Billy Joe Bob (Enid )

Has Bob Stoops announced how many games any of the suspended players will miss?

Jake Trotter

  (4:06 PM)

Hey guys, sorry I'm a little late. Just got done with Big 12 commish Bob Bowlsby's press conference. Stoops had laid out no timetable. Has only said it will be "several" games.

tyler (ttown)

Why hasnt kendall Thompson been talked about either at Wr or a different package

Jake Trotter

  (4:07 PM)

They already have the Belldozer. You can only have so many gimmick packages built around the QB, and OU doesn't want to change his position because they still believe in him as a QB.

REGANCH (VIENNA, VA)

Can you see a point where Landry Jones & Blake Bell would be splitting playing time 50-50 in a game?

Jake Trotter

  (4:08 PM)

No. If Bell is playing more than 50 percent of the snaps, it will be because Landry is hurt.

Ryan (Dallas )

What number of game snaps will be alloted to Blake Bell?

Jake Trotter

  (4:08 PM)

Somewhere around 8-12 would be my guess.

Derrikk (AR.)

Do you ever see Finch ever playing RB again for the Sooners?

Jake Trotter

  (4:10 PM)

That's interesting. I think he could still get spot carries at RB this season. If there's an injury to Whaley, they'll likely move Finch back. But they've clearly been frustrated with him in protecting the QB, something OU values in its RBs. I could see Finch ending up back at RB, but they want this slot experiment to work out. It's a chance to get Finch on the field, get the ball in his hands in the open field, without the pass protecting responsibilities.

Glenn (Chicago)

Jake is the O-line going to be the make or break point for the season?

Jake Trotter

  (4:11 PM)

I think the offensive line will be solid, assuming there are no more injuries. The line is important, too. But it won't be make or break. That will fall to Landry, and the defense.

Terry (OKC)

Jake, what are you hearing about when the OU/TX game will start? I know OU would like a 2:30 kickoff.

Jake Trotter

  (4:12 PM)

Joe Castiglione has mentioned 2:30 as a possibility. I think it has a very strong chance of being 2:30.

Maverick (Nompton)

Who plays more this season, Ibiloye or Lynn?

Jake Trotter

  (4:12 PM)

Lynn, no question. Lynn is the starting nickelback. Ibiloye is backing up Corey Nelson at WLB.

Lee (Austin)

What is this fascination with Blake Bell when Jones has either broken, or is on pace to break just about every conceivable passing record OU has ever had?

Jake Trotter

  (4:13 PM)

Landry Jones: Mr. Underappreciated.

John (Grandfield, OK)

Stoops mention some freshman that WILL play. Does that mean the others are all redshirted? I had heard some good things about Alex Ross from Jenks, and him potentially returning kick offs.

Jake Trotter

  (4:14 PM)

Alex Ross is the only one Stoops didn't mention that I think could still avoid redshirt. That said, where would he play? Dom Whaley, Brennan Clay and Damien Williams along with Trey Millard and Blake Bell are going to eat up all of the carries. If Ross didn't redshirt, all he'd be getting would be mop-up time. Is that worth pulling his redshirt? That's something the coaches will deliberate on.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Which Sooner freshmen receiver do you predict will step up and join Metoyer and Stills as the primary receivers?

Jake Trotter

  (4:15 PM)

Sterling Shepard and Durron Neal will both be in the top 6 rotation, with Shepard getting more snaps of the two.

Matt (Los Angeles)

I know I'm the golden boy, but I was surprised that Landry Jones failed to make the top ten on the initial Heisman Pundit CBS Sports straw poll. What say you?

Jake Trotter

  (4:16 PM)

People are down on Jones for the way he finished last season. Most people overlook that Landry was playing without his best RB, his best WR, and that the Belldozer was eating away at his TD stats.

Brian (Soonerland)

Will Landry be in NYC as a Heisman finalist?

Jake Trotter

  (4:16 PM)

As long as the Belldozer takes away 10-12 of his TD stats, it's going to be hard.

Ryan (Dallas )

Do you think Drew Allen will stay on the team now that Blake Bell has been named the #2 qb?

Jake Trotter

  (4:18 PM)

I don't see Drew leaving. If he did, he'd have one year of eligibility. If he stays, he'd be one Belldozer injury away from being right in the mix. Plus, he's a popular guy on the team, and I know he enjoys school here. My bet is that he stays.

Greg (Tulsa)

Depth chart has clay or williams 2nd string..Damien that good or dont read much into it?

