OU Tickets Commemorating Oklahoma's Centennial: With the 2007 football season opener just weeks away, anticipation is mounting for fans awaiting the arrival of their season tickets. Tickets are scheduled to be mailed out at the end of this week. Featuring the official logo adopted by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission commemorating the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma's statehood, the 2007 Sooner football tickets link the impact each institution has had on the other. As stated on the tickets, while the Sooners actually pre-date Oklahoma's admittance to the Union by 13 years, the two have reveled in each other's success and pulled from each other's strength for so long that they are now nearly one in the same. For many, you can't say 'Oklahoma' without saying 'Sooners'. The 2007 tickets feature a selection of record-setting team and individual performances from Oklahoma's football tradition. (SoonerSports.com)
Former Sooner Cody may miss entire NFL season: [Dan] Cody, who is in his third season with the Ravens, will sit out the next four weeks. He hyperextended his right knee and tore cartilage during a non-contact drill on May 20. He told The Sun he had his knee scoped two weeks ago. If his knee doesn't improve, he could have surgery, which would force him to miss the season. (NewsOK.com)
Reminder Oklahoma Football Single Game Tickets on sale Tomorrow: As previously posted.. Tickets for the 2007 Oklahoma home football games will go on sale Wednesday, August 1 at 8 a.m. Fans may purchase tickets online at SoonerSports.com or by calling 800-456-GoOU. Due to the high volume of calls expected, fans are encouraged to make their purchases online. Beginning at 10 a.m., tickets will also be available for purchase in person at the Athletics Ticket Office located on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue parking garage. Athletics department officials anticipate that a limited number of tickets will be available for each of the seven home games. The tickets, which range in price from $47 - $77, will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. (SoonerSports PR)
Former Sooner T. Harris proclaims himself "Real Deal': Tommie Harris sang in the huddle and made it clear he would like to be known as the "Real Deal." The Chicago Bears' Pro Bowl defensive tackle was ready to perform when training camp opened and that's because he showed up healthy. "I'm basically full tilt, something they better be aware of," the former Oklahoma standout said. Although the Bears got to the Super Bowl after Harris suffered a season-ending hamstring injury last season, they realize his health will go a long way toward determining whether they make another run. Harris said "Real Deal” was his nickname in high school, and he would repeat it to himself after breaking the huddle during his first three years with the Bears. Now, he's going public with it. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesFormer OU Star Adrian Peterson signs with Vikings: The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with 1st-round draft choice RB Adrian Peterson (#7 overall) from Oklahoma. The Vikings have now signed/agreed to terms with all 8 of their draft picks from the 2007 NFL Draft. (Vikings.com)
Peterson signs five-year, maximum $40 million possible: The No. 7 overall draft pick ended his brief three-day holdout on Sunday when he [Adrain Peterson] signed a five-year, $40.5 million contract with $17 million in guaranteed money."It's about time," Taylor said Sunday with a chuckle after the Vikings wrapped up their fifth training camp practice without his new backfield mate. "We need him out here so we can groove our offense even better with him coming back. So I'm just looking forward to him taking the field." (AP/Forbes)
Contract a six-year deal? Although avoidable: He [Peterson] was traveling to the Twin Cities from Norman, Okla., Sunday evening to sign a deal that would pay him a maximum of $40 million if he reaches all of its incentives.The Vikings guaranteed Peterson $17 million over the course of the deal, a critical figure for running backs, who typically have shorter-than-average careers in the NFL. Although the contract technically spans six years, the final year is voidable and exists mostly for salary cap purposes. If he reaches none of the incentives but plays five years, Peterson will earn about $25 million. (Star-Tribune)
OU-ND home-and-home series set for 2012 and 2013: The University of Oklahoma and Notre Dame are planning for two football games, one in Norman in 2012 and one in South Bend, Ind., in 2013. Kenny Mossman, Oklahoma's sports information director, said the two schools are in discussions but have not signed a contract, while Notre Dame sports information director John Heisler said his school "has reached a deal with OU" to play the two contests. Notre Dame athletic director Kevin White previously announced that Oklahoma would replace Michigan for two years after the current contract between Notre Dame and Michigan expires in 2011. White said the goal was to play in different parts of the country in an attempt to return Notre Dame to its independent roots. Heisler said his school has wanted to play the Sooners again ever since the two teams met in 1999 in South Bend. Notre Dame won that game 34-30. It was the first time the two schools had played in 31 years. "We've been talking about this for a long time," Heisler said. "It was just complicated." (AP/ESPN.com)
