Oklahoma snapped its three-game shedding streak in opposition to Kansas final week, that means the Sooners carried a modicum of momentum into their bye week.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel dazzled in his return in opposition to the Jayhawks, serving to OU put 701 complete yards and 52 factors on the scoreboard whereas delivering Brent Venables his first Big 12 victory as a head coach.
The lack of an opponent this weekend didn’t cease the work in Norman, as there’s nonetheless lots Oklahoma wants to scrub up headed into the residence stretch of the season.
Though an look in the Big 12 Championship recreation seems to be an extended shot with three convention losses already, there’s nonetheless lots for OU to play for throughout its ultimate 5 common season video games in 2022.
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The Sooners have struggled to cease the run this 12 months, permitting 207.4 yards per recreation.
BRYAN TERRY / THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
Defense is Venables’ specialty, which makes the efficiency of Oklahoma protection that rather more maddening for the Sooners.
After a powerful displaying throughout the non-conference slate, OU regressed in a significant approach as Kansas State, TCU and Texas shredded the Sooner protection.
With seven video games performed, Oklahoma ranks No. 120 general in the nation in dashing protection, permitting 207.4 yards per recreation.
Not solely are the Sooners the worst dashing protection in the Big 12, there are solely 10 colleges who’ve fared worse in the FBS.
OU felt the losses of Isaiah Thomas, Perrion Winfrey, Nik Bonitto and Brian Asamoah to the NFL, however Venables and Ted Roof’s insistence on sticking with the three-man entrance alongside the defensive position has additionally carried out the Sooners no favors.
Venables maintains that he’s not going to simplify the protection as a result of it’s the system the Sooners wish to run, however the actuality of this season is that OU has had little to no success exterior of the Nebraska recreation containing the run recreation out of their odd entrance.
The four-man look was thrown again onto the subject in opposition to Kansas, and OU was a lot improved in opposition to an impact Jayhawk dashing assault.
KU solely ran for 166 yards final Saturday, averaging 4.0 yards per carry.
The personnel can’t change at this level in the season, so the Sooners should make do with what they’ve bought as they return to motion in Ames subsequent weekend.
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Quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been good this 12 months when the offensive line retains him upright in the pocket.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
A significant query mark coming into the season, the offensive line has been a constant performer all 12 months lengthy for the Sooners.
Running again Eric Gray has had gaping holes to run by means of the previous couple of weeks, and OU’s function again is working with confidence and placing in his greatest performances in an Oklahoma uniform in consequence.
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But Bill Bedenbaugh’s line can nonetheless assist stop destructive performs in the passing recreation.
The Sooners have allowed 16 sacks this 12 months, which ranks eighty fifth in the nation.
Early on, portion of these sacks might be attributed to Gabriel holding on to the soccer for too lengthy, however it’s nonetheless an space the place OU can enhance.
Over the subsequent 4 weeks, Oklahoma will line up throughout from Iowa State star Will McDonald IV, the large inside of Baylor’s defensive position, West Virginia playmaker Dante Stills and Oklahoma State’s steady of influence go rushers.
If Gabriel and the OU offense are going to proceed to outscore their opponents, the offensive line should hold the proficient lefty clear in the pocket.
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OU linebacker DaShaun White hauled in his first profession interception final Saturday in opposition to the Kansas Jayhawks.
Kevin Jairaj / USA TODAY Sports
Up till the Kansas recreation, Oklahoma’s starters on offense had carried out a wonderful job taking good care of the soccer.
Davis Beville was chargeable for a fumble in mop-up obligation in opposition to Nebraska, however in any other case, large receiver Marvin Mims’ fumble in opposition to TCU was one among the few destructive performs.
Gray threw an interception in opposition to Texas, however it’s unlikely he would have ever been put in that place had Gabriel been wholesome.
But the turnover bug hit Gabriel in opposition to Kansas.
The Sooners’ quarterback was held chargeable for a pair of fumbles and an interception in opposition to the Jayhawks, one thing that should stay a one-game aberration for Oklahoma to have success down the stretch.
Despite taking good care of the soccer for many of the season, the Sooners nonetheless solely have a plus-one in turnover margin, which is tied for 66th in the nation.
OU’s protection has once more struggled to drive turnovers, and if that continues to be unchanged the offense can’t give away any additional possessions.
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