Tag: oklahoma sooners

Could Jalen Hurts creep into the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft?

What will the NFL do with the riddle of Jalen Hurts?

Oklahoma Sooners coach Lincoln Riley has produced back-to-back first-overall picks in the NFL draft with quarterbacks Baker Mayfield in 2018 and Kyler Murray in 2019. So why isn’t Sooners quarterback Jalen Hurts getting hyped to be a first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft?

Hurts is a polarizing prospect, with Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling putting the quarterback in the second round and ESPN’s NFL draft insider Mel Kiper putting him in the fourth- or fifth-round. Kiper said Hurts took a “monumental leap” as a passer this season, but he still doesn’t envision Hurts going in the first three rounds. Here’s what Kiper said on Nov. 7 on ESPN — he’s describing the type of player that will tantalize talent evaluators.

“I think he’s developing into that (a franchise quarterback). Nobody ever thought he would be. I think his development started two years ago at Alabama. He looked like a different quarterback from what he was, so it’s not just what’s happened with Lincoln (Riley), who has done a great job at it. He is a quarterback whisperer, and he is a quarterback mind. But I think it started under Nick Saban at Alabama, and I think if you look at where Jalen is right now at Oklahoma, he could end up being a fourth- or fifth-round pick. Not early, but I think day three is when I think somebody brings him in to the fold. … You know there’s a kid who has an enormous skillset in terms of the mindset of a quarterback — he has it — the willingness to do all the things necessary to develop the skills that he has.”

Hurts’ game against Baylor on Saturday should help his case to keep moving up draft boards (and to stay in the college football playoff hunt). Admittedly Baylor’s passing defense — from a schematic and talent standpoint — won’t challenge Hurts in ways that feels comparable to the NFL. But the Bears did challenge Hurts mentally, and he responded by leading his team on a 25-point comeback. (It’s a deficit Tom Brady knows can be a challenging one to overcome. **cough** 28-3 **cough**)

His first-half stats (8/14 for 80 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) were vastly different than his second-half stats (22/29, 217 yards, 3 TDs). I hate to say it but perhaps he has that “it” factor — the unquantifiable element that seems so necessary for underdog quarterbacks like Brady, Russell Wilson and Drew Brees. Because make no mistake: Hurts is an underdog. (Comparisons to Brady, Wilson and Brees are premature. I’m sorry I’m incidentally making them.) Hurts is not a polished product, particularly when looking at his abilities as a pocket passer. He got benched in a national championship game in a 2017 season at Alabama when he completed 60.8% percent of his passes for 2,081 yards, 18 touchdowns and one interception. Those are paltry numbers when compared to his 2019 stats — which have him solidly in the Heisman race.

Under Riley, Hurts has showed physical tools that are just ridiculous. He has 152 carries 983 yards and 15 touchdowns. (15 RUSHING TDS!) That’s a pace that will wallop what Murray did last season (140 rushes, 1,001 yards and 12 TDS).

But of course, Hurts’ production as a runner is, perhaps, a product of his shortcomings as a passer. Hurts’ counting stats are likely to finish below what Murray and Mayfield accomplished in their final seasons under Riley. But from an efficiency standpoint, Hurts has been stellar. He is completing 73% of his passes for 12.3 yards per attempt. That’s better than Murray (69%, 11.0) and Mayfield (70.5%, 11.5).

This isn’t to say that Hurts is a better pro prospect than those players (although, he’s probably a better college football player.) The question will be whether an NFL team is interested and confident enough to customize an NFL system around Hurts’ unique gifts, while developing his passing abilities, much like the Baltimore Ravens did with Lamar Jackson, another outside-the-box but electric threat. And just like Jackson snuck into the back end of the first round, Hurts seems like the type of prospect who could do the same, as the hype continues to grow.

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Atlanta Falcons win social media with superb tweet

The Atlanta Falcons social media team scored with a perfect tweet after Baylor lost to Oklahoma.

If you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at, the adage goes. The Atlanta Falcons social media team proved that perfectly Saturday night on Twitter.

After Oklahoma stormed from a 28-3 deficit to shock previously undefeated Baylor, 34-31, in Waco, the folks behind Atlanta’s social media went to work.

