• UCLA has proved it can score
By John Shinn
Transcript Sports Writer
Oklahoma’s sluggish start has brought a cloudy outlook to the season. Two games as an overwhelming favorite have yielded a 1-1 record and questions about OU’s ability to score points.
UCLA, the Sooners’ next opponent, has no such problems.
“They’ve looked really good,” OU coach Bob Stoops said about the Bruins. “We have to be sharp and hopefully make the improvement this week that will help us win. We’re very aware that UCLA has looked very good.”
The Bruins (2-0) have rolled up impressive wins over San Diego State 44-21 and Rice 63-21 and done so with huge offensive numbers.
Quarterback Drew Olson has thrown for 448 yards and three touchdowns while directing an offense that’s averaging 7.8 yards per play. Tailback Maurice Drew is rushing for over 9 yards a carry.
Mix in a talented offensive line and OU will be presented with a wealth of challenges at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
“They’ve got really good schemes. They’ve got great skill guys and a veteran offensive line.” OU co-defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. “It’s going to be a big time challenge, for lack of a better word.”
OU has only allowed 32 points this season, but it hasn’t faced an opponent with major offensive weapons spread all over the field. Olson, a fifth-year senior, has been solid directing the offense and Drew has been an effective runner. UCLA’s offense’s biggest weapon is tight end Mercedes Lewis, however.
The 6-foot-6, 256-pound tight end is considered one of the best in college football and the Bruins have been adept at getting him the ball. Nine catches and 158 receiving yards backup Lewis’ accolades.
OU struggled to cover Tulsa tight end Garrett Mills during Saturday’s 31-15 victory. He clipped off 152 yards on 13 catches.
The Sooners tried to cover Mills with everything. It started with linebackers and safeties, but moved to cornerbacks by the second half.
Making sure Lewis doesn’t find room to maneuver is Venables’ chief concern.
“We weren’t very good at stopping (Mills), obviously, and (Tulsa) didn’t have near the weaponry that UCLA possesses,” Venables said, “so that really magnifies the challenge. Our hands will be full this week.”
That’s what the Bruins are hoping. They’ve faced the Sooners three times over the past 19 years with the Sooners prevailing in all three contests. The last meeting was in 2003 when OU dropped UCLA 59-24 at Owen Field.
That’s the history between the two programs. UCLA coach Karl Dorrell sees the fourth meeting in the series as a chance for his team to get some nationwide attention.
“It’s an opportunity to play a national game against a team that was contending for the national championship last season,” he said. “We’re excited about the opportunity to play them. They’re a very good football program.”
John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com
OU Sports
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