SBNation.com User Blog: M. Hofeld

2013 Sooner Kickoff Football Preview Is Available

M. Hofeld — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:58:31 -0000

We've completely redone the layout to look more professional and make the publication easier to read. To keep the cost down we've once again made it available in an e-format to be quickly downloaded on your computer or mobile device. Once again we're pleased to offer the preview in e-format for just $4.99.

The 2013 Sooner Kickoff Includes

A Look At The 2013 Freshman Class

How New Coaches Can Try To Revitalize Oklahoma's Line Play

Offensive Preview

A Look At The Quarterback Race

Defensive Preview

Opponent Previews

Big 12's Best And Worst Scheduled Games In 2013

Contributions From:

Jason Kersey - The Oklahoman

Dillon Phillips - The Oklahoma Daily

Jake Trotter - ESPN

Tabby Soignier - The News Star (Monroe, Louisiana)

Wide Right And Natty Lite

Bring On The Cats

Pistols Firing Blog

Click Here To Download The 2013 Sooner Kickoff For Just $4.99

2013 Sooner Kickoff

By Matthew Hofeld

published 6/18/2013

The 2013 Sooner Kickoff Includes - A Look At The 2013 Freshman Class, How New Coaches Can Try To Revitalize Oklahoma’s Line Play, Offensive Preview, A Look At The Quarterback Race, Defensive Preview, Opponent Previews, Big 12’s Best And Worst Scheduled Games In 2013, Contributions From: Jason Kersey – The Oklahoman, Dillon Phillips – The Oklahoma Daily, Jake Trotter - ESPN, Tabby Soignier – The News Star (Monroe, Louisiana), The Smoking…

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 74 Days!

M. Hofeld — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:40:47 -0000

After starting five games in 2011, Adam Shead started all 13 games last season at left guard. Going into his redshirt junior season this fall, Shead, if healthy, could be one of the top offensive linemen in the Big 12 Conference.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 75 Days!

M. Hofeld — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:19:04 -0000

Tyler Evans career has most likely been cut short by knee injuries, but once a Sooner, always a Sooner. Boomer!!!

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 76 Days!

M. Hofeld — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:08:14 -0000

Cam Kenney already had his moment in our 2013 countdown to kickoff, now its James Hanna's turn. The two combined with quarterback Landry Jones to seal Oklahoma State's fate.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 77 Days!

M. Hofeld — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 05:15:27 -0000

Sooners destroy Aggies 77-0

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 78 Days!

M. Hofeld — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 05:03:27 -0000

Your 1978 Heisman Trophy winner!

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 79 Days!

M. Hofeld — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:49:55 -0000

September 1, 2007 gave Oklahoma fans their first look at future Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford as the Sooners rolled North Texas 79-10.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 80 Days!

M. Hofeld — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:34:33 -0000

The Sooners absolutely need red shirt sophomore defensive tackle Jordan Phillips to have a huge season in 2013. In ten appearances last season he recorded 12 tackles.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 81 Days!

M. Hofeld — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:33:27 -0000

Jalen Saunders needed 81 yards to change the momentum of the 2012 Bedlam game.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 82 Days

M. Hofeld — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 04:52:00 -0000

Tight end Brannon Green is a blocking specialist who was able to slip away for an 18-yard touchdown reception in the season opener against UTEP. He played in eleven games for Oklahoma in 2012 and could be an essential part of the Sooner offense in 2013.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 83 Days!

M. Hofeld — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:29:09 -0000

83-17-7. That's all.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 84 Days!

M. Hofeld — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 05:06:31 -0000

Defensive end Frank Alexander contributed to Oklahoma's line from 2008-2011. He recorded 20.5 career sacks for the Sooners and 44 tackles for loss. In 2011 he was the Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 85 Days!

M. Hofeld — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 04:34:03 -0000

Junior defensive end Geneo Grissom is a gifted athlete who has switched back-and-forth between DE and tight end during his Sooner career. He looks to have finally landed as a full time player on the defensive side of the ball and will most certainly be a key for Oklahoma's defense finding success in 2013.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 86 Days!

M. Hofeld — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:01:41 -0000

Landry Jones connects with Cameron Kenney for an 86-yard touchdown pass late in the 2010 Bedlam game. It would be the longest touchdown pass of Jones' career.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 87 Days!

M. Hofeld — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:20:24 -0000

Boomer!!!

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 88 Days!

M. Hofeld — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:02:40 -0000

Tight end Keith Jackson goes 88-yards on a reverse in the 1985 game. Sooners were national champions that year.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 89 Days!

M. Hofeld — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:57:37 -0000

Williams' 89-yard touchdown run against Florida A&M (on September 8th) increased Oklahoma's lead over the Rattlers to 49-10. Williams ended the game with 156 yards and four touchdowns on just ten carries.

