Key to the defense?

The Norman Transcript

October 25, 2006 01:11 am

— Over the last month, Oklahoma has spent a lot more time practicing against themselves. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables believes it’s one of the reasons for his unit’s improved play.
“When you go against scouts, you can develop a lot of lazy habits because you can beat a scout without having good technique and you get led into false security.” he said. “There’s no question I think it’s made us better in the basics of the game.”
It’s a lot like what OU did in preseason practices. Cornerback Marcus Walker said being able to simulate game speed is something that only comes by going against other starters.
“It helps simulate game situations and people who you’ll see in the game, as far as talent-wise,” he said. “Going against our receivers, going against our O-line and our running backs, that is what we see on Saturday and I think that has helped us a lot.”
But there’s been another benefit this week.
Quarterback Paul Thompson said getting aquatinted with Missouri’s defense hasn’t been much of an issue this week. There’s a reason why it seems everything he’s seeing is familiar.
“Missouri has a defense similar to what we run,” he said. “I should feel comfortable out there against Missouri because I’m getting lots of practice out there during the week.”

Too much?
Running back Allen Patrick had 35 carries last Saturday against Colorado. It was an incredible amount considering Patrick’s previous career high was 15 last season against Baylor.
OU coach Bob Stoops said he thought Patrick, who rushed for 110 yards in place of Adrian Peterson, handled the workload fine, but said it may take a while to find the proper threshold.
“We have to be aware of that and what he’s able to handle, and complement him with the other guys,” Stoops said. “I believe we will as we go.”
Drops
The Sooners were plagued by dropped passes against the Buffaloes. Thompson was 17-for-26, but had at least five passes go through his receivers’ hands.
Stoops didn’t make any excuse for the miscues, but said the blustery winds last Saturday were a factor.
“The conditions, I think, contributed a little bit to that,” he said. “Some of those balls were a little, with the wind, hotter than they usually are and they’re moving a little bit just because of the gusts that were out there.”
Weather shouldn’t be a factor at Missouri Saturday. The forecast calls for sunny skies and light winds.

Johnson will play
Sophomore wide receiver Manuel Johnson was arrested Sunday on two outstanding municipal warrants for failure to appear in court for two separate traffic violations.
Johnson posted bond Sunday and hasn’t missed any practice. Stoops doesn’t expect any disciplinary action.
“I’m sure we’ll work through that and get that done,” he said.
Johnson has 14 catches for 148 yards and caught his first touchdown against Colorado.

Where are the fakes?
OU hasn’t played at Faurot Field since 2002. OU won that game 31-24 with the game-winning touchdown coming on a fake field goal.
Stoops was asked why he hasn’t used trickery more this season. He had a simple answer.
“They’re looking for them more,” he said. “Sometimes they’re there, sometimes they’re not. And sometimes you don’t feel you have to have it.
“In the end, you’ve just got to have the right feel for it. Fortunately, we’ve had pretty good success with them, but you can’t be foolish with them.”
John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com