Heisman scores big locally: ESPN's one-hour Heisman Trophy presentation show, which included the announcement that OU quarterback Sam Bradford had won the award, drew a huge 19.6 rating in the Oklahoma City television market. Nationally, it set an ESPN record with 3,058,000 households and tied the 3.1 rating of 2007. Sports events Dec. 9-16 1. Heisman Trophy Presentation, Saturday, ESPN, 19.6. 2. N.Y. Giants at Dallas, NFL, Sunday, KFOR-4, 15.5. (Ratings rundown at NewsOK.com)
Mack Brown considers giving up coaches vote: The Texas coach indicated Thursday that his opinion isn't just talk. He acknowledged that he might give up his vote in the USA Today coaches' poll next season. "I don't think coaches should vote," Brown said. "I'm going to have to do a lot of soul-searching to see if I continue to vote." (Dallas Morning News)
Venables visited Pelini to discuss Florida: Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables visited Saturday with Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, apparently to discuss strategy to stop Florida's offense. Pelini previously was defensive coordinator at LSU, and the Tigers were 2-1 against Florida in those three seasons. Florida never scored more than 24 points against Pelini's defenses. Pelini was defensive coordinator at Oklahoma in 2004. (Rivals.com)
Venables and UW officials in talks about coaching job? A Washington coaching search cloaked in secrecy grew only more intriguing Wednesday. Two sources told the Times that the Huskies may have talked with Brent Venables, who is the associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners. Venables also interviewed at Clemson. Venables has been the co-defensive coordinator at OU since 1999 and associate head coach since 2004. (Seattle Times)
Around the web: KETK in Tyler, TX. Sports Director, Danny Elzner's commentary on OU, Texas, and the BCS.
Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham a Mackey semifinalist: Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham was one of eight semi-finalists announced Monday for the 2008 John Mackey Award. Gresham leads the Sooners with nine touchdown receptions this season. The junior from Ardmore, Okla., is OU's all-time career leader at tight end in TD receptions with 21. In addition to Gresham, the Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC) listed Chase Coffman (JR, Missouri), Jared Cook (JR, South Carolina), Mark Hafner (SR, Houston), Branden Ledbetter (SR, Western Michigan), Brandon Pettigrew (SR, Oklahoma State), Dennis Pitta (JR, BYU) and D.J. Williams (SO, Arkansas). (SoonerSports PR)
Venables offers no comment about Clemson interview: (Brent) Venables met with the media Monday for the first time since his interview with Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips last Tuesday about the ACC school's head coaching position. The Sooner defensive coordinator decline to comment on how the interview went. "I have nothing to say about that," he said. (Norman Transcript)
UPDATED: Report: Clemson AD visits Oklahoma to interview who? Late this afternoon Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips boarded a plane headed for Oklahoma City. At first everyone believed that he would be talking with OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, but it now looks like Phillips is meeting with OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables. (More at SoonersIllustrated) UPDATE 2: Internet reports suggested that Phillips flew to Oklahoma City to interview either Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson or defensive coordinator Brent Venables for Clemson's head-coaching vacancy. Wilson said Tuesday night he has not spoken with anyone from Clemson. "I'd like to say there was some truth, I'd love to say there was some truth to it," Wilson said. "But I have not talked to anyone, as God is my witness." Venables, however, was not available for interviews after practice. Sports information director Kenny Mossman said Venables went straight home after practice to be his with his wife, who gave birth to a girl last Friday, the couple's third child. Venables was mentioned as a candidate for the Clemson job in a report by Tom Dienhart of Rivals.com two weeks ago that cited unnamed sources. (In parts and more at The Oklahoman) Last week, Kansas State was rumored to be after Brent Venables for their vacant head coaching job.
