Film Study: The Sooners’ Best Receiving Duo

Many people doubted that Lincoln Riley could stay involved in the offense when he was named Oklahoma’s head coach, but he has proven that he can simultaneously coach and coordinate at a high level. Riley remains one of college football’s brightest offensive minds. Last year, we wrote about him and how he plays a major role in Bedlam from a play calling perspective.

The best offensive coordinators know how to adjust their philosophy to their personnel, and that’s one of Riley’s biggest strengths. This year, the Sooners feature two talented players in fullback Dimitri Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews. Riley has adjusted his offense to feature both, and they have accumulated a combined 900 yards and 11 touchdowns through eight games.

Flowers is frequently able to get open in play action or through RPOs:

Flowers also has a knack for sneaking out of the backfield on hard action plays where he’s the primary receiver:

Andrews, who is often flexed out as an H back, finds success the exact same way:

Riley uses a number of different concepts and plays designed specifically for him, even when not using play action:

Riley frequently uses both Flowers and Andrews in the Sooners’ waggle series, which puts his quarterback Baker Mayfield on the move (where he’s at his best):

Flowers and Andrews have been able to give the Sooners consistency, and considering they’re two of the most experienced skill position players on the roster, they’re frequently relied upon by Mayfield.

The Sooners’ playbook is a bit more extensive than the Cowboys’, and they frequently have multiple “specials” designed specifically for that week. Don’t underestimate the play calling battle; it is often the difference-maker in Bedlam. Most Cowboy fans are wondering whether OSU’s offense will come out aggressive, but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Riley, Flowers, Andrews and the Sooners will.

What do you expect from Riley and the Sooners’ offense on Saturday? Leave your message below in the comments!