The Football Brainiacs

Image via Associated Press (Sue Ogrocki)

–    Allow me to start this week’s piece by offering this disclaimer: I do not believe there is a Big 12 team better than Oklahoma. I really believe that. While this is not necessarily stepping out on a limb, I realize there are a few folks who feel this team somehow is going to fall on its face (again) late in the season. Many felt it could be Baylor. That hurdle cleared fairly easily. Others pointed to this week’s road game in Morgantown while still more felt it would be the final game against OSU. Does all this mean I think OU wins out? Well…read on.

–    The Sooners are averaging 44 points per game. Something tells me it will be tough for West Virginia to keep them from getting within 6 of that.

–    937. 420. 363. 11. Those are Joe Mixon’s yardage production numbers and touchdowns. There was a piece published earlier this week that stated Mixon “may” be the best complete running back in the country. I will go ahead and confirm that suspicion. I hate using the word “ever” because it is steeped in subjectivity but, honestly, has there ever been a better “all around” back at OU? DeMarco Murray is the closet thing I can think of, but I am “only” 36”. Adrian Peterson was nowhere near the receiving threat. Samaje Perine is absolutely fantastic but still is not the holistic back Mixon is and has dealt with some nagging injuries. Enjoy #25 while you can.

–    DeDe Westbrook has 1254 yards and 14 touchdowns. At this point, considering the streak he is on, most have to just admit he is unstoppable, right?

–    The Mountaineers beat Kansas State by one in Morgantown. Sort of a head scratcher for me.

–    Considering the very slim margin against K-State, Dana Holgersen’s bunch did hold Texas Tech to 17 in Lubbock and TCU to 10. Those are the numbers that should have fans a little concerned.

–    WVU’s pass defense is 88th in the nation. OU, as most know, is 10th in pass offense. At this point in the season, after watching multiple games, I do not believe anyone left on OU’s schedule can effectively “stop” the Sooners on offense.

–    West Virginia may try delayed blitzes. At least I would if I were a defensive coordinator. I think that is your best shot at getting to Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has burned blitzes for two seasons now. If he gets a chance to read them pre-snap, the defense is probably going to pay.

–    As an observer, whenever OU has a big play and/or just gets the ball into the red zone, I always think “They should have scored on that play because now they will just settle for a field goal”. West Virginia has the 48th ranked red zone defense in FBS. Out of 37 red zone attempts they have only surrendered 17 touchdowns. The way OU’s play calling seems to get inside the 20 yard line and the performance of Austin Seibert this season could be what tips this game one way or the other.

–    More Mykel Jones, please.

–    More of last Saturday’s Jordan Evans, please.

–    Paging A.D. Miller…Miller…Miller.

–    Something to watch on defense for the Sooners, in my opinion, will be if the defensive front can put pressure on the West Virginia passing attack. Something tells me OU will be OK against the Mountaineers’ rushing game.

–    As I write this, I am sitting with the West Virginia lobbyists who work for my company. I expressed a desire to watch a game in Morgantown. They both told me to steer clear and never, ever wish that again. Is it really that bad??

–    Can you imagine the pressure on opposing kickers when they look downfield and see Mixon and Westbrook waiting to return the kick? This is one season when I truly think each kickoff that does not go deep in the end zone could go to the other end zone in a hurry.

–    O/U total points: 65

–    O/U Mayfield passing yards: 280

–    O/U Mixon total yards: 165

–    O/U Westbrook receiving yards: 145

–    O/U Mark Andrews catches: 5

–    O/U Perine carries: 15

–    O/U West Virginia total yards: 435

–  Prediction: Sooners 38 WVU 24