There were many questions about how good the Sooners offensive line was after the week one loss to BYU.
They missed key blocks on blitzing linebackers that essentially put returning Heisman trophy winner Sam Bradford out with an injury for a couple of weeks. However, since then the line has been much improved.
The O-line responded strong against Idaho State. The line allowed plenty of time for redshirt freshman and back-up quarterback Landry Jones to make throws in his first collegiate start. The line also opened up holes for running backs DeMarco Murray, Chris Brown and others to run for 278 yards and five touchdowns on the game.
Saturday against Tulsa, the line continued to show it dominance. Jones was not sacked throughout the entire game, giving him time to throw for a record setting six touchdown passes. Also the offensive linemen did not have a holding penalty and the offensive was able to rack up over 500 yards of offense.
The Sooners offensive line is a young one. It consists of two freshman and two sophomores, and only one upper classmen is on the line. The lone upper classmen is senior tackle Trent Williams and he is considered the captain and leader of the O-line.
“Those guys get our running game started and Landry comfortable in the pocket” DeMarco Murray said after Saturday’s victory, “They have been doing a great job these past two weeks.”
It is obvious that the line has matured a lot since it had many holes in its blocking against BYU. They have cut down on penalties and have corrected missed assignments and created a solid pocket for Jones to pass in and solid running lanes for running backs to run through.
The offensive line’s next true test will be against No. 9 Miami, a team that has surprised many people this year by their exceptional play. If the line can play well against Miami it will give the Sooners confidence for when they face Texas two weeks after that.
”There really coming around,” head coach Bob Stoops said after Saturday’s victory, “They’re playing harder with more discipline, there going in a positive direction which we need.”
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