Tuesday afternoon, Lincoln Riley sat down with the media to provide his final thoughts on the 76-0 win over WCU and discuss Saturday’s matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
While there is much we still don’t know about the 2021 rendition of the Oklahoma Sooners (for example, how they will play against real competition), Riley did discuss the progression of numerous Sooners through the first two weeks – and how he views their impact moving forward.
On the progression of Perrion Winfrey
After missing some time during preseason camp, the 2020 All-Big 12 selection is returning to form. In response to Sooner Scoops’ Bob Przyblo, Riley believes defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey has “improved significantly from week 1 to week 2.” The senior pressured WCU quarterback Rogan Wells on multiple occasions, earning 1.5 sacks for a Sooners defense that held the Catamounts to 178 total yards.
Winfrey’s production is sure to increase alongside his snap count. As Riley and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch are likely to give their starting defense a longer leash against Nebraska.
Cornhuskers’ quarterback Adrian Martinez was sacked five times by an Illinois team that ranks 120th in the FBS in total defense. That’s a green light for Winfrey and the defensive front to bring the pressure early and often.
On his confidence in Jaden Knowles and Todd Hudson
Due to last-minute ineligibilities and sudden changes of heart, the Sooners entered the 2021 campaign top-heavy in the running back room. Eric Gray and Kennedy Brooks are both capable of being RB1, and each has led the Sooners in rushing through the first two weeks. But the depth behind them has been the primary storyline in OU’s backfield.
Walk-on running backs Jaden Knowles and Todd Hudson carried the ball 13 times against WCU. Knowles rushed just four times but was highly productive with 37 yards and two touchdowns. While Hudson also found the endzone twice in just nine attempts.
The sample size may be small, but both running backs appear to have impressed Lincoln Riley.
#Sooners coach Lincoln RIley on walk-on RBs Jaden Knowles and Todd Hudson and if their performances Saturday gave him more confidence in them: “Yeah. … We’re going to need those guys at some point this year.” (in response to @jasonkersey Q)
— Ryan Aber (@ryaber) September 14, 2021
If Knowles and Hudson can continue to make the most of their opportunities, however, limited they may be, then OU’s running back worries could become a distant memory.