The Oklahoma Sooners defense has been the strength of the team in 2024. They’re one of the best run defenses in the nation. But if there’s been a weakness it’s been in coverage.
It hasn’t been bad. The Sooners rank No. 67 in the nation in passing yards allowed per game. At the same time, they’ve been in situations against Tennessee, Texas, and South Carolina where their opponent didn’t feel the need to throw a whole lot due to the way the game played out.
The game against Ole Miss revealed some of the struggles the Sooners have had this season. Jaxson Dart, one of the best quarterbacks in the country, threw for over 300 yards. A number of his targets had plenty of space in the pass concept, making Dart’s job a lot easier. And that was without standout wide receiver Tre Harris in the lineup.
This week, as the Sooners get ready for Missouri, they face arguably the best receiver duo they’ve seen all season in future first round pick Luther Burden and former Sooner [autotag]Theo Wease[/autotag].
The two have combined for 77 receptions, 932 yards, and five touchdowns this season. Burden also has 105 yards rushing and two touchdowns this year as the Missouri Tigers look for multiple ways to get him the football.
One critical component to the Tigers passing game may not be available this week as Brady Cook has been battling a couple of injuries and was listed as questionable on the initial injury report.
Still, with a bye week to get Drew Pyne prepared, the Sooners can’t sleep on Missouri’s duo of Burden and Wease. They can create big plays in the passing game, especially if the Sooners suffer lapses in coverage.
For Oklahoma to get a win this week, they’ll need their defense playing sound coverage on the back end to help support their stout run defense.
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