Study Up for Oklahoma

[VFL-82-JP]

[Here's the game tape, I'll refer to it from time to time, by time hacks: [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk8lvn5vIas[/youtube]

Some random notes after watching a bit of yesterday's Oklahoma-Akron game:

1. First a note about who OK faced yesterday: the Akron Zips are MAC-East brothers with Bowling Green ... BGSU & Akron are expected to finish 1st & 2nd in their division this year. BGSU's 2015 strength is its passing offense (as we now know); Akron's is its run defense / front 7...as Oklahoma's #32 RB Samije Perine found out yesterday. Oh, and get this curiosity: Akron's head coach is Terry Bowden; their DC is Chuck Amato. Is Akron the Bermuda Triangle of former ACC HCs?

2. I've always thought the vaunted Oklahoma RB's name was pronounced "per-een" (vaguely like Purina dog chow). But if the announcers had it right, it's actually pronounced "pee-rhine" (like "take a pee in the Rhine river").

3. #6 QB Baker Mayfield has a hella-quick release. We thought BGSU's QB was quick to get rid of the ball, this dude's even faster. If we're gonna get pass pressure, we need to put roller skates on our DEs. Mayfield can also throw the long ball: look at the 40+ yd toss to WR Neal at 26:20. Speaking of Neal, the dude can climb the ladder. The Sooners also have a Justin Hunter-looking WR, #15, Mead. Very tall, very thin and lanky. Dunno if he's as fast. Bottom line is, they have legit downfield targets; we need to make much improvement in 7 days in our pass defense.

4. #32 Perine and #25 Mixon are Oklahoma's version of Hurd and Kamara. The offense frequently uses a wishbone formation (QB in shotgun) that involves both RBs; whichever gets the handoff, they're going toward the opposite side with the non-carrying RB as lead blocker. They can also run a reverse off this formation, with the carrying RB handing off to a sweeping WR (see: 19:50 in the game tape). And the QB can pass to either of the RBs out of this formation on a safety valve screen or out in the flat.

5. Oklahoma goes empty backfield at times, with 5 out wide (usually one of them is Mixon or Perine). Dime, anyone?

6. Akron's DLine was gashing Oklahoma at times, stopping the running game often before it could get out of the backfield. Maybe we can replicate that.... In the parts of the game I saw, Akron could not get equivalent pressure up front on the Sooners' pass game.

7. Oklahoma's base defense is 4-3, but go into nickel frequently, much like us. Didn't see any dime.

8. #19 DE Stryker and #1 LB Alexander seemed the Alpha dogs in the box when Oklahoma was on defense. Front seven looked very disciplined on assignments (more disciplined than our front 7 looked this weekend).

9. #3 Sterling Shepherd is OK's punt return counterpart to Cam Sutton, and is comparably explosive and dangerous.

10. OK has a good punter, about the same as Daniels for us yesterday. Here's a curious thought: OK's punt formation only includes two backfield blockers (Vols and most teams I've seen put 3 blockers there). Wonder if that might be an opportunity for us to use our speed to get some blocked punts....

That's it from me for now. Anyone else watching and taking notes?

 

[Freak]

Good thread, JP. I hope you don't mind, I embedded the video for you.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Good thread, JP. I hope you don't mind, I embedded the video for you.

Oh that's awesome, Freak, thanks!

 

[JohnMcA60]

I agree with all you have posted. I'm up to like the 50 minute mark of the 2 hours and 47 minutes. Taking a break and will post some of my thoughts as well later on. Good thread

 

[VFL-82-JP]

I agree with all you have posted. I'm up to like the 50 minute mark of the 2 hours and 47 minutes. Taking a break and will post some of my thoughts as well later on. Good thread

Thanks, John. Really appreciate having a second set of eyes to catch mistakes and add to our knowledge.

 

[StoVol]

Good thread, JP. I hope you don't mind, I embedded the video for you.

teach us how... what if its embedded on another site? right click it?

