Even with the suspensions to Ronnie Perkins and Rhamondre Stevenson … I’m still upbeat about OU in regards to the upcoming Peach Bowl in the national semis.
Perkins is clearly a loss as you could make the argument he is OU’s best pass rusher. But what you could also say is that Jalen Redmon, Neville Gallimore, Kenneth Murray, Caleb Kelly, and Nick Bonito will just have to pick up the slack in getting pressure on Heisman winner Joe Burrow. You’d also have to say Alex Grinch should be coming into this game with multiple blitz packages in that no team this year has slowed down Burrow with him standing with time and space with the ball in his hands. OU HAS NOTHING TO LOSE. BRING THE KITCHEN SINK!
To me…the key to this game is OU’s offensive line and if Jalen Hurts can extend possessions with his legs and not leave the ball laying on the Peach Bowl turf in the process.
Stevenson only had 64 carries the entire season. Sure–I wish he could play, but he’s a luxury and TJ Pledger will have to suck it up to give some depth to Kennedy Brooks. But here’s the thing—Jalen Hurts was a 1,000 yard rusher this season. He doesn’t run like a quarterback. He runs like a hybrid somewhere between Kennedy and Trey Sermon.
Jalen either running the ball or going through his progressions is the key to the game for me. Plus, I think OU needs to be at least +2 in the turnover category.
Cee Dee Lamb touches are a thing I have circled as well. Lincoln Riley needs to get Cee Dee Lamb at least 12-15 touches in space excluding punt returns.
No one has stopped Joe Burrow this season. I’m not expecting OU to as well. Just make some key stops here and there. Get off the field and get the ball back in Jalen Hurts’ hands to run the ball and the clock. As in shortening the game and limiting possessions to Burrow’s and Co.
Does OU have a chance? Vegas says no as they’ve installed LSU as a 14 point ‘home’ field favorite in Atlanta at an SEC venue.
I think OU has a puncher’s chance. Everything has to follow script so to speak. LSU clearly had the best regular season of any team in college football this year…but this is why you play the games.
To see if an underdog can land a sweeping uppercut and follow it with a knockout.