Oklahoma-Tulsa GameDay: Under the Radar

Rondell Bothroyd

Oklahoma’s pass rush has generated all of one quarterback sack through two games this season. Today’s the day that changes. Aside from Bedlam flipper Trace Ford, Rondell Bothroyd was maybe the most hyped defensive transfer the Sooners acquired in the portal. Bothroyd has one solo tackle, four assists and hasn’t produced any numbers in the opposing backfield yet. He’s still settling in, so introducing himself to the Tulsa quarterback — whether it’s starter Braylon Braxton, backup Cardell Williams or third-teamer Roman Fuller — will facilitate a breakout game for the Wake Forest transfer.

— John Hoover

Peyton Bowen

Justin Harrington is “banged up” and Dasan McCullough was held out of last week’s contest against SMU with an angel injury. Even if one of those two can suit up, true freshman Peyton Bowen is in line for more snaps at either safety or as OU’s cheetah linebacker. He’s already made a few impactful plays, helping Kani Walker force a fumble against Arkansas State, blocking a punt against SMU and coming up with a key fourth down pass breakup in the fourth quarter against the Mustangs. An appearance at cheetah would move Bowen even closer to the ball against Tulsa. He’s lived up to the billing so far as a former 5-star recruit, and Bowen is shaping up to be a key piece of OU’s defense as the Sooners prepare for their final non-conference battle.

— Ryan Chapman

Austin Stogner

The biggest surprise of the season for me has been the lack of targets that Austin Stogner has received. After transferring back from South Carolina, Stogner had high expectations in Norman. Yes, he’s been fantastic in the run game and has cleared out some massive holes with the offensive line, but there hasn’t been an effort to get him involved in the passing game. Texas A&M transfer Blake Smith has had more success through the air to this point. Against Tulsa, the Sooners could look to force feed Stogner the ball heading into conference play and try to get him in rhythm with Dillon Gabriel and the offense. He’s the biggest target on the field and could help tremendously.

— Ross Lovelace

Blake Smith

You want under the radar? How about backup tight end Blake Smith. A transfer from Texas A&M, Smith had only two career catches for one yard heading into his first season in Norman. In his first two games as a Sooner, Smith has hauled in two passes for 30 yards and his first collegiate touchdown catch. In addition to his services in the pass game, Smith has been a major contributor as a run blocker in OU’s first two games of the year. Even though he likely won’t start against Tulsa, Smith should see plenty of action this weekend.

— Randall Sweet

Savion Byrd

Went with guard Savion Byrd last week and we all know how that turned out. Byrd got beat on a first-quarter sack of quarterback Dillon Gabriel and was replaced by transfer Troy Everett, who played most of the remaining snaps against SMU. If given the chance, I think Byrd will redeem himself against Tulsa by not allowing a sack and helping open some holes for running backs Tawee Walker, Marcus Major, Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk.

— Tim Willert

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