October 31, 2015

Former OU Golfer Anthony Kim: "Golf is a fond memory"

  /     /  

Former Oklahoma golfer Anthony Kim was tired of whispers on the PGA Tour about what was wrong with him and his game, so he found a patch of grass behind a row of trees down from the practice range at Quail Hollow and hit balls for two hours.

This was where he won his first PGA Tour event in 2008, when he was fearless, brash and backed it all up with an exciting brand of golf. He ended that year by demolishing Sergio Garcia in the leadoff singles match at the Ryder Cup, the last time the Americans won.

October 29, 2015

Sooners Add 3-Star JUCO Prospect Ashton Julious

  /     /  
Leaving Oklahoma after his official visit this weekend, it seemed pretty clear Lackawanna (Pa.) CC offensive tackle Ashton Julious was thinking about committing to the Sooners.

Going on the visit by himself, though, made things a little more difficult. Able to go back home and talk to his family, friends and coaches, Julious knows Norman is where he wants to be.

Julious, a three-star tackle, tweeted Monday afternoon he has become pledge No. 12 for OU’s 2016 class.

He had already taken an official visit to Baylor and schools like South Carolina, Arizona State and Florida were in the mix, but OU offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh had put in the time for months now and the visit just sealed the deal. (Sooners Illustrated)

Are you on Google+? Add +Oklahoma Sooners Blog to your Circle!

MBB: Student Season Tickets Sold Out

  /     /  
The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department announced Wednesday that student season tickets are sold out for the 2015-16 Oklahoma men’s basketball season.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to our students for selling out their section for the upcoming men’s basketball season,” OU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione said. “Coach (Lon) Kruger and his staff have assembled an impressive group of student-athletes who possess a tremendous work ethic. With regular season tickets and mini plans still available, I encourage all Sooner fans to support and rally around our team by packing the Lloyd Noble Center this season.”

OU's Ty Darlington Earns $18,000 Scholarship as NFF Scholar-Athlete

  /     /  
University of Oklahoma senior center Ty Darlington added to an already long list of off-field accomplishments Thursday when he was named one of 12 finalists for the 2015 William V. Campbell Trophy, which is awarded to an individual deemed the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation. The finalists were announced by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

Selected from a nationwide pool of 135 semifinalists from all NCAA divisions and the NAIA, Darlington and the other 11 finalists will each receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class, presented by Fidelity Investments. They will travel to New York City for the 58th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 8, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. At the event, one member of the class will be declared the winner of the 26th William V. Campbell Trophy and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.

October 28, 2015

Jermaine Gresham Impressive In Arizona Win Over Baltimore

  /     /  
Former Sooner Jermaine Gresham gathered in four catches (on six targets) for 62 yards during Monday's win against the Ravens.

Darren Fells dominated the tight-end workload in the Cardinals' first six contests, but a shoulder injury suffered in Week 6 opened the door for Gresham to be a factor in the passing game. According to Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix, Gresham earned 51 of 62 offensive snaps, and in the process, he surpassed his accumulated receiving yards on the season before Monday in just one outing. (CBS Sports)

RELATED:

Are you on Google+? Add +Oklahoma Sooners Blog to your Circle!

QB Commit Austin Kendall Signs Financial Aid Paperwork With OU

  /     /  
When he made his commitment to Oklahoma in April Waxhaw (N.C.) Cuthbertson quarterback Austin Kendall vowed to make himself a shining part of the Sooners 2016 class. On Tuesday night the Rivals250 quarterback announced that he was signing his financial aid agreement with the Sooners and thus made himself the first 'official' member of the class.

October 27, 2015

Steelers Name Landry Jones as Backup for Big Ben

  /     /  
On Tuesday, the Steelers elevated former Sooner Landry Jones as the team's No.2 quarterback, while Michael Vick demoted to third string.

A week after throwing for 168 yards and two touchdowns in Pittsburgh's win over Arizona, Jones threw for 209 yards and a touchdown while committing three turnovers in the Steelers' 23-13 loss at Kansas City. Jones played in relief of Vick, who suffered a partially torn hamstring a week earlier against the Cardinals.

Judge Orders OU Stadium Expansion to Stop Immediately

  /     /  
A Cleveland County district judge on Tuesday upheld a temporary injunction to stop renovations at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium over a dispute regarding the contract to provide steel and concrete panels.

