Oklahoma's football graduation rates ranks last in Big 12: Oklahoma's football team had the worst graduation rates in the Big 12 under the most recent data released by the NCAA. According to figures released Wednesday by the NCAA, only 45 percent of the football players who enrolled at Oklahoma between 1999 and 2002 earned their degrees within six years. That period coincides with coach Bob Stoops' first four years as the Sooners' head coach. Federal data that does not factor in players who transfer or enroll at mid-year puts Oklahoma's graduation rate for that period at 37 percent, also the lowest in the Big 12. (AP/KFSM)

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma DE Jeremy Beal earns Big 12 weekly honors: Oklahoma defensive end Jeremy Beal has been named the Big 12 Conference's Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in last Saturday's game at Miami. The junior from Carrollton, Texas, logged three sacks in Oklahoma's 21-20 loss at Miami. He finished with five total tackles and also knocked down two passes. It was the second-straight game in which Beal had three sacks. He ranks No. 3 nationally in sacks and No. 8 in tackles for loss. Four of his eight TFL have come against nationally-ranked opponents. Beal now has six sacks through four games this season. The school record of 14 was set in 1997 by Martin Chase. Other weekly Big 12 honors for the week went to Kansas State's Grant Gregory (offense) and Emmanuel Lamur (special teams). (SoonerSports PR)

Labels: Big XII, Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma Sooners

Sooners' QB Landry Jones named Big 12 Offensive Play of the Week: Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones, who set a school record with six touchdown passes in the Sooners' 45-0 win over Tulsa last Saturday, has been named the Big 12 Conference's Offensive Player of the Week. Making just the second start of his career, the redshirt freshman broke the mark previously held by Heisman Trophy winners Sam Bradford and Jason White along with Heisman runner-up Josh Heupel. Jones also tied the NCAA record for the second-most touchdown passes by a freshman. Jones ended the game 25-of-37 for 336 yards with two interceptions. His touchdown throws covered 7, 63, 13, 10, 14 and 35 yards. The league's players of the week are selected by a media panel. Texas LB Roddrick Muckelroy captured the defensive honor, while Nebraska punter Alex Henery was cited for special teams play. (SoonerSports PR)

Labels: Big XII, Honors, Landry Jones

Sam Bradford named 2008-2009 Big 12 Athlete of the Year: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford has been named the Big 12 Conference's male athlete of the year. As a redshirt sophomore in 2008, Bradford won the Heisman Trophy, given to the nation's best college football player, and the Davey O'Brien Trophy, awarded to the nation's best quarterback. The Big 12 award is selected by a panel of media based solely on an athlete's performance in the 2008-09 season. This year, for the first time, fan voting on Big12Sports.com was included in the award's final tally. (The Oklahoman)

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford

Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, Gerald McCoy, Jermaine Gresham and Bob Stoops video from various media outlets at Big 12 media days in Irving, TX.

From ESPN.com


From FOXSports.com

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=1dfc268f-79eb-4f81-a4f5-037f35e509db&from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videocentral" target="_new" title="Big 12 Media Day: Oklahoma">Video: Big 12 Media Day: Oklahoma</a>

From NewsOK.com


News9.com

Labels: Big XII, Bob Stoops, Gerald McCoy, Jermaine Gresham, Sam Bradford, Video

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bob Stoops quotes from Big 12 Media Days: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops met the Big 12 media Tuesday and addressed a number of topics. Full Bob Stoops press conference transcript below.

PETER IRWIN: Coach Bob Stoops has joined us from Oklahoma. Coach, welcome. Your thoughts about the summer and the upcoming season.

COACH STOOPS: Thank you, Peter. It's been a great summer, I guess, for me personally. It's always good to get away a little bit, get with your family and friends. Hopefully, our players have been working well. I think most all of them have been on campus for the most part, going to summer school and hopefully working out.

But we had a good spring, winter and spring leading up to the summer. Excited about the team that we have back, feel that we have a good, strong nucleus of players that we hope we'll get great leadership out of. Not just the three or four that everyone's talked about, but guys like Brody Eldridge, Matt Clapp, guys like Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray, Auston English, Jeremy Beal. A lot of these guys, Keenan Clayton, Travis Lewis. A lot of these guys have played a lot of good football for us.

And an order of guys that hopefully we can expect good and strong leadership out of and hopefully really guide our team to hopefully another year where we can pursue championships once again.

Q. Obvious question, Bob. Would youtalk about what looks to be an unprecedented return of three potential number one draft choices in one year, if you think there was a common theme there and the obvious impact of having those three guys back.

COACH STOOPS: Well, I think those guys all coming back, I think, says a lot about the overall program that they're pleased and excited to be in and want to participate in one more year and then maybe give up some fortune for a year to have that opportunity to be here one more year with their teammates, with their coaches.

But also I think there's value that they see in graduating and/or if you're not graduating, you're within a class or two, so it's real manageable and easy to finish. There is value in that. There's value in being more prepared for that situation when it comes, to being a year stronger, more seasoned, more prepared for that situation. And a value in being with their teammates another year. So it is pretty special. I think it says a lot about the quality of individuals they are too. Just that they see the value in all those things.

Q. Two-part question. First, Bob, wonder how you feel about asterisk. Second question is can you be as good as you were last year?

COACH STOOPS: That's not for me to -- I know you guys would love for me to have a little quip about that and throw it all over the place. I don't want to take away from the players and the programs and do that. I don't have anything to say about that. And the other was how do we feel about --

Q. Could you be as good as you were last year.

COACH STOOPS: I hope so. Hopefully we can be a game or two better. You have to go and earn all of that. You have to get back with your team, get back out on the field and start competing and working to see truly where you're at.

It's going to be another week or so before we can do that. But we have a chance to be every bit as good or hopefully maybe a little better.

Q. Coach, can you talk about your defensive line and the expectation level you have for them coming into the season.

COACH STOOPS: I really believe it has a chance to be a true, true strength of our team. The guys up front there on the D-line, you look at three D-ends that really have been productive in Jeremy Beal, Frank Alexander, Auston English. We really love those guys and how they play. And you've got Gerald McCoy and Adrian Taylor inside that were mainstays a year ago and played at such a high level, in particular with Gerald. You know how special he is.

Those guys have a chance. We need to get a few more guys. We've got a number of guys, D-ends coming on, R.J. Washington coming on some also and some other young inside guys. We'll see. Hopefully those guys can be a real strength for us.

I think our defense has a chance to be quite a bit better than we were a year ago. You know, hopefully that will be the case.

Q. Can you talk about your men coming back, but you did lose two quality receivers outside. Talk about the adjustment to the receivers you'll have and the new guys you do have coming in.

COACH STOOPS: I think Sam will have a good number of targets. I think the best thing -- one of the best things that Kevin Wilson has done as our offensive coordinator is to be able to play more team strengths.

You see us out there sometimes in some special tight end sets because those guys are such good players. Jermaine can split out and be a wide receiver, or we came in with a big set with he and Brody Eldridge side by side and put Matt Clapp right behind him. He's a 250-pound fullback.

And then you can spread them out and put Jermaine outside. Along with other guys -- and Mossis Madu is a guy we're going to work at receiver. Ryan Broyles was a big player for us last year. He'll have to step up and do more. Adron Tennell had a really good spring. We're hoping he can field some of those -- catch some of those balls that we lost with those guys graduating.

Q. Bob, how big of a concern is your offensive line, and potentially how good can it be?

COACH STOOPS: Well, obviously it's a concern because those guys have played a limited amount. And so what you want to see is some kind of consistency and how they work here through two-a-days and how they work through the season. A level of discipline you expect, a level of toughness in how they work.

We've got to get out there and keep developing those guys. They had a pretty fair, pretty good spring going against a good D-line, but it needs to continue to happen.

It has a chance to be good. There's potential there. There's talent there and potential. I don't need to tell you guys what sometimes that can add up to. In the end, it can add up to something really pretty good, or it can be pretty fair depending on how they work and what kind of discipline they have working to get ready.

Q. Coach, you have Ryan Reynolds going. Can you talk about how important he is to your defense.

COACH STOOPS: Ryan is important. He's got a lot of experience. Though he's been injured some, he's still a guy that plays at a very consistent level for us. He's been fine. This injury was not nearly as complicated to come back from as his previous one.

There wasn't as much collateral damage around the particular injury in this case than there was in the first one. So talking to him, he feels great. He looks great. He's really trimmed up. My guess, again, just natural, being a senior, he looks great as far as physically, and he says he feels good running. He's been running and training and doing everything.

Q. Bob, on a scale of unlucky to injury-prone, where does DeMarco Murray fit in?

COACH STOOPS: I'd say unlucky because the injury is such -- it was so odd in how they happened. You know, he's a great worker. Same thing, you know, DeMarco looks great. He's strong. He's always so much bigger, I think, than people realize.

So he's excited to get back and get going again. He has been a little bit unlucky and how odd those injuries -- how odd they were that they happened. They're very unusual how they happened.

Q. Bob, how does Sam improve on last year, I mean, on those stats and stuff?

COACH STOOPS: Well, it's going to be hard to improve on those stats. It's just like offensively they'll be hard to have that kind of production. You know, but hopefully with a better defense you don't have to. So in the end, we're not always concerned about -- we're not concerned about statistics. It's doing what you need to do and manage the game to win. So to me, just to manage the game and avoid turnovers, make the smart plays, be consistent like he has been, and not to force things. You know, remind him you're not Superman. You don't need to remind Sam of that. He plays within the system. Let things come to you. Avoid the really poor and turnover -- you know be, the bad plays. Here and there we can rely on the defense hopefully in certain situations. So it's just managing the game. That's all we want him to do.

