• 4th & 1 : Inaugural Edition

      4th and 1
      Inaugural Edition

      Each week, following the Sooner football game, we値l take a look at four plays that changed the outcome of the game. In addition to the four plays, we値l add one final assessment and assign grades to four phases of the game (Offense, Defense, Special Teams and Coaching/Play calling). We hope you enjoy!

      This week: OU 16 WVU 7

      1. WVU Drive (@ the 9:41 mark in the 1st quarter)
      The Play
      After a 50 yard punt by Jed Barnett, the Mountaineers took over at their own 15 yard line. After a 10 yard completion and an incomplete pass, WVU QB Paul Millard handed the ball to WVU RB Dreamius Smith on a 2nd down and 10 from the WVU 25 yard line. A hole quickly opened in the OU line and Smith darted through, shedding a tackle by Corey Nelson. Smith shed another tackle in the OU secondary and kicked the play outside for a 75 yard gain and a WVU touchdown.

      The Effect
      After being stopped on their first possession of the game, WVU was able to crack the Sooner defense for a very long gain, and perhaps more importantly, the first score of the game. It痴 hard to say this play had any real effect on the defensive scheme, as there were at least two Sooners in position to make a play. Mike Stoops said later that he was unhappy with the tackling for most of the night, but overall pleased by the performance of the defense. Still, we had to wonder if this play was an indication of the kind of night we might be in for.

      2. OU Drive (@ the 2:17 mark in the 1st quarter)
      The Play
      The Sooners third drive of the night got off to a bad start when Damian Williams was stuffed for no gain on first down and Tyrus Thompson was called for a false start on the next play. The Sooners were facing a 4th and one after Clay was stopped for no gain on third down. Jed Barnett booted a 42 yard punt that was muffed by WVU WR Mario Alford, and recovered by Trey Franks on the WVU 32 yard line.

      The Effect
      After a 16 yard gain by Damian Williams, which appeared to result in a touchdown, instant replay overturned the score and two plays later Trevor Knight found Trey Millard in the corner of the endzone for the lone Sooner touchdown on the day. The muffed punt return set the Sooners up in excellent field position, which aided the offense with a short field. The Sooners took a 10-7 lead, which would prove to be the winning touchdown.

      3. WVU Drive (@ the 8:24 mark in the 3rd quarter)
      The Play
      The Mountaineers drive started at the WVU 15, and was successful in moving the ball into Sooner territory. After a pass interference call on Corey Nelson, a 12 yard pass completion by WVU QB Paul Millard and a 10 yard run by WVU RB Charles Sims, it appeared that the Mountaineers were threatening to put more points on the board. After a WVU holding call, the Mountaineers were facing a 3rd and 20 at the OU 35 when WVU QB Paul Millard hit WVU WR Kevin White for what looked like a decent gain. Quinten Hayes got his hand on the ball and forced a fumble that Gabe Lynn scooped up and returned to the OU 41 before getting out of bounds.

      The Effect
      The drive, which began deep in WVU territory, was the deepest penetration the Mountaineers had to that point in the game. The OU defense, while playing extremely well, was beginning to look winded, and a score by WVU would have at the very least tied the game. Instead, the field position and the momentum switched back in the Sooners favor, and would prove to be the last time WVU made a meaningful drive deep into the Sooner end of the field.

      4. WVU Drive (@ the 10:16 mark in the 4th quarter)
      The Play
      On a drive that started at the WVU 28 yard line, the Mountaineers had moved the ball to midfield, utilizing WVU RB Charles Simms running the ball. The Sooner defense stiffened as WVU approach the 50, and WVU QB Paul Millard faced a 4th and 2. With the play clock running low, Millard signaled for a time out. Unfortunately for Millard, WVU had used all three of their timeouts early in the half, and WVU was hit with a 5 yard delay of game call that set up a 4th and 7. Millard was unable to complete a pass to WVU QB Cody Clay and the Sooners took possession.

      The Effect
      The inability of WVU QB Paul Millard to convert on 4th and long led to a turnover. The Sooners weren't able to score on their next drive, but they were able to take over 5 minutes off of the clock and virtually sealed the victory for OU. While it would have been a difficult challenge for WVU to overcome a 9 point lead, the absence of a timeout on their previous drive made a 4th and short much more difficult.

      And One

      Report Card

      Offense: C+
      Gaining over 300 yards on the ground kept the score from being any lower. Going 10-21 for 119 yards kept the score from being any higher.

      Defense: B+
      The lone 75 yard TD run, and sloppy tackling accounts for the lower score.

      Special Teams: A-
      For the second week in a row, the Sooners special teams limited their opponent to minimal return yards. Punting was very good. The missed FG accounts for the minus.

      Coaching/Play calling: C+
      The defensive play calls appeared to be spot on all night, while the offensive play calling was questionable. Overall, a better game-plan was expected.

      Overall Grade: B
      Defense and Special teams combined with a solid ground game gave the overall grade a positive bump. Play calling and the passing game kept the grade down.
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