The 28-3 score happened to be the same tally the Falcons led the Patriots by in Super Bowl LI before New England charged back for a 34-28 victory.

So, what is the only possible way to handle another football team that suffers the same kind of crushing result? Why this, of course.

Well played. Bravo, Falcons.

 

Jags land 2 pass catchers and 2 DBs in Draft Wire 3-round mock draft

The Jags could use a starting cornerback after trading Jalen Ramsey and Draft Wire slotted the Jags a successor in their latest mock.

Despite the emergence of receiver DJ Chark, many draft pundits have continued to mock Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb to the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s not to say we disagree here at the Jags Wire as Lamb is having an unreal season, racking up 44 receptions for 983 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Our comrades at Draft Wire are amongst those on the web who like the fit and slotted him to the Jags in their latest mock draft. They also slotted the Jags a new cornerback to start at Jalen Ramsey’s old spot in Louisiana State’s Kristian Fulton with their second first-round selection form Los Angeles Rams.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

No matter who is playing quarterback for the Jags next year, that passer will need a blue-chip No. 1 receiver to make this offense reach its potential. Lamb has been a one-man highlight reel all season long, and has all the tools to be that player from Day 1.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) | Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

After trading away arguably the league’s best corner in Jalen Ramsey, the Jags obviously have a gaping hole on the roster. Why not use one of the picks they got in return to fill that need? Fulton is big, physical, and immediate starter material.

Adding one of college’s most elite playmakers in Lamb sounds like a win in my book. Nick Foles, Gardner Minshew II, and coordinator John DeFilippo certainly wouldn’t complain either, as they could throw some nightmare formations at the opposition with Chark, Lamb, Westbrook, and Conley.

Fulton would be another welcomed addition. We’ve mentioned him in the past as our own Daniel Griffis did a breakdown on him, singling out his hip flexibility and versatility.

The Jags didn’t stop with just one pass catcher in Draft Wire’s mock, though, and were slotted Washington tight end Hunter Bryant, who would provide some much-needed help at the tight end position. They also double-dipped in the secondary by drafting Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield, Jr.

46. Jacksonville Jaguars | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington

77. Jacksonville Jaguars | Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota

Sure, fans will be quick to point out the fact that the Jags just drafted Josh Oliver, however, we’ve yet to see much out of him. Additionally, the position has been very injury prone with James O’Shaughnessy and Geoff Swaim going on injured reserve and Oliver himself missing the Jags’ first six games. Adding the 6-foot-2, 239-pound Bryant onto the roster could work wonders for the Jags passing offense because he’s tremendous after the catch and is a problem for defensive backs to bring down.

As for Winfield, his name may sound very familiar. That’s because he’s the son of retired NFL great Antoine Winfield Sr., who was a three-time Pro Bowler. Needless to say, Winfield’s elite athleticism rubbed off on his son, who is a rising name in the 2020 NFL Draft after his two-pick performance against Penn State. He has the ball skills in which the Jags could use in their backfield, though Jarrod Wilson and Ronnie Harrison certainly aren’t bad players.

Lee Corso teases Oklahoma, chooses Baylor on College Gameday

The College Gameday crew finished with a lopsided decision in front of a rowdy Waco crowd on Saturday morning.

The College Gameday crew finished with a lopsided decision in front of a rowdy Waco crowd on Saturday morning, as two picked Baylor to win tonight to Oklahoma’s one.

Lee Corso teased Oklahoma before swapping to Baylor’s Bear mascot head in front of a roaring crowd.

“Oklahoma is a 10-point favorite. Oklahoma is No. 2 in the nation in scoring offense. Oklahoma is 25-3 versus Baylor, this is an easy pick, Oklahoma!” Corso said before the late bait-and-switch. He handed his celebrity pickers each a Bear head before throwing one on himself.

Former Heisman winner Desmond Mason chose first, citing Oklahoma’s recent struggles, but picked the Sooners, saying that “tonight, the Sooners will finish.”

Kirk Herbstreit didn’t pick, as he is calling the game tonight.

