Oklahoma defeats Chattanooga 57-2 in season opener: Sam Bradford threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns, Chris Brown ran for three scores and only an hourlong rainstorm could slow down the Sooners in a 57-2 victory against Chattanooga on Saturday night. The Sooners converted their first seven possessions into touchdowns and led 50-0 before a thunderstorm caused a lightning delay that extended halftime by 1 hour and 12 minutes. Instead of stopping the game, both teams went through a glorified scrimmage in the second half -- except one team was trying not to score. "That's always a difficult situation in the second half when you're up 50-0 at halftime. You want your [backups] to move it but you don't want to be a bad guy and be throwing it all over the place and taking advantage of what's there," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "You know, you do the best that you can." (Associated Press/SoonerSports.com)
Free shuttle from LNC to stadium: Sooner fans riding the shuttle from the Lloyd Noble Center parking lot to the stadium today may get a pleasant surprise. The service, which was $2 last season, is now free. The University of Oklahoma did away with the fee to comply with a new Federal Transit Administration regulation regarding charter service. The rule prohibits local transit authorities from offering game day service to fans if the fee is higher than the regular fare. CART service from the Lloyd Noble Center is offered for free on weekdays to students, faculty and staff. (The Oklahoman)
Annual Big Red Rally set for tonight: The CAC Big Red Rally, the annual kickoff event for University of Oklahoma students, is set for Friday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. on the north lawn of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Festivities include the Pride of Oklahoma, spirit squad performances and remarks from OU head coach Bob Stoops. The CAC Big Red Rally will be followed by the Big Red After Party on the East Lawn of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. The Big Red After Party, co-programmed by CAC Concert Series and Union Programming Board, will feature a free concert and food donated by Housing and Food Services. (SoonerSports PR)
A look at Oklahoma's opponent University of Tennessee Chattanooga Mocs coverage, including tidbits, quotes and game coverage.
Chattanooga QB Gault excited about OU atmosphere: "We are very excited, playing in front of 80 (thousand) plus," said Chattanooga quarterback Jare Gault, who makes his debut Saturday night at Owen Field, having transferred from East Mississippi Community College. "It's something I've always dreamed of doing." (The Oklahoman)
The Mocs to play three QBs? (Head Coach) Rodney Allison said there was a pretty good chance that three UTC quarterbacks would play Saturday. Based on the number of reps the QBs are getting in practice, that means that Jare Gault, Tony Pastore and Sloan Allison will play. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
New play clock may hurt UTC: The Mocs' offense has practiced using the new clock several times during the past two weeks with some mixed results. "I just want to get (the players) into a rhythm, into a tempo (with the new clock)," Allison said. "It's harder when you don't have a clock for them to see, but if it's harder now it will be easier when we're actually in a game." (Times Free Press) Worst non-conference match up:ESPN.com ranks UTC-Oklahoma match up the worst 2008 Big 12 non-conference game. Also, Rivals.com ranked the game as the most embarrassing game of 2008.
Key injury: Bryan Fitzgerald, a first-team preseason All-Southern Conference pick and the Mocs' leading rusher a year ago with 798 yards, is out for the season after knee surgery.
New staff: UT Chattanooga has seven new assistant coaches in 2008.
Spencer Tillman to call first Sooner game: [Spencer] Tillman, an OU running back from 1983-86, will be broadcasting his first Sooners game. He said he is excited about doing the game with Brando, even if it isn't the best matchup. The two get out of the studio to broadcast a handful of games for CBS each season. "It's fun for us because it's sort of a primer for us," said Tillman, who broadcasts Houston, Texas, preseason games. "It kind of gets us into the mode of what's going on in the college scene." (The Oklahoman) Tim Brando will join Tillman in the booth with Emily Jones and former OU QB Charles Thompson on the sidelines.
