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Oklahoma defeats Stanford, 31-27: After a possession-trading second half that saw Oklahoma fight back from a 24-17 deficit to take a 31-27 lead, the Sooners finally closed the door on Stanford with their defense, and emerged with a victory in the 76th annual Brut Sun Bowl on Thursday. A missed 37-yard Oklahoma field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter gave the Cardinal the ball at their own 20-yard line with one more chance to erase Oklahoma's four-point lead. But the Sooner defense pressured quarterback Tavita Pritchard and forced an incomplete pass on fourth-and-2 from the Stanford 28-yard line with just over two minutes remaining. (El Paso Times - Stats)

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Jackson, Carter both questionable for Sun Bowl: The Oklahoma Sooners could be without two of their starting defensive backs for today’s Sun Bowl against Stanford. Cornerback Brian Jackson suffered a concussion this week in practice and is doubtful to play, while free safety Quinton Carter is ill. (The Oklahoman) UPDATE: CB Brian Jackson (concussion), S Quinton Carter (illness) are both dressed and doing warm ups.

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Stoops: Ex-assistants dismissals disappointing: Tulsa World

Running battle: OU D vs. Gerhart: Tulsa World

El Paso may not provide road remedy for OU: Tulsa World

SUN BOWL NOTES: WATCH WHERE YOU KICK IT: The Norman Transcript

Game Day: Sooners looking for something to build on: The Norman Transcript

Stoops surprised to hear of Leach's firing: The Norman Transcript

College Football: Sooners, Cardinal are set to meet today in Sun Bowl: The Oklahoman

Stanford football notes: Luck could spell Pritchard in Sun Bowl: San Jose Mercury News

Cardinal, Sooners set to heat up Sun Bowl: San Jose Mercury News

Stanford scores on a reverse: Changes in approach led to turnaround on the field: San Jose Mercury News

The Sun Bowl at a glance: San Jose Mercury News

Sun Bowl play expected to be rough-and-tumble: Las Cruces Sun-News

Brut Sun Bowl: Oklahoma Vs. Stanford: Bleacher Report

Getting ready for the Sun Bowl: Juárez aside, El Paso's 'been great': El Paso Times

Sun Bowl official optimistic CBS will extend contract: El Paso Times

Sun Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Stanford: AthlonSports.com

UPDATED

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Former Sooner, pro wrestler Steve 'Dr Death' Williams passes away: Steve "Dr. Death" Williams, a flamboyant University of Oklahoma player and wrestler who became a professional wrestling star, has died. Williams, 49, died Tuesday after a battle with throat cancer. He was an All-Big Eight offensive guard for OU coach Barry Switzer and a All-American heavyweight wrestler for Sooner coach Stan Abel. He took the Dr. Death persona and carved a 20-year career as a professional wrestler, first in the U.S. and then overseas. Williams attended OU from 1978-82. (The Oklahoman)

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Andrew Luck 'very doubtful' for Sun Bowl: Quarterback Andrew Luck didn't practice Tuesday, a day after having surgical pins removed from his right index finger. He still had a protective bandage on the finger as the team worked out in chilly weather on a high school field. It's "very doubtful" that he'll play at all in Thursday's Sun Bowl, according to Stanford offensive coordinator David Shaw. No. 2 man Tavita Pritchard will start and probably play the whole game. (SF Chronicle)

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Snow melts in El Paso; Sooners practice outside: The Oklahoman

Sun Bowl: Stanford's Toby Gerhart is the real deal: The Oklahoman

OU football notebook: Stanford QB Andrew Luck 'doubtful' for Sun Bowl: The Oklahoman

Report: Cam Newton decision delayed: The Oklahoman

Wilson says team hasn't lost its 'mojo': OUDaily.com

Coaching in blood of Stoops, Harbaugh: Tulsa World

Big trouble in the Big 12: Tulsa World

OU offensive line about perseverance: The Norman Transcript

Winter weather finds Sooners in El Paso: The Norman Transcript

Watch Oklahoma Sooners' Attitude Against Stanford Cardinal in Sun Bowl: The Bleacher Report

Stanford prepares for the upcoming Sun Bowl: abc7news.com

Stanford Center Chase Beeler saw Red: San Jose Mercury News

Sun Bowl Fans Tour El Paso In Frigid Temperatures: KFOX El Paso

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Cam Newton expected to pick between Auburn or Mississippi State: The top junior college prospect in the nation--QB Cam Newton--is expected to announce his school decision on Thursday. As a December junior college graduate, he will also sign a letter of intent and will immediately enroll in classes at his chosen school, ESPN.com reported Monday. The Blinn College (Brenham, Texas) quarterback is expected to pick either Auburn or Mississippi State. (Sporting News)

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Florida's domino effect nips OU: Tulsa World

Branching out: Tulsa World

Stoops says reason for OU bowl losses is clear: Tulsa World

Oklahoma football notebook: Report says JUCO QB Cam Newton no longer considering Sooners: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma has coaches with Sun Bowl success: The Oklahoman

