Oklahoma Offensive Players To Watch For Vs. Texas
As the midway point of the 2021 season emerges, Texas will head back to the DFW area and the Cotton Bowl to face Big 12 rival Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown.
Texas (4-1, 2-0 Big 12) has been consistent offensively since its Week 2 loss to Arkansas. Led by quarterback Casey Thompson and running back Bijan Robinson, the Longhorns have outscored opponents 160-62 on their three-game winning streak.
They'll look to make it four games against an Oklahoma (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) that feels as if they can be beaten on any given Saturday.
Even with struggles from quarterback Spencer Rattler, the offensive flaws are more regarded towards the line's inconsistencies. Known for its ability to run between the trenches, Oklahoma ranks 76th in rushing offense with two top-tier runners in Kennedy Brooks and Eric Gray.
Without an effective run game, this adds pressure to Rattler. So far in 2021, the Sooners have yet to beat a FBS program by more than more than one possession. Is this the week where they finally fall flat?
Make sure to stick with Longhorns Country throughout our season preview series, where we will analyze every opponent on Texas' schedule in 2021.
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QB Spencer Rattler
Rattler was viewed as the top quarterback prospect in the country entering the season. His numbers are far from terrible, but the Heisman hype has cooled immensely.
Rattler has thrown for 1,260 yards and 10 touchdowns against four interceptions. His completion rating has hovered over 70 percent all season, and he currently is averaging a passer rating of 158.0.
Minor mistakes have derailed talks of the NFL Draft for now. Although he's yet to throw for over 300 yards since Week 1, Rattler remains a high-tempo and efficient passer for the Sooners' offense. Last season against Texas, Rattler threw for three touchdowns.
He could produce similar numbers again at the Cotton Bowl.
RB Kennedy Brooks
Brooks elected to opt-out last season due to COVID-19. Now back in the building, continues to build off his OU start of back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
A more north to south style of runner, Brooks does his best work between the trenches and making defenders try to win at the line of scrimmage. He's bullied his way to 318 yards and four touchdowns on the ground through five starts, and is averaging 5.9 yards per run.
Gray, a transfer from Tennessee, is the speed factor while Brooks is the thunder. Together, they can do damage against any front seven.
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WR Marvin Mims
Mims might not be a Hollywood Brown or a CeeDee Lamb yet, but he showed growth as the new No. 1 last season. Although he has yet to record a touchdown, he leads the Sooners in receiving yards (264) and yards per catch (18.9).
So far this year, Mims has been used as Oklahoma's vertical threat. He has four plays of 20-plus yard receptions, and two plays of catches over 40. The ideal way to utilize Mims is on the fly pattern against man coverage.
In a limited role, it's worked like a charm.
TE Austin Stogner
Teams that struggle in the red zone likely tend to target tight ends more often. Over the past four games, Stogner's been limited as a receiver, but become stronger as a run blocker.
Since his three reception day against Tulane, Stogner has recorded just one catch in each of his last four starts. His 5-yard touchdown catch against West Virginia, however, paid dividends in the long run to help Oklahoma remain undefeated.
Should Texas eliminate the run game, look for Rattler to target one of his tight ends in a 12-man personnel set inside the red zone.
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WR Michael Woods
Although his former team is thriving in the SEC, Woods has made himself at home in Oklahoma's passing attack. An Arkansas transfer who continues to get open, the senior has been a pleasant surprise as yet another weapon for Riley's offense.
This season, Woods has recorded 20 catches for 187 yards and two scores. His biggest asset has been keeping drives alive through the air. So far, he's recorded 11 first down catches in five games.
Woods moves the chains and helps Oklahoma win the time of possession battles. That could be a factor Saturday in a neutral location.
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What do you think of the Longhorns' matchup with Oklahoma? Comment and join in on the discussion below!
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