Scrimmage Notes | 8.13.16 (Correction: Sun., 6:49 am)

Have spoken to a few people regarding the scrimmage. Still waiting to hear back from another person so once I do I’ll update the notes if it’s anything different/new.

– First of all the defense won the day by quite a margin I was told. It sounds like part of the reason for that is the offensive line is still working to get in synch. Apparently the offense had to do the up downs which is all you need to know in determining who won or lost the day.

– There were a number of receivers out including Westbrook, Green, Mykel, Baxter and Smallwood which is obviously going to make a difference in terms of the offensive performance. As of right now Baxter and Westbrook are expected to start so not having them on the field matters.

– On the flip side Evans was out and Caleb Kelly didn’t go either. I’m told Doucet looked good. Also told that Bolton took a lot of snaps and was “impressive”.

– I’m told Gallimore had a great day which included two sacks.

– Also told that freshman LB, Jon Michael Terry had an interception off of a tipped pass. Also Steven Parker apparently had an INT as well but it was called back on a penalty call.

– Jeffrey Mead apparently caught a big 4th down catch that led to a field goal. Was told in general he had a good day.

– Also told that Joe Mixon had a 70 yard run (correction: this was a reception…when I received this information, I incorrectly assumed this was a run) for a touchdown. Just a bit of a fun/light-hearted note, he apparently did a little showboating in the endzone (spun the ball and did a little dance) and got a flag for celebration. Again, just having a little fun.

– With the other receivers out, walk-on WR, Nick Basquine received quite a few reps. I’m told he had 30 yard diving touchdown grab in the endzone.

– The cornerback rotation was first team (L to R respectively): JT and Austin first, then Quick and Mbanasor, then Cobb and Motley. It sounds more and more like Austin has solidified the starting spot. And now it’s a fight for who would be the first corner off the bench if needed. I was told that Quick and Motley are both doing well. In fact I was told Motley leads all cornerbacks in INTs for fall camp. And while Mbansor, hasn’t made the big plays he’s not giving up much either. So bottom line is they are building good depth at the cornerback position.

– Also was told that the QBs didn’t have much time. Though I was also told that in the case of Austin Kendall he was late on a couple of open passes to Mark Andrews. But in general it sounds like they didn’t have a ton of time.

Again, will try to add more later this weekend…

 

204 Comments

  • KJ1123 says:

    Good stuff K!

  • Tony B says:

    Still early so I’m hoping all these O-Line problems are just newbies learning to gel and figuring out correct line calls.

  • Tony B says:

    And thanks for the updates K.

  • Doobie74OU says:

    Any indication Super K on whether Coach Cooks is feeling confident enough in his 2 deep at CB to play the that 60-70% to the starters and 30-40% to the 2nd team CBs that was discussed a couple weeks ago?

    • Super K says:

      tough to say. I get the sense that they like the depth they have and they like the surprise progression from guys like Quick and Motley but I’d still bet that it’s going to depend on the game situation. I will say that while I think Dakota is the starter and deserves to be so, I don’t think it’s one of those things where he is clearly head and shoulders above Quick/Mbanasor. I think they all have strength and weaknesses but Austin is the most proven. So I think much of this going to depend on how things go early in the season.

      • Doobie74OU says:

        Yeah I hope the 2nd team at least allows us to match up better than a couple years ago when WVU just kept lining up Kevin White on Zach Sanchez who was about a foot shorter and 50lbs lighter and White went for 10 catches 173 yds and 1TD.

      • Scott says:

        Hopefully we see alot of Coach Cooks new system.

      • SoonerMagic76 says:

        Was the “head and shoulders” line a height joke????

  • SoonerfanTU says:

    Better get that oline in shape. That needs to be a strength.

  • Matt says:

    Man this is good stuff! O-line has until September 17th to get in sync. Facing tOSU’s front, and a coach like Meyer, there’s not gonna be any coming back from double digits in the 4th.

    • rphokc says:

      actually, they better gel for houston imo

      • Spitting Bull says:

        Yes sir. They have some players up front.

        • Boom says:

          Don’t mean to be a jerk but their front is good against, UConn, etc. I’m not overlooking them and they will be tuff but some are making this sound like their front 7 is as good as Bama.

