Can Washington stop these guys?

Published 11:45 pm Wednesday, September 10, 2008

SEATTLE — Just in case Oregon and BYU didn’t provide enough of a challenge for Washington’s defense — and the numbers indicate that they did — here comes Oklahoma and what might be the best offense the Huskies will face this season.

In its first two games, Oklahoma’s offense has scored 109 points, including 41 in the first quarter. And those numbers aren’t a fluke for the third-ranked Sooners. Last year’s team averaged 42.3 points and 448.9 yards of offense per game.

The Sooners pass the ball well (350 yards per game) and run the ball well (189.5 yards per game), and have the lopsided scores to show for it.

“It’s probably one of the more difficult ones I’ve had to start conversation on,” Washington coach Tyrone Willingham said of Oklahoma’s offense. “Simply because where do you start at … It’s a potent group that doesn’t have a lot of weaknesses.”

Oklahoma is not only talented, but it puts extra stress on defenses with a no-huddle offense that has allowed the offense to run 83 plays per game so far this season.

“It sends you into a frenzy, because after a play is over you have no time to react,” Washington defensive end Darrion Jones said of Oklahoma’s no-huddle attack. “After the play is over, you’re back on the line, and you’re scrambling to get your signals and make your checks. It forces you to play the game faster.”

Oklahoma’s offense would probably be plenty good with or without a no-huddle approach, however. Leading the way is sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford, who threw for 3,121 yards, 36 touchdowns and just eight interceptions last season while completing 69.5 percent of his passes. Bradford is off to a strong start again, and ranks eighth nationally with an efficiency rating of 189.42.

Bradford has a number of talented receivers to throw to, and it appears the Sooners added another weapon in redshirt freshman Ryan Broyles. Broyles made an impressive college debut last week, catching seven passes for 141 yards and a touchdown.

“We’ve watched Ryan for over a year now and he’s been an exciting and explosive player,” said Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops. “We expected him to do well and be a big play guy, and hopefully that will continue through the year. He has that ability so hopefully that will keep happening.”

DeMarco Murray leads the ground game with 212 yards in Oklahoma’s first two games.

In other words, the Sooners are good everywhere.

“When you look at them all the way around, they’re just strong, in all phases,” said Washington defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. “With their offensive line, they have many guys that will play at the next level. I’d say three of them. Then the receivers have a lot of speed and experience. Some of them were in when we played them last time. And you have the quarterback who is a prospect, too. He’s very good. He has a quick release, reads his progressions well. They have an excellent running game.”

One way the Huskies hope to slow the Sooners is by putting pressure on Bradford. Through two games, the Huskies don’t have a sack. Part of that has to do with the offenses Washington has faced, both of which get rid of the ball quickly, but coaches and players still say they need to be better in that area.

“I don’t know what it is,” said junior defensive end Daniel Te’o-Nesheim. “I’ve just got to get there. It’s frustrating… . We’ve got to pass rush harder on Saturdays, and I’m sure [offensive line] coach (Randy) Hart will get us going.”

Ultimately, it seems unlikely the UW defense shut down Oklahoma, so its best bet figures to be slowing the Sooners down a little and hoping Jake Locker and the offense can keep up.

“We’ve got to match their offense,” offensive coordinator Tim Lappano said. “Obviously they’re about as good as there is on offense … They’re very explosive on offense. We’re going to have to match.”

Contact Herald Writer John Boyle at jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more on University of Washington sports, check out the Huskies blog at heraldnet.com /huskiesblog