Oklahoma football: Should Sooner fans be Concerned?

Oklahoma football: Should Sooner fans be concerned looking ahead?

By Chip Rouse | Sep 25, 2018

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Rodney Anderson #24 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Bruins 49-21. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

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NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 22: Running back Kell Walker #5 of the Army Black Knights is hit by safety Kahlil Haughton #8 of the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

Doing a better job of getting defensive stops on third down

Army is the only team in four games that has recorded more first downs than OU. The reason for that is simple: The Black Knights were able to pick up six-to-eight yards on first and second down, leaving very manageable third-and-short opportunities to keep the chains moving. Consequently, Army was able to run many more plays than OU.

Army’s offense is a special situation, which isn’t really pertinent to the offenses Oklahoma will face the remainder of the season. The fact remains, however, the Sooners need to come up with more ways to put pressure on the quarterback, disrupt the offensive rhythm and force the opposing team off schedule and into third-and-long situations that will give Mike Stoops’ defensive unit better and more frequent opportunities to get off the field. More importantly, it provides more scoring opportunities for the potent Sooner offense.

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