Smith and Harris on Thorpe watch list: Oklahoma cornerback Reggie Smith and safety Nic Harris are both on the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award. The list was derived through a point system based on preseason All-America teams listed in various football publications. The Thorpe Award, based in Oklahoma City, is presented annually to the nation's best college defensive back. It is named after Jim Thorpe, considered by many to be history's greatest all-around athlete. Oklahoma players have won the Thorpe Award three times. Rickey Dixon won it in 1987 before Roy Williams claimed it in 2001 and Derrick Strait in 2003. Harris, a junior from Alexandria, La., saw action in 13 games last season with eight starts. He accumulated 68 tackles to go with a team-high four interceptions. Smith, a junior from Edmond, Okla., spent last season at safety before moving to corner in the spring. In 2006, he was a first-tam All-Big 12 selection by the Associated Press after notching 40 tackles. He also interception three passes, which he returned for 94 yards and one touchdown. The watch list is narrowed to 10 semi-finalists the first Monday in November and then to three finalists the Monday before Thanksgiving. The winner is announced on ESPN's College Football Awards Show, nationally telecast on December 6. The official presentation of the award will be in Oklahoma City on February 12. (SoonerSports PR)
Eldridge on Mackey watch list: Oklahoma's Brody Eldridge has been named to the preseason watch list for the Mackey Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate tight end. A total of 31 players are on the initial list for consideration for the award, which is presented by the Nassau (NY) County Sports Commission. An Oklahoma player has never won the award, although Trent Smith was one of three finalists in 2002. Eldridge, a sophomore from La Cygne, Kan., played in 14 games last season with seven starting assignments. Often referred to by Sooner coaches as one of the team's best blockers, Eldridge caught three passes for 18 yards. The Mackey Award will be presented in mid-December. It is named for former Colts great John Mackey. (SoonerSports PR) Texas coach Brown sees a balanced Big 12: The Oklahoman
Adrian Peterson expected to remain unsigned after start of camp: The Vikings' contract negotiations with the top of their draft class intensified on Monday, but it seemed unlikely that first-round pick Adrian Peterson would be among the players reporting to training camp Wednesday at Minnesota State Mankato. Talks with cornerback Marcus McCauley, the Vikings' third-round pick, and second-round receiver Sidney Rice were more advanced as of Monday evening. At the very least, both players seem on track to participate in the Vikings' opening practice Friday morning. Players are due in Mankato for a full day of meetings Thursday. (Star-Tribune)
OU starting QB job not about arm strength: "It's not about how hard you throw it," Finley said. "It's about whether you get it there on time. Jason White couldn't throw the ball near as hard as Keith can, but Jason put it there, right where it needed to be, right on time." (NewsOK.com)
McEachern expected to quit team: Stoops said he might be auditioning holders for extra points and field goals this fall after fourth-string quarterback Hays McEachern -- the team's holder as a sophomore all of last season -- informed him this summer that he plans to quit football. "Hays, right now, is thinking he's not going to play this year," Stoops said. "He's getting a little older and is concentrating on his school work. I'm hoping he'll change his mind, but right now, that's not likely." (NewsOK.com)
Reynolds recovery on time:Stoops said he expects linebacker Ryan Reynolds to be ready to start the season. Reynolds missed last season after tearing his ACL just after the completion of spring practice and then underwent more surgery on an LCL injury this spring. (Dallas Morning News)
Former OU player Quinn Arrested: Montana lineman J.D. Quinn, who transferred from Oklahoma after being kicked off the team there, was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Montana coach Bobby Hauck didn't release details Monday of the junior offensive lineman's arrest, saying only that disciplinary action will be taken. "As always, there will be firm disciplinary measures taken, and those measures will be handled within our football team," Hauck said in a statement. "One of the disciplinary actions will include mandatory alcohol counseling." Missoula Police Lt. Mike Brady said Quinn was pulled over for speeding at 2:39 a.m. Sunday. Police records said Quinn was going 44 mph in a 35 mph zone. (ESPN.com) Weeks ago, you might recall Quinn telling KFOR's Brian Brinkley get a REAL job.
