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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 | |
