Oklahoma vs. Tulsa: Game Grades, Analysis for the Sooners

The result was never in doubt, as the Oklahoma Sooners dominated the Tulsa Golden Hurricane from the opening kickoff on their way to a 52-7 victory. 

Whether it was on offense or defense, Oklahoma appeared to be the far superior team. The scoreboard certainly displayed as much.

Check out the game’s final stats here and take a look at first- and second-half game grades as well as analysis below. 

Position Unit	First-Half Grades	Second-Half Grades
Pass Offense	A-	B+
Run Offense	A	A
Pass Defense	A+	B+
Run Defense	A+	A
Special Teams	A	A
Coaching	A+	A+

Pass Offense

The Sooners came in wanting to assert the passing attack, throwing on eight of their first 12 plays to open the game.

Quarterback Trevor Knight had himself a solid showing, throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-34 passing. However, it’s his accuracy that leaves a lot to be desired—through two games, he’s only completed 58.8 percent of his passes.

As far as receivers go, Sterling Shepard had himself a career day. He set personal bests for receptions (eight) and yards (177) along with finding the end zone once.

But the story in that department has to be junior Durron Neal, who after stepping into the starting position this season showed off his potential. He finished with six receptions for 70 yards.

Rush Offense

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The three-headed rushing attack of Oklahoma continued its strong start.

After a shaky performance in Week 1, Alex Ross led the team in rushing with 90 yards and a touchdown on five carries. However, it should be noted that 82 of those yards came on one run.

Keith Ford had himself another great day, rushing for 87 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Don’t look now, but the sophomore has found the end zone four times already this season.

Meanwhile, last week’s darling, Samaje Perine, struggled a bit. On 10 carries, the true freshman only managed 33 yards.

As a whole, the unit put up 261 yards on the ground for four touchdowns.

Pass Defense

Tulsa quarterback Dane Evans could just never get into a rhythm.

After throwing for over 400 yards and four touchdowns in Week 1, the sophomore was a shell of himself on Saturday. Evans only mustered 204 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions on 23-of-43 passing.

The secondary was lights out in the first half before letting up a bit in the final two quarters. However, a little of that could be due to the lopsided score and the absence of Zack Sanchez, who left the game late in the second quarter with a shoulder injury.

Rush Defense

Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press

The Golden Hurricane rush offense was practically nonexistent.

Whether it was James Flanders, D’Angelo Brewer or Zack Langer, the holes were just not there on Saturday. Tulsa finished the game with just 94 yards on 34 carries (2.8 yards per carry). 

Coming into the season, the Sooners front seven was considered its strength. On Saturday, we found out why.

Special Teams

An area of concern in recent years, special teams were on point on Saturday for Oklahoma.

Of nine kickoffs, the Golden Hurricane only returned four. Of those returns, only one return went for more than 20 yards—a 24-yard return from D’Angelo Brewer. The Sooners were quick and on the return men before they had any space to make something happen.

As far as the kickers, Michael Hunnicutt made the most of his only field-goal attempt, drilling it through the uprights from 38 yards out. Punter Jed Barnett had a decent afternoon, blasting six kicks for an average of 39.3 yards with just one touchback.

Coaching

Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press

Offensive coordinator Josh Heupel put on a clinic.

His aggressive play-calling paid dividends early on. The up-tempo attack left the Tulsa defense panting and had Oklahoma putting points on the board in bunches. Not to mention, the team didn’t have a single turnover.

Defensively, Mike Stoops had his boys ready to play. The unit was all over the field, forcing the Golden Hurricane into four turnovers.

All stats courtesy of NCAA.com.

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