UTenn is going to try to do to OU what Florida did in the 08 NC game. They are going to try to control the ball, to keep it out of the hands of OUr offense and limit the possessions. We have been depth, They want to run the ball, use clock, and do what SEC teams like to do against teams from other conferences. So part of the strategy is to keep a vulnerable secondary from being exposed. And part of it is to try to bully OU's front and toss in enough quarterback run game to get the box loaded up and then hit some big plays using play action.
So for them, the key is controling the ball. For OU, the key at least in part, is to not let them do that. We'll see the least OU offense of any game in September. THere will be a few exotics, like early second half after Riley knows what to expect in formation. And I believe we'll see a good bit of Mixon and Perine playing together.
I agree and want to see more of Andrews. I think his and Westbrook's impact was minimized last week. This week hopefully Westbrook will have a well fitted mouthpiece. If you didn't hear, he doesn't like wearing one, and without last week, against the advice of several teammates, lost a tooth during the game. They're thinking they can get it replaced.
For OU's offense, the first series of downs is crucial. Once they get a first down, or especially two, then they can start using pace to wear on the defense. And I think it could have real success IF they can be successful in early series. They get the defense back on their heels after the first one. It's a big deal. So avoiding penalties especially in the first series of downs is mega crucial.
I get the feeling that this week, we'll see more of Lindley. They like him when the other team likes to run with power and integrate in the qb run game. UTenn's quarterback was around 90 yards rushing last week and they sharing time running backs were both easily over 100 yards apiece. I figure we're a good bit better than Bowling Green on defense. I think we find out this week, if this will be the best OU defense since 2009. Certainly the first since Mike's return.
I wonder if the players have quit thinking about cool looking alternate uni's and if we'll see the traditional OU look. I've heard not a thing about uniforms this year.
I want to see how well OUr wides block this week.
I want to see 97 be as disruptive this week as he was last. There are some guys who can dominate lesser opponents, but don't do the little things to be successful against equally talented athletes. Charles Walker needs to be great.
UTenn didn't really stop us last year, and their best defensive player by far has departed. Last year, when Keith Ford was rumbling, we really dominated them. When he broke his foot that night, OU's defense took a sizable dip. We need Perine and Mixon to be healthy for the next five months. I like Brooks, but he isn't in their class.
OU's OLine has to compete smartly. And no more than two false starts, not easy in that place.
We'll see.
