Quarterbacks: A
The field general for the Sooners had to come out and ball regardless of the level of competition. Last week, he looked indecisive, didn’t set his feet and missed easy throws, and made some very questionable throws into coverage, and some were even picked off. Spencer Rattler answered the bell in this game, throwing 20-of-26 for 243 yards and five passing touchdowns. That was just the first half, and that ended up being the end of his day as OU went up 45-0 into the half. Rattler showed a better understanding of the pocket around him, bailing out when necessary to throw or tuck the ball and run. He set his feet regularly, leading to much better accuracy.
His backup, true freshman Caleb Williams would only go 5-of-10 for 84 yards and added 60 yards on the ground, but he showed a glimpse of the future when Rattler eventually leaves for a future in the NFL. Walk on third-string QB Ralph Rucker would come in and manage the game after Williams. No turnovers, which is all that matters most at that point.
Running Backs: A+
As mentioned in the report card from Tulane week, the running backs hardly gave the world anything to really be excited about. Sure, we know what they are capable of, but we didn’t get to see it on display last week as a collective. That wasn’t the case as Eric Gray, Kennedy Brooks, Todd Hudson, and Jaden Knowles brought it for four quarters. Gray, who was tabbed as one of the Sooners Wire’s players to watch offensively, played excellently. 9 carries for 74 yards and one catch for 20 yards that went for a touchdown was his day. He sat the entire second half but showed what he needed to show. Brooks complimented him well with his smooth and effortless-looking running style.
The second half would see the walk-ons in Knowles and Hudson hold down the fort mostly, and they delivered with Knowles scoring twice. Running backs coach DeMarco Murray can tip his cap to all of his running backs for being prepared and ready to go.