Oklahoma Sooners coach Bob Stoops has pumped up the excitement around this year’s annual Red-White Game by letting next season’s seniors choose up sides, schoolyard-style. There’s even been a little jawing back and forth within the team.
It’s a fun idea that should make for an entertaining game. If you know anything about Stoops, though, the new format should tell you how seriously he takes the spring game. After a silent spring, the Red-White Game makes for a nice event for the fans. Yet, we’ll learn little about the 2010 Sooners.
When all is said and done, forget the stats. Forget the score. Concentrate on how guys look.
(Check out this primer from our friends at In The Bleachers for some insight on what to look for in a spring game. The offensive line portion is particularly helpful.)
*With Landry Jones at quarterback, I’d make the White team an eight-point favorite. The Red team’s top offensive threat, Ryan Broyles, probably won’t see much action.
*One guy to keep an eye on is running back Jermie Calhoun. In particular, watch to see how well he blocks in the backfield. That’s a big plus for Stoops and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson.
*The performance of the defensive tackles for the Red squad could give some hints about who’ll be joining Jamarkus McFarland in the starting lineup in the fall. Two of the top candidates, Stacey McGee and Justin Chaisson, join McFarland at DT for the Red team.
*In terms of newcomers, early enrollee Tony Jefferson is clearly turning plenty of heads on the coaching staff. He’ll probably start for the Red team at safety and looks to be working his way onto the field next year.
*Freshman wide receiver Kenny Stills, another early enrollee from San Diego, also is creating plenty of buzz. He’ll be catching passes from Jones for the White team, so watch how often he targets Stills. The freshman wideout’s electric speed should make him a promising deep threat, as well as a dynamic option working out of the slot.
*Mystery man Donald Stephenson will be starting at left tackle on the White team, protecting Jones’ blind side. His matchups with Jeremy Beal should show if the hype is for real.