Shelby, OU Secondary Prepare for Tech

NORMAN, Okla. -- The Sooner defense will face yet another offense which relies heavily on the pass when the Texas Tech Red Raiders hit Owen Field on Saturday. To be exact, 1,746 of Tech's 2,156 total yards this season (81%) have been gained through the air. Mike Leach's high-power offense is averaging almost 540 yards per game.

It's another opportunity for the Oklahoma secondary to make an impact.

Senior strong safety Brandon Shelby has been a threat to spread offenses like Texas Tech. The last time the Red Raiders visited Norman in 2002, Shelby tied a school record for DB's with three tackles for loss. He also contributed on special teams, blocking a punt on Tech's opening drive of the third quarter which the Sooners recovered for a touchdown. OU thumped Tech, 60-15.

Sooner Gameday Central: Texas Tech

Texas Tech's offensive passing schemes will require nickel and dime defensive packages, giving OU's secondary another opportunity to shine. SoonerSports.com sat down with Shelby after practice and discussed this weekend's game.

How did the bye week help prepare you mentally and physically?
A bye week is always a good week. You have a chance to work on certain things and get your body healed. It sharpens you up and you're able to focus more on upcoming opponents.

Tech has gained 81% of its yards this season by passing...
Tech poses a big threat in their passing game. They can put points up at any time in the game and they have showed that in the last couple of weeks -- putting up 70 against TCU and also coming back to beat Kansas. Against a team like Tech you have to get your reads and know where you're supposed to be because they have the personnel to produce big plays.

Do you think the Kansas game uncovered anything about Tech?
I don't know too much about what KU did, but you have to play hard and compete until the end of the game. You have to concentrate throughout the week and get your schemes ready for the game. We also just have to study our film and make sure we do the little things right.

Does Tech's offense force any changes in the OU secondary?
I don't think there will be too many changes. We're pretty familiar with the things they like to do and they do have guys out there that can make plays. The big thing right now is just getting into position and being able to read routes. They have recievers going all over the place so we have to keep our focus.

Has it been difficult to focus on Tech with the Longhorns up next?
No, it really hasn't been difficult to focus. You have to take one week at time. This is the Big 12 -- you have to come out ready to play because any team can beat you on any given day. We'll worry about next week when it comes, but for right now, 100% of our focus is on Texas Tech.

Do you think it's an advantage to come into a game after a bye?
Well, you hope that it's an advantage. Like I said, it kind of gives you a week to hone in on everybody you'll be playing against and also get rested up. I guess its an advantage or disadvantage based on what you make of it. It could work in your favor or it could work against you, but I feel like we are doing things that will make us ready to play and have a great game.

Are you looking forward to more playing time against Tech?
I'm just looking forward to helping out the team. This week I will probably be utilized more than at other times in the season, but it just gives you the opportunity to go out there and play and help the team out in whatever way you can.

Compare Mike Stoops to Bo Pelini...
Coach Pelini is the total opposite of Stoops. Coach Stoops was more focused on schemes. Coach Pelini is more focused on technique. Coach Pelini also has his NFL coaching experience to give us insight from. Coach Stoops seemed more animated and vocal as you may have seen on the sidelines in the past. But, they are both very passionate about what they do.

Are you looking forward to OU's opening game of conference play?
Honestly, I just enjoy playing every week. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to come out here and play. The Big 12 is where it counts, this is where you start the nitty-gritty. Obviously all the games count, but every team in the Big 12 is strong so you have to do the little things right.

Is there a key to containing Texas Tech QB Sonny Cumbie?
We have to keep pressure. A lot of times he will throw the ball under pressure, which will allow our safeties and secondary to make plays. We can't let him sit back there and read all day, becuase when you give any quarterback all day he is bound to find someone open.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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