Thursday, November 30, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesAlexander named First Team All-American: Wednesday, a day after being named Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Alexander was named first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association. He's the 142nd All-American in OU's history. With early issues at cornerback and defensive tackle, the Sooners didn't blitz as much defensively this season, so Alexander didn't have as many game-changing plays as he did in his previous two seasons. But he still led the team with 95 tackles going into Saturday's Big 12 championship game against Nebraska, and posted a team-high 10.5 tackles for loss. He also had a hand in six turnovers and had two quarterback sacks. "Usually, these awards go to teams that have won a lot of games," OU coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday. "We're No. 1 or No. 2 (in the Big 12) in almost all defensive categories, so I'm sure that Rufus, one of our better players, I think he reaps the rewards from the sum of everybody." (Tulsa World)Its Cotton or Fiesta for Sooners: It's the Fiesta or Cotton Bowl for Oklahoma depending on the outcome of Saturday's title game. The Big 12 Conference announced two bowl matchups on Wednesday. The AT&T Cotton Bowl indicated its desire to host one of the Conference’s divisional champions and will select the runner-up of Saturday’s Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship game to face an SEC opponent on January 1. The Pacific Life Holiday Bowl will match Texas A&M against the University of California on December 28. The winner of the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship game automatically qualifies for the Bowl Championship Series, and will appear in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on January 1. (SoonerSports.com)Cooper's Nebraska history: Sooner center Jon Cooper's dad, Tom Cooper, played at Missouri from 1972-75, experiencing his own rivalry with Nebraska. Growing up in Colorado, where CU is a latter-day rival of the Big Red, imposed a double dose of dislike for all things Husker on the OU sophomore. "I've kind of grown up hating Nebraska my fair share," Cooper said. "It's a pretty big deal for me." For Cooper, this week is somewhat like OU-Texas for his teammates. "A little bit, yeah," Cooper said. "My dad hated them, so he passed that on to me. And everybody from CU hated them, so I was surrounded, because nobody liked them in Colorado, certainly not in my house." "I definitely respect them, because they've won championships. Oklahoma's won championships. When I was recruited, my dad made sure to tell me how much of a good rivalry this is, especially back when they played every year." (NewsOK.com)Stoops indifferent on Big XII title site: The forecast for Kansas City on Saturday night calls for below-freezing temperatures, making weather a factor. That could be avoided if the game were played in a domed stadium or warmer climate. "I'm kind of mixed on that," Stoops said. "You see pro teams out there in the middle of that weather all the time. It's part of the game you've got to manage. "Some of these (alternative championship venues) aren't really Big 12 towns, aren't maybe as exciting, so the atmosphere isn't going to be as great. I think the venue up there has been incredibly exciting." (Tulsa World)Alexander named Big 12's top defender: Norman TranscriptSooners' bowl choices down to two: Norman TranscriptLatimer recalls Cornhuskers' big rivalry — with Colorado: The OklahomanIt's BCS or Cotton for Sooners: The OklahomanTaylor story is familiar: The OklahomanReggie-go-round: Tulsa WorldBlake connects to recruits: Tulsa WorldMemorable moments -- OU vs. Nebraska: Tulsa WorldMemorable moments -- OU versus Nebraska: Tulsa WorldSooners' bowl options limited: Tulsa WorldWeather is a factor in title game: Tulsa WorldSooners QB now has believers: Dallas Morning NewsCotton Bowl will host Big 12 runner up: Dallas Morning NewsHuskers golden in red zone: Lincoln Journal-StarBreaking down the Sooners: Lincoln Journal-StarElmassian says Oklahoma offense 'tenacious': Lincoln Journal-StarHuskers QB points to younger sisiter to keep him grounded: Ft. Worth Star-TelegramBig 12 on hold by Gator: Ft. Worth Star-TelegramCoach has Huskers back on top: Kansas City StarSooners have few weaknesses: Columbus TelegramSooners' Patrick, Brown show there's not reason for Peterson to rush return: San Antonio Express-NewsTitle game revives Sooners-Huskers rivalry: Yahoo! SportsFan primer for Big 12 Championship: SoonerSports.comLabels: All-American, Award, Bob Stoops, Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Jon Cooper, Rufus Alexander
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 12:54 PM |
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Sooners' grab Big XII honors, Stoops Coach of the Year, Rufus Defense Player of the Year: Sooner coach Bob Stoops was named the Big 12 Conference’s coach of the year by both the conference’s coaches and the Associated Press. Linebacker Rufus Alexander was named the Big 12’s defensive player of the year by the coaches. Running back Adrian Peterson, offensive tackle Chris Messner and defensive ends C.J. Ah You and Larry Birdine were also first-team selections by the coaches. (The Associated Press team has yet to be released). The second-team and honorable mention selections were also loaded with Sooners. Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, kicker Garrett Hartley and defensive backs Marcus Walker, Nic Harris and Reggie Smith were second-team selections. OU’s honorable mention selections included Steven Coleman (defensive tackle), Brody Eldridge (fullback), Joe Jon Finley (tight end), Lendy Holmes (defensive back), Zach Latimer (LB), Allen Patrick (running back), Duke Robinson (offensive line), Reggie Smith (return specialist), Paul Thompson (quarterback), Brandon Walker (offensive line) and Darien Williams (defensive back). It is the third time Stoops has received the award and the sixth time a Sooner has won offensive or defensive player of the year recognition. (Norman Transcript) Team Awards: Bob Stoops said he appreciated being selected Tuesday as the Big 12 Coach of the Year by his peers, who also named Sooners linebacker Rufus Alexander as Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. "To me, those are team awards. I'll make it a point that our players understand that the only reason we got those is because of how hard the team has worked," Stoops said. "And I know Rufus feels the same way." (Star-Telegram) Peterson likely for Bowl Game: Bob Stoops erased any uncertainty about Adrian Peterson's availability for the Big 12 Championship Game, saying Tuesday that the star running back will not play Saturday against Nebraska but is "very likely" to play in the bowl game. Peterson has been out since breaking his collarbone on Oct. 14 against Iowa State. Stoops had said Monday that it was "unlikely" Peterson would play, but he gave a more definitive answer Tuesday at his weekly media luncheon. "He's close," Stoops said. "He could be cleared to play. "There's enough healing that, yes, he could possibly play, but there's still a chance if he fell on it wrong, took a severe hit — I don't know if they're ever totally sure will it hold up at this point. "We're not going to take that chance." Though Peterson is regarded as possibly the best running back in college football, the Sooners haven't been lacking in run production since his injury. (NewsOK.com) Coach Stoops staying put, he says: "I'm not interested in any jobs," he said. That hasn't kept writers in Alabama from throwing Stoops' name into the pool of candidates to replace recently fired Mike Shula. Or an Orlando columnist from urging Miami to pursue Stoops as the Hurricanes' next coach. Or other media from suggesting that Stoops would be interested in whatever NFL jobs open in the coming weeks. "That's amazing," Stoops said. "Every coach, they find out through all of you guys (the media) they're a candidate. No one ever knows. Whoever has a winning record, oh, he's a candidate. It's silly the way it all works." (Tulsa World) Weather in the forecast for the Sooners: With forecasts calling for temperatures in the 20s Saturday in Kansas City, Mo., Bob Stoops faces the task of preparing his team to play in such weather. "We could ride up to Minnesota and have some practices I guess," Stoops said Tuesday. "(The weather is) not gonna matter. I think, more than anything, wind matters in games more than cold does." The wind is not expected to be blowing significantly Saturday. Thompson said he has never played in a game where the temperature was below 20. "If it's 17 degrees, I'm in bed somewhere," he said. (NewsOK.com) Williams to return after injury: Stoops said free safety Darien Williams will return Saturday night after missing the OSU game with a knee injury. That will allow Nic Harris to move back to his nickel safety / linebacker position. (Tulsa World) Venables Broyles Award Finalist: Oklahoma associate head coach Brent Venables has been named as one of five finalists for the 11th Frank Broyles Award. The honor is presented annually to the top assistant coach in college football. Venables, who also is defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Sooners, is in his eighth season at OU. The other finalists are Ohio State passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joe Daniels; Virginia Tech defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Bud Foster; Arkansas defensive coordinator Reggie Herring and Louisville offensive coordinator Paul Petrino. The winner of the 2006 Broyles Award will be announced Tuesday, Jan. 16, in Little Rock, Ark., at a banquet presented by The Rotary Club of Little Rock. (SoonerSports PR) 'No excuses' works for Sooners: The Oklahoman OU has done just fine without its starting RB: The Oklahoman Alexander takes pride in defensive performance: The Oklahoman Peterson out: Norman Transcript Stoops, Alexander Big 12's best: Norman Transcript It should be cold at Arrowhead: Norman Transcript Stoops is top coach in Big 12: Tulsa World Gundy has seen both teams, and he likes Sooners: Tulsa World Peterson out for Big 12 title game: Tulsa World Huskers 'D' fierce: Tulsa World Memorable moments -- OU versus Nebraska: Tulsa World OU's Peterson won't play in Big 12 title game: Dallas Morning News Sooners' defense gets act together: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram Huskers counting on run defense: Kansas City Star Another back carries Sooners: Kansas City Star Nebraska focuses on tackling OU's backs: Lincoln Journal-Star Thompson helps OU reach its goals: Lincoln Journal-Star Taylor happy to be playing Sooners: Lincoln Journal-Star Sooners in the Pros -- Week 12: SoonerSports.com Labels: Adrian Peterson, Award, Bob Stoops, Bowl Game, Brent Venables, Darien Williams, Injuries, Oklahoma Sooners, Rufus Alexander
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 2:22 PM |
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Peterson out for Big XII Title game: No. 8 Oklahoma will be without star tailback Adrian Peterson when it faces No. 19 Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game Saturday. Peterson, the 2004 Heisman runner-up, has missed six weeks after breaking his collarbone Oct. 14 on a touchdown run against Iowa State. "Adrian is not going to play," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday at his weekly news conference. "Without being too technical, he's close. He could be cleared to play, but each week that passes the likelihood of it reoccurring is less and less." Peterson, the nation's No. 2 rusher at the time of his injury, initially was expected to miss six weeks. "There's enough healing that, yes, he could possibly play," Stoops said. "But there's still a chance if he fell on it wrong or took a severe hit -- I don't know if they're ever totally sure will it hold up at this point? We're not going to take that chance." Oklahoma (10-2, 7-1 Big 12) has won all six of its games without Peterson, who set an NCAA freshman record in 2004 with 1,925 yards rushing. He had 935 yards and 10 touchdowns in six games this season and is 150 yards shy of Oklahoma's career rushing record, held by 1978 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims. (NBC Sports)Labels: Adrian Peterson, Big XII, Injuries
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 3:57 PM |
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesPeterson Close, but highly unlikely: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Adrian Peterson's availability for Saturday's Big 12 championship game was "highly unlikely" but evaded further questions about the running back's health. Asked following Monday's practice if he had an update on Peterson's status, Stoops said, "Uh, no. Not definitive, but right now, highly unlikely. We're not anticipating that." Asked if Peterson had an X-ray or bone scan Monday, Stoops said, "I'm not getting into all of that." Asked if Peterson's participation against Nebraska was still a possibility or had been ruled out, Stoops said, "Next question." (Tulsa World)Bob Stoops named Eddie Robinson finalist Coach of the Year: Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops is one of nine finalists for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. The honor is voted on annually by the Football Writers Association of America. Other finalists include Arkansas' Houston Nutt, Rutgers' Greg Schiano, Wake Forest's Jim Grobe, Houston's Art Briles, Hawaii's June Jones, Michigan's Lloyd Carr, BYU's Bronco Mendenhall and Boise State's Chris Petersen. The finalists will be placed on a ballot which will be sent out to the entire FWAA membership by e-mail. FWAA members will be asked to vote for their top three choices in the order they are deserving. The FWAA Coaching Award is named after Robinson, a coaching legend at Grambling State University for 55 years. He has more Division I victories (408) than any other coach. The winner of the FWAA/Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award will be announced and honored at a reception on Jan. 5 in Glendale, Ariz., in conjunction with the BCS 1-2 game. Stoops' Sooners, who won seven straight to nab the Big 12 South Division title, will be playing in the Big 12 title game against Nebraska despite losing their starting quarterback and top running back during the course of the season. (SoonerSports PR)Kelly keeps his cool despite few passes: [Oklahoma, WR., Malcolm] Kelly was a frustrated wide receiver when he met the media two days after the A&M game. However, that was not the case Monday evening when he was asked about the single catch in Stillwater. "During the O-State game one of our coaches came up to me and told me to keep my composure or whatever," Kelly said. "I was like, 'Man, I'm not worried about it. I'm trying to play next Saturday (in the Big 12 championship game).' "However we've got to take it, we're winning games. We're overcoming what everybody thought." (Tulsa World)A lil' Oklahoma history: Cornhuskers quarterback Zac Taylor grew up in Norman, the son of former Sooner defensive back Sherwood Taylor.So he understands the history of OU-Nebraska. "The games I remember more than anything else were the OU-Nebraska games when I was a little kid," Taylor said. "Those are the most vivid memories I have. "Back then, I was an Oklahoma fan cheering against Nebraska. Now it's the other way around." (NewsOK.com)Big XII Championship tickers SOLD-OUT: If you want to go to Saturday's Big 12 championship but don't already have tickets, your best bet might be eBay. Oklahoma sold out its allotment of approximately 8,500 tickets early Monday, just as Nebraska had done several days earlier after the Huskers qualified for the championship by winning the Big 12 North. The Big 12 was allotted approximately 2,000 tickets, leaving in the neighborhood of 60,000 tickets available for the general public. By 4 p.m. Monday, a Ticketmaster representative said the only seats available were in wheelchair sections. (Tulsa World)Sooners conditioning for Big XII Title game: OU offensive line coach James Patton is well aware of the weekend weather predictions. The low temperature is projected to be 21 degrees in Kansas City, which could make for a low scoring, grind-it-out affair. "That is a lineman's night," Patton said. "There's no reason to be tired or sweating a lot after a drive." (Dallas Morning News)With Taylor's leadership, Huskers finally balanced: Norman TranscriptCallahan puts new face on storied program: Tulsa WorldStoops never lowered his expectations: Tulsa WorldStoops deserves consideration: Tulsa WorldSooners are the home team, but Nebraska will have the most fans: The OklahomanOU Football -- On the road: The OklahomanThis year's Bedlam a joy to watch: The OklahomanFans, travel agents scramble to find ways to game: The OklahomanTogether, OU coach and defender stand: Kansas City StarSooners, Huskers both had to repair key parts: Kansas City StarOU runs well without rushing Peterson: Dallas Morning NewsPeterson not ruled out, but likely won't play: Ft. Worth Star-TelegramOU overcomes hurdles to win South: Lincoln Journal StarLabels: Adrian Peterson, Award, Big XII, Bob Stoops, Conditioning, Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma Sooners, Tickets
