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Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

OU begins video shoot: Attending a home football game in Norman is a special event for thousands of Sooner fans that pack Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium each fall. Obviously game action is the main event but there are many other experiences that add to the gameday atmosphere. The OU Athletics Marketing office has worked to create special intro videos for the big screen on the south scoreboard to rev up the crowd just before the team charges onto Owen Field. The marketing office coordinates with Visual Image, a company based in Oklahoma City, to create the promotionals. (SoonerSports)

Oklahoma loses Assist AD Hocutt: Kirby Hocutt, assistant athletic director at Oklahoma, has been hired as the new AD at Ohio University, the school said on Wednesday. Hocutt, 33, replaces Tom Boeh, who resigned in May after 10 years at the Mid-American Conference school to become AD at Fresno State. Hocutt takes over Aug. 15. ''I am a firm believer that athletic competition is an integral part of a student-athlete's educational experience,'' Hocutt said at a news conference. ''The lessons you can learn in competition you can also apply not only to your education in the pursuit of your degree, but also to your career aspirations.'' Hocutt was a four-year letterwinner in football at Kansas State. (Iron Town Tribune)

Clayton carries a lot of weight: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Miami-Oklahoma Series in the future? Recent talk of an Oklahoma-Miami football series -- which might or might not occur -- brings back the argument about whether the 12th game is good for college football scheduling. Answer: How could it not be? An OU-Miami series, if it happens, would be a direct result of the move to add another regular-season game. OU's nonconference scheduling philosophy has been to play one marquee opponent, a midlevel opponent (or two) and a lesser opponent. The extra game gives athletic director Joe Castiglione more wiggle room to create the big-name matchup. Even if the Miami series doesn't happen, the Sooners aren't lacking for marquee value in the future. In September, OU plays at UCLA. In 2006, OU plays at Oregon and hosts Washington. In 2007, the Sooners are scheduled to visit Washington. OU and Florida State will play in 2010 and 2011. Also on the 2010 schedule: Air Force. OU is tentatively scheduled to play Notre Dame in 2013 and 2015. And looking ahead to when Bob Stoops' and Les Miles' sons might be playing or coaching, the Sooners play LSU in 2018 and 2019. The Sooners and Hurricanes haven't met since the 1988 Orange Bowl (a 20-14 Miami win that sealed the national championship). (NewsOK)

Stoops 2nd best coach according to SI: SI.com columnist Stewart Mandel has ranked the top 10 Division I college football coaches heading into the 2005 season. USC's Pete Carroll got top honors, followed by Oklahoma coach Bob Stoop's. "He would have been No. 1 this time a year ago, but Carroll unseated him in somewhat embarrassing fashion. While Stoops' once impregnable rep has taken a hit after two consecutive late-season collapses, the fact is his teams have had five consecutive seasons of 11 wins or more and played for three national titles". (CNNSI)

Joseph on Outland Watchlist: Oklahoma offensive tackle Davin Joseph has been named to the 36-player Outland Trophy Watch List that was announced Wednesday by the Football Writers Association of America. Joseph, a senior from Hallandale, Fla., will attempt to become the Sooners' sixth Outland winner and the second in as many years. OU's Jammal Brown captured the award last season. The 6-4, 312-pound Joseph has 27 career starts, all at right guard. He moved to the left tackle position during spring practices. (SoonerSports.com)

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Alexander, Birdine up for award: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Birdine and Alexander on Nagurski Watch List: Oklahoma players Rufus Alexander and Larry Birdine are on the 50-member Nagurski Award Watch List that was released today by the Football Writers Association of America. The Nagurski Award is presented annually to the nation’s top defensive player. Alexander, a junior linebacker from Baton Rouge, La., is the Sooners’ top returning tackler after making 74 stops last season. He also had three fumble recoveries, a pair of sacks and one interception. Birdine, a senior defensive end from Lawton, Okla., ranked No. 3 in the Big 12 last season with seven sacks. It was a remarkable feat considering he did not start a game while backing up All-Big 12 selections Dan Cody and Jonathan Jackson. Birdine finished the season with 39 total tackles. He also broke up four passes and recovered one fumble. (SoonerSports)

