Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bradford back taking snaps in practice: Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford is still wearing a trimmed-down cast on his non-throwing left hand, but has progressed to taking snaps under center Monday and Tuesday at practice. "And he didn't drop one," OU coach Bob Stoops said. (Dallas Morning News)

Harvin's ankle recovery is ahead of schedule: USA Today

Florida is hoping to wrap up the prolific Oklahoma offense: USA Today

Oklahoma shuffles its linebackers: Tulsa World

Would Bradford have beaten out Bomar?: Tulsa World

Box back in action: Norman Transcript

Oklahoma linebacker returns from injury: Star-Telegram

Meyer knows this time won't be easy: GatorCountry.com

Something's got to give in title game: Florida Today

Big Game Bob has been big time for Oklahoma, and more: Sportsline

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Box expected to return today: Coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday he expects middle linebacker Austin Box to return to the practice field today. Box suffered a knee sprain at Oklahoma State and missed the Big 12 Championship. "He supposed to go," Stoops said. "We'll have to see" how he does. Stoops also said defensive end Alan Davis, who's also been out with a knee sprain, has returned to the practice field. (The Oklahoman)

Dream nearly ended for Sooner defensive end Frank Alexander: The Oklahoman

Bradford's draft stock rising?: The Oklahoman

Gators, Sooners try to stay sharp: Orlando Sentinel

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Stoops denies ineligibility rumors: Stoops said there were no academically ineligible players for the national championship game, and Stoops said he expected everyone to be available who has been. "We are hopeful that Alan Davis and Austin Box will be back," Stoops said. "We're hoping here fairly soon." Internet rumors that Holmes and offensive tackle Phil Loadholt were academic casualties, they said, were laughable. Loadholt graduated last week. "It's the Internet," Loadholt said. (Tulsa World)

Backup plan: Tulsa World

OU Notebook: Tulsa World

Listen to Sam Bradford's Tuesday press conference: Tulsa World

Listen to Bob Stoops on the BCS National Championship game: Tulsa World

New Dallas Cowboys' stadium could host OU season opener: The Oklahoman

Stoops denies ineligibility rumors: The Oklahoman

Gator fans serious: The Oklahoman

OU changing up bowl preparation: Norman Transcript

Bradford won't leave OU fans waiting: Star-Telegram

Sooners want to cash Heisman in with BS win: Star-Telegram

OU offense best ever: Denver Post

Oklahoma says trip will be all business: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma-BYU matchup in Arlington in works: Dallas Morning News

Stoops doesn't have much holiday shopping done: ESPN.com

OU taking new approach: ESPN.com

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Coach Bob Stoops talks BCS, Sam Bradford and more:


Part 2


Part 3


Related: Stoops, Sooners on BCS Title Game at SoonerSports.com

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sam Bradford named Associated Press player of the year: Sam Bradford of Oklahoma was voted The Associated Press college football player of the year Monday. He beat out the same two quarterbacks he did in capturing the Heisman Trophy -- Colt McCoy of Texas and Tim Tebow of Florida. Bradford received 27 votes from the AP media panel that votes in the weekly poll. The sophomore quarterback was followed by McCoy with 17 votes. Tebow won the award last year and had 16 votes this time. Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree had two votes. Bradford is the third Oklahoma player to win the AP award, which began in 1998. The others were Josh Heupel in 2000 and Jason White in 2003. (AP/USA Today)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma's deceptive Brown ready for any hurdle in BCS title game: USA Today

Gators ready to avenge Tebow's defeat: The Oklahoman

Four questions about OU football: The Oklahoman

Meyer's dream a slap in the face to Florida: The Oklahoman

Battle of the offenses: The Oklahoman

Offensive tale of the tape: The Oklahoman

Quoteboard: The Oklahoman

Five can't-miss attractions in Miami: The Oklahoman

Score one...make that two...for the Gators: Tulsa World

Seven days with Sam: Tulsa World

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Heisman scores big locally: ESPN's one-hour Heisman Trophy presentation show, which included the announcement that OU quarterback Sam Bradford had won the award, drew a huge 19.6 rating in the Oklahoma City television market. Nationally, it set an ESPN record with 3,058,000 households and tied the 3.1 rating of 2007.
Sports events Dec. 9-16
1. Heisman Trophy Presentation, Saturday, ESPN, 19.6.
2. N.Y. Giants at Dallas, NFL, Sunday, KFOR-4, 15.5.
(Ratings rundown at NewsOK.com)

Mack Brown considers giving up coaches vote: The Texas coach indicated Thursday that his opinion isn't just talk. He acknowledged that he might give up his vote in the USA Today coaches' poll next season. "I don't think coaches should vote," Brown said. "I'm going to have to do a lot of soul-searching to see if I continue to vote." (Dallas Morning News)

Venables visited Pelini to discuss Florida: Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables visited Saturday with Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, apparently to discuss strategy to stop Florida's offense. Pelini previously was defensive coordinator at LSU, and the Tigers were 2-1 against Florida in those three seasons. Florida never scored more than 24 points against Pelini's defenses. Pelini was defensive coordinator at Oklahoma in 2004. (Rivals.com)

