Chris Brown, Trent Williams selected to play in Senior Bowl: A pair of Sooner seniors will be representing the University of Oklahoma later this month in the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl. Offensive tackle Trent Williams and running back Chris Brown have both accepted invitations to the 2010 game, officials announced today. Kickoff for the January 30th event is scheduled for 3 p.m. (CT) and the game and all practices will be televised by the NFL Network. Oklahoma has supplied 97 players for the Senior Bowl since the game's inception in 1950. Williams was named a first team All-American by the AFCA, AP and Walter Camp Football Foundation in 2009. The 6-5, 318 pound left tackle was also a first team All-Big 12 selection and honorable mention Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. He made 37 starts over his career and led the Sooners with 97 knockdowns his senior season. Brown was a Big 12 honorable mention selection by the league's coaches this season. The Alexandria, Louisiana native rushed for 749 yards and seven touchdowns in 2009 and added another 131 receiving yards and a score. He ranks fourth on the school's all-time list with 45 career touchdowns and 42 rushing touchdowns. Brown is also tenth in Oklahoma history with 2,877 rushing yards and fifth with 615 rushing attempts. Brown's biggest year came in 2008 when he became just the 20th player in school history to break 1,000 yards in a season (1,220). "Trent and Chris are both outstanding football players and we are excited to add them to our North roster," Senior Bowl President and CEO Steve Hale said. "We are confident that they will both do a fine job of representing the University of Oklahoma." (SoonerSports PR)
Bradford, Brown, Gresham and Murray named to Maxwell watch list: Four Oklahoma players are on the preseason watch list for the 73rd Maxwell Award. Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski made the announcement today. There are a total of 55 players on the list. The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the top player in college football. Quarterback Sam Bradford, running back Chris Brown, tight end Jermaine Gresham and running back DeMarco Murray are all on the list. Bradford won the Heisman Trophy last season, while Gresham was a first-team All-American. Brown and Murray both eclipsed 1,000 yards for the season with 1,220 and 1,002 respectively. The Maxwell Award has been presented to the outstanding collegiate football player in America since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell. The Maxwell Football Club, founded in 1935, is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is the oldest football club in the United States. Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced on November 4th and three finalists for each award will be announced November 23rd. The winner of the 2009 Maxwell Award will be announced as part of the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show which will be held on December 10, 2009. (SoonerSports PR)
Brown, Murray on Doak Walker Award Watch List: Oklahoma's Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray are both on the watch list announced today for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top running back. The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum made the announcement. The two OU players were part of an NCAA statistical first last season when they became the only pair of 1,000-yard rushers to share a backfield with a 4,000-yard passer, Sam Bradford. Brown led the Sooners in rushing with 1,220 yards on 217 attempts with 20 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 15 passes for 109 yards and one TD. Murray had been OU's top ground gainer until sustaining a hamstring injury on the opening kickoff of the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship Game. Still, he finished the season with 1,038 rushing yards on 179 carries with 14 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes for 395 yards and another 4 TD. Murray's duties extended to retuning kicks, too. He logged 28 attempts for 774 yards (27.6/return). The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will select the semifinalists on November 11, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast votes to determine the finalists, who will be announced on November 23. The committee will cast a second vote beginning on November 30 to determine the recipient. (SoonerSports.com)
Stoops looks toward less experienced Calhoun and Johnson: Oklahoma fans can expect to see a glimpse of the future in spring drills and scrimmages with both freshmen running backs Jermie Calhoun and Justin Johnson.
With starting running back DeMarco Murray injured (knee) and recent comments of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops on second-string Chris Brown:
"They (Chris Brown and Jermaine Gresham) don't need to prove anything to me," Stoops said. "I know what they can do. I'm not interested in seeing Chris get banged around at all. "
BYU. Miami. Tulsa. Texas. They can all expect the dynamic duo of Murray and Brown (not adding Madu at slot). And another, only one can guess, in spring drills -- Calhoun or Johnson -- whoever takes initiative to break out will likely be third-string come September. Its anyone's guess looking at their past H.S. credentials.
