I loved the designs on these passing plays while watching the game. But i couldn't help but link it to line play. Due to the differences in line play (when we had the ball) from a year ago we could block with 5 and flood the secondary with 5 receivers. That created the one-on-one matchups we wanted. In this case, it was Thompson or Lockett with a LB or safety. Compare that two a year ago when we needed 7 or 8 to stay in and block 4-6 and "flood" OU's secondary with one or two receivers. That is how having to max protect places limitations on your offense. Offensive lineman like Hanson, Freeze, and Aufner couldn't handle Alexander, Ronnell Lewis, etc. a year ago. They still would get to Klein with 4 being blocked by 7. Not the case this year.
I laugh at the folks who say, "they didn't even attempt to pass rush"....yes, they didn't in some cases because they couldn't. Last year they brought it because we didn't have the same capability we do this year. This year they couldn't get there most of the time even if they tried so they were far more concerned about Klein burning them with his feet.
ah, the beauty of line play. it opens up the possibilities on the back end and changes the entire complexion of a game from one season to the next. thank you and good night!