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 9:29 AM |
Monday, November 27, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Stoops excited about meaningful game: OU coach Bob Stoops said Sunday he was excited to again be playing in a game with so much riding on the outcome. After being in the hunt for Big 12 and national championships every season from 2000-2004, the Sooners weren't in any of those discussions during an 8-4 campaign a year ago. It appeared they would be left out again this year, until Texas A&M upset Texas on Friday. "It was exciting to me Friday when that happened to again be in a game that meant so much," Stoops said. "It's exciting to be in it, where you have so much at stake." (NewsOK.com) Williams earns praises: Freshman right tackle Trent Williams, who made his fifth straight start in place of injured Branndon Braxton, earned praise from Stoops. "He has played great the whole year. I mean, it's been really good," Stoops said. "It is very unusual, the strength and ability at that age to play like he has. . ." Two of Williams' best lead blocks came on touchdown drives. (Tulsa World) Announcement on Peterson's Big XII status today? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops likely will make an announcement on Peterson's condition sometime today, just as he did last week. When he addressed the media Sunday afternoon, Stoops said he had not yet spoken with the team doctors and did not know when they planned to perform a bone scan on Peterson's injured collarbone to determine whether he could play. (NewsOK.com) Boise State likely opponent, if Sooners Win Saturday Night: Sooner fans might want to hold off on those reservations to Glendale. Oklahoma must first beat Nebraska this Saturday in the Big 12 championship before accepting the league's berth into the Bowl Championship Series and its "home" bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 1. Most projections have the Big 12 winner playing Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. But even if the Sooners did win the Big 12, there is a slim chance their destination might not be the desert. "(OU-Boise State) is what a lot of people are saying," said Big 12 associate commissioner Bob Burda, "but until they get on their conference calls and make their picks, we won't know. We've been surprised before." (Tulsa World) OU-Nebraska for Big 12 Championship: SoonerSports.com Perseverance pays: Tulsa World OU dreams not too hard: Tulsa World Sooners who we thought they'd be: The Oklahoman Stoops' strategy was effective: The Oklahoman Norman native carries Cornhuskers into title game: The Oklahoman About Nebraska: The Oklahoman Pumped up: Norman Transcript Replacements just fine with OU: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram Sooners' defense has three little words: Dallas Morning News Win over Nebraska could land Sooners in BCS' Fiesta Bowl: Dallas Morning News NU ready to step up in class: Lincoln Journal-Star Labels: Adrian Peterson, BCS, Bob Stoops, Boise State, Trent Williams
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 10:23 AM |
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesOklahoma's Patrick runs past O-State: After a costly controversy and a Red River loss, Oklahoma seemed to be down and out. But look at the Sooners now, back on top and playing for a berth in the BCS. Allen Patrick ran for 163 yards and a touchdown to help No. 13 Oklahoma survive another Bedlam scare and win the Big 12 South title with a 27-21 win against Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Sooners' run to the title started immediately after a loss to Texas in October, and six of the team's seven straight wins have come without star tailback Adrian Peterson. "We've overcome a lot, but we knew we could get here," quarterback Paul Thompson said. "We knew we had the guys, the personnel to get here, especially after the changes we made and we saw what we had in our replacements. ... We never gave up hope of getting here, and now we're here." (ESPN.com - Stats)Peterson unlikely for Big XII title game: The 23rd-ranked Huskers (9-3) clinched the Big 12 North title two weeks ago. The 13th-ranked Sooners (10-2) needed some help. But after Texas A&M upset Texas on Friday, all OU had to do was beat Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Sooners won, 27-21. OU coach Bob Stoops said it's unlikely running back Adrian Peterson (broken collarbone) will play. "They'll have to do the bone scan again and assess what they feel, whether it's OK for him or not," Stoops said. "I would say it's doubtful. That would be my feeling today. Now, that may change." (Dallas Morning News)Sooners atop NCAA in 10- win seasons: With its 27-21 victory over Oklahoma State Saturday, Oklahoma became the nation's leader in 10-win seasons with 29. Prior to Saturday, the Sooners were tied with Alabama. The Sooners have six 10-win seasons in eight years under coach Bob Stoops. Barry Switzer won 10 games 10 times in 16 years. (NewsOK.com)Hartley rare miss: Hartley's missed extra point in the second quarter marked his first miss in 41 attempts this season (ended game with 43 season attempts) and only his second in 94 career attempts. (Sooner Sports Statistics)Sooners watching Texas: Bob Stoops says he didn't watch a lot of Texas A&M's 12-7 victory over Texas on Friday. Quite the contrary, in fact. "I was out in the yard shooting baskets with my children," Stoops said. That's certainly a better post-Thanksgiving activity than biting nails, sweating bullets and crying, "Gig em!" But when your team's future rides on whether the Aggies can beat the Longhorns for the first time in a long time. . . . "Yeah, we watched it," said OU defensive end Alonzo Dotson. "It was exciting." (Tulsa World)Patrick's rushes for longest run of '06: Patrick's 65-yard TD run, a career high, on the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter marked the longest run by any Sooner this season. It is the longest rush since Adrian Peterson’s 84-yard TD run against Oklahoma State in 2005. (Sooner Sports Statistics)Big XII Championship tickets: The University of Oklahoma Athletics Ticket Office has tickets available for the 2006 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship Game scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Sooners will take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a 7 p.m., kickoff. Tickets are $70 each. The ticket office will be open to take calls from season ticket holders from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26th and from 8-10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 27. If tickets still remain, they will be available to the general public beginning at 10 a.m., Monday. Tickets may be purchased by calling the OU Athletics Ticket Office at 405-325-2424 or 800-456-GoOU. All orders will be shipped overnight via UPS. (SoonerSports PR)Sooners beat Pokes for Big 12 South: SoonerSports.comOU-OSU Notes: SoonerSports.comBig 12 Championship Ticket Info: SoonerSports.com
K.C. bound: Norman TranscriptSooners win in fitting fashion: Norman TranscriptGround control: Norman TranscriptDefense holds strong: Norman TranscriptOU to play for Big 12 title: Tulsa WorldSooners have a fighter in Stoops: Tulsa WorldTwo minute drill: Tulsa WorldBedlam in pictures: Tulsa WorldBowman, Woods wonder what if: Tulsa WorldOSU's Reid out in crunch time: Tulsa WorldLast drive a Cowboys cliffhanger: Tulsa WorldPatrick trades in pain for gains: Tulsa WorldGoal-line stand stood out: Tulsa WorldPeterson's status for Big 12 championship unclear: Tulsa WorldDefense deflects Cowboys' final charge: Tulsa WorldSooners outlast Cowboys in Bedlam thriller: The OklahomanGritty Sooners next foe is a familiar one: The OklahomanAn estimated 7,500 Sooner boosters leave happy: The OklahomanIglesias overcomes earlier problems, comes up with nifty catch: The OklahomanOU controls own destiny: The OklahomanCowboys' QB shuffle leaves some questions: The OklahomanGreat drama ends in OU's favor: The OklahomanOU plan wasn't to ignore passing game: The OklahomanStock Report: The OklahomanOU Game Balls: The OklahomanBedlam tidbits: The OklahomanOU survives Bedlam, takes South: Dallas Morning NewsAnkle doesn't slow OU's Patrick: Dallas Morning NewsOU rises in South: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram'Huskers could muddy picture: Ft. Worth Star-TelegramLabels: Adrian Peterson, Allen Patrick, Big XII, Bob Stoops, Garrett Hartley, I, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas, Tickets
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 9:36 AM |
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesOSU Fans on top of the action: Oklahoma linebacker Rufus Alexander isn't necessarily looking forward to playing at Boone Pickens Stadium Saturday. "The fans are just right there on top of you. That's the only thing I don't like about it," he said. "That's the hard part, communicating with the coaches. They're just right there. Then once you make a mistake, they're right there again. "That's what you call a homefield advantage." Alexander isn't the only Sooner to notice. "At larger arenas, with fans away from you, you might hear them," offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said, "but you don't get the personal interaction. "My two trips up there, it's been a pretty unique, special place. Their fans are passionate for their team and the rivalry. I think their team feeds off that." (Tulsa World)Stoops on Bedlam Rival: Given how hard the Cowboys play OU every year, it seemed fair to ask Stoops last week if he sensed Bedlam was more important to them than the Sooners. "I can't speak for them. Why would I try?" Stoops responded. "It's a big game for us. Which game is bigger? We've got a bunch of rivalries, right? We've got Texas, we've got Nebraska, we've got Oklahoma State. Heck, when we play K-State, everybody talks about that for the longest time. "It's like every game we've got is a rivalry. Texas A&M, they can't wait to play us down there. I don't know how to qualify it. "It's a big game, so here we go again. But in the big picture, wasn't last week?" (Tulsa World)If they win today, OU can become champs again: The Oklahoman
More than bragging rights on the line: The Oklahoman
The Stakes: The Oklahoman
Reid the center of today's Bedlam buzz: The Oklahoman
Bedlam Story Lines: The Oklahoman
15 Cowboys say goodbye in last home game: The Oklahoman Resilient Sooners can win Big 12 South on Saturday: Tulsa World Victory would strengthen Cowboys' bowl chances: Tulsa World To beat OU, Cowboys must have confidence: Tulsa World OSU Notebook -- Senior finale: Tulsa World
OU can capture Big 12 South today: Dallas Morning News
Preview -- Oklahoma at Oklahoma State: Dallas Morning News
Oklahoma gives thanks to A&M: Ft. Worth Star-TelegramLabels: Bob Stoops, Boone Pickens Stadium, OSU
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 1:16 PM |
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesTexas loss helps the Sooners in Big XII South race: Entering Friday's game against No. 11 Texas, Franchione was 2-10 in November, including a combined 0-5 this season and last. As if that record were not bad enough, he never had beaten the Longhorns in the rivalry known as the Lone Star Showdown.That changed Friday when Stephen McGee, Texas A&M's sophomore quarterback, crashed into the end zone with less than three minutes left on an 8-yard run to shock Texas, 12-7, before 89,102 fans.The victory in the 113th game between the two universities snapped Texas A&M's six-game losing streak to the Longhorns. It was also the Aggies' first victory here since 1994. Texas (9-3, 6-2 Big 12) has now lost consecutive games for the first time since 1999."It's good to get everybody to shut up about Coach Fran and start realizing that he's doing a great job," said McGee, who rushed for 95 yards and passed for 58 yards.Had Texas won Friday, it would have clinched the Big 12 South Division title. The Longhorns now need Oklahoma (9-2, 6-1) to lose Saturday to Oklahoma State (6-5, 3-4) to meet Nebraska on Dec. 2 for the Big 12 championship. Otherwise, the Sooners will win the division and play the Cornhuskers. (New York Times)Labels: Big XII, Texas
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 12:01 AM |
Friday, November 24, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesOklahoma State Bedlam tickets costly: Tickets for Saturday's game have been available throughout the week, rare for any major Bedlam event. But at $250, $300 and $600 a ticket, both OU and OSU fans are balking. Stoops jokingly encouraged fans in crimson to grab all available seats. "Hopefully some of those OU people buy the extra ones," Stoops said. "Get as many there as we can, right. Get more red in there if we're able to." (NewsOK.com)
Only Pokes can ruin season: Norman Transcript
A Bedlam frame of mind: Norman Transcript
Rooting for Aggies, working on Pokes: Norman Transcript
No one's sure why Stoops' Sooners struggle in Stillwater: The Oklahoman
Fans recognize series' uniqueness, but OU supporters focus hate on 'Horns: The Oklahoman
Bedlam — Last five in Stillwater: The Oklahoman
The famous and the infamous: The Oklahoman
The two sides of Bedlam: The Oklahoman
Why OU could win: The Oklahoman
Why OSU could win: The Oklahoman
Bedlam has drama — in Stillwater: The Oklahoman
Kind act goes beyond rivalry: Tulsa World
Sooners see bits of 'Horns in Cowboys: Tulsa World
OU Notebook -- Kid stuff: Tulsa WorldLabels: Bedlam, Tickets
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 10:58 AM |
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Pendleton Story: Checkout a great story on Oklahoma's defensive tackle Carl Pendleton, his cousin Kierston in Today's Dallas Morning News.
