The bye week is behind us! Oklahoma returns to the field Saturday morning to host a UCF team that has lost three games in a row and is still looking for it’s first conference win, as a new member of the Big 12. An upset would be a statement for sure by the Knights, but it would be equally as resounding should an undefeated Sooner team stumble in the game that followed their best win to this point of the season. Here are four things to watch for as OU and UCF clash on Saturday morning.
The Run Games
UCF comes to Norman with the nation’s 3rd best rushing attack. The Knights are averaging 246.3 yards per game on the ground and have scored 14 rushing touchdowns, compared to 12 through the air. Despite being on a three-game losing streak, UCF is still averaging 193 yards per game, and 5.4 yards per carry during that stretch. Oklahoma’s defense ranks #28 nationally and is limiting opponents to just 3.29 yards per carry, and 113.7 rushing yards per game. The Sooners have only allowed one rushing touchdown through the first six games of the season.
Meanwhile, the Sooners are averaging 164.8 yards per game on the ground, and an average of 4.08 yards per carry. They’ve equaled UCF’s 14 rushing scores but also have 18 passing touchdowns. The per game numbers may not be on par with what UCF is producing but the story of the defenses is quite different as well. The Knights are allowing opponents an average of 197.2 yards and 4.95 yards per carry on the ground. UCF has allowed 15 rushing touchdowns in 2023.
Oklahoma’s Red Zone Defense
The Sooners silenced doubters with their goal line stand at the Cotton Bowl. Now they’ll face another challenge. Don’t let the 3-3 record fool you. UCF ranks 4th nationally in total offense, with an average of 516.7 yards per game. These guys can move the ball but they’re not necessarily great at punching it it. They may be 4th in total offense, but they’re 28th in touchdowns scored with a total of 26.
Oklahoma checks in at #52 in total defense (352.8 YPG) but lead the nation touchdowns allowed, with just 7 through the first six games. The Sooners flexed in the Red Zone against Texas and rank 3rd nationally when the opponent gets inside the twenty-yard line.
Will There Be A Post-Red River Rivalry Hangover?
Bob Stoops doesn’t think this team will lose focus following the Big win in Dallas, and I agree with him. This team has been too focused to allow something like that to happen.
That said, we should still at least mention the fact that this is a possibility. This has been a season of redemption for Oklahoma and there really isn’t a lot of motivation against UCF as a team. Instead, they’re looking to send the statement to the voters, and other media members, who have remained vocal about still not buying in on this squad. A flat start, or losing interest midway through the third quarter, would only further advance their cause.
Which Version Of Special Teams Will We Get?
The special teams roller coaster still rages on. We’ve seen the highs of long punt returns and blocked punts, but we’ve also experienced the lows of fumbles, missed field goals, and blocked punts. We’re currently in a low, coming off the Red River Rivalry, but Saturday is another opportunity to see the momentum swing back to the crimson and cream side. If I was making a list of concerns about this team through the first half of the season, the punting game would be at the top. I would love for Saturday morning to provide some relief to that.
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