Shaking things up

John Shinn
The Norman Transcript

September 10, 2006 12:54 am

— Oklahoma’s coaching staff sent out a warning early in the week. They said tackling had to get better and mental mistakes wouldn’t be tolerated Saturday against Washington.
For the most part, the Sooners received the message in their 37-20 victory over the Huskies.
But anyone who didn’t get the message needs to look at where cornerback D.J. Wolfe and safety Keenan Clayton spent most of the game.
Both were benched after giving up big plays in the first half.
On Washington’s first play from scrimmage, Clayton allowed Kenny James to spin right out of his arms for a 54-yard touchdown.
Twice he was replaced by Jason Carter and the second time was permanent.
“We just felt he needed to play better,” OU coach Bob Stoops said.
Carter finished with six tackles to go along with a blocked punt. He was the star of the secondary Saturday.
“I’m the backup for every safety spot,” Carter said. “Anytime a guy goes down, I’m the next guy in. I have to be on my game. When they told me to come in, I was prepared and ready.”
Stoops said Clayton, a redshirt freshman, could still get some chances to earn his spot back, but the other change could be permanent.
Cornerback D.J. Wolfe was yanked in the second quarter when he was badly beat on Anthony Russo’s 51-yard reception that set up Michael Braunstein’s 24-yard field goal. The points gave Washington a 13-10 lead.
Lendy Holmes took over the cornerback spot, while Wolfe listened to an extended tirade from Stoops.
“We give up a big pass on a third-and-long in a very conservative coverage,” Stoops said. “It’s just unacceptable.”
Wolfe’s play was in question after OU’s season-opening win against Alabama-Birmingham. He was beat twice on long passes and Stoops said his job would be in jeopardy if he didn’t play better.
Holmes only had one tackle, but the Huskies struggled offensively until late in the fourth quarter.
“It felt really good to get out there and it helped build up a whole bunch of confidence,” Holmes said. “I just need to do my best.”