Jake Trotter

  (4:19 PM)

Damien has been good. He'll have a significant role within the offense as a co-backup to Dom Whaley. I could see him getting 5-7 touches a game starting out, with potential for more.

Lee (Austin)

With all of this ESPN readers voting for WVU's offense over OU's, does that jive with the incoming WR talent for OU?

Jake Trotter

  (4:20 PM)

WV has Geno Smith and two of the best returning WRs in the country. I can't blame anyone for rating the WV offense over OU's, especially the way OU's offense finished out last season compared to the way WV's did.

tim (bastrop, tx)

what are the chances that we have a dominating front 4 on the defensive line?

Jake Trotter

  (4:22 PM)

I don't see this as being a dominating defensive line. You usually need a Nick Fairly, Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy or Tommie Harris to have a dominating defensive line. But if the veterans play like they can, this could be a very solid defensive line.

Brian (Soonerland)

Everyone gets excited about all the new WRs...I'm excited to see Damien Williams. How many yards and TDs does he put up this year?

Jake Trotter

  (4:23 PM)

He could rush for 400-600 yards and 4-5 TDs very easily.

Daniel Ruffo (Norwich, CT)

I'm really disgusted with all the Belldozer talk. Ya, Bell does a great job getting those tough yards either for a 1st. down or TD. But, if the Sooners have a competent o-line and talent at RB, there should be no need for the Belldozer gimmick. We always hear about how much power the running game can generate w/ Millard, Ripkowski, et al. Do the coaches really believe they don't have enough talent to simply let the "hogs" up front move the pile?

Jake Trotter

  (4:24 PM)

That's how they felt last year. Considering how well the Belldozer worked last year, they're going to go with it until it's stopped -- regardless of how good they feel about the run-blocking of the base offense this season.

Derrikk (AR)

Where should we expect to see Tony Jefferson more.. LB or Secondary?

Jake Trotter

  (4:24 PM)

He's going to be at free safety.

Meni (Manchester, NH)

Jamarcus McFarland, a disappointment? he's not even starting, he's a senior, game in as number 1 DT out of HS, I believe

Jake Trotter

  (4:25 PM)

No question he hasn't lived up to his recruiting hype. But I wouldn't read too much into the depth chart. He and Casey Walker are interchangeable there. They consider them to be co-starters.

Ray (Norman)

Do you expect to see a lot of Freshmen playing early this season to try and build some quality depth? Also, any Freshmen All American Candidates?

Jake Trotter

  (4:26 PM)

Simon, Striker, Sanchez (probably), Onuoha, Tapper, Shepard, Metoyer, Neal, Darlington, McNamara will all play. Metoyer is the one with the most Freshman All American potential

Jake Trotter

  (4:26 PM)

Simon, Tapper and Onouha are ones to watch, too.

Curious Fan (Here)

Do we get the commitments at the DT position that we so desperately need? And this is not just in reference to Manning...

Jake Trotter

  (4:27 PM)

I cannot predict the future, but as I've stated many, many, many times before on this chat, I like OU's chances with Manning.

Steve (Jenks)

Generally speaking, what yard line do we cross this season before we send out Hunnicut instead of Way? (not taking into acct wind, D&D, momentum etc)

Jake Trotter

  (4:29 PM)

I think they'd throw Hunnicutt out there with confidence on low 50-yard field goals. He's been nailing them in scrimmages.

Charles (Savannah, GA)

I saw today there were some predictions that we would play in the NC game...your thoughts? Of course none of them had us winning it.

Jake Trotter

  (4:29 PM)

I'm not predicting OU to get to the national title game. But they are certainly on that second tier of teams after USC/Bama/LSU that could get there. Late November will be the key. Beat WV/OSU/TCU and OU should be right there in the mix.

Greg (Tulsa)

After watching the ohio state training days i saw urban teaching his guys to be nasty..They look pretty intense in front of the cameras at least..Do you think mike brings that back to ou? do you think he wants our defense to be "nasty"??

Jake Trotter

  (4:31 PM)

I think more than anything, he wants his defense to be sound, and limit the big plays. It's been OU's Achilles heel the last few seasons. OU won't contend for a national title if it is again.

Kyle (Lincoln NE)

Oklahoma have two "questionable" positions that I have read over and over about: Wide Receivers and Offensive Line. Which group of guys will impress us more on Saturday. I have heard our receiving core is looking very solid and haven't heard too much about the new O-line.

Jake Trotter

  (4:32 PM)

I don't view the WR corps as questionable. After QB, it's the strongest position group of the offense. Justin Brown and Trey Metoyer are that good.

