More on Wyatt and Long: Former OU offensive coordinator Chuck Long, who is now head coach at San Diego State, returned to Norman with the Sooners on Friday. Long said he planned to have a late Christmas with his family. He is also likely to talk with OU receivers coach Darrell Wyatt about becoming San Diego State's offensive coordinator. "I can't say anything right now," Long said Friday morning. "We'll see how it goes." (NewsOK.com)

No early draft entries? OU coach Bob Stoops said Friday he does not expect any of OU's juniors to leave early for the NFL Draft. There has been mild speculation that weakside linebacker Rufus Alexander might be contemplating a departure, though Alexander said recently he planned to stay. "I don't believe there's anybody in a situation where it would benefit them, or that their stock is so high that they can't improve," Stoops said. "As we all know, every spot you jump in the draft, that's a lot of money." (NewsOK.com)

Peterson, Bomar looking forward to next season: The Oklahoman

Two plays mirrored OU's season: The Oklahoman

Ending on a high note: Norman Transcript

Wrapping things up: Norman Transcript

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Sooners beat Ducks in Holiday Bowl win: Leave it to a Leaf. Brady Leaf has steered clear of older brother Ryan's legacy of boorish behavior, but he couldn't evade another of his sibling's other traits -- throwing interceptions. Oklahoma linebacker Clint Ingram made a leaping interception of Leaf's pass at the 10-yard line with 33 seconds left in the Holiday Bowl to preserve the Sooners' 17-14 upset of the fifth-ranked Oregon Ducks on Thursday night. "It was a good call, I just underthrew the ball a little bit," said Leaf, who had moved the Ducks into position to win it. "There is not much more to it. Ingram made a nice play." (USA Today - Stats)

Stoops brothers in attendance: Arizona coach Mike Stoops and UA defensive coordinator Mark Stoops attended the game. "We've got three (Arizona) staff members here, really," Mike Stoops said. He was referring to former Arizona tight ends coach Josh Heupel, who became OU’s quarterbacks coach earlier this month. "You never want to lose coaches, and he's a very good one," Mike Stoops said. (NewsOK.com)

Runnels first TD reception of the year: The 17-yard touchdown reception for OU senior fullback J.D. Runnels was his first touchdown reception of the season and the fifth of his career.

Record Holiday Bowl crowd: The Sooners played in front of a record Holiday Bowl crowd of 65,416 and improved to 6-0 in the all-time series against Oregon. Next meeting next September in Oregon.

AD First Sooner running back to 3,000 first 2 yrs: Adrian Peterson became the first Sooner running back to amass 3,000 rushing yards in his first two seasons. He finished with 84 rushing yards, including 76 in the second half.

Bomar completion %: Rhett Bomar became the first freshman (redshirt or true) quarterback in Sooner history to finish the season with a completion percentage over 50 percent.

Sooners hang on for Holiday Bowl win: SoonerSports.com

Sooners look to be back in 2006: The Oklahoman

ESPN gives bowl views A.D. all day: The Oklahoman

Sooners rally to roast Ducks: The Oklahoman

OU play impresses Long, Mike Stoops: The Oklahoman

California fans cheer on their Sooners: The Oklahoman

Leaf draws boos for brother: The Oklahoman

Ingram's clutch interception saves Sooners: The Oklahoman

Sooner magic: Norman Transcript

OU's new offense a wild ride: Norman Transcript

OU picks off Oregon: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

OU takes Holiday, 17-14: Dallas Morning News

Sooners mature in upset: Dallas Morning News

Peterson finds room: Dallas Morning News

Late Interception Dooms Ducks in Loss to Sooners: Washington Post

Sooners Upset Ducks in Holiday Bowl: New York Times

Peterson’s subpar night still enough for Sooners: MSNBC

Holiday Bowl by quarters: San Diego Union-Tribune

Snoozer of game turns exciting when Ducks, Sooners finally awake: San Diego Union-Tribune

Sooners shut down Ducks tricks: San Diego Union-Tribune

Late interception clinches Oklahoma's upset victory: San Diego Union-Tribune

Freshman QB, receivers spark Oklahoma attack: San Diego Union-Tribune

Sooners stuff Ducks' comeback: The Olympian

Ducks' spread gets smeared by Sooners: The Oregonian

UO comeback doesn't go far enough: The Oregonian

Sooners shut down Ducks tricks: San Diego Union-Tribune

Oregon's unhappy Holiday Bowl: Salem Statesman

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles Sooners

Wilson Out: Senior receiver Travis Wilson of Carrollton will not play in today's Pacific Life Holiday Bowl against No. 6 Oregon. Coach Bob Stoops said the senior's stress fracture in his foot has not healed enough. Wilson had 1,300 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns during his OU career from 2002 to 2005. (Dallas Morning News)

Limited number tickets available: Today's Pacific Life Holiday Bowl between Oklahoma and Oregon was considered a sellout three weeks ago, but a limited number of tickets will be available for $58 per ticket (cash only), starting at noon at Qualcomm Stadium's Gate H. The tickets became available when Oklahoma players did not use all of the tickets they were granted. Both teams said they have sold their 11,000-ticket allotments. "So much of our roster is from Texas and Oklahoma that it's harder for some of our families to get out this far," Oklahoma spokesman Kenny Mossman said. "We hold our regular number until they verify they're not coming." (San Diego Union Tribune)

Gov. Henry in San Diego: Governor Brad Henry and his family are in San Diego Thursday to cheer on the Sooners in the Holiday Bowl. Henry and his family arrived in San Diego on Tuesday night. Oklahoma faces Number 6 Oregon in the Holiday Bowl tonight. Henry's communication director, Paul Sund, says that after the game the family will take a few days off before returning to the state. The Henrys will spend time in San Diego and Mexico before returning next week. The Henrys are part of Oklahoma's bowl delegation and their trip to San Diego is being paid with state funds. (KOTV)

