Tag: Theo Wease

Matchup to watch: Marvin Mims, Sooner wide receivers vs TCU secondary

Taking a look back at last year’s matchup to see how Oklahoma’s wide receivers might fair against TCU’s defense Saturday.

As we near closer and closer to the 2021 version of Oklahoma vs. TCU, we can revisit the 2020 game for a little recap and a better understanding of how last year’s matchup affects might affect this year’s matchup.

Specifically, let’s look at how Oklahoma’s passing offense fared last year against TCU.

Oklahoma made the trip from Norman to Fort Worth to play TCU last year. At the time, Spencer Rattler was only making his fifth collegiate start. He came into the game fresh off his performance in the four-overtime Red River Showdown win against Texas in which he had been benched in favor of Tanner Mordecai but would later return and lead Oklahoma to the win.

Oklahoma didn’t have Rhamondre Stevenson (was serving a suspension) and Kennedy Brooks had opted out due to concerns about COVID. The running back duties fell on the shoulders of T.J. Pledger and Seth McGowan. Out wide, a freshman Marvin Mims had already risen to the top of the depth chart as the lead wide receiver. He would go on to have four catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Complimenting him were Theo Wease, Charleston Rambo, and Austin Stogner. Rambo and Stogner both finished with two catches.

Lining up against the Sooners wide receivers were Trevon Moehrig, Ar’Darius Washington, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson among others. Marvin Mims was not phased by the moment and made some major plays.

Marvin Mims, as he was all last year, was a big-play machine in this game. And that was with the likes of two future NFL players on the field in Moehrig and Washington.

To replace them at safety, TCU has guys like Bud Clark, La’Kendrick Van Zandt, and T.J. Carter. To be fair the secondary has held up well. Tomlinson (nephew of the TCU and LoS Angeles Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson) also is back to anchor a pretty experienced TCU secondary.

This year, Oklahoma’s receiver corps looks nothing like it did last year.

Mims is back but Rambo transferred to the University of Miami while Theo Wease remains out indefinitely with an injury. Stogner hasn’t been featured in the passing game much this season.

Mims may not be able to run free and make plays as he did last year simply because teams have a year and a half of tape on him. They will force Oklahoma to rely on Jadon Haselwood, Mike Woods, Mario Williams, and Drake Stoops to move the ball thru the air.

Look for the Sooners to stress the middle of the field as Lincoln Riley looks to attack Gary Patterson’s 4-2-5 defensive alignment. This particular alignment has been noted to combat spread offenses.

The key for the Oklahoma receiver while playing against man coverage is that they use change of direction routes.

While against zone coverage they need to run weak or strong floods and play-action and force these safeties to have to cover. If you can get a LB or DB to move out of his zone or flood it with multiple options, an offense can bust the zones wide open.

Oklahoma has a more talented receiver corps this time around than they did last year and it’s not a stretch to say TCU lost more talent in the secondary than they gained.

Ultimately, the matchups in the passing game will come down to Oklahoma’s secondary receivers making plays while Gary Patterson tries his hardest to take away Mims.

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This under the radar receiver could make an impact vs WCU

This Sooner had the best game of his career in week one. He could take his next step tonight versus Western Carolina

The Sooners enter tonight’s game against Western Carolina without the services of Theo Wease, who is anticipated to miss several weeks with a lower leg injury. While Oklahoma’s receiving corp is at its best with Wease on the field, his absence allows other Sooners further down the depth chart to make an impact on game day.

Last week, Mario Williams and Jadon Haselwood did a nice job replacing Wease’s production in OU’s 40-35 victory over Tulane. The tandem combined for 10 catches and 84 yards against the Green Wave, with Williams scoring his first career touchdown behind solid blocking by Haselwood. 

But while Williams and Haselwood were complimenting No. 1 option Marvin Mims, another Sooner was having his own career day against Tulane. 

Brian Darby had just one catch in eight games played in 2020. The 6-0 wide out comfortably surpassed last season’s total with three catches for 26 yards in week one. 

