Scrimmage Notes 8.15.15

Managed to get some information from a few sources regarding the scrimmage OU held earlier today. So let’s begin.

Quarterbacks

– Was told that Trevor Knight “started” with the first team offense.

– Cody Thomas continued his late week surge and, again, appeared to be the best of the three quarterbacks, according to what I was told. While it wasn’t by a large margin necessarily, Thomas did seem to take the most first team reps.

– Was told Thomas seems to have the quickest release and is able to stand tall in the pocket, get the ball out quickly & hit receivers with consistent accuracy. Which really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise — setting aside the memories of Thomas struggling in last year’s offense, of course — considering Thomas ran a similar system in high school…quick slants, stop routes, bubble screens, etc. Just got the sense from what I was told that Thomas has a really live arm.

– Also told that Thomas had a nice TD on a deep corner route.

– Knight appeared to show the most field generalship, but one source still contended that Thomas was the overall better performer. Knight evidently also hit someone in stride on a go route for a long touchdown.

– Was told that Baker Mayfield seemed a little indecisive today and tended to want to get out of the pocket a little too much.

Running Game

– I asked a source how the offensive line looked and was told ‘it doesn’t matter because of how good the running backs are.’ they went on to say, “all they (the RBs) need is a crease.”

– Was told that Joe Mixon is scary good. If he’s given any space, you can forget about it because he’s gone.

– A source said the running game looks like it’s going to be really potent. They also said Lincoln Riley doesn’t not seem to shy away from running the ball, at all. It sounds like if they think they can run, they’re going to run. And today the defense didn’t seem to have an answer for the OU run game.

Offensive and Defensive Notes

– There were A LOT of defensive players out. I’m told that Jordan Evans only played the first series. Was told that Dom Alexander and Frank Shannon also didn’t go. Sounded like OU played a lot of back-ups. In fact I was told that while they did play Eric Striker some, he was virtually unblockable so they didn’t blitz him much or otherwise put in a back-up in his place.

– Generally the defense wasn’t dialing up heat today (because it’s a scrimmage), but was told the offensive line did a good job of communicating and pick up the blitz.

– Was also told the tackles did have trouble with some of the edge pressure that the defense brought. But they’ve still got time to get better in that regard, and you can always get a RB or TE to help out with that if need be.

– In terms of who won between the offensive and defensive lines, one source said they seemed to go back and forth but the defense had a hard time stopping the run because of the quality of the running backs. But the number of starters being held out also seemed to play considerable role today. But one source came away believing OU should generally be able to run on anyone.

– Defensive line was playing a single gap, which coincides with what we’ve heard and shared with you for some time now. But I was told that because there were a lot of the younger DL guys getting work today, the hurry up offense was getting to them at times. All that should be cleaned up by the season, though, especially when more veterans are in the game.

– Was told that all the DBs seem to have a good skill set. The only issue one source noted was the young safeties are not vocal with the calls as they probably could be, and that they’re still learning to align properly.

– Heard that Steven Parker is being much more vocal and overall really stood out in the secondary. No surprise there.

– Evidently Jordan Thomas had a nice INT today, and PJ Mbanasor had nice coverage on a deep route with a chance to pull in an INT but dropped it at the last minute.

– Continue to be told about how much more depth there is at WR compared to years past. One source shared that the inside receivers are doing a nice job of understanding coverages and sitting down in soft spots.

– Was also told, however, that the outside receivers are definitely big and physical, but still learning at times to really go up and fight for the ball. Didn’t get a sense that any of the big receivers really separated themselves today, though I was told that Dahu Green had a long catch on a post route.

If I get anything else worth updating, I’ll post it here later. But hopefully you enjoy everything above for now.

378 Comments

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Really? You’re gonna let me beat you to scrimmage notes?

    No ‘first’ for you!

  • Stephen says:

    Second

  • jonnyBgood says:

    Slice of heaven! Thanks as always K!

  • jonnyBgood says:

    3rd? 🙂

  • Jesse says:

    Nice notes. Seems like the QB at this time is a two horse race.. Do you think that if say Cody Thomas is the better QB but not too much better they will give it to Knight since he’s more of a field General?

    • Sooner Ray says:

      I’m just glad that if one get’s dinged, the other should be able to keep things going smoothly. Doesn’t really matter to me who starts.

      • Oscar says:

        So, is it possible that 3 QBs will see playing time in the same game? (not as mop up duty)

        • Sooner Ray says:

          My Engineering mind says of course that is “possible”, however my experience says that it is not likely.

    • Sooner 76 says:

      Whoever takes cares of the ball best.

      If Cody has his inaccurate passing corrected from last year, I see no reason not to start him. He’s tall and he has a strong arm.

