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OU Notebook: Growing pains

OU quarterback Landry Jones said of Saturday's loss to Nebraska: "I can't remember a game as bad as Saturday." STEPHEN PINGRY / Tulsa World
 
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 11/10/2009  2:27 AM
Last Modified: 11/10/2009  6:19 AM

 Landry Jones had some growing pains on Saturday, throwing a school-record five interceptions in a 10-3 loss at Nebraska. These kind of pains really hurt, though.

"I didn't really talk to anyone after the game. I was really upset about it," he said after practice on Monday. "I can't remember a game as bad as Saturday."

Still, Jones isn't alone in taking the blame, coaches say.

"When things go well, 10 other guys around you are playing at a high level," said quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel. "When they're not, the quarterback might get a little bit too much blame."

Bob Stoops points to perhaps the game's pivotal play, Jones' first interception that was run back to the 1-yard line and led to Nebraska's only touchdown. Adron Tennell, the intended receiver, got taken out of the play when Prince Amukamara pulled his jersey from behind, then intercepted the pass.

"Our receiver quit," Stoops said. "Doesn't finish the route. He needs to fight for an incompletion there, or an interference call and not bail on it. . . . So sometimes it appears it's always (Jones) but it isn't always him. And then sometimes, a couple others that sailed down the middle on him, that he has to learn from. That's part of the process."

Stoops said he isn't worried that Jones won't bounce back.

"He will," Stoops said. "Yeah, that's part of maturing in that quarterback position. It's the most difficult to play."

Feed the hungry: Heupel's 14 Foundation holds its ninth annual food drive prior to Saturday's Oklahoma-Texas A&M game. Volunteers will be located outside the gates of Memorial Stadium to accept cash donations and proceeds will benefit families in Norman, Ada, Ardmore, Enid, Kingfisher, Stillwater, Oklahoma City, Sand Springs and Okmulgee. This year's project intends to provide 10,000 meals for Thanksgiving.

Husker output: Nebraska's 180 yards against OU was the program's lowest total offense output in a game since a 40-15 loss at Kansas in 2005, when Nebraska gained just 138 yards. In a 30-3 loss in Norman in 2004, the Huskers had 133 yards before Sooner reserves came in and gave up 140 on the Huskers' last two drives.

Open competition: Stoops said with Tress Way missing three of four field goals in Lincoln, the kicking competition with Jimmy Stevens is wide open again.

"Unfortunately, a lot of guys have looked good in practice," Stoops said. "But you've got to be more consistent and do it when it counts in games."

Stoops said Norman walk-on Bryce Easley "had a major sickness earlier in the year and it just really set him back. So no, I'm not in a situation where that's something I'm ready to do.

"You've got to be able to do it the same way when the lights are on. I don't know how else to say it."
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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5 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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5055567475852000, Euless (11/10/2009 6:06:51 AM)
We're really bad, and have been since day one this year (Spring game, not BYU)
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soonerman37, Broken Arrow (11/10/2009 6:42:07 AM)
Last week I was singing Jones' praises. Then Lincoln happened. Now I sit here wondering if it was just a bad game, hostile environment, or things to come. This week he plays at home against Texas A&M. I will wait until next Sunday to give another opinion on his performance. I think we will know more about Jones after Texas Tech. I know he is a freshman, but I think we should be able to see how he will handle road games after Lubbock. I do agree with you though, OU has been horrible this year. Even before Bradford got hurt, they were bad. Injuries only made things worse.
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DieHardSoonerFan82, Out in the sticks (11/10/2009 7:46:49 AM)
Soonerman37 i think that it was just a bad game hostile environment. i think he will play alot better this week. it has been a tough year he is young and he will be alot better next year we have 3 games left maybe he will learn from this game and we will finsh the season and win all 3 games. Tress way did look bad in that game i dont know what got into him but 3 misses come on.
Report Comment
Work in Progress, (11/10/2009 8:08:25 AM)
Maybe OU needs to pay Bob Stoops more money so he can get his team fired up and play with more passion.
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jasheldon, (11/10/2009 10:39:08 AM)
Soonerman, Jones has always been a great QB. He will be throughout his career. It's been said by people who credi to their names that it doesn't matter who you are, if the line can't block, you are not going to have success. At least three of those picks on Saturday lay on the shoulders of his receivers. The other two were rattled rookie mistakes. It happens. Every good one has a day he'd like to do over. Just hold your opinionated horses.
 

 
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