2013 Sooner Kickoff Preview

7/30/2019 2013 Sooner Kickoff Preview

1/7

2013 SOONER KICKOFF

WWW.CRIMSONANDCREAMMACHINE.COM

CCCCan Blake Bell Take

The Reigns Of The

Sooner Offense?

A Look Inside The QB

Race

Quotes | Stats | Breakdowns | Opponent Previews | Opinions From The Experts

Position-By-Position Breakdowns Of The Offense & Defense

Rebuilding Th

Sooner Defens

Can Corey

Nelson Lead A

Resurgent Gro

Of Linebacker

Interviews With Some Of The Best Known Oklahoma Football Write


2/7

Oklahoma and Notre Dame renewed

their gridiron rivalry last fall, with theIrish claiming a 30-13 victory in

Norman. Now its OUs turn to travel to

South Bend this fall.

While much has changed with the

Sooners from 2012-13, the Irish have

had some turnover at a few key

positions themselves. Giving us the

inside slant on the Fighting Irish is

The Irish returned to the nationalstage of college football last year and

were just a game away from the

perfect season and a national title.

How has that changed fan

expectations going into this season?

I don't think it's changed many people's

opinions in regards to expectations for

this upcoming season as much as it has

convinced a lot of fans that the ship has

been righted and the program is

heading in the right direction. There

was also a sense that the Irish were at

least a year or two away from the kind

of season they had in 2012 and

obviously, Alabama knocked us down a

couple of notches (or 30, whatever)

and changed the color of the season at

the very end.

In regards to 2013, I think most just

want to see the positive trend lines

continue. Things like maintaining astrong defense, developing Golson at

Inside Slantwith Eric Murtaugh

Date: September 28th, 2013Location: South Bend, IN2012 Record: 12-1All-Time vs. OU: 9-1Last Meeting: (w) 30-13 2012

quarterback, finding some dynamic

offensive playmakers, and continuing

the stellar recruiting. If all that

happens, and Notre Dame wins 10+

games again, I believe many in the fan

base will be pretty excited.

There is some pressure to win a major

bowl and I think that is a fair goal for

this upcoming season. Other than that,

consistency is a big key. The Irish

haven't been able to play at a high level

in consecutive seasons in a really long

time and doing so (even without a

major bowl win or a top 10 finish)

would be a big accomplishment.

Do the losses of Theo Riddick and

Cierre Wood at running back put more

pressure on quarterback Everette

Golson to make plays with his arm, ordo the Irish have the answer to the

ground game already?

The answer definitely hasn't been

found in the ground game. George

Atkinson (he didn't travel to the

Oklahoma game last year due to the

flu) has moved in to the starting role

this spring after being behind Riddick

and Wood last season. He's legitimately

one of the fastest backs in the country

and has great size, but there are still a

lot of questions about whether he can

refine his skills and be more than just a

track athlete carrying a football. He has

so much potential that he could run for

1,200 yards, but he might end up with

the same token home-run threat role

he had last season, as well.

Behind him is the scrappy Cam

McDaniel, who is so well-rounded that

he might play a ton but never be "the

Key Returners: LT Zach

Martin, LG Chris Watt,

RT Christian Lombard, TE

Troy Niklas, WR TJ Jones,

WR DaVaris Daniels, QB

Everett Golson, DE

Stephon Tuitt, NG Louis

Nix, "Dog" OLB Danny

Spond, "Cat" OLB Prince

Shembo, Will MLB Dan

Fox/Carlo Calabrese, CB

KeiVarae Russell, CB

Bennett Jackson, FSMatthias Farley

Key Losses: C Braxston

Cave, RG Mike Golic, TE

Tyler Eifert, RB Theo

Riddick, RB Cierre Wood,

WR Robby Toma, DE

Kapron Lewis-Moore,

MLB Manti Te'o, SS Zeke

Motta,

Quarterback Everett Golsonpassed for 2,405 yards and12 touchdowns last season

NOTRE DAMEFIGHTING IRISH

guy." He's not the typical

number one back the team

is looking for. They have a

redshirt freshman in Will

Mahone, who is probably

another year or two away

from serious contending

for playing time, too.


3/7

That leaves 3 players who could really change the

dynamic of the entire offense and not just the

running game.

Amir Carlisle- Transfer from USC. He's probably as

dynamic as anyone on the roster, but hasn't been

able to stay healthy. He was banged up as a

freshman at USC in 2011, and ended up missing last

season because he broke his ankle in the spring, and

had a bunch of complications---even though his

waiver was accepted by the NCAA and he was

eligible in 2012. This spring he was turning a ton of

heads before breaking his collarbone halfway

through the practice sessions. He's not very big, and

probably won't be an every down back, but he could

bring a lot to the running game and offense.

