UConn vs. Oklahoma
UConn’s offense goes through their running game. Jordan Todman is one of the more underrated runningbacks in the country and works well within the offensive scheme that UConn runs. UConn likes to use a lot of plays that involve a pulling guard and power fullback to open up holes to the outside and give Todman a lot of space to run. This type of offense does give the fast Oklahoma defensive front a chance to shoot through the holes created by those pulling guards and disrupt the play in the backfield. UConn needs to be able to dial up other plays that takes advantage of the over aggressiveness of the Oklahoma defense, allowing those defenders to overrun the play, leaving a seam for Todman to exploit. If the running game is going strong, it gives Zach Frazer, who doesn’t play well under pressure a chance to utilize play-action passes and open up opportunities for Michael Smith down the field. Smith can beat the Oklahoma safeties when they bite on play-action so the running game has to be there. If not, Zach Frazer will have a long day with a lot of pressure in his face.
Oklahoma uses a wide range of formations and motion to try and locate the best match-up to exploit in their passing and rushing game. They should have a relatively easy time locating those types of mismatches playing against Connecticut, who favors keeping their base defense in against spread looks. The logic in that move is that if Oklahoma starts runningback DeMarco Murray out at receiver then motion him back into the backfield, they won’t be short a solid run defender when he is given the ball. However this strategy gives the Sooners a huge advantage if they just choose to play their spread offense as a straight passing offense. The UConn linebackers don’t have the range or speed to match up against DeMarco Murray or Ryan Broyles in space. The only chance UConn has at disrupting this potent passing attack is to bring consistent and constant pressure at Landry Jones. The Oklahoma offensive line has had hard time gelling this season and is prone to blowing their assignments and letting free rushers loose. If UConn doesn’t let themselves get caught up in the misdirection plays Oklahoma uses to try and mask this weakness, they should be able to force Jones’ hand. Hopefully they can get turnovers off this because they aren’t going to succeed by just dropping seven.
Prospects to Watch
UConn
Lawrence Wilson – Linebacker: Wilson is an athletic linebacker who uses his speed to roam from sideline to sideline. He does a good job locating the ball and wrapping up when he tackles. However his athleticism is somewhat limited by NFL standards and he isn’t likely to be seen running down the seam with an athletic tight end. He doesn’t have the strength to shed in phone booth (close quarters) situations and can be overwhelmed. However his has active hands and quick feet which he can use to help him slip blocks and make plays in the backfield. He’ll be drafted on the last day; the athleticism makes him a good candidate to be a special teams ace.
Oklahoma
Quinton Carter – Safety: While not someone you want to line up near the line of scrimmage, Quinton Carter is a rangy safety who can change direction easily and isn’t afraid to mix it up with bigger runners or receivers. He has good closing burst, which helps him when he plays man-to-man against wide receivers or tight ends. His ball skills are just average. He should be drafted sometime between the second and third round.
Final Pick
Oklahoma – I’ll be routing for UConn, however it’s just not the smart pick here. Oklahoma has a huge speed advantage on UConn and that goes a long way to securing wins in the college game.
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