Jackson and Fouts to call the game: This will be third time Jackson, analyst Dan Fouts and sideline reporter Todd Harris have called an OU game this season. They also broadcast Sooners' losses to UCLA and Texas. Jackson said he believes the Sooners, 7-4, improved down the stretch. "Oklahoma is trying to make a statement for next year and the fact that (Rhett) Bomar has survived the blitz," he said. "It's amazing he's still walking around, for crying out loud. You talk about getting baptized. They put him under the water and forgot about him for awhile." He said Oregon should be fired up after being snubbed for a BCS bowl. "It's the second time in a row that they've been screwed out of a BCS bowl with a 10-1 record. Their nose is out of joint and I'd expect them to play pretty hard." Jackson compared the Ducks' spread offense to Texas Tech's. (NewsOK.com)

Sooners ready for 2005 Holiday Bowl: SoonerSports.com

Even without crystal, this one's worth seeing: The Oklahoman

QB options aplenty for Ducks: The Oklahoman

When the Ducks run, pass: The Oklahoman

When the Sooners run, pass: The Oklahoman

San Diego swimming with fans: The Oklahoman

Win over Oregon should put Sooners back into elite for 2006 season: The Oklahoman

Win here is good, but next year it counts: The Oklahoman

Sooners can't lose: Norman Transcript

Local fans set to cheer OU on at Holiday Bowl: Muskogee Phoenix

Holiday Bowl Preview: Dallas Morning News

Sooners seek big finish in lesser bowl: Kansas City Star

Healthy Peterson a `scary proposition' for No. 6 Ducks: The State

Oklahoma vs. Oregon becoming an annual affair: San Diego Union-Tribune

When Oklahoma, Oregon has the ball: San Diego Union-Tribune

What a game!: San Diego Union-Tribune

Oregon, Oklahoma audibled when starters were injured: San Diego Union-Tribune

Oklahoma five players to watch: San Diego Union-Tribune

Oregon five players to watch: San Diego Union-Tribune

Ducks, Sooners ready to go: Salem Statesman-Journal

Keys to the game: Salem Statesman-Journal

Bomar's development brings Oklahoma success: Salem Statesman-Journal

This time, Ducks wary but not awed: The Oregonian

The Sooners' playbook: The Oregonian

Ducks can use Holiday Bowl as a springboard: The Oregonian

Sooners no strangers to Ducks offense: The Oregonian

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Sooners visit USS Nimitz, Moses receives Award: Oklahoma enjoyed a luncheon and tour of the USS Nimitz before holding the final practice of the 2005 season on Tuesday in San Diego. The Sooners held special teams and position meetings in the morning at the Sheraton before heading to the Naval Air Station North Island at 11 a.m. The ride from the hotel included a drive over the Coronado Bridge high above San Diego Bay. As the buses descended into the naval base, the huge carriers anchored in the bay became visible. Players stepped off the buses and the Pride of Oklahoma and the Oregon marching band faced off and blared each school's fight song. The players stopped and gazed upwards as the command tower of the USS Nimitz loomed more than 18 stories above them. After boarding the carrier, players for both teams sat down for lunch and remarks from Holiday Bowl officials, Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti and Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops. Coach Bellotti got the biggest laugh during his time at the podium when he shared that the ship's commanding officer, Capt. Ted Branch, suggested the teams head out to sea and play the game on the flight deck. "You could get three football fields up there lengthwise," said Bellotti. "Width-wise, we've got a little bit of a problem -- if you get knocked out of bounds, you don't come back." A surprised Bubba Moses was awarded the Admiral U.S. Grant Sharp Trophy in a secret ballot by the OU players and coaches. The Trophy is presented to the player, coach or representative of the Holiday Bowl teams who best demonstrates unselfish commitment, motivation and teamwork that resulted in little acclaim for them but helped contribute to the team’s overall success. (SoonerSports.com)

Injury updates: Defensive end Larry Birdine, who missed the regular season with a torn biceps, has gone through practices without major problems. The junior is expected to be a pass rusher on third downs against Oregon. The news isn't as good for receiver Travis Wilson of Carrollton. Wilson had surgery to repair a foot injury after the Texas Tech game, and it was thought that he could return for the bowl. However, the senior hasn't been able to go full speed in workouts, and his status is questionable. (Dallas Morning News)

Game Day parking: Qualcomm Stadium Manager Erik Stover has been encouraging fans attending tomorrow's Holiday Bowl to take the trolley instead of parking in the stadium lot. Parking at the sold-out stadium could be difficult, with tailgate parties and space needed for fireworks fallout. "Parking is going to be extremely limited," Stover said. "We've got a lot of people who aren't used to coming here, and if the parking lot is closed, they're going to get confused and not really know where to go. The trolley is going to be the best way in and out of here." Parking Information can be found on San Diego's Municipal website. (SignonSanDiego.com)

Holiday Bowl Media Day: The Holiday Bowl will conduct its official media day on Wednesday. Head coach Bob Stoops will have remarks and take questions from the press corps at the San Diego Convention Center beginning at 10:30 a.m. The entire team decked in OU jerseys will then attend the SAIC Kickoff Luncheon. A crowd of fans and dignitaries will join them for an afternoon slated to include pep talks from both head coaches and special guests, highlight videos from the season and music provided by the schools' marching bands. (SoonerSports.com)

