Oklahoma Sooners Week 1 Position Grades
Aug 31, 2013; Norman, OK, USA; UL Monroe Warhawks quarterback Kolton Browning (15) attempts a pass against Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Corey Nelson (7) during the first half at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Line
The only starter on the defensive line with any experience was suspended for this game. So, what the Oklahoma Sooners defensive line did was not let one of the better scrambling quarterbacks in the nation see any running room and completely lock down the ULM running game. ULM finished with 38 rushing yards on 22 attempts and the Sooners defensive line was in their faces the entire game. Charles Tapper is going to be a huge star this season for the Sooners defense.
Sooners Position Grades: A
Linebackers
In 2012, the Oklahoma Sooners’ linebackers were almost non-existent. On Saturday night, they were the stars of the game. Corey Nelson is a team captain and one of the leaders of this defense and finished the game as the team’s leading tackler as well. He finished with eight tackles, five solo, and two of them for a loss. He also recorded the only sack of the game for OU and he also had a quarterback hurry. It is clear that Nelson wants to make up for last season.
The second leading tackler was also a linebacker, as Frank Shannon finished with seven tackles, four solo, with one for a loss and a quarterback hurry. Last year, the running game killed the Sooners. This year, the linebackers are back and they are the reason for this shut out.
Sooners Position Grades: A+
Cornerbacks/Safeties
The best Oklahoma Sooners player in 2013 is cornerback Aaron Colvin, and the preseason All-American finished this game with four tackles and a pass breakup. Zack Sanchez, a backup who replaced suspended Cortez Johnson in the lineup finished with three tackles and a pass breakup and won the starting job as a result. ULM finished with only 128 passing yards and the corners shut down the ULM receivers all game. Safeties Quinton Hayes and Gabe Lynn finished with a combined four tackles in the game.
Sooners Position Grades: A
Special Teams
Mike Hunnicutt was perfect in the game, hitting field goals from 41 and 33 yards and knocking through all four PATs. Jed Barnett had seven punts in the game, averaging 43.6 yards per punt and pinning four of them inside the 20. Five of his punts ended in a fair catch while two of them were downed, never allowing one single return in the game.
Sooners Position Grades: A
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