2022 Oklahoma Sooners Football – Page 4

Oklahoma Sooners defense backslides in loss to Texas Tech

It was a performance similar to those Big 12 losses earlier in the season as the Oklahoma Sooners fail to get enough stops against Texas Tech. From @john9williams

In three of their last four games, the Oklahoma Sooners looked to be making progress on the defensive side of the football. The Baylor game was the last performance where the Oklahoma defense really struggled.

Like the offense did a week ago, the defense played great for a quarter. But Oklahoma’s defense couldn’t sustain that dominance, and Texas Tech scored 51 points over the final three quarters and the first overtime to send the Sooners back to Norman with a loss.

After a strong performance a week ago against Oklahoma State, where they came up with key stops and turnovers to prevent the Cowboys from forging a comeback, Oklahoma’s defense couldn’t find the key plays to get off the field consistently in this game.

The defense allowed 599 total yards of offense. Tyler Shough torched Oklahoma all night, throwing for a career-high 436 yards and two touchdowns. His previous career high of 399 passing yards came in 2021 against Florida International.

The Sooners were just mentioned in the same light as Florida International.

They held the Texas Tech running game to 3.6 yards per carry, but the Red Raiders were good enough to sustain drives and take pressure off of Shough. According to Pro Football Focus, the Sooners’ defense only had Shough under pressure on 18 of his 55 dropbacks in the game.

A week after registering six sacks against the Cowboys, the Sooners were only able to sack Shough one time in the loss. Texas Tech was allowing more than three sacks per game coming into the contest. Oklahoma’s pass rush wasn’t good, and the coverage wasn’t much better.

Shough was able to complete 61% of his passes beyond 10 yards or more for 273 yards and 2 touchdowns. On throws of 20 yards or more, he was 3 of 6 for 102 yards and a touchdown.

The difference this week vs. last week, Oklahoma couldn’t get off the field on third or fourth down consistently enough. Texas Tech was 9 of 19 for a 47% conversion rate. Against Oklahoma State, the Sooners held the Cowboys to 7 of 24 on money downs. A conversion rate of just 29.1%. That’s a vast difference.

The defense wasted a strong offensive performance from Dillon Gabriel, Marvin Mims, Eric Gray, Theo Wease, and Brayden Willis. That side of the ball wasn’t perfect and the coaching staff left some points on the board, but Oklahoma should be able to win a game in which their offense scores 48 points.

It’s not good enough. Brent Venables and the defense have a lot of soul-searching to do in the wake of the loss.

Here’s a look at some of the best photos from Oklahoma’s loss to Texas Tech.

5 takeaways from the Oklahoma Sooners 51-48 loss to Texas Tech

5 takeaways from Oklahoma’s 51-48 overtime loss to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. From @thatmanbryant

Oklahoma’s regular season came to a fitting end. A 51-48 loss that perfectly encapsulates what the team has been all season. They started fast, and then adversity hit, and they struggled to weather the storm. The Sooners found some momentum in the second half, but ultimately couldn’t get enough stops to win the game. With the loss, Oklahoma falls to 6-6 for the year.

The game itself was a classic Big 12 affair featuring oodles of offensive fireworks, while defenders were run ragged. In the end, poor defense, Oklahoma’s inability to convert in overtime, and a Zach Schmit FG miss doomed the Sooners.

There were great moments and big plays to be enamored with, but ultimately it was for naught. Here are five takeaways from the Oklahoma Sooners loss to Texas Tech.

Anton Harrison taken in the first round of the Draft Wire’s latest mock draft

Oklahoma left tackle Anton Harrison was taken at the end of the first round in the Draft Wire’s latest 2023 mock draft. From @thatmanbryant

On the final weekend of the regular season, several NFL draft hopefuls are hoping to make a statement. It’s been a fascinating season, and on the heels of Thanksgiving, there are many players college teams can be thankful for.

For Oklahoma, Anton Harrison’s contributions to the Sooners’ offensive success have been immeasurable. He has been a steady and dominant force at left tackle, no matter who lined up under center for Oklahoma.

While OU’s season won’t see them compete for any championships, the Sooners still have a bowl game to win after they finish their regular season on the road against Texas Tech. Anton Harrison’s availability may be in question for the bowl game should he decide to declare for the NFL Draft.

Harrison’s play this year has helped solidify himself as one of the nation’s best offensive linemen and very much deserving of NFL draft consideration.

