Stoops makes comparisons of Murray to Peterson: Last week, DeMarco Murray did his best impression of a Mack Truck and sent Baylor's All-Big 12 safety, Jordan Lake, flailing out of bounds to cap off a run on the right sideline. "He's always been a little more physical than I think people have ever looked at or given him credit for, and I've always felt that," said coach Bob Stoops. "Everyone thinks of Adrian (Peterson) as being so quick and strong, well, he's about the same size, so he's pretty close." But more impressive for Stoops than the flashy highlights has been the Las Vegas native’s development into a complete player. "He does the little things, too. Protecting, he's good with his hands," Stoops said. "He can do everything." (The Oklahoman)

OU-Texas ticket demand down: The Oklahoman

Texas is happy to see quarterback Sam Bradford: The Oklahoman

OU fan sees tickets as ticket to a better job: The Oklahoman

Colt McCoy isn't discounting Oklahoma's strength, despite 3-2 start: ESPN.com

Brown impressed with Sam Bradford's return: ESPN.com

Sophomore may get the call against OU: ESPN.com

Texas coach Mack Brown impressed with Bradford's performance: Tulsa World

How's everybody feeling?: Tulsa World

Run game key for Sooners: Tulsa World

OU, Texas may both be stabilizing: Tulsa World

Simmons is out for Texas: Norman Transcript

Stevens boots better but offense needs finish: Enid News and Eagle

Texas defense rounding into dominant unit: Dallas Morning News

Texas defenders prepare for OU's best: Houston Chronicle

Labels: Adrian Peterson, DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma Sooners

Bradford, Brown, Gresham and Murray named to Maxwell watch list: Four Oklahoma players are on the preseason watch list for the 73rd Maxwell Award. Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski made the announcement today. There are a total of 55 players on the list. The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the top player in college football. Quarterback Sam Bradford, running back Chris Brown, tight end Jermaine Gresham and running back DeMarco Murray are all on the list. Bradford won the Heisman Trophy last season, while Gresham was a first-team All-American. Brown and Murray both eclipsed 1,000 yards for the season with 1,220 and 1,002 respectively. The Maxwell Award has been presented to the outstanding collegiate football player in America since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell. The Maxwell Football Club, founded in 1935, is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is the oldest football club in the United States. Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced on November 4th and three finalists for each award will be announced November 23rd. The winner of the 2009 Maxwell Award will be announced as part of the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show which will be held on December 10, 2009. (SoonerSports PR)

Labels: Chris Brown, DeMarco Murray, Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford, Watch List

DeMarco Murray out a few weeks with strained hamstring: Another injury will keep DeMarco Murray off the field. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said the junior running back strained his right hamstring earlier this summer and will be held out of practice for two weeks as a cautionary measure. "He's had some unlucky breaks because they've been odd injuries and unusual in the way they've happened," Stoops said Friday. "We're just hopeful that he has some luck and those freakish things don't happen again." (The Oklahoman)

Related Post:
Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray to miss BCS Championship with hamstring injury

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Injury, Oklahoma Sooners

Brown, Murray on Doak Walker Award Watch List: Oklahoma's Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray are both on the watch list announced today for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top running back. The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum made the announcement. The two OU players were part of an NCAA statistical first last season when they became the only pair of 1,000-yard rushers to share a backfield with a 4,000-yard passer, Sam Bradford. Brown led the Sooners in rushing with 1,220 yards on 217 attempts with 20 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 15 passes for 109 yards and one TD. Murray had been OU's top ground gainer until sustaining a hamstring injury on the opening kickoff of the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship Game. Still, he finished the season with 1,038 rushing yards on 179 carries with 14 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes for 395 yards and another 4 TD. Murray's duties extended to retuning kicks, too. He logged 28 attempts for 774 yards (27.6/return). The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will select the semifinalists on November 11, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast votes to determine the finalists, who will be announced on November 23. The committee will cast a second vote beginning on November 30 to determine the recipient. (SoonerSports.com)

State trio Doak Walker Award preseason candidates: NewsOK.com

Labels: Chris Brown, DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma Sooners, Watch List

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

Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray out with hamstring injury: Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray will have surgery to repair a hamstring injury and miss the BCS national championship game against Florida. Murray will undergo surgery on Dec. 22 to repair the tendon in his left leg, Sooners' coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday. The championship game is Jan. 8. "Obviously, we're very disappointed for DeMarco," Stoops said in a statement. "He has been an important part of our success this year and we will miss his contributions." Murray was Oklahoma's leading rusher before he was injured in the Big 12 championship game against Missouri on Dec. 6. The injury was first diagnosed as a bruise but an MRI exam revealed the damage. (AP)

Bradford All-American Player of the Year finalist: Sam Bradford is one of four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award. The other finalists are Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell, Texas QB Colt McCoy and Florida QB Tim Tebow. Fans, who will determine the winner, can vote by sending the text message "vote" to the number 51234. Voting is open until noon Jan. 6. Fans are allowed to vote as many times as they want. (The Oklahoman)

Is Bradford NFL bound?: Tulsa World

Bradford OK with Sims: Tulsa World

A day in the life of a Heisman winner: The Oklahoman

Somene needs to pinch Billy: The Oklahoman

Sims apologizes for cheering stunt at Heisman ceremony: The Oklahoman

Bradford takes the podium: The Oklahoman

Bradford deserved some class in return: The Oklahoman

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Injury, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma's Sam Bradford wins Baugh Award: Oklahoma sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford -- who led the Sooners to a third straight Big 12 Championship while throwing for nearly 4500 yards and connecting on 48 touchdown passes -- is the winner of the Sammy Baugh Trophy presented to college football's top passer by The Touchdown Club of Columbus. The award was first presented in 1959 and has been held by legendary players including Steve Young, John Elway, Bob Griese, Kerry Collins, and last year's winner, Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell. Bradford completed more than two-thirds of his passes in 2008, and was intercepted only six times while under center of the most powerful scoring offense in college football history. Bradford is the first Sooner ever to win the prestigious Baugh Award. (SoonerSports PR)