Former Michigan Wolverine Jim Harbaugh coaches Stanford like Bo Schembechler: The Oklahoman

Berry Tramel: College coaches pay a hefty price: The Oklahoman

Slowing Gerhart will be key to Sooners' success: OUDaily.com

Granger might be in: The Norman Transcript

Power struggle: The Norman Transcript

A start to remember for Stanford's Tavita Pritchard: San Jose Mercury News

College Football Bowl Preview: Sun Bowl: Bleacher Report

Sooners look to end bowl slide: San Francisco Chronicle

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DeMarcus Granger to attempt to play in Sun Bowl: Senior defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger, who has missed the entire season recovering from back surgery, has resumed practicing with the team and is hoping to play in Thursday's Sun Bowl. "He's going to try and give it a shot," said defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. "That man never gives up." Granger, a former All-Big 12 player, underwent back surgery last December a few weeks before the BCS National Championship. After an extensive off-season rehabilitation, he practiced with the team during the preseason and had hopes of working his way back into rotation. (The Oklahoman)

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This week in sports history: The Oklahoman

Tress Way puts Sooners way ahead in punting game: The Oklahoman

John Rohde: John Elway ruled on Owen Field in 1980: The Oklahoman

What to do when your blood's red and orange: Tulsa World

A decade full of glory and gloom: Tulsa World

Broyles a bright spot for Sooners: Tulsa World

Hampton is living the dream: Tulsa World

Bowl bound: The Norman Transcript

Stoops, Sooners avoid potential distraction: Dallas Morning News

Stanford Cardinal, Oklahoma Sooners battle in Brut Sun Bowl: SI.com

Meyer's announcement keeps Stoops at OU: ESPN.com

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Landry Jones on Trent Williams: He's doing well: One of the keys for Oklahoma in the Sun Bowl will be how Trent Williams adjusts to snapping the ball from center. So far, so good, said freshman quarterback Landry Jones. "He's actually doing really well," Jones said. "I'm actually surprised how well he's done. Usually it takes a guy a couple days to get the snaps down. But first day, he came in popping those snaps up great." (The Oklahoman)

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Collected Wisdom with former Oklahoma and Stanford running back Glyn Milburn: The Oklahoman

Stanford was a better fit for ex-Sooner Chase Beeler: The Oklahoman

Defensive back Julian Wilson helps Southmoore live up to hype: The Oklahoman

Bob Stoops has done well against Pac-10 teams: The Oklahoman

Broyles a bright spot for Sooners: Tulsa World

Team pride: The Norman Transcript

Saying goodbye to the '09 season: The Norman Transcript

Welcome to Sun Bowl city: Teams get taste of El Paso hospitality: El Paso Times

Sooners welcomed to Sun City: El Paso Times

Sooners arrive in El Paso today, prepare for Stanford, Gerhart: Examiner.com

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Florida coach Urban Meyer resigns; Stoops among the candidates: Urban Meyer said in a telephone interview late Saturday that the hospital trip prompted weeks of soul searching that ended on Christmas night, when he told his family he would be leaving his job at Florida. He said that his 18-year-old daughter, Nicki, hugged him and said, "I get my daddy back." Meyer led the Gators to two of the past three national titles and posted a career record of 95-18, including a 56-10 mark at Florida entering the Sugar Bowl. The news sent shockwaves through the sport and raised a fascinating question: Who will replace Meyer in what some consider the best job in college football? The two top candidates will be Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops and Mullen. Both are former Florida assistant coaches: Stoops was the defensive coordinator during Steve Spurrier’s tenure, and Mullen left after last season to take over at Mississippi State. (More at NY Times) UPDATE: Oklahoma fans can rest a little bit easier after Florida coach Urban Meyer was offered and accepted an indefinite leave of absence to reclaim his old job. (ESPN.com)

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Sun Bowl tickets still available:Despite tickets no longer being available in El Paso, fans of the Oklahoma Sooners can still get tickets in the OU sections directly from the University of Oklahoma Athletic Department. The tickets are available by going to soonersports.com or calling the OU Athletics Ticket Office at (405) 325?2424 or toll-free at (800) 456?GoOU. The ticket office is closed December 24th through 28th, but will be open noon to 4 p.m. on both the 29th and 30th. Tickets have to be picked up at the Will Call location at the north end of Sun Bowl Stadium on game day in El Paso. The OU will call will open at 9 a.m. Mountain Time and will continue operating until halftime. The ticket holder on record must pick up the tickets and provide a photo ID.(PR)

OU's Eric Mensik gets crash course in workings of offensive line: The Oklahoman

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Ryan Reynolds loses NCAA medical hardship appeal: Coach Bob Stoops confirmed Monday that senior middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds has lost his appeal to the NCAA for a hardship waiver that would have given him an extra year of eligibility because of injuries. Instead, Reynolds, who overcame three major knee injuries while in college, will play his final game as a Sooner in the Sun Bowl. Reynolds missed OU’s regular-season finale against Oklahoma State with a strained hamstring. Stoops, however, said Reynolds has been practicing and should be fine for the bowl game. (The Oklahoman)