 

[Freak]

teach us how... what if its embedded on another site? right click it?

We only support embedding of YouTube videos right now, but will consider others if we have enough demand.

This is how the YouTube videos work:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk8lvn5vIas[/youtube]

 

[bigsteve13]

I just hope the abesense of Willie played the biggest factor in the secondary's debacle yesterday. I don't like our chances if Mayfield can drop bombs left and right. Losing Gaulden looked bad yesterday. Even back breaking for a 9+ win season. But on the other hand, Georgia may be the only east team that can take advantage. UVA kid looks good for them yesterday. That is all

 

[Freak]

Sto, if it's a YouTube video embedded on another site, start playing the video, then click the YouTube icon in the bottom right to play the video on YouTube's site. Then copy the url.

 

[JohnMcA60]

I'm watching from the 2nd quarter to the beginning of the 4th. Watched the 1st but since OP posted it I'll spare you the details. Overall the OTs really struggled for OU at times along with the guard occasionally. Run blocking more so than pass. Lots of penalties against OU. Solid defense especially Alexander and Striker.

WILL BE EDITING THIS POST

1) So far the rushing attack has been non existent. Don't know what the blame for that is? Maybe the offensive scheme or the Oline could be to blame. They need to get there RBs going if they want to have any success on Offense. Can't be 1 dimensional.

2) 5 wide is a popular formation whether it be 4 WR and a TE or 3 WR, 1 TE and 1 HB (usually Mixon). Lots of out route and 9 route combos run out of these formations.

3) Mayfield has some wheels (see 1:02:00 mark). Need to keep that in mind for those 4th and 3rd downs of less than 4 yards.

4) 10-0 with 5:32 left in the 2nd quarter. Perine scores on an inside handoff from the two that was blocked much better. Play was run with Mixon and Perine in the backfield.

5) Defense had been solid but QB got a good scamper for 10 yards. One of the Biggest rushes so far for either team.

6) No dime packages for Oklahoma against a 4 WR set. We did the same against BGSU.

7) Mixon gets a good run for 11. Best rush for OU all game. Off the right side. Next play Mayfield hits a post to Sterling Shepard for 40+. They will take that all day when a safety is put on him. Dude is electric.

8) Some great athletes at reciever. (IMO better than BGSU) Westbrook makes a great catch at 1:14:22 for OU and they go up 17-0 with 2:21 left in the 2nd Q. Westbrook also got hurt and went to the locker room after going to the sideline.

9) OU using 3rd down for what. SMH

10) Sheppard fumbles on a punt return at 1:18 in 2nd Q. Akron gets the ball on the 31

11) Akron gets into the red zone for the 2nd time tonight. Missed a FG in the 1st Q. Akrons QB play is pretty awful for what it's worth and Akron settles for a 26 yard FG to end the half.

12) Penalized six times for 50 yards in the first half for the Sooners.

13) Westbrook back on the field. Must have been cramps.

14) 1:41:00 Mayfield hits his last read in Mixon on a wheel route for a touchdown. What a find. Dude was wide open because of the PA pass. This was again out of the dual RB set with Perine and Mixon in the backfield.

15) Another muffed/ fumbled punt return by OU. This Alex Ross. Also a hold on OU during the punt. Penalties plus an almost turnover. Definitely will need to clean that up.

16) Goes deep to Westbrook but misses him by 1 yard too far.

17) Akron and OU getting into a scuffle after Akron had a late hit on Perine. OU coaches got involved in the scuffle to break it up and play resumed.

18) RT is a place of concern for OU. Both RTs got some PT and both missed a lot of blocks on their perspective run plays. Perine must have had 3/4 of his yards after contact.

19) Lots of blown coverage by Akron. If we aren't careful that will be us. TD Mead on a screen at 7:11 left in the 3 Q.

