The Football Brainiacs

Image via Scout.com

– Team Notes: This is the latest we’ve heard…

As mentioned, Tay Evans is back at practice.

Was told that Matthew Romar did not practice again yesterday. Received a little more information on the situation. Was told that he hit his head on a sled and had some helmet to helmet contact in the same practice earlier in the week and hasn’t been practicing since then.

I was told that Charles Walker did a little more in practice yesterday so hopefully that is a good sign.

Based on the rotation in practice, I’m fully expecting Cobb to get the start. Was again told he’s had a good week of practice.

OU has played a lot of big games. Coach Stoops has coached in a lot of big game. But from talking to people behind the scenes, it certainly seems like he wants this one more than any game in recent memory. There is no doubt he wants to win them all. But the more I hear about how things are playing out behind the scenes the more it feels like this is just a little different. I was told Bob has been more vocal in practice this week than he’s been in a long time. I’m told he’s gone full Nick Saban in terms of letting players and coaches know when they’ve messed up…not holding back… – (Super K)

– Jacob Phillips: Received a quick note via text from Jacob Phillips’ mother about their trip to Norman last weekend, “We thoroughly enjoyed the visit and Jacob feels at home there”. I’m hoping to catch up with her later this weekend. But the thing we’ve heard repeatedly from Jacob is just how “at home” he feels at OU and in Norman. It’s pretty clear there is a high degree of comfort there. – (Super K)

– Jeffrey Okudah: The Sooners will host the 2017 classes top cornerback this weekend in Jeffrey Okudah (Grand Prairie, TX). Okudah has openly stated that his current leader is Ohio State. As far back as last spring, Okudah has talked about wanting to see this matchup between OU and Ohio State. The recruiting implications will be big in general but may have the most direct impact on Okudah.

Okudah has visited Oklahoma on multiple occasions but talked to us a little bit about what he hopes to get out of this weekend’s trip, “I hope to get a chance to see the academic side of things. I also want to check out the game day experience, get a good feel of playing in a big game like this one.”

Prediction for the game? Okudah followed my suit and stayed out of the prediction game, “no prediction just yet.” – (Super K)

– Marvin Wilson: Sooners will also host the top defensive lineman in the country, Marvin Wilson (Houston, TX). In talking to people around Wilson it’s pretty clear he’s excited about this game, “all his friends are going to be there…he’s been wanting to go to this one bad” said one source.

Wilson himself said, “I’m looking forward to the atmosphere on game for the Ohio State game. Both teams are really really good so you that place will be live”. – (Brandon & Super K)

– Kamren Curl: A name to watch as the season goes on is 2017 DB/WR, Kamren Curl (Muskogee, OK). Curl is currently committed to Texas Tech. I spoke with Curl’s father earlier this week and he tells me that the Sooners reached out to the staff at Muskogee inquiring about Curl’s potential interest in Oklahoma. Coach Kish did stop by and see Curl last spring and I’m told he came away very impressed.

Curl recently picked up an offer from TCU as a safety target though Curl can legitimately play both ways. At 6’2 180 lbs, he has fantastic change of direction and speed. He’s violent and instinctive and the son of a military man and a coach so he understands how to take coaching and he understands the game. Curl is going to surprise people at the next level. – (Super K)

– Mustapha Muhammad: Of all the visitors I have spoken to in the last week, there isn’t a single player with more enthusiasm about the visit than Missouri City, Texas TE/DE Mustapha Muhammad. This will be Muhammad’s first trip to Norman and said it’s one of the trips he has most looked forward to having. Especially, as he put it, with “ two great teams going at it”.

Muhammad told TFB that he speaks with inside wide receivers coach Cale Gundy on a daily basis and texts with coach Bob Stoops some, as well. Muhammad said that a lot of the schools have done a good job keeping in touch with him, but Oklahoma is one that has made a really good impression, so far. There could be another visit from Muhammad this year, but nothing has been set in stone. – (Brandon)

– Edward Warinner: It’s odd that Ohio State offensive coordinator, Ed Warinner, son will be on an unofficial visit to OU while his dad coaches against the Sooners on Saturday. At least it is odd on the surface. The 2018 linebacker said that Oklahoma has yet to offer him, but he is bringing his mid season film down for the Sooners staff to evaluate. This won’t be Warinner’s first visit to OU game, either. He was in Norman in 2008 when his father was on Mark Mangino’s staff at Kansas. Warinner said he remembers the atmosphere being electric that day, as both teams were ranked and OU eventually won 45-31. I (Brandon) asked Warinner if being the son of current Ohio State OC has made it difficult to get offers and he said at this point he doesn’t know, but will soon find out. One way or the other. Buckeyes win or lose, he says he expects it will be a good time. – (Brandon)

– OU vs. Ohio State | Visitor List: In case you missed it we have a visitor list up.

– UPDATE (11:24 am): Brandon asked Marvin Wilson for a score prediction for this weekend’s game. Enjoy…

“49-45 it’s going to be an offensive shoot out. OU gets the dub because they have already been in the heat of a tough game. Ohio State hasn’t played anybody yet”.