Calmus in Bartlesville for Benefit Dinner: Former Jenks High School superstar and Oklahoma Sooner Rocky Calmus made a guest appearance at the Bruin Youth Quarterback Club Benefit Dinner at the Bartlesville Community Center on Friday. Calmus, who is heading into his fourth year with the Tennessee Titans, was the evenings featured speaker. Calmus spoke of the importance of having good, quality football programs for youth even as young as the first grade. He stated that getting a youngster passionate about the sport of football early will not only improve the Bruin program in years to come, but also hive the athletes a better chance of fulfilling their dreams on the football field. (Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise)

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Sooner declines to move Season Opener to Sunday: OU will kick off at least two games this season before noon, another at noon. And last week, the Bedlam game was moved from Nov. 5 to Nov. 26. But TV doesn't have all the power, as evidenced by one proposal recently turned down by OU. A few weeks ago, Fox Sports Net proposed moving the TCU game, currently scheduled for Sept. 3, to Sept. 4. That's right, the cable network wanted the Sooners and Horned Frogs to kick off Sunday afternoon, or perhaps Sunday evening. The slots were available because the NFL's regular season doesn't begin until the next weekend. OU athletic director Joe Castiglione didn't take long to consider the offer. "It was something that was unusual," he said, noting the next day is Labor Day, making a Sunday game a little more enticing. "But it was something we were definitely not willing to do." (NewsOK)

Stoops entering elite status among OU coaches: NewsOK

Letters show mixed reaction to Bedlam weekend move: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

So much for sticking around: Norman Transcript

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Stoops in line for big bonus in '08: Oklahoma has upped the ante - again - in its attempt to keep Bob Stoops a Sooner. At its regular meeting in Ardmore on Thursday, the OU Board of Regents approved an amendment to Stoops' contract that will pay him a $3 million bonus if he remains OU’s coach through the 2008 season. The regents also extended Stoops’ contract by one year, through the 2011 season, and increased some of the incentive bonuses already in the contract. “This is another step to us ensuring coach Stoops stays with us for a very long time,” OU athletic director Joe Castiglione said. Stoops makes $200,000 in base salary, but with outside income is guaranteed $2.4 million in 2005. The contract provides for a $100,000 raise each year. And Stoops can make almost $500,000 more if he achieves every incentive bonus. (NewsOK)

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Rotating QBs early could produce clear starter: The Oklahoman

Stoops will get $3 million if he stays put: Norman Transcript

Updated:

Regents approve bonus plan for Stoops: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Former Sooner WR. Bradley signs with Bears: The Chicago Bears signed second-round draft pick Mark Bradley of Oklahoma to a five-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Bradley, a wide receiver, was selected 39th overall.

White's chances improve: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Bedlam moved to Thanksgiving weekend: The Big 12 Conference has announced a change to its football schedule for the 2005 season. Oklahoma’s home game against Oklahoma State has been moved from Nov. 5 to Nov. 26 and will be televised on ABC. The kickoff time will be set by Nov. 1 and will be either 2:30 p.m., or 7 p.m. "Multiple conference teams have and continue to play on Thanksgiving weekend to fulfill selection rights that are guaranteed through the Big 12 Conference’s television agreement," said OU Athletics Director Joe Castiglione. (SoonerSports)

Peterson on Maxwell Watch List: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson is one of 50 players announced today on the Maxwell Award Watch List. The honor, which goes annually to the top player in college football, was presented last season to Peterson’s teammate at OU, Jason White. Peterson, a finalist for the Maxwell Award in 2004, was the runner-up in voting for the 2004 Heisman Trophy and was the first freshman ever named a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented to the nation’s top running back. The Palestine, Texas, native rushed for a school record 1,925 yards last season and in doing so set an NCAA record for rushing yards by a freshman. Maxwell Football Club President, Ron Jaworski, announced the list for the 69th Maxwell Award for the Collegiate Player of the Year. Players selected have distinguished themselves as All Conference or All American selections from their respective universities in past years. Underclassmen are selected based on recommendations from the Maxwell Football Club Advisory Committee. (SoonerSports)

Bedlam set for Thanksgiving weekend: NewsOK.com

Bedlam takes the place of Big Red game: NewsOK.com

No return to old glory -- OU vs. Nebraska: NewsOK.com

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Miles' comments were only a response: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

