Inside the Huddle, September 21, 2012

G A M E D AY TA B L O I D F O R S O O N E R F O O T B A L L | F R E E

INSIDE THE HUDDLE THIS WEEK

6

Oklahoma vs.

15

Kansas State

OPPONENT

Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein can throw or run his way to a win for the Wildcats P5 DEPTH CHARTS

See who’s on the field this weekend for Oklahoma and Kansas State P10 OFFENSE

Sooner QB Landry Jones has a chance to be just as impactful in QB battle P6

Snyder’s legacy extends to Norman

Iconic coach had impact on Stoops brothers, former Sooner coaches P8

ITH-2012-09-21-a-001.indd 2

9/19/12 6:22:33 PM

2

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

• Friday, September 21, 2012

GAME PREVIEW » KANSAS STATE

Oklahoma ‘anxious’ for matchup a Student Media publication in association with

160 Copeland Hall 860 Van Vleet Oval Norman, OK 73019-2052 phone: 405-325-3666 email: dailysports@ou.edu

James Corley Inside the Huddle editor twitter: @jamesfcorley

Kedric Kitchens Sports editor twitter: @Kedric Kitchens

Dillon Phillips Assistant sports editor twitter: @DillonPhillips_

Tobi Neidy Sports reporter twitter: @TobiAnn

Ross Stracke Sports reporter twitter: @RossStracke

Carter Baum Sports reporter twitter: @CarterBaum

Kearsten Howland Advertising manager

ITH-2012-09-21-a-002,003.indd 8

Sooners have been waiting for game with Wildcats, Nelson says DILLON PHILLIPS

Assistant Sports Editor

A cloud of uncertainty hovered over the ninth–ranked Sooners last October when they traveled to Manhattan, Kan. OU had just fallen to an underwhelming, unranked Texas Tech squad at home — blowing a 39-game home winning streak in the process — and faced one of its toughest tests of the season: an undefeated Kansas State team that had crept quietly into the top 10.

With their national championship hopes all but dashed, the question was how the Sooners would respond.

The answer: 690 yards of total offense and 44 unanswered points on the way to a 58-17 rout of the No. 8 Wildcats — one of the most impressive victories of the Stoops era.

Nearly a year later, the teams still closely resemble their counterparts from a season ago.

No. 6 Oklahoma. No. 15 Kansas State. On paper, not much has changed.

Both teams return recordbreaking quarterbacks. Both teams enter the game ranked in the top 15. Both teams have question marks on the offensive line.

But don’t expect the outcome to match last year’s blowout.

“You just got to be prepared,” junior linebacker Tom Wort said. “And with a team like this, you (have) got to be excited to play. They’re a highly ranked team, a real disciplined team,

KINGSLEY BURNS/THE DAILY

Junior running back Damien Williams (26) celebrates with quarterback Landry Jones (12) during the OU-Florida A&M game Sept. 8 in Norman. OU won, 69-13, and hosts Kansas State this weekend.

so it’s going to be fun to play them.”

Despite the beat down OU put on the Wildcats last season, the Sooners aren’t taking this game lightly.

“We just have to continue

to remember the losses we had,” junior linebacker Corey Nelson said. “Coach (Bob) Stoops always reminds us that last year, we lost to teams that we shouldn’t have lost to, and that just hungers us more and

humbles us more to know that we can’t be complacent, no matter what happens.”

In fact, Nelson said the team has had this game circled on SEE K-STATE PAGE 3

9/19/12 6:25:19 PM

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

Friday, September 21, 2012 •

3

K-STATE: OU stands between Wildcats and their first Big 12 title since ’03

Offense

Dillon Phillips, dphillips85@ou.edu

ITH-2012-09-21-a-002,003.indd 9

POINTS PER GAME

267.5

454.7

277.0

203.0

RUSHING YARDS PER GAME

544.5

46.0

TOTAL OFFENSE PER GAME

46.5

259

609

89

210

Rushing yards for OU junior college transfer running back Damien Williams this season, his first with OU

Rushing yards for Kansas State senior quarterback Collin Klein this season

Yards of the longest rush from scrimmage for Williams, which resulted in a score against Florida A&M

72.9

Completion percentage for Klein this year (43 of 59 with two interceptions)

13

Rushing yards per-attempt for Williams after 20 carries

COLLIN KLEIN Senior quarterback

245.0

9

Total touchdowns scored by Klein, four on the ground and five through the air

RUSHING YARDS ALLOWED

POINTS ALLOWED

TOTAL OFFENSE ALLOWED

DAMIEN WILLIAMS Junior running back

PASSING YARDS ALLOWED

5

Touchdowns scored on the ground by Williams in two games

10.0

14.3

251.7

Passing yards thrown by Klein, averaging 203.0 yards per game through three games

111.0

Defense

the calendar for quite some time.

“It kind of seems like everyone’s been waiting on this game,” Nelson said. “Everyone’s been anxious for it.”

With Stoops at the helm, OU has never lost to a ranked team at home — a perfect 13-0 — and has dominated ranked opponents by an average score of 43-16.

“It’s an amazing feeling (playing at home),” junior linebacker Corey Nelson said. “It gets to show your true character out there on the field — what you really can do and what you really are as a player.”

But Kansas State will be only the second ranked team to play at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium since 2009.

