OU’s special teams have been a mixed bag. The Sooners lead the Big 12 in kickoff returns and punt average, but have struggled in kickoff coverage and field-goal attempts.

OU coach Bob Stoops believes kicker Garrett Hartley will solve his kicking problems that have led to two missed field goals and three missed PATs this season.

The problems with the kick coverage will get a closer look this week.

“The kickoff deal, we’ve got some guys that aren’t holding up that have missed tackles, that have been there to make plays and didn’t make them,” he said. “And then we’ve had some guys that are allowing themselves to be blocked and not getting into the position that we try and practice to get. So we’ve got to make some changes there or get some guys to get it done and coach them a little better.”

No hangovers?

There’s a widespread belief the Sooners suffer a letdown the week after the Texas game. Might have been true in previous decades.

Under Stoops, however, OU is 8-0 in the games following the Red River Rivalry. Those wins have been convincing, too. All have been by at least 10 points and by an average of 37-12.

“I just don’t get the hangover deal. There isn’t anyone here walking around like we’ve done something,” Stoops said. “In the end, what does beating Texas do? It doesn’t do anything.

“We’re in the middle of the season … We’re trying to compete and win championships here, so you’re not going to get a lot of pats on the back around here for not doing that. The only way to do it is to win this week and keep winning.”

John Shinn

366-3536

jshinn@normantranscript.com