John Shinn
Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar looked at his offensive line Saturday and saw the rear end of only one starter from last season’s 8-4 team.
Right tackle Chris Messner started the final eight games. The rest, which is only six due to injuries, saw limited playing time last season or are playing for the first time this spring. And the offensive linemen spent most of the day shuffling positions.
It was like blood in the water to the Sooner defense Saturday at Owen Field. Defense ruled the day.
“As the head coach, I’m always a little divided,” Bob Stoops said. “I can’t cheer for the offense or the defense, but it is pretty clear that the defense is just so much farther along from where it was at this time last year.”
The Sooner offense was credited with three touchdowns, but all came on drives starting at the defense’s 20-yard line. Bomar and running back Allen Patrick both scored on 10-yard runs. Tight end Joe Jon Finley caught an 11-yard strike from Bomar.
But the defense countered with five interceptions. One came off Bomar, who was 8-for-14 for 86 yards. The other four were off Joey Halzle. The junior college transfer was 6-for-8 last week in OU’s first scrimmage. He struggled Saturday, though, completing 6-of-18 passes for 58 yards.
“We had a couple drives with some momentum that had some plays and made some movement,” offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. “I think I got a little too aggressive and put them in some bad situations and their decisions put them in bad situations.”
Patrick was the leading rusher with 10 carries for 54 yards. Adrian Peterson wore a no-contact blue jersey. He picked up 14 yards on eight totes.
“We have seven blockers, two running backs and the blue jersey kills us with A.D. (Peterson), and kills me, too.” Bomar said. “… It’s a totally different ballgame for the season when they can tackle you. But we’re doing what we can with our lineman situation. That’s basically all we can do.”
Rufus Alexander, Reggie Smith, Lendy Holmes, Keenan Clayton, and C.J. Ah You collected the interceptions.
Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said the goal for his unit was to be as aggressive as possible.
“Just go chase the ball and play hard,” Venables said. “When you do that, good things will happen. Our awareness continued to get better. Our guys are playing smarter, so we’re in better condition.”
Alexander, who had six tackles and a pass break-up as well, said the experience on the defensive side of the ball was apparent Saturday.
“Last year, we had a lot of guys that weren’t comfortable,” he said. “We have a lot of second-year guys and with the offensive line situation and all the young guys on offense, it’s a different situation. They’re getting better, though.”
Saturday’s scrimmage crossed the midway point for spring drills. The Sooners return to the practice field at 3:30 p.m. Monday. Next Saturday, the team will play its annual Red/White Spring Game. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m., and the game will air live on ESPN.
