Get off to fast start, take an early lead and keep the heat on
Oklahoma has outscored its opponents by a combined margin of 155 points in the first half this season (163 to 85 in the first quarter and 179 to 102 in the second quarter).
If the Sooners are able to get out to an early lead, potentially get ahead by 10 points or a couple of touchdowns and maintain or build on that margin, it will force Georgia to play catchup, which could force them out of their game plan and place them at a strategic disadvantage.
Georgia wants to make it an ugly game, keep the ball on the ground and control the clock. The further they fall behind, the less they can afford to stay with that game plan.
Oklahoma has jumped out to early double-digit leads in most every game the Sooners have played this season, but they have shown a tendency to take their foot off the gas somewhat in the second half, allowing their opponents to get back in the game and create some unnecessary angst among Sooner fans in the late going.
The Sooners need to keep the pedal to the metal offensively for a full four quarters against Georgia and make every possession count. Moreover, OU can not afford to give up touchdowns for field goals when it gets the ball inside the Red Zone. Georgia’s lockdown defense is too good for the Sooners to trade seven points for three when the opportunity presents itself. That won’t get it done on this big a stage and against a team as good as Georgia.