September 28, 2013

Jay Norvell: Game Against Notre Dame is "Special"

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Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops has bristled at the notion that Saturday's game in South Bend, Ind., is more important than any other game on the Sooners' 2013 schedule. His brother and defensive coordinator, Mike Stoops, repeated the claim Monday after practice.

Apparently, Bob Stoops didn't get his talking points passed out to everyone in the Switzer Center, though. Senior center Gabe Ikard said the Notre Dame contest will be a pivotal one for this team and “could point our season in one direction or the other.”

Oklahoma's Defensive Line Hopes to Set the "Tone"

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Running back Lache Seastrunk #25 of the Baylor Bears runs around defensive end Chuka Ndulue #98 of the Oklahoma Sooners November 10, 2012 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Baylor 42-34.
Junior defensive lineman Chuka Ndulue said his unit's goal is to always “set the tone for the rest of the team.”

“Every game, every practice, every whatever we do as a D-line … It starts with us up front,” Ndulue said. “If we can't stop the run or get after the quarterback it's going to be a long day for us.”

QB Trevor Knight Is Prepared To Go

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Quarterback Trevor Knight and defensive end Michael Onuoha are now fully participating in practice, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops confirmed.

Knight, a redshirt freshman, started the Sooners' first two games of the season, wins over Louisiana-Monroe and West Virginia. But junior Blake Bell replaced Knight in the fourth quarter of the second game after a knee injury and some inconsistent passing.

September 20, 2013

September 19, 2013

Tennis: Four Sooners Ranked in Preseason Poll

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Four Sooners appeared in the International Tennis Association’s (ITA) Men’s Collegiate Preseason Rankings.

Guillermo Alcorta led three Sooners in the singles ranking at No. 36. Joining the senior were junior Dane Webb and Axel Alvarez Llamas, Nos. 44 and 85, respectively.

OU Wrestling Celebrates Alumni Weekend

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The University of Oklahoma wrestling program held its annual Wrestling Reunion weekend Sept. 6-7, and generations of Sooner wrestlers congregated in Norman to partake in the event, which included a golf tournament, dinner and tailgate.

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The event started with the Sooner Wrestling Golf Classic Friday afternoon at the Westwood Park Golf Course in Norman. The tournament featured a four-person scramble, shotgun start with prizes awarded to first, second and third place finishers.

Following the golf outing, event attendees made their way to the Chesapeake Energy Stadium Club in Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium for dinner.

Former Oklahoma Wrestler Matt Grice in Critical Condition After Auto Accident

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Former Oklahoma wrestler Matt Grice is in critical condition following a Sept. 8 multicar accident in Shawnee, Okla., in which a car rear-ended him at a red light.

While Grice has not woken up since the accident, he is now breathing on his own and responding to verbal cues. There is also movement in his arms and legs.

OU Baseball Adds 14 for 2014

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The Oklahoma Sooner Baseball team is welcoming 14 new faces this season. First year head coach Pete Hughes is excited about the influx of new talent.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this year’s newcomers,” said Hughes. “I am extremely happy with the depth and the overall talent of this class. We certainly expect several of our newcomers to be major contributors in the 2014 season.”

OU Softball Returns to the Field for Fall Practice

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A little over three months have passed since the Oklahoma softball team shut out Tennessee, 4-0, in game two of the Women’s College World Series to capture the second national championship in program history and cap off one of the most dominant seasons in recent history.

While the Sooners had the summer to reflect on their accomplishments, the returning players were back out on the practice field Monday for their first fall practice. It’s the beginning of a journey for Oklahoma as it looks to become the first team to repeat as national champions since Arizona in 2006 and 2007.

Ryan Broyles Says He's 'Ready to Go'

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Ryan Broyles is nearly 10 months removed from surgery to repair a torn ACL, and has yet to dress for a game this season. But he's needed now more than ever with Patrick Edwards sidelined by an ankle injury.

"It's a big week," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. "Pat's banged up a little bit right now, and Ryan's stepped up his role in reps this week. We make that decision on Saturday nights, as far as who's going to be there. He's definitely closer, and if called upon, he's ready to play.

Corey Nelson: Oklahoma Defense Lacked Leadership in 2012

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Quarterback Steele Jantz #2 of the Iowa State Cyclones gets spun around by his face mask during the first quarter by linebacker Corey Nelson #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners on November 3, 2012 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. Oklahoma lead Iowa State 14-6 at the half.
Photo Credit: Matthew Holst/Getty Images
Oklahoma’s defense came under fire late last season after giving up eye-popping point and yardage totals in games against Baylor, West Virginia, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M.

