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Spring Football: 2008 Oklahoma Sooners Spring Football section
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More on Wyatt and Long: Former OU offensive coordinator Chuck Long, who is now head coach at San Diego State, returned to Norman with the Sooners on Friday. Long said he planned to have a late Christmas with his family. He is also likely to talk with OU receivers coach Darrell Wyatt about becoming San Diego State's offensive coordinator. "I can't say anything right now," Long said Friday morning. "We'll see how it goes." (NewsOK.com)
No early draft entries? OU coach Bob Stoops said Friday he does not expect any of OU's juniors to leave early for the NFL Draft. There has been mild speculation that weakside linebacker Rufus Alexander might be contemplating a departure, though Alexander said recently he planned to stay. "I don't believe there's anybody in a situation where it would benefit them, or that their stock is so high that they can't improve," Stoops said. "As we all know, every spot you jump in the draft, that's a lot of money." (NewsOK.com) Peterson, Bomar looking forward to next season: The Oklahoman
Two plays mirrored OU's season: The Oklahoman
Ending on a high note: Norman Transcript Wrapping things up: Norman Transcript
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Sooners beat Ducks in Holiday Bowl win: Leave it to a Leaf. Brady Leaf has steered clear of older brother Ryan's legacy of boorish behavior, but he couldn't evade another of his sibling's other traits -- throwing interceptions. Oklahoma linebacker Clint Ingram made a leaping interception of Leaf's pass at the 10-yard line with 33 seconds left in the Holiday Bowl to preserve the Sooners' 17-14 upset of the fifth-ranked Oregon Ducks on Thursday night. "It was a good call, I just underthrew the ball a little bit," said Leaf, who had moved the Ducks into position to win it. "There is not much more to it. Ingram made a nice play." (USA Today - Stats) Stoops brothers in attendance: Arizona coach Mike Stoops and UA defensive coordinator Mark Stoops attended the game. "We've got three (Arizona) staff members here, really," Mike Stoops said. He was referring to former Arizona tight ends coach Josh Heupel, who became OU’s quarterbacks coach earlier this month. "You never want to lose coaches, and he's a very good one," Mike Stoops said. (NewsOK.com) Runnels first TD reception of the year: The 17-yard touchdown reception for OU senior fullback J.D. Runnels was his first touchdown reception of the season and the fifth of his career. Record Holiday Bowl crowd: The Sooners played in front of a record Holiday Bowl crowd of 65,416 and improved to 6-0 in the all-time series against Oregon. Next meeting next September in Oregon. AD First Sooner running back to 3,000 first 2 yrs: Adrian Peterson became the first Sooner running back to amass 3,000 rushing yards in his first two seasons. He finished with 84 rushing yards, including 76 in the second half. Bomar completion %: Rhett Bomar became the first freshman (redshirt or true) quarterback in Sooner history to finish the season with a completion percentage over 50 percent. Sooners hang on for Holiday Bowl win: SoonerSports.com Sooners look to be back in 2006: The Oklahoman
ESPN gives bowl views A.D. all day: The Oklahoman
Sooners rally to roast Ducks: The Oklahoman
OU play impresses Long, Mike Stoops: The Oklahoman California fans cheer on their Sooners: The Oklahoman
Leaf draws boos for brother: The Oklahoman Ingram's clutch interception saves Sooners: The Oklahoman
Sooner magic: Norman Transcript
OU's new offense a wild ride: Norman Transcript
OU picks off Oregon: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram OU takes Holiday, 17-14: Dallas Morning News
Sooners mature in upset: Dallas Morning News
Peterson finds room: Dallas Morning News Late Interception Dooms Ducks in Loss to Sooners: Washington Post Sooners Upset Ducks in Holiday Bowl: New York Times Peterson’s subpar night still enough for Sooners: MSNBC Holiday Bowl by quarters: San Diego Union-Tribune
Snoozer of game turns exciting when Ducks, Sooners finally awake: San Diego Union-Tribune
Sooners shut down Ducks tricks: San Diego Union-Tribune
Late interception clinches Oklahoma's upset victory: San Diego Union-Tribune
Freshman QB, receivers spark Oklahoma attack: San Diego Union-Tribune Sooners stuff Ducks' comeback: The Olympian
