Stoops, OU look to regain big-game reputation
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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops had barely gotten comfortable in his seat Wednesday when the big question arrived.
Have you thought any more about what's going wrong in those Bowl Championship Series appearances?
"In the end, it's a situation that there isn't any one answer to it. You can look at all the factors," said the 10th-year Sooner coach, addressing reporters on the third and final day of Big 12 media days.
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With a national title and five Big 12 championships in nine years at his school, Stoops arguably commands more respect than any coach in the league. But there are questions in the wake of four straight losses in BCS games, including a 48-28 thumping by West Virginia in last season's Fiesta Bowl.
Stoops indicated that maybe his team felt a little too good about itself during bowl preparations after defeating Missouri 38-17 in the Big 12 Championship game on Dec. 1.
What's more, Oklahoma played West Virginia without receiver Malcolm Kelly and defensive back Reggie Smith -- both eventual NFL draft picks were injured -- and defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger, who was suspended for violating team rules.
"I'm not making excuses," Stoops said. "It was just one of the factors."
Oklahoma this season is the prohibitive favorite to capture its third straight South Division crown. The Sooners return 17 starters, including all five offensive linemen and quarterback Sam Bradford, who led the nation in passing efficiency as a redshirt freshman.
"The guy's just got a remarkable calm and cool in how he plays," Stoops said.
Oklahoma returns seven starters on defense and features a defensive line that may be among the nation's best. However, Stoops said, the linebackers and secondary need to continue to improve.
Nebraska travels to Oklahoma on Nov. 1, the teams' first regular-season meeting since 2005.
The Sooners, 11-3 overall and 6-2 in the league last season, have appeared in five of the last six Big 12 title games, winning four crowns.
"We're doing something right," Stoops said.
Winning yet another title apparently won't be easy because of the number of quality teams in the league, according to the coaches.
Said Texas' Mack Brown: "It may be the strongest the league has ever been top to bottom."
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
