Oklahoma Football: Lincoln Riley’s Running Back Conundrum

Oct 4, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive coordinator Mike Stoops prior to the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Defense Will Improve…Right??

There’s no doubt that OU defenses have not been up to par the past few years, even after Mike Stoops’ return as defensive coordinator. But Sooner Nation is ever hopeful that the Stoops Brothers can rediscover their defensive mojo and bring back defenses worthy of donning the Crimson and Cream.

If that happens in 2015 and the Sooners are able to dictate the pace of games and control the clock, that fits in well with Perine’s skills. It’s quite possible the coaching staff will lean heavily on Perine to help deliver long, sustained drives, allowing the defense to rest for the next series. This may not result in the typical Air Raid style of pass happy offense, but any offensive coordinator worth his salt – and Riley certainly is – will adjust the game plan to the tempo dictated by a strong defense.

Of course, if the defense falters again, especially after top notch Big 12 competition like Baylor and TCU, then chances are OU will be involved in shootouts requiring a pass first, run last mentality. And Perine’s rushing numbers may suffer accordingly.