Bradford undergoes successful surgery: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford underwent surgery Sunday morning in Oklahoma City to repair ligament damage in his left hand. The procedure lasted about 90 minutes. Bradford was released from the hospital and attended a team function Sunday evening. "It was a clean, routine procedure, and we expect Sam to bounce back quickly," OU coach Bob Stoops of the operation. "He'll be practicing again within 10 days, and we've taken this week off anyway, so he won't miss much." (The Oklahoman)

OU duo sets rushing record: Thanks to his 122-yard effort against Missouri, tailback Chris Brown became the 20th player in OU history to rush for 1,000 yards. Brown and DeMarco Murray became just the third Sooner duo to rush for 1,000 yards in the same season, joining Jack Mildren/Greg Pruitt in 1971 and Joe Washington/Waymon Clark in 1973. (The Oklahoman)

Stoops reacts to OU's BCS selection: SoonerSports.com

Sooners going to Miami: Norman Transcript

Bradford-Tebow show is just getting started: Tulsa World

OU Notebook: Tulsa World

Miami Bound: Tulsa World

Sam goes on defense after Sooner win: Tulsa World

It's official -- OU vs. Florida: The Oklahoman

Pressure is on OU's coach Bob Stoops: The Oklahoman

Turnovers could crown a national champion: The Oklahoman

Four questions about OU football: The Oklahoman

Bradford surgery goes well: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma, Florida remove drama from BCS script: Dallas Morning News

Sooners' hard work pays off with BCS title shot: Star-Telegram

Redemption time for OU? Austin American-Statesman

Florida, Oklahoma on Top of College-Football Mess: Wall Street Journal

College Football's Scheduling Problem: Wall Street Journal

Controversy constant along annual twisting BCS path: ESPN.com

Oklahoma-Florida matchup example of only strong survive: Sportsline.com

Labels: Chris Brown, DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Murry suffers knee injury; expected to play bowl game: Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray left the game after taking a helmet to his left knee on the opening kickoff. After being examined on the OU sideline, Murray was taken to the locker room with 4:37 left in the first quarter and didn't return to the game. He came back to the sidelines later in the second quarter wearing sweats. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, however, said Murray only suffered a knee bruise and that holding him out was just for precaution. Murray is expected to be fine for the Sooners' bowl game. (The Oklahoman)

OU offense sets NCAA record: With 38 points scored in the first half, the Sooners set a record for points scored in a season during the modern era with 678, besting the previous mark held by Hawaii in 2006 (656). The all-time mark is 765 posted by the 1886 Harvard team. The Sooners currently rank third on the all-time list with 702. (SoonerSports PR)

Quality competition: Oklahoma is the only team this season to record five wins over ranked opponents, topping TCU, Kansas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Missouri. (SoonerSports PR) In addition, Oklahoma defeated Cincinnati who is currently ranked 12th.

60 or more points consecutive games: The OU offense has scored 60 or more points in five straight games, an NCAA record. Overall, Sooner teams have scored 50 or more points in 134 games in school history. (SoonerSports PR)

Lewis surpasses Bosworth to set record: Travis Lewis recorded his 136th tackle of the season in the fourth quarter and set an OU freshman record held by Brian Bosworth. Bosworth had 133 tackles in 1984. (SoonerSports PR)

Record night for Sooners: Norman Transcript

Need more proof?: Norman Transcript

OU Report Card: The Oklahoman

By the numbers: The Oklahoman

Pinkel, Tigers heap praise on Sooners: The Oklahoman

Look out, Florida, here comes the Sooners: The Oklahoman

Sooners offense is one for the ages: The Oklahoman

Jackson keys stingy Sooner secondary: The Oklahoman

English returns from injury, pressures Daniel: The Oklahoman

Don't penalize Sooner quarterback for his stellar teammates: The Oklahoman

OU's Madu fills in for Murray with career-best performance: The Oklahoman

Pinkel -- OU 'best offense I've ever seen': The Oklahoman

OU wins 62-21, takes third-straight Big 12 title: Tulsa World

Impresive Sooners deserve spot: Tulsa World

Bradford, Oklahoma win convincingly: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma's Brown runs with bigger role: Dallas Morning News

KO'd in KC: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Tigers again exposed against the elite teams: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

How about two national champs?: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Sooners make their point: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Sooners win with style points for BCS judges: Star-Telegram

Error-prone Daniel says this loss 'hurts the worst': Star-Telegram

Oklahoma eases to another Big 12 championship: Kansas City Star

Sooners' rout likely ends Texas' dreams of a national title: Austin American-Statesman

OU win has Texas bound for Fiesta: Austin American-Statesman

Sooners and Gators End the Debate on the Field : New York Times

With a point to prove, Sooners pack on plenty of points: ESPN.com

Sooners, Gators primed for collision: ESPN.com

Labels: DeMarco Murray, NCAA, Offense, Oklahoma Sooners, Travis Lewis

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Murray: I feel like my old self: The sophomore running back was badgered by questions of whether the offseason knee surgery he suffered was hampering him. He was adamant it wasn't. But his seven carries for 6 yards against Texas couldn't hide the truth. "I just didn't have it in me. Something wasn't right. I wasn't normal," he said. "I didn't have that pep in my step. The last couple weeks I've been feeling great," Murray said. "I feel like my old self." (Norman Transcript)

