Arkansas State Red Wolves – Page 2

Trio of Sooners we’ll be watching on offense vs. SMU

When Oklahoma takes on SMU, here are three offensive players that we’ll have our eye on come Saturday evening.

Entering the season, much of the news swirling around the program concerned changes the team needed to make on the defensive side of the ball. And while it was very much warranted, the offense needed to show improvement despite losing six starters from last season’s squad.

Saturday against Arkansas State quieted some doubters about their ability to reload, but bigger and better challenges await this unit.

They’ll take a step up in talent when they take on SMU Saturday evening in Norman.

SMU isn’t filled with guys that will be top 150 picks in the 2024 NFL draft, but they are a much more talented defense than the one Oklahoma saw against the Red Wolves.

If the quarterback play is as good as it was in the first game, it won’t matter who lines up across them, but it’s tough to expect your quarterback to complete 80 percent or more of his passes every game.

With that said, there are three players we’ll be watching on offense, and how they play could go a long way in giving Oklahoma a decided advantage come Saturday night.

Up Next: Three Sooners to watch vs. SMU

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Early execution among the three offensive keys to a Sooners win vs. SMU

Offensive keys to the game when the Oklahoma Sooners take on the SMU Mustangs.

Oklahoma enters Saturday’s matchup with SMU on a four-game winning streak against the Dallas-based institution. The last time these two schools played each other was 1995. Things have changed drastically in both programs since, and it’ll be interesting to see how things shake out on the field come Saturday evening in Norman.

Oklahoma’s offense put on a clinic against Arkansas State and will carry it into this game. Here’s the skinny on this game: expecting Oklahoma to put up another 73 points is highly irrational.

That doesn’t mean Oklahoma shouldn’t be able to score in the 40-point range, but from a pure talent perspective, SMU’s defense is better.

The Mustangs are full of veteran players, and that veteran leadership is precisely why they are one of the favorites to win the American Athletic Conference.

They will be unphased, with 15 seniors starting on both sides of the ball. Many have played at more prominent institutions and seen teams of Oklahoma’s size and talent before making their way to Dallas.

For this offense to uphold its end of the bargain, it’ll likely need to do what we highlighted in our three keys for this week.

Up Next: 3 Keys on Offense vs. SMU

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Sooners wide receiver Nic Anderson hoping to build off a strong Week 1

Nic Anderson flashed his big play ability in the Sooners win this past Saturday. Now he hopes to build off of it.

Early in the second quarter, just after the [autotag]Arkansas State Red Wolves[/autotag] missed a field goal, the [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners offense[/autotag] trotted onto the field. Out wide right was [autotag]Nic Anderson[/autotag].

The redshirt freshman is someone fans and the staff have been high on for a while, but now was his chance to make an impact. [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] took the snap on first down and slung it over to Anderson on an out route for 16 yards.

The very next play, Gabriel sat in the pocket before firing a deep ball down the opposing sideline to Anderson for a huge 52-yard gain to set up a first and goal. The Sooners eventually punched it in for a touchdown.

Anderson told reporters it was good to make some plays during a game.

“Honestly, just being out on the field was a blessing,” Anderson said. “Just being out there with my teammates. Gabriel gave me a beautiful ball. I didn’t have to do much. Just being out there with my teammates making plays means everything to me.”

With offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby saying the Sooners want to play 6-7 wide receivers this year, Anderson seems to factor into that equation. If he continues to make plays like he did on Saturday, he definitely will find a role in this offense.

Anderson and 2022 classmate Jayden Gibson bring something unique to the offense with their size. The Sooners just haven’t had that in a while. They’ll both have another chance to build off of their Week 1 performance this Saturday versus the [autotag]SMU Mustangs[/autotag].

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

Three Oklahoma Defenders we’ll have our eye on this weekend against SMU

Oklahoma will have its hand full Saturday against a talented SMU Mustangs squad. These three defenders could make all the difference.

Last week against Arkansas State was as stress-free as Okalhoma will feel throughout the season. Things won’t always feel as easy. That time for breezing through a game 73-0 is behind the Sooners. They welcome a much more talented team to Norman in the form of Rhett Lashlee’s SMU Mustangs.

Brent Venables’ defense passed their first hurdle with no slip-ups and nothing to sweat. The pass rush was not overwhelming, but Oklahoma’s chances to get home were limited because the Red Wolves were in seven and eight-man protections and operating using three-step drops.

SMU won’t do that. They have too many playmakers they want on the field and will take their chances with five or six-man protections. They want to have as many options out in routes as possible. It should provide Oklahoma with a window to attack and try and rattle Preston Stone, SMU’s young but talented quarterback.

The Mustangs’ ground game features two quality running backs, Jaylan Knighton and LJ Johnson. Both can hit the home run play, but Knighton is not as big nor as physical of a runner as Johnson.

How will defensive coordinator Ted Roof combat this talented SMU offense? We’ll find out on Saturday. But we believe three players on defense will need big days for Oklahoma to bottle up this talented SMU offense.

