While many are focusing on Jeff Lebby this week and his lack of awareness on the field and in the booth, there’s something happening that isn’t getting enough attention. Most national media talking heads haven’t bothered to watch an Oklahoma game to see it themselves. Those of us who live and breathe Sooner football might be too nervous to dive all in - even though the evidence is right in front of us.
Defense is back at the University of Oklahoma.
But wait, Oklahoma hasn’t played anybody! After all, we’ve seen this story before when Oklahoma dominated a non-conference schedule to the tune of only 10 PPG last year. The next 10 games delivered a punishing 36 points per game surrendered (hide your children!).
So why is it safe to declare this year different? Getting off the field is the most important aspect for a defense and we’re already seeing marked improvement. Last year vs UTEP, Kent State, and Nebraska the Sooners surrendered a first down on 35% of third downs faced. Through two games in 2023 this is down to 22%. Is that cherry picking stats from a small sample size? Possibly. But this is a sustainable goal to achieve, as opposed to relying on unpredictable turnovers (*cough cough*).
How about something that’s not as quantifiable though? The level of defense played from the first snap to Justin Harrington’s game sealing interception didn’t dip. In crunch time this defense rose to the occasion with stop after stop after stop. That’s competitive depth. If not for an unusual penalty by Brent Venables it’s quite possible they’re able to go two straight weeks without allowing a touchdown.
Surely there will be a game this year where the defense gives up 40+ points. Texas looks loaded on offense. Kansas has some lightning in their backfield. There’s still a lot of room for improvement. But the floor has been raised drastically, and it’s safe to say again that defense is back at Oklahoma.
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