ESPN’s analysts sweet on Sooners
CAMPUS CORNER — ESPN’s endless supply of pundits has weighed in on conference champs and who will play for the BCS title in January in Nawlins. (Your Sooners are treated kindly by the Worldwide Leader — 11 of 18 analysts have them in the title game.)
First, let’s qualify some of this. To me, an Urban Meyer or Kirk Herbstreit vote counts as, like, two or three votes. Compared to, say, a Craig James or Bob Davie vote. We’ll grant them one-fifth power. Maybe. Matt Millen should get a zero vote. I don’t understand his relevance to football, generally, much less the college game.
Consider each pundit accordingly in this table.
But know that OU is picked by all but three “experts” as the favorite to win the Big 12. Ed Cunningham and Davie both went for Texas A&M. Brock Huard picked … Oklahoma State. No one stuck their necks out for Texas, so that ought to make you feel better.
Analysts who have Sooners in national title game and opponent:
Alabama-Oklahoma: (ME. Mike Bellotti. James. Meyer. Millen. David Pollack.)
Oklahoma-Oregon: (Todd Blackledge. Dan “This Isn’t Intramurals” Hawkins. Danny Kanell.)
LSU-Oklahoma: (Lee Corso‘s kiss of death. Jesse Palmer.)
Oklahoma-Wisconsin: (Chris Spielman.)
= Trav
Bronze Bradford takes its place
CAMPUS CORNER — OU’s Heisman row, on the east side of Memorial Stadium, has a new resident: Sam Bradford, the 2008 winner of the trophy. Bradford could not be present, obviously. He’s preparing for the NFL season ahead.
Here’s a play-by-play of Bronze Bradford going from the back of a truck, to his permanent spot on the south end of the five statues. (From left to right: Billy Sims, Steve Owens, Billy Vessels, Jason White … and now Bradford.)
In five frames …
Sam on truck.
Sam on move.
Sam in air.
Sam in place.
Sam. (Courtesy: OU)
= Trav
PS — As I sidenote, I figured out I need to clean my cameraphone lens.
Here we go: A&M gone, now what for OU?
CAMPUS CORNER — Last night, during his weekly radio show, Sooners coach Bob Stoops said it was “inevitable” that Texas A&M would leave the Big 12 (presumably for the SEC). He was on top of that one.
Twelve or so hours later, A&M did officially hand in its letter of conference resignation, making it a free agent and distancing itself from hated Texas. As you know, that creates a sense of chaos in the Big 12 – THREE days before the start of the 2011 season.
Football will still be football this fall, for sure, but a cloud called uncertainty will be hovering just over the edge of Big 12 stadiums.
Can this league survive? Heavy hitters, voices you would trust, don’t think so – or, at best, they are not sure.
Stoops said he would like to see Notre Dame in the Big 12. But Notre Dame doesn’t see Notre Dame in the Big 12.
BYU, Houston and SMU are the names that have been floated most for the vacancy Texas A&M will open. But does that actually save the league? Or just provide a stay of execution?
One columnist in Salt Lake thinks BYU should run with arms wide open toward the Big 12, because of the hit its schedule has taken as an independent.
Maybe TCU isn’t out of the question, even though the Frogs are set to move next year to the Big East, already a qualifying league.
What is out of the question at this juncture?
I’ve asked, and I’m not sure if we’ll hear today from OU AD Joe Castiglione or prez David Boren. I hope so. I’d like to hear their thoughts. I’m sure you would, too, and it would be nice to know what OU’s statement and message is moving forward.
Is it … “We’re committed to saving the Big 12, etc.”? Or is it … “We’ll continue to examine whatever is best for our university and its athletic teams”?
Those are very different sentiments, no?
Why isn’t OU doing more, being more vocal and proactive? That’s been the concern for some of you. Well, we’re told the administration is doing more behind the scenes than you might realize. Just because it has not been as vocal as some other schools doesn’t mean it’s sitting around waiting for Texas to tell it what to do. That’s what we’ve been told privately.
