Tag: Michael Turk

Report Card: Oklahoma Sooners fail to make the grade vs. Baylor Bears

How did the Oklahoma Sooners’ position groups grade out in their 27-14 loss to the Baylor Bears?

Oklahoma’s performance against Baylor wasn’t as pitiful as other earlier games this year. Still, it certainly lacked any level of competitive fire needed for a team who came into the game looking to answer a plethora of questions about how they would fair if tested by a good top 25 ranked football team. The test did not go as planned, and the Sooners took their first loss of the season 27-14 at the hands of the Baylor Bears.

Despite the final score, the game was tied 7-7 at the half. Oklahoma had a chance to win this game, but they never hit another gear. While this wasn’t a complete dismantling, there were a lot of position groups that struggled, which can only be more head-scratching considering the Sooners were coming off their bye week.

Let’s grade each group and break things down.

Report Card: Grading the Sooners following their 52-31 win over TCU

The Sooners dispatched TCU relatively comfortably. Let’s take a look at how each position group graded out in the 52-31 win.

For a while, it may have seemed like an afterthought to grade out the offense with A’s and B’s across the board. However, that time has arrived.  The offense was a bright spot, and the defense wasn’t as bad as maybe it appeared.

As we do each week, let’s look at how each position group graded in the Sooners 52-31 thrashing of the TCU Horned Frogs.

Quarterbacks: A

No need to beat around the bush here: Caleb Williams was phenomenal in his first start since usurping Spencer Rattler in Oklahoma’s thrilling come-from-behind win against Texas.

He dazzled the sold-out crowd in Norman and had national media in an uproar. Williams was 18 of 23 for 295 yards passing and four touchdowns, three of which made their way to Jadon Haselwood. He added 66 yards rushing, including the electric 41-yard TD run in the third quarter you can see below.

After that performance, there’s no need to speculate about who will be the quarterback as Oklahoma heads to the state of Kansas again for their second true road game against the Kansas Jayhawks.

The next step for Williams is to continue to mature and grow within the offense.

Up Next: Backs and Pass Catchers

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The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from the Sooners 55-48 win over the Longhorns

What stood out in the Oklahoma Sooners’ improbable win over the Texas Longhorns in this week’s version of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

The 2021 Red River Showdown did not disappoint in terms of drama and excitement. The Texas Longhorns were in complete control of the football game through the first 30 minutes. Still, they didn’t do enough to ensure victory as the Oklahoma Sooners stormed back from 18 down at halftime to win a thrilling meeting between the two bitter rivals.

There was a lot to like from the Oklahoma Sooners performance on Saturday and a lot they need to improve upon.

The most important thing that will happen this week will be what happens at quarterback. And with that, let’s take a look at this week’s version of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from the Oklahoma Sooners 55-48 win over the Texas Longhorns.

The Good: Lincoln Riley’s Decision

It’s never an easy thing to replace your starting quarterback. Given that Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley was in the same situation with quarterback Spencer Rattler a year ago probably made the decision even more difficult.

In hindsight, it proved to be the right decision, and it remained the right decision as Riley stuck with true freshman quarterback Caleb Williams. Spencer Rattler didn’t have it on Saturday, and there have been few games in 2021 in which he has.

Two more turnovers bring Rattler’s total to seven in six games. And as much as it was about the turnovers, it was about the time of the game in which they took place.

The Sooners were down just 14-7 after the offense scored, and the defense forced a three and out. Oklahoma was driving, and a miscommunication between Rattler and tight end Austin Stogner led to the interception. Texas would go on to score on the ensuing drive.

A little bit later in the game, with the score 28-17, on the first play from scrimmage after the Sooners’ defense forced a punt, Rattler attempted to avoid pressure and after running into his offensive lineman had the ball ripped out by Ben Davis and recovered by Demarvion Overshown.

Again, Texas took the turnover and drove for a touchdown to make it 35-17.

Twice Oklahoma had a chance to either tie or take a big bite out of the Longhorns’ lead, and both times Spencer Rattler turned the ball over.

Caleb Williams helped spark the Oklahoma Sooners offense, who then outscored the Longhorns 38-13 the rest of the way.

While Lincoln Riley hasn’t indicated what he would do at quarterback, the Oklahoma offense just looked differently with Williams at the helm.

