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Spring Football: 2008 Oklahoma Sooners Spring Football section
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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Iglesias a reminder of Hillard? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops doesn't care much for comparing one player to another, but when asked if true freshman slot receiver Juaquin Iglesias reminded him of former OU star Mark Clayton, Stoops thought of another player. "He reminds me," said Stoops, "of Ike Hilliard, a guy at Florida when I was there. Just because of how physical and big he is as a young guy. Ike was very sudden in his movements, too. I've made that comment in our meetings before." Hilliard, who is 5-foot-11, 210-pounds, was a star receiver for the Gators before playing for the New York Giants from 1997-2004 and with Tampa Bay this season. Iglesias, who is 6-1, 190, said he knew it was a compliment but that he really doesn't know who Hilliard is. (NewsOK.com) Snyder questions Pass Rush: Former Oklahoma quarterbacks Josh Heupel and Jason White can attest that Kansas State historically generates a strong pass rush. But this season, KSU has only four sacks in three games. Coach Bill Snyder openly questioned whether his team can get to OU redshirt freshman Rhett Bomar. (Dallas Morning News) OU offensive line a mix of youth and experience: The Oklahoman
Oklahoma Football Notepad: Norman Transcript
Shaky starts for both tems mean Saturday's game could run either way: Oklahoma Daily
Thompson's new position at receiver will supplement offense's leadership: Oklahoma Daily Oklahoma Hopes To Make Fresh Start In Big 12 Play: Channel Oklahoma.com
Sooners hope Thompson jump-starts offense: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram Stoops still takes pride in Kansas State days: Fort Worth Star Telegram Cats say Sooners still powerful: Topeka Capital-Journal
K-State vs. OU has been series of close calls: Topeka Capital-Journal Stoops was a witness when two programs blossomed: Kansas City Star Not firing on all cylinders: Kansas City Star
Stoops' appeal not lost on Sooners: Wichita Eagle UA Football: Stoops sizes up Texas, OU: Tucson Citizen
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Peterson rumor squashed: OU coach Bob Stoops reacted vehemently Wednesday to questions about rumors concerning tailback Adrian Peterson. Stoops said Peterson would play Saturday against Kansas State. The rumors - driven, apparently, by Internet message boards and callers to a radio talk show - indicated vague off-the-field problems for the star player. But there appeared to be little, if any, substance. "I can't speak to stuff that isn't there," Stoops said. Peterson practiced Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Asked if the tailback was still in good standing with the team, Stoops said, "absolutely." "He's been practicing as hard as or better than anybody," Stoops said. "He's with us, and he's working his butt off." (NewsOK.com) From the USA Today website, Current NCF Injuries it has star Oklahoma running back listed at probable with personal reasons. Oklahoma | A. Peterson | RB | Personal | Prob Sat | Wildcats are 3-0, but maintaining success hasn't been easy: The Oklahoman
More to come for OU receivers?: Norman Transcript
Sooners' rise hurts K-State recruiting: Kansas City Star
Wildcats' line not satisfied: Topeka Capital-Journal
K-State hopes to stunt Bomar's growth: Wichita Eagle
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles KSU Clayton to play despite chargers: Kansas State running back Thomas Clayton was charged Tuesday with misdemeanor battery on Tuesday afternoon, stemming from a complaint that he almost hit a university parking services official with his car earlier this month. "I wasn't aware of that," Clayton said, when informed that Riley County Attorney Barry Wilkerson filed the charges that morning. "It'll have to be taken care of, obviously." Clayton, a junior from Alexandria, Va., was arrested Sept. 16 on a complaint of aggravated battery. Parking services officials said that he nearly hit employee James A. Seymour while trying to avoid having his vehicle