Up Next: 3 players to watch on defense

Reggie Pearson Jr., FS

The transfer from Texas Tech, Reggie Pearson Jr., has started over 30 games and offers valuable experience on the back end of the Oklahoma defense.

Arkansas State could not stress Oklahoma vertically but expect that to change with SMU.

SMU receivers Jordan Hudson and Key’Shawn Smith can move. The Mustangs won’t be afraid to try to test Pearson. Seeing how Pearson responds to being put into more stressful situations from a coverage standpoint could dictate how effective SMU’s offense is.

Danny Stutsman, WLB

The leader of Oklahoma’s defense, Danny Stutsman, will always be a defender to watch. However, this choice isn’t solely about his actual play but more about how well he leads and orchestrates things on defense.

Oklahoma finally gets a bit of a challenge to show the improvements they’ve made as a defense.

Stutsman was in the middle of everything last year. If he wants to elevate himself, he’ll have to lead by example. He’ll also need to make sure his teammates play sound football. His fellow linebackers need to fill gaps, get off blocks, and show an understanding of their roles.

SMU has a pair of running backs that could gash the Sooners if Oklahoma isn’t assignment-sound.

Up Next: A player on the prowl

Justin Harrington, Cheetah

Justin Harrington may have the most challenging matchup of anyone come Saturday.

Mustangs’ tight end R.J. Maryland is a matchup nightmare for most teams. Most teams don’t have the players to match up with Maryland’s 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame.

50/50 balls to him are more 80/20 than anything. Oklahoma has not one but two possible solutions for this at cheetah. But with sophomore transfer Dasan McCullough banged up, Harrington figures to get the assignment come Saturday.

How Harrington uses his length and athleticism to match Maryland will be interesting. If he can nullify SMU’s talented tight end, it will go a long way to slowing down a talented SMU offense.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.

‘It’s a great way to set the tone’: Dillon Gabriel pleased with performance but ready to turn the page

Dillon Gabriel and the Oklahoma Sooners’ offense got off to a great start on Saturday, but OU’s starting quarterback is looking ahead.

The Oklahoma Sooners’ offense was humming as they took on the [autotag]Arkansas State Red Wolves[/autotag] on Saturday. Whether it was the run or the pass, the team did virtually whatever they wanted when they wanted.

Quarterback [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] had one of his best performances in the crimson and cream, going 19 of 22 for 308 yards and two touchdowns with a QBR of 97.1 out of 100. Gabriel was making the right reads throughout and was displayed quick efficient decision making. Other than a couple of deep balls one could argue were underthrown (both drew defensive pass interference calls) it was a flawless day by QB1.

Gabriel told reporters after the game while they played great, it’s time to move on to the next one.

“It feels amazing,” Gabriel said. “It’s a great way to set the tone but we all know it’s business, and you flip the page and get back to work.”

The offense looked more efficient than a season ago. Yes, it was versus Arkansas State but you still have to execute.

“It’s something you work on,” Gabriel said. “Regardless of the opponents or the names on the schedule we have to play against. Just take advantage of every opportunity. And like I said, preparation to work this is how you show it.”

Gabriel and the offense definitely showed it in Week 1. They’ll have another chance to show it next Saturday against the [autotag]SMU Mustangs[/autotag] in Norman.

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Kip Lewis ready to have a big role this season for the Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma had a lot of players defensively put together really good performances, one of those was Kip Lewis.

When you win a game 73-0 there aren’t many things to complain about. Several players on both sides of the ball put together really good performances.

One guy who flashed almost every time he was in the game was redshirt WILL linebacker [autotag]Kip Lewis[/autotag]. Lewis came in early in the game to spell [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag] and his instincts and speed were clear as day.

Lewis spent last year learning the college game and the defense. He told reporters that allowed him to play fast Saturday.

“Just being a year in the system, I feel like I’m starting to pick it up more easily,” Lewis said. “(I’m) being able to recognize formations, plays and being able to trust my instincts.”

Those instincts allowed him to finish second on the team in tackles with three. He was someone you can tell will be getting more and more snaps this season. In the spring game, Lewis made plays all over the field, racking up 11 total tackles.

It’s also not out of the realm of possibility, Lewis could start if they wanted to move Stutsman to the middle linebacker spot. Lewis was just always around the football, which is something you want to see from your linebackers.

There’s a lot of football left this season, so we’ll see how he progresses as the season wears on. But one week into the season, you couldn’t ask for a better start.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

Know the Foe: 5 Mustangs to know before Oklahoma Sooners vs. SMU

Oklahoma will take on the SMU Mustangs. We take a look at five players to know for this Saturday’s matchup.

Oklahoma has turned the page on Arkansas State and is in preparation mode for their second game of the season. SMU will make the trip from Dallas to Norman for Saturday night’s matchup.

Oklahoma comes in with a nice boost of confidence after dismantling the Red Wolves last week 73-0. SMU comfortably handled Louisiana Tech 38-14. SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee is someone Brent Venables has locked horns with before.

