The Norman Transcript

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October 28, 2006

Big test

John Shinn

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson has a simple motto when it comes to the direction of his unit and play-calling in general.

The first thing he does is think about the offensive line and say, “If they can’t block it, we can’t run it.”

It’s a simple philosophy that’s helped fuel OU’s offense. Through seven games, it is averaging over 32.8 points per game and just a shade under 400 yards an outing.

Just about everything Wilson has called, the offensive line has figured out a way to block.

“They’ve played very well,” OU coach Bob Stoops said.

Not bad for a group was supposed to be the question mark if not a flat out deficiency when the season began. Only senior left tackle Chris Messner had starting experience beyond a handful of games.

The rest — guards Duke Robinson and Brandon Walker, center Jon Cooper and right tackle Branndon Braxton — are all sophomores and in their first seasons as full-time starters.

But with the groups’ numbers depleted due to transfers and graduation, they were the guys who spent virtually all of last spring playing almost every snap. It was a physically taxing time, but also one that appears to be paying off.

“That’s when we really came together,” Messner said. “We really became a close group back then and in the offseason workouts.”

It shows in the only giving up nine sacks thus far.

However, the unit will get tested in several ways at 11 a.m. today when No. 19 OU (5-2, 2-1 Big 12) faces No. 23 Missouri (7-1, 3-1) at Faurot Field.

First, there’s the factor of having to play away from home and in the company of deafening crowd. Then there’s the Tigers’ defense. They’re tied with Texas for a league-high 28 sacks.

The Tigers suffered a blow when all-time sacks leader Brian Smith fractured a hip last Saturday against Kansas State and is out for the season. But Defensive tackles Lorenzo Williams and Ziggy Hood have combined for 71/2 sacks. Linebackers Marcus Bacon and Dedrick Harrington have another 61/2.

There’s also the added pressure of going into the game without Braxton. He was lost for the season with a leg injury last Saturday against Colorado.

If you’re looking for a game where the group will be tested, this is it.

“It is a great challenge for us and our guys are looking forward to it,” offensive line coach James Patton said.

Perhaps none more than true freshman Trent Williams. He’ll be making his first start today in place of Braxton.

“It was unfortunate,” the 6-foot-5, 320-pound Williams said. “I just think that I have to make the best of the situation and not let that be a downfall for the team.”

No one thinks it will. This isn’t his first trip off the bench. He played in the last four games, including a couple meaningful series against Texas.

Last week against Colorado, he was part of two fourth-quarter scoring drives and had a smothering block on Chris Brown’s 4-yard touchdown run.

“He’s a good player and there’s a reason he’s here at OU,” Messner said. “Now is when he has to step up and play. I have every reason to believe he will.”

So far, OU’s offensive line has handled every challenge thrown at them. Today’s will be one of the biggest of the season.

“We’ve been together and playing well all season,” Cooper said. “That’s not going to change.”

John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com

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