Oklahoma football: Running backs provide little reason to worry

Before I dive in, allow me a moment to visualize the reaction of you, the reader of this article. I imagine a good chunk of those reading this will probably say, “You’re an idiot. Joe Mixon essentially is the re-incarnation of Adrian Peterson. He is a five-star athlete. Oklahoma’s offense took a major blow and the chances of winning a National Title are now severely diminished.”

I agree on some of those points. Yes, Joe Mixon had the chance to be a difference maker. Though, let’s take a wait-and-see approach before we call him the next Adrian Peterson.

He is a 5 star athlete. Yes, most are good, but some do not pan out. Practice reports suggest he would have, and it does hurt Oklahoma to an extent.

Oklahoma’s offense took a hit, but it’s not as bad as you might think. Mixon unfortunately made a terrible mistake, and so far, the consequence is a suspension from the Oklahoma football team for a year. He is being charged with a single misdemeanor. He won’t suit up, let alone be allowed to practice over the course of the year from the looks of it.

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He’s continued to cooperate with authorities, and it is being reported he is attending classes at Oklahoma this year. He has no record, and while the misdemeanor charge carries a max penalty of one year in prison and/or a $500.00 fine. I don’t know that he will receive the max charge, it mainly depends on what’s on the tape.

We may never get a chance to see Mixon. And if it is worst case scenario, head coach Bob Stoops will most likely boot him from the program. We are basically in limbo, however, until we see what was caught on the surveillance camera.

Mixon is off the squad as of right now. And some would say Oklahoma needs him to be able to win a national title. That’s not totally wrong. Mixon, is a player that can only help Oklahoma in its quest to win its eighth national title.

But he is not the end all, be all for the Oklahoma Sooners.

I am honestly on the other end of the debate. The Sooners are not as bad off as some people might think. Here’s why.

The Offensive Line. Yes, Oklahoma lost its anchor in Gabe Ikard. But the Sooners still return experience on its o-line. Snead, Thompson, Williams, and Kasitiati. These players have received significant playing time. Also, Dionte Savage started in the Sugar Bowl.

This offensive line held that “dominate” Alabama defense at bay, allowing Trevor Knight to destroy the Crimson Tide. 348 passing yards and four touchdowns. This line under second year assistant Bill Bedenbaugh should be an even more improved group.

Several media outlets have touted this offensive line as not only one of the best in the country, but also one of the deepest as well. Behind this wall of beef, they alone should be able to make any running back look good.

Speaking of the running backs. Is it a raw group? Yes. Keith Ford is the most experienced player in this corps, and he only touched the ball 23 times in 2013. However, they were pivotal plays each time he touched the ball. Not to mention, he also averaged 5.8 yards per carry. Not too shabby for the freshman. Imagine what he could do with a full season of playing time.

You also, have multiple players behind him. Alex Ross, a redshirt sophomore, looked pretty fast in the spring game, as did Daniel Brooks.

You also have four-star freshman running back Samaje Perine, who has had an impressive summer. I expect him to get some playing time this year.

Trevor Knight isn’t a running back, but keep in mind, Oklahoma runs a zone read option offense. Knight picked up major yardage on the ground last season. Racking up 445 yards and averaging 6.6 yards per carry. Knight surely will take pressure off the OU tailbacks if he can perform this season like he did in OU’s win over Alabama.

The offense won’t be the only reason Oklahoma could win a National Title this upcoming season. You have what could be one of the best defenses in the country. Eric Striker, Geno Grissom, Charles Tapper, and Zack Sanchez, just to name a few.

They, like the offensive line, took Alabama to the cleaners. The offense wont have to work hard to get points if the defense shows up on a weekly basis like they did against ‘Bama. The defense will provide them with easy opportunities to create points out of turnovers. Or send the opposing offense to the sideline, and Oklahoma scores when they feel like it on an exhausted defense.

Could Joe Mixon have helped this team? Of course. I would be totally insane to say otherwise. However, Oklahoma has the tools to go undefeated with out him. The schedule sets up for the Sooners to run the table. The team is good, the defense, has the feel of a national title contender. A special group. The offensive line is a group that will make holes, and keep your quarterback up right. You add all that together. The running back situation, doesn’t seem near as desperate. Nor should it. So, relax.