Ducks' spread gets smeared by Sooners: The Oregonian
UO comeback doesn't go far enough: The Oregonian
Sooners shut down Ducks tricks: San Diego Union-Tribune
Oregon's unhappy Holiday Bowl: Salem Statesman
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Sooners Wilson Out: Senior receiver Travis Wilson of Carrollton will not play in today's Pacific Life Holiday Bowl against No. 6 Oregon. Coach Bob Stoops said the senior's stress fracture in his foot has not healed enough. Wilson had 1,300 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns during his OU career from 2002 to 2005. (Dallas Morning News) Limited number tickets available: Today's Pacific Life Holiday Bowl between Oklahoma and Oregon was considered a sellout three weeks ago, but a limited number of tickets will be available for $58 per ticket (cash only), starting at noon at Qualcomm Stadium's Gate H. The tickets became available when Oklahoma players did not use all of the tickets they were granted. Both teams said they have sold their 11,000-ticket allotments. "So much of our roster is from Texas and Oklahoma that it's harder for some of our families to get out this far," Oklahoma spokesman Kenny Mossman said. "We hold our regular number until they verify they're not coming." (San Diego Union Tribune) Gov. Henry in San Diego: Governor Brad Henry and his family are in San Diego Thursday to cheer on the Sooners in the Holiday Bowl. Henry and his family arrived in San Diego on Tuesday night. Oklahoma faces Number 6 Oregon in the Holiday Bowl tonight. Henry's communication director, Paul Sund, says that after the game the family will take a few days off before returning to the state. The Henrys will spend time in San Diego and Mexico before returning next week. The Henrys are part of Oklahoma's bowl delegation and their trip to San Diego is being paid with state funds. (KOTV) Jackson and Fouts to call the game: This will be third time Jackson, analyst Dan Fouts and sideline reporter Todd Harris have called an OU game this season. They also broadcast Sooners' losses to UCLA and Texas. Jackson said he believes the Sooners, 7-4, improved down the stretch. "Oklahoma is trying to make a statement for next year and the fact that (Rhett) Bomar has survived the blitz," he said. "It's amazing he's still walking around, for crying out loud. You talk about getting baptized. They put him under the water and forgot about him for awhile." He said Oregon should be fired up after being snubbed for a BCS bowl. "It's the second time in a row that they've been screwed out of a BCS bowl with a 10-1 record. Their nose is out of joint and I'd expect them to play pretty hard." Jackson compared the Ducks' spread offense to Texas Tech's. (NewsOK.com)
Sooners ready for 2005 Holiday Bowl: SoonerSports.com
Even without crystal, this one's worth seeing: The Oklahoman
QB options aplenty for Ducks: The Oklahoman When the Ducks run, pass: The Oklahoman
When the Sooners run, pass: The Oklahoman
San Diego swimming with fans: The Oklahoman
Win over Oregon should put Sooners back into elite for 2006 season: The Oklahoman
Win here is good, but next year it counts: The Oklahoman
Sooners can't lose: Norman Transcript Local fans set to cheer OU on at Holiday Bowl: Muskogee Phoenix
Holiday Bowl Preview: Dallas Morning News Sooners seek big finish in lesser bowl: Kansas City Star Healthy Peterson a `scary proposition' for No. 6 Ducks: The State
Oklahoma vs. Oregon becoming an annual affair: San Diego Union-Tribune
When Oklahoma, Oregon has the ball: San Diego Union-Tribune
What a game!: San Diego Union-Tribune
Oregon, Oklahoma audibled when starters were injured: San Diego Union-Tribune
Oklahoma five players to watch: San Diego Union-Tribune
Oregon five players to watch: San Diego Union-Tribune Ducks, Sooners ready to go: Salem Statesman-Journal
Keys to the game: Salem Statesman-Journal
Bomar's development brings Oklahoma success: Salem Statesman-Journal
This time, Ducks wary but not awed: The Oregonian
The Sooners' playbook: The Oregonian Ducks can use Holiday Bowl as a springboard: The Oregonian
Sooners no strangers to Ducks offense: The Oregonian