immobilized for parking violations. He has not played since, but coach Bill Snyder said Monday that Clayton will play Saturday in the Wildcats' Big 12 opener at Oklahoma. Snyder has not said whether Clayton will start. (Oklahoma Daily) Oklahoma Among the Top All-Time: The University of Oklahoma football program has been recognized as the3rd greatest college football program of all time by Street & Smith's Specialty Publications. Street & Smith's "50 Greatest College Football Programs of All Time," a 128-page keepsake, will be available on newsstands nationwide on Tuesday, October 4. Notre Dame University tops the list, with USC, Oklahoma, Alabama and Nebraska rounding out the top five. Michigan, Yale, Ohio State, Texas and Princeton complete the top 10. Street & Smith's graded each program's football history - reaching back to the game's origins in the 1860s - on a combination of national championships, undefeated seasons, major bowl wins and appearances, conference championships, all-time winning percentage, graduation rate, All-Americans, Heisman Trophy winners, No. 1 draft picks, NCAA infractions, and even mascot ferocity. Offensive Lineman Cooper still recovering: Freshman offensive lineman Jon Cooper has recovered from a slight knee injury, but may not yet be ready to play said OU offensive line coach Kevin Wilson Tuesday. Wilson, who has been interchanging players all season looking for the right mix, said he expects the starters for the K-State game will be senior Davin Joseph at left tackle, senior Kelvin Chaisson and true freshman Duke Robinson in a rotation at left guard, senior Chris Chester at center, senior Chris Bush and redshirt freshman J.D. Quinn in a rotation at right guard and true freshman Branndon Braxton at right tackle. (NewsOK.com) OU no strangers to position switcharoos: The Oklahoman
Without skill in trenches, Sooners stuck in a ditch: The Oklahoman
OU recruit to play in Army game: The Oklahoman
Sooners have lost their way: Kansas City Star
Big 12 a new beginning: Norman Transcript
The time to get how much better?: Norman Transcript
Not taking off-week off: Oklahoma Daily
Sooners seek fresh start: Dallas Morning News
Oklahoma Football Notes: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram Texas looms as Sooners enter Big 12 play: Fort Worth Star Telegram
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Walk on Luna Dismissed: Junior walk-on defensive back Jacob Luna was dismissed from the OU football team, head coach Bob Stoops said. According to an affidavit filed by the arresting Norman police officer, Luna was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic abuse and driving under the influence on the morning of Sept. 11. Stoops said the decision to dismiss Luna will stand until a ruling is made on the case that would prove Luna's innocence. (Oklahoma Daily) Change in planning: At times in the past, the Sooners have admitted to preparing for Texas during bye weeks. Not last week, though, according to Stoops. "We had a lot of work on K-State," said Stoops, who added OU had enough to work on without looking ahead. (NewsOK.com) No rest for the Sooners: Unlike previous bye weeks, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops heavily worked his team in preparation for its Saturday game against Kansas State. Stoops said the extra work was needed after the Sooners' 1-2 start. "Normally we might have been gone for three or four days and had the weekend off, but we just had too much to get done," Stoops said. "We told the players it was nothing about punishment for them, but we've got to get better. We needed snaps on the field and we got a bunch of them last week." (San Antonio Express) Thompson second receiver on OU Depth Chart: When he first made the move to wide receiver, Paul Thompson said he had to do something to get on the field. Merely changing positions doesn't necessarily accomplish that. But the skills Thompson has displayed just a week and a half into the move clearly will. The Oklahoma junior has already risen to second on the depth chart at the "X" receiver spot and is also getting snaps at the "Z" position. Still the backup quarterback, Thompson has impressed coaches enough at his new position to see immediate playing time. "Oh, definitely," said OU receivers coach Darrell Wyatt. "We definitely have him in our plans for this week. How much, we'll just have to wait and see. But we definitely plan on playing him,"(NewsOK.com)
