Mission accomplished in Norman

Originally Published: Nov 13, 2010 6:52 PM CDT

Mission accomplished.

That’s the big picture from Norman after OU’s impressive performance in its 45-7 win36th in a row on Owen Field. This kind of performance, stock full of big plays, solid execution and new wrinkles should bolster their chances as they head on the road with a chance to win another Big 12 title. Two tough games remainnext Saturday in Waco and the finale in Stillwater.

It was obvious from the start that after all the criticism he took from the media and fans this week, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson had tweaked things quite a bit. There were several new plays or wrinkles from ones already in the playbook that worked on the Sooners first scoring drive-eight plays-80 yards in just 2:29.  We saw misdirection, deception and DeMarco Murray scoring from 12 yards out making it 7-0.

Tech came right back and scored on a 7 play, 67 yard TD drive, making it appear that the Sooner defense was about to be ripped apart again. The Sooners gave up too many yards in the first half: 229 on 49 plays. But Brent Venables made some good halftime adjustments and OU played lights out for the most part in the second half. A few personnel changes. Austin  Box getting the MLB start over up and down rookie Tom Wort. And Ronnell Lewis came of the injured list to play effectively at DE and of course wreak havoc on kickoff coverage. FS Quinten Carter was brilliant leading the way with 17 tackles.

Clearly the biggest negative of the night was the loss of Adrian Taylor for the season. The classy DT had won the Don Key Award today, was playing his last home day on Senior Day, and was playing well. But he ruptured an Achilles tendon and his out for the year. It is NOT the same ankle injury he suffered in the Sun Bowl last year that would have left almost anyone to quit the game for good. In all my years, I’ve never been around a more likeable guy who was surely one of the all-time leaders. His smile was/is infectious. His play average at bestbelow his standards from 2009 when he rarely came off the field. He will be missed on the field but moreso as a guy who energizes and encourages everyone around him.

On offense, Ryan Broyles was once again sensationalsetting or tying five receiving records. Landry Jones his typical tremendous home-game self. And Roy Finch and DeMarco Murray did what they have been capable of doing all season. Finch finally getting enough snaps to break one or two, and Murray enough to show he’s the difference-maker he’s always been. His injury does not appear to be serious. Ribs that are surely tender. Although Bob Stoops did not want to elaborate.

All in all, a very good night.

Dean Blevins