Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU Stadium Intro Video complete: More big names from Oklahoma's storied football tradition turned out in Norman on Thursday to participate in shooting for the 2006 football intro videos. Three of Oklahoma's four Heisman Trophy winners -- Jason White (2003 winner), Billy Sims (1978) and Steve Owens (1969) -- gathered around junior running back Adrian Peterson for the production. OU displays its four Heisman Trophies (the late Billy Vessels brought the first Heisman to Norman in 1952) on the third floor of the Switzer Center overlooking Owen Field. Watch for previews of the men's basketball, women's basketball and football videos on SoonerSports.com. (SoonerSports.com)

Peterson adds fuel for Sooners' revival in '07: Tulsa World

Stoops tops unoffical celebrity list: Tulsa World

Peterson will play his first college games in front of his father this season: Tulsa World

OU RB Peterson has extra motivation: Dallas Morning News

Stoops unsure about lofty rankings: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Yo, Adrian! Heisman or beat Texas?: Kansas City Star

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Adrian Peterson media teleconference:
Q: At times, it seems everything has come easy for you on the football field. What has been the most challenging thing for you to this point?
A: Basically, being able to be patient back there and trust in your offensive line that things are going to open. When I came in my first two years, just rushing and everything 100 miles per hour, relying on my speed. But just learn all about technique, waiting for different holes to open.

Q: A couple of years ago, Cedric Benson said he'd rather win the Heisman rather than win the Red River Shootout. What would you rather do?
A: Absolutely, beat Texas. No doubt about it.

Q: If NFL rules were like NBA rules, you could have come out after your freshman year. Looking back, has it been best that you're still in college or do you feel like you would have been ready a couple of years ago?
A:I think it's best to be in college right now, because I'm still learning. I probably would have still stayed. It's not basketball, it's football. You go to the NFL, you're playing against grown men, trying to feed their families. That's the way I look at it.

Q: You were quoted when you made your decision, I'm going to Oklahoma because they win championships and Texas doesn't. Of course Texas has won a national championship now. Does that add to the rivalry?
A: I guess you could say that.

Q: If you could be the Heisman winner or the first pick in the draft, which would be cooler for you?
A: Ooh. I'd say the Heisman Trophy winner. That's something I've been dreaming about since I was a little kid. Being able to get that would mean a lot.

Complete Adrian Peterson Q&A teleconference available at NewsOK.com

Bob Stoops teleconference with local, national media:
Q: Just wondering if you could comment on some of the guys who are rumored not to be coming in, the freshmen, maybe Chris Patterson and Malcom Williams.
A: Well, no, don't every comment on guys who for whatever reasons aren't eligible. Why would I? I never have in the past. I don't think it's fair to discuss their personal information. Academic issues. For me to be specific about that I don't think is fair to those individuals.

Q: Are there any specific plans on how to use Adrian this year in any way, shape or form? Are you just going to handing him the ball and running him til he wears down, or is there some specific plan to keep him healthy for the big games?
A: Yeah, (speaking sarcastically) we're just going to run him like 5-10 times a game until we get to the big games and then turn him loose... We're going to try to get him 2,000 yards like he did his freshman year. And we're going to try and get him another 500 or so receiving. We'd like to see the guy make a lot of big plays, gain a lot of yards.

Q: I want to ask you what you think about getting the opportunity to have a coach's challenge for instant replay next year?
A: I think it's good. A year ago, we were all against it, for good reason in that we didn't have and still don't have video monitors or TV screens in our coaching booths. So there's nowhere for us to get any feedback to, "Hey, we should challenge this." We were told that whoever officials were in the box would have access to that and would do that. I don't need to name any games, all of us have been in games where there were plays that were not reviewed that should have been.
Complete Bob Stoops Q&A teleconference available at NewsOK.com

Peterson's father released: Adrian Peterson's father, incarcerated since his son was in the seventh grade, has been moved to a halfway house in Dallas and has a projected release date of Oct. 5. Two days later, in that same city, the Oklahoma Sooners play Texas in the Cotton Bowl. "If everything goes good, he should be there," the OU tailback said. "It's going to be crazy, being able to look in the stands, see him. Maybe be the extra drive I'll need." (NewsOK.com)

Peterson ready to see father in stands: The Oklahoman

Peterson handles the tough questions: The Oklahoman

Heisman Trophy isn't Peterson's only motivation: SI.com

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners atop Big XII: LJW's sport writer Ryan Wood, makes his Big XII North and South predictions. Sooner's are tabbed first in the Big XII South, with the best overall record 11-1, 8-0 in the Big XII.. With one lose at Oregon, full Big XII predictions.