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Thompson second team as receiver: The Oklahoman
Back to basics: Norman Transcript
Bomar's experience helps OU in practice: Dallas Morning News
OU's Peterson the focus of fans, foes: Dallas Morning News
Questions abound as conference starts: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Sooners host Wildcats to open Big 12: SoonerSports.com Oklahoma plays percentages with Peterson: San Jose Mercury News
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Bassey to start: Senior corner back Eric Bassey is set to move into a starting spot when Oklahoma hosts Kansas State on Oct. 1. Bassey, who started at strong safety as a freshman in 2002 and began last season as a starting corner before being replaced, has been backing up starters Chijioke Onyenegecha and D.J. Wolfe. However, Bassey will get the start at the "field side" corner and will be backed up by sophomore Marcus Walker. Wolfe and Onyenegecha, who have been OU's starting corners in every game this season, will compete for the starting spot at the "boundary corner." As of Wednesday, Wolfe was listed as the starter. Wolfe and Onyenegecha struggled in last week's loss to UCLA, opening the door for Bassey. Bassey was sent in against the Bruins, suffered a jammed neck and had to leave the field after just five plays. "It was disappointing to him and me that he had to come out so quick because he played extremely well," said secondary coach Bobby Jack Wright. "He looked like he was going to solidify that spot at corner. (NewsOK.com)
OU receiver impressive so far: The Oklahoman
OU hopes for comeback: The Oklahoman
A legacy achieved: Norman Transcript Rethinking the OU-Texas game: Norman Transcript
Secondary becomes primary concern: Oklahoma Daily
Peterson not a quitter: Oklahoma Daily
Giving games away: Oklahoma Daily
OU president open to moving UT game: Dallas Morning News
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Tennessee & Oklahoma Series Set: He might not be on the sidelines then. But Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops was enthusiastic about Tuesday's announcement of a series with Tennessee in 2014 and 2015. In an era when marquee nonconference matchups appear to be growing scarcer, Tennessee is another in a growing list of attractive big-name opponents on OU's future schedules. "We have a bunch of them," Stoops said. "And some other people aren't playing them." Tennessee will visit Norman on Sept. 13, 2014. OU visits Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 2, 2015. Next season, OU hosts Washington and travels to Oregon. In 2007, OU plays at Washington. Future schedules include Miami (2007 and 2009), Florida State (2010, 2011), Notre Dame (2013, 2015) and LSU (2018, 2019). (NewsOK.com) OU-Texas going to Home and Home series? University of Oklahoma President David Boren said the OU-Texas football series has a greater chance than ever of becoming a home-and-home series. Boren said the city of Dallas' unwillingness to improve the Cotton Bowl, coupled with recent football stadium renovations at both universities, are turning the tide toward the Longhorns coming soon to Norman. The game will remain at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, on the State Fair of Texas grounds, at least until 2008. "I wouldn't say yet that it's likely," Boren said of a home-and-home switch, "but I would say it's looming as a much greater possibility than people would have thought a few years ago. My mind is open on it, very open on it. We've given Dallas every opportunity, and I think Dallas has really missed the boat." If the series does move, Boren can envision a home-home-and-neutral site rotation or simply a straight home-and-home. The games should continue to draw many thousands of fans from both schools, he said, which means bringing 20,000 or more fans of the visiting team to the host school. (Norman Transcript) Cooper returns: Wilson was glad to have true freshman center Jon Cooper back for practice this week after a knee injury. He hasn't been completely released yet but should be ready for full work next week. (NewsOK.com) Smith not yet ready for punt returning: Stoops was asked if strong safety Reggie Smith, who has been returning kickoffs, might get a shot at the job. "I'm going to have a guy back there that I see catch the ball all the time in practice," Stoops said. "Lendy demonstrated that all throughout practice, but hasn't done it in the games. Jejuan Rankins does it, but he's had a bad ankle. "Reggie needs to do it better in practice before I put him back there in a game. That's the bottom line. Not until I see it over and over and over that the ball's secure. That's what needs to happen." (Norman Transcript) History says don't count Sooners out: The Oklahoman
OU-Texas moving?: The Oklahoman
Sooners will work on themselves: Norman Transcript
Stoops still upset about officiating: Dallas Morning News
Coordinator says Sooners gave UCLA 137 free yards: Dallas Morning News Tennessee Will Play Oklahoma In Football In 2014 And 2015: The Chattanoogan
OU is hoping freshman can help offensive line: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Stoops meets with media Tuesday: SoonerSports.com
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Stoops going a "different direction" in returner: Oklahoma is making a change at punt returner. Freshman Lendy Holmes is being replaced after a costly fumble against UCLA set up a touchdown. Holmes had minuscule yardage production (3.2-yard average on six returns). Senior Jejuan Rankins, who started the season as the punt returner but has been hampered by a sprained ankle, has three punt returns for an average of 12.3. Rankins was pressed into duty Saturday after Holmes' fumble. "We're going to go in a different direction," said OU coach Bob Stoops. "We've kind of been handcuffed a little. Jejuan Rankins was sore with that ankle, and we put him out there the other day just to at least catch it. We really didn't expect him to get anything, but he did have a 15-yard return." Holmes said he hopes for another opportunity. (NewsOK.com) Stoop Committed says, Bomar there's great potential: Thompson is still the Sooners' backup quarterback, coach Bob Stoops said. Thompson will spend time studying both positions each week. But Stoops said the coaching staff is now committed to redshirt freshman Rhett Bomar of Grand Prairie because "there's great potential there," he said. "The team thing would be to keep him at quarterback," Stoops said of Thompson. "But the guy's a junior and he's worked too hard here to do that. I believe he deserves an opportunity to be on the field." (Dallas Morning News) KSU Gametime and Network set: Oklahoma's next game, an Oct. 1, home contest against Kansas State, has been set for a 6 p.m., kickoff. Fox Sports Net will nationally televise the game. It will be the Big 12 Conference opener for both teams. The Sooners are idle this week, while KSU entertains North Texas in Manhattan, Kan. A limited number of tickets remain for the OU-KSU game. Those tickets are the result of returns from K-State. They are available online at SoonerSports.com, over the phone at 1-800-456-GoOU or over the counter at the Athletics Ticket Office located in the Asp Avenue Parking Facilty, immediately west of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. (SoonerSports.com) Thompson gets shot at receiver: The Oklahoman
Southern Cal sets sights on OU record: The Oklahoman
Thompson starting over: Norman Transcript
Oklahoma's Thompson makes shift to receiver: Dallas Morning News
Thompson simply too talented to sit: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Sooners Moving Thompson to WR.: Paul Thompson started the season throwing Oklahoma's passes. Now, the junior will be catching the passes. Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Monday that Thompson will be switched to wide receiver, ESPN's Joe Schad reported. "He's an excellent athlete who's worked hard and we want the opportunity to get him on the field," Stoops said. "Rhett Bomar has got four years in front of him and he's ahead in some areas right now." Thompson, a 6-foot-4 right-hander, bided his time behind Nate Hybl and White to earn the spot as Oklahoma's top quarterback before the season began, but he was replaced by Bomar after the Sooners were upset in their opener by TCU. (ESPN.com)