Thad Balkman ruled in favor of HME Inc., a Kansas corporation that sued OU, contending it awarded the steel contract to Oklahoma-based W&W Steel in violation of state law.

Sooners Likely to Wear Cream Alternative Unis Against Kansas

  /     /  
Oklahoma football will wear an all-cream version of its Bring the Wood alternates at Kansas Saturday, according to center Ty Darlington and wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Durron Neal.

Shepard brought along the Sooners' white alternate helmet to make the announcement after practice Monday. Noticeably missing from the helmet was the crimson center stripe present on the version OU wore last season against Baylor.

Golf: Former Sooner Awtrey Earns GCAA Lifetime Achievement Award

  /     /  
Jim Awtrey, former University of Oklahoma golfer and head coach, is the sixth person to be honored by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) with a Lifetime Achievement award.

Awtrey will be officially recognized at the GCAA Hall of Fame Reception and Awards Banquet Monday, Dec. 7 in Las Vegas. The past GCAA Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Karsten Solheim, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Friends of Golf.

The Shawnee, Okla., product was a two-time letter winner for the OU men’s golf team. After graduating with an accounting degree in 1966, his golf career would begin as an assistant professional for Joe Walser at Lake Hefner Golf Course in Oklahoma City. Awtrey was elected to PGA membership in 1969 and embarked on his professional playing career. He returned to OU as head coach from 1972-77, where he guided the program to three NCAA tournament appearances and tutored three All-America selections.

Samaje Perine Named Earl Campbell National Player of the Week

  /     /  
Running back Samaje Perine #32 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks for an opening against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane September 19, 2015 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Tulsa 52-38.
Already named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, Oklahoma sophomore running back Samaje Perine picked up another honor Tuesday for his performance against Texas Tech as he was selected as the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award National Player of the Week.

Saturday, Perine rushed for season highs of 201 yards and four touchdowns to help the Sooners defeat the Red Raiders, 63-27. The 201-yard effort ranks as the third best by a Big 12 player this year, while the four rushing touchdowns are tied as the most by a conference player.

Samaje Perine Named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week

  /     /  
Oklahoma sophomore running back Samaje Perine was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week on Monday after his performance in Saturday's 63-27 win over Texas Tech.

Perine rushed for season highs of 201 yards and four touchdowns to help the Sooners improve to 6-1 on the year and 3-1 in the Big 12. The 201-yard effort ranks as the third best by a Big 12 player this year, while the four rushing touchdowns are tied as the most by a conference player.

October 26, 2015

Zack Sanchez Named Thorpe Award Semifinalist

  /     /  
OU junior cornerback Zack Sanchez was named a Thorpe Award semifinalist Monday. The award, given to college football's top defensive back, is presented annually by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association in Oklahoma City.

One of two semifinalists from the Big 12 (Oklahoma State's Kevin Peterson is the other), Sanchez is looking to become OU's fourth Thorpe Award winner. Rickey Dixon (1987), Roy Williams (2001) and Derrick Strait (2003) were previously honored.

Judge's Decision Could Threaten Completion Date Of Stadium Upgrades

  /     /  
Construction on a renovation project at the University of Oklahoma football stadium could be halted after a judge issued an injunction for a company that was not chosen for the project despite being the lowest bidder.

District Judge Thad Balkman on Friday granted the injunction sought by HME Inc. The company is suing the OU Board of Regents, the project manager and the company awarded the contract under a state law allowing a higher bidder to be chosen if the low bidder doesn't meet requirements of a "responsible" bidder. (KOCO/AP)

RELATED: Lawsuit Could Halt Stadium Expansion Project

Are you on Google+? Add +Oklahoma Sooners Blog to your Circle!

October 23, 2015

October 22, 2015

OU vs Texas Tech Coverage Map

  /     /  
For those outside, Oklahoma or Texas and unsure if you'll see OU-Texas Tech.. ABC/ESPN released their regional coverage map for Saturday's Oklahoma-Texas Tech game. The game will kick shortly after 2:30 p.m. central and be available on ABC or ESPN2 depending on your location.

Are you on Google+? Add +Oklahoma Sooners Blog to your Circle!

October 21, 2015

Bob Stoops Not Surprised by Landry Jones' Performance Last Weekend

  /     /  
As Landry Jones became the most prolific Oklahoma quarterback, but also one of the more criticized, Bob Stoops was always his fiercest defender.

