Oklahoma Sooners: Michael Hunnicutt
Crimson Countdown: K Michael Hunnicutt 
May, 21, 2013
May 21
12:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
During the summer months, SoonerNation will take a closer look at each player on Oklahoma’s roster in our Crimson Countdown series. Each day, we will analyze each player’s impact on the program since arriving on campus, his potential impact this fall and his long-term impact. Starting with No. 1 Kendal Thompson, the series will follow the roster numerically through our final analysis of No. 99 Chaz Nelson.
No. 18 Michael Hunnicutt
Kicker, 6-foot-1, 169 pounds, junior
No. 18 Michael Hunnicutt
Kicker, 6-foot-1, 169 pounds, junior
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma’s special teams units have had their ups-and-downs in the past five years. Multiple kickers on scholarship and shoddy coverage teams left lasting images in the minds of Sooners fans. Fortunately for OU, the production of its special teams units has improved recently, including a stellar performance in 2012 as those units played direct roles in helping OU win multiple games.
Jay Boulware hopes to take the Sooners’ special teams units to another level.
The Sooners' new special teams coordinator has several talented pieces to work with, including punt returner Jalen Saunders and kickoff returners Roy Finch and Brennan Clay. Saunders broke open Bedlam with his 81-yard punt return for a touchdown, Clay helped the Sooners capture a Big 12 road win at West Virginia with his 46-yard kickoff return in the final minutes and Finch had OU’s lone kickoff return for a touchdown with his 100-yard gallop against Kansas.
“None of the kids that I've been around at my last two stops were nearly as talented as these kids are as return men,” said Boulware, who coached Iowa State and Auburn before his arrival in Norman. “I tell these kids all the time, there's no reason they shouldn't be the most feared return unit in the country because they are that talented.”
Kicker Michael Hunnicutt, too, has provided much-needed stability in the kicking game for the past two seasons. He has made 36 of 43 career field goal attempts, but the Sooners are looking to transform Hunnicutt into a better weapon from 40 yards and beyond.
“He’s an 80-percent field goal guy,” Boulware said. “We just need to continue working and progressing on our field goals outside of 40 yards.”
The major concerns with the special teams this spring are replacing four-year starter Tress Way at punter and finding a kickoff specialist. OU recruited junior college punter Jed Barnett to replace Way and he’s been solid so far.
Jay Boulware hopes to take the Sooners’ special teams units to another level.
[+] Enlarge
Cal Sport Media via AP ImagesNew special teams coach Jay Boulware thinks OU running back Brennan Clay is a special kick returner.
Cal Sport Media via AP ImagesNew special teams coach Jay Boulware thinks OU running back Brennan Clay is a special kick returner.“None of the kids that I've been around at my last two stops were nearly as talented as these kids are as return men,” said Boulware, who coached Iowa State and Auburn before his arrival in Norman. “I tell these kids all the time, there's no reason they shouldn't be the most feared return unit in the country because they are that talented.”
Kicker Michael Hunnicutt, too, has provided much-needed stability in the kicking game for the past two seasons. He has made 36 of 43 career field goal attempts, but the Sooners are looking to transform Hunnicutt into a better weapon from 40 yards and beyond.
“He’s an 80-percent field goal guy,” Boulware said. “We just need to continue working and progressing on our field goals outside of 40 yards.”
The major concerns with the special teams this spring are replacing four-year starter Tress Way at punter and finding a kickoff specialist. OU recruited junior college punter Jed Barnett to replace Way and he’s been solid so far.
Who was up and who was down in the Sooners' 24-17 win at TCU:
THREE UP
1. Mike Stoops. After three consecutive miserable outings, the Stoops' defense reverted to early-season form with a strong performance in Fort Worth. The 80-yard TD pass to Brandon Carter hurt. But the Sooners mostly dominated the line of scrimmage, forced a turnover that led to an OU touchdown and came up big on the final drive.
