Okoronkwo: Turnovers ‘going to happen’
Oklahoma’s defense has had a problem getting the ball back this season.
The Sooners have just two interceptions — both by Parnell Motley — and three fumble recoveries through six games.
“If we keep playing with good effort, it’s going to turn,” linebacker/defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo said. “We’re going to start getting some of those. We just have to keep playing hard.”
Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said his group has been close on several, including one that Okoronkwo had a chance to recover against Texas.
But this week in preparation for Saturday’s game at Kansas State, the Sooners have been paying particular attention to turnovers in practice.
“We emphasize it at practice all the time, getting the ball out and getting a scoop and trying to score,” Okoronkwo said. “That’s something that we really emphasize and devote a lot of time to in practice. It’s going to happen. We’re not worried.”
Andrews nominated for Wuerffel Trophy
Oklahoma tight end/ wide receiver Mark Andrews is the Sooners' nominee for the 2017 Wuerffel Trophy, an award that recognizes not only on-the-field play but community service and academic achievement.
Andrews is one of 104 nominees for the award, named after former Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel.
Andrews is one of eight nominees in the Big 12. The group also includes Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph. Tulsa offensive lineman Willie Wright is also a nominee.
Andrews has 23 catches for 459 yards and three touchdowns this season.
The semifinalists for the award will be announced Nov. 2, with finalists announced Nev. 22. The winner will be named Dec. 5.
Oklahoma is the only school to have two winners of the award. Gabe Ikard won the award in 2013 and two years later Ty Darlington earned the honors.
In 2016, former Oklahoma quarterback Trevor
Knight won the award after transferring to Texas A&M for his final season.
Tulsa's Paul Smith won the award in 2007.
Riley happy with official review process
One of the biggest adjustments Lincoln Riley has had to make during his first year as head coach is being responsible for communicating officiating concerns to the Big 12.
Riley had some concerns over the officiating in last week’s game against Texas, but that’s not unusual. “I send them all to Walt
Anderson (the Big 12’s coordinator of officials) … and he responds back with a details analysis of each play,” Riley said. “They do it first class. It’s kind of a details analysis of why they called this, why they called that, if they agreed or disagreed with our assessment.”
Riley said the follow-up happens quickly so that by the time the Sooners hit the practice field Monday, he has answers for the most part.
“If there are things that you have to know, you have to know them now,” Riley said. “Walt does a great job of being proactive with it.”
Quotable
Riley on freshman running back Trey Sermon:
“He just kind of runs with an attitude. He’s got the body to do it. He’s got a knack for it, too. He’s got pretty good patience, too, letting things develop and then knowing when to put the hammer down.”