The Football Brainiacs

Coach Josh Heupel

– Said a team is constantly a work in progress but from the QB position we have to better at getting our body in position (mechanics) to make throws and be better and understanding the offense so that we can make better decisions.

– Said that we’ve shown instance where we’ve played smart but in general there is just too little in terms of consistency and its frustrating because we’ve put in a lot of hard work.

– “Everybody in this program is disappointed when you don’t go out and perform the way you’re capable of. Obviously last week was a big game and you want to perform well…for us at the end of the day…it hurts…we are only as good as our next week.”

– On Millard’s loss “whenever you lose good players who are consistent that play at a high level…yes it changes you…it changes how you prepare and what you think you’re going to be able to execute against a defense…at the end of the day we need to perform at a high level…you put the OU on your helmet you’re supposed to perform at a certain level and that’s what we’re going to try to do this week.”

– When asked about what kind of offense Josh wants to run at Oklahoma in the future, he didn’t really answer specifically. He said they want to be able to pass the ball and get the ball in their playmakers hands (doesn’t sound like deep shots) and he said they want to be able to run the ball efficiently. Then talked about how well they’ve done offensively in the past – including the last 2 years (on a side note I wouldn’t certainly take issue with that). He said they aren’t throwing the ball well enough.

– He said they haven’t been as efficient with the QB run game but also said that they don’t want to “major in it…we just want that to be a little piece of the puzzle and make defenses respect it…as far as their blitz package and how they rush on 3rd down”.

– When asked if they want to move forward with the Trevor Knight package and he said that they only did that because they felt what they saw in Baylor’s scheme would allow them to take advantage and pick up some yards. “That was something for that ball game.” (So it sounds like they don’t intend to do anymore of it)

– When asked about what Kendal Thompson can do to get a shot or opportunity he said “continue to perform and push in the meeting room and on the practice field…those are things that earn and give you the right to have an opportunity to play.” Then Josh was asked whether Kendal does those things…”He’s doing well…yeah. He’s continuing to get more comfortable and pushing in a good way.” (here  he talked about what Kendal can do to get a shot and then said he does those things…obviously being tight lipped…isn’t going to come out and say “he isn’t good enough” or whatever the issue is but at least he responded to the questions)

– Talked about how Brennan Clay is consistent on and off the field and was a great leader. Also praised Gabe Ikard…talked about his intelligence and his versatility and how much he cares about Oklahoma as a program. Said he has “a bright future ahead of him the game of football and in the game of life as well”

– Said that Rip played at a high level and that Brannon did a good job most of the night.

– Said that as an offense they weren’t consistent in anything they did…passing, winning matchups against DBs, running, etc…”we didn’t have the balance that we wanted…they did a good job changing a couple of things…as much as anything they just beat us up front in some one-on-one situations.”

Blake Bell

– Said that the players had the weekend of and it was good for them get away from everything and come back recharged and ready to go.

– Asked about how they can overcome the inconsistencies that they have… “you’ve gotta keep working. That’s the only way you can do is keep practicing and keep working with the WRs and just with unit as a whole…and obviously penalties and 3rd downs…it seemed like if it wasn’t something it was something else”

– “I want to see us be more consistent. You’ve seen it out there we’ve made plays and we just need to continue to make them and do it on a consistent basis…stay on the field…we need to help our defense out a little bit.”

– Asked why he was able to be so successful at ND but not so much against Baylor, “it’s two different teams…two different styles of play…two totally different game plans.” Reiterated that they’ve done great things and they’ve done bad things and they need to more consistent doing the good things.

– Talked about how frustrating it is to play the way they did and talked about how the game might have gone differently if they could have scored a couple times in the red zone and punched those in for TDs. But said that’s in the past and they’re moving on to Iowa St.

– Said he’s fine with having Trevor come in and take those plays…said it doesn’t affect his rhythm and said in general he (Bell) has to be better.

 Jay Norvell

– Said they have several improvements they need to make going into the Iowa State game…said they didn’t run the ball well, they didn’t convert on 3rd downs, they turned the ball over…said they are very disappointed with the way they played. Said Monday is “tell the truth Monday” and said “the truth is we’re a good football team and the truth is we didn’t play very good last week”.

– Said the main problem was they didn’t execute well. Said their plan was to go in there and run the ball and mix in some play action shots but they couldn’t hit enough of those. And said obviously they have to do better on 3rd down and they have to score in the redzone. Said the defense was playing with great effort but those misses really “killed us”. “We have to meet the challenge a heck of a lot better than we did in that game and everybody is responsible for it…coaches number 1 take responsibility…our players gotta understand that they’ve got to do a better job as well…there is plenty of improvement to go around coaches and players…we’re back at it…we’re upbeat…and we better have our attention on them (Iowa State) or we’ll get stuffed again.”

– Asked how much it hurt losing Shep and said he’s a very good player and he’s a tough competitor but we have to adjust because we’ve got a lot of good players and the next player has to step up. Said that Derrick Woods, Austin Bennet, Jalen can play the spot…so if Shep can’t go some of those younger guys will get a chance.

– Said Dannon Cavil is progressing really well. Said he’s bigger and stronger and a much better football player than he was.

– Said they have to find ways to be more efficient and have success early in the game. Said they have to be able to find continuity early. He said once they do get a rhythm and started off well early then it usually leads to a snowball.

– “Can’t escape accountability. As coaches we all are responsible. As players everybody’s got to look at their part of the game…and just do what you’re asked to do.”

– Said that in order for Kendal to see the field he just has to continue doing what he already does which is to work hard and prepare…just has to do his best to be prepared when his opportunity comes “and he will be ready when his opportunity comes…it’s just unfortunate…he got hurt at a critical time in training camp when guys were competing…it just hard to get an opportunity once the season starts but he’s got to continue to prepare to be ready and I know he will”

Did have some time with Austin Woods. Nothing of note in terms of quotes but just wanted to say what a kind and great guy he is.