Year in review: Tulsa World

Another Stoops bowl: 2010 game will pit Bob vs. Mark: The Oklahoman

Sun Bowl to Oklahoman: Drop Dead: The Texas Tribune

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OL Jeff Vinson no longer with team, plans to transfer: Stoops announced junior offensive linemen Jeff Vinson has decided to transfer and is no longer with the team. Vinson, a junior college transfer, did not play this season. "He's had some injury and feels he has a better opportunity somewhere else to be able to handle his injury and still play," Stoops said. (Norman Transcript)

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Brian Lepak injured during practice: Ten days before Oklahoma faces Stanford in the Brut Sun Bowl, coach Bob Stoops said Monday that center Brian Lepak could miss the bowl game with a sprained knee, putting the Sooners in position to start a fourth player at center this season. "He just got rolled up. We were in our inside drill, and somebody -- we have knee braces on and all -- just rolled into him," Stoops said. "It's a sprain, unsure of the degree. We'll just have to see." (AP/ESPN.com)

Is center a jinxed position at Oklahoma this season?: ESPN.com

Stoops' wise Oklahoma proverbs: Tulsa World

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Oklahma coach Bob Stoops met with the media to preview the Sooners' upcoming bowl game against Stanford.

Part 1:


Part 2:


Part 3:


Bob Stoops...
On Trent Williams playing center:
"I don't know if it's fair to say it's easy. He has worked there through the year just for depth purposes. He is an excellent football player. I know it will give us a major presence wherever he is at, so hopefully it will work."

On Stanford player Chase Beeler:
"He's an excellent young man. He is a great student-athlete in that he does a great job with his academic work. He worked hard here, always had a good attitude coming to practice, technically was sound in how he played, he was still young for us, so he hadn’t fully matured yet but knew he would have a strong future."

On Landry making strides during bowl practices:
"He has done a nice job. He has come on. I feel he has done that through the year. In the end, the extra work with him and the receivers together have made some strides."

On defending Stanford running back Toby Gerhart:
"It isn't just defending Toby Gerhart, its defending the whole package. They do such a great job of moving their formations and their tight ends around, and trying to create seams in space. He has great patience and vision to wait for those seams, and then he has the power and quickness when he does see it to gain yards and break tackles. They do an excellent job. He, in particular, also does a great job running the ball with his size and strength, protecting his legs and gaining yards when they aren’t there."

On Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray's final game together:
"It has been really neat to see just the two of them palling around together. Not just the friendship they have, but how they work together, they push each other. They are genuinely excited to see the other do well. I think it's fair that between the two of them, they have really complemented each other really well. You look a year ago and they are 2,000 yard rushers. That doesn’t happen a lot and its pretty special."

More quotes at SoonerSports.com

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Three Oklahoma commitments to play in all-star games: OU fans will get a glimpse of the future, as oral commitments Blake Bell, Tony Jefferson and Justin McCay will participate in all-star games in the coming weeks. Bell will quarterback the White in the Under Armour All-American Game, which will be played Jan. 2 at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg, Fla., and televised by ESPN. Jefferson, a safety, who made his commitment to OU over the weekend, will star for the West in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which will be held Jan. 9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, and shown on NBC. McCay, a linebacker out of Shawnee, Kan., will also play for the West. (The Oklahoman)

Berry Tramel: Sun Bowl is a no-win situation for OU's Bob Stoops: The Oklahoman

McCoy looking forward to NFL: Tulsa World

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Chris Mortenson suggests Jerry Jones could be interested in Bob Stoops: ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen says Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops could receive a phone call from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones if the Cowboys part ways with current head coach Wade Phillips. On ESPN Radio, Mortensen said Jones would have Stoops in mind if he decides to fire Phillips, who is under fire despite coaching the Cowboys to a 30-13 record over the past three seasons. Mortensen is not saying Stoops would go if called. He says the interest would purely be on Jones' side at this point. (KTUL)

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Jefferson, Stills commits to OU: The University of Oklahoma has added two more elite high school football players from the region in La Costa Canyon wide receiver Kenny Stills Jr. and Eastlake safety Tony Jefferson. With Scripps Ranch running back Brennan Clay accepting a scholarship offer from the Sooners before the season started, the three players represent a stunning recruiting haul by the Big 12 Conference school. For a national program to nab three high-caliber athletes in one season from the San Diego area is virtually unheard of, especially a school like Oklahoma with no players from California on its current roster and only a handful west of Texas. "It's pretty weird the way it all worked out, and it doesn't happen very often," Jefferson said this week before he and Stills made an official announcement last night. "It's definitely going to be something that will go down in history. They don't really get guys from California. This is a huge step for them and for (San Diego football)." Stills said Oklahoma just felt right. "I came home and I was able to sit down and go through a few days without any stress," Stills said. "I was never really worried. I just let things come to me. Tony and I talked about it and thought it would be really cool to do this together." (San Deigo Union-Tribune)

Stills choose Oklahoma: North County Times

Sooners net 4-star recruits Tony Jefferson and Kenny Stills: The Oklahoman

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Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy announced today that he will forgo his senior year of football eligibility to enter the NFL Draft.