So it should come as no surprise that Stoops was very proud of Jones, who came off the bench to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a victory over the Arizona Cardinals last weekend in the first meaningful regular season action of his NFL career.

Landry Jones Likely to Start for Steelers

  /     /  
The status of the Steelers’ top two quarterbacks for Sunday’s game in Kansas City remains uncertain, and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday he is “assuming” that Landry Jones will be the team’s starter.

Jones replaced Michael Vick last Sunday when Vick left with what’s been revealed to be a partially torn hamstring. Roethlisberger is recovering from a knee injury that’s kept him out of the last three games. He practiced last week on a limited basis.

Frank Shannon Will Start Against Texas Tech

  /     /  
The knee injury Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Jordan Evans suffered against Kansas State will likely sideline him for Saturday’s meeting against Texas Tech.

Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said Frank Shannon has taken all the first-team snaps at the spot in Monday’s and Tuesday’s practice.

Devante Bond Expected to Return Against Texas Tech

  /     /  
Oklahoma linebacker Devante Bond returned to practice this week and is expected to play against Texas Tech Saturday, defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said Tuesday.

Bond appeared in Oklahoma’s first four contests before sustaining a left ankle injury during OU’s Oct. 3 home date with West Virginia. Through those first four games, Bond totaled 18 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a blocked field goal.

October 20, 2015

Lawsuit Could Halt Stadium Expansion Project

  /     /  
The University of Oklahoma is being sued by a construction company that submitted a bid to supply steel for the university's football renovations on claims that OU violated a bidding requirement.

Haas Metal Engineering Inc. (HME) is suing OU, claiming it violated title 61, section 117 of Oklahoma's Public Competitive Bidding Act.

Former Sooner Sam Bradford Has 'Full Confidence' of Chip Kelly

  /     /  
After the Eagles beat the Giants on Monday night, one of the big topics of conversation was Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford.

Bradford remained a topic of conversation for Eagles coach Chip Kelly on Tuesday, although the coach was quick to shut down the notion that the team is thinking about other options at quarterback.

Linebacker Jordan Evans' Status Against Texas Tech 'unclear'

  /     /  
Jordan Evans, Oklahoma’s second-leading tackler, is in limbo after sustaining a knee injury late in the third quarter of OU’s 55-0 victory at Kansas State Saturday.

“Unclear,” is how Sooners coach Bob Stoops termed it during the Big 12 coaches teleconference Monday morning. “I’ll know more after today’s practice.”

October 19, 2015

Zack Sanchez Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

  /     /  
Oklahoma junior cornerback Zack Sanchez was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Monday for the second time this season.

Sanchez was instrumental in the Sooners' 55-0 shutout at Kansas State on Saturday, registering a pair of interceptions and returning the second one 38 yards for a touchdown on the Wildcats' opening possession of the second half to put OU up 42-0. It was his third career pick-six, tying the OU record.

Sanchez helped the Sooners' defense hold Kansas State to just 110 yards of total offense, the third fewest of the 17-year Bob Stoops era in road games. K-State completed just five passes on 22 attempts for 45 yards and threw three interceptions. KSU's 45 passing yards were the 11th fewest OU has given up in the Stoops era.

Report: Jordan Evans to Undergo MRI

  /     /  
Linebacker Jordan Evans #26 of the Oklahoma Sooners picks up a fumble before running back for a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers October 3, 2015 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated West Virginia 44-24.
Oklahoma junior linebacker Jordan Evans will undergo an MRI on his left knee Monday to determine the severity of an injury suffered during Saturday’s win over Kansas State, according to a source close to the team.

Should Evans — who is second on the team with 47 tackles this season — miss next Saturday’s home game against Texas Tech, his replacement would be senior Frank Shannon. (The Oklahoman)

Are you on Google+? Add +Oklahoma Sooners Blog to your Circle!

/// Photo Courtesy Getty Images

October 16, 2015

OU Football Team Finally Leaving For KSU After 8 Hour Delay

  /     /  
After an eight hour delay the Oklahoma football team is headed to Manhattan, KS. The Sooners were originally scheduled to leave Will Rogers World Airport at 2:30 p.m., but due to multiple United Airline planes having mechanical issues the Sooners didn't depart Oklahoma City for Manhattan until late Friday night.

KWTV's Dean Blevins, who is traveling with the team, tweeted the following.

