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Oklahoma Football: 3 takeaways from nail-biting win over Iowa State

By Dante Pryor

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 07: The Oklahoma Sooners take the field before the game against the South Dakota Coyotes at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Sooners defeated the South Dakota Coyotes 70-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 07: The Oklahoma Sooners take the field before the game against the South Dakota Coyotes at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Sooners defeated the South Dakota Coyotes 70-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 28: Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch observers warm ups before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Red Raiders 55-16. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 28: Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch observers warm ups before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Red Raiders 55-16. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

2. Oklahoma defense still needs work

There’s a saying in college football, “The X’s and O’s don’t mean as much and the Jimmys and Joes.” Oklahoma is better defensively this season.

In fact, the Sooners are giving up 10 fewer points than last season, and are surrendering almost 100 fewer yards than last year. However, the Sooner have given up 89 points in their last two games. This could be a sign the thin Sooners are running out of gas. They are already undersized and undermanned defensively with the injuries they’ve sustained.

What the Sooners have not done is get turnovers. The broadcast mentioned the Sooners have only six turnovers on the season. In this game against the Cyclones they got caught too many times trying to strip the ball and not take the man to the ground. The result? Giving up 477 yards and five passing touchdowns to to Brock Purdy.

Alex Grinch and the Sooners have to recruit. They need depth and talent. The scheme fits what they need in Norman; they just need better players for the scheme.

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