Oklahoma Sooners

Big 12
Originally Published: November 16, 2012

OU vs. West Virginia: Tackling is key

By Jake Trotter
Bob Stoops said he isn't worried about his defense's tackling because of one game. But if the Sooners tackle in Morgantown the way they did against Baylor, they could be in for a shootout. Because when it comes to yards after the catch, nobody is better than West Virginia's wide receivers.

[+] EnlargeTony Jefferson
Jackson Laizure/Getty ImagesTony Jefferson and the Sooners defensive backs will be tasked to shut down West Virginia's big-play threats.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, inside receiver Tavon Austin has 684 yards after the catch. That ranks second among receivers from BCS conferences -- only USC's Marqise Lee has more. Outside wideout Stedman Bailey is formidable in the open field, as well. He has 436 yards after the catch.


To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.

Interview: Tony Jefferson

SOONERNATION PREDICTIONS

Brandon Chatmon: OU 49, West Virginia 35
Bob Przybylo: OU 38, West Virginia 34

Jake Trotter: OU 48, West Virginia 31

Read the staff's full predictions here. Insider

KEY STAT FOR THE SOONERS

By Brandon Chatmon

1.3. The Oklahoma defense is allowing an average of 1.3 points per drive as it has surrendered 176 points in 116 total drives. By comparison, West Virginia is allowing 2.87 points per drive through nine games this season. The Mountaineers have surrendered 373 points in 121 total drives.

Storylines to watch

By Brandon Chatmon

Does WVU have any hope of stopping the Sooners?

The simple answer is: No. The Mountaineers do have a chance to slow the Sooners, however.

WVU uses several different looks to get pressure and try to confuse a quarterback so If they have some success confusing Landry Jones, they could create some turnovers, which is just as good as stopping the Sooners.

If the Sooners protect the ball, they should have the advantage in the passing game with their four-receiver sets and their running game with a offensive line that is getting healthier and dynamic running back Damien Williams with the football in his hands. While the WVU defense has been better in recent weeks, OU's offense could have plenty of success on Saturday.

Read more storylines here. Insider

BCS Bowl Projections

OU PLAYER TO WATCH

By Jake Trotter

Demontre Hurst
Demontre Hurst
Aaron Colvin
Aaron Colvin
OU's dynamic cornerbacks Aaron Colvin and Demontre Hurst face their toughest task of the season this weekend. Stedman Bailey might be an All-American, and Tavon Austin has a future in the NFL as well. The Sooners are likely to play a lot of dime against the Mountaineers, but there will be times when Hurst and Colvin will be matched up one-on-one. How they hold up will go a long way in determining the outcome of the game.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"We know [West Virginia is] explosive. They've got a lot of explosive players on their team, good quality players. Right now, we're just getting ready for all those guys. We know what they're capable of. We saw what they did at the beginning of the year. You can never sleep on a team like that."

-- Safety Javon Harris

STORIES OF THE WEEK

SoonerNation

Some of the top OU stories from SoonerNation in case you missed them:

• 'Cali Trio' opens up new pipeline for Sooners

• All hands on deck for OU secondary vs. WVU

• OU's Cali Trio making profound impact

• Evaluating OU's bowl game scenarios

• Roundtable: What is OU's toughest remaining game?

• Freshman update: DB Zack Sanchez

• The Oklahoma 10: Week 11

• Opponent film review: West Virginia

For more discussion, check out our forum Insider.

The Recruiting Trail

RN Sooners recruiting tidbits:

• This week's Sooner Intel Insider

• Breaking down the board: Safety Insider

• Four-star Jordan Woodard signs with Sooners Insider

• Q&A: Class of 2014 DE Anthony Villalobos Insider

• Dominique Alexander at home with Sooners Insider

• OT Cochran already planning second OU visit Insider

• Sooner Snapshot: ATH Dominique Alexander Insider

• LB Jordan Evans states his case for offer Insider

For more, check out RecruitingNation