January 31, 2006

January 26, 2006

(1/26) More on Cotton Bowl and Sooners in Senior Bowl

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Board approves Cotton Bowl negotiations: The Oklahoma board of regents gave school officials permission Wednesday to begin contract negotiations with Cotton Bowl officials about keeping the Sooners' annual game against Texas in Dallas. The board of regents' decision was somewhat of a formality. For months, OU officials have expressed their desire to keep the game in Dallas. But athletic director Joe Castiglione said he can now enter into what he called "serious dialogue" about lengthening the current contract beyond 2008. Texas and OU can opt out of the current deal after the 2007 season. "It will take some time," Castiglione said. "We're not ready to peg a specific timetable to those negotiations." Both schools have pressed the city of Dallas to renovate the aging stadium. City officials have proposed a $50 million renovation that would push capacity beyond 90,000. Those improvements are tied to a major bond package that could go before voters in the fall. (Dallas Morning News)

Sooners in Senior Bowl: Four Oklahoma Sooners are set to play in this weekend's Senior Bowl at Mobile, Ala. Defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek, linebacker Clint Ingram, offensive lineman Davin Joseph and receiver Travis Wilson are all members of the North roster, which will be coached by the Tennessee Titans' staff. The game kicks off at 3 p.m., Saturday, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. It will be televised by ESPN. The Senior Bowl players will have one practice session per day during the week - January 23-27 -- capped off by the 57th annual Senior Bowl game on Saturday, January 28. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. and the contest will be nationally-televised by ESPN. The contest is also a complete sellout in 40,646-seat Ladd-Peebles Stadium. ESPN and the NFL Network are also televising Senior Bowl practices this year with over 11 hours of coverage during the week. Remaining ESPN practice telecasts will air from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday of the week, while remaining NFL Network shows will air from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, as well as a 30-minute wrap-up show later that evening. The Senior Bowl is the nation's premier pre-draft showcase, annually featuring the top senior NFL draft prospects on teams coached by the entire coaching staffs of two National Football League teams. (SoonerSports Release)

OU closer to negotiating Cotton Bowl accord: The Oklahoman

Improved special teams could help change Sooners' fortunes in '06: The Oklahoman

January 23, 2006

(1/23) Oklahoma Ranks #6 in early ESPN.com poll

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Not the official ESPN Top 25, but ESPN.com's Pat Forde takes a early look at College Football's preseason top 25. Forde answers the Whys and Why Nots...

6. Oklahoma Sooners
11. Texas Longhorns

Also elsewhere, major NASCAR News find it at nascar.gnextinc.com. Including Toyota joining North America's top motorsports series the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup series in 2007, the Car of Tomorrow, and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver lineups.

January 22, 2006

(1/22) Waiting Game Is On For McCoy

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Colleges await Oklahoma's McCoy's decision: It's a question everyone in Oklahoma wants to know: Where is Southeast's Gerald McCoy going to play college football? Nobody knows the answer to that question. Even Gerald. "It'll come down to LSU, OU, USC," McCoy said. "They're pretty much even." And despite several offers to announce on a national stage, McCoy will likely announce his decision on signing day at Southeast. "I'll probably do it at the school," McCoy said. (NewsOK.com)

