Running Backs/H-Backs: B-
It’s really hard to grade these guys because the offensive line play in front of them hasn’t been as good as it needs to be. Riley can’t afford to keep trying to run the ball when the front seven of the opposing defense is living in the backfield.
However, Eric Gray made a huge play on 4th down on the first drive of the game that went for 38 yards where he showed his agility and got the Sooners in position to score.
Kennedy Brooks finished with five carries for 17 yards. The Sooners need both backs to have an impact on the game. They’ve had some good moments this year despite the offensive line play.
Unfortunately, they were unable to make something out of nothing on Saturday against a talented West Virginia front. On a more positive note, there hasn’t been. a fumble by either Kennedy Brooks or Eric Gray. And that is very worthy of praise.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: B
The receivers on this team haven’t been spectacular but they’ve been reliable and steady. The Sooners finished another game with another name atop the box score to lead the team in receiving.
This week it was Michael Woods, who made some excellent contested catches and made plays after the catch for the Sooners all night. Austin Stogner got the Sooners going with a touchdown catch in the first quarter on a nice 5-yard dart from Rattler. Mario Williams continues to make plays. Brayden Willis continues to make plays in limited opportunities and has graded out as the top tight end in the Power Five according to Pro Football Focus through the first four weeks of the season.
These two units as a whole have played pretty well despite the lack of explosive plays. We’re still waiting on those but they’ve become reliable with a new face stepping up weekly. That bodes well if the entire offense can stabilize itself and the QB play returns to the standard that OU has become known for.