Oklahoma Sooners 62, Kansas Jayhawks 7: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Kansas is bad – historically bad. So bad that the Jayhawks are exempted from the Dumpster Fires of the Week list here.
OU smashed them and can now move onto Iowa State.
The Great
Going to highlight two seniors...
Sterling Shepard
Other than another fumble on a punt (please get Shepard out of that role), Shepard just dominated the game offensively. KU coach David Beatty was committed to not letting Samaje Perine go for four bills again, playing 10 men in the box on first down at times. No problem – Baker Mayfield just found Shepard again and again, and he had more than 150 yards receiving at the half.
Charles Tapper
Tapper is starting to increase his productivity in the second half of the season. On Saturday, he had 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and was a terror in the KU backfield all game.
OU needs Tapper to close out his career on a hot streak, forcing turnovers and making big plays.
The Good
Defense
The Sooners basically pitched a shutout if not for Shepard’s fumble. Missing key pieces for the third week in a row, the defense is still playing at a high level.
Passing game
As I mentioned before, KU committed to stopping the run on first down, so OU took what was there. The O marched down the field.
Last week, it was 400 yards rushing. This week, it was 400 yards passing.
Lincoln Riley
OU's offensive coordinator showed some nice looks with the two-back set that is starting to become the Sooners' default.
The play-action pass to Joe Mixon for a touchdown is going to be a film nightmare for upcoming coaches. And while he did not catch a TD, it looked like OU is starting to figure out how to use Mark Andrews as a standard piece of the receiving group.
In addition, at the goal line, OU seems to be finding an effective power set using Sam Grant as a blocking tight end.
No significant injuries
Jonathan Alvarez’s supposedly only hurt his ankle and could have returned to the game.
The Bad
Shepard’s fumble
See above.
Austin Siebert’s first field goal
The freshman bounced back later.
The Ugly
More like the Quiet. KU’s homecoming was a virtual no-show, attendance wise. It didn’t make for a great football environment.
*What's Left?
One more game left in the tune-up part of 's OU schedule. If the Sooners were going to overlook ISU, the Cyclones smashing Texas should grab the Sooners’ attention next week.
-Atlantasooner