Preview: #4 Oklahoma @ West Virginia

Date: 9/20/2014

Time: 7:30 ET

Television: FOX

Spread: Oklahoma (-8) 

Players to Watch

Sterling Shepard, wide receiver (OKLA): Shepard has been the go-to man in the Sooners offense and as a result he has racked up 17 receptions for 335 yards and two touchdowns through three games.  With his speed and explosive athleticism he is a game changer.

Trevor Knight, quarterback (OKLA): Many where unsure if Knight would have what it takes to lead such a talented team but the sophomore has thus far dispelled any doubters.  His completion percentage is low but he has thrown four touchdown passes to two interceptions and ran for another pair of scores.

Clint Trickett, quarterback (WV): Trickett has started the season at a rate of knots and has completed 75% of his 134 pass attempts which have gone for 1,224 yards and seven touchdowns.  The senior appears to be a very talented man who is flowering late.

Kevin White, wide receiver (WV): White has crazy production numbers through three games: 32 receptions,  460 receiving yards and two touchdowns.  The West Virginia system has clearly enhanced his stats but he is still getting the job done against the likes of Alabama.

Sooners’ Offense Vs Mountaineers’ Defense

The Sooners have found a very balanced attack that should stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.  Knight and Shepard are the names that get the attention but sophomore running back Keith Ford deserves credit too.  He has moved the chains consistently with 5.71 yards per carry and has pounded the ball in a number of times in the red zone for his five touchdowns.

Not only do the Mountaineers score a lot of points on offense but they concede plenty on defense too.  Maryland scores 37 last weekend and came within three of a victory,  it is up to junior linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski to lead the unit and reduce the pressure on the offense.

Sooners’ Defense Vs Mountaineers’ Offense

Oklahoma’s defense holds a number of talented players and that is evident through the mere 33 points they have conceded so far in 2014.  Dominique Alexander and Eric Striker have combined for 37 tackles while the whole defensive unit has tallied 21 tackles for a loss.

West Virginia possess a high-octane,  spread offense that is built to take as many snaps as possible and out-score the opposing team no matter how many points the defense concede.  Their 117 points so far is a striking stat to emphasise the work they do and it takes a lot to slow them down.  White is not the only weapon Trickett has at his disposal,  Mario Alford is dangerous and his three touchdowns lead the team.

Game Preview

West Virginia is a banana skin for any ranked opponent.  Oklahoma will look to play a bend-but-don’t-break defense and try to limit their opponents to field goals while forcing turnovers.  For the Sooners’ offense they should be able to move the ball regularly and convert in the red zone to prevail.  However,  such is the nature of the Mountaineers style,  a two touchdown lead in the fourth quarter is not enough.

Implications

Oklahoma has found themselves in the thick of the battle for a play-off spot.  Will any team go undefeated?  My gut instinct tells me no.  Nevertheless,  a loss at any time before your rivals means you are chasing the season until December.  For West Virginia,  a win would likely throw them into the heart of the rankings and in good shape for a big Bowl game.

Prediction

West Virginia have the pieces to cause an upset at any time,  however,  Oklahoma are playing very good football. OKLAHOMA 48-35 WEST VIRGINIA