35 Sooners on NFL Roster: The best players in college football regularly move on to the NFL. That would explain why so many Sooners are now in the professional ranks. That has been the case for many years, but especially in recent years with OU continuing its dominance on the national level. Under Bob Stoops, a total of 41 Oklahoma products have been drafted by or signed free agent contracts with teams in the National Football League. In each of the last four drafts, a Sooner was selected in the first round. Complete list and more at SoonerSports.com

White tries to show Titans he's armed with potential: The Oklahoman

Q&A with offensive coordinator Chuck Long: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Sooner Media guild gets cut, future is online: OU's media guide will head to the printer 196 pages shorter saving 2.78 million sheets of paper and some pretty significant postage bills. The question is whether leveling the stack will level the playing field between the big guys and the rest. Because it's not the winning pictures luring recruits. OU tells us the biggest cuts will be in the history section and eventually, media guides may disappear completely, because everything will be on-line. (NewsOK/KWTV)

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Peterson getting more attention: Norman Transcript

Pundits weigh in on OU's BCS chances: SoonerSports.com

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

SI ranks Peterson #1: Sports Illustrated ranked the top 10 running backs for the 2005 season and picked Oklahoma sophomore Adrian Peterson as the best in the nation. The photo-essay, located at SI.com, picked the running backs most likely to make a run for the Heisman Trophy. Oklahoma had two players finish in the top three of the Heisman voting in 2004. Quarterback Jason White, the 2003 Heisman winner, finished third while Peterson finished second -- the highest finish ever for a freshman. He was also the first-ever freshman finalist for the Doak Walker Award. (SoonerSports)

Buccaneers feature Nicholson: Buccaneers.com

Sooner Caravan Rides Into Tyler: Tyler Paper

Oklahoma is loaded: Rivals

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

UT victory over OU essential for Brown: San Antonio News-Express

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Stoops and Swann Relationship "Great": It was a just a 30-second encounter at the 2003 Nokia Sugar Bowl, but that was all Bob Stoops needed to voice his displeasure at Lynn Swann’s question. As Stoops stared at a 14-7 deficit heading to the locker room, Swann stopped Stoops’ mid-jog to ask how the Sooners were handling LSU’s No. 1-ranked defense. Stoops, whose Sooners were the national leaders in scoring defense, did not take kindly to the wording. And Swann heard about it. “It’s one of those things where you have to understand Bob,” Swann said Monday at the 12th annual Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete Awards, where he served as the emcee. “Bob and I have talked about that,” Swann added. “We understand football and we know the emotions of the game. He’s got confidence in his program and he doesn’t want his program to be short-changed.” (NewsOK)

Davin Joseph Journal: SoonerSports.com

Oklahoma Sooner Notes and Articles

Sooner's Acknowledge Violations: Not quite two hours before kickoff, several Oklahoma football coaches walked onto the field at Pro Player Stadium. The Sooners would go on to beat Florida State in the 2001 Orange Bowl to win the national championship. But in the unhurried moments before pregame warmups, the coaches whipped out cell phones and called recruits. And broke an NCAA rule that prohibits coaches from doing so "during the conduct of the competition." The violations, which OU officials argued were inadvertent, were among four secondary violations acknowledged by OU as a result of a recent NCAA investigation. The others: Impermissible media contact between a recruit, OU coach Bob Stoops, then-graduate assistant Josh Heupel and ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler. Failure to make and document payment for a private plane used to transport a recruit. Incidental contact between a recruit and two members of OU's board of regents. (More at NewsOK)

We've become spoiled by Television: NewsOK

Oklahoma Sooner Football Notes and Articles

Stoops Fires Back at Miles: Bob Stoops didn't miss his chance at a dig toward former Oklahoma State coach Les Miles on Tuesday night at the Sooner Caravan stop. Speaking in front of more than 1,000 OU supporters, Stoops had the crowd in hysterics. Stoops had a comeback for Miles, the new LSU coach who recently told boosters that he was rooting for the Tigers against OU in the 2004 Sugar Bowl. "I started chuckling," Stoops said. "Boy, I bet it burned him to see us raise our third Big 12 championship in the last five years since he's watching us play in these championship games all the time." Also on Recruiting, Stoops looked to the future, which features a highly touted recruiting class. "It's the best-looking group of young players I've been around in I don't know how many years I've been coaching," Stoops said. "It's the strongest academic class we've ever brought in. It's by far and away the strongest and best class we've brought in, in six years here." (NewsOK)