Gresham named Tight End of the Week: Jermaine Gresham was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week by the Nassau County Sports Commission for the second consecutive week. Gresham is the only three-time recipient of the honor this season. (The Oklahoman)

Balogun ready to step up: The Daily

In the end, the Big 12 got it right: The Daily

Mind game will be in OU's plan: Tulsa World

Sooners' BCS lead over UT isn't safe: Tulsa World

Cheers and Jeers: Sudden Sam's endorsement: The Oklahoman

Texas' Brown gets no love from Big 12 coaches: The Oklahoman

OU has Missouri QB Chase Daniel's number: The Oklahoman

Sooners’ offense is in high gear: Kansas City Star

OU Sooners ripe for upset by Missouri: Kansas City Star

Sam Bradford a special quarterback for Oklahoma: ST Louis Post-Dispatch

Daniel seeks mistake-free performance against Oklahoma: ST Louis Post-Dispatch

Oklahoma's offense is one to remember: Star-Telegram

This should be year for a split national title: Austin American-Statesman

Missouri plays the role of underdog against Oklahoma again: University of Daily Kansas

Eyes in Texas will be upon Missouri: Columbia Missourian

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Gresham named Tight End of the Week: Jermaine Gresham was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week for the second time this season. Gresham caught five passes for 95 yards and a touchdown in OU's 65-21 win over Texas Tech. (The Oklahoman)

More honors: Sam Bradford and running back DeMarco Murray were named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American team on Wednesday. Bradford carries a 3.95 GPA in finance, while Murray has a 3.31 in communications. Both were named to the second team. Also, OU had a 13th player named to the Big 12 Conference All-Academic team in Kyle Johnson, a senior from Konawa. (Tulsa World) Find more from earlier this week here and here.

McCoy -- Bedlam, fans and thanks: SoonerSports.com

Texas fans book flyover with OU score during Bedlam: The Oklahoman

Stadium format raucos fans will make things loud Saturday in Stillwater: The Oklahoman

OSU not OU's only obstacle to Big 12 Championship: The Oklahoman

In the tiebreaker triangle, Longhorns have the edge: The Oklahoman

Pressure is on Texas tonight: The Oklahoman

Cowboys know the drill: The Oklahoman

Stoops won't get sucked into OSU ticket controversy: Tulsa World

Bradford completes OSU's QB qauntlet: Tulsa World

Sooner duo runs over foes: Tulsa World

Up close with Gerald McCoy: Tulsa World

McCoy a born leader: Norman Transcript

Defense is Oklahoma's key to winning: Dallas Morning News

Maturing LBs become strength for No. 3 Oklahoma: Dallas Morning News

Texas and Oklahoma decided who was best on Oct. 11: Star-Telegram

Bradford, Murray smart guys: Star-Telegram

Is it OSU's turn to pull off a Big 12 upset? FOX Sports

BCS is about to become a Texas-sized mess: NBC Sports

Big 12 Picks -- Sooners will win a close one in Stillwater: ESPN.com

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford

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

Murray says he's fine: Popular speculation is that after five games [DeMarco] Murray still doesn't have 2007's to-the-house speed after undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated kneecap last winter. "I really don't want to talk about it," he reiterated. "I'm good. I'm ready to play." I know some plays haven't been there, but I find myself getting a little impatient at times and trying to break it and I miss the big one. I've just got to stop being impatient. It's going to come for me soon." Actually, through five games Murray has carried more times (85 attempts to 50) and for more yards (431-316) than a year ago, though his average per carry (5.1 yards) is down by almost a yard. He says he’s fine and that added strength and weight have made him a better between-the-tackles runner and a much better blocker. (Star-Telegram)

Nice gesture: [Mack] Brown is believed to be the first coach in series history to send flowers to his rival. He shipped a bouquet to Stoops and his wife, Carol, after the birth of their twin sons, Isaac and Jake, in 1999. The gesture caught Stoops by surprise. "I was sitting there thinking, 'I'm not supposed to like this guy.' So I like the man for about a week." (Dallas Morning News)

Backup QB remains a concern for Texas: Brown acknowledged Thursday that his team's chances would suffer greatly if starting quarterback Colt McCoy were to be injured. Brown said that the Longhorns would have to modify their offense if backups Chiles or Sherrod Harris were forced to replace McCoy. "John and Sherrod are both improving, but neither is where we want them to be," Brown said. "We're trying to be patient. We're trying to hang in there, but that's an area where we need to get better." (Austin American-Statesman)

Passion infuses OU-Texas rivalry: SoonerSports.com

OU-Texas now on the horizon: The Oklahoma Daily

Who will be this weekend’s X-factor? The Oklahoma Daily

Heated rivalry breeds mutual respect: The Oklahoma Daily

Sooners put foes in rally mode: The Oklahoman

Rivalry has escalated with Big 12 membership: The Oklahoman

OU Notebook -- Muschamp had the answers: The Oklahoman

Past and present players weigh in on Golden Hat: The Oklahoman

Q&A with Kirk Herbstreit: The Oklahoman

OU-Texas notes: The Oklahoman

GameDay goes mobile: The Oklahoman

Heisman showdown: Tulsa World

Muschamp brings intensity to Longhorns: Tulsa World

OU Notebook: Tulsa World

Texas writer on Stoops -- "We hate his guts": Tulsa World

Bradford's mind on title, not trophy: Tulsa World

OU-Texas matchups: Tulsa World

Murray looking for big game: Norman Transcript

DART offers alternative route to OU-Texas: Norman Transcript

Texas Sooners are true to OU in Red Rivalry game: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma enjoys flow of recruits from below Red River: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma linebacker finds it tough back in Texas: Dallas Morning News

