After shaky start, Sooners’ running game among Big 12’s best
By Adam Zuvanich | AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
There’s no arguing that Sam Bradford is the central figure in Oklahoma’s offense.
The strong-armed sophomore is the catalyst for the Sooners’ fast-paced, no-huddle attack, which has produced more points than any other offense in the country this season. Bradford ranks among the top five in the nation in both passing yards (3,406) and passer rating (188.9), and he’s thrown more touchdown tosses (38) than any other quarterback.
But Bradford, and OU’s offense in general, probably wouldn’t be nearly as explosive without such a productive running game. The Sooners rank second in the Big 12 Conference with nearly 195 rushing yards per game, and they’ve scored 30 touchdowns on the ground.
“I feel like our offense, we’re at our best when we’re balanced with the run game and pass game,” said Bradford, whose No. 5 Sooners (9-1, 5-1 Big 12) host No. 2 Texas Tech (10-0, 6-0) on Saturday. “I think for us to establish the run game is going to be key for us.”
There was a stretch earlier this season when the Sooners weren’t able to do that. They rushed for only 25 yards on 36 carries in their final non-conference game against Texas Christian, and two weeks later, a feeble running game helped lead to OU’s only loss. Texas held the Sooners to just 48 yards on 26 carries in a come-from-behind win on Oct. 11, and OU went without a rushing score for the only time this season.
Since then, however, the Sooners have been running the ball at will. They’ve racked up 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground in the last four games, with DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown both topping 100 yards in two of those contests.
In its last game two weeks ago against Texas A&M, OU churned out a season-high 328 rushing yards while passing for 325.
“It’s just the fact that we challenge ourselves,” said the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Murray, a speedy sophomore who was slow to fully recover from a knee injury suffered in last year’s game against Texas Tech. “We have to help Sam, the receivers, the passing game and whatnot. We just have to keep being more physical at the line of scrimmage.”
OU coach Bob Stoops said the running game, which benefits from a veteran offensive line that averages 6-5 and more than 300 pounds, is finally where he wants it to be. Murray and Brown, a 5-11, 210-pound junior, are the Big 12’s third- and fourth-leading rushers, respectively. Murray has 804 yards and 11 touchdowns, and Brown has added 782 yards and 12 TDs.
Stoops hopes they can keep it up on Saturday, but he knows it will be a challenge. The Sooners’ rushing struggles came against two of the nation’s best rush defenses – TCU and Texas rank first and fourth, respectively – and Tech also has stuffed the run. The Red Raiders are allowing 107.4 rushing yards per game, which ranks second in the Big 12 and 20th in the country.
“It’ll be tough again this week. They do a really good job up front,” Stoops said. “But we hope to be able to execute it and have it be a strong factor in the way we move the ball.”
Double jeopardy
The following is a breakdown of the two-pronged rushing attacks of Texas Tech and Oklahoma, with each running back’s height, weight, total rushing yards, averages per carry and touchdowns.
Back Ht. Wt. Yards Avg. TDs
DeMarco Murray (OU) 6-1 205 804 5.5 11
Chris Brown (OU) 5-11 210 782 6.1 12
Baron Batch (Tech) 5-11 200 667 7.2 5
Shannon Woods (Tech) 5-11 194 588 5.1 11
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When my boy played at Montwood HIgh as a runing back, everyweek, it was said that he would not get his average, everyweek he shattered it. And in the playoffs when he played against superior teams and talent he rushed for 100 or more. I say this to make a point, if both teams play to there potential which is likely, TT has the edge, with a Senior at the helm, and a veteran line, on both sides of the ball, TT will come out on top. The ? is can they play in the zone another week, odds are YES! Beside the fact that people can not believe how dominate the Red Raiders are, they are playing consistent and with a lot of energy, a dangerous combination. I like the fact that the 800 yard difference that crab had at this time last year is spread out, this makes them leathal at anytime. OU has good numbers, and I would not try to down play it, But starter for starter/coupled with team chemistry Tech has a slight edge, and if they zone in I think its a texas repeat where Tech dominates in all areas,without the come back at the end by OU. Guns UP#27
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Tech has never beat OU at home when OU was ranked. Tech has never beat OU and Texas in the same year. OU is 59-2 at home this decade, and will be 60-2 after this game. Prepare for the running game to go wild, and when you bring McBath up, Bradford will go deep. I will make a promise….Crab will not have a redzone TD.
OU – 55
TTech- 38
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Don’t think so swanny!
Wreck ‘em!!!
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Hey Swanny! I think Tech is probably more worried about this years game and not past history. Past history does not add any wins to this years win column!
