They base their decisions off of the Sooners’ disappointing 8-5 record last year and the fact that Bob Stoops’ men have struggled against archrivals Texas the last three years, losing two of those games.
Those fans believe “Big Game Bob” has lost his mojo.
Their disgust with OU’s lackluster performance in the Red River Showdown is absolutely fine and somewhat warranted, but stating that the program is taking a huge nosedive down the drain is completely false.
Yes, the program might not be as strong as it was back in 2000 when the Sooners were undefeated and won the National Championship, but in no time, OU will once again become the team every college football team dreads to see on their schedules.
Why, you ask?
Well, simple. Stoops is rallying up a great core of young players that’ll run wild next year and years to come.
Ranked as this year’s 14th recruiting class by Sports illustrated, at least 19 freshmen have seen some action this season. To some people that might seem like a worrying stat, but to an educated fan, that is a welcoming site.
These young players that everyone are quick to criticize are getting valuable minutes that will mold them physically and mentally and turn them into huge assets.
And Stoops’ record with young promising talents is impeccable.
Since he’s taken the job at OU, the program has had players finish in the “top seven in the Heisman voting six times,” via soonersports.com.
None of the freshmen on the roster right now look like they’ll ever hoist the Heisman trophy, but several could potentially be first round picks.
The ceiling is so high for these young players not only because the coaches have shown faith in them, but also because they are already vital pieces of the team.
Use the first game of the season against Akron as an example. The game featured three freshman and two sophomores starting for the offense and defense. One of those players was Semaje Perine, an established starter, but the others were unknowns trying to seize their opportunity.
The vital experience those players have garnered so far will hasten their learning process and once they have the handle of things, watch out.
Looking past the obvious jaw-dropping playmakers Perine and Joe Mixon, tight end Mark Andrews is another player that should have sooner fans salivating.
The redshirt freshman has been a welcomed surprise early this season, scoring three touchdowns on just eight receptions. He’s got quick feet, size and has a knack for creating space and losing his marker in the end zone. Those are three attributes that can’t be taught and will cause a lot of defenses trouble.
The towering youngster has already learnt a lot in the first half of the season and if Lincoln Riley is wise, he’ll leave him on the field for the majority of offensive snaps.
In addition to Andrews, P.J. Mbanasor, Orlando Brown and Dru Samia are just a couple of players that could be household names next season.
With the current crop of top young players and more to come next year and Baker Mayfield’s ascension, Sooner fans should rest easy knowing that in no time they’ll be screaming “Boomer Sooner” on the biggest stage college football has to offer.