Rocky Beers pinpoints what Oklahoma must fix in run game
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Rocky Beers pinpoints what Oklahoma must fix in run game
Oklahoma's Rocky Beers (81) celebrates a touchdown in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Jaron Spor, Sooners Wire·Sooners Wire
·
2 min read
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TheOklahoma Soonersentered the 2026 college football season looking to improve a disappointing rushing attack. The Sooners struggled last season, rushing for just 118.5 yards per game, ranking No. 113 in rushing offense in the country.
This offseason, the Sooners emphasized improving that rushing attack. That includes changing personnel, changing coaches, and changing the scheme to an extent. However, those changes haven't worked, as Oklahoma is averaging just 99 yards per game on the ground. That ranks No. 129 in college football.
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Tight end Rocky Beers said he's been frustrated with his performance and explained how the Sooners can still improve.
"It's frustrating because I feel like I'm not doing my part,"Beers said via OU Insider. "I'm missing my blocks. I'm missing my assignments. There's always one miss here, one miss there, and it's always costing us... We've just got to believe in our blocks and hold onto them as long as we can."
Beers' comments point to an area where Oklahoma can still make meaningful progress during the bye week. The Sooners don't need to completely reinvent their rushing attack, but they do need more consistency from the players responsible for cheating and sustaining blocks. With the offense already emphasizing the importance of eliminating negative plays, cleaning up those mistakes could help unlock more production on the ground.
The timing gives Oklahoma an opportunity to make those adjustments before returning against the No. 1Texas Longhorns. If the Sooners can build more confidence in their blocking and sustain their assignments, the rushing attack could provide the balance Oklahoma needs to take a step forward in the second half of the season.
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to throw a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart walks on the field after a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) catches a seventeen-yard pass for a touchdown against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; A Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader reacts to game play against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch against Georgia Bulldogs safety Khalil Barnes (7) and linebacker Chris Cole (9) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chris Cole (9) runs against Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) after recovering a fumble by quarterback John Mateer (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) which results in a fumble during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) leaps while running after a catch against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) and defensive back Kyron Jones (31) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs live mascot Uga XI stands on the field before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Dwight Phillips Jr. (20) runs the ball against Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Omarion Robinson (2) and defensive back Eli Bowen (23) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) calls the snap count at the line of scrimmage against the Oklahoma Sooners defense during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) throws a pass against Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders perform during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders look on before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks to the field before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Fans in the Georgia Bulldogs student section cheer for their team against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders perform during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to throw a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart walks on the field after a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) catches a seventeen-yard pass for a touchdown against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; A Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader reacts to game play against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch against Georgia Bulldogs safety Khalil Barnes (7) and linebacker Chris Cole (9) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chris Cole (9) runs against Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) after recovering a fumble by quarterback John Mateer (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) which results in a fumble during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) leaps while running after a catch against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) and defensive back Kyron Jones (31) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs live mascot Uga XI stands on the field before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Dwight Phillips Jr. (20) runs the ball against Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Omarion Robinson (2) and defensive back Eli Bowen (23) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) calls the snap count at the line of scrimmage against the Oklahoma Sooners defense during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) throws a pass against Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders perform during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders look on before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks to the field before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Fans in the Georgia Bulldogs student section cheer for their team against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20/20
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders perform during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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