Oklahoma Football Single Game Tickets on sale August 1: Tickets for the 2007 Oklahoma home football games will go on sale Wednesday, August 1 at 8 a.m. Fans may purchase tickets online at SoonerSports.com or by calling 800-456-GoOU. Due to the high volume of calls expected, fans are encouraged to make their purchases online. Beginning at 10 a.m., tickets will also be available for purchase in person at the Athletics Ticket Office located on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue parking garage. Athletics department officials anticipate that a limited number of tickets will be available for each of the seven home games. The tickets, which range in price from $47 - $77, will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. (SoonerSports PR)
Oklahoma home games are as listed: Sat, Sep 1 North Texas Sat, Sep 8 Miami (Fla.) Sat, Sep 15 Utah State Sat, Oct 13 Missouri Sat, Oct 27 Oklahoma State Sat, Nov 3 Texas A&M Sat, Nov 10 Baylor
University of Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops Big 12 Media Day Quotes:
On Oklahoma's Quarterback race: Bob Stoops:I think the big issues I'll address right off the bat is everyone wants to talk about are quarterback situation and everyone wants to know who the guy is. We don't have a timetable. That position, as I keep saying, needs to be earned. I want that position. And we've been fairly successful. I've said this before. We've had four different quarterbacks win four different Big 12 championships. So this isn't anything new to us. We believe that that position needs to have the confidence of the team. Needs to have the respect of the team in the huddle, in the locker room, and you only get that through your time on the field. And they haven't had the time yet.
How does losing Adrian Peterson effect the Oklahoma offense: How will we handle that? But I believe for the most part everyone saw us do that a year ago. We average rushing the ball actually more yards per game without him than we did with him.
Defensive Expectations: Defensively I'm excited about the group of guys that are back. I feel overall the biggest question I think everyone will have will be at linebacker, but with guys like Curtis Lofton, Ryan Reynolds is healing great in a great way, will be set to play.
Q. Bob, can you just kind of take us through your back field and how you would foresee that? How would you like that to develop with Allen and what he did last year, maybe some of the other guys like Chris and DeMarco?
COACH BOB STOOPS: Well, I'd like to see them rush the ball for a bunch of yards. I think in the end, the way we look at it, I don't feel any of those guys have the physical, maybe, prowess that Adrian had, that Adrian Peterson had. The stamina and the strength that he had is very unusual. Adrian could play 60 snaps or more. These guys, I just don't feel their body types through hopefully 14 games will be able to -- so in the end we look to use them, each of them 20, 25 snaps in that kind of way. And Allen Patrick, I think as much as anything they need to be able to take care of the football. And they did a year ago. But Allen Patrick, Chris Brown, had the bulk of the load last year when Adrian went down and did a great job for us. And I expect them to be every bit that good or better with another year. And DeMarco Murray showed great excitement and promise through the spring. Probably showed through the spring to be our biggest play threat with DeMarco back there. And he's up to about 205, 210 pounds. He's put on muscle and looks good. So we'll use him to complement one another. I think in the end it will be better because we'll be able to keep them fresh. A fresh set of legs hitting the defense in a different series I think helps. Via Big12Sports.com
Oklahoma at Big 12 Media Days today: As previously posted.. OU coach Bob Stoops will bring a pair of junior Sooners, defensive back Reggie Smith and wide receiver Malcolm Kelly. Cowboys starting quarterback Bobby Reid won't make the trip, and neither will any of OU's three potential quarterbacks, Sam Bradford, Joey Halzle or Keith Nichol. (NewsOK.com) UPDATED: Players listed to participate in Big 12 Media Days according to Big12Sports.com, Joe Jon Finley, TE; Malcolm Kelly, WR; Marcus Walker, DB.. UPDATED Schedule: • 1:00-1:45 pm - Print • 1:45-2:25 pm - TV • 2:25-3:05 pm - Radio • 3:05-4:05 pm - National TV All-Access video coverage available on Big12Sports.com
Former OU QB Holieway arrested: McIntosh County Sheriff's deputies have arrested former Oklahoma quarterback Jamelle Holieway on a misdemeanor complaint of possession of marijuana. Deputies arrested Holieway, 40, about 2:30 a.m. Saturday after a traffic stop in Eufaula, deputy Tim Turner said. Holieway played for Oklahoma from 1985 to 1988 and was the starting quarterback on the Sooners' 1985 team that won the national title. He remains the only true freshman quarterback in NCAA Division I-A history to start for a national-championship team. (AP/Dallas Morning News)
Stoops speaks about balance between family and work at event: [Bob] Stoops and ESPN's NFL reporter Chris Mortensen were the featured speakers at Friday night's In The Zone event at Mabee Center. In The Zone is a four-hour seminar for men dedicated to uniting them on a spiritual level by appealing to their love of sports. Stoops was warmly received by the nearly 700 people in attendance, many wearing OU attire. (Tulsa World)
Nebraska edges OU in 1978 Showdown: SI asked their writers to share their best games ever seen, #1 ranked Oklahoma vs. #3 ranked Nebraska, November 11, 1978... Lars Anderson describes how Finally, Nebraska got over the Oklahoma hump in '78.
