OU football: Alex Grinch still using videos to motivate defense during struggles

NORMAN — A year ago, OU defensive coordinator Alex Grinch showed his players a tape of the New England Patriots’ historic comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.

Later that week, the Sooners rallied from a 25-point deficit to beat Baylor.

It was a tremendous coincidence, not a prophetic look into the future by Grinch. But perhaps after two straight losses that featured fourth-quarter struggles, it’s time for another video lesson.

So, what video is Grinch pulling out for the Sooners defense heading into Saturday’s game against rival No. 22-ranked Texas? 

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“I’d be embarrassed to kinda mention some of what the topics have been over the last two weeks,” Grinch said. “But we haven’t gotten the outcome in spite of that, so I’ll keep that to myself. 

“It’s videos. But it’s not sinking in. It’s something that we continue to do. You keep swinging the bat. Sometimes you land the message, sometimes you don’t, right?”

For whatever reason, Grinch doesn’t feel his tactics have sunk in for the players.

But he believes they will and the Sooners can fix their tackling woes.

“I don’t take credit when the message gets landed,” Grinch said. “It’s the kids that ultimately get it done and it’s my fault when I can’t land the message. 

“Again, I’m fairly embarrassed to say what we’ve done over the last few weeks when you ultimately see the results, because it’s obviously not hitting home.”