How can he do it better than here? I don't know that you can. It's pretty hard to. Hopefully, he can do it in a similar way that hopefully will be good.

Q. Coach, have you taken a look at the new stadium yet in Arlington? How excited are you and your kids about opening your season here on the 5th?

COACH STOOPS: You know, I haven't had a chance to see it. I have seen pictures here and there what people have showed me when they have seen it. It looks fabulous. It looks really just really special.

We are excited to compete in there. I think it's safe to say, though, we don't want to -- we're not just excited about walking in and seeing it. We want to play well. We have a great fan base down here in Dallas. It's a huge recruiting base for us with the close proximity to Norman. So there's a lot of great reasons to be down here in this game. I know our fans are excited to come down here for it.

But, ultimately, we realize we're playing an excellent team and a great tradition and a team that year in and year out is always good in BYU, and we need to really be ready to play a good game.

Q. Bob, you've always played a very competitive nonconference schedule since coming to Oklahoma. It seemed to be a day off for you last year when you got down to the BCS standings. Can you talk about the philosophy of playing difficult opponents in nonconference.

COACH STOOPS: I think you're correct in that Joe Castiglione, our athletic director, and I have made a point to play a challenging nonconference schedule. It's been Joe's philosophy.

Once we got over the hump and won the national championship in 2000 and felt we were building, and the program was back to where we felt it should be, if you're a top ten team, we felt you should play that type of schedule. Much as you can. It's not always easy to schedule, but if you're able to, to have those exciting games to play them.

And Joe is also very wise. He and I have always talked about, if all things are equal, the BCS ramifications are there. Even though they have devalued the reason to play a difficult schedule -- you don't get quite the credit you used to get for it -- it still matters to some degree.

Again, with all things being equal, I think Joe has done a great job, and I've agreed to it to play a tough schedule to hopefully get you in a better position that way. Otherwise, why play? If it isn't going to matter, then there's no need to go play the tough games.

Our philosophy also, too, to credit our fans, for our fan base, we felt they were good for them. Our people wanted to see these kind of games. It's challenging for our players. I've always felt it gets our players' attention early, that we need to be prepared early to play. You know, hopefully gives you big challenges early that hopefully can help you later.

PETER IRWIN: Coach, thank you for your comments.

From Big12Sports.com

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners, Bears, Jayhawks, Tigers to meet the media: Day two at Big 12 media days gets underway at the top of the hour (9:00 AM) from Irving, Texas. Team representatives from Oklahoma, Baylor, Kansas and Missouri are scheduled today. Live streaming coverage is available at Big12Sports.com.

Today - Full Schedule
* Missouri: Head Coach Gary Pinkel, LB Sean Weatherspoon, NT Jaron Baston, OG Kurtis Gregory (approx. 9:00 AM)
* Baylor: Head Coach Art Briles, Defensive Coordinator Brian Norwood, QB Robert Griffin III, FS Jordan Lake, LB Joe Pawelek, C J.D. Walton (9:45 AM)
* Kansas: Head Coach Mark Mangino, QB Todd Reesing, WR Kerry Meier, DE Max Onyegbule (10:30 AM)
* Oklahoma: Head Coach Bob Stoops, QB Sam Bradford, DT Gerald McCoy, TE Jermaine Gresham (11:15 AM)

Noteworthy links
Baylor - Official
Kansas - Official
Missouri - Official
Oklahoma - Official
Big 12 Sports Official Site

Twitters to follow @Big12Conference Media Days
@SooonerSportscom
@SchadJoe
@MikeSherman
@OklaFootball

Quotes and notes from day two will be posted later today.

Labels: Baylor, Big XII, Kansas, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Eight Sooners on All-Big 12 team; Bradford named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska) and Phil Taylor (Baylor) highlight the 2009 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team, chosen by media representatives who cover the Conference. Bradford was named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and selected the preseason squad's quarterback. The 2008 Heisman Trophy winner was Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year last season and earned All-Big 12 First Team honors. Bradford was also a consensus All-America while winning the Davey O'Brien and Sammy Baugh awards. Suh garnered honors as Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and as a defensive linemen on the preseason team. He was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team a year ago after leading the Conference linemen with 76 tackles. Taylor, a transfer from Penn State, was named Preseason Newcomer of the Year. The defensive tackle will have two years of eligibility remaining after playing in 18 games as a freshman and sophomore at PSU. He sat out the 2008 season in accordance with NCAA transfer rules. (Big 12 Sports PR)

2009 Media Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team
Offensive Player of the Year: Sam Bradford, Oklahoma (QB, 6-4, 223, Jr/2L, Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Defensive Player of the Year: Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (DT, 6-4, 300, Sr/3L, Portland, Ore.)
Newcomer of the Year: Phil Taylor, Baylor (DT, 6-4, 355, Jr/TR, Clinton, Md.)

Offense
Pos Name School Ht Wt Cl/Exp Hometown
WR Dez Bryant* Oklahoma State 6-2 215 Jr/2L Lufkin, Texas
TE Jermaine Gresham* Oklahoma 6-6 258 Sr/3L Ardmore, Okla.
OL Russell Okung* Oklahoma State 6-6 305 Sr/3L Fort Bend, Texas
OL Trent Williams* Oklahoma 6-5 318 Sr/3L Longview, Texas
C Chris Hall# Texas 6-4 295 Sr/3L Irving, Texas
OL Adam Ulatoski* Texas 6-6 310 Sr/3L Southlake, Texas
OL Brandon Carter Texas Tech 6-7 354 Sr/3L Longview, Texas
WR Dezmon Briscoe# Kansas 6-3 202 Jr/2L Dallas, Texas
QB Sam Bradford* Oklahoma 6-4 223 Jr/2L Oklahoma City, Okla.
RB Kendall Hunter* Oklahoma State 5-8 190 Jr/2L Tyler, Texas
RB DeMarco Murray^* Oklahoma 6-1 214 Jr/2L Las Vegas, Nev.
PK Alex Henery Nebraska 6-2 175 Jr/2L Omaha, Neb.
KR Perrish Cox Oklahoma State 6-0 195 Sr/3L Waco, Texas

Defense
Pos Name School Ht Wt Cl/Exp Hometown
DL Ndamukong Suh# Nebraska 6-4 300 Sr/3L Portland, Ore.
DL Gerald McCoy* Oklahoma 6-4 297 Jr/2L Oklahoma City, Okla.
DL Jeremy Beal# Oklahoma 6-3 261 Jr/2L Carrollton, Texas
DL Sergio Kindle Texas 6-4 255 Sr/3L Dallas, Texas
LB Sean Weatherspoon*^ Missouri 6-2 245 Sr/3L Jasper, Texas
LB Joe Pawelek*^ Baylor 6-2 240 Sr/3L San Antonio, Texas
LB Travis Lewis Oklahoma 6-2 232 So/1L San Antonio, Texas
DB Darrell Stuckey* Kansas 6-1 205 Sr/3L Kansas City, Kan.
DB Jordan Lake*^ Baylor 6-1 215 Sr/3L Houston, Texas
DB Dominique Franks# Oklahoma 6-0 192 Jr/2L Tulsa, Okla.
DB Earl Thomas Texas 5-10 197 So/1L Orange, Texas
P Derek Epperson Baylor 6-3 235 Jr/2L Southlake, Texas
PR Dez Bryant* Oklahoma State 6-2 215 Jr/2L Lufkin, Texas
^ 2008 Preseason Team
* 2008 All-Big 12 First Team selection
# 2008 All-Big 12 Second Team selection

Related Post:
Big 12 Media Preseason Poll Released
Bradford, Gresham, McCoy to Represent OU at Big 12 Media Day

Labels: Big XII, DeMarco Murray, Dominique Franks, Gerald McCoy, Jeremy Beal, Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford, Travis Lewis, Trent Williams

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Big 12 media preseason poll has Oklahoma, Texas tied for 1st place: Nebraska was predicted to win the North division while Oklahoma and Texas tied for the top spot in the South in the 2009 Big 12 Football Preseason Poll, voted on by media representatives who cover the Conference. Texas compiled 17 first-place votes in the South compared to 15 for Oklahoma, however both finished with 174 cumulative points. Oklahoma State was picked third ahead of Texas Tech, Baylor and Texas A&M. OU, UT and TTU finished tied for the top spot in the South last season. The Sooners won the tiebreaker to compete in the Championship game and captured their third-consecutive and sixth overall Big 12 title. (Big 12 Sports PR)

2009 Big 12 Football Media Preseason Poll North Division
1. Nebraska (17) 172
2. Kansas (12) 164
3. Missouri (3) 124
4. Colorado 100
5. Kansas State 81
6. Iowa State 33

South Division
1. Texas (17) 174
1. Oklahoma (15) 174
3. Oklahoma State 130
4. Texas Tech 89
5. Baylor 75
6. Texas A&M 33
first-place votes in parentheses

Labels: Baylor, Big XII, Colorado Buffalo, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri Tigers, Nebraska, Oklahoma Sooners, OSU, Texas, Texas A M, Texas Tech

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners announce team representatives for Big 12 media days: Coach Stoops will take Sam Bradford, Gerald McCoy and Jermaine Gresham to Arlington as OU's representatives for the annual Big 12 media days on Tuesday, July 28.(SoonerSports.com)