A two-time All-American and a consensus pick in 2009, McCoy will participate in graduation ceremonies tonight, then complete his degree in Human Relations with online courses this spring.

"I made the decision around mid-season when I knew that I would have enough credits to graduate," McCoy said. "Graduation was my main goal and once I knew I had that accomplished, I wanted to look at playing in the NFL.

"I loved my experience at OU and I'm going to miss it. I accomplished almost everything I wanted to get done here and it's been very positive with my teammates, the coaches, the fans, everyone."

OU Head Coach Bob Stoops praised McCoy and endorsed his decision to enter the draft.

"Gerald is a great example of how to be a student-athlete," said Stoops. "He came here, took care of his academic responsibilities, invested himself in the lives of others and had a great career on the field. I've never been associated with a young man who was any more impressive than Gerald.

"He is extremely mature, and that fact, along with what he has done academically, makes this decision to enter the draft a good one for him."

The announcement comes before McCoy's final game in a Sooner uniform, the 2009 Brut Sun Bowl versus Stanford on Dec. 31. He insists there are no distractions leading into that contest.

"I'm not worried about any of that right now," McCoy said. "We have a big game to win and for now I am a Sooner."

McCoy, from Oklahoma City, was USA Today's National Defensive Player of the Year after his senior season at Southeast High School. He then redshirted during his freshman season at OU, 2006.

He was Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the year and a freshman All-American by numerous outlets in 2007, while helping the Sooners to the Big 12 championship. He spearheaded another Big 12 championship in 2008 when he was cited as a first-team All-American by The Sporting News.

To date, McCoy has 80 career tackles, including 13.5 sacks and 32 tackles for loss. He also registered two fumbles caused, one fumble recovery, one interception and four pass deflections.

With 39 consecutive starts he has established a school record for defensive tackles.

McCoy's impact off the field matched what he accomplished in uniform. A frequent public speaker, he has participated with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the United Way and Meals on Wheels among others, while also speaking out against violence towards women and appearing in juvenile centers, with children's groups, elementary schools and area hospitals.

"You never know who needs to hear something from you that day; who needs some encouragement," McCoy said. "When you are a football player at Oklahoma, some people automatically look up to you. I always felt like it was my duty to do all of those things. God called me to that service."

McCoy hopes to do even more. His mother, Patricia, died before her son began his college career. It had been her dream to open a facility in Oklahoma City to receive those who had been evicted and needed a home.

"I want to help get one of those built in her name," he said. "I also want to be involved with a community center for kids. Children will be my main focus."

McCoy said that he will hire an agent after the bowl game and then begin training in earnest for the NFL Combine.(SoonerSports PR)

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Stanford QB Andrew Luck may still play despite broken finger: Injured Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck could start practicing a week before the Sun Bowl game Dec. 31 against Oklahoma. Luck, who started all 12 regular-season games, broke a finger last month against Notre Dame. "We'll figure out if there is a role he could play in the game," Cardinal coach Jim Harbaugh said Sunday. "He's not been ruled out, but we're not counting on it." (San Jose Mercury News)

An open letter to OU football fans: The Oklahoman

Berry Tramel: OU’s 1981 Sun Bowl heroes have regrets: The Oklahoman

Hometown still supports OU QB Landry Jones: The Oklahoman

Stanford's Beeler ready to face old teammates: San Francisco Chronicle

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Running back DeMarco Murray still considering foregoing senior year: Don't count on DeMarco Murray's return to Oklahoma just yet. The junior running back, who previously said he was "pretty sure" he would return for his senior season, said Wednesday he hadn’t made up his mind. "I feel like I've got to take the opportunity to at least think about it, not put a stamp on it and say I'm going to come back next year," said Murray, the Sooners' second-leading rusher and receiver heading into their Dec. 31 Sun Bowl game against Stanford. "I haven"t made any decisions yet. I’m still thinking about it. At the end of the day I’ve got to make the best decision for myself. "If I do want to come back, I've got to come back for the right reasons. I want to help this team win a national championship. But in the position I am, I think I at least need to take this shot and think about it and see where it goes after the bowl game." A month ago, Murray said: "I like it here. I don't want to end my career at OU with an 8-4 record or whatever, so I'm just trying to get better. And I just enjoy being here. I'm part of a great team here. I love the coaching staff. I love the camaraderie with my teammates." Monday after practice, he said: "Whenever I said that, I was just in the moment and felt I need to come back. But after talking to coaches and things like that, they agree with me that I need to look at both sides and figure out what I'm going to do." (More at Tulsa World)

Murray not decided yet: The Norman Transcript

Juarez violence sparks Sun Bowl fears for OU fans: The Oklahoman

Young Guns: Stanford, Oklahoma Lean on Freshman QBs To Reach Sun Bowl: Bleacher Report