      • Fear The Magic says:

        I think if its neck and neck a week before game one then I think they give it to TK if for no other reason that they’ll be going ot Tenn week 2 in front of 100K crazy SEC fans and TK has already played and succeded under those conditions ( the sugar bowl ). That being said it wouldnt shock me if Cody gets the nod but from all that we’re reading Mayfield seems to be dropping back.

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    Thank you K.

    K, your source seems to intimate that Mayfield is running third. Could you get more specific on which QB is moving the team the most consistently?

    Would you agree that with the good reports about the offense, our success largely depends on the Defense this year?

  • Jason Vos says:

    Looks like Baker Mayfield is slowly realizing that this isn’t Texas Tech. Takes more than dance moves to win the QB spot

    I think the timeout may have set him back some. Still think he recovers and gets the starting spot

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      In light of the report, Mayfield may be running third. But K’s report and BoomSoon’s sources included contradictory opinions. One side Thomas played better, the other Knight. Mayfield not really included in the report other than an int and 80-yard wheel route TD. I’m confused.

    • J J says:

      Agreed until I read the last sentence

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      See above on Mayfield…

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Can’t wait to see this run game and how it will free up receivers.

    • Jason Vos says:

      I think it’s more the receivers freeing up the run game

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Exactly Ray. With the limited weapons and inconsistent play calls and inconsistent QB play in 2014 we still scored 36 a game. I’m thinking 45 a game in 2015 and this should give a chance to win every game.

    • paganpink says:

      And “vicey versey” as my grand dad used to say.

  • paganpink says:

    Very exciting notes. I have to say that I was surprised when the local media started saying that Mayfield was the heir apparent for QB when I was under the impression that that had changed since the spring game. Sounds even more like the local media have it wrong if these notes are anywhere near correct- which I believe they are.

  • BoomSoon says:

    Hear are the notes I got on the QBs:
    1) Seems more and more like a CT vs TK battle (like you guys have alluded to).
    2) My guy said Knight was slightly better than Thomas and that Mayfield is falling behind in their opinion. Was told Knight was one for him because while CT throws the prettiest ball Knight is a great leader and led a few very long drives and had the most success vs the ones.
    3) All had big plays…CT to Ad Miller for a TD, Mayfield to Brooks on a RB wheel route for 80 yard TD and Knight had multiple passes over 30 including a 50-55 yarder (my guy missed who the WR was) and a 75 yard completion to his brother Connor who was caught inside the 10. Knight also hit Andrews for a TD in the back of the endzone.
    4) Mayfield had an INT whereas it sounds like the other two were clean in that dept.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Sweet info.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Good stuff. Thanks for posting!

    • soonersd says:

      Thanks BoomSoon

    • Sooner Redzone says:

      That mirrors what I heard. Must have same source. I heard Knight was most consistent and line offense moved well.

    • JB says:

      I still predict Mayfield will ultimately be the starter

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        I thought this after the Spring game. But then the shoulder fatigue. In my view, “starting” with the first team in a scrimmage is not that telling. I mean Mayfield didn’t start the Spring game either. It’s like in the NFL during preseason.

      • Scott Moore says:

        Not sure why. Dancing skills? Played the Air Raid system and had some success against mostly far inferior competition when starting at Tech? Bravado? Sorry man, I just don’t see it. But we will soon see. And that’s exciting. Being held out for a sore shoulder in the beginning could be one reason he’s behind.

    • Stephen Dale says:

      Knight is apparently the best practice player ; gamedays are a different matter.

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        This is a legit point. He won the job in 2013. But this is a new offense with a new OC, perhaps he’s gotten better. Does anyone know if Knight spent any time with a QB “guru” in the off-season like other QBS do?

        • Double G says:

          I wouldn’t be surprised if Knight performs better overall in this offense because of the freedom it gives him and other QBs to just go just play the game. If you go back and watch the offense we were running in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama (what many including myself consider to be Knight’s best in game performance), you’ll notice that we were not running the normal meerkat offense that Heupel loved to run during the regular season in 2014. There was no running up to the line of scrimmage, getting set, and then everyone stopping and waiting for the new play call to come in from the sideline. In that game we pretty much ran up to the line of scrimmage, got set, and ran the play. If that is the type of offense that Knight excels in, I wouldn’t be surprised to see “Sugar Bowl” Knight show up this season and obliterate defenses like we all expected him to last year.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            I hope so. But one game since 2013-2014 gives you confidence for 2015? Not sure. Trusting the coaches to have plan A and plan b.

