Stoops offers no comment on Jarboe video: After the Josh Jarboe rap/freestyle spread like wildfire, The Oklahoman reports, Coach Bob Stoops is on top of it.
Reminder single-game tickets on sale tomorrow!! Single-game tickets first go on sale Friday morning, Aug. 1, at 12 a.m. on SoonerSports.com. At 8 a.m., tickets will be available by calling the OU Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 456-GoOU or (405) 325-2424. Walk-up sales begin at 10 a.m. at the OU Athletics Ticket Office, located on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue Parking Facility immediately west of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. (SoonerSports PR)
Switzer to appear on TNT's "Saving Grace": [Barry] Switzer will play himself on the Aug. 11 episode of "Saving Grace," the TNT drama that is set in Oklahoma City and stars Holly Hunter as a troubled police detective who is counseled by an angel. "It's over the top," Switzer said. "Holly Hunter's pretty sexy. A rogue. It's about saving a girl that's lost." Switzer obviously knows more about the premise than I do. I haven't seen "Saving Grace," beyond a couple of clips. (The Oklahoman)
OU coaching staff visits Saints camp: University of Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops stood on the sidelines chatting it up with New Orleans coach Sean Payton during kickoff drills. Stoops and a few members of his staff will be at Millsaps [College] over the next few days to watch the Saints practice and sit in on coaches meetings. "If college coaches aren't coming that means they're not really interested in studying what you're doing. So that's not a good thing," Saints coach Sean Payton said. (Alexandria Town Talk)
The controversial 2008 Oklahoma recruit, Josh Jarboe is back at it again after being arrested on gun charges in March. This time freestyling about everything from Atlanta, dreads, and AKS!!It's nothing poetic, nor idea for someone to freestyle about guns [then upload it to YouTube] after their recent past. Luckily for Jarboe in this red-state of Oklahoma, we like our guns, too!
OU single-game tickets available August 1st: Catch the defending back-to-back Big 12 champion Sooner football team during the 2008 season! Single-game tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 1 at midnight on SoonerSports.com. At 8 a.m., tickets will be available by calling the OU Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 456-GoOU or (405) 325-2424. Walk-up sales begin at 10 a.m. at the OU Athletics Ticket Office, located on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue Parking Facility immediately west of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. Prices range from $49-$87 based on the game desired. (SoonerSports PR)
English has emergency appendectomy; expected back by season-opener: Preseason Big 12 defensive player of the year Auston English is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for an emergency appendectomy last weekend in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma sports information director Kenny Mossman said Monday that OU doctors believe English will be ready for the Sooners' opener Aug. 30 against Chattanooga. The Sooners begin preseason team practices next Monday. "The operation is already a week old and he's begun his recuperation," Mossman said. "Our trainers think he can make a complete recovery and be ready for the opening game of the season." (ESPN.com)
Johnson comfortable with move outside: With Malcolm Kelly's early departure to the NFL, Oklahoma has been experimenting with different combinations at receiver. One of those includes sliding senior Manuel Johnson from the slot to wide receiver alongside Juaquin Iglesias. "I like playing outside a tremendous amount," Johnson said. "I'll get a few more touches there." That will also allow offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson to plug potential playmaker Ryan Broyles some in the slot. Broyles impressed during the spring before suffering a broken collarbone. When Johnson is outside, expect Wilson to also put the ball in the hands of running back DeMarco Murray and tight end Jermaine Gresham out of the slot, which won't help the cause of defensive coordinators around the league. (The Oklahoman)
Limited tickets available for 2008 Annual Coach's Luncheon: The 2008 Annual Coach's Luncheon, featuring University of Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops and his coaching staff, will benefit Norman's Secret Santa Program and assist in providing gifts to more than 750 boys and girls in protective custody care of the Department of Human Services' Child Welfare Unit. The luncheon is scheduled 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 7 at Journey Church, and tickets are still available, organizers said. "This event is an annual tradition for the Norman community. Coach Stoops and his staff will outline their plans for the 2008 Sooner football season while promoting a level of excitement that only Sooner football can produce," said Janet Richison of the Citizens Advisory Board of Cleveland County.(Norman Transcript) Individual tickets must be purchased in advance for $25. No tickets available at the door!
