OU: Game Day Tips

Here's some tips and updates for Saturday... tulsaworld.com

OU notebook

Dominique Franks could return kicks, Matt Clapp could redshirt, and Fred Strong leaves the team...tulsaworld.com

No. 8 Oklahoma Set for Opener

Oklahoma begins its 113th season of football competition when it hosts North Texas. The Sooners are opening at home for the fifth consecutive season and for the eighth time in Bob Stoops’ nine seasons. The game is slated for 6 p.m. on Saturday with a national telecast on FOX Sports Net. The game is a sellout...soonersports.com

OU Quotes on North Texas Game

The season is officially underway with the weekly press conference on OU's first opponent. Read what coach Stoops had to say...soonersports.com

With Chris Brown suspended and Allen Patrick hurt, DeMarco Murray should see a lot of PT on Saturday. Hopefully, he'll light up North Texas like he did to his own teammates in the spring game. I can't wait!

Murray could be OU workhorse in opener...dallasnews.com

Multiple choice: Peterson-less OU still has talented backs.
...tulsaworld.com

Other RBs could gain ground with Patrick out...newsok.com

DeMarco is a Star...creamofthecrimson.com

OU Sooners: North Texas Scouting Report

Here's what to expect against UNT...soonersports.com

OU first collegiate foe for Dodge...tulsaworld.com

Sooners may be down two running backs for the home opener...
Stoops suspends running back...tulsaworld.com

OU football notebook...newsok.com

Stoops discusses OU quarterbacks today...tulsaworld.com

OU Notebook: Ryan's hope...tulsaworld.com

Sooners to go with young defensive line...dallasnews.com

Gresham should make an impact in 2007

Last year I was excited to learn that OU's highly touted tight end would get on the field as a freshman. Coming into the 2006 season as one of the recruiting class headliners, Jermaine Gresham was supposed to be an immediate impact player. Dubbed as a hybrid-style TE with receiver skills, Gresham is a rare combination of size and athleticism, a freak in other words. But in 2006 I kept waiting for the big plays but they never came. Gresham got on the field but didn't get as many passes as I thought he would. Then came the play. The play Sooner fans were waiting for. The 3rd and long play deep in Nebraska's territory in the Big 12 Championship Game showed what Gresham could do in the clutch. Gresham had finally arrived in that play.

This year I can only hope the coaches work him into the game plan more. The dude is phenomenal and needs more touches. Join Gresham with Joe Jon Finley and Brody Eldridge and OU has one of the best TE packages in the country. I want to see more of Gresham and more plays like "3rd and Long."

Read more related stories:
Coaches pleased with trio...tulsaworld.com
Tight ends do more than catch...newsok.com

Offensive Line Update

The cornerstone of this year's Sooner offense is gonna be the line. In my biased opinion, there is not a better line in the nation. These guys will be heavily relied upon to provide needed pocket protection for Sam Bradford and run blocking for the stable of running backs. This is the same line from two years back that was considered the weak link. Now the tables have turned and they're possibly the best component of the offense!! I can't wait to see what their experience and depth will bring to the table for the Sooners this year.
Recent stories:
OU line draws its strength from diverse backgrounds...newsok.com
Injury reinforces center's passion...tulsaworld.com
Sooners' Simmons stands tall in spite of clubfoot...dallasnews.com
Sooner O-Line Will Dominate...creamofthecrimson.com

Sam Bradford could be Heupel-esque

I sure hope the jersey number isn't the only thing shared by Sam Bradford and former OU quarterback and current quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel. Heupel was perhaps the greatest OU quarterback between the ears. He consistently had the awareness to check off defenses at the line of scrimmage as well as an impeccable football I.Q. As a player, Heupel could read defenses better than most coaches. Now the old #14 is grooming the new #14 into the position. From reports, Bradford is a smart player and could develop the same way Heupel did. Now we can only watch and wait for the same results.
Other OU stories:
Sooner Quarterbacks Meet Media...soonersports.com
Sooners' Bradford knows plenty of work is ahead... tulsaworld.com
Work begins for OU's new quarterback...dallasnews.com

Sooner News: Bradford is getting all the attention

Here are more articles on the biggest OU story of the week.