          • Double G says:

            I wouldn’t say that one game is what gives me that level of confidence, I’d say what makes me feel that way is more along the lines of what others have posted on here when talking about the type of offense Lincoln Riley runs – one that’s QB friendly and that takes advantage of mismatches and what the defense is giving the offense. I feel like the Sugar Bowl against Alabama is a good example of this type of offense because I truly believe that Alabama thought we were going to show up in the Sugar Bowl needing to run the ball on them using some variant of the zone read due to our struggles at QB throughout the 2013 season. Instead, we showed up and ran an Air Raid style, hurry up offense that relied on the pass and play action to set up the run. As a result we took advantage of their greatest weakness on defense – their secondary, and played to one of our greatest strengths – our WRs (Shepard – SO, Saunders – SR, Reynolds – SR, and Bester – SR). We also didn’t handicap Trevor Knight on the zone read and were able to exploit the strengths of our RBs as well as his running ability to gain yards when we needed them.
            I still have to go back and watch the KSU game from 2013 and the WVU and ISU games from 2014 to see if his perceived level of performance occurs under similar circumstances (no meerkating at the line of scrimmage), but will stand by what I said for now.

    • William Ryan says:

      Bob has shown he will play the qb that makes the least mistakes gotta impove that -5 turnover margin.

  • hushnpa says:

    i was almost first once .. While I was preparing a few brief remarks commemorating the auspiciousness of the occasion some pedantic interloper shoved a “first” or some other equally pointless banality in on me . After much reflection on the meaning of the term ” hot dog” , a bit of counseling , and a good cry on my wife’s shoulder – who was I may add rather unsympathetic – i made a solemn resolution to take revenge on the next person who did it to by means of a very bloviated soliloquy full of obscurities and and a raspberry . * S> I started typing before Esco 🙂

  • rphokc says:

    sk………could you poke around for news re the kicking game……..thxs

  • BoomerDave says:

    Was there another Dalton Wood sighting? 😉

  • KJ1123 says:

    First offensive series went 15 plays and a TD. AD is really impressing, rarely drops.

  • J J says:

    Very anxious for this season… Ready to erase the end of 14;

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    Good job Cody Bradford…I mean Thomas

  • DBill says:

    First of all thank you for all that you are doing with this site. You guys are awesome. I want to weigh in on the scrimmage. I am a current suite holder at OU and had the opportunity to watch the scrimmage in full today. I would totally disagree with your source on the QB battle Thomas and Mayfield definitely split the most reps with first team. The group I set with defiantly felt that Mayfield was by far the best QB today. His first play he scrambled and threw back over his shoulder and hit Brooks way down field for a 80 yard TD. He also had another big play down field. Mayfield is also faster than what i thought and had a few really good scrambles. You can see that Mayfield is comfortable in this offense. Thomas had some sweet throws as well. A long rout for a TD. He also had at least 3 passes hit defenders in the hands and would of most likely been INT. He also had a turnover for 6. I like Cody’s look, he has a big arm and is smooth. Hell, I like all three quarterbacks, but just wanted to kind of give everyone a different opinion. From what I say today Mayfield will start, however who knows whats going on in the inside. I could not disagree more with your source on this one, but different evaluators I guess.
    RB- Mixon is a beast, that is all I will say. Unreal
    Anderson and Brooks look awesome as well. It is a stable, everyone will be happy.
    I agree with the rest of your source assessment. Just wanted to pass along some inside info

    • KJ1123 says:

      Great stuff!

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Wow! We got a battle of sources here. Sweet. Mayfield may not be out of yet. Best man win.

    • rphokc says:

      welcome dbill………..can’t have enough sources…………btw, have you seen dalton wood?…….lol

    • soonersd says:

      good to hear all sources and opinions after the first scrimmage. the good news is we can trust the coaches are watching film on every play/throw/decision from each one of them and will make a well educated decision who to go with. Thanks DBill!
      Boomer

      • Oscar says:

        I have a really good view of the QB competition from here in Cleveland Ohio, and from where I sit, its very close. FYI
        I’ll make an announcement on game day of who starts! 🙂 (that’s a smiley face)

    • Fear The Magic says:

      Ok thanks for your report although now Im totally confused.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Appreciate you posting this. Good stuff.

    • Super K says:

      Thanks for weighing in DBill! You’re definitely the only person that’s given that assessment. I have spoken to multiple people that attend and their eval seems quite the opposite but I appreciate you taking the time to give us your thoughts! I couldn’t confirm if Shepard played…did you see him play? Also did you note whether Romar or Farniok played?

      • DBill says:

        Hey K,
        Shepard did not play as well as Westbrook. DeDe was tending to a personal matter and will be back tomorrow for all day meetings. I can not confirm Romar or Farniok. Thanks for all you do for this board! DB

  • KJ1123 says:

    The OL is still getting worked out but the current starting variation looks like: Brown, Alvarez,Ty,Nila,Samia.

    • soonersd says:

      what year are Alvarez and Samia?

      • Fear The Magic says:

        I believe Alvarez is a RS Fresh or a soph ( not positive ) Samia is a true freshman.
        Love that we have newbies stepping up like that.

