OU's Beal among seven finalist for Hendricks Award: Oklahoma defensive end Jeremy Beal has been named one of seven finalists for this year's Hendricks Award. The honor is presented annually to the nation's top defensive end. The list of seven was pared down from 25. Beal is the second Sooner to be named an award finalist in 2009. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is one of four finalists for the Rotary Lombardi Award. Beal, a junior from Carrollton, TX, leads the Sooners in sacks (11) for the second straight season. He finished the regular season with 65 tackles, 18 for loss and an interception. His sack total ties for 4th-best in Oklahoma history and his tackles for loss total ranks 11th. Nationally, Beal ranks T-10th in sacks and T-12th in tackles for loss. His highlight game this season came against Texas, when he recorded 12 tackles. Also during the campaign, he became the first player in OU history to record three sacks in back-to-back games (Tulsa, Miami). The final vote for this year's Hendricks Award will be concluded Dec. 8, with the winner announced the following day. (SoonerSports PR)

Related:
Previous OU Football Award Winners

Labels: Award, Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy a Lombardi Award finalist: Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was named one of four finalists for the 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award as The Rotary Club of Houston announced its selections Tuesday. McCoy joins Alabama's Terrence Cody, TCU's Jerry Hughes and Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh as a finalist as the junior looks to become Oklahoma's fourth Lombardi Award winner and first since Tommie Harris in 2003. This year's winner will be announced at an awards dinner on Dec. 9 at the Hilton Americas Hotel in downtown Houston. McCoy, the only non-senior of the four finalists, has recorded 55 percent of his tackles behind the line of scrimmage. The Oklahoma City native currently leads the Sooners with eight quarterback hurries while accumulating 3.5 sacks and 17 solo tackles. Along with Harris' Lombardi win in 2003, Tony Casillas (1985) and Lee Roy Selmon (1975) had previously won the honor. (SoonerSports PR)

Related:
Previous Oklahoma Award Winners

Labels: Award, Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bradford set to be honored by Cherokee Nation: University of Oklahoma quarterback and Cherokee Nation citizen Sam Bradford will be honored during a special ceremony on Friday, April 17, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Place Where They Play activity center, located on the campus of Sequoyah Schools in Tahlequah. "Leadership is an attribute we seek to identify in our young people, and we witnessed the accomplishments of one such Cherokee leader, Sam Bradford," said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "Sam has graciously and quietly assumed the leadership of his team and led them to the national championship game. He also received several awards along the way, including the prestigious Heisman Trophy, yet in doing so he never ignored this team or his teammates." Bradford is the first Cherokee Nation citizen to win the Heisman Trophy. His style and skill in leading the Oklahoma Sooners football team have made him a positive role model and an inspiration to Native American youth across the nation. Representatives of several Native American tribes, dignitaries and tribal elders will be on hand during the event to help honor Bradford, and the event will begin with a grand entry of tribal flags, complete with a flag song and posting of colors. Following a brief welcome, Smith will interview Bradford, discussing areas of the importance of leadership, setting goals, living a healthy life and more. There is no cost to attend the special honoring ceremony and the public is invited. Due to the size and nature of the event, seating is limited. As per University of Oklahoma and NCAA guidelines, no autographs or personal photos with Bradford will be available at this event. For more information, contact Diana Turtle at (918) 453-5289. (Cherokee Nation PR)

Bradford picks up more awards: After staying up late Monday evening to receive the Headliner Award, Sam Bradford was up early Tuesday morning for more hardware during OU's Max Weitzenhoffer Scholar Athlete Breakfast. The Oklahoma quarterback was one of the recipients of the Athletic Director's Leadership Award and the Dan Gibbens Outstanding Scholar Athlete of the Year. (The Oklahoman)

Labels: Award, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sam Bradford recognized as Davey O'Brien Award winner:

Bradford prepares to improve in '09: Star-Telegram

Theismann, Oklahoma's Bradford on receiving end: Dallas Morning News

Bradford joins prominent club: The Oklahoman

Bradford no second thoughts on staying: The Oklahoman

Bradford and Stoops hit the Texas trail: Tulsa World

Am I crazy, or is this OU's first football-playing ghost?: Tulsa World

Bradford stockpiling success: Tulsa World

Bradford has no regrets: Norman Transcript

Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Labels: Award, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sam Bradford named Quarterback of the Year: Sam Bradford was honored with the 2008 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards show Thursday night in Orlando, Fla. The O'Brien Award, given annually to the top quarterback in college football, is the nation's oldest and most prestigious quarterback award. Leading the most explosive offense in college football this season, Bradford completed 302 of his 442 pass attempts for 4,464 yards with 48 touchdowns and six interceptions. He led the nation in passing efficiency and also scored five rushing touchdowns on the year. (SoonerSports PR)