In 2001, the Wildcats gave the Sooners their closest home game of the Stoops era — a 38-37 shootout during which the Wildcats almost made a comeback after trailing, 35-14, midway through the third quarter.

The coaching connection between Kansas State coach Bill Snyder and Stoops, who was on Snyder’s staff at Kansas State in the early 1990s, has been exhausted in the buildup to Saturday’s game, but the story line is as relevant today as it’s ever been, despite Stoops’ dominance of the series.

It’s been nine years since Kansas State has won a conference title, and Snyder has yet to beat Stoops’ Sooners during the regular season.

But if the Wildcats plan on contending for a Big 12 title, they’ll have to.

PASSING YARDS PER GAME

Continued from page 2

349.3

251.0

98.3

134.0

9/19/12 6:25:23 PM

4

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

• Friday, September 21, 2012

Game Preview » Kansas State

OU looks to continue success at home Sooners 14-0 against ranked opponents in Norman under Stoops Tobi Neidy

Sports Reporter

Two of the top Big 12 conference heavyweights collide when No. 6 Oklahoma hosts No.15 Kansas State at 6:50 p.m. Saturday in Norman. This weekend’s game marks the 92nd game between the two programs — OU holds the overall series record of 71-17-4 — and will be the 2012 conference opener for both teams.

The Sooners look to start 3-0 for the 10th time under coach Bob Stoops after defeating UTEP and Florida A&M during the first two games of the season. OU was off last week and took time to prepare for this week’s offensive clash at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

“We practiced Monday through Thursday like we would a game week to work our preparation and get our plan in place,” Stoops said. “In particular (we worked on) going against (KSU’s) offense; they’re very complicated with all their different run schemes and the use of the quarterback run game all together, it takes some extra work.”

During last year’s 58-17 victory over the Wildcats in Manhattan, Kan., the Sooners trailed halfway through the second quarter before the OU offense scored on consecutive series to take the game’s final lead. Then-freshman kicker Michael Hunnicutt nailed his career-long 53 yard field goal with 19 seconds before halftime — the longest in the Stoops era — to give the Sooners a 23-17 lead that they wouldn’t surrender.

But OU isn’t relying on last year’s performance to dictate this year’s outcome and the Sooners said they know they will need to play like a top-caliber team in order to compete this Saturday.

ITH-2012-09-21-a-004.indd 2

Evan Morrison/The Daily

Junior fullback Trey Millard (center) leaps over a defender during OU’s 69-13 win against Florida A&M on Sept. 8 in Norman.

Under Stoops, the Sooners are 14-0 against ranked teams when the game is played at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

“Coach Stoops emphasized this isn’t last year,” senior offensive lineman Lane Johnson said. “K-State should have a bad taste in their mouth and they’re going to be coming in firing on all cylinders.”

The Sooner offense looks to pick up from where it left off against FAMU two weeks ago when the OU compiled 349 rushing yards, including eight touchdowns on the ground. Junior running back

Damien Williams currently leads the Big 12 after averaging 129.5 yards with five touchdown in the first two games.

But if there is one area the Sooners want to work on, it’s the passing game.

The OU wide receiving corps took multiple hits to the lineup during spring and summer camps, and Jones and Co. said they’re still looking to building camaraderie among the current

players. One way to help keep building the rapport is working on completely understanding the current playbook without adding too many new wrinkles to the offense.

“We are not going to put new stuff in,” Jones said. “I think this year it is more of knowing what you are doing so we can play fast and play physical.

“And if we don’t turn the ball over and pick up our mental

assignments, then we are going to be right there with (KSU) at the end of the game.”

On the other side of the ball, the OU defense will also have its hand full disrupting another offense playmaker on the field: KSU’s starting quarterback Colin Klein.

The senior signal caller is currently averaging 203 passing and 70 rushing yards per game and is responsible for nine Wildcat touchdowns so far this season.

One thing that has made Klein progressively harder to defend is learning how to disrupt a duelthreat quarterback that isn’t afraid to rush through the line. “(Klein’s) a big guy, he can run and he lowers his shoulder when he runs,” senior safety Javon Harris said. “Everybody else on the defense — defensive line, linebackers — we will be talking all week who’s going to be more physical, who’s going to take the person to the ground and who’s going to make the play.”

OU’s defense has limited opponents to just one touchdown this season and getting to play against the KSU offense that is currently ranked 13th in the nation will be a good indicator of both how good this Sooners defense is and how much improvement can still be made over the course of the season.

Traditionally, OU performs well against ranked opponents this time of year.

Under Stoops, the Sooners are 14-0 against ranked teams in Norman and are a staggering 35-1 in games in the month of September.

“We’ve been great at home, no matter who it is, but as long as the fans are loud and we come to play we should be alright,” senior defensive end R.J. Washington said.

“It’s going to be a battle.”

Tobi Neidy, tneidy@gmail.com

9/19/12 6:26:07 PM

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

Friday, September 21, 2012 •

5

Opponent profile » Collin Klein

Oklahoma focused on stopping K-State QB Sooner defenders recognize Klein’s dual-threat abilities

key Opponent Collin Klein

Dillon Phillips

Year: Senior

Assistant Sports Editor

At 6-foot-5, 226 pounds, Kansas State senior quarterback Collin Klein is built more like a tight end than a quarterback.