UPDATE: The Sooners arrived in Manhattan, KS at approximately at 11:40 p.m./ct.





Oklahoma plays Kansas State Saturday at 2:30 p.m./CT on ABC.

Are you on Google+? Add +Oklahoma Sooners Blog to your Circle!

WBB: Fans Invited to Annual Preseason Scrimmage

  /     /  
Fans are invited to attend Oklahoma women’s basketball’s annual preseason scrimmage on Friday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Lloyd Noble Center. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and admission is free to the event.

The preseason scrimmage will give fans a sneak preview of the Sooners, which includes 11 letterwinners and four starters from last season’s squad. Head coach Sherri Coale will introduce her team to fans during the event and go over new rule changes for the upcoming season.

Fans of all ages attending the scrimmage are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes and kids 12 and under will be able to Trick-or-Treat with the team around the Lloyd Noble Center concourse. The 2015-16 schedule poster will also be available to fans at the event.

Bob Stoops on Dodd Coach of the Year Watch List

  /     /  
Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops was named to the mid-season watch list for the Dodd Trophy announced Friday by officials from the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. The list includes 20 of the nation’s top college football coaches representing all Power 5 conferences, the Mountain West Conference and Notre Dame.

The head coaches on the watch list represent programs with the highest ideals of leadership, scholarship and integrity on and off the field – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s philosophy. Each of the coaches sits at the helm of programs with winning records, superior Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores and graduation rates, and a strong commitment to service within their communities.

“We are almost at the midpoint of the college football season and these 20 head coaches have separated themselves from the rest of the pack,” said Jim Terry, Chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. “Whether it is their current on-field success, high academic standing or community involvement, these are the coaches who have best represented what the Dodd Trophy is all about."

Adrian Peterson: 'I'm the Michael Jordan of football'

  /     /  

Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson made his latest declaration when speaking to Kansas City media members before the Chiefs come to TCF Bank Stadium on Sunday. Perhaps because Charles was lost last Sunday for the rest of the season with a torn ACL is why Peterson changed his tune.

Peterson said Wednesday, "I'll say I'm the Michael Jordan, and we'll leave it at that because it's always a debate: will LeBron be better than Michael.'' On Thursday, Peterson laughed off how he has been comparing himself to star basketball players.

October 15, 2015

QB Baker Mayfield Added to Maxwell Award Watch List

  /     /  
Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield was among seven players added to the 79th Maxwell Award watch list on Thursday.

Baker joins Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine and wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who were both on the preseason Maxwell Award watch list.

This season Mayfield set the OU single-game record for total offense (572 yards; most by an FBS player this year) against Tulsa and tied the school record by accounting for six TDs (four passing, two rushing).

MBB: Sooners Ranked 8th in USA Today Preseason Coaches Poll

  /     /  
The University of Oklahoma men’s basketball team enters the season ranked No. 8 in the initial 2015-16 USA Today Top 25 Coaches Poll, which was released Thursday.

The Sooners are one of three Big 12 teams that appear in the top 10, as fellow league members Kansas and Iowa State are ranked No. 5 and No. 7, respectively. Baylor (No. 21) and West Virginia (No. 23) are also ranked in the preseason poll.

Fifth-year head coach Lon Kruger welcomes back four starters from last season’s NCAA Sweet 16 team, including Big 12 Player of the Year Buddy Hield (17.4 ppg). Other returning starters include seniors Isaiah Cousins (11.7 ppg) and Ryan Spangler (9.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg), as well as junior Jordan Woodard (9.3 ppg, 3.8 apg). Each of those four players has started every game the last two seasons.

MBB: Sooners Picked Second in Big 12 Preseason Poll

  /     /  
With four starters returning from last year’s squad that advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16, the University of Oklahoma men’s basketball team was picked second in this year’s official Big 12 Preseason Poll, the conference announced Thursday. The order of finish was picked by the league's head coaches (they were not allowed to vote on their own team).

Oklahoma, led by fifth-year head coach Lon Kruger, has finished second in the league in back-to-back seasons. The squad returns 75 percent of its scoring, 69 percent of its rebounding and 83 percent of its assists from a year ago.

Kansas finished atop the poll with 81 points (nine points were awarded per first-place vote, eight points per second-place vote, etc.) and nine coaches picked the Jayhawks to win the league. KU was followed by OU (70 points), Iowa State (68 points; one first-place vote), Texas (51 points), Baylor (49 points), West Virginia (47), Oklahoma State (33), Kansas State and TCU (18 points each) and Texas Tech (15).