DeMarco Murray on Doak Walker award watch list: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma's top returning rusher, has been named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award. The honor is presented annually to the top running back in college football. Murray, a sophomore from Las Vegas, Nev., ran for 764 yards last season despite missing three games and drawing only one start. He also scored 15 touchdowns, including 13 on the ground, to tie Adrian Peterson's freshman record at OU. Murray showed a flare for the big play with a 92-yard touchdown run against Utah State and a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns. The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will select the semifinalists on November 10, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast votes to determine the finalists, who will be announced on November 24.(SoonerSports PR)
OU's season opener SOLD-OUT: The University of Oklahoma announced today that tickets for Saturday’s season-opening football game with Tennessee-Chattanooga have been sold. However, OU athletics ticket office personnel say they expect a few returns and exchanges on the day of the game. (The Oklahoman)
Miller, Owens not expected to redshirt this year: Bob Stoops has said this week that true freshmen wide receivers Dejuan Miller and Jameel Owens won't redshirt this season. "We're going to play them," Stoops said. (The Oklahoman)
Couple players suspended for Saturday's game? [Bob] Stoops suggested that the Sooners could be without some players Saturday. Just who, he was not saying. "I'm not much for announcing suspensions," Stoops said, "because then they get their pictures in the paper and everyone talks about it. "Like everybody, there will be some guys for various reasons, from academics to other issues that we may hold. We'll see when we get to the game." (The Oklahoman)
Moreland and Stevens earns kicking duties: Stoops said Matt Moreland, a walk-on redshirt freshman from Bishop Kelley, has won the kickoff job. Jimmy Stevens will handle field goals, although it is possible the Sooners will use Moreland or Union freshman Tress Way for longer kicks. Or Way may redshirt. "Tress Way is doing a great job punting and kicking and is going to be really good for us," Stoops said. "Whether we use him ... I don't know if it would be right to use his year." (Tulsa World)
Mocs to 450k playing OU: Tennessee-Chattanooga will be making $375,000 guaranteed from Oklahoma plus a travel expense of $100,000 for playing in Norman on Saturday, athletic director Joe Castiglione said Tuesday. While that may seem like a lot, $475k is actually just a little above the norm for playing Football Championship Subdivision schools. (The Oklahoman)
Limited tickets remain for UTC and Cincinnati: Opportunities to see the Sooner football team in action this season are going fast with tickets remaining for only two games. The Oklahoma football season-opener vs. Tennessee-Chattanooga on Aug. 30 is nearing a sellout with only approximately 100 tickets returned from UTC Mocs still available for purchase. Tickets for the game are $49 each. Kickoff is set for 6:10 p.m. There are a limited number of tickets returned from Cincinnati available for their Sept. 6 contest with the Sooners as well. Tickets are on sale for $62 each. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. (SoonerSports.com)
Bob Stoops met the media Tuesday to discuss UT-Chattanooga. Find his pregame quotes here.
Oklahoma-Chattanooga PPV Availability: Nationwide - Direct-TV, Dish Network Tulsa; Oklahoma City - COX Cable Austin, TX; Waco, TX - Time Warner Houston, TX - Comcast Also available on Cablevision in Lawton, Allegiance Cable in Shawnee, and most Cable One, Suddenlink customers in Oklahoma... More Information at SoonerSports.com
KSBI-TV to historic OU bowl games: KSBI-TV is adding classic Sooner bowl games to its fall lineup. The bowl games will air on KSBI directly after the 11:30 a.m. SEC Game of the Week. Among the upcoming broadcasts: 1983 Fiesta Bowl vs. Arizona State (Sept. 6); 1988 Orange Bowl vs. Miami (Sept. 13); 1981 Orange Bowl vs. Florida State (Sept. 20); 1976 Orange Bowl vs. Michigan (Sept. 27); 1986 Orange Bowl vs. Penn State (Oct. 4); 2002 Cotton Bowl vs. Arkansas (Oct. 11); 1987 Orange Bowl vs. Arkansas (Oct. 18). (The Oklahoman)
Here's a look at Oklahoma Sooners in preseason college football rankings. Kansas City Star... Oklahoma No. 5 - All systems are go for another successful season, but there are some questions, especially on defense. Oklahoma is breaking in a total of four new starters at linebacker and in the secondary. - Blair Kerkhoff
Los Angeles Times... Oklahoma No. 5 - Sooners fans would probably circle the wagons and agree on this: It's just not good enough winning the Big 12 Conference title while ruining Missouri's national championship hopes.That was nice, but it's time for Oklahoma to hit another gusher. - Chris Dufresne
Fort Wort Star-Telegram... Oklahoma No. 5 - The Sooners are stocked with talent, but lost some key players and need a young secondary to mature quickly.