USA Today's Big XII preview: Includes, Inside Slants, Notes, Quotes and 2007 draft prospects at the Big XII USA Today preview.

Oklahoma's 2007 schedule: Hurricane warning: RealFootball365.com

Player News: New player news pages available. Now includes current and past news on Reggie Smith, Rhett Bomar, Adrian Peterson and Rufus Alexander.

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

CFN's ranks Coach Stoops among the best: Move over Mack, Jim, Urban, and Charlie Weis. And watchout, Pete.. College Football News ranks the nation's top College Football coaches, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops pulled in at #2, behind only Pete Carroll. CFN writes "No one is perfect, and that obviously includes coaches. Keep that in mind as visions of the 2004 Sugar Bowl, 2005 Orange Bowl and the first half of last year dance through your head. Yes, Stoops has shown hints of vulnerability the past couple of years, but not nearly enough to cloud all the good that he'd bring to any program."

Peterson among Sportsline Heisman hopefuls: CBS Sportsline

Sooners prefer best bowl, best matchup: The Oklahoman

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Former Sooner OT, and Saint First Round Pick, Brown Arrested: Saints offensive tackle Jammal Brown was arrested on one count of domestic abuse battery after his wife placed a 911 call Thursday from the couple's home in Mandeville, St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office spokesman Capt. George Bonnett said. Bonnett said St. Tammany Parish deputies received a phone call from Brown's wife just before 11 a.m. Brown was not at the house when the officers arrived, but he returned as the investigation was being completed, Bonnett said. "I can certainly say it was a physical altercation," Bonnett said. "We know they had a disagreement that escalated into a physical disagreement." Brown was "very cooperative," according to Bonnett, and arrested without incident. Bonnett wouldn't divulge if Brown's wife sustained injuries during the altercation. Brown posted a $5,000 bond and was released by midafternoon. The charge is a misdemeanor. (Times-Picayune)

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Switzer Center Closed June 29: The Legends Lobby area of the Switzer Center is open to the public every Thursday and Friday normally, but it will be closed on Thursday, June 29, due to filming for an athletics department video project. The area, which features memorabilia pertaining to OU's football history, will re-open June 30 at 9 a.m. The facility also will be open Thursday and Friday, June 22-23. (SoonerSports)

Hotel highlights Oklahoma memorable: Sonny Brown slowly walks down the crimson and cream hallways, passing familiar names and faces with each continuing step. Brian Bosworth. Billy Sims. Barry Switzer. In his mind, the former Oklahoma safety is taking a stroll down memory lane. In reality, Brown is passing through the interior of Sooner Legends Inn and Suites, a newly-renovated hotel in Norman that is dedicated to former OU athletic greats -- and everything else Sooner. "You think back to your days (at OU), and you start seeing some of your memorabilia," said Brown, who was the co-Most Valuable Player of the 1986 Orange Bowl. "It's fun. You walk down the hall and see all of the pictures of guys from my era. It reminds you of things you may not have thought of in a while." Located on Lindsey Street just east of I-35, the hotel is owned by siblings Doug, Valerie and Sharlyn Kennon and has over 2000 OU pictures and items on display. With 120 regular rooms and 16 suites -- all individually themed after a former Sooner standout -- the hotel provides a unique opportunity to spend the night with Lee Roy Selmon or Jason White. Or at least surrounded by their pictures. (More at NewsOK.com)

Runnels receives birthday bonus from Bears: ChicagoBears.com

Joseph still learning the game: Buccaneers.com

Ravens have found a real catch in Clayton: Baltimore Examiner

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Schedule Notes: OU-Miami: Since 2000, Miami ranks No. 1 nationally with a winning percentage of .864, with Oklahoma No. 2 at .860. By wins during that same span, OU ranks first with 68, while the Hurricane is No. 3 with 64.