The Loveland, Colo., native originally came to Manhattan, Kan., to play wide receiver. But after redshirting his freshman year and seeing only marginal playing time at wideout, he switched to quarterback in 2010.

The rest, they say, is history.

Klein is considered by many to be the best dual-threat quarterback in the nation, and outside of Michigan’s Denard Robinson, no other QB can hold a candle to Klein’s production on the ground.

“He’s big and physical,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “You’re not going to arm tackle him, so if you don’t have a big square shot on him, you’re not going to tackle him. He’s got good speed. He’s very effective.”

Last season, Klein ran for a Football Bowl Subdivision quarterback-record 27 touchdowns and averaged nearly 25 carries a game to lead the Wildcats in rushing.

His 317 carries were more than OU’s top-three running backs combined.

“You have to have a respect for a

ITH-2012-09-21-a-005.indd 2

Position: Quarterback Hometown: Loveland, Colo.

guy like that,” OU senior defensive end David King said. “Anybody who can take the blows he’s taken over the past two or three years he’s been there and just bounce back... I don’t know if he’s missed a snap or not, but he’s a super tough guy.”

Despite the Sooners’ 58-17 trouncing of K-State last year, Klein still ran for 92 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

“The dude was stronger than what he seemed,” OU junior linebacker Corey Nelson said. “Way stronger.”

But it was Klein’s ineffectiveness throwing the football that cost the Wildcats last season.

Against OU, Klein tossed just 58 yards on 8-of-16 passing, and he finished the season with 1,918 yards and only 13 touchdowns to six interceptions.

This s eas on, how ever, it ’s Klein’s improvement as a passer that has the Sooner defense most concerned.

Stoops said. “That’s not surprising as he progresses and gets older. He’s a talented guy.”

The Sooner coaching staff was so impressed by Klein’s success last season that at Big 12 media days this summer, Stoops said Klein provided the inspiration for OU’s highly successful “Belldozer” package.

“I saw [Klein] running all these great plays, and I said, ‘Hey, I’ve got [sophomore quarterback Blake Bell] with the same body over here.

I need to borrow that,’” Stoops said.

“That’s where it all started.”

Even with Klein’s reputation for his physical style of play, don’t think for a second the Sooner defense is intimidated.

“He’s a big guy. He can run, (and) he lowers his shoulder when he runs,” OU senior safety Javon Harris said. “But I’m physical, too. I feel like that’s one thing for me I’m going to take advantage of.”

OU’s defense isn’t shying away from the physical nature of Kansas State’s offense, and it recognizes that stopping Klein is the key to Orlin Wagner/The Associated Press stopping the Wildcats. “(He’s a) good athlete, good playKansas State quarterback Collin Klein (7) gets past a North Texas linebacker during the Wildcats’ 35-21 win Sept. 15 in Manhattan, Kan. er. The offense revolves around him,” King said. “He does a good job of leading their team, and he’s going to try and lead them to a win “Klein has gotten a lot better at stay honest and play both.” throwing the football,” junior lineStoops said he recognizes Klein’s in [Norman]. We have to do our job backer Tom Wort said. “He’s throw- development in the pocket as a nat- to not let him do that.” ing the ball real good, so that’s ural process. something we didn’t really face as “[Kansas State is] throwing it much last year. It makes you have to more, and he’s throwing it well,” Dillon Phillips, dphillips85@ou.edu

9/19/12 6:27:06 PM

6

• Friday, September 21, 2012

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

Offense » Landry Jones

Jones has opportunity to shine against K-State Senior quarterback brings own talents to matchup Tobi Neidy

Sports Reporter

Oklahoma senior Landry Jones has never lost to Kansas State as the Sooners’ starting quarterback while the OU offense has been nothing less than stellar against the Wildcat defense.

Last season, Jones exploded for a schoolrecord 505 yards and five touchdowns in the 58-17 thrashing of the Wildcats in Manhattan, Kan. In 2009, Jones also had a field day with the KSU defense, finishing with 294 yards and four TDs. While KSU will look to reverse its fivegame losing streak against OU, the Sooner coaching staff said they’re confident they will be bring an improved team onto the field on Saturday after spending the bye

ITH-2012-09-21-a-006,007.indd 8

week fine tuning the offense in practice. “(Having the bye week) was helpful because we have a lot of new skill players on offense,” co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell said. “It gives us an advantage to practice what we do well and repetition is how we get better.”

After losing all but one experienced receiver during the off-season, the OU offense spent most of summer and fall camps working to develop a better rapport between Jones and the wide receivers.

Although the Sooners produced two wins while Jones threw for 494 yards and four touchdowns during the team’s first two outings, the quarterback admitted that even his expectations of the OU offense were too high for the first game of the season.

“You obviously expect everybody to be right on and you expect them to play well,”

Evin Morrison/The Daily

Senior quarterback Landry Jones (12) steps back to pass during OU’s win against Florida A&M on Sept. see QBS page 7 8 in Norman. He and the Sooners go head-to-head with Kansas State and Collin Klein on Saturday.

9/19/12 6:27:52 PM

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

QBs: Sooner offense ‘heading in the right direction,’ Jones says Continued from page 6

Player Profile Landry Jones

Jones said after the first game. “You expect to do all these different things but sometimes it just doesn’t work like that.”

