Sooner scrimmage: 3 story lines

So far, none of the three quarterbacks — Sam Bradford, Keith Nichol and Joey Halzle — has separated himself from the others; at least that's what the coaching staff is saying.

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Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson hinted this week he'd like to trim the competition to at least two as soon as possible, so that whoever comes out as the starter will have had enough repetitions in the preseason to be ready for the Sept. 1 opener.

Wilson, however, needs at least two of the quarterbacks to consistently practice better to do that.

So far, that hasn't happened.

2. Can OU's backfield be as effective without Allen Patrick?

The loss of Allen Patrick (sprained ankle) this early could be a positive for the Sooners, provided that Patrick's injury isn't too serious.

Patrick proved last season that he is an elite runner.

Now, Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray will receive the bulk of the carries in the scrimmage and the opportunity to prove they can be elite runners, too.

3. Will Reggie Smith be a shutdown corner?

Even though the media chose him its preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Smith has started only three games at corner in his career.

Instead of filling in on run support, Smith will be asked this season to blanket the opponent's top receiver — guys like Limas Sweed and Adarius Bowman.

He has the athleticism and size to be a premier corner, but Smith has had to relearn the position.

Today, he'll be tested by one of the nation's top receivers: Malcolm Kelly.

By Jake Trotter