Oklahoma Sooners

The Sooners completed spring drills Tuesday inside Everest Indoor Training Center. As it is every year, the focus of the 2008 edition of spring practice was on improvement and building for next season.

After six weeks of workouts that included 11 practices, two scrimmages and the annual Red/White Spring Game, running back Justin Johnson has become well-groomed with the pace of college football. "It's a lot different than high school," he stated after practice. "It was confusing at first, but as the weeks went on I started getting the offense down and started improving."

Johnson said he is looking forward to stepping out onto Owen Field for his first real game next fall, but he also knows there's a lot of work to do between now and then.

Senior Manuel Johnson can attest to that, and he said the team will use the offseason as an opportunity to come together and become stronger. "We'll go through a lot of things that will get us down, but those are the things that will help us during the season."

Along with Juaquin Iglesias and Quentin Chaney, Johnson is one of three senior receivers returning for the Sooners, and he said the group is fully intent on leaving everything they have out on the field next season. "It's our senior year, so you want to attack, go hard every day and just hope for the best."

Oklahoma will kick off the 2008 season against UT-Chattanooga on Saturday, August 30 right here in Norman.

Saturday, April 12

On a day when the scoring system gave the defense nine points for a touchdown, the Oklahoma defense took full advantage during the team's annual Red/White Spring Game Saturday at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

A crowd of 23,306 looked on as three OU defenders intercepted passes and returned them for touchdowns. In the end, the team comprised of the first team offense and second team defense won 69-40 under a scoring system that awarded points for a myriad of accomplishments ranging from long plays to forced punts.
View 2008 Spring Game Recap & Statistics

Friday, April 11

The Sooners will hold a light practice today in advance of the annual Spring Game on Saturday at 1 p.m. The game will not be televised or webcast so the only way to watch the game live will be from a seat in the stadium. Fan's Guide to Spring Game

Shae Farmer hadn't planned on being in Oklahoma this weekend, much less on the Sooner sideline. Then his wife Kimberly bought a couple Sooner t-shirts online and the weekend plans changed...
Fan Wins Opportunity to Call Plays at Spring Game

Storylines for the spring game are many, yet sometimes hard to find. Here are a few suggestions for things to watch this Saturday at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium:
A to Z Guide to the Spring Game

Tuesday, April 8

The Sooners returned to Everest Indoor Training Center on Tuesday to resume preparations for the annual Red/White Spring Game. View video of the defensive linemen, wide receivers and live action highlights from Tuesday's practice by clicking the links to the right.

Earlier in the day, OU announced its official scoring system for the Spring Game, devised to allow both the offensive and defensive units the ability to score. Print off the scoring guide to follow along on your own during Saturday's game.

A reminder that Friday is your last chance to purchase Spring Game tickets for half-price. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 the day of the game. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free, as are all OU students with a valid student ID.

Limited edition posters celebrating Oklahoma's championship run in the 2000s will also be distributed at the Spring Game. Rings and trophies accompany six team photos on the poster honoring Oklahoma's five Big 12 Conference titles and the 2000 National Championship. View a sneek peak of these special posters.

Monday, April 7

Oklahoma added a Friday practice date this week. The Sooners are slated to work on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday before hosting fans for the Spring Game on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Spring Game tickets are $5 in advance or $10 the day of the game. Purchase online, in person at the OU Athletics Ticket Office or by phone at (405) 325-2424 or toll-free at (800) 456-GoOU. Children 5 and under are admitted free of charge, as are all OU students with a valid student ID.

Saturday, April 5

An Oklahoma team that worked out just once during the week was rusty Saturday in a scrimmage at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. OU completed a 92-play scrimmage, the last major tune-up before next Saturday's Red/White Game.

"It was just OK," said Stoops, who postponed two practice during the week to allow a few injured players time to heal and return to playing form. "We practiced only once all week and it showed. We weren't too sharp and there were way too many penalties.

Read the scrimmage recap with statistics here. View video highlights and interviews with senior offensive lineman Branndon Braxton, senior punter Mike Knall and sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford plus photos from the scrimmage by clicking the links to the right.

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