The OU offense sputtered for most of the 24-7 win against UTEP three weeks ago. OU only scored 10 points in the first half before surging ahead to claim the win in the fourth quarter. It wasn’t the pretty win with the dominant numbers that the team was expecting from its offense that returned a Heisman-hopeful quarterback.

But Jones remained optimistic that his offense just needed to work out the kinks they could finally see after facing the first opponent.

“We just weren’t in sync and I figured it just comes with time and practice and also playing in games,” Jones said.

So last week, while the team as a whole took the extra time to get ready for Kansas State, Jones and the WRs took it upon themselves to get some extra reps without the coaches around.

“We took some extra reps after everyone left,” senior WR Justin Brown said. “It was just us and Landry out there working on our routes.”

Continuing to build rapport with the receivers both in practice and on their own times schedule will be vital to the Sooners’ offensive success this season because Jones himself is more successful throwing to familiar hands.

In the win over UTEP, Jones connected veteran receiver Kenny Stills for 121 yards on six passes, including a 68-yard touchdown pass that gave the Sooners their first

Year: Senior

Friday, September 21, 2012 •

7

The University of Oklahoma L I B R A R I E S Western History Collections

Position: Quarterback Hometown: Artesia, N.M. vs. FAMU: 19-of-28 for 252 yards, two TDS, one INT

points of the season.

The duo returned for an encore performance against Florida A&M where Stills finished with 120 yards on 10 receptions with a touchdown that gave the Sooners a comfortable four-possession lead.

Although Stills — who is currently sixth in the NCAA averaging just over 120 yards per game — has emerged as the front runner in from the WR stable, Jones said he’s starting to gain confidence in Brown and freshman WR Trey Metoyer.

“I think we are heading in the right direction,” Jones said. “It was nice to have that (bye) week with Justin, Trey, and Kenny just to get even more on the same page.”

OU faces a big test this week against KSU that not only packs a punch on defense but will also plan to outscore the Sooners with balanced offensive attack on their own. But having Jones as a senior QB that continues to improve with his receivers each week in practice gives the Sooners the edge to pull out a victory in the conference-opening contest.

Tobi Neidy, tneidy@gmail.com

irs.gov/eitc

presents 1904 World’s Fair Souvenirs Art of the American Arms Makers Traveling America with the Fred Harvey Company Bob Burke Collection: Great Stars of Western American Film, Television & Music Open to the public during regular hours.

Open until kick-off on game days.

Monnet Hall, Room 452 For more info, call (405) 325-3641

History of Science Collections presents

“A Living Library: The Growth of History of Science Collections from 1976-2012” Featuring the works of Copernicus, Kepler, Edison, Einstein and Darwin among others.

Open to the public during regular hours; open 12-4 p.m. on Saturdays. No appointment necessary.

Bizzell Memorial Library, 5th floor For more info, call (405) 325-2741.

If you make less than $42,000, find out about the Earned Income Tax Credit. You could get up to $4,800 extra back from the IRS when you file your taxes. Wouldn’t that lighten your load? Find out if you qualify at irs.gov/eitc, or call 1-800-829-1040.

Life’s a little easier with

ITH-2012-09-21-a-006,007.indd 9

libraries.ou.edu 9/19/12 6:46:16 PM

8

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

• Friday, September 21, 2012

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

Coaching legacy

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Arguably the biggest victory in Bill Snyder’s long, successful tenure at Kansas State came against the program that has otherwise caused him the most problems.

It was back in 2003, when the Wildcats were annually among the nation’s elite. They were heavy underdogs heading into the Big 12 championships game against topranked Oklahoma, and managed to upend the Sooners on a cold, clear night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

JAMES CORLEY • INSIDE THE HUDDLE EDITOR through the football landscape — from middle schools to the NFL — was created by Snyder & Co. at Kansas State (thus, “Wildcat”).

Snyder collaborated with Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, who won two national championships at Florida, to develop another trend that’s caught fire: the spread option.

The white-haired teaching juggernaut made a living of instructing young players and future head coaches. And he’s resurrected KSU once more.

The Wildcats are No. 15 and considered strong contenders for a Big 12 title or more this year, and it seems fitting the one who first put the team on the map is the one trying to help it leave its mark on football with a national championship.

It’s also fitting that two of his former protégés — Bob and Mike Stoops — are standing in his way.

9

History between Kansas State, Oklahoma highlights program-highs for one and program-lows for the other

Snyder taught excellence while building program Bill Snyder essentially built the Kansas State football program from the ground up, and several future Sooner coaches helped.

The Wildcats had been perennial bottom-dwellers in a conference dominated by Oklahoma and Nebraska. There was little for KSU to be proud of in football, but Snyder changed all that when he brought his revolutionary system to Manhattan, Kan. But Snyder didn’t do it by himself.

The 72-year-old surrounded himself with assistants and coordinators who, after his tutelage, left to steer their own programs, including Sooner head coach Bob Stoops.

Snyder is known for his traditional approach to college football, but he’s made his share of innovations to the game, too.

Ever heard of the Wildcat formation? The offensive set that swept

Friday, September 21, 2012 •

BOB STOOPS Oklahoma head coach

That remains the only time Kansas State has beaten Oklahoma in nearly 15 years.

