Getting To Know Oklahoma From The Crimson And Cream Machine

by Jeremy Mauss on Sep 17, 2010 4:30 PM PDT in Mountain West Football

The last of today's interviews comes from the excellent Oklahoma site Crimson and Cream Machine.

1. What does Oklahoma expect to do in the passing game against an Air Force secondary that is the best in the Mountain West and was a top 15 defense last year; plus they returned most of the same players from last years team?

I expect the Sooners to test the AF secondary to find out if they're the real deal or not. Its uncertain if their outstanding performance against BYU last weekend was because they're that good or because BYU is starting over with new offensive personnel this season. I think that it was a little bit of both and after facing a Florida State defense last week that was horrible I think we can expect to learn a lot more about both Oklahoma's pass offense and the AF secondary this weekend.

2. Air Force is tough to prepare since their offense is the seldom used triple option and usually no matter the opponent Air Force gets their yards. Is this defense disciplined enough to defend the option offense?
We'll find out! I realize that sounds generic but this is a unique test for Oklahoma's defense. They are going to have to play fundamental and assignment football to stop the triple option attack.

The primary concern in Oklahoma's defense is on the corners where in the season opener against Utah State they bit hard on the play fakes all night leading to some big plays by the Aggies.

3. Besides quarterback Landry Jones, what players on offense should Air Force keep an eye on?

You certainly need to be aware of DeMarco Murray in the backfield and Ryan Broyles in the slot receiver position. Broyles may turn out to be the best receiver in the country and has been complimented by Cameron Kenney who is off to a very solid start to the season.

4. What is the Oklahoma fan perception of playing a service Academy team? Is this game being perceived as an automatic victory by Sooner Fan?

I certainly think that its a team Oklahoma should beat if the Sooners are going to be anywhere near as good as we think that they are. You have to appreciate the service academies for what these men represent and I would hope that they are shown the proper amount of respect and appreciation on Saturday in Norman.

5, What will it take for Air Force to win this game?

For them to win they'll have to stop an Oklahoma offense that caught fire last weekend. Allowing 200 yards on the ground to BYU doesn't bode well for what's coming their way Saturday through DeMarco Murray but if the Falcons can manage to put the breaks on Oklahoma's offense then they'll certainly be in the game.

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Comments

The key to the game is for the Air Force offense to not go three and out. If the Air Force offense stays on the field and can force the Oklahoma defense to continue to play assignment football in a close game, eventually that mental wear and tear will be too much for the D and they could give up a big play or two.

Additionally, it keeps Landry Jones from developing a rhythm, which he could not do against Utah State (to their benefit), but Florida State was unable to do, letting 0U move the game out of reach very quickly.

by HawkeyedFrog on Sep 17, 2010 5:12 PM PDT reply actions

Yep........

best way to stop the potent OU offense will be for the AF offense to play ball control smart football………

I think AF’s defense will be prepared for the passing game………….but DeMarco Murray is a beast……..and frankly he will be the deciding factor in the game.

“Off we go……………into the wild blue yonder”

I know we're going to have a big challenge to do better than what we did last year, but I feel we have the team to do that. We want to win with numbing repetition. - Jim Harbaugh

by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 17, 2010 5:38 PM PDT reply actions

well that is what the triple option is designed for. long drives and to eat up the clock.

this is my upset special of the day (but i have +19 points to back me up just in case). i think air force might pull off the upset here.

I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. The most hated and misunderstood person on the MMA blogs.. Utah and Boise take care of business in week one. Don't be surprised if they both go undefeated.

by wolfmanshowlforever on Sep 18, 2010 7:12 AM PDT up reply actions