ACC proposes standardizing injury reports; Big 12 not interested: For background, the ACC this season has recommended that its teams disclose injuries twice a week. An announcement every Monday would disclose season-ending injuries and upcoming surgeries. A Thursday report would be the standard NFL report: out, doubtful, questionable, probable. There is no penalty for noncompliance. Big 12 policy leaves the reporting of injuries up to each school's discretion, and most of them choose to keep quiet, including Kansas. "There's two sides to that story. Some will tell you if you release injury reports, it keeps undesirables from infiltrating your program to get inside information," KU coach Mark Mangino said. "That could happen. The other thing is, where I stand on it is, the only people who really want to know about injuries are your opponents and gamblers, and why would we want to give it to them?" Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is another who sides with Mangino. He shares the same concerns about gambling, but also worries about his players' health. "It's not professional sports," Stoops said. "If the young guy was out there playing for his school and has no chance of playing in the NFL and he has a bad ankle, why should everybody know going into the game to pick on this guy? They may figure it out in the first quarter, but let them figure it out. "I agree that if a guy for sure is not going to play, then I'm all for letting people know that." (More at Topeka Capital Journal)
Here at the Oklahoma injuries updated at Big 12 media days in Kansas City..
Adron Tennell injury update; Stoops undecided on red-shirt: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops gave an update on junior receiver Adron "Pooh" Tennell of Irving on Wednesday at Big 12 football media days in Kansas City. Tennell, a backup a year ago, tore an ACL in the Sooners' 34-27 loss at Texas Tech late last season. He had surgery and didn't participate in spring practices while he was still recovering. About a month ago, Tennell had a minor setback when he tweaked the injured knee while working out. "He's doing well, still developing and working off that knee injury," Stoops said. Stoops said he's not sure if Tennell will be red-shirted this season. "Right now, I would say no," Stoops said, "but we'll see how he does when we get back." (Dallas Morning News)
DeMarco Murray expected back soon: Bob Stoops said he expects Sooners running back DeMarco Murray, who missed spring drills recuperating from a dislocated kneecap, to be ready when camp opens. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Will Stoops coach another 10-years at OU? NFL in the future? "I don't know, we'll see," Stoops said. "I love what I do. And it's not very often you are with the same president and athletic director for me. I'm very fortunate to work with President Boren and Joe. It's exciting to go to work every day and I love what we're doing. So I could see it, yeah. But you never know what the world gives you." Having three adolescent children kept the NFL from being an attractive opportunity earlier in his career. But Stoops said that could be amended as they grow older. "Who knows? It's not something that today is really intriguing to me with the age of my children and what we're doing right now," Stoops said. "But life changes as you go. You never know what comes." (ESPN.com)
Opening statement: "It's great to be here again. The players we brought are Jon Cooper, starting offensive center, a senior and four-year starter for us; Manuel Johnson, senior wide receiver and also a four-year starter for us. Last year Manny was probably one of the most valuable players of the game three or four times and has consistently done a great job for us. And then defensively, senior safety Nic Harris, who is also a two-year starter and a part-time starter as a freshman. He was an All Big 12 guy a year ago and one of the leaders on our defense.
"I'm excited to be starting my 10th season. I would also like to note that in those 10 years I've had the same president and the same athletics director and that's really special. I feel very fortunate to have had the success we have had and work with the people we have and a great group of players. You'll hear from three of them here representing the team at some point today. So thanks again."
Q. On having three of his former assistants now being head coaches in the Big 12:
COACH STOOPS: "It's exciting. Those guys are all good friends. As everyone knows, I've been one of those head coaches where I'm probably closer to my assistants maybe than some. I pull for them and I'm happy for them and they're doing a great job. It's exciting to see guys go on and have those kind of opportunities. It's challenging because they're all good coaches, but I'm still excited for them."
