Many Oklahoma fans directed their frustrations toward offensive coordinator Chuck Long after Saturday’s loss to TCU, criticizing Long’s choice of plays.

OU coach Bob Stoops believes the criticism is unwarranted.

“I have total confidence in Chuck, and I think his track record, you can say what you want, speaks to it,” he said

Stoops pointed out OU has had two running backs, Quentin Griffin and Adrian Peterson, rush for over 1,800 yards during Long’s tenure as offensive coordinator, even as one ran out of the shotgun — Griffin — and the other ran out of the more traditional I-formation — Peterson.

Additionally, as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, Long has directed a Heisman Trophy winner in Jason White. He was also Josh Heupel’s position coach the season (2000) Heupel placed second to Florida State’s Chris Weinke in the Heisman race.

“It’s easy to jump on one guy when something goes wrong,” Stoops said. “Hey, that’s fine. We deserve the criticism, but track records over time also stand for something.”

Millington back

Offensive tackle Akim Millington returned to practice Monday after quitting the team a week ago.

Millington, a 6-5, 306-pound sophomore from Wheaton, Ill., was slated to start against TCU, but shocked the team and the coaching staff by abruptly quitting the Sooners.

OU coach Bob Stoops said Millington will have to start over at square one and the chances of him playing against Tulsa Saturday were “doubtful.”

“He needs to earn the respect of his peers and I don’t know how he does that or when he does that …,” offensive line coach Kevin Wilson said. “Trust is a big deal. For that to happen last week, we’ll move past that, but I don’t have a timetable.”

Cooper out

Freshman offensive lineman Jon Cooper was injured during Monday’s practice and won’t play Saturday.