Return of DT Granger could be big boost for Oklahoma run defense: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma TE Gresham talks about Cotton Bowl tunnel: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma LB Clayton often hears about being a Sooner from Texas: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma defensive tackle took the pain, now dishes it out: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

A Red River royale: Austin American-Statesman

Miller is a fiery on-field presence for Horns: Austin American-Statesman

Miller more comfortable with choice of Texas: Austin American-Statesman

Believe it or not, OU's Reynolds is a scholarship player (and more): Austin American-Statesman

He may be Horns "other" coordinator, but Davis is working magic: Austin American-Statesman

Stoops has uplifted Sooner Nation: Houston Chronicle

Texas-OU set for no-huddle attack mode: San Antonio Express-News

Lessons from the past could help Longhorns: San Antonio Express-News

'Horns aim to spread out passes: Star-Telegram

Red River rivalry matchup, flashback: Star-Telegram

Bradford steady amid UT-OU hoopla: ESPN.com

Look for Sooners, Tigers to win showdowns: ESPN.com

Mature, confident McCoy playing better than ever: ESPN.com

Bradford centerpiece of Big 12's golden QB carousel: Sportsline.com

Oklahoma-Texas preview: Fox Sports.com

Fast times in Oklahoma: Wall Street Journal

No. 1 Sooners are their own worst critic: Associated Press

Texas' Brown well past old losing streak to OU: Associated Press

Red River implications beyond mere rivalry rights: Chicago Sun-Times

Slide show: Key players in Oklahoma-Texas game: NBC Sports

Five Reasons OU Will Beat Texas On Saturday: Crimson and Cream Machine

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma Sooners, OU-Texas

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Murray injured? [DeMarco] Murray and Stoops insist he's healthy. Murray said it's "been frustrating." "But we're winning," Murray added, "so there ain't too much I can complain about." Kevin Murray, who talks to his son almost daily and comes to most games, said he's noticed a difference. "Something is not there this year," Kevin said. "I don't know what's the problem. Either he's still hurt and doesn't want to say anything or he doesn't have the confidence back in that knee. He always says, 'Dad, I'm OK.' I think it's more of his confidence." (Dallas Morning News)

Franks anxious about OU-Texas: Sophomore Dominique Franks from Tulsa Union gets his first crack at Texas on Saturday. He can hardly wait. "I can't really sleep thinking about it," he said. "I went to bed about 10 last night and woke up about 1:30 in the morning and looked back over my playbook. I just know this is a great opportunity to be able to prove what I can do." (Tulsa World)

Stoops, Brown on Cotton Bowl renovations:
Bob Stoops: "I've heard it looks great," Stoops said. "I'm sure it will add to the excitement and the atmosphere."

Mack Brown: "There are a lot of really good fans who never get a chance to walk in that stadium," Brown said. "Now maybe there will be 46,000 from each school that gets a chance to watch it instead of 35,000."

OU-Texas game awakens dormant animosity: OU Daily

Money for your ticket isn't worth it: OU Daily

Rivalry not personal for coaches: Norman Transcript

Sooners ahead on intangibles: Norman Transcript

Stoops feels Brown's pain: The Oklahoman

OU ratings watch: The Oklahoman

OU Football Notebook: The Oklahoman

Switzer, Stoops, Venables all motivate differently: The Oklahoman

Stoops helps Sooners' defense by guiding young cornerbacks: Tulsa World

Murray seeking form: Tulsa World

Stoops not into Texas rivalry talk: Tulsa World

Norman product Madu liked Texas, picked OU: Tulsa World

OU RB Murray's father speaks out about his son, his season and his injury: Dallas Morning News

Burned Orange? Not if Texas' Muschamp can help it: Dallas Morning News

High Five -- Texas-Oklahoma: Dallas Morning News

Iglesias continues to catch on at OU: Austin American-Statesman

Matchup -- Tailbacks: Austin American-Statesman

Matchup -- Receivers: Austin American-Statesman

Stoops -- They're not LSU: Austin American-Statesman

Sooners see Colt McCoy being faster, better: Star-Telegram

Sooners passing game could be tough to stop: Star-Telegram

Oklahoma linebacker Reynolds making an impact: Star-Telegram

Sooners don't know the script: San Antonio Express-News

McCoy's impact not just statistical: San Antonio Express-News

Sooners' offense fast, furious and fantastic: Houston Chronicle

Pressuring QB a priority for 'Horns: Houston Chronicle

BCS moment of truth awaits in Red River Shootout: USA Today

Nobody is tooting Texas' Horn: Sportsline.com

DeMarco Murray's father wonders why he's struggling: ESPN.com

Labels: Cotton Bowl, DeMarco Murray, Dominique Franks, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

10 shy of 30,000: 10 points were needed for OU to become the first school in college football history to score 30,000. By total points, OU is the highest-scoring program in college football history with 29,990. (The Oklahoman)

Iglesias No. 2 all-time: Juaquin Iglesias caught six passes for 133 yards to move into second place on OU's all-time receiving yardage list. He has 2,112 yards, three more than Antwone Savage. Mark Clayton is OU's all-time leader with 3,241 yards. (Tulsa World)

Johnson surprised Sooners scored only 49 points: The way Manny Johnson saw it, the Sooners came up short in one category against Baylor. Points. "We only scored 49 points," Johnson said. "After getting 28 in the first quarter, you'd have thought that we'd get more than that." (The Oklahoman)

