GS, Time To Step Up

[tmader7]

Everyone hammering Baylor for a so-called soft schedule so far. The fact of the matter is, they have the 5th best passing attack in the country, and OU is 108th against the pass. Man, trying to figure out how to play this one, but the numbers don't lie. Looking forward to your thoughts, as always. BTW, snows here in Carolina on Halloween, just like Tulsa, lol.

~T~

 

[thecruncher]

5th most passing yards per game doesn't = 5th best passing attack in the country. I rank their passing game 24th best in the country, fwiw. Actually, Oklahoma's pass defense is pretty good when you look at what they surrender versus what their opponent's usually gain. Oklahoma ranks 10th highest when it comes to the total percent of plays that opponents pass the ball on, which is of course going to add to the total pass yards surrendered. Total yards isn't the most accurate tool for judging a team or match-ups.

 

[GoSooners]

No matter where you rank Baylor's offense or OU's defense, the simple fact is that Petty puts the ball in the end zone more than Knight, and turns the ball over less. Those are the kinds of things that matter in big games and makes everybody's spread sheets catch on fire.. But on the plus side for OU, Knight was finally used the right way in a game. He had over 140 yards rushing against ISU. But just remember, that was ISU. Like I've been saying all year, when Trevor Knight is used right (like in the Bama game) he is an all-conference type of player. People seem to underestimate how poorly he was used against TCU and Texas, and stretches against WV. His feet need to be his weapon to bring those safeties up.. Maybe now that OU has nothing to lose, Huepel will utilize him more and let him ad lib out there. But Huepel's play calling has been the one glaring weak spot with OU's offense this year. I don't trust him. He cost us the KSU game after his poor play call from the far hash. Of course TK should have had the awareness to throw it away or over his head. But ultimately the fault lies on the person calling the play. Basically our 2 losses have come down to the QB. The late interception TK through against TCU, and the int against KSU on the goal line. There is no room for error when playing the better teams in the Big 12.

 

[thecruncher]

Against D1 schools BAY has converted their yards into points 7.7 points above average, OKLA 7, ranking them both in the top ten of that metric of offensive efficiency. Defensively, BAY is slightly below average in points per yards allowed, while OKLA has an average of -5, ranking them 15th best.

 

[tmader7]

I'm actually seeing Baylor about 3 pts better O efficiency, but OU 3 pts better overall due to D and special teams. The line is right, now it's down to are the minds right, lol. Gonna lay off this one, only played OU once this season, called the winner over the Vols....and how good does that make OU look now. Hmmmmmmmm

~T~

 

[Numbersguru]

Great point there Cruncher. I have to agree, I think OU pulls the revenge factor this year after getting blown out by Baylor last year.

 

[WinOne]

No matter where you rank Baylor's offense or OU's defense, the simple fact is that Petty puts the ball in the end zone more than Knight, and turns the ball over less. Those are the kinds of things that matter in big games and makes everybody's spread sheets catch on fire.. But on the plus side for OU, Knight was finally used the right way in a game. He had over 140 yards rushing against ISU. But just remember, that was ISU. Like I've been saying all year, when Trevor Knight is used right (like in the Bama game) he is an all-conference type of player. People seem to underestimate how poorly he was used against TCU and Texas, and stretches against WV. His feet need to be his weapon to bring those safeties up.. Maybe now that OU has nothing to lose, Huepel will utilize him more and let him ad lib out there. But Huepel's play calling has been the one glaring weak spot with OU's offense this year. I don't trust him. He cost us the KSU game after his poor play call from the far hash. Of course TK should have had the awareness to throw it away or over his head. But ultimately the fault lies on the person calling the play. Basically our 2 losses have come down to the QB. The late interception TK through against TCU, and the int against KSU on the goal line. There is no room for error when playing the better teams in the Big 12.

This game comes down to special teams and Baylor coverage teams leave a lot to be desired. Also if OU would use Knight like TCU used Boykins, they get this one pretty easily. I think Revenge will be a factor but would really like to see Shephard play for OU in this game.

Kickoff return defense Baylor is #64, Okla KO return team in #1 in big 12

 

[tmader7]

According to Stoops today, Shephard will be playing Saturday.

~T~

 

[GoSooners]

This game comes down to special teams and Baylor coverage teams leave a lot to be desired. Also if OU would use Knight like TCU used Boykins, they get this one pretty easily. I think Revenge will be a factor but would really like to see Shephard play for OU in this game.

Kickoff return defense Baylor is #64, Okla KO return team in #1 in big 12

I think the game comes down to Mike Stoops play calling. OU found their offense last week by doing what they should have done all year and going more to the QB read option. This is where Trevor Knight is at his best. Unless Huepel tries something stupid and changes it around to rushing Perrine more and keeping the QB in the pocket, OU should be alright on that side of the ball. What I worry about with our defense is hanging back too much and letting the play come to them instead of attacking the offense. This has been OU's problem all season on D. I've never liked that kind of prevent defense. All of these Big 12 defensive coordinators need to take a blueprint from WV's first year DC Tony Gibson. Right now I think he is the best DC in the Big 12. He gave the blueprint for stopping or slowing down Baylor. Baylor's offense is all about Petty throwing it all over the place. They make space by spreading the field from sideline to sideline. And putting their slot receivers almost as wide as their wideouts. If you play 3 down and drop 8 like Stoops has been doing all season, it plays right into their hands. But if you rush a corner like WV did, you have a mismatch. Putting pressure, coming from various angles, like WV did on Petty and Boykin, makes him rush his throws. Putting him on his back and keeping him out of his rhythm seems to be the only way to stop this team.