Oklahoma Sooners Football: Five biggest questions for 2015 season
By Joshua Lea
Dec 6, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Desmond Roland (26) runs the ball against Oklahoma Sooners safety Ahmad Thomas (13) during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
2. The Defensive Line and Secondary
Oklahoma’s defense last season was sub-par at best. After ranking among the nation’s leaders in rushing defense, new defensive line coach Diron Reynolds expects OU’s defensive line to be the best yet again. The secondary needs the most work last season the Oklahoma secondary allowed opponents to score an average of 24 points a game.
Notably, OU had a stretch of four games where the opposition scored almost 30 points a game allowing West Virginia to put up 33, TCU also put up 33, Texas dropped 26, and Kansas State posted 30 against the Oklahoma defense. The defensive line and the Secondary has to be better for Oklahoma to have success in the 2015 season.
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The Sooners are revamping their secondary in 2015, which is the biggest need on that side of the ball. Luckily, Oklahoma has a strong anchor in First-Team All-Big 12, and former Freshman All-American, Zack Sanchez at corner. Sophomore Jordan Thomas had four starts in 2014 and will most likely line up at the opposite corner. Junior Ahmad Thomas started all 13 games in 2014 at strong safety and has a hold on the spot again this fall. Sophomore Steven Parker looks to transition from nickel to the starting free safety.
On the defensive line side of the ball, Oklahoma could hold the rushing yards to a season low against opponents. With experienced guys like Eric Striker, Jordan Evans and Dom Alexander all returning, OU’s linebackers are looking to get the defense back to dominant form.
Next: Restoring the balance of power in Big 12