Award Publication: Oklahoma’s football media guide and football post-season media guide have been judged No. 1 in the nation by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). The 2004 regular season guide finished in the top spot for the first time since 1995, while the post-season guide, which competes in a contest against publications produced for all post-season competitions, won for a fourth consecutive year. The OU post-season guide was produced for use at the 2005 Orange Bowl. (SoonerSports)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Notes and Articles

No A.D. Bobble Heads: It shouldn't come as a surprise, but Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson is on everybody's short list for the 2005 Heisman Trophy. It also shouldn't surprise that OU doesn't plan a promotional campaign. "No bobbleheads," said Kenny Mossman, OU's associate athletic director for communications, laughing. Sticking with a philosophy of the last few years, Mossman said he doesn't believe they're especially effective -- or that Peterson, the Heisman runner-up as a freshman, needs it. "Campaigns are designed to get more media attention for an athlete," Mossman said. "That's one thing he doesn't need. He's getting a lot of attention." So much attention, in fact, that OU has routinely turned down interview and photo requests for Peterson. (NewsOK)

Sooner Caravan in Tulsa: The 2005 Sooner Caravan makes the third stop of its tour in Tulsa on Tuesday, June 7. Head football coach Bob Stoops, head women's basketball coach Sherri Coale, head men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson and OU Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione are scheduled to speak to Sooner fans. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Schusterman Center at OU Tulsa located at 4502 E 41st Street. Admission to the event is $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Tickets will be available at the site, but advance tickets are recommended by calling the Sooner Club at (405) 325-8000 or (800) 522-0772, ext. 8000 (toll-free). (SoonerSports) The Sooner Caravan will be in Oklahoma City, at the National Cowboy & Western History Museum, Aug. 4.

Voluntary Workouts: This week marks the return of many Sooners to campus. Many will attend summer school classes. They'll also participate in voluntary summer workouts. The official reporting date for fall practice is Aug. 3. (NewsOK)

OU Game Times against TEXAS and TCU set: As part of its agreement with the Big 12 Conference, ABC Television has picked up two more University of Oklahoma football games and established the kickoff times for each. The Sooners’ Sept. 3 season opener against Texas Christian will kickoff at 11 a.m., in Norman. The 100th renewal of the Red River Shootout featuring OU and Texas will begin at noon on Oct. 8 in Dallas’ Cotton Bowl. ABC has designated both games for a split-national telecast. Earlier, ABC announced that it had selected the Oklahoma at UCLA football game for airing on Sept. 17. That game will kickoff at 2:30 p.m., central time, 12:30 p.m., Pacific. (SoonerSports)

Sooner's get commitment from PCN Quarterback: Oklahoma City Putnam City North quarterback Sam Bradford said he has orally committed to Oklahoma, giving the Sooners their second commitment. Oral commitments are nonbinding. The first day a recruit in the Class of 2006 can sign a national letter of intent is Feb. 1, 2006. Also, Smithson Valley WR Cody Beyer and W.T. White LB DeMaurier Thompson said they have committed to Texas A&M, giving the Aggies 10 commitments. TCU got its first commitment, from Bridgeport RB Colin Jones, and Flower Mound Marcus QB Kevin White said he has orally committed to Tulane. (Dallas Morning News)

Athlon predicts Oklahoma to win Big XII: Athlon Sports released its preseason Top 25 at AthlonSports.com. Oklahoma checked in at No. 4 with Athlon Sports predicting Oklahoma to win the Big 12 Conference. Sooner RB Adrian Peterson was named a preseason First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big 12. OL Davin Joseph, DL Dusty Dvoracek and LB Rufus Alexander were named preseason First-Team All-Big 12. WR Travis Wilson, DL Larry Birdine and LB Clint Ingram were named preseason Second-Team All-Big 12 while DB Marcus Walker was named a preseason Third-Team All-Big 12 selection. Oklahoma's running backs unit were rated No. 1 as a unit in the Big 12 while the offensive line, defensive line, and defensive backs were rated No. 2 in the conference. Oklahoma's incoming freshman class was ranked No. 1 in the Big 12 with DT DeMarcus Granger as the No. 2 rated incoming freshman. Athlon's magazines will hit newsstands on June 7. The Big 12 regional edition cover will feature Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson.(Athlon Sports)