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Sooners visit USS Nimitz, Moses receives Award: Oklahoma enjoyed a luncheon and tour of the USS Nimitz before holding the final practice of the 2005 season on Tuesday in San Diego. The Sooners held special teams and position meetings in the morning at the Sheraton before heading to the Naval Air Station North Island at 11 a.m. The ride from the hotel included a drive over the Coronado Bridge high above San Diego Bay. As the buses descended into the naval base, the huge carriers anchored in the bay became visible. Players stepped off the buses and the Pride of Oklahoma and the Oregon marching band faced off and blared each school's fight song. The players stopped and gazed upwards as the command tower of the USS Nimitz loomed more than 18 stories above them. After boarding the carrier, players for both teams sat down for lunch and remarks from Holiday Bowl officials, Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti and Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops. Coach Bellotti got the biggest laugh during his time at the podium when he shared that the ship's commanding officer, Capt. Ted Branch, suggested the teams head out to sea and play the game on the flight deck. "You could get three football fields up there lengthwise," said Bellotti. "Width-wise, we've got a little bit of a problem -- if you get knocked out of bounds, you don't come back." A surprised Bubba Moses was awarded the Admiral U.S. Grant Sharp Trophy in a secret ballot by the OU players and coaches. The Trophy is presented to the player, coach or representative of the Holiday Bowl teams who best demonstrates unselfish commitment, motivation and teamwork that resulted in little acclaim for them but helped contribute to the team’s overall success. (SoonerSports.com) Injury updates: Defensive end Larry Birdine, who missed the regular season with a torn biceps, has gone through practices without major problems. The junior is expected to be a pass rusher on third downs against Oregon. The news isn't as good for receiver Travis Wilson of Carrollton. Wilson had surgery to repair a foot injury after the Texas Tech game, and it was thought that he could return for the bowl. However, the senior hasn't been able to go full speed in workouts, and his status is questionable. (Dallas Morning News) Game Day parking: Qualcomm Stadium Manager Erik Stover has been encouraging fans attending tomorrow's Holiday Bowl to take the trolley instead of parking in the stadium lot. Parking at the sold-out stadium could be difficult, with tailgate parties and space needed for fireworks fallout. "Parking is going to be extremely limited," Stover said. "We've got a lot of people who aren't used to coming here, and if the parking lot is closed, they're going to get confused and not really know where to go. The trolley is going to be the best way in and out of here." Parking Information can be found on San Diego's Municipal website. (SignonSanDiego.com) Holiday Bowl Media Day: The Holiday Bowl will conduct its official media day on Wednesday. Head coach Bob Stoops will have remarks and take questions from the press corps at the San Diego Convention Center beginning at 10:30 a.m. The entire team decked in OU jerseys will then attend the SAIC Kickoff Luncheon. A crowd of fans and dignitaries will join them for an afternoon slated to include pep talks from both head coaches and special guests, highlight videos from the season and music provided by the schools' marching bands. (SoonerSports.com) Talk about Sooners centers on offense, but defense is key: The Oklahoman
Sooners take tour aboard U.S.S. Nimitz: The Oklahoman
Dean Blevins spends the day with the Sooners in San Diego: The Oklahoman Oregon QB shows more maturity than brother: The Oklahoman
Holiday Bowl notebook: The Oklahoman
Things are different this year for Oregon: Norman Transcript
Dvoracek grateful to write happier ending: Dallas Morning News
Oregon defensive tackle playing to his strength: San Diego Union-Tribune
Sooners practice is not for kids ... or columnists: The Oregonian
Tour of warship is serious fun for Ducks: The Oregonian
Ngata faces decision: Salem Statesman-Journal
