1. Let the kids play
It’s pretty simple: Let the kids play.
Oklahoma has plenty of talent to ensure they win this game. However, this game can be used to continue developing their young players into meaningful depth for this season and the years to come.
Let [autotag]Jayden Gibson[/autotag], [autotag]Jaquaize Pettaway[/autotag], and [autotag]Nic Anderson[/autotag] loose. Let [autotag]Gavin Sawchuk[/autotag] and [autotag]Jovantae Barnes[/autotag] carry the ball 7-10 times. Win the game and be crisp, but integrate the young skill position talent.
2. Dime Time
The QB leading the position coined the phrase “Dime Time.” Dillon Gabriel has a line of merchandise named after the phrase. Jeff Lebby has tweeted about it.
Can the team regain the balance of challenging teams to stop them vertically while still managing the physicality needed for a dominant run game?
Jalil Farooq scored a touchdown against SMU after he took a slant 21 yards for a score. Through two games, Andrel Anthony looks like Gabriel’s favorite receiver.
Oklahoma has four receivers in Anthony, Farooq, Drake Stoops, and Gavin Freeman, who seem to be in the immediate circle of trust for players Lebby and Gabriel look to when it’s time to make a play.
Getting the corps receiving targets and others involved on Saturday could open things up offensively before the talent and intensity ratchet up with Big 12 play starting next week.