Oklahoma vs. Florida is worth the wait: NY Newsday

BCS game in 3-D coming to Stillwater: The Oklahoman

Jenks' cornerback Gabe Lynn commits to OU: The Oklahoman

Jenks' Lynn commits to Oklahoma: Tulsa World

Stoops -- "I still have some Gator in me": Tulsa World

OU fans wringing hands: Star-Telegram

Streaking to a BCS colision: Gainseville Sun

Cherokee pride gets new triumph: Ashville Citizen-Times

Tebow excited to have Mullen back for title game: Florida Times-Union

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OU-BYU at new Cowboys Stadium? UPDATE Brigham Young football coach Bronco Mendenhall caused waves Tuesday, telling reporters that BYU could be playing a game at the Dallas Cowboys stadium in 2009. Mendenhall singled out Oklahoma as a possible opponent. "I know that we have been and are being considered for some early games next year, and that was one of them," Mendenhall said. "There was a chance that it could be against Oklahoma. But there were a list of teams for us to play, or we might have been just one of the teams being considered to play." The Salt Lake Tribune reported discussions are ongoing with ESPN representatives for BYU to play a game next September at the new Cowboys stadium. OU spokesman Kenny Mossman, however, said talk of a game with BYU in Dallas is premature. (More at The Oklahoman) (11/05/08)
UPDATE: Brigham Young athletic director Tom Holmoe told reporters Wednesday that he's close to finalizing BYU's 2009 schedule. Will that include playing Oklahoma in the new Dallas Cowboys stadium in Texas in a season-opener? "I think everybody knows that when I am working with scheduling, I don't want to announce anything, or say anything out there until it is done," Holmoe told The Salt Lake Tribune. "Right now, it is pretty obvious there are a lot of things that are going on. It is not that I have been trying to keep anything from the fans or the press or anything, but we are very close to solidifying a change." (Jake Trotter's OU Blog)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Jenks' Gabe Lynn verbally commits to OU: Gabe Lynn, the No. 1 player on the most recent Oklahoman Super 30 list, announced his decision to commit to Oklahoma during a ceremony Thursday afternoon at Jenks High School. Lynn (6-foot, 185 pounds) chose the Sooners over Oklahoma State and North Carolina. Lynn's numbers weren't overwhelming but that's largely due to teams avoiding going Lynn's way. (The Oklahoman)

Related: Oklahoma Sooners Recruiting

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

DeMarcus Granger to miss BCS Championship: Oklahoma defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger will miss Oklahoma's upcoming BCS title game appearance after undergoing back surgery, OU head coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday. "Our doctors and training staff have worked extensively with DeMarcus and it was finally determined that surgery was necessary," Stoops said. "We're disappointed for DeMarcus and are certainly anxious to do everything we can to assist his recovery." Granger, a junior from Dallas, played in 11 games during the 2008 season, all in a back-up role. He had 20 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries. (Dallas Morning News) In addition, Oklahoma announced earlier this week, DeMarco Murrary will miss the BCS Championship.

Sooners won't have Granger in title game: Tulsa World

Pressure building in Norman: Tulsa World

Back injury sidelines OU's Granger: The Oklahoman

Peterson makes his MVP case: The Oklahoman

Back injury benches Granger: Norman Transcript

'Big Game' Stoops needs to return: SportingNews

Mullen returning to call plays for Gators in Miami: Florida-Times Union

Stoops still has some Gator in him: Gainseville Sun

Holiday good for Gators: Gainesville Sun

Tebow, Killer Defense To Eat Up Oklahoma: New York Post

Gators' defense not worried about Sooners' stats: Orlando Sentinel

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bradford, Gresham, McCoy, Robinson earn All-American honors: Sophomore defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma City, Okla.) and junior tight end Jermaine Gresham (Ardmore, Okla.) joined sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford (Oklahoma City, Okla.) and senior offensive guard Duke Robinson (Atlanta, Ga.) as All-Americans for OU in 2008. This marks the seventh time in Bob Stoops' 10 seasons at Oklahoma that the Sooners have produced multiple All-Americans in the same season. Oklahoma has now produced 148 First Team All-Americans overall since Claude Reeds first earned the honor in 1913. Under Coach Stoops, 28 Sooners have earned All-America honors. The NCAA officially recognizes the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Sporting News and Walter Camp Football Foundation All-America teams in determining consensus (listed by at least half) and unanimous (listed by all) selections. (SoonerSports.com)

OU's Murray out for BCS game: Tulsa World

Wall Street last stop for Bradford: Tulsa World

Bradford nabs first-team honor: Tulsa World

Did Irish have eyes on Stoops? Meyer?: Tulsa World

OU's Mossis Madu is right on time: The Oklahoman

Murray sidelined for BCS National Championship: The Oklahoman

Loss of Murray not the end of the world for Sooners: The Oklahoman

Brown ready to step into Murray's spot: The Oklahoman

Bradford may be getting new cast: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma loses Murray, but has depth at running back: New York Times

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray out with hamstring injury: Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray will have surgery to repair a hamstring injury and miss the BCS national championship game against Florida. Murray will undergo surgery on Dec. 22 to repair the tendon in his left leg, Sooners' coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday. The championship game is Jan. 8. "Obviously, we're very disappointed for DeMarco," Stoops said in a statement. "He has been an important part of our success this year and we will miss his contributions." Murray was Oklahoma's leading rusher before he was injured in the Big 12 championship game against Missouri on Dec. 6. The injury was first diagnosed as a bruise but an MRI exam revealed the damage. (AP)

Bradford All-American Player of the Year finalist: Sam Bradford is one of four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award. The other finalists are Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell, Texas QB Colt McCoy and Florida QB Tim Tebow. Fans, who will determine the winner, can vote by sending the text message "vote" to the number 51234. Voting is open until noon Jan. 6. Fans are allowed to vote as many times as they want. (The Oklahoman)

Is Bradford NFL bound?: Tulsa World

Bradford OK with Sims: Tulsa World

A day in the life of a Heisman winner: The Oklahoman

Somene needs to pinch Billy: The Oklahoman

Sims apologizes for cheering stunt at Heisman ceremony: The Oklahoman

Bradford takes the podium: The Oklahoman

Bradford deserved some class in return: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes



Related: Bradford Wins OU's Fifth Heisman

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bradford edges McCoy, Tebow in Heisman vote: Sam Bradford was walking out of the Nokia Theatre following a rehearsal for the Heisman Trophy ceremony Saturday morning when he looked up at the portraits of the past winners from Oklahoma hanging from the ceiling. "When I looked up at all those Oklahoma guys, it really got to me," Bradford said. "I can't even imagine what it would be like to be up there." Bradford captured college football's most prestigious honor, edging Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow in one of the most anticipated votes in the 74-year history of the award.(AP/Houston Chronicle)

Total Votes
Sam Bradford -1,726 points
Colt McCoy - 1,604 points
Tim Tebow - 1,575 points

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Heisman advice: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford received a text message this week from ex-Sooner QB Jason White, who won the Heisman in 2003. "He said, ‘Relax, have fun, there's nothing you can do now that will change the outcome,' " Bradford said of White's text. "Winning, that's probably the least important thing. "The most important thing is getting to meet all the past winners and enjoying the week." Florida QB Tim Tebow has also been talking with a past Heisman winner, ex-Ohio State running back Archie Griffin. Tonight, Tebow hopes to join Griffin as the only players to win the Heisman twice. "I had a chance to talk with him a few times," Tebow said. "He's a man who's really strong in his faith, too. So we have a lot in common. (The Oklahoman)

The Heisman Trophy presentation will be televised live on ESPN 8:00 ET/ 7:00 CT.

Indians embrace new star: Tulsa World

The toast of New York: Tulsa World

Enough already for ESPN's Tebow love: Tulsa World

Heisman victor a legend: The Oklahoman

Bradford says return to New York is like a dream: The Oklahoman

Can Bradford win?: The Oklahoman

Bradford, McCoy, and Tebow find they have more in common than just gridiron greatness: The Oklahoman

Q&A with Sam Bradford: The Oklahoman

Bradford -- The Best: Norman Transcript

Oklahoma is the new Quarterback U: Kansas City Star

Bradford, Tebow, McCoy -- Take your pick: New York Newsday

In a surprise, the Heisman winner remains a mystery: New York Times

Making the final case in the Heisman race: ESPN.com

My toughest Heisman call ever: SI.com

Will Tebow pass Heisman torch to Bradford?: Boston Globe

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

OT Jeff Vison commits to Oklahoma: Lackawanna Community College offensive tackle Jeff Vinson has committed to play football at Oklahoma in 2009 according to Rivals.com. "That was the best fit for me," Vinson told Rivals. "The program speaks for itself, the tradition of a wonderful, wonderful offensive line. I'm trying to be a part of that."The Sooners will be losing four starters off this year's offensive line, including award-winners Jon Cooper, Phil Loadholt and Duke Robinson. Vinson will give the OU an experienced option next season."I've got to come up there with a head of steam because we still want to keep the tradition going," Vinson said. (The Oklahoman)

Related: Oklahoma Sooners Recruiting

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sam Bradford named Quarterback of the Year: Sam Bradford was honored with the 2008 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards show Thursday night in Orlando, Fla. The O'Brien Award, given annually to the top quarterback in college football, is the nation's oldest and most prestigious quarterback award. Leading the most explosive offense in college football this season, Bradford completed 302 of his 442 pass attempts for 4,464 yards with 48 touchdowns and six interceptions. He led the nation in passing efficiency and also scored five rushing touchdowns on the year. (SoonerSports PR)

Trophy is a life-changer: Tulsa World

Heisman needs political analysts: Tulsa World

Bradford is winner of O'Brien QB award: Tulsa World

Bradford has been boosted by the love and support of his parents: The Oklahoman

Gator fans have special greeting for OU's Bradford: The Oklahoman

Tale of the tape --- Bradford, Tebow, McCoy: The Oklahoman

Quotes about Bradford from national media: The Oklahoman

Awards notebook: The Oklahoman

Bradford takes home O'Brien Award: Norman Transcript

Oklahoma Sooner Football Article and Notes

Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops BCS Press Conference:


Bob Stoops on his time as Defensive Coordinator at Florida:

"They're great memories and relationships. There's lots of great friendships. I learned a lot in handling situations. It makes a big difference in my career."

"I had great feelings and memories there. But I also felt great about Oklahoma. I love the path I was on there. We were building something there that was very specific and I wanted to continue it."

"It's a lot of pressure on an offense when you face a team that scores a lot. This year, we've improved. When you force a team to punt the ball, it's not as much of a concern. Not one time this fall have we felt like we were over-matched. Last year was different."

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Gators hope for home-field advantage: Bob Stoops has recruited South Florida heavily before, although his current team has only one player from the Sunshine State. Meanwhile, Florida has 13 players from the greater Miami area alone, and Meyer said the same number were part of high school state championship victories at Dolphin Stadium, where the BCS title will be decided this year. "I hope it's a home-field advantage," Meyer said. "I'd be disappointed if it wasn't a tremendous showing, but I know Oklahoma has a great tradition of traveling fans as well. In the back of our minds, even in the front of some of our minds, this was our target to get to Miami -- because it's our home state, because of recruiting, because of all of the above."(Sun-Sentinel)

Leach unhappy Harrell didn't receive Heisman invite: Texas Tech coach Mike Leach had this to say.. "If Graham is not invited to the Heisman, they ought to quit giving out the award," Leach said in a statement released by the school. "It is a shameless example of politics ruling over performance. The other guys are deserving, but he has earned a place alongside them." (Dallas Morning News)

Proposed bill would prohibit BCS from calling itself national championship: Austin American Statesman