CHUCK LONG

Norman High School receivers coach

They haven’t played every year, of course. Only occasionally back in the days of a 12-member Big 12. But a program that has won 11 games on numerous occasions, and played in marquee bowl games after so many splendid seasons, has had its hands full with its neighbor to the south.

MIKE STOOPS Oklahoma defensive coordinator

MARK MANGINO Former Kansas head coach

BRENT VENABLES Clemson defensive coordinator

URBAN MEYER Ohio State head coach

BRET BIELEMA Wisconsin head coach

“The games I’ve been a part of, there were points or a turning point where we weren’t able to get it done,” Kansas State’s senior quarterback Collin Klein said. “We weren’t beat because of the helmet they were wearing. They’ve just made plays and we haven’t.”

JIM LEAVITT

San Francisco 49ers linebackers coach

Still, the No. 15 Wildcats (3-0) are in a familiar spot heading into Saturday’s showdown with sixthranked Oklahoma (2-0). They’re undefeated, staring at another solid

season, but first have to get through what has historically been their biggest stumbling block.

Take, for instance, the 2000 season.

Kansas State had lost just once the previous year, and had rattled off six straight wins to begin the season, climbing to No. 2 in the nation. The Sooners, ranked eighth, scratched out a 41-31 victory, and went on to win their seventh national championship.

The Wildcats won their first two games the following season before losing to Oklahoma, and the 38-37 defeat began a string of four consecutive losses. In 2005, the final year under Snyder before his brief retirement, a 3-0 start came to an end with a 43-21 defeat by the Sooners.

Snyder isn’t one to ponder bad omens. He doesn’t link one loss to another, particularly when they happen across seasons. Rosters and coaching staffs change, after all.

The game evolves, and two programs that have been helped to dominate the Big 12 have evolved plenty over the years.

Kansas State’s last regular-season win over Oklahoma was on Oct. 25, 1997, prior to Stoops’ arrival in Norman. It’s been all heartache for the Wildcats ever since, a troubling trend that they are aiming to end on Saturday night.

The Associated Press

AT A GLANCE Big 12 Conference preview

Kansas State is 3-0 with a signature win against Miami (Fla.).

OCT. Texas Tech is still recovering from a tumultuous coaching overhaul when the Red Raiders tossed former offensive mad genius Mike Leach in favor of a new era under Tommy Tuberville.

OCT. Texas coach Mack Brown has arguably the Big 12’s most-solid defense and a young quarterback, David Ash, who looks like he may be slowly finding his footing as the starter at a program like UT.

OCT. It’s going to be another one of those years in Lawrence. Even though the Jayhawks are pleased to have Charlie Weis in place to try a program turn-around, he’ll need time just like Tuberville at Texas Tech will.

Senior quarterback Collin Klein, who is the center of KSU’s offense, also is the reason for much of the Wildcats’ recent success.

Tech will have to wait a little longer to return to its former glory because for now, it’s nothing more than a potential giant-killer.

Defense might win championships, but teams have to put up points to win games. The Longhorns haven’t had trouble scoring... yet, anyway.

Kansas shouldn’t expect another trip to a BCS bowl again for now.

The Wildcats are off to another fast start under visionary coach Bill Snyder.

ITH-2012-09-21-a-008,009.indd 8-9

SEPT.

22

06

13

20

The Cyclones have a new figure to worship alongside former college great Seneca Wallace: coach Paul Rhoads.

NOV.

03

In just three years at the helm, Rhoads has led ISU to signature wins against its rival, Iowa, and a stunning upset against Oklahoma State.

The future is bright for Iowa State.

NOV. The Bears were hopeful they could bounce back quickly from losing Robert Griffin III and Kendall Wright, but they haven’t had to prove it on the field yet.

NOV. Despite being newcomers to the Big 12, the West Virginia Mountaineers have made a lot of noise early on this season and are favorites to win the conference title.

The Big 12 Conference is stout this year, and only time will tell whether Baylor can stand on its own without RG3 at quarterback.

WVU has an explosive offense led by a trio of NFL-talent playmakers, and the Mountaineers show no sign of slowing down or letting up.

10

17

The Cowboys’ hopes for another magical season are crumbling quickly.

NOV.

24

After losing key players from both sides of the ball to the NFL draft, Oklahoma State dropped a key nonconference road matchup to Arizona and may have lost their primary on-field signal-caller, too.

I’ll bet they miss Brandon Weeden.

DEC. At the end of a long road of conference matchups for the Sooners sits TCU. The Horned Frogs also are new to the Big 12, but they have skill players capable of keeping up with “big league” players in the automaticqualifying conference world.

01

TCU’s offense is rolling and its defense is holding, but that may not still be the case by season’s end.

9/19/12 7:03:33 PM

10

• Friday, September 21, 2012

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

Oklahoma depth chart Offense LT

LG

C

RG

RT

TE

WR

WR

WR

QB

FB

RB

ITH-2012-09-21-a-010,011.indd 8

Defense

69 Lane Johnson

Sr.

11 R.J. Washington

Sr.

71 Tyrus Thompson

So.

10 Rashod Favors or

Jr.

74 Adam Shead

So.

91 Charles Tapper

Fr.

54 Nila Kasitati

R-Fr.

90 David King

Sr.

64 Gabe Ikard

Jr.

56 Ty Darlington

Fr.

