Oklahoma Sooners (3-0)
Tulsa Golden Hurricane (1-2)
The Oklahoma Sooners won their third home game of the season on Saturday against Tulsa by a score of 51-20. Blake Bell was named the starter at the beginning of the week and had a lot to prove during his first career start. The offense finally came out putting up points like the Sooners usually do, and special teams rolled right along with them. The defense did look a bit shaky, but without the captain of the defense, Aaron Colvin, that was expected.
First, lets take a look at the offense: A
Quarterback: A+
Blake Bell had already proven to the world that he can beat almost any defense on his feet (with the exception of Kansas St.). Being named the starter after a poor first two games by freshman quarterback Trevor Knight, he also had a lot of pressure to throw the ball. Bell passed for 413 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions. This performance set a record for a first start at quarterback at OU. Bell was also named Big 12 offensive player of the week. I do believe that we have found a solid quarterback option, but lets remember it was against Tulsa. Regardless, a performance like this earns an A+.
Running Backs: B+
The running back core for Oklahoma did not play bad, they just didn't put up the numbers that were recorded the past two weeks. Yes, I know that is because of the extreme success we were having through the air. Roy Finch was the leading rusher for the Sooners as he rushed for 68 yards on 8 carries. Brennan Clay will continue to get the majority of the touches for the Sooners, despite his below average performance on Saturday. True freshman Keith Ford is looking like he could be the next big time back for the Sooners. I love the way he runs with such power and speed at the same time, much like a young Adrian Peterson. The future is looking bright for the running back position at OU.
Wide Receivers: A+
Sterling Shepard was the leading receiver for the Sooners with 123 yards on 8 catches, and two touchdowns. He was followed by Jaz Reynolds with 109 yards, and one touchdown. Much like his father, Shepard is going to have a very successful career at Oklahoma. It is nice to have more than one target to throw to this season, unlike last year when all we had was Stills, and the season before, Broyles. The receiving core is looking solid thus far, with great route running, and few dropped passes.
Lets take a look at Special Teams: A
Jed Barnett is looking every bit as good as Tress Way was for the Sooners (Now punting for the Redskins). He is averaging over 40 yards per punt, and giving up little to no return. You got to love what the punt return team is doing this year as we have already almost seen several taken back. Kickoffs are still looking excellent, sending most of them through the endzone.
Finally, the defense!: B+
Defensive Line: B+
The defensive line is looking as solid as ever! The only thing that worries me is the amount of big gain plays we allowed Tulsa to have. Those big gain plays lead to the majority of their scoring. I know that is not all the lines fault, but with no push up front, it is hard for those linebackers to fill the gaps. Tapper is looking to be a solid threat for our defensive line, and should only continue to get better with age and experience.
Linebackers: A-
Frank Shannon and Corey Nelson have already shown that they have improved greatly from last season. The defense only gave up a total of 95 rushing yards against Tulsa. I know this is not all credited to them, but the linebacker performance was again outstanding. The only thing I would like to see improvement on is our linebackers in coverage. Anything coming across the middle should be like target practice for these boys. Coverage is something the linebackers at Oklahoma have always struggled with (ask Tom Wort).
Defensive Backs: B-
Gabe Lynn has to be the most improved player for this defense. I do not think that it was the talent wasn't there until this season, I just think he was in the wrong position on the field. Lynn got beat play after play for three seasons play cornerback. Finally moving him to safety as a senior and he has caused at least one turnover in every game thus far. Having Aaron Colvin out (concussion) killed our secondary giving up 226 yards, and contributing majorly to the 20 points scored by the Tulsa offense. I understand that Cortez Johnson has to step up in this situation, but after all, he is just a sophomore playing in his first career start.
Overall the Oklahoma Sooners get a grade of A-. The Sooners looked fantastic and fun to watch, and the defense showed much potential in the younger guys getting to start for the first time. It may have not been the best performance outside of the offense, but a win is a win. At the end of the day, the Sooners are 3-0!
