Update: OU's Broyles arrested on suspicion of theft: Suspended:Update previous post; Oklahoma's Coach Bob Stoops released an official statement on Broyles.. "We are aware of a matter involving Ryan Broyles," OU head coach Bob Stoops said today in a statement released by the OU sports information office. "Effective immediately, Ryan is suspended from the team for an indefinite period of time. I take very seriously the conduct of our players, and I will not compromise my expectations for anyone associated with our program." (NewsOK.com)
NCAA approves OU's Mitchell fundraiser request: High School. Coach Stoops will present the family with a framed Oklahoma jersey. Checks should be mailed to: The NCAA approved OU's waiver request Thursday to accept funds to help defray funeral costs for football recruit Herman Mitchell killed last week. Those who wish to contribute should mail checks to the OU Athletics Department made out to "O-Club, Inc. " with "Mitchell Fund" written in the memo line. The checks will not be accepted unless the memo line contains "Mitchell Fund". The money will be deposited in an account designated specifically to defray funeral costs for the family. The NCAA also approved Oklahoma's request for head coach Bob Stoops and two additional OU coaches to travel to Houston. The Oklahoma coaches will meet with members of Mitchell's family and visit Westfield.
Checks should be mailed to: OU Athletics Department McClendon Center for Intercollegiate Athletics 180 W Brooks, Suite 3575 Norman, OK 73019
Again, please make out the check to "O-Club, Inc." and write "Mitchell Fund" in the memo line. (SoonerSports PR)
Franks may return kicks? "I remember recruiting Dominique," Sooner assistant Chris Wilson said. "Every week he was returning something (for a touchdown)." Though [Dominique] Franks isn't listed on OU's kick-return depth chart -- Reggie Smith, Juaquin Iglesias, Manuel Johnson and Lendy Holmes are -- coach Bob Stoops mentioned him as well as freshman tailback DeMarco Murray as candidates. (Tulsa World)
OU's Broyles arrested on suspicion of theft: Ryan Broyles, a freshman wide receiver on the University of Oklahoma football team, was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of trying to steal gasoline from a Norman convenience store. The 19-year-old Norman High graduate was arrested on suspicion of attempted larceny and taken to Cleveland County jail. He was released on a $200 bond. Norman Police Capt. Leonard Judy said an officer around 12:10 a.m. spotted a sport utility vehicle parked at the gas pumps of the Mr. Shortstop store at Alameda Street and 12th Avenue SE. The store was closed, but the officer saw a man standing between the vehicle and a gas pump. The investigating officer reported the man having a key to the pump along with overriding codes to activate the pump. The key unlocked a pump door that leads to a keypad on which to type the code. (NewsOK.com) Update:Stoops: Broyles Suspended Indefinite Period of Time WR Strong quits team: Oklahoma wide receiver Fred Strong has left the football team, university officials confirmed Thursday. Strong, a sophomore from Austin, caught nine passes for 73 yards last season. Strong was expected to contribute to this year's team but wasn't healthy in the preseason and was passed on the depth chart by sophomore Adron Tennell and freshman Ryan Broyles. (Tulsa World)
Limited OU/North Texas tickets available: The University of Oklahoma Athletics Ticket Office has received a limited number of returned tickets from the University of North Texas for this Saturday's game. Tickets are currently available 24 hours a day online at SoonerSports.com, by calling the Athletics Ticket Office at 800-456-4668 or 405-325-2424 during regular business hours Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or in person at the Athletics Ticket Office on the west side of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Tickets for the game are $47 each. The Sooners and Mean Green kick off this Saturday at 6 p.m. (SoonerSports PR)
Here's a look at former Sooners in the NFL this week making news.
Paul Thompson in Green Bay Thompson Packers' No. 3 QB; Still maybe waived? The move leaves the team with only three quarterbacks -- starter Brett Favre, No. 2 Aaron Rodgers and undrafted rookie Paul Thompson. However, Paul Thompson hasn't played well enough to assure himself a roster spot, and he and Martin are eligible for the practice squad. So considering Favre's unprecedented durability, Ted Thompson might be contemplating going with only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster to save a spot for a more highly rated player at another position, such as defensive line or defensive back. (PackerNews.com) P. Thompson has thrown eight INTs in practice since Sunday and he'll likely play most of the second half of tonight's game at Tennessee... NFL rosters must be cut to 53 by Sept. 1.
Adrian Peterson and Rufus Alexander in Minnesota AD Performance: Adrian Peterson has averaged 5.0 yards per carry in the preseason and rushed for 144 yards, including one touchdown.
Rufus on IR: Viking placed Rufus Alexander on injured reserved after he tore a ligament in his left knee against the Rams in the first week.
C.J. Ah You in Buffalo C.J. in Buffalo: Rookie C.J. Ah You and Ryan Neill could go on the practice squad. (Buffalo News)
Davin Joseph & Donte Nicholson in Tampa Bay Gruden on Davin:Jon Gruden spoke to reporters on Tuesday, here's a snippet.. "Davin Joseph is going to be stellar in there at right guard, and Jeremy Trueblood has improved. So we like some of the things up front."
Donte fighting for roster spot: [A] slew of bubble players whose roster fate may hinge on how they perform in tonight's exhibition finale against the Houston Texans. On the fringe include: FB Byron Storer, WR Chad Lucas, WR Chas Gessner, S Donte Nicholson, DE Greg White, DT Greg Peterson, CB Marcus Hamilton, CB Carlos Hendricks, S Kalvin Pearson, DL Julian Jenkins, DL Ryan Simms, CB Sammy Davis, TE Keith Heinrich and TE C.J. Leak. (Herald Tribune) Mark Clayton, Chris Chester & Dan Cody in Baltimore WR. Clayton Injury: Former Oklahoma WR. Mark Clayton is not practicing and will not play in the Ravens final preseason game due to a sprained ankle. (Ravens24x7)
Chester competing for starting job: Ravens 1st round draft pick Ben Grubbs and 2006 second-round pick Chris Chester are competing for the starting job at right guard. (Ravens24x7)
Cody on PUP: Linebackers Dan Cody (knee surgery) and Mike Smith (shoulder surgery) will begin the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list and will miss at least the first six weeks of the regular season. (Baltimore Sun) Dusty Dvoracek & Tommie Harris in Chicago Harris to make 2007 debut in preseason finale: After sitting out the Bears' first three preseason games, defensive tackle Tommie Harris is expected to make his 2007 debut Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field. The two-time Pro Bowler has been practicing since the start of training camp, but he's been held out of game action after undergoing surgery last December to repair a torn hamstring tendon. (ChicagoBears.com)Dvoracek gives Bears confidence: Depth at tackle has gone from being a real question to an unquestioned strength, in large part because of the summer Dusty Dvoracek has had. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Clint Ingram in Jacksonville Ingram out with sprained ankle:In addition, projected starting OLB Clint Ingram (ankle sprain) is not expected to practice this week or play Thursday, and neither is fellow OLB Pat Thomas (hamstring). (Orlando Sentinel) Ingram's sprained ankle occurred in Jacksonville's first preseason game.
