As exciting as Murray's 128-yard performance in the Cotton Bowl was — and as bad as Patrick looked on his 11 carries for 10 yards — Patrick is still the Sooners' No. 1 guy.
Patrick exited early in the third quarter with cramps, according to coach Bob Stoops, and he didn't return after Murray got going. But don't expect OU coaches to demote Patrick.
However, they will likely continue to find ways to get the ball to Murray, who again demonstrated his big-play ability with a 65-yard TD run. He has four scoring plays of 40 yards or more.
After the problems OU had containing Texas tight end Jermichael Finley, will Missouri tight ends Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman cause an even bigger problem?
It won't be easy to stop Rucker and Coffman, but it will be a different challenge than Finley presented. The Tigers rarely line up their tight ends with the offensive line, instead choosing to split them out in the slot or wideout positions.
The Sooners finally stopped Finley when they started using defensive backs to cover him and that's what they'll have to do with Missouri's duo.
With the first Bowl Championship Series poll coming out Oct. 14, how do the Sooners stack up in the ranking systems that contribute to the BCS?
Everywhere from really good to mediocre. OU is No. 5 in the Harris Interactive poll and tied for fifth with South Florida in the coaches' poll.
Not all of the computer polls release their rankings prior to the first BCS poll, but here's a sampling of where the Sooners stand with some of the computers.
Sagarin Ratings: OU is No. 3, behind LSU and Ohio State, respectively.
Colley Matrix: OU is No. 20 in the poll that ranks LSU No. 1 and Arizona State No. 2.
Billingsley Report: Richard Billingsley, an Oklahoma native, was to release his latest rankings following Sunday's late game between Boise State and New Mexico State. Billingsley had OU No. 24 prior to beating Texas.
The latest Massey Ratings aren't out yet, either, but OU was No. 30 last week.
Did tight end Jermaine Gresham make a throat-slashing gesture after scoring OU's first touchdown?
It's hard to say for sure what Gresham's motive was in his TD celebration. The Dallas Morning News reported that Gresham made a "throat-slashing gesture toward the UT bench,” but the television replays showed him facing toward OU fans in the corner of the end zone.
Gresham's finger appeared to be pointing at the "Sooners” on his jersey rather than making a throat-slashing action.
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What, Arizona St. is number 2? Well they did beat Colorado.
I like the rotation too. Who starts doesnt matter. I think they should even up the carries a little more like they did Saturday. Defenses get tired of chasing fresh running backs all the time. Also, how a running back runs the ball is just a portion of their job. Pass blocking is also VERY important. I agree with Jason that Murray should be on punt returns (assuming he can catch the ball) Reggie is a good returner, but he has had a tendancy to muff them from day one.
Yards per carry this season: Murray (6.63), Patrick (6.52). Most of you are overreacting. Both are terrific backs & should get (and are getting) pretty equal time. Patrick a little more due to experience & other intangibles like blocking. Did you really want a Fr carrying the ball at the end of the CU game when all momentum was with CU & we weren't opening holes for anyone or give Bradford any pass protection?
I don't think the problem was Reynolds speed. It was that he was out of place, and was allowing Finley a free release off the line of scrimmage. He appeared to be committing to the run, and Finley just took off up the field. Whether that's a problem with Reynolds (or another player's) recognition or defensive playcalling I don't know. But it wasn't his lack of speed that was the issue.
I think if the offense is on all cylinders, OU wins by 14. Murray is getting love by ESPN.com and cbssportsline.com. I think Patrick has some good games in him also. Get Kelly the ball! Just as I said before TX game.
Ryan Reynolds is a good player and no knock on him, but because of his knee injuries he does not have the speed needed to keep up with tight ends, this can be critical in the game with the Tigers who has two quality tight ends and a good running Q.B. Chase Daniels
All of OU's running backs are pretty good IMO. I think OU should throw the ball - a lot more, especially to Kelley. He is awesome and he is not getting the ball enough to show his talent.
And I should also say that Donte Hickson was a much better back than Kejuan Jones, and he never got a fair shake. It should be simple: When one guy isn't getting much traction, switch it up. Don't get stubborn and keep pounding the same guy into the same non-existent holes.