Tornado Victims Fund Update - Money Has Been Delivered!

M. Hofeld — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:28:45 -0000

I had the privilege on Monday afternoon to personally deliver the check to the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief. They have been on the ground since day one providing assistance with debris removal, aiding our first respondenrs, providing meals and supplies and much more. They will remain in the storm affected areas for as long as they are needed.

Its important to note that 100% of the contributions given to the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief goes to the victims.

Here's the FAQ page for more information as to where our donations went to.

Thank you to everyone that gave. Regardless of the amount of your contribution, it will make a huge difference in someone's life as they rebuild.

NCAA Baseball: Blacksburg Regional Preview

M. Hofeld — Fri, 31 May 2013 16:32:03 -0000

The Sooners join host Virginia Tech, Coastal Carolina and Connecticut in the Blacksburg Regional.

2013 NCAA Blacksburg Baseball Regional
Friday, May 31 (All Times Central)	Game 1 \| 12 p.m. \| Oklahoma vs. Coastal Carolina Game 2 \| 4:30 p.m. \| Connecticut vs. Virginia Tech
Saturday, June 1	Game 3 \| 12 p.m. \| Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser Game 4 \| 4:30 p.m. \| Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner
Sunday, June 2	Game 5 \| 12 p.m. \| Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Loser Game 6 \| 4:30 p.m. \| Game 4 Winner vs. Game 5 Winner
Monday, June 3 (If necessary)	Game 7 \| 6 p.m. \| Game 4 Winner vs. Game 5 Winner
Online	ESPN3.com \| NCAA Baseball Central
Location	Blacksburg, Va. \| English Field \| Information
Radio	Sooner Sports Network \| Sirius 111 \| XM 202
Live Stats	SoonerSports.com GameTracker

After limping to the end of the regular season, the Oklahoma Sooners (40-19, 13-11 Big 12) found their second wind in the conference tournament. Winning four games in four days put OU as the Big 12 tournament champions for the first time under coach Sunny Golloway. Now Oklahoma looks to carry that momentum into Blacksburg in hopes of bringing home the regional championship as well.

First baseman Matt Oberste leads Oklahoma's offense with a .384 batting average along with 58 RBI and 11 home runs. The only other Sooner batting .300 or better is Max White who has 28 RBI and three home runs. Jack Mayfield has been solid all season but found his stride late in the season, ending with a .250 batting average and seven home runs.

For most of the season Oklahoma's advantage has come from the pitcher's mound where future first rounder Jonathan Gray has been absolutely dominant. His 1.55 ERA speaks for itself but the powerful right hander has 127 strikeouts to his credit this season as well. Dillon Overton has been the second ace for the Sooners despite an arm injury that caused him some time on the shelf late in the year. His ERA is at 2.89 and his 74 Ks are second only to Gray. The two have combined for an 18-4 record on the year.

Where Oklahoma is going to win, or lose, this regional is in the guys behind the two aces. Jake Fisher has been impressive as of late, as well as Ralph Garza Jr. and Jacob Evans. It will most likely require the entire bullpen for OU to make it out of Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech (38-20, 15-14 ACC) drew the regional after advancing to the championship game of the ACC tournament where they fell to North Carolina by a score of 4-1. The Hokies are 17-9 on their home field this season and are led from the plate by Tyler Horan who is batting .349 for the year with 11 home runs and 50 RBI. Horan is just one of five Virginia Tech players batting .300 or better. Andrew Rash (.312) leads the Hokies with 57 RBI.

From the mound Virginia Tech has a team ERA of 4.31 on the year. Joe Mantiply is a perfect 6-0 on the season with a 2.92 ERA and 48 strikeouts. Brad Markey leads the team in fanned batters with 74 and has a 4-4 record, along with a 5.12 ERA.

Coastal Carolina (37-21, 18-6 Big South) will be Oklahoma's opening opponent today. The The Chanticleers come into the tournament as an at large bid after falling to Liberty in the conference tournament. Like the Sooners, they have just two players batting above .300, led by Jacob May's .321 this season. May also has 29 RBI and six home runs. Ted Blackman is batting .303 with 24 RBI and five homers.

From the mound Coastal Carolina has a team ERA of 3.16 this season. Ben Smith (2.19, 5-3), Tyler Poole (3.86, 6-2) and Tyler Herb (4.04, 6-1) are the big arms but the bullpen is also chalked full of guys who can provide solid relief. Connecticut (34-26, 9-15 Big East) comes into the regional riding a bit of a hot streak as well. The Huskies polished off Notre Dame in the championship game of the Big East tournament to earn an automatic bid. They'll draw the host team, Virginia Tech, this afternoon and will no doubt need every bit of LJ Mazzilli's .364 batting average to pull the upset. Mazzilli has hit a team high six home runs this season and also leads UCONN with 49 RBI.