Travis Wilson & Brodney Pool in Cleveland Wilson may be out of Cleveland? Lacking depth at wide receiver, 2006 third-round pick Travis Wilson has been a special project. As camp opened, bushels of footballs sailed Wilson's way. As camp closed, Wilson was nothing special. Too many drops. Not enough energy. Coordinator Rob Chudzinski got fed up recently when Wilson beat his man but didn't go hard enough after a deep ball. "C'mon Travis," Chudzinski barked. "Make a play! To-o-o-day!" (Canton Rep) The Orange and Brown Report is reporting, Travis Wilson is fighting for a spot on the Brown's practice squad.
Pool starting for Browns: Brodney Pool will start for the Cleveland Browns at free safety replacing Brian Russell.
Brandon Jones in Tennessee Jones slipping? Brandon Jones was considered a viable [Fantasy] sleeper candidate headed into the preseason, but it appears that he's been passed on the depth chart by Eric Moulds, Roydell Williams and rookie Chris Davis.(NFL.com) Antonio Perkins in Indianapolis Perkins at returner? Cornerback Antonio Perkins could also fit in the equation as a kick returner.(Leader Post)
Roy Williams in Dallas Williams on preseason reps: "I really think that Coach Phillips is doing a good job as far as keeping everybody fresh and giving us a good enough amount of time to sit back and get off our feet and relax," safety Roy Williams said. (DallasCowboys.com) Jammal Brown in New Orleans Brown ready for season opener: Saints coach Sean Payton didn't leave much doubt about left tackle Jammal Brown's availability for the season opener in Indianapolis."We plan on playing him against Indianapolis, certainly," Payton said. (SunHerald)
K. Wilson: Joey No. 2 QB? OU may play all three? Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson isn't completely ready to commit to a No. 2 quarterback behind starter Sam Bradford yet. "Joey goes in first right now," Wilson said, adding that he's slightly more comfortable with Halzle at this point. "Don't read into that, that Keith is third and we're planning on redshirting him. We might need to play all three." (NewsOK.com)
Allen Patrick returned to practice; may start Saturday? Tailback Allen Patrick went through about half of Oklahoma's practice on Wednesday and may be able to start Saturday against North Texas. Patrick missed more than two weeks of practice and had been wearing a protective boot on his right foot while recovering from a sprained ankle. "He said he feels better than he did when he played on it last year," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "Again, he's getting better and we're working him toward playing. (AP/ESPN.com)
OU to ask NCAA for waiver to allow Mitchell memorial fund to continue: The University of Oklahoma will ask the NCAA for a waiver to allow a booster to continue raising money to help the family of a football recruit pay for the player's funeral, a school spokesman said Wednesday. Oklahoma athletic department spokesman Kenny Mossman said the university plans to submit a request to the NCAA for a waiver that would allow Fineberg to resume his fundraising. NCAA spokesman Erik Christianson said the organization "would consider that if the university chose to go down that avenue." Mossman said Wednesday that the waiver request would "just outline the situation and parameters" of where the money would go and would likely be submitted to the NCAA within a few days. "I'm sure they'll recognize this is a situation that merits a quick review," Mossman said. (AP/ESPN.com)
OU to use two punters in season opener: Bob Stoops said he expects to use two punters against North Texas game. Senior Michael Cohen will handle long kicks and junior Mike Knall will kick in short-field situations. (Dallas Morning News)
Oklahoma fan asked to stop fundraiser for Mitchell: Just hours after Oklahoma football recruit Herman Mitchell was shot to death Friday in Houston, Adam Fineberg started raising money for Mitchell's family. But after raising $4,500, enough to cover almost half the cost of Mitchell's funeral, Fineberg stopped. An OU compliance officer told him his actions would constitute an NCAA rules violation against the Sooners... That money is considered illegal financial assistance under NCAA rules because Mitchell's brother is a sophomore fullback at Westfield High School in Spring, Texas, and because Fineberg is an OU fan who attends Sooner football games and solicited donations through an OU fan Web site... OU spokesman Kenny Mossman said the an official with the university's compliance office contacted Fineberg on Monday asking to him halt his fundraising efforts until the OU received a rules interpretation from the NCAA. That interpretation came Tuesday. "This is not a permissible expense for OU or someone who could be construed as an OU supporter,” said Mossman, an associate athletic director for communications. "We're not trying to be the bad guys, but we have to play by their rules.” (In parts and more at NewsOK.com)
Murray, Franks and Holmes may be used in returns: OU will use Reggie Smith and Juaquin Iglesias as the kick returners Saturday. Both handled the job last season. Stoops said Murray might also be used, depending on how many carries he gets from his running back spot. Redshirt freshman safety Dominique Franks and senior defensive back Lendy Holmes could also be used. (Norman Transcript)
'07 O-Line largest in Stoops era: OU's offensive line is the largest of the Bob Stoops era, averaging 6 feet, 5 inches and 316 pounds.The beast of the group is 6-foot-8, 350-pound left tackle Phil Loadholt, who will go against right defensive end Jeremiah Chapman, who is listed at 6-4, 243 pounds. UNT's defensive line averages 274 pounds. (Star-Telegram)
No QB backup decided yet: Stoops said he hasn't chosen a backup quarterback for the UNT game, saying junior Joey Halzle and freshman Keith Nichol are still even. (Dallas Morning News)
Hartley on Groza Watch List: Oklahoma kicker Garrett Hartley, one of three finalists for the Lou Groza Award last year, is on the preseason watch list for that same honor in 2007. Hartley, a senior from Southlake, Texas, made 19-of-20 field goals last season along with 49-of-50 extra points. His 2006 field goal percentage set an OU record and led the nation among kickers with more than 10 attempts. Hartley ranks No. 8 at OU in career kick scoring with 200 points, while his 34 field goal rank No. 6. With 98 career point after touchdown kicks, he ranks No. 9 on the all-time Sooner list. Two former winners of the award, Arthur Carmody of the University of Louisville and Alexis Serna of Oregon State University, are on the list too. The watch list is comprised of the top 30 preliminary candidates for the 16th Annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the FedEx Orange Bowl. The top three finalists will be honored during the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Banquet on Tuesday, December 4, 2007. (SoonerSports PR) Tuesday Football Post-Practice Video: SoonerSports
Malcolm Kelly early NFL entry? While he [Malcolm Kelly] admits he thinks about his future from time to time, he knows it's too early for all that [high draft] hype. "I'm not gonna say I don't think about it," Kelly said. "That's all you dream about your whole life. That's why you play this game -- to be able to make a living out of it. People have been saying that, but it don't really mean anything. I haven't done anything this year. "I have a lot of stuff I need to get done (before I'm ready to play in the NFL.)" (NewsOK.com)
Patrick runs light Monday practice, no timetable set: [Allen] Patrick did not practice with the team Monday. Stoops said there's no cut-off day for deciding if Patrick will play. "If we think he's close enough to full speed and not going to re-injure it and make a difference for us, then he'll play," Stoops said. (Norman Transcript)
Bob Stoops statement on Herman Mitchell: From the Tulsa World.. "Yeah, it's really sad. It's tragic," Stoops said. "All of us are saddened. Just don't know what to say in those situations. He was a great young guy, was just up here a few weeks ago when we were in our summer two-a-day work. He and his mom spent a good part of the day here. We loved having him. He was a great young man. Prayers go out to his family, his teammates, coaches and friends. It's just really, really tragic for any young guy and anyone in that circumstance."
