OU football notes: Casey Walker out, Jamell Fleming questionable

Defensive tackle Casey Walker, who limped off after suffering a sprained knee late in the first quarter of OU's win at Cincinnati, will not play Saturday according to defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

Venables also said Jamell Fleming (sprained ankle) is questionable.

"Jamell was in a boot but said he was walking on it and felt pretty good (Saturday) night," Venables said. "We'll see what type of swelling and that type of thing is taking place."

OU RUN GAME SPUTTERING

The Sooners averaged 1.9 yards per carry against Cincinnati, rushing for 82 yards on 43 carries. DeMarco Murray and Mossis Madu averaged only 2.6 yards. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said tackle play and tight end blocking needs to improve.

"We need to run it better to take pressure off the passing game and Landry (Jones)," Wilson said. "And not (just) for this game, in general ... I thought we'd be a little bit further along and a little bit more balanced and physical in our running attack than we are right now."

COTTON BOWL STORIES

Freshman wide receiver Kenny Stills will be among several OU players making their Cotton Bowl debut this week but feels he's already played a game in Dallas.

"There were a lot of facts that were thrown at me in recruiting," Stills said. "I probably don't go a day without hearing about OU-Texas, or the stadium or the game or the Fair. I feel I'll be pretty comfortable when I get there because I've heard everything about it ... We're always talking about. It's exciting. They're always on our mind in the back of our head because that's always a big game for us."