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Wilson fed up with OU line's critics

OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson (left) says of his offensive line: "It's documented that everybody is concerned about our line. I'm not ... at all." Steve Sisney/The Oklahoman

 
By DAVE SITTLER World Sports Columnist
Published: 8/8/2009  2:23 AM
Last Modified: 8/8/2009  8:34 PM
Go to Dave Sittler's Blog

NORMAN — Perhaps it was a goofy prediction by someone who should know better. Or maybe it was an obscure theory produced by a newspaper that specializes in the business of making money instead of first downs.

Whatever the reason, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson was in mid-season form Friday when he met the press at Media Day.

It was apparent that Wilson has about had it up to his chinstrap with those critics who have zeroed in on OU's inexperienced offensive line as being the only glaring weakness on a team ranked No. 3 in the first USA Today Coaches Poll.

"It's documented that everybody is concerned about our line," Wilson said. "I'm not ... at all."

The latest example of that documentation came Thursday from former Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware. Now an ESPN commentator, the ex-Houston quarterback predicted the uncertainty in the Sooners' O-line would result in four losses.

What, 8-4? Coach Bob Stoops has lost more than three games only twice in 10 years at OU.

He is coming off a 12-2 season when the Sooners didn't suffer their second loss until the BCS national championship game.

Last May, a numbers geek at the Wall Street Journal listed OU as one of five "teams to worry about," this season.

His reasoning was based
on the fact the Sooners are 11th in the Big 12 Conference when it comes to career starts on the O-line with 62. Texas led the league with 91, while Oklahoma State's 86 starts ranked second.

"I'm sure you could crunch numbers on quarterbacks, 1,000-yard rushers and everybody else, too," Stoops said. "Numbers ... you can make them look a lot of ways."

Quarterbacks and 1,000-yard rushers add up as huge pluses for OU. Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray each rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2008, a season in which quarterback Sam Bradford was named the nation's most outstanding player when he won the Heisman Trophy.

But Brown, Murray and Bradford might not do as much running and throwing if those Sooner newcomers up front can't open holes and pass protect.

Four starters must be replaced, including a pair of NFL draft picks in tackle Phil Loadholt and guard Duke Robinson.

"I guess the line's so crappy this year," said Wilson, "that we'll have to (add up) all the (rushing) yards after hits."

There was more than a hint of sarcasm in that statement. One gets the idea that Wilson, who played center at North Carolina State and has coached college O-lines since 1984, believes his experienced knowledge is sounder than some Wall Street pencil pusher or ex-quarterback turned expert.

"I don't know if I know offense as well (as some)," Wilson said. "But I know offensive lines."

Wilson knows offense, period. Entering his eighth season at OU, Wilson called the plays in 2008, when the Sooners fielded one of the most lethal offenses in college football history.

In addition to Bradford, Murray and Brown, OU returns experienced weapons at the other skill positions, but need depth at wide receiver. Tight ends Brody Eldridge and Jermaine Gresham and fullback Matt Clapp are considered among the best blockers at their positions in the Stoops era.

The fiery Wilson warmed up when he talked about Trent Williams, the lone returning starter on the O-Line. The 6-foot-5, 318-pound senior, who switched from right to left tackle, almost departed early for last spring's NFL draft.

"The best lineman that I've had since I've been here — and I had two former players (Jammal Brown and Davin Joseph) that walked out in this game called the Pro Bowl last year that were first-round picks — (but) the best lineman I've ever coached is (No.) 71, and it's not close," Wilson said.

Stoops said he wasn't ready to totally agree with Wilson.

"I beg to differ at this point because of guys like (New Orleans tackle) Jammal Brown and (Tampa Bay guard) Davin Joseph," Stoops said. "Trent has a chance to be one of those type of guys. He has that kind of talent, and we'll see if he can play to that level this year."

Wilson is adamant about the ability of veterans like senior left guard Brian Simmons and junior right tackle Cory Brandon. The other starting spots at this point are held by redshirt freshman center Ben Habern and sophomore right guard Stephen Good.

"I've got two fourth-year guys and two fifth-year guys, a boatload of tight ends, a couple of backs and a guy who won a nice trophy throwing the ball around," Wilson said. "And that line is as talented as any in this league and country, it just needs to grow.

"We have a chance to be a special offense, a chance to be a phenomenal group."

Maybe even good enough to avoid four losses and finishing 11th in the Big 12.
By DAVE SITTLER World Sports Columnist

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COMMENTS 
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6 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Arbythree, Tulsa (8/8/2009 11:59:43 AM)
I hope Coach Wilson is correct. Go Sooners!

Start the season and we will see.
Report Comment
BOOMER! SOONER!, (8/8/2009 1:27:49 PM)
That's how it is with powerhouses like OU, USC, Florida, etc...these guys don't have ideal "experience" because they've been playing behind 1st round NFL draftees. OU is a deep program and there are always equally talented players ready to take the place of the ones that depart. I can think of a lot of talented linemen at other schools that would have a hell of a hard time grabbing a starting spot with Duke Robinson and Phil Loadholt ahead of them.
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lovethemsooners, Fayetteville (8/8/2009 5:13:31 PM)
Let them keep hating on our OL. Let them continue to write it and broadcast it. I imagine if Wilson is a little ticked over the medias perception of our OL, the players themselves have got to feel like they want to prove something. Most Sooner fans know that we're not in as much trouble at that position as most "experts" think.
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TexaSooner, Houston (8/8/2009 7:27:53 PM)
Let Sammy call a few plays Kevin, I think he is mature enough to do so. Anyways, do whatever it takes to win the Championship!!!!!!!!
Report Comment
im4osu, Broken Arrow (8/8/2009 8:54:34 PM)
Who?
Report Comment
SoonerChris, Tulsa (8/8/2009 10:20:06 PM)
I love to see Wilson so passionate - good for him, good for the program and good for the kids - we know everyone that suites up for OU has talent it, what they sometimes lack in the beginning is confidence. This will go a long way in building some of that!
 

 
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