Oklahoma running back C. Brown suspended for "internal issue":The Oklahoman is reporting... Oklahoma running back Chris Brown has been suspended for the Sooners' season opener Saturday against North Texas. Oklahoma coaches said Brown was suspended because of an "internal issue." (NewsOK.com)
Stoops doesn't believe today's coaches will have longevity like JoePa: An interesting quote from the Philadelphia Daily News, Paterno set to start 42nd season at PSU, break longevity record.. Bob Stoops believes regardless of success some people just like change..
Telling the Daily News.. "I think sometimes even when people have had a great deal of success or a good amount of success, I think sometimes people like change just for change," Stoops said."Maybe they just get kind of tired of looking at the same guy and want somebody different in there sometimes," he said. "I think it's tougher to do, though I'm sure it could still happen."
Robinson added to Lombardi Award watch list: Oklahoma offensive lineman Duke Robinson and Tulsa linebacker Nelson Coleman are being added to the watch list for the Lombardi Award. An initial list of 43 offensive and defensive lineman and linebackers were first announced in March. Robinson and Coleman are among 60 players being added to the list. (AP/KOTV)
Players represented from the Big 12 on Lombardi Watch List. Iowa State Alvin Bowen Kansas James McClinton Missouri Martin Rucker Nebraska Bo Ruud Matt Slauson
Texas Tony Hills Derek Lokey Frank Okam Texas A&M Kirk Elder Chris Harrington Cody Wallace Oklahoma Duke Robinson
Former Canes' Coach Coker expects unrank Miami to challenge OU: [You] ask Larry Coker, and unranked Miami still possesses one key element that will be dangerous for the eighth-ranked Sooners in their second-week game Sept. 8. "They'll have talent," said Coker, Miami's coach since 2001 until he was fired after last season. "I don't think there's any doubt they're being overlooked. "I think you're going to see a very good Miami team come to Oklahoma." (NewsOK.com)
Wilson on Bradford's first start: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson on red shirt freshman Sam Bradford. "We've talked about how they need to manage or take care of the ball. But in taking care of the ball, you need to be not so afraid of taking care of the ball that you don't take the shots that are there, and you don't live on the edge and you don't dare greatly. But if you don't take that first step, the bird's still sitting in the nest. So you need to not be afraid to fly, but you need to be ready to fly when it's time. It'll be interesting Saturday to see. Because we won't know until Saturday and it's for real and the clock's on, the lights and the fans and let's go play." (Tulsa World)
Sam Bradford's favorite target? Malcolm Kelly? Starting quarterback Sam Bradford hasn't thrown a pass in a game yet, but he may already have a favorite target in Kelly. "When you see No. 4 out there one-on-one, you got to like your chances," said Bradford, who was named the starter last week. "After you see him on film, you think, 'How did he catch that?' "It's definitely easy to have confidence to know you have him there." (NewsOK.com)
Did you know? You can count on one hand the number of OKC boys who have actually made it [who started as OU quarterback] -- and you'd still have a thumb and finger to spare. Now, freshman Sam Bradford, out of Putnam City North, will become the fourth player from the state's largest city to start at quarterback for OU. (More at NewsOK.com)
Stoops "stunned" about shooting death of Herman Mitchell: A 19-year-old Louisiana man has been arrested and charged with murder in the shooting death of a Houston-area high school football standout who had orally committed to play at the University of Oklahoma next year. Herman Mitchell, 17, a senior linebacker for Westfield High School, died Friday at Ben Taub General Hospital of multiple wounds, said Lt. John Martin of the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Emile "Rusty" Lewis was taken into custody after the shooting. He was being held in a Harris County jail. Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops was "stunned" by the news of Mitchell's death, school spokesman Kenny Mossman told the Houston Chronicle. (Dallas Morning News)
Dispute over pit bull: [Sgt.] Pair said Mitchell and Lewis -- who lived in the same complex in the 14300 block of Cornerstone Village Drive -- had been in conflict for some time over the ownership of a tan-and-white pit bull, which at the time of the shooting was in Lewis' possession. On Friday, Mitchell and three friends were headed out around 4:30 p.m. to play in a football scrimmage when he saw Lewis, who had the dog with him, Pair said. A verbal confrontation escalated into a fistfight. "The victim apparently got the better of the suspect," Pair said. Lewis, also charged with possessing a controlled substance, is accused of then leaving the scene, returning moments later with a rifle and shooting Mitchell. He was struck multiple times and later taken to Ben Taub General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. (Houston Chronicle)
Patrick still recovering: Running back Allen Patrick still has not returned to practice while recovering from a sprained ankle, but coach Bob Stoops indicated that could happen next week, saying, "He's getting better every day." (Star-Telegram)
Big Red Rally Tomorrow: The Big Red Rally, the annual kickoff event for University of Oklahoma students, is set for Thursday, Aug. 23. The gates to Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium open at 5:00 p.m. The Sooners will hold a brief scrimmage on Owen Field prior to the event which starts at 6:00 p.m. Festivities include the Pride of Oklahoma, spirit squad performances and remarks from OU head coach Bob Stoops and team captains as well as the OU soccer and volleyball teams. At 7:00 p.m., the Little Red Rally, an event aimed at children, begins on the Brooks Mall north of the stadium. (SoonerSports PR)
Highly respected:As previously posted, Oklahoma voted their team captains. "Those guys have been awesome leaders for us," coach Bob Stoops said. "They got probably 95 or 96 percent of the vote." (Tulsa World)
Allen Patrick expected to return: Coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday that starting senior running back Allen Patrick is close to returning to practice. Patrick, the team's leading returning rusher, sprained his right ankle in a practice two weeks ago and hasn't played since. (NewsOK.com)
No scrimmage tonight: [Bob] Stoops has seen all he needed to see from his team in a game situation with fans around. A scrimmage originally scheduled for tonight at 6 will not take place. Instead, the team will practice behind closed doors, as usual. (NewsOK.com)
Keith Nichol not expected to transfer; Has Bradford's backing: With the announcement Tuesday that Sam Bradford will be Oklahoma's starting quarterback, it's fair to assume that freshman Keith Nichol could be questioning his future. Or not. Nichol's father, Gary, told The Oklahoman on Tuesday that Keith "loves OU and is not going to transfer.” And OU head coach Bob Stoops said Nichol is "probably not” going to redshirt this season. Nichol, a native of Lowell, Mich., is still entrenched in a quarterback battle, but now it's for the backup job as he and junior Joey Halzle are splitting snaps equally with the second-team offense in practice now. Losing out on the starting job wasn't easy to take for Nichol, who told his parents the news Monday night. "When an 18-year-old has spent over half of his life working toward a single goal and it doesn't come true, that's not your best day,” his father said. (NewsOK.com)
