Sept. 25, 2021 video. Sooners kicker talks about his pre-kick routine, pregame meal and talking to teammates. Video courtesy/Sooner Sports TV
Oklahoma’s defense has only allowed three touchdown drives over the past three games.
With so much concentration on the Sooners’ offensive issues, it could be easy to overlook the success of Alex Grinch’s unit.
It’s also a stingy bunch. After West Virginia scored an opening-drive touchdown last week, Isaiah Thomas didn’t want that to be a lesson learned.
“Obviously that one touchdown, it was tough to take to the chin obviously because we don’t want to have to have a wake-up call to get things going and stuff like that,” Thomas said after the game. “But the way we responded, it’s exactly what Coach Grinch preaches. And he always tells us you can’t beat Oklahoma scoring threes and that showed today. You know, I mean (we) allowed one touchdown and then field goals for the rest of the game, it came into fruition.”
While the offense has only scored 39 points in its last two games against Nebraska and West Virginia, the defense has been the backbone with only 29 points allowed.
The Huskers only managed two touchdown drives, while the Mountaineers’ lone touchdown came on their opening possession.
Oklahoma's defensive coordinator doesn’t want a “preconceived notion” of how Saturdays are going to be. He wants consistency at all times.
“For instance, the minute you say, well, the offense struggled, then that immediately implies that if they scored more points, our life gets easier defensively,” Grinch said. “So one of the chief things we’ve spent a lot of time with our guys on is attacking the hard stuff and embracing the hard stuff and expecting the hard stuff and not being, in any way, shape or form, a fan. And I mean that in the most positive way towards our fans.
"But you can’t be a fan as a defender. You have a role in this organization, that’s to get stops. We got enough tonight, obviously there’s a lot of things we’ve gotta be better at, but really taking a personal ownership in our performance. That’s something that’s constantly you’re working on and constantly getting ingrained in them. You don’t ride the roller coaster in terms of what the scoreboard reads.”
Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) is also gaining turnovers at a high rate. The Sooners are tied for third nationally with eight forced fumbles.
The defense also has forced at least one takeaway in 10 straight games. During the current 12-game winning streak dating back to last season, the team is plus-14 in turnover margin.
OU quarterback Spencer Rattler is thrilled with his defense.
“It was great (against West Virginia). They always come through for us. Especially in these first four games, they’ve played really well and bring a lot of energy. We need to do that on the offensive side too,” Rattler said.
The confidence is also developing among the players.
“I think it’s been huge. The thing I’m just most proud of is that we’re committed to what it is that we do. We know of course that whenever we go out there, the other team, they’re conspiring against us. They’re going to catch footballs, they’re going to make plays as well,” OU’s Pat Fields said.
“But I think that the biggest thing that you see is that play in and play out, we’re gonna commit to what we do. The way we play press man, that’s what we’re going to do every single snap. The way we get off the ball, that’s what we’re going to do every single snap. And we know that this is what we do. We don’t change for anybody and it’s a confidence factor."
