Lincoln Riley defends Oklahoma defense’s playoff credentials
The Oklahoma Sooners have done all they can to make their case for a College Football Playoff bid, and now it’s up to coach Lincoln Riley to do some campaigning.
The primary criticism aimed at Oklahoma is their defense. The Sooners allow nearly 33 points and roughly 450 yards per game, the worst marks of any playoff contender by some margin. Riley was quick to address that point after his team’s 39-27 win over Texas, saying the defense was still improving — and good enough as is to win a championship.
Lincoln Riley: “No doubt we have a playoff worth team.” Riley also says OU’s defense is good enough to win a national championship.
— Drew Davison (@drewdavison) December 1, 2018
"I don't think we've played our best yet this year. And I think we're going to get there" Lincoln Riley on the defense #Sooners
— Madeline Roberts (@madrobs_) December 1, 2018
Lincoln Riley asked if #Sooners are playing defense well enough to win a national championship: “Yes. Yes I do.”
— Ryan Aber (@ryaber) December 1, 2018
Riley’s job now is to publicly campaign for his team, whether anyone is listening or not. He has at least one big defensive play to point toward as evidence that his team can get it done when it needs to.