Trophy is a life-changer: Tulsa World

Heisman needs political analysts: Tulsa World

Bradford is winner of O'Brien QB award: Tulsa World

Bradford has been boosted by the love and support of his parents: The Oklahoman

Gator fans have special greeting for OU's Bradford: The Oklahoman

Tale of the tape --- Bradford, Tebow, McCoy: The Oklahoman

Quotes about Bradford from national media: The Oklahoman

Awards notebook: The Oklahoman

Bradford takes home O'Brien Award: Norman Transcript

Labels: Award, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners' Wilson named country's top assistant coach: The Oklahoma Sooners have the best offense in the nation. Now, they can boast of the top assistant coach, as well. Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson was presented the 13th Annual Frank Broyles Award by officials from The Rotary Club of Little Rock during a luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel on Tuesday. The award is given annually to the nation's top NCAA assistant football coach. Wilson is the second Sooner assistant to win the award since Bob Stoops arrived at OU in 1999. Mark Mangino, now the head coach at Kansas, was cited in 2000 while serving as Oklahoma's offensive coordinator. Wilson's offense is coming off one the greatest five-game stretches in NCAA history, and is the highest-scoring team in NCAA history. Oklahoma's 62-21 victory over Missouri in the Big 12 Championship Game last Saturday was the fifth consecutive game that the Sooners have gone over 60 points, a feat last accomplished 89 years ago. (More at SoonerSports.com)

Note: Kevin Wilson has been named a possible candidate for the Miami University and Mississippi State jobs.

Labels: Award, Kevin Wilson, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Auston English expected to miss Bedlam: A fractured ankle kept the Oklahoma defensive end from last year's 49-17 victory over Oklahoma State. This time, the problem is a sprained left knee suffered against Nebraska Nov. 1. "He's progressing well, but we don't expect him to play this week," OU coach Bob Stoops said during the Big 12 teleconference Monday morning. Asked if English could return for the Big 12 championship Dec. 6, should the Sooners win in Stillwater Saturday night and then win a three-way Big 12 South tiebreaker via BCS ranking, Stoops said: "Possibly. I'm sure they'll evaluate him a little later in the week. He's getting better, but I couldn't tell you about next week." (Tulsa World)

Gresham Mackey Award finalist: Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham was today announced as one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award, which is presented annually to the top tight end in college football. Gresham leads the Big 12, which produced all three finalists, in touchdown receptions by tight ends with 10. He has 41 grabs for 648 yards, an average of 15.8 per catch, a figure that also leads the conference. The junior from Ardmore, Okla., also has been a key component in Oklahoma's potent rushing attack by averaging 5.7 knockdown blocks per game. The Sooners rank No. 3 nationally in total offense and No. 20 in rushing offense. Gresham is trying to become the first Sooner to win the award. Trent Smith was a finalist for the Mackey in 2001. (SoonerSports PR)

Robinson, Bradford going to Disney: SoonerSports.com

Bedlam single-game sales ticket policy limits supply, drives up value: The Oklahoman

Stoops declines coaches poll vote: The Oklahoman

Lobbying begins on Sooner, Texas fronts: The Oklahoman

Breaking ties could vary: The Oklahoman

Cowboys spent little time watching Sooners: The Oklahoman

Brown favors playoff, but commissioner disagrees: Tulsa World

Tech still leads OU in two computer rankings: Tulsa World

Bedlam rankings and rivalry: Tulsa World

OU Football Notebook: Tulsa World

In recognition of OU's Gundy: Tulsa World

Sooners up for honors: Norman Transcript

Oklahoma State's Hunter expected to play against Oklahoma: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma DEs English, Davis expected to be out: Dallas Morning News

Mack Brown in favor of eight-team playoff: Star-Telegram

SEC Champ, Oklahoma to play for BCS title: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Video -- Stoops on the Sooners: ESPN.com

