After trying some different tactics in the 47-41 win over Oklahoma State, the OU defense will be back in its comfort zone Saturday against Nebraska.
In Stillwater, the Sooners used the “50” defensive formation to match the speed of the Cowboys’ offense. Junior defensive end Frank Alexander and sophomore defensive end Ronnell Lewis joined a defensive tackle up front, while senior defensive end Jeremy Beal essentially played outside linebacker.
Beal said he didn’t feel out of place at outside linebacker, a position he would most likely play in the NFL, according to draft scouts.
“It wasn’t odd,” Beal said. “I played linebacker in high school, and when I first came here I was at linebacker. I hadn’t stood up in a while, though.”
Although OSU scored 41 points, OU’s defensive scheme served to shut down All-American running back Kendall Hunter and prevented quarterback Brandon Weeden from getting comfortable.
In the Big 12 title game against Nebraska, the Sooners will play a more traditional defensive scheme, with more size up front.
“This week is more run-oriented, so we need some bigger guys in there, guys who can play against the run,” junior linebacker Travis Lewis said.
The Sooners will revert back to a 4-3 base defense to combat the downhill running style of the Cornhuskers — in contrast to OSU’s offensive style — meaning Beal will move back to the defensive line.
“It’s going to be hard, downhill running and a few zone plays,” Beal said. “We’ll have to get more, heavier bodies in there.”
The wild card Nebraska presents this week comes from the quarterback position, which could be filled by Taylor Martinez or Cody Green during the game.
Martinez, the usual starter, is day-to-day with an ankle injury, so Green may be asked to start in his place. The team also has used running back Rex Burkhead in Wildcat situations.
Lewis said while the Sooners are aware of the threats, it is more important to focus on Martinez.
“They both can throw the ball, but I think you need to prepare for a running quarterback like Martinez more when it comes to coverage,” Lewis said.
The Oklahoma Daily is pleased to provide you the opportunity to share your thoughts about this article. We encourage lively debate on the issues of the day, but we ask you refrain from using profanity or other offensive speech, engaging in personal attacks or name-calling, posting advertising, or straying from the topic at hand. To comment, you must be a registered user of OUDaily.com. Thanks for taking the time to offer your thoughts.
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Log in | Register