Oklahoma's Sam Bradford wins Baugh Award: Oklahoma sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford -- who led the Sooners to a third straight Big 12 Championship while throwing for nearly 4500 yards and connecting on 48 touchdown passes -- is the winner of the Sammy Baugh Trophy presented to college football's top passer by The Touchdown Club of Columbus. The award was first presented in 1959 and has been held by legendary players including Steve Young, John Elway, Bob Griese, Kerry Collins, and last year's winner, Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell. Bradford completed more than two-thirds of his passes in 2008, and was intercepted only six times while under center of the most powerful scoring offense in college football history. Bradford is the first Sooner ever to win the prestigious Baugh Award. (SoonerSports PR)
Bradford undergoes successful surgery: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford underwent surgery Sunday morning in Oklahoma City to repair ligament damage in his left hand. The procedure lasted about 90 minutes. Bradford was released from the hospital and attended a team function Sunday evening. "It was a clean, routine procedure, and we expect Sam to bounce back quickly," OU coach Bob Stoops of the operation. "He'll be practicing again within 10 days, and we've taken this week off anyway, so he won't miss much." (The Oklahoman)
OU duo sets rushing record: Thanks to his 122-yard effort against Missouri, tailback Chris Brown became the 20th player in OU history to rush for 1,000 yards. Brown and DeMarco Murray became just the third Sooner duo to rush for 1,000 yards in the same season, joining Jack Mildren/Greg Pruitt in 1971 and Joe Washington/Waymon Clark in 1973. (The Oklahoman)
Lewis Baker starts in place of Ryan Reynolds: Weakside linebacker Ryan Reynolds, a pass coverage target of OU's last two opponents, was replaced by former safety Lewis Baker to start Saturday's game. Reynolds did come on during Missouri's second possession, and spent most of the rest of the game blitzing Missouri QB Chase Daniel. (Tulsa World)
Former All-American Brahaney honored at halftime: Oklahoma honored former All-American center Tom Brahaney at halftime. Brahaney will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Dec. 4. Brahaney anchored the OU offensive line during the heyday of the wishbone. He becomes the 18th Sooner enshrined in the hall. Oklahoma's last inductee was Joe Washington in 2005. Other notable 2007 inductees include Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie, Oregon wide receiver Ahmad Rashad and Penn State coach Joe Paterno. (NewsOK.com)
Recruits in town for OU-Missouri:More than three dozen recruits, including Muskogee wide receiver Jameel Owens, were on hand for Saturday's game. Only six were on official campus visits -- one was quarterback Landry Jones from Artesia, N.M., who's already given OU a verbal commitment. OU coach Bob Stoops spent several minutes prior to pregame warmups speaking with Jeff Fuller, a verbal commitment from McKinney, Texas. (Tulsa World)
C. Brown sees limited action: Redshirt freshman running back DeMarco Murray said he had his carries limited against Missouri because of a left foot injury. Murray had a team-high 17 carries for 128 yards and an electrifying 65-yard touchdown run in a win over Texas last week. But against Missouri, he had only four carries for 2 yards. "All last week, my foot was bothering me. It's a bruised bone or something like that," Murray said. "I really didn't practice as much as I usually do. It was hurting every time I got tackled." (Dallas Morning News)
ESPN College GameDay Live! from Norman: ESPN College GameDay is headed for Norman again. Officials with the weekly college football show contacted the Oklahoma Athletics Department Sunday morning with the word that the network had selected this week's homecoming game with the Missouri Tigers. It will be the 14th time the show has been on hand for an Oklahoma game, including last year's game at Texas A&M. GameDay's last visit to Norman was for the 2003 Oklahoma State game. Other trips to Norman included the 2000 Nebraska game, the 2001 Kansas State game and the 1995 Colorado game. The exact location for the GameDay set will be determined later this week. GameDay features host Chris Fowler and analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard, who spend two hours each Saturday morning providing in-depth coverage of college football. (SoonerSports PR)
Brown returned with eight carries: Chris Brown, who took a blow to the head at Tulsa and carried just once at Colorado last week, rejoined OU's tailback rotation. He carried eight times for just 24 yards, but converted on third-and-short during two touchdown drives. (Tulsa World)
Peterson on the OU sideline: Former OU star running back Adrian Peterson cheered the Sooners from the sidelines Saturday. His new team, the Minnesota Vikings, is off this week. "It felt like he was still one of us," junior wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias said. "After every play, he was hitting you and saying congratulations. He was one of those great players, and I still feel like he's part of this team." (Dallas Morning News)