68 Bronson Irwin

Jr.

50 Austin Woods

Jr.

79 Daryl Williams

So.

72 Derek Farniok

R-Fr.

85 Geneo Grissom or

DE

DT

80 Jordan Phillips

R-Fr.

97 Jamarkus McFarland

Sr.

53 Casey Walker

Sr.

98 Chuka Ndulue

So.

84 Mike Onuoha

Fr.

7 Corey Nelson

Jr.

So.

25 Aaron Franklin or

So.

88 Taylor McNamara

Fr.

5 Joseph Ibiloye

Sr.

82 Brandon Green

Jr.

21 Tom Wort

Jr.

17 Trey Metoyer

Fr.

20 Frank Shannon or

18 Lacolton Bester

Jr.

44 Jaydan Bird

Sr.

19 Justin Brown

Sr.

9 Gabe Lynn

Jr.

13 Durron Neal

Fr.

2 Julian Wilson

So.

4 Kenny Stills

Jr.

23 Kass Everett

Jr.

3 Sterling Shepard

Fr.

14 Aaron Colvin

Jr.

22 Roy Finch

Jr.

27 Gary Simon

Fr.

12 Landry Jones

Sr.

30 Javon Harris

Sr.

10 Blake Bell

So.

9 Gabe Lynn

Jr.

15 Drew Allen

Jr.

1 Tony Jefferson

Jr.

33 Trey Millard

Jr.

42 Jesse Paulsen

Sr.

48 Aaron Ripkowski

So.

6 Demontre Hurst

Sr.

8 Dominique Whaley

Sr.

15 Lamar Harris

Sr.

24 Brennan Clay or

Jr.

26 Zack Sanchez

Fr.

26 Damien Williams

Jr.

DT

DE

SLB

MLB

WLB

BCB

SS

FS

FCB

R-Fr.

9/19/12 6:40:28 PM

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

Friday, September 21, 2012 •

11

Kansas State depth chart LT

LG

C

RG

RT

TE

WR

WR

QB

FB

RB

Defense

78 Cornelius Lucas

Jr.

64 Tomasi Mariner

So.

55 Cody Whitehair

R-Fr.

50 Nick Puetz

Sr.

66 B.J. Finney

So.

61 Drew Liddle

So.

79 Keenan Taylor

Jr.

71 Ethan Douglas

Sr.

73 Tavon Rooks

Jr.

55 Cody Whitehair

R-Fr.

80 Travis Tannahill

Sr.

85 Zach Trujillo

So.

16 Tyler Lockett

So.

14 Curry Sexton

So.

86 Tramaine Thompson

Jr.

81 Kyle Klein

R-Fr.

7 Collin Klein

Sr.

DE

DT

DT

DE

SLB

MLB

WLB

CB

SS

Sr.

94 Alauna Finau

Jr.

92 Vai Lutui

Sr.

Travis Britz

Fr.

71 John Sua

Sr.

99 Javonta Boyd

Sr.

42 Meshak Williams

Sr.

44 Ryan Mueller

So.

2 Justin Tuggle or

Sr.

Jarell Childs

Sr.

46 Arthur Brown

Sr.

53 Blake Slaughter

Sr.

50 Tre Walker

Jr.

39 Jonathan Truman

So.

3 Allen Chapman

Sr.

$99/night, w/ breakfast for 2*

19 Carl Miles

Jr.

t EBMMBTSJDIBSETPO IHJ DPN

23 Jared Milo

Sr.

22 Thomas Ferguson

Sr.

12 Ty Zimmerman

Jr.

29 Kent Gainous

Jr.

21 Nigel Malone

Sr.

4 Daniel Sams or

R-Fr.

15 Sam Johnson

So.

48 Braden Wilson

Sr.

89 Zach Nemecheck

So.

33 John Hubert

Jr.

15 Randall Evans or

So.

29 Angelo Pease

Sr.

7 Kip Daily

Jr.

FS

CB

(3&"5

97 Adam Davis

)PUFMT t 3BUFT t -PDBUJPO

8&&,&/% 0DU

Free Shuttle transporation to the DART Light Rail Both hotels just 20 min. from the Cotton Bowl

4QBDJPVT 3PPNT t 0O TJUF SFTUBVSBOU CBS *OEPPS IFBUFE QPPM TQB

ÂŞ )JMUPO 8PSMEXJEF

Offense

Plano/Richardson, TX "MM TVJUF IPUFM XJUI GVMM LJUDIFOT t 'SFF 8J'J

$109/night w/ free breakfast* t $"-- )0.&ÂĽ QMBOPSJDIBSETPO IPNFXPPETVJUFT DPN 3BUFT WBMJE

ITH-2012-09-21-a-010,011.indd 9

9/19/12 6:40:30 PM

12

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

• Friday, September 21, 2012

The Daily’s NCAA football pick ’em challenge The Daily’s writers make their predictions for 10 college football games this week, selecting one matchup as their lock.

