Former Norman High standout Ryan Broyles missed last week’s game due to an unspecified one-game suspension. Stoops said the redshirt freshman receiver will play against Cincinnati and will also get a shot as a punt returner.

“Some will be depending on how tired (Dominique Franks) is and if he needs a blow,” Stoop said. “You want to have a fresh guy back there. So yeah, we’ll give him some.”

More special teams

The Sooners broke in several specialist in the opener. Kicker Jimmy Stevens was 7-for-8 on extra-point attempts and place kicker Matt Moreland averaged 65.4 yards per kickoff.

“I thought overall they did a nice job,” Stoops said. “I’ve seen a lot of consistency with Jimmy through practices. I’m optimistic he’s going to be really solid for us.”

The only other miscue came when deep snapper James Winchester sailed one over punter Mike Knall’s head, resulting in a safety.

“I asked him when he came off what happened and he said, ‘I don’t know coach, it felt perfect.’ I said, ‘It sure wasn’t.’ I think you get in there and you just got to be able to — you want to be excited but you have to control it and just execute. The guy’s been fabulous for three weeks and was great the rest of the day so I’m hopeful it was just a one-time deal.”

Stoops said Derek Shaw, who held the job last season but has been nursing an injured Achilles tendon, is close to returning to the field.

“He’s running faster and stronger now and the whole thing is he’s got to be able to cover to some degree,” Stoops said. “Not that he was our leading tackler on it, but he needs to get in someone’s way.”

Tickets remain

Saturday’s Oklahoma-Cincinnati game is close to a sellout. Approximately 100 tickets are still available for purchase. The remaining tickets were returned by Cincinnati.

Tickets are $62 each and can be purchased at soonersports.com or by calling the OU Athletics Ticket Office locally at 325-2424 or at 800-456-GoOU.

John Shinn