Sooners win the trenches

BY Berry Tramel
Published: November 23, 2008

The game was billed as a high-tech showdown of 21st-century offenses. But OU's 65-21 rout of Texas Tech was won mostly in the trenches.

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The Sooners rushed for 299 yards, including 226 yards in the first half and a wishbone-like 149 yards in the second quarter alone.

Meanwhile, OU's defensive interior pressured Tech quarterback Graham Harrell all night. The game's pivotal sequence came late in the first quarter, with Tech trailing 7-0 but on OU's 36-yard line. Back-to-back sacks by Sooner tackles Adrian Taylor and Gerald McCoy prompted a Tech punt, and the Sooners scored five second-quarter touchdowns.

Bob Stoops mentioned his front four — Taylor, McCoy and ends Jeremy Beal and Frank Alexander — and said, “Great job, just harassing, pressuring, making him throw the ball before he was ready to.”


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Every year or two, the Sooners put a game up that, in essence, be a highlight reel. This game last night was just that. Across the board, the Sooners dominated. All it takes are the naysayers or "so-called "experts" in the media to light that fire under the OU team. Look at those results; so good to see that desire. A game like this feeds the beast, though, and as a Sooner fan, I get spoiled & expect that intensity in every game. Here's hoping that the Sooners do not become complacent and have a flat game vs Oklahoma State. It certainly isn't the time to read too much into the stories coming out of Norman this week. The Cowboys are too good to overlook... Boomer Sooner
Philip, West Windsor - Nov 23, 2008 at 11:21 am
I think hes just a fabulous coach, I think he is young and is still learning. Who says a coach can't learn and improve? Look at what he had to work with this year. Injuries to the D-line, two freshman linebackers, and the other linebacker converted from safety playing his first year. Two new cornerbacks with virtually no in game experience before this season. And still here they are in the hunt for pretty much everything. Ive said all along that one of the main reasons people are piling up yards is the offense scores fast and scores often. The other team gets more opportunities. When that happens certain stats become skewed. One stat that does not is efficiency statistics which OU has been one of the best in the country in pass efficiency and turnover margin. OU has forced many turnovers this season that do what? Set up more scores so the other team can get the ball back.
Jim, Stillwater - Nov 23, 2008 at 11:10 am
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I really enjoyed watching the defense last night. Best they have played in a few years in my opinion. It is almost like Venables was coaching hard and building his case for a head job at a Tennessee or Clemson. With that performance he is for sure a top contender. Way to go Coach Stoops and Venables!!!
Laramie, Oklahoma City - Nov 23, 2008 at 9:56 am
Best I've seen them play since smacking booger around last December.
Bob, Edmond - Nov 23, 2008 at 8:44 am
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Now THAT was OU defense!
Jim, Agoura Hills, CA - Nov 23, 2008 at 1:16 am
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