James Corley

Kedric Kitchens

Dillon Phillips

Tobi Neidy

Ross Stracke

Brent Stenstrom

SEASON RECORD (LOCKS)

6-4 (0-1)

6-4 (1-0)

5-5 (1-0)

5-5 (1-0)

6-4 (1-0)

3-7 (1-0)

No. 15 Kansas State at No. 6 Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

No. 2 LSU at Auburn

LSU

LSU

LSU

LSU

LSU

LSU

No. 22 Arizona at No. 3 Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

Arizona

Oregon

Oregon

No. 10 Clemson at No. 4 Florida State

Florida State

Clemson

Florida State

Florida State

Clemson

Clemson

Missouri at No. 7 South Carolina

South Carolina

Missouri

South Carolina

Missouri

South Carolina

South Carolina

No. 18 Michigan at No. 11 Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Michigan

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Virginia at No. 17 TCU

TCU

TCU

TCU

TCU

Virginia

TCU

Oregon State at No. 19 UCLA

UCLA

UCLA

UCLA

UCLA

UCLA

Oregon State

Miami (Fla.) at Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech

Georgia

Miami (Fla.)

Georgia Tech

NW Oklahoma St. at Texas-San Antonio

UTSA

UTSA

UTSA

UTSA

UTSA

UTSA

FREE

Microsoft Software

Visit DOWNLOADS.OU.EDU to download the software.

OU IT is excited to offer Microsoft Office (for PC or Mac) and the Microsoft Windows Ultimate upgrade FREE TO STUDENTS.

ITH-2012-09-21-a-012.indd 2

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

9/19/12 6:29:51 PM

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

Friday, September 21, 2012 •

13

Atmosphere » Fan Support

Fans need to revive ’08 energy for matchup OU-Kansas State game key for both programs’ goals this season Tobi Neidy

Sports Reporter

During Monday’s press conference, coach Bob Stoops did something he hadn’t done since 2008: called on the fans to help his team.

“Hopefully our crowd will engage and be a factor,” Stoops said, hinting at the need for added fan noise during the looming Big 12 opener that will feature two top-25 teams this Saturday in Norman.

Although it wasn’t the same as telling OU fans a week before the game that they aren’t loud enough and that they didn’t impact games like Stoops had seen during his time in the SEC, the suggestion for added boisterous behavior by the 14-year head coach proved just how important this game is to the 2012 team.

Most of the current OU students weren’t around for the 2008 matchup against Texas Tech, so here’s the atmosphere that prompted Stoops’ first call-to-arms to the Sooner faithful.

Tech had just come off beating No. 1 Texas and No. 9 Oklahoma State to become the second-ranked team in the BCS rankings. The Red Raiders only had to get past No. 5 Oklahoma on a chilly November night in order to win the Big 12

Kingsley Burns/The Daily

Junior running back Damien Williams (26) celebrates after making a touchdown in the second quarter of the OU-Florida A&M game Sept. 8 in Norman, bringing the score to 20-3. OU won the game, 69-13.

South division and make a strong conversation to be included in the national title game.

OU, under the direction of Heisman-winning quarterback Sam Bradford, had lost to Texas, 45-35, earlier that season. Both rival teams were ranked in the top five during the meeting at the Cotton Bowl, and the UT win allowed the Longhorns to continue their climb to the top of the BCS after beating

Missouri and Oklahoma State in the following weeks.

But the Longhorns hit a road block, falling to the Red Raiders, 39-33, after former Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree executed a tight-rope walk into the end zone as the clock expired.

That set up the Big 12 South showdown in Norman.

A Big 12 title and a national championship berth were on the

line, so Stoops rallied everyone in the Norman city limits to make some noise that day.

So the Sooners fans spent four quarters of yelling, dancing to the popular “Jump Around” song and overall causing chaotic disruption from all points inside Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

The result of the added obnoxious behavior: a 65-21 blowout victory by the team in crimson.

All the players interviewed after the game had nothing but praise to give to the fans, saying that the volume in the stadium affected Tech’s play-calling and hearing the crowd also boosted the team both on the field and off.

Stoops was so impressed, he gave one of the game balls to the fans that is still on display at the Switzer Center.

Without beating Tech, Oklahoma wouldn’t have been able to advance to the national title game against Florida.

So when Stoops chose to reach out to the Sooner fan base Monday, it proved how important this KSU matchup is to OU’s hopes of finishing back atop the Big 12 standings.

While the Sooners’ conference opener won’t officially decide the fate, the result could play a factor down the road, especially if the Big 12 decides to beat up on each other as the season progresses. And if having the energetic crowd makes a difference between a win and a loss, Stoops isn’t shy about calling on the program’s rowdy fans for another round of stadium disruption.

“You’d like to see [the fans] like that every Saturday,” Stoops said about the 2008 crowd, “but if you can’t be that way every Saturday, be that way this Saturday.”

Tobi Neidy, tneidy@gmail.com

ALL YOUR TAILGATE NEEDS! Great Selection G Great Service

Joe’s Place Fine Wine & Spirits 405.364.9262

ITH-2012-09-21-a-013.indd 2

12TH E AVE

GREAT SAVINGS

ALAMEDA Joe’s 1330 alameda st LINDSEY

MUST BE 21 TO ENTER THE STORE Must *be over 21 to enter the store

9/19/12 6:58:09 PM

14

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

• Friday, September 21, 2012

Analysis » Defensive schemes

Sooner defense plans to match KSU personnel Wildcat offense presents challenges for Oklahoma Dillon Phillips

Assistant Sports Editor

Dual-threat quarterbacks are nothing new to college football’s evolution, and the question of how to best defend a mobile quarterback is as old as the game itself.