McCoy, Cooper, Murray injured: Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy hobbled off the field in the second half after twisting his ankle. But after a brief evaluation by trainers, he was back on his feet walking the sidelines. He never took his shoe off nor left the bench. "I'm good, I'm good," McCoy said. Center Jon Cooper left the game with a sprained knee, but said he too will be ready for Texas. Running back DeMarco Murray had an ice pack on his right knee after the game, but appeared to be walking without a limp. "We have some nicks," coach Bob Stoops said. "But I don't think there's anything too serious." (The Oklahoman)

Sooners avoid trap: Norman Transcript

Great but monotonous: Norman Transcript

Bears coach praises OU: The Oklahoman

OU report card: The Oklahoman

Venables nitpicks three Baylor drives: The Oklahoman

No. 1 OU bewilders Bears: The Oklahoman

Receivers rev up offense for OU: The Oklahoman

Early penalty sunk Baylor vs. OU: The Oklahoman

Vanilla will melt come Texas: The Oklahoman

Baylor benefits from Bradford pick: The Oklahoman

Sooner secondary locks things down: Norman Transcript

Sooners grin and Bear it: Tulsa World

Cooper and McCoy hurt: Tulsa World

Sooners use Bears to prep for Longhorns: Tulsa World

Baylor Quoteboard: Tulsa World

OU Report Card: Tulsa World

Baylor only target practice for top-ranked Oklahoma: Waco Tribune

Bears 'not that far apart' from Sooners, Briles says: Waco Tribune

Sooners live up to their name with first-quarter burst: Waco Tribune

Oklahoma receivers have field day against Baylor secondary: Waco Tribune

Oklahoma takes control: Dallas Morning News

Unbeaten OU, UT should make Red River Rivalry hard to beat: Dallas Morning News

No. 1 OU routs Baylor, eyes Texas: Dallas Morning News

Baylor's Griffin makes OU a believer: Dallas Morning News

Ex-Gorman star Murray scores twice for No. 1 Sooners: Las Vegas Sun

Oklahoma businesslike in victory: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Longhorns make a statement with defense: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Texas defense looks good after stuffing the Buffs: Austin American-Statesman

Baylor's Griffin a handful as Sooners prep for real McCoy: Austin American-Statesman

Sooners Run Past Baylor: Crimson and Cream Machine

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Gerald McCoy, Jon Cooper, Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

DeMarco Murray on Doak Walker award watch list: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma's top returning rusher, has been named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award. The honor is presented annually to the top running back in college football. Murray, a sophomore from Las Vegas, Nev., ran for 764 yards last season despite missing three games and drawing only one start. He also scored 15 touchdowns, including 13 on the ground, to tie Adrian Peterson's freshman record at OU. Murray showed a flare for the big play with a 92-yard touchdown run against Utah State and a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns. The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will select the semifinalists on November 10, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast votes to determine the finalists, who will be announced on November 24.(SoonerSports PR)

OU's season opener SOLD-OUT: The University of Oklahoma announced today that tickets for Saturday’s season-opening football game with Tennessee-Chattanooga have been sold. However, OU athletics ticket office personnel say they expect a few returns and exchanges on the day of the game. (The Oklahoman)

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma Sooners, Tickets, Watch List

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

DeMarco Murray returns to practice: Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray has returned to practice at full speed this week. He was hobbled by an ankle sprain throughout the first week. "I did some of the practice stuff, but I haven't really been able to go all out until this week," Murray said following Tuesday's practice. "It's good to get back out there." OU coach Bob Stoops said Murray isn't showing any lingering effects. "He looked fine today," Stoops said. "That (ankle injury) was a minor deal." (Norman Transcript)

Jaz Reynolds verbally commits to OU: Monday night, Oklahoma got a commitment from Jaz Reynolds, a three-star receiver out of Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower High School. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Reynolds chose the Sooners over a host of schools, including Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska and Virginia. "I had been up to OU a couple of times, saw them play A&M, went to their junior day," Reynolds said. "When they offered, I just wanted to be a Sooner." Reynolds was recruited by first-year OU wide receivers coach Jay Norvell. (The Oklahoman)

Mensik back after hamstring injury: Assistant coach Kevin Wilson said he hasn't identified the third player to go with Jermaine Gresham and Brody Eldridge in his three-tight end set just yet. It likely will be Eric Mensik, but he's been out with a sore hamstring. Mensik returned to practice this week. "It's kind of a weird deal," Wilson said. "It's not a pull. It's kind of like where it attaches to the bone. They keep looking at it. It's a pain tolerance deal." (Tulsa World)

OU football notebook: The Oklahoman

Sooners are fully vested in beating the heat: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma had no choice on Jarboe: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Oklahoma deserves to take the rap in Jarboe case: On Campus with Sentinel Sports

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Injury, Oklahoma Sooners, Recruiting

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Gresham on leaving to the NFL early: Wednesday he (Jermaine Gresham) said an early jump is unlikely. "My first goal here is to get a degree," Gresham said. "I really don't see that (leaving early) happening. The other reason is I don't think I'm good enough. "If I had (Adrian Peterson's) talent, it would be a no-brainer. But I don't have that kind of talent." (Norman Transcript)

DeMarco Murray suffers minor ankle sprain: Running back DeMarco Murray saw limited work Friday after suffering what coach Bob Stoops said is a "slight sprain on his ankle" during practice Wednesday. "He's fine," Stoops said. "It's a minor one. We were limited in what we had him do today. It's a small twist that wasn't a big deal." (The Oklahoman)

