2016-12-28

Steve Spurrier Jr. Leaving Oklahoma Staff for Western Kentucky

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After a season back at Oklahoma, Steve Spurrier Jr. is heading back to an on-field coaching role, according to multiple reports.

Spurrier Jr., who has been the Sooners' director of high school recruiting and offensive specialist since returning to Norman earlier this year, will become the quarterbacks coach and assistant head coach at Western Kentucky, according to Fox Sports.

2016-12-24

Sam Bradford on Verge of Setting NFL Record

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The Vikings’ dink-and-dunk attack might land Sam Bradford in the NFL record book.

The quarterback has completed 71.6 percent of his passes this season. That’s on pace to break the mark of 71.2 percent set by Drew Brees of New Orleans in 2011.

Yes, Bradford, who completed 65 percent of his throws last season for Philadelphia, is an accurate guy. But his run to the record book really started because Pat Shurmur took over for Norv Turner as offensive coordinator on Nov. 2 and went to a short passing game to limit pressure on Bradford behind a porous and injury-riddled offensive line.

2016-12-22

Barry Switzer Trolls Media About Trump Meeting

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Earlier this month, former Oklahoma Sooners coach Barry Switzer told reporters in the lobby of New York City’s Trump Tower that he interviewed with President-elect Donald Trump for the position of “Secretary of Offense.”

“The interview went great,” Switzer said Dec. 7. “He plans to run the football. He wants to make the wishbone great again!”

It turns out that Switzer made up more than a cabinet position; he made up the entire meeting.

Three Sooners Selected to Pro Bowl

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The NFL released 2017 Pro Bowl selections Tuesday, and there's a few local representatives.

Former Oklahoma Sooners and current Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray was among AFC selections, after a successful first year with the Titans.

Former OU and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was among NFC selections, but more importantly, has Tampa in the playoff hunt. It would be McCoy's first NFL playoffs since Tampa drafted him in 2010.

2016-12-21

Bob Stoops: Joe Mixon Punishment Wasn't Enough

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Bob Stoops, who suspended Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon for the entire 2014 season after Mixon punched a female student, on Wednesday said the punishment for Mixon wasn't enough, and had the incident occurred today, Mixon's dismissal from the team would be the only acceptable outcome.

"After two and a half years, it's obvious [the suspension] wasn't enough," Stoops said. "But I feel like Joe has moved ahead in a very positive way.

Oklahoma Assistant Leaving To Join Nevada Staff

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Courtney "Chip" Viney, who had served as a special teams quality control coach for Oklahoma last season after his stint as a graduate assistant ended but who had a big impact in the Sooners' recruiting efforts, is moving on.

Viney was hired by former Oklahoma co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell to join his staff at Nevada. Viney is expected to coach cornerbacks or defensive backs there.

Former Sooner Buddy Hield Shooting 50 Percent on Threes in December

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Every NBA rookie hears the cautionary tales, the stories about how even Hall of Fame-bound stars such as Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe Bryant struggled mightily during their initial NBA seasons. But few first-year players necessarily buy into the idea that it will happen to them.

For New Orleans lottery pick Buddy Hield, however, reality came quickly over the first five weeks of the 2016-17 regular season. The No. 6 overall draftee shot a frustrating 23.7 percent from three-point range in October and November, a far cry from his 45.7 accuracy rate as a decorated senior at the University of Oklahoma. Both from a team and individual standpoint, Hield’s early struggles were very unfamiliar, particularly for a player who was a consensus national player of the year and led the Sooners to a Final Four appearance in April.

2016-12-20

Clay Travis Is Outraged! He Thinks Stoops, Castiglione and Boren Should Be Fired

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Fox Sports pundit and Outkick the Coverage founder Clay Travis ripped into University of Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops Monday morning.

Stoops has been taking lots of heat after allowing star running back Joe Mixon to remain on the team, despite the fact he jacked up a girl’s face with a brutal hit. The outspoken sports pundit absolutely went in on Stoops, and didn’t hold back.

Former Sooner Blake Bell Placed on IR

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Former Sooner Blake Bell (shoulder) will miss the remainder of this season after being placed on injury reserve list, San Francisco 49ers announced on Tuesday.

