Tulsa World: OU Notebook

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OU Notebook

By GUERIN EMIG World sports writer
Published: 10/27/2008 2:08 AM
Last Modified: 10/27/2008 3:51 AM

Eldridge to return: Oklahoma will get one of its most important players back Saturday against Nebraska, when blocking specialist Brody Eldridge returns from a two-game absence.

"I actually thought I might have him last week," OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. "Thursday, I thought he had a chance to play. But with him being out earlier in the week and playing on the (Kansas State) turf, I planned to do some stuff in spread formations."

That's not Eldridge's forte, the line of scrimmage is. So the tight end rested his sprained ankle another week, allowing freshmen Trent Ratterree and James Hanna to play more.

"They played in a very good way for us," Wilson said.

Strength in numbers: Despite Eldridge's absence, OU has rushed for 479 yards the past two weeks. They ran for 273 at Kansas State Saturday as tailbacks DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown both eclipsed 100.

Asked about the production, Wilson said: "We got to the perimeter. They played a seven-man front with man (coverage) outside. If you could get through the line of scrimmage and find a crease, there wasn't a lot of support with the structure of that defense."

There is one more factor at work.

"I think we've played harder the last couple weeks," Wilson said. "I know we've practiced harder. We've been more consistent, and for two weeks it's paid off in a positive way."

Safety net: Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes were the only Sooners to take snaps at safety, outside of

mop-up time, over the first six games of the season. Then Harris slid to middle linebacker against Kansas, allowing Quinton Carter to take his spot at strong safety.

Saturday at K-State, Harris returned to the secondary, but Carter rotated in for both Harris and Holmes nonetheless.

"Nic's stressed, playing three special teams," defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. "You're playing the punt team, the kickoff and the kickoff return. Plus you're playing every snap on defense."

Harris needed the rest, and since Carter proved he could cover for him against Kansas, OU felt comfortable about giving it to him.

"It's no different than repping a left tackle or a receiver in there," Venables said. By GUERIN EMIG World sports writer

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