Oklahoma’s 73-0 thrashing of Arkansas State in the season opener is firmly in the review mirror. Now, the eyes of Sooner Nation are locked in on a 1-0 SMU squad that handled its business against Louisiana Tech on Saturday to the tune of 38-14. The Mustangs posted 457 total yards of offense, with 248 of that coming through the air. Defensively, SMU held the Bulldogs to 11 first downs for the game, and just 269 total yards of offense. Louisiana Tech averaged just 1.2 yards per carry against the Mustang defense, on 24 rushing attempts.
It goes without saying that the Sooners are taking a step up in competition this weekend. SMU legitimately could be the best team that OU faces until they get to conference play. With that in mind, here are four things to watch for as Oklahoma plays game #2 of the 2023 football season.
Can The Defense Get To The Quarterback?
I can’t believe that I’m typing this but the common criticism from Oklahoma’s shutout victory over the Red Wolves is that the defensive line wasn’t disruptive enough in the Arkansas State background. Officially, it was the result of the Sooners choosing not to stunt or blitz and ASU going with max-protection on deep quarterback drop-backs. Unofficially, there are members of the fanbase who believe the defensive line is still anemic and wasn’t able to get pressure against what is sure to be a porous Arkansas State offensive line this season.
Regardless of the reasoning, pressure has to be applied this week. SMU’s Preston Stone completed 62.2% of his passes last Saturday for 248 yards and three touchdowns. The Mustangs were pretty balanced against Louisiana Tech, calling 38 passing plays to 42 running plays. However, it was the passing plays that made the offense click. Of SMU’s four offensive touchdowns on the day, the first three came through the air, and averaged just under 34 yards.
Oklahoma can’t sit back and test the defensive backs this week. SMU brings too much to the table. Preston Stone has the ability to pick a defense apart and he has the weapons who can find a way to get open, if given time. Jordan Hudson averaged 36 yards per reception last weekend, Key’Shawn Smith averaged 22 yards per catch, and RJ Maryland hauled in a team-best five passes.
Yes! Expect Brent Venables and Ted Roof to dial up the pressure on Saturday in Norman. Keeping Stone in the pocket and making him uncomfortable is going to be Vital to defensive success.
How Deep Will The Running Back Rotation Go?
Oklahoma went five deep into the running back depth chart last Saturday against Arkansas State. Freshmen Daylan Smothers and Kalib Hicks got into the action, after Tawee Walker, Marcus Major, and Jovantae Barnes were finished for the day. The Sooners haven’t released a depth chart for this game yet, but Gavin Sawchuck is supposed to be good to go this weekend. What does that do to the depth? Does Jeff Lebby still start out with Walker and Major before giving way to Barnes and Sawchuck, or is this the weekend where we see the running game begin to transition to the younger guys?
Keep in mind that Barnes was the third running back to enter the game last weekend but he finished with the most carries (13) and was the only back to log double-digit touches. That should be an indicator of where the running game is ultimately going. Louisiana Tech managed just 28 rushing yards on 24 attempts against this SMU defensive front last weekend. I think OU can have success on the ground, because of the attention that the passing game will demand, but this is as good of an opportunity as there is to see how the Sooner running attack is going to evolve.
How Do The Mustangs Defend Against Andrel Anthony?
Ten different players caught a pass for Oklahoma on Saturday, but perhaps none of them had a greater impact on the game than Andrel Anthony. The transfer from Michigan set the tone on the opening possession and from that point on Arkansas State felt that it would be better to take a 15-yard pass interference penalty as opposed to letting him continue to catch 45-yard bombs.
Now, what does SMU do about Anthony? If they choose to put a safety over the top of him then it could open up things in the mid-range for a guy like Jalil Farooq, or possibly something from the tight end position. Keep in mind that we didn’t see Austin Stogner involved in the passing game last week. If the Mustangs choose not to cover Another over the top then it leaves them in one-on-one coverage with the potentially the fastest receiver on Oklahoma’s roster. Good luck with that!
Can The Sooner Defense Stand Tall On Fourth Down?
Like I said at the top, it’s hard to criticize Oklahoma’s defense after Week 1. Honestly, it’s nitpicking to do so. That may not be the case after Week 2 because the SMU offense is light-years ahead of Arkansas State. They’ll present a challenge, and even getting them behind the chains doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods with them. The Mustangs were 3-of-4 on fourth down last week and it would be foolish to believe they won’t be apt to going for it again in Norman. SMU comes to town with nothing to lose. They’re a 15.5-point underdog and they’re playing a team they’re not supposed to be able to beat. Of course they’ll be going for it on fourth down.
SMU was balanced on how they went for it on fourth down as well. Of the four attempts, two were rushing and two were passing. It may be worth noting that the one that didn’t convert was a rushing attempt. Obviously the goal for Oklahoma’s defense on Saturday will be to get off the field. They might have to battle through fourth down to do that, though.
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