Sooners select captains: Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday that Sooner players have selected five captains for the 2007 season. The honor went to Joe Jon Finley, Allen Patrick, Lewis Baker, Marcus Walker and Jacob Gutierrez. Finley, a tight end, and Patrick, a running back, will represent the offense. Baker, a linebacker, and Walker, a cornerback, will represent the defense, while Gutierrez, a running back, represents the special teams. All five are seniors. (SoonerSports.com)
Bradford named Oklahoma's Starting QB: Sam Bradford has been tabbed for the starting quarterback job at Oklahoma. OU head coach Bob Stoops made the announcement Tuesday. Stoops said the decision was actually made Sunday and that Bradford took snaps with the first team during Monday's practice. Bradford, a redshirt freshman from Oklahoma City, emerged from a battle with Joey Halzle, a junior, and Keith Nichol, a true freshman. "We feel very good about all three of those guys," Stoops said. "All three have made great improvement and contributed a lot to our program. "We are going with Sam because he earned the position. We expect both Joey and Keith to continue working hard and competing for playing time just like all our players do at every position. There may be an opportunity for them at some point and it will be important for them to be ready." Bradford, the son of former Sooner offensive lineman Kent Bradford, redshirted at OU last season. (SoonerSports.com)
OU ranked eighth in college football sales: Oklahoma ranked No. 8 in college football, the Sooners also are ranked eighth in college merchandise sales. Sunday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution released the 2006-07 school-year sales of the Atlanta-based Collegiate Licensing Company, which brands merchandise for nearly 200 college athletic programs, including OU and OSU. The Cowboys also made the top 25, coming in at No. 24. Texas finished No. 1 for the second consecutive year. Michigan, which was second last year, dropped to No. 4, and Notre Dame replaced the Wolverines at No. 2. (NewsOK.com)
No Quarterback Announcement yet: Everyone except coach Bob Stoops and his staff [named a QB]. No official announcement came Monday -- the first day of fall classes at OU -- as to who would start at quarterback in the Sooners' season opener Sept. 1 against North Texas. OU coaches and players were not made available to the media following Monday evening's practice but are expected to be available today. (Dallas Morning News)
Murray's improvements come by suggestion: [DaMarco] Murray said the reason for the turnaround was not attempting to turn every carry into a big run. "Coaches have been telling me not to try to make the big play all the time,” Murray said. "I let the offensive line open up the holes and just made my cuts.” (NewsOK.com)
Former Sooner Beeler to visit Stanford: Oklahoma sophomore center Chase Beeler might be transferring to Stanford. Beeler, originally recruited by the Cardinal, reportedly has been granted his release by the Sooners and made his official visit to Stanford on Saturday. (San Francisco Chronicle)
No timetable to name Oklahoma QB: Wilson suggested that the coaching staff would have more time to evaluate who should be the starter this week since players will be starting classes and limits on their contact with coaches will take effect. But coaches have repeatedly refused to set a timeframe for a decision. "We just go by who we feel is doing the best job directing the team and the most consistent job, and staying away from the plays that really hurt you," head coach Bob Stoops said. (AP/SoonerSports.com)
Oklahoma Scrimmage Stats: A crowd estimated at 5,000 braved a steady rain to watch the workout, which included 97 plays. SoonerSports.com
Passing Sam Bradford: 12-17-130, 4 TDs Keith Nichol: 5-16-82, 1 TD Joey Halzle: 8-23-47, 1 INT
Rushing Murray: 9 carries for 105 yards, 1 TD. Brown: 8 carries for 37 yards. Gove: 8 carries for 34 yards. Madu: 7 carries for 28 yards. Gutierrez: 8 carries for 26 yards. Nichol: 3 carries for 4 yards. Halzle: 1 carry for -3 yards. Iglesias: 1 carryfor -4 yards. Complete Scrimmage stats at SoonerSports.com
Patrick may return next week? Stoops said next week's workouts might include running back Allen Patrick, who has been sidelined for nearly two weeks with a sprained right ankle. (SoonerSports.com)
Stoops on the QB performance:"We're still deciding," OU coach Bob Stoops said. "We like what we've seen from all of them. They've all made great progress."
Clayton to strongside linebacker: One position switch was noticeable Saturday. Keenan Clayton, who started two games last season at strong safety, has been moved to strongside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said the switch was made a few days ago. Clayton only made eight tackles last season and lost his starting job when Reggie Smith was switched back to strong safety after two games. D.J. Wolfe has won the starting job there this season. (Norman Transcript)
Sooners Ranked 8th in AP Poll: 1. USC (62) 2. LSU (2) 3. West Virginia (1) 4. Texas 0-0 1,375 5. Michigan 0-0 1,371 8. Oklahoma 0-0 1,166 20. Nebraska 0-0 377 25. Texas A&M 0-0 162
Oklahoma's Third Fall Scrimmage Tonight 6 p.m.: • Gates 1, 7 & 12 will open at 4:30 p.m. • Seating will be restricted to east side only • Restrooms - East Side only • Concessions - East Side and Gate 1 • Expected Out: Allen Patrick, Brody Eldridge, Gerald McCoy
Allen Patrick and Brody Eldridge to be heldout of scrimmage: Running back Allen Patrick and tight end Brody Eldridge will be held out of Oklahoma's scrimmage on Saturday because of injuries, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. Stoops said he didn't have a timeframe for when Patrick would return other than "when he's ready." "It'll be next week sometime hopefully," Stoops said Friday. Eldridge has been practicing after having surgery to fix a broken ankle this summer, but he was held out of the first scrimmage. "I don't want to get Brody in there. He's played enough," Stoops said. (AP/NewsOK.com)
J. White and Billy Sims Statues to join Heisman Park: The two statues will join statues of OU's other Heisman Trophy winners, Steve Owens and Billy Vessels, already in place east of Owen Field. The Sims statue will be unveiled at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 1, before OU plays North Texas at 6 p.m. The White statue will be unveiled at 9 a.m. Sept. 8, before OU faces Miami at 11 a.m. (Dallas Morning News)
OU Athletic pledge to become an annual event: Sunday night, almost 500 Oklahoma student-athletes will recite the Sooner Oath, a new pledge written by members of the student-athlete advisory council. The idea for the Sooner Oath came a year ago from athletic director Joe Castiglione, who asked then-advisory council president Brittney Koncak-Schumann, a former gymnast, and the rest of the council to write a pledge that would remind students of their responsibilities as Sooner athletes. Jaclyn Stelzer, who plays on the women's golf team and serves as the advisory council president, will lead the students through the oath in a ceremony at the Carl B. Anderson All-American Plaza, just east of the Switzer Center. OU president David Boren and former Sooner football coach Barry Switzer are scheduled to speak at the event, which will begin at 6 p.m. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma ranked 59th in strength of schedule:CBSSportsline.com has published their toughest/easiest NCAA Football schedules of the 119 Division 1-A teams. Washington Huskies topped the list, followed by LSU, and Kentucky, Mississippi, Mississippi State tied at third. The Big 12 conference overall finished 5th, trailing Big 10, Pac 10, Big East, and SEC atop the conference strength. Checkout CBSSportsline to see how their formula is figured.