Tarean Folston- Incoming freshman in the similar

mold as Carlisle but with a little more size. Like

Carlisle, he'll probably be a hybrid slot/running back

player but he is talented and athletic enough to

make an impact in his first season.

Greg Bryant- Former Oklahoma commit, many are

expecting him to insert himself in to the starting

discussion. Much too talented and physically ready

not to move up the depth chart rather quickly.

In regards to Golson, I think a lot more pressure will

be on his shoulders not only as a passer, but as a

runner. I would expect a little more passing than last

year because that's where the team's strength lies---

especially early in the season. But, Golson could also

flourish as a runner and really help out the groundgame while it tries to find the right pieces early in

the fall.

The linebackers and secondary both went through

some attrition. Who are some of the new defenders

that college football fans should be aware of, and

what are the general expectations for the defense?

The Irish lost a starter at each level of the defense

(line, linebackers, secondary), but everyone else

returns. Even with the loss of a generational talent

like Te'o, there's the belief that this 2013 defense

can be even better, and certainly full of more depth

and playmaking ability. I think the defense will be a

little bit more aggressive and "appear" more

dominant this season in the form of more sacks,

interceptions, 3-&-outs, but at the same time, it will

be extremely hard to replicate some of the defensive

team stats they put up last year.

The three new projected starters should make a

name for themselves and, while they aren't as

experienced as the veterans they are replacing,

they do offer more speed and athleticism---a natural product

of Kelly's high-level recruiting over the past couple seasons.

Sheldon Day is a little under-sized as a defensive end in

Notre Dame's 3-4 system, but he has an insane burst off the

line and played really well as a true freshman last season. He

might not be as technically sound, and able to eat blocks as

well as his predecessor Kapron Lewis-Moore did, but Day

brings more speed, and an ability to get in to the backfield

and be disruptive.

Jarrett Grace has big shoes to fill at middle linebacker, but

the staff has been singing his praises for over a year and he's

been groomed to take over for Te'o not only as a productive

player, but also as a leader. It'll be shocking if he's as refined

as Manti, but he does offer a little more speed, a little more

sideline-to-sideline ability, and is the exact type of vocalleader the team wants at the all-important Mike linebacker

spot.

Elijah Shumate started last year as the nickel corner in his

true freshman season, and is transitioning to strong safety

this off-season. He's not a lock to start, as there are several

candidates in a deep secondary battling for that spot, but

Shumate spent the entire spring with the 1st team---a good

indicator as any. He's still swimming a little bit trying to learn

all the responsibilities and coverages, but athletically he's

another notch or two above his predecessor, Zeke Motta.

Besides those three new starters, there will probably be a

few backups who begin to play at a high level (OLB Ben

Councell, OLB Ishaq Williams, and another body in the

secondary being likely) as well as three 5-star recruits

coming in this summer. Outside linebacker Jaylon Smith is

the most freakishly athletic player to come to South Bend in

a very long time, and should see the field in some sort of

nickel corner/pass rusher role. Defensive tackle Eddie

Vanderdoes will be stepping on to campus physically ready

to play on the interior, and as a hybrid pass rusher. Safety

Max Redfield enters a log-jam at safety, but might be thenickel corner from day one (like Shumate last year). He couldforce his way for playing time at free safety, or may evenmake an impact at receiver, or as a return man.

Are there any concerns at the center position with the

graduations of Braxston Cave and Mike Golic Jr.?

I think many Irish fans are fairly worried about a new center

and right guard, mostly because these positions aren't being

filled by highly- touted recruits (like most other spots on the

roster), and it's naturally a position fans like to fret about

anyway.

Even with the loss of a

generational talent like Te'o,

there's the belief that this 2013

defense can be even better.


4/7

Cave was a 3-year starter at center and generally played

pretty well over his career. He really struggled during the

Senior Bowl and didn't get drafted, though. The coaching

staff seems very high on his replacement (Nick Martin,

brother of left tackle Zack Martin) and, again, this might

be another instance where the new player is more

athletically gifted but not quite as polished, as his

predecessor.

