BCS National Championship: C-average tells the tale of OU loss to Florida
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Published: January 9, 2009
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Short-yardage offense
D
The
Sooners were 2-of-4 on third downs in which they needed two yards or less. Both failures came in
Florida territory. That's a poor performance for a team with OU's line and offensive options.
OU's Sam Bradford reacts after throwing an interception during the second half of the BCS National Championship Thursday. Photo by Bryan Terry
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Officiating
C
The
Atlantic Coast Conference crew seemed to struggle all game, calling timeouts when none was warranted and not noticing a runaway game clock. The biggest puzzle came on Florida's first touchdown, when
Louis Murphy stretched the ball and lost it as he landed. Officials ruled touchdown, and it proved to be the right call. But wasn't the play worth reviewing?
Sam Bradford
C
Both of Bradford's interceptions at least touched the hands of his intended receivers, and his numbers weren't awful — 26 of 41 for 256 yards. But Bradford didn't deliver when it was most needed; the Sooners were two of six on third-down conversions in the second half.
Brent Venables
B
The Sooner defense came ready to play, and despite a fourth-quarter letdown, Venables' crew gave OU a chance to win. OU used wrinkles like an odd-man front and a zone blitz to keep the Gators off balance. Florida had 11 possessions; it scored three touchdowns and kicked one field goal.
Special teams
B
You figured the kicking game might be OU's downfall. Not so. Other than a blocked field goal which might never should have been tried (a 49-yarder), the Sooner special teams were solid.
Pass protection
B
Bradford was sacked twice and flushed from the pocket at times, but OU was playing Florida, so some of that was to be expected.
Open-field tackling
D
Florida had two primary modes of offense.
Tim Tebow scrambles and getting its jet-like scatbacks in space.
Percy Harvin in particular turned the Sooners in circles on plays of 52, 46 and 19 yards.
BY BERRY TRAMEL
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