The Oklahoma Sooner offense morphed over the course of the season. Showcasing the willingness and ability to run the ball consistently and effectively, the backs took center stage. Knowing Lincoln Riley will likely throw in a few wrinkles fans have yet to witness, will that be the case in the Peach Bowl? While that fact remains unknown, here are three players who must perform on the offense side of the ball on Saturday.
CeeDee Lamb | Receiver
Throughout the duration of the season, CeeDee Lamb proved to be a dynamic playmaker. Easily the most dangerous player on the field with the ball in his hands, the receiver racked up over 1,200 yards on 58 receptions while crossing the goal line fourteen different times. Challenging defenses in various areas of the game, Lamb must be accounted for on every down. Against the chatty but susceptible pass defense of the Tigers, the junior could once again have a major impact on the outcome of the contest. More importantly, Lamb will be counted on to open things up for those in the backfield but stretching LSU vertically.
Kennedy Brooks | Running Back
Typically a position of depth, the Sooners find themselves in a bit of a different scenario this time around. Previously losing Trey Sermon to injury, the coaching staff turned to Rhamondre Stevenson. A big, bruising runner the junior college transfer punished defenses late in the second half. However, Stevenson received a suspension and remains unavailable for the College Football Playoff. That puts all the pressure back on the homer in threat, Kennedy Brooks. Averaging 12 yards per touch in the month of December (averages 6.2 on the year), the sophomore is a force to be reckoned with despite what the LSU linebackers believe. Due to the concerns with depth, Brooks is the only proven back available and will need to produce at a high level if Oklahoma hopes to shock the nation.
Jalen Hurts | Quarterback
The most experienced quarterback in the College Football Playoff is Jalen Hurts, a fact many have forgotten about. Yet, the Sooner coaching staff knows that shootout with LSU is not an ideal situation to put the team in. What that translates to is a heavy dose of RPOs alongside designed quarterback runs. Putting the ball in Hurts’ hands could easily be the recipe for success. But it could also spell doom for Oklahoma as the quarterback has been turnover prone. Assuming No. 1 gets the call consistently, he’ll need to prioritize ball security. If Hurts can curb the issue, the chances of victory increase drastically.