Jonathan Miller, Oklahoma running back, out remainder of season: Freshman running back Jonathan Miller won't play the rest of the regular season and could miss the bowl game due to a damaged knee cartilage he suffered against Texas A&M. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Miller will have surgery this week and could miss a couple weeks, which would bring him back in time for a bowl game. Or he could be out for a couple months and maybe miss spring practice. (Norman Transcript)
Notable Injuries:
TE, Jermaine Gresham (season),
QB, Sam Bradford (season),
DT, DeMarcus Granger (season),
DE, Auston English (season),
OL, Jarvis Jones (season),
TE, Brody Eldridge (season)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Tavaris Jeffries suffers injury: Oklahoma guard Tavaris Jeffries bruised his shoulder during Tuesday's football practice and is questionable for Saturday's game against Texas A&M. Coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday that Jeffries hasn't been ruled out for the game and is still hopeful he'll be able to play. (The Oklahoman)
Oklahoma OL Jarvis Jones out remainder of season: On Tuesday, University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops announced Jarvis Jones, backup offensive lineman, will be out remainder of the season. Jones, started six games this season, fractured his heel on Saturday in Oklahoma's loss against Nebraska.
Eldridge, English out for season: Defensive end Auston English and tight end/guard Brody Eldridge suffered season-ending injuries Saturday at Nebraska, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Monday. English is scheduled for surgery today to repair a torn tendon in his foot. Eldridge has an AC joint sprain -- the same type shoulder injury that sidelined quarterback Sam Bradford -- but Stoops said his course of treatment has yet to be determined. "[Eldridge's] total situation I will talk about once I have more details," Stoops said. (Star-Telegram)
OU's Brody Eldridge to miss Saturday's Texas A&M game: An Oklahoma offensive line already hounded by penalties and shoddy blocking will be without its most consistent member Saturday night against Texas A&M. Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Monday that starting left guard Brody Eldridge will miss the 6 p.m. matchup with the Aggies due to a shoulder injury sustained during last Saturday's 10-3 loss at Nebraska. Eldridge, according to both Stoops and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, has been OU's highest-grading lineman since moving to guard from tight end before the Oct. 17 game against Texas. (Tulsa World) NOTE: Stoops did not give an update on defensive end Auston English's status concerning Saturday's game.
Reports indicate that procedure went as expected: Sam Bradford underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder Wednesday morning in Birmingham, Ala. Dr. James Andrews, widely recognized for his work on a number of athletes, performed the procedure. The operation began at 10:10 a.m., and was completed by 10:45 a.m. The 2008 Heisman Trophy winner was back in his hospital room by 12:15 p.m. "Dr. Andrews said it was just as we expected," said Sam's father, Kent, who was able to witness part of the operation. "It all looked great in the end and everyone seems to feel very good about it." The elder Bradford said his son was experiencing some soreness, but was otherwise resting comfortably and had already regained his appetite. "He was hungry and he's been eating so that's a good sign," Kent said. The Oklahoma quarterback will go through a limited exercise session on Wednesday and expects to return to his home state sometime in the next 24-48 hours. "The report we got was that everything went about as well as it could and obviously we're very happy for Sam and his family," said OU Head Coach Bob Stoops. "We look forward to getting him back in Norman so that we can assist with his recovery and rehabilitation." (SoonerSports PR)
No updates on Broyles or Carter: Sophomore receiver Ryan Broyles practiced on Wednesday, but no decision has been made on his status for Saturday’s game against Texas. Coach Bob Stoops said a decision would likely be made today or Friday. Junior safety Quinton Carter also practiced, but could be a game-time decision. (The Oklahoman) Both Broyles and Carter have practiced all week.
Note: Oklahoma fullback Matt Clapp will play against Texas on Saturday with a broken hand. Clapp wore a cast against Baylor.
Bradford makes not guarantee of return: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford spoke to reporters for the first time since Sept. 7 on Tuesday and left no doubt he plans to play again this season. "I don't know if I can give you a definite answer. But right now, I do feel like yes, I will be back at some point," he said. The Sooners face Baylor at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Owen Field. Bradford practiced Monday and said his arm feels better than the week before. But he still doesn't know if he'll be ready by Saturday. "That's part of the whole process, being able to make all the throws. All the throws don't happen in the pocket. They happen outside the pocket, off balance, you know, where there's more stress put on your arm. I think as the week goes along, I'm gonna have to figure out what throws I can and can't make." (Norman Transcript)
Latest on Bradford: No timetable given for return: On Monday, Bob Stoops said Sam Bradford, the Heisman Trophy winner won't play until he's "fully capable." "We'll see," Stoops said during Monday's teleconference. "It's too early. I'm not getting into how close or far [he was to playing Saturday against Miami]. The bottom line is he wasn't where he needed to be." Stoops was asked several times about Bradford's availability and wouldn't budge. "Everyone wants me to give them an answer I can't give," Stoops said. "Until you can see a guy progress, how do you know? Until you get out and work it, you don't have any idea." (ESPNDallas.com)
OU WR Ryan Broyles to miss only 2-4 weeks: Sophomore receiver Ryan Broyles fractured his shoulder blade on the Sooners' second play from scrimmage against Miami, but should only miss two to four weeks, said coach Bob Stoops. Stoops originally said Broyles would be out of the lineup four to six weeks, but called the injury a "light fracture" on Monday. The process for Bradford's return would remain the same, and the junior Heisman winner is set to return to practice later today. "Until you see them progress you don't know. Until you get out there and work it, you don't know," Stoops said. (The Oklahoman)
Sooners WR sidelined with fractured shoulder: The Oklahoman, is reporting... University of Oklahoma wide receiver Ryan Broyles suffered a fractured left shoulder during the Sooners 21-20 loss to Miami on Saturday and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. (NewsOK.com)
Indications are Miami could very well play against Sam Bradford this weekend, the Oklahoma quarterback has split snaps with Landy Jones on the first-team offense this week, according to published reports.
The Oklahoman cited an unnamed source close to the program.
On Monday, Bradford rejoined the team in his first practice in full pads since suffering a sprained AC joint on Sept. 5 against BYU. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday evening on his weekly radio program, quarterback Sam Bradford "looked good," although, he wouldn't commit to starting Bradford in Saturday's game.
One reason Bradford is probable to start this weekend, Bradford has not suffered any setbacks in his recovery.
"That's positive in that everything to this point that he has done he has handled in a positive way and he has made daily progress," Stoops said. "That part is encouraging. But it's just too early to determine his status for Saturday. I'm not able to give the answer yet, until we see what Sam's capable of throughout the week. Is he able to make all the throws? Is he able to do it without too much soreness? How does he react the next day?
"All of those things need to be determined, and they won't be determined until we get later in the week, probably sometime Thursday or Friday, and maybe Saturday, depending on how it goes."
Bradford in his only start against Miami (9/07) threw five touchdowns in OU's 51-13 victory.
No decision on Bradford: On Tuesday, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops wouldn't say if Bradford's separated throwing shoulder is healed enough for him to start Saturday. "I'd love to give you an answer so I don't have to answer it the entire week," Stoops said of Bradford's status, "but it's too early in the week and I'm not able to give the answer yet." Stoops said he wouldn't announce the quarterback until "Thursday or Friday [or] maybe Saturday." (Miami Herald)
Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford continued to practice with OU's first team offense Monday, furthering speculation Bradford might play Saturday against No. 17 Miami, although no decision has been made about Bradford's status, coach Bob Stoops said.
"It will be determined on how we go through the week, on how he performs, on how he feels," Stoops said.
Last weekend, Sam Bradford, the Oklahoma Heisman Trophy winning quarterback seeked the opinion from world-renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews.
Meanwhile, Miami coach Randy Shannon said they will prepare for the Oklahoma offense and not either Sam Bradford or Landy Jones.
The No. 8 Sooners travel to Miami play the Hurricanes Saturday 7:00 p.m./CT on ABC.