No eyes on Texas, OU says: "We have a lot of pride in finishing the year strong," Stoops said. "That's all that should matter to us. "All we can control is getting ourselves ready to play the best game we can." Sophomore linebacker Curtis Lofton said he'll likely just wait to find out who won rather than watch the game on TV. "I won't be an A&M cheerleader," Lofton said. "Of course, I want them to win and if they do, that's great, but I won't be sitting there cheering or anything." (NewsOK.com)
PAC-10 official Riese speaks: Two months after the Oregon instant replay fiasco, he is answering the phone again. Irate Sooner fans ring him up just two or three times a week now. The death threats have stopped. The healing has begun. "It will never leave me," Gordon Riese says. "Until I die." On a day we set aside to count our blessings, some fans will no doubt continue cursing Riese, who was in charge of the botched review that cost Oklahoma victory on that September afternoon at Autzen Stadium. The Sooners have rebounded nicely from the stunning setback. But a 9-2 record should have been 10-1. Many fans see the current BCS picture and wonder, despite a loss to Texas, if OU wouldn't be at least on the fringe of the national title conversation. Who knows? But fans know why the Sooners are not. Riese does, too. "Everybody knows," he says. You remember how it went. OU ahead by six points, 72 seconds left, an onside kick, a collision. You saw Allen Patrick emerge with the football. You saw officials huddle. You watched countless replays. Stunned, you saw Oregon given the ball. You saw the Ducks score, and win. "This was the easiest call to make, if I'd have gotten the (correct) replay," Riese says. "It would have been the right call. It would have been the correct call. The Oregon kid touched the ball at the 44-yard line." But wait. It gets worse. From that end-zone shot, Riese couldn't answer the question he was asked. But he could tell Oregon didn't have the football. "I saw the ball laying on the ground, the Oklahoma kid picks the ball up with his knee on the ground," Riese says. "I knew it was Oklahoma ball." But here's the thing: By rule, Riese wasn't allowed to determine possession. Not after the officials had already given the ball to Oregon. (In Part, more at NewsOK.com)
Thompson OU's calming influence: Norman TranscriptDinner, as well as a rivalry, is served: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
A Sooner Thanksgiving: The Oklahoman
Replay official says he knew Sooners recovered kick: The Oklahoman
OU-Nebraska forever?: The Oklahoman
OU football notebook: The Oklahoman
Pondering the possibilities of a Stoops bowl: The Oklahoman
Thompson looks to keep OU rolling: Tulsa World
'Mess' grows up: Tulsa World
No hard feelings between Gundy brothers: Tulsa World
Bowl destinations make Bedlam more intriguing: Tulsa World
Fans gone wild -- Bedlam messages: Tulsa World
Bedlam memories -- Questions with Pat Jones: Tulsa World
Bedlam memories -- Questions with Barry Switzer: Tulsa World
Reid trying to join short list of Cowboy QBs to beat OU: Tulsa WorldLabels: Carl Pendleton, Gordon Riese, Texas
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 12:42 PM |
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Bob Stoops Website in the works: Asked on Tuesday if he had thought about launching his own Web site -- www.BobStoops.com -- the Oklahoma head football coach's response drew uncontrolled laughter. "What do you do with it?" he asked the questioner. Then, Stoops revealed the truth. "Yeah," he said, "I'm working on one. I think." The OU Internet Technology department is developing a site that will be devoted strictly to Sooner football, particularly recruiting. The name is still fluid, as is the content and presentation, but BobStoops.com is a strong possibility. "From what I understand," Stoops said, "somebody's working on one for me, I think." Actually, said associate athletic director for media relations Kenny Mossman, Stoops was the driving force behind the idea. "He sought us out and asked us to work on that project. He's definitely interested in it," Mossman said. "He sees a tremendous value in it. He's personally not very Web-savvy, but he understands the value of it." Mossman said the site will be housed within the athletic department's address -- www.SoonerSports.com (More at Tulsa World)Oklahoma's Hartley Groza Finalist: Oklahoma kicker Garrett Hartley has been named one of three finalists for the Lou Groza Award, which is presented annually to the top kicker in college football. The Palm Beach County Sports Institute and Palm Beach County Sports Commission made the announcement Tuesday. The award is presented by the FedEx Orange Bowl. The other finalists are John Vaughn of Auburn and Arthur Carmody of Louisville. Hartley has connected on 17 of 18 field goals this season. His only miss on the year came on a blocked 44-yard field goal against Oregon. Hartley currently ranks No. 2 among all players in the Big 12 Conference with 8.2 points per game. The junior place-kicker’s season long is a 46-yard field goal against Iowa State. Hartley has also remained perfect this season in extra point attempts going 39-of-39. Twice this year Hartley was named a Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Star of the Week. (SoonerSports PR)Aggie win, OU win over O-State equals incentives: Stoops has thousands of reasons to pull for the Aggies – approximately $230,000 worth of reasons. That's how much money Stoops could make in contract incentives if his Sooners get into the Big 12 championship game. According to the contract, Stoops would earn $60,000 just for playing in the Big 12 title game or $80,000 if OU wins it. Then, Stoops would make an additional $100,000 for participating in one of the four BCS bowls. He'll also earn $50,000 if OU finishes in the top 20 of the BCS standings, which is possible now, or $75,000 for landing in the top 10. (Dallas Morning News)Williams Questionable: Free safety Darien Williams is, in secondary coach Bobby Jack Wright's estimation, 70 percent after injuring a knee last week at Baylor. Asked after practice Tuesday if he thought he'd play at Oklahoma State Saturday, Williams said: "Probably. I don't know for sure, but I'm leaning that way." Wright said if Williams can't go, nickel back Nic Harris would replace him in the Sooners' 4-3 base defense. Harris would return to the nickel safety / linebacker position in OU's five-defensive back set, with Jason Carter joining Reggie Smith at safety. (Tulsa World)Stoops expects Peterson to Return: Will Adrian Peterson ever play again in crimson and cream? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops sounded like a believer Tuesday. "I'm pretty convinced of that," Stoops said. "Things may change, but at this point it hasn't for him." Peterson was hopeful to return from a broken collarbone in time to play in Saturday's Bedlam game. That possibility was ruled out after a bone scan done Monday. Stoops said he was uncertain whether Peterson might make it back should the Sooners make the Big 12 title game Dec. 2. Peterson's father, Nelson Peterson, said Monday that his son still wanted to play for OU in a bowl game. As for the long layoff — the injury occurred Oct. 14 and a late-December or early January bowl is expected for the Sooners — Stoops said it's no concern. "He's out there running and doing things, training," Stoops said. "He's in shape. (NewsOK.com) OU Scholars: Fullback Dane Zaslaw, defensive tackle Carl Pendleton and defensive end Larry Birdine represent OU on the Academic All-Big 12 first team released Tuesday. Lofton and running back Jacob Gutierrez made the second team. (Tulsa World)
Is Stoops feeling the Bedlam?: Norman Transcript
Williams uncertain for Saturday: Norman Transcript
OU secondary puzzle complete: The Oklahoman
OU secondary -- The pieces of the puzzle: The Oklahoman
OSU's Bowman, Woods confident: The Oklahoman
OU's Malcolm Kelly large and in charge: Tulsa World
Crimson, cream no more for Adrian: Tulsa World
The Sooner and Cowboy defense face task of containing Bowman and Kelly: Tulsa World
Turnovers an issue: Tulsa World
Third-string RB ready for the Bedlam to begin: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram Labels: Adrian Peterson, Bob Stoops, Darien Williams, Garrett Hartley, Website
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 11:27 AM |
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesAD out for Bedlam 2006: Adrian Peterson won't play Saturday against Oklahoma State, Allen Patrick might and freshman Chris Brown is ready no matter what as No. 14 Oklahoma prepares for its regular-season finale. Coach Bob Stoops said Peterson, a junior who is 150 yards shy of the school's all-time rushing record, hasn't shown enough progress from a broken collarbone suffered Oct. 14. "The scan showed that he wasn't completely healed, so they're [the doctors] not going to release him yet," Stoops said after Monday's practice. After Peterson suffered the injury, doctors said the recovery would take about six weeks. This would be the sixth week. It's unclear whether Peterson would play in the Big 12 championship game if the Sooners get there. Peterson still hopes to return for OU's bowl. (Dallas Morning News)Sooners Status: After announcing Monday morning that Adrian Peterson will not play Saturday against Oklahoma State, the Sooners got just a little good news later in the day when running back Allen Patrick, wide receiver Manuel Johnson and free safety Darien Williams returned to the field in limited action. OU coach Bob Stoops said Patrick "was better," Johnson "did some things" and Williams "did a little bit." Receivers coach Kevin Sumlin said Johnson -- out last week after getting knocked unconscious the week before against Texas Tech -- practiced without contact in shorts and shoulder pads and a helmet. "But he went through everything we did today, routes and working on our game plan for Saturday, putting that in," Sumlin said. "He looks quick and he looks fast. "We're going out and proceeding just like normal. He was in the huddle today with the ones, the huddle broke and we threw him a couple of balls. So as of right now, I don't see that there's going to be any issue with that." (Tulsa World)Sooners take home pair of Big 12 weekly honors: Oklahoma players took two of the three Big 12 weekly football honors for their play in last Saturday's 36-10 win at Baylor. Safety Reggie Smith was named the defensive player of the week, while kick returner Juaquin Iglesias won the special teams honor. Smith, a sophomore from Edmond, Okla., had two interceptions with 94 yards in returns. His first went for 42 yards and a touchdown, while his second covered 52 yards and set up the Sooner offense at the Baylor 18. Four plays later, OU punched in another touchdown. Smith also broke up three passes and registered two tackles in the game. Iglesias, a sophomore from Killeen, Texas, had two returns for 111 yards, including an 88-yarder for a touchdown on a Baylor free kick. It was the first kickoff return, as free kicks are categorized, for a touchdown by a Sooner player since Mark Bradley went for 100 yards against Iowa State in 2004. Kansas running back Jon Cornish was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week. The Jayhawks downed in-state rival Kansas State. (SoonerSports PR)
Peterson not ready: Norman Transcript
Peterson out, but Sooners confident in backups: Tulsa World
OSU doesn't expect to draw first sellout crowd Saturday: Tulsa World
Outside impact has huge role: Tulsa World
Collarbone injury keeps Peterson out against OSU: The Oklahoman
OU running game remains in high gear: The Oklahoman
OU Notebook: The Oklahoman
Prices block Bedlam sellout: The Oklahoman
Fuel for the Bedlam fire: The Oklahoman
Peterson or no Peterson, stopping the run critical for Cowboys' defense: The Oklahoman
Brotherly reunion continues in Bedlam: The Oklahoman
Sooners' Stoops is Big 12's coach of the year, but UT's Brown not far behind: Austin American-StatesmanLabels: Adrian Peterson, Bedlam, Big XII, Injuries, Oklahoma Sooners
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 1:13 PM |
Monday, November 20, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesFormer Oklahoma QB, WWLS Color Analyst Thompson Arrested at OKC area hotel: Police arrested former Oklahoma quarterback and local radio announcer Charles Thompson on complaints of public drunkenness and disturbing the peace following a disturbance at a local hotel. Thompson, 38, was arrested early Saturday morning at a Residence Inn after police received three complaints of loud noise coming from Thompson's room, police said. After arriving at the hotel, officers said Thompson was uncooperative and smelled of alcohol. He was arrested after he stepped from his hotel room and told police, "Then take me to jail," according to the report. During his arrest, Thompson reportedly asked officers, "Do you know who I am?" As police led Thompson to a patrol car, he told his friends, "Get [Oklahoma City Mayor] Mick Cornett on the phone. He'll deal with this." Thompson, who led the Sooners to an 11-1 season in 1987, was arrested in 1989 on charges he sold 17 grams of cocaine to undercover FBI agents for $1,400. Following his arrest, he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine in handcuffs and an orange jail-issue jumpsuit. He later served a stint in prison as a result of the charges. Most recently, Thompson worked as a color analyst covering high school football games for Oklahoma City sports radio station WWLS. (AP/SI.com)Labels: Arrested, Charles Thompson, Former Sooner, Oklahoma City