12 Consecutive weeks: The Sooners play twelve consecutive Saturdays with no open dates.

Division 1 Opponents: For the seventh consecutive year, Oklahoma's non-conference schedule will include all Division 1-A opponents. Including, Miami, Tulsa, Utah State and North Texas.

Wilson Weighs In: Sooner Spectator

Miami's coming: Norman Transcript

OU-Miami showdown set for '07: Tulsa World

Sooners finalize '07 schedule, will play vs. Miami, Tulsa: ESPN

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

2007 Oklahoma Football Schedule Released: A string of three straight home games, including the beginning of a much-anticipated series with Miami, open the 2007 University of Oklahoma football schedule that was announced today by OU Athletics Director Joe Castiglione. The 2007 slate is the seventh in a row to feature all Division I-A opponents for the Sooners. "These games fit our philosophy of providing a challenging, yet balanced schedule that prepares our team for the rigors of Big 12 Conference play and a run at post season championships," said Castiglione. "The process becomes a little more challenging each year, but we are always working to complete our scheduling in a timely fashion to give our campus and fans the appropriate time to plan events. We are pleased that we can announce the 2007 schedule more than a year before it begins." The OU-Miami game represents a titanic match-up of two of the nation's most successful programs. Since 2000, Miami ranks No. 1 nationally with a winning percentage of .864, with Oklahoma No. 2 at .860. By wins during that same span, OU ranks first with 68, while the Hurricane is No. 3 with 64. (SoonerSports Release)

2007 Schedule
North Texas (Sept. 1)
Miami (Sept. 8)
Utah State (Sept. 15)
at Tulsa (Sept. 22)
at Colorado (Sept. 29)
Texas at Dallas (Oct. 6)
Missouri (Oct. 13)
at Iowa State (Oct. 20)
Oklahoma State (Oct. 27)
Texas A&M (Nov. 3)
Baylor (Nov. 10)
at Texas Tech (Nov. 17)

Pair of Sooners on Hendrick Watch List: Oklahoma's C.J. Ah You and Larry Birdine are on the preseason 42-member watch list for the Hendricks Award. The list for that honor, which goes annually to the nation's top collegiate defensive end, was released Monday. (SoonerSports)

Sooners are choosy with scholarships: The Oklahoman

OU sets 2007 football schedule: Tulsa World

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Rufus Alexander on Bednarik Watch list: Oklahoma linebacker Rufus Alexander has been named to the preseason watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented annually by the Maxwell Football Club to the nation's top defensive player. Alexander led the Sooners in tackles last season when he was a consensus All-Big 12 pick. On Wednesday it was announced that OU's Adrian Peterson and Rhett Bomar are on the preseason list for the Maxwell Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top overall player. Alexander, a 6-1, 231-pound senior from Baton Rouge, La., was the Sooners' top tackler last season with 102, including 17 for loss. He had a career-high five sacks to go with nine pass break-ups, two fumbles forced, one interception and one fumble caused. (SoonerSports.com)

Stoops on Bomar's underage drinking: "He's made a couple of mistakes that I believe he's learned from and will help him grow more into a leader," said Stoops, who was asked about Bomar during the Sooner Caravan stop Tuesday in Tulsa ". . . Like everything, you learn from your experiences. And I believe he's a wise enough guy to learn from that." (TulsaWorld)

Peterson, Bomar on Maxwell list: Muskogee Phoenix

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Adrian and Rhett on Maxwell Award Watch list: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson and quarterback Rhett Bomar are on the first watch list issued for the 70th Maxwell Award, which is presented annually to the top player in college football. Peterson was a finalist for the honor in his freshman season of 2004 and was on the watch list last year as well. Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski made the announcement. Peterson has already eclipsed 3.000 rushing yards (3,033) in just two seasons at Oklahoma. He is the first Sooner back to accomplish that feat. Last season, he missed all or more than half of four games yet still rushed 220 times for 1,108 yards, the highest total by any Big 12 running back. Bomar set OU freshman marks for completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns last season. He hit on 167-of-308 tosses for 2,018 yards and 10 touchdowns. After leading the Sooners to a 17-14 victory over No. 6 Oregon, he was named the offensive MVP of the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl. (SoonerSports.com)