20) 18-27 for mayfield and 3 Tds 0 Ints with 4:54 left in the 3 Q. A lot of his yards have come in big chunks with the other 75 % being your standard 9-15 yard gains. Good game for him

21) We need to watch out for Mixon. Dude is a great RB but an even better reciever. Check at 2:42:00 for the reason why.

22) First bad throw I've seen from Mayfield. Under thrown ball on a fade that hits the defender in the back. If DB was looking that's a pick.

23) Screen game is strong for OU. Great blocking by WRs.

24) Redzone trip for OU again. Using Mixon all over the field. Slot WR, HB etc. Mayfield takes it in himself on a read option. Dude is a baller. Hoping our crowd will be a factor on him because his is very good. 38-3 OU

25) Bad personal foul called on OU but again another penalty. OU can't do that against the Vols. we had 4 for 40 yards and OU had 9 for 90. Definitely will need to clean that up against a much better team who will capitalize on those errors much more.

2nd Teamers come in now. Not gonna waste time with that because this game will be quite close that neither teams 2nd string will see the field as a whole.

 

[Hulk]

I don't feel like studying. Can I just copy your notes?

 

[meover]

[Here's the game tape, I'll refer to it from time to time, by time hacks: [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk8lvn5vIas[/youtube]

Some random notes after watching a bit of yesterday's Oklahoma-Akron game:

1. First a note about who OK faced yesterday: the Akron Zips are MAC-East brothers with Bowling Green ... BGSU & Akron are expected to finish 1st & 2nd in their division this year. BGSU's 2015 strength is its passing offense (as we now know); Akron's is its run defense / front 7...as Oklahoma's #32 RB Samije Perine found out yesterday. Oh, and get this curiosity: Akron's head coach is Terry Bowden; their DC is Chuck Amato. Is Akron the Bermuda Triangle of former ACC HCs?

2. I've always thought the vaunted Oklahoma RB's name was pronounced "per-een" (vaguely like Purina dog chow). But if the announcers had it right, it's actually pronounced "pee-rhine" (like "take a pee in the Rhine river").

3. #6 QB Baker Mayfield has a hella-quick release. We thought BGSU's QB was quick to get rid of the ball, this dude's even faster. If we're gonna get pass pressure, we need to put roller skates on our DEs. Mayfield can also throw the long ball: look at the 40+ yd toss to WR Neal at 26:20. Speaking of Neal, the dude can climb the ladder. The Sooners also have a Justin Hunter-looking WR, #15, Mead. Very tall, very thin and lanky. Dunno if he's as fast. Bottom line is, they have legit downfield targets; we need to make much improvement in 7 days in our pass defense.

4. #32 Perine and #25 Mixon are Oklahoma's version of Hurd and Kamara. The offense frequently uses a wishbone formation (QB in shotgun) that involves both RBs; whichever gets the handoff, they're going toward the opposite side with the non-carrying RB as lead blocker. They can also run a reverse off this formation, with the carrying RB handing off to a sweeping WR (see: 19:50 in the game tape). And the QB can pass to either of the RBs out of this formation on a safety valve screen or out in the flat.

5. Oklahoma goes empty backfield at times, with 5 out wide (usually one of them is Mixon or Perine). Dime, anyone?

6. Akron's DLine was gashing Oklahoma at times, stopping the running game often before it could get out of the backfield. Maybe we can replicate that.... In the parts of the game I saw, Akron could not get equivalent pressure up front on the Sooners' pass game.

7. Oklahoma's base defense is 4-3, but go into nickel frequently, much like us. Didn't see any dime.

8. #19 DE Stryker and #1 LB Alexander seemed the Alpha dogs in the box when Oklahoma was on defense. Front seven looked very disciplined on assignments (more disciplined than our front 7 looked this weekend).

9. #3 Sterling Shepherd is OK's punt return counterpart to Cam Sutton, and is comparably explosive and dangerous.

