Back in August, Oklahoma knew its offensive line would be young, but it didn't seem to concern offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. He said he thought the Sooners had as much talent there as he'd ever had.
After eight weeks of the Sooners shuffling lineups, it's become pretty obvious that hasn't been the case. Wilson explained his preseason prediction Tuesday.
"I've never heard too many coaches come up and say their guys sucked. You guys never play cards? You watch that Texas hold 'em deal? Where sometimes you bluff a little bit, too?" Wilson joked.
After getting some laughs, he explained why he had faith in the offensive line before the season and why he still does now.
"The only problem I have is that those guys are more talented than they have played. They're gaining on it. But their talent level does not match their performance," he said. "So to me, I see their talent and their potential. But potential's a dirty word. That just means you haven't done it yet. And there's some of us that still haven't consistently done it yet."
Wounded pride?
After giving up a season-high 30 points against Kansas State, OU's defense was left to deal with humility. It was the first time all season the Sooners were able to win despite a sub-par defensive performance.
"We went back and watched film on Sunday and yesterday and saw things that we gave them and it wasn't taking anything from Kansas State. It was plays here and there, missed run gaps and big-play passes," cornerback Dominique Franks said. "That's stuff that we're going to correct going into this week."
If OU gives up another 30 points against Nebraska, it would be a sign of significant problems. The Huskers have averaged 16 points against conference foes Missouri, Texas Tech, Iowa State and Baylor. None of those teams are defensive powers.
Not again
OU converted a first-and-45 against Nebraska. Stoops said he didn't want to see happen again.
"It's poor play, it's poor discipline. It's not good ball to have yourself in first-and-45," he said. "That's our fault with the foolish penalties. To overcome them like we did, we're pretty lucky. Hopefully we don't get in that situation again."
No need to rush
Nebraska comes into Saturday's game unranked and is trying to turn the corner in Bo Pelini's second year. Obviously, the prestige of the Big 12 Conference would rise if the Huskers were able to return to powerhouse status.
Stoops said he's in no hurry to see that happen.
"I'd rather they didn't," Stoops cracked. "Playing Nebraska for a long time, I have great respect for them. Amazing tradition and history."
John Shinn 366-3536 jshinn@normantranscript.com
Sports
Notepad: Sooner defense humbled
- Sports
-
-
There are no easy outs in the lineup
Looking for a gameplan to stop Oklahoma? Well, one may or may not be available, but walking two of the first three Sooners you face certainly isn’t part of it. Just ask Arizona’s Kenzie Fowler....
-
Sooners will play for Big 12 championship
OKLAHOMA CITY, — It’s been 16 years since Oklahoma won the Big 12 tournament. It’s closer now than its ever been to ending the streak. The Sooners rolled through Baylor, 7-2, on Saturday at Bricktown Ballpark to advance to the tournament’s ...
-
Sooners make winning look easy
As Oklahoma’s players locked arms around the pitching circle, coming together for what passed as a celebration following Saturday’s 7-1 NCAA Super Regional-clinching victory over Arizona, three gloves remained near second base....
-
Tigers rout Jayhawks to reach finals
OKLAHOMA CITY — Dane Opel doubled, tripled and drove in five runs to lead Missouri to a 12-2 rout of Kansas and earn a trip to the Big 12 tournament championship game for the second straight season....
-
Thunder, Spurs are ready to settle West’s best debate
SAN ANTONIO — Maybe they’ll finally get a challenge this time....
-
Djokovic bids for fourth consecutive Slam title
PARIS — As daylight disappeared and wind whipped loose dirt around the court, Novak Djokovic watched one last ace fly off Roger Federer’s racket and end their thrill-a-minute semifinal at the 2011 French Open....
-
Dale Jr. still optimistic
CONCORD, N.C. — At first Dale Earnhardt Jr. was relieved he didn’t fall further back than seventh at last year’s Coca-Cola 600. Then he realized what he had lost for just about a gallon of gas. “After a while, you start thinking about, ...
-
Indy wide open as Penske tries to go 5-0
INDIANAPOLIS — Marco Andretti knows how much heartache his family has suffered at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He needs no reminders that IndyCar could use an American superstar, and with his famous last name, he is quite aware of the hope ...
-
Sooners send five more to nationals
AUSTIN, Texas — Oklahoma track and field teams had five more individuals qualify for the NCAA Championship on Saturday evening at the NCAA West Preliminary. The men’s 4x100-meter relay team also advanced to the national semifinals....
-
Celtics advance
BOSTON — To Doug Collins, Boston’s Big Three is already a memory....
- More Sports Headlines
-
