As Lincoln Riley says, “The game is never as good as you thought, and it’s not going to be bad.”
On first glance, I really could not figure out how to explain this game. The Oklahoma offense and Jalen Hurts went from looking like a defeated group to one of the best in college football. The defense went back to its first eight week self.
After every game, Sooners Wire’s Kegan Reneau will rewatch and provide his final thoughts before moving on to the next one.
Here are the grades for the unit and the grades for individuals who ended up on the stat sheet or were noticeable for Oklahoma. These grades reflect how the Sooners played on that game indicative of the perception Reneau expects them to play.
QUARTERBACK — B
Jalen Hurts — B
So, let’s account for two halves of football.
You put a truth serum in anyone watching that game, the thought of making a change at quarterback didn’t sound like a bad one for Oklahoma to make.
Then, Jalen Hurts became the best player in college football in the second half.
He got a C- for the first half and an A in the second half. Hurts was so, so good coming out of the locker room. Precise and accurate pre-snap reads led to quick throws against man and match quarters coverage.
If this is the turning point for the Jalen Hurts’ Era at Oklahoma, it comes right at the perfect time.
RUNNING BACK — B+
Kennedy Brooks — B+
Rhamondre Stevenson — B
Brooks and Stevenson missed a couple of holes and cut backs, but overall, this was quality work when Oklahoma needed it the most.
H-BACK — B
Jeremiah Hall — B
Brayden Willis — B
This position remains as steady as it comes. Willis’ touchdown and Hall’s blocking was the right blend at the H-back position.
WIDE RECEIVER — B+
Charleston Rambo — B
Nick Basquine — B-
A.D. Miller — B+
Theo Wease — A
Jadon Haselwood — N/A
The beginning of the Theo Wease, Jadon Haselwood and Trejan Bridges Era is near, but how about the contribution by A.D. Miller? One of the crazier offseason stories ended up playing out in Oklahoma’s favor.
TIGHT END — A+
Lee Morris — A+
Austin Stogner — A+
The Lee Morris game everyone will be talking about forever. Austin Stogner’s two touchdown catches provides just another look at the future.
OFFENSIVE LINE — C+
Stopping James Lynch was a major problem up front, and it was enough to really cause issues for Oklahoma’s offense and the offensive line. R.J. Proctor was a better fit than Erik Swenson. I’d expect this to continue.
OFFENSE — 83
Jalen Hurts second half saved this grade from a low C to a mid-B. The offense was outright dominant, and for the first time all year, didn’t rely on CeeDee Lamb to make it look statistically historic. Take away the turnovers by Hurts, how many yards does Oklahoma put up on one of the best defenses in college football?
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