Big 12 Media Days Lineup

Day 1: Monday, July 27

* Nebraska: Head Coach Bo Pelini, RB Roy Helu Jr., C Jacob Hickman, DT Ndamukong Suh
* Oklahoma State: Head Coach Mike Gundy, Assistant Head Coach Jason Jones, QB Zac Robinson, LB Andre Sexton, WR Dez Bryant
* Iowa State: Head Coach Paul Rhoads, QB Austen Arnaud, OL Reggie Stephens, DL Nate Frere
* Texas A&M: Head Coach Mike Sherman, players TBA

Day 2: Tuesday, July 28

* Missouri: Head Coach Gary Pinkel, LB Sean Weatherspoon, NT Jaron Baston, OG Kurtis Gregory
* Baylor: Head Coach Art Briles, Defensive Coordinator Brian Norwood, QB Robert Griffin III, FS Jordan Lake, LB Joe Pawelek, C J.D. Walton
* Kansas: Head Coach Mark Mangino, QB Todd Reesing, WR Kerry Meier, DE Max Onyegbule
* Oklahoma: Head Coach Bob Stoops, QB Sam Bradford, DT Gerald McCoy, TE Jermaine Gresham

Day 3: Wednesday, July 29

* Kansas State: Head Coach Bill Snyder, players TBA
* Texas Tech: Head Coach Mike Leach, OL Brandon Carter, CB Jamar Wall, DL Colby Whitlock
* Colorado: Head Coach Dan Hawkins, Associate Head Coach Brian Cabral, TE Riar Greer, LB Marcus Burton, LB Jeff Smart
* Texas: Head Coach Mack Brown, players TBA

Wilson Key to Sooners Machine: Tulsa World

Mike Gaddis carried the ball for OU 20 years ago: Tulsa World

Cronkite shared link with both Oklahoma and Texas: ESPN.com

Kevin Wilson keeps Sooners on the move: The Oklahoman

NCAA Football 10, OU capitalizes on mistakes in Bedlam win: The Oklahoman

Labels: Big XII, Gerald McCoy, Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Big 12 Coaches vote to keep tiebreaker: Big 12 coaches have rejected a proposal to change the controversial tiebreaker that gave Oklahoma the nod over Texas in the three-way tie in the Big 12 South last season. The coaches had considered adopting a three-team tiebreaker that would eliminate the lowest-ranked team in the BCS standings, then go to the head-to-head result of the remaining two teams. If that had been in place last year, Texas Tech would have been eliminated, and Texas would have emerged as the division champion because it had defeated Oklahoma. "The tiebreaker system we had was felt, by the majority of coaches, to be appropriate to what we want to accomplish," commissioner Dan Beebe said. "There's risks in either one. We had one risk last year." The coaches' recommendation will go to Big 12 athletic directors, who may still change the tiebreaker. (Associated Press/ESPN.com)

Labels: BCS, Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma defeats Missouri 62-21: After a week of defending its reputation and fighting off the relentless Texas spin, Oklahoma had plenty of motivation entering Saturday night's Big 12 championship game. "We have to go out there and prove something to everyone," Sooners quarterback Sam Bradford told reporters during a Tuesday news conference.With its 62-21 trouncing of No. 19 Missouri on a frigid night before an announced crowd of 71,004 at Arrowhead Stadium, No. 4 Oklahoma proved plenty and probably clinched a berth in the national championship game Jan. 8 against No. 2 Florida (12-1) when the Bowl Championship Series standings are released Sunday evening, according to Jerry Palm, an independent B.C.S. analyst. (More at NYTimes.com)

Labels: BCS, Big XII, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bradford to have surgery Sunday: Sam Bradford will have surgery on Sunday, but not before he leads No. 2 Oklahoma into battle against No. 20 Missouri on Saturday.OU coach Bob Stoops said during a press conference Friday afternoon that his star quarterback — a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy — has been "working through it this week. We have a splint prepared for him that he's operated with through the week wonderfully. Haven't had any issues with it. He feels good with it and should be even better than a week ago, in that we have a plan for, and he has something to brace it. "He's able to operate under center and do everything that we normally do." (Tulsa World)

Sooners have a lot on the line: Norman Transcript

The right two teams are playing tonight: Norman Transcript

Cold doesn't concern Stoops in fourth trip to Arrowhead: Norman Transcript

Seeking depth, Oklahoma got much more: New York Times

Scoring machine: Tulsa World

OU-Missouri -- 3 Storylines: Tulsa World

OU's Best: Tulsa World

Sooners short on respect: Tulsa World

Cold site, hot streak: The Oklahoman

Stoops is focused on game, not voters: The Oklahoman

Sooners fighting back: The Oklahoman

Tide, '00 Sooners comparable teams: The Oklahoman

OU blitz package: The Oklahoman

Sooners have something to prove today: Dallas Morning News

Missouri's Daniel gets last chance at glory: Dallas Morning News

Big 12 Championship Preview: Dallas Morning News

Big 12 not ready to commit to Dallas Cowboys' new stadium: Dallas Morning News

Daniel needs game of his life: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Missouri can take season to significant height with win over Oklahoma: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Missouris offense must save its best for Oklahoma: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Sooners are talking up Missouri defense: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The Matchup: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Missouri could have its say about convoluted BCS mess: Star-Telegram

Sooners adjusting to middle linebacker injuries: Star-Telegram

Texas talk in Kansas City: Star-Telegram

Missouri and Tigers all-star QB chase a final major conquest: Star-Telegram

MU's offense doesn't want to make defense's job any tougher: Kansas City Star

The greatest offense of all time?: Columbia Tribune

Labels: Big XII, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Nine Sooners named to All-Big 12 team; Stoops earns coaches honor: Oklahoma produced the coach of the year, the offensive player of the year and a total of nine first-team honorees on the 2008 All-Big 12 Conference Football Team announced Tuesday. Bob Stoops shared coach of the year honors with Texas Tech's Mike Leach, while Sam Bradford was named the league's top offensive player. Center Jon Cooper earned lineman of the year honors and redshirt freshman linebacker Travis Lewis was the defensive freshman of the year. Joining Bradford on the first team offense from Oklahoma were running back DeMarco Murray, fullback Matt Clapp, tight end Jermaine Gresham, tackle Phil Loadholt, tackle Trent Williams and guard Duke Robinson. Sooners on the first team defense included tackle Gerald McCoy and safety Nic Harris. The second team offense included OU wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias and Cooper. The second team defense contained defensive end Jeremy Beal, Lewis, cornerback Dominique Franks and safety Lendy Holmes. OU's honorable mention picks were running back Chris Brown, linebacker Keenan Clayton and offensive guard Brandon Walker. (SoonerSports.com PR)

Did you know? Sam Bradford is the third Oklahoma player to be named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

Related: 2008 All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced

Labels: Big XII, Bob Stoops, Jon Cooper, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Big 12 Commissioner: Conference will re-examine tiebreakers: Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe said Tuesday that the conference will reassess the divisional championship tiebreaker that left Texas out of the conference title game but that rushing to the conclusion that it needs to be changed would be a mistake. "Any tiebreaker system is difficult and will leave teams disappointed," Beebe said. "When the tiebreaker was written I was not in the league but they wanted to put in the team that had the best chance to play in the national championship game." Despite identical records and a loss to Texas, Oklahoma advanced to the Big 12 championship game in Kansas City because the Sooners are ranked higher in the BCS standings. "I'm not so sure that this isn't the best way to do it," Beebe said. "I understand the argument about head-to-head and it is a strong point, but as a lot of voters looked at it, and as the committees that select basketball tournament participants look at it, 'What team would you least want to play now?'" (ESPN.com)

Related: Stoops reaction to BCS Standings

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Tech

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Pinkel Press Conference: Missouri Coach Gary Pinkel talks about upcoming Big 12 Championship game against Oklahoma.


Chase Daniel Press Conference


Related: Tigers meet the media ahead of Big 12 Championship

Labels: Big XII, Missouri Tigers, Video

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma named team of the week: OU's victory over Tech earned the Sooners this week's Fiesta Bowl national team of the week honors, awarded by the Football Writers Association of America. It was the most points allowed by a Texas Tech team and the second-largest margin of victory against a team ranked No. 2 in the AP poll. The FWAA has awarded a team of the week since 2002. (Tulsa World)

Twelve Sooners earn Academic Honors: Twelve Oklahoma players, including six first-team selections, were announced Tuesday as part of the Big 12 Conference's All-Academic Team. The Big 12 Conference has named 137 student-athletes to the 2008 Academic All-Big 12 Football Team, the league office announced. Nominated by each institution's director of student-athlete support services and its media relations offices, the football academic all-league squad consisted of 91 first team members combined with 46 on the second team. (SoonerSports PR)

First Team
Sam Bradford, So., Finance, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Derek Gove, Sr., Communications, Carrollton, Texas
Travis Lewis, Fr., Undeclared, San Antonio, Texas
DeMarco Murray, So., Communications, Las Vegas, Nev.
Sam Proctor, Fr., Undeclared, Pearland, Texas
Jimmy Stevens, Fr., Undeclared, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Second Team
Ryan Broyles, Fr., Undeclared, Norman, Okla.
Brandon Caleb So., General Management, Richmond, Va.
Auston English, Jr., Soc. Sci./Org. Studies, Canadian, Texas
Desmond Jackson, Fr., Undeclared, Seguin, Texas
Kyle Johnson, Sr., Petroleum Engineering, Konawa, Okla.
Adrian Taylor, So., Sociology, Mansfield, Texas
Carter Whitson, Jr., Science Education, Shawnee, Oklahoma

Murray named All-American Player of the Week: DeMarco Murray was named U.S. Army All-American College Player of the Week. Murray rushed for 125 yards and two TDs and caught four passes for 71 yards in OU's 65-21 win over Texas Tech. The award honors an alumnus of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl who had the top performance of a given week. Murray played for the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl West Team. (Tulsa World)

