Tag: Jalen Hurts

After viral tweet, Jalen Hurts, Lincoln Riley meet with big Oklahoma fan

Dominique Wilkins, a former 11-time NBA all-star, tweeted a request, and Jalen Hurts granted it.

Dominique Wilkins, a former 11-time NBA all-star, tweeted a request and Jalen Hurts granted it.

Wilkins tweeted the request of a 14-year-old boy, who “is on his last legs and all he wants is to come to the game Saturday and meet Jalen.”

The tweet went viral, getting over 3,000 retweets and 6,000  likes.

Hurts, who has a long history of meeting fans, dating back to his days at Alabama, obliged of course, and Wilkins followed it up with a video of the superstar athlete meeting the young boy.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about you,” Hurts told him. “We gonna go get this for you.”

Lincoln Riley also met with the Oklahoma fan and his family.

Jalen Hurts and the fourth-ranked Sooners will kick off the the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at 3 p.m. in Atlanta.

2020 NFL draft: Jalen Hurts scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma

Height | 6-2

Weight | 219

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

Hurts’ transformation from a barely draftable prospect to one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2020 class has been fun to watch this season.

The NFL is a copycat league, and with the success of Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray this year, some team is bound to try and replicate that success with Hurts under center. He is a dynamic athlete with very good lateral agility both in the pocket and in the open field, and while not quite as fast as the aforementioned two, he still has great breakaway speed for the quarterback position.

Hurts was always a good athlete at Alabama, but his improvement as a passer since transferring to Oklahoma is what has teams impressed. His sense of timing and anticipation has gotten a lot better, as he has shown flashes of great placement on the deep ball. He has good velocity behind his throws and can fit his passes into tight windows. Throwing on the run is another asset in his game, as his athleticism and accuracy make him a tough quarterback to defend when he rolls out or scrambles.

Weaknesses

Though Hurts has gotten better as a passer, he still has quite a bit of work to be done.

His throwing motion is elongated and his release is too slow. That, combined with his tendency to lob deep balls, could make him an easy target for NFL defensive backs to read and pick off more easily than Big 12 defenders. He is also, for the most part, a one-read quarterback who locks into his targets too often and forces throws.

Hurts also tends to struggle under pressure. He has the athleticism to maneuver around defenders and extend the play, but he does so at the expense of reading the field, as he often keeps his head down and focuses more on running around in a backyard style of quarterbacking than he does scanning the field and finding the open man. He can be more consistent in terms of identifying the checkdown option and going through his progressions.

Bottom Line

Hurts is a dual-threat quarterback with ample athleticism who has shown improvements as a passer. He’s still a work in progress, but there will be a team willing to take a gamble on him fairly early in the draft.

Projection: Round 2

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When, where, how to watch, how to stream Oklahoma-LSU

Oklahoma (12-1) and LSU (13-0) face-off in the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff. 

Oklahoma (12-1) and LSU (13-0) face-off in the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff.

This is just the third time in program history that the two teams have played each other (1950, 2003) and the first time in Oklahoma has played in the state of Georgia.

All eyes will be on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium as it will be the first leg of the playoff doubleheader. Ohio State (13-0) and Clemson (13-0) duke it out in the desert tonight at the Fiesta Bowl, following the Peach Bowl.

Here is how to follow along as the Sooners take on the Tigers.

WHEN: 3 p.m. CT

HOW TO WATCH: ESPN, Command Center (ESPN2), Film Room (ESPNU), Skycast (ESPNEWS), DataCenter (ESPN Goal Line), All-22 (ESPN App), Main Telecast (ESPN)

HOW TO LISTEN: Sooner Sports Radio Network—KOKC AM 1520 and KRXO 107.7 FM in OKC, KMOD FM 97.5 and KTBZ AM 1430 in Tulsa (click here for more options if not in either of those markets)

HOW TO STREAM: WATCH ESPN

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WATCH: Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Oklahoma football hype videos

We finally made it. Less than 24 hours until the Sooners and Tigers face off for a shot at a national title.

We finally made it.

Less than 24 hours until the Sooners and Tigers face off for a shot at a national title.