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Travis Wilson practice limited: Senior receiver Travis Wilson continued to practice in a limited role. Sunday, he ran passing routes but did not work in full team activities. (NewsOK.com) Sooners spend Christmas in San Diego: Oklahoma celebrated Christmas Day with its third bowl practice on the campus of San Diego State University and a special holiday dinner Sunday evening at the team hotel. The Sooners began the morning with a church service and brunch. Many players took advantage of the late morning start to call family back home. "I talked to my parents and sister in Weatherford," said senior fullback Russell Dennison. "Normally we do everything Christmas Eve. We go to candlelight worship and have a big dinner -- always chili. Then, we open presents. We have a big lunch on Christmas Day. We're going to do everything when I get back." "Everyone called me this morning," laughed senior defensive end Calvin Thibodeaux. "They must have forgot about the time zones because it was real early! But, I want to wish all my family and everyone back home in Houston, Texas, a merry Christmas." (SoonerSports.com) Wilson brings diverse background: The Oklahoman
Creative, assertive -- That's OU's Wilson: The Oklahoman
Ducks' Ngata is big...real big: The Oklahoman
The BCS ratings lie, and Oregon is proof: The Oklahoman
Peterson has come back: Norman Transcript
Next game couldn't get much bigger: Norman Transcript
Health is UO line's top asset: The Oregonian
Coaches say they're happy where they are: San Diego Union-Tribune
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Wyatt to join Long? Oklahoma receivers coach Darrell Wyatt's future is the subject of much speculation in San Diego. Might he be headed to San Diego State as Chuck Long’s offensive coordinator? Wyatt said Saturday he would not talk about a job until after the Holiday Bowl, if then. But he did not deny potential interest. "I'm ecstatic for Chuck and his family," Wyatt said. "I think he'll do a great job for San Diego State. Obviously, I would be flattered if Chuck was interested in me. But at this point in time, No. 1, my focus is on Oregon. No. 2, Chuck is professional enough that he wouldn't approach me about a job before our season is over." (NewsOK.com) Sooner's take in a day at Sea World: OU completed its second day of bowl practice in California and finished with a trip to SeaWorld on Saturday in San Diego. The Sooners left the team hotel in the morning en route to the practice facilities at San Diego State University. The trip up Mission Valley Freeway took the bus convoy past Qualcomm Statium, the site of Oklahoma's Holiday Bowl game with Oregon on December 29 The weather in San Diego started off cool with heavy fog rolling off the Pacific. But the sun warmed things up considerably by practice time. After a two-hour session in shells, Coach Stoops wrapped up with conditioning drills. A light lunch followed and the team boarded the buses for SeaWorld and some down time after all the bowl preparations. Players had the opportunity to interact with dolphins at one exhibit. Seniors Dusty Dvoracek, Bubba Moses, Eric Bassey, Kelvin Chaisson and Davin Joseph threw footballs into the water and watched as the dolphins jumped on command. (SoonerSports.com) Sooner's Christmas presents: In the spirit of Christmas, the Sooners are getting a Holiday Bowl haul. The NCAA allows bowls to give merchandise worth up to $500, and allows schools to match that figure. From the Holiday Bowl, OU players will receive a 30GB video iPod, an iPod car adapter, a commemorative Holiday Bowl sweatshirt and hat, and a $15 music gift certificate. From OU, the Sooners have already received a Sony PSP portable videogame, a Holiday Bowl bag, a Nike warmup suit and Nike shoes. "It's real good," freshman receiver Malcolm Kelly said. "We're not able to be at home for Christmas, so we're getting gifts -- especially that iPod video. That's one of the hottest things on the market." (NewsOK.com)
Team is first fo OU's Joseph: The Oklahoman
Sooners visits Sea World: The Oklahoman
Coaching changes will have subtle effect for Sooners: Norman Transcript
Oklahoma freshman QB shrugs off pressure: Eugene Register-Guard
Young Oregon QB has improved with ever game: Eugene Register-Guard Oklahoma seeks to salvage disappointing season: Salem Statesman-Journal
Sooners Peterson back in Heisman candiate form: San Diego Union-Tribune