THREE UP
1. Mike Stoops. After three consecutive miserable outings, the Stoops' defense reverted to early-season form with a strong performance in Fort Worth. The 80-yard TD pass to Brandon Carter hurt. But the Sooners mostly dominated the line of scrimmage, forced a turnover that led to an OU touchdown and came up big on the final drive.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Instant analysis: Oklahoma 24, TCU 17
December, 1, 2012
12/01/12
2:35
PM CT
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
FORT WORTH, Texas -- This wasn't the Big 12 shootout fans of the Big 12 (or even Oklahoma these past few weeks) have become accustomed to this season. It was a physical, fast game, but the Frogs couldn't swing the upset. Oklahoma likely clinches a BCS bid and has earned at least a share of the Big 12 title.
TCU made it interesting late when Oklahoma's Michael Hunnicutt missed a 42-yard field goal that would have iced the game, but the Sooners held on and earned a difficult win.
Let's get to some instant analysis:
It was over when: A host of Sooners defensive backs headlined by Julian Wilson and Tony Jefferson broke up a pass intended for Josh Boyce in the end zone on fourth-and-13 in the final minute that would have tied the score. The TCU crowd wanted a flag, and a Trevone Boykin touchdown run was called back for holding earlier in the drive, but it was to no avail.
Game ball goes to: Oklahoma running back Damien Williams. TCU is the Big 12's best rush defense and No. 1 in the league in total defense, but Williams broke his fourth touchdown run of at least 65 yards this season and finished with a 100-yard rushing game. This wasn't an offensive game, but Williams was the most consistent option for the Sooners.
Stat of the game: TCU converted just three of its 14 third downs against the Sooners. Can't do that and expect to win many games. That's nothing new for the Frogs, though. With Boykin at the helm in the past four games, the Frogs have converted just 25 percent of their third downs.
Second guessing: Officials on a field goal that would have brought TCU to within 24-17 early in the fourth quarter. Officials called Jaden Oberkrom's 32-yard attempt wide left, but replays showed that the kick appeared to slip inside the upright just before it crossed the crossbar. Kicks above the uprights, however, are not reviewable, and the call stood, allowing the Sooners to maintain a two-possession lead in a defensive battle.
What it means: Oklahoma will capture its eighth Big 12 title, but this might be the first one the Sooners have shared. They're likely to earn a Sugar Bowl berth whether Kansas State wins or loses tonight but will get an automatic bid to the BCS if the Wildcats lose. Oklahoma also would be the outright Big 12 champion if that happens. Meanwhile, TCU's regular season ends at 7-5, which might be disappointing when you consider the Frogs began the season in the top 20, but it's truly impressive when you consider that, because of injuries or discipline issues, TCU is missing 20-plus players it expected to have this season.
Juco punter Barnett commits to Sooners
November, 26, 2012
11/26/12
10:08
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
The stage was set for Oklahoma to earn a commitment following an emotional 51-48 overtime victory against Bedlam rival Oklahoma State.
But nobody saw it coming from a punter. That’s exactly what happened as junior college punter Jed Barnett (Oakland, Calif./Laney CC) confirmed he committed to the Sooners on Monday night.
Barnett was originally committed to Louisiana Tech but switched to OU following a positive official visit to Norman, Okla., for Bedlam.
But nobody saw it coming from a punter. That’s exactly what happened as junior college punter Jed Barnett (Oakland, Calif./Laney CC) confirmed he committed to the Sooners on Monday night.
Barnett was originally committed to Louisiana Tech but switched to OU following a positive official visit to Norman, Okla., for Bedlam.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Staff picks: Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma
October, 26, 2012
10/26/12
7:00
AM CT
By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Oklahoma 24, Notre Dame 12
The Sooners are playing their best ball of the season, and at the perfect time. The Irish will give OU problems in the trenches, but OU's passing game with Landry Jones and his array of receivers will be the difference. If the Sooners can get to 20 points, it will be difficult for an average Notre Dame offense to keep pace, especially with the way the Sooners have been dominating defensively. I don't think the Irish get there, and that's why I'm picking OU to win.
- Jake Trotter
Oklahoma 31, Notre Dame 21
The Sooners are playing their best ball of the season, and at the perfect time. The Irish will give OU problems in the trenches, but OU's passing game with Landry Jones and his array of receivers will be the difference. If the Sooners can get to 20 points, it will be difficult for an average Notre Dame offense to keep pace, especially with the way the Sooners have been dominating defensively. I don't think the Irish get there, and that's why I'm picking OU to win.
