Bleacher Report - Articles by Scott Collier

If You Want Coach Stoops Gone, You Need To Get a Clue!

Scott Collier — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:31:00 -0500

I keep hearing the whispers around town, on the message boards, and even a few in print that it is time for Coach Stoops to go. In this day and age of knee jerk reactions, instant gratification, and disloyalty it is not surprising, it is confusing though.

Do you want Charlie Weiss fired? If so, at least that is justifiable, Mike Sherman, ok, Bobby Bowden, without a doubt. Bob Stoops, seriously?

We are talking about a coach who has taken OU to four national title games in nearly 11 years on the job, the next closest is two at this point. This same coach has won 6 conference titles, while his arch nemesis at Texas, Mack Brown, has exactly one.

Could Stoops do a better job in bowl games? Sure. Is he too loyal at times to his assistant coaches? Some would say that. Have his teams struggled on the road lately? That cant be argued.

Despite all of this we can still look at these facts. He has an 81 percent winning percentage, has produced two Heisman Trophy winners, a slew of All Americans, and as recent as last year, took the Sooners to the National title game again. He was also a couple of missed blocks on the goal line from likely winning his second national title. Yes this was last year.

Despite all of this, he is 5-4 and some people want him gone. They are not considering that he has lost six offensive starters for the season—two of which are likely first round draft picks.

So where does that leave us? Well we have a completely restructured offensive line—one that is completely restructured as of this week due to injuries. We have a freshman QB who had never taken a snap until Sam Bradford went down to injury in the first game of this season. We have a team who has four losses to four ranked teams, all of them away from home by a total of 12 points. Ladies and gentleman, we are 12 points from being undefeated with a makeshift offensive line and a freshman quarterback.

I'm not asking you to be happy with the losses or the inconsistency of this season, but what I am asking you to do is to get a clue!

College Football's Greatest Freshman Seasons!

Scott Collier — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:35:56 -0400

More often than not in College football one player cannot come into a program and be the "man", it's just too hard for 17 and 18 year old freshmen to have a chance to physically mature enough while learning the playbook and adjusting to college life.

These ten football players are the exception to the rule as they hit the field running straight out of high school and never looked back.

Here are my top 10 freshmen of all time in college football

10: Marshall Faulk, San Diego St: It didn't take long for Faulk to make his presence felt as he ran for 386 yards in just his second career game against Pacific.

He would finish with 1429 yards, still holds a freshman record with 21 touchdowns and would go on to earn 1st Team All American honors.

9: Andy Katzenmoyer, Ohio State: At a school known for putting out great linebackers, Katzenmoyer would become the first freshman to ever start for the Buckeyes at the position.

By the end of the year he had totaled school records for a linebacker with his 23 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks.

8: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech: Crabtree would crush several D-1 receiving records as a freshman while putting up video game statistics for the Red Raiders; 134 receptions, 1,962 yards and 22 TDs. Crabtree would end up being named the Biletnikoff award winner as well as a 1st team All American.

7: Tony Dorsett, Pittsburgh: Tony Dorsett made a splash on the college scene despite weighing in at just over 150lbs. He ultimately became the first freshman to earn 1st team All American in nearly 30 years as he ran for nearly 1600 yards.

6: Ron Dayne, Wisconsin: Despite not starting until nearly halfway through the season Dayne would go on to run for 1863 yards including 246 yards in the Badgers' bowl game against Utah.

5: Michael Vick, Virginia Tech: Vick mesmerized college football fans with his freakish talent and the results he produced backed up the hype.

As a freshman Vick accounted for 20 tds, led the nation in passing efficiency, and finished 3rd in the Heisman voting as he led the Hokies to the national title game.

While the Hokies didn't win against heavily favored Florida St, Vick did everything he could to give his team a chance, accounting for 322 yards and 2 tds.

4: Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma: Coach Bob Stoops tried to calm the hype and take some pressure off of Peterson by not starting him early on in the season, Peterson wasn't having any of it.