Big 12 Strength of Schedule 26 Nebraska 30 Baylor 45 (t) Kansas State 45 (t) Texas 45 (t) Oklahoma St. 50 (t) Iowa State 50 (t) Texas A&M 50 (t) Texas Tech 59 (t) Colorado 59 (t) Oklahoma 65 (t) Kansas 65 (t) Missouri
Sooners search for backup at center: At right guard, Brandon Walker is the returning starter, but Brian Simmons held the spot last spring while Walker worked his way back from knee surgery. Now the two could end up splitting time. And the newest battle is for the backup job at center. With the announcement Tuesday that sophomore Chase Beeler had left the team, that spot on the depth chart became vacant. OU coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday that Walker is capable of playing center, but the coaching staff is also looking at sophomore Noah Hughey and true freshman Jason Hannan in that role. (NewsOK.com)
QB race still wide open: It appears Oklahoma will conduct its second major preseason scrimmage Saturday night with Keith Nichol, Sam Bradford and Joey Halzle all still in the hunt. "Not trying to drag it out, but right now, like we've got three tight ends, we've kind of got three quarterbacks," offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Thursday between the Sooners' two practices. "Everybody says no one's separating, but it's not because they're stinking. They're all playing really good. So we'll just let them keep playing." Wilson said all three took snaps in Wednesday night's mini-scrimmage, when the Sooners ran the ball more than they did in the previous Saturday's full scrimmage, concentrating particularly on short-yardage situations. (Tulsa World)
Oklahoma breaks ground on statue work: Dirt work has begun beside the statues honoring Heisman Trophy winners Steve Owens and Billy Vessels in the areas that will eventually house statues for OU's other Heisman winners, Billy Sims and Jason White. The statues, which will be located on either side of the Owens and Vessels statues east of Owen Field, will be unveiled this fall. (NewsOK.com)
Injury Report: Branndon Braxton, battling Trent Williams to start at right tackle, has recovered from an ankle injury and is practicing. Cory Brandon, who was second-team right tackle, has missed time with a concussion. Tight end / fullback Brody Eldridge, coming off ankle surgery, is practicing but not participating in major contact situations. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is still hampered by a hamstring injury. (Tulsa World)
Beeler to keep football options open: Sources said Tuesday that [Chase] Beeler wanted to focus on other areas of his life, instead of being consumed by the demands of major college football. A source said Beeler intended to keep open his football options at academic benchmarks like Stanford, Harvard and Princeton. OU signed seven linemen in the 2006 class, and Beeler is the third one to leave the program, joining Curtis Bailey (injury) and Ada's Chad Roark (transferred to Nebraska, then quit there). (Tulsa World)
QB situation remains unchanged: Oklahoma coaches said they are no closer to naming a starting quarterback today than they were at the beginning of preseason practices. Oklahoma has scheduled a closed scrimmage of about 60 plays tonight to look at each quarterback. The quarterbacks will also participate in an open scrimmage at 6 p.m. Saturday at Owen Field. OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel said each quarterback is getting an equal number of reps with the first-team offense. (Dallas Morning News)
Sooners required to take ice baths in 100 degree plus heat: OU players have been taking ice baths for years, but head coach Bob Stoops made it mandatory this year, [Scott] Anderson said. "For heat stress, ice immersion is the gold standard," Anderson said. "There's never been any known case where someone died of heat stroke after being immersed in cold water. It's something we worry about and pay a great deal of attention to." Especially with the state cooking in triple-digit temperatures for several days. Anderson said two factors contribute to overheating. "There's the internal production of heat and the external heat factors. The higher environmental heat, then the more problematic it is to shed that internal heat," he said. (Tulsa World)
Backup center Beeler quits the Sooners: Backup center Chase Beeler has left the Oklahoma football team, coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday night. "Chase wants to concentrate on his academic interests. He just decided that he did not want to play any more," Stoops said in a statement. "We respect his decision. We're all for Chase. He was a good, strong student-athlete while he was with our program and we wish him the best." (AP/SportingNews)
New Oklahoma Sooners Football book available: For the Sooner fan who can't soak up enough facts about OU football, "University of Oklahoma Football: An Interactive Guide to the World of Sports" might be a solution. The book -- written by authors Daniel Brush, David Horne and Marc Maxwell, all who are attending graduate programs at OU -- has 10 chapters, with 100 facts, statistics or short stories in each chapter about Sooner football. Bob Stoops has written the foreword, and part of the proceeds will go to the Bob Stoops Champions Foundation, which helps sick children. The book can be found at most bookstores or on the authors' Web site, www.sportsbythenumbers.com (NewsOK.com)
Allen Patrick featured on SI Cover: Oklahoma senior running back Allen Patrick will be featured on one of five regional covers of Sports Illustrated scheduled to be released today. Patrick, who is expected to start at running back, hasn't practiced since last Wednesday, when he sprained his right ankle during workouts. Patrick has been walking around on crutches with his right foot in a protective boot. Patrick posed for the Sports Illustrated photo July 30 in Norman. (Dallas Morning News)
Barry Switzer joins NFL on FOX pregame crew: Fox Sports announced Tuesday that [Barry] Switzer will be joining its NFL pregame show this season where he will work a weekly "Coaches Corner" show alongside Johnson, who is entering his eighth season with the network. No further details were immediately available. (Dallas Morning News)
Braxton and Williams returned to practice Monday: Senior free safety Darien Williams and offensive tackle Branndon Braxton returned to practice Monday. For Williams, it was the first practice of the year. Offseason knee surgery kept him out of spring practice, and a surgically repaired stress fracture in his foot forced him to miss the beginning of training camp. "He was a little rusty out there," defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. "Gotta get to communicating, quit thinking. But it was good to see him back." Braxton's ankle injury was minor. (NewsOK.com)
Sooners to find direction at QB this week? Oklahoma could see some movement in the quarterback race by the end of the week, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Monday."This is a big week," he said. "We're going to work on our identity, No. 1. I think as this week goes, we need to probably start making the decisions."The Sooners have set a mini-scrimmage for Wednesday and another major scrimmage Saturday night. (Star-Telegram)
Patrick on crutches at practice: Senior running back Allen Patrick, the Sooners' expected starter, left Monday morning's practice on crutches with his right foot in a protective boot. (Dallas Morning News)
Pair of Sooners demoted: DeMarcus Granger and Steven Coleman, who both saw significant action last season, were demoted because they showed up to preseason camp out of shape. "It's all about playing hard," [Jackie] Shipp said. (Norman Transcript)
Switzer joins XM Radio lineup: This fall, [Barry] Switzer will co-host XM Sports Nation This Morning, a live call-in show that will focus on college and pro football. "This was a good opportunity for me,” said Switzer, who returned from Washington, D.C., on Friday after meeting with XM officials in time to attend Oklahoma's scrimmage Saturday. "They made it attractive financially, so I'm going to do it.” T.J. Rives — the play-by-play voice for South Florida -- will team with Switzer on Sports Nation This Morning, which will air from 5:30 to 7 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays starting Aug. 20. Rives will do the show by himself Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The show will broadcast on XM channel 144, airing until sometime in January. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed by XM, but Logan said the agreement with Switzer is for more than one year. (NewsOK.com) Barry Switzer joins the XM lineup of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Cal Ripken, Jr.,Tony Kornheiser and others on XM Channel 144.