OU's Davis out for Bedlam: Senior defensive end Alan Davis is expected to miss Saturday’s game because of a knee sprain, Stoops said this week. Davis and English, who is also out this week, both missed the Tech game with sprained knees. (The Oklahoman)

Sooners up for honors: Norman Transcript

Don't sleep on Oklahoma State: The Oklahoma Daily

Stoops agrees with Texas' Brown: Tulsa World

Box living out his dream as a Sooner linebacker: Tulsa World

It's simple ... Sooners run, Sooners win: Tulsa World

Listen to Bob Stoops discuss Bedlam game: Tulsa World

Stoops addresses OSU, DeMarco Murray, Big 12 title chances: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma highways ready for Bedlam traffic: The Oklahoman

Bradford needs big finish: The Oklahoman

Happy campers get ready for Bedlam: The Oklahoman

Bedlam could have many empty seats: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma cornerback Franks looking to be even better this week: Star-Telegram

Labels: Big XII, DeMarco Murray, Injury, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Pair of Sooners earn Big 12 honors: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Travis Lewis swept the Big 12 Football Player of the Week honors for their efforts in the Sooners' win over Texas Tech last Saturday. Bradford won the offensive award after completing 14-of-19 passes for 306 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Bradford's scoring strikes went to four different receivers and covered distances of 19, 28, 66 and 26 yards. The sophomore also rushed five times for 18 yards to account for 324 yards of total offense. Bradford has thrown four or more touchdowns in seven games this season including the last three in a row. Lewis, a redshirt freshman linebacker, compiled a game-high 13 tackles, one for loss, one pass deflection and one pass interception, which he turned 47 yards to set up the Texas Tech one. OU's DeMarco Murray ran in for a touchdown on the next play. (SoonerSports PR)

Brody Eldridge back: Saturday, the Sooners pounded Tech for 299 yards on the ground. Part of the reason for that was the return of tight end Brody Eldridge, who’s been out with an ankle injury the last month. "Brody is a physical presence in our front," Bob Stoops said. "On those perimeter runs, he's always a major factor in them." (The Oklahoman)

Sooners have edge in BCS standings: The Oklahoman

OU-Texas for the title a possibility: The Oklahoman

Sooners are oh, so close: Norman Transcript

OU's stock rises: Tulsa World

GameDay returns to Stillwater: Tulsa World

Offense must stay strong: Tulsa World

OU Notebook: Tulsa World

Cowboys must put up big points: Tulsa World

Oklahoma State will have a say in Big 12 race: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma beats Tech, but Texas wins in BCS standings: Dallas Morning News

Only politics can help Oklahoma overtake Texas: Star-Telegram

Sooners, Gators gain ground but have work left: FOXSports.com

OU, Texas and Texas Tech all have solid cases to make if they finish tied: NBC Sports

UT leads No. 3 Oklahoma by a thin margin: Austin American-Statesman

Texas wins battle, but Oklahoma might win war: Austin American-Statesman

Big 12 power rankings: Sooners soar to the top: ESPN.com

Longhorns, Sooners hooked up in tight BCS battle: ESPN.com

What we learned in the Big 12, Week 13: ESPN.com

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford, Travis Lewis

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Travis Lewis named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week: For the third time in the last four weeks and the second week in a row, an Oklahoma player has been named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week. Travis Lewis got the honor this week for his effort at Kansas State last Saturday. Lewis led the Sooners with 15 tackles, two of which went for loss, in the 58-35 victory. He also intercepted two passes and chalked up 55 yards in returns. Lewis got his first pick on KSU's opening possession and returned it 27 yards to set up OU's first score. The Sooners never trailed in the game. The San Antonio, Texas, native is OU's leading tackler this season with 84, the second-highest total ever by a Sooner freshman linebacker. Brian Bosworth holds that mark with 133 in 1984. (SoonerSports PR)

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, Travis Lewis

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Lendy Holmes named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week: Oklahoma safety Lendy Holmes has been named the Big 12 Conference's Defensive Player of the Week for his work in last Saturday's 45-31 victory over Kansas in Norman. Holmes intercepted two passes off Kansas quarterback Todd Reesing, who had thrown just three total interceptions coming into the game. Holmes also had eight tackles, one for loss and two pass deflections. The Dallas native now leads OU in interceptions with three this season and is No. 4 on the team in tackles with 42. (SoonerSports PR)

Labels: Big XII, Lendy Holmes, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Keenan Clayton named Co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week: Oklahoma strong side linebacker Keenan Clayton has been named the Co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week. The junior had a career-high 14 tackles in the Sooners' 49-17 win at Baylor last Saturday. After starting two games at strong safety in 2006, Clayton had worked in a back-up role until earning a starting linebacker job this season. The change has been good for the junior from Sulphur Springs, Texas. He currently ranks No. 3 on the team in tackles with 40 and is tied for the top spot in tackles for loss with six and in fumbles forced with two, Prior to this season, Clayton's career high for tackles was four, which he accomplished twice. He has exceeded that figure in four of the five games thus far in 2008 and has averaged 10.3 stops over the last three games. (SoonerSports PR)

Labels: Big XII, Keenan Clayton, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Johnson named Big 12 offensive player of the week: Manual Johnson (Oklahoma), Trent Hunter (Texas A&M) and Nate Swift (Nebraska) have been named Big 12 Conference Football Players of the Week as selected by a media panel. All three received their first career weekly award. (Big 12 Sports PR)

BIG 12 OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Manual Johnson, Oklahoma, WR, Sr, Gilmer, Texas
Playing against the nation's top-ranked defense, Manual Johnson set a school record with 206 receiving yards on five receptions in OU's 35-10 win over No. 24 TCU. He broke Mark Clayton's record of 190 yards against Texas in 2003. Johnson also became the second player in OU history to record three plays of 55+ yards in the same game, joining Antonio Perkins (three punt returns against UCLA in 2003). Johnson recorded touchdown receptions of 79, 55 and 63 yards against the Horned Frogs and averaged 41.2 yards per reception.

Stoops still downplays OU's No. 1 rank: Tulsa World

Stoops, Saban to meet again?: Tulsa World

State team putting up huge stats: Tulsa World

OU Notebook: Tulsa World

Labels: Big XII, Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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)

Dream Big 12 non-conference matchups: ESPN.com

Labels: Big XII, Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bob Stoops Big 12 Media Day quotes:

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.

For more Big 12 Media Day quotes CLICK HERE

Stoops addresses bowl games, Murray, the Internet: The Oklahoman

Labels: Big XII, Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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)

A former OU quarterback gives back: Tulsa World Sports Extra

Big 12 defenses make stopping The Spread a priority: The Oklahoman

Labels: Auston English, Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, Watch List

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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.)

Offense

Pos; Name; School; Ht.; Wt.; Cl./Exp.; Hometown

WR; Michael Crabtree*; Texas Tech; 6-3; 206; So./1L; Dallas
TE; Chase Coffman; Missouri; 6-6; 245; Sr./3L; Peculiar, Mo.
OL; Duke Robinson; Oklahoma; 6-5; 330; Sr./3L; Atlanta, Ga.
OL; Phil Loadholt; Oklahoma; 6-8; 350; Sr./1L; Fountain, Colo.
C; Jon Cooper; Oklahoma; 6-2; 285; Sr./3L; Fort Collins, Colo.
OL; Louis Vasquez; Texas Tech; 6-6; 335; Sr./3L; Corsicana, Texas
OL; Colin Brown; Missouri; 6-8; 325; Sr./3L; Braymer, Mo.
OL; Cedric Dockery; Texas; 6-4; 315; Sr./3L; Garland, Texas
WR; Jeremy Maclin; Missouri; 6-1; 200; So./1L; Kirkwood, Mo.
QB; Chase Daniel; Missouri; 6-0; 225; Sr./3L; Southlake, Texas
RB; Marlon Lucky; Nebraska; 6-0; 215; Sr./3L; North Hollywood, Calif.
RB; DeMarco Murray; Oklahoma; 6-0; 191; So./1L; Las Vegas, Nev.
PK; Jeff Wolfert; Missouri; 6-2; 185; Sr./2L; Overland Park, Kan.
KR; Marcus Herford; Kansas; 6-3; 208; Sr./3L; DeSoto, Texas

Defense

Pos; Name; School; Ht.; Wt.; Cl./Exp.; Hometown

DL; Auston English; Oklahoma; 6-3; 257; Jr./1L; Canadian, Texas
DL; Ian Campbell; Kansas State; 6-5; 249; Sr./3L; Cimarron, Kan.
DL; George Hypolite; Colorado; 6-1; 285; Sr./3L; Los Angeles, Calif.
DL; Brian Orakpo; Texas; 6-4; 260; Sr./3L; Houston, Texas
LB; Sean Weatherspoon; Missouri; 6-1; 235; Jr./2L; Jasper, Texas
LB; Joe Mortenson; Kansas; 6-1; 250; Sr./3L; Concord, Calif.
LB; Joe Pawelek; Baylor; 6-3; 236; Jr./2L; San Antonio, Texas
DB; Nic Harris; Oklahoma; 6-3; 226; Sr./3L; Alexandria, La.
DB; William Moore; Missouri; 6-1; 230; Sr./3L; Hayti, Mo.
DB; Jamar Wall; Texas Tech; 5-10; 196; Jr./2L; Plainview, Texas
DB; Jordan Lake; Baylor; 6-2; 206; Jr./2L; Houston, Texas
P; Justin Brantly; Texas A&M; 6-3; 241; Sr./3L; Sealy, Texas
PR; Jeremy Maclin; Missouri; 6-1; 200; So./1L; Kirkwood, Mo.

