Daily Bullets (December 15)

Raging Rickie

We’ve all waited with bated breath for Rickie Fowler to get that first major win – here’s a solid theory on why it hasn’t came yet.

I realize that sounds completely insane, but thus far Fowler has lacked that “screw this, I’m taking this tournament and nobody can stop me” kick that Spieth has shown. The glaring hole in my argument is Fowler’s Players Championship win in 2015 in which he played the final six holes in, like, 88 under. But even then it felt less like him saying, “I’m winning this and you can’t stop me” and more like he just got hot at the right time.

Maybe it doesn’t matter. Maybe it does. Maybe he’ll eventually get hot at the right time at a major championship like he did with that 61 in Round 4 at the Hero World Challenge earlier in December.

I think Fowler will win a major eventually regardless, mostly because he’s too good not to. [CBS Sports]

Killer instinct, winning culture, a confidence for having been there and done that. Nobody with eyes would deny Fowler has the talent to do it (see referenced Players Championship, 2015) but that extra something should take him over the top.

Sign Up or Get Out

The new early signing day will bring a clarity that coaches haven’t had.

For any committed player who doesn’t sign next week, Gundy and his staff will have to re-evaluate their approach with that player to determine whether they want to continue recruiting him, or move on.

“There will be decisions made then,” Gundy said. “You certainly have to start recruiting somebody else at that position, because this guy has proven to you he might not sign.” [NewsOK]

It’ll offer a relief to some recruits and pressure for others. Given the conservative nature of the established OSU staff, look for the Pokes to have the haul signed before 2018 gets here.

OSU and NCAA Notes

Big 12 schools as Star Wars characters (h/t Philip)….Underrated factors that coaches consider in the hiring process ($)….Take a look at how Big 12 would have fared in an eight-team playoff since 2014….No charges for the OU running back accused of sexual assault

Rudolph joins James Washington and Marcell Ateman in Mobile.

QB Mason Rudolph @Rudolph2Mason from @CowboyFB has accepted his invitation to the 2018 Reese's Senior Bowl! #CompeteAndConnect #SeniorBowl #Reeses pic.twitter.com/DWGwtxgKGr

— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) December 13, 2017

Props to these offensive Pokes killing it in the classroom.

The CoSIDA Academic All-America team was just released and #okstate LEADS THE NATION with three honorees. #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/vfj7mZ43t7

— Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) December 14, 2017

Clements has this unit hopping.

Dominant. Disruptive. Dangerous… The 2017 D-line left its mark on opponents. #okstate #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/qLtvAxJ5qq

— Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) December 13, 2017

Cowboy ‘Copter turning some heads – side bar: I do wonder if it’s cheaper than flying private.

OKState Cowboy1 leaving Sachse today. 1st time in history a helicopter lands on the field! Thanks for the visit @CoachGundy @joebobclements pic.twitter.com/12Huu0r5qD

— Veronica Lacy (@_VLacy) December 13, 2017

What You Missed on PFB

• Dillard, Dawson: Gone
• Check part three in Hayden’s series on recruiting: hotspots
• Cox and Boone talk recruiting wishlist in the latest pod

Other Stuff I’m Reading

• Thought provoking stuff on the “Danger of Convenience”  (some spiritual perspective on the matter)
• All signs point to the Thunder staying the course (no George trade, Donovan firing)

Great idea for the holidays:

https://twitter.com/zoeyoneohone/status/940727449519886337