Texas Longhorns 24, Oklahoma Sooners 17: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Maybe the ugliest of all for Sooner fans. (Image: foxsports.com)
OU rolled out pretty much the same level of clown show against Texas as in 2013, so I thought about just republishing that article.
But here goes.
The Good
Can't think of anything.
The Not Bad
Baker Mayfield and Sterling Shepard
Mayfield played well in the second half and Shepard had his best game against Texas.
I’m open to any suggestions.
The Bad
Defense
When is Mike Stoops going to realize that Eric Striker is a big-time liability against anyone who is committed to running the ball? Apparently, Devante Bond is the most valuable Sooner because OU’s ability to stop the run has disappeared.
Why Mike did not do something drastically different for UT’s awful offensive attack is beyond me. With Bond out, why not run a true 4-3 on early downs? TCU showed how to stuff this offense, and Mike just ignored that game plan.
Sure, the defense marginally improved in the second half, but the quick 14-0 UT lead changed
this game. The inability to get UT off the field cost OU valuable time and reduced the number of possessions.
Everyone knew what UT’s game plan would be, save for OU’s defensive coordinator.
The Ugly
Lincoln Riley’s game plan
Somehow OU passed for only 200 yards against a terrible pass defense. Why did Riley not switch up to a shorter passing game earlier?
Lack of a running game
An ongoing issue leading to...
Offensive line
The two-year recruiting reign of terror under Bruce Kittle and James Patton left OU with a few bad upperclassman and nothing but second- and first-year players behind them. Factor in some bad recruiting in JUCO ranks – Jamal Danley’s milk carton-level of play looms large – and OU is left with a shell of a real OL.
The line can't pass block or run block. It’s not a work in progress as I’d hoped. It’s more like a condemned building.
I’m not sure what the answer is. I’d lean towards living with the struggles of the younger players to try and set up 2016.
What’s Next?
Kansas State’s option attack will kill the OU defense that showed up in Dallas, making a two-game losing streak very possible. Texas Tech in Norman could be a shootout. Any thoughts of wins over Baylor and TCU seem like pipe dreams. The Oklahoma State game seems like a loss in light of Mike Gundy’s deal with the forces of evil to win every close game. That means a 7-5 record would be the most reasonable projection for this season.
I think you’d have to question Bob Stoops' level of interest after a season like that. At a minimum, everyone would question keeping Mike on as defensive coordinator.
-Atlantasooner