* Denotes unanimous choice.

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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)

Big 12 media poll

(1st place votes) total points

NORTH

1. Missouri, (51) 306

2. Kansas, 234

3. Nebraska, 183

4. Colorado, 181

5. Kansas State, 108

6. Iowa State, 59

SOUTH

1.Oklahoma, (49) 304

2. Texas, (2) 230

3. Texas Tech, 227

4. Oklahoma State, 140

5. Texas A&M, 118

6. Baylor, 52

NCAA 09's simulated season crowns Sooners national champ: The Oklahoman

The Stoops era in one column: Norman Transcript

Sooners have the goods to win NCAA title: Fox Sports

OU has Frank Broyles to than for The King: Tulsa World

Forner Sooners visit Tahlequah: Tahlequah Daily News

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, Polls

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Big 12 Football Championship tickets on sale Friday: Tickets for the 2008 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship Game on Saturday, December 6, at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, go on sale Friday, February 15, at 10 a.m. (Central). Tickets can be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (800) 676-5488 or (816) 931-3330 in Kansas City, via the internet at www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Arrowhead Stadium ticket office. Tickets will not be sold through the Big 12 Conference office. Tickets are priced at $85, $75, $65 and $55 each based upon location, plus applicable convenience and handling fee charges. Each participating university is allotted approximately 8,500 tickets, which will become available upon qualification for the championship and distributed by the respective participants' ticket office. (Big 12 Press Release)

Labels: Big XII, Tickets

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OSU's Gundy favors ninth conference game; Stoops favors only if...: Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said Monday he would prefer to do away with the Big 12's divisional format and have each team play nine conference games instead of eight. Gundy said he proposed the change at the conference's spring meetings, but "everybody laughed at me." Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said he would support adding a ninth game, but only if it meant eliminating the conference championship game and the North and South divisions. "That's the extra game maybe that everybody's looking for, I don't know," Stoops said. "That's not a bad idea, but I don't see how it would work with two divisions. Those other teams that do (play nine games) don't have divisions like we do." Under the nine-game format, Stoops didn't think it would be practical to have the top two teams in the division play a championship game when the Big Ten and Pac-10 don't have title games. "Now your BCS opportunities aren't real good if you're just going to take the two best teams in the championship game," Stoops said. "Your likelihood of getting two in any BCS games is pretty much out the window. I don't see financially why that would work." (AP/SI.com)

Caleb may return this week? Sophomore wide receiver Brandon Caleb wasn't in pads for the Miami game due to knee injury. "He got a slight sprain on Thursday where a guy fell into him. It was kind of a freaky thing that happened to him late in the week," Stoops said. "We're hoping he'll be back this week. We'll see." Caleb is listed as a second-team wide receiver, but hasn't caught a pass this season. (Norman Transcript)

Oklahoma-Utah State available on PPV: The Oklahoma-Utah State game on Saturday, Sept. 15 will be televised live on pay-per-view by Big 12 Special Order Sports, FSN Southwest's pay-per-view division. The game, which is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT, will be available on participating cable television systems in Oklahoma and Texas and nationwide to satellite dish customers. The suggested retail price is $29.95. A list of participating programming providers carrying the PPV telecast will be announced later this week. Fans should check with their local programming provider for price and availability in their area. The game is being televised on pay-per-view because it wasn't selected for over-the-air broadcast or cable television coverage. Under conference TV rules, games not picked up for regular television distribution can only be televised live on pay-per-view, giving fans the option to watch a game they otherwise wouldn't be able to see. Participating cable and satellite TV providers will offer the telecast to their customers on a designated pay-per-view channel. The telecast will not pre-empt FSN Southwest's regularly-scheduled programming. (SoonerSports PR)

Sooners refocus for Utah State: SoonerSports.com

OU gives definition of extra benefits: The Oklahoman

Peterson is new leading man: The Oklahoman

OU football notebook: The Oklahoman

Title buzz surrounds Sooners: Tulsa World

Stoops asked -- Does this OU team compare to 2000 national champs?: Tulsa World

Guy set to face old foe in Sooners: Tulsa World

OU coaches not worried about overconfidence: Dallas Morning News

LSU, Oklahoma the best two teams in the country: Atlanta Journal Constitution

Labels: Big XII, Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners, OSU, OU-Utath State

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Smith and Bradford grab Big 12 Player of the week honors: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford and cornerback Reggie Smith both captured Big 12 Player of the Week honors for their work last Saturday in OU's 51-13 win over Miami. Bradford was the co-offensive player of the week in the conference, while Smith snared the same honor for defense. Bradford shared the offensive honor with Baylor quarteback Blake Szymanski, who had six TD passes against Rice. Bradford completed 19 of 25 passes for 205 yards in the Sooners' 51-13 win over Miami (Fla.). He has gone 40 of 48 for 568 yards with eight touchdowns and no interceptions through his first two games. Bradford's scoring strikes against the Hurricanes were from 23, 24, 6, 30, and 9 yards. Smith led an Oklahoma defensive effort that held Miami to 139 yards of offense. The Hurricanes were limited to 87 yards passing and 52 on the ground. (SoonerSports PR)

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, Reggie Smith, Sam Bradford

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Big 12 Announcement: Dan Beebe named Big 12 Commissioner: Big 12 Conference board of directors Chairman Harvey Perlman has announced the selection of Dan Beebe as the new Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference. Beebe has extensive experience in managing collegiate athletics conferences, having served as the Senior Associate Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer of the Big 12 since February 2003 and as the Commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference for the 14 prior years. "Dan Beebe brings to the Big 12 the experience and vision to advance the Big 12 into the next stage of its development as one of the preeminent collegiate athletics conferences in the United States," said Big 12 board chairman and University of Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman. "We expect his extensive background and experience in collegiate sports management will help us advantageously position the Big 12 Conference with its media, bowl, sponsor, and other external partners. We look forward to his leadership within the Conference as well as in the dialog on important issues facing intercollegiate athletics generally." Beebe, who agreed to a five-year contract, begins his duties immediately as the Big 12's third commissioner, succeeding Kevin Weiberg, who stepped down in July. In accepting the offer to become the third Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, Beebe stated, "I am excited and honored to lead the Big 12 Conference, and I am grateful to the Presidents and Chancellors of the members of the Big 12 for giving me this opportunity to address the exciting issues facing collegiate athletics in the near future, such as enhancing sportsmanship, developing new sources of revenues, ensuring compliance with the Conference and NCAA regulation scheme, and cementing the relationships among the outstanding Universities that are members in the Big 12 Conference." (Big12Sports.com)

Big 12 Commissioner Beebe discusses recent violations: In a phone interview with ESPN's Joe Schad prior to his introductory news conference, Beebe discussed recent Big 12 rules violations in football, including at Oklahoma and Texas, and said they are not indicative of a conference-wide isssue. "My hope is these are anomolies and not a part of any widespread or elaborate schemes," Beebe said. "It can't be perfect. And the coaches are in the best position to stop these things. "In the two situations you bring up, people outside the athletic departments provided extra benefits. These are the instances that keep us awake at night. We need and will have a clear message that extra benefits will not be allowed in this conference."(ESPN.com)

Related: Big 12 to name Commissioner today?

Updated: 4:32

Labels: Big XII

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Broyles charged with misdemeanor: An attempted larceny misdemeanor charge was filed against Oklahoma wide receiver Ryan Broyles Tuesday, in connection with Broyles' arrest early last Friday for using a key and override codes to steal gas from a Norman convenience store. According to Greg Mashburn, the Cleveland County District Attorney's Office representative who filed the charge, a guilty verdict carries a maximum 15-day jail term and $1,000 fine. (Tulsa World)

Big 12 to name Commissioner today? Interim Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe and Indianapolis attorney Jack Swarbrick are the finalists to replace Kevin Weiberg as Big 12 commissioner, according to two sources close to the search. The two will interview this morning with the Big 12 Board of Directors, made up of presidents and chancellors from all the conference's schools, and plans are to announce the new commissioner today, the sources said. (Dallas Morning News)

Stoops on early kickoffs: "Selfishly, for us, (early kickoffs are) great, and the players as well," he said. "Because you get up and you're not having to sit around and think about it and wait for it all day. You get up and here it is, you go. So for us, I love it. But I recognize for the fans and everyone else that it is not the best. But we have no say-so at all in scheduling. That's all TV. We just play when they tell us to." (Tulsa World)

Patrick expected to start: Running back Allen Patrick returned to practice Monday and is expected to start. His injured ankle was the only medical question the Sooners had going into the season opener. "We had everyone practice yesterday and everyone looks good," Stoops said. Patrick will start Saturday and Chris Brown should play after missing the North Texas game due to a one-game suspension. "Like we planned all along, we want to rotate those guys in," Stoops said. "Give a guy a series here, give him a break here. If a guy's hot, stay with him a little longer." (Norman Transcript)

Gundy on D. Murray performance: "He's a terrific athlete," Oklahoma running backs coach Cale Gundy told The Post. "He can play cornerback, running back and wide receiver. I don't know how many touches a game we're going to get him, but we talk about that more than any other topic." (NY Post)

OU-Miami stirs memories, emotions: Norman Transcript

Sooners seem to believe they're special: Norman Transcript

Stoops wants players to know OU-Miami history: Norman Transcript

'Canes not bad boys anymore: The Oklahoman

OU football notebook: The Oklahoman

Sooners' Broyles charged with misdemeanor: The Oklahoman

Sam earned big night with his mind-set before kickoff: The Oklahoman

Miami's vices: Tulsa World

OU practice over -- Now it's real: Tulsa World

Miami 'excellent' running the ball: Tulsa World

Miami a stiffer challenge for OU: Dallas Morning News

QB gets big test after big debut: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Freshman Van Dyke eager for Sooners: Palm Beach Post

A look back at UM's rivalry against Oklahoma: Miami Herald

Hurricanes blow into Norman to take on fifth-ranked Oklahoma: Sports Network

Stoops took his time naming Bradford quarterback: San Antonio Express-News

Labels: Allen Patrick, Big XII, Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners, OU-Miami, Ryan Broyles

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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.

