Oklahoma football: ABC crew impressed with Landry Jones' bounce-back performance

Spielman, a former NFL and Ohio State linebacker, was particularly impressed with how Sooner quarterback Landry Jones bounced back from a disappointing performance in a 24-19 loss to Kansas State.

Commenting on Jones' 38-yard pass to Damien Williams down the right sideline in the third quarter, he said, “What a difference two weeks makes. When he struggled against Kansas State, he got out of the pocket and he panicked. This time he stayed patient, stepped up into the pocket and made a nice throw to Williams.”

The broadcast spent a lot of time discussing the Sooners' defense, including running a long quote from former OU coach Barry Switzer noting that the Sooners lacked their usual standouts, such as Tommie Harris or Gerald McCoy, on defense.

Although Spielman agreed there probably are few NFL players on the OU defense, he noted how well the unit played against the Red Raiders.

“I'm really impressed with the defense. They do have talent. We don't know if it's NFL talent. They took to the field what they were coached to do during the week. As far as execution, they got their hands up and tipped balls and they stopped the screen.”

Viewers couldn't tell the OU defense played well from the numerous sideline shots of an angry OU defensive coordinator Mike Stoops.

“If he's not yelling, he's not happy,” Spielman said, “the same for Bob (Stoops).”

Spielman said Mike Stoops told them the Red Raiders had the best screen pass they would face all year.