So far this season, the Sooner defense looks much improved. Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops has installed a base 3-3-5 scheme, and OU has looked more aggressive than it did last year.

Senior linebacker Corey Nelson said player are “more engaged” this year, and said last year’s struggles were largely a result of leadership.

Oklahoma Board of Regents Make Bob Stoops' Contract Extension Official

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The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents made Bob Stoops' contract extension official Wednesday, ratifying the new deal that OU originally announced July 25.

It is a longevity extension only. Stoops is now under contract through Dec. 31, 2020, a two-year extension from the previous agreement.

September 18, 2013

Adrian Peterson: Cleveland Is Probably More Upset About '07 Draft Than I Am

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Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was the seventh-overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, taken four spots after the Browns selected their left tackle of the future, Joe Thomas, one of the few bright spots on a Cleveland team that has averaged 4.6 wins a year from 2008-2012.

On Wednesday, Peterson, speaking with the media ahead of Sunday's Browns-Vikings game, was asked about the Browns passing him up to take Thomas.

Blake Bell Named Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week

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Junior quarterback Blake Bell started in the first game of his career on Saturday, and he definitely took advantage of the opportunity in OU’s 51-20 win over Tulsa.

The Wichita, Kan., native set a record for most passing yards for an OU quarterback in his first start, throwing for 413 yards, surpassing Sam Bradford’s previous mark of 363 yards vs. North Texas (9/1/07). Bell added four touchdowns on 27 of 37 passing (73.0 pct.) with four touchdowns and no interceptions in addition to rushing 10 times for 24 yards. For his efforts, Bell was named the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.

Oklahoma's Compliance Told Tony Jefferson He Can't Give Former Teammate Grand Theft Auto V

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Oklahoma senior defensive back Kass Everett faced a nasty dilemma early Tuesday morning. Grand Theft Auto V, widely hyped to be the video game of the century, released at midnight across the country. Everett, however, was without the necessary funds to buy it.

Former Sooner Tony Jefferson saw Everett’s hopeless plea, and offered to lend a hand… before realizing that may land Oklahoma in some trouble.

Volleyball: Sallie McLaurin Named National Player of the Week

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University of Oklahoma volleyball senior Sallie McLaurin was named the National Player of the Week by the American Volleyball Coaches Association for the week ending September 15.

McLaurin, a middle blocker from Midwest City, Okla., was previously honored as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week. She became the first student-athlete to be honored with the award for three consecutive weeks.

Oklahoma Football Unveils 2014 Non-Conference Slate

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The University of Oklahoma announced its non-conference football schedule for the 2014 season Wednesday. The Sooners’ out-of-conference slate for next year is highlighted by the first-ever visit by the University of Tennessee to Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Sept. 13.

The Oklahoma-Tennessee contest will mark the initial regular season contest between these two historic college football programs. The Sooners and Volunteers haven’t met since the 1968 Orange Bowl after playing their inaugural contest in the 1939 Orange Bowl, a game that marked the first of Oklahoma’s 45 bowl appearances. Oklahoma and Tennessee will meet again in 2015 when the Sooners travel to Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.

September 17, 2013

Volleyball: Sooners Outlast Hurricane in Five Sets

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The University of Oklahoma volleyball team claimed a 3-2 win at Tulsa on Tuesday night after winning the first two sets. The Sooners improved to 10-1 on the season, while the Golden Hurricane fell to 8-4.

Oklahoma raced out to a 5-0 lead in the first, but soon trailed 8-6, before claiming the set 25-18. The two teams played a close second set with neither side grabbing a lead better than three points until the Sooners went up 17-13; eventually winning, 25-20.

Tulsa battled back to win the third, 25-18, and led by as many as nine. The win for the Golden Hurricane snapped a streak of 14 consecutive sets won by Oklahoma. The Sooners last dropped set number two to No. 25 BYU at the Portland State Tournament on September 7. Tulsa went on to win a marathon fourth set, 31-29, to force the decisive fifth set.

Trevor Knight Congratulates Blake Bell

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Bob Stoops doesn’t give us too many peeks into his emotions or the inner workings of his ballteam. But he did Monday.

