ESPN.com
The 2011 national championship proved that good defense alone is not enough to topple Alabama on the big stage.
Offensive and special teams firepower is also required.
This is why, in a national title game, Oklahoma would pose more problems for the Crimson Tide than any other team in the country.
Florida, Notre Dame and LSU have the defense.
Oregon and USC have the score.
The Sooners, however, have both — with perhaps the most explosive special teams unit in the country. Oklahoma ranks fifth nationally in offensive scoring, 12th in defensive scoring and ranks in the top six in kickoffs and punt returns.
Yes, the Sooners lost to Kansas State earlier in the season, thanks in large part to three costly turnovers. But it’s not the same team.
Since the Kansas State loss, the Sooners have scored 40 or more points in their three dominant October wins. With the exception of an early drive at Texas Tech, Oklahoma’s first-team defense also hasn’t given up a touchdown this month.
The special teams units have also found their rhythm. Against Kansas last weekend, the Sooners scored punt and kickoff return touchdowns in the same game for the first time in school history.
Like everyone else, Oklahoma has struggled against the SEC in big games in the past. Most recently, the Sooners fell to Florida in the 2008 national championship.
But this team took advantage of Sam Bradford’s arm and record-breaking offense to the national title game. These more balanced Sooners score in droves, but also play SEC-caliber defense under coordinator Mike Stoops. Security Javon HarrisThe scoring interception return broke Texas Tech’s will in the third quarter. Oklahoma’s defense didn’t even need turnovers to break the will of Texas’ high-powered offense well before halftime.
In the 2011 championship game, LSU’s great defense couldn’t overcome its offensive ineptitude against the Crimson Tide.
These Sooners also seem to have a great defense. But they also have a powerful offense, led by the veteran quarterback. Landry Jones and its host of diverse playmakers.
Dismantling Alabama would be a monumental task. But if there’s a team equipped to take on the challenge, it’s Oklahoma.
–Jake Trotter
Conventional wisdom has it that No. 1 Alabama combines physical talent and mental discipline like no other team, and that No. 4 Oregon’s use of speed and space will be rendered impotent as the Ducks swim against the tide.
But if you look closely at how Oregon got to 7-0, you’ll see that the Ducks’ offensive ability reveals some talents and camouflages others.
The Ducks’ first team is more efficient than a Prius, but with a much more powerful engine. Oregon led by at least 28 points at halftime against five of its seven opponents. The other two games? The Ducks still won by 49 (Arizona) and 31 (Washington State) points.
However, the sheer number of plays Oregon runs and the number of points the Ducks score means their opposition has the ball for many plays as well. Oregon’s opponents average fewer than 80 plays per game. (79.7). Although Oregon is 46th in total defense (366.7 yards per game), the Ducks are a much more solid 17th in yards per play (4.6).
Explore deeper and you’ll see that Oregon is particularly difficult when gambling is in question. Oregon’s average lead when the opposing offense reaches the end zone is 26.5 points. Their opponents only scored twice while Oregon didn’t lead by at least 11 points. In both cases, the Ducks responded as insulted.
FCS Tennessee Tech scored on one play, a 23-yard pass, after DeAnthony Thomas fumbled a punt. Oregon scored seven touchdowns before the Golden Eagles scored again. Shoot, Oregon scored seven touchdowns before the Golden Eagles gained ground on a snap in Ducks territory (five snaps, minus 20 yards, one interception).
Just an I-AA team, you say? Fast forward to last week, when Oregon faced Pac-12 opponent Arizona State, owning a 5-1 record and on its home field. Almost the same thing: Oregon fumbled on its first snap. Arizona State scored on one play, a 28-yard pass. Oregon scored six touchdowns in the next 17:15.
The Ducks’ combination of speed, opportunism and defensive depth will give the Tide a tougher test than any team in the top 15. Oregon is the best team the Pac-12 has produced since USC came within seconds of winning a share of three national championships over the past decade.
–Ivan Maisel
