Maybe one of the more baffling developments of this season for the Oklahoma Sooners has been their utter lack of offensive explosiveness.
(Since we’re talking about something that isn’t happening, does that make it a “non-development?”)
The offensive repertoire has consisted primarily of methodical drives featuring three-yard runs off tackle, quick timing passes and bubble screens. It has looked a lot like the previous year’s team, except even less productive, averaging 5.3 yards per play in 2010, down from 5.5 in 2009.
Against Texas Tech on Saturday, though, OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson coached like a man possessed. The Sooners were wildcating. They were optioning. They were play-actioning. They were throwing deep.
Of the six touchdowns scored, three touchdowns covered more than 25 yards, including a 60-yard bomb from Landry Jones to freshman Kenny Stills. For the game, the Sooners averaged 7.5 yards per play and a promising 5.6 yards per rush.
Departing from the don’t-go-for-broke game plan that had such frustrating consequences in the previous game against Texas A&M, OU coasted to a 45-7 win on a satisfying Senior Day for all involved.
Yet again, though, the Sooners’ offense kicked into high gear in Norman. Can the Crimson and Cream can take that show on the road for the last two games of the year? OU fans would be right to be skeptical. At the very least, though, they should have hope that the Sooners won’t be in an offensive shell in Waco and Stillwater.