Damien Williams leads the Big 12 with 129.5 rushing yards per game and has five rushing TDs.
Highlights from Monday’s press conference in Norman
*** Defensive tackle Chuka Ndulue knows who the “BMOC” are these days around the University of Oklahoma.
In this case, it’s the plural “Big Men on Campus” and the honor goes to newcomers Damien Williams and Justin Brown.
First, Ndulue talked about Williams’ performance against UTEP, highlighted by an 89-yard run for a touchdown against Florida A&M. That TD gallop — one week after a 65-yard score against UTEP — drew rave reviews from Ndulue.
“We call (Williams) ‘That Guy,’” Ndulue said, adding a laugh. “He’s the face of Oklahoma. We call him ‘That Guy’ and ‘The Face of Oklahoma.’ He has both titles.
“C’mon gys, it just two runs. Just two runs? Really. What is he, averaging 15 yards per carry?”
Ndulue is quickly told that it’s actually 12.9 yards per rush.
“You see? That guy,” Ndulue said.
Ndulue was then told about Brown’s punt return average, which is hefty at 22.0 yards and ranks fifth nationally.
“He’s the other guy,” Ndulue said. “I haven’t had a chance to tell him that yet.”
*** Coach Bob Stoops attended a funeral on Monday. Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops and co-offensive coordinators Josh Heupel and Jay Norvell took his place at the news conference.
Mike Stoops said he was pleased with OU’s defensive effort against FAMU except for giving up a 75-yard touchdown pass. Miscommunication from the snap led to the explosive play.
The defensive coordinator said attention now turns to a solid Kansas State team.
“I like where we’re at,” Stoops said. “We certainly need to make some improvements over the next couple of weeks before playing a caliber team of Kansas State. That will certainly be a big test for us.”
*** Heupel was asked if Damien Williams would be the starting running back against K-State.
“At the end of the day, this question comes up every year,” Heupel said. “Who’s going to be the lead horse at the running back position? Ultimately, we’re going to need all those guys.”
Four different running backs, led by Williams’ four scores, combined for eight rushing touchdowns against FAMU.
Heupel also was asked what position Roy Finch was playing this season. Finch returned kicks and made a late appearance at running back. He spend time during fall camp at slot receiver.
“He’s got the ability to play multiple positions,” Heupel said. “You see him in the return game, you see him at running back and you’ll see him in the slot as well ... He’s a unique talent in that way. As he continues to earn touches, we’ll find ways to get him the ball.”
*** Norvell praised the play of freshman wide receiver Sterling Shepard.
“I was really happy for Sterling. It’s really important to him. To play the way that he played Saturday ...,” Norvell said. “I was excited to see him without the ball; if you go back and watch that game, when he wasn’t catching it, he was flying around. That’s the kind of effort that you’ve got to have.
“It’s obviously extremely important to the kid, and I just see him getting better and better as we move along. Really good player.”