Q. Would you like to see the Big 12 standardize the release of injury information?
COACH STOOPS: It probably would be easier for everybody. You know, in the end, the other dynamic in that is the more you do that -- I'm always leery that we protect college sports from gambling and wagering. And in the end that's pretty much all that matters. That's why everybody wants to know. And in the end I don't know that we need to do that. And the other thing, I think we -- it's not professional sports. If the young guy was out there playing for his school and has no chance of playing in the NFL and he has a bad ankle, why should everybody know going into the game we're going to pick on this guy. They may figure it out in the first quarter, but make them figure it out. So, anyway, I don't know. You're trying to protect a young guy who is trying to play, so why broadcast how truly injured he is if he's going to be out there playing. I agree that if a guy for sure is not going to play, then I'm all for letting people know that.
Q. What's DeMarco Murray's status and what he will mean for you guys this year?
COACH STOOPS: DeMarco, he's recovered well, when I've seen him coming in the training room and rehabbing his knee, he says it feels great. I ask him, "How are you running?" He says, "Coach, I'm doing everything. I feel great running, I feel super." So according to him and our trainers, everything is on schedule and he looks great.
Sooners at Big 12 Media Day Representing OU will be Head Coach Bob Stoops; OL Jon Cooper, DB Nic Harris, WR Manual Johnson
No television coverage mentioned, video available at Big12sports.com
English on Hendricks watch list: Oklahoma defensive end Auston English continues to receive preseason recognition. The week after being chosen the Big 12's preseason defensive player of the year, English has been named to the watch list for the Ted Hendricks award. The honor is presented annually to the top defensive end in college football. (Tulsa World)
Defensive backs Jones and Trice commit to Oklahoma: The Sooners secured pledges from Marshall's Darius Jones and Mesquite's Marcus Trice, according to SoonerScoop.com. OU has 16 commitments in a class that so far tilts heavily to defense. To date, 11 of the commitments are projected for the defensive side of the ball. Jones is actually listed among the nation's top "athletes." For good reason. Jones has played quarterback and wide receiver during his two seasons at Marshall High in Texas, yet is being recruited as a cornerback by the Sooners. (The Oklahoman)
Cotton Bowl to expand seating capacity to 92,000: New upper deck bowls being added to the Cotton Bowl's end zones will increase the stadium's seating capacity from 76,000 to about 92,000 this year, the highlight of a better than $50 million renovation project expected to be completed by October. That means on Oklahoma's side of the stadium, 8,000 more tickets will be available; they will be sold to fans based on the Sooner Club's point system. "We pushed the new seats as far forward as possible to maximize fan visibility,” said State Fair of Texas president Errol McKoy. "The end zone seats are really going to be great seats.” The Cotton Bowl also has added new restrooms and concession stands, particularly in the end zones, as well as three new entrance and exit gates to deal with long lines in and out of the stadium. "I think the renovations are going to create a huge positive in people's attitudes about the Cotton Bowl,” McKoy said. (The Oklahoman)
Brahaney to be inducted into College Football Hall of Fame: On his way to South Bend, Ind., this weekend, Tom Brahaney felt as if he was playing college football again. "It was like I was going to a football game," Brahaney said. "It made me feel real sentimental." Today, the two-time All-America center at Oklahoma is one of 14 men who will be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Brahaney anchored the OU offensive line in 1971 and 1972 as the Sooners transitioned to the wishbone offense, a dynasty that would last almost 20 years. In the 1971 "Game of the Century," which the Sooners lost to Nebraska 35-31, Brahaney squared off in one of the game's most memorable matchups against Outland Trophy winner Rich Glover, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995. (The Oklahoman) No word if this event will be televised at a later date.