Stoops: Sam Bradford's recovery is "progressing": Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops refused to discuss the chances of quarterback Sam Bradford playing against Miami Saturday, but gave a rosy outlook Monday morning on the Big 12 coaches teleconference. "Progressing," the Sooner coach said when asked about his quarterback's recovery since suffering a separated shoulder Sept. 5. "All his rehab to this point has been positive." Stoops confirmed Bradford had gone to Birmingham, Ala., over the weekend to visit renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. The physician's opinion wasn't any different from the ones the quarterback has received from OU's medical staff. "It was an extra opinion as much as anything. Our guys have been awesome in their evaluations," Stoops said. (Norman Transcript)
Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford to meet renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews: Television station WAPT, is reporting... Late Friday night, 16 WAPT Sports can confirm that Heisman trophy winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma is on his way to Birmingham, Ala., to meet with world renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Bradford sprained his AC joint in his throwing shoulder before halftime in Oklahoma's 14-13 loss to BYU in their first game of the season on Sept. 5. Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops said the initial evaluations by doctors showed that Bradford did not suffer any damage to his collarbone, rotator cuff or other parts of his shoulder. There is no indication that surgery is now needed, but Bradford will be in Birmingham this weekend to receive further evaluation on his injury. (WAPT)
QB Sam Bradford sees limited action in practice: Sam Bradford was a partial participant in Monday afternoon's football practice, throwing short passes during quarterback drills. "I didn't really see him all the way extend, but I've seen him throwing some little 5-, 10-yard passes," said sophomore receiver Ryan Broyles. "It's promising." Bradford sprained the AC joint in his throwing shoulder in the second quarter of the Sooners' opening-game loss to BYU on Sept. 5. Doctors initially ruled the Heisman winner out two-to-four weeks. Broyles said Monday was the first day he saw Bradford at practice. (The Oklahoman)
Brody Eldridge suffers broken finger in loss to BYU: The Tulsa World is reporting, Brody Eldridge, the most effective member of Oklahoma’s lackluster offensive line Saturday, has a broken bone in his finger, coach Bob Stoops confirmed Wednesday after practice. Eldridge did participate in Wednesday's practice and is expected to play Saturday against Idaho State. Earlier this week, OU coaches said Eldridge was working more at tight end, his position the past three years, than at center, where he started in the Sooners' 14-13 loss to BYU. "I think Brody had the best grade of the linemen. He had 20 knockdowns," offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Tuesday. "But I felt we missed an edge with Jermaine being out." (Tulsa World)
Gresham out for season after having season-ending knee surgery: Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham, a preseason All-American, will miss the 2009 season after undergoing knee surgery, Tuesday. The senior led OU in touchdown receptions last season with 14. "We feel badly for Jermaine," said OU Head Coach Bob Stoops. "He worked very hard and very selflessly to get himself ready for the season. We share in the disappointment he is experiencing now and will do everything we can to help him in his rehab efforts. "The good news is that he is expected to heal fully. Many athletes have had this procedure and bounced back at 100 percent. We expect that to be the case for Jermaine." Gresham missed the season opener against BYU, then underwent additional evaluation before athroscopic surgery on Tuesday. (SoonerSports PR)
The latest on Sam Bradford: Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Sunday there has been no update to the shoulder injury suffered by quarterback Sam Bradford since Saturday night's loss to BYU in Arlington, Texas. "We're pursuing every option of rehab and timelines and estimates of what's in their best interest," Wilson said. Bradford suffered a Acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain late in the first half Saturday when he was driven to the turf by BYU linebacker Coleby Clawson. Bradford was knocked out of the game and spent the second half with ice on his shoulder and his right arm in a sling. (Norman Transcript)
Stoops: Jermaine Gresham will miss season opener: Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops announced today that tight end Jermaine Gresham will miss Saturday's season opener against Brigham Young due to a knee injury. The senior has cartilage damage in his right knee and the evaluation process is continuing. Stoops said that Gresham along with team doctors and athletic training staff are considering treatment options that could have a bearing on his return.(SoonerSports PR)
Report: Jermaine Gresham injures knee: Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham injured his knee in practice this week, three sources with knowledge of the injury have confirmed to The Oklahoman. Neither the severity of the injury nor Gresham's status for Saturday's game against Brigham Young are known. (The Oklahoman) UPDATE: ESPN's Joe Schad is reporting, Jermaine Gresham is not likely to play in Oklahoma's season opener against BYU on Saturday. (ESPN.com)
Report: Linebacker Tom Wort out 2009 season with torn ACL: The Oklahoman's Jake Trotter is reporting.. Oklahoma true freshman middle linebacker Tom Wort has a torn ACL, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Oklahoman. Wort injured the knee during practice Thursday. An MRI confirmed the ACL tear. Wort's injury likely means he'll redshirt this season and still have four years left of eligibility. (The Oklahoman)
Extent of Wort injury unknown: True freshman linebacker Tom Wort suffered a knee injury during Thursday's practice, adding more uncertainty to Oklahoma's outlook at middle linebacker. "He was just jumping up for a ball and came down funny," coach Bob Stoops said. "We're worried about his knee. We'll see what the doctors say. "I can't detail it here today without them having a chance to thoroughly look at it." Wort, of New Braunfels, Texas, was vying for playing time at middle linebacker. His injury complicates OU's situation at the position past starter Ryan Reynolds even further, with the NCAA currently investigating the eligibility of senior middle linebacker Mike Balogun. (The Oklahoman)
DeMarco Murray out a few weeks with strained hamstring: Another injury will keep DeMarco Murray off the field. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said the junior running back strained his right hamstring earlier this summer and will be held out of practice for two weeks as a cautionary measure. "He's had some unlucky breaks because they've been odd injuries and unusual in the way they've happened," Stoops said Friday. "We're just hopeful that he has some luck and those freakish things don't happen again." (The Oklahoman)
Jameel Owens expected to return next week: Despite having a good winter, Jameel Owens missed the first week of spring practice with a sprained ankle. He was wearing a boot on his foot this week but is expected to be back on the field next week. Defensive tackle Cordero Moore had his knee scoped recently and is out for the spring. (The Oklahoman) Others out due to injury include: linebackers Austin Box (elbow) and Ryan Reynolds (knee), defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger (back) and running back DeMarco Murray (leg).
Corey Wilson injured in accident on I-35: Oklahoma wide receiver Corey Wilson has been critically injured in a rollover collision on Interstate 35. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the 20-year-old from Carrollton, Texas, was flown in critical condition with head and internal injuries to OU Medical Center after the crash about 1 p.m. Friday near Pauls Valley. A hospital spokesman says Wilson's family asked that his condition not be released.The patrol says Wilson was southbound on I-35 when his Chevrolet Trailblazer collided with a pickup, ran off the road and rolled twice, throwing him about 45 feet from the vehicle. (ESPN.com/AP)
Reynolds: I'll get a good three or four months before the season starts: Ryan Reynolds' knee is good to go. So Reynolds told the Tulsa World in a telephone interview last week. The University of Oklahoma linebacker prepares for his senior year having endured his third knee injury -- and his second ACL repair. Reynolds recently got fitted for his new knee brace and began straight-ahead running last Monday. "Then it's just progressing for the next three months," he said. "After that, I'll be cleared for May, June, July and August. I'll get a good three or four months before the season starts."(More at Tulsa World)
DeMarcus Granger to miss BCS Championship: Oklahoma defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger will miss Oklahoma's upcoming BCS title game appearance after undergoing back surgery, OU head coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday. "Our doctors and training staff have worked extensively with DeMarcus and it was finally determined that surgery was necessary," Stoops said. "We're disappointed for DeMarcus and are certainly anxious to do everything we can to assist his recovery." Granger, a junior from Dallas, played in 11 games during the 2008 season, all in a back-up role. He had 20 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries. (Dallas Morning News) In addition, Oklahoma announced earlier this week, DeMarco Murrary will miss the BCS Championship.
Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray out with hamstring injury: Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray will have surgery to repair a hamstring injury and miss the BCS national championship game against Florida. Murray will undergo surgery on Dec. 22 to repair the tendon in his left leg, Sooners' coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday. The championship game is Jan. 8. "Obviously, we're very disappointed for DeMarco," Stoops said in a statement. "He has been an important part of our success this year and we will miss his contributions." Murray was Oklahoma's leading rusher before he was injured in the Big 12 championship game against Missouri on Dec. 6. The injury was first diagnosed as a bruise but an MRI exam revealed the damage. (AP)
Bradford All-American Player of the Year finalist: Sam Bradford is one of four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award. The other finalists are Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell, Texas QB Colt McCoy and Florida QB Tim Tebow. Fans, who will determine the winner, can vote by sending the text message "vote" to the number 51234. Voting is open until noon Jan. 6. Fans are allowed to vote as many times as they want. (The Oklahoman)
Bradford suffers torn ligaments in left hand: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said that sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford has some torn ligaments in his left (non-throwing) hand and will have to have surgery on the hand after the Big 12 championship game Saturday against Missouri in Kansas City. Stoops said Bradford would be fine to play against Missouri but would likely have to wear a soft cast on his left hand. (Dallas Morning News)
Also: Box likely out 3-4 weeks: Stoops said that starting middle linebacker Austin Box will miss three to four weeks with a similar knee sprain that starting defensive end Auston English is recovering from now. Box was injured in OU's win Saturday night at Oklahoma State. (Dallas Morning News)
Oklahoma named team of the week: OU's victory over Tech earned the Sooners this week's Fiesta Bowl national team of the week honors, awarded by the Football Writers Association of America. It was the most points allowed by a Texas Tech team and the second-largest margin of victory against a team ranked No. 2 in the AP poll. The FWAA has awarded a team of the week since 2002. (Tulsa World)
Twelve Sooners earn Academic Honors: Twelve Oklahoma players, including six first-team selections, were announced Tuesday as part of the Big 12 Conference's All-Academic Team. The Big 12 Conference has named 137 student-athletes to the 2008 Academic All-Big 12 Football Team, the league office announced. Nominated by each institution's director of student-athlete support services and its media relations offices, the football academic all-league squad consisted of 91 first team members combined with 46 on the second team. (SoonerSports PR)
First Team Sam Bradford, So., Finance, Oklahoma City, Okla. Derek Gove, Sr., Communications, Carrollton, Texas Travis Lewis, Fr., Undeclared, San Antonio, Texas DeMarco Murray, So., Communications, Las Vegas, Nev. Sam Proctor, Fr., Undeclared, Pearland, Texas Jimmy Stevens, Fr., Undeclared, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Second Team Ryan Broyles, Fr., Undeclared, Norman, Okla. Brandon Caleb So., General Management, Richmond, Va. Auston English, Jr., Soc. Sci./Org. Studies, Canadian, Texas Desmond Jackson, Fr., Undeclared, Seguin, Texas Kyle Johnson, Sr., Petroleum Engineering, Konawa, Okla. Adrian Taylor, So., Sociology, Mansfield, Texas Carter Whitson, Jr., Science Education, Shawnee, Oklahoma
Murray named All-American Player of the Week: DeMarco Murray was named U.S. Army All-American College Player of the Week. Murray rushed for 125 yards and two TDs and caught four passes for 71 yards in OU's 65-21 win over Texas Tech. The award honors an alumnus of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl who had the top performance of a given week. Murray played for the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl West Team. (Tulsa World)
OU's Davis out for Bedlam: Senior defensive end Alan Davis is expected to miss Saturday’s game because of a knee sprain, Stoops said this week. Davis and English, who is also out this week, both missed the Tech game with sprained knees. (The Oklahoman)
Sooners to rest during bye week: OU's bye week couldn't have come at a better time, with several Sooners battling injuries. The latest to go down was defensive end Alan Davis, who suffered a sprained knee Saturday, the same injury that kept defensive end Auston English from suiting up. "We are really banged up," Stoops said. "It's obvious we're playing without some of our best players. It's going to be good to rest up some of these players." (The Oklahoman)
Davis suffers sprained knee? Alan Davis, one of three healthy defensive ends in Oklahoma's rotation, suffered what coach Bob Stoops termed a sprained knee Saturday, similar to the one that will keep end Auston English out through the Nov. 22 Texas Tech game. That would leave Jeremy Beal, Frank Alexander and seldom-used Pryce Macon at defensive end against Tech, unless the Sooners consider pulling the redshirt off freshman R.J. Washington. "I don't know, you hate to do that," defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. "We'll evaluate everything." (Tulsa World)
Congrats to Brent and his wife Julie Venables on a third child.
Stoop, Sooners not looking past Texas A&M: While there was clearly some Sooner celebrating going on over Texas Tech's upset of Texas on Saturday night, Bob Stoops said the focus going forward won't be on OU's revived chances in the Big 12 South and nationally. It'll be on Texas A&M. "That's what it is," Stoops said. "We've got Texas A&M. We've got to hopefully continue to make improvement and be at our best when we go down there and play." (The Oklahoman)
OU Injury update:Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said wide receiver Manny Johnson did not re-injure his right elbow against Nebraska. The senior played early, but was on the sideline for the last three quarters. "Manny is fine, he just didn't quite feel comfortable enough once he was out there," Stoops said. "He hasn't set himself back any." It was the same case for tight end Brody Eldridge. He played in the first quarter, but was in street clothes and wearing a medical boot on his right foot by the end of the game. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Eldridge's removal was precautionary. The Sooners were up 35-0 by the end of the first quarter. "Brody got kicked by one of our own guys and kind of aggravated his ankle," he said. "I thought, well we're doing good so If I don't need him I'm going to hold him." (Norman Transcript) No word on Auston English's status.
Manny Johnson update: Oklahoma wide receiver Manuel Johnson walked off Owen Field with his left arm in a sling Saturday, after dislocating his elbow on the Sooners' fifth play. Afterward, coach Bob Stoops said: "It's probably likely that he'll play this week." "He said it hurts, but he thinks he'll be back soon," OU wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias said. "I hope he's back soon." (Tulsa World)
Braxton held out of Monday's practice: Oklahoma senior right tackle Branndon Braxton - the Sooners' top reserve offensive lineman - missed practice Monday with an injury, OU coach Bob Stoops said. Stoops said, however, that Braxton is expected to practice Tuesday in preparation for the top-ranked Sooners' game Saturday at Baylor. Braxton appeared to injure his lower leg Saturday in OU's home win against TCU. (Dallas Morning News) Other injury updates, both offensive tackle Trent Williams and tight end Jermaine Gresham both practiced Monday.
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Mensik suffers ankle injury: Third-string tight end Eric Mensik has a broken ankle and will be out for at least a month, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Tuesday. Mensik suffered the injury in practice during the Sooners' open week when a teammate fell on his ankle during a blocking drill. The sophomore from Rosenberg, Texas, saw significant action in a 55-14 victory over Washington two weeks ago. (The Oklahoman)
Stoops not ready to play R.J. Washington yet: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday that he's not ready to burn a year of eligibility yet for freshman defensive end R.J. Washington. Stoops said Washington is still getting adjusted to the Sooners' defense. "If you just play a 4-3 and let those guys get wide and go, then he'd be in there," Stoops said. "There is just so much when you zone blitz. Who's dropping? Who's blitzing. Where you're blitzing. Is he twisting around somebody or is he going straight? R.J. is a bright, young guy who is doing great. We're probably just a little bit too complex in all that we ask these guys to do. We just fear that we're going to play him and, through the whole year, it's not going to be enough to warrant giving up his year." (Dallas Morning News)
Stoops open to moving conference games earlier: [The] OU coach was asked if he would be willing to play a Big 12 Conference opponent over the first few weeks of a season, thereby bumping one of the nonconference games down the calendar a bit. "I'd be open to it," he said. "I see the benefits for your crowd and for media and fan interest and college football's interest, to have a conference game somewhere in there early." As to how soon into a season Stoops would feel comfortable playing a conference foe? "I'd prefer three (weeks)," he said. "Sometimes two's enough, depending on how many guys you have coming back." (Tulsa World)
UPDATE: Frank Alexander still recovering recovering: Oklahoma redshirt freshman Frank Alexander won't play again this week as he continues to recover from a stab wound, OU coach Bob Stoops said Monday. "He's getting closer," Stoops said. "They're progressing him. He's doing more. I'm not sure exactly when [he'll return]." (Dallas Morning News)
DeMarcus Granger out at least 4 weeks: Oklahoma junior defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger of Kimball will be out at least a month and could miss the rest of the season because of a left foot injury he suffered Saturday in a win at Washington, Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday. Stoops said that Granger and team physicians are considering two treatment options. One option is to allow the foot to heal, which Stoops said could take four to five weeks. The other is to undergo surgery and have a pin inserted into his foot, which would cause Granger to miss the remainder of the season. Stoops said he would make an announcement on the choice that is made once a decision on the treatment has been reached. (Dallas Morning News)