Bell sustained a shoulder injury Sunday against the Falcons after catching one pass for 45 yards. With Bell's second season now over, he finishes with four receptions for 85 yards.

The 49ers drafted Bell with the 117th overall pick in the 4th round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

WATCH >>> Blake "Belldozer" Bell Plows Over TCU Linebacker

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Oklahoma Sooners Nike No. 10 Limited Football Jersey – Crimson/Cream

Oklahoma LB Caleb Kelly Named A Freshman All-American By PFF

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Pro Football Focus named Sooner linebacker Caleb Kelly to its Freshman All-American Team Monday.

Wrote PFF’s Steve Palazzolo: “Kelly came on strong down the stretch, keeping the ball in front of him in coverage while finishing with a solid 70.6 grade against the run.”

This season, Kelly has recorded 24 tackles, including two for loss and a sack in 10 games, starting the last five.

Report: NFL GMs Think Joe Mixon Is Undraftable

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The bowl season has kicked off, and the news impacting the NFL draft is getting more intense. Here’s the latest on two of the best offensive-tackle prospects no one is mentioning as well as notes on scouts who attended the New Orleans Bowl this past Saturday.

The video tape of Joe Mixon punching an Oklahoma student has garnered the lion’s share of the headlines and many are asking, “What’s next?” For months now, I’ve been informed the OU running back was leaning towards entering the draft, as those in his inner circle asked for my opinion. I was consistently steadfast in my belief Mixon should return to Oklahoma for a variety of reasons. Since the release of the video, general managers around the league have told those close to Mixon he won’t get drafted, there’s a possibility he won’t be signed as a free agent and he may not even receive an invitation to the combine should he declare for the draft.

In Police Interview, Joe Mixon Says Molitor Hits "Like A Dude"

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University of Oklahoma tailback Joe Mixon told Norman police in 2014 that “it felt like a dude hit me” when Mia Molitor slapped him inside Pickleman’s Gourmet Café and that he punched her in reaction.

“I was so shocked,” Mixon said of being slapped.

New details of the infamous incident are revealed in a video of his interview with police three days after the July 25, 2014, punch inside the Campus Corner restaurant.

WATCH >>> Joe Mixon - 2016 Highlights

Mixon also said he heard a racial slur from Molitor’s male friend, but not from Molitor, and Mixon admitted that he responded with a homophobic slur at the male friend.

2016-12-19

Auburn Defender: We Know OU Will Come After Us, 'We're Smiling'

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The Sooners (10-2) [have] rolled through an undefeated stretch in the Big 12 with 19 plays of over 50 yards of more. By comparison, only five Southeastern Conference schools hit double-digits in that category and Auburn had just seven. When asked about his plan for the Sugar Bowl, Riley didn’t even bother to hold back any clues but instead suggested he’s going to challenge Auburn’s secondary deep.

“I think that'll be part of it,” Lincoln Riley said about throwing deep passes on Auburn. “If they're playing as loaded up, then we're going to have to be able to hit them.”

The statistics certainly back up [Auburn cornerback Josh] Holsey’s claim on stopping deep passes as Auburn is one of 20 teams this season who have given up four or less completions of 40 or more yards this season. Auburn has only given up seven total plays of 40 yards or more this season.

Former Sooner Blake Griffin to Miss 3-6 Weeks After Knee Surgery

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LA Clippers star Blake Griffin will have arthroscopic knee surgery and is expected to miss three to six weeks, the team announced Monday.

Griffin will have the procedure to remove loose bodies from his right knee, according to the team. He missed a game last weekend because of a sore right knee but had been playing through it since the issue began.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers told the Orange County Register that the injury was not suffered during the loss to the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 7 and described it as more cumulative in nature.

2016-12-18

Sooners Await NFL Draft Decisions From Several Players

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The Sooners are still waiting on running backs Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine and safety Steven Parker to announce their intentions. There’s still a month for them to do so. All three field daily recruiting pitches from teammates.

“You talk to them and tell them that you are there for them if they ever want to talk,” Baker Mayfield said. “I’m here to listen. They know how I feel. They know I want them to come back and play with me for another year. The type of guys they are, the type of special players that they are, I’d love to have them. But when it comes down to it, it is their decision and I’ll support them no matter what.”