The conundrum for Harrison is if leaving school would be worth it instead of returning for one more year to further solidify himself as a first-round draft choice. Our friends at Draft Wire shared their post-Thanksgiving mock draft and have Anton Harrison headed to Kansas City to join another Sooners offensive lineman.

Former Sooner Creed Humphrey is the center for the vaunted Chiefs offense. A selection of Harrison could signal the end of another Sooners’ time in Kansas City. Orlando Brown Jr., is playing on the final year of his contract and has yet to agree to an extension with the Chiefs. So picking Harrison would allow him to slide in at the tackle spot vacated by Brown.

Harrison’s improvement as a run blocker has been the biggest development in his game on top of his improved strength, thanks in no small part to Sooners’ director of strength and conditioning, Jerry Schmidt.

There remains the chance Harrison could return if the early feedback he gets doesn’t align with what he may want. According to Pro Football Network, Oklahoma has already made a NIL offer to keep Harrison for one more year. The talented offensive lineman has some big decisions to make in the coming weeks.

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Oklahoma Sooners at Texas Tech Red Raiders: Sooners Wire staff predictions

The Oklahoma Sooners look to finish Brent Venables’ first conference season on a high note as they travel to face the Red Raiders. Sooners Wire Staff predictions.

The Oklahoma Sooners (6-5 and 3-5) will go on the road to take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-5, 4-4) in primetime.

Coming off of their best defensive performance of the season, this week looks like another challenge for [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] and Ted Roof’s defense. The Red Raiders can put up some points and have thrown for a lot of yards in 2022.

[autotag]Spencer Sanders[/autotag] threw for 381 yards a week ago, but the Oklahoma defense came through in clutch situations to force turnovers and make stops to force the Cowboys into kicking situations.

Going on the road against Joey McGuire’s Red Raiders hasn’t been easy for anyone in 2022. Texas Tech is 5-1 in the friendly confines of Jones AT&T Stadium this season. On the road, they’re just 1-4. The Sooners are 2-2 in true road games but lost their most recent outing in Morgantown to West Virginia.

Lubbock isn’t an easy place to play, and Oklahoma will have to overcome a raucous crowd Saturday night.

Up Next: Sooners Wire Staff Predictions

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A look back at Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech through the years in fantastic photos

Taking a look back at the Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders over the years through fantastic photos.

Oklahoma and Texas Tech played one of the greatest games of all time when [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag] and Patrick Mahomes went touchdown-for-touchdown in a 66-59 classic that set records in nearly every offensive category.

After Texas Tech punted to start the second half of a 30-24 game in favor of the Sooners, Mayfield and Mahomes went to work.

Over the next 10 possessions, the two sides alternated touchdown drives until Oklahoma was able to kneel on the ball to close out the game.

The Sooners and the Red Raiders combined for 1,708 total yards and 125 points. Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes combined for 1,279 passing yards, and 12 touchdowns. Mahomes threw 88 passes that day and racked up over 800 total yards and seven total touchdowns.

Not to be lost in the incredible quarterback performance, [autotag]Joe Mixon[/autotag] had a career day as well, rushing for 263 yards and three touchdowns and added 114 receiving yards and a pair of scores.

Last year’s affair wasn’t nearly as exciting as the Oklahoma Sooners jumped out to 28-7 halftime lead and cruised to victory to improve to 9-0 on the season. [autotag]Caleb Williams[/autotag] had a great day, throwing for 402 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Sooners.

After struggling to find impressive wins throughout the season, the win over Tech marked their third straight win by 10 or more points and second win in three games by at least 21 points. However, that day in Norman provided the last glimpse of offensive explosion for the remainder of the regular season. The Sooners floundered the following week in their loss to Baylor, struggled against Iowa State, and after a strong first-half performance against Oklahoma State, disappeared offensively in the second half of their Bedlam loss.

Before we get to Saturday, let’s take a look back at Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech through the years with some of the best still images from the matchup.

By the Numbers: Oklahoma travels to Lubbock to face Texas Tech

Who holds the statistical edge in Oklahoma’s primetime matchup with the Texas Tech Red Raiders? From @john9williams

The Oklahoma Sooners’ defense has been trending in a positive direction for about a month now. Though their performance against Baylor wasn’t all that impressive, the Bears’ offense was aided by three interceptions and several short fields on their way to 38 points and the win.

On defense, Oklahoma played well against Iowa State, West Virginia, and Oklahoma State, and the Sooners will need them to play well again on Saturday night if they want to come out of Lubbock with a win.