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Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy picks up another All-American honor: The Sporting News slotted Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy next to Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh as first-team defensive tackles on their 2009 All-America team Tuesday. It's McCoy's third All-America honor for the 2009 season after earlier being named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation and Football Writers Association of America teams. McCoy is the 37th Sooner player to earn All-America honors in more than one season. He was named to All-America teams by The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated after the 2008 season. (SoonerSports PR)

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Jameel Owens plans to seek hardship: Jameel Owens' college football path looks like it is returning to northeastern Oklahoma. Owens told the Muskogee Phoenix on Tuesday that he has been granted his release after two years at Oklahoma. He plans to enroll at Tulsa. Owens didn't return text messages or calls from the Tulsa World. Owens caught four passes for 44 yards in limited action as a true freshman. His 2009 season was a redshirt year, but included a one-game suspension for missing practices and meetings. Later, he was placed on the scout team. "I've got to do what's right for me," Owens told his hometown newspaper. "It wasn't working out like it should for me this was a move I needed to make." (Tulsa World)

A town's hero: Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Landry Jones: El Paso Times

Trading places...With OU's Jeremy Beal: The Oklahoman

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OU's Trent Williams Named an All-American by the Associated Press: Oklahoma offensive tackle Trent Williams earned first-team All-America honors from the Associated Press on Tuesday. The AP honor marks the third All-American team for Williams for the 2009 season. The senior from Longview, Texas, had earlier been named to the American Football Coaches Association and Walter Camp Football Foundation teams. Williams missed the regular season finale 27-0 victory over Oklahoma State with an injury, but still led OU this year with 885 plays and 102 knockdown blocks. He has been a three-year starter for the Sooners. This marks the sixth time in the past seven seasons that an OU offensive lineman has earned All-America status (Trent Williams, 2009; Duke Robinson, 2008; Duke Robinson, 2007; Jammal Brown, 2004; Vince Carter, 2004; Jammal Brown, 2003). (SoonerSports PR)

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Cam Newton visits OU: Quarterback Cam Newton, who was once the heir-apparent to Tim Tebow at Florida, visited Norman over the weekend. He is strongly considering OU after leading Blinn College (Texas) to the National Junior College Athletic Association championship. The 6-foot-6, 248-pound Newton is rated the No. 1 junior-college player in the country by Rivals. Coming out of high school in 2007, Newton was among the top quarterback prospects in the country. Early on, he was pegged as Tebow’s eventual replacement and won the backup job as a true freshman. (The Oklahoman)

OU recruits discuss future playing careers in Norman: The Oklahoman

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Jameel Owens likely to transfer after semester: OU wide receiver Jameel Owens is expected to transfer after the semester. The former Muskogee standout came to OU with much fanfare. But after playing some as a true freshman, Owens fell out of favor with the coaching staff and eventually was demoted to the scout team this season. (The Oklahoman)

OU insider: Job-seeking assistants might have to wait: The Oklahoman

OU's perception at stake in El Paso: Tulsa World

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McCoway named an All-American by FWAA: For the second time this week, Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was named an All-American, this time by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). On Thursday, McCoy was named to the Walter Camp Foundation All-American team. The junior from Oklahoma City is the 37th Sooner player to earn All-America honors in more than one season. He was named to All-America teams by The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated after the 2008 season. McCoy was the target of frequent double-team blocking schemes during the 2009 season but still tallied 31 tackles, including 14.5 for losses. He also registered five sacks and a team-high 10 quarterback hurries. (SoonerSports PR)

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Recruit Blake Bell not expected to enroll early at OU: Blake Bell will not enroll early at OU, according to Bell’s coach, Alan Schuckman, of Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita, Kan. Bell will enroll for the 2010 fall semester. Bell did not return messages left by The Oklahoman. (The Oklahoman)

One of a kind: Toby Gerhart succeeds at a position white players don't play at as much anymore: The Oklahoman

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Oklahoma linebacker Gus Jones to transfer: Oklahoma is losing freshman linebacker Gus Jones from Wagoner, who says he's leaving the Sooners' football program. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables says Jones plans to transfer at the end of the semester. Jones signed with the Sooners after helping lead Wagoner to the second round of the 2008 Class 4A playoffs before losing to eventual champion Glenpool. (KTUL)

A long dry spell at OU, OSU: The Oklahoman

Friday Face-off: Yes, OU will prevail over Stanford in the 2009 Brut Sun Bowl: OUDaily.com

