Oklahoma vs West Virginia review. To begin with, the Sooners took another step toward an unprecedented fifth straight Big XII championship. In addition, Sooners also avoided the dreaded Texas hangover. As far as the Mountaineers, they seem to be a team headed in the right direction under first-year head coach Neal Brown. With this in mind here is the Oklahoma vs West Virginia review.
Oklahoma vs. West Virginia Review
West Virginia
Despite the lopsided score, the Mountaineers showed that they play hard and don’t quit. West Virginia was clearly outmanned Saturday in Norman. Clearly coach Brown inherited a relatively bare locker room talent-wise. Brown knows the correct way to rebuild a football program. Hopefully, the administration at West Virginia will give him the time to recruit his players and implement his system there in Morgantown.
A program can be revitalized in the Big XII as evidenced at Iowa State and Baylor. It was apparent on Saturday the players like playing for Brown and won’t quit on him.
Oklahoma
It was evident that the Sooners didn’t suffer from a Texas hangover as is so often the case. The Sooners played virtually error-free football. Unquestionably, Oklahoma has quality leadership from players as well as the coaching staff. It was business as usual for the Sooners on this post-Red River Rivalry Saturday in Norman, Oklahoma.
Offense
Jalen Hurts was 16-17 and the only incompletion was a drop by freshman Drake Stoops. Hurts threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, Hurts added another 75 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Sooners avoided committing a turnover as well. As to one of the biggest concerns coming into the season, the offensive line has performed above all expectations. It would be a classic example of the next man up. Despite losing four linemen to the NFL from last year’s group the offensive line has meshed nicely. Further, the running game seems to improve on a weekly basis. Oklahoma has a talented group of running backs. Finally, the receiver’s group has developed into as talented a group as any in the country.
Defense
Much unlike previous years, the Oklahoma defense has finally elevated to the level of a prolific offense. With this being said, the Sooners can compete nationally with powers Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson. Further, Oklahoma doesn’t have to outscore opponents in playoff games as they did in previous years.
Oklahoma defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, has the defense playing aggressive and flying to the ball. The secondary is clearly playing with a renewed confidence not seen in past years. Grinch has stated he isn’t concerned with a few pass interference or defensive penalties. He just wants the defense playing aggressive and making plays.
The front seven is playing at an extremely high level. The Sooners are shutting down opposing running games. In addition, the unit is putting adequate pressure on quarterbacks without too much blitzing from defensive backs.
The defense in the past has had a letdown late in games. That definitely wasn’t the case Saturday. The defense held the Mountaineers scoreless in the second half.
Negatives
In contrast, the negatives are a shortlist. Although, there are coachable areas. The Sooners are rated 130 out of 130 nationally in penalties committed. The penalties are a major concern for coach Lincoln Riley. This is an area that must be improved upon, especially pre-snap and dead-ball fouls. Coach Grinch’s biggest concern from the defense is lack of turnovers. The Sooners have gone three straight games without a takeaway.
The Final Word
In conclusion, the Sooners took another big step towards another Big XII title. With that in mind, a berth in the 2019 CFB Playoffs is imminent. Oklahoma was very business-like in the 52-14 win versus West Virginia on Saturday. The Sooners must stay focused week to week in the Big XII conference. On any given Saturday upsets can occur as seen by two-win Illinois as they upset number six and undefeated Wisconsin.
The Sooners need to continue to take care of their business. If so, they are headed for another run in the CFB playoffs.