It's Bradford's job, until it isn't...newsok.com
Bradford has all the tools to be a playmaker...newsok.com
Stoops-era quarterbacks...newsok.com
Poised pick: OU starting quarterback has skyrocketing confidence level...tulsaworld.com
OU starting spot is Bradford's to lose...tulsaworld.com
OU must decide on style of offense with Bradford...newsok.com

It's Official, Bradford Wins Starting Job

The announcement was made around noon on Tuesday that OU redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Bradford will start the season opener against North Texas. This is pretty much not exactly shocking news. Bradford led the trio throughout the spring and fall.
My question now is "who's gonna be #2?" Who will take over should Bradford get hurt or play poorly? Many think it will be Keith Nichol. Bradford and Nichol are young guns with no experience but a lot of potential. Its probably best to break them in now at the beginning of the season. Junior Joey Halzle could be left out all together.



Here are some stories on the big announcement:
Bradford will lead Sooners at QB.(Newsok.com)
OU names Bradford starting quarterback.(TulsaWorld.com)
Bradford Gets Nod at Quarterback
(Soonersports.com)
Bradford named OU's starting QB.(Dallasnews.com)
Sooners name Bradford starting QB.(Sportsillustrated.cnn.com)

Sooner D-Line is gearing up for a big year

When the Sooners nabbed the #1 ranked defensive tackles two years in a row I was confident OU would have a top-ranked defense for several years. I envisioned the two starting side by side and dominating the line of scrimmage. That vision may come to pass this year for the Sooners. DeMarcus Granger, the top DT in 2005 has made huge strides since last season and has a good chance of starting. Gerald McCoy, the 2006 #1, will finally get to see the playing field after redshirting. Newsok.com These two blue chippers will be in a four-man rotation with starters Cory Bennett and Steven Coleman. The incumbents are good but McCoy and Granger could represent a rock-solid middle that could conjure up memories of Tommy Harris and Dusty Dvoracek. They aren't to that level yet, but in a few years, they will be. read more at newsok.com.

At defensive end, the Sooners have a three-man rotation of John Williams, Alonzo Dotson, and Auston English. TulsaWorld.com They also are building for the future with #1 ranked DE R.J. Washington verbally committed for 2008. Newsok.com

Sooner News

Coaches play Switzer's game: multiple runners...newsok.com

OU may need Nichol's play-making capability...newsok.com

Four questions: Is Sam Bradford the No. 1 quarterback?...newsok.com

OU notebook...newsok.com

Bradford looks like winner — unofficially...newsok.com

Eye on consistency;Tennell sees clearly now and looks to make big plays more often....tulsaworld.com

OU Moves on From Scrimmage...
soonersports.com

Sooners #8 in AP Poll

The Sooners make another top ten preseason poll. AP voters put OU at number 8...
links: USAToday.com, Soonersports.com,Newsok.com

Big 12 Article...Newsok.com
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Cream of the Crimson's Preseason Top 10

Here's my version of the how the top teams rank before we get started on this crazy season.

1. Michigan: I just couldn't bring myself to making the Trojans numero uno. The Wolverines have a potent offense, veteran leadership and pretty sweet helmets.

2. USC: Oh how I loath thee. The Trojan's dy-nasty continues with their Cajun QB (overrated) and all-world defense (not overrated).

3. Oklahoma: The only thing keeping my beloved Sooners from #1 is the QB issue. Every facet of this team is dangerous. Except for you know where.

4. Texas: Anybody know how to type letters upside down? The short-horns aren't getting the best of OU this year. Stoops is still the better coach. Besides, what kind of OU blog would this be if they were ranked ahead of OU?

5. LSU: Les Miles is gonna "let 'er rip!""(moron). Big time D, but the conference is brutal.

6. Louisville: West Virginia better look out (Nov. 8). Kragthorpe is for real and Brian Brohm is the best QB in the country.

7. West Virginia: I don't see them edging out Louisville. Slaton is a stud, though.

8. Ohio State: Booooring! I just don't like this team. But they'll probably run the table because they have a stout defense and boring offense.

9. California: Please, please beat USC this year!

10. Florida: Still the champs until they lose (but they will).

Sooners are #8 in the AP Poll

The Sooners make another top ten preseason poll. AP voters put OU at number 8...
links: USAToday.com, Soonersports.com,Newsok.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cream of the Crimson's Preseason Top 10

Here's my version of the how the top teams rank before we get started on this crazy season.