Don't expect Halzle in OU's hurry up offense: A question during the press conference centered on backup quarterback Joey Halzle, whom Stoops said will "occasionally ... throw it on third down to pick up the first down and try to keep the chains moving," but will likely not be allowed to operate OU's fast-paced offense. Was it a fair way to prepare Halzle if an injury occurred to starter Sam Bradford? "Probably not," Stoops said, "but what do you do?" (Tulsa World)
Report: Clemson AD visits Oklahoma to interview who? Late this afternoon Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips boarded a plane headed for Oklahoma City. At first everyone believed that he would be talking with OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, but it now looks like Phillips is meeting with OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables. (More at SoonersIllustrated)
Venables a candidate for K-State job? OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables, a former K-State player and assistant, had already been a message-board candidate to replace (Ron) Prince. Asked if he expected the Wildcats to call about any of his staff, Stoops said: "If they do, they do. I have always encouraged my guys ... put my guys in front of anybody, not just there. You're starting a story when there isn't one now. I'm not going there. "My guys are open to everybody in the country. That's pretty obvious. I've had quite a few go on. I've got no problem with it if they do." (Tulsa World)
Four-star prospect looking at OU: Jheranie Boyd, a four-star wide receiver out of Gastonia, N.C., is expected to announce his commitment today. Many believe Boyd is deciding between Oklahoma and Missouri, though he also said he is considering Illinois, North Carolina and North Carolina State. Boyd is the No. 32-ranked player in the nation, according to the recruiting Web site Rivals.com. (The Oklahoman)
New comers receive their numbers; Jermie Calhoun #23: Newcomers officially wore their OU numbers for the first time on the practice field including junior transfer Mike Balogun (10) at linebacker, freshman running back Jermie Calhoun (23) and freshman Stephen Good (77) at offensive line. SoonerSports.com released an updated printable roster to assist fans in learning the new jersey numbers. (SoonerSports.com)
Coach Stoops on Oklahoma's first fall practice: "We worked on just about everthing, every part of the game," said Stoops. "I saw a lot of good things. There was excellent carry over from spring practice and that's always something you look for in your early August workouts. The guys really looked good. "We got a chance to look at a lot of young guys. We would like to play every one of them this season if that's the way it work outs. "We worked on the no-huddle some. I was pleased. "The heat was no factor at all. They've worked out in this heat for a lot of the summer. "I thought our specialists looked good. We've got a couple new long snappers (James Winchester, Ben Hampton) and both of them were impressive."
Defense Coordinator Brent Venables: "I think we found some players. We've had a few question marks, but I was pleased with the development. Now we're pretty simplistic right now and we'll put more in every day, so we'll see how much we progress, but overall I was pretty happy."
Offense Coordinator Kevin Wilson: "All eight of the freshmen played with the two's. They have the skill level to be on the field. We need to see how they hold up and how much they learn. Our job is to get them up to speed."
English update; back to practice: Defensive end Auston English, on the mend from a broken ankle and a bout with the flu, took part in his first interviews on Sunday morning, then practiced Sunday afternoon for the first time since arriving in Scottsdale. "Other than the sickness, I'm feeling great," he said. "I haven't got out of my room but to go eat." The flu bug may be a blessing in disguise for English, giving him even more time to rest the ankle that knocked him out of three games. He returned in a limited capacity for the Big 12 championship, but figures to be full speed after another three weeks of rest. "I was good to go once we left Norman," he said. "I was looking forward to getting out here and having a full go at it. I would have liked to have gotten those few extra days of practice, but it is what it is." Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he'd like to be able to start English and play him the entire game. (Tulsa World)
Venables unsure who'll start at CB: Sunday morning, OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he's still unsure who will start at cornerback opposite Marcus Walker. Sophomore Brian Jackson and redshirt freshman Dominique Franks have been battling for that spot all week. Venables said OU likely would have a starter picked by today. "Experience would help in that position, but we're not in a position to have that,” Venables said. (NewsOK.com)
Venables interviewed for Arkansas job: If then-Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino hadn't taken the Arkansas head coaching job Dec. 11, Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables could have been headed to Fayetteville, Ark. Venables said he interviewed for the Arkansas job and it "went well." "Had they not gotten Coach Petrino," Venables said, "their plan was to go with a proven coordinator, and it was down to me and another guy." (Dallas Morning News)
Hartley continues season struggles: Senior kicker Garrett Hartley of Southlake Carroll continued struggling. Hartley hooked a 38-yard field goal attempt wide left with 19 seconds left. He has missed two field goal and three extra-point attempts this season. (Dallas Morning News)
Venables takes the fall for linebackers coverage: Texas' five plays involving tight ends Jermichael Finley and Blaine Irby gained 175 yards. The Longhorns' 50 other plays gained 210. Since Finley and Irby were primarily the responsibility of Sooner linebackers, Venables, OU's linebacker coach, put himself squarely on the spot. "I've got to do a better job and get them better aligned and play with better technique and better awareness and all of the above," he said Sunday. "That's obviously discouraging. Obviously you're glad you won despite that. We couldn't play any worse in the coverage aspect on those snaps." (Tulsa World)
