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January 9, 2010

Notepad: Sooner defense humbled

By John Shinn

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

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