- Jake Trotter
Oklahoma 31, Notre Dame 21
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Five storylines: Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma
October, 25, 2012
10/25/12
4:30
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
The nation will be watching when No. 8 Oklahoma hosts No. 5 Notre Dame at 7 p.m. CT Saturday at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Here are storylines to keep an eye on:
1. Can the Sooners run the football?
Notre Dame’s run defense provides a challenge the Sooners have not seen this season. Opponents average 3.4 rushing yards per carry and the Irish have not allowed a rushing touchdown through seven games including wins over Michigan, Michigan State and Stanford, teams known for their ability to run the ball.
1. Can the Sooners run the football?
Notre Dame’s run defense provides a challenge the Sooners have not seen this season. Opponents average 3.4 rushing yards per carry and the Irish have not allowed a rushing touchdown through seven games including wins over Michigan, Michigan State and Stanford, teams known for their ability to run the ball.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
QB Landry Jones, Sr: Walter Camp, Manning, Maxwell
For the third straight game, Jones played like an elite quarterback going 19-of-28 for 291 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has 1 interception in the past three games.
Season stats: 133-of-212 for 1,644 yards, 12 TD, 3 INT
RB Dominique Whaley, Sr: Maxwell
The Sooners ran the ball 18 times against Kansas but Whaley didn’t touch the football.
Season stats: 38 carries for 241 yards, TD
WR Kenny Stills, Jr: Walter Camp, Maxwell
Stills set the tone with a 44-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter against Kansas. With the addition of Jalen Saunders, he has moved outside at times to provide an explosive option for Jones.
Season stats: 38 receptions for 471 yards, 4 TDs
LB Tom Wort, Jr: Butkus, Nagurski
For the second straight week, Wort forced a fumble. He finished second on the team with 7 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack against the Jayhawks.
Season stats: 26 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, 1 sack, 1 pass defensed
LB Corey Nelson, Jr: Lombardi
Nelson had 4 tackles against the Jayhawks.
Season stats: 23 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 pass breakup, 2 quarterback hurries
For the third straight game, Jones played like an elite quarterback going 19-of-28 for 291 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has 1 interception in the past three games.
Season stats: 133-of-212 for 1,644 yards, 12 TD, 3 INT
RB Dominique Whaley, Sr: Maxwell
The Sooners ran the ball 18 times against Kansas but Whaley didn’t touch the football.
Season stats: 38 carries for 241 yards, TD
ESPN's SoonerNation
ESPN.com's SoonerNation covers everything Oklahoma, including college football and recruiting. SoonerNation
More:
• Recruiting news | Blog | Forum 
Stills set the tone with a 44-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter against Kansas. With the addition of Jalen Saunders, he has moved outside at times to provide an explosive option for Jones.
Season stats: 38 receptions for 471 yards, 4 TDs
LB Tom Wort, Jr: Butkus, Nagurski
For the second straight week, Wort forced a fumble. He finished second on the team with 7 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack against the Jayhawks.
Season stats: 26 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, 1 sack, 1 pass defensed
LB Corey Nelson, Jr: Lombardi
Nelson had 4 tackles against the Jayhawks.
Season stats: 23 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 pass breakup, 2 quarterback hurries
3 Up, 3 Down: Oklahoma 52, Kansas 7
October, 21, 2012
10/21/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
A look at who was up and who was down in Oklahoma’s 52-7 win over Kansas on Saturday.
THREE UP
1. The Sooners' maturity: Several Sooners said after the game that this might be a different team than last year. Its focus and intensity while preparing for Kansas was a early sign of the eventual outcome. The atmosphere in the practices leading up to the game was much different than the atmosphere as OU prepared for Texas Tech in 2011, a game which the Sooners suffered an upset loss.
THREE UP
1. The Sooners' maturity: Several Sooners said after the game that this might be a different team than last year. Its focus and intensity while preparing for Kansas was a early sign of the eventual outcome. The atmosphere in the practices leading up to the game was much different than the atmosphere as OU prepared for Texas Tech in 2011, a game which the Sooners suffered an upset loss.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Midseason report: OU special teams
October, 18, 2012
10/18/12
10:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Nobody cares about special teams until they cost you a game and then they become a major factor.
Fortunately for Oklahoma, that hasn’t been a issue this season, as the Sooners special teams have more than held their own.
