Riley not ready to rule players out for Texas
NORMAN — With a handful of key players going down with injuries against Iowa State, the health of the No. 12-ranked Oklahoma football team is a major storyline entering the matchup with Texas.
Coach Lincoln Riley didn’t have any update on those maladies in his Monday morning news conference.
“Honestly, a little bit unknown,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of guys that are banged up. We’re gonna have to see how they progress through the week, some of those guys that came out of the game the other day.
“I don’t think at this point that we could rule anybody 100 percent out, but some of these guys are gonna have to make some progress through the week to be ready to play.”
That group of players includes freshman wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, running back Abdul Adams, who’s started four games this season, and senior safety Steven Parker.
Lamb looked to injure his shoulder in the first quarter. Adams appears to have an ankle injury. Parker injured his ankle just before halftime.
If Parker can’t go, safetiesChanse Sylvie, Kahlil Haughton and Robert Barnes are in the mix to be his replacement, Riley said.
Campbell compliments Brown
After his team’s improbable victory against the Sooners on Saturday, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell sought out Orlando Brown.
It’s not often the offensive lineman gets a lot of attention from opposing coaches, but Campbell had a couple words for Brown.
“I can’t specifically remember, but he told me I was the best player he had seen as an offensive lineman,” Brown said Monday. “That means a lot to me. Personally, I feel like my game isn’t where it should be yet. But he just told me he was the best he’d ever seen.”
Playing a position that often gets overlooked, Brown took pride in the Campbell’s words.
“It’s cool to be recognized,” he said. “Obviously, playing my position, offensive linemen don’t get recognized. I’ve still got a lot of work to do.”
Opponent watch: Herman not naming starting quarterback
Texas coach Tom Herman says he isn’t ready to pick a starting quarterback for the OU game on Saturday.
“I don’t know what good it does for me tell (OU defensive coordinator) Mike Stoops and (head coach) Lincoln Riley how I feel about my quarterbacks,” Herman said.
But the best guess is that Sam Ehlinger will start. The freshman had a monster game in Texas’ 40-34 double overtime victory over Kansas State last Saturday. Ehlinger, subbing for injured starter Shane Buechele, completed 30 of 50 passes for 380 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Ehlinger also rushed 20 times for 107 yards.
Buechele, who missed the KSU game with a sprained ankle, quarterbacked Texas against Maryland and Iowa State. But Ehlinger has been the man against San Jose State, USC and KSU. He’s completed 56.4 percent of his passes for 900 yards, five TDs and three interceptions. He’s also rushed for 165 yards.
But Herman said the job is not yet Ehlinger’s.
“I don’t think we’re ready to make that decision until we see how healthy Shane is,” Herman said. “He was better yesterday, but still a little bit gimpy. If Shane is not 100 percent ... then we’ll evaluate it at that point.”
Quotable
“He went to Westlake and he’s never beaten Lake Travis”
— Quarterback Baker Mayfield on what he knows about Texas quarterback, fellow Austin, Texas, native Ehlinger.
Extra points
The kickoff time and television details for OU’s game at Kansas State on Oct. 21 is on a six-day hold and will be announced after the OUTexas game ... OU golfer Brad Dalke and Texas alum Jordan Spieth will be on the field for Saturday’s coin toss.