Right guard is more worrisome because Connor Hanratty,who worked there during the spring, hasn't received

quite the rave reviews, and isn't as athletic, as some

other options on the team. In fact, the staff has been

waiting for redshirt freshman Ronnie Stanley to get

healthy and see if he can work at right tackle, and move

Christian Lombard from there to right guard. At the same

time, Mike Golic was probably as limited physically as any

Irish linemen over the past 4 or 5 years. It shouldn't

be terribly difficult to replace him.

So, there is definitely worry, but the staff has done a

really good job improving the offensive line since they

arrived. Things could be worse than breaking in 2 new

offensive line starters with 2 All-American candidates on

the left side who offer top-notch leadership for the entireoffense.

With Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix back up front, is the

line the strength of the Irish defense?

Without a doubt, yes.

The line took a little bit of a hit with the season-ending

shoulder surgery of Chase Hounshell (he would have

provided depth as a backup), but this is still shaping up to

be the best defensive line at Notre Dame in a very longtime---and they were awfully good last year.

Tuitt and Nix are future 1st-round NFL picks, with size

and athleticism seldom seen from players over 300

pounds. There's no question that they are legitimate 1st-

team All-Americans and, the scary thing is, they'll both

have another year of eligibility left after 2013, although

neither will probably come back.

With these two players anchoring the line, a highly-

toutedsophomore (Day) stepping in to a starting role,

several backups with experience (Springmann,

Schwenke, etc.), and one of the top defensive linemen

the country coming in this summer---things are lookin

pretty. Factor in the Cat outside linebacker, a position

that often plays with their hand on the ground at the

line, and the Irish have a lot of weapons to throw at

teams.

I definitely see the defensive line as the strength of th

defense, if not the entire team.

Eric Murtaugh is a site manager for One Foot Down.com

Tuitt and Nix are future 1st-

round NFL picks, with size and

athleticism seldom seen from

players over 300 pounds.

2012 Stastical

Leaders

Passing:Passing:Passing:Passing:

Everett Golson - 2,405 Yards ,12 TDs, 6 INTs

RushingRushingRushingRushing

Theo Riddick - 943 Yards, 5 TDs, 4.8 YPC

ReceivingReceivingReceivingReceiving

Tyler Eifert - 685 Yards, 4 TDs, 13.7 YPC

TacklesTacklesTacklesTackles

Manti Teo - 113

SacksSacksSacksSacks

Stephon Tuitt - 12

Tackles For LossTackles For LossTackles For LossTackles For Loss

Stephon Tuitt - 13

InterceptionsInterceptionsInterceptionsInterceptions

Manti Teo - 7

Score By Quarters 1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT Total

Notre Dame 85 73 71 90 16 335

Opponents 23 74 24 39 6 166


5/7

Bob Stoops has had it pretty good in Norman as far as quarterbacks are concerneFrom Josh Heupel to Landry Jones, hes had quarterbacks who can air the ball out w

precision and accuracy, including Heisman winners Jason White and Sam Bradfo

Five different signal callers have led Oklahoma to conference championships, but tother thing that theyve all had in common is that they were all fairly immobile. Tha

about to change!

Landry Jones graduated and left for the NFL virtually owning the Oklahoma footb

passing record book. He was good enough to become the Big 12s all-time leader

passing yards and set the career touchdown record bar so high that it may never

challenged. However, the winds of college football are changing and Jones, who w

statue-like in the pocket at times, is going to be replaced by a quarterback who cmake plays with his legs as well as his arm.

The problem is, we just dont know who that quarterback is going to be just yet. Wh

we do know is that the naked bootlegs and quarterback draws that were run in t

spring game clearly indicate that Oklahoma is stepping into the era of the mob

quarterback.

The competition was so close in the spring that the Sooners will head into the summ

with the situation unresolved. The combination of strength, agility and a massi

upside have made for a difficult coaching decision, but the understanding that whoev

wins this battle will guide the team through multiple seasons puts more weight on t

coaches decision.

2013 Sooner Kickoff

THE QUARTERBACK RACETHE QUARTERBACK RACETHE QUARTERBACK RACETHE QUARTERBACK RACE

Regardless Of Who Wins The Job, Oklahomas Next Quarterback Will Bring In A

New Era Of Sooner Football


6/7

Blake Bellhas to be considered the front runner to win

the starting job. Hes been starring for two seasons

now as the Belldozer and was even named the MVP

of Oklahomas 31-14 Insight Bowl win over Iowa in

2011. Bell owns the rushing touchdown record for a

freshman quarterback with 13 scored in 2011. The

question has been whether he could pass with

accuracy because, while he may have 24 rushing

touchdowns, hes only attempted twenty passes in his

two seasons as a Sooner. He seemed to silence thedoubters with a 14/23 passing performance, for 213

yards and two scores, in the spring game.

