Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford wasn't in his uniform Saturday. It was the third straight game last season's Heisman Trophy winner has missed due to a separated shoulder he suffered Sept. 5.

OU coach Bob Stoops said the outcome of Saturday night's game won't hasten or slow when Bradford plays again.

"I don't think this has anything to do with it," Stoops said. "In the end, it will be about how he feels."

No update on Broyles

Wide receiver Ryan Broyles left the game with what was diagnosed as a broken shoulder blade. Stoops said after the game the preliminary diagnosis was for the sophomore, who entered the Miami game leading the nation is touchdown receptions, to be out four to six weeks.

Stoops said more would be known after Broyles went through a better examination back home. No update was given Sunday.

No excuses

The loss of Broyles had an obvious effect on OU's offense, much like the injuries to Bradford and tight end Jermaine Gresham. Stoops refused to accept them as the reason for OU's struggles.

"I understand it makes things more challenging and different," Stoops said. "As I told the team, 'We're not going to sit here and talk about that being the reason why we can't win.' In the end, we have to be able to overcome injuries regardless of who they are. We have eight Big 12 game coming in a row. They're not changing, so we have to be able to overcome them."

The last time

OU will enter Big 12 Conference play without a winning record for the first time since it went 1-2 in the non-conference schedule in 2005.

Saturday night's loss dropped OU to 35-4 in non-conference, non-bowl games during Stoops' 11 season at OU.

John Shinn 366-3536 jshinn@normantranscript.com