Efficiency, physicality, and focus was what we were looking for when Oklahoma’s offense took the field against Western Carolina on Saturday night. We got all of that and more, as the Sooners overwhelmed an undermanned defensive group from WCU, and while the discrepancy in talent level on the field needs to be mentioned so does the improved mental approach that OU took into this game.
The Sooners produced 624 total yards of offense against the Catamounts, accounting for 31 first downs, an average of 8.2 yards per play and 10 touchdowns.
What Went Right
Eric Gray – Eric Gray showed me everything that I needed to see from on Saturday night. He was shifty, patient, powerful, and made a huge play in the passing game as well. Even from a blocking standpoint he picked up on the blitz much better than a week ago. The final product for Gray was 74 rushing yards (8.2 YPC), 20 receiving yards, and a touchdown.
Spencer Rattler – Rattler threw for 243 yards and five touchdowns on a 20-of-26 completion night. He did all of that in the first half. Most importantly he didn’t turn the ball over.
Offensive Line – Robert Congel remained the starter at center which was a bit of a surprise but he definitely anchored the line much better than last week. This is where Oklahoma really struggled mentally last week but definitely held it together this week which should give us some positive vibes heading into next weekend’s Nebraska game.
Jadon Haselwood – Oklahoma’s sophomore receiver only had 19 receiving yards but two of his four catches went for touchdowns. At 6-3/202 he should be able to establish himself as a threat in the Red Zone and Saturday night was a good indicator of that happening.
100% in the Red Zone – The Sooners entered the Red Zone nine times against Western Carolina and scored all nine times.
National Rankings
Oklahoma moved up from being tied with Arkansas State and Utah at 31st in the country in scoring offense being tied with Auburn at #2 in the nation with an average of 58 points per game. The Sooners moved from the 85th rushing offense in the nation a week ago (116 YPG) to 44th this week. They boosted their rushing yards per game average from 116 to 196.5. OU entered Saturday night’s game with the 23rd ranked passing offense (314 YPG) and moved up five spots, to 18th, with a new average of 330.5 yards per game.
Top Three Offensive Plays From Saturday
#3 – Jaden Knowles scores from 29 yards out.
#2 – Rattler to Eric Gray for a 20-yard touchdown.
#1 – Rattler to Mario Williams for a 10-yard touchdown.
What did we get miss?
What Went Wrong
We’re nitpicking here after a 76-0 blowout win but here we go.
Quarterback Sacks – Spencer Rattler and Caleb Williams attempted a combined 36 passes on Saturday night. That number should be 38 but they were each sacked once. In the grand scheme of things, two sacks in nearly forty attempts isn’t terrible but when you consider it was Western Carolina lined up across from them it’s a bit of a disappointment.
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