Sam Bradford named to Davey O'Brien Award watch list: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford is one of just 31 Football Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks named to the Davey O'Brien Award Watch List that was announced today. The award honors the top quarterback in college football. Bradford, who will be a sophomore in the 2008 campaign, led the nation in passing efficiency last season as a redshirt freshman. He fired 36 touchdown passes, an NCAA record for freshmen, against just eight interceptions. On the season, the Oklahoma City native completed 237-of-341 passes for 3,121 yards. Watch List candidates were selected by a subset of the National Selection Committee and approved by the Davey O'Brien Executive Committee. Semifinalists will be announced October 27; finalists November 24. This prestigious award focuses on accomplishments both on and off the field. The Selection Committee is asked to evaluate all candidates on their quarterback skills and athletic ability, academics, reputation as a team player, character, leadership and sportsmanship. (SoonerSports PR)
Big 12 media names six Sooners in preseason all-conference team: Missouri senior quarterback Chase Daniel of Southlake Carroll was named Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Oklahoma junior defensive end Auston English was selected Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and Colorado freshman running back Darrell Scott was chosen Preseason Newcomer of the Year in a Big 12 Conference media poll. (Big 12)
2008 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team (Media Vote)
Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Daniel, Missouri (QB, 6-0, 225, Sr/3L, Southlake, Texas)
Defensive Player of the Year: Auston English, Oklahoma (DE, 6-3, 257, Jr/1L, Canadian, Texas)
Newcomer of the Year: Darrell Scott, Colorado (TB, 6-2, 215, Fr/HS, Ventura, Calif.)
Scheelhaase verbally commits to Illinois: Oklahoma is still looking for a quarterback from the Class of 2009. Four-star dual-threat quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase of Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst announced on a Kansas City TV station Wednesday evening that he is going to Illinois. Scheelhaase chose the Fighting Illini over Oklahoma, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Last month, the Sooners lost out on two quarterbacks: Josh Nunes, who is heading to Tennessee, and Jacob Karam, who committed to Texas Tech. The Sooners currently have three quarterbacks on scholarship in starter Sam Bradford, senior Joey Halzle and true freshman Landry Jones.(The Oklahoman)
OU, Mizzou favorites in Big 12 preseason poll: Missouri and Oklahoma were picked to repeat as division champions in 2008 in a preseason poll of media that cover the Big 12 Conference. Missouri was the unanimous choice of 51 voters to win the North division. The team returns 17 starters off of last year's 12-2 squad that tied with Kansas for the North title and made its first appearance in the Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship. The Tigers ended the 2007 season with a win over Arkansas in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, their fourth consecutive bowl appearance. Mizzou finished fifth nationally in total offense (490.3 ypg), ninth in passing offense (314.1 ypg) and eighth in scoring offense (39.9 ppg) a year ago. Kansas was chosen to finish second followed by Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas State and Iowa State. Oklahoma received all but two first-place votes as the favorite to win the South division. The Sooners welcome back 11 starters from their 2007 Big 12 Championship squad. OU has won five league titles in six appearances, both conference records, and last season became the first team to win consecutive Big 12 championships. Oklahoma finished at 11-3 in 2007, registering at least 10 victories for a nation-leading 30th season. Texas was picked to place second followed by Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Baylor. (Big XII)
Oklahoma-UT Chattanooga season opener available on pay-per-view: The University of Oklahoma's season-opening football game against Tennessee-Chattanooga will be available on a pay-per-view basis through FOX SportsNet. The kickoff has been set for 6 p.m., on Aug. 30. Details pertaining to subscriptions and available viewing areas will be coming in the next few weeks according to OU Vice President and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione. He indicated that the format for the game will be similar to other FOX-OU pay-per-view ventures that have aired in recent seasons. (SoonerSports.com)
Stoops offers no comment on Jarboe video: After the Josh Jarboe rap/freestyle spread like wildfire, The Oklahoman reports, Coach Bob Stoops is on top of it.
Stoops offers no comment on Jarboe video: After the Josh Jarboe rap/freestyle spread like wildfire, The Oklahoman reports, Coach Bob Stoops is on top of it.
