NORMAN — OU’s two-deep depth chart has been far from incomplete through three games.
The bulk of the blame goes to COVID-19.
It’s led the Sooners to playing young players earlier than expected. It’s held them back from playing other young players.
“Listen, that’s this year,” OU coach Lincoln Riley said. “You’ve got to play with the guys you got. And you gotta get the guys that you have ready. I think you have to control what you can control and not worry about what-ifs or this or that.
-
Related to this story
-
Article:
OU football: Lincoln Riley says 'no change' in Ronnie Perkins' status, despite report
-
Article:
Tramel: Sooners are the best barometer of Iowa State football's upgrade
-
Article:
Carlson: Why 'The Day After' version of OU-Texas may be even more apocalyptic than feared
-
Article:
OU football: Lincoln Riley not worried about perception of Big 12 this season
-
Article:
OU football: Will Ronnie Perkins be more than 'moral support' for Sooners vs. Texas
-
Article:
OU football: Lincoln Riley sees similarities in Mike Yurcich's Texas offense
-
Article:
OU football: Offensive line inconsistent, like other areas
-
Article:
Tramel: OU football defensive alums bemoan Sooners' tackling deficiencies
-
Article:
OU football: Red River Showdown could be just what the doctor ordered for a Sooners team needing a jolt
-
Article:
Tramel: Sooners on verge of Big 12 title game elimination
-
Article:
OU football: Alex Grinch still using videos to motivate defense during struggles
-
Article:
'Right now it feels crappy': OU's DaShaun White says Sooners have control of own destiny despite losses
-
Article:
OU football: Lincoln Riley believes Sooners have potential for more physical play
-
Article:
Tramel: Can Texas coach Tom Herman end Longhorns' long-running stagnation?
-
Article:
OU football: In Sam Ehlinger vs. Spencer Rattler matchup, Sooners have a rare experience deficit at QB against Texas
-
Article:
Texas' offensive coordinator, while at OSU, scored big in Bedlam but rarely won
-
Article:
Red River Showdown: What fans attending game need to know about changes to OU-Texas
-
Article:
Tramel: OU-Texas during the pandemic figures to make for a weird day at Fair Park
-
Article:
Carlson: Why the gory is every bit as likely as the glory for Sooners, Longhorns in Red River Showdown
-
Article:
OU football: Sooners' defense has been terrifying so far — for the Sooners, not the opposition
-
Article:
Red River Showdown: Here are the three Sooners and three Longhorns to watch
-
Article:
OU vs. Texas football: Red River Showdown kickoff time, betting odds, matchup breakdown
-
Article:
OU football: 3-2-1 kickoff for Sooners vs. Texas in Red River Showdown
-
Article:
Lamb had 25 catches, 487 yards and five touchdowns against the Longhorns
-
Article:
OU football: Sooners pick up commitment from 2022 five-star WR
-
Article:
OU football: Ronnie Perkins out vs. Texas, according to reports
-
Article:
Carlson: Why OU football needs Spencer Rattler to get through his fourth-quarter growth spurt
-
Article:
OU football: Penalties have been a major problem for Sooners and could factor in again Saturday
-
Article:
Tramel: Will this OU football team go the way of 2005 mediocrity or 2016 championship?
-
Video:
OU football: Rattler says Cyclones should've been flagged on final offensive play
-
Video:
OU Football: Riley reviews loss to Cyclones
-
Video:
OU Football: Defensive struggles continue
-
Show more
“Very simply, these are the guys you have, these are the guys you get ready, and you go out and you fight like hell and go play to win. That’s what we’ve got to do, that’s what we’re gonna continue to do, and we’re gonna continue to fight like crazy and do that.”
Riley said the development of some key freshmen — particularly in the secondary with Bryson Washington, D.J. Graham and Joshua Eaton — has been slowed by the pandemic.
Spring practice was almost entirely wiped out. Contract tracing or positive tests limited practices in the preseason and early part of the season for some.
But those players are getting closer entering the fourth game of the season against No. 22-ranked Texas.