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 6:25 PM |
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesCoach Stoops on Peterson postseason honors: Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson has missed five games, but remains on the watch list for some postseason awards, including the Doak Walker Award for the nation's best running back. Coach Bob Stoops was asked Sunday if Peterson should still be considered for postseason honors such as All-Big 12 and All-America. "I would think so," he said. "You can't deny the special player he is." Peterson's rushing total of 935 yards still ranks second in the Big 12, and his 155.8 yards per game is first. (NewsOK.com)Stoops remembers Michigan's Bo: As a Big Ten country native -- born and raised in Ohio, played and coached in Iowa -- Stoops offered some perspective on last week's death of legendary Michigan coach Bo Schembechler Sunday. "That's sad. (He was) a special guy," Stoops said. "I'm too young to have been around him. I did have a chance to meet him at one of our coaches' conventions down in Orlando. "I grew up in Ohio, so I always watched (the Ohio State-Michigan) game and had a cousin who played for Michigan way back when. I always kind of favored Michigan a little bit growing up, because of that association. "But always respect and admire everything you read and know about (Schembechler), what he stood for, and how his teams always played." (Tulsa World)Stoops not thinking about Bowl possibilities: Coach Bob Stoops said he has not begun to think about bowl possibilities. The Sooners are still alive for the Big 12 South title. "Too much has to happen yet, I think with everybody," he said. (Dallas Morning News)
That time of year: Norman TranscriptCowboys turning focus to Sooners: Tulsa World
Oklahoma looks to Saturday first: Tulsa World
Big benefit for Bedlam winner: Tulsa World
OU Three Questions: Tulsa World
Will Peterson, Patrick be ready to go?: The Oklahoman
Fuel for the Bedlam fire: The OklahomanAll Sooners eyes on Texas: The Oklahoman
Bedlam begins on the airwaves: The Oklahoman
Cowboys avoid two-touchdown spread: The Oklahoman
Labels: Adrian Peterson, Bo Schembechler, Bob Stoops
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 10:46 AM |
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesSooners Sack the Bears: Bob Stoops isn't having a tough time dealing with Oklahoma's turnovers, not when the players making the mistakes are also scoring touchdowns. Plus, the 16th-ranked Sooners have a six-game winning streak and are still in contention for the Big 12 South title after overcoming five miscues Saturday in a 36-10 victory at Baylor. ''I thought we played well. We executed. That's the pleasing part,'' Stoops said. ''There's a bunch of young guys that are moving the football in a good way. ... If we can learn to finish with two hands and not let the ball go, we'll be in great shape.'' Malcolm Kelly had a touchdown catch and an incredible grab to keep alive another scoring drive by Oklahoma (9-2, 6-1 Big 12). But the sophomore was running down the sideline on his way to another apparent long TD play when he dropped the ball trying to fend off a defender. Reggie Smith , another sophomore, returned one of his two interceptions 42 yards for a touchdown and set up another TD with his other. Third-string freshman tailback Chris Brown ran 24 times for 169 yards and a score. But Baylor (4-8, 3-5) got its only scores after fumbles by Smith (who lost two punt returns) and Brown. (AP/SI.com - Stats)Baylor dips to a new-low: Baylor established a school-record low with minus-48 yards rushing. The Bears had minus-37 rushing yards against Kansas State in 2002. From OU's standpoint, the minus-48 rushing yards allowed was the second-best showing in school history. Most of the total was due to quarterback Blake Szymanski being sacked five times. Szymanski compiled minus-57 rushing yards on nine carries. A safety was also charged to the team as an 8-yard loss. Paul Mosley, Mario Price and Carl Sims had 17 rushing yards combined. (Dallas Morning News)Peterson Bedlam status? Adrian Peterson on playing Oklahoma State next week with The Oklahoman... Does he want to play against Oklahoma State? "What do you think?" Peterson said, jerking his head in mock disgust at the mere suggestion he'd skip a chance to compete if not for the broken collarbone that has sidelined him since the Iowa State game Oct. 14. Perhaps that reaction more than anything offers the best insight into what the Oklahoma running back will do, if given clearance by doctors this week. For any further clues, maybe an Ouija board is in order. Will he or won't he? Doctors will x-ray and evaluate Peterson early this week, leading to a decision on his availability when the Sooners face OSU on Saturday in Stillwater. "I'll have to get with the doctors (today) or Monday and just see what they think," said Sooners coach Bob Stoops. "Anyone that's throwing out anything else — let me tell you, I haven't conferred with them, because I knew he wasn't playing this week. When I get with them Monday and know something, then I'll have something to say about it. "Anyone else that's talking about it before that is just guessing." (NewsOK.com)Pair of Sooners Get First Starts: WR Fred Strong and RB Chris Brown made their first career starts. Brown is the third true freshman to make a start for the Sooners in 2006 (C Chase Beeler and RT Trent Williams).Brown sets Career High: Chris Brown rushed for a career high 169 yards on 24 carries.
Sooners turn to defense: Norman Transcript
Sooners crush Bears but commit five turnovers: Tulsa World
OU throws sack party: Tulsa World
Freshman smashes through Bears: Tulsa World
Two Minute Drill: Tulsa World
Smith's positives prevail: Tulsa World
Sooners continue climb: Tulsa WorldOU defense puts clams on Bears: The Oklahoman
OU can't afford five turnovers vs. OSU: The Oklahoman
Sooners find their stride against Baylor: Dallas Morning News
OU puts a wrap on Bears' season: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
OU's big plays sink Baylor on Senior Day: Waco Tribune
OU ups outweigh downs: Waco Tribune
OU leaves Szymanski seeing red: Waco Tribune Labels: Adrian Peterson, Baylor, Bedlam, Chris Brown, Fred Strong, Oklahoma Sooners
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 10:59 AM |
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesSooners prepared for familiar Bears: The good news for the Sooners heading into Saturday's matchup is they've always defended the spread effectively, and they just got a tune-up by defending the Red Raiders last week. "It helps," Stoops said of the familiarity, "because it's an offense that I feel you have to understand and defensively you have to get used to. It isn't like other spread offenses. They don't run the zone-read options and pull-the-ball quarterback runs. "We worked it the entire week last week. We can look at what we didn't do well, change up some things and wrinkles. Hopefully that can help us. Guys are familiar with the routes and schemes and what they want to do." The Sooners might want to do a better job against Dominique Zeigler than they did a year ago, when the Bear wide receiver caught nine passes for 141 yards in OU's 37-30 double-overtime victory. (Tulsa World)Walker discovers father figure in Peterson's dad: Tulsa World
Prince, Stoops in horse race: Tulsa World
Switzer -- Schembechler was 'a fiery, fiery guy': Tulsa WorldGetting OU into BCS takes some calculating: The Oklahoman
OU-Baylor Story lines: The Oklahoman
Welcome to my world -- Defensive tackle Cory Bennett: The Oklahoman
Preview -- Oklahoma at Baylor: Dallas Morning News
Thompson makes most of his last chance: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
5 Things to watch -- OU-Baylor: Waco Tribune Labels: Baylor, Oklahoma Sooners
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 11:54 AM |
Friday, November 17, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Same Scheme, Different Team: Baylor has made no secret of the fact that they copied Texas Tech's wide-open offense. The only differences, says OU coach Bob Stoops, are in the play-calling. "Some of the plays (Baylor) likes to emphasize is a coach's personality or who is calling the play," Stoops said. "There are a few differences that way. There's still plays that work for both teams. There are certain routes that Baylor might like more than (Texas Tech) has." For OU secondary coach Bobby Jack Wright, playing Texas Tech and Baylor back-to-back made for an easy week of coaching. "(Baylor has) the same schemes, same type of routes, same type of personnel combinations," Wright said. (NewsOK.com)Patrick Status Uncertain: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday night in his final communication of the week with media that he still didn't know if running back Allen Patrick would be able to play Saturday against Baylor. Patrick, who took over the starting running back chores after Adrian Peterson suffered a broken collarbone, has been nursing an injured ankle and missed last week's game against Texas Tech. Stoops said Patrick is improving. "We're trying to work him up to the mode he'll (be able to play)," he said. "He's getting better and improving all the time." Stoops said ankle injuries are difficult to gauge, recalling how Peterson dealt with a similar injury last season. (Norman Transcript)M. Walker on roommate Peterson: No one knows more about Adrian Peterson's possible return next week than his roommate, cornerback Marcus Walker. And Walker says he still doesn't know. "He's still working out," Walker said. "I think he works out like four or five times a week, lifting and doing what he needs to do to be ready to play once his shoulder's healed. Whenever they clear him to play, he'll still be the same old Adrian Peterson. Probably still run for 200 yards. So, ain't nothing changed." (Tulsa World)Freshman latest running back to answer call for Sooners: The Oklahoman
OU's Thompson making most of his last chance: Waco Tribune
Saturday's Oklahoma vs. Baylor Matchups: Waco Tribune
Baylor seniors came close, and yet so far: Waco TribuneSooners Thinking Big Heading Into Baylor: KXII.comSooners still have Big 12 chance: The Sporting NewsLabels: Adrian Peterson, Allen Patrick, Baylor, Injuries, Marcus Walker
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 2:22 PM |
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesUSA Today Report: University of Oklahoma's Bob Stoops highest paid College Coach: The sport's dizzying salaries spiral has come to this, a USA TODAY study finds: The million-dollar coach, once a rarity, is now the norm. Head coaches at the NCAA's top-level schools are making an average of $950,000 this year, not counting benefits, incentives, subsidized housing or any of the perks they routinely receive. At least 42 of the 119 Division I-A coaches are earning $1 million or more this year, up from five in 1999. Jim Tressel, coach of No. 1-ranked Ohio State, and Mack Brown, who steered Texas to the national championship a year ago, are among the nine coaches making more than $2 million. Iowa's Kirk Ferentz will pocket a guaranteed $4.6 million in an atypical 13-month period ending next June, including $1.8 million in one-time payments. With the incentive bonuses he still can earn, he could push his take to more than $4.7 million. That's the most among the 107 coaches for whom USA TODAY could obtain a contract or other official document showing compensation. Oklahoma's Bob Stoops is the only coach in that group who has cleared the $3 million-a-year bar in guaranteed pay, although Ferentz likely will join him in 2007. Coaches' contracts these days offer far more than just the basic salary. In scrutinizing contracts, USA TODAY found all kinds of perks: personal use of private jets, low-interest home loans, land deals, million-dollar annuities, pricey luxury suites at schools' stadiums, use of vacation homes and family travel accounts. (More at USA Today)Perks Noted from USA Today:Travel: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops gets up to 35 hours a year of private plane availability. Ohio State's Tressel gets 10 hours of jet time for personal use. Virginia's Al Groh gets "reasonable use of the University's aircraft and vehicles" for his duties.Anniversary Benefit: Oklahoma contributes an average of $750,000 a year toward an "anniversary benefit" paying Bob Stoops $3 million on Dec. 31, 2008, marking his 10th anniversary at the school. He forfeits the money if he leaves for another coaching job before then, though he'll get a prorated portion if he leaves in 2007 or 2008 in conjunction with David Boren's departure as president. Stoops also gets 35 hours of private air travel a year.
