Oklahoma Sooners vs. Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks: 5 Players to Watch

November 17, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Trey Metoyer (17) catches a pass on the field before playing the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium . Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Geneo Grissom

The big reason those linebackers need to step up is because the Oklahoma Sooners defensive line this weekend has zero game experience at their positions. Chuka Ndulue is the only returning Sooners’ defensive lineman who started last season, and he is suspended this game. That means, in a trial by fire, this new defensive line gets a big chance to prove they belong against a dangerous quarterback.

Geneo Grissom starts at right end, recently returning to defense after an experiment at tight end. This means, he is still the most experienced corner rusher on the new line and has a chance to prove he can be a force, especially with his more experienced teammate sitting out this week. The two men in the middle are Jordan Phillips and possibly Quincy Russell replacing Ndulue. Charles Tapper lines up on the other end.

Quincy Russell, if he starts, will be another player to watch. He comes to OU with a lot of praise, and if he can start off fast, this line might go from questionable to impressive.