Tulsa World: OU 'D' loses 'rock', gets rolled

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OU 'D' loses 'rock', gets rolled
Sooners stumble after linebacker Ryan Reynolds tears his ACL.

By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 10/12/2008 2:23 AM
Last Modified: 10/12/2008 2:44 AM

Sooners stumble after linebacker Ryan Reynolds tears his ACL.

DALLAS — Oklahoma's defense just wasn't the same after middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds went down with a knee injury early in the third quarter of the Sooners' 45-35 loss to Texas on Saturday.

"Losing a player like Ryan, a leader like he is, I mean, the rock like he is, it's tough for us," said weakside linebacker Travis Lewis.

The Longhorns gained 174 yards on 38 plays (4.58 yards per play) when Reynolds sustained what coach Bob Stoops termed a torn ACL. But after Reynolds left (he was replaced by Brandon Crow, a sophomore from Comanche), UT gained 264 yards on 32 snaps (8.25 yards per play).

Without Reynolds in the middle, the Longhorns popped runs of 30, 18 and 62 yards and passes of 40 and 37 yards. The two throws were short completions over the middle to Jordan Shipley behind Crow.

"Ryan's a great football player, a great linebacker, and he is the heart and soul of their defense. He makes it run," said Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. "When he went out, I'm not even sure who they brought in, but it didn't change anything for us, except I think their secondary might have backed off a little bit."

John E. Hoover 581-8384
john.hoover@tulsaworld.com

Men in the middle

Oklahoma's defense took a hit Saturday when starting middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds was lost for the season with a torn ACL. No possible replacement has a career start:

Brandon Crow

6-0, 228, So., Comanche

Replaced Reynolds and played 32 snaps there Saturday, but was exposed in coverage more than once. Had limited experience going into the season, but has been Reynolds' backup there all season.

Austin Box

6-2, 221, R-Fr., Enid

Was atop the depth chart at weakside linebacker before a minor knee injury during two-a-days. Considered a smart and athletic player. Bob Stoops and Brent Venables said Box was an option.

Mike Balogun

6-2, 250, Jr., Upper Marlboro, Md.

Started training camp as the backup to Reynolds but moved to the weak side and made an immediate impact, working his way to the top of the depth chart before the emergence of Travis Lewis.

Lamont Robinson

6-1, 226, Jr., Salem, N.J.

Spent last season as Curtis Lofton's backup, then backed up Reynolds there in spring practice. Moved to strong-side linebacker in two-a-days. By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

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AG1, (10/12/2008 6:39:27 PM)

Medium game Bob didn't look very impressive. How much is OU paying for him? His tantrum on the sideline wasn't as impressive any Gundy's rant - looks like he is pouting and can't spit his words out.

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