Game Grades: Oklahoma Sooners 42, Texas Tech Red Raiders 30

THE DEFENSE & SPECIAL TEAMS

DEFENSIVE LINE: B

There were times when it looked as if the entire defense would get a failing grade, but when they hold the Red Raiders to 93 yards rushing, some credit has to go to the defensive line. The defensive scheme seems to put the line at a disadvantage with only three down linemen and backing everyone else into pass coverage. Considering the circumstances the defensive line was descent.

LINEBACKERS: B

Mike Stoops was a little more aggressive with his defensive game plan against Texas Tech. This meant more blitzing with Eric Striker resulting in the speedy defensive end getting another sack at a key moment.

There were again times in which the Sooners struggled to get off the field and gave up some third down conversions. Some of those were caused by the linebackers struggling in pass coverage. Overall the lineackers did a descent job and absolutely were not the biggest problem on defense.

SECONDARY: C

When it mattered most the secondary made a couple plays, unless of course, you are a better and lost money on that final play of the game. With Julian Wilson out with a hand injury, freshman Jordan Thomas got the start at cornerback. Thomas had some mistakes and gave up a couple big pass plays, including an embarrassing collision with Ahmad Thomas that resulted in a Texas Tech touchdown.

Zack Sanchez covered well most of the day and really wasn’t targeted much. That was to be expected with the Sooners starting a freshman in Thomas on the opposite side of the field. Sanchez and safety Quentin Hayes did make a couple of nice plays batting the ball down in the second half once Oklahoma took the lead.

It was really more of the same old issues that hurt the Sooners in the secondary. Miscommunication and mental lapses led to too many big pass plays. Anytime you give up nearly 400 yards passing you are going to grade out poorly. The secondary has become the definite weak spot for this team.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B

Special teams really didn’t play much of a role for either team. Which is probably a good thing for the Sooners with the way things have gone in the past few weeks. Michael Hunnicutt didn’t attempt a field goal and made all six of his extra point attempts. Alex Ross only got two opportunities in the return game and finished with 37 yards. Punter Jed Barnett had one below average punt and one descent punt on the day.