Though, at end of the season, Oklahoma had the final laugh when OU went on to defeat Nebraska in the 1978 Orange Bowl 31-24. We can enjoy that. (Below)
Boren said, "The university has limited its appeal to only two specific areas among several findings made by the NCAA and penalties assessed. We have accepted the large majority of the NCAA's findings and penalties because we agree that the highest possible standards of conduct and ethics should be maintained and that when mistakes are made, even if they are unintentional, institutions must be held accountable.
"I personally feel that the Infractions Committee provided the university with a full and fair opportunity to present its view of the case. I also appreciate the comments made by the committee chairman Paul Dee in saying that the committee took into account the fact that OU investigated and found the evidence of wrong doing in this case, immediately reported the evidence to the NCAA, and acted decisively to permanently remove the players involved from the team.
"Even as we appeal these two limited items, OU will continue its vigorous effort to build a compliance system that is second to none. Almost five years ago, I tasked our Director of Athletics, Joe Castiglione, to develop a set of best practices from other major programs for us to implement. It is ironic that our effort to move employment oversight from the Athletics Department academic office to the compliance office, which was part of our enhanced monitoring plan, resulted in an unintended temporary lapse in recordkeeping as the new plan was being implemented. We agree with the NCAA that this mistake was made, but believe that it was an unintentional mistake and not a failure to monitor, which implies a failure to have a comprehensive monitoring system.
"Almost a year ago, as another part of our enhanced monitoring plan, I directed that the compliance staff be moved for reporting purposes from the Athletics Department to the Office of the General Counsel. This assures the complete independence of the compliance operations. We have continued, even as the current case was pending, to enhance our compliance staff which now has eight full-time professional positions, including three with law degrees, and one part-time employee. Jason Leonard, the executive director, is also an attorney. In addition, electronic software to speedily track all records continues to be substantially upgraded.
"Our goal is to have a compliance program which will be a model for other NCAA member institutions. I hope that the continued upgrading of our compliance system and our quick action in dealing with any wrongdoing has sent a message to the NCAA and to the public that OU has set the highest possible standards for itself. I will always be proud of the immediate action taken by Coach (Bob) Stoops just days before the 2006 season began.
