Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
One of the biggest questions dogging Oklahoma this season has been running back DeMarco Murray's lack of breakaway ability. Murray missed the last three games of last season and the spring after dislocating his kneecap in a loss to Texas Tech late last season.
The prevailing opinion among some Sooner fans is that Murray has lost a step, despite denials from Murray, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson.
Murray father, Kevin, told the Dallas Morning News he's not so sure why his son still hasn't returned to form in his running.
"Something is not there this year," Kevin Murray told The News. "I don't know what's the problem. Either he's still hurt and doesn't want to say anything or he doesn't have the confidence back in that knee. He always says, 'Dad, I'm OK.' I think it's more of his confidence."
But Murray's statistics are down from last season. Here's a look at his game-to-game totals so far this season. Particularly noticeable is that after a 49-yard run in Oklahoma's first game against Chattanooga and another 19-yard run later in that game, Murray has not had a run of longer than 14 yards in his last four games.
| DeMarco Murray's game-by-game rushing statistics | | Opponent | Attempts | Yards | Average | TDs | Long | | vs. Chattanooga | 15 | 124 | 8.3 | 2 | 49 | | vs. Cincinnati | 15 | 88 | 5.9 | 1 | 14 | | at Washington | 16 | 100 | 6.3 | 0 | 11 | | vs. TCU | 13 | 23 | 1.8 | 0 | 7 | | at Baylor | 26 | 96 | 3.7 | 2 | 9 | | 2008 Totals | 85 | 431 | 5.1 | 5 | 49 | | 2007 Totals | 127 | 764 | 6.0 | 13 | 92 |
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Tim Griffin joined ESPN.com in February 2008. He has covered the Big 12 since its inception, among a variety of beats during a 24-year career at the San Antonio Express-News. Griffin, a Memphis State University graduate, lives in San Antonio with his wife and son.
