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Sooner offense cruising so far

OU quarterback Sam Bradford, ranked second in the nation in pass efficiency, will face a TCU defense that's ranked No. 1 in total defense. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World

 
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 9/22/2008  2:11 AM
Last Modified: 9/22/2008  3:49 AM

 Through four weeks of the college football season, No. 2-ranked Oklahoma leads the Big 12 Conference in seven of 16 statistical categories.

But, following last weekend's open date, OU may be more concerned with the statistical ranking of this week's opponent, TCU. The Horned Frogs lead the nation in total defense and rushing defense.

Against the likes of New Mexico, Stephen F. Austin, Stanford and SMU, the 24th-ranked Frogs (4-0) allowed just 183 total yards per game and just 30.5 yards per game on the ground.

The Sooners (3-0) go into this week ranked fourth nationally in total offense, compiling 556.7 yards per game, including 217.7 on the ground (18th nationally in rushing).

OU coach Bob Stoops said last week the Sooner offense under coordinator Kevin Wilson, operating in a no-huddle mode throughout, "has been very effective. Our guys are working it in a really great way. We have a lot of speed, and guys are stepping up and making plays."

TCU's opponents so far carry disclaimers: their combined record is 5-10; SMU is a passing team that ranks last in Division I-A in rushing; and Stephen F. Austin is a passing team that ranks last in Division I-AA in rushing.

Saturday's game — a 6 p.m., FSN-televised contest at OU's Memorial Stadium — is TCU's first trip to Norman since the Frogs shocked the Sooners 17-10 in the 2005 season opener.

That game became a flashpoint for the Oklahoma program under Stoops. Paul Thompson started ahead of Rhett Bomar at quarterback, but played badly and got benched; he moved to wide receiver but returned to the position a year later when Bomar was kicked off the team; Sam Bradford took over in 2007 after Thompson graduated and has only raised the bar on OU quarterback play.

If things had shaken out differently, Bomar would now be a senior at OU. Instead, Bradford has highlighted another national ranking for Oklahoma. As a freshman last season he ranked first nationally in passer efficiency; so far this season he's ranked No. 2.

"I like what we're doing right now, I'll say that," Stoops said. "Sam could not be a better guy to coach."



John E. Hoover 581-8384
john.hoover@tulsaworld.com
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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4 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Report Comment
realty check, MOORE (9/22/2008 12:45:29 PM)
ill give anyone a u.s dollar for every yard TCU Has allowed so far this year if you would agree to give me.50 cents for every yard this 2008 sooner machine will gain this saturday night...
Report Comment
dhull, Tulsa (9/22/2008 5:48:28 PM)
SOLD! *Handshake*

TCU has allowed 183 yd/game over 4 games so far = 732 yards. You give me $732.

I'll pay you $0.50 for every yard the Sooners put up against TCU on Saturday. They've averaged 556.7 yd/game this year. Assuming statistics play out, I'd pay you $278.35.

In the end: $732 - $278.35 = $453.65 owed to me. Even if the Sooners put up 1000 yards on the Frogs, you'd still owe me over $200!

Don't go backing out of your agreement now...it is in writing!
Report Comment
my2cents, (9/22/2008 8:18:00 PM)
Now THAT is a reality check. Good one, dhull.

Isn't it impressive how the sooners can rack up so many offensive yards on horribly weak opponents? Way to go, sooners! Pat on the back for you!
Report Comment
2curious, Tulsa, OK 74104 (9/22/2008 9:33:09 PM)
2cents:

Be patient. Every team will play some good opponents. TCU is ranked 23rd or 25th depending on your poll of choice. By all accounts, a solid opponent. As of right now...OU's RPI is head and shoulders above okie-state's.

But...eventually, every team will play each other and the results will play out in December. Keep complaining about OU's schedule...see you in a few months....
 

 
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