10. OK has a good punter, about the same as Daniels for us yesterday. Here's a curious thought: OK's punt formation only includes two backfield blockers (Vols and most teams I've seen put 3 blockers there). Wonder if that might be an opportunity for us to use our speed to get some blocked punts....

That's it from me for now. Anyone else watching and taking notes?

OU fan here, your notes look very accurate. I was not surprised but very alarmed about the OL play in the first quarter. They are very young and the coaches will have to scheme around their youth in order to win vs Tennessee. I expect Tennessee to try to get to Baker Mayfield but I expect Oklahoma to use a lot of short, quick "passes" (essentially runs) to Mixon to equalize things. Mixon looks a lot like a young DeMarco Murray.

If Mayfield gets hurt (a possibility given this OL), we aren't exactly confident in Knight ("and day") who is throwing pix sixes when he isn't beating Bama. Of course, Mayfield is relatively inexperienced and his ability to protect the football in a hostile environment is mostly unknown. He is not your average walk on QB. He chose to walk on at Texas Tech, turning down numerous scholarships to instead play in a real league (who am I kidding, the Big XII is a joke). He won the starting job at Tech as a true freshman--he is obviously talented, however lacking in traditional quarterback size and stature. I don't expect many designed runs for Mayfield as we are running as far away as possible from this type of offense. He actually looked best vs Akron when he stepped into the pocket.. not while rolling out or scrambling.

The OU defense was proven to be a sieve last year. A lot of us still bicker about this development--many think that the team didn't trust the coaches and therefore gave up on the philosophy. Others think they got sick of watching the offense squander opportunities. One thing is sure, the defense looked good and played well through the first half of the season and even handled teams like TCU. This is the biggest question of the game, in my opinion. I am not sure how much the Tennessee offense has progressed and I am not sure how good the OU defense is (or was last year when they played).

Traditional thinking would suggest that OU is in trouble with their new QB going into a hostile environment. I am not sure how much weight this argument holds considering that Mayfield started 5 games at Tech and got to spend all of last year licking his chops. He also beat out a guy with multiple big game starts (Knight) based on talent alone.

 

[meover]

As for our WRs, Sterling Shepard is NAILS although he has been riddled with injuries. Dede Westbrook, a new name and JUCO transfer, seems to be Mayfields favorite target. Durron Neal has played for years and seems to be serviceable but not a game changer. Many were hoping that he would be passed up in the depth chart this year. Mixon will be used as a receiving threat. We shuffled in a lot of WRs vs Akron and if you hear WRs names being called for receptions (beyond Mixon/Shepard/Westbrook), it will be a sign of bad news for Tennessee.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Thanks for your insights, Meover. What's Mead like? We had a receiver a couple-few years ago, Justin Hunter, who physically looked strikingly similar to Mead. Is this guy of yours headed for the NFL, you think?

 

[meover]

Thanks for your insights, Meover. What's Mead like? We had a receiver a couple-few years ago, Justin Hunter, who physically looked strikingly similar to Mead. Is this guy of yours headed for the NFL, you think?

I don't know what to think. We haven't had a wildly successful, large, NFL-prototype WR in a long time. Most of our recent WR successes have been more shifty, small body types. Kenny Stills, while a deep target, did not have that type of frame. Mead comes from one of the state's football factories (Union HS in Tulsa) but he's young. We have had a large number of highly touted WRs come through and I've always thought we was just another name in a long line of them. He does however remind me of Dorial Green Beckham (in body size)... The same DGB who Baker Mayfield had the luxury of throwing to all last season on the scout team.

 

[JohnMcA60]

OU fan here, your notes look very accurate. I was not surprised but very alarmed about the OL play in the first quarter. They are very young and the coaches will have to scheme around their youth in order to win vs Tennessee. I expect Tennessee to try to get to Baker Mayfield but I expect Oklahoma to use a lot of short, quick "passes" (essentially runs) to Mixon to equalize things. Mixon looks a lot like a young DeMarco Murray.

