Oklahoma offensive breakdown- From an OU fan

This is not “my team is better than yours” or “you can’t stop us” post. This is a breakdown by an actual sooner fan.

I am breaking down what Oklahoma does on offense, as I’ve read/heard a ton of misinformation about the Sooners offense. I hate when other fan bases watch highlights and then think they know more about your team than you (Oklahoma fans are guilty of this as well).

What it’s not: Now, I know the UGA fan base as a whole is smarter than this, but I must address this because I’ve heard it from UGA fans in person and online. This is not Hawaii’s Offense. Not even close to being similar! They ran the Run N Shoot, where their leading rusher had 388 yards on the season. They passed on roughly 71% of their plays. Oklahoma runs on roughly 55% of their plays.
This is also not to Auburn’s offense. New Arkansas HC Chad Morris ran this offense at SMU, Clemson runs a version (a much better one might I add) of this offense, and Hugh Freeze runs a version of this offense as well. This is also not Missouri 2.0. Their OC (former) was FIRED from OU due to his lack of play calling abilities.

What it is: Oklahoma runs air raid passing concepts. However this offense is vastly different from the Mike Leach/ Half Mumme Air from which it was derived. Lincoln Riley’s offense utilizes far more RPOs, plays action and often moves the QB launch point. Oklahoma runs 21 personnel more than anything else.

The biggest misconception is about Baker Mayfield. Baker gets the credit and the accolades but the real MVPs of this offense are the Offensive Line and Lincoln Riley’s play calling. Both are the best in a decade at OU. Riley is aggressive and once OU crosses midfield defenses must be prepared to stop the offense on all 4 downs. He calls great complementary football. If the defense is getting gassed he will play ball control with the offense.

Personnel Breakdown

Quarterbacks:

Baker Mayfield- He is not Manziel. Let me repeat that again, he is not Manziel! Manziel could not play on schedule. If the throw is there, Baker makes the play and we move on. He also is NOT Russell Wilson. Mayfield is slower but also a better at negotiating the pocket than Wilson was in college. If you’re looking for a spot on comparison think 2001 Rex Grossman.

Kyler Murray- He may be in on a special package. Rumored to be the fastest player on the team, he’s a terrific athlete who is good enough to run a zone read or gadget play if Baker is out 2-3 plays. Don’t believe what other Sooners fans say, if he's in for extended time the offense takes a huge hit.

Tailbacks

Rodney Anderson- The offense really took off when he got healthy. He is solid but versatile. He's so important because he doesn’t miss holes and does a better job of protecting the ball than the other two.

Trey Sermon- Some UGA fans are familiar with him. He's the closer for OU. The most physical of the backs but has surprisingly good hands.

Abdul Adams- Fastest of all the backs. Also has the best hands of all the backs. Adams was the lead back until injury and ball security issues pushed him down the pecking order.

Wide Receivers

Marquise Brown- Oklahoma’s number one deep threat. Riley does a great job of scheming him open on shorter routes as well. “Hollywood” is at his most dangerous when he's lined up on the same side as Mark Andrews.

Ceedee Lamb- Single most important skill player on offense. Most Sooners fans don’t even know it. There's no WR with a similar skill set on the roster. Only WR who can consistently win 1-on-1 regardless of competition. Offensive is totally different when he's not on the field.

Mykel Jones- Has been coming on late in the year. Expected to take over the slot once the projected starter was OFY in August. Very talented (offers from Bama, FSU, USC, LSU) but the light hasn’t come on yet.

Jeff Badet- UGA might know him as well (Kentucky grad transfer). Brought in to be a deep threat but really hasn’t panned out that way. Utilized mostly to stress defenses horizontally.

Mead/Smallwood/Morris/Tease- Just “guys” on offense

Tight Ends/ H-Back

Mark Andrews- Mayfield’s security blanket. One of, if not the most improved players from last season. His athleticism is a bit overrated but does a great job at creating separation. Lines up in the slot most plays.

Dmitri Flowers- Swiss army knife of the offense. Allows OU to be deadly with RPOs due to his blocking and receiving ability. Capable short yardage back as well.

Grant Calcaterra- Basically Mark Andrews lite. Used in the same way as Andrews.

Offensive Line

Best unit on the team. This is what makes the offense so special. Both tackles are/will be starting NFL caliber players. Guards are not as good as tackles but very solid. The interior OL has made the biggest improvement since last season. All the guys are athletic and keep Mayfield very clean. Arguably the worst game of the season, for the OL, occurred vs. OK state and the offense still scored 62.