The Oklahoma Sooners entered Saturday's contest riding high after an epic road win. However, they were about to meet a tough match as the TCU Horned Frogs came to town. Many speculated that the Frogs were much better than their record suggested and as fans witnessed, it proved to be true.
Three Takeaways
This Defense Displayed A Potential To Be Great
In the off-season, a switch in coaching personnel was made. The move may have drawn scrutiny from some while others rejoiced. It was no secret that much of SoonerNation had chalked this program up as a finesse type squad. All of that changed as the 3-3-5 was implemented and physicality was preached.
As Oklahoma took the field in the first half, what we had hoped for was finally realized...a stingy defense. Giving up a mere 16 yards and zero first downs are often likened to video game stats but it is exactly what Mike Stoops & Co. produced. Eric Striker and Charles Tapper made a living in the backfield as this unit came up with four sacks on an athletic Trevone Boykin. Yet, the biggest stat may have come from OU's ability to stop the run. On 27 carries, this is a defense that held the opposing rushing attack to 44 yards for a 1.6 ypc average.
The second half may have looked quite a bit different, but all-in-all, the Sooners gave up a total of 210 yards sealing a physical and hard fought win.
We Witnessed Why Blake Bell Was Not Initially Named Starter
Before we get started, let me throw this out a disclaimer: Bell is the by far the obvious option to start at quarterback for the remainder of the season. There is no doubt that he is a gamer and the positives outweigh the negatives...
As the heir apparent, it came as a shock when Blake Bell was not named the starter at quarterback for the opener. Some of why may have been on display against the best secondary Oklahoma will face all season hands down. When the time called for it, Bell showcased a bit of hesitancy to throw the ball as a receiver opened up. Decision making was simply not on his side as Bell fluctuated between the desire to tuck the ball and run versus actually committing to it. In hindsight, this may have actually saved the game for the Sooners as a turnover likely would have cost the game.
Brennan Clay Is The Best Running Back On The Roster
Initially slated as the backup after last season, Brennan Clay has made a case as to why he is the best back on the roster. In a tight game, the coaching staff needs a reliable back who can and will get the job done. Ball security is of top priority and there is no better example of all these things than Clay.
As TCU started to battle their way back in the second half, Oklahoma could not find an offensive rhythm. With 10 unanswered points and Gary Patterson's squad looking for a potential lead, Josh Heupel drew up a play for none other than Clay. As the play was designed to open a hole to the left, this kid spotted the cut back as he took off to a 76 yard gain and a touchdown. He finished the game with 9 carries for 111 yards. Brennan is Kid-Clutch
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- OU Football 2013 | Texas Hate Week | Day Two
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