Stoops told the story that after Blake Bell’s press conference Saturday, Bell retreated to his locker, and Stoops witnessed a cool sight. Bell received a bear hug from Trevor Knight.

Blake Bell to Start at Quarterback Against Notre Dame

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Blake Bell #10 of the Oklahoma Sooners avoids the tackle of Ishaq Williams #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on his way to a touchdown at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2012 in Norman, Oklahoma.
Photo Credit: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops named Blake Bell his starting quarterback against Notre Dame immediately following the junior's virtuoso performance last weekend against Tulsa.

Bell did in three hours what it took Trevor Knight an entire offseason and preseason to do, though Stoops was careful Monday not to say the decision was written in stone for the rest of the season.

September 14, 2013

OU's Offense is Helping to Keep the Defense Off the Field

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Through two games, Oklahoma's offense has had the ball for nearly 2:30 per game more than it did last season. The Sooners have run the ball 30 more times through two games this season while throwing just five fewer times.

“It's a little different style than people are used to seeing from us,” Sooners coach Bob Stoops said.

J.C. Watts Was NEVER a Fan of Rushing QBs

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Former Oklahoma quarterback J.C. Watts recorded nearly four times as many rushing touchdowns as passing scores in Barry Switzer's wishbone offense decades ago.

But in today's game, Watts doesn't believe using quarterbacks that way is a good idea.

“In the wishbone offense, I don't know if you'd call it a ‘mobile' quarterback,” Watts said. “I think you'd actually call us ‘running' quarterbacks.”

September 12, 2013

September 10, 2013

Gabe Lynn Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

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Oklahoma senior safety Gabe Lynn was recognized as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in OU’s 16-7 win over West Virginia, the Conference announced Monday.

Lynn finished the game with three tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception. The Sooners’ defense has now allowed just seven points through two games, tying for fourth in the nation among FBS programs.

Trevor Knight Injured, Blake Bell to Start Against Tulsa

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Oklahoma quarterback Trevor Knight will miss at least one game with a knee injury, head coach Bob Stoops said Monday.

"Trevor does have a bruised knee," Stoops said during the weekly Big 12 teleconference. "He will in all likelihood be out for this week. Blake Bell will start."

September 9, 2013

September 7, 2013

Saunders: Big Plays Will Come

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Jalen Saunders #18 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs for a touchdown against Jason Verrett #2 of the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium on December 1, 2012 in Fort Worth, Texas. (November 30, 2012 - Source: R. Yeatts/Getty Images North America)
Oklahoma wide receiver Jalen Saunders said big plays will come, especially as OU continues to establish a strong running game to go along with the offensive changes.

“It is putting a lot of the corners on an island and forcing the safeties to play the run more,” Saunders said. “I think the offense is looking a lot better with the style that we switched up to. I'm real excited for it.”

Game Preview: Oklahoma vs West Virginia

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Game Preview - Oklahoma vs. West Virginia

Update: 9/7/2013
Will be updated multiply times daily leading up to kickoff
Looking for streaming video link to the game? It'll be posted on game day.

Join the OU vs WVU Live Chat!

Find a live stream of the OU vs WVU game.

Game: West Virginia University vs Oklahoma
Rankings: 
Date: Saturday, Sept 7, 2013
Kickoff Time: 6:07 p.m./ct
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Stadium: Oklahoma-Memorial Stadium
TV Network: FOX
Pre-Game: 
Halftime: Pride of Oklahoma and West Virginia
Series Record:
OU's Uniform Color: Crimson

Stadium 

Stadium: Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
Capacity: 82,112
Largest Crowd: 86,031 on October 27, 2012 (vs Notre Dame)
Field Surface: Grass
First Year: 1923
OU's Record at Stadium: 364-81-15 (2005-2011)
Most Consecutive Wins at Stadium: 39 (2005-2011)
Links: Items prohibited at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

Coaches

Oklahoma: Bob Stoops, 15th year, 150-37
WVU: 

Team Rosters

Oklahoma: Oklahoma Sooners Roster
WVU: 

Team Depth Charts

Oklahoma: Oklahoma Sooners Depth Chart
WVU: 

Media

Television Network: FOX
National TV: Not available in all-areas
Television Start Time: 6:00 p.m./ct
Pre-Game Start Time: 5:00 p.m./ct
Announcers: Gus Johnson, Charles Davis
Radio: Sooner Radio Network
Radio Announcers: Toby Rowland at play-by-play, Merv Johnson as analyst and Chris Plank on sideline
Links: 

Live Stream Link

Looking for a link for live stream? Check back 15 mins before kickoff.

