2. Find a Rushing Attack
Part of being more successful on first down is being more efficient in the running game. Oklahoma ran for only 75 yards against Houston and averaged 2.6 yards per carry. That’s not going to cut it.
Some of the inefficiency is due to the offensive line injuries the team has suffered. That’s made it difficult for the unit to find much chemistry and cohesion up front. Playing offensive line, especially in the run game, requires a feel for what the guy next to you is doing.
Jovantae Barnes showed the best ability to create yardage, but even he had some vision problems. But the Sooners need to continue to ride the junior running back out of Nevada as they work to get their offensive line together. Barnes runs with burst and power and was able to carve out 40 yards on 12 carries on a night when the Sooners’ ground game couldn’t accomplish much else.
Tulane allowed Kansas State to run for over 200 yards last week at 6.5 yards per carry. So, if the Sooners are going to get the ground game, this could be a day to get right vs. Tulane.
3. Get the Tight Ends Involved
In each of the first two games of the season, the Sooners tight ends have made plays in the passing game. First, it was Bauer Sharp in the win over Temple. Then last week, Jake Roberts put his stamp on the Sooners win with a touchdown reception and a key first down catch and run late in the game to help Oklahoma take more time off the clock.
Neither guy will remind you of Mark Andrews or Keith Jackson, but they can provide size and consistency in the passing game. Without Nic Anderson, Oklahoma’s been playing sub-5-10 wide receivers in the passing game. Oklahoma needs some size in the passing game to give Jackson Arnold some easy completions in the short and intermediate passing game.
There’s a chance Anderson plays this week, but if he’s unable to go, Oklahoma can run more two tight end sets. Roberts and Sharp have more experience at the collegiate level than some of their younger wide receivers. That experience can help Arnold and the Sooners’ passing game.
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