Of the four that have announced they're staying, each had his own reasons. Brown and Thomas could turn themselves into first-round picks. Okoronkwo is just scratching the surface of what he could become. This was his first season to start.

2016-12-17

Adrian Peterson Expected to Play on Sunday After Tearing Meniscus

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The Vikings activated former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson from injured reserve on Saturday, according to an official announcement from the club. Defensive tackle Toby Johnson was waived in a corresponding move.

The 10-year veteran could be a breath of fresh air for a rapidly-stalling Vikings offense. The team is currently 24th in points, 31st in total yards, and 32nd in rushing yards. Peterson had 50 yards on 31 carries through two games this season before placing him on injured reserve in late September. While their banged-up offensive line is a source of many woes, Peterson is one of the few players in football who can negate deficiencies up front.

WATCH >> Adrian Peterson "All Day" - Oklahoma Highlights

Peterson had surgery for a torn meniscus back on Sept. 22. (NFL.com)

Assault Activist Demands Answers From University of Oklahoma After Video Release

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Activist Brenda Tracy has sent an email to Oklahoma officials demanding the school publicly state a "zero tolerance" policy regarding violence against women.

Tracy, a rape victim, was impacted significantly Friday night after viewing tape of tailback Joe Mixon punching OU student Amelia Molitor in 2014.

Tracy's reaction was typical of a national outcry after the tape was released.

WATCH >> Joe Mixon - 2016 Highlights

"Seeing it was horrifying," Tracy told CBS Sports on Saturday. "I was nauseous, and I cried."

Zack Sanchez Helped Jordan Thomas on Decision to Return

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Cornerback Jordan Thomas announced earlier this week he is returning for his senior season at OU.

He said Thursday many factors played into that decision. But he also noted he received some good advice.

Thomas talked with former OU corner Zack Sanchez, who left school early for the NFL draft last season. Sanchez was a fifth-round selection by the Carolina Panthers and didn’t initially make the roster out of fall camp. Sanchez worked his way onto the team, but is now on the injured reserve after a groin injury.

“I talked to him a lot,” Thomas said. “He was the first to tell me, ‘No, bro, you should stay. I made that same mistake.’ ” (Tulsa World)

RELATED:
CB Jordan Thomas Returning For Senior Season

NFL Scout: Joe Mixon Has First-Round Talent, But Incident Will Hurt Draft Stock

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NOTE: This article was published before the release of surveillance video of the Joe Mixon incident.

There's no denying Joe Mixon's talent.

The redshirt sophomore ran for 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns and was Oklahoma's second-leading receiver with 32 catches for 449 yards and five touchdowns.

But how do NFL teams view Mixon as he decides whether or not to enter this spring's NFL Draft?

"He'd be a first-round pick, no doubt," one NFL scout told The Oklahoman, on condition of anonymity. "If there wasn't that incident hanging out there."

2016-12-16

University of Oklahoma Releases Statement Following Release of Mixon Video

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The University of Oklahoma released the following statement following the release of surveillance video of Joe Mixon hitting a female at a Norman bar.
University officials were made aware of the content of the video prior to taking action with respect to Joe Mixon. Based on that information, the university immediately suspended and removed Mr. Mixon from the football team for one year, during which high standards of conduct were expected and maintained. It was made clear to Mr. Mixon at the time of his suspension that violence against women will not go unpunished at the university.

Coach Bob Stoops has been proactive in presenting training for his team aimed at preventing such behavior in the future. Sensitivity training in the area of violence has been intensified and best practices will continue to be implemented. Mr. Mixon has apologized for his actions and the university hopes that it is an indication that he has learned from his mistakes. We asre an educational institution where we hope young people will learn from their mistakes and chart a better future course.”

RELATED: Joe Mixon Video Released to Public


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Joe Mixon Video Released to Public

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University of Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon on Friday had his attorney make public the surveillance video that shows him punching Amelia Molitor in 2014.

Mixon also had his attorney release a second surveillance video from the same night.

RELATED: University of Oklahoma Releases Statement Following Release of Mixon Video

"Mr. Mixon asked us to once again say he is sorry for the way he reacted that night. He has apologized publicly to Ms. Molitor, her friends, his family, teammates and the University," his attorney, Blake Johnson, wrote in a letter. "He hopes that his voluntary release of these recordings will help put this matter to rest."

