Granger Injury Could be Costly

Today's news that OU defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger might miss the season with a foot injury is a big blow for the Sooners.

Ever since Granger arrived on campus as a heralded recruit he has been in and out of the coaching staff's doghouse, most notably following his shoplifting arrest prior to the Fiesta Bowl last season. It's a major reason why he has been taken out of the starting lineup this year. Make no, mistake, though--Granger is an outstanding talent who has created a formidable interior with budding superstar Gerald McCoy.

OU's tough pass rush has helped propel the Sooner defense to a strong start. With all the concerns about newcomers in the secondary at linebacker, the fact that opposing quarterbacks have had to scramble for their lives has helped bolster the OU pass defense. Losing Granger will hurt that push up front.

Even if Granger can return in a month, which would be in line with the most optimistic projections, his effectiveness will be limited for the rest of the year. D-linemen Cory Bennett, Cordero Moore and Adrian Taylor need to step up their game to make up for the loss. Also, it should be interesting to see if the Sooners decide to go with more three-man fronts and unique defensive schemes to better suit their personnel.