Thunder and Lightning
It is a well-known fact that Oklahoma has more than its share of stormy weather fueled by plenty of thunder and lightning and sky pyrotechnics. Head coach Bob Stoops has long been an advocate of a strong running game, and when you have a pair of running backs the caliber of Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon, it is easy to understand why the OU head coach is confident he can pound the ball on the ground again in 2016.
Perine and Mixon combined for more than 2,000 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns last season and represent the perfect complement to offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley’s Air Raid offense by forcing the defense to account for the Sooners’ ability to move the ball on the ground.
Perine’s punishing smash-mouth running style and Mixon’s speed and elusiveness force defenses to adjust to the variation and is why the pair are frequently referred to as thunder and lightning.
Mixon, a redshirt sophomore, also offers a excellent pass-catching option coming out of the backfield. The California native hauled in 36 passes in 2015 for 356 yards and four touchdowns. He is a dual offensive weapon that needs to be accounted for by opposing defenses.
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