Talk about Sooners centers on offense, but defense is key: The Oklahoman

Sooners take tour aboard U.S.S. Nimitz: The Oklahoman

Dean Blevins spends the day with the Sooners in San Diego: The Oklahoman

Oregon QB shows more maturity than brother: The Oklahoman

Holiday Bowl notebook: The Oklahoman

Things are different this year for Oregon: Norman Transcript

Dvoracek grateful to write happier ending: Dallas Morning News

Oregon defensive tackle playing to his strength: San Diego Union-Tribune

Sooners practice is not for kids ... or columnists: The Oregonian

Tour of warship is serious fun for Ducks: The Oregonian

Ngata faces decision: Salem Statesman-Journal

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Sooners practice day four: Just three days until show time. The Sooners marked their fourth day in San Diego with practice and a trip to the world-famous zoo. Oklahoma plays Oregon in the 2005 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 29, at 5 p.m. PST. The Sooners enjoyed a quiet evening on Sunday for Christmas but had position meetings early Monday and then rolled out for practice at 9:30 a.m. The fourth session at the practice facility at San Diego State University lasted for a little over two hours. Head coach Bob Stoops met with the noticeably larger media corps after he huddled with his team. "The guys were enthusiastic," said Stoops. "They hustled around and practiced well. We're in good shape and the guys understand the plan. It just gets down to making plays and handling the different wrinkles." Stoops was asked about his impressions of San Diego and the Holiday Bowl. "I love it," said Stoops. "From the hotel to all the different events, the people couldn't be any better." (More at SoonerSports.com)

Long keeps in touch with Sooners: The Oklahoman

Oregon coach caught lots of grief with BCS cancer comment: The Oklahoman

Sooners able to show continuity -- so far: The Oklahoman

Sooners spend day at the zoo: The Oklahoman

Kelly eager for young Sooners to show their stuff: Tulsa World

Still plenty for Sooners to play for: Norman Transcript

Peterson has come back: Norman Transcript

New voice for quarterbacks: Sapulpa Daily Herald

Pass it on ... OU is OK: Dallas Morning News

Ducks look for first win against Sooners: kgw.com

Dusty's road: San Diego Union Tribune

Sooners lineman makes most of second chance: San Diego Union-Tribune

Ducks goose offense with spread option: San Diego Union-Tribune

Ducks 'skill guys' have a plan to outmaneuver wily Sooners: Portland Tribune

Sooners quarterback grows, improves: The Oregonian

Sooners' jack-of-all-trades hopes to master Oregon: Eugene Register-Guard

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Travis Wilson practice limited: Senior receiver Travis Wilson continued to practice in a limited role. Sunday, he ran passing routes but did not work in full team activities. (NewsOK.com)

Sooners spend Christmas in San Diego: Oklahoma celebrated Christmas Day with its third bowl practice on the campus of San Diego State University and a special holiday dinner Sunday evening at the team hotel. The Sooners began the morning with a church service and brunch. Many players took advantage of the late morning start to call family back home. "I talked to my parents and sister in Weatherford," said senior fullback Russell Dennison. "Normally we do everything Christmas Eve. We go to candlelight worship and have a big dinner -- always chili. Then, we open presents. We have a big lunch on Christmas Day. We're going to do everything when I get back." "Everyone called me this morning," laughed senior defensive end Calvin Thibodeaux. "They must have forgot about the time zones because it was real early! But, I want to wish all my family and everyone back home in Houston, Texas, a merry Christmas." (SoonerSports.com)

Wilson brings diverse background: The Oklahoman

Creative, assertive -- That's OU's Wilson: The Oklahoman

Ducks' Ngata is big...real big: The Oklahoman

The BCS ratings lie, and Oregon is proof: The Oklahoman

Peterson has come back: Norman Transcript

Next game couldn't get much bigger: Norman Transcript

Health is UO line's top asset: The Oregonian

Coaches say they're happy where they are: San Diego Union-Tribune

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Wyatt to join Long? Oklahoma receivers coach Darrell Wyatt's future is the subject of much speculation in San Diego. Might he be headed to San Diego State as Chuck Long’s offensive coordinator? Wyatt said Saturday he would not talk about a job until after the Holiday Bowl, if then. But he did not deny potential interest. "I'm ecstatic for Chuck and his family," Wyatt said. "I think he'll do a great job for San Diego State. Obviously, I would be flattered if Chuck was interested in me. But at this point in time, No. 1, my focus is on Oregon. No. 2, Chuck is professional enough that he wouldn't approach me about a job before our season is over." (NewsOK.com)

Sooner's take in a day at Sea World: OU completed its second day of bowl practice in California and finished with a trip to SeaWorld on Saturday in San Diego. The Sooners left the team hotel in the morning en route to the practice facilities at San Diego State University. The trip up Mission Valley Freeway took the bus convoy past Qualcomm Statium, the site of Oklahoma's Holiday Bowl game with Oregon on December 29 The weather in San Diego started off cool with heavy fog rolling off the Pacific. But the sun warmed things up considerably by practice time. After a two-hour session in shells, Coach Stoops wrapped up with conditioning drills. A light lunch followed and the team boarded the buses for SeaWorld and some down time after all the bowl preparations. Players had the opportunity to interact with dolphins at one exhibit. Seniors Dusty Dvoracek, Bubba Moses, Eric Bassey, Kelvin Chaisson and Davin Joseph threw footballs into the water and watched as the dolphins jumped on command. (SoonerSports.com)

Sooner's Christmas presents: In the spirit of Christmas, the Sooners are getting a Holiday Bowl haul. The NCAA allows bowls to give merchandise worth up to $500, and allows schools to match that figure. From the Holiday Bowl, OU players will receive a 30GB video iPod, an iPod car adapter, a commemorative Holiday Bowl sweatshirt and hat, and a $15 music gift certificate. From OU, the Sooners have already received a Sony PSP portable videogame, a Holiday Bowl bag, a Nike warmup suit and Nike shoes. "It's real good," freshman receiver Malcolm Kelly said. "We're not able to be at home for Christmas, so we're getting gifts -- especially that iPod video. That's one of the hottest things on the market." (NewsOK.com)

