4th and 1: Tulsa
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 41 Tulsa 20
1. OU Drive (@ the 15:00 mark in the 1st quarter)
The Play
After a penalty (12 men in the formation) backed the Sooners up 5 yards (making It 1st and 15 at the OU 23), the Sooners set up in a 4 WR formation. Jalen Saunders started in motion, and Blake Bell took the snap out of the pistol. Bell flipped the ball to Saunders at about the Sooner 19 yard line. Saunders got to the outside and after fighting through a couple of defenders, picked up 17 yards and a first down.
The Effect
In addition to picking up a long first down, the play was an indication that the Sooners (and Josh Huepel) were going to open the play book a little for this game. Last year, a similar play was run against Kansas State (Jones to Finch), with much different results. This time, the Sooners began the opening drive with a long first down conversion and a play that seemed to energize the sleep Sooner fans filing into their seats for this early game.
2. OU Drive (@ the 13:53 mark in the 1st quarter)
The Play
Facing a third and long (7) from the Sooner 44 yard line, the Sooner offense lined up in a 4 WR set with Bell in the pistol. Tulsa showed blitz early, and upon the snap brought 5 guys to pressure Bell. Standing in the pocket, Bell found Sterling Shepard on a drag route in the middle of the field for a 9 yard gain and a first down.
The Effect
The biggest unknown going into the Tulsa game was Bell痴 ability to manage the offense and throw the ball. On this long 3rd down, not only did Bell show poise in the pocket (facing a blitz), he was able to get through his reads and find Shepard on a route that took a bit to develop. Bell identified the Tulsa linebacker that was coming on the blitz, knew where to go with the ball and found Shepard there. This was also a sign of things to come, as Bell continued to convert third downs throughout the game.
3. OU Drive (@ the 7:42 mark in the 1st quarter)
The Play
After a Blake Bell run for a few yards on second down, the Sooners were facing a 3rd and 3 from their own 13 yard line. The Sooner offense set up with three receivers to the left and one lone receiver to the right. At the snap, Roy Finch ran a route that took him to the sidelines. The inside linebacker for Tulsa, followed Finch on the route. Unfortunately, the corner let the lone receiver (Jaz Reynolds) go and stayed with Finch. The safety was unable to recover and get to Reynolds. As a result Bell hit Jaz on a slant in stride and he ran free until he was caught at the Tulsa 4 yard line.
The Effect
While early in the game, this play exposed a major weakness in Tulsa痴 defense. The confusion in their coverage was already apparent, and Bell identified the mistake immediately. The end result was a field goal, and a two score lead that took away what little momentum the Hurricanes brought into the game.
4. Tulsa Drive (@ the 1:34 mark in the 3rd quarter)
The Play
With time running out in the half, the Hurricanes were facing a 2nd and 10 from the OU 47 yard line. Tulsa QB Cody Green set up in the shotgun, signaled Tulsa RB Trey Watts in motion. After the snap, Watts was able to get by Hatari Byrd (who bit down, and tried to jump the route) which left Quinten Hayes one deep, and really out of position to make the play. Green threw a great ball to Watts, but the pass dropped through his arms and incomplete at about the OU 17 yard line.
The Effect
It痴 a stretch to say that one play was the difference in a close game versus a blow-out, but the Hurricanes certainly blew an opportunity to put a touchdown on the board before half time, which would have made the score 27-14, and given Tulsa some momentum going into the half. Instead, the score was 27-7, and momentum remained with the Sooners.
And One
Report Card
Offense: A
Excellent execution by the offense gave the Sooners offense a high grade. Additional rushing yards would have raised the grade.
Defense: B+
Some missed assignments keeps the grade down. Making some 4th down stops, and playing with a lot of new faces kept the grade up.
Special Teams: B-
Outside of some punt coverage issues, the special teams played solid. Better kick coverage would have raised this grade.
Coaching/Play calling: A
Very good play calling on both sides of the ball results in a high grade. A few predictable plays kept the score from being higher.
Overall Grade: B+
Solid game overall, but special teams and a few defensive lapses kept the score down.
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