A closed spring for OU
Fans, media not allowed, but does it really matter?

By John Helsley
Published: February 26, 2007

Oklahoma soon will hold quarterback auditions and we're not invited.

That's me and you, Sooner fans.

No admittance.

Owen Field: off limits.

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Seriously, think you'll notice?

For 15 days this spring, beginning March 7, the Sooners will work mostly in secret, with only the April 7 spring game certain to be open to the public. Access to two scrimmages remains pending.

Truth serum time: Is this really wrecking your future afternoon plans? And for those with raised hands, is it merely a case of, "I want it now that I can't have it?” Is it the day-old potato bread to your Atkins Diet?

Because this much we know — past spring practices in Norman haven't exactly been overrun with fans.

Any non-scrimmage day last spring inside Memorial Stadium was a good day for painting the seats.

Only us media types truly think we have a beef. But hey, we haven't mattered since some coach somewhere — presumably Bill Snyder — conjured up the idea that a couple of knuckleheads yawning in the corner posed a "distraction.”

Now closed practices, even in spring, are becoming all the rage.

More truth serum: We the media only recently started caring about spring practice, for reasons still unknown. Certainly not due to the compelling nature of what's taking place. An emphasis on fundamentals like the three-step drop and proper out routes and offensive line footwork — details the press-pass wearing crowd only pretend to truly understand anyway.

Seems you already figured out these finer points of spring, which must be why you've stayed away.

Hold a scrimmage or put on a spring game, something that resembles what you love about football — you're there.

As for the quarterback competition, it'll wait. It'll have to.

Bob Stoops prefers to have his QBs learn the playbook before their every move is critiqued. And really, who can blame him?

Besides, the race isn't likely to be won at the start line.

So here's hoping Stoops will welcome us all come fall, when the battle for what looks to be the missing piece in projecting a championship run will take shape in earnest.


 


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