The Sooners hold a 23-6 edge in the historical matchup and have won 10 in a row dating back to 2012.

Unlike previous years, this Texas Tech team has had a revolving door at quarterback with Donovan Smith, Behren Morton, and Tyler Shough each getting starts. Shough has recently stepped in to start at quarterback with an injury. Shough was named the starter in the preseason, but injuries led to Smith taking over before Joey McGuire inserted Morton into the lineup.

Back healthy, the Red Raiders have gone back to Shough, who’s expected to start for Tech this Saturday night in Norman.

Oklahoma’s had more stability at the quarterback position, but over the last month, [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] has struggled to find consistency. Over the last four games, Gabriel’s completing just 57.8% of his passes for 214.5 passing yards per game, and has thrown five touchdowns and four interceptions. He’s also rushed for 37 yards per game and two touchdowns during that stretch, but he’ll have to find more efficiency throwing the football than he has in the last month.

The Sooners need their starting quarterback to rebound from the final three quarters against Oklahoma State, where he was just 6 of 22.

On paper, this looks like a fairly even matchup, but let’s take a look at the two sides in our weekly “By the Numbers” preview.

Oklahoma Sooners at Texas Tech Red Raiders: Stream, injury report, broadcast info

Trying to figure out where to find the game on Saturday? Here’s how to watch, stream or listen to Oklahoma at Texas Tech. From @john9williams

Oklahoma (6-5, 3-5 Big 12) will face Texas Tech (6-5, 4-4) on Saturday night in Lubbock, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

Heading into last weekend, both the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Tech were still in search of the win to get them to bowl eligibility. For both teams, it’s been a roller coaster of a season with their first-year head coaches, though Oklahoma’s struggles have been more the surprise.

Joey McGuire has Texas Tech bowl eligible for the second-straight season. It’s the first time since 2012-2013 that the Red Raiders have gone to a bowl game in back-to-back seasons.

The big storyline facing the Red Raiders is the loss of Tyree Wilson for the season. Their star edge rusher was in the midst of a fantastic year with 61 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Texas Tech’s defense has had some issues in 2022, losing their best player creates a hole along the defensive front, particularly in the pass rush.

The Sooners are dealing with their own injury issues, as Andrew Raym will miss the remainder of the year after having surgery. Robert Congel has filled in admirably in his absence, but the interior offensive line will be something to watch.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

Date: Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022
Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
TV Channel: FS1
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)
Listen: Streaming on the Varsity App

Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Elbow)

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Shoulder)

[autotag]Andrew Raym[/autotag], S: Out (Leg)

Daniel Parker Jr., TE: Out Indefinitely (Suspension)

Texas Tech

[autotag]Behren Morton[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Ankle)

[autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag], LB: Out Indefinitely (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Bryce Ramirez[/autotag], LB: Out Indefinitely (Leg)

[autotag]Bryce Robinson[/autotag], LB: Out Indefinitely (Leg)

[autotag]Cole Spencer[/autotag], OL: Out for Season (Knee)

[autotag]Mason Tharp[/autotag], TE: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Tyree Wilson[/autotag], LB: Out for Season (Foot)

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Players to watch:

Oklahoma

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], QB: 62% for 2,476 yards, 18 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. 39 carries, 336 yards, and 5 touchdowns.*

[autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag] WR: 47 receptions for 844 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Brayden Willis[/autotag], TE: 28 receptions for 382 yards and 5 touchdowns.

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: 165 carries for 1,113 yards, 10 touchdowns at 6.7 yards per carry. 28 receptions for 189 yards and 0 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], WR: 29 receptions for 287 yards and 3 touchdowns. 12 carries for 113 yards, 0 touchdowns at 9.4 yards per carry. 12 kickoff returns for 275 yards at 22.9 yards per return.

[autotag]Drake Stoops[/autotag], WR: 31 receptions for 311 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], LB: 100 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 4 passes defended.

[autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], LB: 8933 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[autotag]DaShaun White[/autotag], LB: 76 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended.

[autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag], DE: 33 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 passes defended.

[autotag]Jalen Redmond[/autotag], DT: 20 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 passes defended.

Texas Tech

[autotag]Tyler Shough[/autotag], QB: 58% for 632 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions. 18 carries, 152 yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns.*

[autotag]Myles Price[/autotag], WR: 42 receptions for 424 yards and 2 touchdowns.

