OU 35, Kansas 13: Postgame thoughts
It looks like the Sam Bradford era is officially over. Sunday, the announcement came that Bradford is undergoing season-ending surgery on his separated shoulder. If all goes as planned, he will enter the NFL Draft.
That means the Landry Jones era has officially begun. Jones was sharp in the second half against Kansas, and really pretty well the whole game. In the first half, he didn’t get much help from his receivers, outside Ryan Broyles.
Jones completed 26 of 38 passes for 252 yards and 2 TDs. The lone pick wasn’t his fault, as it bounced off the hands of Cam Kenney into the arms of a Kansas safety.
The Sooners appear to be in good hands with Jones going forward. H
Other observations:
* Adron Tennell had the best game in his career. Tennell, after a terrible start to the season, is getting a second chance due to the inconsistent play of the other WRs. Tennell had 6 catches, 47 yards and a TD.
* It was nice to see Chris Brown get going again on the ground game. The Sooners have had a heck of a time running the ball this year behind its current line. Still, 66 yards against Kansas is hardly a banner day. For the Sooners to win out, they have to run the ball more efficiently than they have.
* The o-line instability continues. Tavaris Jeffries was suspended. And RT Cory Brandon got the start over Jarvis Jones, which speaks more to Jones’ inconsistent play. Only LT Trent Williams has started every game on the line this season. And he’s currently banged up with a slightly sprained ankle.
* Jeremy Beal is a stud. So is GK McCoy. Will the Big 12 defensive player of the year battle come down to those two? Suh from Nebraska is in the mix, too, but has NU continues to slip, his chances fade.
* Adrian Taylor is really an unsung hero with this defense. The Jr. DT is playing every snap at a high level. He isn’t McCoy. But he’s not that far off.
* Jon Nelson has emerged at safety and had a very strong game against Kansas. He will continue to press Sam Proctor for playing time. His emergence off the bench has been nice, since the defense while talented is not deep. Def. coordinator Brent Venables only plays three subs: DE Frank Alexander, LB/S Joe Ibiloye, and now Nelson.
* Who is playing better at CB? Brian Jackson? Or Dom Franks? Deciding for All-Big 12 corner between the two won’t be easy. No right answer at this point. No wrong answer.
-JT
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Correction…
Adrian Taylor IS far off from Gerald McCoy, and you will know this by their bank accounts in a few years. One is a first rounder, the other a UDFA.