Bob Stoops says most offenses are vastly different. But the Sooners' recent stretch of opponents is taking that to the extreme. Check out the wild variances in offenses the Sooners have faced the past three weeks. First, Texas Tech and its Mike Leach-rooted passing spread, with receivers going in all directions, five at a time. Then, Kansas State and its old-fashioned quarterback run game, so old-fashioned, it goes back to the single wing days. Now, Texas A&M's traditional balance; power running but sophisticated passing, too.

That's virtually no crossover for defensive preparation the last three weeks.

"Its something different every week," said safety Javon Harris. "Each week, you know something's going to change. We gotta come in here, see what's different." Harris said preparing could be as simple as focusing on different keys. Of course, sometimes OU's formation changes entirely.

The Sooners switch back and forth between their traditional 4-3, their new 5-2 or the old alternative 4-2-5. Adjusting for all these different offenses makes the preparation paramount. But it also keeps the defenders sharp. They can't assume they've seen it already.

"Each week's a completely new week," Stoops said. "It's always challenging. Very few offenses have that much in common. They need to be engaged, that's for sure."

But upcoming opponents Baylor and Oklahoma State will be similar to what OU saw with Tech, so those weeks should be a little more familiar for the Sooners.

 

 

 

-------------Berry Tramel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including AM-640 and FM-98.1. You can e-mail him here and follow him on Twitter @BerryTramel. Visit Berry's new website here.

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