Oklahoma Sooners football: Bob Stoops, players discuss bowl game, Dorial Green-Beckham, injuries

OU’s Wednesday press conference provided us with some more details going forward as the Russell Athletic Bowl approaches.

The Sooners will face the Clemson Tigers in Orlando, but many questions still need to be answered before their date on Dec. 29.

The first question being, is Trevor Knight good-to-go?

We heard he was cleared to practice, but it’s still a mystery whether he’ll be “himself” for the bowl game. Daryl Williams seems to think Knight has been himself and has looked good in practice.

Knight could be a game-changer for Oklahoma, who will face a Clemson team with a great defense. OU will need everything in their arsenal to get by Brent Venable’s Tiger defense; though, Sterling Shepard is, also, a big question mark.

For now, it appears Sterling Shepard’s health is still up in the air. He hasn’t quite been himself since he was taken out of the Iowa State game in Ames.

The Sooners definitely need a more balanced offensive attack. Samaje Perine has yet to return to practice, but he’s expected to play after leaving Bedlam in the fourth quarter.

Perine has become the team’s best rusher, but to achieve a more fluent offense, Shepard has to be in and effective in the passing game. He’s still OU’s leading receiver despite virtually missing the past month of action.

With under two weeks to go until game time, hopefully Shepard can make his true return for what should be a battle against Clemson. However, going back to Trevor Knight, head coach Bob Stoops did give an update on No. 9 as well as an update on Geneo Grissom.

It’ll be tough not having Grissom, but Mike Stoops and Co. have more time than normal to scheme for the Tigers offense, who will be without their star quarterback Deshaun Watson.

If Watson was available, this would be even more of a concern. However, the Tigers should be able to manage with their backup who’s seen plenty of action this season. Plus, OU won’t have Julian Wilson in the secondary.

The injuries have definitely piled up. However, looking ahead to next year, Stoops spoke on the potential of a few players considering bolting for the NFL Draft.

Sterling Shepard, Eric Striker, Charles Tapper, and Dorial Green-Beckham are definitely the guys OU will fight to bring back, but there’s no guarantee with any of them until they make their official announcement.

I’d personally expect Shepard and Tapper to stay, but the defense could hurt big if Eric Striker bolts for the pros. Also, Bob Stoops is still unsure where Dorial Green-Beckham’s head is on the matter.

It would obviously be a good deal to have DGB play at least one year at Oklahoma, but from the tweets I’ve seen today, the majority of the fan-base isn’t too optimistic.

I’m sure fans are also not holding their breath to see what Frank Shannon and Joe Mixon do, but Stoops mentioned he expects Shannon to be back for next season. He, also, said Mixon’s grades have been good this semester and that he’s kept in touch with the coaching staff.