He would run for exactly 100 yards in his first career game, and would total nine straight 100 yard games and 11 overall as he helped lead the Sooners to the national title game.

Peterson would go on to become the first freshman ever to finish 2nd in the Heisman voting and the first Sooner true freshman to ever garner 1st team All American honors from the AP as he ran for 1925 yards.

3: Maurice Clarett, Ohio St: Ohio St has never been known for their high powered offenses under Jim Tressel. but as soon as Clarett arrived on campus the expectations changed.

A highly recruited running back, Clarett provided the spark that Ohio St needed on offense as he set a Buckeye freshman record for rushing yards in a season (1237) even though he missed three games and parts of two others with injuries. Many remember him for scoring the game winning TD in the national title game but his strip of Sean Taylor after an interception was equally as big.

2: Jamelle Holieway, Oklahoma: One of the greatest option quarterbacks of all time, Jamelle began his career far before many in Norman expected as he took over for Troy Aikman after he broke his ankle in an early season loss to Miami. Jamelle never looked back as he led the Sooners to an 8-0 record as a starter and a national championship victory over Penn St in the Orange Bowl.

Jamelle remains the only true freshman quarterback to accomplish this.

1: Herschel Walker, Georgia: Walker almost single handedly carried the Bulldogs to the National Championship as a freshman, running for 1616 yards and 15 touchdowns. He would finish a controversial 3rd place in the Heisman voting behind George Rogers and Hugh Green, both seniors. Walker further proved that the voting was wrong by running for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns in the national title game.

Living My Sports Dream: My Top 10 Dream Events

Scott Collier — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:45:56 -0400

Imagine you have just been given a blank check that you can use to see any 10 sporting events in person. Where are you going?

I've been present at some fun and unique sporting events. I've been to OU-Texas five times and been in Dallas for the game atleast nine times. I've been to Oregon for the huge referee debacle against my Sooners.

I've been to National title games. I saw Mark McGwire hit No. 46 the year he broke the all-time home run record.

I've been to the Rose Bowl, and a few more less prestigous or well known events but these are the 10 sporting events that I would do anything to witness live.

10) Army vs. Navy: Are you kidding me? It doesn't get much better than seeing the two most storied military programs duke it out on behalf of the good ol' red, white, and blue.

9) Olympic Gold Medal game in men's basketball. Sure NBA players are mostly prima donnas but this is still the best of the best representing our country.

8) Duke vs North Carolina (Men's Basketball) in Cameron Indoor Stadium...Yes I am buying into the ESPN hype but I watch this game every year and Cameron is a madhouse.

7) Red Sox vs. Yankees in Boston:Another hype game but still a great rivalry in a historic park.

6) Watch a game in Notre Dame Stadium. Preferably this would be against my Sooners since I can't stand Notre Dame. I would love to be at that stadium with all the history and get to watch a game live.

5) Chiefs vs Raiders in Kansas City: I hate the Raiders like I hate Texas and the Cubs. Plus, I have never seen my Chiefs in person.

4) Super Bowl: I have never been to a Super Bowl. Hell, I've never been to an NFL game, but who wouldn't want to be in person for one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

3) The Final Round of the Masters. I'm a moderate golf fan but I absolutely love the Masters and that golf course. I could only hope to get lucky and see Tiger and Phil square off in the final pairing.

2) Game Seven of the World Series in St.Louis. Ive been to 10-15 Cardinal games in my life, nothing close to a World Series game though.

1) OU vs Texas in the National Title game: How amazing would this be! The biggest rivalry in the country being settled on the biggest stage, it would take a lot to happen but I can hope.

Everyone's list is going to be different depending on who your root for but let me know what you think and what games you would like to see...

Top 15 Plays Of The Bob Stoops Era!

Scott Collier — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:10:19 -0400

The 10 years that Bob Stoops has led The University of Oklahoma he has produced 109 victories, six conference championships, and one national championship.