Quarterback Spencer Rattler looked toward Darby in numerous third-down situations. The sophomore moved the chains on 3rd and 12 in the first quarter before picking up four yards on 3rd and six in the second. Rattler attempted to connect with Darby on another third down midway through the third quarter but would sail the ball over the receiver’s head. 

Spencer Rattler’s readiness to target Darby on numerous third downs against Tulane could indicate his trust for the second-year Sooner. Tonight’s game against the Catamounts should provide a clearer picture of how Oklahoma plans to use Darby this season.

Mario Williams shows he can run with the first team offense vs Tulane

True freshman Mario Willaims had a solid performance in his first collegiate action. The young receiver showed the moment wasn’t too big for him and that he can help fill the void until Theo Wease returns from injury.

A win is always a win.

However, Oklahoma’s 40-35 victory over Tulane left plenty to be desired for Sooners fans as they watched their team struggle through penalties, sloppy plays, and extreme highs and lows on both sides of the football. While OU’s woes could simply be attributed to offseason rust, they must be better if they want to make a run at the College Football Playoff.

One of the biggest positives from Saturday’s game was the leg of Gabe Brkic, who set an FBS record with three 50-plus yard field goals. But another bright spot was wide receiver Mario Williams, who had a solid performance in his first collegiate action.

Although Williams found most of his production in the first half, he capitalized on the attention Marvin Mims was receiving from the defense. His six receptions led the Sooners and was one more than Mims. Just as important is Williams appears to have chemistry with quarterback Spencer Rattler.

Williams scored his first career touchdown in the second quarter off a bubble screen. He would make a guy miss before diving to the pylon behind great blocking from Jadon Haselwood.

In addition to his 37 receiving yards, Williams gave the Sooners a fresh set of downs when he completed a pass to Haselwood midway through the second quarter.

The young receiver will almost certainly have bigger games for the Crimson and Cream in 2021. But the freshman’s production in his very first game should give OU confidence he can handle extra reps until Theo Wease returns from injury.

Top storylines as the Oklahoma Sooners get set to face the Tulane

As the Sooners get set to kickoff the 2021 season with their matchup vs Tulane, what are the top five storylines heading into week 1.

Less than 24 hours from now, the Oklahoma Sooners will open the season against the Tulane Green Wave.

It sure feels good to type those words. Tomorrow, starting at 11:00 a.m. CST, the Oklahoma Sooners will finally begin their journey toward the national title.

As they get set to host Tulane’s home game, the Sooners will defer choice of uniform to the Green Wave creating the possibility the Sooners will be on their road whites on Saturday.

As “talking season” as Lincoln Riley likes to call it, comes to a close, let’s take a look at the top storylines heading into week one.

Which under the radar Sooner could make an impact versus Tulane?

Which Sooner is flying under the radar heading into 2021? And how could he make an impact versus the Green Wave?

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On Wednesday, Oklahoma revealed its first official depth chart for Saturday’s season opener versus Tulane. Its reveal confirmed a doctrine that the Sooners’ coaching staff has been preaching all fall; that regardless of position depth if a player is good enough to play, he will find his way onto the field.

The Sooners are expected to win big over the Green Wave (31.5 point favorites per Tipico). If OU can pad the lead with a couple of insurance touchdowns, it could provide quarterback Spencer Rattler a golden opportunity to throw to his new receivers during a live game.

So if you’re looking for an “under the radar” Sooner to watch this Saturday, why not wide receiver Cody Jackson?

Lincoln Riley has proven time and again that he’s unafraid to play freshman receivers. And while many believe Wednesday’s injury to Theo Wease means more snaps for fellow freshman Mario Willaims, Jackson can help carry the extra reps.

Cody Jackson arrived in Norman during the middle of last season. A consensus four-star prospect, his ability to find the endzone is already well documented. In 2019, he recorded an eye-popping 21 TDs and 1366 receiving yards for Foster High School per Sooner Sports.