Labels: Auston English, Award, Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma's Bob Stoops and Wes Welker to be honored at Headliner Banquet: Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops and New England receiver Wes Welker will be honored by The March of Dimes at the 32nd annual Sports Headliner Banquet, at 7 p.m. March 12 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Welker, an Oklahoma native who played football at Heritage Hall High School and Texas Tech, is this year's Sports Headliner. He is a wide receiver for the New England Patriots. Welker set a franchise record in the 2007 regular season with 112 receptions, which also tied for the NFL lead. Stoops is this year's Headliner Special. This year's OU team won the Big 12 championship and played in the Fiesta Bowl. The March 12 event at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City will begin with a special reception for sponsors at 6 p.m. followed by the awards dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available. Please contact the March of Dimes at (405) 943-1025 or MarchofDimes.com/Oklahoma for more information. (The Oklahoman) In addition, Sam Bradford and former Oklahoma runningback Adrian Peterson will be given honoree awards.

Labels: Award, Bob Stoops, Former Sooner, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Allen Patrick fine after suffering cramps; remains starter: Running back Allen Patrick is fine and, despite DeMarco Murray's 128 yards and 65 yard score, won't lose his starting job, running backs coach Cale Gundy said. Patrick "just cramped. It was very humid down there. He's got the lowest body fat on the team, which is in the low 4s (4 percent), which is not normal, I don't think. So he doesn't have a whole lot to give up. He did against Miami. It was extremely hot and humid. Any time you have low body fat and it's extremely hot and humid, sometimes it can affect you." (Tulsa World)

Reggie Smith named Big XII Defensive Player of the Week: For the second time this season, Oklahoma cornerback Reggie Smith has been named the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week. He received the honor for his play in the Sooners' 28-21 win over Texas last Saturday. Smith, a junior from Edmond, Oklahoma's Santa Fe High School, was credited with six tackles, two pass deflections and one interception, which he returned 33 yards. Two of Smith's key plays came at critical times in the fourth quarter. His interception came on the heels of OU's final and decisive touchdown. Then on the next Texas drive he batted away a long pass intended for UT's Limas Sweed while in single coverage. That play occurred inside the Sooner 10-yard line. Smith's play helped preserve the victory, which was Bob Stoops' sixth in nine meetings with Texas. (SoonerSports.com)

Oklahoma at Iowa State tickets available: The University of Oklahoma Athletics Ticket Office is currently selling a limited number of tickets for the Sooners' football game at Iowa State on Oct. 20. Tickets are available online 24 hours a day, by calling the Athletics Ticket Office at 800-456-4668 or 405-325-2424 during regular business hours Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or in person at the Athletics Ticket Office on the west side of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Tickets for the game are $60 each and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. (SoonerSports PR)

Murray's performance brings out coach in Gundy: The Oklahoman

OU getting ready for Mizzou's offense: The Oklahoman

Tigers' tale: Norman Transcript

Tigers on fire after big win: Tulsa World

Sooners have 'good background' in preparing for Missouri offense: Tulsa World

Temple questionable vs. Oklahoma: Kansas City Star

MU offensive coordinator has plenty of tricks up his sleeve: Kansas City Star

Mizzou turns attention to Sooners: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Now everyone shares Pinkel's vision for MU: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Sooners' Bradford turns into an emerging force: USA Today

Labels: Allen Patrick, Award, DeMarco Murray, Iowa State, Oklahoma Sooners, Reggie Smith, Tickets

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Pendleton Big XII Male Sportsperson of the Year: Carl Pendleton, who announced last fall that he would forgo his senior season of eligibility to care for his 11-year-old stepbrother, was named today as the Male Big 12 Sportsperson of the Year. A media panel selected Pendleton. Kansas golfer Amanda Costner won the award for females. The Sportsperson of the Year Award was started in 2000-01 to annually recognize student-athletes who displayed an extraordinary degree of sportsmanship and/or community service during the academic year. The Big 12¹s recipients are nominated for the NCAA Sportsmanship Award. (SoonersSports.com)

Another Texas recruit commits to Oklahoma: Houston's Strake Jesuit College Preg defensive end David King committed to Oklahoma. King a pass rusher is the latest Texas recruit to committ to the Sooners. King received offers from Big 12 schools' Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Nebraska, Baylor and OU.

