Takeaways: Akamnonu, Vasher look to rebound on offense in Oklahoma

OL Madison Akamnonu, WR T.J. Vasher and DB DaMarcus Fields spoke with the media on Tuesday evening to discuss practice and this weekend’s game against Oklahoma.

Here are a few notes and quotes from the session.

Akamnonu stated that he thinks the offensive line play lacked against the Cyclones this past Saturday.

Part of that was because the unit didn’t mesh well, but that technique and the smaller things weren’t present.

“I mean really it came down to the details,” Akamnonu said. “Saw film Sunday, that’s really what it was. Coaches say ‘details really matter,’ and in this game it really did matter. Just getting better and working on details now.”

Akamnonu said it was the simple stuff that stuck out on tape when the offensive line dissected film.

The discipline in the details he is referring too ranges from footwork to cutting, all of which were better against West Virginia and Kansas, he said.

Akamnonu said the run gameplan was something he felt confident in going into Iowa State since the Red Raiders ran the ball against Kansas and earlier matchups.

The pulling seen by the guards is also something that has been implemented in the offseason to set the edge on offense.

“Yeah, I would say we did a better job,” Akamnonu said. “It is what it is. It’s all in the past. Just want to get better.”

The Oklahoma Sooner defensive front possesses one of the top defensive lineman in the Big 12 in Ogbonnia Okoronkwo.

Akamnonu mentioned Okoronkwo on the edge but says Lincoln Riley’s defense doesn’t pose an unfamiliar challenge.

“The challenge, you know, they got some pretty good edge guys, you know, No. 31,” Akamnonu said. “Difficulty, I mean, it’s nothing that we haven’t seen. So it’s really just us being disciplined, working on the details and the little things and getting it right.”

Akamnonu is familiar with Norman as he was recruited by the Sooners. He said he took an unofficial visit and was offered a scholarship, too. However, it didn’t feel like home like Texas Tech does.

Vasher gave the insight on what happened with the offensive firepower being absent.

“You know we had a tough going,” Vasher said. “But you know I feel like this week we’ll bounce back, practice harder, get things going again. I don’t think it’s anything none of us are too worried about.”

Vasher said he feels like the fire and intensity wasn’t there that was shown in the four wins the Red Raiders picked up.

In order to get back into that groove, Vasher said they need to trust in coach Kliff Kingsbury and in each other.

“You know just keep doing our jobs, attacking our assignments,” Vasher said, “and doing the things we’re required to do – go the extra mile for our teammates.”

For the defense, Fields said the game feels like one they should’ve won. Noted that the locker room vibe is rough.

Instead of moping on the loss Fields said the defense looks to bounce back.

“I mean if we’re not coming out to win then we’re not playing better,” Fields said. “So, I mean, we just gotta keep going. We’re going to get better as we go and we just compete everyday in practice and I love that about this team.”

Norman, Oklahoma, doesn’t pose a threat, according to Fields, because it's nothing haven't faced before. He said they’re just going to treat it as any other game and keep it moving.

As for the opposing offense, Fields said the Sooners play fast which implements a faster pace for the Red Raider defense.

“Their receivers are fast meaning we’ll have to play fast,” Fields said. “So, we just got to be on our toes and watch film and be ready – be perfect.”

Personally, Fields said he’s learned a lot working against the opposing talent at wide receiver in the Big 12.

Fields said he has to adjust to the speed and physicality of those guys which helps him develop his game.

Fields was redshirted last year but has since enjoyed his time as a Red Raider. One person has been with him since ­– his mother. She gave Fields a necklace with his number, 23, draped on the chain.

“It means a lot to me,” Fields said. “Every time I look down it represents her. I play with it every game. It means big things for me.”