The early returns on Oklahoma's use of a new 3-3-5 defense have been largely positive, which bodes well for the Sooners as they reach the heart of their Big 12 conference schedule. Opponents have averaged just nine points per game, and the next touchdown pass this season against the Oklahoma defense will be the first.
But against upcoming opponent Notre Dame, which uses spread personnel and alignments to highlight its rushing offense, that three-man front might not be the best approach. Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops acknowledged it is likely he will go to a four-man look this week.
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"There's a good chance," Stoops told the Oklahoman. "But I'm not going to give you any percentages on it."
The decision by Stoops and his brother and defensive coordinator, Mark Stoops, to abandon the four-man front that had been the staple of Oklahoma's defense for more than a decade seemed to be a concession to the team's lack of depth and proven performers up front.
However, starting end Charles Tapper, tackle Jordan Phillips and end Geneo Grissom have all played well to start the season, with outside linebacker Corey Nelson thriving in a more active role (20 tackles, three tackles for loss with one sack to lead the team in all three categories).
Now the question is whether Tapper, Grissom, Phillips and either Torrea Peterson, Jordan Wade or Quincy Russell at the other tackle spot can handle a veteran left side of Notre Dame's line, led by tackle Zach Martin and guard Chris Watt. A more veteran defensive line certainly couldn't for the Sooners last season, when the Fighting Irish ran for 215 yards and averaged 5.5 yards per carry in a 30-13 win.
As defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery told the Tulsa World, "If anybody's gonna try to shove it down our throat, I think it's gonna be these guys, so we've gotta step up to the plate."
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
