Tavon Austin’s Performance Against Oklahoma: Tavon Austin Vs Oklahoma
Tavon Austin’s performances against Oklahoma during his college career were marked by electrifying speed, versatility, and a knack for making big plays. He was a nightmare for the Sooners’ defense, showcasing his ability to both run and catch the ball with exceptional skill.
Tavon Austin’s Statistical Performance, Tavon austin vs oklahoma
Tavon Austin’s performances against Oklahoma were consistently impressive, demonstrating his multifaceted abilities. He consistently recorded significant yardage and touchdowns, highlighting his impact on the game.
- Rushing Yards: In his three games against Oklahoma, Austin rushed for a total of 205 yards, averaging 68.3 yards per game. This included a career-high 101-yard performance in 2012.
- Receiving Yards: Austin’s receiving prowess was equally evident against Oklahoma. He accumulated 275 receiving yards in three games, averaging 91.7 yards per game. His highest receiving yardage came in 2011, with 148 yards.
- Touchdowns: Austin’s explosiveness resulted in 4 total touchdowns against Oklahoma, including 2 rushing touchdowns and 2 receiving touchdowns. He scored at least one touchdown in each of his three games against the Sooners.
Impact of Tavon Austin’s Performances
Tavon Austin’s presence on the field consistently posed a significant threat to the Oklahoma defense. His speed and agility created matchup nightmares for the Sooners, leading to several impactful plays.
“He’s the best player I’ve ever coached,” said West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen. “He’s a special talent, and he can make a big play at any time.”
One particularly memorable moment came in the 2012 game, where Austin returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. This electrifying play showcased his exceptional speed and game-breaking ability, leaving the Oklahoma defense stunned.
Comparison to Other Opponents
While Austin’s performances against Oklahoma were impressive, they were not necessarily his most dominant. He achieved similar levels of success against other opponents, showcasing his consistency and explosiveness.
For example, in 2012, Austin rushed for 164 yards and 2 touchdowns against Baylor, and in 2011, he recorded 168 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns against Texas. These performances demonstrate that Austin’s impact extended beyond just his games against Oklahoma.
Oklahoma’s Defense Against Tavon Austin
Oklahoma’s defense faced a significant challenge in containing the electrifying speed and agility of Tavon Austin. Austin’s ability to make big plays in both the running and passing game posed a serious threat to the Sooners’ defensive scheme.
Strategies to Contain Austin’s Speed and Agility
Oklahoma’s defensive coaches recognized the need to employ specific strategies to limit Austin’s impact on the game. Their approach involved a combination of tactics aimed at slowing him down and preventing him from breaking free for explosive plays.
- Aggressive Coverage: Oklahoma’s secondary used a combination of man-to-man and zone coverage to try and stay with Austin in coverage. They often used double teams or safety help over the top to prevent him from getting open deep.
- Contain the Edges: The Sooners emphasized containing Austin on the perimeter, using their edge rushers to force him inside and limit his ability to break long runs. They also employed a “spy” defender to shadow Austin on running plays, ensuring he couldn’t escape containment.
- Disciplined Tackling: Oklahoma’s defense emphasized the importance of sound tackling technique, especially when facing Austin. They understood that even a slight miss could allow him to break free for a big play.
Specific Players Effective Against Austin
Several players on Oklahoma’s defense stood out for their effectiveness in limiting Austin’s production.
- Tony Jefferson: The safety was known for his physicality and ability to deliver hard hits. He was a key player in Oklahoma’s efforts to contain Austin in the running game.
- Geneo Grissom: The defensive end was a disruptive force on the edge, using his speed and athleticism to contain Austin on the perimeter.
- Eric Striker: The linebacker was a tackling machine, consistently making plays in the open field. His relentless pursuit of the ball made it difficult for Austin to find open space.
Comparison to Other Players
Oklahoma’s defense faced similar challenges against other explosive offensive players, but their performance against Austin was particularly notable. Austin’s unique combination of speed, agility, and playmaking ability made him a difficult matchup for any defense. While the Sooners were able to limit his production, he still managed to make several key plays, highlighting the difficulty of completely shutting down a player of his caliber.
The Impact of the Matchup on Both Teams
The matchup between Tavon Austin and Oklahoma’s defense was a pivotal point in the game, significantly influencing the strategies and outcomes for both teams. Austin’s explosive playmaking ability presented a formidable challenge for Oklahoma, while the Sooners’ defensive prowess aimed to contain his impact.
The Influence of Tavon Austin’s Performance on West Virginia’s Offensive Strategy
Tavon Austin’s exceptional speed and agility forced Oklahoma to adjust its defensive scheme. Recognizing his threat, Oklahoma’s defense employed a variety of strategies to limit his impact. These included:
- Double-teaming Austin in the slot and on the outside, leaving other receivers open for potential catches.
- Using a combination of man-to-man and zone coverage to try and anticipate Austin’s movements.
- Employing a safety deep in the secondary to prevent big plays downfield.
Despite these efforts, Austin’s impact on West Virginia’s offensive strategy was undeniable. His ability to stretch the field and create big plays opened up opportunities for other receivers and running backs.
The Impact of Oklahoma’s Defense on West Virginia’s Offensive Game Plan
Oklahoma’s defense, known for its physicality and aggressive style, played a significant role in shaping West Virginia’s offensive game plan. The Sooners’ defensive scheme forced West Virginia to make adjustments, leading to:
- A more balanced offensive approach, incorporating more running plays to alleviate pressure on Austin.
- A greater reliance on short passes and screens to avoid Oklahoma’s aggressive pass rush.
- A focus on protecting Austin from big hits and minimizing the risk of injuries.
Oklahoma’s defense effectively disrupted West Virginia’s offensive rhythm, forcing them to adapt their strategies and rely on a more conservative approach.
The Significance of the Matchup in the Context of the Rivalry
The matchup between Tavon Austin and Oklahoma’s defense was a defining moment in the West Virginia-Oklahoma rivalry. It showcased the talent and skill of both players and teams, highlighting the intense competition that exists between the two programs. Austin’s performance against Oklahoma’s defense provided a memorable highlight in the rivalry’s history, while the Sooners’ defensive efforts demonstrated their ability to withstand the challenges posed by a dynamic offensive player like Austin.
Tavon austin vs oklahoma – Tavon Austin’s speed against Oklahoma was legendary, leaving defenders in the dust. But his journey didn’t end there; he went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys, where he brought that same electrifying energy. Tavon Austin’s Dallas Cowboys journey is a story of speed, agility, and a passion for the game, much like his explosive performance against Oklahoma.
It’s no surprise that he’s still remembered for his electrifying plays on the field, whether in college or the NFL.
Tavon Austin’s electrifying speed against Oklahoma was a sight to behold, and it made him a hot commodity heading into the 2013 NFL draft. That draft was full of surprises, but Austin’s speed and agility were undeniable. He ended up being drafted by the Rams, and he’s still making plays in the league today, proving that his Oklahoma performance was no fluke.
