OU notebook: Corey Wilson inspires with pregame walk to midfield

The loudest ovation of pregame festivities came when Corey Wilson was able to walk to midfield with the assistance of a walker.

"I almost teared up, seeing that," said senior offensive lineman Brian Simmons. "To see him stand up and overcome, that made my day."

Wilson, a sophomore receiver, was paralyzed in a car accident in late February after colliding with a pickup truck on I-35 near Pauls Valley. After walking to midfield from a line of seniors in front of the logo, Wilson was taken to the sidelines in his wheelchair.

"He's a receiver, he came in with me and we have a really special connection," said sophomore receiver Ryan Broyles. "It's a big deal, and for the guys that are a part of this family, we all know the steps he's been taking."

Left tackle Trent Williams missed Saturday's game with a concussion, forcing Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops to reshuffle his offensive line.

Cory Brandon, who usually starts at right tackle, moved to left tackle. Tight end Eric Mensik donned his No. 69 jersey, which was nameless last week but featured his name on Saturday, and started at right tackle.

"I've got to admit, I was doing my darndest to stay positive, but it was tough," said Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops. "I can't lie about it, but I did, and somehow found a way and tried to spread it to the players."