Fiesta talk: The Oklahoman

OU's Stoops enters season confident: The Oklahoman

Sanctions in Sooners' past: Tulsa World

Stoops says magic isn't his method: Tulsa World

Oklahoma notebook: Bomar fan: Tulsa World

Sooners have moved on: Norman Transcript

What's up at quarterback: Norman Transcript

Kelly opens up on Bomar: Norman Transcript

Big 12 notes: A tale of two quarterbacks: Yahoo! Sports

Sanctions are a blip, Sooners coach says: The Des Moines Register

Sooners maintain usual optimism Big 12 Football: Star-Telegram

Stoops still in elite class despite recent stumbles: Houston Chronicle

Labels: Big XII, JD Quinn, Oklahoma Sooners, Quarterbacks, Ryan Reynolds

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

More quotes and stories to come...

Oklahoma Sooners/Bob Stoops Big 12 Media Day audio: Available via NewsOK.com

The Oklahoman @ Big 12 Media Days with The Oklahoman writers: Via NewsOK.com

Labels: Big XII, Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners, University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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)

OU 3rd dirtiest program? Sooners have lots of scandalous company: CBS Sportsline

Success has Followed Bradford: SoonerSports.com

Finding starter upfront is crucial for defense: The Oklahoman

OU working to make most of new video screens: The Oklahoman

OU's Bradford once wanted to play hockey: The Oklahoman

Who will be OU's QB? Dallas Morning News
*Updated

Labels: Arrested, Big XII, Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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)

Halzle has chance to lead Sooners this year: The Oklahoman

Want an OU ticket? Try calling Tulsa: The Oklahoman

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, Reggie Smith

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Stoops with Kelly and Smith to represent OU at Big 12 Media Days July 23: 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) Oklahoma is schedule for Monday's (July 23rd) media day.

Federal Judge orders BurnLounge turn over documents: A federal judge has ordered online music retailer BurnLounge to turn over its financial records and do away with a major part of its business plan that he called a “classic pyramid scheme.”The New York company agreed to a preliminary injunction with the Federal Trade Commission after government regulators sued BurnLounge in June.BurnLounge became popular in Columbia after being marketed by local sports and music personalities, including USC broadcaster Todd Ellis and Hootie and the Blowfish.The injunction issued last week requires BurnLounge to stop paying money to members who recruit other investors and forbids the company from disposing of any assets obtained before June 6. Investors who bought Web page packages for as much as $430 were paid up to $50 for each person they recruited to buy a similar package. BurnLounge members include former Clemson head football coach Danny Ford, Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops, USC receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr. and ex-USC Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers.Ellis, Stoops, Ford, Spurrier Jr., Rogers, and Hootie and the Blowfish have not been named in any known legal action. (In part and more at The State)

Labels: Big XII, Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Big 12 official: Dan Beebe named interim commissioner: The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors have named Dan Beebe as interim commissioner. Beebe has served as senior associate commissioner and chief operating officer since joining the Big 12 in 2003, following a 14-year stint as commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference. Kevin Weiberg is stepping down as head of the conference on July 15 to take a position with the Big Ten Network. Beebe will assume the role of interim commissioner when Weiberg departs the Big 12. (NewsOK.com)

Bob Stoops Is An Analog Coach In A Digital World: The Feed
*updated

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Big 12 Commissioner Weiberg resigns for Big Ten position: Big 12 commissioner Kevin Weiberg is stepping down effective July 15 to take a position with the newly formed Big Ten Network. Weiberg's announcement was met with shock across the Big 12 Conference. Weiberg, 50, who had three years remaining on his contract with the Big 12, released a statement and was scheduled to address reporters on a 2 p.m. teleconference. "I am proud of the growth and progress of the Big 12 over the last nine years," Weiberg said in a statement. "By working together our members have excelled competitively, significantly grown revenues, and established a strong national presence and leadership position among the major conferences." Weiberg wrapped up his ninth year as commissioner of the Big 12 by helping to negotiate a new television package with ESPN/ABC for football and basketball over the next eight years. (Dallas Morning News)

Selmon opens seventh restaurant: Former Oklahoma Sooner Lee Roy Selmon recently opened his seventh restaurant -- Lee Roy Selmon's All-American Grill -- in Fort Myers, Fla. All of Selmon's restaurants are in Florida, but if his game plan works out he might expand to other areas, according to the Fort Myers News Press. (NewsOK.com)

Labels: Big XII, Former Sooner

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Houston Chronicle ranks the job security of the Big 12 coaches:
• 12 -- Dennis Franchione, Texas A&M
• 11 -- Guy Morriss, Baylor
• 10 -- Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State Nobody can ever say the Cowboys are under-funded thanks to Boone Pickens.
• 9 -- Mark Mangino, Kansas
• 8 -- Mike Leach, Texas Tech
• 7 -- Dan Hawkins, Colorado
• 6 -- Gary Pinkel, Missouri
• 5 -- Ron Prince, Kansas State
• 4 -- Bill Callahan, Nebraska
• 3 -- Gene Chizik, Iowa State
• 2 -- Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Last season might have been his best coaching job.
• 1 -- Mack Brown, Texas That national championship guarantees a lifetime pass.
(Story and more at Houston Chronicle)

Arlington to host Big 12 title games: Dallas Morning News

Checkout OUFootball.Info videos updated OU videos and more.

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, Rankings

Oklahoma Sooners Football Articles and Notes

Stoops gets Big 12 Championship bonus: Saturday's Big 12 championship win capped a lucrative week for Bob Stoops, who attained several contractual performance bonuses. Stoops earned $80,000 for OU's Big 12 title game win and another $100,000 for advancing to the Fiesta Bowl (thanks, Texas). He'd already padded his receivables ledger $30,000 for being voted Big 12 Coach of the Year earlier in the week. (NewsOK.com) Coach Stoops still has $235,000 in possible bonuses by seasons end.

Walker Injury allows Wolfe playing time: OU corner Marcus Walker was injured while covering a punt with 3:33 remaining in the second quarter. His injury opened the door for D.J. Wolfe, who has gotten little playing time since giving up a 33-yard touchdown pass against Texas. On third-and-3 from the Nebraska 27, Zac Taylor threw a deep pass intended for Terrence Nunn. Wolfe made his first interception of the season. (Dallas Morning News)

Fastest Big 12 title game TD: When Patrick powered into the end zone on the Sooners' first play, the Big 12 championship had the earliest touchdown in its 11-year history, 48 seconds after kickoff. The previous quickest TD also belonged to OU. Kejuan Jones scored on a 42-yard run against Kansas State in 2003, 2:45 after kickoff. (Tulsa World)

Record Big XII Championship crowd: The crowd of 80,031 for Saturday's game at Arrowhead Stadium was the largest for a Big 12 Championship. (NewsOK.com)

Kelly sets Big 12 receiving years record: Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly caught 10 passes for 142 yards, setting a Big 12 championship game record for yards receiving, breaking the mark of 140 yards set by Kansas State's Darnell McDonald in 1998 against Texas A&M. (Kansas City Star)

Oklahoma lacks a ground game against Nebraska: Oklahoma came into the game with the third-best rushing offense in the Big 12 and 14th-best in the country, averaging 188.7 yards a game. The Sooners had run for 224 or more yards in four of their past five games, all without Adrian Peterson. But Saturday, the Sooners averaged 1.5 yards per carry and had one run of double-digit yards, an 11-yarder by Allen Patrick. (Star-Telegram)

OU booms Huskers for Big 12 title: SoonerSports.com

Big 12 Championship LiveBlog: Oklahoma FanHouse

OU's Kelly, Thompson combine to power Sooners to conference title: Tulsa World

No awards can match Oklahoma's Big 12 run: Tulsa World

One has to wonder what-if about Oregon: Tulsa World

Third-quarter drive keys win: Tulsa World

Two minute drill: Tulsa World

Weather deters no fan: Tulsa World

Welcome back, Oklahoma: The Oklahoman

Drive representative of Sooners' season: The Oklahoman

Game Balls: The Oklahoman

The Play: The Oklahoman

Big 12 Champs should celebrate unexpected title: The Oklahoman

OU headed to Fiesta for first time since 1982: The Oklahoman

Kelly's big night keys OU offense: The Oklahoman

OU defense saves day: The Oklahoman

Taylor struggles against OU's defense: The Oklahoman

Sooners defeat Huskers in Big 12 title game: Lincoln Journal-Star

OU defense was the difference: Lincoln Journal-Star

NU has no answer for OU's passes: Lincoln Journal-Star

OU secondary causes problems: Lincoln Journal-Star

OU saves season of turmoil with title: Kansas City Star

Sooners lacking BCS resume: Kansas City Star

Kelly wears out Huskers: Kansas City Star

Huskers' dream over: Kansas City Star

Nebraska Report: Kansas City Star

Oklahoma strikes through the air, adds to its Big 12 title collection: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

OU defense clamps down in the clutch: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Thompson delivers title for OU: Dallas Morning News

