MORE ON RIDER PROSPECT BAKER MAYFIELD

MIAMI (AP) – No one will be tuning in to the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Eve looking for a defensive slugfest (3:00 pm, TSN/ESPN).

Clemson’s Deshaun Watkins is used to lighting up the scoreboard. Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield (whose CFL rights belong to the Saskatchewan Roughriders) has shredded one helpless defence after another.

“People love seeing high-powered offences and guys slinging the ball around,” said Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware, sounding a bit gloomy as he looked ahead to Thursday’s national semifinal game. “The viewers want to see Deshaun throw for 600 yards and Mayfield throw for 600 yards.”

While no one is ready to bury the ol’ adage that defence wins championships, it needs a bit of tweaking with these teams.

Clemson (13-0) gave up more than 30 points in its last two games, but Watson & Co. made sure it didn’t ruin the perfect season.

Oklahoma (11-1) followed a similar path to the College Football Playoff. The Sooners gave up at least 20 points in eight games, more than 30 a couple of times. It cost them only once – an upset loss to Texas.

Despite all those shaky performances, neither defence is lacking bravado.

“I know what we’ve got,” Oklahoma outside linebacker Eric Striker said Tuesday during media day at Sun Life Stadium. “We know what it takes to win the game. One thing about the media: They’ve got to talk, they’ve got to come up with stuff.”

The media has nothing to do with the national statistics, which have Oklahoma outside the top 20 in all four major defensive categories. The Sooners are tied for 22nd in points allowed (20.8 per game).

Clemson has been stingy when it comes to defending the pass, but a bit leaky against the run. The Tigers are giving 20.2 points a game, tied for 18th nationally.

Ohio State won the championship a year ago despite giving up 22.0 points per contest, ranking 26th nationally. Cam Newton-led Auburn finished No. 1 in 2010 while surrendering an average of 24.1 points, which placed a mediocre 53rd in the national rankings.

Mayfield and the Sooners are just as daunting. The junior quarterback has passed for 3,389 yards with 35 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He, too, can take off and run, which led Boulware to describe him as “kind of Manzielesque” – a nod to former Texas A&M star Johnny Manziel. Three Oklahoma receivers have hauled in more than 40 passes, while Samaje Perine has rushed for 1,291 yards and 15 TDs.

Hard to see this being a defensive struggle.

That’s not to say it won’t come down to a big defensive play.

“Whenever you’ve got two great offences,” said Clemson linebacker B.J. Goodson, “it’s always gonna be about who’s making big stops in big moments.”

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Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Who cares its only sasklostagain roughsliders nobody cares about a basement dwelling team

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Lots of hype… I guess we now know why CFL Teams are reluctant to release which players are on their CFL rights list.

Now the Riders will face questions every press conference: when are you going to sign that guy, when are you going to sign that guy, etc…

Let's remember there have been CFL rights lists for years and many many players will never look north of the border.

Let's not overdue the hype…

XYZ in your backyard

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

Yes oh wise one.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

"…overdue the hype…" ????
Wise one indeed.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Ive read immature posts on here. the 1st Anon wins hands down.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

In real life I am sure that Anon is not as stupid as his post, but being as he is an Eskimo fan, one can understand what motivates such a person to be silly on a Sask website.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

This guy will get drafted and have a future in the NFL in some capacity.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Calling this guy a Rider prospect is very inaccurate and misrepresenting. The above is probably right. CFL GM's are happy keeping things private as to not have to answer uneducated questions and inquiries.

A while back it was rumoured that Russel Wilson was on the Lions neg list and Tim Tebow was on the Alouettes. Are these guys 'prospects'?

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

The guy is only a 'junior'. At least a year away from pro ball, and that's all speculation.

Chad in Moose Jaw
Chad in Moose Jaw
8 years ago

Rod, you should be very proud that you blog is that popular that fans from other teams are commenting on it. To bad most of them are as smart as a bag of pucks!
Keep doing the great work you do, and have a Happy New Year!

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Chad, you are totally correct! Most other teams don't have true fans so have to try dump on teams that have real true fans

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Thats cool Rod. Wasn't meant as a direct shot at you! (Re: Prospect)

Happy New Year!

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

You really have a hard-on for this guy. That's two on some guy who probably doesn't even realize he is property of Saskatchewan much less could pick it out on a map or spell it.

Hope you're enjoying Vegas with Mrs. Sportscage.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

How about calling him "Rider neg-lister"?

Dick Rubnutz
Dick Rubnutz
8 years ago

It's appreciated Rod. Thanks and have a Happy New Year

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Riders are still 3-15 lol

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

He sure bombed out today.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Oklahoma was disgusting today, but Michigan State wins the worst humiliated on National Television award.