Bill Curry, College Football 20y

Coaches challenged in preparation

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and LSU coach Nick Saban have very delicate mind games to consider in getting their teams ready to play in the big event, the national championship game Jan. 4.

Prior to the Big 12 championship game Dec. 6, I was interviewed and asked, "Do you think Oklahoma is the greatest college football team ever assembled?"

I had a funny sensation, something like, "Be careful here, and think." But since I seldom engage in such a thing as thought I just blurted out, "Well, you would have to include them on the list." Another eerie feeling ran down my spine, but soon I was rambling, venting on the conference championship games, and forgot about the conversation.

Forgot until the next Saturday night, which was actually an afternoon in Honolulu where our crew was assembled to broadcast the Hawaii-Boise State game. Dave Barnett is our play-by-play man, and since we could not get the Big 12 championship game in the booth we relied on Dave's 14-year-old son Zach and his cell phone.

It was like the old days before television. As the score mounted and the unthinkable became reality, we knew we would never forget the moment or where we were when we heard or the sense of wonder at the achievement of Kansas State, a program that had never defeated a top-five team.

The reason I write about this is that Oklahoma players will never forget it, either. You will read again and again that the mighty Sooners will be mad or that LSU will feel the full wrath of the Oklahoma nation. Or how the Tigers will wish the Sooners had won that game in Kansas City.

Wrong. Remember this if you do not remember anything else I have written here this year: IT NEVER HELPS TO LOSE. NEVER.

Here is what happens: The Bayou Bengals have a good, and I mean really good, football team. This game is going to be close. It is going to be physical. Between those white lines in New Orleans there will be no place for the faint of heart.

Prior to Dec. 6, there was an aura of invincibility surrounding the Sooners. They believed they would not lose and more importantly their opponents were convinced that they had no chance.

No more.

Now the blood is in the water. Oklahoma's weaknesses were exposed -- run defense, running the ball and pass protection -- and rather than compensate for shortcomings and errors during the game the Sooners became tentative, missed tackles, flopped around and looked mortal.

If LSU closes the vise in all three areas of football in the Sugar Bowl, if things start to go against Oklahoma, the Sooners' memories will not be focused on their undefeated regular season. If the ball goes on the ground or Michael Clayton breaks a big one, the tendency will be to flash back to the championship game thrashing.

Remember, the team is made up of teenage males.

Here is what the Oklahoma team has heard since December 1:

  • "You are the greatest of all time! You should not be required to play this game. Why, even if the impossible occurred and Kansas State wins, you will still be in the National Championship game!"

  • "Coach Mike Stoops is leaving for a well deserved head job, but we will not miss him at all! We will simply prepare like we have all the other weeks and won't even notice his absence."

  • "You guys are terrible. You should drop all the way out of the BCS. Not only should you not be in the title game, you should not even compete in a BCS game. You did not even win your own conference! How can you run on the field for a title game after you were embarrassed by a three-loss football team?"

    The game within this game will be a brand-new measure of Stoops' uncanny ability to get his teams ready for huge games. For the first time, he and his team face championship competition in a highly controversial atmosphere in which they are the objects of ridicule.

    The "Fans' Rights" advocates are the equivalent of radio talk show hosts and callers, creating much noise with little knowledge of the subject. They can reach the players in many and varied ways with their negative perceptions.

    Across the field, Nick Saban steps into the spotlight he has patiently built since he became a head coach. Hour by hour, day by day, he has driven himself, his coaches and players through 100-hour weeks, demanding focus on the present moment.

    His obsession is to create the model of consistent performance regardless of external factors, rewards, opinions, previous results or level of interest.

    Very seldom will you see an interview with any of his players in which his ideas are not prominent in their words. He has them believing in him and each other.

    Saban would say that in view of that level of maturity, he does not need to remind them that Oklahoma is at least their equal. He would also say the Tigers just need to play their now "normal" game to win.


    Game Plans

     

    Oklahoma

    LSU
    Offense Goal line and short yardage must be improved. This is the best defense in the country. Every aspect of the offense must be precise.
      Pass protection has slipped and LSU will be your toughest blitz test! DT Tommie Harris is as disruptive as Chad Lavalais. Keep your pads down against him.
      The running game must be emphasized and brought back to early season standards. Big plays are a must from Justin Vincent, Michael Clayton and Skyler Green.
    Defense Tommie Harris, you must be the dominant player on the field. Chad Lavalais, this is your final statement!
      This will be the best offensive line you have seen. Low pads, gap control. Open field tackling must be great. Few yards after contact.
      All three backs break tackles and can run away from you. Gang tackle and force turnovers. Blitz timing must be perfect. White is good but is also human.
    Special Teams K Trey DiCarlo, you have a big advantage in accuracy. Be true to form. Ben Wilkerson and Gant Petty, the absence of Steve Damen makes your long snapping paramount.
      Their punt return is ominous. Green is number one in the nation! Field position is more important in these games. Spring Henderson and Greene.
      The noise will be deafening. Know precisely what team is going on the field. No sub errors. Michael Clayton, your big hits ignite the team!
    Players Your job is to return to your kind of football, regardless of circumstances, opinions or a hostile stadium. Remind each other to stay in the present. No distraction from the scoreboard.
      You have all the individual winners. Can you lead and regroup as a team? Oklahoma is a fine team but has been embarrassed. Do not allow them to get off the mat.
      Jason White, your recent decision speaks volumes. You should be the leader now! Get the hype, family and friends out of your mind three days before game time.
    Coaches This is a different scenario than you have faced. Assistants must prepare each player. Confidence must be restored! This is the culmination of many years of constant work. Keep your constancy as a staff throughout.
      White's return is a major positive. Play it for all it's worth. Go for big plays early. Seek to exploit Oklahoma's recent loss of confidence.
      Coach Stoops, work your personal big game magic! The long-snapping situation demands special repetition under intense practice pressure.

    ESPN college football analyst Bill Curry coached for 17 years in the college ranks. His Game Plans for marquee matchups appear each week during the college football season.

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