Former Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines were the celebrity pickers of the week, and went with their alma mater, Baylor.

No 10 Oklahoma and No. 13 Baylor will kick off at 6:30 p.m.

Jalen Hurts named Johnny Unitas Golden Arm finalist

Oklahoma quarterback, Jalen Hurts is one of five finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Oklahoma quarterback, Jalen Hurts is one of five finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Hurts is accompanied by fellow Heisman Trophy candidate, Joe Burrow from LSU, Oregon’s Justin Herbert, Utah’s Tyler Huntley and Brady White of Memphis.

The award is strictly for quarterbacks and is named after NFL legend, Johnny Unitas. Unitas played at the University of Louisville before being drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1958. His 18 year career is one of the more decorated careers in NFL history.

Hurts looks to join past winners Mason Rudolph from Oklahoma State (2017), Andrew Luck of Stanford (2011), Tennessee’s Peyton Manning (1997) and fellow Sooner, Jason White (2004) as Unitas Award winners.

The award winner will be announced as part of the ESPN College Football Awards Show on December 12.

Hurts has thrown for 2,742 yards, 24 touchdowns and four interceptions while rushing for 869 yards and 15 touchdowns so far this season.

Hurts and the Sooners take on the Baylor Bears this Saturday at 7:30pm CT on ABC.

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Division I Bushnell Golfweek Coaches Poll: Oklahoma ends fall with No. 1 ranking

Oklahoma closed out the fall portion of the 2019-20 college golf season as the No. 1 team in Division I.

The fall portion of the 2019-20 college golf season has come and gone, and there’s a new team atop the rankings.

Oklahoma moved from third to first in the latest Division I Bushnell Golfweek Coaches Poll, switching spots with former No. 1 team Georgia Tech. Texas Tech sits in second, with Pepperdine and Duke rounding out the top five.

Division I

Rank University (First Place Votes) Points Previous Rank
1 Oklahoma (15) 542 3
2 Texas Tech (7) 530 4
3 Georgia Tech 508 1
4 Pepperdine 461 5
5 Duke 448 T-10
6 Wake Forest 425 2
7 Notre Dame 384 9
8 Colorado State 365 21
9 BYU 353 6
10 Arizona State 322 7
11 Baylor 312 13
12 North Carolina 293 12
13 SMU 273 8
14 Arizona 242 15
15 Louisville 231 T-10
T-16 Auburn 213 19
T-16 Texas A&M 213 16
18 Washington 194 17
19 Texas 149 18
20 Georgia 131 20
21 UCLA 120 NR
22 Clemson 115 14
23 Arkansas 84 24
24 Oregon State 81 22
25 LSU 47 NR

Dropped From Ranking: Tennessee (25); Vanderbilt (23).

Others Receiving Votes: Vanderbilt, 39; Tennessee, 30; California, 8; North Florida, 8; East Tennessee State, 7; UCF, 6; Stanford, 6; UAB, 4; James Madison, 2; Mississippi, 2; Houston, 1; South Carolina, 1.

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The 3 biggest storylines ahead of Oklahoma-Baylor

This year in the Big 12, it’s down to Oklahoma and Baylor. The three biggest storylines ahead of the two’s matchup on Saturday.

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This year it’s down to No. 10 Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1) and No. 13 Baylor (9-0, 6-0) to see which team might have a shot at the College Football Playoff from the Big 12.

Here are the three biggest storylines ahead the Sooners matchup with the undefeated Bears.

IS BAYLOR THE REAL DEAL?

Under Matt Rule, Baylor is one of the five remaining undefeated teams in the country. At 9-0, they’ve defeated a vast majority of the Big 12, with just a few teams left to go. And yet, Oklahoma is still ranked ahead of them in virtually every poll. This week, we’ll see what Baylor’s made of, and see if they’re pretenders or contenders. 

CLOSING IT OUT

Both teams have been riding the line recently, as Baylor has won five of their games by 8 points or less, and Oklahoma has gotten in two shootouts, one resulting in a 7 point loss to Kansas State, and one a one-point win over Iowa State. If it’s close, we’re going to see what each team is made of. If it’s a blowout, you could be looking at the fourth College Football Playoff team. 

