The last team Oklahoma and West Virginia played each other, records were shattered. Last season, with Landry Jones and Geno Smith controlling their respective offenses, there was a total of 99 points and 1,400 yards of total offense. There was little defense displayed as both teams battled each other touchdown for touchdown. Now with both quarterbacks gone, the two teams are looking to avoid another shoot out.
Oklahoma showed a better defensive effort in their season-opener against Louisiana-Monroe. The shut out the team 34-0, holding their opponent to just 166 yards of offense. West Virginia is certainly a better team, but the showing was encouraging. It was the Sooners first shutout since 2010 when they beat Iowa State 52-0.
The Mountaineers look very different from last season.Paul Millard is in his first season as a starter. The team scooted by William & Mary 24-17, needing a late touchdown to get the victory. Millard finished going 19 for 25 for 237 yards and a touchdown. That is a far cry from the numbers Smith used to put up, West Virginia is confident the junior can get the job done.
Oklahoma is starting redshirt freshman Trevor Knight at quarterback. He faired well last week, throwing completing 11 of 28 passes for 86 yards, but that equaled to three touchdowns for the team. He also rushed for 103 yards, which is something Oklahoma did not have in Jones last year. Knight became the first Sooner quarterback to rush for over 100 yards since Jason White back in 2007. He opens the playbook more.
Oklahoma is bringing in the read-option offense with Knight under center. That will not be too unfamiliar to the West Virginia defense who spent most of last season defending that system in practice against Smith. That defense allowed an average of 156 passing yards last year and appears to be on that path again this season.
Head coach Dana Holgorsen is really worried about the improved Oklahoma defense that is sure to not allow a repeat performance of last year. West Virginia came close to being on the wrong end of an upset last season and the Sooner are much better team than last week's FCS opponent.