Resilient Sooners know how to fight back: Dallas Morning News

Best opponent for Buckeyes? OU: Houston Chronicle

Brown steps in 'Sooner' than expected: Austin American-Statesman

Oklahoma wins title, but doesn't get its due: Austin American Statesman

Oklahoma's long scoring march seals the deal: Austin American-Statesman

Stoops rakes it in with incentives: Austin American-Statesman

Labels: Allen Patrick, Big XII, Bob Stoops, DJ Wolfe, Malcolm Kelly, Marcus Walker, Record, Running Game

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma's Thompson leads the Sooners to a Big 12 Championship: So what if it's a week earlier than Oklahoma had hoped for? The eighth-ranked Sooners will still finish their season in Glendale, Ariz., and that's good enough for coach Bob Stoops. The Sooners' 21-7 victory over No. 19 Nebraska in the Big 12 title game Saturday night earned them a berth in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day. But combined with UCLA's 13-9 upset of No. 2 Southern California earlier Saturday, Oklahoma's win also raised questions of what might have been had a blown onside kick call not led to a 34-33 loss at Oregon on Sept. 16. The BCS title game is Jan. 8, also in Glendale. Stoops was in no mood to play what-if, though, after his team won its fourth Big 12 title. "You know what? We can't do anything about it," Stoops said. "For us to sit here and make an issue of it is not going to come off the right way. (AP/AOLSports.com)

Labels: Big XII, Championship, Oklahoma Sooners, Paul Thompson

Checkout the FanHouse blogs, inside find the Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship live blog at the Oklahoma Sooners FanHouse.. Nebraska-Oklahoma possession by possession, game notes and more..

Labels: Big XII, Live Blog, Nebraska, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Expect a balanced Sooners: With talk of tonight's Big 12 Championship game being a grind-it-out battle between Oklahoma's and Nebraska's running attacks, a couple of good quarterbacks might be useless at times. But OU quarterback Paul Thompson says he doesn't expect another game of just 11 passes, like he had in last week's win over Oklahoma State. "You understand what the coaches' plans are and I'm definitely confident in our game plan," he said. "I still think that we're confident as an offense that we can throw it more and it will be maybe more balanced (tonight). "We'll take what the defense gives us and game-plan it out that way to end up on top at the end." (NewsOK.com)

Use Caution heading to KC.: Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. Pete Norwood said troopers are concerned about the additional traffic headed north today as University of Oklahoma fans follow their team to the Big 12 championship game in Kansas City. "It's going to take you a little bit longer," Norwood said. "You are talking about 35 miles per hour when you are used to doing 70 miles per hour. If you are going to do it, go slow and make sure you have provisions in your car." (NewsOK.com)

OU plays for 40th conference title: SoonerSports.com

Coach Stoops on Big 12 Championship: SoonerSports.com

Defensive seniors push teammates to meet standards: Tulsa World

Snowstorm's impact minimal for Sooners: Tulsa World

Gambler has gotten cautious: Tulsa World

For Taylor, OU just another opponent: Tulsa World

OU Notebook: Tulsa World

Memorable moments -- OU vs. Nebraska: Tulsa World

It's the sum of their parts that's so special: Norman Transcript

Storybook needs an ending to settle everything: Norman Transcript

Cold climate awaits Sooners, Huskers: Muskogee Daily Phoenix

Patrick perseveres: The Oklahoman

Storylines: The OklahomanNotebook: The Oklahoman

OU never flinched on way to game for title: The Oklahoman

Old School Football expected: The Oklahoman

Sooners passed on Taylor: The Oklahoman

OU-NU just not the same: The Oklahoman

Callahan's big success -- not becoming Howard: The Oklahoman

Storylines for Oklahoma -- A rather large migration: Lincoln Journal-Star

Husker Football Notes: Lincoln Journal-Star

Sooner Football Notes: Lincoln Journal-Star

NU, OU return to running roots: Lincoln Journal-Star

NU-OU should be a battle: Lincoln Journal-Star

QB not quite a snap for NU's Taylor, OU's Thompson: Kansas City Star

Like old times -- Sooners-Huskers game decided many Big Eight titles: Kansas City Star

Scouting Report -- Oklahoma vs. Nebraska: Kansas City Star

Cold may ground Huskers, Sooners: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Snow doesn't worry Stoops: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Huskers usually full of surprises: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Big 12 forecast -- Expect rush hour: Dallas Morning News

Matchups -- Oklahoma vs. Nebraska: Dallas Morning News

Big 12 Notebook -- Callahan loves trick plays: Dallas Morning News

Thompson, Taylor key runs to title game: ESPN.com

Brown steps in 'Sooner' than expected: Alexandria Town Talk

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Peterson out for Big XII Title game: No. 8 Oklahoma will be without star tailback Adrian Peterson when it faces No. 19 Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game Saturday. Peterson, the 2004 Heisman runner-up, has missed six weeks after breaking his collarbone Oct. 14 on a touchdown run against Iowa State. "Adrian is not going to play," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday at his weekly news conference. "Without being too technical, he's close. He could be cleared to play, but each week that passes the likelihood of it reoccurring is less and less." Peterson, the nation's No. 2 rusher at the time of his injury, initially was expected to miss six weeks. "There's enough healing that, yes, he could possibly play," Stoops said. "But there's still a chance if he fell on it wrong or took a severe hit -- I don't know if they're ever totally sure will it hold up at this point? We're not going to take that chance." Oklahoma (10-2, 7-1 Big 12) has won all six of its games without Peterson, who set an NCAA freshman record in 2004 with 1,925 yards rushing. He had 935 yards and 10 touchdowns in six games this season and is 150 yards shy of Oklahoma's career rushing record, held by 1978 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims. (NBC Sports)

Labels: Adrian Peterson, Big XII, Injuries

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and 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

Oklahoma's Patrick runs past O-State: After a costly controversy and a Red River loss, Oklahoma seemed to be down and out. But look at the Sooners now, back on top and playing for a berth in the BCS. Allen Patrick ran for 163 yards and a touchdown to help No. 13 Oklahoma survive another Bedlam scare and win the Big 12 South title with a 27-21 win against Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Sooners' run to the title started immediately after a loss to Texas in October, and six of the team's seven straight wins have come without star tailback Adrian Peterson. "We've overcome a lot, but we knew we could get here," quarterback Paul Thompson said. "We knew we had the guys, the personnel to get here, especially after the changes we made and we saw what we had in our replacements. ... We never gave up hope of getting here, and now we're here." (ESPN.com - Stats)

Peterson unlikely for Big XII title game: The 23rd-ranked Huskers (9-3) clinched the Big 12 North title two weeks ago. The 13th-ranked Sooners (10-2) needed some help. But after Texas A&M upset Texas on Friday, all OU had to do was beat Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Sooners won, 27-21. OU coach Bob Stoops said it's unlikely running back Adrian Peterson (broken collarbone) will play. "They'll have to do the bone scan again and assess what they feel, whether it's OK for him or not," Stoops said. "I would say it's doubtful. That would be my feeling today. Now, that may change." (Dallas Morning News)

Sooners atop NCAA in 10- win seasons: With its 27-21 victory over Oklahoma State Saturday, Oklahoma became the nation's leader in 10-win seasons with 29. Prior to Saturday, the Sooners were tied with Alabama. The Sooners have six 10-win seasons in eight years under coach Bob Stoops. Barry Switzer won 10 games 10 times in 16 years. (NewsOK.com)

Hartley rare miss: Hartley's missed extra point in the second quarter marked his first miss in 41 attempts this season (ended game with 43 season attempts) and only his second in 94 career attempts. (Sooner Sports Statistics)

Sooners watching Texas: Bob Stoops says he didn't watch a lot of Texas A&M's 12-7 victory over Texas on Friday. Quite the contrary, in fact. "I was out in the yard shooting baskets with my children," Stoops said. That's certainly a better post-Thanksgiving activity than biting nails, sweating bullets and crying, "Gig em!" But when your team's future rides on whether the Aggies can beat the Longhorns for the first time in a long time. . . . "Yeah, we watched it," said OU defensive end Alonzo Dotson. "It was exciting." (Tulsa World)

Patrick's rushes for longest run of '06: Patrick's 65-yard TD run, a career high, on the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter marked the longest run by any Sooner this season. It is the longest rush since Adrian Peterson’s 84-yard TD run against Oklahoma State in 2005. (Sooner Sports Statistics)

Big XII Championship tickets: The University of Oklahoma Athletics Ticket Office has tickets available for the 2006 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship Game scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Sooners will take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a 7 p.m., kickoff. Tickets are $70 each. The ticket office will be open to take calls from season ticket holders from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26th and from 8-10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 27. If tickets still remain, they will be available to the general public beginning at 10 a.m., Monday. Tickets may be purchased by calling the OU Athletics Ticket Office at 405-325-2424 or 800-456-GoOU. All orders will be shipped overnight via UPS. (SoonerSports PR)