Sooners' Simmons injures knee: The Oklahoman

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners announce gametimes: The University of Oklahoma announced today that its Sept. 9 home football game with Washington will kick off at 2:30 p.m., and be televised by ABC. Starting times and television plans have also been announced for Oklahoma's season opener against Alabama-Birmingham and the regular season finale at Oklahoma State. The Sept. 2 UAB game will kickoff at 6 p.m., on TBS, while the Nov. 25 Bedlam match-up will start at 1:30 p.m., on FSN. Washington is one of two Pacific-10 Conference opponents on the OU schedule for 2006. On Sept. 16, the Sooners play at Oregon in a game that also was picked up by ABC and set for a 2:30 p.m., (CT) start. OU Athletics Director Joe Castiglione said he likes the starting times that have been announced thus far. "Within the bounds of our conference contracts, we always put forth our best effort when it comes to kickoff times," Castiglione said. "To the extent that we can positively influence the decision-making process we have. We are delighted with the times we have been given to this point. "The exposure afforded our program through network and national cable games is of tremendous value to us in so many ways. The opportunities we have already realized for the upcoming season will help keep the Oklahoma name in a prominent position." (SoonerSports.com Release)

Stoops at Sooner Caravan speaks of expectations: About 800 fans hear Bob Stoops' prognosis for 2006 team Bob Stoops, fresh off his Top Gun imitation as a Blue Angels' co-pilot, landed in town Tuesday promoting the idea his Oklahoma football team just might have The Right Stuff to win it all in 2006. Stoops was in Tulsa as part of the Sooner Caravan. Among those who accompanied him on the booster tour were athletic director Joe Castiglione, new men's basketball coach Jeff Capel, women's hoops coach Sherri Coale and baseball coach Sunny Golloway. An estimated 800 OU faithful shelled out $30 for the annual event, held inside a large tent outside the Schusterman Center on the campus of OU-Tulsa. Stoops didn't disappoint. He received his second standing ovation in 15 minutes when he concluded his speech by acknowledging that he's fully aware of what those red-and-white clad spectators expect. (Tulsa World)

Injury and player granted release: Bob Stoops said Brian Simmons, a former defensive tackle who moved across the ball last spring to provide much-needed depth to OU's depleted offensive line, injured his knee during routine summer conditioning last week. Stoops, speaking at Monday's Sooner Caravan, did not elaborate on the extent of Simmons' injury or the length of time the 290-pound redshirt freshman might be out. Meanwhile, Stoops confirmed Chad Roark, a freshman center who played extensively before leaving the team late in the spring, will not return. Stoops granted Roark his release late last April, and reports quickly surfaced that the freshman who graduated from Ada a semester early to participate in spring drills would join his older brother, Craig, at Nebraska. Roark's father, Bryan, told the Tulsa World at the time no firm decision had been made. (In part from Tulsa World)

Sooners' fortune tied to QB growing up: The Oklahoman

High hopes at OU: Tulsa World

Bedlam football game time set: KOTV

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Former Fulback signs with Bears: Hoping to avoid contract disputes of the sort that resulted in 2005 first-round draft pick Cedric Benson missing all of training camp, the Bears continued to make progress on their 2006 draft class Monday when they signed fullback J.D. Runnels, a fifth-round pick, to a four-year deal. Runnels joins defensive end Mark Anderson (fifth round) and guard Tyler Reed (sixth round) in the fold. Runnels, out of Oklahoma, has looked solid at mini-camps and organized team activities with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He also is regarded as a solid blocker who could challenge Bryan Johnson and Jason McKie for a starting role. "It's a privilege to be here, so I wouldn't dream of holding out," Runnels said. (Chicago Tribune)

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Cohen committed to Sooners: In May, [Punter, Michael] Cohen committed to walk on at OU in the fall, possibly providing an answer to a position that became a pressing question for OU after spring practice. Despite Cohen's verbal commitment to Oklahoma, his arrival on campus was not a certainty until Wednesday. Several schools, including Louisville, had continued to recruit him. After much discussion with family and former coaches, he decided Wednesday that OU was still the place to play. A long talk with OU coach Bob Stoops didn't hurt, either. "I talked to Coach Stoops, and he told me they're depending on me, and they need me up there," Cohen said. "He made me feel like he believed in me. I had given my word (to OU) back in May, and I don't like going back on my word." (NewsOK.com)