Harris celebrates 21st birthday with eight tackles: Oklahoma free safety Nic Harris couldn't have envisioned a much better 21st birthday. The Alexandria, La., native turned 21 Saturday and celebrated with the first victory over Texas in his three seasons at OU. Harris had a team-high eight tackles and one quarterback sack. (NewsOK.com)
Play of the Game? With the score tied 14-14 at halftime, Texas came out firing to start the second half. The Longhorns marched 64 yards in seven plays to set up first-and-goal from the Oklahoma 8. A delay of game penalty pushed the ball back to the 13. Texas running back Jamaal Charles rushed over left tackle and was headed toward the end zone when OU linebacker Curtis Lofton grabbed him from behind and used his right hand to slap the football from Charles' grasp. Stoops called it the "play of the game." OU defensive tackle Gerald McCoy recovered the fumble at the OU 4-yard line. (Dallas Morning News)
Gerald McCoy returned to starting lineup: Oklahoma redshirt freshman Gerald McCoy returned to the starting lineup at defensive tackle for the first time since the second week of the season. McCoy broke a bone in his right hand against Miami and sat out the following week. McCoy has played the last two games as a backup, with his hand in a cast. (Dallas Morning News)
Williams may return in 2008 with medical hardship: Stoops said Williams had successful surgery Tuesday to repair his Achillies' tendon and could be back next year if the NCAA grants him another year of eligibility. Williams tore an ACL in the 2005 season opener against TCU and missed the rest of the season. (Dallas Morning News)
Stoops used fake calls: Bob Stoops wore a defensive-call wristband at Tulsa and, along with Brent Venables, signaled calls to the defense -- some real, some not.Stoops said he did so "strictly because we didn't want [Tulsa coaches] to get our signals."Deciphering a defensive call has become easier for offensive coaches, and quarterbacks frequently look to their sidelines near the end of the play clock to verify calls or switch plays after offensive staffs have checked out the defensive sets. (Star-Telegram)
Stoops on rather he'd coach his sons: Stoops, who has two sons, said he isn’t sure whether he would like to coach either of them, but admires what he sees at Colorado. "I think it would be tough, just with all the scrutiny and opinion out there," Stoops said. "But just knowing Dan a little bit and being around him, I'm sure he'll handle it as well as anyone can. I think it's great to have a chance to see your son every day, and to be in competitive situations with him would be neat." (Norman Transcript)
Brown recovering after head injury: Stoops said Tuesday that sophomore running back Chris Brown is "looking better and better" after being hit in the head late in the Sooners' win Friday at Tulsa. "His checkups Sunday and Monday were really good. So we expect him to be able to play [Saturday at Colorado]," Stoops said. "I'm not saying he is yet, that's something they'll check by the end of the week. "He ran all his conditioning Monday and looked great afterward, so there aren't any lingering signs that there is something going on there." (Dallas Morning News)
Chris Brown questionable against Colorado: Coach Bob Stoops said tailback Chris Brown's availability for Saturday's Big 12 Conference opener at Colorado would be determined through the week. Brown smacked the back of his head against the Skelly Field turf in last Friday's victory over Tulsa, after taking a hard hit from Hurricane defensive back John Destin. He stayed down for a few minutes before walking slowly to his sideline. (Tulsa World)
Venables on Miami's QB Kirby Fressman: "Kirby is very fast and athletic,” (Brent) Venables said. "You'd much rather play a guy like Chris Simms back there who isn't comfortable running the ball.” (NewsOK.com)
By the numbers: Eight OU players made their first career starts and 64 saw action. (Dallas Morning News)
Bobby Jack Wright impressed with English: OU sacked the Mean Green QB six times. "Our pressure was good all night, especially from the defensive ends," Wright said. "Auston English, Alonzo Dotson, John Williams, they were all really active." Asked if English is the quickest defensive end Wright has seen in his nine years at OU, Wright wasn't ready to go that far. "I don't know that he's the quickest, but he's in that class with the Dan Codys and the Jonathan Jacksons," Wright said. "He really does have a great first step. (NewsOK.com)
Brown, Patrick expected to play Miami: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said (Allen) Patrick, Chris Brown and redshirt freshman DeMarco Murray would play at RB against Miami. (Dallas Morning News)
Coach Stoops impression of Miami: "Just a good solid football team. As you watch them, like always, you see a lot of physical, good-looking players who play hard. A lot of speed and they're coached well. They're in position. Just what you usually see when you watch a good Miami team." (Palmbeachpost.com)
Coach Stoops on memories of past OU-Miami games: "I remember watching them back in the mid-80s. They were great teams with great players all over the place, great coaches. They were great games for sure. Both teams, between the two of them, there's not a lot of losses there." (Tulsa World)
