Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
University of Oklahoma Football 1st Spring Scrimmage Top Performers
PASSINGPlayer, Comp.-Att.-Int.-Yards-TDBradford 8-16-0-104-0RUSHINGJohnson 17-57RECEIVINGPlayer, Rec.-YardsIglesias 4-62TacklesJackson 7Tackles For LossClayton 4SacksClayton 2Alexander 1InterceptionsClayton 1-5Bowers 1-30Lewis 1-0Complete Stats at SoonerSports.comSooners held out of scrimmage: Several projected starters did not participate in the scrimmage while recovering from injuries. Among those were running back linebacker Austin Box, Chris Brown, defensive end Auston English, safety Nic Harris, receiver Manuel Johnson, linebacker Ryan Reynolds, offensive guard Duke Robinson and defensive end John Williams. (SoonerSports.com)OU Coaching Clinic ends: Saturday's scrimmage marked the end of a three-day coaching clinic that brought in high school coaches from as far away as Pennsylvania. Several local coaches attended the scrimmage, including ones from Edmond North, Chickasha and Deer Creek. (The Oklahoman)Wilson decides against using no-huddle in scrimmage: With so many players injured and so many others filling in, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said he all but scrapped the no-huddle offense for this scrimmage. "It's a much slower pace than we'd like to play if we're going to do things in the no-huddle," Wilson said. "We do need to practice and do that, but right now, you're developing the foundation of your team. Going out there and going hectic and making it an unorganized drill is not helping our team." (Tulsa World)Sooner football holds first scrimmage: Norman TranscriptInjury bug won't leave players, even coaches alone: The OklahomanOU Football Q&A: The OklahomanOU defense steals show in spring scrimmage: The OklahomanQ&A -- Jimmy Stevns, OU kicker: The OklahomanLinebacker post not easy: Tulsa WorldLabels: Offense, Oklahoma Sooners, Scrimmage
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesOU's first spring scrimmage today: Oklahoma's football team will hold scrimmages on March 29 and April 5. Both are open to the public. The OU Athletics Department today released information that will help those fans planning on being in Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium for those two workouts. The March 29 scrimmage will begin at 11 a.m., with the April 5 event set for 1 p.m. Entrance to the stadium will be limited to gates 1 (west side) and 12 (east side). Seating will be restricted to the west side only. Concessions stands and restrooms on that side of the stadium will be open. Prohibited items are the same as during the regular season with the addition of all cameras. (SoonerSports)Jackson is ready to take over for Smith in secondary: The OklahomanOU scrimmage players to watch: The OklahomanChaney ready to emerge: Tulsa WorldClayton getting a second chance: Norman TranscriptLabels: Oklahoma Sooners, Scrimmage
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesOU Football scrimmage Saturday: Oklahoma's football team will hold scrimmages on March 29 and April 5. Both are open to the public. The OU Athletics Department today released information that will help those fans planning on being in Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium for those two workouts. The March 29 scrimmage will begin at 11 a.m., with the April 5 event set for 1 p.m. Entrance to the stadium will be limited to gates 1 (west side) and 12 (east side). Seating will be restricted to the west side only. Concessions stands and restrooms on that side of the stadium will be open. Prohibited items are the same as during the regular season with the addition of all cameras. (SoonerSports PR)Stoops among others to welcome NBA to OKC: Gov. Brad Henry, Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops and numerous other representatives of the city, state and sports community came out to welcome Stern, New Jersey Nets owner Lewis Katz, Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon and Los Angeles Lakers vice president Jeanie Buss as Oklahoma City brought out fancy cars and hard facts to woo its first major-league sports franchise."It was a pretty full presentation and pretty much a tour de force on behalf of Oklahoma that I'd say impressed the members of the committee greatly," Stern said. (Associated Press)4-Star receiver considers OU: Scout.comWorkload for running is on Madu: Tulsa WorldLabels: Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners, Scrimmage
