Oklahoma Football: 3 takeaways from Cotton Bowl win over Florida
3. Oklahoma won with defense and the run
The Sooners showed up to Dallas and won this important game by relying on their defense and running backs. Wait, what year is this again?
Yes, the identity of Oklahoma took a bit of a turn this year. The Sooners finished 2018 as the 17th worst defense in the FBS in terms of yardage. In 2020, they finished in the top 20 of the FBS and were arguably the best defense in the Big 12.
You can attribute the turnovers today to lack of experience with the Gators receiving corps. But, the Sooners’ defense was great for all four quarters of this game.
After a bit of a hiccup in the second quarter, Oklahoma forced a punt or turnover on downs on five straight possessions. This allowed Oklahoma’s offense to control the clock with the running game and eliminate any chance of Florida creeping back in.
This game was the 5th straight game in which the Sooners allowed 21 points or less. A streak which seemed impossible to Oklahoma fans a few years back.
Rhamondre Stevenson had another great performance and showed he needs to be on the NFL’s radar. The big back from Vegas finished with 186 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
Stevenson played in just six games this year, but displayed great physicality and quick feet with all of his reps. The NFL loves their big backs with quick feet and patience, which begs us to wonder what his NFL Draft stock looks like right now.
NFL fans of teams with a RB need should pay attention to Oklahoma’s Rhamondre Stevenson tonight. 240-lber with the feet of a 195-lber. Not nearly enough buzz about him.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) December 31, 2020
Marcus Major also added 110 rushing yards on just nine carries. To put more context into this performance, four different players had at least one carry of 25-plus yards. It was a dominating performance by the Oklahoma rushing attack to say the least.