SportingNews... Oklahoma No. 4 - The new trick on offense will be a no-huddle, which was installed during the spring. It took some getting used to, but coaches believe the kinks will be worked out this fall. - Blair Kerkhoff
The Grand Rapids Press... Oklahoma No. 2 - The offensive line is the nation's best and RB DeMarco Murray, who was injured after taking the team lead with 764 rushing yards last year, is a potential breakout star. - David Mayo
The Arizona Republic... Oklahoma No. 2 - Quarterback Sam Bradford could become a Heisman candidate behind one of college football's great offensive lines. - Doug Haller
Lexington Herald-Leader... Oklahoma No. 10 - The schedule is baby-soft, and quarterback Sam Bradford enjoyed a fabulous first season. But the OU defense must get better. Much better. - John Clays
Press-Register... Oklahoma No. 2 - The Sooners return their quarterback, two running backs, five linemen and a wrinkle. Sam Bradford, who set an NCAA record for freshmen with 36 TD tosses, will utilize a no-huddle set. - Mark Heim
Omaha World-Herald... Oklahoma No. 5 - The Sooners have become a model of consistency with their strong defenses and diverse offenses. A break or two could lead to a title run. - Lee Barfknecht
ST. Louis Post-Dispatch... Oklahoma No. 6 - The defense is filling some massive holes at linebacker and in the secondary. - Stu Durando
The Hartford Courant... Oklahoma No. 5 - All the hype surrounding quarterback Sam Bradford (3,121 yards passing) might mean a national championship in the Sooners' view. - Desmond Conner
Shevport Times... Oklahoma No. 3 - The Sooners have a great quarterback in Sam Bradford and fairly easy schedule. - Glenn Guilbeau
New York Post... Oklahoma No. 1 - Three Big 12 crowns but no national titles in five years. - Lenn Robbins
New York Daily News... Oklahoma No. 4 - Their inability to win a BCS bowl the last two years remains confusing, but it's easy to see the Sooners going unbeaten if they get past Texas in an Oct.11 showdown in Dallas. - Dick Weiss
Bradford and McCoy among Oklahoma team captains: Sam Bradford, Jon Cooper, Brody Eldridge, Nic Harris and Gerald McCoy have been named Oklahoma's team captains for the upcoming football season. The players were selected in a vote taken by the team. Bradford, a quarterback, Cooper, a center, and Eldridge, a tight end/fullback are the offensive captains. Harris, a safety, and McCoy, a defensive tackle, are the defensive captains. Cooper and Harris are seniors. Eldridge a junior and Bradford and McCoy redshirt sophomores. (SoonerSports.com)
Louisiana prep star considering OU: According to Louisiana prep running back Eddie Lacy, some coaches have told him his running style reminds of Adrian Peterson. Interestingly, OU is among a list of elite schools who have offered the Giesmar, La., prospect, along with Alabama, Auburn, Miami, Tennessee, Nebraska, Florida State and others. Lacy, who ran for 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior, appears in no hurry to commit. He told Sporting News Today that he'll watch the teams he's considering this season, then make a decision. (The Oklahoman)
True freshmen Owens and Miller expected to play: Sooner coach Bob Stoops said today that Jameel Owens and Dejuan Miller will likely play in 2008, a rather strong indicator of the duo's progress given that Ryan Broyles, Corey Wilson and Tyler Stradford, OU’s true freshman wideouts a year ago, all redshirted. Stoops said other true freshmen he expects to play this season include safety Joseph Ibiloye and offensive linemen Stephen Good and Ben Habern. Defensive ends coach Chris Wilson said he hasn't determined whether R.J. Washington, the nation's No. 1 high school D-end last year according to ESPN and Rivals.com, or fellow freshman David King will see action this year. (Tulsa World)
Cooper named to Rimington Watch List: Oklahoma's Jon Cooper has been named to the preseason watch list for the Rimington Award, which is presented annually to the top center in college football. Cooper has been a mainstay in the Sooner offensive line since he broke in as a starter in 2005. He has played in 34 games at OU with 29 starts. A native of Fort Collins, Colo., Cooper is a 6-2, 285-pound senior. In all, there are 43 players on the watch List. The PAC-10 checks in with the most candidates, with seven players being named. The Big-12 is represented by six players. The SEC and Big East Conference have five players each on the Watch List. (SoonerSports PR)
OU defense suffers penalty plagued practice: Several defensive players came into the interview room Thursday pouring in sweat after a sloppy practice resulted in extra running for the defense. "We're nowhere close to being good enough," said defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. "We had way too many mistakes today." Bob Stoops called a coaches' meeting immediately after practice, meaning none of the defensive coaches were available for comment. According to McCoy, the defense was plagued by "penalties," "lack of intensity" and "mental errors." (The Oklahoman)