Highest Paid Salaries
1. Kirk Ferentz - 2,840,000
2. Pete Carroll - 2,782,320
3. Frank Beamer - 1,893,000
4. Larry Coker - 1,800,000
13. Bob Stoops 950,000
Other Income
1. Bob Stoops - 2,500,000
2. Tommy Tuberville - 1,996,000
3. Phillip Fulmer - 1,725,000
4. Mack Brown - 1,580,000
Maximum Bonus
1. Dirk Koetter - 1,234,000
2. Kirk Ferentz -1,000,000
3. Al Groh - 940,000
7. Bob Stoops - 745,000
11. Mike Gundy - 684,000
Total
1. Bob Stoops - 3,450,000
2. Kirk Ferentz - 2,840,000
3. Pete Carroll - 2,782,000
4. Mack Brown - 2,664,000
(Source USA Today - Full List)
To Oklahoma, Stoops worth more than his weight in gold: USA TodayPeterson Doak Walker Semifinalist: Adrian Peterson has been gone for three weeks, but the Oklahoma running back is not forgotten. He was one of 10 semi-finalists announced today for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented annually to college football's top running back. The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors oversees the honor. The 166 members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes over the next week to determine the 2006 finalists. On Tuesday, Nov. 21, three finalists will be named, and a second vote will determine the recipient. The recipient of the 2006 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on ESPN's The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 7. The award will be presented at the 2006 Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet in Dallas on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007. (SoonerSports PR)Pendleton named All-District VI Academic: Oklahoma defensive tackle Carl Pendleton has been named All-District VI Academic and is now a candidate for Academic All-America honors. ESPN The Magazine sponsors the academic recognition. Pendleton, Sapulpa, Okla., native is a junior in eligibility but has announced that he will forgo his senior season of football to enter graduate school at OU. He already has received the National Football Foundation's Post-Graduate Scholarship. Pendleton carries a 3.86 grade point average in sociology with a minor in religious studies. He is nominated for numerous other awards including the NCAA's Today's Top VIII, FCA's Bobby Bowden Award, the FWAA's Courage Award, the Wuerffel Trophy and the John Wooden Citizenship Cup, presented by Athletes for a Better World. (SoonerSports PR) Labels: Bob Stoops, Carl Pendleton, Oklahoma Sooners, Salary, University of Oklahoma
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 11:08 PM |
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesReynolds will be cleared to practice? Sophomore linebacker Ryan Reynolds, out since the spring with a torn knee ligament, is working out in pads and will be cleared to practice on Nov. 23, defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. (Tulsa World)
Sooners in the Pros -- Week 10: SoonerSports.com Resurgent Receivers Ready for Waco: SoonerSports.com
Time to order Big 12 South rings?: The Oklahoman
AP vote removed after mistakenly thinking OU lost: The OklahomanBaylor serves as a sneak peek: The Oklahoman
Chris Brown steps in line to help OU's run game: Tulsa World
Know the foe -- Baylor Bears: Tulsa World Questions with Trent Williams: Tulsa World
Long grind takes toll on Bears: Waco Tribune
Labels: Oklahoma Sooners, Ryan Reynolds
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 10:30 AM |
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesAP Pollster removed after mistaken Oklahoma vote: A voter for The Associated Press college football poll was removed from the poll board Wednesday because he mistakenly thought Oklahoma had lost to Texas Tech and voted the Sooners lower in this week's rankings. Jim Kleinpeter of The Times-Picayune of New Orleans said he tried to find the score of the Oklahoma game, but was unable to do so. AP sports editor Terry Taylor said: "We understand mistakes can happen, but we thought this one could have been prevented. The heart of the matter here is the credibility of the poll." (AP/ESPN.com)Oklahoma defense near preseason expectations after slow start? The Sooners have improved dramatically, leading the Big 12 in scoring defense, pass defense and total defense. Nationally, OU ranks in the top 25 in each of those categories. "We were awful close early in the year to playing like we are now, to playing like we're expecting ourselves to," Bob Stoops said. "We would have some certain individuals in certain areas break down, that's not (Venables') fault. "As much as you would always like to take the blame, sometimes guys are in position. They need to be able to step up and do it. "I think Brent has worked with our guys in a great way the entire year. It's showed for many, many weeks now. We're playing like we thought all along we were capable of. Some thought we were blowing smoke, but we're decent." (NewsOK.com)Sooner receivers getting back into form: Norman TranscriptWalker goes home as Sooners meet Baylor: The OklahomanLabels: Defense, Oklahoma Sooners, Rankings
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 12:12 AM |
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Been asked and received a couple e-mails about what footage, Jim Traber and Al Eschbach were talking about on the WWLS 97.9 The SportsAnimal. Referring to Dean Blevins asking, what's Adrian Peterson's chance of returning for Bedlam with Coach Bob Stoops and Offense Coordinator Kevin Wilson, here it is.... Available at NewsOK.com Labels: Bob Stoops, Dean Blevins, Kevin Wilson, Video
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 5:06 PM |
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesOklahoma Taking Orders for Big XII Championship Game: The University of Oklahoma Sooners want to be ready for the Big 12 championship game -- just in case. OU is now taking orders from season-ticket holders for the Dec. 2 game, which will be played in Kansas City, Mo. OU will need some help to reach the game. The Sooners are tied with Texas for the South Division lead, but the Longhorns own the tiebreaker after beating OU this season. But, if Texas loses to Texas A&M, and OU finishes with wins over Baylor and Oklahoma State, the Sooners will win the division. (AP/KOCO-TV) Baylor Coaches & Players on Sooners: SoonerSports.com Resilient Sooners battle Bears: The Sports NetworkOklahoma improbably Big 12's hottest team: ESPN.comLabels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, Tickets
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 1:54 PM |
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesBirdine Quite: Fans have heard the last of outspoken senior defensive end Larry Birdine. Media who requested to interview him after practice Tuesday were told he was no longer allowed to speak to the press because of his comments last week pertaining to the Sooners;' 2005 loss at Texas Tech, about which Birdine said, "we got screwed." (Tulsa World)Wilson on Mossis Madu redshirt: Offensive Cordinator Kevin Wilson on pulling Madu's redshirt... "We were talking about him as far back as the Middle Tennessee game," OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Tuesday. "'Should we get him in?' The main reason we held on some of those guys is the games got so short, we just didn't think we needed the substitution as much. We just said, 'Hey, let's hold it.' " (NewsOK.com)AP Voter Error: Jim Kleinpeter, a writer at the New Orleans Times Picayune, admitted Tuesday he sent in his ballot Sunday morning thinking the Sooners had lost to Texas Tech on Saturday night. He had OU ranked 15th last week but dropped the Sooners to 24th this week despite their 34-24 win over Texas Tech. OU is 16th in the poll this week, five points behind Auburn, which Kleinpeter voted at No. 8 because he thought the Tigers had beaten Georgia when they lost 37-15. "I was in the press box after the LSU game that night and I remember . . . asking somebody, Did Oklahoma get beat? and somebody said 'Yes.' When I woke up the next morning, I rushed through my stuff and when I looked in the paper, I didn't see the score. It was still in my head that they lost. "It was an honest mistake. I'm going to correct it next week." (Tulsa World)Thompson frustrated with slow climb in Polls: While upsets ruled the college landscape a week ago, the Sooners rose just one spot in both the AP and coaches polls. "That is frustrating," OU quarterback Paul Thompson said. "It's unfortunate that there are some teams ahead of us that I don't think should be. "Hopefully, in the end, if we take care of what we need to take care of, people will recognize that and put where we need to be." (NewsOK.com)
Lots to play for, but Sooners focusing on Baylor: Norman Transcript
Schedule does Sooners a favor: Norman TranscriptSooners' hopes of winning the South have been revived: The Oklahoman
Sooners staying balanced: The Oklahoman
OU coaches, players and fans reminded of sport's harsh reality: Tulsa World
Florida once again has hand in Sooners' fate: Tulsa World
Baylor defense takes wrong turn: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
OU not backfiring with backups: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Tim Griffin: Thompson the anchor that's kept Sooners afloat: San Antonio ExpressLabels: Kevin Wilson, Larry Birdine, Mossis Madu, Oklahoma Sooners, Paul Thompson, Rankings
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 9:54 AM |
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Allen Patrick practices limited: Junior Allen Patrick, is still recovering from a sprained ankle. Patrick sat out of last Saturday's 34-24 victory over Texas Tech. Stoops said Patrick practiced in a limited capacity Monday and the injury has improved from where it was last week. "He did a little bit, but not a lot," he said. "He's better, better than he was Friday." But there was no indication given about Patrick's availability for the Baylor game. (Norman Transcript)No Future Information on Peterson: Stoops said there was no update on the status of tailback Adrian Peterson, who has missed four games with a broken collarbone. "He's not playing this week," Stoops said. "Next week if you want to talk about it, we'll talk about it. There's nothing else." (Dallas Morning News)More on Manuel Johnson: OU receiver Manuel Johnson was released from the hospital and attended team meetings Monday, according to Sooners co-offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin. Johnson was knocked unconscious and experienced temporary numbness after a helmet-to-helmet hit last Saturday night. He spent the night at OU Medical Center. Stoops said Johnson is scheduled to begin some weight-lifting and running later this week, but he won't play Saturday at Baylor. (NewsOK.com)Offense preps for trip to Waco: SoonerSports.com
Eye on the opponent -- Baylor: SoonerSports.com
Sooners Talk Baylor Game with Media: SoonerSports.com
Wrestling stars support Sooners: Norman TranscriptOU's food drive a big success: The Oklahoma
OU Notebook -- Aching news: Tulsa World
Sittler's Big 12 Rankings: Tulsa World
Pollsters struggle with where Sooners rank: Tulsa World
New Baylor QB may need to make more reads: Dallas Morning News
Something's got to change for Morriss: Waco Tribune
Labels: Adrian Peterson, Allen Patrick, Injuries, Injury, Manuel Johnson
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 1:50 PM |
Oklahoma Soooner Football Articles and NotesManuel Johnson out for Baylor: Oklahoma receiver Manuel Johnson won't play Saturday against Baylor after being knocked out in the Sooners' game against Texas Tech. Johnson -- who has 23 catches for 255 yards -- was hospitalized after the game but returned home Sunday. Fellow receiver Malcolm Kelly says his roommate has a bad concussion but is all right now. Kelly says Johnson came home laughing and joking. Johnson had just caught a four-yard pass when he and Texas Tech's Chris Parker collided and hit helmets. Johnson had to be carted off the field and taken to a waiting ambulance. Kelly says all remembered was getting tackled and then waking up in the X-ray room. (AP/KOTV.com)Peterson back for Bedlam? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops confirmed Monday that tailback Adrian Peterson might play in the Sooners' regular-season finale Nov. 25 against Oklahoma State. "Next week would be six weeks," Stoops said, referring to the time passed since Peterson fractured his left collarbone diving into the end zone to score a late touchdown against Iowa State. Stoops said Peterson would be re-evaluated next week and a determination would be made then. Peterson has been running and lifting weights the past few weeks. (Star-Telegram) Labels: Adrian Peterson, Injuries, Injury, Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma Sooners
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 5:44 AM |
Monday, November 13, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesO'Connell's future still uncertain: The pub isn't going anywhere -- at least through next October. Earlier this fall, the University of Oklahoma completed a purchase of the property southeast of Memorial Stadium. The land currently houses a Subway, a convenience store and a Thai restaurant. And O'Connell's, arguably the oldest and most tradition-rich bar in Norman. "What happens after (October) or maybe before that, there's no telling," said manager Jeff Stewart. "We really haven't gotten into any of those discussions yet, so it's just all rumor and hearsay." One of the rumors had O'Connell's moving to Campus Corner next year. While Stewart wouldn't necessarily mind the proposition, he said at this point, there's no way of knowing for sure. "Until we hear from the university, there's just no telling," said Stewart. "I've got a friend who's got a house that he rents. The university bought the house and said, 'We'll give you 30 days notice to leave.' That was two-and-a-half years ago." Stewart said O'Connell's ownership has tried to contact Oklahoma in hopes of "getting on the same page" regarding the pub's future location. But the two groups haven't established any sort of meeting. That means patrons might have to wait months before learning the fate of their favorite game day stop. (More at NewsOK.com)Oklahoma Food Drive Donations Up: Donations to the Holiday Food Drive held Saturday night at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium totaled $17,600. That's an increase of $7,300 over last year. The drive, which is in its seventh year, is sponored by Josh Heupel's 14 Foundation, the Regional Food Bank and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Fans contributed while entering the stadium for Saturday night's OU-Texas Tech game. Food purchased with the cash contributions will benefit some 500 families in seven different Oklahoma communities. The OU football team will assist in that distribution process this week. (SoonerSports PR) Reaction to 34-24 Win Against Tech: SoonerSports.com
Sooners stay put in BCS rankings: Norman TranscriptBaylor at a glance: The Oklahoman
OU notebook: The Oklahoman
Don't count OU out of the BCS picture just yet: The OklahomanCoaches search for Thompson's replacement: The Oklahoman
OU defense saves game: Tulsa World
Scouting Report -- Baylor Bears: Tulsa World
Three Questions: Tulsa World
OU looks like Big 12's best: Dallas Morning News
Around the Big 12: Dallas Morning News
Wacky weekend blurs bowl picture: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Inside the Big 12: USA Today
Labels: Oklahoma Sooners, University of Oklahoma
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 10:05 AM |
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesJohnson Recovering, to be released Sun. Night or Monday: The outlook for Manuel Johnson, the Oklahoma wide receiver who was knocked unconscious in the fourth quarter of Saturday's victory over Texas Tech, is encouraging. "Everything is all checked out fine," Sooner coach Bob Stoops said. "He'll be released from the hospital later this afternoon or first thing in the morning." Johnson was kept for precautionary reasons. Stoops said Johnson was getting some feeling back while lying on the Texas Tech sideline for nearly 15 minutes. (Tulsa World)Labels: Injury, Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma Sooners