Here’s what we’ve learned about OU’s special teams after five games of action:
Fortunately for Oklahoma, that hasn’t been a issue this season, as the Sooners special teams have more than held their own.
Here’s what we’ve learned about OU’s special teams after five games of action:
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
QB Landry Jones, Sr: Walter Camp, Manning, Maxwell
Jones made one glaring mistake with an interception returned for a touchdown but was superb with his other 36 throws. He finished 21-of-37 for 321 yards and two touchdowns.
Season stats: 114-of-184 for 1,353 yards, 9 TD, 3 INT
RB Dominique Whaley, Sr: Maxwell
Whaley showed he still can be productive despite losing his starting running back position. He had six carries for 51 yards against Texas.
Season stats: 38 carries for 241 yards, TD
WR Kenny Stills, Jr: Walter Camp, Maxwell
Stills had three catches for 37 yards against Texas, and his downfield block to spring Damien Williams on his 95-yard touchdown was one of the highlights of the win.
Season stats: 32 receptions for 381 yards, 3 TDs
LB Tom Wort, Jr: Butkus, Nagurski
Wort played well against the Longhorns with two tackles and a forced fumble.
Season stats: 19 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defensed
LB Corey Nelson, Jr: Lombardi
Nelson quietly had his most productive game of the season against UT. He finished with two tackles, two tackles for loss, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry.
Season stats: 19 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 pass breakup, 2 quarterback hurries
C Gabe Ikard, Jr: Lombardi, Outland
People wondered if the Sooners could protect Landry Jones or run the football against the Longhorns. OU did both with 343 rushing yards and 334 passing yards in a eye-popping 677-yard performance.
Season stats: OU is averaging 43.2 points and 506.4 yards through five games this season behind its offensive front.
S Tony Jefferson, Jr: Walter Camp, Nagurski, Bednarik, Thorpe
For the second straight season, Jefferson had an interception against the Longhorns. He added seven tackles and two tackles for loss in the blowout win.
Season stats: 37 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 INT, 1 pass break-up
CB Demontre Hurst, Sr: Nagurski, Bednarik
Hurst ended his Red River Rivalry career with four tackles and one fumble recovery.
Season stats: 18 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery
PK Michael Hunnicutt, So: Groza
Hunnicutt hit field goals of 36 and 32 yards and was 7-of-8 on extra point attempts. He also recorded touchbacks on 5 of 11 kickoffs.
Season stats: 7-of-8 field goals, 25-of-27 points after touchdown, 46 points scored
Jones made one glaring mistake with an interception returned for a touchdown but was superb with his other 36 throws. He finished 21-of-37 for 321 yards and two touchdowns.
Season stats: 114-of-184 for 1,353 yards, 9 TD, 3 INT
RB Dominique Whaley, Sr: Maxwell
Whaley showed he still can be productive despite losing his starting running back position. He had six carries for 51 yards against Texas.
Season stats: 38 carries for 241 yards, TD
ESPN's SoonerNation
ESPN.com's SoonerNation covers everything Oklahoma, including college football and recruiting. SoonerNation
More:
• Recruiting news | Blog | Forum
Stills had three catches for 37 yards against Texas, and his downfield block to spring Damien Williams on his 95-yard touchdown was one of the highlights of the win.
Season stats: 32 receptions for 381 yards, 3 TDs
LB Tom Wort, Jr: Butkus, Nagurski
Wort played well against the Longhorns with two tackles and a forced fumble.
Season stats: 19 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defensed
LB Corey Nelson, Jr: Lombardi
Nelson quietly had his most productive game of the season against UT. He finished with two tackles, two tackles for loss, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry.
Season stats: 19 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 pass breakup, 2 quarterback hurries
C Gabe Ikard, Jr: Lombardi, Outland
People wondered if the Sooners could protect Landry Jones or run the football against the Longhorns. OU did both with 343 rushing yards and 334 passing yards in a eye-popping 677-yard performance.
Season stats: OU is averaging 43.2 points and 506.4 yards through five games this season behind its offensive front.
S Tony Jefferson, Jr: Walter Camp, Nagurski, Bednarik, Thorpe
For the second straight season, Jefferson had an interception against the Longhorns. He added seven tackles and two tackles for loss in the blowout win.
