Tag: Brian Darby

Lincoln Riley provides injury updates ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Nebraska

The Oklahoma Sooners may be without a couple of key starters on defense heading into week three against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Heading into the 50th anniversary of the “Game of the Century,” the Oklahoma Sooners are riding high after a 76-0 throttling of Western Carolina, where everything was going their way. Unfortunately, they’ll also be riding without wide receiver Brian Darby who has already been ruled out for this week’s game with Nebraska and could be without starting cornerback Woodi Washington, who Lincoln Riley listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game.

Billy Bowman and Danny Stutsman were the other notable injuries from Saturday’s win, but no specific update was given on those players. Lincoln Riley did mention several other players were questionable but didn’t mention anyone by name.

Latrell McCutchin, who made his first start last week against Western Carolina, looks to be in line for another start this week against Nebraska. At slot corner, more of Jeremiah Criddell should be expected if Billy Bowman is unable to play.

Brian Darby wasn’t high on the wide receiver depth chart, but he’s figured into each of the first two wins for the Sooners and has totaled four receptions for 42 yards through two games.

Stutsman was one of the standout defensive players from the shutout win in week two and figured to earn more opportunities, but if he’s unable to play, look for Shane Whitter to get some opportunities in his stead.

Cody Jackson worked with the starters in the second quarter, turned three receptions into 31 yards receiving, and helped set up one of the Sooners’ scores late in the second quarter.

In week three, the Oklahoma Sooners’ depth will be tested if they’re forced to play without Woodi Washington or Billy Bowman against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. But every team has to deal with injuries, and it will be interesting to see if the Sooners experience any drop-off without arguably their best cornerback in Woodi Washington.

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This under the radar receiver could make an impact vs WCU

This Sooner had the best game of his career in week one. He could take his next step tonight versus Western Carolina

The Sooners enter tonight’s game against Western Carolina without the services of Theo Wease, who is anticipated to miss several weeks with a lower leg injury. While Oklahoma’s receiving corp is at its best with Wease on the field, his absence allows other Sooners further down the depth chart to make an impact on game day.

Last week, Mario Williams and Jadon Haselwood did a nice job replacing Wease’s production in OU’s 40-35 victory over Tulane. The tandem combined for 10 catches and 84 yards against the Green Wave, with Williams scoring his first career touchdown behind solid blocking by Haselwood. 

But while Williams and Haselwood were complimenting No. 1 option Marvin Mims, another Sooner was having his own career day against Tulane. 

Brian Darby had just one catch in eight games played in 2020. The 6-0 wide out comfortably surpassed last season’s total with three catches for 26 yards in week one. 

Quarterback Spencer Rattler looked toward Darby in numerous third-down situations. The sophomore moved the chains on 3rd and 12 in the first quarter before picking up four yards on 3rd and six in the second. Rattler attempted to connect with Darby on another third down midway through the third quarter but would sail the ball over the receiver’s head. 

Spencer Rattler’s readiness to target Darby on numerous third downs against Tulane could indicate his trust for the second-year Sooner. Tonight’s game against the Catamounts should provide a clearer picture of how Oklahoma plans to use Darby this season.

Oklahoma Sooners Week 1 Report Card from win vs. Tulane

How did each unit for the Oklahoma Sooners perform in their week one win over the Tulane Green Wave?

Now that the dust has settled and we all have taken a night to gather ourselves, it’s time to try and grade Oklahoma’s performance against Tulane before we look ahead to Western Carolina.

It wasn’t as glorious as the general population would have liked it to be for the number two team in the country, but they most importantly got the win. There’s a lot to improve on as Lincoln Riley mentioned yesterday.

As we’ll do each week, let’s take a look at each position group and hand out some grades from the Sooners 40-35 win over Tulane in week one.