Team is first fo OU's Joseph: The Oklahoman

Sooners visits Sea World: The Oklahoman

Coaching changes will have subtle effect for Sooners: Norman Transcript

Oklahoma freshman QB shrugs off pressure: Eugene Register-Guard

Young Oregon QB has improved with ever game: Eugene Register-Guard

Oklahoma seeks to salvage disappointing season: Salem Statesman-Journal

Sooners Peterson back in Heisman candiate form: San Diego Union-Tribune

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Sooner's arrive at San Diego: The Oklahoma football team arrived in San Diego Friday afternoon. The Sooners are scheduled to hold their first practice on the campus of San Diego State University at 2:30 p.m. (PST). Pacific time is two hours behind Central. SoonerSports.com will have a complete report, photo galleries, audio and video features posted shortly after the conclusion of practice Friday night. Please check back soon for more coverage of Oklahoma's preparations for the 2005 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl in San Diego. (SoonerSports.com)

Long addresses team: Wearing black sweats with red trim -- the colors of his new team -- former offensive coordinator Chuck Long attended practice, but mostly "observed." Afterward, he addressed the team. "It's hard," said Long, who was named San Diego State's head coach a week ago. "You invest a lot of time. You're part of the recruiting process with these guys. You see them growing. There's an attachment there that's hard to sever. ... It was great to see familiar faces. "But I just wanted to tell them how much I appreciated their efforts and without them, I wouldn't be standing here with the head-coaching job. That I'll always remember." (NewsOK.com)

Bracelett, mom's reminder inspire Dvoracek: The Oklahoman

Sooners headed to West Coast: The Oklahoman

Stoops has Oklahoma back after slow start: Eugene Register-Guard

Ducks continue request for respect: Salem Statesman Journal

Hello again, Sooners: Salem Statesman Journal

Ducks wary of Holiday letdown: San Diego Union-Tribune

Sooners waste no time in California: SoonerSports.com

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Sooner's off to San Diego: The Sooners leave for San Diego, Calif., today with what Bob Stoops believes is a well-prepared team, most of his players back in good health and the possible addition of defensive end Larry Birdine. Birdine tore the biceps in his left arm in August and has not played. But Stoops said his recovery is ahead of schedule, and the staff is going into the Holiday Bowl with the idea Birdine could be available for spot duty if the medical staff believes he is healthy. (Star-Telegram)

Heupel back with Sooner's: Josh Heupel, who quarterbacked Oklahoma to the national championship in 2000, is returning to the Sooner football program as quarterbacks coach. OU head coach Bob Stoops made the announcement Thursday. Heupel comes back to his alma mater after spending one season as the tight ends coach at Arizona. Before going to UA, Heupel spent two season as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma. His hiring fills the vacancy that was created when Chuck Long became the head coach at San Diego State. "I'm extremely excited about being back here and being a part of this football program and university," said Heupel. "It was a great opportunity for me to come back and coach quarterbacks. That's something I definitely want to get back to in my career as a coach, and there’s not a better place to do that than right here." Kevin Wilson will take over Long’s duties as offensive coordinator, but will remain with the offensive line. Heupel will take over the duties Long vacated as quarterbacks coach. (Sooner Sports Release)

Heupel snaps back to work: The Oklahoman

Heupel back in Norman: Norman Transcript

Josh Heupel named OU QB coach: Dallas Morning News

Ducks, Sooners remain steady at top: The Oregonian

Heupel rejoins Sooners as quarterbacks coach: USA Today

OU players and coaches on Bowl game: SoonerSports.com

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Former Sooner's make Pro Bowl: Former Sooners Tommie Harris and Roy Williams were honored for outstanding seasons with Pro Bowl roster spots. The NFL announced the AFC and NFC selections on Wednesday. Harris, a defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl in just his second season in the league. The 2003 Lombardi Award Winner was a first round pick by the Bears after his junior season at Oklahoma. Dallas safety Roy Williams has three consecutive Pro Bowls in his four-year career. He ranks second on the team with 80 tackles and has 2.5 sacks and two interceptions. (SoonerSports.com)

Birdine expects to play: Defensive end Larry Birdine has been cleared to play in the Holiday Bowl after missing the entire regular season with a torn biceps injury, coach Bob Stoops said. Birdine was expected to be one of the team's vocal leaders before he suffered the injury during preseason workouts. Birdine was just one of three defensive ends to get hurt during the season, leaving the Sooners thin at that position. (Dallas Morning News)

Birdine might be back for bowl: The Oklahoman

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Norman's Mandu commits to Sooners: Norman High School running back Mossis Madu, who went from on-the-fringe recruit at the start of the season to the 13th-rated running back in the country by Rivals.com, gave an oral commitment to Oklahoma Tuesday. The 6-0, 190-pounder chose OU over UCLA and Texas Christian. In the end, ties to home swayed Madu toward the Sooners. "Really, it was just all about being around my family and the people I love," said Madu, known by his friends as Junior. "I was real close to going to UCLA. But I thought about when I come out of the locker room -- I want to see all my boys and all my family. If I went to California, I'd walk out ofthe locker room and there wouldn't be anybody. I'd just walk by myself to my dorm room." (NewsOK.com)