Stoops hinted at that last night: “I feel our administration knows we have a strong hand to play.”
Stoops didn’t mean that for any particular outcome or decision, but rather OU realizing it has a lot of tradition and history to protect and use as leverage for any potential move or choice.
These are strange times on the conference landscape, for sure. Thanks, Texas.
= Trav
Boomer in mascot competition
Capital One is staging a unique contest this football season. It’s almost like a fantasy league for college mascots.
The company has selected 16 mascots that will compete each week. Standings will be kept. The top mascots in the final standings after 12 “games,” will advance to the playoffs. The eventual winning mascot will be honored at the Capital One Bowl.
Winners each week are determined by fan voting. The mascot with the most votes wins its matchup that week.
The Sooners’ horse mascot, “Boomer,” is one of 16 mascots in the competition. In Boomer’s season opener it currently trails TCU’s Superfrog 5,310 votes to 2,194.
Next week Boomer is matched against Oregon’s “Duck.” In Week 3 Boomer faces Georgia’s “Hairy Dawg.” In Week 4, Boomer meets Oregon State’s “Benny Beaver.” There will be a matchup each of the first 12 weeks before the playoffs.
Other schools in the competition include: Arizona, Auburn, Maryland, Ohio State, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Michigan State, LSU, Nevada, Old Dominion and Western Kentucky.
Fans can monitor the standings and vote each week at www.CapitalOneBowl.com.
OU football tallies impact of 75 consecutive home sellouts
Fans shout at the end of the national anthem before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners ( OU) and the Air Force Falcons at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Kenny Mossman, OU’s head of sports information, has tallied the impact of the streak and put it into some historical context:
* A total of 6,026,578 have attended the first 74 games in the streak.
* The average number of fans to attend the games during the streak is 81,444.
* The largest crowd to see a game was 85,646 for the 2008 OU-Texas Tech contest.
* OU is 72-2 at home during the streak, and has won its last 36 in a row.
* As of Saturday, 73 of the 75 games will have been played against FBS competition.
* The streak mirrors Bob Stoops’ tenure, which began with a 49-0 win over Indiana State on Sept. 11, 1999.
* During that time, the stadium’s capacity has grown from 72,726 to 82,112 (+9,386).
* Average attendance has grown from 74,664 in 1999 to 84,738 last season.
When the Streak Began in 1999 …
* Bill Clinton was president.
* Frank Keating was governor of Oklahoma.
* The Euro was just being introduced.
* The population of Norman was 87,750. Today it’s close to 111,000.
* The Dow Jones Industrial average closed at more than 11,000 for the first time ever.
* National unemployment was at 5.8 percent.
* The national debt was around $4 trillion.
* Oklahoma had recently endured the most powerful tornado ever measured (May 3).
* The Space Shuttle Discovery completed the first docking with the International Space Station.
* The Y2K scare was in full swing.
* Cell phones included internet browsing for the first time (the public knew nothing of Iphone, Ipod or Ipad).
* Anheuser-Busch introduced the “Whassup” commercial.
* “Shakespeare in Love” won the Oscar for best movie, but “Fight Club” was the top grossing film.
* “Who wants to be a Millionaire” was the top-rated television show.
* The six billionth human was born.
* Michael Jordan announced his first retirement from basketball.
* The Spurs beat the Knicks, 4-1, in the NBA finals.
* Andre Aggasi won the US Open in men’s tennis.
* The top pop hit was “All Star” by Smash Mouth.
* The top country hit was “Man, I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain.
* The average national price for a gallon of gas was $1.17.
Best of Bob: My Twitter timeline from Stoops presser
CAMPUS CORNER — Filing a compilation of my tweets from Bob Stoops‘ pre-Tulsa presser. The head man went long today, a half-hour or so, but a lot of that was a preramble that included a position-by-position breakdown. (Designed to eliminate some questions later – Phillip Fulmer used to do that at UT-East – but it doesn’t work.)
