The Football Brainiacs

Image via SoonerSports.com

Last week, I took the liberty of, well, taking a liberty (giant Baylor-related pun intended) and not sending in any pregame takes. I was a bit overwhelmed with my day job and somewhat underwhelmed with what I had seen from Tulane via their previous games.

This week, I can happily report I am less under the gun, while still underwhelmed with the Sooners opponent. With that said, enjoy this week’s edition of “Hot Takes.”

Hot Takes

– Duke had almost 250 yards rushing last week. That stat bodes well for the Sooners, who really need a breakout game on the ground, in my opinion.

– Looking at the ground game, Trey Sermon has the most carries, followed by Abdul Adams. After his performance last week, I think Lincoln Riley may give Marcelias Sutton a few more touches per contest. I really liked his explosiveness and overall speed once he got through the hole. I’ll give an over/under on this at the end.

– Oklahoma is averaging almost 600 yards of offense per game (599). Baylor has surrendered 430 (Duke), 375 (UTSA), and 585 (Liberty). These are the data points that have me puzzled as to why I have heard a few folks give Baylor an “upset chance.”

– Who else is waiting for Jeff Badet to break a long touchdown? Something tells me this is the game he will do that.

(Note from Ryan: he had one last week that was stolen from him. Just throwing that out there.)

– Back to the running backs, I have been most surprised at the lack of carries from Rodney Anderson (11 in three games). I really like how he runs though. I wonder if Riley has been sort of letting him ease back into the feel of getting hit in an uncontrolled situation and is waiting to give him a larger portion of the carries?

– I don’t know if I would play Mark Andrews against Baylor. He is too valuable to the team down the stretch. Give him a week to recover and get to 100%.

– Sitting Andrews would also allow me to see more Grant Calcaterra, who I truly think is headed toward being a household name for football fans across the country.

– Baker Mayfield has developed a great rhythm with all of his receivers. This has been on full display since the first game. I am not sure if people understand just how unique this is.

– CeeDee Lamb will return with a vengeance. More on over/under.

– Marquise Brown showed against Tulane why I was so excited about him after watching his film. He has breakaway speed and some serious quicks. I think fans see his role increase this week too.

– Oklahoma needs to get over the slow first quarter start, outscoring opponents 28-21. Would be nice to see that change Saturday, because a quick two touchdown lead over Baylor will end this thing.

– OU is scoring touchdowns on 88% of its red zone opportunities. That should make the fans of other Big 12 teams very nervous.

– Lee Morris is averaging a touchdown per reception. I think that’s good.

– The Sooners currently have five receivers with more than 100 yards. I don’t expect this trend to change.

– Parnell Motley, as you know by now, is really good. Baylor threw three interceptions against Duke. I’ll go ahead and call this now: Motley will pick off another Saturday.

– I want to see the defense come out and just smother Baylor early, simply so I know they will do so against teams they should beat.

– I honestly don’t know if Baylor would be able to consistently stop Tulane’s offense.

– Obo already has 3.5 sacks. What does Baylor have that can keep him from getting two more? Serious question.

– I’ll be watching to see how Kahlil Haughton does. It has been nice to see him get on the field and make a bigger contribution. Keep your eyes on #8 when the Sooners are on defense.

– The best part of the game against Tulane, in my opinion, was seeing how the defense adjusted after the first couple of Green Wave drives. That was the most encouraging thing I have seen in a long time from that side of the football.

– Playing in Waco isn’t going to be a factor in the game. The Sooners have the best road quarterback in college football.

– Something tells me this is Kenneth Murray’s breakout game.

– I am ready to see more Addison Gumbs.

OVER/UNDER FUN

– Number of carries for Trey Sermon: 10

– Different receivers with a reception: 7

– Rushing yards by Oklahoma: 270

– Passing yards by Oklahoma: 365

– Kyler Murray appearance: 3rd quarter

– Times Neville Gallimore is called “Canadian Bulldozer”: 1

– Total points by both teams: 58

– Number of times Mayfield’s Columbus flag plant is referenced: 2

– Receptions by CeeDee Lamb: 6

– McKinzie’s Final Score Prediction: Oklahoma 52 Baylor 13