Frank Alexander still recovering after stabbing: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops still doesn't have a timetable for freshman defensive end Frank Alexander to return to the field. Alexander was stabbed in during an incident at a Norman night club Aug. 31. His right arm was injured and he's been wearing a medical brace since. "He's improving, but we still have to wait week to week to see how far along his muscle is," Stoops said. Stoops said it's very doubtful Alexander will be back for this week's game at Washington. (Norman Transcript)
Sam Bradford nominated for AT&Ts All-American player of the Week: Quarterback Sam Bradford is one of four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week award. The other nominees are Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant, East Carolina quarterback Patrick Pinkney and Michigan State running back Javon Ringer. Fans can text message VOTE to 51234 on their wireless phones for the winner. Fans have until 10:59 p.m. Wednesday to submit votes. The winner will be announced during Thursday's ESPN College Football Primetime Presentation. (ESPNAllAmerican.com)
Caleb close to returning? [Bob] Stoops said wideout Brandon Caleb, wearing a protective boot during the Cincinnati game, is "closer. He had an ankle sprain last week during practice. It's mild. It's not a high way. So we're hoping he's back this week." (Tulsa World)
Quinton Carter expected out 2-3 weeks: Oklahoma backup strong safety Quinton Carter is expected to be out at least two weeks after undergoing minor knee surgery, coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday. Carter, a sophomore out of Las Vegas, was sharing a reserve role with redshirt freshman Desmond Jackson behind returning starting free safety Lendy Holmes. (The Oklahoman)
Austin Box has knee surgery; "doubtful" for season opener: Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. OU head coach Bob Stoops said that the anticipated recovery time is three weeks. Stoops called Box "doubtful" for the season opener against Tennessee-Chattanooga, but "probable" for game two against Cincinnati. (SoonerSports.com)
DeMarco Murray returns to practice: Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray has returned to practice at full speed this week. He was hobbled by an ankle sprain throughout the first week. "I did some of the practice stuff, but I haven't really been able to go all out until this week," Murray said following Tuesday's practice. "It's good to get back out there." OU coach Bob Stoops said Murray isn't showing any lingering effects. "He looked fine today," Stoops said. "That (ankle injury) was a minor deal." (Norman Transcript)
Jaz Reynolds verbally commits to OU: Monday night, Oklahoma got a commitment from Jaz Reynolds, a three-star receiver out of Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower High School. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Reynolds chose the Sooners over a host of schools, including Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska and Virginia. "I had been up to OU a couple of times, saw them play A&M, went to their junior day," Reynolds said. "When they offered, I just wanted to be a Sooner." Reynolds was recruited by first-year OU wide receivers coach Jay Norvell. (The Oklahoman)
Mensik back after hamstring injury: Assistant coach Kevin Wilson said he hasn't identified the third player to go with Jermaine Gresham and Brody Eldridge in his three-tight end set just yet. It likely will be Eric Mensik, but he's been out with a sore hamstring. Mensik returned to practice this week. "It's kind of a weird deal," Wilson said. "It's not a pull. It's kind of like where it attaches to the bone. They keep looking at it. It's a pain tolerance deal." (Tulsa World)
Deep snapper Shaw recovering: Veteran deep snapper Derek Shaw is still wearing a boot on his foot after partially severing his Achilles tendon early in the summer. Shaw, who's been OU's deep snapper the past two seasons, said he's hoping to be back in time for Chattanooga. "The problem isn't snapping," Shaw said. "It's blocking and the footwork." (The Oklahoman)
Gresham on leaving to the NFL early: Wednesday he (Jermaine Gresham) said an early jump is unlikely. "My first goal here is to get a degree," Gresham said. "I really don't see that (leaving early) happening. The other reason is I don't think I'm good enough. "If I had (Adrian Peterson's) talent, it would be a no-brainer. But I don't have that kind of talent." (Norman Transcript)
DeMarco Murray suffers minor ankle sprain: Running back DeMarco Murray saw limited work Friday after suffering what coach Bob Stoops said is a "slight sprain on his ankle" during practice Wednesday. "He's fine," Stoops said. "It's a minor one. We were limited in what we had him do today. It's a small twist that wasn't a big deal." (The Oklahoman)
English has emergency appendectomy; expected back by season-opener: Preseason Big 12 defensive player of the year Auston English is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for an emergency appendectomy last weekend in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma sports information director Kenny Mossman said Monday that OU doctors believe English will be ready for the Sooners' opener Aug. 30 against Chattanooga. The Sooners begin preseason team practices next Monday. "The operation is already a week old and he's begun his recuperation," Mossman said. "Our trainers think he can make a complete recovery and be ready for the opening game of the season." (ESPN.com)
Box expected out remainder of spring football: Enid's Austin Box is expected to miss the rest of Oklahoma's spring football practice with a sprained elbow. "That was the likely scenario, according to coach (Bob) Stoops," said OU sports information director Kenny Mossman. Box, who redshirted as a true freshman, was starting at linebacker before his injury. He did not play in the Sooners' first major scrimmage Saturday. Mossman said he didn't know when the injury occured. Box dislocated the same left elbow during his senior season at Enid. Box could not be reached for comment Monday night. (The Enid News & Eagle)
Agent clears up rumors about Malcolm Kelly's health: Agent Chad Speck sent a letter to all 32 NFL teams Monday, along with a letter from the doctor who has been treating Kelly, to let them know that the receiver projected as a possible first-round draft pick is healthy. The injury first was diagnosed as a deep thigh bruise, but Kelly actually had a small quadriceps tear. The agent also pointed out that Dr. Michael Hatrak of Alpharetta, Ga., also found "all other structures assessed within normal limits." Kelly tore an ACL in junior high and had arthroscopic knee surgery during his sophomore year at Oklahoma. "The intent of the letter is certainly to end speculation on Malcolm's health status," Speck said. "He is 100 percent healthy and as Dr. Hatrak states, has no further risk of injury." "The rumors that are currently circulating regarding his knees are irresponsible and untrue!" Speck wrote to NFL general managers and scouts. (The Oklahoman)
Broyles suffers broken collarbone in practice; out remainder of the spring: Once again, Ryan Broyles has been shut down just when it seemed he was getting started. Coach Bob Stoops said Monday that on March 12, during a scrimmage in the closing minutes of Oklahoma's final practice before spring break, Broyles, the Sooners' fleet-footed freshman wide receiver, sustained a broken collarbone. "He'll be all right," Stoops said Monday, after the fifth of 15 spring practices. "That's something that shouldn't be a big deal." Stoops said Broyles had stood out once again in his first four spring practices before the injury. "Yeah, Ryan was having a really good camp," said receivers coach Jay Norvell. "He's a young guy that just needed to play, and he got more reps than anybody the first couple weeks of camp before he got hurt, and he was really learning from those opportunities and gaining confidence from those opportunities."(Tulsa World)
Saturday scrimmage open to public:Coach Stoops announced Saturday's public scrimmage will begin at 11 a.m. at Memorial Stadium and open to the public.
Ryan Reynolds injury:Linebacker Ryan Reynolds suffered a sprained ankle on Monday but "should be back in a day or so." (Tulsa World)
Allen Patrick injured at East-West Shrine game: Former OU running back Allen Patrick was injured during the East-West Shrine Game on Saturday night in Houston. Patrick left the game in the first quarter with an apparent knee sprain, though the injury didn't appear to be too serious. The injury came as disappointing news for Patrick who had impressed scouts during the workouts leading up to the game with his ability to find running lanes. Patrick is expected to be drafted between the fourth and sixth rounds. OU tight end Joe Jon Finley also missed time with an apparent hamstring injury. (The Oklahoman)
Sims commits to Oklahoma; to start at free safety: David Sims enjoyed the breakfast in front of the Pacific Ocean amid a lavish beach setting lined up by San Diego State. He appreciated the camaraderie of the small town atmosphere in Pullman, Wash., specifically how it was so similar to Chico, during his recent visit to Washington State. But Sims' trip to Norman, Okla., over the weekend actually led to the standout Butte College free safety giving his verbal commitment to Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops and the Sooners on Sunday afternoon. The decision ended a two-month long process that began with Mississippi, Kansas State and San Diego State emerging as frontrunners, before an avalanche of other major programs came calling with the Feb. 6 signing day deadline looming on the horizon. "I think my list looks pretty good right now considering I just gave Oklahoma a commitment," Sims said on his cell phone Sunday while boarding a plane back to Northern California.. "It looks like I'm going to start at free safety, return kickoffs and also punts next year," Sims said about his role in Oklahoma's 2008 plans. "They told me they definitely want me on special teams, too." (Chico Enterprise Record) More on OU Football Recruiting.