Injury/Suspension Report

September 4, 2013

Defensive Tackle Jordan Phillips Shows Improvement

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Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said he could see sophomore defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, who was making his first start, getting more comfortable as the game went on Saturday.

“Jordan wasn't perfect in his technique but I thought he played a lot more aggressive throughout the course of the night and played with better velocity and speed,” Stoops said.

Coach Bob Stoops Takes A Shot At John Blake

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At his Monday afternoon press conference, Sooners coach Bob Stoops was asked about the importance of getting off to a quick start when you’re making drastic changes to the offense like what OU did Saturday.

Stoops answered the question, then was asked a follow-up about not throwing out all the changes because of some struggles.

September 3, 2013

Stoops: Chuka Ndulue Will Have to Earn His Way on the Field

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Cornerback Cortez Johnson and defensive tackle Chuka Ndulue were listed as starters but missed the first game due to breaking team rules in the offseason. Now, they’ll have to earn their spot back.

Ndulue is in a similar situation after Jordan Phillips, Charles Tapper and Geneo Grissom started in OU’s three-man front and played well, earning praise from Stoops for being disruptive. Ndulue can play defensive end or defensive tackle, which could make his road back onto the field a bit easier.

AP and Coaches Poll Rankings - Week 2

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USA Today Coaches Poll
Rank Team Record Votes Previous
1 Alabama (58) 1-0 1,545  1
2 Ohio State (3) 1-0 1,444  2
3 Oregon 1-0 1,420  3
4 Stanford 0-0 1,292  4
5 Clemson 1-0 1,275  8
6 South Carolina 1-0 1,220  7
7 Texas A&M (1) 1-0 1,181  6
8 Louisville 1-0 1,051  9
9 Florida 1-0 974 10
10 Florida State 1-0 946 12
11 LSU 1-0 926 13
12 Georgia 0-1 875 5
13 Notre Dame 1-0 840 11
14 Oklahoma State 1-0 798 14
15 Oklahoma 1-0 666 16
16 Texas 1-0 660 15
17 Michigan 1-0 623 17
18 UCLA 1-0 368 21
19 Nebraska 1-0 357 18
20 Northwestern 1-0 348 22
21 Wisconsin 1-0 301 23
22 USC 1-0 176 24
23 Washington 1-0 145 NR
24 Miami (FL) 1-0 140 NR
24 TCU 0-1 140 20



AP Poll
Rank Team Record Votes Previous
1 Alabama (58) 1-0 1,497  1
2 Oregon 1-0 1,355  3
3 Ohio State (1) 1-0 1,330  2
4 Clemson (1) 1-0 1,304  8
5 Stanford 0-0 1,277  4
6 South Carolina 1-0 1,181  6
7 Texas A&M 1-0 1,085  7
8 Louisville 1-0 1,073  9
9 LSU 1-0 971 12
10 Florida State 1-0 953 11
11 Georgia 0-1 894 5
12 Florida 1-0 875 10
13 Oklahoma State 1-0 780 13
14 Notre Dame 1-0 707 14
15 Texas 1-0 674 15
16 Oklahoma 1-0 612 16
17 Michigan 1-0 583 17
18 UCLA 1-0 387 21
19 Northwestern 1-0 320 22
20 Washington 1-0 315 NR
21 Wisconsin 1-0 287 23
22 Nebraska 1-0 219 18
23 Baylor 1-0 150 NR
24 TCU 0-1 148 20
25 USC 1-0 135 24


Volleyball: McLaurin Named Offensive Player of the Week

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University of Oklahoma volleyball senior Sallie McLaurin has been named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending September 1.

McLaurin, a middle blocker from Midwest City, Okla., was named the Holiday Inn West Invitational Tournament MVP over the weekend as she led the Sooner offense with a .456 attack rate and 4.10 kills per set. The honor is her seven career weekly award from the Big 12 and second career Offensive Player of the Week distinction.

Volleyball Home Opener Tonight at 7:00

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The University of Oklahoma volleyball team takes on the Arkansas for the fourth consecutive season and seventh time overall on Tuesday night. Both teams enter at 3-0, coming off opening weekend tournament victories. Tuesday’s match marks the first of 12 home contests for the Sooners.