Coaches set limitations at scrimmage: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said there were some limitations in the first scrimmage. There was no blocking below the waist and he was trying to get the quarterbacks as many passing attempts as he could. He admitted there was another reason for the struggles moving the ball. "Credit it to the defense," he said. "The secondary, in my view today, there were a lot of great tackles by corners and safeties for 1- and 2-yard gains and sometimes negatives gains." (Norman Transcript)
R. Smith held out of scrimmage: [Bob] Stoops said [Reggie] Smith's day off was a preventive decision. "Reggie's got just a slight nagging deal in his leg. It isn't anything serious. We're just making sure this is the time to get it healed," Stoops said. "He could have gone today, but we're going to make sure it's healed and where it needs to be. I don't want it to bother him through the year." Patrick wore a medical boot on his right leg and was on crutches due to the ankle injury he suffered Wednesday. He's expected to be out at least another week. (Norman Transcript)
Others held out: Fred Strong, Brody Eldridge, Kody Cooke, Jonte Bumpus, Eric Mensik. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma-TCU rematch? A game is needed to finish off the 2008 and 2009 schedules, and TCU is thinking big -- as in Big 12, Big Ten and Big East -- in its search for opponents. Athletic department officials said the contract for a home-and-home series against Oklahoma, which would begin next season, is almost finalized. The Horned Frogs would travel to Norman, Okla., on Sept. 27, 2008, after opening with home games against Stephen F. Austin and Stanford. A game at SMU, originally scheduled for Sept. 27, is likely to be moved to Sept. 20. (Star-Telegram)
Former Sooner Trent Smith likely to replace KOCO-TV Mark Rodgers: Former Oklahoma tight end Trent Smith is being considered to replace local sportscaster Mark Rodgers [an favorite of Oklahoma Sooners Blog] as the sideline reporter on Sooner football radio broadcasts. Smith said Friday that he hasn't been "100 percent offered the job," but expects OU to make a decision as early as next week. "I've talked to them about it," said Smith, who lives in Yukon and runs Sooner Medical Staffing. "I was just flattered to be considered. [Mark] Rodgers, who had been the sideline reporter for the last five seasons, confirmed Friday that he will not return. He said his job as a sports talk-show host on WWLS radio, owned by Citadel Communications, might have become a sticking point. Citadel and its variety of stations compete directly with Renda Broadcasting, which owns KRXO, the Sooners' flagship station. (NewsOK.com)
OU's Quarterback role remains unfilled: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Sunday will be the first opportunity since preseason practice started for the Sooners' coaching staff to discuss the quarterback situation at length. He hinted it's possible that the final decision on a starter might not be made until after the season starts. Oklahoma will open on Sept. 1 at home against North Texas and will host Miami a week later. "I wish it would be settled and done right this second, personally, for all positions," Wilson said. "But at the same time, we're going to need more than one....Maybe we go with two. "We're through the first (week) and through a scrimmage. Maybe, from what we've seen in practice and today, maybe we can get close to making that call...or (decide that) we're five, six, eight, 10 days away." (Dallas Morning News)
Players out due to injuries: Notables that did not play due to injury included OT Branndon Braxton, CB Reggie Smith and RB Allen Patrick. Patrick is out with a sprained ankle. Stoops said Braxton and Smith have minor ailments and should be back soon. (SoonerSports.com)
Bob Stoops post-scrimmage quotes: "It was good overall. Defensively we're just so much more stable in the secondary. You have the potential there for giving up plays or making plays. Defensively, we were solid."
"It's obvious that our quarterbacks can make all the throws. They did a really nice job. I didn't see any forced decisions. The drives that stalled didn't stop because of their play. The players around them have to make plays."
"On offense, I was pleased for the most part. Our defense sees that offense every day so the offense is at a significant disadvantage."
Stats: Sam Bradford: 11-of-18 passing for 83 yards; 1 INT Joey Halzle: 8-of-16 for 51 yards; 1 TD pass for 3 yards Keith Nichol: 12-of-21 for 85 yards; 1 TD pass for 20 yards
SCORING Manuel Johnson 3-yard pass from Keith Nichol Malcolm Kelly 20-yard pass from Joey Halzle Jacob Gutierrez 53-yard touchdown run RUSHING Gutierrez - 7 rushes for 68 yards Madu - 10 rushes for 18 yards Murray - 6 rushes for 25 yards Brown - 2 rushes for 7 yards Tennell - 2 rushes for 1 yard Gove - 2 rushes for 0 yards Caleb - 1 rush for negative 2 yards
OU wants secondary violation dropped: As previously posted; After consulting with a fellow Big 12 Conference school, Oklahoma wants the NCAA to strike a self-reported secondary rules violation from its record. Oklahoma reported that it had broken NCAA rules when it hung jerseys with three prospects' high school numbers in the Sooners' locker room when the recruits came to visit. The university's executive director of compliance, Jason Leonard, subsequently sent a letter to the NCAA asking to have that violation removed, according to documents obtained Friday through an open records request by The Associated Press. Leonard wrote that Oklahoma heard from compliance staff at Missouri after they'd read an AP story published June 12 detailing secondary violations that had been self-reported by Oklahoma. Leonard wrote that he was informed that Missouri – in a similar situation – had been told by a former NCAA official in 2005 that no secondary violation had occurred in that instance. (AP/Dallas Morning News)
Correction: A. Patrick suffers sprained ankle; Severity unknown: Don't expect to see tailback Allen Patrick at the Sooners' first preseason scrimmage Saturday. The expected starter sprained his right ankle at practice Wednesday evening. Although the severity is unknown, coach Bob Stoops typically keeps even slightly injured players from scrimmaging. If Patrick does not play, expect a rotation of sophomore Chris Brown, redshirt freshman DeMarco Murray and senior Jacob Gutierrez. (Tulsa World)
Peterson expects to play in Vikings preseason opener: Adrian Peterson (hip pointer) said Thursday he has been told he will play tonight. Coach Brad Childress continues to say the rookie No. 1 draft choice's status will be a game-time decision. (Star-Tribune) Game will be televised tape-delayed Saturday morning, 10 a.m. eastern on NFL Network.