Oklahoma (12-1) and LSU (13-0) have been on this stage before. The two programs played each other for the 2003 BCS National Championship at the Sugar Bowl. The Sooners lost the game 21-14 making the series record 1-1.

Unlike the 2003 National Championship, this game is not for all the marbles. It is only the first domino that needs to fall. The winner of the Peach Bowl will go on to New Orleans to face the winner of Ohio State (13-0) versus Clemson (13-0).

For LSU it would be as close to a home game as a team can get in a playoff game. For the Sooners, it would be the first time back at the Sugar Bowl since their 45-31 upset win over Alabama following the 2013 season.

Oklahoma and LSU kick off at 3p.m. CT on ESPN.

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Three biggest storylines for Oklahoma, LSU ahead of the Peach Bowl

The Peach Bowl is just one day away. Here are the three biggest storylines for the Peach Bowl between Oklahoma and LSU.

This year, No. 1 LSU did what Oklahoma has done for several seasons now. They nearly cleaned house, taking home multiple awards and snagged the top offensive spot away in the final game of the season.

Fourth-ranked Oklahoma has been completely counted out of the game, especially down multiple players heading into it. But the Sooners still plan on playing the game, regardless of what the country might be saying. The top two offenses, the Heisman winner and runner up, and two up-and-coming coaches are all about to meet up on Saturday.

Here are the three biggest storylines for the Peach Bowl between Oklahoma and LSU.

Script, Flipped

For the past two seasons, Oklahoma has entered the College Football Playoffs with two big time advantages. Heisman winners. Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray were incredibly reliable, and provided a spark few players that play the game have. This year, Oklahoma will be getting a piece of their own medicine however, as LSU’s Joe Burrow put together a Heisman-winning campaign that matched the Sooners duo. Burrow has rarely put himself in bad situations this year, and the Oklahoma defense certainly has a tall task ahead of them.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, questionable

The Tiger’s leading rusher Clyde Edwards-Helaire, has accounted for 1,291 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns so far this year, but he is questionable to play Saturday. LSU has insisted that their offense won’t look different without him, but the bottom line is that no other running back on the team has been close to his production. In fact, their second leading rusher is Burrow with 289 yards.

One Last Chance

One of Jalen Hurts or Joe Burrow will play their final collegiate game on Saturday. Both have had storied and similar career, transferring into new roles that led them to where they are today. Hurts has amassed 4,889 yards and 51 touchdowns as a Sooner after his transfer out of Alabama, and Burrow has thrown for 4,715 yards on 77.9% completion in his senior year as a Tiger. The only thing remaining for both of them is chance at an extra game, by ending the other’s season.

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How Oklahoma wins, loses the Peach Bowl against LSU

Remember when everyone thought Oklahoma was done? Neither do I. The Sooners find themselves in their third straight College Football Playoff

Remember when everyone thought Oklahoma was done? Neither do I. The Sooners find themselves in their third-straight College Football Playoff and their fourth appearance in program history. Despite playing the No. 1 seed in LSU, it is actually the best chance on paper out of the four semifinal games they have played.

HOW OKLAHOMA WINS

Keep possession of the ball

It’s pretty simple. So long as Jalen Hurts settles down and holds on to the ball and does not force throws (see Iowa State) Oklahoma should be in good shape.

RUN RUN RUN

With Rhamondre Stevenson suspended, the Sooners are down to Jalen Hurts and Kennedy Brooks as the main ball carriers. TJ Pledger will likely tote the rock to take some of the load off of Brooks and Hurts. The trio will need to be around the magic number of 200 yards rushing for Oklahoma to move on to New Orleans.

BURY BURROW

Getting pressure on Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow will not be an easy task with leading pass rusher Ronnie Perkins suspended. However, it is not impossible. Jalen Redmond and LaRon Stokes will be the two who will be tasked with containing and forcing pressure on Burrow. LSU did win the Joe Moore Award but they were No. 72 in the nation in sacks allowed. Pressure will be key in stopping the No. 1 offense in the country and can very well be what leads Oklahoma to a victory.