Since beginning practice with the team in the spring, Jackson has garnered the respect of receivers coach Dennis Simmons. He also seems to have a new friend in Spencer Rattler.

“Cody’s probably taken the biggest jump of any receiver just from getting better and making more plays. He was a young guy coming in. He came in the spring and he was feeling everything out,” explained Rattler during last month’s media availability.

Rattler added, “In fall camp he looked super comfortable. He was making a lot of big-time plays, big-time catches, big-time runs, all of that stuff. His confidence is getting better and better and I’m happy to see him doing well.”

Jackson’s long-term role within the offense is still unknown. And it’s unlikely he becomes an immediate cornerstone in 2021. However, don’t be surprised if he makes a couple of head-turning plays versus Tulane.

Oklahoma Sooners have options at WR in wake of Theo Wease injury

The injury to Theo Wease is a loss to the Oklahoma Sooners offense, at the same time, they have a WR group that can mitigate the loss.

Injuries happen in football. Without taking into consideration the high-contact nature of the sport, collegiate and professional athletes are attempting to do things that put an enormous strain on the body. It’s why we see non-contact injuries at every level. But that’s why a team never shies away from an opportunity to add talent to its depth chart.

The Oklahoma Sooners depth chart took a hit on Wednesday as it was reported that Wide Receiver Theo Wease suffered a lower body injury that was likely to keep him out for several weeks.

With Wease out, the Sooners will be without one of their top pass catchers. Wease tied for the team lead in receptions in 2020 with Marvin Mims.

With Mims starting in the slot, it looks like it will be Mike Woods and Jadon Haselwood starting on the outside in Wease’s absence.

Haselwood, the former five-star recruit hasn’t had the smoothest career for the Sooners. 2020 was derailed by injuries, but he looks poised to have a big season for the Sooners in 2021.

Woods comes to the Sooners from Arkansas where he averaged 19.3 yards per reception in 2020 with the Razorbacks. Despite his production, Woods is coming into a much better situation with Lincoln Riley, Spencer Rattler, and the Sooners than he had in Fayetteville. Even before Wease’s injury, Woods was a player that had a chance to become a star in 2021.

And then there’s Mario Williams who’s had a standout Spring and Fall and has thrust himself into the wide receiver rotation. Among the freshman trio that also includes Cody Jackson and Jalil Farooq, Williams has shown he’s ready to run with the first-team offense.

Unlike the running back position, which lost two important depth options last week, the wide receiver room looks more equipped to handle the loss of one of their starting wide receivers. Between Haselwood, Woods, and Williams, the Sooners have talented options that can step in and fill the void left by Theo Wease.

It’s never good losing a player with as much experience as Theo Wease but the Sooners are well stocked with options to carry the weight until he returns.

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REPORT: Oklahoma WR Theo Wease suffers injury in practice

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Theo Wease injured in practice just three days from the season opener against Tulane.

We are less than 4 days away from the Oklahoma Sooners starting their 2021 season. Unfortunately, they will likely be starting the season down a man in their wide receiver corps. Junior receiver Theo Wease suffered an injury in practice per John Hoover of All Sooners on Sports Illustrated.

According to Hoover’s report the injury is a lower body injury that is expected to sideline him for at least a few weeks.

There are no concrete specifics on the exact location or full severity but it looks like Wease will not be suiting up with the rest of his teammates for the season opener against Tulane. The matchup was recently moved to Norman amid concerns over the impact of Hurricane Ida on Louisiana.

Wease was being counted on for stability as another veteran option for a receiver group that needs to take a step forward after a decent but not great year last season as a collective.

The likes of Jadon Haselwood, Arkansas transfer Mike Woods, highly touted freshman Mario Williams, Drake Stoops and the Sooners collection of tight ends will have to complement super sophomore Marvin Mims in Wease’s absence. The entire group of pass catchers looks to build on last year’s performance.

