Oklahoma improved to 3-0 on the season with a 48-14 rout of UCLA at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Sooners racked up 434 yards of offense in the first half on their way to a 600 yard performance. Jalen Hurts had another record-setting performance by finishing the half with 206 passing yards (2 TDs) and 141 rushing yards (1 TD) to become the first Sooner to ever throw for at least 200 yards and rush for at least 100 in the first half of a game. Getting subbed out the the fourth quarter, Hurts finished the night with 289 passing yards (15-for-18) with three scores 150 rushing yards, with another score, on 14 carries.
Here’s some quick thoughts on Okahoma’s win with more coverage to come.
Marquis Hayes Looks To Be The Answer On The Left Side
After being the subject of a bit of criticism through the first two weeks, the left side of the offensive line wasn’t flagged until about the seven minute mark of the fourth quarter when R.J. Proctor got caught holding. The primary reason for the improvement is that Marquis Hayes played, and started, for the first time this season. This was as close as we’ve seen to the nasty-mauling type performance we became used to over the last two years.
Jalen Hurts Is The Most Dangerous Football Player In The Country
Look, I get it. There are some great quarterbacks out there. However, only one plays for Lincoln Riley. There isn’t a better coach out there at fitting a game plan around a player’s skill set than Riley and Jalen Hurts is the perfect fit.
He blistered the Bruins for 99 yards, on four carries, in Oklahoma’s opening drive and then went to the air after that for 289 yards and three scores. This wasn’t a one-time performance for Hurts, we’ve consistently seen him do this through the first three weeks of the season.
The Running Backs Are Taking A Back Seat
After three weeks of football I think we can say that what we’re seeing from Oklahoma’s running game is what we’re going to get. Hurts was Oklahoma’s leading rusher again, equaling the combined carries of Kennedy Brooks and Trey Sermon.
While part of me wants to see the backs get more carries, the logical side of my football brain is telling me that this is working and just roll with it.
The Turnovers Are Coming
After failing to record a turnover in the season opener Oklahoma’s defense has produced multiple in the last two games. The picked off Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson twice and also forced a turnover on downs, essentially giving them three on the night.
Bringing The Pressure
Another improvement for Oklahoma’s defensive is the disruptive plays in the offensive backfield. The Sooners seemingly lived in UCLA’s backfield and sacked Thompson-Robinson four times. At the time of this posting the official stats haven’t been released but plays in the UCLA backfield were a regular occurrence.
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