Tulsa World: Backup QB's day a mix of good, bad

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Backup QB's day a mix of good, bad

Oklahoma backup quarterback Landry Jones, a 6-foot-4 redshirt freshman, completed 5-of-12 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's Red/White Game. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer
Published: 4/12/2009 2:26 AM
Last Modified: 4/12/2009 4:51 AM

NORMAN — Saturday's Red/White Game played to mixed reviews, particularly for Landry Jones, Oklahoma's freshman backup to Heisman winner Sam Bradford.

"I thought Landry made some mistakes that will really hurt you over the course of a game," position coach Josh Heupel said. "He stepped up and made some plays as well. That's kind of the growth pattern of a young quarterback."

Jones, who was 5-of-12 for 73 yards with a touchdown and an interception, showed promise during his lone scoring drive. He completed a 23-yarder Brandon Caleb off play action, a lead pass to the sideline thrown perfectly over safeties Javon Harris and Joseph Ibiloye. Three plays later on third-and-goal from the 10, Jones bounced in the pocket, moved away to buy a little extra time, and spotted Jameel Owens near the goal-line for a touchdown.

Good stuff.

Now for the bad.

"The biggest thing for a young quarterback is finding a way not to beat you," Heupel said. "And (Jones) did some things today that would have helped get us beat."

Jones' first pass was nearly intercepted by Desmond Jackson. He wasn't as lucky on his last pass of the first quarter, thrown from one hashmark to the opposite sideline, the type of pass that carries risk if thrown by Bradford, even.

When intended receiver Mossis Madu slipped down, Dominique Franks had an easy interception and a 42-yard runback for the score.

Jones lost six more points in the third quarter, when speed-rushing defensive end Jeremy

Beal slapped the ball out of Jones' hand for linebacker J.R. Bryant to pick up and run in from 24 yards out.

"I don't think today was his best day," Heupel said. "Figuring those things out will be pivotal for him going forward."

OU coaches, quick to point out Jones is just over a year into his college career after leaving high school a semester early in 2008, expect that to happen.

"I don't think where he is right now is any different than any quarterback we've had," Heupel said. "For Landry, understanding on the board and in the film room what you're doing is one thing. Coming out here and being able to see all of the bodies move all the time and make the right decisions That's what he's trying to work through. That's why these reps are so important."

Guerin Emig 581-8355
guerin.emig@tulsaworld.com By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer

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