Photos: West Virginia at Oklahoma
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia linebacker Exree Loe (6) chases down Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Sept. 25: OU 16, West Virginia 13
Oklahoma place kicker Gabe Brkic (47) kicks a field goal during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia wide receiver Winston Wright Jr. (1) catches a pass over Oklahoma defensive back Billy Bowman (5) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia wide receiver Isaiah Esdale (9) catches a pass in front of Oklahoma cornerback Latrell McCutchin (7) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (32) intercepts a pass intended for West Virginia wide receiver Sean Ryan (10) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) points to Oklahoma tight end Austin Stogner (18) after Stogner's touchdown catch during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (32) yells at West Virginia wide receiver Winston Wright Jr. (1) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma linebacker Nik Bonitto (11) attempts to tip a pass from West Virginia quarterback Jarret Doege (2) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (32) intercepts a pass during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma cornerback D.J. Graham (9) and linebacker Brian Asamoah (24) celebrate with safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (32) after Turner-Yell's interception during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene (6) runs through an attempted tackle by Oklahoma safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (32) while scoring a touchdown during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma linebacker Shane Whitter (13) tackles West Virginia running back Leddie Brown (4) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia linebacker Exree Loe (6) chases down Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma linebacker Shane Whitter (13) tackles West Virginia running back Leddie Brown (4) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Tulsa World file photo
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene (6) runs through an attempted tackle by Oklahoma safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (32) while scoring a touchdown during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas (95) tackles West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene (6) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas (95) tackles West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene (6) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (32) and defensive back Billy Bowman (5) tackle West Virginia tight end Mike O'Laughlin (87) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) attempts a pass during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey (8) dives after West Virginia quarterback Jarret Doege (2) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma safety Pat Fields (10) tackles West Virginia wide receiver Sam James (13) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma wide receiver Drake Stoops (12) watches a pass fall incomplete while being defended by West Virginia safety Alonzo Addae (4) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) attempts a pass while being pressured by West Virginia safety Scottie Young (19) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Sept. 25: OU 16, West Virginia 13
Oklahoma cornerback Jaden Davis (4) tackles West Virginia wide receiver Winston Wright Jr. (1) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma wide receiver Michael Woods II (8) runs after a catch while wide receiver Drake Stoops (12) attempts to block West Virginia safety Sean Mahone (29) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) attempts a pass while being pressured by West Virginia defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia head coach Neal Brown talks to his coach during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) attempts a pass while being pressured by West Virginia safety Scottie Young (19) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) is tackled by West Virginia defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia wide receiver Sam James (13) gets tackled by a group Oklahoma defenders during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Sept. 25: OU 16, West Virginia 13
West Virginia wide receiver Sam James (13) gets tackled by a group Oklahoma defenders during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia linebacker Josh Chandler-Semedo (7) tackles Oklahoma wide receiver Jadon Haselwood (11) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) yells out a cadence during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (90) grabs Oklahoma running back Eric Gray's (0) face mask while attempting to make a tackle during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. Mesidor was called for a penalty on the play which allowed Oklahoma to kick a game winning field goal.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (90) grabs Oklahoma running back Eric Gray's (0) face mask while attempting to make a tackle during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. Mesidor was called for a penalty on the play which allowed Oklahoma to kick a game winning field goal.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Jones (left) celebrates with kicker Gabe Brkic after Brkic’s game-winning kick to give the Sooners a 16-13 win over West Virginia in Norman on Saturday night.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) falls down in bounds while being pursued by West Virginia safety Alonzo Addae (4) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) falls down in bounds while being pursued by West Virginia safety Alonzo Addae (4) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) consoles West Virginia linebacker Josh Chandler-Semedo (7) after their 13-16 loss to Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler looks for an open receiver during Saturday's game against West Virginia.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) attempts a pass during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) runs the ball during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley takes the field before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
A West Virginia fan celebrates while her school's fight song is played before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) warms up before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma players run into their locker room before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma cornerback Jaden Davis (4) tackles West Virginia running back Leddie Brown (4) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Bill Kauffman, of Glenpool, cheers during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley calls a timeout during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley takes the field before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) warms up before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma fans hold up one finger while their alma mater plays before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma wide receiver Jadon Haselwood (11)r uno into his team's locker room before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) warms up before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma linebacker Brian Asamoah (24) watches his teammates through drills before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Sept. 25: OU 16, West Virginia 13
Oklahoma defensive linemen Perrion Winfrey (8) Isaiah Thomas (95), Oklahoma offensive lineman Erik Swenson (77) wait to take the field for warm ups before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma tight end Austin Stogner (18) fails to catch a touchdown pass while being defended by West Virginia linebacker Josh Chandler-Semedo (7) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma players run onto the field before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
West Virginia wide receiver Winston Wright Jr. (1) dives for the pylon after being tackled by Oklahoma cornerback Jaden Davis (4) during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma offensive lineman Andrew Raym (73) walks on they field during warm up drills during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma Co-offensive coordinator Bill Bedenbaugh coaches players through drills before a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Oklahoma place kicker Gabe Brkic (47) kicks a field goal during a NCAA football game between Oklahoma and West Virginia in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
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