7 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
44 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
28 BOWL CHAMPIONSHIPS
154 ALL-AMERICANS
65 NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS
2014 OUTLOOK
charles tapper BOTTOM LINE
The Sooners return numerous key components of an offense that averaged 41.8 ppg and converted 41.7 percent of its third-down opportunities in its four-game winning streak to conclude the 2013 campaign. However, carrying over such gaudy numbers will call for skill players at running back, receiver and tight end to emerge. Perhaps the most important offensive stat for OU a year ago was its +9 turnover differential (25 takes/16 gives). Sound decision making and ball security will be stressed by Bob Stoops and his coaching staff. Oklahoma is seeking to register back-to-back seasons with 11 or more victories for the first time since doing it from 2006-08. The Sooners got more physical at the point of attack a year ago and it paid off. The continued development of youthful skill players could shape the 2014 season. OU’s history of consistent offensive production under Stoops indicates that the scoreboard and stat sheet could light up again.
The Defense
The Sooners returned to their dominant defensive ways in 2013, leading the Big 12 in total defense (350.2 ypg) for the first time since 2006. Anyone needing a refresher course on the type of tenacious defense that OU can orchestrate, look no further than the 2013 Sooners. Oklahoma led the Big 12 in pass defense (212.5 ypg), while ranking second in both scoring (22.1 ppg) and rushing defense (137.6 ypg). The Sooners registered dramatic improvements in 10 major defensive categories. Oklahoma regularly created timely turnovers as OU boasted 24 takeaways (up eight from 2012), while leading the Big 12 and tying for 10th in the nation by permitting only 60 third-down conversions. Oklahoma’s defense frequently found ways to get off the field, permitting a Big 12-low 17.9 first downs per game. Meanwhile, a potent pass rush registered 33.0 sacks, 9.0 more than the previous year.
Forgive Oklahoma fans if there’s a sentiment that even better things could be in store for the Sooners’ defense in 2014. All-Big 12 First Team cornerback Aaron Colvin, linebacker Corey Nelson and All-Big 12 Honorable Mention safety Gabe Lynn were the only major departures from this up-and-coming defensive unit permeated with underclassmen.
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Defensive Line
At the outset of the 2013 campaign, many outsiders placed a huge question mark next to the Oklahoma defensive front. By season’s end, that puncuation had evolved into an exclamation point, an incredible feat considering one of the unit’s most talented performers, defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, missed the season’s final nine games due to back surgery. Junior Charles Tapper provides a dynamic defensive end. He earned AllBig 12 First Team honors after leading the squad with eight QB hurries, while ranking second in TFL (9.0) and sacks (5.5). Senior Chuka Ndulue can play either an inside or outside technique. Senior Rashad Favors is also back at defensive end along with sophomores Matt Dimon and Mike Onouha. Redshirt freshman D.J. Ward could also factor into the mix. In Phillips’ absence in 2013, sophomore Jordan Wade started eight games at nose tackle, while senior Torrea Peterson garnered one start. Both should be expected to see significant duty once again in 2014. JUCO transfer Quincy Russell didn’t arrive until fall camp had begun last year and will undoubtedly benefit from a full spring with the squad.
Linebackers
Perhaps no position group displayed as dramatic of a spike in big plays and overall production as the Sooners’ linebackers in 2013. The even better news is that the trio that took the bulk of those snaps will be bolstered by the addition of senior Geneo Grissom, who moves to outside linebacker from defensive end. Grissom had 2.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown in the Sugar Bowl, alone. Junior Frank Shannon (92), sophomore Dominique Alexander (80) and junior Eric Striker (50) combined for 222 tackles a year ago. Add junior P.L. Lindley to that mix and Oklahoma could put four athletic and versatile performers on the field on any given down. Striker earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors after leading the squad with 10.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks, tying a Sugar Bowl record with 3.0 sacks in that contest. Alexander was a Freshman All-America pick, while Shannon earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention acclaim. Alexander registered four games with double-digit tackles on the year. There is also plenty of potential for sophomore Jordan Evans to make a surge this season. Before he was slowed by an ankle injury in 2013, he
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