A month of BCS hype awaits Meyer and Stoops: Associated Press

Three compelling Heisman cases: Norman Transcript

It's close, but Sam's the man: Norman Transcript

Honored invitation: Tulsa World

Bradford will mull NFL option after season's done: Tulsa World

Bradford takes World straw poll: Tulsa World

Bradford to file NFL paperwork: The Oklahoman

Heisman finalists Bradford, Tebow meet up: The Oklahoman

Bradford captures 'exit poll' of 100 Heisman voters: The Oklahoman

Whether Bradford stays or goes: Star-Telegram

Doesn't look like Wilson's leaving OU: Star-Telegram

Will Bradford turn pro?: ESPN.com

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sam Bradford receives NYC Heisman invitation: Tim Tebow will go for two against a pair of talented quarterbacks from the Big 12 when the Heisman Trophy is handed out Saturday night. Sam Bradford from Oklahoma and Colt McCoy from Texas joined Tebow as Heisman finalists announced Wednesday. The last time all the Heisman finalists were quarterbacks was 2001, when Nebraska's Eric Crouch won the award and QBs held the first six spots. Tebow's Gators will play Bradford and the Sooners in the BCS national championship game Jan. 8 in Miami. "It's a good thing I don't have a vote," Bradford said while attending an event with Tebow and McCoy in Orlando, Fla., where numerous college football awards will be handed out Thursday night. "I couldn't decide. It's just an honor to be one of the guys going up to New York." (Associated Press)

Native son -- Okla. QB Bradford brings pride to Cherokees: USA Today

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sam Bradford weighing pro options: The Oklahoma quarterback plans to consider every bit of information available about his NFL Draft prospects before making a decision. "It's something me and my dad talked about -- in order to make a decision, in order to make the best decision, you need as much information as possible," Bradford said Tuesday afternoon. "So whether it's to stay or to go, we'll see." (The Oklahoman)

Stoops Coach of the Year finalist: Liberty Mutual Insurance and Archie Manning, chair of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame, announced the 25 finalists for the 2008 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award. Oklahoma's Bob Stoops is among that group. The finalists represent standout college football coaches across the four NCAA divisions who best exemplify excellence in coaching - on and off the field - as determined by a combination of hundreds of thousands of fan votes at www.CoachoftheYear.com and an objective scoring model endorsed by the College Football Hall of Fame. Stoops has coached his 2008 team to OU's third straight Big 12 Championship, a 12-1 mark and a berth in the BCS National Championship Game. (SoonerSports PR)

Bradford now sporting crimson-colored cast: The Oklahoman

What if Rhett Bomar had never been involved in the Big Red scandal?: The Oklahoman

Bradford now sporting crimson-colored cast: The Oklahoman

Wilson receives Broyles award as top assistant: The Oklahoman

Sooners will celebrate title tonight: The Oklahoman

Nickname for Stoops might change soon: Tulsa World

OU's Wilson earns award for high-speed: Tulsa World

Heisman frontrunners: Tulsa World

Nickname for Stoops might change soon: Tulsa World

Longhorns supporting Sooners? You be the judge: Star-Telegram

Why I like Texas to win the South next season: ESPN

Orakpo rooting for all Big 12 teams, but not OU: ESPN.com

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners' Wilson named country's top assistant coach: The Oklahoma Sooners have the best offense in the nation. Now, they can boast of the top assistant coach, as well. Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson was presented the 13th Annual Frank Broyles Award by officials from The Rotary Club of Little Rock during a luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel on Tuesday. The award is given annually to the nation's top NCAA assistant football coach. Wilson is the second Sooner assistant to win the award since Bob Stoops arrived at OU in 1999. Mark Mangino, now the head coach at Kansas, was cited in 2000 while serving as Oklahoma's offensive coordinator. Wilson's offense is coming off one the greatest five-game stretches in NCAA history, and is the highest-scoring team in NCAA history. Oklahoma's 62-21 victory over Missouri in the Big 12 Championship Game last Saturday was the fifth consecutive game that the Sooners have gone over 60 points, a feat last accomplished 89 years ago. (More at SoonerSports.com)

Note: Kevin Wilson has been named a possible candidate for the Miami University and Mississippi State jobs.

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Orange Bowl BCS title game sold out: OU announced by midday Monday that the school already had sold its allotment of 16,000 tickets through student sales and individuals who pre-ordered based on the athletic department's priority points system. Florida has a similar system, by which UF season-ticket holders are given first priority at purchasing tickets for the game. Florida will also hold a student lottery. The BCS and Orange Bowl Committees announced Sunday on their Web sites that tickets for the game are sold out. But the BCS and Orange Bowl are endorsing RazorGator.com as the official fan-to-fan ticket exchange, as well as VIPTicketCompany.com as the preferred travel supplier. (Tulsa World)

The Academy Awards of football: The Oklahoma Daily

Tebow's Gator grit: Tulsa World

Florida season in review: Tulsa World

Bradford is latest in impressive run of OU signal-callers: The Oklahoman

Bowl shopping spree awaits Oklahoma teams: The Oklahoman

Notebook -- Hit man Quinton Carter had best career game: The Oklahoman

In a four-way Heisman race, two Big 12 QBs may have the edge: Dallas Morning News

Sooners will come much later for UF: Ft. Myers News-Press

When Stoops was a Gator: Gainseville Sun

Best two teams vie this time: Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Oklahoma's Bradford pursues National Championship, Heisman: UM Maneater