Another JUCO recruit commits to OU: Sunday, the Sooners got instant help with commitments from junior-college linebacker Mike Balogun (Scranton, Pa.) according to SoonerScoop.com. (The Oklahoman)
English update; back to practice: Defensive end Auston English, on the mend from a broken ankle and a bout with the flu, took part in his first interviews on Sunday morning, then practiced Sunday afternoon for the first time since arriving in Scottsdale. "Other than the sickness, I'm feeling great," he said. "I haven't got out of my room but to go eat." The flu bug may be a blessing in disguise for English, giving him even more time to rest the ankle that knocked him out of three games. He returned in a limited capacity for the Big 12 championship, but figures to be full speed after another three weeks of rest. "I was good to go once we left Norman," he said. "I was looking forward to getting out here and having a full go at it. I would have liked to have gotten those few extra days of practice, but it is what it is." Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he'd like to be able to start English and play him the entire game. (Tulsa World)
Venables unsure who'll start at CB: Sunday morning, OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he's still unsure who will start at cornerback opposite Marcus Walker. Sophomore Brian Jackson and redshirt freshman Dominique Franks have been battling for that spot all week. Venables said OU likely would have a starter picked by today. "Experience would help in that position, but we're not in a position to have that,” Venables said. (NewsOK.com)
Venables interviewed for Arkansas job: If then-Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino hadn't taken the Arkansas head coaching job Dec. 11, Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables could have been headed to Fayetteville, Ark. Venables said he interviewed for the Arkansas job and it "went well." "Had they not gotten Coach Petrino," Venables said, "their plan was to go with a proven coordinator, and it was down to me and another guy." (Dallas Morning News)
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)
Cast allows McCoy to play despite broken hand: Despite breaking a bone in his right hand, redshirt freshman defensive tackle Gerald McCoy has been practicing and playing thanks to a cast he only wears on the field. In games, McCoy can't grab with his right hand, but he can move his wrist thanks to adjustments made to the cast. He can also take the cast off before and after practice. During the day, he tapes his middle and ring finger together to support the broken fourth metacarpal bone he suffered against Miami. After missing the Utah State game, McCoy returned against Tulsa and made his first and only tackle of the season. (NewsOK.com)
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)
John Williams to miss remainder of season with torn Achilles tendon: Oklahoma senior defensive end John Williams of Houston will miss the rest of the season with a torn left Achilles tendon. Williams suffered the injury on the fifth play of Tulsa's opening drive of the third quarter Friday night in the Sooners' 62-21 road win. Williams was using crutches on the sideline and wearing a protective boot on his lower left leg in the fourth quarter of the game. It's a tough loss for OU, which is already thin at defensive end. (Dallas Morning News)
OU defeat Tulsa easily 62-21: With so much talent, No. 4 Oklahoma can take turns scoring touchdowns. Allen Patrick ran for 145 yards and two TDs, Sam Bradford threw two long touchdown passes to Juaquin Iglesias and the Sooners outraced Tulsa 62-21 Friday night. DeMarco Murray made it into the end zone three times for the highest-scoring team in the nation twice on runs and once on a kickoff return. "We've just got a lot of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball a lot of them. A lot of people who whenever they touch the ball, you never know what they're going to do," Murray said. "Anyone can get six points whenever they touch it." (AP/ABC News)
Williams suffers injury: Defensive end John Williams suffered an ankle injury early in the second half while chasing after Tulsa quarterback Paul Smith. Williams, who entered the game with four tackles for losses and one sack, had his left ankle re-taped twice on the sideline. But did not re-enter the game. He remained on the sidelines throughout the remainder of the game, but wore an ice pack and was on crutches until the end of the game. (Norman Transcript)
Wolfe suffers strained quadriceps: OU co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach Bobby Jack Wright said Wednesday that senior strong safety D.J. Wolfe should not be limited Friday by a mild quadriceps strain that has bothered him this week. But just in case, Wright has gotten extra work for a few other players at the strong safety position this week, namely senior Darien Williams and freshman Dominique Franks. "If an emergency came up, we've got guys that are ready to go,” Wright said. (NewsOK.com)
Lofton plays sick against Utah State: Curtis Lofton's effort against Utah State last week -- a career-high 12 tackles and his first career interception, which he returned 45 yards for TD -- was strong enough on its own merit. Then came defensive coordinator Brent Venables' disclosure Monday. "He was sick before the game, threw up all over the linebacker drills," Venables said. "There were noodles on the 26-yard line." Still sick, Lofton took several intravenous fluids Monday. (Tulsa World)
McCoy out against Utah State: Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Gerald McCoy didn't start for the first time this season and didn't get into the game. Backup Steven Coleman, a senior from Skyline, started in McCoy's place. McCoy broke the fourth metacarpal bone in his right hand against Miami last week and has been wearing a cast ever since. McCoy said earlier this week that the cast slows him down.(Dallas Morning News) Hartley career long: Garrett Hartley banged home a 53-yard field goal Saturday, a yard longer than his previous career best against Texas in 2005. "It came off my foot really well, with a little right-to-left draw," he said. "I couldn't tell how much I had to spare. It was good enough from 53, I know that." (Tulsa World) Nichol #2 QB: True freshman Keith Nichol, who had been the Sooners' No. 3 quarterback in the previous two games, entered as the second-string signal caller Saturday. Nichol was 1-of-6 passing for 10 yards. He turned the ball over on a fumbled snap, but also threw a well-placed deep pass that Garrett Bothun could not pull in near the goal line. Joey Halzle also entered the game late, completing his only pass. (NewsOK.com) OU Two minute drill: The Oklahoman
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Sooners' Harris honored: Oklahoma junior free safety Nic Harris has been selected to the 16th annual Good Works Team, chosen by the American Football Coaches Association to recognize football players’ involvement in their communities. There are two 11-man teams, one for Division I-A and one for all other college football divisions.Harris was president and is an active member of Bridge- Builders, an African-American Student-Athlete network group at OU. He helped BridgeBuilders foster relationships with students at Madison Elementary School and residents of Brookhaven Nursing Center, and teamed with Norman’s Food for Friends Community Action Agency to serve lunch to the less fortunate in the community. BridgeBuilders also raised money to provide Thanksgiving dinners to needy families in the Norman area. (Tulsa World)
Caleb out: OU co-offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin confirmed that second-string receiver Brandon Caleb will not play Saturday. Caleb, a sophomore, suffered what coach Bob Stoops called a slight knee sprain during practice last week. Coaches have offered no timetable for Caleb's return. (NewsOK.com)
Report: Sooners add Fuller commitment: Jeff Fuller, a wide receiver from McKinney, Texas, has given a verbal commitment to Oklahoma, according to recruiting Web site Rivals.com. The 6-4, 200- pound Fuller, who attended last week’s victory over Miami, reportedly announced he would not take scheduled visits to Florida and Ohio State.(Tulsa World)
Updated: 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) (8-11-07) Update 2: University of Oklahoma secondary violations removed: The Oklahoma football program had a self-reported secondary NCAA violation removed from its record, according to documents obtained Tuesday by The Oklahoman. Oklahoma originally 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. In a letter dated July 18, NCAA Associate Director for Enforcement of Secondary Violations, Renee Gomila, wrote that "based upon additional information (OU) submitted, it was confirmed by membership services that under the specific facts of this case, no violation of NCAA legislation occurred inasmuch as personalized numbers and names were not placed on the jerseys displayed during the prospects' visits.” (NewsOK.com)
McCoy suffers broken hand; unlikely to start against Utah State:Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy broke a bone in his right hand on Saturday against Miami but was able to practice Monday with a cast protecting the injury. He said the injury occurred during the Sooners goal-line stand that ultimately ended with a Hurricanes touchdown. McCoy said having a cast over four fingers does hinder his effectiveness, but doesn't actually hurt. "I'm working to get better every day so it won't slow me down," he said. (Tulsa World)
Updated: OU's Patrick suffered cramps: Oklahoma RB Allen Patrick did not play after two carries in the third quarter, but did not reinjure his right ankle, instead suffering leg cramps. (Star-Telegram)(9-9-07) Update 1: Patrick expected to play Saturday:Coach Bob Stoops said senior running back Allen Patrick has worked at full speed this week in practice and is expected to play Saturday. (Dallas Morning News)
Limited OU-Utah State tickets available: The University of Oklahoma has received a limited number of tickets from Utah State, this week's opponent, and has those tickets on sale now. Tickets are available online, by calling the Athletics Ticket Office (800-456-4668 or 405-325-2424) or in person from the Athletics Ticket Office on the west side of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue parking garage. The office's regular business hours are Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets for the game are $47.00 and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. (SoonerSports.com)
Hartley on his missed attempted: “It definitely rattled me a little bit,” he (Garrett Hartley) said Tuesday. “I try to be perfect with everything regardless if it’s a field goal or extra point and when it hit off the left upright I kind of was in shock at first, but I have moved on. I watched film and I know what happened and it was just a timing issue.” (Norman Transcript)
Clapp may be redshirted: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said FB Matt Clapp might redshirt because of the play of Dane Zaslaw and the use of TE Brody Eldridge. (Star-Telegram)
Sooners win big over Canes: By the time Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford threw his school record-tying fifth touchdown pass, the bad memories from past Miami games were long gone. Malcolm Kelly caught three of Bradford's TD passes and Reggie Smith returned a fumble for a score as the No. 5 Sooners rolled over Miami 51-13 in their first meeting since the Hurricanes swept three games in the 1980s. "That didn't matter," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "It makes for a good story, but that's a long time ago." (SoonerSports.com)
Patrick early exit: Starting running back Allen Patrick came out of the game after the first two carries of the second half and never returned. Coach Bob Stoops said Patrick, a senior who missed last week's season opener against North Texas with a sprained right ankle, didn't return because he was experiencing some minor cramping. (Dallas Morning News)
Moving Up: Malcolm Kelly's three touchdowns give him 17 for his career, tying Carrollton Creekview-ex Travis Wilson for second on OU's all-time career list. (Dallas Morning News)
In the books: (Sam) Bradford's five TD passes against Miami tied the OU single game record. He became just the third Sooner to toss five touchdowns in a game. Jason White accomplished the feat three times, while Josh Heupel did it twice. Bradford was also just the second QB to throw for five TDs against the Hurricanes (Cade McNown, UCLA, 1998). (SoonerSports.com)
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.