        • soonersd says:

          thanks, i knew they were young just wasn’t positive and figured someone would know off hand

          • Jeff Mittermeier says:

            Have you heard news on how Mittermeier is doing? He’s a JUCO transfer from Butler in Kansas

          • soonersd says:

            I have not, are you related? Hope he is in the mix and has a great year. Sounds like Coach B wants to use a lot of guys to keep em fresh so he should at least get an opportunity to prove himself.

        • KJ1123 says:

          Yep young guys really pushing…..Alvarez is a soph didnt rs last year.

        • soonersd says:

          i love to see the young guys stepping also. sounds like with the pace of this offense they are going to need a lot of bodies to rotate in. would not be surprised if they don’t give the young guys extra reps in all scrimmages and vs akron to ensure we have a complete 2 deep rotation across the oline going in to the tennessee game

    • BoomerDave says:

      I really liked what I saw in Dru, but I never imagined he would make such an impact this early. Do you know if Farniak was held out?

      • KJ1123 says:

        He played but hes over on the left side now. At least for the moment. St John is on the right. Brown took some snaps on the right too. St. John sat out after playing some with a minor issue.

      • Cam says:

        I’ve always like Samia because his recruitment and commitment seemed to come out of nowhere last year. It was like one day he’s flying in from California and no one had heard of him and a week later he committed. He seems all business.

  • Randy says:

    DeDe Westbrook not play, Andrews ?

  • soonersd says:

    Calling ALL SUITE HOLDERS for info/opinions!

  • Fear The Magic says:

    For me the best line in the scrimmage report was this….

    “Was told that Joe Mixon is scary good. If he’s given any space, you can forget about it because he’s gone”

  • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

    Mixon and the space between you and the drive-thru window:

    He gone!

    Mixon and the space between your bed and the wall:

    He gone!

    Mixon and the space between your thumb and index finger:

    He gone!

  • Nate Broadus says:

    What I take from all the scrimmage notes is that Cody Thomas was the best quarterback on the field…..unless it was Baker Mayfield…..however, Trevor Knight appeared to have the greatest command of the team and led the most sustained drives….but Cody Thomas looked smoothest….but Baker Mayfield made some awesome plays and scrambled well….but that might have gotten him in trouble in a real game….

    God I love sources.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Maybe give them another read then.

      • Nate Broadus says:

        I responded to K above. My comment wasn’t directed at the notes so much as the fact that so many people in the comment section seem to have sources that have told them so many different things.

        It’s a task to keep it all straight.

    • boomersooner says:

      i thought it was pretty funny

    • Super K says:

      I’ll save you a reread. From sources I’ve talked to today and the past few days the most impressive qb has been Cody Thomas followed by Trevor Knight then Baker Mayfield. I thought that was clear enough in the notes.

      • Nate Broadus says:

        Just to clear the air, I wasn’t making fun of your notes. Believe me, I wait for them to be posted like a crack fiend. It just made me smile how so many people in the comment section had such wildly varying opinions of what they “saw” or heard from their sources.

    • BoomerDave says:

      I got your humor!

  • Jesse says:

    At least everyone agrees mixon is scary good. To go along with the other scary good running back, what’s his name again?? (Jokes, I joke)

    • boomersooner says:

      “All three played well,” said Riley. “They had command, took care of the ball, made a lot of plays. It’s a heck of a competition. It’s been fun to watch them all get better. Where they were three months ago and where they are right now is a night-and-day difference. I wouldn’t trade those three for anybody.”

      freudian slip

  • Daryl says:

    What will the nickname be for the 2 headed monster of Perine and Mixon. Thunder and Lightning is too cliche

  • JJSoona says:

    “But hopefully you enjoy everything above for now.”
    Are you kidding? We wouldn’t have a clue without you guys!! Thanks for the info!!

  • Cole says:

    Looking at all the snapchats and videos from sooner sports, I have seen a lot of Jarvis Baxter. I feel like Westbrook and Baxter will be 1 and 2 after shep and Neal are gone after this year.

  • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

    TMTCBK to start QB the first game. Bet your life savings.

  • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

    everyone has a source…

  • OceanDescender says:

    I wouldn’t mind Cody Thomas as the starting QB if he’s come this far under Riley in just one offseason. Saw plenty of athleticism from him at the end of last season and the height advantage he has over the other guys makes a big difference too. Cody can excel with Lincoln.

    • Ed Cotter says:

      Sooners are running something that he is much more comfortable with offensively, which has to definitely help his confidence. I want to see all the QBs excel and get the guy out there that gives OU the best chance of winning, and if that’s CT, then fantastic.

      • Jpsooner23 says:

        This obviously has a lot to do with him improving so much, but I gotta think as much or more of it is dropping baseball. Think Sam Bradford. The reason he wasn’t a 5 star out of HS was because he played so many sports. He only turned into what is was after 100% focus on football as a sport.

        • Ed Cotter says:

          Totally agree on the baseball thing Jp, and Sam’s focusing on only football helping him excel.

