NORMAN – University of Oklahoma head football coach Lincoln Riley announced Saturday night that he is taking a week-long precise training camp break due to a change in OU’s 2020 game plan.
Riley, whose team started training camp July 31 and is holding its fifth practice today, said its players could go home tomorrow for several days.
The Sooners were scheduled to open their season Aug. 29 against Missouri State, but Riley said the opener would now finally be in September.
“With that first game back in a week or two, it only makes sense to spread our practices and give our boys some time away.”
– Lincoln Riley
“We decided it was best to give our players some time,” Riley said. “We were able to start camp for the vast majority of teams, because our date of the 29th season opener was the earliest in the country. With that first game a week or two back, it only makes sense to to spread our practices and give our boys some time away. They have done a great job so far. “
Riley added, “We are also aware of all the calls across the country over the 2020 season. The added benefit of temporarily canceling training camp is that it gives us a few more days to monitor those calls.”
OU players are scheduled to return to campus and undergo COVID-19 test protocol on Friday, August 14 before resuming preseason practice.
The Sooners underwent two rounds of COVID-19 testing this past week. The 205 combined player tests yielded one positive result. That player is under quarantine.