Williams has surgery; expected out six weeks: Oklahoma free safety Darien Williams had surgery on his left foot Monday, but is expected to return in time for the beginning of the regular season. The 5-foot-10, 197-pound Williams could be sidelined as long as six weeks following the surgery to fix a stress fracture, Oklahoma athletic department spokesman Kenny Mossman said. Oklahoma is scheduled to begin fall practice in early August. (SI.com)
Reynolds Injured during Practice: As posted March 29 Ryan Reynolds Injured.. Oklahoma linebacker Ryan Reynolds found himself in a familiar position Wednesday -- watching from the sideline. The sophomore from Las Vegas said he suffered a partially torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee during Wednesday's practice. Reynolds tore the ACL in his left knee last summer and missed the 2006 season, but the LCL injury is expected to keep Reynolds out just four to six weeks. "It's really frustrating, just coming back and being able to hit again, then having this happen and being out for the rest of spring ball," Reynolds said. "I was really starting to take on that Will (weakside) linebacker position." (NewsOK.com) (3.29.07) UPDATE: Rehab going well: The gray skies of this Oklahoma summer contradict the mood surrounding Ryan Reynolds' recovery from knee surgery. The Oklahoma linebacker says, "It doesn't even feel like I injured it," and Jim Hillis, OU's Coordinator of Rehabilitation says, "The surgery went extremely well and right now he’s as good as he could possibly be." Reynolds said the LCL tear actually hurt a lot more than the ACL, even though the latter is a more severe injury. "The LCL is a very repairable injury," Hillis pointed out. "It's not common, but it's easier to repair (than an ACL tear)." Beginning the week of July 1, Reynolds, who has been working in the weight room and running straight-line drills, will get the green light to run laterally and make cuts. In recovery from knee surgery, that is the last hurdle. "I feel like I am way ahead of schedule," he said. "The ACL recovery was a lot more difficult. This is night and day. I feel like I will be just as fast as I was before, but I'm not in shape yet. That will take about a month." (More at SoonerSports.com) (6.29.07)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson's collarbone wasn't healed for the Fiesta Bowl? Peterson's father, Nelson, told the World in a phone interview Thursday the injury was a matter of semantics. "I wouldn't say reinjured," Nelson Peterson said. "I would just say it wasn't healed like it should have. And it's still in the healing process. "The way I look at that situation is that Adrian really shouldn't have played in that bowl game. But he wanted to play." (Tulsa World) Before they were stars: Rufus Alexander: Yahoo! Sports Dodds: Tradition kept Texas -OU in Dallas: Austin-American Statesman
Peterson reinjured collarbone but has rehealed: Newsday reports... Peterson acknowledged that he re-injured his collarbone in the Fiesta Bowl in January, but he insists there's nothing to be alarmed about."I got it checked out, and no one gave me any bad indications," he said. Even if Peterson requires a surgical procedure to insert a plate in his collarbone, it likely would not affect his availability for training camp. (NY Newsday)
Browns: Injury not a factor in Draft Status: General Manager Phil Savage said Thursday that the Browns don't think Adrian Peterson needs surgery at this time, and the fact he reinjured his broken collarbone in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day does not hurt his status with the team. "This has not affected our opinion of him for the draft," Savage said in an e-mail response. Peterson, the Oklahoma running back, is one of five players the Browns are considering with the No. 3 overall pick. Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, said Thursday that it's up to individual teams to determine whether or not Peterson will need surgery to insert a plate into the collarbone. If he does, Peterson will be out only four to six weeks, Dogra said. (Cleveland.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson reinjured shoulder not confirmed: The Oklahoman reports.. A source close to NFL personnel told The Oklahoman that he had not heard of a re-injury, but did acknowledge that there were issues concerning X-rays of Peterson's collarbone. (NewsOK.com) Follow-up from the prevously reported Report: Peterson's Re-Injured Shoulder, Could Be Out For NFL Off-Season.
University of Oklahoma football student season tickets on sale Tuesday: OU student season tickets for 2007 football will be on sale beginning Tuesday, May 1 and continue through Sunday, May 13. The tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Season tickets can be purchased online at SoonerSports.com or in person at the OU Athletics Ticket Office. Student season tickets are $145 and will be charged to the student's bursar account. Tickets will be sold online at SoonerSports.com 24 hours a day during the sale beginning at 8 a.m. on May 1 and lasting through midnight on May 13 while supplies last. A $5 non-refundable fee will be associated with utilizing this service. Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting the OU Athletics Ticket Office, located on the South Plaza Level of Asp Avenue Parking Garage. Walk-up windows sales begin at 10 a.m. on May 1 and will continue every business day through May 13 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (SoonerSportss PR)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Update: Eldridge's sprained knee ligament: Tight end Brody Eldridge suffered a sprained knee ligament injury after being tackled hard, Wilson said. (Dallas Morning News) (4/8/07) Mild MCL Sprain: The injury is being reported as low grade sprain. As bad as the hit looked, Oklahoma tight end Brody Eldridge seems lucky to have come away with only a sprain. In Saturday's Red-White game at Owen Field, Eldridge was hit hard by linebackers Lewis Baker and Mike Reed, knocking him back and rolling his left leg beneath him. Tests revealed only a mild MCL sprain as well as a high ankle sprain. (NewsOK.com) Go Inside OU's Last Spring Practice: SoonerSports.com
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Reynolds Injured during Practice: Oklahoma linebacker Ryan Reynolds found himself in a familiar position Wednesday -- watching from the sideline. The sophomore from Las Vegas said he suffered a partially torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee during Wednesday's practice. Reynolds tore the ACL in his left knee last summer and missed the 2006 season, but the LCL injury is expected to keep Reynolds out just four to six weeks. "It's really frustrating, just coming back and being able to hit again, then having this happen and being out for the rest of spring ball," Reynolds said. "I was really starting to take on that Will (weakside) linebacker position." (NewsOK.com)
Stoops not impressed with defense: Bob Stoops' initial impression of his team's first open scrimmage of the spring was displeasure, mostly because of what he called sloppy tackling by the defense. "I wasn't very pleased," Stoops said after the 2½-hour workout on Owen Field. "I didn't expect it to be, in five days, execution-wise what it needs to be, but I wasn't pleased, maybe, with our overall intensity in the way we came out here." Stoops was most unhappy with his linebackers and secondary. "I saw sloppy tackling, which hopefully is just rust," he said. "We have some guys who are trying to get on the field who are showing you've either got to make tackles or you're gonna have a hard time playing." (NewsOK.com)
DeMarco Murray highlights scrimmage: Running back DeMarco Murray made his first Oklahoma a scrimmage a memorable one Wednesday afternoon at Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The redshirt freshman logged 129 all purpose yards and scored two touchdowns to highlight the offense's performance. For OU head coach Bob Stoops, Murray's performance was one of the few bright spots. Stoops said the enthusiasm that had been present through some of the early spring drills was largely absent in the scrimmage. Junior Joey Halzle completed 6-of-11 passes for 109 yards and one touchdown. He was intercepted twice. Redshirt freshman Sam Bradford was good on 8-of-14 attempts for 117 yards with one touchdown and one interception. True freshman Keith Nichol was 6-of-8 for 40 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Murray's scoring runs came on a 65-yard sprint and a physical four-yard burst. He carried the ball nine times for 92 yards, while also catching three passes for 37. (SoonerSports.com)
Murray on his day: Telling the Norman Transcript.. "I was nervous at the beginning," Murray said. "(Running backs coach coach Cale) Gundy told me to relax and I started to and just played football."
