The Oklahoma Sooners survived the Houston Cougars for a 16-12 win in Week 2 of the college football season. It was far from pretty, and it left more questions than answers. The Sooners’ offense couldn’t find much consistency, with just one sustained drive. Luckily for Oklahoma, the defense did just enough to help the Sooners win.
“We deserved to lose because we did everything you can possible do to give someone a chance to win,” OU coach Brent Venables said on the SEC Network immediately after the game.
Sooners strike first
After an Oklahoma drive stalled out, something interesting happened when the team punted. Houston returner Mekhi Mews let the ball bounce in front of him; yet as it bounced past him appearing to head out of bounds, Mews didn’t react like he had touched the football.
Even stranger, is that Oklahoma defender Jacobe Johnson stood by Mews as well, not reacting. Another Sooners defender wasn’t as relaxed, jumping on the ball as it stayed in bounds. Officials then quickly ruled that Oklahoma had recovered the ball.
After a review, the call stood, as officials ruled there was no clear evidence Mews had not touched it.
On the first play of the ensuing drive, Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold hit Brenen Thompson for a 10-yard touchdown to put the Sooners ahead.
Jackson Arnold ➡️ Brenen Thompson. 🔥#OUDNA | #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/uvAaxwaUMS
— 𝕺𝖐𝖑𝖆𝖍𝖔𝖒𝖆 𝖛𝖘. 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖔𝖗𝖑𝖉 (@soonergridiron) September 8, 2024
A big score in the second quarter
With the score still 7-3, the Sooners needed a big third-down conversion. The Sooners missed on their first two third-down attempts after going one for 12 against Temple last week. Thankfully, Oklahoma got it early in the second quarter when Arnold floated a pop pass to tight end Jake Roberts for an 11-yard touchdown on 3rd and 2 play.
Think the hometown kid was fired up for his first TD at The Palace⁉️@_jakeroberts7 | #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/2xxGrhfyw1
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) September 8, 2024
It was Roberts’ first catch as a Sooner, a Norman native who transferred from Baylor in the offseason.
OU offensive line keeps shuffling
With offensive tackle Jake Taylor struggling and appearing to be banged up, OU made a switch on the offensive line late in the first half.
Left tackle Michael Tarquin shifted to the right side of the line. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Logan Howland slid in at left tackle when the Sooners got the ball back with just less than five minutes remaining before halftime. The Sooners offensive line continued to be a work in progress in this game, after plenty of shuffling last week.
A bland third quarter
The third quarter did not get off to a great start for Oklahoma. Arnold was intercepted by Houston defensive back Jeremiah Wilson early in the quarter attempting to connect on a deep ball to Deion Burks down the middle of the field. Unfortunately, Arnold underthrew the pass, and Wilson’s interception ended a Sooners’ drive that showed promise. The interception was Arnold’s first of the season.
After scoring two touchdowns on their first four drives, the Sooners have came up empty on five consecutive drives entering the fourth quarter. Oklahoma had just 45 yards of total offense in the third quarter, with 16 yards on the ground and 29 passing yards despite five completions.
Luckily for the Sooners, the Oklahoma defense was keeping them in the football game.
Robert Spears-Jennings to the rescue
With the banged-up Sooners sluggish on offense, they needed a defensive jolt. The Sooners got one when defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings jumped in front of a Donovan Smith pass to give Oklahoma the football at Houston’s 32-yard line.
Despite the great field position, the Sooners missed a field goal and did not score. After trading punts, Houston was at their own 5-yard line – backed up into their end zone.
On the first play of the drive, Sooners’ defensive lineman Gracen Halton wrapped up Houston running back Stacy Sneed near the goal line to force a safety. It would be the final points of the game, and gave the Sooners their 16-12 victory.
CLUTCH SAFETY 💪@OU_Football x #SECFB pic.twitter.com/RwmVXLIfJp
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 8, 2024
Overall, the defense and special teams carried the Sooners in this game.
Sooners OL issues continue
Neither Branson Hickman nor Geirean Hatchett played against Houston as the Sooners were once again shorthanded on the offensive line. Joshua Bates made his first career start at center while Jake Taylor made his first career start at right tackle.
Taylor, who missed the opener as he recovered from an injury, didn’t look comfortable from the start of the game. And late in the first half, he headed to the injury tent. Regardless of who was on the field, however, the Sooners struggled up front.
OU was outgained 318-249 in this contest. It was the Sooners’ fewest offensive yards since they posted 195 against Texas in the 2022 season. If Oklahoma wants to put together a successful season, they must get their offensive line situation, situated.