"In addition to the finding on the monitoring issue, we have also served notice today that we will appeal the penalty which involves the vacating of the 2005 record of the team and the coaches. Since two of the players involved have been allowed to play at other schools, I felt an obligation to appeal that part of the ruling which punishes all of those players and coaches who worked so hard and played by the rules. I feel that we would be letting down these student athletes if we did not appeal on that issue." (University of Oklahoma PR)
Media names R. Smith Big XII Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Oklahoma junior cornerback Reggie Smith has been selected as the Big 12’s preseason defensive player of the year by a panel of media who cover the conference. The Big 12 released its preseason team Friday morning, and it included three players from OU and three players from Oklahoma State. Making the first team for the Sooners were Smith – at defensive back and at punt returner – junior offensive lineman Duke Robinson and senior kicker Garrett Hartley. (Tulsa World)
Yahoo! Sports Top 50 Countdown; Oklahoma #9: Oklahoma has so much talent on offense and in the secondary that the Sooners would rank among the favorites to win the national title if they had a standout quarterback. The uncertainty at the quarterback situation prevents us from being quite that optimistic about Oklahoma's chances. Oklahoma overcame instability at the quarterback position to win the Big 12 title last year, but we're forecasting a second-place finish in the Big 12 South this year. Even if they don't win the division, the Sooners have enough firepower to go 11-2 with a BCS at-large invitation or a spot in the Gator Bowl or Cotton Bowl.(Full Preview at Yahoo! Sports)
Sooners picked 2nd in Big XII Preseason Media Poll: Oklahoma is picked to finish second behind Texas in the Big 12 South, according to the Big 12 Conference's preseason media poll. The Sooners got seven first-place votes to Texas' 16. Oklahoma State is picked to finish fourth. (NewsOK.com)
2007 Big 12 Preseason Football Poll (Media Vote) North 1. Missouri (16) - 136 2. Nebraska (8) - 128 3. Kansas State - 88 4. Kansas - 63 5. Colorado - 58 6. Iowa State - 31
It is just a bit unfair that while Stoops sits out there seemingly untouched by the media, other coaches would be fed to the dogs had they run into the same predicament. This is just another case when success directly determines the amount of media praise or criticism that a coach and program will receive in a certain situation.
Does this student recall, Maurice Clarett receiving the REAL preferential treatment from his professors? By allegedly conducting academic fraud, according to the NY Times. To allow Clarett to play in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl against Miami in the National Championship. Don't forget, the thousands in special benefits Clarett received also. I do recall, Jim Tressel and Ohio State receiving a free pass -- especially from ESPN.. It's hypocritical to alleged Stoops has got preferential treatment, only when your coach is the media darling...
Jermie Calhoun talks to the DMN about his Oklahoma opportunity: Jermie Calhoun admits adjusting to small-town life was tough. At 6-0, 210 pounds, with sprinter's speed and 4,234 yards in three seasons, Calhoun is ranked 10th on the rivals.com Rivals100 national recruiting list and is the top player in Texas. He committed to Oklahoma on March 10, spurning Florida, LSU, Alabama and Texas A&M, among others. Calhoun met Peterson on a recruiting visit to Oklahoma. Calhoun said he felt tiny next to Peterson. "He's a beast," Calhoun said. "He makes me look bad. I saw muscles I never knew we had on our bodies." Calhoun said he doesn't want OU fans to expect another Peterson. Calhoun said he's more of a finesse runner, while Peterson attacks. "You can't compare someone to another man," he said. Going into his junior season, Calhoun never thought he'd be the No. 1 running back in the state. When Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops visited Van High School, "It kind of hit me hard," Calhoun said. The school for which Calhoun grew up wanting to play – Texas – didn't offer a scholarship because of academic concerns, [Blake] Pennington said. (In parts and more at Dallas Morning News)
OU Kicker Moreland receives scholarship: Mike McCabe, Prattville High School's kicking coach, held a three-day kicking camp at the school's football practice field over the weekend. McCabe's One on One Kicking School is regarded as one of the elite in the nation. At the weekend camp, two of his students, Matthew Moreland and Dylan Van Fossen received scholarship offers. Moreland will attend the University of Oklahoma, while Dylan Van Fossen will attend Central Oklahoma University on athletic scholarships. (Prattville Progress)
Former OU WR Clayton enters blogosphere: Former Oklahoma WR Mark Clayton has joined other athletes in the world of blogging, check he's blog out at yardbarker.com/users/MarkClayton.