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Ingram expected back into time for KSU game: The bye week will come in handy for a trio of ailing Sooners. Starting strongside linebacker Clint Ingram missed Saturday's game with a pulled hamstring suffered against Tulsa. Ingram is expected back for the Kansas State game. Wide receiver Jejuan Rankins has only played a few snaps combined in the last two games because of a sprained ankle. However, he was rushed into punt return duty Saturday. The senior's ankle might be tender for the rest of the season, but the two weeks is expected to allow Rankins time to heal. (NewsOK.com) Sooners taking shots in the media: Thanks to the sloppy loss, the Sooners fell out of the Top 25 for the first time since 1999. OU is taking its lumps with the national press, too. ESPN.com's Pat Forde said the Sooners had completely lost their swagger. T.J. Simers of the Los Angeles Times referred to the OU coach as "Bob Stupid" in his Sunday column. Quarterback Rhett Bomar has been credited with nine fumbles in three games, the majority of which he has recovered. Five of those came against the Bruins. (Dallas Morning News) Auld lang syne in Houston?: The Oklahoman
Questions on OU football: The Oklahoman
Coaches question some calls: The Oklahoman
Sooners at a crossroads: Norman Transcript
Bomar grows up: The Oklahoman
Defense takes 4th quarter off: Norman Transcript
Cotton Bowl won't host Big 12's biggest game: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram At 1-2, Oklahoma appears ripe for revenge-minded Big 12 foes: Fort Wayne News Sentinel
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Wilson becomes first receiver to lead in rushing since Keith Jackson: Keith Jackson, Sooner style, was at the Rose Bowl for the matinee of a doubleheader. Jackson's son, Keith Jackson Jr., is a defensive tackle at Arkansas, which played Southern Cal at the Los Angeles Coliseum later Saturday. OU flanker Travis Wilson honored the tight end legend by joining Jackson's club. Wilson became the first Sooner receiver since Jackson to lead OU in rushing in a single game. Wilson had 61 yards on two carries, including a 56-yard touchdown on a first-quarter reverse. Wilson also had seven catches for 103 yards, after just six catches in OU's first two games. (NewsOK.com) Ingram doesn't start: Senior LB Clint Ingram's streak of 13 consecutive starts and games played was snapped today due to an injury. Sophomore LB Demario Pleasant recorded her first career start as Ingram's replacement. (SoonerSports.com) Sooner Fans at the Rose Bowl: OU fans packed the north endzone and a small section in the southwest corner endzone. In front of the OU fans in the north endzone were a cheer squad, one of the new OU mascots and a smaller pep band. It was a sizeable sea of red in the midst of a lot of light blue. (Oklahoma Daily) Bomar Injury update: Left the field early just before the half and returned with his left triceps bandaged. OU offensive coordinator Chuck Long said Bomar went in early to get an IV because he was dehydrated. (NewsOK.com) Garner in Suite: Oklahoma alum and famous actor James Garner was a suite guest of Oklahoma Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione today. (SoonerSports.com) Holmes replaces as returner: Earlier this week, Bob Stoops complimented Lendy Holmes' punt return work. But the South Oak Cliff graduate misjudged a punt badly in the first quarter, and a turnover resulted. The Bruins tied the score, 7-7, on the next play when Andrew Baumgartner hauled in a 19-yard touchdown pass. Jejuan Rankins took over on punt returns the rest of the day. (Dallas Morning News) Peterson doesn't start nor speaks: Oklahoma All-American running back Adrian Peter son was held out of the starting lineup Saturday, but he didn't sit for long. Peterson, who was suspended for two practices this week for missing class, entered the game on the fourth play. Following the game, Peterson declined to speak to the media as he walked up the tunnel to the OU bus. (NewsOK.com) Three fumbles cost Oklahoma big time in setback to UCLA: The Oklahoman