ALEX GRINCH’S RALLY

Earlier in the year the “Speed D” was working like a well-oiled machine. But in the past few weeks, that machine has broken down, and almost looks unrepairable. Baylor’s offense has been spotty throughout the season, and it will be the perfect time for Oklahoma to take advantage. If the Sooners can’t produce stops against Baylor, it will spell bad news for their College Football Playoff hopes. 

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Oklahoma lands commitment from 4-star Texas WR Marvin Mims

Marvin Mims, the four-star senior wide receiver for undefeated Frisco (Texas) Lone Star High, agreed to join Oklahoma with a Thursday night commitment.

Oklahoma’s Texas receiver recruiting pipeline continues to produce, with another four-star pass catcher from the Lone Star State on his way to the Sooners.

Marvin Mims, a four-star wide receiver for Frisco (Texas) Lone Star High School, committed to Oklahoma on Thursday evening. The 5-foot-11, 161-pound Under Armour All-American picked the Sooners ahead of scholarship offers from Colorado, Stanford and a whopping 27 other major programs.

The District 5-5A-I Offensive MVP as a junior, Mims had 1,158 yards and 14 touchdowns in his penultimate high school campaign. A previous Stanford commit, Mims picked Oklahoma after a recent visit to Norman. His commitment to Oklahoma will allow Mims to focus on his 10-0 Lone Star team’s run at a state title, a pursuit toward which he has gained 1,866 yards and 24 touchdowns on 73 receptions as a senior.

It’s unknown whether Mims will graduate early and begin his Oklahoma career in January or continue on with his final scholastic basketball season; as a junior, he averaged 12 points-per-game on the basketball court.

Now, the focus turns back to the football field, and not a moment too soon; Lone Star returns to action in the Class 5A state playoffs against Mansfield (Texas) Legacy High.

Oklahoma at Baylor odds: Sooners favored in titanic battle

Previewing Saturday’s Oklahoma at Baylor college football matchup, with college football betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Oklahoma Sooners (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) and Baylor Bears (9-0, 6-0) square off at McLane Stadium on the banks of the Brazos River in Waco, Texas, at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The Sooners look to deal the Bears their first loss of the season and derail their College Football Playoff chances while simultaneously enhancing their own.

We analyze the Oklahoma-Baylor odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Oklahoma at Baylor: Three things you need to know

1. Oklahoma enters the game ranked 10th in the College Football Playoff rankings, while Baylor checks in 13th despite the unblemished record — two spots behind a two-loss Florida team.

2. Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb racked up 167 receiving yards with two touchdowns in last week’s 42-41 shootout win against Iowa State, and he earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season.

3. Baylor will look to apply pressure on dynamic QB Jalen Hurts. The Bears lead the Big 12 conference with 29 sacks.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Oklahoma at Baylor: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Oklahoma 45, Baylor 38

Moneyline (ML)

Oklahoma (-371) heads into this one as an overwhelming favorite on the road despite Baylor (+280) and its unbeaten record. If any team is worth rolling the dice on, it’s the Bears, as you can nearly triple your money. Still, I expect Oklahoma to grind out a win in a one-possession game.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Baylor to win would return a profit of $28.

Against the Spread (ATS)

BAYLOR (+10.5, -115) has the horses to hang with Oklahoma (-10.5, -106). QB Charlie Brewer has completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 2,338 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions this season, and WR Denzel Mims (44-675-8) leads the way at receiver. The Bears are 6-1 ATS in the past seven against winning teams, and 5-2 ATS in the past seven Big 12 battles.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER (67.5, -110) is a strong play with both of these high-octane offenses. The over is 18-7-1 in the past 26 overall for Oklahoma, and 8-3 in the past 11 against winning teams. The over is 20-8 in Baylor’s past 28 at home against winning teams on the road, and 5-1 in the past six meetings in Waco, too.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Can Texas still make the Big 12 championship?

Even with losing twice, Texas is still alive for the Big 12 championship game. They’ll need to win out and get some help from other teams.