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Sooner's arrive at San Diego: The Oklahoma football team arrived in San Diego Friday afternoon. The Sooners are scheduled to hold their first practice on the campus of San Diego State University at 2:30 p.m. (PST). Pacific time is two hours behind Central. SoonerSports.com will have a complete report, photo galleries, audio and video features posted shortly after the conclusion of practice Friday night. Please check back soon for more coverage of Oklahoma's preparations for the 2005 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl in San Diego. (SoonerSports.com) Long addresses team: Wearing black sweats with red trim -- the colors of his new team -- former offensive coordinator Chuck Long attended practice, but mostly "observed." Afterward, he addressed the team. "It's hard," said Long, who was named San Diego State's head coach a week ago. "You invest a lot of time. You're part of the recruiting process with these guys. You see them growing. There's an attachment there that's hard to sever. ... It was great to see familiar faces. "But I just wanted to tell them how much I appreciated their efforts and without them, I wouldn't be standing here with the head-coaching job. That I'll always remember." (NewsOK.com) Bracelett, mom's reminder inspire Dvoracek: The Oklahoman
Sooners headed to West Coast: The Oklahoman
Stoops has Oklahoma back after slow start: Eugene Register-Guard
Ducks continue request for respect: Salem Statesman Journal
Hello again, Sooners: Salem Statesman Journal
Ducks wary of Holiday letdown: San Diego Union-Tribune
Sooners waste no time in California: SoonerSports.com
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Sooner's off to San Diego: The Sooners leave for San Diego, Calif., today with what Bob Stoops believes is a well-prepared team, most of his players back in good health and the possible addition of defensive end Larry Birdine. Birdine tore the biceps in his left arm in August and has not played. But Stoops said his recovery is ahead of schedule, and the staff is going into the Holiday Bowl with the idea Birdine could be available for spot duty if the medical staff believes he is healthy. (Star-Telegram) Heupel back with Sooner's: Josh Heupel, who quarterbacked Oklahoma to the national championship in 2000, is returning to the Sooner football program as quarterbacks coach. OU head coach Bob Stoops made the announcement Thursday. Heupel comes back to his alma mater after spending one season as the tight ends coach at Arizona. Before going to UA, Heupel spent two season as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma. His hiring fills the vacancy that was created when Chuck Long became the head coach at San Diego State. "I'm extremely excited about being back here and being a part of this football program and university," said Heupel. "It was a great opportunity for me to come back and coach quarterbacks. That's something I definitely want to get back to in my career as a coach, and there’s not a better place to do that than right here." Kevin Wilson will take over Long’s duties as offensive coordinator, but will remain with the offensive line. Heupel will take over the duties Long vacated as quarterbacks coach. (Sooner Sports Release) Heupel snaps back to work: The Oklahoman
Heupel back in Norman: Norman Transcript
Josh Heupel named OU QB coach: Dallas Morning News
Ducks, Sooners remain steady at top: The Oregonian Heupel rejoins Sooners as quarterbacks coach: USA Today
OU players and coaches on Bowl game: SoonerSports.com
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Former Sooner's make Pro Bowl: Former Sooners Tommie Harris and Roy Williams were honored for outstanding seasons with Pro Bowl roster spots. The NFL announced the AFC and NFC selections on Wednesday. Harris, a defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl in just his second season in the league. The 2003 Lombardi Award Winner was a first round pick by the Bears after his junior season at Oklahoma. Dallas safety Roy Williams has three consecutive Pro Bowls in his four-year career. He ranks second on the team with 80 tackles and has 2.5 sacks and two interceptions. (SoonerSports.com) Birdine expects to play: Defensive end Larry Birdine has been cleared to play in the Holiday Bowl after missing the entire regular season with a torn biceps injury, coach Bob Stoops said. Birdine was expected to be one of the team's vocal leaders before he suffered the injury during preseason workouts. Birdine was just one of three defensive ends to get hurt during the season, leaving the Sooners thin at that position. (Dallas Morning News) Birdine might be back for bowl: The Oklahoman