Bob Stoops a Finalist for Bryant Coach of the Year Award

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Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is one of nine finalists for the 2016 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on Jan. 11 at Houston’s Toyota Center.

The other finalists are Paul Chryst (Wisconsin), P.J. Fleck (Western Michigan), James Franklin (Penn State), Clay Helton (USC), Dana Holgorsen (West Virginia), Mike MacIntyre (Colorado), Nick Saban (Alabama) and Dabo Swinney (Clemson).

The Paul Bryant Coach of the Year Award was established in his honor and has been given annually since 1986.

Mike Stoops Unhappy About Comments Made About OU's Defense

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OU defensive coordinator Mike Stoops wasn’t too pleased with the comments College Football Playoff Committee chair Kirby Hocutt made regarding why OU was not considered for the playoff.

Hocutt, who is also Texas Tech’s athletic director, noted OU’s defense as a reason they weren’t in talks for one of the four playoff spots.

2016-12-15

Linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo Announces He'll Return Next Season

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It might not come as a huge surprise, but Sooners linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo confirmed Thursday he is returning to OU for another season.

Okoronkwo leads OU with nine sacks this year, including six in the team’s first six games. Okoronkwo said he submitted for a draft grade out of curiosity but always intended to stay and earn his degree.

“It was easy for me,” Okoronkwo said. “I get my degree next semester, so why not? And I get a whole other year to get better.” (Tulsa World)

RELATED:

Oklahoma WR Dede Westbrook Named Unanimous All-American

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Oklahoma senior wide receiver Dede Westbrook has earned unanimous All-America status, becoming the 32nd Sooner to do so (ninth under head coach Bob Stoops) and first since offensive tackle Jammal Brown and running back Adrian Peterson in 2004.

The American Football Coaches Association released its All-America selections Wednesday, the fifth of the five official All-America teams. Westbrook was named a first-team selection on each of the five squads. Organizations that name the other four official All-America teams are the Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News and Walter Camp Football Foundation.

The 77th consensus All-American in Oklahoma history (consensus All-Americans need to be named to at least three of the five official All-America teams), Westbrook leads all Power 5 players in receiving touchdowns per game (1.33) while ranking second in receiving yards (1,354) and third in receiving yards per game (123.1). He also leads nation in receptions of 20-plus yards (26), 50-plus yards (7), 60-plus yards (6) and 70-plus yards (3).

2016-12-14

W Gymnastics: Sooners Preseason No. 1

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For the second consecutive season, the Oklahoma women's gymnastics team has been picked No. 1 in the preseason coaches poll, the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women (NACGC/W) announced. The Sooners received 47 of 72 first-place votes in the ranking.

Defending NCAA Champion OU (2,519 points) sits 107 points ahead of No. 2 LSU (2,412 points) in the standings. No. 3 Alabama (2,336 points), No. 4 UCLA (2,328 points) and No. 5 Florida (2,291 points) round out the top five spots of the poll.

"It's an honor for our team to receive this vote of confidence," OU head coach K.J. Kindler said. "Yet, we all have a long season ahead and a lot of work and competition in front of us. We need to focus on our health and fitness as well as continue to be detail oriented in our routine training. We are so excited to get started!"

2016-12-13

Oklahoma All-American Orlando Brown Says He'll Return in 2017

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Oklahoma left tackle Orlando Brown turned his shoulders Monday in OU’s indoor practice facility. He looked toward the crimson national championship banners hanging in the distance.

“I’m trying to get another one of those,” he said.

Brown confirmed Monday he will return for his redshirt junior season rather than enter the NFL Draft.

Big 12 Conference Announces OU's 2017 Football Schedule

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Oklahoma's 2017 football schedule was finalized Tuesday with the release of next year's Big 12 Conference slate.

After hosting UTEP (4-8 this year) on Sept. 2, playing at Ohio State (11-1; College Football Playoff) on Sept. 9 and hosting Tulane (4-8) on Sept. 16 in non-conference action, the Sooners open league play Sept. 23 at Baylor (6-6; Cactus Bowl).

