UTEP Revisited

All in all, Mitch is right. We won the game and that is the only statistic that really matters in the end. That said, it was a pretty disappointing night. The Sooners were really pretty lackluster in nearly every phase of the game. It's telling that in the on-field interview after the game Stoops cited offense, defending the run, and special teams as areas that need improvement. Really, that's all?

As Keith mentioned, the play calling basically sucked on offense. It felt like Chuck Long was back: inside draw, bubble screen, inside handoff, bubble screen, bubble screen, inside draw. Repeat. But, play calling shouldn't really matter against a UTEP. Let's be honest if we are really as good as everyone keeps saying, we ought to be able to hand them the playbook and still do whatever the fuck we want whenever we feel like doing it. The offensive line was abysmal. Lonnie missed some open receivers, no doubt, but he had about 1/3 of a second to find them most of the night. (editors note: if I'm defending Lonnie that means there was a serious problem elsewhere).

To make a reply about what Mitch mentioned regarding finding out about your team, I'm not sure it's ever a great time to find out that you aren't very good on the offensive or defensive lines. Particularly when you, presumably, have the best players on the field at those positions and no, again presumably, better options to try out. Let's put it this way, I'd feel better finding out that I'm 84 points better than anyone.

Highlights

Chuka Ndulue did seem to have a nice game. I'm not smart enough to "break down film" but it felt like he was in the backfield quite a bit and in on several tackles. King also looked good on the D-line.

Metoyer looks like he has some good potential. He really looks good catching the ball, though he didn't have a ton of opportunities. Justin Brown also looked pretty nice, both in the return game and running after the catch. Stills stepped up quite a bit too, which is good to see as he felt MIA a bit last season after Broyles went down.

Williams looks like a nice find at RB and could provide some nice depth there. He showed some good speed and power to go along with what looks like a lot of effort after contact. Brennan Clay looked decent in limited looks.

Lowlights

The run defense looked terrible. Tons of missed tackles and guys out of position. The mighty O-line of UTEP was letting their RB get about 5 yards before getting touched most carries. This has to improve or we will lose many games this season.

The offense in general. Poor blocking, missed throws and no real momentum at any point. Two of the touchdowns were "homeruns", the other came after a bonehead fake punt attempt gave us the ball in their half of the field. Seriously, not one sustained, methodical drive down the field. This is a good indicator of multiple problems on O.

No Roy Finch. He's not nearly the answer to the problems (if only). However, he has proved to be nothing more than a dependable, hard working back, that can mix things up. Not to mention, he's been consistently productive when (reluctantly/desperately) given opportunities.

Let's hope things shape up. They have to or we're looking at another lost season. Back this weekend with sunshine and lollipops.