January 20, 2006

(1/20) UT hold up Cotton Bowl Agreement

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University of Texas hold up Cotton Bowl Agreement: While other teams seem primed to play, University of Texas at Austin leaders have declined to tell Dallas government and State Fair of Texas officials whether they'll continue to compete in the annual game with the University of Oklahoma at the city-owned Cotton Bowl. "UT's holding it up. We were expecting an answer already," said Bill Blaydes, the Dallas City Council's economic development and housing committee chairman. Texas' hesitation comes as OU and Texas Tech University appear willing to commit to each play a game at the Cotton Bowl, two Dallas officials said this week. UT officials say their internal deliberations about playing OU at the Cotton Bowl beyond 2008, when the teams' contract with Dallas expires, "will take awhile.".. Dallas Mayor Laura Miller expressed general frustration with the negotiations, noting, "Everybody's supposed to give us an answer this week." Questioned after she had a cellphone conversation about the Cotton Bowl during a City Council retreat Thursday, the mayor said she's still confident all the schools she has approached will eventually sign on – including Texas and OU. When asked, however, if UT was the school delaying an expected announcement, Ms. Miller shook her head. "That's not accurate," she said. What's slowing the deal, she said, is that none of the schools seems to want to make the first move. "Everyone's kind of waiting for each other," she said. "We can't move forward until we know. I've been working hard all week to get this done."... A university source stressed that OU has in no way verbally agreed to keep the game in Dallas. The source said OU would consider entering into a written agreement provided the city follows through with its stadium improvement plan. However, the contract would have to include some sort of out clause that would allow OU to leave Dallas for a home-and-home series if voters turn down the bond proposal. OU officials are skeptical the city can make the necessary improvements for the $50 million price tag that's been discussed. A failed bond proposal would be a death knell for the Texas-Oklahoma Red River Rivalry at Fair Park, as far as OU is concerned. "If the bond doesn't pass, we're outta there," the source said. (In part from Dallas Morning News much more there)

Longhorns stacked and ready for another conference title: Oklahoma Daily

January 19, 2006

(1/19) Oklahoma Sooner Spring practice set

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Oklahoma Spring Practice set: Oklahoma has set its spring practice dates for 2006. The workouts begin March 6 and will include two scrimmages and then the Red/White Spring Game on April 8. The kickoff time for the spring game is yet to be determined. Unless otherwise noted, Oklahoma’s spring practices are open to the public. Most will be held on the practice fields immediately south of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and will begin around 3:30 p.m. It should be noted that all of the times and dates are subject to change. Fans are encouraged to follow www.SoonerSports.com in the event that alterations are made to the schedule. (SoonerSports Releases) (Sooner Spring Football Central)

Chester in Shrine: Oklahoma offensive lineman Chris Chester will play in the East-West Shrine Game this Saturday. After 80 years in San Francisco, the game will be played this year at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. CST, and the game will be televised by ESPN2. (Sooner Sports)

(1/19) AD Among SI's the Best of '06

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Peterson among the best: Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson has received more national press before the 2006 NCAA football season. Sports Illustrated named the Junior, Oklahoma, running back top of the 2006 class of best college football players.. Find out who SI has among the best ranked at SI.com.

January 18, 2006

(1/18) Oklahoma's Peterson cited; Bedlam date to move?

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Oklahoma Peterson Cited: OU star running back Adrian Peterson was pulled over at 11:50 p.m. Sunday and received a ticket for driving with a suspended license, the Norman Police Department said Monday. "He was stopped for failure to stop at a stop sign," said Norman police Lt. Paul Swenson. Swenson said Peterson was pulled over at the intersection of Elmhurst and Oakhurst avenues in east Norman. He said Peterson received a warning for failing to make a complete stop, but was cited for driving with a suspended Oklahoma license. "He was brought to the police station to post a bond," Swenson said. Peterson, a sophomore who finished the 2005 season with 1,108 yards and 14 touchdowns, told The Daily his license had been suspended as the result of a ticket he received in Texas in May 2005. He said he thought the ticket had been taken care of and that he thought his license had been reinstated about two weeks before he traveled with the football team to the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 8. (OUDaily)

Bedlam date to move? The Oklahoma Bedlam match-up between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 30, 2006, but according to published reports (Tulsa World) the game could be moved to Thanksgiving weekend, pending on network and school agreement.

January 16, 2006

(1/16) Aggie CB changes commitment to Sooners

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Williams switches commitment: South Grand Prairie defensive back Malcolm Williams said Sunday that he has switched his oral commitment from Texas A&M to Oklahoma. Oral commitments are nonbinding. The first day a recruit can sign a national letter of intent is Feb. 1. Williams, No. 14 on SportsDay's Area Top 100, made an official visit to College Station this weekend. He said he had "a good visit," but said his decision came down to OU having a better chance of winning. "Don't get me wrong, A&M will win," said Williams, a first-team SportsDay All-Area team member. "I just feel I have a better chance of winning a national championship and more things at OU." (Dallas Morning News)

January 13, 2006

(1/13) Another Coach expected to leave? and more.

