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Oklahoma Football | Week 2 | Three Takeaways

The headline story of the week in the Big XII is none other than the quarterback battle once again unfolding in Norman.

By Rich DeCray
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Oklahoma Sooners laid down a lackluster performance on offense against the West Virginia Mountaineers in their conference opener. However, unlike last year's matchup, the defense was called upon to bail out the offense. Here are three takeaways from Saturday night's game.

QB Controversy Just Beginning In Oklahoma

Bob Stoops and his coaching staff hold tightly to the reigns of this offensive unit. With a plethora of talented receivers to choose from, fans continue to wonder when and if the Sooners will manage to mount an efficient attack through the air. Through two games, it appears that a lack of trust in the arms of Trevor Knight as well as Blake Bell is set in stone backed by a mere 54 attempts this season. In comparison, 54 passing attempts were a regularity with Landry Jones under center.

At the start of the fourth quarter against WVU, the coaching staff made a change by pulling Knight in favor of Bell. The decision sat well with those chanting out "Belldozer" from the stadium. However, while he is a formidable leader, Bell was allowed to throw a single pass which eventually fell incomplete.

Now, Knight has suffered an injury placing him on the reserve list thrusting Bell into a starting role against Tulsa and the limelight.

Per reports, Kendal Thompson has been cleared to practice and will be looking to make a push for the starting job. Remember, during the spring, Thompson made a real push as he alone extended the initial quarterback battle well into the summer before suffering an ankle injury. With his athleticism and play making ability, Thompson will undoubtedly be factored into the equation once again.

The Runningbacks Can Carry This Offense

Behind an experienced and stout offensive line, this is a rushing attack to be reckoned with. Oklahoma continues to show there is no problem with being a smash mouth team. Led by seniors Brennan Clay, Damien Williams, and Roy Finch, the Sooners have plenty of options not only in personnel but also in running style.

Through week two, Oklahoma has racked up 621 rushing yards and controlled the clock to secure back-to-back wins. A far cry from the offenses of the past decade, the Sooners continue to find a way to get it done.

Jordan Phillips Has Awakened

One of the more talented recruits along the defensive line had been Jordan Phillips. However, he never seemed to live up to the expectations...until this year when the team needed him the most. During his freshman year, Phillips could be seen doing backflips from time to time. A player with unrivaled athleticism, Oklahoma need him to step up in a big way. Against the Mountaineers, Phillips bull rushed his way into the backfield while disrupting the opposing offense.

The potential for Phillips to be the best defensive tackle since Gerald McCoy is there...let's not get ahead of ourselves though as he still has plenty of room for improvement.

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