Opportunity Knocks for Wilson

October 18th, 2006

by Justin Waganer
Senior Sports Writer

Before I start a firestorm of criticism and insults let me start by saying that in no way shape or form could Sooner fans, coaches, or players feel good after losing Adrian Peterson. In fact, they should feel like someone stole their new Tivo just as they had filled the electronic wonder with dozens of their favorite shows. They should feel sick to their stomachs about missing the opportunity to see such a player ever don the Crimson and Crème again. That being said, this is a monumental opportunity for Kevin Wilson to prove his ability.

First, before I delve into this thought let me say that when Barry Sanders retired I felt like someone had stolen the heart of professional football from me forever. Not being able to see that unbelievable athlete play again was very similar to being punched in the nose by any number of professional boxers. I felt that feeling again last Saturday when the news about Peterson hit with the obvious exception being that I knew Peterson would play again … just not in Norman, not in the college game. Sure, this is a hit to Sooner fans, but this is a hit to college football in general.

However, up until now we have known through six games this season and the Holiday Bowl of last year that Kevin Wilson knew how to get the ball to his best player and build around him. Now, we will see if he can do that again, knowing that his best player on offense is now wearing #4. Malcolm Kelly has NFL written all over him as well and he is now ready to become “the” guy in the Sooner offense. Have no fear Sooner Fans, Kevin Wilson has done this before.

At Northwestern, Wilson had little more than running back Damien Anderson to lean on and what did he do with that? He only got Anderson to lead the Big 10 in rushing with almost 200 yards per game on the ground. Again, I remind you that he did that on the ground at Northwestern … that plays in the Big 10 … where rushing is not the easiest thing to do. Point being, Wilson knows that the key to any great offense is to get the ball to your best player as much as possible. Consider a few words from the great war strategist, Sun-Tzu:

“In general, the strategy for employing the military is this: If your strength is ten times theirs, surround them; if five, then attack them; if double, then divide your forces. If you are equal in strength to the enemy, you can engage him. If fewer, you can circumvent him.”

While the strength wasn’t exactly “ten times” that of the opponent for Oklahoma with AD, the offense of the first six games falls under the first category. With the best player in America you give it to him over and over, “surrounding” your enemy with the best talent on the field. Now, Oklahoma is in the second category for the final six games. Again, they aren’t “five times” the strength of their remaining opponents, but they will be favored in all games remaining. The difference now is this, instead of relying on your best to win over the long haul, now you go and attack early, then attack often.

Expect this Sooner fans, expect the most imaginative offense since Mike Leach left for West Texas. Expect to see an offense that will magnify the ability of the best players on the field while keeping the defense on their heels. While most believe that the excitement to be gone for this season, don’t buy the overreaction. These Sooners aren’t going to win a National Championship, but if Stoops is ever going to show his muscle through his coordinators it is going to be now. Sit back and strap yourselves in, this season is far from over.

“The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense.” – Tom Clancy

Entry Filed under: Oklahoma Sports