Brent Venables unsure of Eric Gray's injury status

During Oklahoma’s win over Iowa State, running back Eric Gray went into and out of the injury tent. After he came out of the tent, he was seen running on the sidelines. Then, he was able to return and finish the rest of the game.

Following the game, Brent Venables was asked about what looked like a painful injury that he was able to play through. Venables to this as an opportunity to praise Gray, without giving much of an update on his injury.

“Eric’s been incredibly tough all year,” Brent Venables said. “Loves to compete. He’s the same guy, every single day, every single play. It doesn’t matter what drill, what just happened, he responds. He’s mature beyond his years. Just loves his teammates, very selfless guy.”

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“I don’t know any, where any injury is right now,” Brent Venables said. “But, he was–had a big smile on his face a few minutes ago.”

Brent Venables continued by praising the offensive scheme and execution in the running game. He also praised the team’s situational play and admitted that there’s “nothing wrong with every once in a while, punting, and playing that kind of game.”

As for Eric Gray, his status going forward and the exact reason he went into the injury tent, remain uncertain. Gray ended the day with 101 yards rushing on 20 carries and a touchdown.

Brent Venables explained Oklahoma’s fake field goal

During the win over Iowa State, Oklahoma faked a field goal that went for a touchdown. Brent Venables later explained the thought process behind the decision.

“Our staff (put that in). We look at all those things throughout the week. (Special teams coordinator) Jay Nunez kind of oversees everything and then (offensive line coach) Bill Bedenbaugh is a big part of making some of those decisions and looking for the opportunities that are always there. Many weeks, there’s not opportunities in any phase of the kicking game. Then, sometimes, there potentially could be some opportunities. You’ve still got to execute it,” Brent Venables said.

“That’s why I thought our players did a good job executing, putting a hat on a hat, taking good leverage, selling the kick. There’s a lot that goes into that. I thought our guys did a great job of executing, but a great plan by Jay and Bill.”