HOW OKLAHOMA LOSES

penalties

With all of the trash-talking LSU has been saying throughout the week, the Sooners have obeyed coach’s orders and have kept their mouths shut. In fact, Oklahoma has been complimentary of the Tigers. However, when the lights are on and emotions are high, coach won’t always be there to babysit. The Sooners need to keep their heads on and not allow LSU to bait them into personal fouls or undisciplined play.

SLOW START

Between turnovers and penalties, the Sooners have a lot on their plate and in their way. They have to start fast and match, if not surpass the energy levels of LSU. Last year, Alabama jumped on Oklahoma 28-0 halfway through the second quarter, putting the Sooners behind the eight ball. #SpeedD will be put to the test against Burrow and Co. but nonetheless, Oklahoma must battle from the opening kick to the final whistle.

Oklahoma and LSU are set to kick off at 3p.m. CT on Saturday, Dec. 28 on ESPN.

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LSU linebacker says they will ‘dominate’ Oklahoma

LSU linebacker Patrick Queen did not hold back when asked about the Sooners’ offense.

Ler the chirping begin.

LSU linebacker Patrick Queen did not hold back when asked about the Sooners’ offense.

“[The] O-line’s not great, running backs aren’t great but they still make it work,” Queen told reporters at Thursday’s Peach Bowl media days.

Queen said that the Tigers’ goal is to get the ball out of Hurts’ hands and force others to make plays.

“Jalen Hurts is a great quarterback,” Queen said.

“I feel like our defense will make plays in space.  I feel like with this gameplan we got we’re gonna dominate them, I feel very confident in what we got.”

LSU is No. 32 in total defense while Oklahoma is No. 25. Both the Tigers and Sooners have the two most lethal offenses in the country as No. 1 and No. 2 in the country, respectively.

The Sooners “make it work” by putting up two fewer yards than LSU (7,205) on 41 fewer plays (884) for an average of 8.15 yards per play and average 554.4 yards per game, just two-tenths of a yard less than the Tigers.

Oklahoma and LSU kickoff Saturday, Dec. 28 at 3p.m. CT on ESPN.

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Getting to know 6 quarterbacks the Chargers could draft

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez gives an overview on six quarterbacks that the Los Angeles Chargers could select in the 2020 NFL draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers’ season is essentially over and all attention has been shifted to the upcoming offseason. It’s expected that the Bolts will be making some acquisitions to certain positions and among them is the quarterback position.

Whether or not quarterback Philip Rivers is back in 2020, Los Angeles will likely be in the market for one in the early rounds of the upcoming draft, if they elect to not do so via free agency or through a trade that is.

With the team being a lock for a top-10 selection they should have a few options to choose from. With that, we decided to introduce some of the quarterbacks that could very well be the pick when the Chargers are on the clock.

* Note: LSU’s Joe Burrow is excluded from this list because it’s almost certain that he will be a lock for a top-3 pick and the Cincinnati Bengals are the early favorite.

Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

Overview: Tagovailoa entered this season as a lock to go in the top-5, but a serious hip injury has given some reason to be concerned for his future. Tua has not decided whether or not he will declare or go back to his school for his senior season. Outside of the durability concerns, Tua has a great feel for the game, thriving with his instincts, processing skills and vision where he’s one of the best in this class when under pressure. He’s accurate, especially on the deep ball where he delivers them with nice touch. If he declares, the medicals will be the most important part to his evaluation.

Justin Herbert, Oregon

Overview: Herbert is a well-known quarterback in this class because he was touted as a first rounder last year, but he decided to return for his senior season. Herbert, the 6-foot-5 and 237 pounder has all the physical traits that you would want in a quarterback. Herbert’s arm talent is special. Not only can he deliver a beautiful deep ball, but he has shown to be sound when throwing outside the pocket, where he will move around, set his feet and deliver a fastball. Though you don’t see it as much, Herbert shows the ability to beat defenses with his legs, too. Consistency and accuracy is the knock on him. While Herbert can make big plays at any given moment, some of the easy ones in the short passing game are missed.

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LSU starting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire not practicing with Tigers ahead of Peach Bowl

After injuring his hamstring in practice last week, LSU’s leading rusher, Clyde Edwards-Hilaire’s status is still undecided.

