OU has handled the spread offense because of strong tackling on defense

By Jake Trotter

Published: September 1, 2007

NORMAN — Since Mike Leach took his spread offense to Texas Tech in 2000, the Red Raiders have averaged better than 35 points a game.

But against Oklahoma?

Tech has produced half that, averaging just 18 points against the Sooners, its only win coming on a controversial ending in 2005.

No Big 12 team has stifled Tech's pass-happy offense better than OU.

Today, the Sooners will face a similar offense in North Texas and first-year coach Todd Dodge, who ran a no-huddle, spread attack at Southlake Carroll High School that delivered four Texas state titles in the last five years.

But against OU, Dodge will encounter a defense that's been dominant against spread offenses, something he never faced in high school.

How do the Sooners do it?

"You got to stop the run, can't give up big plays and you've got to tackle well,” defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. "I think those are the biggest things.”

If Dodge emulates his offense in high school, he'll try to spread the field to create running lanes for senior running back Jamario Thomas, who actually led the nation in rushing as a freshman.

For whatever reason, Thomas hasn't been the same player since, rushing for just 668 yards and two touchdowns last year.

But Dodge utilized the running back at Carroll (Tre Newton rushed for 2,031 yards last year), so look for him to do the same with Thomas.

"What they want to do is create a lot of open space to make you miss in the open field,” safety Darien Williams said. "So we have to have 11 people running to the ball.”

The other challenge for the Sooners will be making sure 5-yard completions don't turn into 20-yard gains.

That's where Tech and Carroll are dangerous with the ability to break tackles and find seams in a defense.

But that's also where OU has excelled under Venables — tackling, which is why the Sooners have been successful against the Red Raiders.

And with a Sooner secondary that returns everyone from last season — including the preseason Big 12 Player of the Year in corner Reggie Smith — it could be a frustrating night for the Mean Green.

"We don't have the magic bag with the all the answers,” corner Marcus Walker said. "We just focus in and make tackles in space.

"If you can tackle well, you'll have a pretty good day against the spread.”

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