      • OceanDescender says:

        In any event, I don’t think there will be a depth issue at QB this year. It just seems like a completely new QB group from everything we’ve heard this year.

    • Rick says:

      I think the ability was always there, look at his Jr and Sr vids, he was amazing. I think the previous OC, dumbed his abilities down, he was not confident, accurate or effective last season. i’m really hopefull going forward.

      • OceanDescender says:

        He did flash some serious potential at times last year. Can’t wait to see who the coaches pick for the opener, just getting too antsy now haha.

    • Nate Broadus says:

      I definitely agree with some other posters — if Cody continues to stay even (or better) with the others, start him. If the older quarterbacks can’t separate themselves from him, in the long run it’s better to go with youth. Especially if he has been as accurate as has been reported, and doesn’t get too reckless (which is usually the biggest issue with young quarterbacks).

      • Scott Moore says:

        We have to remind ourselves that the best in practice is not always the best on Saturdays. I bet Riley lets whoever he choses get a few games under their belt before thinking of making a switch. But man, it comes quick. Knoxville on a Saturday night. You better be ready. 🙂

        • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

          However, it is far more likely that the player who exhibits better and more consistent performance in practice is also the player who exhibits better and more consistent performance in games.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            Normally. But 2013 was a case study. Bell played as well as Knight although he was beat out in Spring. Bell won 2 of the three biggest games that year.

      • OceanDescender says:

        Exactly.

  • KJ1123 says:

    Mixon will be the starting QB……hes that good.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Wishbone? Mixon…qb, perine fb…anderson LHB and Ross/Brooks..RHB

      • Jesse says:

        That would be SCARY!!

      • soonersd says:

        The old annual Wishbone post 😉

        • D Hunter Sanchez says:

          Till death do us part…I think the OU wishbone is a symbol for greatness and domination of CFB. We like to recall those days as a new season dawns with the hope that this year will be the year for Number 8.

          • Defend Colfax says:

            Whenever we were running the pistol 3 back set, I was hoping they’d come out and line up in the wishbone even if they were to reset. God bless Switzer.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            Perhaps on the day the King passes we’ll see that beloved formation.

          • Defend Colfax says:

            I dunno he seems to have about 60 years left on him so I may just have to write Bob Stoops.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            I’ll sign the petition too.

  • Jesse says:

    All I will say here is that there are like 2-3 people other than TFB posting their source stuff. Only one of those did not match up with what TFB have been reporting. TFB haven’t let me down yet so I trust them.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      All the sources included personal opinions. So…

      • Super K says:

        That’s a key point. These are opinions of people watching. But everyone I’m talking to seems to really like Thomas. I’m just not sure how easy it will be to unseat Knight.

        • Exiled In Ohio says:

          I gotta believe TK wins if its a tie, or even close to a tie.

        • ColoradoSooner says:

          Agree.

        • KJ1123 says:

          What I’m told and have seen is all arrows are pointing to Thomas as well. But of course things can change at the drop of a hat.

        • BoomerDave says:

          Cody will have to be “better” to unseat Knight, not “just as good”.

        • DBill says:

          I agree K. At the QB position we only have peoples opinion. I truly believe only Bob and Lincoln know who they want. To be honest, with all three having up and down days, I really don’t know if they even know yet. With CT coming on strong I think it has complicated the decision and they are letting it play out longer. If it ends up there is no separation or its this close, then we have to believe that Knight gets the nod.

        • D Hunter Sanchez says:

          Yes. If they are pretty close and Knight is chosen, do you think Knight will have a “long leash?” I mean to say what if he doesn’t move the team against Akron or throws a pick/two, will we have a QB controversy?

          • Scott Moore says:

            Great question and that’s what I’m wondering too. I’m guessing they will wait until after Tennessee to think about changing. Unless someone is disastrous against lowly Akron and are replaced in that game. Said replacement lights up the Zips and gives all the confidence they can maintain composure in what is sure to be a hostile environment in Knoxville.

    • soonersd says:

      The way I look at it the more opinions and sources the merrier. We are going be able to form opinions ourselves soon enough 🙂

    • Nate Broadus says:

      All these differing opinions make for entertainment.

      That said, right now I would trust TFB’s notes over anyone else. They’ve been wrong, but they have also been right more times than I can count.

  • Boom says:

    I like Riley and he was asked, what do you look for when recruiting a QB? Without hesitation, Riley says, a winner. That said, I’m sure he will find what he’s looking for. Also, I can’t think of a time when we had 3 guys ready to go. What a great problem to have, we should be fortunate.

    • DBill says:

      No doubt all three of these guys can win us football games in this system. What a great thing to have. By judging by years past we will need all three to be ready.

  • Zack says:

    No dispute from me with the above info. I’m just curious when the rest of the OU media will stop saying all signs point to mayfield. I’m not on any pay sites right now so I’m not sure what those are saying.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      They are stuck in the Spring game. But conflicting opinions persist. Apparently, Mayfield is right there with the other two.

