OU vs. Temple quick-hit takeaways: Defense, Jackson Arnold shine in blowout victory
All the talk, all the wondering, but we all sort of knew how the OU season opener was going to go. If there was any drama, it would have been of the bad variety.
But there wasn’t. Defense was lights out. Quarterback Jackson Arnold had some big-time moments and everybody was breathing fine at halftime.
Still things to work on, but OU cruised to the 51-3 opening victory against visiting Temple on Friday night in Norman.
Quick-hit takeaways
Difference-making defense
That’s what OU fans have been waiting for, hoping for when it comes the defense. You’ll take allowing just 80 yard and forcing four turnovers in the first half. It wasn’t just the takeaways, though. OU was able to make life rough all evening. Tackles for loss, sacks, pressure, tipped passes. OU earned getting one turnover after another. It was the aggressive nature of guys like Kendel Dolby and Robert Spears-Jennings getting the job done. Kani Walker had an interception, while Spears-Jennings, Billy Bowman and Da’Jon Terry recovered fumbles. Gracen Halton had two sacks and forced a fumble.
If that wasn’t enough? Added a fifth turnover on special teams. Lewis Carter forced another fumble on a punt return that Jaren Kanak returned for a touchdown. True freshman Jaydan Hardy got into the act with an interception in the fourth. Yep, six turnovers. That’ll do.
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Arnold-Burks connection special
Deion Burks picked up right where he left off for the spring game. He didn’t have the long-bomb connection with Arnold, but the pair made it work. Burks had four catches in the first half and three touchdowns. Arnold threw for four scores in the first half, getting things started with tight end Bauer Sharp on the initial drive. Arnold completed 17 of 25 passes for just 141 yards and the four touchdowns.
Bottom line, get healthy
There was a lot of good, but OU needs to get healthy. And quickly. By the time the first quarter was over, center Branson Hickman and wide receiver Jalil Farooq were both out because of injury. Andrel Anthony played one snap in the first half, sparingly in the second half as OU eases him back into the rotation. The offensive line was being juggled all night. A first-game pass might be given for Temple, but it has got to be cleaned up vs. Houston. Receiver and offensive line have got to get better and get healthy. Period.
Up next
OU (1-0) stays at home and is at night once again. The Houston Cougars are coming to Norman 6:45 p.m. next Saturday.
