The Football Brainiacs

Image via Tulsa World

I’d like to think we know each other well enough at this point that you’ll respect the fact I’m not going to sit here and try to pretend as though there was much, if anything, to take away from what was essentially a glorified scrimmage.

I mean I suppose I could try to pass off these ‘thoughts’ as some type of deep introspectives from the game, but to me that would be insulting to all of you.

That said, it’s not as though there was literally nothing to take away. But only so long as we do so with the understanding that very little translates to the remainder of the season.

* It’s crazy what can happen on a punt return if the guys on the field don’t just stand there and do literally nothing other than there mere presence on said field preventing the other team from simply “faking” the punt every time. Amazing what can happen when, oh I don’t know, you do something wild like actually set up a return for someone as explosive as a Dede Westbrook.

* It was interesting to watch what coming out of last week many were calling one of the best offenses in the country struggle for the better part of the first half against a vaunted (sarcasm font) KU defense.

 

* I’ve already seen (not read, key distinction) multiple articles stating something to the effect of the OU defense “getting right” or “gaining confidence” as a result of their performance against Kansas.

I mean I get it, you have a job to do. But you remember that note from above about me making a point not to insult your intelligence?

I thought Steven Parker played particularly well, Jordan Evans bounced back nicely from a pretty terrible performance against Tech (but still is who he is as a LB in this system, IMO). The defensive front also played pretty well, I thought. But again, it’s Kansas.

So, sure, it could have been worse, certainly. But whatever “confidence” was gained I would figure to be pretty short-lived.

* Was good to see Abdul Adams get some extended reps considering the score and level of competition, but boy did he ever gas out on that one long run. Which I don’t mention to make light of what was still a quality run, but it was just kind of funny to watch that replay and be able to see the exact moment his legs went out on him.

* Minor point that I suspect won’t get mentioned much elsewhere, but I thought I saw a number of the WRs making some key blocks on the outside. Can specifically remember Jordan Smallwood on a couple different occasions really lock up his guy. Mark Andrews as well, whose blocking this year has significantly improved.

Again, not a big deal necessarily but when I see things like that I feel like it’s nice to make an effort to point it out.