Hate Week Begins..
The latest Champion Standard episode opens with the Sooners sitting at 5–0 after a 44–0 shutout of Kent State. Hosts Rob and his co-host dive straight into the performance, balancing measured optimism with the looming sense of anticipation that comes every October: Hate Week—Oklahoma vs. Texas.
Hawkins’ First Start: Glimpses and Growing Pains
The conversation begins with quarterback Michael Hawkins, who earned his first start since the Navy bowl game. The hosts agree his performance wasn’t a breakout—“no leaps and bounds”—but understandable given the long layoff. His side-arm release drew attention, looking more like Mateer’s style than his own from last season. While Hawkins’ speed remains impressive, his tunnel vision limits his ability to see the field or anticipate throwing lanes. As Rob puts it, “He’s got track speed but narrow vision—he just misses the easy yards in both the pass and run game.”
The question naturally pivots to the Texas game. If Mateer can’t play, Hawkins may start again. The hosts make it clear: even with a backup quarterback, this defense gives OU a chance to win.
The Defense: Relentless, Deep, and “Elite”
Rob hesitates to call Oklahoma’s defense elite just yet—“I don’t use the E-word in Week 5,” Rob says—but the numbers tell a different story. OU ranks near the top nationally in third-down defense, EPA per play, and havoc rate. The defense has forced more three-and-outs than any team in the SEC, creating “extra possessions for your offense while the other team gasses out.”
Up front, David Stone dominated Kent State, earning player of the game honors. The rotation of Stone, Jaden Jackson, and Damonic Williams forms what Rob calls “a three-headed monster of interior destruction.” The depth has reached a point where OU can rest starters “and not miss a beat,” something unthinkable just four years ago.
The defensive front’s strength will be crucial in the upcoming Red River Rivalry, where Texas’s offensive line is—by the hosts’ assessment—“the worst in the SEC.” They predict a sack fest, with Brent Venables’ scheme overwhelming the Longhorns’ protection. “This is the game where OU breaks the school sack record,” Brad says. “Ten or more sacks. I’ll be disappointed if we don’t.” said Rob
Special Teams: Secret Weapon of Consistency
The hosts heap praise on the Sooners’ special teams. Kicker Tate Sandell drilled a 55-yarder, the fourth longest ever on Owen Field, while Sategna came “one tackle away from taking one to the house.” Brad said. The confidence of OU’s specialists—combined with a defense that pins opponents deep—creates a hidden yardage advantage that could swing close games. “If our average drive starts at the 40 and we only need 25 yards for points, makes life easier for a backup Quarterback” Rob explains.
Texas Preview: Pressure, Punishment, and Prediction
The episode’s back half turns to Texas week—and it’s electric. The hosts expect Arch Manning to struggle mightily behind a “lost” offensive line. Film from the Florida–Texas game shows Florida recording six sacks with basic four-man pressure. “Brent won’t stop there,” Rob warns. “He’s bringing the heat with shock and awe.”
The Sooners’ defensive front, particularly Jayden, Stone and Williams, is expected to feast on the Longhorn interior, especially center Cole Hutson, whom Florida repeatedly bullied. Without elite playmakers like last year’s Gunnar Helm or Jayden Blue, Texas’s offense “has no one to scare you in your aggression.”
Prediction time seals the mood:
OU 20, Texas 13 (both hosts independently arrive at the same score)
Defensive touchdowns and special teams could provide the margin.
“If we don’t turn the ball over, we win this game. Period.” Brad says.
Advanced Stats Breakdown
The hosts close with analytics comparing OU and Texas:
OU Defense: #1 in third-down success rate (18%), #2 nationally in EPA per play allowed, and #1 in the SEC in havoc rate (17%).
Texas Offense: #97 nationally on third down, #70 in stuff rate allowed, and just 35% success on passing downs.
OU Sack Rate: 17% against Kent State, 21% against Auburn—trending upward.
Venables’ defense ranks alongside Ohio State as the only units consistently producing negative EPA per dropback across five games—“territory usually reserved for national champions.”
Final Thoughts
The hosts wrap with the mantra that has defined this era: suffocating, relentless, and disciplined defense. Whether Mateer plays or not, the Sooners’ formula is clear—defense and special teams lead, offense protects the ball, and the rest will take care of itself.
“Hate Texas all week,” Rob says with a grin. “Cheer like a champion on Saturday.”
Final Prediction: Oklahoma 20, Texas 13. Boomer Sooner.