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.
Runners Step Up: On their last turn on the OU center stage, both Allen Patrick and Jacob Gutierrez lost crucial fumbles. Patrick fumbled twice in the second half of this year's 59-0 victory over Middle Tennessee, including on the goal line that would have been a sure touchdown. Gutierrez capped off last year's 173-yard effort against Baylor with a fumble that the Bears turned into a quick touchdown that forced overtime. "If we put the ball in your hands, we're entrusting you to be smart and take care of this ball," said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. "Those players at running back and every player on offense need to continue to grow and realize that is the key thing to winning and losing." Wilson said he's been disappointed "that we've been as immature with the ball as we've been." (Tulsa World)
Thompson not taking Colorado lightly: Any game played the week after Adrian Peterson gets hurt is going to be a challenge, but Oklahoma has a few other hurdles to clear while trying to define its offense without its star. Colorado comes to Norman a week after its first win of the season, which could have the Buffaloes on an emotional high. The pressure to move the ball likely falls on senior quarterback Paul Thompson, who has warned his team about being fooled by Colorado's 1-6 record. "They're real close to having some wins," Thompson said of Colorado, which lost 14-13 to a then-highly ranked Georgia team. "If we sit there and look at their record, then we'll get beat. They're a good team." (NewsOK.com)
Gutierrez opts to stay a Sooner: Stoops said Tuesday that his brother, former defensive coordinator-turned-Arizona head coach Mike Stoops, asked him two years ago if Gutierrez might be interested in transferring. Mike Stoops had helped recruit Gutierrez and knew his talent, and also knew Peterson would be ahead of him for two years. Bob Stoops asked Gutierrez, and Gutierrez didn't take long to mull it over. "I said, 'Listen, by no means am I wanting this, but I at least want you to know for yourself if it's better for you, that it's there,' " Bob Stoops said. "He said, 'No, coach. I'm a Sooner. I'm going to contribute any way I can.' He's been a great team leader." (Tulsa World)
Gutierrez studies Q: Diminutive running back Jacob Gutierrez (5-7) said he's studied game tapes to learn former OU standout Quentin Griffin's moves. Griffin excelled at running from the shotgun formation. That extra space gave plays time to develop and Griffin could find the running lanes easier. Griffin had 3,938 yards from 1999 to 2002. (Dallas Morning News)
Peterson Press Conference: Via Oklahoma FanHouse writes Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson will be a holding a press conference at 2:30/1:30 CT. Unsure what the press conference concerns, most likely his future at the University of Oklahoma and the collarbone injury. Peterson will address the media from Norman, Oklahoma. Live Video 1:25 CT via SoonerSports.com
Oklahoma to honor Gautt: Each 38-yard-line at Owen Field Saturday will be painted crimson as the Oklahoma football team honors its first black player, Prentice Gautt. OU had to receive permission from the NCAA to mark the yard lines. The Sooners already are honoring Gautt, who died in March 2005, with a No. 38 decal on each player's helmet. Gautt first played for the Sooners on the national championship team of 1956. Members of Gautt's family will be at the game, and 34 members of the 1956 team are scheduled to attend in remembrance of Gautt and in celebration of the 50th anniversary of their national title. (NewsOK.com)
Reduced work load: OU coach Bob Stoops said Allen Patrick and Jacob Gutierrez will have their special teams roles reduced now that they will become bigger parts of the offense. Both are Sooners' special teams captains and play on nearly every unit. Stoops said fear of injuries isn't the reason for the switch."We don't go out there fearing injuries, it's more the conditioning and trying to keep their legs fresh," he said. (Norman Transcript)
Holmes to play hoops for Capel: Cornerback Lendy Holmes said he wouldn't mind joining Jeff Capel's basketball team after football season ends. Holmes, who was recruited in both football and basketball out of Dallas' South Oak Cliff High School, showed up at a walk-on tryout for the Sooners last Sunday night. Holmes had not talked to Stoops about going to the tryout, and he was not allowed to participate. But he said Stoops once brought up the idea of Holmes playing basketball. "He mentioned it to me once during two-adays," Holmes said. (NewsOK.com)