Sooners beat Pokes for Big 12 South: SoonerSports.com

OU-OSU Notes: SoonerSports.com

Big 12 Championship Ticket Info: SoonerSports.com

K.C. bound: Norman Transcript

Sooners win in fitting fashion: Norman Transcript

Ground control: Norman Transcript

Defense holds strong: Norman Transcript

OU to play for Big 12 title: Tulsa World

Sooners have a fighter in Stoops: Tulsa World

Two minute drill: Tulsa World

Bedlam in pictures: Tulsa World

Bowman, Woods wonder what if: Tulsa World

OSU's Reid out in crunch time: Tulsa World

Last drive a Cowboys cliffhanger: Tulsa World

Patrick trades in pain for gains: Tulsa World

Goal-line stand stood out: Tulsa World

Peterson's status for Big 12 championship unclear: Tulsa World

Defense deflects Cowboys' final charge: Tulsa World

Sooners outlast Cowboys in Bedlam thriller: The Oklahoman

Gritty Sooners next foe is a familiar one: The Oklahoman

An estimated 7,500 Sooner boosters leave happy: The Oklahoman

Iglesias overcomes earlier problems, comes up with nifty catch: The Oklahoman

OU controls own destiny: The Oklahoman

Cowboys' QB shuffle leaves some questions: The Oklahoman

Great drama ends in OU's favor: The Oklahoman

OU plan wasn't to ignore passing game: The Oklahoman

Stock Report: The Oklahoman

OU Game Balls: The Oklahoman

Bedlam tidbits: The Oklahoman

OU survives Bedlam, takes South: Dallas Morning News

Ankle doesn't slow OU's Patrick: Dallas Morning News

OU rises in South: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

'Huskers could muddy picture: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Labels: Adrian Peterson, Allen Patrick, Big XII, Bob Stoops, Garrett Hartley, I, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas, Tickets

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Texas loss helps the Sooners in Big XII South race: Entering Friday's game against No. 11 Texas, Franchione was 2-10 in November, including a combined 0-5 this season and last. As if that record were not bad enough, he never had beaten the Longhorns in the rivalry known as the Lone Star Showdown.That changed Friday when Stephen McGee, Texas A&M's sophomore quarterback, crashed into the end zone with less than three minutes left on an 8-yard run to shock Texas, 12-7, before 89,102 fans.The victory in the 113th game between the two universities snapped Texas A&M's six-game losing streak to the Longhorns. It was also the Aggies' first victory here since 1994. Texas (9-3, 6-2 Big 12) has now lost consecutive games for the first time since 1999."It's good to get everybody to shut up about Coach Fran and start realizing that he's doing a great job," said McGee, who rushed for 95 yards and passed for 58 yards.Had Texas won Friday, it would have clinched the Big 12 South Division title. The Longhorns now need Oklahoma (9-2, 6-1) to lose Saturday to Oklahoma State (6-5, 3-4) to meet Nebraska on Dec. 2 for the Big 12 championship. Otherwise, the Sooners will win the division and play the Cornhuskers. (New York Times)

Labels: Big XII, Texas

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

AD out for Bedlam 2006: Adrian Peterson won't play Saturday against Oklahoma State, Allen Patrick might and freshman Chris Brown is ready no matter what as No. 14 Oklahoma prepares for its regular-season finale. Coach Bob Stoops said Peterson, a junior who is 150 yards shy of the school's all-time rushing record, hasn't shown enough progress from a broken collarbone suffered Oct. 14. "The scan showed that he wasn't completely healed, so they're [the doctors] not going to release him yet," Stoops said after Monday's practice. After Peterson suffered the injury, doctors said the recovery would take about six weeks. This would be the sixth week. It's unclear whether Peterson would play in the Big 12 championship game if the Sooners get there. Peterson still hopes to return for OU's bowl. (Dallas Morning News)

Sooners Status: After announcing Monday morning that Adrian Peterson will not play Saturday against Oklahoma State, the Sooners got just a little good news later in the day when running back Allen Patrick, wide receiver Manuel Johnson and free safety Darien Williams returned to the field in limited action. OU coach Bob Stoops said Patrick "was better," Johnson "did some things" and Williams "did a little bit." Receivers coach Kevin Sumlin said Johnson -- out last week after getting knocked unconscious the week before against Texas Tech -- practiced without contact in shorts and shoulder pads and a helmet. "But he went through everything we did today, routes and working on our game plan for Saturday, putting that in," Sumlin said. "He looks quick and he looks fast. "We're going out and proceeding just like normal. He was in the huddle today with the ones, the huddle broke and we threw him a couple of balls. So as of right now, I don't see that there's going to be any issue with that." (Tulsa World)

Sooners take home pair of Big 12 weekly honors: Oklahoma players took two of the three Big 12 weekly football honors for their play in last Saturday's 36-10 win at Baylor. Safety Reggie Smith was named the defensive player of the week, while kick returner Juaquin Iglesias won the special teams honor. Smith, a sophomore from Edmond, Okla., had two interceptions with 94 yards in returns. His first went for 42 yards and a touchdown, while his second covered 52 yards and set up the Sooner offense at the Baylor 18. Four plays later, OU punched in another touchdown. Smith also broke up three passes and registered two tackles in the game. Iglesias, a sophomore from Killeen, Texas, had two returns for 111 yards, including an 88-yarder for a touchdown on a Baylor free kick. It was the first kickoff return, as free kicks are categorized, for a touchdown by a Sooner player since Mark Bradley went for 100 yards against Iowa State in 2004. Kansas running back Jon Cornish was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week. The Jayhawks downed in-state rival Kansas State. (SoonerSports PR)

Peterson not ready: Norman Transcript

Peterson out, but Sooners confident in backups: Tulsa World

OSU doesn't expect to draw first sellout crowd Saturday: Tulsa World

Outside impact has huge role: Tulsa World

Collarbone injury keeps Peterson out against OSU: The Oklahoman

OU running game remains in high gear: The Oklahoman

OU Notebook: The Oklahoman

Prices block Bedlam sellout: The Oklahoman

Fuel for the Bedlam fire: The Oklahoman

Peterson or no Peterson, stopping the run critical for Cowboys' defense: The Oklahoman

Brotherly reunion continues in Bedlam: The Oklahoman

Sooners' Stoops is Big 12's coach of the year, but UT's Brown not far behind: Austin American-Statesman

Labels: Adrian Peterson, Bedlam, Big XII, Injuries, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma Taking Orders for Big XII Championship Game: The University of Oklahoma Sooners want to be ready for the Big 12 championship game -- just in case. OU is now taking orders from season-ticket holders for the Dec. 2 game, which will be played in Kansas City, Mo. OU will need some help to reach the game. The Sooners are tied with Texas for the South Division lead, but the Longhorns own the tiebreaker after beating OU this season. But, if Texas loses to Texas A&M, and OU finishes with wins over Baylor and Oklahoma State, the Sooners will win the division. (AP/KOCO-TV)

Baylor Coaches & Players on Sooners: SoonerSports.com

Resilient Sooners battle Bears: The Sports Network

Oklahoma improbably Big 12's hottest team: ESPN.com

Labels: Big XII, Oklahoma Sooners, Tickets

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Cotton Bowl reps to be in attendance in College Station: AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic representatives will attend this weekend's Oklahoma-Texas A&M, Missouri-Nebraska and Oklahoma State-Texas games, bowl president Rick Baker said. "These are certainly games we watch a little closer than we would if they were in September or October," Baker said. The OU-A&M and Missouri-Nebraska games are of particular interest. The Aggies (8-1, 4-1 Big 12) and the Sooners (6-2, 3-1) have the second and third best conference records. The Tigers (7-2, 3-2) and Cornhuskers (6-3, 3-2) are tied for first place in the North division. "[Those] are certainly two games that have folks that certainly you'd expect to be on your radar screen at the end of November," Baker said. (Dallas Morning News)

Limited Oklahoma-Texas A&M tickets available: From the Texas A&M Athletics Website... As of 4 p.m. Monday, approximately 3,000 tickets still remain for Saturday night's showdown with 18th-ranked Oklahoma. Call 888-99-AGGIE to purchase.

Stoops wants to eliminate Big XII North-South format: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops rekindled an old debate Monday by saying he'd be in favor of scrapping the Big 12's divisional format and opting instead for a nine-game conference schedule. Stoops said the Big 12 would then become like the Big Ten and Pacific-10, conferences that do not have a championship game. The Big 12 athletic directors were so against the idea of eliminating the division format that they didn't even vote on a proposal at their league meetings in May. (Dallas Morning News)

Lawsuit filed against University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma is being sued by the Dallas Morning News and information advocacy group Freedom Of Information Oklahoma under claims that the school's release of documentation regarding football players' employment at a Norman car dealer had too much information blacked out. In a story published Sunday in the campus newspaper, the Oklahoma Daily, OU cites federal privacy laws that require when "information is provided under the Open Records Act, that 'identifiable student information' not be released." Toni Nguyen, assistant general counsel for Belo Corp., parent company of the Morning News, was quoted by the Oklahoma Daily in an e-mail as saying, "We need access to relevant documents in OU's possession to uncover the truth about the events leading up to the removal of Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn from the OU football team. . . . The documents that OU has publicly produced have been so substantially redacted that they're useless to us." (Tulsa World)

Kelly's late decision: OU receiver Malcolm Kelly went through a difficult time last week due to the death of his grandfather, Alphonso Smith. Kelly left Norman Thursday to be with his family in Longview, Texas, and planned to miss the Missouri game to attend the funeral. "I talked to my grandma and she told me how he was looking forward to watching me play in that game," Kelly said. Kelly was OU's leading receiver with four catches for 40 yards, but didn’t do much celebrating afterwards. (Norman Transcript)

OU Football Notebook: The Oklahoman

Jones might eye an OU coach again: The Oklahoman

Stoops at 100: The Oklahoman

A&M's success stems from its self-confidence: Tulsa World

Big 12 Insider: Division arguments heating up: Tulsa World

Third down is no obstacle for A&M: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Ags, Sooners both find ways to win: Waco Tribune

Labels: Big XII, Bob Stoops, Cotton Bowl, Lawsuit, Malcolm Kelly, Tickets, University of Oklahoma