Oklahoma Football Notes and ArticlesNorman's Mandu commits to Sooners: Norman High School running back Mossis Madu, who went from on-the-fringe recruit at the start of the season to the 13th-rated running back in the country by Rivals.com, gave an oral commitment to Oklahoma Tuesday. The 6-0, 190-pounder chose OU over UCLA and Texas Christian. In the end, ties to home swayed Madu toward the Sooners. "Really, it was just all about being around my family and the people I love," said Madu, known by his friends as Junior. "I was real close to going to UCLA. But I thought about when I come out of the locker room -- I want to see all my boys and all my family. If I went to California, I'd walk out ofthe locker room and there wouldn't be anybody. I'd just walk by myself to my dorm room." (NewsOK.com) Haltom linebacker Lewis picks Aggies over Sooners: Bryan College Station Eagle OU football practice highlights: The Oklahoman
Ducks flock home for Holidays: Eugene Register-Guard
OU releases radio affiliates for Holiday Bowl: SoonerSports.com
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Heupel back as a Sooner? With the departure of Chuck Long, Bob Stoops is short an offensive coach. Kevin Wilson takes over as offensive coordinator, but speculation is that perhaps OU will fill its coaching vacancy with former quarterback Josh Heupel, now tight ends' coach for Mike Stoops in Arizona. (NewsOK.com including video via KWTV) Oklahoma football graduation rate: Oklahoma graduated 51 percent of football players who started attending the university between 1995 and 1998, according to an NCAA report released Monday. The football team's Graduation Success Rate tied with Iowa State for ninth among the schools in the Big 12 Conference. Baylor had the highest success rate at 88 percent, and Texas had the lowest at 40 percent. Nationwide, Division I-A teams graduated an average of 65 percent of their football players who began school during the period, according to the NCAA. The GSR allows six years for players to graduate and includes athletes who transfer to a school while eliminating athletes who transfer away. (KTOK) Stoops is top paid state employee: College coaches hold the top four spots on the list of best-paid state employees for 2004, with the University of Oklahoma's Bob Stoops leading the pack, according to a published report . Stoops, who leads the Sooners football team, earned more than $2.6 million; followed by Oklahoma State basketball coach Eddie Sutton with about $900,000, Oklahoma basketball coach Kelvin Sampson with more than $820,000 and former Oklahoma State football coach Les Miles with nearly $818,000, the Tulsa World reported Monday. The list comprises coaches and OU doctors. OU spokeswoman Catherine Bishop said Stoops' pay is derived completely from athletic department revenues, including money that Stoops receives from personal services such as television shows. OU President David Boren said since Stoops joined the Sooners, along with the men's and women's basketball coaches, "revenues in the athletic department have gone up substantially more than the amount of their salaries, which has allowed the athletic department to provide an approximate $1 million subsidy to academic programs." (NewsOK.com)
Norman's Madu no longer an unknown: The Oklahoman
One word for UO's preperation: The Oregonian
Sooners prepare for Holiday Bowl: SoonerSports.com
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Stoops, Wilson and Long speaks with the media: Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops, Sooner offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and former OU assistant and new San Diego State head coach Chuck Long spoke with members of the news media on Sunday. Here is a transcript of those interviews. Long was named SDSU's coach on Saturday, and later that evening, Stoops promoted Wilson to offensive coordinator at OU. Stoops On Chuck Long's involvement at the bowl game: "I am going to talk to Chuck and see what is possible. He won't be involved in the game plan, but will know it and will be there to help. If he's able to continue, that would be a positive. We would welcome that." Wilson On possible changes: "The things we have been doing are things that I am about. We started to evolve at the end of the year and we want to build on that. I don't see radical changes, but again, our players will determine some of that. My ego is not big enough that we need to change things. We need to do what’s best for our program."