October 14, 2015

Unknown If Linebacker Devante Bond Will Play Against Kansas State

  /     /  
from linebacker Devante Bond #23 of the Oklahoma Sooners August 30, 2014 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma.
The Sooners missed outside linebacker Devante Bond against Texas. Stoops said Monday he wasn’t sure if Bond would be available for Saturday’s game at Kansas State.

Mayfield, who appeared to favor his ankle after his first scramble in the Cotton Bowl, said he was fine. Center Ty Darlington said he aggravated the knee injury he sustained at Tennessee Sept. 12.

Baker Mayfield Named to CEPA National Player of the Year Midseason Watch List

  /     /  
Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners works through pregame warmups before taking on the Texas Longhorns during the AT&T Red River Showdown at the Cotton Bowl on October 10, 2015 in Dallas, Texas.
Oklahoma junior quarterback Baker Mayfield was among the 32 players on the 2015 Midseason Watch List for the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) National Performer of the Year Trophy.

The list includes 23 quarterbacks and nine running backs at the FBS level.

Mayfield has thrown 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions this season, and has rushed for 4 touchdowns this season.

OU Baseball Releases Spring Schedule

  /     /  
University of Oklahoma head baseball coach Pete Hughes released his team’s schedule for the 2016 season on Monday afternoon. For the fourth-consecutive season, the Sooners will open at home as Northeastern visits L. Dale Mitchell Park for opening day on Friday, February 19 at 4:00 pm. This season’s schedule features 19 games against eight opponents that reached the NCAA Regionals in 2015 12 games against six teams that finished the season in the RPI Top-50.

Oklahoma will play 25 games at home, 26 on the road and four at neutral sites, including a visit to Dodger Stadium in March. Overall, the Sooners have 26 games against 12 teams that finished in the RPI Top-100.

“Our schedule is driven by RPI,” stated Hughes. “To move on and play games deep into June, we’ve geared out schedule to take advantage of the value of road wins, relative to the RPI, while also recognizing that it’s on us to win more of those critical games. I think this schedule improves our chances of taking that next step and reaching the postseason.”

Ty Darlington on OL: 'Gotta be a burning desire to block someone else, to dominate someone else'

  /     /  
Oklahoma senior center Ty Darlington didn't mince words when asked about the Sooners' offensive line play of late and whether the group lacks the “nastiness” it had last year.

“It's there, but it's not there consistently enough,” Darlington said.

WBB: Sooners picked Third in Preseason Big 12 Poll

  /     /  
With four starters returning from last season’s Big 12 runner-up squad, the Oklahoma women’s basketball team was picked third in this year’s Big 12 Preseason Poll announced by the league office Wednesday.

The Sooners were one of three teams to earn at least one first-place vote from the league’s coaches, who determined the order of finish.

Baylor finished atop the poll with 80 points with eight coaches picking the Lady Bears to win the league. Baylor was followed by Texas (70 points; one first-place vote), OU (69 points; one first-place vote), Iowa State (48 points), TCU (47 points), West Virginia (40 points), Kansas State (36 points), Oklahoma State (27 points), Texas Tech (18 points) and Kansas (15 points).

October 13, 2015

OU-Texas Tech Set for 2:30 Kickoff

  /     /  
The Big 12 Conference announced that Texas Tech’s Oct. 24 game at Oklahoma will kick off at 2:30 p.m. inside Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The game will be broadcast by ABC, ESPN or ESPN2.

Oklahoma faces Kansas State this weekend at 2:30 p.m./CT on ABC.

Are you on Google+? Add +Oklahoma Sooners Blog to your Circle!

Bob Stoops on Texas Loss: "You can put it all on me, but I don't play"

  /     /  
Bob Stoops was asked where the responsibility lies between coaches and players on game readiness after the loss to Texas

“It’s a college game and you can’t —I’m not gotta sit here and call out (players). The bottom line, you talk about it, you show ‘em why, … we showed ‘em a hundred times,” Stoops said, adding that the coaches showed 10 minutes of the 2013 loss against Texas to the team. “They’ve got to choose to be ready to play. I can’t figure out why that would be, that a 20-year-old, a 21-year-old, when you’re only getting to play so many times and you have a rivalry game, they’re not …

October 9, 2015

Follow Us!