= Trav
OU vs. Tulsa game notes
We’ll be posting Oklahoma’s game notes each week leading up to the game. Here are the notes from Saturday’s game vs. Tulsa.
Enjoy.
– Asst. Sports Editor Ryan Sharp
A few surprises on revised depth chart
There were a few surprises when OU coaches finally updated their depth chart on Monday.
You can’t read too much into depth charts. Sometimes coaches use it to motivate players that have been inconsistent. But coach Bob Stoops isn’t one to play many mind games.
Observations after seeing the revised depth chart:
Running back: It’s listed as Brennan Clay or Dominique Whaley or Roy Finch. The fact Whaley is on the list, not freshman Brandon Williams or Jonathan Miller is a surprise. Williams could still end up being the best back of a talented group once he becomes more familiar with the offense. But Whaley is legit in the competition for carries and playing time.
Quarterback: It’s listed as Drew Allen or Blake Bell. Allen, who was Landry Jones’ backup last season, is listed on top if you want to try and read the tea leaves. We should know for certain after practice Monday night when Stoops addresses the media.
Sophomore Trey Franks, not Dejuan Miller, is listed as the third starter. Kameel Jackson made the two-deep, cementing comments from Stoops that the true freshman had a good fall camp.
Tight end: Even though it’s listed as an “or” sophomore Austin Haywood is listed above senior Trent Ratterree.
O-Line: As expected, Daryl Williams (right tackle) and Donald Stephenson (left tackle) are the starters but Lane Johnson will play some.
D-line: Ronnell Lewis is still listed as a starter, although his eligibility remains in question. Jamarkus McFarland is listed as a starter ahead of Stacy McGee. Chuka Ndulue is listed as the fourth D-end but Geneo Grissom will be in the rotation.
Linebacker: It’s interesting true freshman Kellen Jones, who transferred in from Michigan earlier this month, is listed as an “or” behind Jaydan Bird at middle linebacker. Jones could still redshirt. We now know the weakside linebacker backups to Corey Nelson, who is filling in for injured Travis Lewis. Redshirt freshmen Caleb Gastelum and Aaron Franklin are next in line.
Secondary: No surprises. Jamell Fleming, who missed spring drills to address academic issues, has regained his starting job in front of Gabe Lynn.
Special teams: Trey Franks and Brennan Clay are listed as the top two kickoff returners. Whaley and Roy Finch are the backups.
What’s Stills’ status for opener?
CAMPUS CORNER — People have wondered all summer whether receiver Kenny Stills‘ January DUI arrest would cost him part or all of Saturday’s opener against Tulsa.
We’re still wondering, though that will become clear in the following days – and, well, certainly by Saturday.
Stills seemed to indicate this morning the outcome wouldn’t be a positive one for him.
Three tweets this morning …
@KSTiLLS4: Gunna be a tough week for me …
@KSTiLLS4: (to punter) @Tressway36 you know I’m Gunna prepare just like I was getting after it on Saturday (Tress Way said: Come on man you bring too much energy!)
@KSTiLLS4: You learn from your mistakes but it’s rough when you already knew better
So, those things do not make it sound as if Stills, who was still listed as the starter at No. 2 receiver on OU’s latest depth chart released this morning, will play. He was a valuable part of last year’s team, as a freshman. Stills started all 14 games and caught 61 passes for 786 yards and five TDs last season.
Linebacker Tony Jefferson was arrested when Stills was, for interference with an arrest. Jefferson indicated Friday on Twitter that he would not be suspended for his arrest for a different offense.
We’ll ask Bob Stoops, but there’s no guarantee he will let us know. We’ll see.
= Trav
Heating up the leftovers: OU mailbag
CAMPUS CORNER — Enjoyed my first NewsOK chat earlier today. Had several leftover questions and didn’t want to ignore you all. I’m far from a master on the subject of OU football, but, hey, I’ve only been here a week and haven’t seen a game or practice.
Terry: Have you been to an OU-Texas game? How do you think it compares to other big-time rivalry games?
