Tulsa World: Ask the beat writer

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Ask the beat writer

By Staff Reports
Published: 9/25/2008 2:09 AM
Last Modified: 9/25/2008 3:14 AM

How does DeMarcus Granger's injury affect the Sooners?

Depending on the opponent, it could affect things a lot, or hardly at all.

This week, for example, the Sooners face a TCU offense that thrives on a power running game. Granger, an accomplished run stopper who excels at fighting through double-teams and clogging things in the middle, will be missed.

But next week, Baylor runs a zone read-based version of the spread. QB Robert Griffin slashes off tackle and scrambles around a lot, and Granger isn't usually good at chasing down fast quarterbacks.

The following week, Texas has a balanced offense trying to get more physical in the running game. If the Longhorns still haven't established any power between the tackles by Oct. 11, it's not likely they would in the Cotton Bowl, whether Granger is playing or not (best-case scenario, he

'

s back by the Red River Rivalry).

Other opponents — Kansas, Kansas State, Texas Tech, OSU — either prefer running outside or frequently use four- and five-receiver sets. Against those teams, OU often takes their nose tackle off the field in favor of another safety (called the "dollar" package), then blitzes a linebacker or DB to go with pressure from two ends and a quicker tackle.

Bob Stoops thinks Granger will return. However long he is out, Gerald McCoy, Cory Bennett and Adrian Taylor could get some reps, and unproven Cordero Moore will get spot opportunities.

Got a question for OU beat writer

John E. Hoover? E-mail him at john.hoover@tulsaworld.com or go to tulsaworld.com/sportsextra and click on OU's Ask the Beat

Writer. By Staff Reports

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