          • Spitting Bull says:

            I don’t take offense to your comment. However, look at the stats for the FSU game. Davin Cook, Heisman hopeful, 18 carries for 33 yards. Sean McGuire threw 4 interceptions. Now, can we credit all of that to the defensive line and or linebackers. No. I bet they had a lot to do with it though. They knocked the crap out of the Seminoles. They’ll bring the house against us. We better be ready. Even if they suck, I like our team preparing like they’re Bama. 🙂

  • Matt says:

    I am disappointed to hear so little about A. Stephens. I was really hoping he would put it together, he sounds like a complete ball hawk.

    • Super K says:

      he has to give more effort…the talent is there but coaches look at other factors as well

      • Matt says:

        Ah I kinda figured that was what’s happening. I just hope he doesn’t let one bad camp turn into a bad career. It sounds like with all these other corners developing, that could be the case though.

        • Super K says:

          It can be argued that Stephens may have more upside than all of them. He’s big and long so he could develop into a disruptive corner with good catch tech. But he also has that keen eye for the ball and the ability to break and get down hill in an off position. But he has to want to put in the work and take the coaching.

  • Boom says:

    I saw the pics on SS. Like your write up, alot of back ups were giving an opportunity to shine. Some had flashes and some didn’t. What I saw interesting and know will change is Doucet’s arms. I know he’s a JUCO guy and hadn’t had a lot of time with Smitty; however I can’t wait to see what he physically looks like this time next year. Talent is there but I’m sure physically he will be much better.
    Question K – Seems a lot of us are scratching our heads on why Beal is playing ILB. We thought he was an OLB. Do you have any insight on why he’s playing ILB? Thanks for all the good stuff!!

    • Jason Vos says:

      He might not be as explosive off the edge as some of the outside guys. And honestly, I think OU is done playing any LB’s below 6’2 on the outside unless they are just super explosive off the edge like Striker was.

  • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

    So wou houstons front 7 being solid, where shoul the panic meter be? Love seeing gallimore do work. Boy is man child

  • Jason Vos says:

    So many receivers out, and 2 possible starters at Oline also out I.e Daimler and Dalton. I can see why there would be some growing pains. I think when everyone is back, the offense will get back on track.

  • Jason Vos says:

    Honestly I’m more excited to hear the defense has been dominant than the offense because we will need that to happen against that Houston offense

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    It’s no wonder the defense won the day with so many key people out. Obviously Perine isn’t being let loose due to precautionary reasons so that has to be accounted for. The Oline was also patched together. It’s just good so many young guys are getting reps.

  • SoonerMagic76 says:

    Thanks for all the practice notes! Nice to hear the D was flowing nicely. O line will get there – coach B did it last year, he’ll get them there this year

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      He did it AFTER the Texas game. We don’t have the luxury of a weak schedule this year!

      • hOUligan says:

        That game, hopefully, was an anomaly as Lincoln still did not know how to plug in all of his pieces effectively. Another year and Lincoln understands what he has and how to best use them IMHO and most of those guys back.

      • Spitting Bull says:

        Bad flashback of St. Johns telegraphing with his feet. Thanks for that. 😉

    • Cornelius Adamski says:

      Is Tyron Billy-Johnson looking at Norman? Sure seems like a few #Boomers are looking at him! @OU_CoachViney @OU_Football @CoachKerryCooks

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    Friggin OL problems just like in the first 5 games last year. But we are not playing the lame Vols. We have to score against Houston and Ohio St. Better shorten up the pass routes then. Dump offs to the backs will work and run the ball.

    • Lane Gilstrap says:

      I don’t think it’s time to hit the panic button yet. We still have a couple weeks to get it together.

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        It may be an overreaction, but my basis is last year’s slow start. I hope your right.

        • Lane Gilstrap says:

          I think once all the starters get out there and play it will be a different story. Right now we can start to build quality depth.

    • Scott says:

      Vols defense was legit.

      • Lane Gilstrap says:

        It’s not like we were firing on all cylinders yet when we played them but they were pretty decent especially for the youth they dealt with.