Former Sooner Harris mentors Dvoracek: Dvoracek has an ally and adviser in fellow defensive tackle and Oklahoma Sooners alumnus Tommie Harris, a third-year pro who is helping Dvoracek on and off the field. Dvoracek is living with Harris until his own home is ready and soaking up advice about everything from the defensive schemes to what to pack for training camp in late July. "He can show me so many things and make this transition a lot easier," said Dvoracek, a third-round draft pick. "It's hard making that adjustment from college to the NFL, just like it's hard making it from high school to college. He's been through it already, so he can help me out and tell me what to do. Since we're so close already, it makes it easier for us to talk." (More at Northwest Herald)

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Peterson Tops NCAA Football '07 Ratings: If there was ever a doubt of Adrian Peterson's dominance, check the ratings of NCAA Football 07. Peterson is a 98 overall, a full four points higher than the second best back. There's a name for players like this.... Heisman. Here's a few Peterson specs, speed 93, strength 80, acceleration 96 (Full Specs at IGN.com) EA Sport's NCAA Football 2007 hits store shelves July 18th.

2001 Intro Video Available: The OU Athletics Department is releasing one intro video from past football seasons each week throughout the summer. To download every one of the 15 videos from the 2000-2005 seasons, subscribe to the official OU Athletics podcast. This week, the first of the 2001 season intro videos is available. These videos welcomed the Sooners to Owen Field and back to the nation's elite after the Sooners earned the program's seventh national title in 2000. (SoonerSports.com)

Note to Internet Users, Take a Stance: From Google CEO, Eric Schmidt:

The Internet as we know it is facing a serious threat. There's a debate heating up in Washington, DC on something called "net neutrality" -- and it's a debate that's so important Google is asking you to get involved. We're asking you to take action to protect Internet freedom.

In the next few days, the House of Representatives is going to vote on a bill that would fundamentally alter the Internet. That bill, and one that may come up for a key vote in the Senate in the next few weeks, would give the big phone and cable companies the power to pick and choose what you will be able to see and do on the Internet.

Today the Internet is an information highway where anybody -- no matter how large or small, how traditional or unconventional -- has equal access. But the phone and cable monopolies, who control almost all Internet access, want the power to choose who gets access to high-speed lanes and whose content gets seen first and fastest. They want to build a two-tiered system and block the on-ramps for those who can't pay. Creativity, innovation and a free and open marketplace are all at stake in this fight. Please call your representative (202-224-3121) and let your voice be heard.

Thanks for your time, your concern and your support.

Eric Schmidt

Sign the online petitions at ItsOurNet and SaveTheInternet.com for Internet freedom.. More Information..

Send your Representative an e-mail today!

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Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Fleming commits to Oklahoma: Arlington Seguin cornerback Jamell Fleming has committed to sign a letter of intent with Oklahoma next February. The speedy Flemming's stock rose dramatically after the NIKE Training Camp at Texas A&M in April. (See dallasblog.com report from April 24 below). Flemming (5-10, 190) has family from McAlester, Okla. and was named after former Oklahoma quarterback Jamelle Holieway Flemmings commitment is the Sooners' first from Texas after the Longhorns jumped out with 19 commitments by April. OU's next commitment may come from San Antonio Lee SS/LB Travis Lee, who has listed the Sooners as his first choice. (DallasBlog.coom)

In football, league has gone South: Kansas City Star

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Oklahoma Sooners Football Articles and Notes

Sooner/Bear Connection? It seems that the Bears have taken a liking to Oklahoma players. Being a Sooners fan I love seeing Tommie Harris, Mark Bradley, Dusty Dvoracek and J.D. Runnels on the team. Is there a connection between someone with the Bears and the Sooners? A: There's no direct connection between the Bears and Oklahoma as far as I know. But general manager Jerry Angelo believes in focusing on prospects at elite Division I schools and Oklahoma has been one of the most successful big-time programs in the country in recent years. (More and other ChalkTalk at ChicagoBears.com)

Bomar given 6 months probation: OUDaily.com

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