NORMAN — Oklahoma is going for its 800th win Saturday night against Utah State. The Sooners are a five-touchdown favorite, and if the outcome is still in doubt by the fourth quarter, then it’s obvious No. 7 OU has problems.
But here are five things to pay special attention to during the Sooners’ season opener:
1. The place kicker: Patrick O’Hara won the job in preseason camp. In a sense, he’s incumbent, holding the job for the final three games of last season. But his inconsistency, and that of the other three vying for the job, made for an interesting August.
It would be nice to see the Sooners attempt a couple field goals Saturday, just to see if O’Hara’s ready for the pressure. For those wanting an early peek, kickers usually start warming up about 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
2. The defensive line: Defensive end Frank Alexander is out with an ankle injury and defensive tackle Adrian Taylor is questionable while he’s still recovering from one.
OU can overcome Alexander’s absence because of depth at the position, but it doesn’t have a proven anchor at defensive tackle. The Sooners would love to see Casey Walker, Stacy McGee or Jamarkus McFarland have big games. If they don’t, it could be a sign of bigger problems down the road.
3. The offensive line: Everyone knows it was an inconsistent group last season due to injuries, but that group also got off to a very bad start.
Watch to see if OU has success running between the tackles and is using play-action passes. Those are the signs that the Sooners are winning the offensive battle in the trenches. If those things aren’t working, the offensive line still has some very serious problems.
Also pay special attention to left tackle Donald Stephenson. Coaches believe he’s as talented as they come, but the junior will be making his first start Saturday night.
4. Ronnell Lewis: I can’t remember a buzz around a first-year starter that’s been close to the one surrounding Lewis. He’s a starter at strongside linebacker, but he’ll also play defensive end.
He proved he was a ferocious hitter as a freshman, and many believe the collisions he’s part of are the most violent in college football.
This season, he gets to show whether he can be an every-down football player. He has a lot on his plate, playing multiple positions. If he can handle all the mental challenges, this could be a breakout game for him.
5. Drew Allen: OU has a solidified starting quarterback in Landry Jones, but the importance of having a backup ready to go on a moment’s notice is critical. It’s a lesson the Sooners should have learned last season.
The Sooners rarely turn to the backup quarterback until the fourth quarter, no matter how big the lead. But don’t be surprised if the Sooners get a big lead and Jones goes to the bench quickly. Allen has never played in a game before. It would be nice for him to get some time with a big lead, instead of after an injury to Jones.
John Shinn 366-3536 jshinn@normantranscript.com
