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Oklahoma football: Grading the Sooners at mid-term of 2020 season

By Chip Rouse

Oct 24, 2020; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Seth McGowan (1) jumps over TCU Horned Frogs safety Nook Bradford (28) during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2020; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Seth McGowan (1) jumps over TCU Horned Frogs safety Nook Bradford (28) during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker DaShaun White (23) looks over the line at Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger (11) during the first quarter of the Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker DaShaun White (23) looks over the line at Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger (11) during the first quarter of the Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense:  B

There is no question that the Oklahoma defense under second-year defensive coordinator Alex Grinch is on an upward trajectory in terms of improvement. Through the first five games, the Sooner “D” has exhibited splashes of brilliance, but there have also been times when the defense has appeared confused and totally out of synch, especially in the second half of games. To be fair, however, there has been much more good than bad associated with the Oklahoma defensive play so far this season.

The tackling was atrocious in the two games the Sooners lost, and the secondary continues to be burned with long pass plays.

The Sooners have cleaned up their tackling techniques in the past two games, but could still do better, according to Grinch.

The OU defense has been aggressive an stifling in the early going of games this season, but has shown signs of complacency and confusion in the second half. Despite this, the overall numbers have been good.

The Sooners rank 25th in total defense (344.2 yards allowed per game) and 6th nationally at stopping the run (92.2 yards per game). The OU front seven have played very well this season and have been getting to the quarterback. The Sooners have recorded a dozen sacks this season, which is tied for 34th in the nation.

The defense, however, is still giving up too many points (26.8), 43rd among FBS teams and comparable to a year ago, and the pass defense has shown little improvement over last season. The defense is allowing 252 passing yards per game, which ranks 67th nationally.

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