Season stats: 37 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 INT, 1 pass break-up
CB Demontre Hurst, Sr: Nagurski, Bednarik
Hurst ended his Red River Rivalry career with four tackles and one fumble recovery.
Season stats: 18 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery
PK Michael Hunnicutt, So: Groza
Hunnicutt hit field goals of 36 and 32 yards and was 7-of-8 on extra point attempts. He also recorded touchbacks on 5 of 11 kickoffs.
Season stats: 7-of-8 field goals, 25-of-27 points after touchdown, 46 points scored
Red River Rivalry roundtable: 5 questions
October, 11, 2012
10/11/12
11:30
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter and
Carter Strickland | ESPN.com
With the Red River Rivalry game between No. 15 Texas and No. 13 Oklahoma coming up on Saturday, HornsNation's Carter Strickland and SoonerNation's Jake Trotter answer a few questions.
1. Does OU still have an edge at QB?
Carter Strickland: No. Over the past six games David Ash has actually had the better stats and a better winning percentage, 5-1 to 4-2 for Landry Jones. But the reason OU’s advantage is not as great as is not just because of Ash. Texas has more weapons on offense and is more comfortable getting the ball to the players and letting them create in space.
1. Does OU still have an edge at QB?
Carter Strickland: No. Over the past six games David Ash has actually had the better stats and a better winning percentage, 5-1 to 4-2 for Landry Jones. But the reason OU’s advantage is not as great as is not just because of Ash. Texas has more weapons on offense and is more comfortable getting the ball to the players and letting them create in space.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
QB Landry Jones, Sr: Walter Camp, Manning, Maxwell
Jones played one of the best games of his career as he threw two touchdowns with zero turnovers in a 41-20 win over Texas Tech.
Season stats: 93 of 147 for 1,032 yards, 7 TD, 2 INT
RB Dominique Whaley, Sr: Maxwell
Relegated to a backup role, Whaley had two carries for 22 yards against Texas Tech.
Season stats: 32 carries for 190 yards, 1 TD
WR Kenny Stills, Jr: Walter Camp, Maxwell
Stills continues to be a dynamic threat for the Sooners. He had seven receptions for 43 yards and one touchdown against the Red Raiders.
Season stats: 29 receptions for 344 yards, 3 TDs
LB Tom Wort, Jr: Butkus, Nagurski
Playing a limited role against Texas Tech’s spread attack, Wort had just one tackle against the Red Raiders.
Season stats: 17 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 pass defensed
LB Corey Nelson, Jr: Lombardi
Nelson had a solid game against the Red Raiders, finishing tied for the team high with six tackles and one sack.
Season stats: 17 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 pass breakup, 1 pass defensed, 1 quarterback hurry
C Gabe Ikard, Jr: Lombardi, Outland
Anchored by Ikard, the offensive line was the foundation of OU’s 380 total yards on offense. They didn’t allow a sack and were a big reason the Sooners converted 8 of 14 third-down attempts.
Season stats: OU is averaging 38.2 points and 463.8 yards through four games this season behind its offensive front.
S Tony Jefferson, Jr: Walter Camp, Nagurski, Bednarik, Thorpe
Jefferson quietly had a terrific game with five tackles but, more importantly, the OU secondary didn’t give up a big play.
Season stats: 30 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 1 pass breakup
CB Demontre Hurst, Sr: Nagurski, Bednarik
Hurst was superb in coverage as the Sooners didn’t allow a game-changing play through the air against Texas Tech.
Season stats: 14 tackles, 2 pass breakups
PK Michael Hunnicutt, So: Groza
Hunnicutt hit field goals of 33 and 42 yards and was 5 of 5 on extra point attempts.
Season stats: 5-of-6 field goals, 18-of-19 points after touchdown, 33 points scored
Jones played one of the best games of his career as he threw two touchdowns with zero turnovers in a 41-20 win over Texas Tech.
Season stats: 93 of 147 for 1,032 yards, 7 TD, 2 INT
RB Dominique Whaley, Sr: Maxwell
Relegated to a backup role, Whaley had two carries for 22 yards against Texas Tech.