    • Rick says:

      D Hunter is right, they are stuck on the spring game, funny thing is… didn’t Mayfield throw a few int’s during the spring game. He may have been more effective in the plus yards catagory, but my memory was he threw the ball away..

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        True. But the other three didn’t move the ball and had lower completion rates. But that was April. Who knows now? We just want the best one to emerge. The issue will be if no one separates by Akron, and they pick one, what kind of leash will he have? I mean, if that Qb is not moving the team or throwing picks, it’ll be a QB controversy.

    • ccmosaic says:

      Rivals is pointing to Mayfield.

  • John Garner says:

    Great stuff. Thanks!

  • HTownSooner says:

    Thanks for all the info…sounds like the QB spot is going to come down to the end. I trust Stoops & Co to make a smart decision. Plus, it couldn’t get any worse than last year!

    Any one have any info of Jeff Mead? Or Mark Andrews?

    • Zack says:

      Andrews caught a pass in the corner of the end zone. Heard it was from tk. I think AD miller is going to get some playing time. Seen a lot of shots of him in the soonersports videos.

  • soonermusic says:

    “It sounds like if they think they can run, they’re going to run.” This sounds just like what Stoops has always maintained, rings true to me.

    Love the different viewpoints, it supports my view that the coaches are gonna be the ones looking for specific things to make their decision and it may or may not coincide with what other observers see.

    This is ALL great stuff. Thanks to the contributors, and to Super K for being Super!

    Every year it seems like OU is just one or two little things away from being outstanding, and this year things sound even more positive than usual. In these situations, it always seems like it comes down to the mental side…who can truly understand the “alignments and assignments” as M. Stoops said. Experience is huge in that department.

    This is the most “can’t wait” I’ve been in a while!

    • cullison says:

      It depends on why Coach BB is playing different O-Linemen from day to day. And I’d like to get our stray RsF OT lamb back soon.

  • JD says:

    You the man Supe

  • Tex'ish says:

    What a GREAT afternoon of reading…! BOOM!!!

  • Zack says:

    Where are the commits at???

  • James Gustina says:

    Not terribly surprised. CT easily has the biggest arm out of the three, it was decently clear when he was being recruited that he had an absolute cannon. With a different offensive scheme and what I think is better coaching, I’m not surprised that he’s making big strides.

    • William Ryan says:

      Plus he has good speed 4.5 40 what liked most about his film was his quick release and putting the ball on the money and hitting his receivers in stride.

      • James Gustina says:

        And he can really zip it in there. I’m guessing they’ve been breaking him of his bad throwing mechanics which should hopefully make him more accurate.

        • Rick says:

          Im thinking he “had” good mechanics that JH broke him from.

        • William Ryan says:

          What hurt him so much in his development is trying to make him a zone read qb.

        • cullison says:

          It would be the ironic icing on the cake if we were to beat Briles with a QB from Colleyville – isn’t that where he came to coaching fame? If you can’t beat’em, join’em and beat’em!

    • John Garner says:

      You had me at “better coaching”.

  • Mark_in_VA says:

    But one source came away believing OU should generally be able to run on anyone.

    *If* that is true, then we are going to win a lot of games. We’d have at least one more NC if that were true year in and year out (2008). Also, if true, it won’t matter who the QB is. We take all the heat off of him.

  • Zack says:

    On the video posted by Sunderland I noticed what look like wider splits along with a full back. Saw that pointed out by LT Twitter.

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Talk about making my expectations surge.

  • Josh says:

    Didn’t see anything but highlights and have no inside sources just a heads up from a coach’s perspective and how we view scrimmages. Can’t read too much into results on plays a lot of times when evaluating players during a scrimmage. A QB scrambling then making a crazy good play might sound exciting and great when in fact he screwed up his read and had to scramble. Long td passes could be busted coverage just like ints can be busted routes by the wr. Great insider info today and excited to see how this thing shakes out. For some reason, I think I’d still put money on TK if I were betting. Just a gut feeling. Coach Stoops really loves that kid and if he gets his turnover problem handled I think Coach Stoops will turn to him. Could be totally wrong obviously. Good stuff today from TFB and posters. Boomer!

    • Boom says:

      could you share some insight on Lee Morris? I see him on the roster and was just curious. thanks

      • EasTex says:

        Are you familiar with his high school career?
        Also, he is the cousin or nephew of a TFB member, Chris White.

      • Josh says:

        I love Lee and was very excited when he chose to be a preferred walk on at OU. He is a Sooner legacy and is a kid that’s been an OU fan his entire life… kid bleeds crimson & cream. Good size at about 6’3 and 205ish in high school. Good but not great speed at around 4.55. Kid has good hands and is an all around good athlete. Great effort and attitude kid and great teammate. Think he will be a great special teams guy early on and will be a very solid receiver and earn a scholarship pretty quickly.

