But Worry Meter not high, given this week’s opponent
One would think a 51-3 drubbing would not be cause for any source of worry about the victorious team, no matter who the opponent.
But a big concern for Oklahoma going into the season reared its ugly head last Friday night on Owen Field. While the Sooners did indeed dismantle Temple to the tune of 51-3, the offensive line left more questions than answers.
To be fair, Oklahoma was missing starting tackle Jake Taylor due to injury, and starting center Branson Hickman left with injury after just 10 snaps. Depth was also an issue as guard Troy Everett was a no go with injury as well.
So maybe we should not expect many answers until this unit heals and is able to work together at full strength. But injuries are part of the game. Next man up so to speak.
So, it was disappointing to see the offensive line look so inconsistent. I know that might sound overly critical when OU still rushed for 220 yards and averaged 6.1 yards a carry. But the Sooners were also 1 for 12 on 3rd down conversion attempts, they lost the time of possession battle, and Arnold only threw for 140 yards and was sacked 3 times.
In the end they were just too sloppy against a team that they should have easily dominated in all categories.
The defense, however, did dominate in all categories.
Could not have asked for much more on that side of the ball. Under 200 yards of total offense surrendered, only 3 points given up, 6 sacks and 6 turnovers.
They did just what they were supposed to do against a heavily outmatched opponent.
The defense and the offense hope to keep improving when the Sooners take the home field for the second time this season Saturday night against newly minted Big 12 members, the Houston Cougars.
Though the Cougars will be a step up in competition from Temple, it will not be a high step up. Houston is coming off a home loss against UNLV, spoiling the first game for Willie Fritz as the Cougars’ new head coach.
Houston only managed to gain 235 total yards and narrowly avoided a shut-out, scoring their lone touchdown in the last minute of the game.
Oklahoma should be able to take care of business with relative ease, with a chance to continue to work out the offensive kinks before the competition increases in the coming weeks.
As such the Worry Meter is only at 15% this week.
Once again, the forecast calls for unseasonably cool weather this weekend. Maybe the weather folks will get it right this time. With all that being said…. BOOMER!!!
— Dave
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