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)
Sooners Sack the Bears: Bob Stoops isn't having a tough time dealing with Oklahoma's turnovers, not when the players making the mistakes are also scoring touchdowns. Plus, the 16th-ranked Sooners have a six-game winning streak and are still in contention for the Big 12 South title after overcoming five miscues Saturday in a 36-10 victory at Baylor. ''I thought we played well. We executed. That's the pleasing part,'' Stoops said. ''There's a bunch of young guys that are moving the football in a good way. ... If we can learn to finish with two hands and not let the ball go, we'll be in great shape.'' Malcolm Kelly had a touchdown catch and an incredible grab to keep alive another scoring drive by Oklahoma (9-2, 6-1 Big 12). But the sophomore was running down the sideline on his way to another apparent long TD play when he dropped the ball trying to fend off a defender. Reggie Smith , another sophomore, returned one of his two interceptions 42 yards for a touchdown and set up another TD with his other. Third-string freshman tailback Chris Brown ran 24 times for 169 yards and a score. But Baylor (4-8, 3-5) got its only scores after fumbles by Smith (who lost two punt returns) and Brown. (AP/SI.com - Stats)
Baylor dips to a new-low: Baylor established a school-record low with minus-48 yards rushing. The Bears had minus-37 rushing yards against Kansas State in 2002. From OU's standpoint, the minus-48 rushing yards allowed was the second-best showing in school history. Most of the total was due to quarterback Blake Szymanski being sacked five times. Szymanski compiled minus-57 rushing yards on nine carries. A safety was also charged to the team as an 8-yard loss. Paul Mosley, Mario Price and Carl Sims had 17 rushing yards combined. (Dallas Morning News)
Peterson Bedlam status? Adrian Peterson on playing Oklahoma State next week with The Oklahoman... Does he want to play against Oklahoma State? "What do you think?" Peterson said, jerking his head in mock disgust at the mere suggestion he'd skip a chance to compete if not for the broken collarbone that has sidelined him since the Iowa State game Oct. 14. Perhaps that reaction more than anything offers the best insight into what the Oklahoma running back will do, if given clearance by doctors this week. For any further clues, maybe an Ouija board is in order. Will he or won't he? Doctors will x-ray and evaluate Peterson early this week, leading to a decision on his availability when the Sooners face OSU on Saturday in Stillwater. "I'll have to get with the doctors (today) or Monday and just see what they think," said Sooners coach Bob Stoops. "Anyone that's throwing out anything else — let me tell you, I haven't conferred with them, because I knew he wasn't playing this week. When I get with them Monday and know something, then I'll have something to say about it. "Anyone else that's talking about it before that is just guessing." (NewsOK.com)
Pair of Sooners Get First Starts: WR Fred Strong and RB Chris Brown made their first career starts. Brown is the third true freshman to make a start for the Sooners in 2006 (C Chase Beeler and RT Trent Williams).
Brown sets Career High: Chris Brown rushed for a career high 169 yards on 24 carries.
Sooners rally to beat Tech 34-24: Chris Brown started out three spots behind Adrian Peterson on Oklahoma's depth chart at running back. He never thought he'd be the key to a big win down the stretch. Brown, the fourth-string tailback, ran for two fourth-quarter scores and Paul Thompson threw for a career-high 309 yards and two touchdowns as the No. 17 Sooners rallied to beat Texas Tech 34-24 on Saturday night. "The things we've gone through, whoever's in there we're going to win with them," Thompson said. "That's our mind-set. We've got confidence. If something happens no one's freaking out." (AP/SooonerSports.com)
Johnson OK after hit: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said he was encouraged by doctors' reports about receiver Manuel Johnson, who was carted off the field Saturday night after experiencing "numbness." "So far, all the X-rays were negative," Stoops said. "Everything (movement), on his way to the hospital, is all coming back to him. At this point, everything is looking good... hopefully, he'll be fine." Late Saturday evening, Johnson was still in the emergency room at OU Medical Center. He was expected to be admitted for an overnight stay for what Stoops called precautionary reasons. Early in the fourth quarter, Johnson caught a short pass, then was hit � fumbling on the play. Texas Tech recovered at the OU 35, but no one was concerned about a momentum swing. Apparently knocked unconscious, Johnson went down on the Tech sidelines. Tech medical personnel immediately waved for OU's medical staff. And the crowd went silent as doctors hovered over Johnson. (More at NewsOK.com)
Hartley gets back-up: Placekicker Garrett Hartley needed a break against Texas Tech after sustaining a slightly sprained ankle during pregame warmups. Hartley, whose kickoffs have routinely gone out of the end zone this season, did not kick off after the opening kick. Instead, freshman Blake Baublits kicked off after the Sooners' scores. Baublits is a walk-on from McKinney, Texas. (Tulsa World)