        • EasTex says:

          He came through for the Eagles in the playoffs. He just has a calm, reliable demeanor. Seemed very mature for a young man.

        • Boom says:

          I watched him in the state championships and wondered why he didn’t sign with someone. However, this explains it and glad we have him. Need all the crimson bleeders we can get on the team.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Coach Stoops is not making the final decision. It’s Riley.

      • Josh says:

        Lol ok

      • Boom says:

        that’s funny.

      • Scott Moore says:

        True, but we know Stoops may have some sway in the manner.

        • D Hunter Sanchez says:

          I agree. I mean BS oversees all things and if he has any reservations I know he’ll voice them. I was responding to Josh’s point that BS really loves Knight. Well, if we are going to use that reasoning, Riley recruited Mayfield to transfer to EC!

          • Boom says:

            Read Josh’s post again, he said starting TK was “his” or Josh’s opinion not Stoops.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            Josh said that he thinks BS loves Knight. That is the statement I was responding to. Riley will make the decision per BS. I do not think BS will overrule Riley if Riley chooses CT or BM.

          • Rene Goupillaud says:

            I don’t agree. Bob delegates the offense to the OC. As he said, he doesn’t know when we went away from the spread. That doesn’t suggest much oversight. I think that’s why last year went the way it did. Josh was allowed to slow everything down. Bob even defended him during the season when you knew he had to be growing concerned. Of course, at some point he had a revelation that something had to be done so bye bye Co-OCs.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            So since BS does not make the final decision or oversees much, you agree wth me that Riley will choose his QB. RIght?

          • Rene Goupillaud says:

            I questioned your claim that he oversees all things. That assertion is demonstrably false and Bob has never claimed to get very involved with the offense.

      • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

        Eh, it’s always Stoops’ decision. In this instance, he has decided (it seems) to give Lincoln the decision making power.

        • D Hunter Sanchez says:

          Like I said, Stoops oversees things as the head coach. But he has said that Riley will make the call. My point was that it doesn’t matter how much BS “loves” Knight. Riley tried to get BM to EC.

    • Ryan says:

      How is his bias fair toward the other qb’s not named Trevor? Stoops needs to be rational about this decision.

      • Josh says:

        I don’t think he has a bias to TK, I do. I know Coach Stoops will play the QB that he thinks gives them the best chance to win. Everything else is just my personal opinion.

    • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

      Agreed and these are good points. The scrambling and throwing across your body to make a play sounds like the “it” factor, but, it really may not be.

  • Kdl says:

    Anyone heard anything on Dallis Todd? Really liked his film coming out of HS and haven’t heard much about him. While I’m at it a couple more I’m curious about… How is Frank Shannon coming along? I thought a couple years ago he was our best pure LB and a future star. Also Stanvon Taylor? Another kid I thought had a bright future coming out of HS.

    • James Gustina says:

      I’ve been wondering about Todd too. He had a decent spring and that size is nothing to sniff at.

  • EasTex says:

    Excellent notes, Super K and as always greatly appreciated.

  • Jason Vos says:

    Is Bobby Evans at G or T?

    • bravesaint says:

      Left tackle all the way

    • Zack says:

      I would like to know what’s going on with frison I know he’s suspended but other than that I have no clue what his status is. Word was he would be the starter eventually at LT. And I think brown will eventually be the RT so Evans may have been looking at playing guard early in his career but now that LT spot appears to be open for him next season.

    • Josh says:

      Tackle

  • onlyoneOU26 says:

    First time posting. Love the work you guys do. I gotta say I became very excited when I started watching the best games of 2014 and see teams like Oregon and Auburn. To think OU has an OC who has a plan in place to utilize the talent makes me feel all warm inside. BOOMER!!

  • ccmosaic says:

    Watched the video over on Sooner Sports. I have to say I liked what I saw from the D. I know they gave up some today but I saw the CB playing up close and in the face of the receivers. A very different look from last year. It appears the coaches are trusting the DBs a little more and that Cooks has his hands all over the backfield. Very happy to see this.

    • Daryl says:

      I agree about DBs. Some notes on QBs showed Knight throwing a pretty throw over the middle, and a TD to Andrews in the corner that was a great catch. Thomas had a TD ball to Miller and I saw one batted down by LB. Mayfield I think threw an interception but it looked like WR may have stopped on route. Couldn’t tell for sure and not totally sure it was mayfield but pretty certain.

      Anderson looks like he runs angry. I love it and Brooks had a really nice run on highlights as well.

      Didn’t show a lot of wins by defense.

  • Jeff says:

    Pick CT and go with him

  • Mizuno44 says:

    Based on the varying opinions regarding QB play, (emphasis on the word varying), isn’t it fantastic to have three great kids competing for the job?

    • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

      It really is. We may have our favorites, based on reason and evidence or absolutely neither or this.

