By John Shinn
Transcript Sports Writer
Times have changed in college football. That’s been evident for Oklahoma during preseason practice. The old days of preparing for the season with two-a-day workouts are slowly coming to an end.
However, they haven’t stopped entirely.
The Sooners conducted their first two-a-day session Tuesday, practicing at 8:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. at the OU Rugby Fields.
OU coach Bob Stoops said it’s a matter of having more time to conduct practices than in past seasons. College teams are allowed 29 practices before the season begins.
This year, teams were allowed to begin practices three days earlier and the Sooners are scheduled to have only four two-a-day sessions.
The players enjoy having a little more time off and the coaches don’t have a problem with it either.
“I like it,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “I think it is healthier for the players if you avoid the opportunity for heat-related issues with dehydration and whatnot. It allows them more recovery time. I think it is better for them.”
Tuesday was OU’s most strenuous day since the preseason began. Besides having two practices, the Sooners were coming off Monday night’s scrimmage.
Stoops said his team still has plenty of energy.
“They came out today and I really liked how they worked,” he said. “I feel fortunate as a coach that they have good attitudes about it. Usually, once we get on the field, their energy level picks up and they start to compete. It was that way this morning.”
OU has only one practice scheduled today, scheduled for 5:30 p.m.. The next two-a-day practice is slated for Thursday.
Peterson, Walker return
Running back Adrian Peterson was held out of most drills during Saturday and Sunday’s practices as well as Monday’s scrimmage.
He was in full pads for the first time Tuesday morning. Peterson has been battling a tight hamstring and has been held back to prevent the injury from getting any worse.
Peterson wasn’t the only player in full pads for the first time Tuesday. Cornerback Marcus Walker suffered a shoulder injury Saturday, but went through both drills Tuesday.
Injury update
While Peterson and Walker appear to be on the mend from their setbacks, two other players were held back due to injuries Tuesday.
Running back Kejuan Jones suffered a sprained foot in Monday’s scrimmage and was held out Tuesday’s workouts.
Defensive end Larry Birdine dinged up his left arm in Tuesday morning’s practice and was held out the evening session.
OU Sports
John Shinn's OU Notepad
Sooners have first two-a-day
- OU Sports
-
-
OU reeling from stunning loss to Texas Tech
As Oklahoma’s players headed toward the exit at United Spirit Arena on Saturday night, most had dazed looks on their faces. The 65-47 loss to Texas Tech was something they didn’t see coming....
-
Husky challenge
No time might seem like a good time to face Connecticut. The Huskies are always terrific and this season will enter Lloyd Noble Center likely ranked No. 2 following Notre Dame’s Sunday loss to West Virginia....
-
Sooners put finishing touches on perfect opener
Oklahoma capped off a perfect opening weekend of softball on Sunday with an 11-1 victory over Kent State. The Sooners were led by another strong outing from pitcher Keilani Rickets and an offensive explosion by Allee Allen....
-
Illinois halts OU’s upset
ITHACA, N.Y. — Oklahoma was not upset at the National Duals on Sunday. It did, however, leave disappointed....
-
Sooners fall flat against Raiders
LUBBOCK, Texas — All that progress Oklahoma believes it has been making didn’t make the trip to Texas Tech on Saturday. The Sooners moonwalked their way to a 65-47 loss at United Spirit Arena that easily qualified as the season’s worst ...
-
Sooners narrowly avoid handing Tigers their first win in Big 12 play
Morgan Hook hit the free throws and Kaylon Williams blocked the shot, grabbed the rebound, got fouled and made one of two from the stripe to put the game away....
-
Winning is only option
Every locker room in college basketball has the same topic floating around. It’s February. All are thinking about March Madness. Of course, some are thinking about their immediate future. Others are simply dreaming....
-
Sooners will test their mettle against country’s best at National Duals
Dual State is today....
-
Mizzou back on deck after another blowout loss to Baylor
Not again? Yes, again. For the second time this season, the Oklahoma women will have to put aside a disheartening and embarrassing loss to Baylor and get on with the rest of their season....
-
Sooners cruise past competition at Perfect 10
OKLAHOMA CITY — Compared to the rest of its schedule, Oklahoma was supposed to have a relatively easy night. Both Iowa State and Southeast Missouri are in the midst of down seasons. With little chance of losing, the fifth-ranked Sooners ...
- More OU Sports Headlines
-
OU reeling from stunning loss to Texas Tech