Despite losing the Red River Shootout to Oklahoma and losing on the road to TCU, Texas is still alive for the Big 12 championship. It has come down to three teams: Baylor, Oklahoma, and Texas. Here is a look at those three teams, how they have done this season, and what games they have remaining.

Baylor Bears 9-0 (6-0) Remaining games: Oklahoma, Texas, @Kansas

Baylor started the season out 3-0 in the nonconference, sneaking past Rice in their third game of the season, 21-13. In Big 12 play, the Bears have gone to double overtime with Texas Tech and triple overtime with TCU. Their impressive win of the season was a 31-12 road victory against Kansas State. All but two of their conference games have come down to one possession and have yet to make a statement. They can make that statement with a win against Oklahoma that would no doubt put them in the Big 12 championship game.

Oklahoma Sooners 8-1 (5-1) Remaining games: @Baylor, TCU, @Oklahoma State

After wrecking their way through Houston, South Dakota, and UCLA, Oklahoma came out firing in the Big 12, winning their first four games by an average of 28 points. That included a huge 34-27 win against Texas that seemed to put them in the driver’s seat in the conference. Then, a 48-41 loss on the road to Kansas State opened the doors up for teams like Texas to sneak back in. If the Sooners win out, not only are they still in contention for the Big 12 but the College Football playoff.

Texas Longhorns 6-3 (4-2) Remaining games: @Iowa State, @Baylor, Texas Tech

Starting the season out with now No. 1 LSU, Texas began the year 4-1 before coming across Oklahoma. The Sooners were able to take care of business in Dallas and the Longhorns have been struggling ever since. Losing to TCU and needing a game-winning field goal to get past Kansas and Kansas State is not what was envisioned for Texas this season. Despite all the struggles, the Longhorns are still in the race for the Big 12 championship game, they just need a little help.

That help will be determined based off of Saturday’s Baylor-Oklahoma matchup. One path is easier than the other for the Longhorns, but it may come at a cost. Here are the scenarios for Texas making the Big 12 championship:

Texas must win out

This is first and foremost the most important thing the Longhorns must do. If Texas loses any of its last three games against Iowa State, Baylor, or Texas Tech, they are more than likely done. It would still mathematically be possible, but odds are it will not happen. Texas’ schedule is the most difficult out of the three and faces an uphill battle.  Let’s assume the Longhorns are able to win against Iowa State so the other scenarios can play out.

If Oklahoma beats Baylor…

Then the Longhorns control their own destiny for the rest of the season. The Sooners would be in the driver’s seat to wear the home colored jerseys in the Big 12 championship game, but who they play would come down to Texas’ matchup against Baylor in Waco next week. It would become the most important matchup this season in the Big 12 for a couple reasons. If Texas were to win, a shot at a rematch against Oklahoma could save their season and propel them into another New Year’s Six Bowl. If Baylor were to win, they could avenge their loss against the Sooners and jump into the College Football Playoff. For any of that to happen though, Oklahoma must win in Waco Saturday night.

If Baylor beats Oklahoma…

Then the road becomes a lot more difficult. Baylor would become a lock to participate in the Big 12 championship, even if the Longhorns found a way to beat them next week. It would become a competition between Texas and Oklahoma. Each with two conference losses, if both teams are able to win out, the Sooners would get a rematch with Baylor at AT&T Stadium. Since Oklahoma beat the Longhorns back in October, they have the tiebreaker to get into the Big 12 championship. In order for Texas to get into the championship game, they would need to beat Baylor and Texas Tech, plus have Oklahoma lose one of their final two games against TCU and Oklahoma State.

Can they do it?

Yes, they can do it. As painful and weird as it may sound, Texas will most likely be cheering for Oklahoma to be beating Baylor Saturday night. Controlling your own destiny is easier than relying on TCU or Oklahoma State to beat Oklahoma. This would then set up a rematch of this year’s Red River Shootout. It would be the second year in a row these two teams met in the Big 12 championship game and would have College Football Playoff/Sugar Bowl implications on the line.

Texas will play Iowa State on Saturday at 2:30 P.M. CST on FS1, while Baylor and Oklahoma will play at 6:30 P.M on ABC.