With the in-game move, Lincoln Riley showed that he’s not above removing his starting quarterback or any other player if they’re not performing well. He did it last year and proved it again this year. And it was the right move. Regardless of how the game turned out, it would have been the right call to sit him down for a bit. Unlike last year with Tanner Mordecai, however, Caleb Williams wasn’t giving the job back.

Up Next: The Bad

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How to watch the 2020 NFL Combine – OL, RB, ST: Preview, date, time, live stream

The offensive linemen, running backs and special teamers will run drills at the 2020 NFL Combine. Here’s how you can watch and live stream

We’re into the second day of the 2020 NFL Combine drills, which you can stream live on FuboTV. Today will be the running backs, offensive linemen and special teams players all strutting their stuff on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The first day saw the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends run through the gauntlet. While there was no new fastest 40-yard dash time set with Henry Ruggs III running it in 4.27 seconds, today’s group has some players who could be a threat to the record. John Ross set the current fastest 40-yard dash back in 2017 with a 4.22-second time but keep an eye out for Louisiana running back Raymond Calais and Western Michigan running back LeVante Bellamy as potential record setters.

In today’s group, another standout could very well be Arizona State punter Michael Turk, who put up 25 reps on the bench press yesterday — beating 86 of the 109 total prospects to lift so far. With a shocking display already on record, who knows what Turk will end up doing with the rest of the drills.

The 2020 NFL Combine could also help decide how many running backs end up going in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Many pundits have both Georgia’s D’Andre Swift and Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor going in the first round but a bad performance could drop the group down while an impressive showing could have the top back go off the board quickly.

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How to watch the 2020 NFL Combine:

Offensive linemen, Running backs, Kickers, Special teams

Friday, Feb. 28, 4:00 p.m. ET

Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

2020 NFL Combine streams:

Live stream: FuboTV

2020 NFL Combine TV channel:

TV channel: NFL Network

2020 NFL Combine schedule:

Feb. 27 – QB, WR, TE

Feb. 28 – OL, RB, ST

Feb. 29 – DL, LB

March 1 – DB

2020 NFL Combine drills:

  • 40-yard dash
  • Bench press
  • Vertical jump
  • Broad jump
  • 3 cone drill
  • 20-yard shuttle
  • 60-yard shuttle

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Cowboys News Links: Cooper talks heat up, Jones’ big messages

Also, Jerry speaks from Indy, Leighton Vander Esch’s injury, David Irving’s possible return, elite pass rushers, and a pumped-up punter.

Questions about if and when the current CBA’s tag structure will change have kickstarted talks between the Cowboys and two of their high-profile free agents. But Jerry Jones still found an hour-plus to spill the tea on a variety of topics- including his recent shower thoughts- to the media assembled in Indianapolis. Mike McCarthy also held court at the combine and provided a sneak peek at what the 2020 Cowboys may look like.

All that plus news on Leighton Vander Esch’s injury recovery, David Irving’s possible reinstatement, and Dak Prescott’s self-appointed advisory committee. There’s also linkage to elite pass rushing options, the Great Dallas Interception Drought, the ratings bonanza that is America’s Team… and a punter showing off his guns. Here’s the News and Notes.

Cowboys ready to intensify Amari Cooper talks amid CBA setback :: Dallas Morning News

Now that the Cowboys know that using a transition tag on Amari Cooper will likely only result in them having to rescind it if a new collective bargaining agreement is approved, contract talks with wideout Amari Cooper’s camp have taken on a new sense of urgency. The two sides met Thursday evening in Indianapolis; a Byron Jones conversation is also on the immediate itinerary.

10 biggest things Jerry Jones said from Indy :: The Mothership

In a wide-ranging 80-minute sit-down aboard the team bus, the big boss dished on Byron Jones’s status, Jason Witten’s future, Robert Quinn’s “real deal”-ness, Dak Prescott’s familial standing with him and Jimmy Johnson in the Ring of Honor.

Mike McCarthy’s 1st big test, can he outrank Jerry Jones :: Cowboys Wire

McCarthy thinks he has more say over the roster than he did in Green Bay. He’s going to have to outweigh the most powerful man in all of sports.

What’s going on with LB Leighton Vander Esch? :: Inside The Star

With neck issues dating back to his college days, will this be a permanent concern going forward?

Cowboys Draft Digest No. 5: Top pass-rushers are safe picks. Can Dallas find one? :: The Athletic

Historically speaking, collegiate pass rushers who earn “elite” status end up being studs on Sundays.

 

Irving reinstatement journey comes with side-eye, but Cowboys watching :: Cowboys Wire

The David Irving saga may have another chapter left to be written after all.