Season stats: 32 carries for 190 yards, 1 TD
ESPN's SoonerNation
ESPN.com's SoonerNation covers everything Oklahoma, including college football and recruiting. SoonerNation
More:
• Recruiting news | Blog | Forum
Stills continues to be a dynamic threat for the Sooners. He had seven receptions for 43 yards and one touchdown against the Red Raiders.
Season stats: 29 receptions for 344 yards, 3 TDs
LB Tom Wort, Jr: Butkus, Nagurski
Playing a limited role against Texas Tech’s spread attack, Wort had just one tackle against the Red Raiders.
Season stats: 17 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 pass defensed
LB Corey Nelson, Jr: Lombardi
Nelson had a solid game against the Red Raiders, finishing tied for the team high with six tackles and one sack.
Season stats: 17 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 pass breakup, 1 pass defensed, 1 quarterback hurry
C Gabe Ikard, Jr: Lombardi, Outland
Anchored by Ikard, the offensive line was the foundation of OU’s 380 total yards on offense. They didn’t allow a sack and were a big reason the Sooners converted 8 of 14 third-down attempts.
Season stats: OU is averaging 38.2 points and 463.8 yards through four games this season behind its offensive front.
S Tony Jefferson, Jr: Walter Camp, Nagurski, Bednarik, Thorpe
Jefferson quietly had a terrific game with five tackles but, more importantly, the OU secondary didn’t give up a big play.
Season stats: 30 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 1 pass breakup
CB Demontre Hurst, Sr: Nagurski, Bednarik
Hurst was superb in coverage as the Sooners didn’t allow a game-changing play through the air against Texas Tech.
Season stats: 14 tackles, 2 pass breakups
PK Michael Hunnicutt, So: Groza
Hunnicutt hit field goals of 33 and 42 yards and was 5 of 5 on extra point attempts.
Season stats: 5-of-6 field goals, 18-of-19 points after touchdown, 33 points scored
Oklahoma awards tracker: Week 4
September, 25, 2012
9/25/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
QB Landry Jones, Sr: Walter Camp, Manning, Maxwell
Jones played one of the worst games of his career with two costly turnovers in the Sooners’ 29-14 loss to Kansas State.
Season stats: 68-for-107 for 772 yards, 5 TD, 2 INT
RB Dominique Whaley, Sr: Maxwell
Whaley showed flashes of his 2011 form with nine carries for 51 yards (5.7 yards per carry) against the Wildcats.
Season stats: 30 carries for 168 yards, 1 TD
WR Kenny Stills, Jr: Walter Camp, Maxwell
Stills was solid against K-State with six receptions for 60 yards as it is becoming clear he is Jones’ favorite target. While he didn’t have a game-changing play Saturday, he has made a smooth transition to the slot for OU.
Season stats: 22 receptions for 301 yards, 2 TDs
LB Tom Wort, Jr: Butkus, Nagurski
Going against the power-running Wildcats, Wort finished with four tackles. However, the Sooners' game plan was to have their safeties more involved in run defense, which was part of the reason Wort was tied for sixth on the squad in tackles against KSU.
Season stats: 16 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 pass breakup, 1 pass defensed
LB Corey Nelson, Jr: Lombardi
Nelson was solid against FAMU, finishing with three tackles in limited action.
Season stats: 11 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 pass breakup, 1 pass defensed, 1 quarterback hurry
C Gabe Ikard, Jr: Lombardi, Outland
The Sooners were sub-par running the ball against KSU, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. As the anchor of the offensive line, Ikard has to take his share of the blame. He readily admitted his unit needs to be better after the loss.
Season stats: OU is averaging 214 rushing yards per game and 491.7 yards of total offense per outing, thanks in large part to its offensive front, but the Sooners have allowed seven sacks in three games.
S Tony Jefferson, Jr: Walter Camp, Nagurski, Bednarik, Thorpe
Playing on a bum ankle, Jefferson played like an All-America candidate, finishing with a career-high 14 tackles including one tackle for loss.
Season stats: 25 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 pass breakup, 1 pass defensed
CB Demontre Hurst, Sr: Nagurski, Bednarik
Hurst was solid in the game and was rarely challenged against KSU. His coverage helped allow the safeties to finish 1-2 in tackles.