Trevor Knight is quickly becoming a fan favorite

because of his athleticism and knack for making plays.

Only a freshman, Knight had been written off by many

as not being ready for the competition. A native of San

Antonio, TX, Knight was the nations fifth-ranked

quarterback prospect coming out of high school. He

joined Oklahoma as a four-star recruit in the class of

2012. In his final two years of high school he passed

for over 3,000 yards and ran for over 1,900 with a

combined 75 touchdowns scored.

Kendal Thompson was the surprise of the spring. His

athleticism was evident in high school but he showed

off a strong arm and accuracy in the spring.

The most athletic of the three quarterbacks (Kendal is

the son of former Sooner star Charles Thompson),Thompsons playmaking ability is uncanny.

A four-star prospect from Southmoore High School in

Moore, OK, Thompson was the number two overall

prospect in the state and fourteenth best quarterback

prospect in the country. An injury in the second game

of the season cost Thompson his senior year of high

school, so this quarterback race is the first time hes

been involved in competitive football since September

2010 so you could say that hes still knocking off somerust. However, he showed enough in the spring (as did

Bell and Knight) that hes got a strong enough grasp on

things to take the reins of the offense.

Kendal

Thompson

HT: 6-1

WT: 191

YR: RS SO

Trevor Knight

HT: 6-1

WT: 202

YR: RS FR

Blake Bell

HT: 6-6

WT: 263

YR: JR

We have three good guysjust competing and having

fun with it and we're all

just going to work hard

each and every day and

that's all we can do. -

Blake Bell

"I prefer to stay in the pocket, as do

most quarterbacks. When I'm out

there, you don't have time to thinkabout it. It's a split second decision.

If I have to pull it down, I pull it

down and then just play ball from

there."- Kendal Thompson


7/7

Inside The QB Race With ESPNs Jake Trotter

Did the quarterback competition turn out to be more of an actual competition than was expected?

JT: No, I always expected it to be a competition. What I didn't expect was Kendal Thompson being a factor. Thompson re

has made a great deal of improvement since the 2012 spring game, which is a tribute to his work ethic. Thompson w

almost always the last to leave the practice field, and it shows. I still consider Blake Bell to be the favorite, and I still th

that Trevor Knight has the highest ceiling, but Thompson quickly ensured this would be a three-man race.

Is it still a three-man race after the spring?

JT: Yes, although not in the way people might think. I really don't envision a scenario where Bell doesn't get the start agai

Louisiana-Monroe, especially after watching the spring game. But, say Bell struggles against West Virginia or in South Be

I don't think Bob Stoops would hesitate to give one of the younger guys a shot. The big question then becomes, who wo

get the first shot? Thompson or Knight? To me, that will be the more compelling competition during two-a-days, more

than whether anyone can unseat Bell, which I see little chance of happening, at least in August.

But all three are capable of running the new offense that we're expected to see this fall, right?

JT: Yes. All three have subtle differences. But basically, they are a similar style of quarterback, which is why Josh Heu

won't have to tailor the offense to each individual.

After the Sam Bradford and Landry Jones era, are we now seeing a time where OU football perhaps gives up some pass

accuracy for athleticism from the quarterback?

JT: Well, that's not the way they'll put it. Maybe the way they'll phrase it is, they're willing to place more emphasis o

quarterback's mobility than past years. Stoops and Heupel want to throw the ball, so there's definitely a limit to the amo

of throwing accuracy they'd be willing to sacrifice.

So, even though the coaches want to run the QBs this year, being the most athletic of the three quarterbadoesn't necessarily give one guy a leg up over the other then?

JT: The quarterback that runs the best and throws the worst is not going to win this job. What they are really looking fo

the quarterback that makes the most plays -- running or throwing -- with the fewest mistakes. That player is going

ultimately prevail in this competition.

Break it down and give us a possible advantage each of the three quarterbacks may have over the others.

JT: Bell has the experience advantage over the other three, and his arm takes no backseat, either. Thompson's foot quickn

gives him the potential to make plays outside the pocket the other two might not be able to. Knight is stronger and fas

and for those reasons among others, I believe he has the highest ceiling. But these are all subtle differences, becausethree quarterbacks are similar in a lot of ways, and relatively close at the moment in terms of how far along they are

quarterbacks.

Jake Trotter covers OU football for ESPN SoonerNati

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2013 Sooner Kickoff Preview