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I played on an undefeated team in lhigh school, and a Bobby Ross 85 Orange Bowl Team, and I can say this for sure, Tech is not worried about OU, the number one thing on the teams mind is being relaxed and play their game. When your good you do not have too. Mike has it down to a science, play the best you can play and the score takes care of itself. OU is playing in a new system and TT DB’s “how can I say it” Practice against the best in the buisness. on the other hand OU DB’s are about to have a clinic put on by the TTech receiving core on their home field, and it’s titled “how to run the spread”. I played SS in high school with the benefit of having played QB for the first 2 years, and corner at MD, before that 2 years at Juco, and the raitio was for every 7 thrown at me, 2 deflections 1 pick was average, my job was to limit the YAC, yards after catch. TT is loaded and ready togo. OU and there 59-2 no more. “Every Body In The House Say” Guns UP! I say #27
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Hey SR., any chance you could suit up for this one or maybe suit up and just cheer JR and the boys on. Sounds like you got it all sorted right.
Sure hope so, I’ve been waiting for a Raider team like this since the 70’s. No doubt the Raiders are in a zone, just keep it goin! That will stop all the trash talk from cocky Sooners and Cry Baby Horns.
Wreck’em Tech with all Guns UP!
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Yes, OU is 59-2 at home in recent history. So what? Since the Big 12 began , UT, TAMU, and OU have been the dominant teams. However, OU NEVER plays UT in Norman!!! How many more loses would OU have the UT was home and away???
I think it is interesting to note that TTU is ONLY a 6 point dog to OU at Norman. The way I understand lines, home field advantage adds 7 points. Therefore, Vegas is saying that TTU is a 1 point better team than OU.
Anyway, I am still waiting for TTU to fail to show up for a game (like they almost did to UN). Here’s to hoping that I am still waiting for this to happen until August of 2009!!!
Wreck’Em
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The game will hinge on 2 things.
1. Can Tech slow down OU’s run game? My guess, yes.
2. Can OU put significant pressure on Harrell? Not likely…
WRECK’EM!!!
btw-Why does OU recruit Texas so hard? It is a man’s game, is it not? ;>)
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jswanny, that’s a rather bold prediction about Crabtree. Should you be wrong, will you be back on here after the game to eat your words?
Wreck ‘em Tech!
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noel, to answer your questions:
1. Yes Tech will slow down OU’s running game. The only two decent rush defenses they’ve played both did (Ut & TCU)
2. They will definitely try to pressure Harrell. So did Texas, Ok State, Kansas, Nebraska, etc. and so far our offensive line has met the challenge. This is a very talented line we have.
Wreck ‘em Tech!
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If Tech plays like they did the first half against Texas and the whole game against OK State, Tech will make cry babies out of Oklahoma just like they did Texas. Tech has it going now and they will be tough. As far as a road game, Look at the bowl games they’ve won and even come from behind to do it. I’m proud of the Raiders no matter how it turns out. They have an impressive team. Congratualtions to Mile Leach and pirate shipmates. GO Tech.
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I honestly think whichever team show up, will be the one to take the W. I would bet on OU since it is at home.
Just FYI jjlalamcmc, the fact that OU/UT is not home and home does little to suport your argument. If OU/TX had been a home/home series OU’s home record would stand at 59-4. Only two more losses, and still number 1 in the country for winning percentage at home since ‘99.
I hope neither team suffers any injuries and plays their best, so we really know who the best is. Should be an awesome game.
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Believe me just as GH’s dad coached his boy, It’s just like I’m suiting up but on steriods. I coached Edward, and I like what I see. He should be back on KO returns, and will make the block or stay on the field when the game is on the line. I’d like to think thats me but he’s a bit more modest than I am. This teams attitude is the difference, and Benny and his staff get all the credit. I’ve heard he is certified borderline committed in a good way, and my boy eats it up. Guns UP#27
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Tech has got it going on this year. Great team to watch. Great team to play. 48 – 45. The winner will be the team that kicks the fieldgoal. I hope its OU. BOOMER SOONER!!
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I’m proud of the Oklahomans on Texas Tech’s team. I like Coach Leach who was a Sooner before he was a Red Raider. I like Texas Tech, but I’m a Sooner. Good luck to both teams and Boomer Sooner! Go Big Red!
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You can tell the newly rich folks because they have to brag about what they have. Welcome to the penthouse. Enjoy it until you return to the level of your roots.
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Actually, home and home would mean that OU would probably have won this year and in 2006 against UT.
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Wreck ‘em? Guns up? Gang bangers have made their way to the Texas wasteland.
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edwin, wow can you even find the stadium in norman?
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