Oklahoma running back Chris Brown (29), center, finds a hole in the Oklahoma State defense and runs into the end zone with a touchdown in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008. From left to right, are: Oklahoma State defense Ricky Price (6), Brown, and Oklahoma State defensemen Orie Lemon (41) and Quinton Moore (26). (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Wilson named a Broyles Award finalist

Offensive Coordinator Kevin Wilson was named as a finalist for the Broyles Award, which honors the best assistant coach in college football.

“Kevin is a sharp guy, does a great job in developing this offense and using all of the pieces he has to work with, motivating [the players] and keeping them sharp, Stoops said. “He’s done everything and more.”

This is the second time Wilson has been a finalist for the Broyles Award. He was first nominated in 2000 when he was the offensive coordinator at Northwestern.

Bradford tears thumb ligaments

Head coach Bob Stoops confirmed that sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford tore ligaments in the thumb of his non-throwing hand during the first half of OU’s victory over Oklahoma State Saturday.

The Sooners were forced to change to a predominately shotgun formation in the second half because the injury made it difficult for Bradford to handle snaps from under center. However, Stoops said he does not expect to be limited in the formations OU can use against Missouri.

“We feel confident that [Bradford] will be able take snaps and do everything as usual,” Stoops said.

Stoops regrets not calling time out

Stoops said he wishes he called a time out after defensive back Nic Harris came up with a fumble recovery that officials did not call during a third quarter drive that led to an OSU touchdown Saturday.

Stoops said he did not call the timeout because he was under the impression the play was already under review.

“I assumed that [the referees] had reviewed it because they review all plays, or at least they tell me,” Stoops said. “Obviously, I don’t think that one was; they haven’t told me. But I should have called a timeout.”

Instant replay clearly showed that defensive end Jeremy Beal forced the fumble before the OSU running back hit the ground, but officials did not see it before the next play began.

Box out 3-4 weeks with sprained knee

Middle linebacker Austin Box sprained his knee in Saturday’s victory and will be out at least three weeks.

The Sooners used junior college transfer Mike Balogun in place of Box Saturday, and Balogun will get the start this Saturday against Missouri.

English could be back for Big 12 Championship

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said Monday that injured defensive end Auston English might be capable of playing this weekend against Missouri.

“I think [English] will continue to progress throughout the week,” Venables said. “We don’t want to overwhelm him because physically he hasn’t been out there, so we’re working him into good shape and hopefully he’ll be able to help us.”