Lets not downplay the significance of this loss. Rod was a big time difference maker and a heisman dark horse. Sermon is good, but he doesn't have that extra gear and burst that Anderson does. They are going to have to work hard to overcome this loss, especially with the lackluster Oline play in the run game.
Agree.
And with the loss of Anderson, the defense....now more than ever....has to play at a higher level.
I'm not sure this is going to happen based on what I have seen over the past decade from OU.
But the remaining schedule looks favorable:
The next 4 games with Iowa State (who managed only 3 points against Iowa), Army (who will be totally outmanned vs OU), Baylor (in Norman) and Texas are very winnable...and OU has no excuse for losing to any of these 4 teams (with or without Anderson).
A week off after Texas (Oct 13) before visiting TCU should help OU greatly.
Facing OSU at home is huge on Nov. 10.
And with only 6 days off after playing Kansas and before playing its last game against West Viriginia.....while West Virginia has to play at OSU 6 days before playing OU....OU has a relatively favorable schedule.
I believe Riley has the talent level both offensively and defensively to run the table in the wake of Anderson's loss. FAU and UCLA were shut down and late touchdowns against OU reserves were purely cosmetic and did not take away from the two good defensive efforts by OU.
And it seems to me that Riley likes to empty his bench late in games more than his predecessor did which is good for depth development and team morale. That may be, in part, because so many true freshmen are apparently ready immediately.