Sooners 2nd in ESPN Power Rankings: ESPN.com

BCS rules to blame in Sooners' rout: SI.com

Time to strike a pose, Sam: Washington Post

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma's Sam Bradford wins Baugh Award: Oklahoma sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford -- who led the Sooners to a third straight Big 12 Championship while throwing for nearly 4500 yards and connecting on 48 touchdown passes -- is the winner of the Sammy Baugh Trophy presented to college football's top passer by The Touchdown Club of Columbus. The award was first presented in 1959 and has been held by legendary players including Steve Young, John Elway, Bob Griese, Kerry Collins, and last year's winner, Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell. Bradford completed more than two-thirds of his passes in 2008, and was intercepted only six times while under center of the most powerful scoring offense in college football history. Bradford is the first Sooner ever to win the prestigious Baugh Award. (SoonerSports PR)

Bradford undergoes successful surgery: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford underwent surgery Sunday morning in Oklahoma City to repair ligament damage in his left hand. The procedure lasted about 90 minutes. Bradford was released from the hospital and attended a team function Sunday evening. "It was a clean, routine procedure, and we expect Sam to bounce back quickly," OU coach Bob Stoops of the operation. "He'll be practicing again within 10 days, and we've taken this week off anyway, so he won't miss much." (The Oklahoman)

OU duo sets rushing record: Thanks to his 122-yard effort against Missouri, tailback Chris Brown became the 20th player in OU history to rush for 1,000 yards. Brown and DeMarco Murray became just the third Sooner duo to rush for 1,000 yards in the same season, joining Jack Mildren/Greg Pruitt in 1971 and Joe Washington/Waymon Clark in 1973. (The Oklahoman)

Stoops reacts to OU's BCS selection: SoonerSports.com

Sooners going to Miami: Norman Transcript

Bradford-Tebow show is just getting started: Tulsa World

OU Notebook: Tulsa World

Miami Bound: Tulsa World

Sam goes on defense after Sooner win: Tulsa World

It's official -- OU vs. Florida: The Oklahoman

Pressure is on OU's coach Bob Stoops: The Oklahoman

Turnovers could crown a national champion: The Oklahoman

Four questions about OU football: The Oklahoman

Bradford surgery goes well: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma, Florida remove drama from BCS script: Dallas Morning News

Sooners' hard work pays off with BCS title shot: Star-Telegram

Redemption time for OU? Austin American-Statesman

Florida, Oklahoma on Top of College-Football Mess: Wall Street Journal

College Football's Scheduling Problem: Wall Street Journal

Controversy constant along annual twisting BCS path: ESPN.com

Oklahoma-Florida matchup example of only strong survive: Sportsline.com

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma, Florida to play in National Championship in Miami:
1. Oklahoma .976
2. Florida .948
3. Texas .930
4. Alabama .844
5. USC .821
6. Utah .785
7. Texas Tech .784
8. Penn State .739
9. Boise State .698
10. Ohio State .635

Full BCS Standings at FOXSports.com

Sooners, Gators will play for BCS championship: KC Star

UPDATED

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

AP Top 10 with Big 12 teams
(First Place Votes) Points
1 Florida (50) 1602
2 Oklahoma (9) 1540
3 Texas (6) 1530
4 Alabama 1410
5 Southern California 1372
6 Penn State 1259
7 Utah 1225
8 Texas Tech 1193
9 Boise State 1101
10 Ohio State 1069
13 Oklahoma State 853
25 Missouri 150

USA Today's Coaches Poll
1 Oklahoma (31) 1482
2 Florida (26) 1481
3 Texas (4) 1408
4 Southern California 1309
4 Alabama 1309
6 Penn State 1193
7 Utah 1134
8 Texas Tech 1132
9 Boise State 1034
10 Ohio State 1004
14 Oklahoma State 722
23 Missouri 218

Harris Poll
1 Florida (77) 2776
2 Oklahoma (26) 2699
3 Texas (9) 2616
4 Alabama 2442
5 Southern California 2413
6 Penn State 2186
7 Utah (1) 2119
8 Texas Tech 2090
9 Boise State 1938
10 Ohio State 1858

Full top 25 at ESPN.com

Last Week...

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Murry suffers knee injury; expected to play bowl game: Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray left the game after taking a helmet to his left knee on the opening kickoff. After being examined on the OU sideline, Murray was taken to the locker room with 4:37 left in the first quarter and didn't return to the game. He came back to the sidelines later in the second quarter wearing sweats. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, however, said Murray only suffered a knee bruise and that holding him out was just for precaution. Murray is expected to be fine for the Sooners' bowl game. (The Oklahoman)

OU offense sets NCAA record: With 38 points scored in the first half, the Sooners set a record for points scored in a season during the modern era with 678, besting the previous mark held by Hawaii in 2006 (656). The all-time mark is 765 posted by the 1886 Harvard team. The Sooners currently rank third on the all-time list with 702. (SoonerSports PR)

Quality competition: Oklahoma is the only team this season to record five wins over ranked opponents, topping TCU, Kansas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Missouri. (SoonerSports PR) In addition, Oklahoma defeated Cincinnati who is currently ranked 12th.

