Here's the problem with looking at stats and trying to apply them to how Okahoma's defense will perform against a team. It just doesn't work! Last week Oklahoma faced a Missouri team that is still near the bottom of the conference in rushing (9th) and the Tigers ran over the Sooners 4.6 yards per carry.
Now Oklahoma's defense faces a Colorado team that ranks 8th in the conference in passing and 10th in rushing. It should be a no brainer that this is a recipe of success for Oklahoma's defense, especially when you consider that Colorado is without starting quarterback Tyler Hansen which means they'll more than likely lean towards running more than throwing.
WR 26 Rec/317 Yards/ 1 TD TE 18 Rec/190 Yards LT Nate Soldier LG C RG Ryan Miller RT WR 31 Rec/338 Yards/3 TDs WR 19 Rec/115 Yards/1 TD QB 38/68 - 407 yards/2 TDs/1 INTs RB 154 Rush/652 Yards/5 TDs
The Buffaloes are averaging 215 passing yards per game but as previously stated that was with Tyler Hansen at the helm and we're dealing with Cody Hawkins now. In my opinion that means we'll see the offense run (literally) through Rodney Stewart to try and free up some things for Hawkins to find Scotty McKnight. Colorado is averaging 3.4 yards per carry as a team and 136.9 yards per game.
Look for Oklahoma to play to stop the run first and trust the defensive backs to keep the passing game to a minimum. That means linebackers are going to draw coverage on tight ends (Maybe Tony Jefferson) and running backs.