Oklahoma football: OU-West Virginia game remains a biggie for both teams

In the Sooners' 42-34 home win over Baylor, the OU defense allowed more points than it has all season.

Baylor had been a pass-first team for much of its season before Saturday, but took advantage of Oklahoma's game plan, which coach Bob Stoops said sought to limit deep passes by sacrificing some in run defense.

“Some of the teams anymore, that spread it out a little more, you have to be more aware of what you're asking guys to do coverage wise,” Stoops said. “People are just too precise and good throwing the football anymore to live the old way.”

Even with that plan, though, Baylor had its downfield opportunities. Bears quarterback Nick Florence completed some long passes, and other times, Baylor wideouts got behind the secondary but either dropped passes or had them overthrown.

Smith has big-play threats Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey at his disposal; each receiver average over 100 yards per game.

“I think you can learn a lot,” OU defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said of the Baylor game. “They exposed weaknesses in our defense. We've got to address them. All the teams we play can do all the things they do.”