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Posted: Apr 13, 2015 10:16 AMUpdated: Apr 13, 2015 11:52 AM

OU Spring Game Recap

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The Oklahoma Spring Game was held on Saturday in Norman, and Bruin Color Man Jay Stumpff was on hand. Here is his recap of the festivities: 

Shouts of Boomer Sooner echoed across the green grass of Owen Field as the Palace on the Prairie, Oklahoma Gaylord Memorial Stadium, came to life from 42,807 fans clad in crimson and cream cheered on the Oklahoma Sooners in the annual Red White Spring Game.   What was being dubbed as a quarterback derby was anything but a quarterback’s game.  The real derby was the rushing game and the defensive play. 

Newcomer and red shirt freshman, Daniel Brooks, ended up being the talk of the scrimmage amassing 154 yards rushing on just 21 carries (7.3 yards per carry) on the ground and 3 catches for 40 yards receiving.  Brooks one flaw in the game was a fumble at the 1 yard line while stretching to cross the goal line.  Sophomore, Samaje Perine did carry the ball however he wore a protective crimson jersey with blue number meaning he was limited to touch football. He saw limited action.  Red shirt sophomore Alex Ross got 17 carries and 62 yards with a receiving touchdown.  Red shirt freshman Joe Mixon was still suspended for the scrimmage. Once again the Sooners bring a loaded backfield, which will feature a heavy dose of rushing which may hope to open the passing game. 

The quarterback play resumed where it left off the 2014 campaign, no true leader.  Head coach, Bob Stoops, will keep his cards close to his vest and not tip his hand as to who will get the starting nod to lead the OU offense at quarterback.  Much anticipated addition Baker Mayfield lead the Sooners only missed 1 pass from being completed unfortunately two Sooner catches were to the Sooner defensive interceptions.  Mayfield was 76 percent and had 176 yards passing and a touchdown pass.  Presumed front-runner Trevor Knight, red shirt junior, was just 46 percent passing going 6 of 13 with 1 interception for 78 yards.  Knight did not have a touchdown pass, however, he did rush for a touchdown.  Fellow 2014 starter, red shirt sophomore, Cody Thomas was even less impressive going 5 of 12 (41% passing) with an interception throwing for 78 yards. Another newcomer, red shirt freshman, Justice Hansen impressed the crowd ended his day 5 for 5 for 70 yards and the only OU field general without a interception.  He also had 2 drives, which lead to field goals.  All but Knight connected some impressive long pass plays.

Catching the pigskin for the OU quarterbacks this year will be a group of receivers that are yet to write their legendary stories in the hall of the Switzer Center.   Senior wide receiver Sterling Sheppard is back and will tear up the secondary of the teams OU faces in 2015. However, like Perine and the Sooner quarterbacks he wore a protective yellow jersey and was limited to touch football.  Sheppard did break free on a post route but Trevor Knight overthrew the receiver.  Sophomore, Jeffery Mead lead the way for the Sooners receivers with 4 catches for 93 yards.  Mead provided the most excitement receiving as he hauled in a 48 yards circus like one-handed catch on a pass from Baker Mayfield even while Mead had a safety draped all over him and was still able to muscle his way for another 10 yards after the catch.  Tight end Mark Andrews, red shirt freshman, showed speed and strength as a big (6’6” 236lbs) receiver   Andrews had 2 catches for 56 yards.  16 different Sooner players received catches in the game.  Lots of new faces sure to awe the Sooner faithful.

New Offensive Coordinator Lincoln Riley did not show much flash and dash in the spring game.  Why show everyone what you have before you start playing.  There were a few hints as to what Riley will bring as he dialed up some impressive wide receiver screens, running plays, and shuffle passing.  He will continue the focus on the fast paced play calling that was a staple for OU last season.  More is yet to come from the new and improved offense. 

Sooners kicking game is looking to replace kicker Michael Honeycutt and punter Jed Barnett. The two special team standouts left big shoes to fill. Jack Steed, red shirt junior, took on the punting duties and did fairly well but struggled against a strong wind. Red shirt senior Nick Hodgson hit a pair of 1st half field goals and had a 50-yard try into the wind. His first attempt was straight enough but was held up by the wind falling a bit short. A declined offensive penalty negated the first try and the second attempt was a hard low kick that sailed wide left. Questions still remain for special teams.

A much-improved defensive unit led to 5 turnovers forcing 4 interceptions and one fumble. Linebacker Ruben Hunter picked up 13 tackles, which lead the defensive squad.  Even former Bruin Mitch Tate picked up a tackle and may see more action during his senior year.  The D-Line will be fun to watch as new defensive line coach Diron Reynolds will introduce NFL style pressure against the opposition quarterbacks. 

Late in the 4th quarter Alex Ross put the ponies in the barn as he plunged the ball across the goal line to give the red team a 20 to 7 spring game victory. 

It was a beautiful Oklahoma spring day that started overcast with light showers then ended with a bright blue sky and nearly 43,000 fans excited for the 2015 season. Many things still remain in question such as who will man the helm at quarterback. Will the Crimson Knight rise again or will there be a Baker in the mix?  Will Perine continue to rewrite the record books or will Brooks, Ross, and Mixon steal some of the limelight?  How will the special teams replace consistency and accuracy of the past season?  Will Lincoln Riley deliver the promise of a new and exciting offense?  Only time will tell.  Coach Bob Stoops and company have 145 days to start to providing some answers to those pressing questions and more as the Sooners will face the Akron Zips September 4th at Gaylord Memorial Stadium.

They will travel to SEC country to face an up and coming Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville September 12th for their first real test of 2015.


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