Sooners looked back, but Bomar gives hope: The Oklahoman
OU's defense wilts in fourth quarter: The Oklahoman
Pleasant's interception negated by penalty call: The Oklahoman
Tale of the tape -- Bomar's day: The Oklahoman
Inside the box score: The Oklahoman
In their words: The Oklahoman
Ugly loss: Norman Transcript
This doesn't look like Oklahoma football: Norman Transcript
Bomar is hot and cold: Norman Transcript
Misuces hurt Sooners: Norman Transcript Peterson should take advantage of education: Enid News & Eagle, OK Sooners fall to 1-2: Austin American-Statesman
UCLA lowers boom on fumbling OU: Dallas Morning News
Despite mistakes, Sooners' plucky offense hits high gear: Dallas Morning News
Swooners: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram UCLA moves to 3-0 after defeating Oklahoma: San Jose Mercury News Loss to UCLA could end Oklahoma's title dreams: Arizona Republic No Heisman performance: Press-Enterprise UCLA makes a statement with huge win over Oklahoma, 41-24: The UCLA Daily Bruin
Bruins lower Boomer: Los Angeles Times
UCLA is A-OK: Los Angeles Daily News
UCLA -- Better than OK: Orange County Register
Sooners' swagger gone after knockout loss to Bruins: ESPN
UCLA beats Sooners in Pasadena: SoonerSports.com
Oklahoma Sooners Football Articles and Notes UCLA rolls Oklahoma: Oklahoma won't be making a return trip to the Rose Bowl this season. Not after Drew Olson and UCLA piled on the struggling Sooners, with a 41-24 victory Saturday that sent No. 21 Oklahoma to its first 1-2 start since 1997. The Sooners have played in the last two Bowl Championship Series title games, but they can forget about playing in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 4, when this season's championship will be decided. Oklahoma sputtered again on offense, with quarterback Rhett Bomar having four of the team's six fumbles. Adrian Peterson was held to 58 yards on 23 carries. UCLA, which makes its home in the Rose Bowl, recovered three fumbles, including one by Peterson, and turned them into 17 points. "You're not going to win when you turn the ball over and put the ball on the ground like we did," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "It's just poor football. Until we can be responsible with the ball, it's impossible to win. (ESPN.com) (Complete Stats) OU, 24, UCLA, 41 | Scoring Summary | | FIRST QUARTER | OKLA | UCLA | | OU | TD | 10:47 | TRAVIS WILSON 56 YD RUN (GARRETT HARTLEY KICK) Drive info: 5 plays, 76 yards. | 7 | 0 | | UCLA | TD | 5:31 | ANDREW BAUMGARTNER 19 YD PASS FROM DREW OLSON (JUSTIN MEDLOCK KICK) Drive info: 1 plays, 19 yards. | 7 | 7 | | UCLA | FG | 0:05 | JUSTIN MEDLOCK 44 YD FG Drive info: 4 plays, 7 yards. | 7 | 10 | | SECOND QUARTER | OKLA | UCLA | | UCLA | FG | 3:15 | JUSTIN MEDLOCK 51 YD FG Drive info: 7 plays, 31 yards. | 7 | 13 | | OU | FG | 0:15 | GARRETT HARTLEY 37 YD FG Drive info: 13 plays, 61 yards. | 10 | 13 | | THIRD QUARTER | OKLA | UCLA | | UCLA | TD | 13:13 | SPENCER HAVNER 13 YD DEFENSIVE FUMBLE RETURN (JUSTIN MEDLOCK KICK) | 10 | 20 | | OU | TD | 3:25 | ADRIAN PETERSON 11 YD RUN (GARRETT HARTLEY KICK) Drive info: 10 plays, 70 yards. | 17 | 20 | | FOURTH QUARTER | OKLA | UCLA | | UCLA | TD | 12:32 | MARCEDES LEWIS 19 YD PASS FROM DREW OLSON (JUSTIN MEDLOCK KICK) Drive info: 13 plays, 83 yards. | 17 | 27 | | UCLA | TD | 7:16 | CHRIS MARKEY 7 YD PASS FROM DREW OLSON (JUSTIN MEDLOCK KICK) Drive info: 7 plays, 45 yards. | 17 | 34 | | OU | TD | 3:49 | RHETT BOMAR 16 YD RUN (GARRETT HARTLEY KICK) Drive info: 10 plays, 84 yards. | 24 | 34 | | UCLA | TD | 2:33 | MAURICE DREW 9 YD RUN (JUSTIN MEDLOCK KICK) Drive info: 3 plays, 51 yards. | 24 | 41 | UCLA Beats Sooners in Pasadena, 41-24: Soonersports.com
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Oklahoma the underdogs: Oddsmakers' betting line had UCLA a 6½-point favorite over OU. It’s unfamiliar territory for the Sooners, who have been favored in most games since Bob Stoops arrived. Only Florida State, a 13 ½-favorite before the 2001 Orange Bowl, was favored by more. Notre Dame was a 6-point favorite in 1999, Stoops' first season. The next week, Texas was favored by 5½. The last time OU was a bigger underdog? November 1998, when Texas A&M was a 17½-point favorite. The Aggies won 29-0. (NewsOK.com)
