OU 64, Idaho State 0: Postgame thoughts

Anyway, to the Sooners.

Thoughts and observations:
* QB Landry Jones had another solid outing as Sam Bradford’s temporary replacement. Three touchdowns, all to Ryan Broyles. Those two have developed quite a rapport in one game. Time will tell if it continues against stiffer competition. But as good as Broyles was (7 catches, 155 yards, 3 TDs), the Sooners still need to develop another receiving option.

No one has stepped into this role yet. Brandon Caleb was solid against BYU, but had 2 drops vs. ISU. Dejuan Miller is yet to make an impact. Mossis Madu has yet to even really play. Adron Tennell can’t get back on the field. Cam Kenney played some, but only had 1 catch and dropped another. Jameel Owens didn’t even suit up tonight. Idaho State couldn’t stop Broyles. But teams like Miami and Texas and maybe even Tulsa will be able to shut down 1 receiver.

* The fact that Drew Allen didn’t play tonight suggests the coaches think Sam will be back soon. If the coaches felt like Sam was months away, then they would definitely be getting Allen some work as the No. 2 in case something happened to Landry this season. Not playing Allen hints that Allen won’t be the No. 2 for much longer.

* The defense totally dominated the Bengals tonight. One play sticks in my mind: Gerald McCoy trashed the Bengal interior line, trashed the QB, then Frank Alexander picked up the ball and raced into the end zone. Wasn’t even fair.

* Someone is trying to send a message to Brian Simmons. He was benched tonight in favor of Tyler Evans, a true freshmen. All the line’s problems don’t lie with Simmons. But he’s a leader, and he clearly is being held accountable for the performance of the entire unit.

Speaking of which, numerous combinations were used tonight up front. Only Trent Williams at LT and Ben Habern at C were the constants. The idea is to spark competition.

Said coach Bob Stoops, “It is going to remain competitive really every week because certain guys need to continue to play well. If you are not, we need to put someone else in there. It is going to remain competitive, as well as through practice through the week.”