Carson Cross (2.50, 8-4), Brian Ward (3.59, 2-3) and Anthony Marzi (3.87, 5-6) will try to anchor the Huskies from the mound.

We'll have live updates and game threads for the Blacksburg Regional all weekend long here at Crimson And Cream Machine.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 90 Days!

M. Hofeld — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 04:59:36 -0000

Quarterback Blake Bell capped off a 17 play, 90 yard drive with a four yard touchdown run to tie the Bedlam game at 45-45 with just four seconds left on the clock.

Sooners Are Blacksburg Regional Champs!

M. Hofeld — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 03:31:02 -0000

RT to celebrate @ou_baseball's Regional Championship and wish them good luck against LSU! twitter.com/SoonerSportsco…
— Oklahoma Sooners (@SoonerSportscom) June 3, 2013

Oh how the Sooners love playing in the state of Virginia. They used some outstanding defensive plays, timely hitting and clutch pitching on Sunday to down the host school Virginia Tech to win the Blacksburg Regional.

The Hokies got to Sooner starter Jake Fisher in the second inning when Ryan Burns hit a two-out single to score Chad Morgan. Then, in the fourth, Andrew Rash went yard to right field. With a 2-0 lead it appeared as if Virginia Tech was taking control mid-way through the game.

Oklahoma went to work in the sixth inning when they plated four runs to take control of the game. Fighting to keep their season alive, Virginia Tech threatened to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth but two outstanding defensive plays kept OU in front.

With Mark Zagunis on third base, Rash hit a blooper to towards third base. Zagunis went towards home but was thrown down by Garrett Carey who made the play by bare handing the ball on a hop and throwing to catcher Anthony Hermelyn, all in a single motion. The sixth inning came to a close when Chad Morgan singled to left field and Max White gunned down Rash at home plate with a throw from the outfield. The two plays kept the Hokies from ultimately taking the lead, holding them to just one run in the inning, and allowed the Sooners to move on with a 4-3 lead.

The score remained that way heading into the ninth and Oklahoma was hoping to add an insurance run. The ended up adding a whole lot more than that as they would plate a total of six runs to put the game out of reach.

With a final winning score of 10-4, the Sooners will advance to a super regional for the third time in four years. All three times they've gone through a regional in Virginia. Up next for Oklahoma will be Super Regional opponent LSU in Baton Rouge with the winner moving on to the World Series.

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2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 91 Days!

M. Hofeld — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 04:56:28 -0000

Former Sooner, and current Saints rookie, Kenny Stills caught 10 passes for 91 yards and 4 touchdowns, including the game winner, against West Virginia on November 17, 2012.

Sooners Down UConn In Extras And Now Sit In Blacksburg Regional Driver's Seat

M. Hofeld — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 03:36:41 -0000

In almost an exact opposite start from yesterday, the Sooners got off to a hot start against Connecticut and then cooled off throughout the remainder of the game. Jack Mayfield scored on a Hector Lorenzana single in the bottom of the first, and then Anthony Hermelyn hit a two-RBI single to score Matt Oberste and Lorenzana. The Huskies got one back in the bottom half of the inning but, with the Sooners leading 3-1 after the first, it looked as if Oklahoma was in for a big offensive day. However, that would be the last time a Sooner crossed home plate until the top of the 12th inning.

Meanwhile, Dillon Overton was solid from the mound. After the first inning he kept UConn scoreless until the sixth by retiring the Huskies in order in three of the next four innings. After getting into some trouble in the sixth Overton was replaced by Ralph Garza Jr. who got UConn's Jon Testani to foul out, to catcher Anthony Hermelyn, ending a bases-loaded threat. However, the Huskies did score one in the inning to draw to withing 3-2 of the Sooners.

UConn scored the game tying run in the bottom of the 8th when Billy Ferriter crossed home plate on a Bobby Melley sacrifice. With the game deadlocked at 3-3 through the end of the 9th the Sooners and Huskies were set up for the drama of extra innings.

A two-out single by Max White in the top of the tenth gave Oklahoma some hope but it was quickly snuffed out when Matt Oberste lined out second base. The Sooners then loaded the bases in the top of the eleventh before Garrett Carey hit into an inning ending double-play.

Oklahoma wouldn't be denied in the twelfth though. Max Whited hit a one-out triple to score Craig Aikin and putting the Sooners back in front. White would then score on an errant throw by UConn's LJ Mazzilli, on a Lorenzana bunt, to give OU an insurance run. The Huskies put runners on first and second, with one out, in the bottom of the twelfth but Melly hit a line drive to Carey at third base. After making the catch, Carey was able to throw back to second to out the runner who had already taken off and couldn't get back in time.