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Allen Patrick expected to return: Coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday that starting senior running back Allen Patrick is close to returning to practice. Patrick, the team's leading returning rusher, sprained his right ankle in a practice two weeks ago and hasn't played since. (NewsOK.com) No scrimmage tonight: [Bob] Stoops has seen all he needed to see from his team in a game situation with fans around. A scrimmage originally scheduled for tonight at 6 will not take place. Instead, the team will practice behind closed doors, as usual. (NewsOK.com) Bradford has all the tools to be a playmaker: The OklahomanLabels: Allen Patrick, Oklahoma Sooners, Scrimmage
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Oklahoma Scrimmage Stats: A crowd estimated at 5,000 braved a steady rain to watch the workout, which included 97 plays. SoonerSports.comPassingSam Bradford: 12-17-130, 4 TDsKeith Nichol: 5-16-82, 1 TDJoey Halzle: 8-23-47, 1 INTRushingMurray: 9 carries for 105 yards, 1 TD.Brown: 8 carries for 37 yards.Gove: 8 carries for 34 yards.Madu: 7 carries for 28 yards.Gutierrez: 8 carries for 26 yards.Nichol: 3 carries for 4 yards.Halzle: 1 carry for -3 yards.Iglesias: 1 carryfor -4 yards.Complete Scrimmage stats at SoonerSports.comPatrick may return next week? Stoops said next week's workouts might include running back Allen Patrick, who has been sidelined for nearly two weeks with a sprained right ankle. (SoonerSports.com)
Stoops on the QB performance: "We're still deciding," OU coach Bob Stoops said. "We like what we've seen from all of them. They've all made great progress."Clayton to strongside linebacker: One position switch was noticeable Saturday. Keenan Clayton, who started two games last season at strong safety, has been moved to strongside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said the switch was made a few days ago. Clayton only made eight tackles last season and lost his starting job when Reggie Smith was switched back to strong safety after two games. D.J. Wolfe has won the starting job there this season. (Norman Transcript)Expect Stoops to be cautious with his QB: The OklahomanTeammates say Wolfe is flashy, boisterous -- and confident: The OklahomanBradford makes big strides in OU scrimmage: The OklahomanWet and wild: Norman TranscriptLooking down from high above: Norman TranscriptExpect Sooners to make Sam their man: Tulsa WorldOU Football Scrimmage report: Tulsa WorldBradford takes lead in OU quarterback chase: Dallas Morning NewsLabels: 2007 Storyline, Allen Patrick, Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners, Quarterbacks, Scrimmage
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Allen Patrick and Brody Eldridge to be heldout of scrimmage: Running back Allen Patrick and tight end Brody Eldridge will be held out of Oklahoma's scrimmage on Saturday because of injuries, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. Stoops said he didn't have a timeframe for when Patrick would return other than "when he's ready." "It'll be next week sometime hopefully," Stoops said Friday. Eldridge has been practicing after having surgery to fix a broken ankle this summer, but he was held out of the first scrimmage. "I don't want to get Brody in there. He's played enough," Stoops said. (AP/NewsOK.com) Sooners to Recite Oath: SoonerSports.com Labels: Allen Patrick, Brody Eldridge, Injuries, Oklahoma Sooners, Scrimmage
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Switzer joins XM Radio lineup: This fall, [Barry] Switzer will co-host XM Sports Nation This Morning, a live call-in show that will focus on college and pro football. "This was a good opportunity for me,” said Switzer, who returned from Washington, D.C., on Friday after meeting with XM officials in time to attend Oklahoma's scrimmage Saturday. "They made it attractive financially, so I'm going to do it.” T.J. Rives — the play-by-play voice for South Florida -- will team with Switzer on Sports Nation This Morning, which will air from 5:30 to 7 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays starting Aug. 20. Rives will do the show by himself Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The show will broadcast on XM channel 144, airing until sometime in January. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed by XM, but Logan said the agreement with Switzer is for more than one year. (NewsOK.com) Barry Switzer joins the XM lineup of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Cal Ripken, Jr.,Tony Kornheiser and others on XM Channel 144.
