OU football: Stoops lauds Stephenson

Bob Stoops hadn’t staged a press conference since the Big 12 championship game, so Tuesday he took the time to laud the players who performed exceptionally well against Nebraska.

And to me, the most notable name on the list was Donald Stephenson. The offensive tackle had been considered a rising star early in the year, played OK much of the year but slumped late and didn’t even start three games.

But against the Huskers, “Stephenson had a great night up front,” Stoops said.

That bodes very well for the Sooners not just in the Fiesta Bowl, but in 2011. OU needs an upgrade in its offensive line to be a national championship contender, and Stephenson playing at a high level at the all-important left tackle position is a definite boost.

The other players Stoops pointed out who played well against Nebraska:

“Offensively, Kenny Still had a huge game with some great plays (three catches, 83 yards),” Stoops said. “Landry Jones, again, anytime you can throw the ball like that against Nebraska (23 of 41, 342 yards, one interception, one touchdown), you’re really playing well.

“DeMarco Murray had another big night (68 yards on 17 carries, five catches for 60 yards).  Cameron Kenney, who has come on through the second half of the year, had five catches on third down, some huge plays when we really needed ‘em.