Holmes comfortable at both cornerback or safety: Don't ask Lendy Holmes where he's most comfortable, safety or cornerback. It's all the same to him. "I'm comfortable wherever I'm at," Holmes said. "I know both positions. I'll play either position." Holmes will likely be called on to do just that. Already this preseason, he's spent time atop the depth chart at both spots. "He could probably play wide receiver, too," Venables said. (The Oklahoman)
Quinton Carter expected out 2-3 weeks: Oklahoma backup strong safety Quinton Carter is expected to be out at least two weeks after undergoing minor knee surgery, coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday. Carter, a sophomore out of Las Vegas, was sharing a reserve role with redshirt freshman Desmond Jackson behind returning starting free safety Lendy Holmes. (The Oklahoman)
Sam Bradford named to Walter Camp watch list: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford has been named to the preseason watch list for the Walter Camp Award, which is presented annually to the top player in college football. Bradford already had been named to watch lists for the watch lists for the Maxwell (top player) and O'Brien (top quarterback) awards. Last season, as a redshirt freshman, Bradford set an NCAA freshman record with 36 touchdown passes. He tossed just eight interceptions. Bradford is trying to become the fifth OU player to win the Camp Award. The most recent do so was Bradford's position coach, Josh Heupel, who received the honor in 2000. The watch list will be narrowed to 15 semi-finalists in early November. (SoonerSports PR)
English anxious about return: It had been so long since Auston English hit somebody, the junior defensive end found himself getting antsy Sunday night. "I was real anxious," English said. "Last night, I went to bed kind of feeling like I was getting ready for a game because it's been a while since I've taken snaps like that. "You want to get out there and not lose a step." English, joining full contact drills for the first time this preseason, at least looked comfortable Monday morning when the Sooners began their final week of preseason work. (The Oklahoman)
Update on kicker competition: Jimmy Stevens continues to lead in the race to replace kicker Garrett Hartley, but he is being pushed by Tulsans Tress Way and Matthew Moreland. "Jimmy Stevens was good on everything," Stoops said. "His deepest (field goal) was 50. He only had one shot at it and made it. He missed one at 53, but he made everything else from 50 on in. The other guys each missed one. Tress Way made one at 53. Matt Moreland missed one at 53. I'm really pleased with those guys." (Tulsa World)
Oklahoma receives verbal commitment from QB Drew Allen: Drew Allen, a three-star prospect from San Antonio's Alamo Heights High School, committed to the Sooners Sunday.Allen is the first quarterback in the Sooners' 2009 class, giving OU a third scholarship quarterback for 2009 to go with Sam Bradford and Landry Jones.A 6-foot-5, 209-pound prospect, Allen passed for 2,589 yards and 28 touchdowns a year ago, adding 254 yards and five touchdowns rushing.Allen chose OU over Oklahoma State, Colorado, Kansas State, Mississippi, Vanderbilt, Purdue and Wake Forest. (The Oklahoman)
Oklahoma ranked No. 4 in Associated Press preseason poll: Oklahoma was ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press preseason poll released today. The Sooners were the highest-ranked team in the Big 12 followed by No. 6 Missouri, No. 11 Texas, No. 12 Texas Tech and No. 14 Kansas. OU was also ranked at No. 4 in the Coaches Poll. OU has the most appearances at No. 1, in the Top 5 and in the Top 10 of the AP preseason poll. (SoonerSports.com)
Top 10 with Big 12 teams 1. Georgia (22) 2. Ohio State (21) 3. USC (12) 4. Oklahoma (4) 5. Florida (6) 6. Missouri 7. LSU 8. West Virginia 9. Clemson 10. Auburn 11. Texas 12. Texas Tech 14. Kansas
Coach Stoops on OU's AP ranking: "I have no idea what we are. It doesn't matter," he said after Saturday's scrimmage. "You gotta win. It's simple. We're working on that in practice. That's all I can do something about."
Coach Stoops on OU's second scrimmage: "This one was better," Stoops said. "I thought we showed improvement from the last scrimmage to this one. We were definitely sharper." No stats were released from this scrimmage
Granger missed practice with sore back: Coach Stoops was asked about DeMarcus Granger's place down the nose guards' depth chart. "That's only because his back was a little bit sore. He missed a few practices," Stoops said. "He's working and doing well." (Tulsa World)
