Sense of Urgency

I was dumbstruck a couple of nights ago by the lack of a sense of urgency displayed by the hometown OU Sooner football team. The Sooner team appeared to be more talented and adept at winning in the Fiesta Bowl than the West Virginia Mountaineers did. The Sooners appeared to be the more stable team since their head coach had not left acrimoniously a couple of weeks earlier. For a long time, the head coach at Oklahoma was labeled as a "big game coach". Yet, that moniker seems to have diminished given the lackluster performances in the last few bowl games. What gives? How does this team rebound from such a lackluster effort in every facet of the game? Why do I care, since I'm not that much of a Sooner fan (much to the chagrin of my girlfriend)?

First, the coaching staff needs to engage in some serious reflection and introspection. How does a talent-laden team look so poorly prepared and unmotivated? Did the staff not believe in their players? Are the players heeding the messages of the staff? Should changes be made? I think so. The offensive staff did little to recognize momentum shifts within the game that could have turned the tide in their favor. Examples of this included a lack of timely play calling during stretches late in the second and third quarters where West Virginia was clearly on their heels. Additionally, the players seemed ill-prepared to handle the athleticism and the overall team speed of the Mountaineers. Pat White and Noel Devine ran roughshod over a defense that was one of the best against the run nationally all year. There was no excuse why this defense should have been that overmatched and the offense should not have looked that lost since there was more than enough time to prepare.

Second, the players must be held accountable, too. As John Maxwell puts it, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." Was anyone vocal on the sidelines? Why did the players look dejected and nonchalant during every look at the sideline? I know that Sam Bradford is a redshirt freshman, but, come on, he's been in a number of big games this year. The players seemed uninspired and ill-prepared.

Finally, I hope that this team is resilient. They are too talented and I respect Coach Stoops too much. Until next season....