Mailbag: Why the continual lack of INT’s?:: The Mothership

One notable thing the Cowboys defense has lacked is turnovers. It’s a mystery that has seemed to plague this unit for years, and one that needs to change in 2020.

America’s Team: Cowboys still winning in TV ratings :: Front Office Sports

Last season’s 8-8 record notwithstanding, the Cowboys are anything but mediocre in the Nielsen numbers. One industry insider theorizes that a Super Bowl appearance would be an absolute record-breaker.

Punter Michael Turk steals show at combine on bench press :: ESPN

The Arizona State punter, who recently made a list of punters the Cowboys should consider drafting, may have improved his stock Thursday night when he absolutely smoked the 225-pound bench press in Indianapolis. Michael Turk’s 25 reps were better than all 33 wide receivers and all but one tight end who participated.

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Watch: Arizona State punter Michael Turk bench-presses 225 pounds 25 times

Arizona State punter Michael Turk put on an impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine … but not with his legs.

Arizona State’s Michael Turk hopes to make an NFL career with his legs. After Thursday, scouts are probably intested in his upper body, too.

In one of the more unexpected feats of strength at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, the 6-foot-1, 228-pound punter pushed out 25 reps of 225 pounds in the bench-press exercise.

Per NFL.com:

Turk’s effort is a modern record, as it’s the most reps by a punter since 2003, per NFL Research. Tennessee’s Trevor Daniel posted 23 reps in 2018. Tennessee’s Trevor Daniel posted 23 reps in 2018. Turk began to struggle on the 21st rep but managed to deliver four more before finishing.

That doesn’t figure to do him any good as a punter, but it will give him some bragging rights among combine participants. His total was more than that of 19 offensive linemen at the combine, including top prospects such as Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs (24) and Louisville’s Mekhi Becton (23).

Turk didn’t start his college career at a football powerhouse. As a freshman in 2017, he kicked for Lafayette and then transferred to the Sun Devils. He sat out 2018 because of the transfer rules and played for ASU in 2019.

He made quite an impression for Herman Edwards. On 67 punts, 36 were inside the 20. He also had 23 boots of 50 yards or more with a long of 75. Overall, Turk averaged 46 yards per kick.

He also has NFL genes in his family:

  • Trained in the offseason with his uncle, former NFL punter Matt Turk, who played 17 seasons in the NFL.
  • His other uncle, Daniel Turk, spent 15 seasons in the NFL as an offensive lineman.

Punter Michael Turk stuns the NFL Combine with ridiculous 25 reps on the bench press

Punters are athletes too.

If you’re lucky enough to be a prospect at punter in the NFL Combine, you’re going to be asked to partake in various drills and exercises that have little to do with your specific football skill of punting — like, well, the bench press.

But if you’re former Arizona State punter Michael Turk, the bench press is your time to shine apparently.

During Thursday’s NFL Combine workouts, Turk put up an astonishing 25 reps on the bench press, and nobody in the room — even the spotter — really saw that effort coming. According to Pro Football Reference, Turk’s 25 reps were the most by a punter since the site starting tracking the bench press in 2000.

The spotter’s reaction, specifically, said it all. When Turk busted out the first reps at rapid speed, you can see the spotter’s eyebrows raise. Again, this is a punter! And sure, it really doesn’t make much sense for a punter to be benching — why not do the leg press? But fans were still impressed by the effort.

And yes, Turk can punt too.

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2020 NFL Scouting Combine: The specialists planning to attend

Here’s a list of the kickers, punters, and long snappers planning to attend the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine this year ahead of the NFL draft.

This piece rounds out our series on all the prospects at each position planning to attend the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine.

The Seahawks struggled a bit on special teams last season and will be making a concerted effort to improve heading into 2020. Seattle could very well be looking at a specialist or two to add to the competition this offseason.

Below is a look at the kickers, punters and long snappers slated to be participating in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis at the end of the month.

SPECIALISTS
Tyler Bass, K, Georgia Southern
Rodrigo Blankenship, K, Georgia
Joseph Charlton, P, South Carolina
Blake Ferguson, LS, LSU
Sterling Hofrichter, P, Syracuse
Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M
JJ Molson, K, UCLA
Alex Pechin, P, Bucknell
Arryn Siposs, P, Auburn
Tommy Townsend, P, Florida
Michael Turk, P, Arizona State
Steven Wirtel, LS, Iowa

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