In my opinion, It seems OU is playing down to whomever they face week to week. I fear if they don’t start getting consistent play from the defense, this trait will come back to haunt them and cost them their spot in the CFP. OU is going to get every teams best effort, and, so far, have dodged a bullet. The tackling last night was HORRENDOUS! Worst I’ve seen since the Mike Stoops era. Because of that, I was still concerned up until the last OU touchdown. It’s been that kind of season.
First…Offense? Now that the QB controversy has been decided, and receivers downfield are being found and effectively utilized, the passing game has been turned up a couple of notches. I don’t think I need to comment on the terrific overall play of Caleb Willams. Brooks appears to be getting into his 2019 groove, but Gray has just been average in my opinion. Good for giving Brooks a blow, but not the strong runner and breakaway threat we thought he would be. And what about Major? Is he not up to par to warrant at least a couple of touches in a game? OU really needs to land a couple of next generation true running backs in the 2022 recruiting cycle. Maybe even through the portal.
Second…defense? Where do I start? I’m not a coach, but something is terribly WRONG. Albeit injuries without solid backups to rely on, misreads on play after play after play, or just the inability to decipher what is happening and make defensive adjustments is quite a row to hoe, but keeping it real…Whatever it is, OU is NOT showing the capability to stay in a game where their opponent is playing solid enough defense to keep Williams and company from scoring near as much. At this point, and from what I’m seeing, a Georgia or Alabama or maybe even a Cincinnati would trounce OU. Okay, okay…Lots of injuries, youth and inexperience in the secondary, plus missing Redmond doesn’t help, but, after seven games, one would think Grinch would find some kind of solid backup combination that would be more consistent. This MUST improve and improve QUICKLY.
Third…Brkic? Solidly a great weapon. Almost automatic from even long range. Turk? Solid, except for the one block. Great power. Punt and kick returns? Ehhhhh…not spectacular, but at least I’m not holding my breath waiting for a fumble to occur. (Although one came close last night)
Fourth…Coaching? I’m not going to second guess about something I have absolutely no experience, although some of the calls and/or adjustments seem to make no sense to this untrained eye.
If I gave the team an overall grade so far, it would be a B minus. Solid in some areas, but VERY vulnerable in others. Definitely not at the elite level just yet, but slowly improving in some lesser significant areas of concern. They MUST get their defensive starters back from injury before the November run of Baylor, OSU and ISU.
In closing, let me say that OU is 7-0 and in the top four in rankings. They have to be doing something right on order to keep winning the close games, even with the aforementioned issues. Although they are withering this old man with every game, they are still holding their own, with all their goals still visible and viable. Hang on guys! It’s going to be a rocky ride to the CCG and possibly the CFP.
Thank you John.