      OU would probably win about the same number of games with any of the three. However, until OU gets into situations like Blake Bell needing to win the game for us against Zero State we won’t know which of the three is more likely to win that extra game or two.

  • Jason Vos says:

    All those wanting the CB’s playing up close will be the same ones complaining that we are playing too close to the receivers if we get beat deep a couple of times.

    • Fear The Magic says:

      Theres obviously a happy medium. What we did against Baylor was inexcusable and hopefully MStoops learned his lesson.

    • John Garner says:

      I like it. Rerouting receivers has to be better than soft coverage. It may — will — allow our speed off the edge to get to the QB or force throws.

    • EasTex says:

      Every game and every team I have ever watched plays the coverages based on the defensive call. Some calls require playing off, some call for press. It is not/has not been unique to the Sooners only when they play back.

      • Zack says:

        What I’m wondering is if most spread offenses have the same principles. From what I’ve heard the receivers basically have an option every time and are supposed to run the route based on what look the defense gives them. So if that’s the case why do defenses not force receivers to run the more difficult route or the route that requires the qb to throw a more difficult pass.

        For example if a WR has the option to run a post or a corner would having the DB shade him a certain way force him to run a corner.

        • EasTex says:

          That’s why I think messing with the pre-snap reads is important, not to tip your coverage.

          • D.j. Occupant says:

            I agree EasTex. It’s essential in the Big XII. You have to show false reads often to disguise your coverages and confuse the QB. I hope they are developing that.

      • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

        Saban has his CBs play press-and-bail a lot.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Exactly. That’s why after the Baylor game very few complainers noticed that Julian Wilson did come closer to the LOS and promptly got beat deep.

  • Shelby is a Patriot says:

    Blake Bell just had a nice catch and 9 yd gain for the 49ers.

  • John McCroskey says:

    Whoever is downplaying the importance of the offensive line… not sure I like that ‘source’.

    • William Ryan says:

      Hoping it just shows the dept we have and knowing coach b will have his guy ready to play at the highest level

    • SoonerinLondon says:

      BS has never lost less than 4 games in a season with a new OL. Would be great if he could change that pattern this year.

      • BleedCrimson says:

        How many are we replacing from last year? I thought we are only replacing 2 guys from last year.

        • SoonerinLondon says:

          2 tackles, 1 guard. Darlington and Nila are the returning starters.

          • BleedCrimson says:

            I see what you are saying. I think that while Danley wasn’t a starter for us, he does have experience and will be a plug and play type of G. They will need some time to gel. However, I believe if anyone can get them playing as a unit, it will be BedenBoom.

      • Zack says:

        Stoops has also won the big 12 after his 3 worst seasons so far.

  • pag says:

    Bad news.Phil Loadholt tore his achilles during the preseason game

  • BleedCrimson says:

    G-Day minus 20
    ONE Heisman, 3 All-Americans, and a pretty good back in his own right.
    Billy Sims AA Heisman, Quinton Carter AA, Rocky Calmus AA, and Kejuan Jones

  • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

    Happy Sunday to all my Sooner dudes and dudettes. For those attending worship, enjoy your church families. How very good and pleasant it is when we live together in unity!

    • eastoksooner says:

      Hey Robertson. God’s blessings to you. That’s what my Sunday School class was over this morning, church unity.

  • Robert Boone says:

    Mixon and Perine……..Toast and Jam.

  • KJ1123 says:

    20 days….20 days until we show the nation why they shouldn’t of slept on us. Pumped!

  • trusoonerA53 says:

    Does anyone remember one of my all time favorite rb Mr. BUSTA RHYMES he was so tuff a rapper took his name : + }

  • Exiled In Ohio says:

    Watching the Calmus video reminded me of some of the D’s we’ve had in the past. So a question for you: would you rather hang half a hundred on someone, or hand them a shutout? No, you can’t choose both. But I suspect most of us would take a shutout by the D over the blowout by the O. That’s what championships are made.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      I always approach this question the same way….with a shutout, the O only needs to sniff a score once to win.

      • JD says:

        LOL I was thinking the same team…Heck Id be happy to win every game 2-nil…leave the O in the scout team…truth be told high power offense is what attracts the fans …you see the rules committees making it easier on offenses with the stricter rules for defending wrs and such….and at the end of the day its about making money so I think the shutout Ds will for the most part be a thing of the past

    • BleedCrimson says:

      I always go back to what was printed in large letters over the door leaving the locker room in HS.
      If we score, we may win.
      If they never score, we will never lose.

  • Jason Vos says:

    — Dede Westbrook (@DedeTHEGreat11) August 15, 2015

  • Zack says:

    So do we know if the Oklahoma drill is gonna happen this year or no?

    • Sooner Ray says:

      The team took a look at Perine and Mixon and voted for a game of patty cake instead, 🙂