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Oklahoma's total number of football All-Americans moved up to 150 when it was announced that Gerald McCoy and Trent Williams appeared on the 120th Walter Camp Foundation team released Thursday night. Williams, an offensive tackle, had been named an All-American earlier this month as part of the American Football Coaches Association team. He is now joined by McCoy, the school's 150th All-America selection. Both were named to the first team. McCoy also became the 37th Sooner player to earn All-America honors in more than one season. He was named to All-America teams by The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated after the 2008 season. The junior defensive tackle from Oklahoma City, was the target of frequent double-team blocking schemes during the 2009 season, but still tallied 31 tackles, including 14.5 for losses. He also registered five sacks and a team-high 10 quarterback hurries. McCoy broke up two passes, forced one fumble and recovered one fumble. During the season he broke the school record for most consecutive starts by a defensive lineman. That total now stands at 38. The Walter Camp All-America team is selected by the head coaches and sports information directors of the 120 Football Bowl Subdivision schools and certified by UHY Advisors, a New Haven, Conn.--based accounting firm. (SoonerSports PR)

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OU's Dominique Franks to return in 2010: Oklahoma cornerback Dominique Franks said Wednesday he will not explore an early departure to the NFL. The Union product said he had submitted the paperwork to the NFL's underclassmen advisory committee "just to get a grade" but said he would play at OU in 2010 even if it returned a projected grade of first round. "I'm not worried about it at all," Franks said. "I'm coming back." (Tulsa World)

OU junior cornerback Dominique Franks to return for senior season: The Oklahoman

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Stanford's Luck breaks index finger on throwing hand: Quarterback Andrew Luck, a redshirt freshman who guided the Stanford offense to one of the best seasons in school history, probably won't play in the Sun Bowl because of a broken index finger on his throwing hand. (SF Chronicle)

Sooners' approach to bowl: Sunny: MuskogeePhoenix.com

OU players: Sun Bowl another opportunity for a win: Dallas Morning News

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Adrian Taylor plans to return for senior season: Defensive tackle Adrian Taylor says he'll return to Oklahoma next season instead of entering the NFL draft. Taylor told The Associated Press on Sunday that he and his father discussed his future after the end of the regular season and decided he should come back for a fifth year at Oklahoma. (AP/SI.com)
 
Long drive contest: OU football fans going to El Paso: The Oklahoman


OU Insider: Sun Bowl collision coming: The Oklahoman

More Sun Bowl information: The Oklahoman

Quiet contender: Tulsa World

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Stoops is hopeful to get injured trio back for Sun Bowl: Coach Bob Stoops is hopeful that left tackle Trent Williams (concussion), middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds (hamstring) and wide receiver Brandon Caleb (knee) will all be able to return for OU's bowl game. Williams and Reynolds both missed the Sooners' 27-0 win against Oklahoma State, while Caleb suffered a hyperextended knee just before halftime. Caleb had also been dealing with a sprained ankle. (The Oklahoman)

Stanford will face Oklahoma in Sun Bowl: ESPN.com

OU, Stanford to Sun Bowl: Tulsa World

Sooners, Stanford headed to El Paso for Sun Bowl: The Norman Transcript

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The University of Oklahoma and Stanford University have both accepted invitations to play in the 76th annual Brut Sun Bowl , announced Sun Bowl Association football committee chairman John H. Folmer. The game will pit the Sooners and the No. 19 Cardinal on Thursday, Dec. 31 at noon (MT) at Sun Bowl Stadium.

"We are excited to invite Stanford University, which has one of the hottest head coaches in the nation in Jim Harbaugh and one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy in Toby Gerhart," said Folmer. "On the other side, how can you ever go wrong with Oklahoma? Everybody in college football would die for an opportunity to have a dynamic head coach like Bob Stoops and Oklahoma play in their bowl game.


Stanford (8-4, 6-3 Pac-10) finished tied for second in the Pac-10 Conference and is the only school to beat league champion Oregon. This is Stanford's third appearance in El Paso, after winning the 1977 and 1996 Sun Bowls.

"Our players, coaches and staff are truly honored to accept the Sun Bowl Committee's invitation," said Harbaugh. "Stanford football is privileged to join the proud tradition of the Sun Bowl and the wonderful people of El Paso. We move forward with humble hearts, unwavering focus and relentless preparation."

Oklahoma (7-5, 5-3 Big 12) finished tied for third in the Big 12 Conference South Division after upending intrastate rival Oklahoma State, 27-0, in the annual Bedlam Game. This is Oklahoma's third appearance in the Sun Bowl, after winning the 1981 and 1993 Sun Bowls.

"We appreciate the invitation from the Brut Sun Bowl and are anxious to make the trip to El Paso. We look forward to a number of our fans being there as well," said Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops. "In Stanford we are facing a fine program. Like many others, we have been impressed by the job Coach Harbaugh and his team have done this season and we understand the quality of the opponent we'll be facing."

The 2009 Brut Sun Bowl will mark the fifth time these two teams have meet, but the first time in 25 years. Oklahoma holds a 3-1 lead in the all-time series that spanned from 1978 to 1984.

"We are excited about the matchup and what it means to El Paso," said Bernie Olivas, executive director of the Sun Bowl Association. "Stanford has really caught the nation's attention and Oklahoma is one the nation's premier programs. This should make for an exciting matchup."