Saturday, OU’s defense faces that challenge: Kansas State senior quarterback Collin Klein.

Klein is the driving force behind the Wildcats’ physical, run-heavy offense, which will test the mettle of the Sooner front seven.

Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops uses a pattern-read, gapresponsibility defense that typically relies on the nickel back to walk up in the box to contain the quarterback run game and provide run support.

But with Kansas State running the majority of its plays out of a two-back set, OU plans on using a third linebacker — either senior Joseph Ibiloye or sophomore Aaron Franklin — to match the Wildcats’ personnel and better defend the run.

“In their two-back sets, we’ll use a [strong-side] linebacker, so we’ll be in our traditional 4-3 look,” linebackers coach Tim Kish said.

“When they go to one back, it will be a nickel package, similar to what we’ve done in the past.”

ITH-2012-09-21-a-014.indd 2

you’re supposed to fit.”

But the Sooners aren’t shying away from Kansas State’s physicality — they’re embracing it.

“I respect their players,” Wort said. “I respect their fullback, their quarterback. They’re tough guys. I’m looking forward to going against them and banging heads a little bit.”

OU put a shellacking on the Wildcats last season, but Klein still managed to rush for 92 yards and two touchdowns.

This year, the Sooners are hoping to do a better job of shutting him down, namely by forcing Klein to throw the football.

“If we can get them uncomfortable running the ball and make them throw the ball, it’ll be a successful day for us,” senior defensive end David King said.

But stopping a quarterback who rushed for 1,141 yards and 27 touchdowns last season is easier said than done.

“Anytime you use the quarterback in the run game and you have a good quarterback runner like they do, that adds an extra gap to Orlin Wagner/The associated Press your assignments,” Kish said. “We Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein (7) looks for a call after crossing the goal line during the Wildcats’ 52-13 win got to be assignment sound. We against Miami (Fla.) on Sept. 8 in Manhattan, Kan. Klein finished with 281 all-purpose yards and four total touchdowns. got to be option assignment sound, and we got to be gap sound.

“All those things are going to With read options, counters linebackers to keep their eyes in “They do a lot of pulling, a lot of count Saturday.” and other misdirection plays as the backfield and find the ball. misdirection, split zones, stuff like the foundation of the Wildcats’ “You just got to see the pullers,” that. You just have to read your key offense, it’s crucial for OU’s junior linebacker Tom Wort said. and be disciplined and fit where Dillon Phillips, dphillips85@ou.edu

9/19/12 6:52:08 PM

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

Friday, September 21, 2012 •

15

News from around the college football world Tulane

Penn State

Rankings

Injured player still recovering, moved from Tulsa hospital after 10 days

Judge releases sentencing date for Sandusky 4 months after his trial

Four teams on Oklahoma’s schedule sit in the latest AP top-25 poll

TULSA — Tulane officials say seriously injured football player Devon Walker has been moved to a new facility as he continues therapy for his fractured spine.

The university released a statement Tuesday night from Walker’s parents, Booker and Inez Walker, who said they were grateful to doctors and staff at St. Francis Devon Hospital in Tulsa, where their son was taken Walker after he was injured during the Tulane-Tulsa game Sept. 8.

They did not disclose the name of the rehabilitation center and said they appreciated “everyone’s understanding of our request for privacy as we focus on his recovery.”

The Associated Press

A judge announced Monday he will sentence former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky on Oct. 9, nearly four months after Sandusky was convicted in the child molestation scandal at Penn State.

The 68-year-old Sandusky, given his age and the serious nature of the crimes, is likely to receive a sentence that will keep him in prison for life. He is jailed pending sentencing and maintains his innocence.

Judge John Cleland will determine if Sandusky should be classified as a sexually violent predator, a designation that subjects a convict to intense reporting requirements upon release. An assessment board has recommended Sandusky for the designation, though it’s expected to have little practical effect since he stands to die in prison.

The Associated Press

Southeastern Conference powerhouses Alabama and LSU are back atop the rankings at Nos. 1 and 2 this week after spending much of last year occupying the top spots.

Oregon, Florida State and Georgia round out the rest of the top five in the AP Poll.

The Sooners fell to No. 6 after their bye week. South Carolina sits at No. 7, followed by West Virginia, Stanford and Clemson.

Four of OU’s future opponents also sit in the top 25, including the Sooners’ foe this Saturday, No. 15 Kansas State. Notre Dame and Texas are Nos. 11 and 12, and fellow Big 12 program TCU rolls in at No. 17.

Staff reports

Visit OUDaily.com for more news and information about all things Sooner sports. t and scratch and den s, rn tu re , ts ou se lo C

items. Priced to sell.

80 SAVE UP TO

% OFF

Tent! he t er nd U s em It ot D L oo k for Red

NORMAN: Sooner Mall (3447 W. Main St.) ������������������������

ITH-2012-09-21-a-015.indd 2

OKLAHOMA CITY: 10109 N. May (Between Hefner & Britton Rd) TULSA: 6808 S. Memorial Drive

www.sunandski.com facebook.com/SunAndSki.Norman

9/19/12 6:52:54 PM

16

• Friday, September 21, 2012

ITH-2012-09-21-a-016.indd 2

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

9/19/12 6:53:46 PM