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Line issues hinder Sooners offense

OU's Landry Jones (12) is hit by Texas' Chykie Brown (8) during the Red River Rivalry in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX. STEPHEN PINGRY / Tulsa World

 
By DAVE SITTLER World Sports Writer
Published: 10/21/2009  2:23 AM
Last Modified: 10/21/2009  5:50 AM
Go to Dave Sittler's Blog

NORMAN So, what happens to Oklahoma's offense if quarterback Landry Jones gets injured?

"Don't even go there," coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday.

Stoops might not want to discuss that scenario publicly, but it's bound to be a troubling topic up for discussion behind closed coaching doors the rest of this season.

It's troubling for two reasons: No. 25 OU (3-3, 1-1 Big 12) has already lost 2008 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford twice to shoulder injuries. Secondly, the offensive line hasn't given any indication it's becoming a cohesive, consistent, dependable group.

If the O-line can't protect Jones from taking a pounding, it's logical to assume the odds are good the redshirt freshman could soon join Bradford on the injured list.

Yesterday, Stoops said Jones' backup in Saturday's game at No. 24 Kansas (5-1, 1-1) will either be freshman Drew Allen or junior walk-on John Nimmo.

With the season half over, Stoops desperately wants to redshirt Allen instead of burning a year's eligibility on the highly regarded 6-foot-5, 210-pounder from San Antonio.

One can understand why Stoops doesn't want to think what life would be like without Jones.

Hey, how about using versatile senior Brody Eldridge, who has already started on offense this season at tight end, guard and center?

"I wouldn't doubt he could do that, too," Stoops said.

OK, Stoops was joking about putting the 6-5, 265-pound Eldridge in the backfield and letting him run the Wildcat formation.

What isn't funny is the continued line struggles. The fact a tight end has been forced to start at two interior positions is proof positive that it's the team's weakest part.

How did Stoops and his staff allow this O-line mess to happen? Several reasons, including injuries, departures, suspensions and one-way tickets out of town.

The line lost four senior starters who helped Bradford win the Heisman last season. The Sooners also lost guard Kody Cooke and center Jason Hannan when the two redshirt freshmen decided to transfer.

Stoops told tackle Alex Williams to hit the road last May. He also suspended tackle Donald Stephenson for the entire 2009 season for off-the-field issues. The 6-6, 285-pound Stephenson is considered a high-quality prospect.

His no-nonsense approach may have cost Stoops some talent, but he's not about to sell out on the structure of his program to buy a couple more wins.

It was a lack of self discipline that prompted Stoops to call out his offensive line as a major concern before the start of spring practice. By the end of those drills, Stoops thought he'd seen enough progress to be cautiously optimistic.

Those problems not only returned during fall camp, but have persisted throughout the first six games. That's why Stoops' offense has had a different starting lineup up front in all six games.

"In general, some players have better work ethics and habits off the field than others do," Stoops said. "You can only control so much and ask that they do so much and they either do it or the don't.

"If they don't, then there isn't a great quality of work to show for it. Overall, it hasn't been very positive."

All-American left tackle Trent Williams has been solid, but not spectacular. While Eldridge has performed well at both center and guard, the other players who have struggled at times include center Ben Habern, guards Stephen Good, Tavaris Jeffries, Brian Simmons and Tyler Evans, along with tackles Jarvis Jones and Cory Brandon.

Simmons' knee injury against Baylor forced Eldridge to take over at left guard after several players didn't display they were ready to play the position in last Saturday's 16-13 loss to No. 3 Texas.

Asked about the line's lack of continuity, a frustrated Stoops said, "it isn't like just because you keep the same five guys in there everything's harmonious.

"When you've got guys that are playing inconsistently or don't have experience, you need to keep the competition going."

The line's inability to sustain blocks has often hindered Bradford and Jones from throwing the long ball. The run game was nonexistent against Texas because the O-line was overmatched by the Longhorns' defensive front.

While he's not happy with the line's performance, Stoops defends his players to a point. He said the loss of Bradford and All-American tight end Jermaine Gresham has been devastating, because it has limited the offense's options.

"Those are two of the top 10 players in the country," Stoops said. "Without them, the (line) is handcuffed at times."

If Bradford is finished, the O-line continues to regress and Jones gets injured, the Sooners may feel like they're playing with handcuffs on hands that are behind their backs.
By DAVE SITTLER World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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9 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Report Comment
referee, BA (10/21/2009 9:15:03 AM)
An honest assessment of the state of the program. One wonders if some of the players have the IQ of a fence post. Still, the team is not that far off. In all of of the defeats, had we held on to "those dropped interceptions" we still would be undefeated. Maybe, coach should get our recievers and secondary some baskets to help catch the ball.
Report Comment
lovethemsooners, Fayetteville (10/21/2009 10:14:06 AM)
Shouldn't the title be "when" Landry gets hurt? Obviously I don't wish that on the young fella but with this line it's very possible. We'd have a solid offense this year if not for our offensive hole and wide deflectors.
Report Comment
peribala, (10/21/2009 11:04:31 AM)
There is no doubt that OU is going thro' an unusually bad patch, but they still have six games to play and going from their performances so far they are capable pf winning them all is not most. All what they should do now is to go full steam ahead with great team speed and prove that the sooner magic is alive and well.
GO SOONERS - GET IT DONE
Report Comment
MaintenanceMan, Tulsa (10/21/2009 11:09:23 AM)
Glad to see Stoops cares more about the program than winning a few games during one season. I like the integrity displayed. I'm sure we will see some good recruits in the coming years.
Report Comment
bruinsooner, (10/21/2009 11:29:53 AM)
The Sooners will be fine.
Report Comment
Dweeb, (10/21/2009 12:22:55 PM)
Sounds like he needs to take the Bee line to the O line and refine.
Report Comment
Steff M, Claremore (10/21/2009 1:54:30 PM)
"Offensive hole and wide deflectors". That's pretty good, lovethemsooners. Took me a second to figure out. At first read I thought you were referring to Kevin "Bubble Screen" Wilson.
Report Comment
DelawareSooner, Newark, DE (10/21/2009 4:50:15 PM)
Maybe stoops should shift some of those receivers into the secondary, help the safeties out...

Either way, we can still win out, have a good season, play a decent bowl game (cotton?), and win.

Go Sooners!
Report Comment
hootie, Tulsa (10/23/2009 3:21:40 PM)
Problem is not really with the team but unrealistic expectations of fans that live their lives thru the football team. Any realistic fan would realize that the offense would struggle after loosing so many players and the lack of returning experience.
 

 
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