FB: OKLAHOMA GAME WEEK - BY THE NUMBERS

Eagles_Ball_69

All-American
Dec 19, 2003
4,966
6,664
82
They are #3 in 3rd down defense. We are 135th out of 138 teams in 3rd down conversion rate at 26.9%.

Recipe for disaster. But we got this...right?
I always think this, the margin for error for us against a good, he even good'ish team, is extremely slim. I think we've been extremely fortunate, but often times good fortune is born from great execution and decision-making. I don't, by any means, think this is an easy W. I do think it's a very winnable game though. There's something to be said for a team and staff just finding ways to win games, and this group certainly seems to have that.
 

Wildcatmenace

All-Conference
Oct 29, 2025
776
1,189
93
I always think this, the margin for error for us against a good, he even good'ish team, is extremely slim. I think we've been extremely fortunate, but often times good fortune is born from great execution and decision-making. I don't, by any means, think this is an easy W. I do think it's a very winnable game though. There's something to be said for a team and staff just finding ways to win games, and this group certainly seems to have that.
I think Kentucky has been fortunate but they haven’t played their best. Finding a way against LSU and Carolina while not playing perfect tells me a lot. Go CATS!
 

KyWilson239

Senior
Jan 17, 2016
233
522
93
Definitely need to keep it 3rd and short so Venables can't dial it up. He and that defense are elite. Our defense needs to be able to keep Matear in the pocket. If they let him run, he's a whole different player.
 

kritikalcat

Senior
Jan 10, 2007
8,177
522
81
They are #3 in 3rd down defense. We are 135th out of 138 teams in 3rd down conversion rate at 26.9%.

Recipe for disaster. But we got this...right?
I'm more concerned about being able to defend 3rd down. We average 5 more first downs per game than OU, despite our struggles on 3rd down. So we're getting more quick first downs or more opportunities.
 
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kritikalcat

Senior
Jan 10, 2007
8,177
522
81
Keys:

Turnovers - Minchey keep making good decisions, backs and returners protect the ball, and opportunistic defense ... if all of these work out and we're +2 or better in turnover margin, that's a big boost to our chances of winning

Big Plays - Kentucky needs probably three explosive scoring drives (a defensive score would serve the same purpose).

Running game - we don't have to dominate here (though breaking off a couple of big plays won't hurt) modest positive gains on early downs will help us keep to our game plan (physical, downhill grind interspersed with some big shock plays). Concerned if Baxter is out.
 
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