Two huddles remain for Vikings to sign Adrian Peterson: Rookie running back Adrian Peterson has two hurdles remaining before he can join the Vikings next week in training camp: Signing a contract and passing one final physical exam on his mending leftcollarbone. Negotiations on Peterson's rookie deal remain in the early stages, and it is too early to know if a holdout is looming. As for his collarbone, coach Brad Childress said Peterson has suffered no setbacks but that his original rehabilitation plan always has included a late-summer evaluation." We'll have a final discussion on that," Childress said. "He hasn't had any backsteps, put it that way. Doing all your homework on it, it's not something you send back for a bone scan every day to see what it's doing." (Star-Tribune)
Major conferences considering a College Football Final Four?New York Post reports.. Sources in several conference offices, athletic directors and television networks told The Post that support is steadily growing for a "Plus-1," format in which there will be a national championship game following the playing of two "semifinal games." The first title game could be played in 2011. "There haven't been any official discussions among conference commissioners, but the overwhelming sense is that that's where we're headed," one conference source said. "There's simply too much money at stake and there's been too much debate with the current system." Under the new format, the top four teams would be seeded, probably using a voter/computer formula similar to the current BCS system and a sixth major bowl game would be created. (NY Post) Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops has said previously, he's "on the fence" about any college football playoff system.
Filming Underway for 2007 Oklahoma Intro Video: An annual summer tradition at Oklahoma continued Monday as former players returned to campus to join current Sooners in creating the season's pre-game intro videos. Uwe von Schamann, best remembered for his clutch, game-winning kick in the final moments of OU's 1977 game at Ohio State, appropriately kicked off the video shoot Monday morning. Former Sooner greats Rocky Calmus, Jerry Tubbs, Steve Owens, Antonio Perkins, Greg Pruitt, Joe Washington and current running backs Chris Brown, DeMarco Murray and Allen Patrick rounded out the list of participants on the shoot's first day. (SoonerSports.com) Here's a look back at the University of Oklahoma's 2006 football pre-grame intro.
Williams has surgery; expected out six weeks: Oklahoma free safety Darien Williams had surgery on his left foot Monday, but is expected to return in time for the beginning of the regular season. The 5-foot-10, 197-pound Williams could be sidelined as long as six weeks following the surgery to fix a stress fracture, Oklahoma athletic department spokesman Kenny Mossman said. Oklahoma is scheduled to begin fall practice in early August. (SI.com)
Oklahoma's Incoming QB Commitment Jones unfazed by NCAA: His [Landry Jones] commitment to play football at Oklahoma remained firm. His respect for the coaching staff and players didn't budge. He was prepared. "It didn't bother me at all," Jones, a four-star prospect from Artesia (N.M.), said of the penalties levied by the NCAA against OU. "The coaches had already told us what was going to go on through all of this." The prospect continued by saying, "There are three guys battling for a position this year. If I want to come in and hopefully start my freshman year, I have to be focused in the offseason." (NewsOK.com)
Muskogee wide receiver prospect, Jameel Owens told The Oklahoman quote:
"At first I was thinking pretty hard on it. OU is going to be one of the top schools on my lists, but if they would have lost any bowl games, I would have had to change my list. But what they got hit with, it didn't really affect me. Losing two scholarships just means they have to do a better job of recruiting.”
I've been e-mailed and asked. What's the history of NCAA violations involving the University of Oklahoma football team. This includes only major violations (as listed by the NCAA) for football team. The NCAA list six major infractions by the Oklahoma football team dating back to January 1956.
January 11, 1956 - NCAA found University of Oklahoma football team violated improper transportation; extra benefits; improper recruiting inducements.
Result: 1 year Probation
January 11, 1960 - NCAA found University of Oklahoma football team violated improper financial aid; improper recruiting inducements; outside fund; lack of institutional control.
Result: 1 year Probation, 1 year post season ban, 1 year television ban
September 20, 1973 - NCAA found University of Oklahoma football team violated extra benefits; including improper recruiting inducements; lodging, publicity and transportation; tryouts; excessive number of official visits; excessive time for official visits; in addition to academic fraud; eligibility; unethical conduct.
Result: 2 year Probation, 2 year post season ban, 2 year television ban, one assistant football coach not allowed to recruit.
November 11, 1980 - NCAA found University of Oklahoma football team violated improper financial aid; improper recruiting contacts, entertainment and transportation.
Result: Publicly reprimand.
December 19, 1988 - NCAA found University of Oklahoma football team violated improper transportation; extra benefits; complimentary tickets; improper recruiting contacts, employment, entertainment, inducements and transportation; unethical conduct; outside fund; lack of institutional control; certification of compliance. <
