{"id":25158,"date":"2019-10-21T14:35:12","date_gmt":"2019-10-21T18:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordoncollegefootball.com\/?p=25158"},"modified":"2025-09-13T16:15:44","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T20:15:44","slug":"oklahoma-vs-west-virginia-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2019\/10\/21\/oklahoma-vs-west-virginia-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Oklahoma vs West Virginia Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oklahoma vs West Virginia review. \u00a0To begin with, the Sooners took another step toward an unprecedented fifth straight Big XII championship. \u00a0In addition, Sooners also avoided the dreaded Texas hangover.\u00a0 As far as the Mountaineers, they seem to be a team headed in the right direction under first-year head coach Neal Brown<\/strong><\/a>. With this in mind here is the Oklahoma vs West Virginia review.<\/p>\n

Oklahoma vs. West Virginia Review<\/h2>\n

West Virginia<\/h3>\n

Despite the lopsided score, the Mountaineers showed that they play hard and don’t quit.\u00a0 West Virginia was clearly outmanned Saturday in Norman.\u00a0 Clearly coach Brown inherited a relatively bare locker room talent-wise.\u00a0 Brown knows the correct way to rebuild a football program.\u00a0 Hopefully, the administration at West Virginia will give him the time to recruit his players and implement his system there in Morgantown.<\/p>\n

A program can be revitalized in the Big XII as evidenced at Iowa State and Baylor.\u00a0 It was apparent on Saturday the players like playing for Brown and won\u2019t quit on him.<\/p>\n

Oklahoma<\/h3>\n

It was evident that the Sooners didn\u2019t suffer from a Texas hangover as is so often the case.\u00a0 The Sooners played virtually error-free football. \u00a0Unquestionably, Oklahoma has quality leadership from players as well as the coaching staff.\u00a0 It was business as usual for the Sooners on this post-Red River Rivalry Saturday in Norman, Oklahoma.<\/p>\n

Offense<\/h3>\n

Jalen Hurts <\/strong><\/a>was 16-17 and the only incompletion was a drop by freshman Drake Stoops<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 Hurts threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns.\u00a0 In addition, Hurts added another 75 yards and a touchdown on the ground.\u00a0 The Sooners avoided committing a turnover as well.\u00a0 As to one of the biggest concerns coming into the season, the offensive line has performed above all expectations.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Further, the running game seems to improve on a weekly basis. \u00a0Oklahoma has a talented group of running backs. Finally, the receiver\u2019s group has developed into as talented a group as any in the country.<\/p>\n

Defense<\/h3>\n

Much unlike previous years, the Oklahoma defense has finally elevated to the level of a prolific offense.\u00a0 With this being said, the Sooners can compete nationally with powers Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson. \u00a0Further, Oklahoma doesn\u2019t have to outscore opponents in playoff games as they did in previous years.<\/p>\n

Oklahoma defensive coordinator Alex Grinch<\/strong>, has the defense playing aggressive and flying to the ball.\u00a0 The secondary is clearly playing with a renewed confidence not seen in past years.\u00a0 Grinch has stated he isn\u2019t concerned with a few pass interference or defensive penalties. He just wants the defense playing aggressive and making plays.<\/p>\n

The front seven is playing at an extremely high level.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

The defense in the past has had a letdown late in games. That definitely wasn\u2019t the case Saturday. \u00a0The defense held the Mountaineers scoreless in the second half.<\/p>\n

Negatives<\/h3>\n

In contrast, the negatives are a shortlist.\u00a0 Although, there are coachable areas.\u00a0 The Sooners are rated 130 out of 130 nationally in penalties committed.\u00a0 The penalties are a major concern for coach Lincoln Riley<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 This is an area that must be improved upon, especially pre-snap and dead-ball fouls.\u00a0 Coach Grinch\u2019s biggest concern from the defense is lack of turnovers.\u00a0 The Sooners have gone three straight games without a takeaway.<\/p>\n

The Final Word<\/h3>\n

In conclusion, the Sooners took another big step towards another Big XII title. \u00a0With that in mind, a berth in the 2019 CFB Playoffs is imminent.\u00a0 Oklahoma was very business-like in the 52-14 win versus West Virginia on Saturday.\u00a0 The Sooners must stay focused week to week in the Big XII conference.\u00a0 On any given Saturday upsets can occur as seen by two-win Illinois as they upset number six and undefeated Wisconsin.<\/p>\n

The Sooners need to continue to take care of their business. If so, they are headed for another run in the CFB playoffs.<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>