https://twitter.com/realBJP/status/1731438956552872066
So will Dillon Gabriel even play now that he is entering the transfer portal? Or are we going to face their backup?
This is partially why I didn't even want to play Oklahoma. Not that they aren't a test, but they are not a measuring stick game for us.
Still as good as anyone could have ever hoped for.
In a 12 team CFP I feel deep down the rankings would look different and we would be #11 or 12.
The line has already moved to -3.5 Az
Based on the line moving, I'm assuming that Gabriel isn't planning to stay with the team.
I personally don't care about a "test" for our bowl game. Winning 10 games and beating a big name like OU on national TV will help the branding and future recruiting more than playing a low-scoring defensive battle.
Quote from: bdroker on December 04, 2023, 12:10:29 PMThe line has already moved to -3.5 Az
Their starting QB and Defensive anchor just hit the portal. Might be a blood bath now.
Quote from: KansasCityCats on December 04, 2023, 01:33:25 PMBased on the line moving, I'm assuming that Gabriel isn't planning to stay with the team.
I personally don't care about a "test" for our bowl game. Winning 10 games and beating a big name like OU on national TV will help the branding and future recruiting more than playing a low-scoring defensive battle.
Will just agree to disagree. I think we have nothing to gain and everything to lose if we happen to lose this game from a hype and branding perspective. Especially from transfer standpoints.
I don't think we would gain experience that could come in handy either with Expansion. I now have Lofty Goals of being one of, if not, the best team in the Big12 next year (Besides Utah with Cam Rising in his 17th season in College).
I will forever wonder what this team could have done against a strong team. I am dumping on Oklahoma. They may very well come out and give us the business even with a backup. They have a Month to get ready for 1 Exhibition game.
However, with this momentum -- I would like to see us vs just about anyone. Even would like to see our offense vs Florida State's defense.
This current matchup doesn't teach our team anything. But again, still well above all expectations. Jedd needs to buy a few players in the portal.
FYI, OU is some solid defensive numbers:
4 defensive TD's (tied for #6 nationally)
#14 in the nation for 3rd down stops
#2 nationally for interceptions
#2 nationally (tied) for turnover margin
I don't understand how in one sentence, this is a meaningless "exhibition" but in another, a matchup with Oklahoma "doesn't teach us anything". FSU and OU have almost identical SOS rankings on multiple websites: https://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/ranking/schedule-strength-by-other
If Gabriel remained in Norman, this would be a tough matchup for Arizona. It's still a Top-15 opponent but a true freshman QB doesn't bring the same intangibles to the Sooners' offense. Regardless, their D remains the same and a possible Top-10 finish for the Cats will absolutely help with recruiting. Fisch's team is on a hot streak.
Quote from: arxpert on December 04, 2023, 04:04:22 PMQuote from: KansasCityCats on December 04, 2023, 01:33:25 PMBased on the line moving, I'm assuming that Gabriel isn't planning to stay with the team.
I personally don't care about a "test" for our bowl game. Winning 10 games and beating a big name like OU on national TV will help the branding and future recruiting more than playing a low-scoring defensive battle.
Will just agree to disagree. I think we have nothing to gain and everything to lose if we happen to lose this game from a hype and branding perspective. Especially from transfer standpoints.
I don't think we would gain experience that could come in handy either with Expansion. I now have Lofty Goals of being one of, if not, the best team in the Big12 next year (Besides Utah with Cam Rising in his 17th season in College).
I will forever wonder what this team could have done against a strong team. I am dumping on Oklahoma. They may very well come out and give us the business even with a backup. They have a Month to get ready for 1 Exhibition game.
However, with this momentum -- I would like to see us vs just about anyone. Even would like to see our offense vs Florida State's defense.
This current matchup doesn't teach our team anything. But again, still well above all expectations. Jedd needs to buy a few players in the portal.
Jedd literally said this is our championship game. If AZ wins they likely finish top 10, or top 12 at least. Have you ever considered just not saying some of the things that pop into your head? Like come on man.
I have Arizona -3.5
#BearDown
Quote from: KansasCityCats on December 05, 2023, 08:29:48 AMFYI, OU is some solid defensive numbers:
4 defensive TD's (tied for #6 nationally)
#14 in the nation for 3rd down stops
#2 nationally for interceptions
#2 nationally (tied) for turnover margin
I don't understand how in one sentence, this is a meaningless "exhibition" but in another, a matchup with Oklahoma "doesn't teach us anything". FSU and OU have almost identical SOS rankings on multiple websites: https://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/ranking/schedule-strength-by-other
If Gabriel remained in Norman, this would be a tough matchup for Arizona. It's still a Top-15 opponent but a true freshman QB doesn't bring the same intangibles to the Sooners' offense. Regardless, their D remains the same and a possible Top-10 finish for the Cats will absolutely help with recruiting. Fisch's team is on a hot streak.
I believe I read somewhere that Oklahoma will be without their top defender or two for this too.
Again, I am dumping on this matchup. I think in a universe of a 12 team CFP format, we deserved to be in. I will wonder if the rankings would have been different and if the transfers would have been announced after or if kids will still sit out bowls. I also said that Oklahoma may give us the business. I am not fully disrespecting them. I just don't like the matchup. I want to see us in a different scenario. That's all this is. Oklahoma may smash us. We may win narrowly or smash them. It's not about that.
OU fan here. Looking forward to the bowl game. Most of our fan base consist of great fans but like everyone we have a few idiots so if y'all across them I apologize in advance lol. Without Dillon and a few other guys this seems like a toss up.
I approved you and great first post. Don't worry we got idiots on here too.
I was more confussed with the reaction to the bowl. I get it's OU and expectations are high, but both teams were put in the correct bowl - and it will be an excellent match up. 14 v 12, can't get any better than that. Fyi, my wife is an OU fan and so is her family. So I don't think ill of OU fans at all.
OU fans know their football (and the Moser hire was a home run in basketball too).
It'll be an interesting matchup because it's hard to determine whether a blue chip freshman QB can step in and read a defense that shows multiple blitz packages.
Nansen will likely experiment with some DB's pressuring and OU will be forced to get the ball out in a hurry. That'll either result in a shootout with both teams or a surprise blowout.
Fifita will definitely get his points, assuming our O-line gives him time to look downfield to Cowing and T-Mac.
Can't wait to see this matchup!
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2023/12/21/24010488/arizona-wildcats-football-notebook-jordan-morgan-left-tackle-running-backs-oklahoma-alamo-bowl