Scoreboard work accelerating: SoonerSports.com

Q&A with Barry Switzer: SI.com

Eldridge is OU's 'other' tight end: Norman Transcript

OU O-line gets fresh start: Tulsa World

Practice Report: Tulsa World

Cincy QB loses appeal, won't play OU: The Oklahoman

Middle man key for 'D' in OU football: The Oklahoman

Missouri aiming for another crack at OU: The Oklahoman

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Injury, Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Early 2008 Heisman odds, Tebow and Wells early favorites: Here are the early 2008 Hesiman odds courtesy of TheSpread.com, Oklahoma has DeMarco Murrary and Sam Bradford included in the early favorites. (Big 12 players highlighted too)

Tim Tebow (FL) 7/2
Chris Wells (Ohio St.) 6/1
Knowshon Moreno (UGA) 8/1
Chase Daniel (Missouri) 9/1
Pat White (WVU) 10/1
Michael Crabtree (TTech) 10/1
Matthew Stafford (UGA) 14/1
DeMarco Murray (Okla) 15/1
Graham Harrell (TTech) 15/1
Percy Harvin (FL) 15/1
Sam Bradford (Okla) 16/1
LeSean McCoy (Pitt) 22/1
P.J. Hill (Wisc) 22/1
Cullen Harper (Clem)25/1
Joe McKnight (USC) 25/1
Colt McCoy (Tex) 28/1
Todd Reesing (Kan) 30/1
Jeremy Maclin (Missouri) 40/1
Zac Robinson (Ok. State) 75/1

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Heisman, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Here at the Oklahoma injuries updated at Big 12 media days in Kansas City..

Adron Tennell injury update; Stoops undecided on red-shirt: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops gave an update on junior receiver Adron "Pooh" Tennell of Irving on Wednesday at Big 12 football media days in Kansas City. Tennell, a backup a year ago, tore an ACL in the Sooners' 34-27 loss at Texas Tech late last season. He had surgery and didn't participate in spring practices while he was still recovering. About a month ago, Tennell had a minor setback when he tweaked the injured knee while working out. "He's doing well, still developing and working off that knee injury," Stoops said. Stoops said he's not sure if Tennell will be red-shirted this season. "Right now, I would say no," Stoops said, "but we'll see how he does when we get back." (Dallas Morning News)

DeMarco Murray expected back soon: Bob Stoops said he expects Sooners running back DeMarco Murray, who missed spring drills recuperating from a dislocated kneecap, to be ready when camp opens. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

Labels: Adron Tennell, DeMarco Murray, Injuries

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU Red-White game tickets available through today: This is the last week to purchase half-price tickets for this Saturday's Red/White Spring Game. Through Friday, tickets are $5 each. On game day, that price doubles to $10. Kickoff for the Red/White Game is 1 p.m. Saturday. Fans may purchase tickets online, in person at the OU Athletics Ticket Office or by phone at (405) 325-2424 or toll-free at (800) 456-4668. Children 5 and under are admitted free of charge, as are all OU students with a valid student ID. No television broadcast is scheduled this year

DeMarco Murray injury "getting a lot better": He says he's stronger, thicker and more muscled -- at least from the waist up. His legs are still unable to carry a full workload. "I've got another couple months before I can really start sprinting hard, hard," he said. "But it's getting a lot better. I don't feel any pain in my knee, so rehab's going great for me so far." (Tulsa World)

Related Post:
DeMarco Murray Expected Back in June

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma Sooners, Red White Game

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Backup center Hughey likely to leave the team: OU backup center Noah Hughey is not participating in spring drills and doesn't plan to rejoin the team, his parents said Thursday. Hughey, of El Reno, is on schedule to graduate from OU in three years this summer and wants to pursue a career writing movie screenplays. Hughey has also been battling a broken wrist for the last three months, which has forced him to wear and play with a cast. Hughey will probably have to wear the cast for another three months before he can take it off, which has played a part in his decision. "He loves the coaches, loves the players and he loves OU," said his father, Bill Hughey. "The coaches have kept the door wide open for him. They've told him he can come back if he wants to." (The Oklahoman)

Murray rehab "going well": Even though he'll miss spring drills, OU running back DeMarco Murray won't be out much longer. The rising sophomore said the rehabilitation of a dislocated kneecap is "going well" and that he expects to be back working out with the team by June. Murray said he's been doing a similar rehab program as wide receiver Adron Tennell, who tore his ACL.(The Oklahoman)

OU Completes Winter Conditioning: SoonerSports.com

Sooners land new commit: The Oklahoman

Who will step in for Oklahoma's "Big Three?": SI.com

Big 12 spring football preview: FOXSports.com

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Fiesta Bowl swag: The rundown of gifts received by the OU football players from the Fiesta Bowl and the university: A $300 Best Buy gift card, a 20-inch flat-screen TV, Oakley sunglasses with built-in MP3 player, Fiesta Bowl watches, loads of OU and Fiesta Bowl apparel. And that's not all. "Oh, and the per diem out here, too. Pick up some cash, have a little bit of fun," said kicker Garrett Hartley. "We got $200 the other night. I don't know when we get our next." (Tulsa World)

English sidelined with a cold: Oklahoma defensive end Auston English is recovering from an ankle injury, Sooners coach Bob Stoops said, but wasn't at practice Thursday for another reason. "The ankle is fine, but he's got a little bit of a cold," said Stoops, who expects the 6-foot-3, 257-pound sophomore to play. (Arizona Republic)

DeMarco Murray fine after surgery: OU running back DeMarco Murray, who had knee surgery a few weeks ago to repair a dislocated kneecap, said Thursday he's doing better. "I feel good, just rehabbing right now,” said Murray, who is still walking with a noticeable limp. Murray suffered the injury against Texas Tech while trying to recover an onside kick. (NewsOK.com)