A: I have not, and I’m really excited to see it. I’ve heard there’s nothing like seeing the burnt orange meet the crimson at the 50. I’ve seen others – Clemson-South Carolina; Tennessee-Alabama; Florida-FSU – but I think this could take the cake, as far as my own experience. I have not seen Bama-Auburn or OSU-Michigan in person. Bedlam this year should also be fantastic.
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Reggie: Travis, Do you expect the Sooners to play a low key and reserved game against Tulsa?
A: As in save-up-for-FSU mode? No way. Tulsa’s got too many good players, for one thing. And I don’t think coaches really do that, by and large. Will OU save a play or two or four? Sure. Teams do that, no matter the opponent(s) early in the year. But Stoops has his own questions to answer, in all three phases, and this is a good chance to figure things out by giving it full throttle.
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Josh: More likely to happen: OU only wins 8 games, or OSU wins the MNC? I’m going with the former.
A: Ah, this one will mess with your head. I don’t think either will happen. And, when you think about it, they sort of correspond. An eight-win OU team may mean OSU is in a better position for the national title. If this is an eight-win Sooners team, people will be mighty unhappy. I would think major injuries would have to cause that. This isn’t an eight-win team. So, with that in mind, I’d say the latter. Maybe OU and OSU are both undefeated or have one loss going into Bedlam. Maybe OSU finally figures out a way to get it done in that situation and plays in New Orleans. Don’t jump off a ledge or curse me out, though: Again, I’d bet against both props.
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Anon: Do you consider the SEC’s streak of national championships to be “dominant”? Except for the first two games involving Ohio State, all of those were close games that could have gone the other way with a few bounces. Dominance would be other teams not even making it competitive. Is this media hyperbole? I see the streak as impressive and uncanny, but not dominant, and I think I speak for most fans in this region of the country when I say we are tired of hearing about the SEC’s “dominance.”
A: A great question here. I don’t think it’s “dominance” in any particular title game that illustrates the strength of the league. Rather, I think it’s the fact that it’s four different teams – Florida, Alabama, LSU and Auburn – that have done it. That really says dominance to me. It’s not one team winning a bunch of titles, it’s several. That tells me there’s something to the league. Some of it has become hyped and overhyped, but imagine if Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Nebraska (when it was here) had won five consecutive titles. Everyone would say the same about the Big 12. The five-in-a-row thing, coupled with four different winners, is the reason the SEC can boast. (One caveat: Will Auburn keep its title, in the end?)
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Ben S.: I don’t see how SMU brings anything to the Big 12, other than another team. Houston to some extent as well. See Barry’s blog from this morning. BYU, on the other hand, does bring something to the table.
A: I hear ya, Ben, and I actually agree with you. But Texas, the university and the state, will certainly want another state school in the league if at all possible. Houston isn’t completely bereft of tradition, either. And state legislators are trying to pump up UH as a research institution – something that could also factor in. Plus, telling Big 12 teams it has to go to Houston … or Provo, Utah … which seems more appealing? Vice versa, as well. That would be tough on BYU to make those weekly travel arrangements for all its programs. I’m not saying it won’t happen, but there are reasons for/against every school. Nothing feels ideal. Actually, the old Big 12 feels pretty ideal at this point. But …
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Jake: Have you had a chance to eat at Van’s Pig Stand yet? If so, how does it compare to “southern bbq?”
A: Soon. Soon. Will give report. Ray’s was excellent when I ate there the other day. Great sides. Generally, “southern BBQ” is regional. Where I lived, in South Carolina, it was this mustard-based sauce. And it sucked, to me, although many like it. In North Carolina, depending on where you went, it was either a conventional tomato-y sauce or a pepper-vinegar sauce. I was always a fan of the pepper-vinegar, particularly the concoction in Lexington, N.C. Here, as you know, it’s more a hickory-smoke tomato sauce. And I’m also a fan of that. Always loved Texas BBQ, and this is a cousin. Can’t wait to check out Van’s stuff. It will happen by the end of the weekend, if I had to guess.
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John: Travis, what do you think is going to be OU’s toughest game this season and why?
