Enough is enough. How much longer is the Sooner team going to be defined by poor defensive secondary play?
And this year we can’t blame it on Zack Sanchez.
This is all on Mike Stoops.
Even on the spectacular second quarter 21-yard TD catch by Ohio State’s Noah Brown, which was in fact well covered by wide receiver-converted-to-defensive back Miciah Quick, the Sooners had seven defenders in coverage of only three Buckeye receivers. With Quick alone against Brown, that meant six defenders were covering the two receivers J.T. Barrett did NOT throw to.
That TD with 4 seconds left in the second quarter gave Ohio State a 35-17 halftime lead. Game over.
Brown caught five passes for the Buckeyes. Four were for touchdowns.
“(We’re) not coached well enough and not athletic enough or skilled enough to put ourselves in position (to defend on pass plays),” Coach Bob Stoops said.
Yes, you can blame some of the problems with OU’s defense on diminished talent. Or that cornerbacks are undersized. But in the end (borrowing a Bob Stoops phrase) it is on the coaches to make sure the defense is in the right place. And in Saturday’s loss to Ohio State they were not.
Just think about this not-so-trivia: The 35 first half points scored by Ohio State (28 scored against the OU defense) was the most surrendered by Oklahoma in a first half. Ever.
Just think about this not-so-trivia: The 35 first half points scored by Ohio State (28 scored against the OU defense) was the most surrendered by Oklahoma in a first half. Ever.
Rarely did the Oklahoma defensive line get pressure on Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett. This has been a defensive front that showed promise, even in the Houston loss. But on Saturday the Sooners rushed four, sometimes only three, against a very powerful and talented Ohio State offensive line. Again, that’s a coaching decision.
I will admit I was calling for Brent Venables’ head. That was then. Now I’m calling for Mike Stoops’.
It’s just not working.
Oklahoma gave up 443 yards.
The leading tackler for the Sooners was Quick (8 tackles). When a cornerback is your leading tackler, it’s not a good thing.
Just think about this not-so-trivia: The 35 first half points scored by Ohio State (28 scored against the OU defense) was the most surrendered by Oklahoma in a first half. Ever.
Then you tell me why Mike Stoops should be Oklahoma defensive coordinator.
Frankly, the Oklahoma offense played decent against Ohio State. But, it was evident by halftime they would not be able to score enough points because the defense was in utter shambles.
All this happened against a quarterback in Barrett who was a quick runner, but frankly not an impressive passer.
Imagine what will happy when pass-happy Big 12 opponents come to town.
— Charles
Follow
