By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Saturday’s game in Norman, OK for Baylor is about identification. Both the Bears and Oklahoma Sooners are trying to rediscover who they are.
This 33rd all-time meeting with the Sooners could do a lot to determine where each of these seasons are heading. While Oklahoma knows it would take a miracle to get into the Big 12 championship game conversation, Baylor needs to win out to keep hopes alive.
Oklahoma recovered from a 3-game losing streak and has won consecutive games against Kansas and Iowa State.
A look at the Sooners.
Opponent: Oklahoma Sooners
Head Coach: Brent Venables (1st year)
2022 Record: 5-3, 2-3
Record vs. Baylor: Oklahoma leads, 28-4
Returning Starters: 4 offense, 5 defense
Key Returners: WR Marvin Mims, LT Anton Harrison, C Andrew Raym, DT Jalen Redmond, CB Woodi Washington, LB DaShaun White
Common Denominator: Former Baylor RB coach Jeff Lebby is OU’s offensive coordinator
Offensive Formation: Multiple
Defensive Formation: 4-3
About Oklahoma on Offense: When he was knocked out of the TCU game and didn’t play the following week against Texas with a concussion, it revealed how vulnerable the Sooner offense was without QB Dillon Gabriel. He’s a dual threat and has been very efficient. He’s thrown for 1,766 yards and 14 TDs against just one INT. The protection has been iffy as Gabriel and other Sooner QBs have been sacked 17 times, second most in the Big 12. Receiver Marvin Mims has taken advantage of some departures to become the No. 1 receiver. He’s at 558 yards and three scores. Baylor likes to the use the TE in this offense and has relied on Braydon Willis who averages 14.5 ypc and leads all receivers with five TDs. The Sooner running game has found some life with Tennessee transfer Eric Gray who is now in his second year. At 796 yards and six scores, he’s on his way to a 1,000-yard season. Combined, OU running backs are averaging 4.9 ypc.
About Oklahoma on Defense: It’s stunning to see the Sooners’ No. 8 in the Big 12 in total defense at 438 yards per game. They are still last in the league in rushing defense (189.75). Oklahoma’s defense is funneling the right way as linebackers David Ugwoegbu, Danny Stutsman and DaShaun White are the three leading tacklers. It’s been feast or famine with the pass rush. Oklahoma’s 16 sacks are near the bottom of the Big 12. But they have nine interceptions. Ethan Downs and Jalen Redmond are the leaders on the defensive front.
About Oklahoma on Special Teams: Michael Turk is one of the best punters in college football. He’s averaging better than 45 yards per boot. He’s had 13 efforts fair caught, 13 land inside the opponent’s 20 and 13 travel 50+ yards. PK Zach Schmidt is having a tremendous season. He hasn’t missed a PAT and is 8-9 on fields including going 4-4 between 40-49. OU hasn’t returned many punts. However, when it’s Mims’ turn there’s been some juice at nearly 20 yards per return. Jalil Farooq and Billy Bowman are the primary kick returners.
Bottom Line: This is a Jeckyll and Hyde type of season. The 3-0 start was pretty impressive including a blowout win at Nebraska. The Sooners climbed to No. 6. But when the Sooners lost at home to Kansas State, 41-34, everything fell apart. Since they have returned from their bye, they appear to have righted things. There are still issues with the rushing defense as well as the defense overall. Gabriel’s knock is can he really deliver when it matters. That really hasn’t been answered to this point. The Sooners will also sometimes misfire in the red zone. OU also has the most penalty yards (428) of anyone in the Big 12. What everyone wants to know Saturday is if this team has indeed found itself.
Publisher
Saturday’s game in Norman, OK for Baylor is about identification. Both the Bears and Oklahoma Sooners are trying to rediscover who they are.
This 33rd all-time meeting with the Sooners could do a lot to determine where each of these seasons are heading. While Oklahoma knows it would take a miracle to get into the Big 12 championship game conversation, Baylor needs to win out to keep hopes alive.
Oklahoma recovered from a 3-game losing streak and has won consecutive games against Kansas and Iowa State.
A look at the Sooners.
Opponent: Oklahoma Sooners
Head Coach: Brent Venables (1st year)
2022 Record: 5-3, 2-3
Record vs. Baylor: Oklahoma leads, 28-4
Returning Starters: 4 offense, 5 defense
Key Returners: WR Marvin Mims, LT Anton Harrison, C Andrew Raym, DT Jalen Redmond, CB Woodi Washington, LB DaShaun White
Common Denominator: Former Baylor RB coach Jeff Lebby is OU’s offensive coordinator
Offensive Formation: Multiple
Defensive Formation: 4-3
About Oklahoma on Offense: When he was knocked out of the TCU game and didn’t play the following week against Texas with a concussion, it revealed how vulnerable the Sooner offense was without QB Dillon Gabriel. He’s a dual threat and has been very efficient. He’s thrown for 1,766 yards and 14 TDs against just one INT. The protection has been iffy as Gabriel and other Sooner QBs have been sacked 17 times, second most in the Big 12. Receiver Marvin Mims has taken advantage of some departures to become the No. 1 receiver. He’s at 558 yards and three scores. Baylor likes to the use the TE in this offense and has relied on Braydon Willis who averages 14.5 ypc and leads all receivers with five TDs. The Sooner running game has found some life with Tennessee transfer Eric Gray who is now in his second year. At 796 yards and six scores, he’s on his way to a 1,000-yard season. Combined, OU running backs are averaging 4.9 ypc.
About Oklahoma on Defense: It’s stunning to see the Sooners’ No. 8 in the Big 12 in total defense at 438 yards per game. They are still last in the league in rushing defense (189.75). Oklahoma’s defense is funneling the right way as linebackers David Ugwoegbu, Danny Stutsman and DaShaun White are the three leading tacklers. It’s been feast or famine with the pass rush. Oklahoma’s 16 sacks are near the bottom of the Big 12. But they have nine interceptions. Ethan Downs and Jalen Redmond are the leaders on the defensive front.
About Oklahoma on Special Teams: Michael Turk is one of the best punters in college football. He’s averaging better than 45 yards per boot. He’s had 13 efforts fair caught, 13 land inside the opponent’s 20 and 13 travel 50+ yards. PK Zach Schmidt is having a tremendous season. He hasn’t missed a PAT and is 8-9 on fields including going 4-4 between 40-49. OU hasn’t returned many punts. However, when it’s Mims’ turn there’s been some juice at nearly 20 yards per return. Jalil Farooq and Billy Bowman are the primary kick returners.
Bottom Line: This is a Jeckyll and Hyde type of season. The 3-0 start was pretty impressive including a blowout win at Nebraska. The Sooners climbed to No. 6. But when the Sooners lost at home to Kansas State, 41-34, everything fell apart. Since they have returned from their bye, they appear to have righted things. There are still issues with the rushing defense as well as the defense overall. Gabriel’s knock is can he really deliver when it matters. That really hasn’t been answered to this point. The Sooners will also sometimes misfire in the red zone. OU also has the most penalty yards (428) of anyone in the Big 12. What everyone wants to know Saturday is if this team has indeed found itself.
