John Shinn
Limited offense
The Sooners were somewhat limited in what they could do offensively. Adrian Peterson only had one carry for 1 yard and wore a blue “no contact” jersey.
Also, sophomore wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, who was OU’s leading receiver last season, missed the scrimmage to be best man at his brother’s wedding. And sophomore wideout Manuel Johnson sprained an ankle in the first series and didn’t return to the field. Stoops said the injury wasn’t serious. But having those three out made a difference.
“You’re missing some guys that are big parts in what you do,” Stoops said. “We realize that and we knew what we were going to work on today and what else is to come. We’ll keep progressing that way.”
Big plays missing
OU didn’t have a fumble Saturday, but offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson was disappointed with the lack of big plays.
There were only a handful of plays over 20 yards. Even without Peterson, Kelly and Johnson out, he thought there should have been more.
“We were close. We were a little out of synch a few times,” Wilson said. “We didn’t make the big plays we needed to and we have to be able to do that.”
Offensive line improves
OU’s biggest question prior to preseason practice was the offensive line. The unit struggled in the spring and gave up six sacks in the spring game.
Saturday night, the unit allowed just one.
Stoops thought their play might have been the most positive thing of the night.
“I was very pleased with their play at the line of scrimmage and their overall protection was solid,” he said. “They need to keep getting better, but they have shown a lot of improvement.”
Madu’s debut
Freshman running back Mossis Madu was the leading rusher with 12 carries for 33 yards. He also scored the scrimmage’s first touchdown with a 1-yard plunge.
Madu, a former Norman High standout, also had one reception for 19 yards.
Special teams special
The Sooners have emphasized special teams through in the preseason. The added attention seems to be paying off.
Kicker Garrett Hartley was 10-for-12, making his first nine field goals and converting kicks from 50 and 52 yards.
Punters Mike Knall, Michael Cohen and Hartley all averaged more than 40 yards per punt with Knall’s six boots leading the way at an average of 48.
“The field goals and PATs were very good, very clean,” Stoops said. “Our punting was very good. All those guys were 42 to 48 in the averages and their operation times were excellent. We’re further ahead there than maybe I would have anticipated in just seven days in full pads.”