Wilson On other members of the offensive staff: "Cale (Gundy), Darrell (Wyatt) and Kevin (Sumlin) will have a huge part in this. We don't do this in individual offices. There are a lot of ideas thrown out." Sooner Articles
Wilson stepped back for the future: The Oklahoman
Long mum on who will be on his staff: The Oklahoman Stoops refuses to say how he will fill Long's position: The Oklahoman
Wilson will do what works: Norman Transcript
Time was right for Long: Norman Transcript
OU's new coordinator seeks titles: Dallas Morning News
Five times and always as the victim, Oregon has participated in the Oklahoma saga: Eugene Register-Guard
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Long named Aztec head coach: Thanks in part to Utah's Bowl Championship Series berth last season and a recent student fee increase at San Diego State, new Aztecs head football coach Chuck Long will be the second-highest paid coach in the Mountain West Conference at $700,000 a year in guaranteed pay. That's a big financial jump for SDSU, which previously paid about $400,000 annually to Tom Craft -- a rate of pay that ranked at the bottom of the conference. Long, 42, who agreed to a five-year contract, also will have the opportunity to make $1 million if he meets certain incentives, including $175,000 in bonuses for reaching to-be-determined figures in football revenue, $100,000 for earning a berth in a BCS game and $25,000 for winning the MWC championship. "It's an investment we're making, quite frankly," SDSU Athletic Director Jeff Schemmel said. "The permission I was given is to allow this university to invest in additional salary for a head coach and his assistants, but they (school officials) expect a return (on the investment) down the road." (San Diego Tribune) Stoops statement on Long, and names Wilson O.C.: Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops released the following statement Saturday night relating to Chuck Long's hiring as the head coach at San Diego State ... "Everyone associated with our team is happy and excited for Chuck. We understand his hiring is a positive reflection on our program and we thank him for the outstanding job he did for Oklahoma. Personally, I appreciate Chuck's dedication, professionalism and everything he has done for our program. It is not hard to trace the impact he had on Sooner football with productive offenses and decorated players. He has been a tremendous asset to this university. "With our congratulations we can say without hesitation that San Diego State has hired a great head football coach. "On our end, we don’t anticipate a major disruption. We have always felt that the sum of our parts is greater than any one individual. Our players understand how college football works and they also know that this is a positive reflection on them as well. 'On our remaining staff, Kevin Wilson will be the offensive coordinator for the Holiday Bowl and will be our offensive coordinator after that as well. I will decide fairly quickly how we will complete the staff. I have a direction in mind and I will work towards that. Since we are practicing at San Diego State for the bowl game, Chuck will spend some time with us in assisting our preparation, but Kevin will be the coordinator leading up to the game and on game night. (SoonerSports.com) Onyenegecha suspended: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said senior cornerback Chijioke Onyenegecha was suspended from the team and will not play in the Holiday Bowl. "There's nothing to talk about," Stoops said. "He's suspended for the game, which means he's suspended for his last game. He's going to miss it and that's it. We have plenty of guys ready to play." Onyenegecha has not practiced with the team since practices resumed two weeks ago. (Norman Transcript) Sooners present team awards: Oklahoma observed its annual football banquet Friday night at the Marriott Postal Training Center in Norman. Several players received awards that are presented within the team, while the senior class also received special recognition. The event is sponsored by the OU Touchdown Club. Awards presented at the banquet center on character and dedication. The Bob Kalsu Award, named for the former Oklahoma standout, who also was the only professional football player to lose his life in the Vietnam War, was presented to seniors Eric Bassey and Chris Chester. The Derrick Sheparrd Most Inspirational Walk-on Award also had two receipients in Hays McEachern and Dan Dixon. The Scout Team Players of the Year were McEachern and Brody Eldridge. Numerous videos highlighted the team accomplishments, while the lighter side featured out-takes from the Sooners' popular team intro video entitled, "There's Only One Oklahoma." The Sooners will practice Saturday and then take Sunday off before resuming Pacific Life Holiday Bowl preparations on Monday. (Sooner Sports PR) Rufus NFL Option? Junior linebacker Rufus Alexander said Saturday he has not explored his NFL options, "yet." Juniors routinely seek evaluations of their NFL draft potential; Alexander said he had not done that. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who coaches the linebackers, said he and Alexander talked midway through the season and doesn't believe Alexander will leave early. "I know how people are," Venables said. "They try to poison you with the wrong information. Rufus is a lot smarter than that. ... He knows what he can do to be better and what he needs to do." (NewsOK.com)
Stoops picks Wilson to fill Long's shoes: The Oklahoman
Ex-Sooner Harris is at the heart of chicago's dominating defense: The Oklahoman
Stoops takes long view, goes with Wilson: Norman Transcript
Dixon and Ducks have had time to prepare for Okahoma's defense: The Oregonian
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Long and SDSU Press conference scheduled: A news conference is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at San Diego State University, following a team meeting that is to take place at 12:30 p.m. Long is expected to be named San Diego State University head coach.