Jeff (Southlake)

Is there a noticeable upswing in confidence on the defense/team with Mike Stoops leading the way. A lot of people mark the 2003 departure of Mike as the point where "Big Game Bob" started losing some magic (no offense to BV)

Jake Trotter

  (4:33 PM)

Quiet confidence. No near as much bravado as we heard last season. They realize they have a lot to prove.

Ben (Washington, DC)

No one is rooting harder for Landry to prove me wrong than I am. But honestly a good quarterback (and player for that matter) makes do with what he has. How can you call him under appreciated when he's been at best an above average QB w/o Broyles?

Jake Trotter

  (4:35 PM)

He lost Broyles at a time the entire team was falling into disarray. Was Landry good at OSU? No. But the rest of the team wasn't either. Landry won't have Broyles this season. We'll see how he does.

Robert (Goldsboro, NC)

Do you think Mike Stoops has the defense playing consistantly and with more fire than with Venables?

Jake Trotter

  (4:35 PM)

Too soon to tell. They haven't played a game yet.

Meni (Manchester, NH)

Followup, since McFarland is co-starting with Casey Walker, that does mean disappointment for the number 1 DT coming out of High School, in my view.

Jake Trotter

  (4:36 PM)

McFarland is hardly the first player to fail to live up to recruiting hype. But he's been a solid player, and I think he'll have a solid senior season.

Mason (Norman)

Jake, how do you think the Sooners' run game will be this year? Assuming Whaley is 100% and from what I hear of Damien Williams, I think it will be pretty amazing. Also if the run game is as good as I am hoping it will be, will Heupel still want to pass the ball more than run it?

Jake Trotter

  (4:37 PM)

If Heupel can run the ball with this team, he will. The potential is there for a stout running game. But the potential has been there the last couple of seasons. We'll see if this offense can get it done.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

I've heard some so-called experts remark that Landry Jones doesn't move or throw well outside the pocket. Do you agree? And how realistic is it to expect him to improve with his unorthodox throwing motion?

Jake Trotter

  (4:38 PM)

Yes, I agree. Landry would agree, too. That's why he spent two weeks with QB guru George Whitfield, to improve his footwork and playmaking outside the pocket. It's been noticeably better this preseason. We'll find out Saturday if it's noticeably better in games, too.

Charles (Savannah, GA)

I've had the privilege to watch Mike Stoops in his prime at OU. He was just absolutely scary. Does he bring that same intense atmosphere as before?

Jake Trotter

  (4:39 PM)

So far, he has. But it wasn't like Brent Venables was Mr. Calm, either.

Todd (Dallas)

Why does OU underachieve every year? 2010, Top 5 ranking and they lose to mizzou, 2011, Top 5 ranking and they lose to Texas Tech.

Jake Trotter

  (4:41 PM)

Because the expectations are higher than at other schools. If OU doesn't win the national title, it's usually an "underachieving" season. Other bluechip programs (Texas, USC, Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida State, Penn State) have underachieved too in the last 3-4 years. Maybe more so in all cases.

Ben (Washington, DC)

We haven't been able to raid Texas like we used to. Do you think some of that has to do with the departure of BV? Or do we close in December in January. My friends at A&M used to call him "Mr. Texas"

Jake Trotter

  (4:42 PM)

Part of it is a change in approach. OU is recruiting more national than it has. Texas is no longer the singular focus.

Gary (Indiana)

Does Tony Jefferson go pro after this season? If so, our safety position is going to need another solid recruit or two that will be ready to play...

Jake Trotter

  (4:43 PM)

I think it's very possible, especially if he projects out as top-three round pick. You are correct, the safety position is thin. That's one reason why Danzel Williams, Trey Franks have been moved to the defensive side of the ball.

Peter (Houton )

As good as Mike Stoops may be, I really don't see OU fielding a better defense than last year. There are too many key players that are gone and are being replaced with guys that show "promise". Mike Stoops and "promising" players are not enough to make OU a better defense

Jake Trotter

  (4:44 PM)

Promise doesn't make a better defense. Better play does, and there's a belief that the defense, especially the secondary, will perform at a higher and more consistent level than it did last season under Mike.

Tico (Dallas )

How much playing time do you see important defensive back ups receiving vs UTEP? I talking about guys like: Rahard Favors, Jordan Phillips, Gary Simon, Jayden Bird, Frank Shannon, and Aaron Franklin.