Haltom linebacker Lewis picks Aggies over Sooners: Bryan College Station Eagle

OU football practice highlights: The Oklahoman

Ducks flock home for Holidays: Eugene Register-Guard

OU releases radio affiliates for Holiday Bowl: SoonerSports.com

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Heupel back as a Sooner? With the departure of Chuck Long, Bob Stoops is short an offensive coach. Kevin Wilson takes over as offensive coordinator, but speculation is that perhaps OU will fill its coaching vacancy with former quarterback Josh Heupel, now tight ends' coach for Mike Stoops in Arizona. (NewsOK.com including video via KWTV)

Oklahoma football graduation rate: Oklahoma graduated 51 percent of football players who started attending the university between 1995 and 1998, according to an NCAA report released Monday. The football team's Graduation Success Rate tied with Iowa State for ninth among the schools in the Big 12 Conference. Baylor had the highest success rate at 88 percent, and Texas had the lowest at 40 percent. Nationwide, Division I-A teams graduated an average of 65 percent of their football players who began school during the period, according to the NCAA. The GSR allows six years for players to graduate and includes athletes who transfer to a school while eliminating athletes who transfer away. (KTOK)

Stoops is top paid state employee: College coaches hold the top four spots on the list of best-paid state employees for 2004, with the University of Oklahoma's Bob Stoops leading the pack, according to a published report . Stoops, who leads the Sooners football team, earned more than $2.6 million; followed by Oklahoma State basketball coach Eddie Sutton with about $900,000, Oklahoma basketball coach Kelvin Sampson with more than $820,000 and former Oklahoma State football coach Les Miles with nearly $818,000, the Tulsa World reported Monday. The list comprises coaches and OU doctors. OU spokeswoman Catherine Bishop said Stoops' pay is derived completely from athletic department revenues, including money that Stoops receives from personal services such as television shows. OU President David Boren said since Stoops joined the Sooners, along with the men's and women's basketball coaches, "revenues in the athletic department have gone up substantially more than the amount of their salaries, which has allowed the athletic department to provide an approximate $1 million subsidy to academic programs." (NewsOK.com)

Norman's Madu no longer an unknown: The Oklahoman

One word for UO's preperation: The Oregonian

Sooners prepare for Holiday Bowl: SoonerSports.com

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Stoops, Wilson and Long speaks with the media: Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops, Sooner offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and former OU assistant and new San Diego State head coach Chuck Long spoke with members of the news media on Sunday. Here is a transcript of those interviews. Long was named SDSU's coach on Saturday, and later that evening, Stoops promoted Wilson to offensive coordinator at OU.

Stoops On Chuck Long's involvement at the bowl game: "I am going to talk to Chuck and see what is possible. He won't be involved in the game plan, but will know it and will be there to help. If he's able to continue, that would be a positive. We would welcome that."

Wilson On possible changes: "The things we have been doing are things that I am about. We started to evolve at the end of the year and we want to build on that. I don't see radical changes, but again, our players will determine some of that. My ego is not big enough that we need to change things. We need to do what’s best for our program."

Wilson On other members of the offensive staff: "Cale (Gundy), Darrell (Wyatt) and Kevin (Sumlin) will have a huge part in this. We don't do this in individual offices. There are a lot of ideas thrown out."

Sooner Articles
Wilson stepped back for the future: The Oklahoman

Long mum on who will be on his staff: The Oklahoman

Stoops refuses to say how he will fill Long's position: The Oklahoman

Wilson will do what works: Norman Transcript

Time was right for Long: Norman Transcript

OU's new coordinator seeks titles: Dallas Morning News

Five times and always as the victim, Oregon has participated in the Oklahoma saga: Eugene Register-Guard

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Long named Aztec head coach: Thanks in part to Utah's Bowl Championship Series berth last season and a recent student fee increase at San Diego State, new Aztecs head football coach Chuck Long will be the second-highest paid coach in the Mountain West Conference at $700,000 a year in guaranteed pay. That's a big financial jump for SDSU, which previously paid about $400,000 annually to Tom Craft -- a rate of pay that ranked at the bottom of the conference. Long, 42, who agreed to a five-year contract, also will have the opportunity to make $1 million if he meets certain incentives, including $175,000 in bonuses for reaching to-be-determined figures in football revenue, $100,000 for earning a berth in a BCS game and $25,000 for winning the MWC championship. "It's an investment we're making, quite frankly," SDSU Athletic Director Jeff Schemmel said. "The permission I was given is to allow this university to invest in additional salary for a head coach and his assistants, but they (school officials) expect a return (on the investment) down the road." (San Diego Tribune)

Stoops statement on Long, and names Wilson O.C.: Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops released the following statement Saturday night relating to Chuck Long's hiring as the head coach at San Diego State ... "Everyone associated with our team is happy and excited for Chuck. We understand his hiring is a positive reflection on our program and we thank him for the outstanding job he did for Oklahoma. Personally, I appreciate Chuck's dedication, professionalism and everything he has done for our program. It is not hard to trace the impact he had on Sooner football with productive offenses and decorated players. He has been a tremendous asset to this university. "With our congratulations we can say without hesitation that San Diego State has hired a great head football coach. "On our end, we don’t anticipate a major disruption. We have always felt that the sum of our parts is greater than any one individual. Our players understand how college football works and they also know that this is a positive reflection on them as well. 'On our remaining staff, Kevin Wilson will be the offensive coordinator for the Holiday Bowl and will be our offensive coordinator after that as well. I will decide fairly quickly how we will complete the staff. I have a direction in mind and I will work towards that. Since we are practicing at San Diego State for the bowl game, Chuck will spend some time with us in assisting our preparation, but Kevin will be the coordinator leading up to the game and on game night. (SoonerSports.com)

Onyenegecha suspended: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said senior cornerback Chijioke Onyenegecha was suspended from the team and will not play in the Holiday Bowl. "There's nothing to talk about," Stoops said. "He's suspended for the game, which means he's suspended for his last game. He's going to miss it and that's it. We have plenty of guys ready to play." Onyenegecha has not practiced with the team since practices resumed two weeks ago. (Norman Transcript)

