The mental aspect of sports is the most important thing for any team. Not only to be able to understand the game, but also to have confidence and belief in yourself. Confidence in oneself can never be overstated. The great leaders throughout history had unwavering confidence and belief in themselves, nearly to a fault. The same is said for the great football players of history. If the game was on the line, great players want the ball in their hands. Confidence can lead to extraordinary feats, accomplished simply by having the bravery to attempt such things.
Oklahoma just gained a lot of confidence after defeating the No. 1 Texas Longhorns. This game could have ramifications far beyond adding another win to their record.
Sooners overcame multiple setbacks during Red River Rivalry
Oklahoma’s offensive line held its own against one of the best defenses in the country. Prior to Texas, the offensive line play had been dreadful. Players were missing blocks, missing assignments, and getting outplayed physically. This was frustrating to both coaches and fans.
Looking at the offensive line, it has all the physical attributes to be, at bare minimum, an average unit. It was playing well below its capabilities to start the season. After Texas, the unit showed the fans, coaches, and, most importantly, themselves that they are capable of doing the job. Looking at the rest of the schedule, Oklahoma’s offensive line should not fear a single opponent, because they know now they are able to go toe-to-toe with anybody in the country.
John Mateer had a catastrophic start to the season. His thumb was healed, but he was still playing below his potential. Mateer’s mistakes carried over from last season and seemed to actually get worse. Fans watched him miss reads, turn the ball over consistently, make poor throws, and make poor decisions.
Against Texas, Mateer had zero turnovers. He took care of the football, and when he was pressured, he made smart decisions. When his team needed him most, he delivered accurate throws where his receivers made the catch, resulting in a game-winning field goal to win the game. Mateer was not an elite quarterback against Texas, but he made the right decisions and delivered several amazing passes. This was the first step in returning to the confident John Mateer that earned him a move to Oklahoma in the first place.
Outside of Week 1, the running back room had been finding little success. Combined, the running backs ran for just 52 yards against Georgia. That’s 20 yards less than Lloyd Avant had by himself against Texas.
The running backs had little confidence in the blocking and in whether the holes would be there when they got the ball. In the second half of the Texas game, you saw that confidence returning. Avant and freshman Jonathan Hatton Jr. were hitting the holes that their line was creating with determination. Hitting the hole with confidence and with a purpose resulted in them breaking through weak tackles and consistently getting positive yardage.
Avant finished with 72 rushing yards, while averaging 7.2 per attempt, and scored a game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell had a rough start to the season, missing three straight field goals that he normally would make with no problem. Against Texas, Sandell missed his first field goal of the game, but he was trotted back out in the third quarter and made a 53-yard field goal to cut into the Texas lead. Then, he delivered again. Sandell secured the victory with a last-second 47-yard field goal to bring down the No. 1 team in the country.
Oklahoma must build on the confidence it just gained. The Sooners face a brutal SEC gauntlet for the rest of the season. Next up is Kentucky, which is rolling under its new head coach, Will Stein. Both teams are coming off emotional wins that came down to the wire. This is a perfect opportunity to keep the ball rolling and get another win against a top-15 opponent. This game is monumental, and if the Sooners can get a win, shades of last year's “Hard to Kill” team will begin to manifest all over again.
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