Comments on: Running back Keith Ford ranked No. 48 in final Rivals100

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 20:53:46 +0000

Tim is correct. The problem is the offensive scheme doesn’t favor a run game. Part of that is like Mike says the lines on both sides of the ball aren’t very good. If they don’t get an upgrade in the offensive line they will need to scheme like Texas Tech and throw a ton of short passes and forget the run. The offensive line should be able to pass block for the 2 seconds required for a Tech like passing offense. My guess is no change in the foresable future. A gradual downgrade of talent and 9-10 wins a year. As bad as OU is the rest of the Big XII is worse. Texas A&M has hurt OU in recruiting Texas but it has devastated Texas. UT was able to survive bad coaching by recruiting top 5 classes every year. Look at how they are doing this year. Also, not every year will A&M be able to do what they did this year, 34 commits when you are allowed 25 scholarships per year. A typical SEC recruiting scheme but you cannot do it to that level every year.

By: Jerry

Jerry — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 20:43:29 +0000

It doesn’t matter who is in the backfield this will be a pass first offense. The reason is because no matter who good the running backs may be OU doesn’t have an offensive line that can open holes for a running back. It doesn’t look like it will improve next year. They can usually pass block well enough…except when they have to try and pick up a blitz, but they cannot pass block. So, the reason why it looks like the ability to catch a pass determines who plays, it is because that is the only way to get the back the ball in the open. Until OU recruits some large offensive linemen that can get a push up front expect the backs to make yards with receptions.

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:37:49 +0000

Mike is spot on about the lines. This is where we need the biggest upgrade on both sides of the ball. What happened after 2009? OU recruited a ton of offensive skill players and DBs.

Used2BGood is spot on, too. A$M’s move to the SEC and their recent success is having a significant impact on OU recruiting Texas. But it is also impacting other Big 12 schools, too. I noticed in the Oklahomans Top 30 OU basically took the top of the class…Tulsa was school where most of Oklahoma’s talent went…or it went to small schools out of state…didn’t notice too many if any had committed to OSU.

No way is Finch as good as Griffin…given played in the NFL,because he could do everything. Not sure Finch will even get drafted.

OU needs an overhaul on offensive…in spite of the numbers it puts up. Without a good long honest assessment of the offensive scheme, OU will not win against teams like Alabama.,,Heuple is not known for running the ball…as a QB under the Leach system, it was always throw first. Kevin Wilson was more flexible and built his offense around balance, predicated on running the ball. Throwing for 300 and running for 85 is not balance and won’t beat great teams. OU has plenty of skilled offensive players,,but unless they get the right pieces upfront and break out something fresh and innovative…like deep passes and a variety of run schemes…dink and dunk is sunk…

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:47:09 +0000

OU doesn’t really need more backs. The ones they have are excellent, especially Finch. What they need is an OC who WILL USE THEM.Ford could be another Brandon WIlliams for all we know, an excellent highschool rb who couldn’t handle D1 hits.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:18:37 +0000

The Sooners can have all the skill position players in the world, but if the lines and LB’s are upgraded none of it matters anyways.

By: Used2BGood

Used2BGood — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 03:36:16 +0000

We used to have more four stars than three, with an occasional five star thrown in. Now we look like a TCU or TTU recruiting class.

By: Gerald

Gerald — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 02:58:56 +0000

All the talk about RBs and playing time means nothing because who knows what type offense OC Josh Heupel is gonna come up with for the next season. Hope it’s his last as Sooner’s OC.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 02:01:55 +0000

They need to redshirt this Ford kid anyway. Stoops needs to go ahead and put Millard back there as our “feature” back next season.

By: Lxxiv

Lxxiv — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:39:38 +0000

As a matter of fact, I recall that Griffin was a good blocking back. The need to be able to help protect the quarterback is not a recent requirement at OU.

By: Will

Will — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:05:50 +0000

I don’t remember Quintin Griffin being a noted blocker… To me Finch = Griffin