Oklahoma offense vs. Oklahoma State defense
Oklahoma uses its ground game to set up its play-action package, and Texas Tech's linebackers didn't know whether they were coming or going once the Sooners established the run last week. Don't expect Oklahoma to tweak its approach in this game. RBs DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown both read their blocks well, run downhill and fight for yards after contact, and they run behind an offensive line that excels at driving defenders off the ball. Keep an eye on 337-pound LOT Phil Loadholt and 335-pound LG Duke Robinson in particular. They are capable of engulfing 275-pound Cowboys DE Derek Burton and 290-pound DT Jeray Chatham. With Oklahoma's front five controlling the line of scrimmage and its backs consistently running north-south rather than east-west, Oklahoma State LBs Andre Sexton, Patrick Levine and Orie Lemon need to fill quickly when they read run. If they don't, the Sooners should be able to cover them up at the second level and open the door for Murray and Brown to break some long runs. The problem is, the linebackers can't be over-aggressive because of Oklahoma's aforementioned play-action package. They can't get caught out of position trying to slip blocks, either, because both backs have good vision and can cut back when the opportunity presents itself.
No. 3 Oklahoma vs.
No. 12 Oklahoma State |
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When: Sat., Nov. 29, 8:00 p.m. ET (ABC)
Where: Stillwater, Okla.
Preview: BCS bedlam in Stillwater?
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Sooners QB Sam Bradford is completing 68.2 percent of his passes and has thrown 42 touchdowns compared to six interceptions. He's made the most of a strong supporting cast in the process, as four different Sooners -- WRs Juaquin Iglesias, Manuel Johnson and Ryan Broyles and TE Jermaine Gresham -- have at least 500 receiving yards. Oklahoma State CBs Perrish Cox and Jacob Lacey have strong short-area man-to-man cover skills, but they are going to have a difficult time turning and running with Iglesias and Johnson. Furthermore, the Cowboys lost nickelback Lucien Antoine to a knee injury early in the year, and his replacement, T.J. Bell, will find it tough to match up with No. 3 wideout Broyles. Gresham, who has a rare blend of speed and size, could be the toughest of the four to slow down. Oklahoma does an excellent job of creating favorable matchups for him by moving him around. The Sooners can line him up in the traditional tight end spot, out wide or in the slot. At 6-foot-6 and 261 pounds, he is big enough to compete for any jump balls and shield safeties Quinton Moore (5-10, 187) and Ricky Price (6-1, 193) from the ball. While a productive pass rush that forces Bradford to get rid of the ball quickly will help protect the secondary, there's little reason to believe Oklahoma State will have much success getting to him. The Cowboys lack a dominant pass rusher up front, and blitzing will make the defense more vulnerable to the big play. Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Tim Beckman must call a near-perfect game and get the right personnel on the field if the Cowboys are to slow this balanced and talented attack. That's easier said than done, though, against Oklahoma's no-huddle offense.
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