locations. For more info, please check out www.jrsbarbq.com.  Boomer Sooner!J.R.