Observations, Social Media Reacts: Lightning Delay halts Oklahoma’s momentum after a slow start vs. Kansas
Well, that first quarter didn’t go the way anyone wanted. It was a struggle in every aspect of the game as the Kansas Jayhawks jumped out to a 14-0 lead to put the Oklahoma Sooners on upset alert.
The Sooners gained some ground back with a huge touchdown drive to pull within seven, but they’ve still got a long way to go to come out on top.
Here are few observations and social media reactions as we await the restart of the game.
Tackling has to improve
There isn’t an official number of missed tackles at this time, but it feels like it’s been a lot. Kansas’ pre-snap shifts and motion and misdirection have given the Sooners defense fits.
Oklahoma’s defense has put the Jayhawks in several third and long situations, but have struggled to get off the field in large part because of missed tackling.
We’ll see if they’re able to lock back in and get more consistent on defense to keep the Jayhawks’ offense from controlling the game.
Keep it simple offensively
The Oklahoma Sooners put a lot of effort in getting the ball to the sidelines in both the run and pass game but finally found success when they attacked between the tackles.
Gavin Sawchuk got the start, but it’s been Tawee Walker making the most headway against the Kansas defense. He’s carried the ball nine times for 49 yards.
Sawchuk may have more juice to hit the big play, but right now, Walker’s physicality is what this team needs.
Oklahoma's been tested, can they respond
The Oklahoma Sooners fell behind against UCF and were able to respond late and win the game in crunch time. They’re behind again, but are driving to potentially even the score.
It’ll feel like a totally different game when the Sooners and Jayhawks restart. Whichever team is able to come out after the break and start fast could run away with the game.
Adjustment Game
The Oklahoma Sooners have done a really great job making in-game adjustments this season. While most of those adjustments would occur at halftime, Brent Venables and his staff get an early opportunity to make those adjustments.
If the Sooners can tackle better and play a bit more disciplined on defense, they’ll have a chance to leave Lawrence with a win.
Time to respond
Man maybe the message is not being preached, WE ARE THE HUNTED!! We can’t keep starting like this. It’s gonna cost us
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 28, 2023
Dillon Gabriel answers the call
Sooners strike back 💥#OUDNA | 📺 FOX
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) October 28, 2023
Tawee Walker the answer...
Freaking Lighting delay, when it seemed Oklahoma finally got the Momentum to take over the Game. Tawee Walker seems to finally be the RB that can take over a Game and get the kinda yards OU needs from the RB room. I believe OU comes out and scores and never look back again 💯
— Sooners HQ (@TheSabatore) October 28, 2023
Please, Sooners, don't let him be right
Matt Leinart is either going to delete this app off his phone in four hours or be insufferable.
No in-between.
— Kegan Reneau (@KeganReneau) October 28, 2023
Challenge Expected
Defense comes together after that TD. Woodi Washington with a passionate message it looked like. #Sooners pic.twitter.com/qyITspRLEg
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) October 28, 2023
It's going to take big day on the ground to win this one
For the first time this year. Our running game is the shining spot on the team. Hopefully that continues for the remainder of the season. We’re gonna need it to get where we wanna go pic.twitter.com/2pT8k1MJ5g
— Sooners Insider (@SoonersInsider) October 28, 2023