The double-play ended the game and put the Sooners in the position of needing to win just once more to advance to the Super Regional while UConn or Virginia Tech would need to win three games in two days to advance. The Huskies and Virginia Tech will play Sunday at noon with the loser being eliminated. Oklahoma will then face the winner, at 4:30, with the opportunity to win the regional championship. Should the Sooners fall in that game, a final winner-take-all game will be held on Monday at 6:00 p.m..

Gray Fans Eleven In Oklahoma's 7-3 Win Over Coastal Carolina

M. Hofeld — Fri, 31 May 2013 20:11:13 -0000

Jonathan Gray and the Oklahoma Sooners got off to a bit of a rough start on Friday afternoon but after they settled they became dominant. Coastal Carolina jumped out to a 3-0 lead through the first two frames but then Gray found a rhythm. He would blank the Chanticleers over the next seven innings, striking out 11 batters in the process, while Oklahoma plated seven runs of their own.

The OU scoring started in the fourth when Colt Bickerstaff doubled to right field, scoring Hector Lorenzana. Two batters later Anthony Hermelyn came home on a Garrett Carey sacrifice. The Sooners then took the lead in the bottom of the fifth when Matt Oberste's single drove in Jack Mayfield and Max White. Oklahoma then scored insurance runs, 1 in the bottom of the sixth and two in the bottom of the eighth, to put the game away 7-3.

The Sooners now advance into the winner's bracket of the regional and will play the winner of the Virginia Tech/Connecticut game tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. (CST).

Blacksburg Regional: Sooners vs. Coastal Carolina Game Thread

M. Hofeld — Fri, 31 May 2013 16:36:16 -0000

2013 NCAA Blacksburg Baseball Regional
Friday, May 31	Game 1 \| 12 p.m. \| Oklahoma vs. Coastal Carolina

Online	ESPN3.com \| NCAA Baseball Central
Location	Blacksburg, Va. \| English Field \| Information
Radio	Sooner Sports Network \| Sirius 111 \| XM 202
Live Stats	SoonerSports.com GameTracker

The road to Omaha gets underway today as the Sooners play Coastal Carolina in the opening game of the Blacksburg Regional.

NCAA Baseball: Blacksburg Regional Preview

M. Hofeld — Fri, 31 May 2013 07:46:48 -0000

2013 NCAA Blacksburg Baseball Regional
Friday, May 31 (All Times Central)	Game 1 \| 12 p.m. \| Oklahoma vs. Coastal Carolina Game 2 \| 4:30 p.m. \| Connecticut vs. Virginia Tech
Saturday, June 1	Game 3 \| 12 p.m. \| Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser Game 4 \| 4:30 p.m. \| Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner
Sunday, June 2	Game 5 \| 12 p.m. \| Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Loser Game 6 \| 4:30 p.m. \| Game 4 Winner vs. Game 5 Winner
Monday, June 3 (If necessary)	Game 7 \| 6 p.m. \| Game 4 Winner vs. Game 5 Winner
Online	ESPN3.com \| NCAA Baseball Central
Location	Blacksburg, Va. \| English Field \| Information
Radio	Sooner Sports Network \| Sirius 111 \| XM 202
Live Stats	SoonerSports.com GameTracker

Carson Cross (2.50, 8-4), Brian Ward (3.59, 2-3) and Anthony Marzi (3.87, 5-6) will try to anchor the Huskies from the mound.

We'll have live updates and game threads for the Blacksburg Regional all weekend long here at Crimson And Cream Machine.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 93 Days!

M. Hofeld — Fri, 31 May 2013 06:58:10 -0000

2008 Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford threw 93 touchdown passes during his Sooner career.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 94 Days!

M. Hofeld — Thu, 30 May 2013 06:13:04 -0000

On October 31, 2009 Dejuan Miller caught a team high nine passes for 94 yards, and a score, in Oklahoma's 42-30 win over the Kansas State Wildcats.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 95 Days!

M. Hofeld — Wed, 29 May 2013 04:51:05 -0000

Was there any doubt that this would be the one for the 95th day? Damien Williams makes history with the longest run ever in the Red River Rivarly.

2013 Countdown To Kickoff: 96 Days!

M. Hofeld — Tue, 28 May 2013 04:25:40 -0000

On November 3rd, 2012, Brennan Clay ran for 157 yards and a touchdown, on 24 carries, to become the 96th Oklahoma football player to record at least one game with a hundred, or more, rushing yards. The Sooners beat the Cyclones 35-20.