Injury update: Several key players were not available to participate in the scrimmage. Some, such as receiver Malcolm Kelly and offensive guard Brandon Walker, are being held out of spring practice to rehabilitate injuries suffered last season. Both Kelly and Walker had offseason knee surgery. Others, like running backs Allen Patrick (bruised leg) and Mossis Madu (concussion), did not participate because of minor injuries suffered during the first four practices of the spring. (NewsOK.com)
Coach Stoops meets with the Media Tuesday morning: OU head coach Bob Stoops met with the media one final time at the team hotel Tuesday morning before the Sooners departed for Oklahoma City. Boise State defeated the Sooners, 43-42, in overtime in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1 in Glendale. Poolside at the team headquarters at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, Stoops discussed the events of the game, the upcoming decision for running back Adrian Peterson, and the future for the Oklahoma football program. (More at SoonerSports.com)
Stoops' failed challenge: OU coach Bob Stoops tried to stop the Broncos' early momentum by challenging the spot after Derek Schouman's 6-yard catch on third-and-5. Schouman bobbled the ball initially before securing the catch, and officials ruled that his forward progress was enough for a first down. Stoops lost his only coach's challenge with 9:25 remaining in the first. The replay officials' decision was huge. On the next play, James caught a 49-yard touchdown. (Dallas Morning News)
Eyes on Peterson: There were two interested parties watching running back Adrian Peterson's every move in pregame warmups Monday night. One was Peterson's father, Nelson, who stood in the stands wearing a white T-shirt with a picture of his then-7-year-old son on the front, wearing a powder blue No. 32 jersey as he posed for a youth football shot. The words "Beginning Of" and "All Day" framed the picture. Down on the field as Peterson loosened up and ran through receiving drills, Cleveland Browns scout Kevin Kelly stood about 25 feet away, scribbling in an orange notebook. (Tulsa World)
More on Malcolm Kelly Injury status: Malcolm Kelly, the Sooners' leading receiver coming in, went without a catch for the first time in 22 games, dating back to OU's loss to Texas on Oct. 8, 2005. The reason, according to reports by OU's radio network and Fox Sports, was a concussion sustained in the first quarter. Kelly took a hard fall going for a deep post in the end zone between Boise State defensive backs Marty Tadman and Orlando Scandrick late in the first quarter. He stayed in the game another seven plays before giving way to Quentin Chaney the last three quarters. (Tulsa World)
Practice scare closes the roof? The decision was made when a pregame parachute drop was canceled. The drop was canceled after an accident occurred during practices last week at Arizona State's Sun Devil Stadium. One of the parachutists landed in the stands. The decision was made because of the tighter confines of the roof at University of Phoenix Stadium. "For safety reasons, we decided not to do it,” Fiesta Bowl vice president Shawn Schoeffler said. (NewsOK.com)
Smoky Start: Officials shot off fireworks during pregame introductions, and the smoke filled the stadium during the first half. The retractable roof remained closed, however, and players had to fight through it. OU's Marcus Walker dropped a possible interception in the second quarter after losing track of the ball in the air. (Dallas Morning News) Just think if Al Michaels were there, the rant we could of heard fireworks are just "stupid!"
Peterson not worried about Fiesta Bowl Injury: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson may be risking millions of dollars by playing in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against No. 9 Boise State. But the junior said Wednesday he isn't worried about injuring his collarbone again and wants to break the school's all-time rushing record. "I've been playing the game since I was 7," Peterson said. "A lot of guys speculate and say that I'm not coming back or why should he play? But I love the game. That's why I play. I love the game, I love the guys that I play with. "God's decided for me to be back out there, so I'm just ready to get back in the groove and play." (Dallas Morning News)
Stoops finishes third in AP Coach of the Year award: Jim Grobe held Wake Forest together after a couple of potentially devastating injuries, refused to let his players feel sorry for themselves and turned the perennially downtrodden Demon Deacons into champions. For orchestrating one of the most surprising turnarounds in college football - and the best season in Wake Forest's 105-year football history - Grobe was honored as The Associated Press Coach of the Year on Wednesday. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano, who took the once-laughable Scarlet Knights within a victory of the Bowl Championship Series, finished second with 12 votes. Oklahoma's Bob Stoops was third with six votes. Ohio State's Jim Tressel received three votes. Arkansas' Houston Nutt got two votes. Boise State's Chris Petersen, Louisville's Bobby Petrino and first-year Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema each received one vote. (Charlotte Observer)
Allen Patrick practices limited: Junior Allen Patrick, is still recovering from a sprained ankle. Patrick sat out of last Saturday's 34-24 victory over Texas Tech. Stoops said Patrick practiced in a limited capacity Monday and the injury has improved from where it was last week. "He did a little bit, but not a lot," he said. "He's better, better than he was Friday." But there was no indication given about Patrick's availability for the Baylor game. (Norman Transcript)
No Future Information on Peterson: Stoops said there was no update on the status of tailback Adrian Peterson, who has missed four games with a broken collarbone. "He's not playing this week," Stoops said. "Next week if you want to talk about it, we'll talk about it. There's nothing else." (Dallas Morning News)
More on Manuel Johnson: OU receiver Manuel Johnson was released from the hospital and attended team meetings Monday, according to Sooners co-offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin. Johnson was knocked unconscious and experienced temporary numbness after a helmet-to-helmet hit last Saturday night. He spent the night at OU Medical Center. Stoops said Johnson is scheduled to begin some weight-lifting and running later this week, but he won't play Saturday at Baylor. (NewsOK.com)
Manuel Johnson out for Baylor: Oklahoma receiver Manuel Johnson won't play Saturday against Baylor after being knocked out in the Sooners' game against Texas Tech. Johnson -- who has 23 catches for 255 yards -- was hospitalized after the game but returned home Sunday. Fellow receiver Malcolm Kelly says his roommate has a bad concussion but is all right now. Kelly says Johnson came home laughing and joking. Johnson had just caught a four-yard pass when he and Texas Tech's Chris Parker collided and hit helmets. Johnson had to be carted off the field and taken to a waiting ambulance. Kelly says all remembered was getting tackled and then waking up in the X-ray room. (AP/KOTV.com)
Peterson back for Bedlam? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops confirmed Monday that tailback Adrian Peterson might play in the Sooners' regular-season finale Nov. 25 against Oklahoma State. "Next week would be six weeks," Stoops said, referring to the time passed since Peterson fractured his left collarbone diving into the end zone to score a late touchdown against Iowa State. Stoops said Peterson would be re-evaluated next week and a determination would be made then. Peterson has been running and lifting weights the past few weeks. (Star-Telegram)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Johnson Recovering, to be released Sun. Night or Monday: The outlook for Manuel Johnson, the Oklahoma wide receiver who was knocked unconscious in the fourth quarter of Saturday's victory over Texas Tech, is encouraging. "Everything is all checked out fine," Sooner coach Bob Stoops said. "He'll be released from the hospital later this afternoon or first thing in the morning." Johnson was kept for precautionary reasons. Stoops said Johnson was getting some feeling back while lying on the Texas Tech sideline for nearly 15 minutes. (Tulsa World)
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
Sooners Edge Aggies 17-16: Facing fourth-and-inches from his own 29 with 1:29 left, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops wanted to punt to protect a one-point lead against Texas A&M. "The second I said punt it, I looked at all the offensive guys in their eyes, then I thought 'I can't punt it,"' Stoops said.The gamble paid off for the 18th-ranked Sooners, who got the first down they needed to wrap up a 17-16 victory over the 21st-ranked Aggies on Saturday night.Paul Thompson's second effort on a sneak gave Oklahoma (7-2, 4-1 Big 12) the first down, but the play ended up being moot. Texas A&M (8-2, 4-2) - home of the 12th man - was called for having 12 men on the field, giving the Sooners a first down and the ability to run out the clock."That's what we wanted," Thompson said of the call. "We didn't want to give the ball back and allow them to score."The Sooners won their fourth straight in Stoops' 100th game at Oklahoma while breaking a four-game winning streak by the Aggies. (AP/FOXSports.com)