A: I’m torn right now, between Bedlam and Florida State. Both are obviously road games. I’m going OSU, and here’s why: I’ve been to FSU plenty for games (went to high school in that area) and it’s not a raucous environment. More of a sit-on-your-hands place. Stillwater, I’m gathering, is quite different for Bedlam. And having to play there two straight years? That’s a tough draw for OU. The Pokes say you haven’t seen the new stars, who will join Blackmon and Weeden, et al. That’s alarming if true. Both teams should be at their best, if healthy, by late November.
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Jeff: Travis, Welcome! OU seems to have been reluctant to be in the spotlight over the past several years (ie not televising spring games/scrimmages as is now the norm). Do you thing the All-Access show was to head off some of the influence that the Longhorn Network will have? One comment: I thought Stoops was brilliant – likable, focused and the type of guy you’d want your kids to play for.
A: Thanks! I gather that your observation is accurate. Stoops has shied from this kind of stuff previously. I think a lot of it is him just generally opening up more and more. But, you know, the LHN’s impact cannot be completely ignored. The bottom line is, if ESPN comes to you and says, ‘Hey, we want to profile your program for a few weeks,’ you say yes. You’re getting free recruiting help. I feel sure this month has helped in the eyes of high school kids across the country. Will it lead to more things? Maybe. But I don’t know if Stoops will go so far as to televise spring games, etc. He’s come this far, though, in terms of opening up things.
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Greg: When will the media actually be able to watch the Sooners practice, so we can get some real insight to the team? Or are we going to have to wait until the first game? I miss the days of open scrimmages on the saturdays before the first game.
A: Ha, wishful thinking Greg. I’d of course like to see practice, to get to know some of the players better. But the season will be here soon enough for that. I’d advocate Stoops opening up the first scrimmage next summer. Hold back what you’d like, but give fans a little something. I know Steve Spurrier really likes having open practices early in camp. The first two or three scrimmages were open. Most coaches aren’t like that. Bob Stoops isn’t like that.
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Roy: Any news on stud RB Jermie Calhoun? When will he be able to play again?
A: I’ve heard him mentioned a couple of times this week. I don’t know how slowly they’re trying to go with him, but I’ve heard very good things about him in practice. Sounds like he’d be a great bowling ball to have on third downs or near the goal line. (Yes … *cough* … goal line.)
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Brian: SO how does OU talent compare what you saw in the SEC?
A: Won’t know for sure until I see them a few times. I suspect it’s similar to the very top of the league – the Alabamas, LSUs, typical Floridas. Going against FSU will be a good measuring stick for that. I saw the Noles in the bowl game last year, and that team stacks up very well to the SEC.
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Bailey21: Welcome to Oklahoma, glad you’re with us. We hear an awful lot about how the SEC is the better conference and so much more dominant than the rest of the conferences. Could you shed some light this season on those comparisons and communicate with us how the (former) Big 12 stacks up?
A: Good transition from last question. Like I said, the top of the conference is virtually the same. It’s when you get to the middle and bottom that you see the dropoff, and that’s what hurt both the old and current Big 12. Beyond Vanderbilt, there are no gimmes in the SEC. And even Vanderbilt has recently won a bowl game. The SEC will begin the year with eight ranked teams (of 12), and all but Auburn should be ranked. An OU assistant told me upon arrival that the difference in the two leagues can be found, really, on the defensive line. The SEC, if you look, has most of the dominating pass-rushers in the country. Not just one Suh-type guy, but an entire line of them. Look at South Carolina, which is a middle-of-the-road SEC team. Eric Norwood, Cliff Matthews, Devin Taylor and now Jadeveon Clowney. Those are just the edge pass-rushers. It’s also been deep at DT. The DL prospects in the Midwest, for whatever reason, are fewer and farther between. Those are some things I’ve noticed, and I’m sure there will be others.
Thanks again for the questions. Good stuff. Let’s do it again next week. It’ll be an OU GAME WEEK.
= Trav