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 9:21 AM |
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesOklahoma ranked 16th in AP and USA Today Coaches Poll: The Oklahoma Sooners climbed 1 spot to #16 in the Associated Press college football poll released today. Despite losses by several teams ahead of OU, the Sooners managed to move up just 1 spot. The Sooners also moved up to #16 in the USA Today coaches poll. The Sooners defeated Texas Tech Saturday 34-24 in Norman to improve to 8-2 on the season. (AP/KOTV)BCS Rankings - Full Ratings - PDF File
15. California .4391 16. Wake Forest .4362 17. Oklahoma .386818. Georgia Tech .3612Weekly Polls, including AP, USA Today, Harris Poll and AP at Yahoo! Sports Labels: BCS, College Football, Oklahoma Sooners, Polls, Rankings
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 11:26 PM |
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Sooners rally to beat Tech 34-24: Chris Brown started out three spots behind Adrian Peterson on Oklahoma's depth chart at running back. He never thought he'd be the key to a big win down the stretch. Brown, the fourth-string tailback, ran for two fourth-quarter scores and Paul Thompson threw for a career-high 309 yards and two touchdowns as the No. 17 Sooners rallied to beat Texas Tech 34-24 on Saturday night. "The things we've gone through, whoever's in there we're going to win with them," Thompson said. "That's our mind-set. We've got confidence. If something happens no one's freaking out." (AP/SooonerSports.com)Johnson OK after hit: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said he was encouraged by doctors' reports about receiver Manuel Johnson, who was carted off the field Saturday night after experiencing "numbness." "So far, all the X-rays were negative," Stoops said. "Everything (movement), on his way to the hospital, is all coming back to him. At this point, everything is looking good... hopefully, he'll be fine." Late Saturday evening, Johnson was still in the emergency room at OU Medical Center. He was expected to be admitted for an overnight stay for what Stoops called precautionary reasons. Early in the fourth quarter, Johnson caught a short pass, then was hit � fumbling on the play. Texas Tech recovered at the OU 35, but no one was concerned about a momentum swing. Apparently knocked unconscious, Johnson went down on the Tech sidelines. Tech medical personnel immediately waved for OU's medical staff. And the crowd went silent as doctors hovered over Johnson. (More at NewsOK.com)Hartley gets back-up: Placekicker Garrett Hartley needed a break against Texas Tech after sustaining a slightly sprained ankle during pregame warmups. Hartley, whose kickoffs have routinely gone out of the end zone this season, did not kick off after the opening kick. Instead, freshman Blake Baublits kicked off after the Sooners' scores. Baublits is a walk-on from McKinney, Texas. (Tulsa World) Gutierrez starts:, Brown gets workload Junior Jacob Gutierrez started at tailback for OU, but [Chris] Brown played almost the entire second half. He had nine carries for 58 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. "We were in a close game, and they chose me to be out for the remainder of the game to finish it off," Brown said. "That really touched me and made me want to perform to my whole ability." (Dallas Morning News)Thompson honored with Don Key Award: Quarterback Paul Thompson received the award -- which honors an outstanding senior for his character on and off the field -- before Saturday's game against Texas Tech. But according to the award's namesake, it could have just as easily been given to defensive tackle Carl Pendleton, who is forgoing his senior year to take care of his brother. "They start voting about a month before the award, and there were two names over and over," said Key, a former OU offensive lineman whose career was cut short by injury. "Paul and Carl, Paul and Carl, Paul and Carl. I have no say-so in the process. The coaches finally decide. "I think they chose Paul because of his incredible attitude toward being a team player." (NewsOK.com)Recruits in attendance: Upwards of 50 high school recruits and their families were on hand Saturday, including Enid's Austin Box and his parents. Box has verbally committed to the Sooners. One source said that five or six of those were official visits, the rest unofficial. (Tulsa World)
Sooners outscore Red Raiders 17-0 in second half: Norman Transcript
Thompson the story against Tech: Norman Transcript
Sooners vary blitz schemes against Harrell: The Oklahoman
1-yard touchdown run clinches victory: The Oklahoman
A look into OU's bowl picture: The Oklahoman
OU Stock Report: The OklahomanThompson, Brown lift Sooners past Red Raiders: The Oklahoman
Character wins out for Stoops' Sooners: The Oklahoman
Emotions fill Sooners' senior day: The Oklahoman
Thompson shakes off miscues, leads OU to victory: The Oklahoman
Paul revered: Tulsa World
Defense stifles after half: Tulsa World
Johnson fine, Stoops says: Tulsa World
Two minute drill: Tulsa World
Thompson spectacular in final home game: Tulsa World
Freshman Brown 'shows up': Tulsa World
Tech penalties cause big damage: Dallas Morning News
OU QB has career game vs. Tech: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Play of the game: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Raiders suffer another collapse in second half: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Labels: Chris Brown, Injury, Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma Sooners, Paul Thompson, Recruiting, Texas Tech
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 2:57 PM |
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesThe Boz Blog: OU All-American Brian Bosworth will conduct a live blog at SoonerSports.com during Oklahoma's game against Texas Tech beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday night. Log on to SoonerSports.com during the game to get reaction from Bosworth as the game unfolds on the field. Bosworth encourages fans to send in questions now to be answered during the game. The blog will be active during the game and a transcript will be posted later on the site for fans unable to participate live. Bosworth was a consensus All-American in Oklahoma's championship '85 season and repeated the honor in 1986. One of the greatest college football players of all time, he set the school record for tackles in a game with 22 against Miami in 1986. (SoonerSports.com PR)
OU-Tech Storylines: The Oklahoman
Welcome to my world -- Jason Carter: The OklahomanLeach is the most successful of Stoops' former coordinators: The Oklahoman
OU players can't forget controversy of Texas Tech loss: Tulsa World
OU Notebook -- Problems of our own: Tulsa World
Bedlam may decide bowl destinations: Tulsa World
Sooners play well at home: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Tech, OU see last year's finish differently: Dallas Morning News
Preview -- Texas Tech at Oklahoma: Dallas Morning News
Sooners focus on stopping Tech QB: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Big 12 Previews: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Texas Tech at Oklahoma: Houston ChronicleLabels: Brian Bosworth, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Tech
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 9:04 AM |
Friday, November 10, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesBob Stoops on the fired Dan McCarney: Iowa State coach Dan McCarney and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops go back a long, long time. McCarney was a defensive assistant at Iowa when Stoops was a defensive back and graduate assistant coach in the 1980s. The Sooner coach was saddened to hear McCarney was stepping down after 12 seasons. "It's unfortunate. I hate that for him, his family and his team," Stoops said. "That's part of our business. But I have the greatest admiration for Dan. He's always been a great leader and mentor to me and a close friend." (Norman Transcript)Final top 10 prospect commits to Auburn: The last of the top-10 quarterbacks from the class of 2007 is off the table. Northside, Ark., QB Kodi Burns -- the nation's No.5 prospect, according to Scout.com -- committed to Auburn on Thursday. Oklahoma was among the teams to court Burns. Burns said he was contacted frequently by the OU coaching staff but was never offered a scholarship. (NewsOK.com)
OU welcomes Texas Tech to Norman: SoonerSports.com Stoops enjoying solid season despite setbacks: The Oklahoman
Expanded playoffs could fix problems: The Oklahoman
For ex-Sooner Dixon, academics supersede athletics: Tulsa World
OU Notebook -- Pound away: Tulsa World
Tech running game has another gem: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Tech, Sooners bring contrasting offenses: SportingNews.comLabels: Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners, Recruiting
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 12:35 PM |
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesCarl Pendleton finalist for Wuerffel Award: Oklahoma defensive tackle Carl Pendleton has been selected as one of the finalists for the Wuerffel Trophy which is presented annually by the All Sports Association of Walton Beach, Florida. The award is based on academic, athletic and community service performance. Final ballots for the trophy are tabulated the week of Nov. 27 and the winner is announced shortly thereafter. The formal presentation takes place Feb. 16, 2007. Pendleton has gained significant public notice in recent weeks when it was announced that he would forgo his final year of football eligibility to concentrate on graduate school and raising his younger brother. Pendleton has become the legal guardian for his 10-year-old brother, Kierstan. A 3.86 student in sociology with a minor in religious studies, Pendleton expects to graduate in December and will enter graduate school at OU. In addition to his candidacy for the Wuerffel Trophy, Pendleton is nominated for the NCAA's Today's Top VIII Award, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Bobby Bowden Award, the Football Writers' Association of America Courage Award and the John Wooden Citizenship Cup presented by Athletes for a Better World. Pendleton already has been named a recipient of the National Football Foundation's Post-Graduate Scholarship, an award of $18,000. He will travel to New York in December to receive that honor. (SoonerSports PR)Labels: Award, Carl Pendleton
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 5:10 PM |
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Dallas Voters pass Cotton Bowl Bond, includes dome study: Deep within a multimillion-dollar contract to renovate Dallas' Cotton Bowl is an easily overlooked item that may resurrect an otherwise defunct idea from last decade -- doming the stadium. The $30,000 study would investigate options for covering the Cotton Bowl with a permanent roof or something semi-permanent, such as an inflatable, retractable or removable dome. The Dallas City Council is scheduled to vote today on the contract, which taps Atlanta-based Heery International Inc. to coordinate the estimated $45.5 million in Cotton Bowl design and construction work. The vote was scheduled to come the day after Dallasites were expected to approve $30 million in Cotton Bowl renovation bond funding to augment millions of dollars that the city and State Fair of Texas already have fronted. These funds will provide a bevy of new amenities for the 76-year-old facility -- seats, scoreboard, bathrooms, concession areas and locker rooms, among others -- and increase its capacity to more than 92,000 fans. It does not, however, allocate funds for doming the stadium. City leaders fear that without some way to keep out wind and cold, the Cotton Bowl will lose its namesake AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic college football game to the Dallas Cowboys' domed stadium in Arlington, which is scheduled to open in three years. (More at Dallas Morning News)Bob Stoops among 10 finalist for Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops is one of 10 finalists named today for the inaugural Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, which honors the college football coach who best exemplifies responsibility and excellence on and off the field of play. The other candidates are Mack Brown (Texas), Lloyd Carr (Michigan), Danny Hale (Bloomsburg), Bobby Petrino (Louisville), Greg Schiano (Rutgers), Jeff Tedford (California), Mel Tjeerdsma (Northwest Missouri State), Jim Tressel (Ohio State) and Tommy Tuberville (Auburn). "More than a quarter-million fan votes were cast and nearly 80,000 fan testimonials were submitted supporting hundreds of coaches from every level of NCAA competition. We think each finalist embodies what makes this award different than any other: responsibility -- not only to his own team and players, but also to his institution and in society," said Paul Condrin, Liberty Mutual president, Personal Markets. "Honoring responsible coaching is a celebration of the positive influence sports coaches – at every level – can have on young people, their families and entire communities." Selected based on professional competence and achievement in 2006, commitment to the well-being and development of student-athletes, high ethical standards, and civic and charitable stewardship, the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year will receive $100,000 to support civic and charitable activities. In addition, Liberty Mutual will grant $20,000 in scholarship to the alumni association of the winning coach's school. Each of the 10 finalists scored in the top 20 percent of the online fan vote within his division during the first phase of competition (September 8 -- November 6). The public can again log onto www.coachoftheyear.com through November 20 to review bios and fan testimonials supporting each candidate and vote for their selection for the award winner, which will be revealed on December 16, 2006. (SoonerSports PR)Patrick expected to play: OU tailback Allen Patrick, who injured his ankle on his final carry at Texas A&M last week, returned to practice Wednesday. "He did a little bit today. We want to be careful how much," Stoops said. "He'll get more tomorrow. He said he was feeling better and better, so we anticipate him being ready to play." (Tulsa World)Pendleton FWAA Courage Award nominee: Oklahoma defensive tackle Carl Pendleton is this week's nominee for the FedEx Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award to be announced at the end of the 2006 season. Pendleton, a junior and a three-year starter, has decided to forgo his senior year of eligibility - but not to turn pro. Instead, Pendleton, who will graduate in December, will continue his education and focus on caring for his 10-year-old brother, Kierstan. He became Kierstan's legal guardian recently while their parents sort through a difficult divorce. Pendleton, who carries a 3.86 grade-point average in sociology with a minor in religious studies, will pursue a graduate degree. In October, he was awarded an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. "With the responsibility of raising my younger brother, I realize football is not the best choice for me," Pendleton said. "Football was a way for me to get my education." Pendleton, a regular speaker at Fellowship of Christian Athletes functions, teaches Sunday school each week at a Norman church. This month, he is taking over responsibility for the church's ministry to fifth- and sixth-graders. (SoonerSports.com)OU notebook: The OklahomanThe list: Best OU backup tailbacks: The OklahomanRunning Away: The OklahomanSooner DBs fired up to face Tech Oklahoma at Texas Tech: The Oklahoman Reggie Smith Video Journal No. 5: SoonerSports.comHe means business: Tulsa WorldKnow the Foe: Texas Tech Red Raiders: Tulsa WorldThe List: Tulsa WorldOU Notebook: Stoops a finalist: Tulsa WorldQuestions with Paul Thompson: Tulsa WorldSooners secondary is better later: Dallas Morning NewsSooners have Tech's number: Dallas Morning NewsLabels: Allen Patrick, Bob Stoops, Carl Pendleton, Cotton Bowl, Dallas Bond