Equal time for all three quarterbacks in practice allows comfort: That's part of the reason Oklahoma's scrimmage on Saturday is open to the public. It's also why the Sooners offensive coordinator and his other coaches will step to the sideline during practice. "Instead of us being out there calling the play and setting the tempo, 'Hey, it's your team, your offense. You've got this group. Let's see how you do.'" Wilson said. "We did that a lot at the end of last spring, and we want to start early this year with those guys playing on their own, instead of us holding their hands." Wilson said all three quarterbacks -- Joey Halzle, Sam Bradford and Keith Nichol -- are playing an equal number of snaps in practice. (NewsOK.com)
Stoops appreciates Barry's HR 756: Count the Sooner coach among those who support new home run king Barry Bonds. "I thought it was great," Stoops said of Bonds' 756th home run. "The guy is amazing what he's done. The more they talk about him. . . I'm not the biggest baseball fan, I don't follow it that much. But just all the Gold Gloves, what a complete player he's been is really impressive." (Tulsa World)
Big Red Rally set: OU has set the date for its annual preseason pep rally. The Big Red Rally will take place at 6 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Owen Field. (NewsOK.com)
Scrimmage Information: Remember Oklahoma's first scrimmage of the 2007 fall schedule is open to the public this Saturday, gates open at 9:30 a.m. and starts at 11:00 a.m. Information on the scrimmage is available at SoonerSports.com.
Undrafted Paul Thompson may serve well at No. 3 QB: From PackersNews.com... Perhaps in the end, undrafted rookie Paul Thompson will be a better prospect for the Green Bay Packers' practice squad this year than for their No. 3 quarterback job. But 11 days into training camp, the former Oklahoma quarterback whom most NFL teams considered a receiving prospect, quietly has shown some intriguing ability as an NFL backup quarterback. Thompson has grown noticeably at the NFL's most difficult position since joining the team in late spring. He's demonstrated more than enough athletic ability and arm talent to intrigue the Packers and, depending on how he plays when he gets a chance in the preseason, perhaps could make a run at Ingle Martin for the No. 3 quarterback job this season. (PackersNews.com)
Oklahoma-North Texas Season Opener Sold Out: Oklahoma's season opener against North Texas is officially sold out. The last of the single game tickets were bought Wednesday morning, according to OU. There are still a limited number of tickets available for the Utah State ($47) and Baylor ($67) games. The Utah State game is Sept. 15 at 2:30 p.m. The Baylor game is Nov. 10 with the kick off time yet to be determined. All other 2007 OU football games are sold out. (NewsOK.com)
Praise for true freshman Stephenson: Less than a week into practice, both [James] Patton and Stoops have praised the early effort of true freshman offensive lineman Donald Stephenson. "Donald's a talented player. He's got athleticism. He's got quick feet," Patton said. "He's a little light in strength and weight (275 pounds) right now. That's just maturity and development. But Donald's got a lot of bite as a pup. He's aggressive. He really wants to, and that's the toughest thing to measure." (Tulsa World)
Sooners and Bearcats series official; OU to play UC at Bengal Stadium in 2010: As posted previously,Oklahoma vs. Cincinnati Slated for 2008 and 2010?..The University of Cincinnati and Oklahoma have signed a contract to play each other in a home-and-home football series, beginning in 2008 when the Bearcats will travel to Norman to face the Sooners on Sept. 6. Oklahoma, which plays in the Big 12 Conference, will return the game on Sept. 25, 2010 at Paul Brown Stadium. UC and Oklahoma have never played each in football. "If we expect Bearcat football to be a national presence and compete in the BCS, we need to play nationally recognized programs," said UC coach Brian Kelly. "This is an opportunity for UC to play at the highest level and host a BCS program in an NFL venue." (The Enquirer)
Oklahoma Sooners practice report: Stoops gave his first practice update since OU's media day last Friday. "We're much further along than we were a year ago at this time," he said. "Guys are competing well and doing good." As for his three quarterbacks? "(They) look good," he said. "They all are making really good progress." (Tulsa World)
Scrimmage open to the public: Oklahoma's first scrimmage of the fall is open to the public, scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Owen Field.
Aggies' Franchione can't resist his OU jokes: The Houston Chronicle reported that [Dennis] Franchione, while speaking to the Hous ton Touchdown Club and breaking down the Big 12's South Division race, couldn't resist jabbing the Sooners when he talked about their uncertainty at quarterback. "That may be the only question they have . . . other than what jobs they are going to work this year," Franchione said. "That is a joke; I couldn't resist." Franchione's "joke" was in reference to Stoops kicking two players off the team last summer when he learned they had accepted money for work not completed at a Norman car dealership. He [Bob Stoops] acknowledged that at this time last August, he felt like someone had slugged him in the gut when he learned Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn had lied about their employment at the car dealership. "A year ago, I didn't have a hand in it," Stoops said of NCAA rules that were broken. "But it tugs at you . . . that it reflects on you in such a negative way when it wasn't you. That part is hard. "But now I feel like a million bucks." (Tulsa World)
OU six touchdown favorite in early North Texas-OU spread: OU is close to a six-touchdown favorite by some online gambling services, with the spread ranging from 38-41 points. (NewsOK.com) Oklahoma host North Texas September 1st opening game in Norman..
