Big 12 Football: 5 Biggest Surprises From Week One

Sep 5, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Akron Zips quarterback Tra

5. The Oklahoma Pass Defense Was Excellent

The 2014 version of the Oklahoma Sooner defense was strong against the run, but struggled against the pass. If the first game of the season is any indication, the Sooners will be much better against aerial attacks in 2015.

Oklahoma allowed 88 yards passing during their 41-3 thrashing of the Akron Zips in Norman. The Zips averaged 249.3 passing yards per game in 2014 and returned their starting quarterback.

The Sooners harassed Zips’ quarterback Kyle Pohl into completing only six of his 17 pass attempts. His 35 percent completion rate was 18 percent lower than what he averaged in the 2014 season. The Oklahoma defense allowed a 56 percent completion rate in 2014.

In 2014, the Sooners allowed an average of 276.2 passing yards per game. It is only the first game of the season but that is an improvement of 188.2 yards. Oklahoma will be tested in week two when they face a Tennessee offense that scored 59 points and ran up 604 yards of offense in their season-opening win over Bowling Green.

It is too early to tell whether the stifling pass defense is a trend or an anomaly, but after the 2014 season it has to be a welcome site to Sooner fans.

Next: Joseph takes them home