60 or more points consecutive games: The OU offense has scored 60 or more points in five straight games, an NCAA record. Overall, Sooner teams have scored 50 or more points in 134 games in school history. (SoonerSports PR)

Lewis surpasses Bosworth to set record: Travis Lewis recorded his 136th tackle of the season in the fourth quarter and set an OU freshman record held by Brian Bosworth. Bosworth had 133 tackles in 1984. (SoonerSports PR)

Record night for Sooners: Norman Transcript

Need more proof?: Norman Transcript

OU Report Card: The Oklahoman

By the numbers: The Oklahoman

Pinkel, Tigers heap praise on Sooners: The Oklahoman

Look out, Florida, here comes the Sooners: The Oklahoman

Sooners offense is one for the ages: The Oklahoman

Jackson keys stingy Sooner secondary: The Oklahoman

English returns from injury, pressures Daniel: The Oklahoman

Don't penalize Sooner quarterback for his stellar teammates: The Oklahoman

OU's Madu fills in for Murray with career-best performance: The Oklahoman

Pinkel -- OU 'best offense I've ever seen': The Oklahoman

OU wins 62-21, takes third-straight Big 12 title: Tulsa World

Impresive Sooners deserve spot: Tulsa World

Bradford, Oklahoma win convincingly: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma's Brown runs with bigger role: Dallas Morning News

KO'd in KC: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Tigers again exposed against the elite teams: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

How about two national champs?: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Sooners make their point: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Sooners win with style points for BCS judges: Star-Telegram

Error-prone Daniel says this loss 'hurts the worst': Star-Telegram

Oklahoma eases to another Big 12 championship: Kansas City Star

Sooners' rout likely ends Texas' dreams of a national title: Austin American-Statesman

OU win has Texas bound for Fiesta: Austin American-Statesman

Sooners and Gators End the Debate on the Field : New York Times

With a point to prove, Sooners pack on plenty of points: ESPN.com

Sooners, Gators primed for collision: ESPN.com

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Oklahoma defeats Missouri 62-21: After a week of defending its reputation and fighting off the relentless Texas spin, Oklahoma had plenty of motivation entering Saturday night's Big 12 championship game. "We have to go out there and prove something to everyone," Sooners quarterback Sam Bradford told reporters during a Tuesday news conference.With its 62-21 trouncing of No. 19 Missouri on a frigid night before an announced crowd of 71,004 at Arrowhead Stadium, No. 4 Oklahoma proved plenty and probably clinched a berth in the national championship game Jan. 8 against No. 2 Florida (12-1) when the Bowl Championship Series standings are released Sunday evening, according to Jerry Palm, an independent B.C.S. analyst. (More at NYTimes.com)

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Bradford to have surgery Sunday: Sam Bradford will have surgery on Sunday, but not before he leads No. 2 Oklahoma into battle against No. 20 Missouri on Saturday.OU coach Bob Stoops said during a press conference Friday afternoon that his star quarterback — a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy — has been "working through it this week. We have a splint prepared for him that he's operated with through the week wonderfully. Haven't had any issues with it. He feels good with it and should be even better than a week ago, in that we have a plan for, and he has something to brace it. "He's able to operate under center and do everything that we normally do." (Tulsa World)

Sooners have a lot on the line: Norman Transcript

The right two teams are playing tonight: Norman Transcript

Cold doesn't concern Stoops in fourth trip to Arrowhead: Norman Transcript

Seeking depth, Oklahoma got much more: New York Times

Scoring machine: Tulsa World

OU-Missouri -- 3 Storylines: Tulsa World

OU's Best: Tulsa World

Sooners short on respect: Tulsa World

Cold site, hot streak: The Oklahoman

Stoops is focused on game, not voters: The Oklahoman

Sooners fighting back: The Oklahoman

Tide, '00 Sooners comparable teams: The Oklahoman

OU blitz package: The Oklahoman

Sooners have something to prove today: Dallas Morning News

Missouri's Daniel gets last chance at glory: Dallas Morning News

Big 12 Championship Preview: Dallas Morning News

Big 12 not ready to commit to Dallas Cowboys' new stadium: Dallas Morning News

Daniel needs game of his life: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Missouri can take season to significant height with win over Oklahoma: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Missouris offense must save its best for Oklahoma: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Sooners are talking up Missouri defense: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The Matchup: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Missouri could have its say about convoluted BCS mess: Star-Telegram

Sooners adjusting to middle linebacker injuries: Star-Telegram

Texas talk in Kansas City: Star-Telegram

Missouri and Tigers all-star QB chase a final major conquest: Star-Telegram

MU's offense doesn't want to make defense's job any tougher: Kansas City Star

The greatest offense of all time?: Columbia Tribune

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Mack Brown banner flown over Austin: Turnabout is fair play. A plane with this banner flew over the University of Texas' Royal-Memorial Stadium on Thursday: "Hey Mack Quit Whining U Knew The Rules." The message was in response to the events of the past few days. (The Oklahoman)

Daniel's redemption: Norman Transcript

Big 12 Championship -- It's a dynasty: Norman Transcript

Nothing certain at title game: Norman Transcript

Sooners' success speaks for itself: Tulsa World

Airborne banner flies over UT: Tulsa World

OU begins Heisman blitz for Bradford: Tulsa World

Source -- Venables, UW meet: Tulsa World

OU's awards pilingup: Tulsa World

Broyles made the right Bedlam choice: Tulsa World

ABC, announcer Brent Musburger back for more: The Oklahoman

Stoops on brink of sixth Big 12 title: The Oklahoman

Game against Missouri has several parallels to loss to K-State five years ago: The Oklahoman

Washington "may have talked" to OU's Venables about vacant job: The Oklahoman

Is McCoy sympathy candidate?: The Oklahoman

Oklahoma end returns to title game with confidence: Dallas Morning News

Dallas Morning News' All-Big 12 Team: Dallas Morning News

Maclin's return game in spotlight: Kansas City Star

Oklahoma provides a head game for Missouri: Kansas City Star

What to watch for in Saturday's Big 12 game: Kansas City Star

Sooners tight end can haul, during and after the game: Star-Telegram

Tigers know upsets happen: Star-Telegram

Oklahoma is a scoring machine Missouri will have to solve: USA Today

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

2002 Oklahoma vs Missouri:


Final Score: OU wins 31-24

Sooners defeat Tigers with fake field goal: Oklahoma can now look forward to playing Texas, although it may be a while before the Sooners shake the memory of Brad Smith. Smith, Missouri's redshirt freshman quarterback, had the third-ranked Sooners on the run all game long. Oklahoma needed a touchdown on a fake field goal with 6:33 left to escape with a 31-24 victory Saturday night. Smith carried 26 times for 213 yards -- a record for Missouri quarterbacks -- and two touchdowns. He also threw for 178 yards and a score, accounting for 391 of the Tigers' 449 yards. "Brad Smith, just an incredible performance,'' Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. (ESPN.com)