1. Michigan: I just couldn't bring myself to making the Trojans numero uno. The Wolverines have a potent offense, veteran leadership and pretty sweet helmets.

2. USC: Oh how I loath thee. The Trojan's dy-nasty continues with their Cajun QB (overrated) and all-world defense (not overrated).

3. Oklahoma: The only thing keeping my beloved Sooners from #1 is the QB issue. Every facet of this team is dangerous. Except for you know where.

4. Texas: Anybody know how to type letters upside down? The short-horns aren't getting the best of OU this year. Stoops is still the better coach. Besides, what kind of OU blog would this be if they were ranked ahead of OU?

5. LSU: Les Miles is gonna "let 'er rip!""(moron). Big time D, but the conference is brutal.

6. Louisville: West Virginia better look out (Nov. 8). Kragthorpe is for real and Brian Brohm is the best QB in the country.

7. West Virginia: I don't see them edging out Louisville. Slaton is a stud, though.

8. Ohio State: Booooring! I just don't like this team. But they'll probably run the table because they have a stout defense and boring offense.

9. California: Please, please beat USC this year!

10. Florida: Still the champs until they lose (but they will).

Scrimmage Buzz

It's looking more and more like Sam Bradford will get the start at QB. Offense plays well and DeMarco is still hot...

OU Scrimmages in Rain at Owen Field...Soonersports.com

OU stock report...Newsok.com

OU notebook...Newsok.com

OU scrimmage underway; Bradford at QB first...Newsok.com

Bradford makes big strides in OU scrimmage...Newsok.com

Still no answer at QB: Expect the Sooners to make Sam their man...TulsaWorld.com

OU Football Scrimmage report...TulsaWorld.com

Other news and notes:

Teammates say Wolfe is flashy, boisterous and confident...Newsok.com

Vikes' Peterson: ‘I'm getting better each week'...Newsok.com

Expect Stoops to be cautious with his QB...Newsok.com

Bradford takes lead in OU quarterback chase...DallasMorningNews.com

DeMarco is a Star

One of the fun things about being a sports fan is trying to project what lies ahead for the team and players. Back before the 2004 season I made a statement to some friends that Adrian Peterson would win the Heisman as a junior and then be picked #1 overall in the NFL draft. Well, I was wrong on both predictions, but close (he would have done both if not for the collarbone injury). Now we OU fans have another phenomenal talent to make lofty predictions about. DeMarco Murray is a super athlete with crazy skills. He has been compared to Reggie Bush as a dual threat, pass-catching back. And as displayed in the Red/White spring game, he lives up to that billing. Bob Stoops stated he is the best playmaker on the team, and Stoops is hardly ever wrong when it comes to player evaluation.

DeMarco will no doubt see playing time in 2007, probably by splitting snaps with starter Allen Patrick. He may even be used in the slot as a receiver. I, like others, can't wait to see what he does in a game with the ball in his hands. Being only a redshirt freshman, he has the time and talent to thrill OU fans for a few years.

Prediction: DeMarco Murray will win the Heisman as a junior and be drafted #1 overall. (I'm bound to get it right some time.)

DeMarco is the best around...

Sooner fans are getting used to QB battles

I'm still trying to decide which is better: Knowing who the starting QB will be before August or not knowing until the season opener. Obviously one would feel more at ease and confident in their team by knowing ahead of time. Usually if a QB is named during the summer he is a returning starter or is considerably ahead of the pack. On the contrary, not knowing makes for a lot of good sports talk. As Bob Stoops puts it frequently, "it gives you guys something to write about." And he's right. Articles and talk shows fill the media forums with quarterback talk these days. Yep, Oklahoma Sooner fans have become pretty used to the good ol' QB battle lately. Two summers ago we were waiting to see who would come out on top among Rhett Bomar, Paul Thompson and Tommy Grady. Before that is was Nate Hybl vs. Jason White, parts 1 and 2 in 2001 and 2002. Personally, I think its fun not knowing. It provides suspense and mystery for the fans. The fans have their favorites, coaches do too. But don't get me wrong, going into fall practice knowing your starting QB gives peace of mind to fans, coaches and players. I would always rather go into a season with an incumbant like Jason White and his Heisman trophy than an untested rookie. However, if we have to wait in suspense, we may as well enjoy it. A healthy QB competition comes around every few years and next year may be no different. Elite 11 quarterback Landry Jones is verbally committed to the Sooners for 2008. This time next year, I predict we'll be buzzing about who will start at QB again. Get used to it Sooner fans, it makes preseason football talk that much better.