Lashlee was previously an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Miami in 2020. In that game, Venables and the Clemson Tigers held the Hurricanes in check in a 42-17 win.

SMU provides a bump in competition for the Sooners, especially at the skill positions. They have several talented players and are more dynamic than what Oklahoma saw in their first game.

We’ve highlighted five Mustangs you need to know before Oklahoma hosts SMU on Saturday.

Jaquaize Pettaway getting more comfortable in an Oklahoma Sooners uniform

The Sooners wide receivers stepped up in game but they were led in receptions but the lone true freshman on the roster.

The Oklahoma Sooners offense was firing on all cylinders in their week one win over Arkansas State. It didn’t matter who was in the game, the Sooners offense moved the ball up and down the field.

One of the biggest question marks coming into the season was who would step up at the wide receiver position. Several guys got into the game and made plays. Quietly, freshman [autotag]Jaquaize Pettaway[/autotag] led the Sooners with nine receptions.

Pettaway told reporters it felt good to get some early success.

“I went out there early, and my teammates helped me adjust to it quite easily,” Pettaway said. “I’m really happy I got out there early and see my timing. I got the ball a couple of times and I feel like I adjusted really well, and I’m really happy I got in.”

You could tell early on that Pettaway and freshman [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] had quite the connection. But with [autotag]Drake Stoops[/autotag] injured, there’s a chance Pettaway could be asked to expand his role to get more reps with the first team.

Pettaway said having a game under his belt will make him more comfortable come Saturday.

“I’m very comfortable now,” Pettaway said. “I feel more comfortable going into the game now. A little bit less nervous. But I’m still like new to this, so I feel like I’m in a better comfortable spot now than the first game.”

Pettaway is someone who has a bright future in this offense. That future could be accelerated if he continues to stack performances from his game versus the [autotag]Arkansas State Red Wolves[/autotag].

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

‘It felt surreal’: Peyton Bowen makes impact in front of Sooners faithful, expects challenge vs. SMU

The first game for the Sooners saw a lot of players get their first action including five-star Peyton Bowen.

The [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners[/autotag] are just a few days off from their blowout win versus the [autotag]Arkansas State Red Wolves[/autotag]. During that game, 87 players earned snaps.

One of those players was highly-touted freshman [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag]. Bowen looked solid. He finished second on the team with three tackles. He showed quick instincts and power once he arrived at the ball.

Bowen told reporters it was great to get game one under his belt.

“It felt surreal,” Bowen said. “The whole Walk of Champions, running out of the tunnel, all of it felt crazy. All in all it kind of felt smooth. I didn’t feel like any of that nervousness. It just felt like it was just football, the game I love.”

You could tell he looked comfortable when he was in the game. He played early, rotating with the starters, which shows the staff expects him to make an immediate impact this season.

While the Arkansas State win was nice, Bowen said the [autotag]SMU Mustangs[/autotag] bring their own challenge.

“Really explosive,” Bowen said. “They have fast receivers. They recruited great in the transfer portal, so they’ve got guys like Miami (Hurricanes) transfer running back (Jaylon) Knighton. Their receivers are fast and twitchy. They can make plays. They’re going to take shots. They’re going to give us 50/50 balls, but in my eyes, we’ve got to make those plays.”

This upcoming game will be a challenge for Oklahoma. It’s also the first big test for the defense in 2023. SMU brings in one of the best offenses the Oklahoma Sooners will see all year.

With everything Peyton Bowen’s done since arriving in Norman, he looks more than up for the challenge.

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Jayden Gibson continues to gain confidence after a strong Week 1

Jayden Gibson is gaining confidence in hopes of a breakout season.

Of all of the highlights of the [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners[/autotag] Week 1 game against the [autotag]Arkansas State Red Wolves[/autotag], none shined brighter than the performance of [autotag]Jayden Gibson[/autotag]. He didn’t have these gaudy stats but he had two catches for 54 yards and a touchdown.

Those two catches were the best two catches in the entire game and two that Jayden Gibson needed. We’ve talked about him potentially breaking out. However, until Saturday he hadn’t really taken advantage of his opportunities. He also has talked about his confidence waning a bit.

Gibson told reporters it was good to put his hard work to the test.

“It meant a lot to me because my coaches they put a lot of effort and instilled a lot into me,” Gibson said. “I didn’t want to let them down. It’s hard being a player out here because you’re always held to the highest standard at all times. I just felt like it was good to show that I could live up to that standard too.”

Gibson absolutely lived up to that standard on Saturday. Both catches were contested jump balls that he snagged out of the air. Something he is capable of doing with his large frame.

It was good to see Gibson overcome the drops that plagued him a season ago and in the spring game.

The spring drop was a pass thrown by [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag]. The touchdown catch was also thrown by Arnold. Oklahoma’s quarterback of the future showed his confidence in Gibson.

Gibson made it known he doesn’t forget the drops as Arnold said he told him after the touchdown catch, “That was for the spring game.”

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.