Former Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth is urging the Sooners to play with maximum tempo in Saturday’s opener against Illinois State, stressing that patience should be off the table with Week 2 against Michigan looming in Norman.
Bosworth spoke to KREF in Norman, emphasizing that Oklahoma must go into the game with zero patience and run at top speed across all phases, especially on offense and defense. With Illinois State projected to be a heavy underdog, the expected point differential is about 35 points or more, meaning Oklahoma likely won’t have starters on the field for the full 60 minutes. The risk of injury means quarterback John Mateer and defensive end Mason Thomas could be limited late into the game, potentially the third or fourth quarter.
Given that scenario, Bosworth said the priority is to maximize the effort from the players who are on the field, even if only for a portion of the contest. He described the goal as seeing “acceleration where smoke comes out of their cleats,” underscoring the need for explosive play and relentless tempo.
In surrounding commentary, three SoonersWire staffers predicted Oklahoma would win by at least 42 points in this Week 1 matchup. Michigan, Oklahoma’s Week 2 opponent, opens its season in Ann Arbor against New Mexico.
What to watch for this week
– Tempo and depth: Expect Oklahoma to push fast starts and rotate in backups early to preserve health while still aiming to establish a high-speed pace.
– Depth assessment: Mateer and Thomas will be monitored for how much they can contribute if the game remains competitive, which could influence the readiness for the Michigan game.
– Momentum heading to Michigan: A strong, fast start could set a confident tone as Oklahoma prepares for a high-profile Week 2 opponent.
Summary
Bosworth’s message is clear: treat Week 1 as a tune-up for a much tougher test in Week 2 by playing with maximum speed and intensity from the opening whistle, prioritizing development and readiness over the duration of early-game snaps.
Additional value
– Fans can expect Oklahoma to emphasize situational drills and clean, explosive plays to build rhythm before facing a Michigan team that returns a key early-season challenge.
– If the Sooners execute the plan, it could build early-season confidence and establish the tempo the coaching staff wants to carry into a pivotal September matchup.