Gutierrez starts:, Brown gets workload Junior Jacob Gutierrez started at tailback for OU, but [Chris] Brown played almost the entire second half. He had nine carries for 58 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. "We were in a close game, and they chose me to be out for the remainder of the game to finish it off," Brown said. "That really touched me and made me want to perform to my whole ability." (Dallas Morning News)
Thompson honored with Don Key Award: Quarterback Paul Thompson received the award -- which honors an outstanding senior for his character on and off the field -- before Saturday's game against Texas Tech. But according to the award's namesake, it could have just as easily been given to defensive tackle Carl Pendleton, who is forgoing his senior year to take care of his brother. "They start voting about a month before the award, and there were two names over and over," said Key, a former OU offensive lineman whose career was cut short by injury. "Paul and Carl, Paul and Carl, Paul and Carl. I have no say-so in the process. The coaches finally decide. "I think they chose Paul because of his incredible attitude toward being a team player." (NewsOK.com)
Recruits in attendance: Upwards of 50 high school recruits and their families were on hand Saturday, including Enid's Austin Box and his parents. Box has verbally committed to the Sooners. One source said that five or six of those were official visits, the rest unofficial. (Tulsa World) Sooners outscore Red Raiders 17-0 in second half: Norman Transcript
Stoops provides some "Coffee Talk" on playoff system: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops provided water-cooler chatter Tuesday, saying the idea of a playoff system is growing on him. The coach said he isn't lobbying to junk the Bowl Championship Series for a straight playoff, but he understands where it could be beneficial. "You see, more and more, some of the valid reasons why maybe it would be good," he said. "I'm not saying I'm for it. I'm on the fence right now." The Sooners (7-2, 4-1 Big 12) face an uphill battle to reach a fifth BCS bowl in seven years. They're ranked 17th in the BCS standings and would need a lot of help to receive an at-large berth. Oklahoma, which started the season ranked No. 10, fell as far as No. 23 after its loss to Texas. Its only other loss was a controversial one at Oregon. Pac-10 officials ruled after the game that a late onside kick should have been awarded to the Sooners, who would have been able to run out the clock and win. Stoops doesn't believe pollsters have ignored that loss. "In the end, everything is slotted by wins and losses. End of story," he said. "I knew when it happened that that's how it was going to be. In the end, you are not given any credit for playing a tough schedule or winning in a tight game." (Star-Telegram)
More Brown this week? Bob Stoops on Chris Brown:"He's getting more and more (work) in practice, closer and closer. We anticipate playing him this week and in the coming weeks," Stoops said. "You manage the games as they come. You don't have a set number (of carries) that they're going to get. I'm not second-guessing the way we played him one bit." Brown may be the only choice this week. Allen Patrick sprained his ankle at A&M, and may not be 100 percent for Texas Tech. (Tulsa World)
Patrick Injury update, held out of Practice: Oklahoma running back Allen Patrick suffered a sprained ankle last Saturday against Texas A&M and was held out of practice Monday and Tuesday. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson expects him to play Saturday against Texas Tech. However, he's concerned Patrick won’t be at full speed. "My concern is how efficient will he be Saturday," he said. "I think you play well when you practice well. It will be interesting to see how much we can get him as the week goes on." Patrick has rushed for 440 yards over the last three games while starter Adrian Peterson waits for a broken collarbone to heal. (Norman Transcript)
Nothing new on Peterson: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson was asked to provide an Adrian Peterson update Tuesday. "I hear what you guys hear when they ask him on the replay of the TV (broadcast)," Wilson said. "He acts like he feels good. He was running down the field when (Patrick) had his knees up (on his nullified 78-yard touchdown at A&M), sprinting down the sideline. "He says he's doing some things for range of motion and strengthening. But I don't have an idea if it looks like for sure he's going to be back, or if it looks like for sure he's not going to be. We'll see where he is in the weeks to come." (Tulsa World)
Pendleton in SI on newsstands now: OU defensive tackle Carl Pendleton and his 10-year-old adopted brother, Kierstan, will be featured in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated. Carl Pendleton recently received an $18,000 scholarship grant from the National Football Foundation, which will allow him to continue with school and care for Kierstan, who lives with him in Norman, while Carl's parents are going through a divorce. The magazine is available at newsstands today. (NewsOK.com)