If Mayfield gets hurt (a possibility given this OL), we aren't exactly confident in Knight ("and day") who is throwing pix sixes when he isn't beating Bama. Of course, Mayfield is relatively inexperienced and his ability to protect the football in a hostile environment is mostly unknown. He is not your average walk on QB. He chose to walk on at Texas Tech, turning down numerous scholarships to instead play in a real league (who am I kidding, the Big XII is a joke). He won the starting job at Tech as a true freshman--he is obviously talented, however lacking in traditional quarterback size and stature. I don't expect many designed runs for Mayfield as we are running as far away as possible from this type of offense. He actually looked best vs Akron when he stepped into the pocket.. not while rolling out or scrambling.

The OU defense was proven to be a sieve last year. A lot of us still bicker about this development--many think that the team didn't trust the coaches and therefore gave up on the philosophy. Others think they got sick of watching the offense squander opportunities. One thing is sure, the defense looked good and played well through the first half of the season and even handled teams like TCU. This is the biggest question of the game, in my opinion. I am not sure how much the Tennessee offense has progressed and I am not sure how good the OU defense is (or was last year when they played).

Traditional thinking would suggest that OU is in trouble with their new QB going into a hostile environment. I am not sure how much weight this argument holds considering that Mayfield started 5 games at Tech and got to spend all of last year licking his chops. He also beat out a guy with multiple big game starts (Knight) based on talent alone.

Thanks for the post. Mayfield doesn't seem too concerned but this will be the biggest crowd any OU player has ever played in front of. (I think I heard an announcer say this. Could be wrong. ) I feel the crowd will be a huge help for us and expect a close game.

 

[meover]

Thanks for the post. Mayfield doesn't seem too concerned but this will be the biggest crowd any OU player has ever played in front of. (I think I heard an announcer say this. Could be wrong. ) I feel the crowd will be a huge help for us and expect a close game.

I don't know if there's a big difference between really, really big and enormous but yeah, I bet this is the biggest crowd. We play Texas at the historic Cotton Bowl (~95,000) and most other Big 12 teams have ~60,000 capacity or less. I think being away from home is what's going to get to OU-- which stadium away from home is less relevant. I don't think your stadium, crowd, etc will particularly stand out. What I mean to say is, yes, the crowd will make it hard on OU to communicate along the OL but I don't think OU will be star struck or intimidated.

 

[BigSteve09]

Here's a shorter highlight reel for those of you that don't have time to watch the whole game (although I did).

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVifd9BZRV8[/youtube]

Thoughts:

- Our fans are going to hate Baker Mayfield because of how animated he is. The guy loves OU and obviously wants to be a leader for his team. I won't say that he showboats… but he doesn't mind celebrating. That's going to piss off the blue hairs if/when OU scores and he runs down the field to celebrate with his teammates in the end zone.

- OU also likes to get Mayfield involved in some runs, so our D needs to keep him contained. I think a lot of Akron's ability to keep it within 14 points in the first half was due to their ability to keep him contained and in the pocket.

- Their defense swarms to the ball and plays the run well. I was impressed with how stiff they were. Not that Akron has an awesome run game, but the OU D was very aggressive.

- Akron had a dual-threat QB, so they got some decent practice against the zone read. They also played it well, in my opinion.

- It did take their offense some time to get going, but I think that's because Akron's D was also aggressive and it prevented OU from getting into rhythm early.

- Akron could have had this game a lot closer in the first half if they hit a 1st Q field goal and took advantage of OU mistakes. Just a testament to the OU defense.

- Once the Akron D was down and out in the second half, Mixon and Mayfield were on another level. We can't let those guys be stars.

 

[river rat]

[Here's the game tape, I'll refer to it from time to time, by time hacks: [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk8lvn5vIas[/youtube]

Some random notes after watching a bit of yesterday's Oklahoma-Akron game:

Thanks for the great analysis. Sounds like we might be more or less evenly matched. Should be a great game. Go Vols!

