Oklahoma 52, Tulsa 7: Postgame Reactions
Thoughts on Oklahoma’s 52-7 pasting of Tulsa:
*Everyone knew this was a complete mismatch, but it became pretty evident from the start of the game that Tulsa wouldn’t offer much resistance. For the second week in a row, OU didn’t jack around with a clearly overmatched opponent. Looking around the country, that’s actually pretty comforting. Bonus points for doing it on the road in nasty conditions.
*Nothing to do with this particular game, but the Sooners’ opponent from last week’s opener, Louisiana Tech, housed a solid Louisiana-Lafayette team. Not a bad sign.
Offense
*As I suspected, Josh Heupel apparently came into the game intent on cleaning up the passing attack. Mission not entirely accomplished.
- Trevor Knight threw some good deep balls. He also threw some that weren’t so good. Additionally, he continues to misfire every so often on short and deep patterns. Sounds like nitpicking when you see his stats (21-34, 299 yards, 2 TDs), but that’s what these games are for, no?
- Sterling Shepard had a career day. Durron Neal looked pretty locked in with Knight. Again, however, none of the other receivers did all that much of note.
*One guy who could end up being a godsend for Knight: fullback Dmitri Flowers. Aside from his blocking, Flowers has some reliable hands and makes for a steady safety valve.
*Truthfully, I can’t come up with any complaints about the offensive line. I love how both of the tackles are playing, especially Daryl Williams on the right side. Adam Shead looks reborn at guard. Ty Darlington seems to have the situation under control at center. Top-notch group.
*What were the odds that the Sooners wouldn’t have a runner eclipse the century mark, but still net 261 yards on the ground?
Defense
*Tulsa’s drives in the first half: 11, 8, 14, 15, 55, 2 and 7 yards. Four out of seven were three-and-outs. While still engaged, the D locked down. Second half was a whole lot of disinterest.
*You could see Zack Sanchez’s shoulder injury coming from a mile away. Bob Stoops was his generally coy self when responding to questions about Sanchez’s status after the game, which has me thinking we won’t see him next week versus Tennessee. The Volunteers boast a number of talented wideouts and a solid quarterback in Justin Worley, so Jordan Thomas and Stanvon Taylor could be in for a baptism of fire.
*Speaking of which, the Golden Hurricane went after Thomas when he came in, which made for an up-and-down day for the freshman corner.
*You had to feel for Tulsa quarterback Dane Evans. Oklahoma’s pass rush made mincemeat of his offensive line, leading to standout showings from nose guard Jordan Phillips and defensive end Chuka Ndulue, in particular. (Phillips looks like one of the best defensive tackles in the country through the first two games of the year.)
*The numbers may not reflect it, but I thought TU opened some decent holes in the running game. Maybe that’s just going to be a fact of life with the 3-4 defense. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t have me just a tad concerned with super frosh running back Jalen Hurd coming to Norman next week.
*After two weeks in his new role as an outside linebacker, Geneo Grissom is making himself some money.