No. 3 Oklahoma scratches past Missouri: ST. Louis Post Dispatch

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Venables and UW officials in talks about coaching job? A Washington coaching search cloaked in secrecy grew only more intriguing Wednesday. Two sources told the Times that the Huskies may have talked with Brent Venables, who is the associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners. Venables also interviewed at Clemson. Venables has been the co-defensive coordinator at OU since 1999 and associate head coach since 2004. (Seattle Times)

Around the web: KETK in Tyler, TX. Sports Director, Danny Elzner's commentary on OU, Texas, and the BCS.

Did BCS put hook on Horns? Hattiesburg American

Please, Mr. Obama, don't give whiners hope: Miami Herald

Texas Fans are Mad As...? LA Times

Oklahoma's presence in Big 12 title game fuels Texas rivalry: USA Today

Big 12 Championship -- Missouri vs. Oklahoma: Athlon Sports

Maclin excited to test Oklahoma's struggling kick coverage: ESPN.com

Sooners should cruise to record three-peat title: ESPN.com

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

1963 Oklahoma vs Missouri:


Final Score: OU wins 13-3

Shields leads Oklahoma past Missouri: Larry Shields, a sophomore, scored two touchdowns today, one on a 65-yard punt return, in leading Oklahoma to a 13-3 victory over Missouri. The victory, Oklahoma's fifth without defeat in the Big Eight Conference, set the stage for next week's championship meeting between Oklahoma and undefeated Nebraska. (NY Times)

Soph Leads Oklahoma Over Missouri, 13-3: Washington Post

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Murray: I feel like my old self: The sophomore running back was badgered by questions of whether the offseason knee surgery he suffered was hampering him. He was adamant it wasn't. But his seven carries for 6 yards against Texas couldn't hide the truth. "I just didn't have it in me. Something wasn't right. I wasn't normal," he said. "I didn't have that pep in my step. The last couple weeks I've been feeling great," Murray said. "I feel like my old self." (Norman Transcript)

Gresham named Tight End of the Week: Jermaine Gresham was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week by the Nassau County Sports Commission for the second consecutive week. Gresham is the only three-time recipient of the honor this season. (The Oklahoman)

Balogun ready to step up: The Daily

In the end, the Big 12 got it right: The Daily

Mind game will be in OU's plan: Tulsa World

Sooners' BCS lead over UT isn't safe: Tulsa World

Cheers and Jeers: Sudden Sam's endorsement: The Oklahoman

Texas' Brown gets no love from Big 12 coaches: The Oklahoman

OU has Missouri QB Chase Daniel's number: The Oklahoman

Sooners’ offense is in high gear: Kansas City Star

OU Sooners ripe for upset by Missouri: Kansas City Star

Sam Bradford a special quarterback for Oklahoma: ST Louis Post-Dispatch

Daniel seeks mistake-free performance against Oklahoma: ST Louis Post-Dispatch

Oklahoma's offense is one to remember: Star-Telegram

This should be year for a split national title: Austin American-Statesman

Missouri plays the role of underdog against Oklahoma again: University of Daily Kansas

Eyes in Texas will be upon Missouri: Columbia Missourian

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Nine Sooners named to All-Big 12 team; Stoops earns coaches honor: Oklahoma produced the coach of the year, the offensive player of the year and a total of nine first-team honorees on the 2008 All-Big 12 Conference Football Team announced Tuesday. Bob Stoops shared coach of the year honors with Texas Tech's Mike Leach, while Sam Bradford was named the league's top offensive player. Center Jon Cooper earned lineman of the year honors and redshirt freshman linebacker Travis Lewis was the defensive freshman of the year. Joining Bradford on the first team offense from Oklahoma were running back DeMarco Murray, fullback Matt Clapp, tight end Jermaine Gresham, tackle Phil Loadholt, tackle Trent Williams and guard Duke Robinson. Sooners on the first team defense included tackle Gerald McCoy and safety Nic Harris. The second team offense included OU wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias and Cooper. The second team defense contained defensive end Jeremy Beal, Lewis, cornerback Dominique Franks and safety Lendy Holmes. OU's honorable mention picks were running back Chris Brown, linebacker Keenan Clayton and offensive guard Brandon Walker. (SoonerSports.com PR)

Did you know? Sam Bradford is the third Oklahoma player to be named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

Related: 2008 All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sam Bradford among five Walter Camp finalist: The Oklahoma quarterback was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and became one of five finalists for the Walter Camp Award, a version of college football's player of the year. Bradford made the cut along with fellow Big 12 quarterbacks Graham Harrell of Texas Tech and Colt McCoy of Texas. The other two finalists are Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree. The winner will be announced Dec. 11 on ESPN's "SportsCenter" and presented by the Camp Foundation on Jan. 17. (Tulsa World)

Harris could move to outside linebacker: This week, Sooner defensive coordinator Brent Venables is entertaining two options to replace middle linebacker Austin Box, who suffered a sprained knee from a cut block at Oklahoma State. One option is to move strong safety Nic Harris to weak-side linebacker, and bump All-Big 12 linebacker Travis Lewis to the middle. The other is to plug Balogun into the starting lineup at middle linebacker. "When you're force-feeding him all the reps and getting him ready and figuring out what he can and can't do, you're able to formulate your game plan around that," defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. (The Oklahoman)