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

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Oklahoma Sooners’ WR Mario Williams earns ESPN All-Freshman honors

Lincoln Riley has made it a habit of finding production from true freshmen over the years and Mario Williams looks to be the next productive first-year player for the Sooners.

Sooners’ wideout Mario Williams has been named to ESPN’s 2021 preseason true freshman All-America team (subscription required). A consensus four-star recruit from Tampa, Florida, Williams cracks ESPN’s list just three days after being named to 247Sports’ true freshman team.

The attention Williams is receiving is well deserved. The first year Sooner has spent training camp carving his way into an offense that also features Marvin Mims (a member of ESPN’s 2020 preseason true freshman All-American team – subscription), Theo Wease, and a healthy Austin Stogner.

While his exact role within such a talented offense is yet to be determined, Lincon Riley’s track record with true freshmen receivers has earned the benefit of the doubt.

Although he’s tied with Major Nelson as the smallest receiver on the roster, Williams possesses tremendous field awareness. He finished his career at Plant City High School with 41 touchdowns. Receivers don’t post those numbers without knowing how to work the sideline.

Williams will attract attention no matter where he lines up on the field. This is great news for Oklahoma’s more established receivers.

The route concepts that Lincoln Riley could insert him into should be terrifying for OU’s opponents to think about. A safety or corner covering Williams on an out-breaking route will have to blanket him all the way through the sideline, rendering them unable to help with Mims or Wease in the middle of the field.

The Sooners have made a habit of getting production out of freshman pass catchers over the years. They’re primed to continue that trend into 2021 and beyond.

Just yesterday, the Oklahoma Sooners secured a commitment from five-star prospect Brandon Innis. Innis, like Williams, is also from Florida and is ranked the No. 1 receiver in the class of 2023 by ESPN and Rivals.

The Oklahoma Sooners are deep at the wide receiver position, but with the way he’s impressed in spring and fall camp, Mario Williams may force his way onto the field in 2021.

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Top 21 players for the Oklahoma Sooners entering 2021

As the Oklahoma Sooners get set to continue their reign atop the Big 12 and contend for a national title, here are the top 21 players for 2021.

Heading into the 2021 season, the Oklahoma Sooners have one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the country. On both sides of the ball, the Sooners have great players throughout the lineup that will make big impacts on Saturdays this fall.

On offense, the Sooners are led by Heisman Trophy front-runner Spencer Rattler and a high-powered passing attack. On defense, the Sooners have four guys that can create havoc in both the running game and rushing the passer.

This is a team that should be one of the more exciting teams to watch with their blend of big-play offense and suffocating defense. With just 15 days until kickoff, let’s take a look at the top 21 Oklahoma Sooners heading into 2021.

Oklahoma Sooners top Number One-Ranked Show’s Preseason Top 10

RJ Young of Fox Sports dubs the Oklahoma Sooners number one in his preseason top 10.

With a Heisman hopeful quarterback, a top-20 defense, and a treasure trove of pass-catching talent, it’s no surprise the Oklahoma Sooners are expected to make noise during the 2021 season.

The buzz around OU’s season has officially reached a fever pitch. Fox Sport’s RJ Young dubbed the Crimson and Cream the best in the nation on the “Number One Show” late Monday afternoon.

Young credits Spencer Rattler as the primary key to Oklahoma’s success.  Rightfully so, the redshirt sophomore ran roughshod on his way to 34 combined touchdowns in his first full season at the helm of the Sooners.

The Fox Sports host also points to the dizzying amount of firepower in Rattler and Lincoln Riley’s arsenal. Not only does Rattler return his favorite receivers in Marvin Mims and Theo Wease (tied for the team lead in receptions), but he also welcomes back Austin Stogner and Jadon Haselwood from injuries that caused them to miss significant time in 2020.

Finally, Young claims a competent defense is all Oklahoma needs to back up his lofty No. 1 claim.

The Sooners have failed to score 30 points just six times in the last four years. If the defense can put together another season similar to 2020 – where they ranked third in interceptions and seventh in sacks per game, then OU could become the most complete team in college football.

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

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