Sooners score high marks across the board
OU’s domination of Western Carolina was expected Saturday night, and that’s what the Sooners delivered in a 76-0 blowout. But the grades reflect positives that go well beyond the big win on the scoreboard.
Focus: A
It would’ve been easy for the Sooners to have sloppy moments Saturday. Western Carolina is an FCS program, and a much-anticipated match-up against Nebraska looms on the schedule next week. But OU limited the letdowns. It committed only six penalties for 61 yards. Additionally, OU allowed only two sacks and committed no turnovers, only putting the ball on the ground once, but recovering it. The Sooners weren’t perfect. On a secondquarter punt return, for example, they committed not one but two holding penalties. But with a less-than-stellar opponent and heavy dose of reserves playing, OU played a relatively clean game.
Youngsters: A
We suspected this would be a game where lots of young Sooners got playing time. But even before halftime when OU was still playing with its starters, several youngsters had nice moments. Ethan Downs, the freshman linebacker from Weatherford, had a fourth-down tackle in the backfield that gave the ball back to the Sooners. He added a forced fumble in the second half. Cody Jackson, the freshman receiver, had a couple catches for 19 yards in the first half. But the newbie who had the biggest impact before halftime was Mario Williams. The freshman receiver led all Sooners with 49 yards receiving on four catches. He also had a touchdown.
Reserves: B
Lots of reserves saw action in the second half. The offense operated after halftime without most of its starters, but it kept up the onslaught, scoring 17 points in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth. Reserve tailback Jaden Knowles was the star, scoring two touchdowns and amassing 102 all-purpose yards, a team high. The defense stuck with rotational players longer in the second half, but by the fourth quarter, reserves were holding down the fort. And the Sooner reserves not only preserved the shutout but also came up with three turnovers. About the only negative were a few more penalties than the Sooners had in the first half.
Patriotism: A
On the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, there were lots of patriotic touches and special remembrances. OU cheerleaders had blue pom poms to go with their red and white apparel, and an oversized American flag was held by military and first responders during pregame. The first driver of the Schooner was wearing fatigues while several Ruf-Neks ran with American flags. The Pride of Oklahoma did a patriotic-themed halftime show punctuated by fireworks. And perhaps the best was the Patriot of the Game featuring Jeremy Adams, who lost part of his lower leg in combat but has finished several half marathons and is preparing for the OKC Memorial Marathon next month. After he was recognized, a chant went up — “U-S-A! U-S-A!” Pretty darn cool.
Gabe Brkic: A
When he kicks 50-plus-yard field goals, there’s noticeable excitement in the stadium. The Sooner kicker not only made a 56-yarder in the first quarter but also made it look like it would’ve been good from about 66 yards. The roar was huge. It feels a little like when Trae Young used to pull up from near half court. You just never know what Brkic might do. Saturday, he hit that 56-yard field goal, was perfect on six extra-point attempts and put five of seven kickoffs into the end zone.
Atmosphere: B
Blame the heat and the blowout for a less-than-electric atmosphere. The game was a sellout, but the stadium wasn’t full. Considering a heat index that climbed toward triple digits, though, it was still a stout crowd. And the red-and-white striping of the stadium done to look like the stripes on the American flag was fairly strong.