Tulsa World: OU Notebook

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OU Notebook

By JOHN E. HOOVER, World sports writer
Published: 1/3/2009 2:25 AM
Last Modified: 1/3/2009 2:47 AM

Mike at Mike: Junior Mike Balogun began Oklahoma's initial practice Friday as the starting middle linebacker.

Reporters were permitted to watch the first 15 minutes of practice, and Balogun took all the snaps with the starting defense during that time. Redshirt freshman Austin Box, who's trying to return from a knee injury suffered Nov. 29, stood nearby watching with the rest of the reserves.

Coaches and players were not made available to media after practice.

Since replacing the injured Ryan Reynolds, Box had been the Sooners' middle linebacker for five consecutive games before going down against Oklahoma State. In the Big 12 championship game, weakside starter Travis Lewis moved to the middle and strong safety Nic Harris played weakside linebacker, while Quinton Carter stepped in at safety.

Travelogue: The Sooners arrived at Miami International Airport at 3 p.m., checked into the Fontainebleau and reported immediately for practice at Barry University in north Miami. It's the same hotel and practice facility the Sooners used during their trip to Miami for the 2004-05 Orange Bowl.

OU practiced for around 90 minutes before returning to the team hotel.

Man down: The Sooners are without defensive back Desmond Jackson, a redshirt freshman from Seguin, Texas, whom coach Bob Stoops said "we left home for disciplinary reasons."

Sam's hand: Quarterback Sam Bradford, wearing a slimmed down cast on his left hand to protect his surgically repaired thumb, is able to take snaps with his hands under center. Stoops said Tuesday in Norman that Bradford was taking snaps "and hasn't fumbled a one."

On watch: The Sooners have said repeatedly that this is a business trip and they aren't going to Miami to party. After disembarking at Miami International Friday, Stoops answered a question about the distractions of such an alluring destination.

"A lot of our guys are from big cities," he said, "and hopefully we'll conduct ourselves the right way and stay away from trouble."

Florida coach Urban Meyer said after a "great work week, I worry about the team coming out here and staying in control. We've just got to make sure we keep our routine going.

"I trust these guys. We're going to enjoy ourselves here, but there's no doubt why we got on this plane."

Harvin update: Meyer said running back/wide receiver/kick returner Percy Harvin is healthy.

"Percy is going to play unless there is a setback," Meyer said. "He should practice (Saturday)."

Tebow time: Florida QB Tim Tebow spoke with reporters on Friday after the Gators arrived at Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

He said Meyer's choice to replace outgoing offensive coordinator Dan Mullen by promoting offensive line coach Steve Addazio was "a great decision." By JOHN E. HOOVER, World sports writer

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