Is Anyone Giving OU a Chance?

[Across The Field]

Obviously the most talked about matchup of the CFP has been OSU-Clemson. Both are unbeaten and both have been dominant for the overwhelming majority of the season.

On the other side, it's basically an assumption that LSU is going to roll and meet the Fiesta Bowl winner. Does anyone actually have any faith OU can pull of the win, or even keep it close?

Personally, I think this game is much closer than the experts are saying. LSU has done very well against the ranked teams they've faced who are mediocre on offense - UF, Auburn, and UGA. None of them are elite, and all three are very one-dimensional (UGA and Auburn more run focused with poor passing offenses, Florida the other way around).

However, OU is a team that can do it all offensively. The only other ranked team LSU has faced like that this year is Alabama, and that ended up being a 5-point game with a banged-up Tua who was less than 3 weeks removed from ankle surgery. Other than Alabama, the only top 25 offense LSU has faced this year is Texas, and they were able to almost go blow-for-blow with LSU the whole way. Not that I am picking OU straight up, but I think they do cover, and I think this game is a lot closer than most think.

 

[navamind]

agreed. LSU's defense is good but very beatable. they got torched by Plumlee a few weeks ago, Hurts is certainly capable of getting a lot of yards wit his feet.

 

[Soonertshirtfan]

Nope. OU is just glad to be allowed to play in a bowl that they have never played in. They have no chance at all and are basically going to Atlanta as tourists.

 

[tnapucco]

 

[Shanemansj13]

1-2 possession game for 3 to 3 1/2 quarters favoring LSU imo. I think this game will be close for most of the game. 1-2 mistakes by LSU and this is a toss-up. Still think LSU wins

 

[Deep Creek]

The ACC and SEC CCGs were both so damn lopsided they didn't give us a lot to go on. While it may not be top shelf, LSU's defense is better than some think...especially when teams are one dimensional. While the perception that Riley is a passing guru, that ain't really the case if you look at things closely.

As long as OU doesn't pull a K-State type performance, I think it will be a ball game. JMO

 

[rmilia1]

OU is the best offense LSU has faced this year ( including a Tua led Bama ). IF Hurts protects the ball theres very little chance LSU holds OU under 40. So really it comes down to turnovers imo. If either team can force a couple theyve got a good shot to win

 

[Chewbaccer]

Not really, but upsets do happen and I’d give my left nut to be in OU’s shoes right now.

 

[iowajerms]

I was listening to ESPNU radio Sunday morning and a Clemson fan called in. They asked him if he was surprised that Clemson got #3 seed.

His reaction, "No! Just like Alabama, whenever get any respect."

Yeah right.

 

[B_dub]

 

[Proud_Okie]

I'm not sure why Lincoln would even have the team show up.

 

[CaptainStubing]

well, LSU is 13 point favorites so what would that equal as straight up odds? OU has a 15% or 20% chance of winning outright?

so, sure, there's a chance

 

[CaptainStubing]

Not really, but upsets do happen and I’d give my left nut to be in OU’s shoes right now.

 

[Mistaken4193]

I don’t trust Hurts to make Key throws. I’ve seen him fail to do it too many times in 4 years. Great kid but he is limited passing. He is a 1 read and Run QB.

OU needs to Watch how Ole Miss used Plumlee against LSU because Hurts can beat them with his feet.


But LSUs defense is torchable. A 70% at best Tua put up 400yds and 4TDs on them.

 

[Bedlam131]

 

[Mistaken4193]

OU is the best offense LSU has faced this year ( including a Tua led Bama ). IF Hurts protects the ball theres very little chance LSU holds OU under 40

LOL. OU hasn’t scored more than 34 in any of their last 4 games. The least Bama scored with Tua was 41(and that was the game he was hurt against LSU)

 

[outlaw okie]

LOL. OU hasn’t scored more than 34 in any of their last 4 games. The least Bama scored with Tua was 41(and that was the game he was hurt against LSU)

They played #7 twice

 

[rmilia1]

LOL. OU hasn’t scored more than 34 in any of their last 4 games. The least Bama scored with Tua was 41(and that was the game he was hurt against LSU)

Yep and Hurts has turned the ball over. Hence my post

 

[romeo212000]

LOL. OU hasn’t scored more than 34 in any of their last 4 games. The least Bama scored with Tua was 41(and that was the game he was hurt against LSU)

Go look at how many times Hurts turned the ball over during that stretch. Particularly in the red zone or on the other side of the 50.

 

[gob]

While LSU's defense isn't great this year, they have forced a decent amount of interceptions. OU is talented enough to win, but LSU's offense, and turnover margin might be too much.