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.2007 Season:
The 2007 season was a coming out party for several new Sooner talents. Questions at quarterback quickly dissipated when redshirt freshman and Putnam City product Sam Bradford led Oklahoma to a 4-0 start, including big wins over Miami and Tulsa. The team was in the National Championship picture until an inexplicable loss at Colorado. They would get right back in it after beating Texas, Missouri and Texas A&M.A Bradford injury would cost Oklahoma a game at Texas Tech and a chance at an 8th title, but the Sooners dominated the #1 ranked Missouri Tigers to win yet another Big 12 Championship, their 5th in 6 appearances. The season ended on a sour note, though, when Oklahoma fell to underdog West Virginia 48-28 in the Fiesta Bowl. It's Oklahoma's 4th consecutive BCS game loss.
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.
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
2008 Schedule:
* = Home Game
Sat, Aug 30 *Chattanooga
Sat, Sep 06 *Cincinnati
Sat, Sep 13 Washington
Sat, Sep 27 *TCU
Sat, Oct 04 Baylor
Sat, Oct 11 Texas at Dallas, Texas
Sat, Oct 18 *Kansas
Sat, Oct 25 Kansas State
Sat, Nov 01 *Nebraska
Sat, Nov 08 Texas A&M
Sat, Nov 22 *Texas Tech
Sat, Nov 29 Oklahoma State
2008 Outlook:
After a successful 2007 season that ended in yet another Big 12 Championship, the Sooners have plenty to be optimistic about in 2008. Most early polls have them ranked in the top 5, predicting Oklahoma will be the south division champions once again in 2008.The optimism is rooted primarily in QB Sam Bradford who emerged to lead the nation in passing efficiency in his first season. If he can continue to improve and avoid any dreaded sophomore slumps, as seen recently by Texas' Colt McCoy, teams on Oklahoma's schedule should be more than a little frightened.
Even though Bradford is often compared to the aforementioned McCoy, there are big differences. Yes, both were somewhat unheralded recruits coming out of high school that put together incredible freshman years at marquee programs. But Bradford has at his disposal far more weapons in his second round than McCoy did, not the least of which is a mammoth offensive line.
That line received some criticism after lapses in the Fiesta Bowl, but most experts consider it one of the best in the nation. It's anchored by All-American guard Duke Robinson and includes more potential NFL talent with tackle Phil Loadholt. In addition, Bradford will look to standout tight end Jermaine Gresham, gamebreaking running back DeMarco Murray and consistent senior wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias.
This doesn't mean there aren't question marks, of course, as every college team must replace departed stars. In Oklahoma's case, that means finding a deep threat to step up in place of Malcolm Kelly, drafted in the NFL's 2nd round by the Washington Redskins.
There might be even more worries on the defensive side of the ball. Departed to the NFL are corner Reggie Smith and linebacker Curtis Lofton, both considered to be key pieces of the 2007 defense. Oklahoma looks to have one of the more dominating defensive lines in the nation, led by preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Auston English, but the team will have unproven commodities at linebacker and in the secondary.
As usual with Oklahoma, there's plenty of talent, and if those players are able to step up, there's little reason to believe the Sooners aren't the favorite in the Big 12. The schedule is favorable with games against Kansas, Nebraska and Texas Tech all in Norman. Last year, the Sooners struggled a bit on the road, so games in College Station and Stillwater could determine whether Oklahoma is in the National Championship discussion in 2008.
