Defensive Line
Daniel: I thought this group was active and disruptive several times. They only had one sack officially, though they affected several other throws and didn’t allow OU’s massive offensive line to overwhelm them in the run game – holding the Sooners to a respectable 4.3 yards per carry. Derek Barnett continues to be impressive. He’s going to be a star at UT. I’ve been impressed with this group all season and it will continue to develop as players like Barnett and Corey Vereen continue to mature. Grade: B
Houston: For all of the talk about how Oklahoma’s offensive line was just going to steamroll this group, I actually thought they played exceptionally well. They were being held for most of the night and were still able to make some plays in the running game and apply pressure to Trevor Knight on third downs. The didn’t get to Knight as often as they needed too, though, and it allowed him to hit some big throws down the field. As this group continues to develop, I think it’s safe to say that they will grow into a realy strength of this team. Grade: B
Reed: Tennessee’s speed along the defensive line really gave the Sooners fits up front. It looked like OU got away with countless holds throughout the game as their big linemen struggled to contain UT’s speedy front four. Owen Williams built off his Arkansas State performance with a solid outing and should be the starter at one defensive tackle spot moving forward. As a whole, they were above average against the run but could have done a better job of pressuring Knight. Grade: B-