Sooners present team awards: Oklahoma observed its annual football banquet Friday night at the Marriott Postal Training Center in Norman. Several players received awards that are presented within the team, while the senior class also received special recognition. The event is sponsored by the OU Touchdown Club. Awards presented at the banquet center on character and dedication. The Bob Kalsu Award, named for the former Oklahoma standout, who also was the only professional football player to lose his life in the Vietnam War, was presented to seniors Eric Bassey and Chris Chester. The Derrick Sheparrd Most Inspirational Walk-on Award also had two receipients in Hays McEachern and Dan Dixon. The Scout Team Players of the Year were McEachern and Brody Eldridge. Numerous videos highlighted the team accomplishments, while the lighter side featured out-takes from the Sooners' popular team intro video entitled, "There's Only One Oklahoma." The Sooners will practice Saturday and then take Sunday off before resuming Pacific Life Holiday Bowl preparations on Monday. (Sooner Sports PR)

Rufus NFL Option? Junior linebacker Rufus Alexander said Saturday he has not explored his NFL options, "yet." Juniors routinely seek evaluations of their NFL draft potential; Alexander said he had not done that. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who coaches the linebackers, said he and Alexander talked midway through the season and doesn't believe Alexander will leave early. "I know how people are," Venables said. "They try to poison you with the wrong information. Rufus is a lot smarter than that. ... He knows what he can do to be better and what he needs to do." (NewsOK.com)

Stoops picks Wilson to fill Long's shoes: The Oklahoman

Ex-Sooner Harris is at the heart of chicago's dominating defense: The Oklahoman

Stoops takes long view, goes with Wilson: Norman Transcript

Dixon and Ducks have had time to prepare for Okahoma's defense: The Oregonian

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Long and SDSU Press conference scheduled: A news conference is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at San Diego State University, following a team meeting that is to take place at 12:30 p.m. Long is expected to be named San Diego State University head coach.

Long to be named San Diego State head coach: Former Iowa quarterback Chuck Long is expected to become the next head coach at San Diego State after spending four seasons as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma. Long's hiring could be announced as early as Saturday, barring any unforeseen glitches, two people familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity because a deal was still pending. In Norman, Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Long was in San Diego for a second interview, adding that a deal had not been finalized. Long, 42, has been on Stoops' staff for six seasons. He'll replace Tom Craft, who was fired on Dec. 5 after going 19-29 in four seasons, including 5-7 this year. San Diego State athletic director Jeff Schemmel has refused to comment on candidates, but said at the time of Craft's firing that he would hire a replacement "who can excite the community." This hire has Iowa and Kansas State connections. (CBS Sportsline)

Stoops has no comment on who's the next coordinator: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops declined Friday to discuss how he would replace offensive coordinator Chuck Long, who is expected to be named San Diego State’s head coach today. "I'll address those issues if there's something different," Stoops said. "At this point, coach Long is still our offensive coordinator. ... When it's different, I'll address it." (NewsOK.com)

Long leaves in splendor, not shame, for his efforts: Daily Oklahoman

Today’s interview just formality, AD suggests: Daily Oklahoman

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

More on Long and San Diego State: Oklahoma offensive coordinator Chuck Long flew out of town today, bound for his future. Long and his wife, Lisa, headed to San Diego for an interview that is apparently a formality. Several sources told The Oklahoman that Long has been offered the job as San Diego State's head coach; an announcement can be made as early as Saturday. San Diego State athletic director Jeff Schemmel, who flew into Westheimer Field aboard a Gulfstream IV jet to pick up the couple, would not confirm Long's hiring, but said "everything looks good, we're only bringing one guy in." And he told Chuck Long "it looks like you packed for a long stay." Long also declined comment at the airport. But the plane, owned by San Diego Padres owner John Moores, a major San Diego State booster, lifted off at 4 p.m. --- just as the Sooners' practice was beginning across town. A source said much of the contact between Long and San Diego State was handled by Chuck Neinas, the Boulder, Colo.-based consultant who is well known for brokering deals between schools and coaches. (Video and more available at NewsOK.com)

OU's Heisman winners behind the scenes: The Oklahoman

New on DVD: Behind the scenes with OU's Heisman winners: The Oklahoman

Booming Sooner: Improving Oklahoma could be a trap for the Ducks: Portland Tribune

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James Hales reported on SportsAnimal's Sports Morning with Bob Barry, Jr., that University of Oklahoma Offensive of Coordinator Chuck Long is a candidate for the San Diego State head coaching opening. San Diego State fired football coach Tom Craft last week after four seasons in which his Aztecs failed to have a winning season. The Aztecs have went 19-29 in four seasons.

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

OU's youth is served in bowl workouts: The Oklahoman

Sooners preparing for Holiday bowl...and beyond: Norman Transcript

Oklahoma's Stoops drops in on ASH, Brown: The Town Talk

Special events for fans attending bowl: SoonerSports.com

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Why the Oregon Bowl is sold out?: The Oregonian

Jones, seniors step up for team chemistry: SoonerSports.com

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University of Oklahoma's Holiday Media Guide is now available for download for those interested at SoonerSports.com.

