Are these two teams that are trending in opposite directions?\u00a0 Granted that the Sooners have struggled to beat two sub-par FBS teams and the Mountaineers just beat the number 15 team in the country<\/a> one might think so.\u00a0 Although this may be true, things could take a turn for both schools this Saturday in Norman.\u00a0 In due time, the cream always rises to the top.\u00a0 Be that as it may, let us begin debate as Oklahoma faces West Virginia.<\/p>\n The Mountaineers lost to Maryland in its season opener but have since won two straight. \u00a0Granted one of those wins was against FCS opponent, Long Island. More recently, the Mountaineers led Virginia Tech 27-7 midway through the third quarter last week. The No. 15 Hokies got a couple of touchdowns to get it back to a one-possession game, 27-21. \u00a0West Virginia held on for the upset. But for the Mountaineers to upset the Sooners, it will have to be on the back of running back Leddie Brown<\/a>.\u00a0 At the same time, quarterback Jarret Doege<\/a> needs to have an error-free performance.\u00a0 Doege did not play error-free against Virginia Tech. With the game in the balance, his late fumble and interception nearly gave the game away to the Hokies. That can\u2019t happen this week against a team like the Sooners.<\/p>\n To begin with, the Mountaineer leader and quarterback Doege has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 729 yards and six touchdowns, and three interceptions.<\/p>\n Brown is the leading rusher for West Virginia.\u00a0 The senior has averaged 88 yards per game this season. Brown has nine receptions for 92 yards and one touchdown through three games. He was an All-Big 12 selection in 2020 by rushing for 1,010 yards and nine touchdowns. \u00a0Brown also had 32 receptions for 202\u00a0yards and two scores. Brown rushed for 161 yards and an 80-yard touchdown against the Hokies last Saturday.<\/p>\n To begin with, West Virginia\u2019s defense is allowing 2.6 yards per rush through three games.<\/p>\n Linebacker Jared Bartlett<\/a> is the apparent leader of the Mountaineer defense. \u00a0Bartlett, a redshirt sophomore, earned the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honor last week. He recorded five tackles, including a game-high and career-high three sacks in the Mountaineers\u2019 27-21 win over No. 15 Virginia Tech. Bartlett also forced and recovered a key fumble.<\/p>\n The Mountaineers, Winston Wright<\/a> Jr. leads the nation in kickoff return yardage.\u00a0 With this in mind, Oklahoma\u2019s Gabe Brkic<\/a> rarely allows a kickoff return.\u00a0 Although Oklahoma rarely punts, that department is ably manned by newcomer Michael Turk<\/a>.\u00a0 To that end, special teams should be negated for West Virginia.<\/p>\n In the first place, many fans and Sooner faithful have been disappointed with the season so far.\u00a0 Not only is Oklahoma undefeated but they are still a top-five team nationally.\u00a0 There is an old adage in sports, it\u2019s not how it is how many.\u00a0 As of this point, Oklahoma is three and zero. Of course, the Sooners have not been playing as well as expected, but this will change this Saturday in Norman.<\/p>\n While it has obviously not performed well, the Sooner offense is on the verge of an explosion.\u00a0 In the first place, quarterback Spencer Rattler<\/a> has played poorly thus far this season. Although this may be true, this is a trend that will not continue.\u00a0 Rattler must relax in the pocket, be patient, and make better decisions with the football.<\/p>\n If his current level of play continues, there is a talented freshman in Caleb Williams<\/a> ready to step in and step up.<\/p>\n Comparatively, the running game took a big step forward in last week’s game.\u00a0 Eric Gray<\/a>\u00a0ran for 84 yards on 15 carries and\u00a0Kennedy Brooks<\/a>\u00a0added 75 yards on 14 attempts for the Sooners. \u00a0In like manner, the offensive line is beginning to settle in and be more dominant.<\/p>\n Additionally, the receiving group is primed for a big game as well. Thus far, the ultra-talented receivers have been a bright spot on the offense.<\/p>\n Clearly, the defense has been the dominant unit thus far this season.\u00a0 Another key point to understand, Nik Bonitto<\/a> has been the best player on either side of the ball.\u00a0 To point out, the defense is getting better with each game.\u00a0 A point often overlooked is that Isaiah Thomas<\/a>,\u00a0Jalen Redmond<\/a>,\u00a0And\u00a0Perrion Winfrey<\/a> may not have a record-setting number of sacks but\u00a0all three are becoming unblockable.<\/p>\nWest Virginia<\/h3>\n
Offense<\/h4>\n
Defense<\/h4>\n
Special Teams<\/h4>\n
Oklahoma<\/h3>\n
Offense<\/h4>\n
Defense<\/h4>\n