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Columns

Another Sooner Coach to leave? Also, OU assistant strength and conditioning coach Larry Jackson is expected to be named the head strength coach at the University of Houston in the very near future. (NewsOK.com)

Sooners to play in Las Vegas All-American Classic: Oklahoma cornerback Eric Bassey and offensive guard Kelvin Chaisson will play in Saturday's Las Vegas All-American Classic, a game that features 110 college seniors from around the nation. Both will play for the West squad in the game, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m., CST, from Sam Boyd Stadium. Bassey, from Garland, Texas and North Garland High School, played in 11 games last season while staving off nagging injuries. He had five starting assignments, including one in the Sooners' 17-14 win over No. 6-ranked Oregon in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl. For the season, he was credited with 15 tackles. With 32 starts over the last three seasons, Chaisson was a fixture at left guard for the Sooners. In 2005, he earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention from the Associated Press after recording 99 knockdown blocks and being flagged for just one penalty. The Beaumont, Texas and Ozen High School product scored the second-highest season grade among the Sooner offensive linemen. (Sooner Sports Release)

Vikings hire Wyatt as receivers coach: The Oklahoman

OU's Alexander to return: The Oklahoman

Another OU coach leaving: Norman Transcript

OU's Alexander wants senior year: Dallas Morning News

January 12, 2006

Wyatt to leave Sooners for NFL Vikings

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Wyatt joins Vikings staff: Oklahoma lost a second member of its offensive staff when receivers coach and passing game coordinator Darrell Wyatt took a job with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday.Wyatt had been the Sooners' receivers coach for the past four seasons and was also the team's pass game coordinator last season. "It's tough to leave, but I felt this was a great opportunity," said Wyatt, who joins the staff of new Vikings head coach Brad Childress. "I get to join a new staff on the front end of a new contract. I look forward to the challenge on the next level. "I feel like all our recruits are in good hands and I have encouraged all of them to stay with Oklahoma." Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said he doesn't feel "any extra urgency" to replace Wyatt and has several directions he could go in finding a replacement. (AP/ESPN.com)

(1/12) Rufus to return for Senior year

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Oklahoma Sooner Football

Rufus to return for senior year: Linebacker Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma's leading tackler, confirmed Wednesday he plans to return for his senior season with the Sooners. Alexander, who had 102 tackles from his weakside linebacker position, said he had received a number of calls from agents the past few days. "I've just had a lot of phone calls so I want to put this to rest once and for all," Alexander said in a university statement. "I always wanted to come back and play my senior year." (ESPN.com)

Sooners get key offensive play from ex-Conway DB: Myrtle Beach Online

Also, Checkout... Oklahoma Race Connect's 20th Annual Chili Bowl Coverage, Danny "the Dude" Lasoski wins Creek Nation Casino Qualifier Night 1; NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Champion T. Stewart flips

January 10, 2006

(1/10) Report: Wyatt turns down Long's offer

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Notes

Wyatt turns down Long's SDSU offer: Oklahoma assistant football coach Darrell Wyatt has turned down Chuck Long's offer to become offensive coordinator at San Diego State, but it remains unclear if Wyatt will stay at OU or pursue other options -- perhaps in the NFL. Wyatt did not return messages left on his cell phone Monday, but Long confirmed that "Darrell is out" of consideration to join him at San Diego State. "He just couldn't do it," Long said. After four years as OU's offensive coordinator and six seasons as a Sooner assistant, Long was hired as the Aztecs' head coach on Dec. 17. Wyatt joined the OU staff in 2002 and has been passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach under Long. He has tutored record-breaking receivers during four seasons in Norman. Perhaps more importantly, Wyatt is a dynamic recruiter, instrumental is the Sooners' signing of many top players, including running back Adrian Peterson. (Tulsa World)

January 9, 2006

(1/9) Oklahoma Sooner Column

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Column

Not much news... or articles...

Sooners will lay it on the line: The Oklahoman

Checkout NASCAR.GNEXTINC.com Countdown to Green 40 Day away to the Great American Race The Daytona 500! Daytona Preseason Thunder testing is underway today... Including Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Bill Elliott, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and more...

January 8, 2006

(1/8) Oklahoma Football Recruiting news and more.