Oregon, Oklahoma are familiar foes: News-Review

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Sooner's Commitment switches to Longhorns: The lure of playing close to home proved too much for Schertz Clemens defensive back James Henry. Henry visited Texas on an official visit over the weekend and on Sunday, he switched his commitment from Oklahoma to the Longhorns. "I wanted to stay close to home, so all my family and friends and coaches could come up and see me," Henry said. "They're just an hour away from where I'm going to be playing. And Texas is going to be winning national championships over the next four or five years, the way I see it. I just wanted to be with them while they're doing it." Henry, a member of the Star-Telegram's State Top 100 recruits, was the first Oklahoma commitment for the class of 2006, committing to the Sooners in April. He missed the second half of his senior season with a broken ankle...... Oklahoma may have lost a commitment from Henry, but the Sooners picked up commitments from Longview offensive lineman Trent Williams and Rosenburg Terry tight end Eric Mensik. Williams went on his official visit to Oklahoma over the weekend and talked at length with former Longview wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, who was a freshman with the Sooners this year. "He wasn't pressuring me or anything like that," Williams said. "He was just telling me what a great opportunity it would be for me at Oklahoma." (Star-Telegram)

Commitment from juco quarterback is crucial for Sooners: The Oklahoman

OU questions and concerns: The Oklahoman

Wilson mentors young Sooner receivers: SoonerSports.com

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Staying home OK with Peterson: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Sooners Vs. Oregon Ducks: GNEXTINC.com

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Former Sooner Coach in talks with Aggies: (Dallas) Cowboys linebackers coach Gary Gibbs flew to College Station on Friday afternoon to interview for Texas A&M's defensive coordinator position, according to two Cowboys sources. A&M media relations director Alan Cannon confirmed that Gibbs was in town. Gibbs was at Cowboys practice earlier Friday and was expected back Saturday. Gibbs, 53, who was Oklahoma's head coach from 1989 to 1994, offers an attractive combination of major college and NFL experience. He served as Oklahoma's defensive coordinator from 1981 to 1988, with the Sooners leading the nation in total defense from 1985-87. Gibbs also held that position at Georgia in 2000 and LSU in 2001. Gibbs has coached the Cowboys' linebackers since 2002. Hiring coaches with NFL backgrounds has become trendy in college football and is considered an added appeal in recruiting. Only one member of A&M's staff has NFL experience, and that was only for one season: Offensive coordinator Les Koenning was an offensive assistant for the Miami Dolphins in 1997. (Aggie Sports)

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Sooners practice for Holiday Bowl: Rhett Bomar knows exactly how important Oklahoma's bowl practices can be for the young players on the team. A year ago, Bomar was finishing up his redshirt year, just waiting for an opportunity to play behind a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and an experienced backup. ``This was my whole part of the year when I actually did something,'' Bomar said Thursday. ``It kind of helped me for the spring because at the end of the season, I just sat there and learned mostly.'' Bomar got some work in as the Sooners prepared to play in the Orange Bowl, and in the spring he found himself in a quarterback competition with Paul Thompson. He eventually emerged as the starter in Week 2. Now, this year's freshmen are following in Bomar's shoes. Oklahoma (7-4) on Thursday held its first practice since learning it would play No. 6 Oregon (10-1) in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 29. ``These young guys get to jump in there these first few weeks while we're finishing up school and before we start our game plan,'' Bomar said. ``Last year, I was in that same situation - learning the offense good and just getting used to the speed. It helped me out in spring ball.'' Some of the youngest Sooners are in a different position from Bomar. Six first-year players started for the Sooners, and six others earned playing time. On the offense, receivers Malcolm Kelly and Juaquin Iglesias earned starts, as did linemen Jon Cooper and Branndon Braxton. Receiver Manuel Johnson and lineman George ``Duke'' Robinson also got into games. (NCAA Football)

OU starts preparing for Holiday Bowl: The Oklahoman (Video)

Football team sees potential: Oklahoma Daily

Holiday Bowl to bring experience: Oklahoma Daily

Oklahoma opens bowl practices with eye on future: The Oregonian

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Oregon has motivation and a strong passing game: Oklahoma Daily

Oklahoma, Oregon familiar foes for Bowl: Eugene Register-Guard

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Pacific Life Holiday Bowl officials announced today that the December 29 bowl game is sold out. The game features the 5th-ranked Oregon Ducks and the 23rd-ranked Oklahoma Sooners. It will be televised nationally on ESPN. Kickoff is 5 p.m. PST.

Tickets for other Pacific Life Holiday Bowl events, including the nationally televised Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade, still can be purchased by Holiday Bowl website.

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Texas to have decision on Cotton Bowl commitment: Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds said Tuesday the university should know "in a month" whether it will be willing to make a long-term commitment to the city of Dallas about keeping the Texas-Oklahoma football game at the Cotton Bowl. Dodds said there have been conversations with Dallas officials about a $50 million proposal to expand and renovate the Cotton Bowl. Mayor Laura Miller said the city wants at least a 12-year commitment from the schools before the city proceeds with plans to improve the Cotton Bowl. "There's been no commitment, just conversations," Dodds said. "In a month, we're going to understand exactly what they've got and whether we'd be willing to make a long-term commitment to Dallas." (Dallas Morning News)

Little Joe finally enters College Hall: The Oklahoman

Clayton sarts to make his mark in Baltimore: Oklahoma Daily

Joseph started as a wrestler: SoonerSports.com

Sooners record belies strength: Eugene Register-Guard

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Tickets going fast: Sales for Pacific Life Holiday Bowl tickets were brisk Monday, according to officials in the University of Oklahoma Athletics Ticket Office. In the first day of the sale, 10,000 tickets were sold. The remaining 1,000 will go on sale Tuesday morning to OU students who were football season ticket holders. That sale begins online at SoonerSports.com at 7 a.m. Any tickets that are not sold to students will go on sale to the public at 8 a.m. (Sooner Sports Release)

