Oklahoma vs. TCU: Five Things from the Game

Oct 5, 2013; Norman, OK, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) is sacked by Oklahoma Sooners defensive end Charles Tapper (91) in the first quarter of the game at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Young Players

With the loss of Corey Nelson on defense we will see many young players get more playing time as they are forced into the game by necessity. The TCU game showcased playing time for freshmen defensive linemen D.J. Ward and Matt Dimon who I expect to see become major contributors on defense in years to come. The biggest impact I see by young players however is the impact by Frank Shannon and Zach Sanchez. Sanchez has been the starter since Week 1 and at this point it is hard to tell that he is only a red shirt freshman. He had several pass breakups in this game and even though interceptions have alluded him to this point he has been in the position to make several. Frank Shannon has turned into one of the main players on defense and has led the team in tackles several games this season. He showcases what in my opinion a Sooner linebacker should be. Last but certainly not least is a young player that is on the rise, Charles Tapper who is a sophomore has showed himself to be a play maker with his size and speed. Alot of the rhetoric surrounding Tapper to start the season was how good he could be, Wake up Sooner Nation and witness how good he is.

Winning Close games

For the last several years I have heard from many of my friends that are fans of other Big XII teams refer to OU as Chokelahoma and I know that we are not even half way through the season, but I think that the perception of us not being able to play in tough games has changed. As the WVU, Notre Dame, and TCU games have showed us we are able to play tough defensive games and come out on top. With our much improved run game and defense leading the team who knows how far we could go. I will not make any predictions at this point in the season, but I see a desire in this team that I have not seen in an Oklahoma team in a couple years a desire to win and find any way possible to do so.