  • KJ1123 says:

    Update: im kinda drunk BOOMER MFIN SOONER 😉

  • KJ1123 says:

    So real quick. None of this really matters until 9/3. So take all this in stride peeps.

  • Christian Taylor says:

    As things stand now who is the third quarterback, obviously one of the walk-ons but is there one that seems to be getting more reps? Hopefully this won’t matter but Baylor last season has me spooked. Lol

  • Jason Vos says:

    Can we at least try Stanvon Taylor on offense. With all these receivers out? We never hear anything about him

  • hOUligan says:

    OK. Trying to curb my enthusiasm hearing Gallimore’s name every report. Been a while since we’ve had 2 disruptive Dlinemen (Walker). And Bolton is being singled out, too. Need this D to put it together up front and be able to get after the QB as Houston and tOsu are strong there. Will hopefully give the Oline time to get in sync.

    • Maverick says:

      To be fair Gallimore was working against 2nd offense, but he did look explosive.

    • Spitting Bull says:

      That is encouraging. I do worry a little about the O-line. Houston is pretty strong up front.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Blue jersey QB, two top tier RB’s being protected, starting receivers out, new O-line being assembled…..about what I would expect for the first week.

    • Maverick says:

      Fwiw neither rb had the blue jersey treatment. Quick whistles when they were in, but they both went full contact.

  • Colton Armstrong says:

    I realize I’m a nobody here..so take this as you will, but I got to tour the stadium today (my buddy is working construction on the stadium). Got to get down on the field and pretty much had a raging b**er the entire time. I can definitely confirm the Mixon touchdown, as I was walking by the end of the end zone and that was the first thing I saw was Mixon break away and showboat with a nice dance. Offense doing all those up downs hurt me, but again, Mixon looked great. People like Mead seemed to be dying about 3/4 of the way through, meanwhile Mixon looked like he had just stepped out on the field and was dying to break a sweat, standing in the middle of the circle doing up downs. Saw the Terry INT and Baker hit a deep pass to the corner (might have been a touchdown, there was a flag didn’t get to see what for). Pretty much just reiterating exactly what K said.. But they looked energetic today, boys. Stadium construction 90% certainly won’t be done by the home opener. (They have a lot of work left to do) but it’s definitely taking shape and looking good. Boomer!

    • Sooner Ray says:

      Well, you ARE somebody now just because you are here. 🙂 Did you see Alvarez? asking for a friend.

    • Super K says:

      Welcome Colton and thanks for the insights and notes! Post more 🙂

      • Lane Gilstrap says:

        Is there anything wrong with Alvarez other than the fact that he has been struggling? Does Wren have a real shot to overtake Alvarez?

      • Colton Armstrong says:

        Appreciate it, K. Wish I could give regular updates like this but unfortunately this was kind of a one-time deal. My buddy was more interested in showing me the stadium and I was waaay too into watching the scrimmage. Got to watch a few plays, but your sources were spot on. Always love reading your stuff!

        • Oscar says:

          “I realize I’m a nobody here” Well, if you are willing to slide Metz a few dollars, he can change your status! 🙂

          • Colton Armstrong says:

            Lol just wasn’t sure how people would take the new guy with the “friend who works construction” who gave pretty much the same exact update as Super K. I’d say it has been a warm welcome though! Honestly wish I had more stuff. Like I said, my buddy wanted to show me the construction and had us running all over. Was trying to watch as much as I could. Was just really impressed with Mixon’s motor.

          • Cush Creekmont says:

            Oscar, you’re a provocateur. Next thing you know, Sam will put the poor guy on probation 🙂

      • Jason Vos says:

        Hey K did Alvarez play today?

    • Lane Gilstrap says:

      Was the pass to Mixon a long pass or a catch and run or busted coverage? Details please.

      • Colton Armstrong says:

        Literally only got to catch him halfway through streaking down the field. Wish I could tell you whether it was a pass or run.

      • Super K says:

        Run

        • Maverick says:

          I might’ve missed this run, but he also caught a 70 yard seem route out of the backfield from Mayfield on a busted coverage. Might’ve been Obo responsible, couldn’t tell.

          • Super K says:

            You are correct. It was a reception. I wrongly assumed based on what I was told. Thanks!