OU-UCLA Storylines: The Oklahoman
The blueprint for beating UCLA could be a heavy does of smash-mouth football: The Oklahoman
Beating Texas would sweeten OU's season: The Oklahoman
For better or worse, it could all change today: Norman Transcript
All Day: Norman Transcript The Boz the blast from the past: Enid News & Eagle, OK
OU puts flimsy penalty into practice, when star should be missing game: Dallas Morning News To truly go, OU offense must grow: Dallas Morning News
Oklahoma-UCLA Preview: Dallas Morning News
Offensive coordinator defends himself against backlash from irate fans: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
UCLA sees speed and experience as keys to victory: Los Angeles Times
A victory over Oklahoma would go a long way for Olson: Los Angeles Times UCLA eager to measure up OK: Daily Breeze Scouting Report: UCLA vs. Oklahoma: Daily Breeze QB competition has brought out the best in Drew Olson :ESPN.com Bruins find little support for game vs. Sooners: Orange County Register
Stopping Peterson is the top priority: Los Angeles Daily News
UCLA ready to face visiting Oklahoma: Los Angeles Daily News
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Peterson returns to practice: Adrian Peterson returned to the practice field for the Sooners Wednesday. He'd skipped classes and was suspended from practice the past two days. Peterson leads a struggling OU team to a rejuvanated UCLA Saturday. School hasn't started at UCLA so only 44,000 fans attended the win over Rice Saturday at the Rose Bowl (seating capacity of 93,000). (NewsOK.com) Smith to make first start: Oklahoma freshman Reggie Smith has been elevated to the first team at strong safety and will start Saturday at UCLA, according to co-defensive coordinator Bobby Jack Wright. Smith, an Edmond Santa Fe graduate who was twice selected as a state Player of the Year by The Oklahoman, will start in place of sophomore Lewis Baker, who will play the dime-backer in OU's extra defensive back sets. "He's to the point now where he knows our defense about as good as anybody out there," Wright said of Smith. (NewsOK.com) The Boz watching UCLA closely: Kyle and Korey Bosworth were working out with the UCLA linebackers the other day, like they always do. And, like any other day, their uncle Brian Bosworth was watching from the top of a parking garage adjacent to Spaulding Field, mindful of their footwork and techniques while conducting business on his cell phone. But this isn't just any week. This is Oklahoma week. And Brian Bosworth is the former brash Sooners All-American, the flamboyant linebacker who once ripped UCLA for everything from the way it played football to the shade of blue on its uniforms. As outrageous as it would have appeared in 1986, and as strange as it still seems now, Brian Bosworth had made himself at home at UCLA. His twin nephews, whom he has molded, tutored and loved, are part of the Bruins family. And so is Brian Bosworth. "Right now, my passion is where my family is, and I'm going to support them and their program," Brian says. "I want to see how thick and redneck the UCLA boys can be." (In part from LA Times) Braxton and Robinson moved up on O-Line: Working to shore up an offensive line that failed to free up Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma got much younger and a whole lot bigger up front. The 21st-ranked Sooners are turning to mammoth freshman tackles Branndon Braxton and George "Duke" Robinson to provide a lift -- or perhaps a push -- for the offensive line. At 360 pounds, Robinson is the most massive player on the Sooners' roster. The 6-foot-5 Atlanta native is 42 pounds heavier than Braxton, who's the second biggest offensive lineman and stands 6-foot-6. With the two inserted into the lineup, the Sooners (1-1) mauled Tulsa for 227 rushing yards, including 180 by Peterson in the second half last week. After being held to 97 yards rushing in an upset loss to TCU in Week 1, the offensive front was able to regain some confidence while the Sooners went without a pass attempt in the second half. (SoonerSports.com) Ingram uncertain for UCLA game: Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he wasn't certain whether strongside linebacker Clint Ingram would be available Saturday. Ingram suffered a slight hamstring pull while returning an interception for a touchdown in the final seconds of OU's win over Tulsa last Saturday. Venables said Ingram has done some light jogging but has not tested the muscle. If he isn’t able to play, Demarrio Pleasant would move into the lineup. (NewsOK.com)
