Tulsa World: OU Notebook

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OU Notebook

By JOHN E. HOOVER, World sports writer
Published: 10/30/2008 2:06 AM
Last Modified: 10/30/2008 3:33 AM

Defensive numbers: Much has been made of OU's fast-paced offense giving Kansas State 18 possessions last week. That's a high number, but not too far out of the norm from last season, when North Texas also had 18 possessions.

Through eight games this season, opponents have had 117 offensive possessions, or 14.6 per game. Through eight games last season, opponents had 114, or 14.3 per game.

But defensive efficiency has dropped off. OU's opponents have run 565 plays so far this season, compared to 541 in 2007. That's only three additional plays per game. But teams have averaged 4.9 yards per play, while last year's number was 4.4. That adds up to an additional 47 yards per game (up to 345.0 from 298.0).

Of OU's 53 offensive touchdowns this season, 26 took less than two minutes off the clock, and only four needed more than four minutes. That makes for a lot of possessions for both teams.

"I understand we're scoring in a minute-and-a-half or two minutes," said coach Bob Stoops. "But there are still some things we can do better (defensively)."

Kickoff killers: The biggest difference in this year's OU team and last year's: kickoff coverage. Through eight games this season, opponents have brought back 54 kickoffs for 1,356 yards, an average of 25.1. Last year's numbers at this time: 46 returns, 981 yards, 21.3 per runback. That's an average of one additional return per game for 47 more yards, or nearly 4 more yards of starting field position after every kickoff. Coupled with the defensive swoon, that's 94 yards per game the other team didn't have last season.

Down time: Sam Bradford at Kansas State posted his career-low completion percentage, .406 (13-of-32). Wilson pointed out that, in addition to four dropped passes and three other catches that weren't made, Bradford had one ball batted at the line, one got deflected after he was pressured and shoveled a pass to DeMarco Murray and one was a long Hail Mary at the end of the half. Bradford wasn't impressed.

"Probably the second half stuck with me afterwards," said Bradford, who had been completing over 70 percent of his passes most of the season. "I think everyone in the locker room was a little disappointed with the way we performed in the second half."

Food drive: The eighth annual 14 Foundation Holiday Food Drive collection takes place prior to Saturday's 7 p.m. OU-Nebraska game at Owen Field. Volunteers will be stationed outside the stadium gates to accept cash donations only.

The event was founded by Josh Heupel's 14 Foundation and has added partnerships with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

This year, the drive is expected to provide 3,000 meals to 750 families in seven communities across Oklahoma. By JOHN E. HOOVER, World sports writer

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