Sooners to practice in full pads today: Hot and breezy conditions greeted the Sooner football team Sunday evening in Norman during the squad's fourth practice of the preseason. OU worked for two-and-one-half hours at the rugby fields west of Lloyd Noble Center. The Sooners are slated to break out full pads for the first time in the preseason for Monday's practice. (SoonerSports)
A. Peterson back at Vikings practice: Adrian Peterson didn't pile up any official stats, and there wasn't a log of his minutes of live action on the practice fields at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. But his mere participation Saturday was noteworthy for the Vikings. "It's nice to see him out there," Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. "Obviously, you could see his speed. He still has a long way to go as far as catching up mentally, but he's doing a nice job." Although the practice lasted just over an hour, Peterson teased Viking fans on a couple of plays. After missing Friday's practice against the Chiefs because of a hip pointer, Peterson was happy to just return to the fold. "I felt pretty good," he said. "Getting the reps, and just getting in the groove. Each rep counts. So it felt good to be out there and get some work in." Despite his minor injury, Childress said he liked Peterson competing and practicing Saturday. (Pioneer Press)
Oklahoma shuffles DBs; Holmes to free safety: The surprise move for the start of preseason practice is the shift of Lendy Holmes from cornerback to free safety. Venables said Holmes has taken to the new position like a fish to water. "He covers a lot of ground and has a lot of range. He's had hands all over the ball," Venables said. "He's really transitioned well in knowing where he needs to be and playing well in space. He does a great job of reading the quarterback." (More at Norman Transcript)
Oklahoma QBs talk about getting the nod: From the Tulsa World.. "It'd be great for me," Joey Halzle said. "This is what I've been working at my whole life. I've always wanted to get to this level, and once I got to this level, play. So this would be one of my dreams come true."
"It would mean a lot," said Sam Bradford. "Growing up here, my dad played here, just coming to the games as a kid, it's kind of been one of my dreams growing up as a kid. I think it would definitely mean a lot to me to walk out there and play in front of 85,000."
"I think everybody, every little kid, dreams of that moment," said Keith Nichol. "You watch college football at home on Saturdays, just a year ago, I was watching preseason stuff on ESPN. I was dreaming of it then, what it'd be like. To say I wasn't doing it now would be a lie. So yeah, I dream of it."
Large crowd at Meet the Sooners: OU's annual Meet the Sooners Day drew an estimated 10,000 fans on Friday, according to the school's event management staff. (Tulsa World)
McEachern to play after all: [Hayes] McEachern, a film and video studies major, was on hand Friday and said he plans to play this season after all. "I kind of determined that if I look back on it in a couple years, will I regret quitting?” McEachern said. "And I figured I would.” (NewsOK.com)
Eldridge back in limited role: Tight end / fullback Brody Eldridge injured his knee and ankle in the Red / White Game (he had a screw implanted in his leg to stabilize the ankle), but seems to be on his way back. "Brody Eldridge is hands-down the best blocker on our football team," said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, who added that Eldridge has returned to practice in a limited role. "They don't want to overdo it and have some irritation." (Tulsa World)
OU coaches visit Patriots' camp: Last weekend, Bob Stoops and several assistants were on the sidelines for a couple of New England Patriot workouts. "Tom Brady's arm wasn't very impressive, but his anticipation and his knowledge and his placement of the ball was so strong," OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson noted. It's a point that relates to the Sooners' three starting quarterback candidates. (Tulsa World)
D. Williams back in week or two: Senior starting free safety Darien Williams is "still another week or so away” after undergoing surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot July 16. "He's moving around and said he feels great,” Stoops said. (NewsOK.com)
Stoops doesn't rule out using two quarterbacks: Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops seeks a starting quarterback for the 2007 season and hasn't ruled out the idea of using two quarterbacks. "There's always that chance," Stoops said Friday morning during the Sooners' media day in Norman. "I'm not saying we will, but it's too early to say we wouldn't." The biggest question as Oklahoma opens August practice is who will be the starting QB. (Tulsa World)
Pendleton receives Bowden FCA Award: Former Oklahoma football player Carl Pendleton held the Bobby Bowden Fellowship of Christian Athletes Award in his hands for about two minutes. And that was enough for him. Pendleton, who was announced as the winner of the award in January, finally received the trophy Thursday night during the OU Caravan stop at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. (NewsOK.com)
Fans Meet the Sooners Friday: One of the most popular traditions surrounding the Oklahoma football program is Meet the Sooners Day. The annual event kicks off preseason practice and gives the Sooner Nation a unique opportunity to interact with the Sooner players and coaching staff. 2007 Meet the Sooners Day presented by Alltel is slated for Friday, Aug. 3. Gates will open at approximately 10 a.m. for Sooner Kids Club members and approximately 10:30 a.m. for the general public. Due to construction around Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Meet the Sooners Day has been moved from its regular location at the football practice facility to the rugby/soccer practice area located just west of the Lloyd Noble Center. The event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Please stay tuned to SoonerSports.com for the latest official information. Admission to Meet the Sooners Day is free and open to the public. (More Information at SoonerSports.com)
Schedule 10:30 a.m. Sooner Kids Club members admitted to rugby practice field for autograph session 10:30 a.m. Friday, Norman. Players will be available until noon
A. Peterson leaves practice with injury: Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson left Thursday's practice with an injury after taking an elbow to his hip while catching a pass in a drill, but he said it wasn't serious. "It's not a big deal at all," said Peterson, who called the injury a minor hip pointer.Peterson missed the first five practices of training camp before signing on Sunday a five-year, $40.5 million contract that includes $17 million guaranteed. His status is day to day, but he's unlikely to participate in weekend scrimmages against the Kansas City Chiefs.(AP/MSNBC.com) Update: Adrian Peterson suffered a hip pointer injury in practice.
Sooners 2007 Practice Schedule Wednesday: Players report Thursday: Conditioning test, practice (helmets only) Friday: Media Day, Fans Meet the Sooners, practice (helmets only) Saturday: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday: Practice, 4:30 p.m. (Memorial Stadium) Monday: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. (full pads) Tuesday: Practice, 9-11 a.m., 6-8:10 p.m. Wednesday: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. Aug. 9: Practice, 9-11 a.m., 6-8:10 p.m. Aug. 10: Off Aug. 11: Scrimmage, 11 a.m. (Memorial Stadium) Aug. 12: Off Aug. 13: Practice, 9-11 a.m., 6-8:10 p.m. Aug. 14: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. Aug. 15: Practice, 9-11 a.m., 6-8:10 p.m. Aug. 16: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. Aug. 17: Practice, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 18: Scrimmage, 6 p.m. (Memorial Stadium) Aug. 19: Off Aug. 20: First day of class (normal practice schedule begins) Aug. 22: Scrimmage, 6 p.m. (Memorial Stadium)
Sooners report to practice today for the first practice of the 2007 season. More to come.
OU Football Single Game Tickets on sale Today: Tickets for the 2007 Oklahoma home football games will go on sale today at 8 a.m. Fans may purchase tickets online at SoonerSports.com or by calling 800-456-GoOU. Due to the high volume of calls expected, fans are encouraged to make their purchases online. Beginning at 10 a.m., tickets will also be available for purchase in person at the Athletics Ticket Office located on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue parking garage. Athletics department officials anticipate that a limited number of tickets will be available for each of the seven home games. The tickets, which range in price from $47 - $77, will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. (SoonerSports PR)
