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Oklahoma has won seven National Championships, 42 conference championships, and don't forget that dynasty they had under Bud Wilkinson in the late 50's. They won 47 consecutive games. That's the kind of success that people hate!
But if you want to look for some other reasons, you can find them with Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has had their share of NCAA violations you know. They had a two-year television and post-season ban in 1973, another two-year television ban in 1988, and they were cited for major violations recently—July, 2007.
Stoops can't win a big bowl game, they always run the score up, and honestly, they're always over ranked. Remember the Boise State game?
JK: I bet I know another team that is becoming hated. How about Alabama?
DR: Bingo!
The Tide has, well, they claim 12 National Championships. The great Bear Bryant won six, and they've won 21 SEC Championships. They've almost had as much success as us!
But I didn't like the way they fired Don's son Mike so abruptly, and hired that Saban character. Did you ever see one of his press conferences? I don't think I've seen one where he didn't chew out someone from the media.
And Alabama's right up there with Oklahoma in the NCAA violations department, and they've had a lot of arrests.
You know this text book scandal where they were made to forfeit 21 games? This is the fourth time in the last 14 years where they've been penalized by the NCAA.
You know, when you get down to it, if you took Vanderbilt out of the SEC, you'd have trouble finding any team that wasn't penalized by the NCAA regularly.
And last year Alabama was over-ranked, and they showed it against Utah in the Sugar Bowl.
JK: Doc, aren't you forgetting someone? What about that school north of us?
DR: You mean Michigan?
JK: Yes!
DR: I was just getting to them. You have to hate the team that has won the most college football games in history. Hell, they've even won more games than we have!
And I've got some other reasons for hating them.
Show them a Rose Bowl, they'll find a way to lose it.
And people don't like us for recruiting nationally—they do the same thing.
The face of their program is still Bo Schembechler, and that guy was a monster on the sideline. I know Lou once pulled a kid's face mask, but did you ever watch a Michigan game and not see Schembechler throw at least one fit?
Now they got Rich Rodriguez. He leaves West Virginia in the middle of the night, and then tries to get out of the buy-out clause in his contract. Michigan ends up paying most of it.
This team could end up passing us by on the hate list, especially if they start winning again.
JK: I think you're right.
DR: I'll give you one more. It's one that's not quite there yet, and most people can't equate hate with this team—Oklahoma State.
Have you heard of T. Boone Pickens? This guy has donated over $400 million to the school, of which $265 million has gone to the athletic department.
It appears that T. Boone wants to buy a National Championship, and the good will he has shown towards his alma mater is being looked upon in a "Stienbrennerisk" way. A lot of people hate George Steinbrenner. Yogi Berra did
Don't forget that 2007 "I'm a man, I'm 40" outburst by Mike Gundy. That didn't help either, but Pickens has catapulted Oklahoma State right to the top of everyone's hate list.
But, we'll never hate them totally because if they get better they'll beat Oklahoma a lot more.
JK: I want to move on to another issue Doc, can you quickly name anyone else who might become as hated as the Irish?
DR: Well, Oregon, if the Nike money becomes a factor at that school. BYU because of that bogus National Championship they won in 1984, and don't forget Duke basketball.
JK: Duke Basketball? I thought we were talking college football!
DR: Anytime the word hate comes up in a conversation about sports—Duke belongs!
JK: Doc, I think I heard your cell phone.
DR: Excuse me for a second.
DR: I hate to do this to you, because I've really enjoyed thie short time we've had, but my tee time has just been moved up and I have to go.
JK: I understand, and thanks for your time. Maybe we could do this again?
DK: Just call me.
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