Nobody got hurt

By John Shinn
The Norman Transcript

August 17, 2008 01:07 am

— Oklahoma wrapped its second preseason scrimmage Saturday afternoon. The scrimmage, closed to the media and public, consisted of about 120 plays and also included elements of the kicking game.
Sooner coach Bob Stoops said the day was filled with the usual ups and downs, but the biggest objective was met.
“Nobody at all hurt and everyone made it through the whole thing,” he said.

Rough day at LB
Defensive coordinator Brent Venables was a bit disappointed because of the situation at weakside linebacker.
“(Mike) Balogun didn’t have one of his better days today,” Venables said.
The weakside linebacker situation is Venables’ biggest concern. Austin Box, who entered the preseason atop the depth chart, is out for at least two more weeks with a knee injury. Balogun, a junior college transfer, or redshirt freshman Travis Lewis, will get the start against Chattanooga.
Venables would like to make that decision soon, but hasn’t seen enough to pull the trigger.
“It’s still playing out. I’d like for it to be solidified right now, that’s what would serve us best,” he said. “Both of them have been inconsistent … but it’s closing in on us fast.”

Bradford on the run?
OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson has floated the idea quarterback Sam Bradford might get a few running plays this season. That’s fine with Bradford.
“I would like to run the ball more. I don’t think a lot of people would expect me to run the ball,” he said. “If our coaches feel that having me run the ball would help our offense, than I have no problem doing it.”
Bradford rushed for 7 yards last season.

No. 4?
OU was ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press Preseason Top 25 released Saturday. Keeping in line with past opinions on polls, Stoops had no opinion.
“I have no idea what we are, but it doesn’t matter,” he said. “We have to win and we are working on that at practice. This something that I can do something about.”
John Shinn
366-3536
jshinn@normantranscript.com