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 8:29 AM |
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesStoops provides some "Coffee Talk" on playoff system: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops provided water-cooler chatter Tuesday, saying the idea of a playoff system is growing on him. The coach said he isn't lobbying to junk the Bowl Championship Series for a straight playoff, but he understands where it could be beneficial. "You see, more and more, some of the valid reasons why maybe it would be good," he said. "I'm not saying I'm for it. I'm on the fence right now." The Sooners (7-2, 4-1 Big 12) face an uphill battle to reach a fifth BCS bowl in seven years. They're ranked 17th in the BCS standings and would need a lot of help to receive an at-large berth. Oklahoma, which started the season ranked No. 10, fell as far as No. 23 after its loss to Texas. Its only other loss was a controversial one at Oregon. Pac-10 officials ruled after the game that a late onside kick should have been awarded to the Sooners, who would have been able to run out the clock and win. Stoops doesn't believe pollsters have ignored that loss. "In the end, everything is slotted by wins and losses. End of story," he said. "I knew when it happened that that's how it was going to be. In the end, you are not given any credit for playing a tough schedule or winning in a tight game." (Star-Telegram) More Brown this week? Bob Stoops on Chris Brown: "He's getting more and more (work) in practice, closer and closer. We anticipate playing him this week and in the coming weeks," Stoops said. "You manage the games as they come. You don't have a set number (of carries) that they're going to get. I'm not second-guessing the way we played him one bit." Brown may be the only choice this week. Allen Patrick sprained his ankle at A&M, and may not be 100 percent for Texas Tech. (Tulsa World)Patrick Injury update, held out of Practice: Oklahoma running back Allen Patrick suffered a sprained ankle last Saturday against Texas A&M and was held out of practice Monday and Tuesday. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson expects him to play Saturday against Texas Tech. However, he's concerned Patrick won’t be at full speed. "My concern is how efficient will he be Saturday," he said. "I think you play well when you practice well. It will be interesting to see how much we can get him as the week goes on." Patrick has rushed for 440 yards over the last three games while starter Adrian Peterson waits for a broken collarbone to heal. (Norman Transcript)Nothing new on Peterson: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson was asked to provide an Adrian Peterson update Tuesday. "I hear what you guys hear when they ask him on the replay of the TV (broadcast)," Wilson said. "He acts like he feels good. He was running down the field when (Patrick) had his knees up (on his nullified 78-yard touchdown at A&M), sprinting down the sideline. "He says he's doing some things for range of motion and strengthening. But I don't have an idea if it looks like for sure he's going to be back, or if it looks like for sure he's not going to be. We'll see where he is in the weeks to come." (Tulsa World)Pendleton in SI on newsstands now: OU defensive tackle Carl Pendleton and his 10-year-old adopted brother, Kierstan, will be featured in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated. Carl Pendleton recently received an $18,000 scholarship grant from the National Football Foundation, which will allow him to continue with school and care for Kierstan, who lives with him in Norman, while Carl's parents are going through a divorce. The magazine is available at newsstands today. (NewsOK.com)Birdine on Texas Tech win last year: Some Oklahoma players chose not to discuss what happened in last year's 23-21 loss at Texas Tech. Not Larry Birdine. "I was watching from the house, and I had front-row seats," said Birdine, a senior defensive end who was injured last season. "We got screwed. Everybody knew we got screwed. So many e-mails that we got showed clearly that it was short. "But I'm not the one to cry over spilled milk." (Dallas Morning News)Stoops' A&M call Coaches Call of the Week by ESPN's Pat Forde: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops (38) going for fourth-and-inches at his own 29 with 90 seconds to play, up one on Texas A&M. It worked, of course, and the Sooners are 7-2. (ESPN.com)
Sooners hyped for Red Raider visit: SoonerSports.com
OU defense focused on Texas Tech: SoonerSports.com OU still irked: The Oklahoman
Stoops warming up to playoff system?: The Oklahoman
Sooners still want to pass: Norman Transcript
Stoops needs to get off the fence: Norman Transcript
Sooners ramp up rushing yardage without Peterson: Tulsa World
Incidents pad Stoops' playoff philosophy: Tulsa World
Patrick expected to play: Tulsa World
Birdine has a theory: Tulsa World
Patrick keeps Sooners' rushing attack moving along: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Around the Big 12: USA Today
Labels: Adrian Peterson, Allen Patrick, Bob Stoops, Chris Brown, ESPN, Injuries, Injury, Larry Birdine, Playoff System, Sports Illustrated
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 9:55 AM |
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesKelly happy with win: Malcolm Kelly on win against Texas A&M despite one catch: "You play receiver because you want to catch the ball," said Kelly, who a week ago became the fastest Sooner to reach 1,000 career receiving yards. "For me to say that any receiver doesn't get mad if they don't catch a pass, then I'm not telling the truth about that. "We did what we had to do. I'd rather come away with a win. You can catch seven or eight balls a game, but then you're 0-10. That doesn't really do that much good."(NewsOK.com)Sooners Holiday Food Drive: The University of Oklahoma football program will again take an active role in a local holiday food drive. It is the seventh year the team has participated. The main part of that drive comes this Saturday when $1 donations will be accepted from fans prior to the OU-Texas Tech game. The project originated with Josh Heupel while he was quarterback for the Sooners in 2000. He began helping just a few families and then formed the 14 Foundation to support the project each year. The Holiday Food Drive has grown to helping hundreds of families in Norman and now includes the 14 Foundation, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Regional Food Bank and Oklahoma Public Schools. This year, the project has targeted 500 families in seven different communities across Oklahoma. Families have been chosen in Ada, Ardmore, Enid, Lawton, Norman, Moore and Stillwater. The food that is provided is enough to feed a family of four for a week, as well as provide a Thanksgiving meal. (SoonerSports.com)
Sooners turn attention to Tech: SoonerSports.com
What about the passing game: Norman TranscriptSooner offensive line has done a lot of growing up: The Oklahoman
OU Notebook -- Coach of the Year: Tulsa World
Sittler's Big 12 Rankings: Tulsa World
OU's task -- Cool down Tech's QB: Tulsa World
Coaches' dissatisfaction frustrates Sooners' Kelly: Tulsa World
Fourth down was statement time for OU: Dallas Morning News
Tech's Harrell has found a groove: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Sooners sure to be hyped for Tech game in Norman: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Red Raider football notebook: Lubbock Avalanche-JournalLabels: Charity, Malcolm Kelly, University of Oklahoma
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 11:30 AM |
Monday, November 06, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Injury Report: The Sooners emerged from a rugged game at A&M with some hurts, but no apparent major injuries. On Sunday, Bob S toops said Patrick (ankle sprain) should be "fine" and offensive guard Brandon Walker (shoulder) was not believed to be serious. Walker, who left the game at one point, returned and finished on the field, as did linebacker Zach Latimer (neck). (NewsOK.com)Peterson targets Bedlam return: Injured OU running back Adrian Peterson said Saturday he wants to return for the regular-season finale vs. Oklahoma State on Nov. 25. "Hopefully Oklahoma State, that's a possibility," Peterson said during a sideline interview with ABC. "But I've got to check with the doctors, take X-rays and see how it heals." (Dallas Morning News)Lack of execution in second half: OU's offensive line opened gaping holes for running back Allen Patrick in the early going, leading to two scoring drives and 101 rushing yards for Patrick — in the first quarter. The success slowed in the second half, with the Sooners managing only 29 of its 224 rushing yards over the final two periods. "Just us not executing as cleanly," OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. "And they did a better job of getting off blocks and playing physical." (NewsOK.com)Venables praises Holmes: Oklahoma cornerback Lendy Holmes made one of the biggest defensive plays of the season Saturday, and it came on Texas A&M's longest gain of the night. Aggies tailback Michael Goodson ran by safety Nic Harris on an option and sped for 58 yards on his second play from scrimmage. The run would have covered 71 yards, and scored a touchdown, had Holmes not hustled after Goodson and caught him from behind. "Tremendous," OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables said Sunday. "Just a great effort play. A great example. It will be a tremendous teaching tool on why you don't ever give up on a play." (Tulsa World)OU-Baylor game set for 11 AM FSN: The Big 12 Conference announced Monday that OU's football game at Baylor on Nov. 18 will kick off at 11 a.m. and will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net. With the announcement, FSN is scheduled to televise the Sooners' three remaining regular-season games. (SoonerSports PR)
Risky Business: Norman Transcript
Texas Tech at a glance: The Oklahoman
OU's bowl prospects and calls at Kyle Field: The OklahomanStoops deserves recognition: The Oklahoman
Strange sequence of plays may define year: Tulsa World
OU Scouting Report -- Texas Tech: Tulsa World
OU Three questions: Tulsa World
Around the Big 12: Dallas Morning News
Big 12 has been wild, unpredictable: Dallas Morning News
Challenges lie ahead for Tech: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Labels: Adrian Peterson, Baylor, Bedlam, Lendy Holmes, Offense Line
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 1:02 PM |
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Sooners Edge Aggies 17-16: Facing fourth-and-inches from his own 29 with 1:29 left, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops wanted to punt to protect a one-point lead against Texas A&M. "The second I said punt it, I looked at all the offensive guys in their eyes, then I thought 'I can't punt it,"' Stoops said.The gamble paid off for the 18th-ranked Sooners, who got the first down they needed to wrap up a 17-16 victory over the 21st-ranked Aggies on Saturday night.Paul Thompson's second effort on a sneak gave Oklahoma (7-2, 4-1 Big 12) the first down, but the play ended up being moot. Texas A&M (8-2, 4-2) - home of the 12th man - was called for having 12 men on the field, giving the Sooners a first down and the ability to run out the clock."That's what we wanted," Thompson said of the call. "We didn't want to give the ball back and allow them to score."The Sooners won their fourth straight in Stoops' 100th game at Oklahoma while breaking a four-game winning streak by the Aggies. (AP/FOXSports.com)Oklahoma-Texas Tech game 6:00 PM FSN: Fox Sports announced that it will televise Oklahoma's final home game of the 2006 season on Saturday, Nov. 11. The Sooners host Texas Tech at 6 p.m. at Owen Field. The OU-Texas Tech game extends the streak of Sooner games on TV to 53. FSN is Cox channel 37 in the Oklahoma City market and channel 27 in the Tulsa market. (SoonerSports PR)Stoops on 4th down, fourth quarter call: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops on fourth down, and inches with 89 seconds remaining: "In the end, I just felt, 'Hey, you know what, we've got to be able to make an inch,' " Stoops reasoned in postgame. "Bottom line, they had the wind. I'm not gonna give them a chance (with the ball back). I just felt we were gonna make it." (Tulsa World)AP 46th rusher to rack up 100 rushing yards in quarter: [Allen] Patrick's 101 yards in the first quarter marked the 46th time in OU history a player has rushed for 100 or more yards in a quarter. His 101 yards in the first quarter ranks 39th on that list. The record for most yards in a quarter is held by Adrian Peterson who rushed for 161 yards against Oklahoma State in the third quarter of the 2004 game. (Oklahoma Notes)Adrian Out of Sling: Adrian Peterson (broken collarbone) is no longer wearing a sling. There has been no official update on when he might return, but he might be able to play in OU's Nov. 25 finale at Oklahoma State. (Star-Telegram)Nic Harris taunting penalty: OU defensive back Nic Harris was flagged for taunting after tackling Texas A&M's Martellus Bennett in the first quarter. Harris stood over Bennett and made a ripping gesture with his arms. Coach Bob Stoops was quick to get in the face of Harris when he came to the sideline after the play. (NewsOK.com)OU Rushing attack: OU recorded its second-highest rushing total of the season with 224 yards. Last week, the Sooners rushed for a season-best 231 yards. (Oklahoma Notes)Walker Early Injury: [Brandon] Walker injured his shoulder on the game's first play from scrimmage, and gave way to Brian Simmons over the next four plays. Then Walker returned, as he did after injuring his shoulder last week, and went right back to banging. The majority of Patrick's first-half carries were over OU's left side. But Walker pulled from the right to throw lead blocks on several plays, including Patrick's 1-yard touchdown plunge for the game's first points. (Tulsa World)Holding on: Norman TranscriptIt's always something with these Sooners: Norman TranscriptOU's defense had an answer for whatever the Aggies tried: Norman TranscriptPeterson back by Bedlam: The OklahomanGame Balls: The OklahomanGrading the performances: The OklahomanSooners had just enough offense down the stretch: The OklahomanStoops gambles game on single play, but it worked: The OklahomanSooners sneak by Aggies on critical fourth down: Tulsa WorldBoth teams gambled, OU made better choice: Tulsa WorldDefense digs in, kills Aggies' drives: Tulsa WorldTwo Minute Drill: Tulsa WorldOklahoma stops A&M's four-game winning streak: Bryan College Station EagleWhatever Stoops was thinkig, it worked: Bryan College Station EagleOU running back shines: Bryan College Station Eagle12th man can't save A&M: Dallas Morning NewsSooners give lift to A&M: Dallas Morning NewsOU keeps on grinding, wins with a final push: Dallas Morning NewsOU runs to early lead, escapes at end: Ft. Worth Star-TelegramNo late-game magic for A&M this time: Houston ChronicleSooners trip up A&M: San Antonio Express-NewsWith no guts, Franchione doesn't get any glory: San Antonio Express-NewsSooners shun pass to run over Aggies: San Antonio Express-NewsAggies stopped inches short: Austin American-StatesmanLabels: Adrian Peterson, Allen Patrick, Bob Stoops, Brandon Walker, Gametime, Injury, Nic Harris, Texas A M, Texas Tech
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 2:35 PM |
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Top 25 match-up: Saturday's game will be the first between AP Top 25 teams at Kyle Field since the Oklahoma-Texas A&M match-up in 2004. Oklahoma, then No. 2, beat No. 22 A&M 42-35 after being down by 14 points on three occasions.