    • hOUligan says:

      Don’t know that Id sport some ‘Dalton’ but I have been waiting for admin to bowl in this stadium since I was a student there. Cannot wait for the first look w the stands full and how much louder it is going to be. And welcome to TFB where everyone knows your name.

    • soonerthunder says:

      what’s the 10% they have to finish, or exactly what won’t be completely finished by home opener?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      thanks for sharing this info!

    • Sooner Ray says:

      The Titans may actually know how to use him.

    • Birddawg says:

      Draft him for your league.
      Run blocking line, run first coach, and he’s got a chip on his shoulder..

      • Zack says:

        I wouldn’t draft him too high. I have a feeling the young guy is going to get a bunch of goal line touches. So if Murray doesn’t score from 20+ yards then he may not get many red zone runs.

        • Shelby is a Patriot says:

          Good point.

          • Zack says:

            Both will probably be starter worthy in fantasy but I got burned on Demarco last year. I had to take him in the first and man he sucked with Philly. I wished Sam would have gotten out.

        • Spitting Bull says:

          That was a well blocked play. Can the Titans do that consistently? Also, I’m guessing it was early in the game so the Chargers had their first team D in but with preseason you never know what’s going on. Still good to see it.

    • Spitting Bull says:

      Looks familiar. Down to the high steps in the end zone. Nice little Scamper DeMarco!

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    Hey KJ1123, you feelin good yet?

  • SoonerinLondon says:

    It seems to me it is way to early to worry about the line. In the WORST case, we have the starting LT, LG and RT back. We then put two new, BIGGER guys in at C and RG. These guys are chosen from a group of guys that have been here at least a couple of years or celebrated Jucos.

    I just don’t see any way our line isn’t at least as good as last year.

    I’m gonna go all Aaron Rodgers on us and say R E L A X.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      I expect an improved line by start of season.

    • Lane Gilstrap says:

      Agree 100%

    • Bob Edwards says:

      Frankly I wouldn’t worry about anything after the first scrimmage. The early weeks of the fall camp are filled with position coaches experimenting with players and groupings to see who are going to be the starters. If we get to the prep week for Houston and things are unclear at a position, that’s the time to start being concerned.

  • LandThieve3 says:

    Sounds like we are starting to get quality depth at all positions now on defense. That’s huge in terms of grind-out games. Think Gallimore will be a difference maker. Looks as if the biggest concern currently is OL. So dumbfounding about Alverez

  • OUn8v says:

    Thank you for taking the time to provide us the notes, K.

  • Zach West says:

    Striker or tapper played yet?

  • Cush Creekmont says:

    Thanks K! With the closed practices, any info is greatly appreciated. While I am in the “it’s early and things are fluid” camp, I worry more since we don’t get to see practice at all.

  • KJ1123 says:

    I know this is wrong thread BUT ef expansion ef this league….Oklahoma to the SEC!

    • lovethemsooners says:

      Here here.

    • Recondo says:

      I think this league could be saved but don’t trust the morons in Dallas to make the right moves. I know why everybody wants the SEC and can’t fault them but I also like the idea the B10 and renewing the Nebraska series (+ better wrestling and, generally, better academics).

      • SoonerinLondon says:

        Yep. And a better chance to win CCGs.

      • Mark_in_VA says:

        The B1G is a bigger stretch culturally and has an overall negative weather impact. Obviously football is football and that is certainly well attended in the B1G, but the rest of the sports stand to suffer at least some. The SEC is a better cultural and geographical fit, is the best (even if slightly) football situation, and is definitely the best for most other sports except perhaps men’s basketball, where frankly it’s still pretty darn good just with UF and UK. Also, I think it’s fair to say the B1G comes with the string that whorn has to come too. The SEC would welcome us on our own right, and in fact doesn’t seem to really want much to do with whorn, which I definitely appreciate.

        Edit: that said, I’m not down on the B1G, especially if OU is “all in” on sticking with whorn. It’s my 2nd choice for sure, way ahead of the Pac, which is itself way ahead of the ACC.

    • Mark_in_VA says:

      Every thread is the right thread for this message.

    • soonerinks says:

      Heck yeah! B12 is headed nowhere fast and culturally we belong in the SEC. Playing B1G teams (other than tOSU) just doesn’t do anything for me.

