Stormin in Norman
Fansided

OU Football: Five Reasons Things Have Never Been Better in Norman

By Chip Rouse

Nov 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates in the crowd with fans following the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. The Sooners defeated the Cowboys 58-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates in the crowd with fans following the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. The Sooners defeated the Cowboys 58-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) celebrates a touchdown against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. Oklahoma won 44-34. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) celebrates a touchdown against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. Oklahoma won 44-34. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

Next: OU Football's Winningest Head Coach - And That Says Something

Home/OU Football