Five Takeaways From the Oklahoma Football Victory Over Tulsa

Sep 19, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Matt Linscott (38) and Tulsa Golden Hurricane safety Michael Mudoh (1) attempt to tackle Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) during the third quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Samaje Perine’s Role Is Becoming Clearer

One of the biggest question marks throughout the offseason involved Samaje Perine’s ultimate role in Lincoln Riley’s offense. Many in Sooner Nation fretted that Perine, a powerful between-the-tackles runner with breakaway speed, would not fit well in Riley’s pass-first scheme. Perine’s performances against Akron and Tennessee appeared to be proving this point. In these two games combined, Perine rushed for 111 yards, one TD and a tepid 3.2-yards-per-carry average.

Well, looks like Perine is back. In the Tulsa game, Perine returned to form, getting stronger as the game wore on and ultimately punishing the Golden Hurricane with 152 yards rushing and two scores. Perhaps most importantly, Perine got the bulk of his yardage in the second half and especially in the fourth quarter, when Oklahoma needed to  drain the clock and keep the potent Tulsa offense off the field. Mission accomplished.

Moving forward, Lincoln Riley must continue to find ways to get Perine more involved in the offense. Video game scores are fine – and Riley’s Air Raid is certainly up to the task – but a bruiser like Perine is the perfect wrecking ball to wear down a defense, control the clock and put games away.

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