Bob Stoops expects disciplined offense, defense from Air Force
Mark Moreland, The Oklahoma Daily
Sophomore quarterback Landry Jones passes the ball Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, against Florida State. Jones says Air Force's defense will test the Sooners. (Mark Moreland/The Daily)
OU meets the Air Force Academy Falcons for the Sooners’ third-consecutive home game of the season Saturday.
Both teams enter the game at 2-0, the Sooners fresh off a convincing 47-17 victory over then-No. 17 Florida State and Air Force after a 35-14 routing of Brigham Young.
Though the program has struggled in the past, the Falcons are now riding three straight winning seasons.
OU last played Air Force in 2001, when the Sooners defeated the Falcons 44-3.
The 2010 team brings a stiffer challenge, defensive coordinator Brent Venables said.
“It’s a different coaching staff, much better football team than when we last played them,” he said. “On top of everything we’ve been saying, it’s no-huddle and fast paced, whereas their formations before were much more traditional and just had a couple of formations.”
The triple-option has been discussed all week as Air Force is one of the few teams that still features the offense.
In their last game against the BYU Cougars, the Falcons ran the ball 65 times and split carries between 10 players.
But as coach Bob Stoops said, the offense is not the only strength Air Force displays. Its defense is a formidable opponent as well.
“They led the country in turnover margin, and they’re doing it well again this year, playing really good defense,” Stoops said.
Air Force cornerbacks Reggie Rembert and Anthony Wright both return after having all-conference seasons last year, along with free safety Jon Davis, the team’s third-best returning tackler.
The trio combined for 13 interceptions last season and lead a defense that returns six starters from last season (three in the secondary, one on the line and two linebackers).
Stoops said the Falcons are a disciplined team.
“It’ll be a big challenge, not only physically, but mentally, to be able to execute against them in all parts of the game,” he said.
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