A Hard Fall

There's no big mystery that these past few months have been a pretty rough time to be a Sooner's fan. At some point during our recent Big XII south reign, Sooners had to expect these types of seasons would occur, I just didn't expect it to hit this hard.

Last year was a completely different story. I was okay with losing last year. Everyone knew what to expect after losing 11 players to the NFL. We were paying our dues for what seemed to be a very promising 2006 season. A very young team did a lot of growing up in one year and everything seemed to be leading upward. Heading into summer practices, OU was ranked in the top 5 of every poll and as high as #1 in several. Anchored by what was supposed to be one of the nation's best defenses, everyone had high hopes. Boy, did it turn south in a hurry. Lets recap shall we?

-Shocking news out of Norman revealed that starting QB Rhett Bomar had taken large amounts of money for work he didn't do at a local car dealership. He was shortly thereafter cut from the team. At this point, many among Sooner nation (including myself) still had pretty high hopes for the season.

-After two games, our touted defense appeared to have several holes- including the inability to stop the run. Even so, a 2-0 start had allowed some growth- especially with the offense.

-The epic Oregon referee collapse helped to hand the Sooners their first loss of the season. Although they shouldn't have had the opportunity, the defense gave up 500 yards and blew a 13 point lead in last 2 minutes. This collapse came minutes after a 200 yard day by AD and an overall outstanding offensive performance. The loss and the call seemed to totally deflate and distract Sooner players, coaches, and fans.

-Three weeks later the Sooners commit 11 penalties and create 5 turnovers on their way to their second straight loss to Texas. Several missed opportunities and terribly sloppy play had many questioning the coaching staff.

-In a good showing against Iowa State, Heisman hopeful and Sooner great, Adrian Peterson breaks his collar bone after landing awkwardly at the end of a 53 yd td run. The injury puts him out a minimum of five weeks, giving him a chance to return for the OSU game or perhaps a bowl game. Depending on his ability to run, he'll possibly end up a few yards shy of Billy Sims' all-time OU rushing record.

-Early Sunday morning, OU's leading tackler and co-captain Rufus Alexander was arrested for disturbing the peace. No word yet on a suspension.

Don't get me wrong, there is still hope for the season. A good run will land the Sooners perhaps in the cotton bowl and the year will give many young players a chance to get some good experience. But that was supposed to be last season. And now, thanks to an idiot named Rhett and a lot of bad luck, it seems that we have at least another few years as number 2 in the Big XII south. At best.

I promise not to make all of the posts this long.

You may eliminate Rhett. And Rufus.