Following its lone bye week of the season, OU plays its Big 12 home opener Oct. 7 against Iowa State (3-9) and then travels to Dallas for the Red River Showdown against Texas (5-7) on Oct 14. It finishes the month at Kansas State (8-4; Texas Bowl) and at home vs. Texas Tech (5-7).

2016-12-12

Three Sooners Named to Associated Press All-America Team

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Oklahoma landed three players on the Associated Press All-America team released on Monday morning.

The trio also earned All-America honors by the Football Writers Association of America later in the day.

Wide receiver Dede Westbrook (first team), offensive tackle Orlando Brown (second team) and quarterback Baker Mayfield (third team) were listed by the AP.

Former Sooner All-American Jimbo Elrod Killed in Wreck

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James "Jimbo" Elrod, a University of Oklahoma football All-American, died in a car wreck about 3:45 a.m. Monday on the Turner Turnpike, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokesman said.

Elrod's wife, Diana, 61, a passenger who was wearing her seat belt, was injured. Capt. Paul Timmons said the eastbound car driven by Jimbo Elrod hit a guardrail and overturned, and he was thrown from the vehicle. He was not wearing a seat belt.

2016-12-04

Baker Mayfield Says He'll Return For Senior Season

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After his team won a second consecutive Big 12 championship Saturday, Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield said he will return for his senior season

"I'm coming back," Mayfield said after the No. 9 Sooners defeated No. 10 Oklahoma State 38-20. "I'll be here for another year for the opportunity of a three-peat and the ultimate goal of winning a national title."

WATCH: Baker Mayfield Highlights - "Moves Like Jagger"

Mayfield, who finished fourth in the Heisman voting last year, has re-emerged as a Heisman contender this season. In Bedlam, he completed 13 of 19 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns to remain on pace to break the FBS season record for passing efficiency.

2016-12-03

Oklahoma Defeats Oklahoma State to Win Big 12 Title

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Baker Mayfield passed for 288 yards and three touchdowns and No. 7 Oklahoma defeated No. 11 Oklahoma State 38-20 on Saturday in a matchup that decided the Big 12 champion.

The Heisman Trophy candidate performed well throughout, despite finishing the game without top receiver Dede Westbrook, a Biletnikoff Award finalist. Westbrook caught four passes for 111 yards before being knocked out of the game on a crushing hit by Oklahoma State safety Jordan Sterns.

Dede Westbrook Leaves Game With Injury

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Oklahoma must finish the Bedlam rivalry against Oklahoma State without its star wide receiver (and potential Heisman Trophy finalist) Dede Westbrook.

According to Fox Sports sideline reporter Bruce Feldman, Westbrook will miss the second half with an undisclosed injury.

Westbrook sustained what appeared to be a head injury in the first half against the Cowboys when he took a brutal hit on a pass over the middle. (CBS Sports)

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2016-12-01

Sooners, Southwest Airlines to Honor Mike Winchester in Flyover

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The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department and Southwest Airlines® have announced that, weather conditions permitting, a special commercial airliner flyover will take place before Saturday's Bedlam game in Norman to honor a former OU football player whose life was cut short two weeks ago.

Mike Winchester, a punter for the Sooners who lettered from 1984 through 1986 and was a member of OU's 1985 national championship team, was killed Nov. 15 outside Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport, where he worked for Southwest Airlines for 29 years. A resident of Washington, Okla., he was 52.

Wrestling: Sooners Host Top Ranked Cowboys

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The No. 16 Oklahoma wrestling team (1-1) will host No. 1 Oklahoma State (2-0) on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in McCasland Field House. The contest, which features five bouts between ranked wrestlers, is the first of two Bedlam matchups this season.

The Sooners are coming off a 25-14 win over Big 12-opponent North Dakota State on Sunday, Nov. 18. Six Sooners won their individual bouts, including three bonus-point victories at 133 pounds, 141 pounds and heavyweight. The win marked the first for new OU head coach Lou Rosselli.

Baker Mayfield Named Manning Award Finalist

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Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield is one of 10 finalists for the Manning Award, which honors the top quarterback in college football.

The award is the only quarterback award that takes the candidates' bowl performances into account in its balloting.

Mayfield ranks first nationally in passing efficiency rating at 194.7. The NCAA single-season record is 191.8.