Oklahoma Football: Why David Ash better be braced for the Sooner blitz

“It gives you some comfort,” Stoops said. “We feel like we've blitzed pretty effectively this year. But you still have to be strategic.”

For instance, Tech combats the blitz with screen passes to receivers. Texas counters with screens to the tailbacks. The Sooners can't sell out without accounting for those plays, which worked particularly well for UT against OSU blitzes two weeks ago.

“It's a cat and mouse game continuously each week to try to develop ways (to blitz) and cover your butt in all areas,” Stoops said. “There's a fine line.”

The OU defensive line has played solid this season but isn't built to assault the quarterback on its own. It has to have help from blitzers.

So here's the line for Saturday. Get to Ash, get a victory.

Berry Tramel: Berry can be reached at (405) 760-8080 or at btramel@opubco.com. He can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including FM-98.1. You can also view his personality page at newsok.com/berrytramel.