Weekly Stock Report: Defensive Pillars Soar, Special Teams Finds Stability, and O-Line Solves the Puzzle
Oklahoma’s road victory over Florida provided more than a much-needed win. Peyton Bowen and Owen Heinecke strengthened their stock, Tate Sandell delivered when called upon, John Mateer rediscovered his rhythm, and an offensive line that had been under considerable scrutiny finally showed signs of coming together.
Oklahoma City Thunder | Game #11 Preview: Portland Trail Blazers
The Oklahoma City Thunder (8-2) kick off a rare back-to-back on the road against the same team as they take on the Portland Trail Blazers (6-3) tonight and tomorrow night. OKC enters the matchup riding a 4-game win streak, while the Blazers have dropped two straight.
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Thunder Against the Spread | OKC Slightly Favored in First Night of Back-to-Back with Blazers
The Blazers have had extreme outcomes in each of their three home games: 2 blowout losses (Grizzlies, Spurs) by at least 21 points and a 41-point win in their opener against the Phoenix Suns. Despite being in the top half of the league in 3-point percentage (35.6%), they have made just 30.5% of their attempts from downtown at home. To be fair, they’ve been on the road a lot, but they rely on their offense to win games. OKC was the NBA’s top defensive team last week, and I think they can carry at least some of that momentum into this one. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been pretty spectacular, as well, and so has his supporting cast. I think the Thunder open up this West Coast road trip and first night of a back-to-back against the Blazers with a solid win.
View More Thunder Against the Spread | OKC Slightly Favored in First Night of Back-to-Back with Blazers
Bombs Away: Sooners Set Program Three-Point Record, Survive North Alabama 81-72
Oklahoma launches a school-record 43 shots from beyond the arc, then uses a 17-0 second-half run to create separation and move to 2-1.
View More Bombs Away: Sooners Set Program Three-Point Record, Survive North Alabama 81-72
The Adjustment Index: How the Quick Game Shielded John Mateer on the Road
Jason Witten’s first game calling Oklahoma’s offense offered a different approach to protecting John Mateer, using quicker answers, tight end involvement and sustained drives to neutralize Florida’s defensive front.
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Behind Enemy Lines: Scouting North Alabama — The Blueprint for Oklahoma to Build Momentum Before the Florida Gauntlet
The Sooners return to Lloyd Noble Center looking to build on Friday night’s 84-57 victory over Mississippi Valley State. North Alabama arrives unbeaten, but Porter Moser’s team has an opportunity to establish some consistency, sharpen its offensive identity, and build momentum before a challenging trip to Florida in just two weeks.
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The 24-Team Playoff Is Killing What Made College Football Special
The College Football Playoff is expanding access, extending hope and making more money than ever. But in the process, the sport is sacrificing the one thing that always separated it from every other sport: the importance of the regular season.
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Notes & Quotes: Oklahoma Makes a Statement in the Swamp, Venables’ Defense Delivers and Witten’s Debut Produces a Win
Oklahoma needed a response after last week’s loss to South Carolina. The Sooners needed to show they could handle adversity, execute under a new offensive…
View More Notes & Quotes: Oklahoma Makes a Statement in the Swamp, Venables’ Defense Delivers and Witten’s Debut Produces a Win
Instant Reaction: The Swamp Drained as Oklahoma’s Defense Stifles No. 24 Gators in Gainesville
Oklahoma needed a response. Brent Venables’ defense delivered one in emphatic fashion. One week after surrendering 521 yards in a disappointing home loss to South…
View More Instant Reaction: The Swamp Drained as Oklahoma’s Defense Stifles No. 24 Gators in Gainesville
RAPID RECAP: Thunder 114, Wizards 75 — The Paycom Squeeze: Shorthanded OKC Delivers a Defensive Masterpiece
On the second night of a back-to-back, Oklahoma City held Washington to 75 points on 29.6% shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander needed only three quarters, Aday Mara dominated the interior, and the Thunder improved to 8-2 with another emphatic statement.
View More RAPID RECAP: Thunder 114, Wizards 75 — The Paycom Squeeze: Shorthanded OKC Delivers a Defensive Masterpiece