Franks and Reggie Smith were both back deep against Missouri. Stoops said that was due to the high winds that night.

“(Smith) and Dominique Franks will interchange — sometimes one back,” Stoops said. We’re going to continue to get Dominique some more.”

Franks had one punt return for minus-1 yard against Missouri. Smith had one punt return for 9 yards, but it was a punt he fielded over his shoulder at OU’s 2-yard-line.

Race to the QB

The Sooners have 25 sacks this season and 19 have come from defensive linemen.

Defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger said there’s a healthy amount of competition going on among the defensive line.

“The mentality of the defensive line is to create havoc,” said Granger, who has 31⁄2 sacks. “If it’s third and 12, we look at each other and say ‘Let’s race to the quarterback, whoever gets there first wins.’ We are out there having fun together. We are focused but we are having fun.”

Murray corralled

DeMarco Murray entered the Missouri game as OU’s leading rusher, but only had four carries for 2 yards. He spent most of the night at slot receiver, which limited his opportunities for carries.

Stoops said another reason for the limited work was an ankle injury.

“It’s nothing serious at all,” Stoops said. “He practiced all week, but I don’t know that he was as up to speed as he normally is.”

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