Carl Albert Offense vs. Guthrie Defense
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Oklahoman.com
Here we are with Part II of our statistical breakdown of the Game of the Year.
This is where I think the game will be won. The Bluejays’ defensive stats are out of this world. It’s better than Xbox numbers. In eight games, 17 points allowed?? That’s it.
Besides having a stellar and stout defense, you know what else this says?? Guthrie takes care of the football. There’s no turnovers that put the defense in a tough spot; that’s something that can’t be overlooked. For the most part, the same could be said about the Titans but that’s for Part III.
Carl Albert Offense
Any talk about the Carl Albert offense has to begin with David Oku. He’s been dinged up this season, having played in only six games. But when he’s healthy, he’s deadly. Oku is averaging nearly nine yards per carry, has rushed for 983 yards and has found the end zone 12 times.
But Oku is not the lone running stud for the Titans. The trio of Robert Kizer, Joe Stoner and J.T. Realmuto have netted nearly 1,000 yards and have found paydirt 15 times. The Titans are averaging 280 rushing yards per contest.
When Kizer’s not running, he’s throwing the pigskin. What was phenomenal about both teams is the lack of interceptions. Kizer has not thrown one but has seven touchdowns. His “backup” Realmuto has one pick and three scores. C.A. only averages 88 yards through the air, but it’s not the fault of the QBs.
With only 41 completions, it’s tough to find a No. 1 receiver. But Jorel Jasper has definitely emerged with 16 catches and five touchdowns. Joe Stoner and Morgan Christy are close as a No. 2 option while Tre’Vante Porter is close behind.
Guthrie Defense
What’s more gaudy, the just over two points per game or the unreal 68 yards per game the Bluejays are giving up?? Guthrie allows 25 yards on the ground and 43 through the air. Where’s the weakness??
Jack Dumas is anchoring the defense with 88 tackles and two sacks. Justin Chappell is next with 60 takedowns while Korey Burgess is on his tail with 55 tackles.
Josh King is proving to be a dual threat with 52 tackles but also a team-leading five interceptions.
James Day leads the team with four sacks while Israel Escoe trails King by one interception and is second with four.