Basketball: OU-Alabama Season Opener Tickets on Sale

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Tickets for the University of Oklahoma men's basketball team's Nov. 8 season opener against Alabama in the Tip-Off Showcase in Dallas, Texas, go on sale to OU fans starting this Saturday (Aug. 31).

The Oklahoma-Alabama contest, which will be held the day after OU's Thursday football game at Baylor, will be one of three games played at American Airlines Center that Friday. The other contests will pit Baylor versus Colorado and TCU against SMU. Tip times have not yet been announced.

Golf: OU Ranked No. 23 in Preseason Poll

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The University of Oklahoma men’s golf team is ranked No. 23 in the Golf World/Nike Golf 2013-14 Division I men’s preseason coaches’ poll, announced Wednesday.

OU is one of four Big 12 squads ranked in the top 25, joining Texas, Oklahoma State and TCU. Defending national champion Alabama tops the poll while California, Texas, Georgia Tech and Washington complete the top five.

West Virginia Returns Limited Allotment of Tickets

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The University of Oklahoma Athletics Ticket Office announced Monday that due to returned inventory from West Virginia’s team allotment, a limited number of tickets for Saturday’s OU Football contest are available.

Tickets for this game are priced at $92 and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. Fans are encouraged to purchase purchased online. Tickets may also be purchased via phone at (405) 325-2424 or toll-free (800) 456-GoOU or in person at the OU Athletics Ticket Office during regular business hours.

Thanks to tremendous fan feedback and participation, “Stripe the Stadium” returns for a second campaign and will highlight the festivities surrounding OU’s Big 12 Conference opener against West Virginia on Sept. 7. Fans can view the Stripe the Stadium map to learn what color they should wear to the game.

Zack Sanchez to Remain as Starter Over Cortez Johnson

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Throughout the spring, summer and fall, Oklahoma coaches have said sophomore Cortez Johnson was working as a starting cornerback opposite Aaron Colvin.

But Johnson was suspended for the Sooners’ season-opening 34-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe last weekend, and redshirt freshman Zack Sanchez started in his place.

Sanchez played well Saturday. So well, Stoops said, that for now, he remains the starter.

September 1, 2013

Former Sooners Waived by NFL Teams

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Three former Sooners were cut by NFL teams this week, teams had to trim their roster to 53 players.

  • Defensive End R.J. Washington was cut by ST. Louis Rams. The Rams signed Washington as an undrafted free agent in 2013.
  • Former Oklahoma kicker Tress Way was waived by Chicago Bears. Way was an unsigned free agent.
  • Defensive Tackle Jarmarkus McFarland was cut by San Diego Charger. McFarland went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Oklahoma Prospects Attend Season Opener

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The list of visitors for Saturday night's game wasn't very long but included several commits.

Edmond Santa Fe quarterback Justice Hansen, Tulsa Union tight end Carson Meier, Irving (Texas) Ranchview defensive end Brandon Glenn and Casady offensive lineman Josh Wariboko-Alali (2015) were expected to visit for the game.

Mike Stoops: Defensive Performance "Gives us confidence"

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Defensive back Trey Franks #24 of the Oklahoma Sooners tackles kicker Justin Manton #17 of the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks August 31, 2013 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. (August 30, 2013 - Source: Brett Deering/Getty Images North America)
The Sooners allowed no points, just 166 yards of total offense, only 38 on the ground, nine first downs and 2 of 16 third-down conversions.

It seemed like a pretty dramatic turnaround against a team without much of a name, but, all agree, a fine offense.

Bob Stoops didn’t bite.

Oklahoma Rolls Past Louisiana-Monroe, 34-0

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Quarterback Trevor Knight #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners outruns safety Mitch Lane #38 of the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks in the first half August 31, 2013 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. (August 30, 2013 - Source: Brett Deering/Getty Images North America)
As much as anything, Trevor Knight's legs won him the job as Oklahoma's starting quarterback and he showcased his running ability Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe.

Knight, a redshirt freshman, rushed for 103 yards on 13 carries and threw three touchdown passes -- two to Jalen Saunders -- and No. 16 Oklahoma beat the Warhawks 34-0 on Saturday night.

Oklahoma gave coach Bob Stoops his 150th career win, putting him seven behind Barry Switzer on the Sooners' career coaching wins list. Oklahoma is 5-0 under Stoops in August games and 14-1 in home openers, having lost only to Texas Christian in 2005.

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