Oklahoma is able to wrap up its 2022 nonconference schedule on Saturday with a street sport at Nebraska. They’ll head into their longtime rivals’ dwelling with a pleasant little bit of momentum after disposing of one other bowl crew from 2021, the Kent State Golden Flashes.

The primary half was removed from fairly till the ultimate minute, however the second half regarded rather a lot nearer to what individuals anticipated when Oklahoma and Kent State had been scheduled.

It took an impressed effort from the protection and Marvin Mims going nuclear, however it all got here collectively. Nonetheless, the sport additionally confirmed us that some elements of this Sooners crew are trending up whereas others began trending down this sport.

Right here’s a take a look at your weekly dose of Inventory Up, Inventory Down after Oklahoma’s win over Kent State.

Inventory Up: Marvin Mims

Sep 10, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners broad receiver Marvin Mims (17) reacts after scoring a landing throughout the second half towards the Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Household-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports activities

Nobody is extra harmful with the ball in his palms than Marvin Mims. Saturday’s seven-catch, 163 receiving yards and two landing efficiency was Mims reintroducing himself to the remainder of the faculty soccer in a giant method after a really subpar sophomore season. When his crew wanted him most on Saturday, he delivered.

Inventory Down: the WR group

Sept. 10, 2022; Norman; Oklahoma Sooners broad receiver Drake Stoops (12) scores a landing throughout the second half towards the Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Household-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports activities

This isn’t a knock on the group’s expertise up to now however extra of a take a look at the state of the group and its lack of influence in these two video games towards Group of 5 opponents.

Sure, Drake Stoops scored Saturday and Gavin Freeman the sport earlier than, however the place is the influence from Jalil Farooq and Theo Wease? No touchdowns for both, and may we truthfully say they’ve impressed confidence because the Sooners gear up for convention play?

The secondary guys flanking Mims have to begin flashing going ahead.

Inventory Up: The Oklahoma protection

Oklahoma’s Billy Bowman (5) celebrates a fumble with Jordan Kelley (88), Reggie Grimes (14) and Ethan Downs (40) within the third quarter throughout the faculty soccer sport between the College of Oklahoma and the Kent State Golden Flashes on the Gaylord Household Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept., 10, 2022. Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

The Oklahoma protection appears to be like fairly salty through two video games. They’re No. 1 within the nation in tackles for loss. They’ve solely allowed one landing through two video games, the primary time that’s occurred since 2013.

They’ve a notable difference-maker at every stage of the protection, they usually look and are taking part in extra assured as every sport passes.

Inventory Down: The offensive line

MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 29: Co-Offensive Coordinator Invoice Bedenbaugh of the Oklahoma Sooners appears to be like on towards the Alabama Crimson Tide throughout the Faculty Soccer Playoff Semifinal on the Capital One Orange Bowl at Laborious Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Picture by Michael Reaves/Getty Photographs)

Even after final week’s struggles at left guard, they nonetheless had some strong play from their offensive tackles. Oklahoma’s offensive struggles within the first half had been because of the offensive line’s lack of ability to maneuver defenders within the run sport. They picked up their sport within the second half serving to Eric Grey and Marcus main common greater than seven yards per carry, however this group has some issues to work on to play an entire sport.

Inventory Up: Brent Venables

Sep 10, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks earlier than the sport towards the Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Household-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports activities

This can be low-hanging fruit, however all the things you see on the sector on Saturdays is a direct or oblique results of head coach Brent Venables. Up to now, his crew administration has regarded crisp, and seeing how his crew responded after they struggled with an inferior opponent is an effective feather within the cap for a rookie head coach.

Discovering success after halftime offered a robust instance that they might course right and make changes. That can serve them nicely as they put together for what ought to be a raucous Nebraska crowd on Saturday.

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