Stanford is led by senior running back Toby Gerhart, who leads the nation in total rushing yards with 1,736 yards and scoring with 26 rushing touchdowns. Gerhart is the ninth national rushing yardage leader to participate in the Brut Sun Bowl. Others include LaDainian Tomlinson (TCU), Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State), Tony Dorsett (Pittsburgh), Bob Gaiters (New Mexico State), Pervis Atkins (New Mexico State), Jim Crawford (Wyoming), Fred Wendt (UTEP) and Rudy "Little Doc" Mobley (Hardin-Simmons).

Stanford's offense is averaging 441.4 yards per game, which ranks 13th nationally. The Cardinal offense is paced by freshman quarterback Andrew Luck, a native of Houston, who is averaging 244.1 yards per game of total offense. Luck's primary targets are Ryan Whalen and Chris Owusu.

"Stanford University is very proud to be representing the Pacific-10 Conference in the Brut Sun Bowl," said Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby. "This bowl has a rich tradition and I have personally enjoyed several visits to El Paso and the Sun Bowl. We are very excited to be participating in the game with Oklahoma. Coach Stoops and his staff do an exceptional job with their football program and we look forward to the competition. I want to offer my congratulations to Coach Harbaugh, his staff and our football team, especially our seniors, on completing an excellent season. They have all worked hard and are truly deserving of playing in this prestigious bowl game."

Oklahoma is led by freshman quarterback Landry Jones, a native of Artesia, N.M., who is averaging 244.5 yards per game of total offense. The Sooners rank 28th nationally in total offense, averaging 419.4 yards per game. Oklahoma is paced on the ground by the running back tandem of DeMarco Murray (61.6 yards per game) and Chris Brown (58.6 yards per game). Ryan Broyles paces the Sooner receiving corps with 87.6 yards per game, while racking up 142.3 all-purpose yards an outing.

The Sooner defense ranks seventh nationally in total defense (273.5 yards), scoring defense (13.5 points) and rushing defense (88.58). Linebacker Travis Lewis has anchored the defense this year with 100 tackles, while Jeremy Beal has 11 sacks and 18 tackles for a loss this season.

"The Sun Bowl is a game rich in tradition and we appreciate the opportunity to play there. It is known for its first-class treatment of fans and teams. The renovated Sun Bowl Stadium is a scenic place to watch. The setting is picturesque and something our fans will enjoy," said Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione. "Stanford had an outstanding season and we appreciate the quality of their program."

Stanford will be making its 22nd bowl appearance and its first since 2001. The Cardinal are 9-10-1 (.452) in bowl games. This is Oklahoma's 43rd overall bowl appearance and 11th straight under Stoops. The Sooners are 24-17-1 (.600) in bowl games.

The 76th Annual Brut Sun Bowl is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 31 at noon (MST). CBS Sports will broadcast the game for the 42nd consecutive year, which is the longest running partnership between a network and a bowl game. Ticket prices for the game are $15, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $60. (SoonerSports PR)

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For the third time, Bob Stoops turns Notre Dame down: The Notre Dame coaching search is less than a week old and on a serpentine path requiring motion-sickness medication to follow. Just Saturday, Bob Stoops left the running for the third time, Brian Kelly said he would entertain overtures before not entertaining questions and everyone wondered when the dust storm would settle. Despite a published report that a coaching announcement could come as early as Sunday, a source with knowledge of the situation told the Tribune that timetable was inaccurate. The process, however, should conclude by the end of this week. (Chicago Tribune)

Stoops again refutes interest in Notre Dame: ESPN.com

Notre Dame football: Erase Stoops from Irish coaching list: WSBT.com

OU seems likely to play in Sun Bowl against Stanford: The Oklahoman

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Switzer to coach flag football game in Iraq: Barry Switzer and Tommy Bowden are heading back to sidelines, but in Iraq instead of the U.S. Switzer, who led Oklahoma to an NCAA championship and the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl title, will lead a flag-football team made up of former college stars and military personnel in a game against a similar squad led by former Clemson coach Bowden. The Salute to The Troops is being staged by the USO. Switzer, an Arkansas native leaves Dec. 27 for Kuwait City. "American soldiers, they love college football," Switzer said. "We're taking a bowl game to them." The game is to be played at a U.S. base on a date still unannounced. The time and location are being kept secret for security purposes. Highlights of the game are to be shown on television during halftime of the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 4. (AP)

Barry Switzer to coach in Iraq: The Oklahoman

OU's presence still felt in title game: Tulsa World

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Sooners' lineman Trent Williams named AFCA All-American: Offensive tackle Trent Williams has become Oklahoma's 149th football All-American. He achieved that honor today when he was named to the American Football Coaches' Association 2009 All-America Team. The Longview, Texas, native led Oklahoma this season with 102 knockdown blocks and 885 plays despite missing the regular season finale due to injury. Despite a rash of injuries that claimed two All-Americans for the season, OU's offense still ranked among the top 30 nationally in passing, total yards and scoring. QB Landry Jones led all freshman quarterbacks with 23 touchdown passes, partly because the Sooners allowed just 1.25 sacks per game. Williams, a senior, was the lone holdover from the 2008 offensive line that became the first in the modern era of college football to block for an offense that scored more than 700 points in one season (716) and tallied 60 or more points in five consecutive games. This marks the fifth time in the last six seasons that an Oklahoma offensive lineman has achieved All-America status. Oklahoma began playing football in 1895. With 149 All-Americans over that 115-year period, much of which did not include the selection of All-America teams, the program has averaged more than one per year. (SoonerSports PR)