West Virginia's White impressed with OU: White said third-ranked Oklahoma is playing at a national-championship level right now, even if the Sooners have to wait until next season to fulfill their promise. "I think they're the best team in the country," White said. "Their athleticism is far beyond any other team we've played. "They make plays. That says Oklahoma to me," he said. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

Franks and Jackson competing for starting CB role: Brian Jackson and Dominique Franks are both competing to replace Reggie Smith as starting cornerback. Both, Stoops said, "are doing a nice job, so we'll see. Very confident and pleased with the way the two of them are working, so we'll work it out during the week. More than likely, they'll both play." (Tulsa World)

Heupel's words of wisdom benefit OU stars: Tulsa World

OU Daily Log: Tulsa World

Mountaineers use unusual 3-35 scheme: The Oklahoman

Mountaineers' rise started in Norman: The Oklahoman

Sooners' Cooper is full of Lambkin pride: The Oklahoman

Williams to get first start of year in Fiesta Bowl: The Oklahoman

Sooner star makes no excuses: Arizona Republic

West Virginia interim coach optimistic about Fiesta Bowl, future: Arizona Republic

For some Okla. fans, it's too soon for another Valley trip: Arizona Republic

Slowing Oklahoma's Bradford key for West Virginia: Charleston Daily Mail

Dent says WVU is ready for Fiesta Bowl: Charleston Daily Mail

Coaching changes effect both squads: East Valley Tribune

WVU's White impressed by Oklahoma: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Labels: Auston English, DeMarco Murray, Dominique Franks, Fiesta Bowl, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Coleman out due to injury; Reed out due to personal matters: Senior defensive tackle Steven Coleman likely won't play this week at Iowa State because of a strained abdominal muscle, said defensive coordinator Brent Venables. He said linebacker Ryan Reynolds will play despite injuries to his neck, arm, shoulder and both knees. Venables also said backup linebacker Mike Reed, who didn't suit up for the Missouri game, will miss the Iowa State trip while tending to personal matters. Reed's wife had surgery and he's been taking care of the couple's two small children. (Tulsa World)

Murray's ankle "feels better": Running back DeMarco Murray played sparingly against Missouri because of a slight sprain on the outside of his left ankle he suffered the week before against Texas. "It feels better now,” Murray said. "But it was hurting me last week.” (NewsOK.com)

Limited OU @ Texas Tech tickets available: A limited number of tickets are available for the Nov. 17 game at Texas Tech. Cost of the tickets are $65 and are first-come, first-served. Tickets can be purchased by phone (800-456-4668) during normal business hours, at the ticket office on the west side of Memorial Stadium or online at SoonerSports.com. (Tulsa World)

Stoops, Sooners focused on Cyclones: SoonerSports.com

Sooners can't do it all themselves: Norman Transcript

Now is no time to relax expectations: Norman Transcript

Seriously high praise for Lofton: Norman Transcript

McCoy is anchor for family, team after his mother's death: Tulsa World

These tranquil times bode well for Stoops: Tulsa World

Colleges, especially OU, take spying as serious threat: Tulsa World

Defense's job against Tigers worth noting: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Big 12 Roundtable - The No-Name Edition: Double-T Nation

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Injuries, Texas Tech, Tickets

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

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

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

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

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

OU getting ready for Mizzou's offense: The Oklahoman

Tigers' tale: Norman Transcript

Tigers on fire after big win: Tulsa World

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

Temple questionable vs. Oklahoma: Kansas City Star

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

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

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

Sooners' Bradford turns into an emerging force: USA Today

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

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU ranked eighth in college football sales: Oklahoma ranked No. 8 in college football, the Sooners also are ranked eighth in college merchandise sales. Sunday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution released the 2006-07 school-year sales of the Atlanta-based Collegiate Licensing Company, which brands merchandise for nearly 200 college athletic programs, including OU and OSU. The Cowboys also made the top 25, coming in at No. 24. Texas finished No. 1 for the second consecutive year. Michigan, which was second last year, dropped to No. 4, and Notre Dame replaced the Wolverines at No. 2. (NewsOK.com)

No Quarterback Announcement yet: Everyone except coach Bob Stoops and his staff [named a QB]. No official announcement came Monday -- the first day of fall classes at OU -- as to who would start at quarterback in the Sooners' season opener Sept. 1 against North Texas. OU coaches and players were not made available to the media following Monday evening's practice but are expected to be available today. (Dallas Morning News)

Murray's improvements come by suggestion: [DaMarco] Murray said the reason for the turnaround was not attempting to turn every carry into a big run. "Coaches have been telling me not to try to make the big play all the time,” Murray said. "I let the offensive line open up the holes and just made my cuts.” (NewsOK.com)

Former Sooner Beeler to visit Stanford: Oklahoma sophomore center Chase Beeler might be transferring to Stanford. Beeler, originally recruited by the Cardinal, reportedly has been granted his release by the Sooners and made his official visit to Stanford on Saturday. (San Francisco Chronicle)

Despite injury, Gerald is real McCoy: The Oklahoman

QB battles are shrouded in mystery: The Oklahoman

Big buck about to stop with Stoops: Tulsa World

Will they be special? Norman Transcript

Horning: Ryan Broyles has something: Norman Transcript

Top 10 OU Football Moments #1 2001 Orange Bowl: Crimson and Cream Machine

At OU, Three Times A Star Running Back: Washington Post

Labels: 2007 Storyline, DeMarco Murray, Merchandise, Oklahoma Sooners, Quarterbacks, University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma Soooner Football Articles and Notes

