Oklahoma Looks to Stifle Owls

By Owen Pannell | KZA Sports

Following a huge win on a national stage, the Sooners travel to Philly to take on the Temple Owls. They can’t take this one too lightly, Temple is a far better football team than last year. Temple is 2-0, while outscoring opponents 97-17. They are solid. 

Keys to Victory

- Force mistakes/turnovers

Temple QB Evan Simon has been great so far this season, and it’s crucial that the Sooners force him into some early mistakes. He’s yet to commit a turnover yet this year, and he’s already racked up 9 touchdowns. The Sooners cannot let him get into a rhythm early.

- NO TURNOVERS

It’s imperative that Mateer does not throw a pick on Saturday, if he gives the Owls a chance to take the lead early, that could be trouble. Also, if he keeps throwing an interception every game, then his Heisman chances will dwindle. We must take care of the football.

- Can we please run the ball?

Oklahoma still has no run game outside of Mateer and I see no better time to get one than this Saturday in Philly. I have no idea what’s going on with Ott and I won’t have faith that he’ll do anything until I see it. Blaylock needs to be good, Barnes needs to step up, and maybe give Robinson a chance? He was great for us last year with an even worse offensive line.

- Stop the run

OU has been solid at it so far, other than the one play against Michigan, but Temple RB Jay Ducker has over 200 yards already, and he’ll definitely be a force. We can’t let him be a difference maker.

- SPECIAL TEAMS

We got away with it last week, but we can’t keep making stupid special teams mistakes. We could likely get away with it against Temple, but we won’t be able to once SEC play starts, so we might as well just fix it now.

- No big plays

I want to see this defense play essentially mistake-free. No big plays, stay in your gaps in the run game and don’t let anybody behind you. I believe in this defense, especially against Temple, but it’s time to show we actually have the best defense in the country.

Biggest Storylines

- Jaydn Ott

I have no idea if Ott is going to get a lot of snaps, but Sooner nation needs to see him get some quality carries or we’re going to lose all faith in him.

- Receiver rotation

So far, wideouts outside of Burks, Sategna, and Lewis have only gotten a handful of snaps. If the Gibsons can get some reps that would be cool, and maybe Jordan, Carreon, Kearney, and Carter can get in for a little. If Thomas or Choice got in, that would be amazing in my opinion. I’m excited to see those 2 in action.

- How will this team preform on the road?

I don’t think it’ll be that bad, but the first road game of the season is always a bit interesting. Hopefully we see the boys just play their game, and not think about it too much and block out the noise.

Things I want to see

- Deep pass

The longest throw of the season so far has been 48 yards, and it’s time to see a 60 yard TD. Whether it’s to Burks, Sategna, or even Kanak, this fanbase would absolutely love a huge passing play.

- Explosive run

The longest run of the season has been 19 yards. Similar to a big pass, an explosive run would make this fanbase go nuts. It would give us all confidence in what has been a struggle so far this season.

- Force turnovers

0 turnovers forced is not what I expected from this defense after 2 games, it’s time we get into that category. I think we can get 3 of them against this pretty solid Temple offense, which would show a lot.

Key OU Players

- RB Tory Blaylock

With Ott unlikely to play, Blaylock will have to be the main back once again. I want a big day from one of our running backs on Saturday, and it most likely would be him. If he can get 75+ yards, I would be a happy, happy man.

- WR Isaiah Setegna

Sategna had a solid game vs Michigan, but we haven't really seen his breakaway speed on a deep ball. A 65 yards touchdown from Mateer to Sategna would go crazy.

- RB Jovantae Barnes

Barnes has just been poor this season if we’re being honest. He has just 33 yards on 13 carries, which is 2.5 yards per carry for all you non math majors. A solid 10 carry 50 yard game with a TD would be very encouraging to see.

- DE R Mason Thomas

Guess how many sacks R Mason Thomas has? The answer is zero. The guy was saying he’ll break the OU sack record, well he’s off to a poor start. I get the offense is focusing on him, but if he’s truly elite he’d get sacks anyway. I want a multi-sack game from Thomas.

- CB Courtland Guillory

Guillory has been elite, and he’s on pace for an All American Freshman Team appearance. Yes it’s early, but if he keeps stacking games like the first 2 he had, he’s going to certainly get some recognition after the season.

- DT David Stone

I loved what I saw from number 0 vs Michigan, I want to see him build on that. He can be a huge part in slowing down the Temple rushing attack, and just maybe get to the QB.

Temple Top Players

- QB Evan SImon

Simon has been one of the most underrated QBs in college football this year. 9 touchdowns to 0 interceptions. It’s crucial that Coach Venables has a great gameplan in place to stop him.

- RB Jay Ducker

I like what I see from Ducker, he has big play ability and always seems to fall forward. It should be hard for him against the Sooners defensive line, but we’ll see.

- TE Peter Clarke

We very well might see Clarke on a Power 4 team next season, he is a very solid tight end. Kendal Daniels has to be ready to shut him down, and I’m sure he’s up to the challenge. Plus, Clarke is from England, so time to show him what Americans are all about.

- LB Eric Stuart

Nobody on their defense particularly sticks out to me, but Eric Stuart is probably their best. Leading the team in tackles, he’s solid in the run game. The OU offense should definitely be able to attack this Temple defense though.

Prediction

I think the Sooners get out to an early lead, and hold on to cover the spread late. Temple might make the 3rd quarter tight, as the Sooners usually struggle then, but I don’t see this being a close game.

OU- 41 TEMP- 10

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