5 Thoughts from the Game: OU vs. Texas Tech

Oct 26, 2013; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners Defensive back Gabe Lynn blocks a pass to Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Jakeem Grant (11) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

TURNOVERS

While the Oklahoma offense finally came alive this game after it had been missing a couple games, the real hero of this win was the defense. Eric Stryker, Charles Tapper, and Chuka Ndule made it hard for Davis Webb to get comfortable in the pocket and two interceptions were the result. Aaron Colvin played lights out as usual and had what was in my opinion the most impressive catch of the game on offense or defense.

GETTING TO THE QUARTERBACK

When playing a young quarterback like Davis Webb, defensive coordinators try to get in their head by blitzing them continually throughout the game. Mike Stoops had a large amount of success getting his players to the quarterback and that resulted in several key turnovers. Eric Stryker and Charles Tapper got in his face the most and Chuka had a huge sack at the end of the game to effectively end any comeback attempt the Red Raiders were trying to stage.

PASS GAME 

The offense was finally able to create some big plays and that is thanks in part to the use of the play action pass. It seems that Josh Heupel discovered that you can fake a run and still throw the pass this week and it proved effective against the Red Raider defense. Bell was able to get the ball downfield on perhaps his best throw of the year and connected with Jalen for a 76 yard touchdown. In the coming weeks there will HAVE to be more of this kind of big play offense. Against Baylor the offense will have to create big plays in order to stay in the game with their extremely high powered offense.

RUN GAME

The run game was the reason that the pass game was able to be so effective. Using Damien Williams, Roy Finch, and Brennan Clay the offense was able to move the ball up and down the field on the ground. This kind of offense is strange to see for a modern Oklahoma team, but in my opinion this is what we should have been doing all year long. One of the biggest plays of the day came on a run off a reverse by LaColton Bester which he turned into a 35 yard touchdown. Playcalling like this is what I would like to continue to see from Josh Heupel and I believe it wil make the offense much more effective as the season wears on.

INJURIES

Both current and former Sooners have been bitten with the injury bug lately after losing Corey Nelson and Jordan Phillips for the season this week the Sooner offense lost their best player when Trey Millard tore his ACL. This injury brings up a question in my mind. Who will we use to replace Millard for the rest of the season. Aaron Ripkowski is a very capable blocking fullback, but I do not believe that he is anywhere near as versatile in the pass game. The Sooners may finally have to find a true tight end to play in their offense. Moose Green saw some action last game after Millard went down, but will he continue to be the starter in that position. Green is praised as a force at blocker, but not really known as a pass catcher. What I am wondering is will we finally see the emergence of touted tight end recruit Taylor McManara, the red shirt freshman set out last season because of a shoulder injury. Will he be able to break through and finally make an impact on the offense? Perhaps the better question is will the offense even use a tight end? With Millard gone I think they will have to and I hope that a quality player emerges. Sooner fans all over the nation witnessed what a quality tight end can do when Jace Amaro led the Red Raiders in receiving yards, will the Sooners be able to find a player like that on their roster or will they simply use them as blockers?