    • Sacramento Sooner says:

      BYU is the only school worth anything. You can talk up Houston & Cincinnati all you want, but the second you add them we might as well be the MAC. Crap football. Big 12 leadership is a joke.

  • Walter Sobcek says:

    Early scrimmage, and the advantage usually goes to the defense. But we do need the O line to gel pretty quickly. OU’s early season schedule is crazy difficult.

  • j l says:

    Thanks for the weekend update!

  • Okie403 says:

    help me out. Sorry but have not been around much last couple days… whats deal with Alvarez or do we know?

    • Lane Gilstrap says:

      We don’t know. Nobody is sharing that info.

    • Bob Edwards says:

      All we know is he’s not generally running with the 1’s. KJ said he had a bad first week of practice. Most likely either coach B knows what he has in Alvarez and is doing the mad scientist thing looking for other combinations, or he is letting Alavarez know that his starting spot is not guaranteed. Could be a little bit of both.

      • OUhound says:

        Yeah, guessing we are talking “motivation” more than anything. They’ll all be wanting to hit something other than their own teammates three weeks from now.

    • Neworleanssooner says:

      Looks like lots of Bedenbaugh experimentation on o-line. The best combination may be Wren at center and Alvarez at LG. Right now I think the o-line is a fluid situation. Subject to change!

  • normanite says:

    Is Geno Lewis taking reps at WR? When he transferred we heard a lot about him, but since then, nothing.

    • Bob Edwards says:

      He took Durron Neal’s old number (5). He shows up several times in the scrimmage picks.

    • Maverick says:

      Yes. Playing in the slot quite a bit. He looks solid. Caught a long one yesterday over Ahmad Thomas.

      • SoonerfanTU says:

        If he is playing in the slot, he has almost zero chance of starting. He isn’t going to beat out Andrews, and probably won’t beat out Baxter. For some reason I thought he was an outside guy.

        • Maverick says:

          I’m not sure starting makes much difference. Those guys are all going to get game reps until someone separates themself. I have nothing to base this on, but Lewis is pretty physical, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a good blocking Wr. Might make him see the field more.

    • Zack says:

      I think he’s going to have a nice year. Somewhere around 40-50 catches and 700 yards.

  • Farmer Glickstein says:

    On Joe Mixon’s 70 yd. TD, I assume someone made a defensive bust and Joe made a great play. Whether he got the ball on toss or short pass out of the backfield, to me is a minor detail. But for TFB to make a correction shows me the integrity of this site to try to always bring the most accurate information they can and should be applauded. Also, hats off @Maverick for sharing his observations. .

  • Jason Vos says:

    What ever happened to Dalton Rodriguez? He looked great in the spring game

    • Lane Gilstrap says:

      He looked real good. He also put on a lot of weight.

    • Maverick says:

      I wouldn’t count on him playing much of a part this year. Makes plays when he gets a chance, but he’s quite a bit down on the depth chart.

  • metzker says:

    Good FOOTBALL Afternoon TFB and TFB’ERS.Its 1:00 and texsa SUCKs

  • metzker says:

    Nice notes K glad you got them up before Monday.Its going to be a sh$$y week of work for me,probably not much time to read TFB.The Bayer crop Germans will be on my job site all week and will want an accelerated schedule.I just have to say ok we are going to finish 2 weeks late so hit us with that 6 grand a day and go back across the pond.And then I will add don’t forget who kicked your a$$ in ww2.

    • OohRah Mama says:

      And will you be saying that in your own head or in a letter you type to yourself to get it all out of your system?

      🙂

      You know i love ya more’n my luggage.

  • metzker says:

    Guess I will check back later,BOOMER FREAKING SOONER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • ALar03 says:

    Just curious I guess this question go for anyone, until KJ sees it lol.. But when we had Darlington he made most of the blocking calls, right? I dont know if the center is supposed to make the calls or how the calls are made along the line… but was wondering if this is more of a problem that Alvarez is having, either way 7 sacks is worrisome closer to Sept 3rd but first full scrimmage not really worried about anything until they get on the field against another team!

