5 keys to victory for Oklahoma Football against Temple: Sooners lead 25-0 in the 2nd

Oklahoma passed its first big test of the season with an impressive win over Michigan, but there’s no time to relax. A tricky road trip to Philadelphia awaits, where Temple has stormed out of the gates under new head coach K.C. Keeler. The Owls are unbeaten, untested, and full of belief after two dominant outings.

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The OU defense forced a three-and-out to open the game, and the offense converted a third-and-19 en route to a touchdown run by Javontae Barnes. The Sooners went for two points instead of an XP and converted, putting them up 8-0 early in the first.

The defense continues to wreak havoc on the Owls' offense, forcing another punt that led to an OU field goal. After one quarter in Philadelphia, the Sooners lead 11-0. Kicker Tate Sandell converted from 52 yards out.

Freshman running back Tory Blaylock powered his way into the endzone to put the Sooners up 18-0 in the second quarter.

On the next offensive possession for the Sooners, a defensive penalty extended the drive and resulted in Blaylock rushing for an 18-yard touchdown, his second of the day. Sooners are up 25-0.

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Here are five keys to victory for the Sooners against the Owls.

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1. Set the Tone Early

Temple hasn’t given up a second-half point all year. That makes the opening two quarters even more important. OU must carry its momentum from last week into the first half, put points on the board early, and keep Temple from hanging around.

2. Establish Balance on Offense/Running Game

The Sooners' running game has essentially been quarterback John Mateer, as he added 19 carries against Michigan. This is the perfect week to get the running game going and build confidence along a reshuffled offensive line.

3. Explosive Plays

Mateer has been one of the most effective deep passers through two weeks, completing nearly 63% of his throws beyond 10 yards. OU’s top receivers are all averaging more than 10 yards per target, and tight end Jaren Kanak has emerged as a major weapon through two games.

4. Make Temple One-Dimensional

The Owls have been effective running the ball, but OU’s linebackers have been great so far this year. If OU can bottle up the run and force quarterback Evan Simon into long passing downs, the Sooners can dictate the game with superior talent. Force Evan Simon into difficult situations he hasn't seen this season with lower-level opponents.

5. Stay Disciplined and Finish Drives

Temple has been opportunistic, but they’ve also piled up penalty yards. OU can’t afford to give free yards back with mistakes of their own. Finishing drives in the red zone and turning any turnovers into points will prevent Temple from gaining confidence and help the Sooners put this one away.