Labels: Award, Carl Pendleton, Oklahoma Sooners, Recruiting

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma Student Athletes recognized: Carl Pendleton II and Brittney Schumann were among the 24 student-athletes recognized today as winners of the 2006-07 Dr. Prentice Gautt Postgraduate Scholarships, the Big 12 office announced. The scholarships are named in honor of the late Dr. Gautt, a former Big 12 Conference staff member and student services' pioneer. Gautt also is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and was the first African-American to receive a scholarship from OU to play football, breaking down racial barriers that opened doors to other Sooner student-athletes. The university celebrated the 50th anniversary of his historic actions at OU last fall during the 2006 Sooner football season and OU's student-athlete academic center is named in his honor. Gautt passed away in March 2005. (SoonerSports PR)

Bog 12 Who’s new? A dozen players to watch next fall: Daily Tribune

Labels: Award, Carl Pendleton, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Wilson recipient of the Merv Johnson Integrity in College Coaching Award: The Oklahoma chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will host its 23rd Annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 11 at the Petroleum Club of Oklahoma City. Former OU All-American Joe Washington will be the keynote speaker. Several awards will be presented during the evening. Current Sooner Austin Box and OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson are among those being feted. Wilson is the recipient of the Merv Johnson Integrity in College Coaching Award. The dinner begins with pictures and a reception at 6 p.m., with the formal program starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased in advance from the OU Touchdown Club. That number is 405/840-1460. (SoonerSports.com)

Get your half-price Red-White Tickets: The clock is ticking on half-price tickets for the Red/White Spring Football Game. Fans have until the close of business Friday to purchase $5 tickets. On Saturday, the day of the game, that price doubles to $10. The Sooners will play their spring game this Saturday before a national television audience on ESPN. "This is an opportunity to put our best foot forward for a national audience," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "We're excited that ESPN will be here and know that our fans will provide a great environment." To purchase tickets, fans may go online at SoonerSports.com, order over the phone at 405/325-GoOU (4668) or buy them in person from the office located east of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. (SoonerSports PR)

Labels: Award, Kevin Wilson, Oklahoma Sooners, Red White Game, Tickets

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Carl Pendleton wins Bowden award: Oklahoma defensive tackle Carl Pendleton has been named the recipient of the 2006 Bobby Bowden Award. The honor is bestowed annually by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Pendleton, who graduated from OU in December as a sociology major and religious studies minor, gained national attentioin during the season when it was announced he would forgo his senior season of elibility. The Sapulpa, Okla., native said he made the decision after becoming the legal guardian for his 11-year-old brother, Kierstan. Subsequently, Pendleton received one of the National Football Foundation's Post-Graduate Scholarships, an $18,000 grant the honor student will use to pursue graduate studies at OU. Pendleton also is a finalist for the John Wooden Citizenship Cup, which presented annually by Athletes for a Better World. Earlier, he was announced as a finalist for the Football Writers Association of America Courage Award and the Danny Wuerffel Trophy. The Bowden Award, named after Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden, is presented at the site of the BCS national championship game. (SoonerSports.com)

Stoops' pay is close to $3 million in 2006: The Oklahoman

No. 1 issue? Who will quarterback?: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma's pressing issues: The Oklahoman

Hard Fiesta deserves siesta: Tulsa World

Negativity may deter OU recruits: Tulsa World

Labels: Award, Carl Pendleton, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma's Stoops a Bryant Coach of the Year Award Finalist: Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops is one of five finalists for the Paul "Bear" Bryant College Football Coach of the Year Award. The Houston Division of the American Heart Association today announced the finalists Wednesday. The winner will be chosen by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA) and named live at an award dinner benefiting the American Heart Association on Thursday, Jan. 11 at the Hilton Americas Hotel in downtown Houston. Also that evening, the late Glenn "Bo" Schembechler will be honored as the recipient of the 2007 Paul Bear Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award. Schembechler passed away Nov. 17 of heart failure at age 77. The University of Michigan legend suffered his first heart attack at 40. He survived that attack, and would later survive another heart attack and two quadruple bypass surgeries. Throughout his 37-year battle with heart disease, Schembechler attributed medical science for his ability to fight and live a normal life. The 2006 Paul Bear Bryant College Football Coach of the Year Finalists, in alphabetical order, are: Bret Bielema, University of Wisconsin; Lloyd Carr, University of Michigan; Chris Peterson, Boise State University; Greg Schiano, Rutgers, and Stoops. (SoonerSports.com PR)