Coaches set limitations at scrimmage: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said there were some limitations in the first scrimmage. There was no blocking below the waist and he was trying to get the quarterbacks as many passing attempts as he could. He admitted there was another reason for the struggles moving the ball. "Credit it to the defense," he said. "The secondary, in my view today, there were a lot of great tackles by corners and safeties for 1- and 2-yard gains and sometimes negatives gains." (Norman Transcript)In the huddle, every looking to quarterback to show the way: The OklahomanQB waiting game continues: The OklahomanLabels: Barry Switzer, Radio, Scrimmage
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesR. Smith held out of scrimmage: [Bob] Stoops said [Reggie] Smith's day off was a preventive decision. "Reggie's got just a slight nagging deal in his leg. It isn't anything serious. We're just making sure this is the time to get it healed," Stoops said. "He could have gone today, but we're going to make sure it's healed and where it needs to be. I don't want it to bother him through the year." Patrick wore a medical boot on his right leg and was on crutches due to the ankle injury he suffered Wednesday. He's expected to be out at least another week. (Norman Transcript)Others held out: Fred Strong, Brody Eldridge, Kody Cooke, Jonte Bumpus, Eric Mensik. (NewsOK.com) Oklahoma-TCU rematch? A game is needed to finish off the 2008 and 2009 schedules, and TCU is thinking big -- as in Big 12, Big Ten and Big East -- in its search for opponents. Athletic department officials said the contract for a home-and-home series against Oklahoma, which would begin next season, is almost finalized. The Horned Frogs would travel to Norman, Okla., on Sept. 27, 2008, after opening with home games against Stephen F. Austin and Stanford. A game at SMU, originally scheduled for Sept. 27, is likely to be moved to Sept. 20. (Star-Telegram)Labels: Future Schedule, Injuries, Oklahoma Sooners, Reggie Smith, Scrimmage, TCU
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes OU's Quarterback role remains unfilled: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Sunday will be the first opportunity since preseason practice started for the Sooners' coaching staff to discuss the quarterback situation at length. He hinted it's possible that the final decision on a starter might not be made until after the season starts. Oklahoma will open on Sept. 1 at home against North Texas and will host Miami a week later. "I wish it would be settled and done right this second, personally, for all positions," Wilson said. "But at the same time, we're going to need more than one....Maybe we go with two. "We're through the first (week) and through a scrimmage. Maybe, from what we've seen in practice and today, maybe we can get close to making that call...or (decide that) we're five, six, eight, 10 days away." (Dallas Morning News) Players out due to injuries: Notables that did not play due to injury included OT Branndon Braxton, CB Reggie Smith and RB Allen Patrick. Patrick is out with a sprained ankle. Stoops said Braxton and Smith have minor ailments and should be back soon. (SoonerSports.com) Bob Stoops post-scrimmage quotes: "It was good overall. Defensively we're just so much more stable in the secondary. You have the potential there for giving up plays or making plays. Defensively, we were solid." "It's obvious that our quarterbacks can make all the throws. They did a really nice job. I didn't see any forced decisions. The drives that stalled didn't stop because of their play. The players around them have to make plays." "On offense, I was pleased for the most part. Our defense sees that offense every day so the offense is at a significant disadvantage." Stats: Sam Bradford: 11-of-18 passing for 83 yards; 1 INT Joey Halzle: 8-of-16 for 51 yards; 1 TD pass for 3 yards Keith Nichol: 12-of-21 for 85 yards; 1 TD pass for 20 yards SCORING Manuel Johnson 3-yard pass from Keith Nichol Malcolm Kelly 20-yard pass from Joey Halzle Jacob Gutierrez 53-yard touchdown run RUSHING
Gutierrez - 7 rushes for 68 yards Madu - 10 rushes for 18 yards Murray - 6 rushes for 25 yards Brown - 2 rushes for 7 yards Tennell - 2 rushes for 1 yard Gove - 2 rushes for 0 yards Caleb - 1 rush for negative 2 yards OU's quarterback picture could be a little clearer today: Norman Transcript Sooner scrimmage 3 story lines: The Oklahoman Sooners want secondary violation stricken: The Oklahoman Defensive tackles no longer seen as 'soft': The Oklahoman What to do at quarterback?: Tulsa World QBs get the spotlight in Sooners' scrimmage: Dallas Morning NewsLabels: 2007 Storyline, Keith Nichol, Oklahoma Sooners, Quarterbacks, Sam Bradford, Scrimmage