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OU's Beal among seven finalist for Hendricks Award: Oklahoma defensive end Jeremy Beal has been named one of seven finalists for this year's Hendricks Award. The honor is presented annually to the nation's top defensive end. The list of seven was pared down from 25. Beal is the second Sooner to be named an award finalist in 2009. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is one of four finalists for the Rotary Lombardi Award. Beal, a junior from Carrollton, TX, leads the Sooners in sacks (11) for the second straight season. He finished the regular season with 65 tackles, 18 for loss and an interception. His sack total ties for 4th-best in Oklahoma history and his tackles for loss total ranks 11th. Nationally, Beal ranks T-10th in sacks and T-12th in tackles for loss. His highlight game this season came against Texas, when he recorded 12 tackles. Also during the campaign, he became the first player in OU history to record three sacks in back-to-back games (Tulsa, Miami). The final vote for this year's Hendricks Award will be concluded Dec. 8, with the winner announced the following day. (SoonerSports PR)

Related:
Previous OU Football Award Winners

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18 total Sooners named first, second or honorable mention All-Big 12: A total of 18 Oklahoma players, including four first-team selections, were named to the All-Big 12 Football Team that was announced today. The team was chosen by the league's coaches. "The number of players recognized is probably the thing that pleases me the most," said OU Head Coach Bob Stoops. "We had some adversity this year, but our players never lost sight of the need for individual excellence and accountability, and how those things contribute to a strong team atmosphere." Offensive tackle Trent Williams, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, linebacker Travis Lewis and cornerback Dominique Franks all made the first team. Both Williams and McCoy are repeat first-team selections. They become the 81st and 82nd Sooner players to earn all-league honors in two seasons.Second team selections from OU included running back DeMarco Murray, receiver Ryan Broyles, offensive lineman Brody Eldridge, defensive end Jeremy Beal, safety Quinton Carter, cornerback Brian Jackson and punter Tress Way. Oklahoma's honorable mention picks were running back Chris Brown, Broyles as a return specialist, linebacker Keenan Clayton, defensive end Auston English, defensive back Jonathan Nelson, linebacker Ryan Reynolds and defensive tackle Adrian Taylor. Several Sooners also received honorable mention for the league's individual awards. Those players included Jeremy Beal for defensive player of the year, Landry Jones as freshman offensive player of the year, Gerald McCoy as both defensive lineman and defensive player of the year and Trent Williams as offensive lineman of the year. With the addition of four this season, Oklahoma currently stands at 443 first-team all-conference players over its 95 years of league memberships (4.7 per year). OU's first season of affiliation was in 1915 as a member of the Southwest Conference. (SoonerSports PR)

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Sooner fans take a sigh of breath, a deep sigh. Bob Stoops will remain University of Oklahoma's football coach.

After rampant rumors of him taking over Notre Dame's head coaching position, Stoops, Oklahoma head coach, publicly addressed the rumors of him becoming Notre Dame's next coach on Monday.

And, Stoops re-affirmed his commitment to the Sooners.

"I'm going to be at Oklahoma next year," Stoops said. "If Joe (Castiglione) will have me and President (David) Boren, that's what I intend to do."

And Stoops, wasn't done. After an on-air report by ESPN's Adam Schefter, saying "Notre Dame is interested in Bob Stoops and the interest is mutual." Bob Stoops quickly shot down that report, "I stand by the comments that I made earlier today. I will be at Oklahoma. Any reporting to the contrary is completely unfounded," Stoops said in a statement.

Sources close to both Stoops and the University of Oklahoma confirmed to GNEXTINC.com his intentions to stay with Oklahoma.

One source close to Bob Stoops confirmed to GNEXTINC.com, negotiations between Stoops and Notre Dame broke off after word of talks leaked publicly. Another source, close to University of Oklahoma, said Stoops assured the University he'd remain Oklahoma's coach.

According to both sources, Stoops and ND talks were held through third parties and never really matured.

Stoops, who grew up as a Midwestern Catholic in Youngstown, Ohio, has long been rumored to Notre Dame's job, even, before Charlie Weis' hiring in 2004.

However, Stoops has turned down numerous jobs, since then, including New York Giants, Alabama Crimson Tide and Florida Gators.

But this time the Irish came strong and fully loaded with millions to offer Stoops and desperate for wins. Notre Dame's faithful and school officials had Stoops atop their wish list and fully willing to offer the house. Though aggressively pursued, Stoops rejected Notre Dame, again.

The Irish will likely turn their head coaching search to TCU's Gary Patterson, Stanford's Jim Harbaugh or Cincinatti's Brian Kelly.

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