News articles and updates:
Last tango in Miami...Newsok.com

OU football, rule change: Sooners could benefit...TulsaWorld.com

Sooners secondary is as good as there is in the nation

Of all the units on the OU football team, none is more experienced or proven as the defensive secondary. These defensive backs are good and deep. Even the backups are good enough to start. The projected starters look like this: Reggie Smith at cornerback, arguably the best d-back in college and maybe the best athlete. Nobody throws to his side. On the other side at corner will be Marcus Walker. Walker is an experienced corner with three years of starting experience. Nic Harris, a Thorpe Award candidate along with Smith, will start at strong safety. Harris and Smith will keep opposing receivers and quarterbacks in check. Darrien Williams will start at free safety. Williams has been injured lately and D.J. Wolfe and Lendy Holmes have taken his place(TulsaWorld.com),(Newsok.com). Wolfe and Holmes also have solid experience which is why this secondary is going to dominate. A young crop of talent will push for time also. Among these underclassmen are Keenan Clayton, Dominique Franks and Brian Jackson.

Some advice for the Big 12 gunslingers..throw at your own risk.

OTHER NEWS STORIES:
Wolfe settles in at strong safety...TulsaWorld.com
Ex-Jenks player Beeler leaves OU... TulsaWorld.com

Allen Patrick: SI Cover Boy

Man, look at Allen Patrick landing on the cover of Sports Illustrated! That's what I'm talkin' about! Hey Longhorns, where's Jamaal Charles??
I love looking at these old SI covers...Soonersports.com

Thin depth at DE means younger players get a chance

Last year's DE situation was dependable and deep with three excellent seniors, two of which were all-conference(Birdine and Ah You). This year, the DE position is as much a question mark as QB. Two seniors who have never started, but have played well in backup roles, will get first dibs on the starting job. John Williams is a solid end who should play well. Alonzo Dotson is good too but it looks like he's getting nudged out lately by sophomore Auston English. I'm always intrigued when a senior gets beat out by a younger player because the young guys aren't supposed to be as mature and developed. This tells me that English could be a star in the making(TulsaWorld). There are also some great freshmen on the roster that might get a chance to play, particularly David Anderson, Jonte Bumpus and Frank Alexander. Right now the future looks good DE.

QB waiting game continues

Oklahoma's quarterback question still has not been answered. At least not audibly...Newsok.com

THE MAN WITH THE PLAN
In the huddle, everyone is looking to the quarterback to show them the way...Newsok.com

OU tackle towering over rest

Coaches say Phil Loadholt moves well despite huge frame...
TulsaWorld

Click to see previous post

Stoops Likes First Scrimmage

7,000 Sooner fans brave heat to watch first preseason scrimmage on Saturday...Soonersports.com

Scrimmage Buzz

The QB battle is heating up and the defense looks impressive. Here's the latest news and notes from the Saturday scrimmage...

Still waiting: Scrimmage provides no answers to OU's quarterback quandary ...TulsaWorld

