Oklahoma D glad to be moving on from Army’s triple option

NORMAN, Okla.—Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops was a bit uneasy at his weekly media availability.

He noticed how close the reporters were, joking the “vultures were circling.”

It’s easy to see why he feels that way. The Sooners gave up 27 points against Iowa State two weeks ago, then gave up nearly 45 minutes of possession in regulation against Army’s relentless triple option and had to go to overtime before escaping with a 28-21 win over the Black Knights last week.

The Sooners (4-0) won’t face another team like Army this season, and they couldn’t be happier. They will be back in more familiar territory Saturday when they face Baylor’s spread offense in their Big 12 opener.

“I think our guys are more excited probably getting started on this preparation than they were a week ago getting started with the Army preparation because it’s more of we’re used to week in and week out in this league,” Stoops said. “They’re very similar to a lot of teams. Lot of RPOs (run-pass options), lot of spread concepts.”

Baylor coach Matt Rhule said the Bears (3-1) ran a limited number of option plays in last week’s 26-7 win over Kansas .

“We’ve been running a little bit of triple option here and there,” he said. “We ran a couple last week. But, I don’t think (Oklahoma) is going to be too worried about that from us after seeing it last week with Army.”

Stoops said there were positives against Army. Linebacker Kenneth Murray had 28 tackles, a Football Bowl Subdivision record since the NCAA started keeping records in 2000. Linebacker Curtis Bolton had a career-high 23 tackles. And Parnell Motley intercepted a pass to end the game in overtime.