[autotag]Xavier White[/autotag], WR: 41 receptions for 557 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jerand Bradley[/autotag], WR: 35 receptions for 483 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Tahj Brooks[/autotag], RB: 121575 carries for 575 yards, 7 touchdowns at 4.8 yards per carry.

[autotag]Sa’Roderick Thompson[/autotag], RB: 111 carries for 584 yards, 4 touchdowns at 5.3 yards per carry.

[autotag]Krishon Merriweather[/autotag], LB: 96 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[autotag]Kosi Eldridge[/autotag], LB: 68 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception.

Marquis Waters, S: 48 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 1 sack.

*Quarterback rushing numbers compiled from Pro Football Focus that doesn’t take away sack yardage from QB rushing totals.

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.

Where are the Oklahoma Sooners in ESPN’s SP+ rating after Bedlam win?

After a big win in Bedlam, how do the Oklahoma Sooners stack up against the rest of the Big 12 in ESPN’s SP+? From @john9williams

It’s amazing how a win over a rival can help change the outlook of a football program. The Oklahoma Sooners remain a work in progress as Brent Venables and his staff hope to finish the season strong as they continue to build for the future.

However, getting a win over Oklahoma State and doing so with a strong defensive effort provided a glimpse of what Oklahoma football could look like under Brent Venables.

Sure, Oklahoma State racked up a ton of yards offensively, but the Sooners’ defense came through in clutch situations to get off the field and hold the Cowboys to just 13 points.

They recorded six sacks, four interceptions, and 13 tackles for loss and forced the Cowboys to throw the ball 67 times. Oklahoma looks to be a team on the upward swing according to Bill Connelly’s SP+ rating over at ESPN. A rating that Connelly calls “a measure of the most sustainable and predictable aspects of football. If you’re lucky or unimpressive in a win, your rating will probably fall. If you’re strong and unlucky in a loss, it will probably rise.”

Here’s a look at how the Big 12 stacks up after week 12 and how each team ranks nationally in all three phases according to Bill Connelly’s ESPN+ rating.

C.J. Coldon’s emergence a revelation for Oklahoma Sooners’ defense

In a rotational role in the early part of the season, C.J. Coldon has emerged as a starter for the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense. From @john9williams

Some players have a knack for attacking the football. It’s something that can be trained and developed. However, players like [autotag]C.J. Coldon[/autotag] appears naturally adept at playing the ball when it’s in the air.

Coldon, a summer transfer from Wyoming, has emerged of late to start for the Oklahoma Sooners in the secondary. After playing a rotational role in his first six appearances, he’s seen his snap count rise dramatically over the last three weeks. Starting with the Baylor game, he’s played 66, 86, and 101 snaps. He’s started the previous two games for the Sooners and played 101 of 102 snaps in the win over Bedlam.

He leads the team in interceptions with three (a fourth one was called back against West Virginia) and had a strong performance in the Sooners’ win over Oklahoma State. Coldon was targeted 16 times by Spencer Sanders, but allowed just seven receptions, according to Pro Football Focus. While he allowed 98 receiving yards in the game, 47 came on one play, a catch and run by Braydon Johnson. On the other 15 targets, Coldon allowed just 3.4 yards per target.

In Bedlam, Coldon was flying around the football. In addition to his interception, Coldon had two more pass breakups, one of which was nearly another pick.

He was an important addition, and though eligibility requirements held up his arrival to Oklahoma, his presence provided some much-needed depth to Oklahoma’s secondary.

“And he never asked for anything,” [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] said when asked how the Sooners determined he’d be a good fit. “He didn’t want me to explain to him how quickly he could become the starter, things like that. So, just he was thankful to have an opportunity to come. And everybody that I had spoken to spoke very highly of him from the standpoint of work ethic and competitiveness, great teammate, things of that nature.”

Coldon is tied for fourth in the Big 12 in passer rating allowed at 53.9 and is tied for second in the conference in interceptions. He ranks 11th in coverage grade according to Pro Football Focus.

Heading to Lubbock against a Texas Tech Red Raiders team that averages nearly 300 passing yards per game, Coldon will be relied upon again for a heavy snap count and to be a playmaker on the outside.

When he’s played, C.J. Coldon has found a way to be around the football. As he continues to get comfortable in his starting role, there may be more highlights like this one in Oklahoma’s future.

𝗝𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗠𝗔𝗡. CJ Coldon with 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 😮‍💨#OUDNA | 📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/LgRpy3nS36

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) October 15, 2022

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