FB Coaches and Players on Boise St.: SoonerSports.com

Love of the game: Norman Transcript

Peterson has his reasons to return to action in bowl: The Oklahoman

Peterson: 'No doubt, I will play': Tulsa World

Oklahoma controversy still follows Ducks around: Oregon Statesman Journal

Labels: Award, Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Football Awards banquet: Oklahoma's football team enjoyed its 2006 banquet Friday night at the Postal Training Center Hotel and Conference Center in Norman. Two team awards that were not previously announced were presented during the 90-minute ceremony. Chris Messner received the Bob Kalsu Award for selfless dedication to the team. Kalsu, an All-American at Oklahoma in 1967, was the only professional football player killed in the Vietnam War. Several members of the Kalsu family were present for the banquet. Messner, a senior from Frederick, Okla., has been the season-long starter at left tackle for the Sooners. He was a consensus All-Big 12 selection. The Derrick Shepard Most Inspirational Walk-on Award went to Michael Cohen and Derek Shaw. Cohen is in his first year as the punter and Shaw his first as long snapper. Shepard was a walk-on at Oklahoma in 1983. He died unexpectedly from a heart attack after serving one year as a graduate assistant coach under current Sooner coach Bob Stoops. Members of his family also were at the ceremony. The Scout Team Players of the Year were quarterback Sam Bradford and linebacker Jeremy Beal. (SoonerSports PR)

Boise State's Peterson on facing Oklahoma: Boise State's Chris Petersen on Friday on facing Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl -- "It's a great opportunity for our program to be talked about and get an opportunity to compete with these guys," he told a Friday news conference. "It's a great challenge for our whole program, just playing those guys, just being on the same field with them." "They're the best team we've seen, for sure," said Petersen, an assistant coach with the Broncos for five years before being named head coach. 'The more you study them -- you're hoping to find these weaknesses, but they're Oklahoma for a reason, and it's pretty apparent." (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Oklahoma Sooners Big XII Championship video available: The OU Athletics Department is offering the official Big 12 Championship DVD to Sooner fans online in the multimedia store.
The 2006 Sooners defeated old rival Nebraska, 21-7, in the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City to earn the program's 40th conference title. Watch senior quarterback Paul Thompson, sophomore receiver Malcolm Kelly and freshman tight end Jermaine Gresham as the OU offense went to the air against the Huskers. (SoonerSports.com)

Weight pays off for Messner: The Oklahoman

Stoops brothers still haunted by 'The Play': Tulsa World

Sooners proud of their legacy: Idaho Statesman

Sooners in the Pros: Week 14: SoonerSports.com

Labels: Award, Boise State, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Pendleton a Wooden Citizenship Cup finalist: Oklahoma defensive tackle Carl Pendleton is one of five finalists for the John Wooden Citizenship Cup, which is presented annually by Atlanta-based Athetes for a Better World. OU track and cross country runner Jackie Dubois won the honor last year. Another Sooner athlete, football running back Jacob Gutierrez, was a finalist for the Wooden Cup last season. He was one of 17 semifinalists in 2006. Other finalists for 2007 include Kandia Batchelor, Florida State; Parker Dalton, Texas A&M; Anna Key, California and Eric LeRoux, Princeton. The winner will be announced Jan. 25 in Atlanta. Pendleton, a recent recipient of the National Football Foundation's Post-Graduate Scholarship, has decided to forgo his final season of football eligibility at Oklahoma to pursue a graduate degree from the school. He carries a 3.86 grade point average in sociology with a minor in religious studies. The Sapulpa, Okla., product recently took legal guardianship of his 11-year-old brother, Kierstan. (SoonerSports PR)

Eye on opponent -- Boise State: SoonerSports.com

Former Sooners help Ravens stop Chiefs: The Oklahoman

Holiday wish list: The Oklahoman

OU football Q&A: The Oklahoman

Labels: Award, Carl Pendleton

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma AD Castiglione avoids bringing outside help negotiating: Compensation for college head coaches -- especially the fast-escalating deals for football coaches -- is becoming an increasingly significant issue for NCAA schools, association president Myles Brand said Monday. During a session at the annual Street & Smith's Intercollegiate Athletics Forum here, Brand and other panelists were asked what they thought would be the most important story to follow in the upcoming year. "Coaches' contracts," said Brand, who added "agents have the upper hand" now and schools may need outside help negotiating these deals. Antitrust laws bar the NCAA from setting salary limits. "Negotiations have become tougher, and there's a lot of competition for the best coaches," Brand said in a separate interview Monday. "It might make sense for schools to have representation. They use outside counsel on other things." Hiring outside help can create problems, though, said Oklahoma athletics director Joe Castiglione, whose football coach, Bob Stoops, is one of the nation's highest paid at $3.45 million this year. "It's human nature to want to avoid the hard-core aspects of negotiation," Castiglione said. "But it can hurt the employer-employee relationship." (In part from USA Today)

