O U First Scrimmage Report

[NT80]

Stoops Likes First Scrimmage

7,000 Sooner fans brave heat to watch first preseason scrimmage on Saturday.

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma completed its first major scrimmage of the 2007 season Saturday before an estimated 7,000 fans in Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. OU head coach Bob Stoops termed the workout, which took place in temperatures in the high 90’s, a success.

“It was good overall,” he said. “Defensively we’re just so much more stable in the secondary. You have the potential there for giving up plays or making plays. Defensively, we were solid.

“On offense, I was pleased for the most part. Our defense sees that offense every day so the offense is at a significant disadvantage.”

The Sooner offense punched in three touchdowns during the day. The first came on a three-yard pass from Keith Nichol to Manuel Johnson. It capped a six- play, 45-yard drive that included a 19-yard toss from Nichol to Juaquin Iglesias and a pair of pass interference penalties.

Later, Joey Halzle hooked up with Malcolm Kelly on a 20-yard touchdown pass. The drive, the longest of the day, included 13 plays and covered 65 yards.

The final score came on a 53-yard run by Jacob Gutierrez.

The three quarterbacks vying for the starting job, Halzle, Nichol and Sam Bradford, had nearly even distribution of playing time in the scrimmage, which included 19 offensive possessions and 89 plays. Halzle hit on 12-of-21 passes for 85 yards, Nichol was 8-of-16 for 51 yards and Bradford was 11-of-18 for 83 yards with one interception.

“It’s obvious that our quarterbacks can make all the throws,” Stoops said. “They did a really nice job. I didn’t see any forced decisions. The drives that stalled didn’t stop because of their play. The players around them have to make plays.”

Stoops also said that he has not established a timeline for choosing a starter.

The defense was dominant for much of the day, especially in getting pressure on the quarterback.Five sacks were credited, including three to defensive end Alan Davis.

“Our pass rush has a chance to be better than it was last year,” Stoops said. “I’m not saying it is yet, but it has a chance to be.”

Stoops also lauded the play of D.J. Wolfe, whose move to safety has been positive. “For the last week, D.J. Wolfe has played as well as any safety we have had in practice,” Stoops said.

Oklahoma goes back into normal practice sessions on Monday. The next scrimmage is set for Aug. 18.

Visit 2007 OU Football Preseason Central for complete official coverage of Oklahoma's preseason preparations.

link to Photos and other Stoops/OU reports:

http://soonersports.com/sports/m-footbl/sp.../081107aab.html

Edited August 12, 2007 by NT80

[greenminer]

“It was good overall,” he said. “Defensively we’re just so much more stable in the secondary. You have the potential there for giving up plays or making plays. Defensively, we were solid.

Wow. heavy

[El Paso Eagle]

Stoops Likes First Scrimmage

7,000 Sooner fans brave heat to watch first preseason scrimmage on Saturday.

link to Photos and other Stoops/OU reports:

http://soonersports.com/sports/m-footbl/sp.../081107aab.html

This must have been every familiy member of every player.......

[meangreenfreak]

No mention of them preparing for North Texas. Is it too much to hope that they look right past the NT game?

If lighting strikes, maybe we could surprise them.

If they are looking at the NT game, lets hope they are preparing for the Buick, not our new Dodge.