    • Maverick says:

      Yes, the center usually makes the calls. No insight how Alvarez handles this, but as he sees mostly the same fronts against our D in camp, that probably doesn’t come in to play a whole lot.

      • ALar03 says:

        True I just remember Ty being extremely smart and wondered if it was a step back for Alvarez.. just seemed like that was one of the positions that was secure, but if its more of wren stepping up and pushing him, then im all about providing competition to push and force the team to grow!

        • Maverick says:

          You’re right, it will be a big difference from the last several years with Ikard and then Darlington. Those guys were extremely sharp.

          • ALar03 says:

            Just your opinion but what would the chances of maybe Samia moving there? From everything we heard he seems extremely bright and studies everyones assignments.. that would be of course if the problem persisted and someone else was stepping up at the other positions

          • JD says:

            I could see that more if he’s at rg..him the center and the others will be communicating and pointing no doubt. I dont see Dru at center at all though

          • ALar03 says:

            Yea i dont know alot about oline techniques and who fits where other than you want length at the tackle spots..

          • Maverick says:

            Just my opinion, but I can’t see that happening much at all. He’s just too good at tackle and guard to need him at center.

            I think they’re pretty comfortable with Alvarez being the best option at center, but really need to find the best 5. Be it Alvarez at center or guard.

        • Maverick says:

          You’re right, it will be a big difference from the last several years with Ikard and then Darlington. Those guys were extremely sharp.

    • Bob Edwards says:

      It’s certainly possible, but I would think that if they were looking at moving Alavrez he would be playing with the 1’s at guard.

  • Maverick says:

    Well, my other football team, Arsenal, is off to a bad start. Can the season start next weekend?? I’m ready for football.

  • bigrackhunter says:

    Another example of the defense seeing OUr offense day and day out. With that being said we have a Good oline, according to some the best in the big 12. It appears to be the dine is really starting to bring it! Look at the depth…. Walker/ Galimore/ Campbell/ Lampkins DT/DE strong side, Wade/Romar/Overton NT, Dimon/ Ward/ Roberts/ Mann/ Bledsoe DT/DE weakside. Plus Doucet is the real deal, and that’s coming from former players and people on the inside, with his speed and, experience at the college level. At this time we probably have more NFL level players on Defence, since Coach V and both stoops roamed the the sidelines!

  • JrsySooner says:

    Two weeks out half the team is missing reps ggggreat…no worries it’s just Houston…honestly wtf is going on…I need new meds I’m freaking out

  • BamaSooner#12! says:

    I’m really excited about Gallimore and Walker wreaking havoc on the D-line this year! I haven’t heard much from Lampkin though, I hope he gets it going.

    • Lane Gilstrap says:

      He was injured. He might be a little behind because of that,

    • CcrBoomer says:

      Overton will be a beast this yr. i think. He looked good for true fr last year

      • soonerthunder says:

        yes he did. I thought he might be good coming out of HS, but wasn’t sure that he’d be as good as he was last year that quickly. Anxious to see if he takes it to another level this year. If so, watch out

  • SoonerOracle737 says:

    Sounds like Obo and Gallimore are starting to shine on D. Most excellent news. Just get that Oline in sync please before the end of camp so we can start off hitting on all cylinders against UH. We’re going to need it.

  • Tim A says:

    Just getting to this now so I suspect a lot of comments have already been made about this – but why were so many guys out – is this due to injuries (albeit even slight ones)? They are only a few weeks from playing Houston and I know they take great caution, but sure hope the injury bug is not starting this early.

  • 2Dogs says:

    We were able to watch the scrimmage yesterday while at the suite holders ticket pick up party. I thought the offense looked pretty good. Several nice throws by Baker. A lot of quick whistlles too when he was scrambling. New score board is impressive even though it was not on. Looks like there is a lot of work left to do.

  • Jason Vos says:

    Looked like Jeff Mead was schooling Austin done in those clips

  • Double G says:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7Jd7DYFzpQ
    Hambone 694 makes some of the best Sooner highlight videos OUt there. Just a little reminder of what this team is capable of because sometimes it is easy to forget how good we are after a long off season. Hope ya’ll enjoy!

  • Susanttipton2 says:

    <<fb. ★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★::::::!il672r:….,…..