Sep 7, 2013; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Corey Nelson (7) breaks up a pass play on a fourth down in the fourth quarter against West Virginia Mountaineers tight end Cody Clay (88) at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The Oklahoma Sooners beat the West Virginia Mountaineers 16-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Defense
The defense has been a complete turnaround from the disaster it was at the end of last season. A big factor that contributes to this is the way that the defensive line and linebackers have played in the first two games. Though they only have 1 sack through the first two games the defensive line and Eric Stryker has been able to get pressure on the quarterback and never allowed the pocket to be a comfortable place. The fear of the pass rush was most apparent watching the West Virginia blocking schemes, Dana Holgerson used multiple tight ends and slid the line to Stryker’s side throughout the game to protect his quarterback. If the Tulsa chooses to take this route they will have fewer receivers available to throw to and less success throwing the ball.
The defense has also performed well forcing turnovers and will need to continue to do this to help spark an offense that was anemic in the last contest.
One last thing the defense needs to do for a victory against Tulsa is the linebackers need to stay involved, Corey Nelson has led the team in tackles in the first two games and he needs to continue to lead this defense if they want to have success this week as well as down the road.