The Oklahoma Sooners put together an effective run-first, run-second, run-third offense on Saturday night in their win over the Alabama Crimson Tide. Jackson Arnold and Xavier Robinson both ran for over 100 yards behind an offensive line that dominated the Alabama defensive front.
The Sooners ran for 257 yards on 50 attempts, good for 5.1 yards per carry. Due to their fantastic outing up front, Febechi Nwaiwu earned SEC Offensive lineman of the Week. Nwaiwu has been the one constant along the offensive line all season, starting every game while injuries kept a revolving door everywhere else on the line.
However, over the last few weeks, there’s been a bit more stability with Logan Howland at left tackle, Heath Ozaeta at left guard, Troy Everett at center and Spencer Brown at right tackle. It’s not surprising that as Oklahoma has settled into this combination up front, the production from the offensive one has been better. Continuity matters along the offensive line.
In addition to the offensive line improving along with more continuity, Xavier Robinson’s rise to lead the running back room has helped the run game a lot as well. And against the Crimson Tide, Robinson had a breakout performance, running for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. He also had four receptions for 20 yards in the win, showing off his ability to be a bell cowback for the Oklahoma Sooners. Robinson earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors for his performance against Alabama.
Since the Maine game, Robinson’s carried the ball 33 times for 192 yards and three touchdowns. He also has six receptions for 73 yards. He’s averaging 5.8 yards per carry and 6.79 yards per touch this season.
Ahead of their regular season finale against the LSU Tigers, the Oklahoma Sooners will need their offensive line and Xavier Robinson to put together another strong performance down in the Bayou.
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