History:
One of the most honored programs in NCAA football, the Oklahoma Sooners have won 7 National Championships, 41 Conference Championships, have had 41 bowl appearances and 144 All-Americans. Legendary coaches Bud Wilkinson, Barry Switzer and now Bob Stoops make up a fraternity of excellence over several decades of NCAA play. OU has played football since 1895 and has won 10 or more games more than any other team in NCAA history.
2008 Season:
The 2008 season saw yet another trip the BCS National Championship game for the Sooners after the emergence of several star-quality talents. After big, impressive non-conference wins over quality teams such as Cincinnati and TCU, the Sooners lost a late lead against Texas to notch their first defeat of the season. But they then rebounded with 7 straight wins. In that run, they impressed pollsters with 5 straight games scoring 60 or more points, and the Sooners edged out Texas and Texas Tech in a 3-way South Division tie to play for the Big XII Championship.
But after another win there, the program's 3rd straight Big XII Championship, the Sooners fell in a hard-fought National Championship game against the Florida Gators. Throughout the season, it became very clear that OU had stars in QB Sam Bradford, the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, TE Jermaine Gresham and DT Gerald McCoy, all Oklahomans.
Location:
The Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman ranks as the 15 largest on-campus facility in the NCAA. Official capacity is noted at 82,112, and the stadium features 63 suites, lounge and concessions.
Get a detailed map with driving directions to the stadium.
Get a detailed map with driving directions to the stadium.
Tickets:
Tickets for OU home football games are not easy to come by. Season tickets are typically sold out long in advance but are available by waiting list (call (800) 456-GoOU) or for donors (call (405) 325-8000). Single game tickets are available for some dates and are typically priced between $60-80. Call (800) 456-GoOU for details or buy online.
Primary Coach Staff:
Head Coach: Bob Stoops - since 1999
2 time Big XII Coach of the Year
Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator: Brent Venables - since 1999
Assistant Head Coach / Asst. Defensive Coordinator: Bobby Jack Wright - since 2005
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Wilson - since 2006
Asst. Offensive Coordinator: Jay Norvell - since 2008
2009 Schedule:
* = Home Game
Sat, Sep 05 *BYU (at Arlington)
Sat, Sep 12 *Idaho State
Sat, Sep 19 *Tulsa
Sat, Oct 03 Miami
Sat, Oct 10 *Baylor
Sat, Oct 17 *Texas (in Dallas)
Sat, Oct 24 Kansas
Sat, Oct 31 *Kansas State
Sat, Nov 07 Nebraska
Sat, Nov 14 *Texas A&M
Sat, Nov 21 Texas Tech
Sat, Nov 28 *Oklahoma State
2009 Outlook:
In the Bob Stoops era, it seems, fans are not completely satisfied unless the team is in the National Championship picture. Thankfully for them, that is essentially the case each and every year. And 2009 is no different. Ranked in the top 3 of most preseason polls, Oklahoma is one of a select few teams that so-called analysts are picking for an invitation to the big game.
However, an invitation might not be good enough for Oklahoma. Losing three straight BCS games has left a bad taste for players and coaches, and though few can match the amazing conference record of Bob Stoops and company, not a single radio or television personality can go long without mentioning the bowl game drought.
Of course, if there was ever a year to break it, it's 2009. Oklahoma got perhaps the best news of the offseason early in the year when all three of the above-mentioned stars announced they would return, despite not only being draft eligible but likely high picks. Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford will look to become the best in OU history this year, throwing to the nation's best tight end in Jermaine Gresham. And the defense, which gave up some high point totals in 2008, is expected to be much better. The defensive line, centered around Gerald McCoy might be the best in the nation, and the team returns experience and quality at linebacker and corner with names such as Ryan Reynolds, Travis Lewis and Dominique Franks.
Of course, every season comes with questions. The Sooners will be asked to replace 4 starters on the offensive line, at least two of which have moved on to be contributors in the NFL. And the safety position will see some new faces as well.
As is the case in recent memory, the October contest with Texas will be critical. The Longhorns are listed by many as the #2 team in the nation and will indeed be a National Championship player as well. Oklahoma has some stiff non-conference competition before that game, something Texas can not say, so that could mean they'll be primed and ready to make up for that tough loss last year and, once again, get a shot at a BCS National Championship that has eluded them since 2000.
However, an invitation might not be good enough for Oklahoma. Losing three straight BCS games has left a bad taste for players and coaches, and though few can match the amazing conference record of Bob Stoops and company, not a single radio or television personality can go long without mentioning the bowl game drought.
Of course, if there was ever a year to break it, it's 2009. Oklahoma got perhaps the best news of the offseason early in the year when all three of the above-mentioned stars announced they would return, despite not only being draft eligible but likely high picks. Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford will look to become the best in OU history this year, throwing to the nation's best tight end in Jermaine Gresham. And the defense, which gave up some high point totals in 2008, is expected to be much better. The defensive line, centered around Gerald McCoy might be the best in the nation, and the team returns experience and quality at linebacker and corner with names such as Ryan Reynolds, Travis Lewis and Dominique Franks.
Of course, every season comes with questions. The Sooners will be asked to replace 4 starters on the offensive line, at least two of which have moved on to be contributors in the NFL. And the safety position will see some new faces as well.
As is the case in recent memory, the October contest with Texas will be critical. The Longhorns are listed by many as the #2 team in the nation and will indeed be a National Championship player as well. Oklahoma has some stiff non-conference competition before that game, something Texas can not say, so that could mean they'll be primed and ready to make up for that tough loss last year and, once again, get a shot at a BCS National Championship that has eluded them since 2000.