Joe Washington to be inducted into Hall of Fame tonight: Little Joe Washington goes into the College Football Hall of Fame tonight, and a fellow Oklahoma running back great will be honored as well at the 48th annual awards dinner of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame. Prentice Gautt, who in 1957 broke the OU football color line, will be honored posthumously with the Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football Award. Gautt, who graduated from Oklahoma City's Douglass High School, died in March. Washington, a Sooner halfback from 1972-75, ended his career as the OU career rushing leader, with 4,071 yards. Also tonight, Alan Page of Notre Dame, who went on to a Pro Football Hall of Fame career with the Minnesota Vikings, then became a judge, will be presented the Distinguished American Award. (NewsOK.com)

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Dallas' Cotton Bowl would expand by more than 16,000 seats and realize a bevy of structural improvements under a renovation proposal presented Monday to the City Council. The proposal comes as the University of Texas and University of Oklahoma are threatening to move the annual football showdown out of the Cotton Bowl site for the first time since 1929. The nearly $50 million project would increase the art deco stadium's capacity to 92,107 spectators and call for the construction of new seating areas, restrooms, concession stands, a scoreboard and video board and sound system, according to the 34-page proposal document. An expanded upper deck wrapping around the Cotton Bowl's end zones would constitute the additional seating, the proposal indicates. Most council members expressed strong support for the plan.... A sale of stadium-naming rights would fund most or all of the first of two project phases, the funding of which the State Fair of Texas would front. The initial improvement phase is estimated to cost $19 million and be completed by late next year, according to the proposal. A less preferred funding option, the plan states, is the city waiving the State Fair's annual rent payment -- about $1.2 million. That money, along with an additional $1.2 million annually the State Fair would spend, would fund the first phase. "We need to get the naming rights -- that must be done," council member Mitchell Rasansky said. A second phase would be funded through a city bond program – which would have to approved by voters -- and include the replacement of the Cotton Bowl's current seats and installation of new lighting and utilities. New media and VIP facilities would also be included, the plan states.... But unless Dallas receives long-term commitments from the college football teams that play annually at the stadium, "then we won't upgrade the Cotton Bowl," Mayor Laura Miller said. (In part from Dallas Morning News Much more)

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Holiday Bowl expected to be sell-out: Both teams appear well on the way to selling their ticket allotment. Castiglione said he last heard a ticket count a week ago, and more than 7,000 had been sold. Castiglione said he expects to easily sell out the school's allotted 11,000 tickets, and said OU fans probably would find other avenues for tickets as well. Meanwhile, Oregon athletic director Bill Moos said the school has sold more than 11,000 tickets. "We're going to have a flock of Ducks coming south," Moos said. Qualcomm Stadium's capacity is 71,500; bowl officials expect a sellout. (NewsOK.com)

Berth in Holiday Bowl has Oregon feeling snubbed: The Oklahoman

Sooners happy with the Holiday: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Sooners going on Holiday: Norman Transcript

Oklahoma selected for Holiday Bowl: SoonerSports.com

Holiday Bowl Tickets Going Fast: Channel Oklahoma.com

Oklahoma looks forward to bowl game with Oregon: Katu.com

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Oklahoma is heading to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego to face Oregon on December 29th. The Sooners received their bid to play in the game Sunday. Oklahoma will be making its first appearance in the Holiday Bowl, which is played in Qualcomm Stadium -- home of the NFL's San Diego Chargers. The bid breaks Oklahoma's string of January bowl games at five seasons, which matched the longest streak in school history. The Sooners also appeared in January bowl games following the 1984 through 1988 seasons. The seventh-ranked Ducks finished second in the Pacific 10 Conference, with their only loss coming against top-ranked USC. The Sooners are 5 - 0 in the series against the Ducks, with all five games being played in Norman. Oklahoma will play at Oregon for the first time next season. (KFOR.com)

Sooners to play in Holiday Bowl: OUDaily

Ducks and Sooners face off in Pacific Life Holiday Bowl: Oregon Daily

No. 6 Oregon (10-1) accepts invitation to face Oklahoma on Dec. 29: MSNBC.com

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How to get you Sooner Bowl Tickets: The Oklahoma football team will learn its bowl destination on Sunday at 4 p.m., during the Bowl Selection Show. The two games mentioned most prominently for OU are the Holiday and Alamo Bowls. Tickets for the Holiday Bowl range from $20-$60, while Alamo Bowl tickets range from $45-$75. The University of Oklahoma Athletics Ticket Office will open phones from 4-6 p.m., to take orders from season ticket holders only. On Monday the Athletics Ticket Office will be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., to assist season ticket holders with bowl requests. Monday also will be final day for season ticket holders to cancel any bowl ticket requests. Depending on availability, sales on Tuesday will be open up for all individuals, regardless of season ticket status. University of Oklahoma full-time students can purchase bowl tickets on Tuesday at 7 a.m., at www.SoonerSports.com. Office hours will begin at 8 a.m., that day for walk-up sales. There will be a travel package available through Dodds Athletic Tours. Inquiries should be directed to (888) 533-0074. The OU Athletics Ticket Office is located in the Asp Avenue Parking Facility west of Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The phone number is (405) 325-2424 or (800) 456-GoOU.

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

J.D. Runnels leads from experience: SoonerSports.com

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Venables not interested in KSU: Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables said Wednesday evening he is not a candidate for Kansas State’s head-coaching vacancy. “It’s not something I’m interested in right now,” Venables said. Venables, who spent the last few days in his hometown of Salina, Kan., attending to family matters, said he had grown weary of the buzz surrounding his supposed candidacy to replace Bill Snyder, for whom he coached and played. Venables denied that he had formally interviewed or had spoken with Kansas State officials about the job - as was reported this week by a television station. (NewsOK.com)

Football team sees potential: Oklahoma Daily

Venables says he'll stay with the Sooners: Oklahoma Daily

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