Oklahoma's Hartley edged by the 'ville's Carmody for Groza Award: Art Carmody of the University of Louisville football team won the Lou Groza Award yesterday as the nation's top collegiate kicker. The junior from Shreveport, La., made 20 of 23 field-goal attempts and all 57 conversion tries for a team-high 117 points. He holds the school career record with 46 field goals. The other finalists were Auburn's John Vaughn and Oklahoma's Garrett Hartley. "I knew that John and Garrett each had a great season," Carmody said. "Just sitting there and hearing my name, it was kind of a shock." (Louisville Courier-Journal)

Labels: Award, Contracts, Garrett Hartley, Joe Castiglione

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Alexander 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 Transcript

Sooners' bowl choices down to two: Norman Transcript

Latimer recalls Cornhuskers' big rivalry — with Colorado: The Oklahoman

It's BCS or Cotton for Sooners: The Oklahoman

Taylor story is familiar: The Oklahoman

Reggie-go-round: Tulsa World

Blake connects to recruits: Tulsa World

Memorable moments -- OU vs. Nebraska: Tulsa World

Memorable moments -- OU versus Nebraska: Tulsa World

Sooners' bowl options limited: Tulsa World

Weather is a factor in title game: Tulsa World

Sooners QB now has believers: Dallas Morning News

Cotton Bowl will host Big 12 runner up: Dallas Morning News

Huskers golden in red zone: Lincoln Journal-Star

Breaking down the Sooners: Lincoln Journal-Star

Elmassian says Oklahoma offense 'tenacious': Lincoln Journal-Star

Huskers QB points to younger sisiter to keep him grounded: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Big 12 on hold by Gator: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Coach has Huskers back on top: Kansas City Star

Sooners have few weaknesses: Columbus Telegram

Sooners' Patrick, Brown show there's not reason for Peterson to rush return: San Antonio Express-News

Title game revives Sooners-Huskers rivalry: Yahoo! Sports

Fan primer for Big 12 Championship: SoonerSports.com

Labels: 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 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 Transcript

Callahan puts new face on storied program: Tulsa World

Stoops never lowered his expectations: Tulsa World

Stoops deserves consideration: Tulsa World

Sooners are the home team, but Nebraska will have the most fans: The Oklahoman

OU Football -- On the road: The Oklahoman

This year's Bedlam a joy to watch: The Oklahoman

Fans, travel agents scramble to find ways to game: The Oklahoman

Together, OU coach and defender stand: Kansas City Star

Sooners, Huskers both had to repair key parts: Kansas City Star

OU runs well without rushing Peterson: Dallas Morning News

Peterson not ruled out, but likely won't play: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

OU overcomes hurdles to win South: Lincoln Journal Star

Labels: Adrian Peterson, Award, Big XII, Bob Stoops, Conditioning, Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma Sooners, Tickets

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Carl Pendleton finalist for Wuerffel Award: Oklahoma defensive tackle Carl Pendleton has been selected as one of the finalists for the Wuerffel Trophy which is presented annually by the All Sports Association of Walton Beach, Florida. The award is based on academic, athletic and community service performance. Final ballots for the trophy are tabulated the week of Nov. 27 and the winner is announced shortly thereafter. The formal presentation takes place Feb. 16, 2007. Pendleton has gained significant public notice in recent weeks when it was announced that he would forgo his final year of football eligibility to concentrate on graduate school and raising his younger brother. Pendleton has become the legal guardian for his 10-year-old brother, Kierstan. A 3.86 student in sociology with a minor in religious studies, Pendleton expects to graduate in December and will enter graduate school at OU. In addition to his candidacy for the Wuerffel Trophy, Pendleton is nominated for the NCAA's Today's Top VIII Award, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Bobby Bowden Award, the Football Writers' Association of America Courage Award and the John Wooden Citizenship Cup presented by Athletes for a Better World. Pendleton already has been named a recipient of the National Football Foundation's Post-Graduate Scholarship, an award of $18,000. He will travel to New York in December to receive that honor. (SoonerSports PR)

Labels: Award, Carl Pendleton