Jerseys to include names in '07? Oklahoma played last season without players' names on the backs of their jerseys, but Saturday, the Sooners' jerseys included their names. Stoops said he would probably keep them that way in the fall, too. "Right now, the players wanted to," he said. "I asked them ... can they remain unselfish about it and not worry about whose name's on the back and more about who's on the front?" They assured the coach that they could. "If they'll continue to act that way," Stoops said, "maybe we'll keep 'em that way." (NewsOK.com)

Murray still getting used to the cameras: After Oklahoma's Red/White spring game Saturday at Owen Field, DeMarco Murray was the media darling. Even if the redshirt freshman wasn't ready for it."I'm not comfortable at all, to be honest," Murray said. "I'm trying to get used to all these interviews. I haven't had this many interviews since my senior year in high school." (Norman Transcript)

No press for the QBs: He enforced the policy [limited press access] again Saturday when he didn't allow OU's three quarterbacks to meet the press after the annual Red / White Game at Memorial Stadium. (Tulsa World)

Eldridge's sprained knee ligament: Tight end Brody Eldridge suffered a sprained knee ligament injury after being tackled hard, Wilson said. (Dallas Morning News) The injury is being reported as low grade sprain.

Walk-on Whitson makes a impact: [Carter] Whitson, a walk-on who played high school ball for his dad, Brent, at Broken Arrow and Shawnee, did more than enough to atone for the missed block. He was OU's third-leading receiver Saturday with two catches for 45 yards. (Tulsa World)

McCoy Practice Injury: Nose guard Gerald McCoy was a late scratch for the Red-White game. The ballyhooed redshirt freshman has been practicing with pain in his calf muscle, but when he jumped over a lineman Thursday, he landed wrong on his leg. "My calf muscle kind of stretched out a little bit, strained it a little bit," McCoy said. "They said they were going to see what happened this morning. Then they said they were going to hold me out, just let me rest a little bit." (NewsOK.com)

Open it up: Norman Transcript

What we learned at Red/White: Norman Transcript

Few QB clues surface in chilly Red/White Game: Tulsa World

Murray steals Sooner show: Tulsa World

Stock Report -- Quarterbacks: The Oklahoman

Best 'o' the blog: The Oklahoman

Murray continues to impress, no true leader at quarterback: The Oklahoman

Lessons in the press box with an expert at his side: The Oklahoman

Quarterbacks remain mum at OU: The Oklahoman

Sooners' backs look promising: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Labels: Brody Eldridge, DeMarco Murray, Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma Sooners, Quarterbacks, Walk-On

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Murray leads the offense in Red-White game: In each of the first two scrimmages of the spring, redshirt freshman running back DeMarco Murray dazzled with his rushing and receiving ability। It was more of the same and then some Saturday at the Red/White Spring Game when 21,020 braved unseasonably cold temperatures at Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Murray rushed four times for 103 yards and one touchdown as the offense out-scored the defense, 53-30, in a scoring system devised by the coaching staff. The offense, which wore the red uniforms, scored five touchdowns. "It was a good day for us," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "DeMarco has been special all spring and he was good again today. There were some big plays and I think the fans probably enjoyed that. "We still have a lot of work to do, but I felt there were a lot of positives for us. We've seen some guys improve and we've also had a chance to see where it is that we need to get better." Through three scrimmages this spring, Murray has carried 29 times for 327 yards, an average of 11.3 per attempt. (Stats and more at SoonerSports.com)

Labels: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma Sooners, Red White Game

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Stoops not impressed with defense: Bob Stoops' initial impression of his team's first open scrimmage of the spring was displeasure, mostly because of what he called sloppy tackling by the defense. "I wasn't very pleased," Stoops said after the 2½-hour workout on Owen Field. "I didn't expect it to be, in five days, execution-wise what it needs to be, but I wasn't pleased, maybe, with our overall intensity in the way we came out here." Stoops was most unhappy with his linebackers and secondary. "I saw sloppy tackling, which hopefully is just rust," he said. "We have some guys who are trying to get on the field who are showing you've either got to make tackles or you're gonna have a hard time playing." (NewsOK.com)

DeMarco Murray highlights scrimmage: Running back DeMarco Murray made his first Oklahoma a scrimmage a memorable one Wednesday afternoon at Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The redshirt freshman logged 129 all purpose yards and scored two touchdowns to highlight the offense's performance. For OU head coach Bob Stoops, Murray's performance was one of the few bright spots. Stoops said the enthusiasm that had been present through some of the early spring drills was largely absent in the scrimmage. Junior Joey Halzle completed 6-of-11 passes for 109 yards and one touchdown. He was intercepted twice. Redshirt freshman Sam Bradford was good on 8-of-14 attempts for 117 yards with one touchdown and one interception. True freshman Keith Nichol was 6-of-8 for 40 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Murray's scoring runs came on a 65-yard sprint and a physical four-yard burst. He carried the ball nine times for 92 yards, while also catching three passes for 37. (SoonerSports.com)

Murray on his day: Telling the Norman Transcript.. "I was nervous at the beginning," Murray said. "(Running backs coach coach Cale) Gundy told me to relax and I started to and just played football."

Injury update: Several key players were not available to participate in the scrimmage. Some, such as receiver Malcolm Kelly and offensive guard Brandon Walker, are being held out of spring practice to rehabilitate injuries suffered last season. Both Kelly and Walker had offseason knee surgery. Others, like running backs Allen Patrick (bruised leg) and Mossis Madu (concussion), did not participate because of minor injuries suffered during the first four practices of the spring. (NewsOK.com)

Quarterbacks get mixed reviews early: The Oklahoman

OU quarterback breakdown: The Oklahoman

OU scrimmage report: Tulsa World

Reynolds looks to continue Sooners' LB tradition: Sporting News

Labels: Bob Stoops, DeMarco Murray, Injury, Oklahoma Sooners, Scrimmage