LSU’s starting running back was absent from practice Tuesday ahead of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire was not seen during the 15 minutes of practice that was open to media which does not rule out the possibility of him practicing today. Media will have another 15 minutes to watch the Tigers on Thursday.

After injuring his hamstring in practice last week, LSU’s leading rusher, Clyde Edwards-Hilaire’s status for the Peach Bowl is still undecided.

“Clyde’s a little bit better than we thought. He’s off the crutches and off the scooter,” Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron told reporters Monday. “He has a chance to play. I don’t know if he’s going to play, it will be day by day.”

Behind Edwards-Helaire, LSU’s second-leading rusher is quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow. Despite this, the Tigers’ offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger has full belief in his full list of running backs.

“I’m excited about the other three backs,” Ensminger told reporters Tuesday. “I believe we will have Clyde. That’s my opinion.

“If he’s not, we have capable backs. Ty Davis is a bull runner. John Emery can make people miss in space. Chris Curry, I think Chris Curry runs the ball hard. You saw him at the end of the game last week or two weeks ago, runs the ball hard. He’s very secure with the ball.”

Edward-Helaire on the season has rushed for 1,290 yards on 197 carries with 16 rushing touchdowns. Edwards-Helaire is also a large part of the passing game with 50 receptions for 399 yards and a touchdown.

Oklahoma and LSU are set to kick off on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT on ESPN.

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What LSU’s Ed Orgeron had to say about Oklahoma in first Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl media appearance

Oklahoma and LSU have arrived in Atlanta. Here is what LSU’s Ed Orgeron had to say about OU in his first meeting with the media. 

Oklahoma and LSU have arrived in Atlanta for the College Football Playoff at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

LSU is led by a confident, ambitious, happy-go-lucky head coach in Ed Orgeron.

Both programs met with the media for the first time ahead of the game on Saturday. Orgeron and Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley were the headliners on the first day.

Here is what Orgeron had to say about Oklahoma in his first meeting with the media.

On Oklahoma preparing for LSU’s running backs without Clyde Edwards-Helaire:

“No, I don’t think so because I don’t think they know our backs. I don’t think they know what our backs can do, like we do. And, obviously, we’re not going to do the same thing with the same back in every time. We’re going to switch things up.”

On the transfer quarterbacks, including Jalen Hurts:

“You know, I think the transfer rule for graduate assistants is really good; for graduate students, really good. I think there’s some cases where a young man ought to transfer if the situation for him in that school is not right.

“Obviously, on the other end, with coaches, we have to choose the right transfers. And, obviously, we got it right, and they got it right. Two fantastic young men that got their opportunity, made the best of it.

“I’m proud of Jalen Hurts. I know him. I think he’s a great young man. I got to meet him at a couple of deals. He has great parents, outstanding character, and obviously very proud of Joe and what he’s done. Those two are very similar in character, and they’re team players.”

On if the Oklahoma suspensions take a factor into game planning: 

“You know, I’m sure Coach Riley has the same thing. We have a next man up theory. We put 11 men on the field and we fight like Tigers, and we don’t blink. I’m sure it’s a top program, they’ve done a great job recruiting. I’m sure the next guy is chomping at the bit, may have his best game.

“We don’t even factor that in, you know, say hey, this is going to be an advantage. It’s not going to be an advantage. We’re going. And, again, it’s never going to be about our opponent. It’s always about us and the way we execute.”

On defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, preparing for Oklahoma:

“He’s got a lot of stuff in. He’s got a lot of stuff in, and he’s got a lot of ammunition. And Dave’s a great gameday caller. Obviously we can’t run it off. But I think that today was one of our better days as far as technique-wise. We’ve been seeing their plays. We have a lot of plays. You can’t rep every play, but we’re repping their top plays and our guys defend it well.

“Obviously, with this team, you’ve got to tackle. You’ve gotta tackle to one-on-one and in space. You’ve got to tackle Jalen. You got to cover CeeDee. And if you do cover them, you’ve got to tackle them, so. It’s going to come down to winning you one-on-one as a tackler.”

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