Oklahoma-Kansas: What to Watch
Kansas (1-5, 0-3 Big 12) at No. 9 Oklahoma (4-1, 2-1 Big 12)
Oct. 20, 6 p.m.
Owen Field (Norman, Okla.)
TV: FOX Sports
Line: OU -35
It's Kansas, so Oklahoma should be able to execute at a high level and pound the Jayhawks.
KU does not present a lot of problems on either side of the ball, but here are some things to track.
1. Fullbacks
Does OU continue using its offensive formation of two fullbacks (Trey Millard, Aaron Ripkowski/Jaydan Bird) and one running back with two wide receivers that had such great success against Texas? Or, in preparation for a powerful run defense look from Notre Dame, will OU work on its sets with three and four wide receivers?
2. Defensive Line
The OU front four has had two great weeks of football. However, they had a great game last year versus Texas and then struggled after that. Will we see the same level of attack from David King, R.J. Washington, Casey Walker and Jamarkus McFarland when they're removed from the Cotton Bowl?
3. Focus
After a huge win over Texas last year, OU played a lackluster game against KU in Lawrence (committing three turnovers while forcing none). The Sooners then dropped a rain-delayed game in Norman to Texas Tech with a terrible defensive effort and a super-slow start by the offense.
Some letdown is understandable after a big win like the one that the Sooners scored last week, but OU needs to be hitting from an execution standpoint against KU on Saturday night. Dominate the action on both sides of the ball and continue the momentum for the ND game.
4. Empty the Bench
This is a game where OU can/should jump out to a big lead early. If so, it would be an ideal spot to sit starters and let the young back-ups get as many reps as possible, especially on defense.
OU does not have any more bye weeks. Every series that Tony Jefferson, Walker, Aaron Colvin. King, etc. are not out on the field saves their legs for the bigger match-ups coming up.
5. Big Plays
Several players seem close to making some huge plays. Keep an eye out for a big return by Brennan Clay, a punt return for a touchdown by Justin Brown, a long TD run from Millard and maybe a long TD pass to Jalen Saunders.