Oklahoma Sooners vs. Western Carolina: Sooners Wire Staff Predictions
For as disappointing as the final 30 minutes of last week’s 40-35 win for the Oklahoma Sooners was, this week should provide OU an opportunity to get their confidence back before their matchup with Nebraska next week.
It was a lifeless effort for much of the second half from the Sooners, who Lincoln Riley admitted, didn’t have their mind right coming out after the half.
Western Carolina will provide some interesting challenges, especially in the form of quarterback Rogan Wells. An experienced quarterback, Wells has the athleticism to make plays with his legs, much like we saw with Michael Pratt last week. If the Sooners struggle to contain the Catamounts signal-caller, it could pose a problem for the Sooners’ defense.
And it’s not just the defense that needs to bounce back. The offense was good but lacked a killer instinct to put Tulane away. They settled for five Gabe Brkic field goals, and that won’t be good enough when they get into conference play. The Sooners have to score touchdowns. For as good as their defense is, kicking field goals isn’t going to cut it.
Let’s take a look at how our staff here at Sooners Wire thinks this game will go with our week two staff predictions.
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Oklahoma 50, Western Carolina 13
Tomorrow provides Oklahoma the opportunity to sharpen itself against an overmatched Western Carolina squad. I believe they will do just that.
The Sooners will get better play from their starting quarterback, offensive line, and entire defensive front. How Alex Grinch and Lincoln Riley handle substitutions will be something to watch before Oklahoma puts the game out of reach.
A blowout win over the Catamounts won’t magically fix the Sooners’ problems, but it would certainly be a start
Contact/Follow Jay Attal
Oklahoma 56, Western Carolina 10
Championships aren’t given out based on your play in September. Oklahoma knows that and the whole world knows that. Nonetheless, the rocky start that was last week’s win against Tulane has people antsy about OU’s title chances.
Expect a more focused and complete performance as they impose their will on Western Carolina.
Nik Bonitto will have at least 2 sacks, Rattler will throw at least 3 touchdowns, Eric Gray will look much better, Wanya Morris will get plenty of snaps at right tackle and I’m going out on a limb and saying Woodi Washington gets an interception.
Contact/Follow Bryant Crews
Oklahoma 66, Western Carolina 13
The Oklahoma Sooners will come into this game with an edge after last week’s second-half letdown vs Tulane. The Western Carolina Catamounts are no match for the Sooners’ high-powered passing attack or their fast, talented defense.
Spencer Rattler throws a flawless game and Eric Gray rebounds from an underwhelming week one performance. The defensive line provides relentless pressure on WCU quarterback Rogan Wells on the way to a blowout win for the Sooners.
Contact/Follow John Williams