After a dominating performance against ULM, the Sooners were still doubted by many (including myself) on both sides of the ball. Giving up only 15 yards rushing against ULM, many doubted their ability to do the same against a stronger and faster offense. With the exception of the single touchdown given up in two games, the defensive performance has been solid. However, fans had no reason to doubt the offense ran by freshman Trevor Knight, who proved to be shaky in every aspect of the game besides running the ball himself. Special teams still proved to be one of OU's stronger aspects of the game. Lets take a look at how each faired against a stronger and faster Mountaineers team.
Offense: C+
The only thing saving this Sooner offense from receiving a lesser grade is senior running back Brennan Clay. Clay rushed for 170 yards. This hasn't been done since DeMarco Murray in 2010. Brennan Clay seemed to pick up positive yards with every touch. Stoops has said that with all three backs competing so well this year, the one who finds a rhythm will stay in the game. Clay proved to be that guy this weekend against West Virginia. Damien Williams didn't show much expect for his ability to pick up short yardage. He hasn't seemed to ever recover from that leg injury last season.
Through the air, the Sooners had a very below average performance. Oklahoma has a very strong receiving core this season, but simply no one to throw them the ball. Trevor Knight again came out throwing the ball poorly. Being his second game in Norman we can no longer blame his nerves for these awful passes. Throwing into triple coverage and to the wrong area could just be freshman mistakes, but they are mistakes the Sooners cannot afford.
Quarterbacks: D+
Trevor Knight has some serious work to do in order to keep his starting job (That is if he is even healthy). Knight had 119 yards on 20 attempts. Not to terrible if you can take away the two interceptions with only one touchdown. Knight is a guy who has tremendous talent running the ball, but the passing just isn't there. He did rush for 42 yards on 7 carries.
Do to what I think is an injury, Blake Bell got the call to start in the fourth quarter. Bell came in and ignited the crowd (The student section at least). Bell was 0-1 passing and 21 yards rushing on 2 carries.
Say what you will about the quarterback situation, but neither of these guys compare to what we had last season. The Sooners need to find a solution soon, because only running the ball will not get a W in three weeks against Notre Dame.
Defense: A+
We can sit back and look at the fact that the defense allowed a 65 yard rushing touchdown, or we can chose to be non ignorant Oklahoma fans and realize the defense has only given up 7 points in two games. The Oklahoma defense has been playing outstanding thus far. They say defense wins championships, but in this case the defense is going to have to win every game. If the Sooners want a championship run the defense will have to lead the way.
Secondary: A+
The defensive backs for the Sooners seem to have come out looking to prove something. Gabe Lynn was moved to a safety this season and is fitting in perfectly. Lynn caught an interception and picked up a fumble for the defense this week. We know what Aaron Colvin can do, and what he will do. Colvin went out with a cracked tooth and jaw pain, but will be ready to go next week.
Special Teams: A-
I really wanted to give the special teams an A+ this week, but anytime you miss a field goal it has to knock off points. Hunnicut has been great these past two seasons (the best since Garrett Hartley) and I have full confidence he will continue to do so. The Sooners didn't lose much in the aspect of punting as Jed Barnett averaged 44.6 yards on 5 punts. The kickoff team has been great sending the majority of the kicks through the endzone, and giving almost no gain on the returnable kicks.
The Sooners get an overall rating of a B- this week due to the lack of offense. Maybe that is the plan this season, score a few points then take over field position and dominate the game on defense. Whatever it is, I feel the Sooners have a great season in store, maybe even getting back to that championship swagger.
Next week: @Tulsa 11:00 AM
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