 

[TennesseeRhett]

Meover, I'd be interested in your thoughts on Tennessee, if you happened to see our game. I try to stay as objective as I can, but I admit my orange glasses are heavily tinted.

 

[Silentsniper1516]

About Akrons D-Line
(Taken from the OU forum Landthieves) User Zcaa0g

Se'Von Pittman:

4 star DL transferred from Ohio St. (made an undisclosed "mistake", so he didn't leave Ohio St. due to competition.) to Akron. (DID NOT PLAY LAST SEASON)



Jamal Marcus (dismissed similar to Se'Von Pittman):

4 star DL transferred from Ohio St. (DID NOT PLAY LAST SEASON)



Rodney Coe:

Transferred to Akron. Previously at at Iowa State: As a junior (2013): Started the final four games at defensive tackle ... recorded 37 tackles, 5.0 TFL, and two pass breakups ... notched 4.5 TFL in the final five games of the year ... tallied a career-high seven tackles vs. Baylor ... had three tackles, 1.5 TFL, a pass breakup and QB hurry vs. TCU ... averaged 4.0 tpg in the last five games. (DID NOT PLAY LAST SEASON)



Cody Grice:

As a Sophomore (2013) at Akron: Started all 12 games a nose guard … finished the season with 32 tackles (11 solo), 7.5 tackles for a loss (tied for the team lead), 2.5 sacks, one quarterback hurry and one blocked kick … named Akron’s Harry “Doc” Smith Award winner for most outstanding sophomore on defense … had a career day at Massachusetts (Nov. 16), recording seven tackles (two solo), two tackles for a loss and one sack … blocked his first-career kick on an extra point attempt against Toledo (Nov. 29) … the blocked kick against the Rockets came in the fourth quarter, keeping the Akron lead at eight points and forcing UT to go for a two-point conversion late in the game … recorded his first-career sack against James Madison (Sept. 7) … posted at least one tackle in all 12 games.

 

[MT LeConte]

I don't know if there's a big difference between really, really big and enormous but yeah, I bet this is the biggest crowd. We play Texas at the historic Cotton Bowl (~95,000) and most other Big 12 teams have ~60,000 capacity or less. I think being away from home is what's going to get to OU-- which stadium away from home is less relevant. I don't think your stadium, crowd, etc will particularly stand out. What I mean to say is, yes, the crowd will make it hard on OU to communicate along the OL but I don't think OU will be star struck or intimidated.

I wouldn't expect OU to be intimidated. But if Neyland is rocking it's not only the OL that can't communicate. Coaches on the sidelines can have problems coaching up and just trying to talk with players. As a visiting coach once said "it just wears on you". I hope that's the case Saturday.

 

[Silentsniper1516]

During Neal seems to have turned the corner in his development because he looks so much better. However, every reciever on their team except Shepard looks much improved and Shepard also looks improved, but he was already very, very good so he didn't have much to improve on. IMO

 

[pimo1]

The big thing I get from this video is relief.. They do not seem to have a Deiter type guy that I noticed. And by Deiter type I mean like a Da'Rick. That is what was beating us last night a big fast WR good at getting seperation who is bascially unjammable at the line by our guys on the defensive right side.

Their O-line reminded me a lot of ours last year. Brown vs. Barnett will be interesting for a number of reasons.

If we can hold them to 100 on the ground its gonna be a bad day for them. I was not impressed by their performance against a team that is light years behind BG. Then again, they likely were playing it as vanilla as we were.

 

[SouthernSmoke]

3. #6 QB Baker Mayfield has a hella-quick release. We thought BGSU's QB was quick to get rid of the ball, this dude's even faster. If we're gonna get pass pressure, we need to put roller skates on our DEs.

This is what jumped out to me. From the very first pass it was abundantly clear...and concerning.