Jake Trotter

  (4:45 PM)

All of them could play a lot, even before the game is no longer in doubt. All are going to be key backups on the defense this season.

Brian (Soonerland)

WR stronger than RB? Is that because you're including Finch with the WRs? Or just speaking to the depth of the WRs...

Jake Trotter

  (4:47 PM)

Yes, but I would say that even if Finch were playing running back. Metoyer, Brown and Stills -- that's a formidable frontline of WRs.

Jake Trotter

  (4:48 PM)

After Whaley, the RB position is a question to me. Brennan Clay hasn't ever been able to stay healthy; Damien Williams has looked good in practice, but we've yet to see him in an actual D-1 game. And even Whaley -- we don't know how he's going to respond to the ankle. Running back is not a weakness -- I just like what I've seen out of the WR corp this preseason.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Former Oklahoma prepster DeMarco Cobbs is slotted at starting OLB for the Horns this season? What were your impressions of him comng out of HS? And did you porject him to move into an LB position or stay in backfield?

Jake Trotter

  (4:49 PM)

I thought he was a very good player. I didn't see him as an LB, but he's been impressive down there since making the switch.

Big Earl (Lawton)

What potential "trap" games do you see on OU's schedule?

Jake Trotter

  (4:50 PM)

Texas Tech (it's the week before Texas, and OU never plays well in Lubbock) and Iowa State (the Cyclones upset one power program every year).

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Which of the Texas defensive ends do you think is better and will present OU with biggest matchup problem?

Jake Trotter

  (4:51 PM)

They both are good. Jeffcoat is a little more athletic and problematic in pass rush. But Okafor is a really prolific all-around player. Think Ronnell Lewis and Frank Alexander. They're good.

Vargo (Kalamazoo, MI)

Jake, how hard is it for people to understand how this change in scheme is expected to help OUs defense so much? It allows the player to go play rather than worrying so much about their positioning on the field at all times. Mike is simply putting the guys in a better spot to succeed.

Jake Trotter

  (4:52 PM)

Clearly, OU's problems haven't stemmed from getting beat by bigger, faster players. It's been mental breakdowns. The simplification of the scheme should result in fewer lapses. At least you would think.

Rick (Norman)

Is the UTEP game on T.V.?

Jake Trotter

  (4:52 PM)

Yes, UTEP on FSN.

Andrew (Simpsonville, SC)

Do the Sooners have a chance at ever winning the NC again? Seems like they have a few great players but not through out the roster.

Jake Trotter

  (4:53 PM)

Is the weather that bad in South Carolina?

Nolan (Iowa)

don't say Iowa State as a trap game....i'm gonna be at that game.

Jake Trotter

  (4:53 PM)

Haha, sorry man. That game would frighten me as an OU fan. They have been giant killers lately.

Tico (Dallas )

What unit on both offense and defense is the most questionable?

Jake Trotter

  (4:55 PM)

Defense: Can they get pass rush without blitzing? Offense: Can they run the ball without the Belldozer? Also, I'm concerned about the depth in the secondary and the offensive line. Both groups are thin after the first-teamers.

TK (OKC)

All of our NC games we lost becuase of offense except for the game against USC. What is the problem with OU's offense in NC games?

Jake Trotter

  (4:56 PM)

Can't say there's been one single underlying issue. In two of those games, OU was facing an SEC defense. They tend to shut down Big 12 offenses.

Curious Fan (Here)

Was Stoops asked about increased playing time for backups today? With how thin some positions are, this could be a key to a successful season.

Jake Trotter

  (4:58 PM)

He's been asked about it, though not today. It's going to be key. G/C and safety is extremely thin. OU cannot afford injuries there, and needs others to emerge.

Dan (Oklahoma)

Has Bob lost his abilities to run trick plays in tight situations? It seems in the early 2000's he had more of those type of plays, but lately he doesn't seem to be running anything unusual.

Jake Trotter

  (4:58 PM)

He still runs them -- they just haven't worked like before; I think of the fake field goal at Texas A&M in 2010. The ball went right through James Hanna's hands. If he catches that, OU maybe wins that game.

Jerry (NYC)

Thoughts on the game with the Irish?

Jake Trotter

  (5:00 PM)

I like OU's chances, but never underestimate Notre Dame. They're accustomed to playing in big games. The spotlight of playing in Norman won't faze them.

Jake Trotter

  (5:01 PM)

Guys, that's all the time we have for the chat this week. I appreciate all the questions. We'll do it again next Monday, same time, same place. Until then, enjoy the first week of football season.