Jake Trotter grades Oklahoma's performance against Iowa after a 31-14 win in the Insight Bowl:
Quarterbacks: A-
What a sensational finish for freshman Blake Bell. OU’s reserve quarterback scored three touchdowns out of the Belldozer package, including a 21-yard scamper with 45 seconds left to stamp an exclamation point. Bell also converted a critical third-and-2 late in the game, which set up a field goal that put OU up by two scores. Landry Jones, meanwhile, didn’t finish the season with a memorable performance. Jones completed 16 of 25 passes for only 161 yards, though ended his touchdown pass drought with a three-yard scoring lob to tight end Trent Ratterree. Jones played tough, though, taking a shot to head from Jordan Bernstine, who actually chipped one of Jones’ teeth.
Running backs: B
Brennan Clay gave the Sooners a much needed spark at running back off the bench, rushing for 44 yards while catching three passes for 23 yards. Other than an electrifying 17-yard reception, starter Roy Finch (six carries, 4 yards) had trouble getting going in a backfield that was down to just him and Clay. Fullback Trey Millard had a monster game with 21 yards rushing and several crushing blocks, including a clearout of Iowa cornerback Shaun Prater on Blake Bell’s second touchdown.
Receivers: B-
The receivers continued to drop passes, something that must improve next season. Kenny Stills had a chance at a long touchdown catch in the first half, but the ball bounced off his shoulder. Freshman Kameel Jackson, however, showed why everyone has been raving about him in the bowl practices. He made a leaping grab on third-and-11 in the second quarter, setting up OU's first touchdown. Jackson added another big catch deep into Iowa territory in the third quarter.
Offensive line: C
The Sooners struggled to push the Hawkeyes back at the point of attack, and outside of the Belldozer, OU had virtually no success running the ball up the middle. Landry Jones also was sacked twice.
Defensive line: A-
Bob Stoops praised the defensive line after the game. Frank Alexander ended his college career with another disruptive night, and R.J. Washington had quite possibly the best game of his career, twice beating future NFL tackle Riley Reiff off the edge to sack James Vandenberg. Tackle Jamarkus McFarland also had a stellar night with five tackles, including two for loss.
Linebackers: A
That No. 28 is pretty good when healthy, right? Travis Lewis, who played hurt all year after breaking his big toe in the preseason, was terrific in his final college game. Lewis had five tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss, and became the first player ever to lead the Sooners in tackling in four seasons. Tom Wort and Corey Nelson played well, too.
Secondary: A-
Cornerback Jamell Fleming earned some money the way he shut down All-Big Ten wideout Marvin McNutt. Tony Jefferson and Aaron Colvin kept everything in front of them at safety. Demontre Hurst added a couple of big hits in coverage. The best collective performance by "The Sharks" in weeks, despite a shaky fourth quarter.
Special teams: A+
Tress Way, who tied an Insight Bowl record with a 67-yard punt from the OU end zone, kept the field position from swinging the way of Iowa. Michael Hunnicutt converted a critical 35-yard field goal to put OU up by two scores late in the fourth quarter. Trey Franks (52 yards) and Brennan Clay (35) each broke off long returns off kickoffs.