Observations: Oklahoma worth keeping an eye on this season >>> CBSSports

[BigTime]

Observations: Oklahoma worth keeping an eye on this season >>> CBSSports

http://mweb.cbssports.com/ncaab/eye...-oklahoma-worth-keeping-an-eye-on-this-season

 

[AdaSooner]

Re: Observations: Oklahoma worth keeping an eye on this season >>> CBSSport

Nice read! Thanks for posting, BT!

Despite the fact that KU and ISU are viewed as the top two teams in the Big 12 in the pre-season rankings, it's good to see OU getting their share of love from the national press. But to be honest, I'm not sure I like being ranked in top ten before the opening tap. Our players seem to perform at a higher level when they don't feel they're being given the respect they deserve.

 

[DenverSooner]

Re: Observations: Oklahoma worth keeping an eye on this season >>> CBSSport

Do we actually know that about these guys?

I am not sure the four returning starters know anything but hard work. I am not too worried. What concerns me is the strength of the schedule. OU really needs to beat the big non conference teams on the schedule.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

Re: Observations: Oklahoma worth keeping an eye on this season >>> CBSSport

Do we actually know that about these guys?

I am not sure the four returning starters know anything but hard work. I am not too worried. What concerns me is the strength of the schedule. OU really needs to beat the big non conference teams on the schedule.

I think OU will win its share of the big non-conference games, but the most important thing is that playing this tough schedule will pay dividends when conference play rolls around. Winning most of the big non-conference games will certainly position the Sooners for a higher seed in March, but its not as if losses to programs like Memphis, Wisconsin, Villanova and LSU will kill a basketball season.

The tough non-conference schedule is a plus for this team. OU will build a solid strength-of-schedule rating, and the younger OU players will get to experience big time basketball games very early in their careers. It is a win-win, even if some games are lost along the way.

 

[garyeb2]

Re: Observations: Oklahoma worth keeping an eye on this season >>> CBSSport

I am not for sure OU has a tough non conference schedule. Those teams catching OU might very well be the ones with the tough non conference schedule.

 

[DenverSooner]

Re: Observations: Oklahoma worth keeping an eye on this season >>> CBSSport

I am not for sure OU has a tough non conference schedule. Those teams catching OU might very well be the ones with the tough non conference schedule.

I agree but Memphis, Villanova, Wisconsin, LSU, Creighton, Washington State and whoever else we play in Hawaii is about like another 50% of a conference schedule. Regardless of whether those individual teams are up or down, that is legitimate competition. Many of them I consider wins that can practically be penciled in (not by the players) but Villanova, Wisconsin and LSU are probably all going to be difficult games. I would love to see OU win all three of those games. Honestly, I want OU to go undefeated against that schedule and I think it is possible. LSU on the road will be a challenge. I think OU will bleat Villanova in Hawaii and Wisconsin in Norman.

 

[garyeb2]

Re: Observations: Oklahoma worth keeping an eye on this season >>> CBSSport

I agree but Memphis, Villanova, Wisconsin, LSU, Creighton, Washington State and whoever else we play in Hawaii is about like another 50% of a conference schedule. Regardless of whether those individual teams are up or down, that is legitimate competition. Many of them I consider wins that can practically be penciled in (not by the players) but Villanova, Wisconsin and LSU are probably all going to be difficult games. I would love to see OU win all three of those games. Honestly, I want OU to go undefeated against that schedule and I think it is possible. LSU on the road will be a challenge. I think OU will bleat Villanova in Hawaii and Wisconsin in Norman.

It is just that I am having a hard time finding anyone around the program that seems all that concerned with the schedule.

 

[campbest]

Re: Observations: Oklahoma worth keeping an eye on this season >>> CBSSport

Lots of good names, no elite team...it's a solid schedule to build on for conference. Looking forward to Ben Simmons.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

Re: Observations: Oklahoma worth keeping an eye on this season >>> CBSSport

It is just that I am having a hard time finding anyone around the program that seems all that concerned with the schedule.

I'm sure the coaches and team are confident that they have a good team. They know what they have. No reason to be concerned, as they should be ready to take on all comers.

FWIW, here are some rankings from the preseason Coaches (USA Today) poll:

#8 .... OKlahoma
#9 .... Villanova
#17 .. Wisconsin
#19 .. LSU

As a fan, I very much look forward to the schedule. A strong schedule with fewer "automatic wins" is more exciting and entertaining.

 

[ocugolfsooner]

Re: Observations: Oklahoma worth keeping an eye on this season >>> CBSSport

Just noticed that OU doesn't have a "bye week" in conference play this year due to the LSU game being January 30th. Hope they don't wear down by March.