Sooners may lose both coordinators: Bob Stoops' recruiting efforts could soon extend beyond player prospects to include new coordinators on both sides of the ball. Oklahoma assistants Brent Venables and Kevin Sumlin are involved in coaching searches at separate schools. And according to reports, each is on a short list -- Venables for the head coaching position at Minnesota, Sumlin as offensive coordinator at Miami. Venables has been OU's co-defensive coordinator the past eight seasons. Sumlin just finished his first season as co-offensive coordinator. (NewsOK.com)
Sooners' grab Big XII honors, Stoops Coach of the Year, Rufus Defense Player of the Year: Sooner coach Bob Stoops was named the Big 12 Conference’s coach of the year by both the conference’s coaches and the Associated Press. Linebacker Rufus Alexander was named the Big 12’s defensive player of the year by the coaches. Running back Adrian Peterson, offensive tackle Chris Messner and defensive ends C.J. Ah You and Larry Birdine were also first-team selections by the coaches. (The Associated Press team has yet to be released). The second-team and honorable mention selections were also loaded with Sooners. Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, kicker Garrett Hartley and defensive backs Marcus Walker, Nic Harris and Reggie Smith were second-team selections. OU’s honorable mention selections included Steven Coleman (defensive tackle), Brody Eldridge (fullback), Joe Jon Finley (tight end), Lendy Holmes (defensive back), Zach Latimer (LB), Allen Patrick (running back), Duke Robinson (offensive line), Reggie Smith (return specialist), Paul Thompson (quarterback), Brandon Walker (offensive line) and Darien Williams (defensive back). It is the third time Stoops has received the award and the sixth time a Sooner has won offensive or defensive player of the year recognition. (Norman Transcript)
Team Awards: Bob Stoops said he appreciated being selected Tuesday as the Big 12 Coach of the Year by his peers, who also named Sooners linebacker Rufus Alexander as Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. "To me, those are team awards. I'll make it a point that our players understand that the only reason we got those is because of how hard the team has worked," Stoops said. "And I know Rufus feels the same way." (Star-Telegram)
Peterson likely for Bowl Game: Bob Stoops erased any uncertainty about Adrian Peterson's availability for the Big 12 Championship Game, saying Tuesday that the star running back will not play Saturday against Nebraska but is "very likely" to play in the bowl game. Peterson has been out since breaking his collarbone on Oct. 14 against Iowa State. Stoops had said Monday that it was "unlikely" Peterson would play, but he gave a more definitive answer Tuesday at his weekly media luncheon. "He's close," Stoops said. "He could be cleared to play. "There's enough healing that, yes, he could possibly play, but there's still a chance if he fell on it wrong, took a severe hit — I don't know if they're ever totally sure will it hold up at this point. "We're not going to take that chance." Though Peterson is regarded as possibly the best running back in college football, the Sooners haven't been lacking in run production since his injury. (NewsOK.com)
Coach Stoops staying put, he says: "I'm not interested in any jobs," he said. That hasn't kept writers in Alabama from throwing Stoops' name into the pool of candidates to replace recently fired Mike Shula. Or an Orlando columnist from urging Miami to pursue Stoops as the Hurricanes' next coach. Or other media from suggesting that Stoops would be interested in whatever NFL jobs open in the coming weeks. "That's amazing," Stoops said. "Every coach, they find out through all of you guys (the media) they're a candidate. No one ever knows. Whoever has a winning record, oh, he's a candidate. It's silly the way it all works." (Tulsa World)
Weather in the forecast for the Sooners: With forecasts calling for temperatures in the 20s Saturday in Kansas City, Mo., Bob Stoops faces the task of preparing his team to play in such weather. "We could ride up to Minnesota and have some practices I guess," Stoops said Tuesday. "(The weather is) not gonna matter. I think, more than anything, wind matters in games more than cold does." The wind is not expected to be blowing significantly Saturday. Thompson said he has never played in a game where the temperature was below 20. "If it's 17 degrees, I'm in bed somewhere," he said. (NewsOK.com)
Williams to return after injury: Stoops said free safety Darien Williams will return Saturday night after missing the OSU game with a knee injury. That will allow Nic Harris to move back to his nickel safety / linebacker position. (Tulsa World)
Venables Broyles Award Finalist: Oklahoma associate head coach Brent Venables has been named as one of five finalists for the 11th Frank Broyles Award. The honor is presented annually to the top assistant coach in college football. Venables, who also is defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Sooners, is in his eighth season at OU. The other finalists are Ohio State passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joe Daniels; Virginia Tech defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Bud Foster; Arkansas defensive coordinator Reggie Herring and Louisville offensive coordinator Paul Petrino. The winner of the 2006 Broyles Award will be announced Tuesday, Jan. 16, in Little Rock, Ark., at a banquet presented by The Rotary Club of Little Rock. (SoonerSports PR)
Venables sees progress in defense: OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables can see his defense progressing. It's visible in the statistics, as well as the game tape. "If you go back and watch (the Oregon game), it's obvious to see the growth we've had, the improvement that guys have made at a lot of the little things," Venables said. "We learned a great deal as a staff and as a defense, with how we let that game slip away. "Unfortunately, we have a loss under our belt because of it, but we learned from it." (NewsOK.com)
