Sooner Football: Five Takeaways From Oklahoma’s Bedlam Victory

Nov 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners line up against the Oklahoma State Cowboys as they prepare to snap the ball at Boone Pickens Stadium. The Sooners defeated the Cowboys 58-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line Is Jelling

The outstanding play of the O-line is obviously intimately connected to Oklahoma’s rushing success. At the beginning of the year, the offensive line endured some growing pains as the coaching staff struggled to find the right combination to shore up the offense. Right now, Orlando Brown, Jonathan Alvarez, Ty Darlington, Nila Kasitati and Dru Samia are playing at an exceedingly high level. Much credit belongs to offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, who has found a winning offensive line formula.

Moving forward, the offensive line must continue to play well and even improve. The College Football Playoff final rankings won’t be out until Dec. 6, but if things remain as they are today, Oklahoma will most likely face Alabama’s ferocious defense in a semifinal matchup. And if Oklahoma defeats the Crimson Tide, it is most likely that a Clemson Tiger team featuring Brent Venable’s defense will await the Sooners in the title game. Winning the war in the trenches is a must if the Sooners hope to make some noise in the Playoff.

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