Prolific offense: Norman Transcript

As long as Sooner bothered about BCS, Sooner nation need not be: Norman Transcript

Balogun ready to step up: The Oklahoma Daily

Sam Nation: Tulsa World

Big 12 coaches select Bradford as top offensive player: Tulsa World

Listen to Bob Stoops' Tuesday press conference: Tulsa World

Big 12 team has Oklahoma influence: The Oklahoman

Stoops -- "Bradford best we've ever had': The Oklahoman

Another brick in the OU-Texas wall: The Oklahoman

Stoops says Bradford is best QB he's coached: Star-Telegram

Missouri defense better be on its game against Oklahoma: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma's Stoops signs praises of QB Bradford: Dallas Morning News

Boomer beating? History on side of OU at Arrowhead Stadium: Lawrence Journal

BCS' lone employee watched polls tip from Horns to OU with mixed emotions: Austin American-Statesman

Coffman vows to fight pain, and Sooners: Kansas City Star

Even Tiger moms and dads are picking OU: Kansas City Star

Sooners' Stoops passes out high praise for QB Bradford: USA Today

Ex-construction worker to start for Sooners: ESPN.com

Missouri defense bracing for high-octane Oklahoma: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Sooners say chip on their shoulder against Mizzou: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Big 12 Commissioner: Conference will re-examine tiebreakers: Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe said Tuesday that the conference will reassess the divisional championship tiebreaker that left Texas out of the conference title game but that rushing to the conclusion that it needs to be changed would be a mistake. "Any tiebreaker system is difficult and will leave teams disappointed," Beebe said. "When the tiebreaker was written I was not in the league but they wanted to put in the team that had the best chance to play in the national championship game." Despite identical records and a loss to Texas, Oklahoma advanced to the Big 12 championship game in Kansas City because the Sooners are ranked higher in the BCS standings. "I'm not so sure that this isn't the best way to do it," Beebe said. "I understand the argument about head-to-head and it is a strong point, but as a lot of voters looked at it, and as the committees that select basketball tournament participants look at it, 'What team would you least want to play now?'" (ESPN.com)

Related: Stoops reaction to BCS Standings

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Pinkel Press Conference: Missouri Coach Gary Pinkel talks about upcoming Big 12 Championship game against Oklahoma.


Chase Daniel Press Conference


Related: Tigers meet the media ahead of Big 12 Championship

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Coach Bob Stoops Weekly Press Conference:
Part 1..


Part 2..


Sam Bradford talks about preparing for the Big 12 Championship game.


Related: Stoops, Sooners on Big 12 Title Game

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

English returns to practice: Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said defensive end Auston English went through a full practice Monday and should be able to play in the Big 12 championship game Saturday. English missed the last three games with a knee sprain. (Norman Transcript)

Wilson named a Broyles Award finalist: Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson is among five finalists for the Frank Broyles Award, given annually to college football's top assistant coach. The winner will be announced Dec. 9 in Little Rock. Utah defensive coordinator Gary Andersen, TCU defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas, Ball State offensive coordinator Stan Parrish and Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong are the other finalists. (Tulsa World)

Thumbs up for Sam Bradford: The Oklahoman

The conspiracy theory on BCS: The Oklahoman

Tigers way short of expectations: The Oklahoman

Notebook: The Oklahoman

Sooners' depth will be tested: Tulsa World

Big 12 Championship tickets still out there: Tulsa World

Venables out of Clemson running as head coach named: Tulsa World

Balogun has his shot, nobody has his story: Norman Transcript

Only the computers thinking clearly: Norman Transcript

Debate’s over: It's your move now, Mack: Muskogee Phoenix

Missouri quarterback gets extra push: Dallas Morning News

Oklahoma's offense piles up the points: Dallas Morning News

Missouri OK with offensive coordinator serving dual role: Star-Telegram

Big 12 lets the BCS do its dirty work against one of its best teams: Star-Telegram

Dejà OU -- As if there hasn't been enough subjective fun: San Antonio Express-News

Big 12 South race captures nation's heart: Waco Tribune

MU's Daniel fired up going into Big 12 title game: Kansas City Star

Settle Big 12's spat on the field: Denver Post

BCS Beats Texas In Red River Sellout: Washington Post

Missouri has a chance to defeat Oklahoma, but it is a slim one: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Mizzou vs. OU: What other writers think: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Missouri not distracted as it focuses on OU and Big 12 title game: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Oklahoma over Texas not really an outrage: SI.com

Daniel 'feeling good' for the Sooners this time: ESPN.com

Stoops' 10th anniversary with Sooners: ESPN.com

OU deserves its shot at Big 12 title: The Maneater

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Sooners, Bradford adjust after injury: One reporter asked if it could make it tougher for Sam Bradford Saturday night at Arrowhead Stadium. "I don't know if it will be tougher," Stoops said. "It was awful painful (Saturday). Having it happen on the third series of the game you don't have a plan for it. You're only able to tape it and try to support it. We'll have a better support structure around his thumb now... "Hopefully it won't bother him. It sure bothered him the other night. You don't see a guy drop a snap in two years and then you see him drop two trying to take the snap from center. With his left hand it wasn't able to work it. But we'll be able to prepare for that through the week and he should be able to take the snap." (The Oklahoman)

Stoops: "I have empathy for Texas and Texas Tech": Tulsa World

Tigers vs. Sooners: The sequel: Columbia Tribune

Can Mizzou beat Oklahoma? St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Ten years on, Bob Stoops keeps OU on right road: Houston Chronicle

Five Thoughts: Big 12 and the little guys: FOXSports.com