Approach to the game. There’s no way the Sooners can be as on edge as they were last week vs. Texas. Hopefully, careless play, turnovers, non contact fouls, and thoughts of the Fighting Irish won’t creep too deeply into the psyche of Stoops Troops. I can see an OU let up but not a letdown with this group.
2. Landry Jones. As with any football team, as the QB goes so goes the team. Seems as if LJ has found his rhythm and comfort level. Landry playing well against the 35 point underdog Jayhawks and after following the ‘Horns beat down will give fans an indication of things to come. Love to see #12 continue to not force things, allow the game to come to him and take what’s there. Heupel called a great game in Dallas for his QB.
3. Stop the run. KU has some capable running backs that will attempt to test the Sooner defense. It’s always interesting to see how well OU’s front seven holds up when they are challenged. KU must be able to run efficiently to have a chance while at the same time controlling the clock.
4. Continue to run the ball. OU has many offensive weapons but their running game was especially amazing last Saturday. Will this trend continue Saturday night? Damien Williams is a find and will only get better and many have known that Trey Millard is the real deal for quite some time. #33 is arguably OU’s best offensive player. Who’s better? (Perhaps center Gabe Ikard?) I’m still a believer that all games, especially road games, are easier to win when the running game amends defenses to putting seven or more ‘in the box.’ Fill the Belldozer up with diesel!
5. Special teams. Anyone else like to see a kick blocked or one returned for six? Remember the last time that either occurred?
6. The #14. DB Aaron Colvin is having an All Big 12 year. Great to see an Owasso, Oklahoma kid playing so well. The other #14, Jalen Saunders, has ‘it.’ Sooner coaches and players rave about the Fresno State transfer. DB’s attempting to cover Saunders in practice are challenged on every snap. I’d be surprised if Saunders doesn’t score his first OU touchdown Saturday night. Saunders, Justin Brown, and Kenny Stills would comprise a formidable, starting receiving group with freshmen Shepherd, Neal and Metoyer and their fresh legs ready to come in and make plays. The almighty NCAA granting Saunders eligibility was akin to getting an all star player at mid season in a trade for a future draft pick.
7. Home field advantage. Without question, the Sooners would love to get off to a quick start and lay a government mule like beating on the Jayhawks early. Kids feed off of their environment IE the crowd being loud and emotionally invested. Just like the team, the crowd shouldn’t wait until the Irish come calling to bring their ‘A’ Game.
The Sooners put their most complete game together in years last Saturday in Dallas where it never gets old beating Mack’s Steers. But that was last week. I sense this team is on a mission and that they are improving weekly. Kansas can’t be first but they can sure be next. Hopefully our Sooners play smart, physical football and remember that they aren’t immune to losing in Norman. I think that will be the case. I love the mentality of this team right now. How well this team executes against a 35 point ‘dog will speak volumes.
Sooners win by 24.
Boomer Sooner!
J.R.
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