4 Oklahoma Sooners looking for a big game against the Kansas Jayhawks
A trip to Lawrence, Kansas is up next for the Oklahoma Sooners as they keep moving forward in Big 12 play. They look to keep the momentum rolling as they’ve seen a major uptick in offensive production over the last few weeks due to significantly better offensive line play and a midseason change at quarterback.
Kansas is highly unlikely to pose a real threat to Oklahoma due to the massive gulf in talent. For that reason, this game serves as a get-right game for quite a few guys on Oklahoma’s team. There are a few guys we think could use a solid performance as Oklahoma heads into the home stretch of their conference schedule. Here’s our list:
Jadon Hadselwood, WR
It may seem crazy to include the guy that just put together a hat trick against TCU, however, Jadon Haselwood needs to build off of that performance. Oklahoma needs to continue to evolve and develop roles despite the fact they are undefeated.
Good teams don’t peak in October.
Haselwood might have taken a step forward to separate himself from the pack and firmly put himself into contention for the receiver spot opposite Marvin Mims but he’s got to keep stacking performances together similar to the one he had against TCU.
Three touchdowns is a tough ask but consistently being a target that Caleb Williams can depend on is a very attainable thing. Look for Lincoln Riley to keep feeding him.
Up Next: Can we have a Volunteer(s)?
Eric Gray, RB
Eric Gray has taken a bit of a backseat due to Kennedy Brooks finding his zone as of late. Gray’s touches have diminished as Lincoln Riley has chosen to ride Brooks and with good reason. Saturday seems like the perfect time to maybe save Brooks’ legs and give Gray some more opportunities to shine.
Gray’s going to be a needed change up as teams start looking for ways to take Brooks away so keeping Gray involved gives them something to consider as well.
Key Lawrence, S
Key Lawrence has played pretty well in his increased snaps due to Delarinn-Turne-Yell’s injury. He finished with a top five run defense grade among Sooners defenders against TCU according to Pro Football Focus.
His talent is evident and this seems like the perfect game for him to get on the board with a turnover. Considering Delarrin-Turner Yell is still questionable, a game against a rebuilding Kansas program doesn’t seem like a game to rush him back for.
Lawrence could really benefit from a splash play or two. Key Lawrence will have an opportunity to play quite a bit and see if he can impact the game.
Up Next: Time to get Downs
Ethan Downs, EDGE
The native Sooner has played well in his true freshman season. He had the second-best pass-rush grade on the team against TCU and he’s routinely gotten pressure off the edge when asked to. He’s set the edge and been stout in the running game.
Assuming the Sooners get up by a significant amount Downs should see the field quite a bit. In a game like this, live reps would be perfect for someone who is still trying to maximize and learn the ins and outs of major college football.
Other guys like Latrell McCutchin and Jalil Farooq also come to mind as guys who could use the likely extra reps this week to continue to acclimate themselves to this level of college football.
In a game that has the potential to be a laugher, keep your eyes on these guys as potential guys who could do with a little bit of another feel-good performance as Oklahoma continues to learn more and more about themselves as a team.