And maybe do a little something about the very predictable formations and personnel groupings. Colorado knew where we were going to run. We're an easy team to scout. Just ask Pete Carroll.
Murray needs to be the starter. He's more explosive and elusive. With OU's zone blocking scheme not generating many holes, Murray is the back capable of cutting back against the grain. If Murray had played in the second half against Colorado, OU would've hung on. The performance in the Cotton Bowl proved it. OU's coaches are too slow to make personnel changes like that. Murray should be No. 1, but if he isn't he should have at least 50% of the carries.
I am a OU fan. I always loved how Quentin Griffin would just hand the ball to the ref. Gresham is a kid - he is excited, shouldnt be a big deal. Allen Patrick is a very good back. He hits the hole extremely hard - he didnt have a great game and Murray did - but the coaches have done a good job rotating them in and out - so dont give up on Allen or Brown yet.
Also, I am confused as to why Patrick would have cramps so early in the game. I believe he only carried it 10 times. There's something more to this. Maybe his ankle keeps giving him fits.
It would be preferable having Reynolds out on known passing situations. Not dogging him, but it is apparent he doesn't have the speed or ups to challenge really good TE's. Hopefully he can stay healthy and continue to gain speed and strength in his legs as we go along.
Reynold's is a good hitter but he can't cover with those injured knees and he can,t take on the lineman on the run plays I like the guy but he needs to get healthy. he has the most heart of all the defensive players. most wouldn't even try to play on those bad legs
You'd think UT fans would have more to worry about than Gresham??? Gatewood of UT arrested again on drugs! Wonder if Mack will finally kick him off the team? http://www.kxan.com/Global/story.asp?S=7181009
Jermaine Gresham was dropping the longhorns down, while giving it up to the name on the jersey. Boomer Sooner! Check the tape Dallas Morning News. Makes me want to puke.
Jeff Sagarin's "rating" has Oklahoma 3rd, but the ELO-CHESS rating he lists (in red) is what the BCS makes him submit for that poll. It has OU 27th. The ELO-CHESS factors in NO margin of victory or defeat, which explains the disparity.
Murray has been the best back all year. Patrick has not been the best back on the field since Peterson was hurt last year. The BEST player should be starting and getting the most touches.
Whatever happened to the best players being on the field regardless of seniority? Allen's problem is he goes down with contact instead of fighting through it.
Also, why did Venerables have to wait until halftime to make the change on tight end. It was obvious from Reynolds first whiff he couldn't hang.
eudell, Patrick was not hitting the holes fast nor hard. Just because Murray is super on the outside, don't assume he is weak between tackles. He has improved there everyweek and hits the hole very hard breaking tackles in small cracks. AP danced waiting for a bigger hole that didn't come. AP will be sick when he watches his film.
I like the rotation of the backs. Each brings a little something and I believe we need both. Patrick hits holes extremely fast but if Murray gets in open space - he's gone. Whatever the coaches choose is fine. Are you serious about Texas fans making a deal out of Greshams exuberance? Get real. They should take their but whipping like a "man" we have the last couple of years.
Murray hits the hole better and harder than Patrick. Murray can also juke at full speed whereas Patrick slow and sometimes stops to juke. Both have great speed. Murray is a better runner outside and inside that Patrick and should be getting more carries. Patrick is prolly a better blocker as Murray will wiff occasionally.
I was sitting right in front of Gresham when he did it...he took his hand and ran it across the Sooner on the front of his jersey...there was no throat slashing gesture...I also liked when he "popped" his jersey after scoring in front of the texas fans...add's more to the game!
I believe what i remember seeing on tv he gave the un hookem sign as he scored and then pointed to the SOONERS on the front of the jersey. BOOMER SOONER
Who cares what the Texas people think. He wasn't even looking at the Texas bench when he made that TD. He was showing the SOONER fans that he was proud to be a SOONER.. Tell them to get over it!!
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Leave a comment. Log in below or sign up (it's free).Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on crime or fatality stories.
And maybe do a little something about the very predictable formations and personnel groupings. Colorado knew where we were going to run. We're an easy team to scout. Just ask Pete Carroll.
Also, why did Venerables have to wait until halftime to make the change on tight end. It was obvious from Reynolds first whiff he couldn't hang.