Oklahoma Strategy and Personnel
by Sports Xchange
QB Sam Bradford -- As he goes, so will the Sooner offense most often go. Had he not suffered a concussion his first play of the game last season at Texas Tech, OU would likely have been playing for a national championship. Also, as long as the Sooners win, he completes about 70 percent of his passes, with a lot more touchdowns than picks, then he's bound to stay in the Heisman conversation.
WR/SR Ryan Broyles -- A hometown product out of Norman High, he drew raves last preseason as a true freshman and was expected to play a lot until he was caught attempting to steal gasoline. That left him as a redshirt, likely on double secret probation. Then, this preseason, he drew raves again. OU coach Bob Stoops often compares his after-the-catch athleticism to former Sooner Mark Clayton. Broyles was suspended last week -- perhaps for the same incident that forced him into redshirt last year -- but should finally play Saturday. Sooner fans and plain old Norman Tiger fans have been waiting for his unveiling for a long time.
LB Keenan Clayton -- Clayton was on this same list a week ago as a pointer toward his debut at linebacker after flaming out as a safety two seasons ago. He passed one test, albeit against poor competition. This week will be different.
Not only is the quality of opponent so much better, but the Bearcats, who can really throw the ball, should particularly test Clayton. On passing downs, it has been OU's habit, ever since Roy Williams left, to bring in an extra defense back. Only now, that guy is Clayton, as OU doesn't change defensive personnel on passing downs, but Clayton's responsibilities change. When Williams was at OU, the Sooners played with only two linebackers almost exclusively, because they knew Williams could fill the roles of a DB and an LB.
ROSTER REPORT:
--DE John Williams appears to have left the team for good, choosing not to play after receiving a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA.
--LB Austin Box may not start, but will play. He participated fully in Monday's practice.
--OL Phil Loadholt and WR Ryan Broyles are back from suspension. Box returning to the mix leaves three possible starters at the WLB spot: Box, Travis Lewis, who started last week, and Mike Balogun.
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