Looks like Lincoln Riley leaving was good for two programs

[michaeljordan_fan]

USC went all in on a dude notorious for shitting the bed in big games. They’re gonna regret that hire

Yeah Oklahoma never had a reputation for blowing it in BCS bowls before Lincoln Riley arrived...

 

[ojb81]

I guess.

Kirby Ain’t Smart is smarter than Lincoln Riley though, and that should be a huge cause for concern

no he isn't

 

[Deep Creek]

But at least Kiffin is the best coach in his state.

What? Better than….

 

[7samurai13]

What? Better than….

Shit my brain ain’t working. Riley is the best in his state.

 

[Goldbug]

So basically you are saying they hired Jim Harbaugh 2.0

As long as Riley tethers himself to Alex Grinch for his defensive coordinator he doesn't have a glass ceiling. That ceiling is a chromium alloy.

 

[trojanfan12]

As long as Riley tethers himself to Alex Grinch for his defensive coordinator he doesn't have a glass ceiling. That ceiling is a chromium alloy.

I'm hoping that maybe Grinch has learned some things.

Here's what I've observed so far this year compared to the past several.

The defense is better, but the areas it is better in may not be sustainable or at least not enough to not cost them a game or 2. The tackling is better (that should be sustainable), points given up is better, forced turnovers are way up and the red zone defense is better.

However, they give up too many yards, especially on the ground. They also are often caught out of position defensively. They have a bunch of guys from the portal who aren't used to playing together. Hopefully at least some of that will improve as they learn to play together and trust each other. The defense is also thin, so if they have many injuries (they just lost a starter for the season) they're going to be in trouble.

The better teams will complete some of those drives by not turning the ball over as much and operating better in the red zone. So they are going to have to figure it out quick.

Also concerning is the only time they seem able to generate much of a pass rush is later in games when they know a team has to pass to get back in the game.

 

[Volbound1700]

As long as Riley tethers himself to Alex Grinch for his defensive coordinator he doesn't have a glass ceiling. That ceiling is a chromium alloy.

True but your coach is famous for a major let down in a couple of big-time bowl games in the early part of his coaching career but figured things out and turned Clemson's defense into a beast.

I think Brent Venables really struggled with OU's defense in the past when he was DC under Stoops.

 

[78Cyclones]

might want to cheer for the Bears this weekend. winner head coach prize is a $12 million/year payday at Nebraska?

I was cheering for the Cyclones today in vain, but thank goodness Matt Campbell appears to be safe - as the Cyclones last six losses (including today to Baylor by 7) have been one score losses. Not sure if Nebraska wants any more of that! However, Huskerland is welcome to the Baylor coach! / sarcasm