Defensive lineman Bledsoe figures to play key role Saturday
Oklahoma sophomore defensive lineman Amani Bledsoe figures to play a key role Saturday when the Sooners play Oklahoma State in Stillwater.
Tuesday night, Bledsoe spoke with the media for the first time since his year-long suspension for a positive performanceenhancing drugs test.
“I think I’m still knocking it (rust) off — like technique things, footwork, hand placement, pad level,” Bledsoe said.
Bledsoe has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA aimed at regaining his lost season of eligibility.
He returned for the Oct. 7 game against Iowa State after playing in six games last year before the suspension.
“It was pretty tough just not being with the guys, being able to help the team out, do my job to help them, my role in the defense,” Bledsoe said.
Since his return, Bledsoe has seven tackles, including a sack against Texas.
Thomas: Time for complete game
Oklahoma has been wildly inconsistent at times this season.
It beat Ohio State on the road, then lost to Iowa State at home.
It started off hot against Baylor and Texas before letting the Bears and Longhorns back into those games.
The Sooners started ice cold — defensively at least — in each of the last two games before turning things around to pick up wins over Kansas State and Texas Tech.
Senior cornerback Jordan Thomas said OU gained confidence from their performance in the final three quarters against the Red Raiders.
“It’s just one of those things where our team was playing on edge,” Thomas said.
But now, especially with the trip to Oklahoma State on Saturday and next week’s home game against TCU, the Sooners need to do more.
“We’ve shown glimpses of it, and it’s just time to come full circle and play a complete game,” Thomas said.
Mayfield named Unitas Award finalist
Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield is one of 10 finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, it was announced Wednesday.
Mayfield is one of three Big 12 quarterbacks on the list, joining Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph and TCU’s Kenny Hill. The Sooners play the Cowboys this week before hosting Hill and the Horned Frogs a week later.
Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett is also on the list.
Oklahoma’s only winner of the award, given to a senior or fourth-year junior, was Jason White in 2004.
Andrews wins weekly tight end award
Sooners junior Mark Andrews was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week after his performance against Texas Tech last week.
Andrews had six catches for 79 yards and a touchdown in the 49-27 win.
It’s the second time this season Andrews has earned the weekly honor, also winning after a big performance in the season opener against UTEP.
The John Mackey Award winner will be announced Dec. 6 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPNU. Semifinalists will be announced Nov. 14, followed by finalists a week later.