OU coordinators notebook: Offensive line a work in progress

There were two lines of thinking for the OU coordinators in their weekly press conference. A lot of focus on beginning Big 12 play at Cincinnati, obviously.

But the offensive line has been a bit of a head-scratcher the last two weeks. Not necessarily in the passing game, but the running game hasn’t been as efficient.

It’s something Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby recognizes and know the offensive line and running game basically works in tandem.

“There’s a fine line, and we’re continuing to work through that,” Lebby said. “But guys have played quite a bit through the first three weeks. It was really good to get Gavin (Sawchuk) back on the field and get him quality reps. As we move forward, it’ll be a little more of the hot hand and who’s playing really well at the time and in the moment as we’re inside the game.”

The offensive line has seen some issues at left guard. Savion Byrd left Saturday’s game with an injury but hasn’t played at a consistently high level when he’s in.

It has led to guys like Troy Everett and Cayden Green getting their chances. And Jacob Sexton saw his first action of the season at left tackle, returning from his torn ACL.

No magic formula, but the Sooners will need to figure it out here quickly. The balance is key, and right now, the running game isn’t where it needs to be no matter how you slice it. Especially against a stout Bearcat defensive line and its leader, Dontay Corleone.

“The unit that we’re facing this week is going to be the best unit we’ve played up to this point,” Lebby said. “We’ve got to continue to play guys like Cayden and like Jacob so we’re able to play multiple guys at the front spot. I think we ended up playing 10 last week.

“The run game, we need more production from that standpoint. And we also need to create some explosives at times in the run game, so we’ll look forward to that being a part of who we are as we’re moving forward as well.”

That could still include Jackson Arnold as Lebby said he’s not throwing in the towel on that package. Just might mix it up a lot more.

“The other day, looking back, wish I would’ve done maybe a couple of different things with him in there,” Lebby said.

Stopping the Bearcat rushing attack

Don’t fall for it. There are going to be a lot of OU fans being dismissive about Cincinnati after losing at home in overtime to Miami (Ohio) on Saturday.

Defensive coordinator Ted Roof said focus won’t be an issue because the Bearcat rushing attack has been stellar to begin the season. With dual-threat quarterback Emory Jones and a group rushing for more than 200 yards in each game, Cincinnati has OU’s attention.

“The thing that jumps out the most is they’re one of the top rushing offenses in the country. I think they’re eighth in the country,” Roof said. “The least amount of yards they’ve been held to is 219 rushing yards. That’s a lot. And that’s the low end of what they’ve done. Our ability to beat blocks, fit, tackle is going to be a big, big deal because they’re very physical in what they do.

“It’s a team that has a lot of pride. In the last five years, they’re one of the most winningest teams in college football. That didn’t just go away. That’s who they are. We’re going to have to put our best foot forward and play really well in an environment that should be pretty hostile to find a way to win.”

The tape because the tape doesn’t lie

Roof is a lot happier with the execution through three games this season compared to the 3-0 start in 2022. But what might help anybody from getting a big head is how quickly Roof says what needs to be better.

Not just generalities, either. Roof points out about third down defense and pass rush. You’re not going to get too upset about 28 points allowed in three games. But there’s no celebrating going on, either.

“If you just look at the scoreboard, that’s one thing,” Roof said. “But look at the tape and break it down and study it and get into all the details of it, our players understand that.

“But they understand we have to get a lot better real quick. All you have to do is show them the tape. The tape doesn’t lie. The tape tells the truth. Our guys have seen that and are excited about improving and getting better because we know we’re going to have to.”

Cheetah depth showing

It’s not ideal and in the plans for OU to play without Justin Harrington or Dasan McCullough. But that’s what Brent Venables and the Sooners had to do last weekend.

All that cross-training of positions for guys like Peyton Bowen and Reggie Pearson really paid off. Not just mop-up duty reps at the Cheetah. The type of snaps that matter most, even adding someone like Kip Lewis to that bunch.

“I thought Peyton and Reggie and Kip and Sammy, it was good to see,” Roof said. “It wasn’t like they got thrown in at the end of the game. There were a lot of meaningful reps there, so that usually promotes growth and I think moving forward, we’re going to be fine.”

It is TBD when either Harrington or McCullough will return to the lineup.

Quotable

“Ultimately playing fast, being fearless in how we call it and having great physicality are the three things that, when people watch us, they see that.” – said Lebby about what he hopes OU’s offensive identity is

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