Facing another challenging environment in Lawrence on Saturday, the Sooners aim to draw valuable lessons from their recent losses, which occurred on ostensibly “neutral” ground against UNC in Charlotte and at TCU.
The team is particularly focused on enhancing communication amidst the clamor, recognizing that their performance significantly hinges on minimizing errors. In their two losses this season, Oklahoma has averaged 16 turnovers per game, translating to opponents scoring an average of 24.5 points from those mistakes.
Conversely, in the 13 wins, the team has reduced turnovers by nearly four, resulting in opponents scoring just 13.5 points per game off turnovers.
The urgency to improve is underscored by the coaching staff, with the emphasis on dissecting game footage to identify and rectify mistakes. The consensus among the players, exemplified by Uzan’s perspective, is to streamline turnovers, especially the careless ones, to ensure a more favorable outcome in future games.
The coaching staff, led by Moser, has identified communication breakdowns as a significant issue during games, particularly in raucous away environments. Instances of miscommunication and players failing to hear teammates’ calls, both on offense and defense, were identified in the recent loss to TCU.
As the Sooners gear up for a showdown against Kansas, Moser stresses the necessity for enhanced communication, describing it as a critical aspect for navigating the challenges of playing in a loud and hostile road environment. The goal is to eliminate excuses like “I didn’t hear it” and foster over-communication, creating elite huddles to synchronize team efforts effectively.
Beyond communication, Moser is calling for increased grit from his players, highlighting the absence of this quality in the recent game against the Horned Frogs.
While players like Uzan and Godwin demonstrated resilience, Moser believes that a collective effort is required to succeed, especially on the road in the Big 12.
The coach emphasizes the need for mental and physical toughness to navigate the difficulties of away games, portraying them as inherently tough challenges. In Moser’s view, displaying grit involves a willingness to endure physical contact, emphasizing the importance of ball toughness.
In conclusion, the Sooners recognize the importance of refining their communication and exhibiting greater grit, both mentally and physically, as they prepare for a demanding road game against Kansas.
The coaching staff is committed to addressing the identified issues through film analysis, and the players are determined to implement corrective measures to secure a more positive outcome in their upcoming matchups.
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