We have finally reached game week! Oklahoma’s first opponent this season shouldn’t in any way, shape or form provide a challenge but with practices and scrimmages being closed in Norman the game will provide us with our first opportunity to see the Sooners truly go live. The Mocs are coming to Norman because Clemson backed out on a series with OU and while the Sooners could have done a better job with finding a replacement Chattanooga provides a safe environment to unveil the no-huddle offense.

Scouting the Mocs Offense

Jare Gault takes over at the Mocs quarterback in `08. He has a strong arm and is athletic enough to hurt you with his legs as well. Chattanooga will mostly use the shotgun formation to give him the ability to roll out of the pocket which adds the threat of him running. Obviously he’s no Vince Young but it will be important for the defensive ends to keep containment on him to prevent him from slipping across the line of scrimmage.

The tools that Gault has to work with are experienced and talented. Juniors Blue Cooper and Clint Woods combined for 82 receptions and seven touchdowns last season. The Mocs also have their own version of Jermaine Gresham in 6-7 JUCO transfer Patrick Wilkinson.  Wilkinson could provide a challenge for a linebacker to cover because of the inexperience that Oklahoma has at the position but other than that the receivers that OU’s corners go up against everyday in practice should prepare them to face Cooper and Woods with confidence.

Erroll Wynn will carry the ball for the Mocs. In `07 he had 195 carries for 776 yards and three scores (3.97 YPC). Helping open holes for Wynn is fullback Brent Hayes. He is actually very nemble for a big guy and will not only prove to be a solid blocker but also a good option for short-yardage situations.

Of course the backbone of any offense is the line that provides the needed protection for the quarterback and the essential blocking for the running backs. The Mocs lost four starters from last year’s o-line and have already been plagued this pre-season by injuries. Two starters are questionable for the Oklahoma game.

This works as an added advantage to the OU defensive line that was already more seasoned than their counterparts. If the defensive line has their way with the Mocs front five then the linebackers should be able to have no problems making plays in the backfield.