Season stats: 11 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 2 passes defensed
PK Michael Hunnicutt, So: Groza
Hunnicutt hit field goals of 34 and 28 yards and made his lone extra point attempt.
Season stats: 3-of-4 on field goals, 13-for-14 on PATs, 22 points scored
Jones played one of the worst games of his career with two costly turnovers in the Sooners’ 29-14 loss to Kansas State.
Season stats: 68-for-107 for 772 yards, 5 TD, 2 INT
RB Dominique Whaley, Sr: Maxwell
Whaley showed flashes of his 2011 form with nine carries for 51 yards (5.7 yards per carry) against the Wildcats.
Season stats: 30 carries for 168 yards, 1 TD
WR Kenny Stills, Jr: Walter Camp, Maxwell
Stills was solid against K-State with six receptions for 60 yards as it is becoming clear he is Jones’ favorite target. While he didn’t have a game-changing play Saturday, he has made a smooth transition to the slot for OU.
Season stats: 22 receptions for 301 yards, 2 TDs
LB Tom Wort, Jr: Butkus, Nagurski
Going against the power-running Wildcats, Wort finished with four tackles. However, the Sooners' game plan was to have their safeties more involved in run defense, which was part of the reason Wort was tied for sixth on the squad in tackles against KSU.
Season stats: 16 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 pass breakup, 1 pass defensed
LB Corey Nelson, Jr: Lombardi
Nelson was solid against FAMU, finishing with three tackles in limited action.
Season stats: 11 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 pass breakup, 1 pass defensed, 1 quarterback hurry
C Gabe Ikard, Jr: Lombardi, Outland
The Sooners were sub-par running the ball against KSU, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. As the anchor of the offensive line, Ikard has to take his share of the blame. He readily admitted his unit needs to be better after the loss.
Season stats: OU is averaging 214 rushing yards per game and 491.7 yards of total offense per outing, thanks in large part to its offensive front, but the Sooners have allowed seven sacks in three games.
S Tony Jefferson, Jr: Walter Camp, Nagurski, Bednarik, Thorpe
Playing on a bum ankle, Jefferson played like an All-America candidate, finishing with a career-high 14 tackles including one tackle for loss.
Season stats: 25 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 pass breakup, 1 pass defensed
CB Demontre Hurst, Sr: Nagurski, Bednarik
Hurst was solid in the game and was rarely challenged against KSU. His coverage helped allow the safeties to finish 1-2 in tackles.
Season stats: 11 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 2 passes defensed
PK Michael Hunnicutt, So: Groza
Hunnicutt hit field goals of 34 and 28 yards and made his lone extra point attempt.
Season stats: 3-of-4 on field goals, 13-for-14 on PATs, 22 points scored
Five storylines: K-State vs. Oklahoma
September, 20, 2012
9/20/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Throughout the 2012 season, SoonerNation will look at five different storylines that could have a major impact in Oklahoma’s upcoming game each Thursday. Here are the storylines as the Sooners host Kansas State at 6:50 p.m. CT,Saturday at Owen Field.
1. Will Collin Klein pass the ball well enough to make the Sooners pay if they overload the box?
The Kansas State quarterback enters the game with a 72.9 completion percentage after completing just 57.3 percent of his passes in 2011. Klein worked hard to improve his passing ability during the summer and it appears to be paying off early in the season.
1. Will Collin Klein pass the ball well enough to make the Sooners pay if they overload the box?
The Kansas State quarterback enters the game with a 72.9 completion percentage after completing just 57.3 percent of his passes in 2011. Klein worked hard to improve his passing ability during the summer and it appears to be paying off early in the season.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ABOUT SOONER NATION
Jake Trotter
Jake Trotter joined ESPN.com in 2011 after four years with The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman, covering OU and Big 12 football. He's a graduate of Washington and Lee (Va.) University and lives in Oklahoma City with his wife. Email him at trotterjake@gmail.com.
Brandon Chatmon
Brandon Chatmon joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending eight years with The Oklahoman, covering Oklahoma State University, high schools and recruiting. Chatmon lives in Norman, Okla. Email him at bchatmonespn@gmail.com.
Bob Przybylo
Bob Przybylo joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years with The Oklahoman, covering high schools and recruiting. Przybylo lives in Oklahoma City. Email him at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.