Through six games this season, the Oklahoma Sooners remain undefeated as the front-runners in the Big 12 Conference. Clearly possessing a shot at the College Football Playoff, the revamped defense is taking center stage. Utilizing the ‘speed defense,’ Alex Grinch has found success in various facets of the game. Yet, it’s the third down defense that continues to shock the fan base.
One year ago, the program fell toward the bottom of the pack in the statistical category — 119th to be exact. Opponents converted at a rate 46.38% while extending drives against the OU defense. Slimming down and buying into the new system, the Sooners have immediately reaped the reward of the efforts made during the offseason. Midway through the year, the Sooners currently rank inside the top ten in the same area of interest. Forcing opponents into 79 third down situations, offenses have converted a mere 22 of those attempts leading to a 27.85% conversion rate. The number translates to the defense getting off the field while putting the ball back in Jalen Hurts hands.
In addition to the success on third down, the Sooners continuously find a way into the backfield putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and forcing ball carriers into unfavorable situations. Recording a total of 22 sacks at this point of the season ranks 11th in the country combined with 49 tackles for loss ranking 15th nationally. To put this number in perspective, Oklahoma tallied 29 sacks And 79 tackles for loss through fourteen games last year.
While the stat sheet may be impressive, there is still work to be done. For now, the improvements have been witnessed by the fan base. But, this is a defense that has yet to realize it’s full potential.
Follow us on Twitter @SportsHeartland