Bradford emerging as QB with best chance to succeed for Sooners...
Newsok.com

Oklahoma Scrimmage Report...TulsaWorld

Sooners' defense shows domination...Newsok.com

Stock report: QBs have their moments...Newsok.com

Still no answer about QB after Oklahoma scrimmage...Newsok.com

Patrick gets rest; Smith needs reps...Newsok.com

OU linebackers have strong heritage

Bosworth, Calmus, Lehman, Alexander. These are only a few of the names of great linebackers who have donned Sooner jerseys. I remember only a few years back when OU was being tabbed "Linebacker U". The lineage of Marshall to Calmus to Lehman to Mitchell seemed like it would just keep going. It has been four years since Linebacker U has produced a Butkus winner. Rufus Alexander was the latest candidate last year. Now we get to see who will carry on the tradition of linebacker greatness. Currently there three highly regarded candidates. Mike Reed is a JUCO transfer with crazy talent but no Division 1 experience. He may very well follow in the footsteps of Torrance Marshall and Lance Mitchell, both JUCO transfer all-big 12 linebackers. Next on the list is Curtis Lofton. Lofton came in as a heralded recruit out of Kingfisher, OK. A loaded depth chart in the past has kept him from significant playing time, although he started 5 games last year. He is tabbed as a starter this year as a junior and could really excel in 2007. Finally we come to Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds is a coach-favorite for his intelligence and field awareness. He's been plagued with injuries in the past but is back this year after knee surgery. Reynolds has the best chance of reaching All-American/Butkus status like OU LBs of the past. Reynolds, only a sophomore has time on his side and is probably the most talented linebacker on the team. This dude could definitely bring home some hardware in the years to come. For more on Reynolds click here...
Newsok.com & TulsaWorld

Reggie Smith, Preseason Big 12 Defensive POY

It's too bad OU doesn't have four Reggie Smiths. For the past 2 years, the Sooner secondary has played great. But I still get nervous when an opposing QB drops back to throw because I know they are gonna be throwing the ball wherever Reggie Smith is not. If only Smith could play every position in the secondary. It's not that the other D-backs are bad, far from it. It's just the comfort of knowing that your best defensive player, and also the Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, is back there. Some experts say he is the best all-around athlete in the nation. I don't doubt that. Smith has been bounced back and forth over the last 2 years from corner to safety and now back to corner. That's his position. That's the position where he really shines.

Reggie Smith will certainly live up to the preseason acknowledgement. I predict he will be a finalist for the Thorpe, if not win it. Read more on Smith here...Newsok.com

Brody Eldridge is the new J.D. Runnels

Bob Stoops always has his favorites and he's not shy about saying it. You can just tell when he's bragging on certain players. Usually they are the behind-the-scenes guys. The ones who can block really well or are verbal leaders in the huddle. J.D. Runnels is on Stoops' all-time list of favorites for his work ethic and leadership. The fullback started all four years and now plays for the Chicago Bears. Stoops has a new Runnels in tight end Brody Eldridge. Eldridge is a coach-favorite for his blocking ability and strength. Eldridge has recently been given national recognition by being placed on the Mackey Award watchlist for the nation's top TE. Read more about Eldridge and his importance to the Sooners at...TulsaWorld.com

Sooners O-Line Will Dominate

I can't imagine another team with a better offensive line as the Sooners this year. They are veterans and have great depth all around. The Sooners definitely need stellar line play while breaking in an inexperienced QB. Phil Loadholt is a monster and should give comfort to whoever should start under center. Here is a good article on Loadholt...Newsok.com

The Top 5 JUCOs of the Stoops Era

The Sooners have several junior college transfer players on their roster, including two certain starters in Phil Loadholt and Mike Reed. Bob Stoops and Co. have a great reputation of signing JUCO guys and making them great. Here is my list of the top 5 JUCO players Stoops has signed since arriving in 1999.

5. Torrence Marshall (Kemper Military Academy), 1999-2000
"T-Marsh" was a great complement to Rocky Calmus. I think the two feuded when Marshall arrived but they became the best LB duo in the nation and shut down the FSU 'Noles for the 2000 NC.

4. C.J. Ah You (Snow Junior College), 2005-2006
Ah You was a tremendous pass rusher and all-around DE. He was one of the main cogs in a great DE tandem with Larry Birdine and Calvin Thibedoux.

3. Allen Patrick (Independence C.C.), 2005-2007
Patrick may seem a little high on this list. But I think that after this year he will prove me right. He has the speed and explosiveness to lead the Big 12 in rushing. Plus, he was brought in as a DB! That impresses me.

2. Lance Mitchell (City College of San Francisco), 2002-2004
Mitchell never really stood out to me at LB like Calmus, Lehman or Alexander, but the coaches loved him. I think that defense would have been different if not for his presence.

1. Josh Heupel (Snow Junior College), 1999-2000
The stuff movies are made of. Renegade rookie coach goes out on a limb and recruits a soft-armed lefty from South Dakota. Then wins the national title! OU would still be sitting on 6 National Titles if not for Heupel.