A Sooners' Commitment breaks National Record: Heritage Hall senior Jimmy Stevens set the national high school record for career field goals on Friday night. Stevens kicked a 26-yarder in the second quarter during the Chargers' district game against Bethel in Oklahoma City. The field goal was the 49th of Stevens' career. He passed previous record holders Brian Bond of Hacienda Heights, Calif., and Tomas Sanchez of Arlington Heights, Texas. The game was stopped after the record-setting kick as school officials honored Stevens, who has orally committed to the University of Oklahoma. (NewsOK.com)Franchione excited about spotlight: To hear Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione, the Sooners will have a lot to contend with tonight. "I'll bet that I will not have seen Kyle Field like we're going to see it Saturday night since I've been here," Franchione said last week, "and I've seen it pretty good sometimes. I have a feeling Saturday night's going to be special." Might any of that have to do with ESPN's College GameDay presence in College Station? "It's neat to be at the center of the college football universe for a day," Franchione said. "But you know, these are frills. They're just extra benefits. We've got to stay focused on what we have to do to get this team ready to play." (Tulsa World)OU faces chore in A&M option: Norman Transcript
OU a story in trends: Norman Transcript
Aggie QB offers stiff challenge: Tulsa World
Do us a solid, Texas, and let our teams win: Tulsa World
Sooners have turned into what they had planned: The Oklahoman
Bowl picture still cloudy for OU, OSU: The Oklahoman
Aggies, Oklahoma set for tough battle: The Bryan College Station Eagle
November's no friend of the Aggies: The Bryan College Station Eagle
Gameday Rundown: The Bryan College Station Eagle
Keys to the Game: The Bryan College Station Eagle
Who has the edge?: The Bryan-College Station Eagle
A&M keeping a tight grip: Dallas Morning News
OU at A&M preview: Dallas Morning News
As Calendar hits November, A&M often skids: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Big 12 Previews: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Confidence high as Oklahoma leads finishing schedule: Houston Chronicle
After tonight, season darkens for A&M or OU: San Antonio Express-News
Aggies have 2-8 November record under Franchione: Austin American-StatesmanLabels: Commitment, Dennis Franchione, Texas A M
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 9:04 AM |
Friday, November 03, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Hartley among Groza Semifinalist: Oklahoma kicker Garrett Hartley has been named a semifinalist for the 2006 Lou Groza Award by the Palm Beach County Sports Institute and Sports Commission. The honor is presented annually to the nation's top placekicker. Twenty players have advanced to the semifinal round. The winner will be announced Dec. 7 during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show. Hartley, a junior from Southlake, Texas, has been brilliant through the first eight games. He has made 14-of-15 field goals and all 29 of his point after touchdown kicks. His lone miss came at Oregon when, after kicking a career-high four field goals, his final attempt of the game was blocked. Hartley ranks No. 4 in nationally in field goals made per game at 1.75 and No. 14 in scoring with 8.88 points per game. His field goals made percentage of .933 ranks first among kickers with more than 10 makes. A group of head coaches, sports writers and sportscasters, conference representatives, professional kickers and previous Groza Award finalists vote on the honor. (SoonerSports PR)
More Brown to Come: Both Stoops and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson anticipate the reappearance of tailback Chris Brown, the true freshman who carried four times late against Colorado two weeks ago, but did not get in the game at Missouri. "It wasn't like he had a bad week or anyone was upset with him," Wilson said. "I think we just got into a deal where on the road, in a close game, ball security (was an issue). Us as coaches were being a little cautious." Wilson said running backs coach Cale Gundy determines game-day reps for the tailbacks. "I was surprised probably like a lot of people that Chris Brown wasn't in," Wilson said. "But at the same time, the way it worked out, we didn't need him." (Tulsa World)
College GameDay from College Station FYI: The show will be carried from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fans are encouraged to be at the site as early as 6 a.m. and will be allowed into the area at 7 a.m. No tents or alcohol are permitted, and signs will be inspected.
Sooners set for tilt with Texas A&M: SoonerSports.com
OU Football Notebook: The Oklahoman
Herbstreit will call the OU-Texas A&M game : The Oklahoman
Q&A with Kirk Herbstreit: The Oklahoman
Aggies' Kyle Field a source of weakness for OU: The Oklahoman
The Kyle Field factor: The Oklahoman
OU's Patrick a pleasant surprise: Dallas Morning News
Are Aggies good after all?: Waco Tribune
Turnaround for Texas A&M: USA Today
A&M finds late better than never on defense: San Antonio Express-News
Aggies should have just enough to down OU: San Antonio Express-NewsLabels: Chris Brown, College GameDay, ESPN, Garrett Hartley, Semi Finalist
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 9:13 AM |
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesPatrick's confidence building: Rush job Sooners running back Allen Patrick said his comfort level improved along with his production from his first start against Colorado to last week's game at Missouri. "My first week, I was just coming out trying to get some yards, running downhill," Patrick said. "The second game, I tried to slow it down a little bit, read the hole, but I'm still trying to run downhill at the same time. That's my style, running downhill." (NewsOK.com)ABC Oklahoma-Texas A&M Coverage Map: ABC released its coverage map for the OU-Texas A&M game scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Kyle Field in College Station. It's the 52nd consecutive TV game for Oklahoma football. The Oklahoma-Texas A&M will be broadcast to 43% of the nation. Complete states receiving the game include Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas. In addition, most of New Mexico, Wyoming, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi will receive the game. Major metro areas covered include Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Chicago, New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Omaha, Columbus, Cincinnati, Louisville, Detroit, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Memphis and Denver. The eastern seaboard will receive the Virginia Tech at Miami game while the West Coast receives UCLA at California. (SoonerSports PR - ABC Coverage Map on ESPN.com)Holmes getting better every game: Norman Transcript
Bedlam bizarro?: The OklahomanFranchione says McGee run lifted Aggies: The Oklahoman
Former Sooner reinstated: Tulsa World
Kelly leads OU just days after grandfather's death: Tulsa World
OU Notebok -- Stat pack: Tulsa World
Know the foe -- Texas A&M Aggies: Tulsa World
Memorable Kyle Field Shootouts: Tulsa World
A&M hopes to avoid another dead end: Dallas Morning News
Aggies prepared for final mont of season: Bryan College Station Eagle
For Aggies, it's a whole other story after halftime: Austin American-Statesman
OU defense returns to form after shaky start: Houston Chronicle
Labels: Allen Patrick, Texas A M
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 9:28 AM |
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesBomar , Quinn ruled ineligible and pay money back: Former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar was ruled ineligible Wednesday to play for Sam Houston State this season but will return in 2007 with two years of eligibility remaining. Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn were kicked off the Sooners' squad in August for accepting payment for more work than they performed at a car dealership, a violation of NCAA rules. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Bomar transferred to Sam Houston and Quinn to Montana, both Division I-AA schools. Quinn also was ruled ineligible by the NCAA this year but will be allowed to play next season, Montana associate athletic director Dave Guffey said. Bomar must pay $7,406.88 and Quinn must pay $8,137.17 to charities of their choice for receiving wages for work not performed. "I am happy to get this behind me," said Bomar, who has been allowed to practice with the Bearkats. "I look forward to having the opportunity to represent Sam Houston State. This decision today will help take the focus off me and put the focus on the team." "Obviously, we would have liked for him to able to play in games this season," Sam Houston coach Todd Whitten said. "But, with his experience working with the squad this fall and spring training ahead next year, we look forward to having him as a Bearkat for the next two seasons." (AP/KHOU) Labels: JD Quinn, NCAA Investigation, Rhett Bomar
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 4:50 PM |
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
A&M-Oklahoma tickets still available: As of late Tuesday, about 1,500 tickets remained for Saturday's game. The $83 tickets can be bought online at AggieAthletics.com or 12thmanfoundation.com or by calling (888) 992-4443.NCAA Bomar Investigation "ongoing": The NCAA's investigation into rules violations by former Oklahoma football players Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn is "ongoing," according to OU athletic director Joe Castiglione. In the notice of inquiry, dated Sept. 20, NCAA director of enforcement Julie Roe said the investigative portion of the process could be completed by today. "That date is just a target," Castiglione said. "It would be great if (the enforcement staff) would hit it, but I don't know if it's possible, or probable."(More at NewsOK.com)Coach Stoops 100th Game, Maybe another 100? Bob Stoops will coach his 100th game at Oklahoma on Saturday. In his eighth season, Stoops, 46, is 81-18 and said Tuesday he could see himself coaching another 100 games at OU. Yet there is speculation that Stoops will leave campus life for the NFL, possibly for the Cowboys if Bill Parcells retires. "I've never tried to speculate on his behalf," OU athletic director Joe Castiglione said. "I do know that he is happy, and that he is very, very focused on how this program can get better, better and better. Likewise, we're trying to match his passion and continue our improvement." (Dallas Morning News)Davis Imitating Lane in practice: OU will use sophomore fullback Alan Davis in practice to emulate Jovorskie Lane, Texas A&M’s 6-4, 274-pound running back, OU head coach Bob Stoops said after practice Monday. Lane has 554 rushing yards on 124 attempts and is tied for second place nationally with 17 touchdowns. The 6-2, 253-pound Davis played last season as a defensive lineman but was converted to fullback this year. (The Oklahoma Daily)Stoops pleased with Dotson: OU defensive end Alonzo Dotson saw his most significant action of the season Saturday at Missouri and came up big for the Sooners, especially on the goal-line stand in the third quarter. "I should have given him a game ball immediately after the game, but sometimes you don't realize it until you watch tape," OU coach Bob Stoops said. "He makes the first three plays on the goal line. All three of them in a row are Alonzo." (NewsOK.com)They know it will be loud: Norman Transcript
Stoops hitting century mark: Norman TranscriptDefense improves as Holmes adjusts to cornerback job: The Oklahoman
Making a difference -- Lendy Holmes: The Oklahoman
At 99 games in, Stoops still cherishes first team: Tulsa World
OU Notebook -- Much more to come?: Tulsa World
Patrick survives hardship and finds home at Oklahoma: Tulsa World
Franchione says McGee's fire making the difference: Bryan College Station Eagle
Aggies prepare for OU and ESPN for big game: Austin American-Statesman
Here and now remains primary focus for Sooners: San Antonio Express News
Aggies face fearsome threesome: Houston Chronicle
Receiver looking to go deep at A&M: Ft. Worth Star-TelegramLabels: Alonzo Dotson, Bob Stoops, NCAA Investigation, Rhett Bomar, Texas A M, Tickets
posted by Gilbert Sam, Jr. @ 9:43 AM |
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