Birdine on Texas Tech win last year: Some Oklahoma players chose not to discuss what happened in last year's 23-21 loss at Texas Tech. Not Larry Birdine. "I was watching from the house, and I had front-row seats," said Birdine, a senior defensive end who was injured last season. "We got screwed. Everybody knew we got screwed. So many e-mails that we got showed clearly that it was short. "But I'm not the one to cry over spilled milk." (Dallas Morning News)
Stoops' A&M call Coaches Call of the Week by ESPN's Pat Forde: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops (38) going for fourth-and-inches at his own 29 with 90 seconds to play, up one on Texas A&M. It worked, of course, and the Sooners are 7-2. (ESPN.com) Sooners hyped for Red Raider visit: SoonerSports.com
Hartley among Groza Semifinalist: Oklahoma kicker Garrett Hartley has been named a semifinalist for the 2006 Lou Groza Award by the Palm Beach County Sports Institute and Sports Commission. The honor is presented annually to the nation's top placekicker. Twenty players have advanced to the semifinal round. The winner will be announced Dec. 7 during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show. Hartley, a junior from Southlake, Texas, has been brilliant through the first eight games. He has made 14-of-15 field goals and all 29 of his point after touchdown kicks. His lone miss came at Oregon when, after kicking a career-high four field goals, his final attempt of the game was blocked. Hartley ranks No. 4 in nationally in field goals made per game at 1.75 and No. 14 in scoring with 8.88 points per game. His field goals made percentage of .933 ranks first among kickers with more than 10 makes. A group of head coaches, sports writers and sportscasters, conference representatives, professional kickers and previous Groza Award finalists vote on the honor. (SoonerSports PR)
More Brown to Come: Both Stoops and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson anticipate the reappearance of tailback Chris Brown, the true freshman who carried four times late against Colorado two weeks ago, but did not get in the game at Missouri. "It wasn't like he had a bad week or anyone was upset with him," Wilson said. "I think we just got into a deal where on the road, in a close game, ball security (was an issue). Us as coaches were being a little cautious." Wilson said running backs coach Cale Gundy determines game-day reps for the tailbacks. "I was surprised probably like a lot of people that Chris Brown wasn't in," Wilson said. "But at the same time, the way it worked out, we didn't need him." (Tulsa World)
College GameDay from College Station FYI: The show will be carried from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fans are encouraged to be at the site as early as 6 a.m. and will be allowed into the area at 7 a.m. No tents or alcohol are permitted, and signs will be inspected.
Peterson coaches along Patrick: The man they call "All Day" became All Coach. "He kept coming up to me and telling me certain things I needed to do, things he saw that I couldn't see," starting tailback Allen Patrick said. "Like, I was trying to cut the ball inside and he said, 'Go outside, it's there, it's there.' So we started working towards that, going outside, and things started happening. He's a good guy and I appreciate the things he do for me." Patrick had 35 carries for 110 yards in Peterson's place. (NewsOK.com)
Right Tackle Braxton Injury: Right tackle Branndon Braxton broke a bone in his leg with about six minutes remaining in the third quarter and had to be carted off the field. Coach Bob Stoops said Braxton was probably out for the rest of the season. Braxton was replaced by freshman Trent Williams, who has gotten a fair amount of playing time recently as a reserve. Braxton's injury is the second major one along the offensive line this season. Center Jon Cooper missed the Middle Tennessee game with an injured ankle. (Dallas Morning News)
Brown sees some playing time: True freshman running back Chris Brown was brought out of redshirt Saturday night to help fill the void of Peterson. Kevin Wilson said Brown earned the playing time with a strong week of practice. "Some of the coaches will tell you (true freshman) Mossis Madu is playing as well as any freshman, but Chris Brown had the best week of practice," Wilson said. "We just had a little more confidence with him." Brown's first appearance came midway through the fourth quarter, though he didn't get a carry until the final two minutes. (NewsOK.com)
Smith sees little playing time: Sophomore Reggie Smith saw his workload lightened because of a bruised knee suffered against Iowa State. Nic Harris started at safety and Smith came in as a deep safety in passing situations. That got Smith onto the field, but he was purposely kept far from the action. (Dallas Morning News)
Lofton gets first start: Sophomore Curtis Lofton earned his first start at strongside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables has been saying for weeks he wants to give Lofton more time. When strongside starter Demarrio Pleasant injured his finger recently, Lofton finally got his chance. (Tulsa World)
