2014 Off-Season: The State of the Oklahoma Defense
Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back T.J. Yeldon (4) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Chuka Ndulue (98) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Oklahoma defeated Alabama 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
We discussed the offense quite a bit here recently, but what about the job Mike Stoops has done with the Oklahoma defense? His first year back, the Sooners appeared to show promise, but at the end of the season they gave up a ton of yardage, a ton of points, and gave up a Cotton Bowl record 516 all purpose yards to Johnny Manziel. The 2012 season ended with the OU defense being ranked 63rd in the nation.
Fast forward to January 2, 2014. The Sooners defense played one heck of a football game—seven sacks, two interceptions, three fumbles, and allowed only 31 points to Alabama. The Sooners defensively ended the year 20th in the nation, a jump of 43 spots from their 2012 season.
This defense was able to dominate the offensive line of Alabama. They also displayed a similar performance earlier in the year, ending Notre Dame’s nine game win streak in South Bend with 21 points off of turnovers and multiple sacks.
Now I know I am talking about a lot of what happened with this defense, but for two reasons: 1) the defensive unit and Coach Mike Stoops have earned and deserve a ton of credit for what they have done and 2) the fact the majority of this defensive unit, will be back next season.
As far as starters go, OU does lose two phenomenal players in Gabe Lynn and Aaron Covin. Corey Nelson, who also graduates this May did attempt to get a medical redshirt with a torn pectoral muscle injury during the TCU game, but the appeal was denied. He not only was a great linebacker, but he also was on the sidelines after the injury coaching his fellow teammates including Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Dominique Alexander.
Eric Striker, wow, what a year for him in his sophomore season. He sealed the Sugar Bowl victory with one of the best plays by Oklahoma all season. You, also, have Frank Shannon coming back for his junior season, who played solid all season.
The defensive line also played lights out after the injury to sophomore Jordan Phillips. Charles Tapper returns for his junior season and Geneo Grissom and Chuka Ndulue will come back for their senior seasons.
This unit was responsible in part for the big turnover numbers in the Sugar Bowl, with Geneo Grissom running one back for a touchdown. With the experience on the front end of the front seven, the defense will produce enough pressure for opposing offenses to make the mistakes. Mistakes that either the front end or the secondary will take advantage of next year.
It goes with out saying Oklahoma loses leaders in Gabe Lynn and Aaron Colvin. FWAA Freshman All-American Zack Sanchez returns for his red shirt sophomore season. He got burned at times his first year starting opposite Colvin, but made a few critical interceptions. Sanchez stopped Kansas State from a potential comeback and put OU in a position to take a two touchdown lead and gain 21 points off turnovers against Alabama in a half—something that never happens under Nick Saban.
Quentin Hayes also returns for his senior year at safety, providing even more leadership. Oklahoma will have to replace Colvin and Lynn, but as with the wide receivers, the secondary position is stacked.
Recruiting for defense has been fairly successful this season, with commitments from Tulsa’s Steven Parker and Courtney Garnett from New Orleans. OU, also, recruited multiple three-star defensive players this season that will able to be developed into impact players.
Given the experience on the defensive side of the ball and Mike Stoops entering his third year as defensive coordinator, I am predicting now that the overall 20th defense ranking from the Sugar Bowl Champions will be in the top 10 next season, and the defense will be a large reason why OU is one of the first group of four teams in the College Football Playoff.