Long to be named San Diego State head coach: Former Iowa quarterback Chuck Long is expected to become the next head coach at San Diego State after spending four seasons as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma. Long's hiring could be announced as early as Saturday, barring any unforeseen glitches, two people familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity because a deal was still pending. In Norman, Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Long was in San Diego for a second interview, adding that a deal had not been finalized. Long, 42, has been on Stoops' staff for six seasons. He'll replace Tom Craft, who was fired on Dec. 5 after going 19-29 in four seasons, including 5-7 this year. San Diego State athletic director Jeff Schemmel has refused to comment on candidates, but said at the time of Craft's firing that he would hire a replacement "who can excite the community." This hire has Iowa and Kansas State connections. (CBS Sportsline) Stoops has no comment on who's the next coordinator: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops declined Friday to discuss how he would replace offensive coordinator Chuck Long, who is expected to be named San Diego State’s head coach today. "I'll address those issues if there's something different," Stoops said. "At this point, coach Long is still our offensive coordinator. ... When it's different, I'll address it." (NewsOK.com) Long leaves in splendor, not shame, for his efforts: Daily Oklahoman Today’s interview just formality, AD suggests: Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles More on Long and San Diego State: Oklahoma offensive coordinator Chuck Long flew out of town today, bound for his future. Long and his wife, Lisa, headed to San Diego for an interview that is apparently a formality. Several sources told The Oklahoman that Long has been offered the job as San Diego State's head coach; an announcement can be made as early as Saturday. San Diego State athletic director Jeff Schemmel, who flew into Westheimer Field aboard a Gulfstream IV jet to pick up the couple, would not confirm Long's hiring, but said "everything looks good, we're only bringing one guy in." And he told Chuck Long "it looks like you packed for a long stay." Long also declined comment at the airport. But the plane, owned by San Diego Padres owner John Moores, a major San Diego State booster, lifted off at 4 p.m. --- just as the Sooners' practice was beginning across town. A source said much of the contact between Long and San Diego State was handled by Chuck Neinas, the Boulder, Colo.-based consultant who is well known for brokering deals between schools and coaches. (Video and more available at NewsOK.com) OU's Heisman winners behind the scenes: The Oklahoman New on DVD: Behind the scenes with OU's Heisman winners: The Oklahoman Booming Sooner: Improving Oklahoma could be a trap for the Ducks: Portland Tribune
James Hales reported on SportsAnimal's Sports Morning with Bob Barry, Jr., that University of Oklahoma Offensive of Coordinator Chuck Long is a candidate for the San Diego State head coaching opening. San Diego State fired football coach Tom Craft last week after four seasons in which his Aztecs failed to have a winning season. The Aztecs have went 19-29 in four seasons.
Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Sooner's Commitment switches to Longhorns: The lure of playing close to home proved too much for Schertz Clemens defensive back James Henry. Henry visited Texas on an official visit over the weekend and on Sunday, he switched his commitment from Oklahoma to the Longhorns. "I wanted to stay close to home, so all my family and friends and coaches could come up and see me," Henry said. "They're just an hour away from where I'm going to be playing. And Texas is going to be winning national championships over the next four or five years, the way I see it. I just wanted to be with them while they're doing it." Henry, a member of the Star-Telegram's State Top 100 recruits, was the first Oklahoma commitment for the class of 2006, committing to the Sooners in April. He missed the second half of his senior season with a broken ankle...... Oklahoma may have lost a commitment from Henry, but the Sooners picked up commitments from Longview offensive lineman Trent Williams and Rosenburg Terry tight end Eric Mensik. Williams went on his official visit to Oklahoma over the weekend and talked at length with former Longview wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, who was a freshman with the Sooners this year. "He wasn't pressuring me or anything like that," Williams said. "He was just telling me what a great opportunity it would be for me at Oklahoma." (Star-Telegram) Commitment from juco quarterback is crucial for Sooners: The Oklahoman
OU questions and concerns: The Oklahoman
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