NCAA College Football 2008 Review

I finally got the newest version of the greatest game ever invented. NCAA College Football 2008 is my latest obsession. I wouldn't say I'm disappointed, but each year it seems that EA Sports has trouble making the game any better than it already is. One of the new features is the ability to take pictures of cool plays. I expected to also be able to replay plays but I think you have to have a PS3 or XBox 360 for that. Another feature I like is that along with your impact player(s) you can also have other players who are "hot" and serve as additional impact players. Finally, recruiting is much better. You are able to make promises to players which can effect their decision of coming to your school. If you don't honor the promise they could leave. When players are visiting you can choose from a list of activities for them to participate in while on campus.

I just finished playing the first full season. DeMarco Murray is awesome. Halzle is the starter but I put in Bradford after Halzle forced too many intereptions (notice how I blame the avitar for the interceptions). I'm sad to say I lost to Texas by one stupid point, but still won the Big 12 by beating Nebraska 42-0. Next up was Boise State in the National Championship! Oh yeah! I gladly whooped them 49-0.

It's English's time to shine on Sooner D-line

Auston English knew he wasn't ready.
But as player after player went down with an injury at his position — defensive end — the Oklahoma freshman knew he might be called upon to come out of redshirt in 2005.
Full Story...
Source: Scott Wright Staff Writer, The Oklahoman

Bradford should get the nod

Let's be honest Sooner fans. OU ,right now, does not have a QB with the talent of ...(ah hem) Rhett Bomar. If they did, there wouldn't be a three-man race for the starting job. However, I think Sam Bradford possesses the most "upside". How's that for coach speak? Besides being a redshirt freshman with four years of eligibility, he is also athletic, smart and home-grown, a favorite trait of many fans. Bradford has an edge over Halzle by being younger. Coaches sometimes like to go with younger players if the ability among the competitors is equal for the sake of program-building. As for me, I'm holding out hope that he breaks out in the same way another redshirt frosh QB from a Big 12 South team did last year. Wouldn't that be sweet. The coaching staff probably knows it should be him as well. They just have to play it fair. On Sept. 1st, give Sam the ball.

Meet the QB Candidates

Interviews with the three QB Candidates
Read More...
Source: JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

Aggie coach tries to agitate Sooners

Perhaps Dennis Franchione is still pouting that Bob Stoops beat him out for the Oklahoma job he coveted. Or maybe Franchione has conceded that Texas A&M's going to fire him in a few months. And then there's that 77-0 whipsawing the Sooners put on the Aggies in 2003, which left Franchione in tears.
Read More...
Source: DAVE SITTLER World Sports Columnist

Running backs will have to share wealth

A team can never have too many good running backs. But a team can have too few chances to get the ball to all its good running backs.
Full Article...
Source: Scott Wright Staff Writer, The Oklahoman

Sooners No. 8 in USA Today coaches preseason poll

Oklahoma’s football team begins training camp ranked No. 8 in Friday’s USA Today coaches preseason top 25.
Source: JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Read More...

Sooners counting on Reynolds

Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables views linebacker Ryan Reynolds as a warm, fluffy security blanket.
Full Story...
Source: Scott Wright Staff Writer, The Oklahoman

Fan Poll

Heading into preseason drills, University of Oklahoma football fans seem to love kick returner Reggie Smith, believe coach Bob Stoops more than earns his $2.6 million salary and will be sorely disappointed if the Sooners don't win the 2007 Big 12 Conference championship.
Read More...
Source: GLENN HIBDON World Sports Writer

Risky business: Risk factor is a key component in the race to be OU’s next QB

Who will be Oklahoma's quarterback?
Full Article...
Source: JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

Sooners' QB possibility: Go with 2

Bob Stoops platooned quarterbacks. Once.
Full Story...
Source: Berry Tramel, The Oklahoman

OU football update

FIVE STORYLINES:
1. New QB
2. Replacing a legend
3. Defensive refit
4. Deep and wide
5. Kelly's heroes
Click Here...
Source: JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

OU Practice Schedule

Here is a look at the next few weeks in OU's Practice Schedule
CLICK HERE
Source:Newsok.com