Oklahoma-Texas Tech game 6:00 PM FSN: Fox Sports announced that it will televise Oklahoma's final home game of the 2006 season on Saturday, Nov. 11. The Sooners host Texas Tech at 6 p.m. at Owen Field. The OU-Texas Tech game extends the streak of Sooner games on TV to 53. FSN is Cox channel 37 in the Oklahoma City market and channel 27 in the Tulsa market. (SoonerSports PR)
Stoops on 4th down, fourth quarter call: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops on fourth down, and inches with 89 seconds remaining: "In the end, I just felt, 'Hey, you know what, we've got to be able to make an inch,' " Stoops reasoned in postgame. "Bottom line, they had the wind. I'm not gonna give them a chance (with the ball back). I just felt we were gonna make it." (Tulsa World)
AP 46th rusher to rack up 100 rushing yards in quarter: [Allen] Patrick's 101 yards in the first quarter marked the 46th time in OU history a player has rushed for 100 or more yards in a quarter. His 101 yards in the first quarter ranks 39th on that list. The record for most yards in a quarter is held by Adrian Peterson who rushed for 161 yards against Oklahoma State in the third quarter of the 2004 game. (Oklahoma Notes)
Adrian Out of Sling: Adrian Peterson (broken collarbone) is no longer wearing a sling. There has been no official update on when he might return, but he might be able to play in OU's Nov. 25 finale at Oklahoma State. (Star-Telegram)
Nic Harris taunting penalty: OU defensive back Nic Harris was flagged for taunting after tackling Texas A&M's Martellus Bennett in the first quarter. Harris stood over Bennett and made a ripping gesture with his arms. Coach Bob Stoops was quick to get in the face of Harris when he came to the sideline after the play. (NewsOK.com)
OU Rushing attack: OU recorded its second-highest rushing total of the season with 224 yards. Last week, the Sooners rushed for a season-best 231 yards. (Oklahoma Notes)
Walker Early Injury: [Brandon] Walker injured his shoulder on the game's first play from scrimmage, and gave way to Brian Simmons over the next four plays. Then Walker returned, as he did after injuring his shoulder last week, and went right back to banging. The majority of Patrick's first-half carries were over OU's left side. But Walker pulled from the right to throw lead blocks on several plays, including Patrick's 1-yard touchdown plunge for the game's first points. (Tulsa World)
Gundy: "I felt we got beat": OU running backs coach Cale Gundy, who worked daily with Adrian Peterson and played a key role in recruiting him to Norman, said he struggled all Saturday night with his star's injury. "It was hard," Gundy said. "Saturday after the game, I went home with my family. I watched some games on TV, played a little football with my son. We just kind of hung out. It was just kind of a rough feeling. "Even in the middle of the night, I woke up a couple of times. And when I woke up Sunday morning, I felt like we got beat." (NewsOK.com)
Smith undergoes MRI: Strong safety / punt returner Reggie Smith missed practice Monday because of a sprained left knee sustained in Saturday's 34-9 victory over Iowa State. OU coach Bob Stoops said Smith had an MRI performed Monday and was on crutches as a precaution. "They've looked at it and think it should heal up here fairly soon," Stoops said. "We're looking to hopefully practice him on Wednesday." (Tulsa World)
No further discipline for Alexander in incident, expected to play: Stoops said Monday that he was comfortable enough with the explanation concerning Rufus Alexander's early morning arrest Sunday that no further discipline would be necessary. "From what we understand today, no," Stoops said, "other than internally we'll work with him in some ways." Norman police captain J.D. Younger told the paper he believed [James] Wheeler instigated the confrontation. (In part NewsOK.com)
Bad break for the Peterson's:After Peterson broke his collarbone diving into the end zone against Iowa State, possibly ending his college career, his family went ahead with postgame plans for a reunion; just a little get together to pick up everyone's spirits. But during the reunion, while shooting hoops at a nearby basketball court, Adrian's mother, Bonita Jackson, came down wrong and broke both bones in her lower leg. "It was a bad day," said Peterson's father, Nelson, who earlier in the day watched his son play football in person for the first time in more than eight years. "She went in for a layup and I think she stepped on somebody's foot. Broke it in two places. I was like, 'Man, son's collarbone is broke, his mother broke her leg in two places. I guess it's time for Daddy to sit down, take it easy, watch football and make sure nothing else happens.' " Jackson, reached by telephone at her home in Purcell, said she's on pain medication and will be at home for a while. (Tulsa World)
Sooners have two Texas recruits coming to visit: Tatum (Texas) teammates Lennon Creer and Darnius Moore are heading to Norman, Okla., this weekend for official visits with the Oklahoma Sooners. Creer, a four-star running back, has already piled up more than 1,000 yards on the ground and 13 touchdowns this season. Moore is a receiver prospect who's also being looked at as a possible corner by some schools. The two players, though looking at several different schools, are excited to take their visit together this weekend. Moore even knows quite a few current players on the Sooners' roster. "I know Malcolm Kelly, Manuel Johnson, and Adrian Peterson," Moore said. "I played against Manuel and then had track meets with Adrian when he was at Palestine." Oklahoma is a school in the top three for Creer --along with Tennessee and Texas. The closeness to home is a big reason he's interested in visiting officially, but not the only reason. "Also, it's a lot of tradition -- and they win every year," Creer said about the Sooners. "They might have an off year, but they come back and do it again the next." (USA Today)
Wilson expects Peterson to go Pro: Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson told ESPN on Saturday evening that he expects Adrian Peterson will be among the top four picks in the next NFL draft. "I have always thought that this was Adrian's last year," Wilson said. "And why wouldn't it be? He stands to make a boatload of money. He has done everything we've ever asked of him here." Wilson said Oklahoma "will not put Adrian's health in jeopardy" by playing him in a bowl game before he is ready. (More at ESPN.com)
Peterson likely out six-eight weeks: According to Dr. Scott Rahhal, an orthopedic surgeon at Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center, even if someone is a particularly fast healer, "it's still six to eight weeks" recovery time. Rahhal said he couldn't comment on the specifics of Peterson's injury, because he hadn't seen the X-rays. But Rahhal spoke in general terms about broken clavicles and said even with aggressive treatments, the prognosis is unchanged. Rahhal said there are usually no long-term effects of a broken collarbone. OU coach Bob Stoops said Peterson's injury would not need surgery and it was possible Peterson could return for a bowl game. (Tulsa World)
More Changes in Secondary: Oklahoma made another switch in its starting defensive backfield, inserting Lendy Holmes in place of D.J. Wolfe at the boundary cornerback position Saturday. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said Holmes earned the start with his performance in practice. "What you do in practice shows," Holmes said. "Coach (Venables) will give you a fair chance if you show him what you've got in practice and that's what I did this week." Wolfe played all of last week's game at the position, despite allowing a 33-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter against Texas. Coaches spoke well of Wolfe's performance in that game, outside of the TD. (NewsOK.com)
No returns for Peterson: [Adrian] Peterson did not return kickoffs for the first time in three games. Juaquin Iglesias, who returned them before Peterson got the call, joined Reggie Smith instead. (Tulsa World)
Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson suffered a season ending injury in the fourth quarter, in the 34-9 victory Saturday over Iowa State. Peterson on the last scoring drive, ran for a 53 yard td run appeared to be injured after diving into the endzone (while getting tripped up), test later showed a broken collarbone. At best, Peterson may return for the bowl game... more to come.