UCLA running back will honor father figure on the field: The Oklahoman
Jump-starting the line: Norman Transcript
OU starting passing phase: Oklahoma Daily Oklahoma set standard for dynasties in '50s, including 47-game streak: San Jose News Mercury (21) Oklahoma (1-1) At UCLA (2-0): ChannelOklahoma.com Sooners Gear Up for UCLA: KSBI
Oklahoma isn't OK just yet: Dallas Morning News
Dorrell, UCLA facing an important moment: Los Angeles Times Student-Athlete Notion Suffers Another Blow: Los Angeles Times
Drew not focusing on Peterson: Los Angeles Times Cut Off at the Pass: Los Angeles Times
Bruins must put up brave front: Los Angeles Daily News
Moses making family history at Oklahoma: SoonerSports.com
Oklahoma Sooners Football News and Articles Peterson one class away from one game suspension? A new athletic department policy went into affect this semester that penalizes athletes for unexcused absences in class, OU athletic director Joe Castiglione said. If an athlete misses three classes in any one course, he or she receives only a warning, according to the new policy. But if the athlete misses another class in any other course, that person is held out of two practices. If the athlete misses a fifth class in any course, he or she will be held out of athletic competition. OU officials, citing privacy concerns, would not comment on Peterson's specific situation. But the sophomore was held out of practice Monday and Tuesday. Coach Bob Stoops would only say that Peterson has "class attendance issues," but an OU source confirmed that Peterson has missed at least four classes to trigger the first penalty. Stoops said Monday, as of now, Peterson should play Saturday. It's an indication that Peterson could be held out of a game if he misses another class. OU has people on staff who go around campus making sure athletes are in attendance. "Overall, they're here first to get an education, regardless of what anybody says," Stoops said. "I think we do our best around the country, not just here, to get that done. But the guys also have to do their part." (Dallas Morning News) Baylor & KSU tickets returned: Due to returns from visiting schools, OU has a limited number of tickets available for home games against Kansas State (Oct. 1) and Baylor (Oct. 22). The tickets are $62 for both games and are available at www.SoonerSports.com, or at (405) 325-2424 or (800) 456-4668. They can also be purchased at the ticket office. (NewsOK.com) Stoops not looking back: One has to wonder who would be starting at quarterback if Tommy Grady hadn't elected to transfer to Utah in August. Grady was expected to compete with Bomar and Paul Thompson for the starting job, but was left on the outside looking in when he had to take an intercession class and missed preseason practices. "I'm not much on looking back on what might have been," Stoops said. "I will say all along we had confidence in Tommy. As I said last week, we never had a pecking order coming into the season. Even though the media did, that wasn't us, because we saw the potential in him. "That situation's done and these guys are good guys. We've got to continue to work with them in better ways, and they have to continue to stay positive and work, too.” (Norman Transcript) Missing class will sideline Peterson: The Oklahoman
Hybl recalls that 2001 season began as a blur, then blossomed: The Oklahoman
Soft Sooners tread on slippery slope: The Oklahoman
Bomar will start, might not finish: Norman Transcript
Sooners working on confidence: Norman Transcript
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