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Chances are good Stoops will stay with Sooners: The Oklahoman

McCoy shows he's worth the attention: The Oklahoman

Tough schedule: The Oklahoman

Murray chooses OU: The Oklahoman

Getting to know DeMarco Murray, OU commitment: The Oklahoman

2006 Oklahoma Recruiting Chart: GNEXTINC.com

January 7, 2006

(1/7) Murray to announce Sooner Commitment

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Sooners land Vegas back Murray: DeMarco Murray is going to be a Sooner. All indications are that the standout high school running back from Las Vegas will play for Oklahoma. Murray is expected to announce his college decision today during the Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio. OU and USC were his finalists. According to insiders, the Trojans wanted Murray to play defensive back. The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder wants to play running back, the position at which the Sooners recruited him. Murray would be the third running back in the Sooners' current recruiting class, joining Mossis Madu from Norman and Chris Brown from Alexandria, La., but he is the most highly touted. (NewsOK.com)

January 6, 2006

(1/6) Stoops not looking at NFL offers and Sooner columns

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Stoops not looking at NFL offers: With eight NFL teams looking for head coaches, it seems Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is atop every team's wish list. However, the Sooner coach says he's not looking to bolt for the NFL any time soon. "That's not something I'm looking to do," Stoops said Wednesday during an interview on WWLS radio. "I love what I'm doing here. I feel our future is incredibly bright. We still have more to do here and I'm excited too much about what I’m doing." The team that is rumored to have the most interest in Stoops is the Kansas City Chiefs, but Stoops has been mentioned as possible candidate for the Houston Texans, too. Detroit, Oakland, Green Bay, St. Louis, New Orleans and Minnesota also have head-coaching vacancies. Stoops said he isn't a candidate for anything and any reports that he's interviewed for any jobs are false. "You don't have a job like I have and you go interviewing," he said. "That's what I don't think people get. I'm not going to go interview for anything. (Norman Transcript)

Stoops content at OU: The Oklahoman

Texas' win likely to affect recruiting: The Oklahoman

Nothing wrong rooting for Texas: Norman Transcript

January 5, 2006

(1/5) Edwards to take NFL K.C. job, Texas ends USC march for 47 to win N.C.

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Jet's Edwards to take K.C. Chiefs job: Sources have told Eyewitness News 5 Sports Director Mark Rodgers and New York sports radio station WFAN is reporting that current New York Jets coach Herm Edwards will become the next head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. This quashes speculation about University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops -- at least in terms of the possibility that he would make a move to Kansas City. (KOCO-TV)

And finally.... The Texas Longhorns ends USC march to 47 at 34: Wednesday night in the BCS National Championship, Texas Longhorns defeated USC Trojans 41-38 at the Rose Bowl. Longhorns ended USC's march towards the Oklahoma held NCAA record of All-time streak, Since World War I, only Oklahoma (47) and Toledo (35) had put together longer victory streaks. Congrats burnt Orange....

January 4, 2006

(1/4) Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles

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Oklahoma Football Articles

OU fans should root for Texas: The Oklahoman

Could Texas victory turn the Red River tide?: The Oklahoman

Sooner than later, Trojans could be better than Sooners: Christian Science Monitor

January 3, 2006

(1/3) Stoops and NFL speculation...

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Stoops, NFL speculation begins: The Oklahoma coach had already been listed as a candidate to replace Dick Vermeil, who announced his retirement from the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Stoops didn’t squelch the speculation. He was taking a couple of days off before hitting the recruiting trail and did not return phone calls. Nor did his agent, Neil Cornrich. But two OU insiders suggested they do not believe Stoops has interest in the NFL this year. One said, "I would be completely and totally shocked." And recently, Stoops didn’t show much interest in moving to the next level. "I don't know where that (NFL speculation) comes from, so no, that's not something I see right now," Stoops said during a pre-Holiday Bowl teleconference. "I don't know why it always pops up, but it seems to, so I guess it's always decent if people are thinking of you." (NewsOK.com)

January 2, 2006

(1/2) Oklahoma Football Columns

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Oklahoma Football Notes and Articles

Don't tell players bowl games don't matter: The Oklahoman

Eyes of Sooners are upon Texas: The Oklahoman

January 1, 2006

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