New Offense Unleashed Saturday

Sooner Offense Opens Up Options

The University of Oklahoma's new offense will be unveiled on Saturday. While you shouldn't expect offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley to empty his entire playbook, OU fans will get a glimpse of his new scheme at Saturday's OU Spring Game presented by U.S. Fleet Tracking.

Fans can purchase $5 seats online or by calling the OU Athletics Ticket Office by calling (405) 325-2424 or toll-free at (800) 456-4668 (online purchases subject to nominal convenience fee at time of purchase). The price will increase to $10 on April 9.

And throughout the spring, team members consistently emphasized the scheme's speedy nature. Riley has managed to integrate his hallmark up-tempo spread offense that served his former East Carolina team well. Sooner head coach Bob Stoops could not be more pleased.

“It's exactly what I envisioned and wanted,” Stoops said of Riley's offense. “He's organized and deliberate about what he wants to do with the offense and with every position. He's a great leader and communicator in getting the players and coaches on the same page with him.”

QBs and RBs Will Be On Display, As Well

Riley's offense has ignited some competitive bouts by the Sooners on-field throughout spring, especially within the quarterback corps. But Stoops says that he and Riley are in no hurry to assign the starting spot even after they assess spring game performances.

“It matters if there's a play there and you throw it in the dirt or overthrow it, that matters regardless of who may be out there,” Stoops said. “I never believed that [the starting quarterback] has to be decided right now because there's such a long period of time through the summer and double the number of practices come fall. There's plenty of time to figure that out.”

The new offense has also opened up opportunity for some unheralded talent to make plays. Junior running back Daniel Brooks, has been particularly impressive during spring according to the head coach, and will likely carry much of the load on Saturday.

“Daniel has a unique ability with his quickness and speed and he makes some plays with that speed almost every day,” Stoops said. “I think with what we're doing [offensively] we'll find some unique pockets and plays for him with what he can do.”

Stoops also has like what he has seen out of redshirt freshman running back, Joe Mixon.

“He's a smart player and understanding what we're doing and executing well,” the head coach said of Mixon who will sit out the spring game. “He catches the ball well, understanding where he needs to be in the passing game.”

The offensive line continues to improve in the new style as well.

“I think they're doing a really good job,” Stoops said. “Coach (Bill) Bendenbaugh has been impressed with their day to day progress and they're coming around well with assignments and techniques.”

After running their second scrimmage of the spring last weekend Stoops was happy with the team's progress.

“Assignments on both sides were a lot better and the effort and all that was really good,” Stoops said.

Defense Shows Promise Throughout Spring

The defensive piece of the football puzzle have fallen into place as OU nears the end of spring season.

With associate head coach and defensive coordinator Mike Stoops' working with the outside linebackers and the addition of Kerry Cooks (defensive backs) and Diron Reynolds (defensive line) to the coaching roster, the Sooners have been fine-tuning their defensive approach.

Head coach Bob Stoops has been pleased with the defensive improvements that his staff has installed.

“I'm confident we'll be better and I think with the growth and the maturity in some areas, we will be better,” he said.

The spring evaluative period has been beneficial for Sooner personnel and has reinforced the defensive depth of the team, particularly in the secondary. Stoops says that his defensive backs may have multiple assignments this season.

“In the secondary all those safeties and corners they've got to play everywhere and they've got to know all the responsibilities,” Stoops said. “We have guys that can do it in there.”

The defensive talent will also allow the Sooners to mix it up a bit at the line.

“We'll play the 50-front as much as we will the even front,” Stoops said. “It gets down to what complements the offense. And sometimes the way the other teams disperse on offense sometimes being in a different front can help you a little bit. It'll balance out depending on how they line up.”

Some spring defensive standouts according to Stoops have been defensive end D.J. Ward, linebacker Tay Evans, and corner Will Johnson to name a few.

Ward has even impressed senior Eric Striker, who says that Ward, “is doing everything right.”

“His technique is perfect,” said Striker. “He's stronger, smarter, he's tough. He's really really doing good. He doesn't talk much, but he's making a lot of noise on the field. I'm glad to see that for D.J.”

Stoops has also been particularly proud of senior linebacker Devante Bond.

“Devante Bond has been outstanding,” Stoops said. “He has really stepped up. He was good for us a year ago, but he's having more opportunities and making more plays.”

With all of the noteworthy aspects of the defense, Stoops says that the key to this season success does not fall solely on one side of the ball.

“The offense has to complement the defense and the defense has to complement the offense,” Stoops said.

Players Mentioned

Devante Bond

Devante Bond

Daniel Brooks

Daniel Brooks

Tay Evans

Tay Evans

Will Johnson

Will Johnson

Joe Mixon

Joe Mixon

Eric Striker

Eric Striker

D.J. Ward

D.J. Ward

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