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Five Things Bob Stoops’ Sooners Must Do to Win at Houston

By Chip Rouse

Oct 3, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive coordinator Mike Stoops (left) and head coach Bob Stoops signals from the sidelines against the Texas Longhorns during the Red River showdown at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive coordinator Mike Stoops (left) and head coach Bob Stoops signals from the sidelines against the Texas Longhorns during the Red River showdown at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Don’t Get Out-Coached

Coaching decisions from the sidelines are sure to play a role in the outcome of this marquee college game. The latest Las Vegas line on this game had the Sooners as a 10-point favorite. Chances are, this game being the season opener for both teams, the final scoring margin will be single digits. Game management from the sidelines is going to be an important factor, especially with regard to efficient use of time-out calls.

The Sooners were caught several times last season not having time outs to end the half or, more critically, at the end of games. Fortunately, Oklahoma was not behind in any of its games late in 2015 except at Tennessee and against Texas.

Houston had a pattern last season of gambling a lot on defense with blitz packages and the like. If the offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley and the Sooners are able to correctly anticipate these bull rushes, it will result in one-on-one coverage that Mayfield and the OU offense should be able to capitalize on for some big plays.

Houston head coach Tom Herman is one of the hottest head-coaching candidates in the country right now, and he didn’t get that way by being conservative in his game planning and game management. He’s not afraid to roll the dice, take some chances and try to catch the opponent off guard.

Bob Stoops and his OU coaching staff needs to be mindful of all of this and not allow bad coaching decisions decide the outcome of this big game.

Next: Win the Turnover Battle and Not Feed It

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