SOONERGUYS Blog

Coach Stoops’ press conference could have been conducted at Norman Regional today, given that much focus was on the injury situation for QB Sam Bradford and TE Jermaine Gresham.

He said Bradford’s AC sprain can heal enough to put him back on the field in two to four weeks.  Good news, under the circumstances.

Stoops also announced that TE Jermaine Gresham’s career at OU hinges on the results of this afternoon’s arthroscopic surgery, to determine whether the cause of his knee locking up is a chipped meniscus, or cartilage damage that will require stitching.  If the former, he will be back on the field in a couple of weeks.  If it is the latter, then surgery will lead to a five-month recovery and Gresham’s next play will be in an NFL uniform (hopefully, for him).

“It’s pure speculation now because none of that shows through three different MRIs. Until they (orthopedic surgeons) get in there you won’t be able to tell.”

Stoops’ report indicates that KOCO’s report this morning that Gresham is definitely out for the season was premature.  Imagine that — a sports reporter jumping the gun (in true Sooner land run fashion).

Meanwhile, all those penalties against offensive linemen during the BYU game will apparently lead to some personnel changes.  Stoops would not identify who might that be, but every Sooner fan knows that Senior OL Brian Simmons and Junior OL Cory Brandon got flagged for more procedure and holding penalties than most teams get in a season.

“It’s still college ball, I’m not going to call anyone out. But there will be changes,” Stoops said.

Also, full back turned tight end turned center Brody Eldridge will get moved back to tight end, in light of Gresham’s standing.  He’s valuable at the edge of the line because of his blocking ability to create creases for Oklahoma’s running backs, whose play becomes increasingly more important during Bradford’s absence. 

Still, juggling around players at different positions won’t solve some of the problems suffered by Oklahoma last Saturday in Arlington.  The Sooners must re-assess their focus and understand that just wearing the jersey doesn’t make for a championship team.

“Our team can’t overlook anybody if we can’t play correctly and play smart,” Stoops said. 

“We have to play more responsible and disciplined if we are to beat anyone.”

Versatility may be Brody Eldridge’s middle name.  Coaches moved him to center this week, where he promptly beat out expected starter Ben Habern. 

The Senior Eldridge has received considerable playing time as a tight end and blocking fullback.  Now he takes his 6-5, 265 pound frame into the heart of an inexperienced Oklahoma line.  Rumor is he’s practicing tight spirals so he can backup Sam Bradford at QB.  OK, maybe not.

This gives offensive coordinator an opportunity not seen at OU since Mike Leach launched the Ninja formation.

Call it the Sooner Shell Game.  Eldridge comes out of the huddle to stand in the fullback position.  No, then he shifts to tight end.  No, then he shifts over to center and hikes the ball before the defense knows what’s happening.  “I’m here!  No, here!  No, here!”

Don’t be surprised to see the “Where’s Brody?” game to light up the videotron during time outs.  Sponsored by Oklahoma Farm Bureau.

This week’s OU depth chart does have some more surprises to chew on.  No Demarcus Granger on the two-deep list at defensive tackle.  Gerald McCoy and Adrian Taylor are the starters inside, with Cordero Moore and Casey Walker to back them up. Highly recruited freshman Jamarkus McFarland isn’t on the two-deep list either.

Mossis Madu is listed as a backup slot receiver to Norman High teammate Ryan Broyles.  And, DeMarco Murray is no where to be found on the special teams list.  No way the Sooners are going to risk their prize running back on kick returns, considering both his previous injuries have been sustained in such duty.