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesEqual time for all three quarterbacks in practice allows comfort: That's part of the reason Oklahoma's scrimmage on Saturday is open to the public. It's also why the Sooners offensive coordinator and his other coaches will step to the sideline during practice. "Instead of us being out there calling the play and setting the tempo, 'Hey, it's your team, your offense. You've got this group. Let's see how you do.'" Wilson said. "We did that a lot at the end of last spring, and we want to start early this year with those guys playing on their own, instead of us holding their hands." Wilson said all three quarterbacks -- Joey Halzle, Sam Bradford and Keith Nichol -- are playing an equal number of snaps in practice. (NewsOK.com)Stoops appreciates Barry's HR 756: Count the Sooner coach among those who support new home run king Barry Bonds. "I thought it was great," Stoops said of Bonds' 756th home run. "The guy is amazing what he's done. The more they talk about him. . . I'm not the biggest baseball fan, I don't follow it that much. But just all the Gold Gloves, what a complete player he's been is really impressive." (Tulsa World)Big Red Rally set: OU has set the date for its annual preseason pep rally. The Big Red Rally will take place at 6 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Owen Field. (NewsOK.com)Scrimmage Information: Remember Oklahoma's first scrimmage of the 2007 fall schedule is open to the public this Saturday, gates open at 9:30 a.m. and starts at 11:00 a.m. Information on the scrimmage is available at SoonerSports.com.Another scorcher for Wednesday: SoonerSports.comIs Big 12 ready for Reggie?: The OklahomanQB Quandary -- Decision on starter unknown: Tulsa WorldMassive presence: Norman TranscriptPeterson eager to get on the field for first time: Twin-Cities Pioneer Press
Big 12 football capsules: El Paso Times
Labels: 2007 Storyline, Big Red Rally, Bob Stoops, Quarterbacks, Scrimmage
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Sooners and Bearcats series official; OU to play UC at Bengal Stadium in 2010: As posted previously, Oklahoma vs. Cincinnati Slated for 2008 and 2010?.. The University of Cincinnati and Oklahoma have signed a contract to play each other in a home-and-home football series, beginning in 2008 when the Bearcats will travel to Norman to face the Sooners on Sept. 6. Oklahoma, which plays in the Big 12 Conference, will return the game on Sept. 25, 2010 at Paul Brown Stadium. UC and Oklahoma have never played each in football. "If we expect Bearcat football to be a national presence and compete in the BCS, we need to play nationally recognized programs," said UC coach Brian Kelly. "This is an opportunity for UC to play at the highest level and host a BCS program in an NFL venue." (The Enquirer)
Oklahoma Sooners practice report: Stoops gave his first practice update since OU's media day last Friday. "We're much further along than we were a year ago at this time," he said. "Guys are competing well and doing good." As for his three quarterbacks? "(They) look good," he said. "They all are making really good progress." (Tulsa World)Scrimmage open to the public: Oklahoma's first scrimmage of the fall is open to the public, scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Owen Field.Oklahoma drill highlights Monday: SoonerSports.comHolmes focuses on safety: The OklahomanOU football notebook: The OklahomanGranger improving at OU: Dallas Morning NewsEx-Creekview star may find time at OU: Dallas Morning NewsSooners always have more in reserve: Wichita EagleLabels: Big East, Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners, Practice, Scrimmage, University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
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)
Quarterbacks get mixed reviews early: The Oklahoman
OU quarterback breakdown: The Oklahoman
OU scrimmage report: Tulsa World
Reynolds looks to continue Sooners' LB tradition: Sporting NewsLabels: Bob Stoops, DeMarco Murray, Injury, Oklahoma Sooners, Scrimmage
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