While none of that would have been possible without the players that he has brought in over the years, these 15 plays helped define the greatest moments in the Bob Stoops Era.

15. Curtis Lofton Strips Jamal Charles (2007)

With the game tied at 14 a piece, Texas ran a draw to Jamal Charles from the 13-yard-line early in the third quarter. It appeared that Charles was going to easily score, but what no one saw was that Curtis Lofton had punched the ball out at the 4-yard-line. Momentum shifted, and OU went on to win 28-21

14. Marcus Walker Pick Six (2007 Fiesta Bowl)

Walker came to OU as a highly touted cornerback, but struggled through injuries much of his career. His defining moment came in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl vs. Boise St.

OU had come all the way back from an 18-point deficit to tie the game with 1:11 left, when Walker jumped a route and picked off Boise St. for a 34-yard TD to give OU their first lead of the game.

Ultimately, Walkers moment was stolen from him, but I will never forget that moment and the excitement that came with what we thought was an epic comeback.

13. Adrian Peterson Goes 80 Against Oklahoma St. (2004)

So many plays to pick from when it comes to Peterson, but this one has to be my favorite. A perfect example of the strength and speed that Peterson would demonstrate during his career at Oklahoma.

12. Renaldo Works Jumps Over Alabama (2002)

For the second time in as many years, Oklahoma lost their QB Jason White to a knee injury. While Nate Hybl came into the game and got us back within striking distance, it would eventually be one great play by Renaldo Works that would completely turn the tide, and save the game for OU.

With 2:43 left in the game, and OU trailing by four at home, Renaldo goes off.

11. Woolfolk Makes an Amazing Catch (2000)

The 2000 game against Nebraska has so many memories, starting with coming back from an early 14-0 deficit, all the way to the end where OU won to become No. 1 in the nation for the first time since 1987.

Take away the scene at the end with OU fans rushing the field, and my biggest memory of that game is the amazing catch (5:08)that Andre Woolfolk made early in the second quarter, with OU still down 14-7

10. Demarco Murray, "It's 4.4 and Goodbye" (2007)

Demarco Murray was one of the most anticipated recruits that Stoops has brought in, and, just like Adrian Peterson, he became a star against Texas. (1:49)

9. Matt McCoy to Chris Chester (2002)

With Brad Smith running all over the higher ranked Sooners, and OU losing 24-23 with 6:37 left in the fourth quarter, Bob Stoops reached into his bag of tricks and pulled of a doozy. (5:38)

OU's holder and backup safety Matt McCoy took the snap and could have easily thrown to a wide open Trey Dicarlo in the flats, but instead threw a jump ball in double coverage to backup TE Chris Chester, who made a leaping catch to win the game.

8. White to Bradley Saves the Day (2004)

With OU in yet another dogfight against A&M at their place, Jason White hit Mark Bradley for one of the biggest plays of the season.

With the game tied at 35 a piece, and time ticking down, White evaded the rush, stepped up in the pocket, and threw a dart to Bradley, who did the rest on this 3rd-and-10 play.

7. Ingram Seals the Deal (2006 Holiday Bowl)

After three National title game appearances in five years, OU struggled during the 2005 season, sitting at 2-3 at one point. OU rallied to finish the season 7-4 though, and received a Holiday Bowl invite against Top 10 Oregon.

With Oregon driving, and down by three in the final minutes of the game, Clint Ingram picked off Brady Leaf to seal the upset victory and save a disappointing season at 8-4.

6. No Guts No Glory (2006)

With OU's offense struggling the entire game, and Coach Stoops not confident that our defense could get another stop after Dennis Franchione shockingly kicked two field goals on the goal line to make the score 17-16 rather than giving the ball to Javorskie Lane, Stoops went for it twice on 4th-and-short inside his own territory to seal the victory.

After the first quarterback sneak was blown dead, Stoops ran the same exact play, and Thompson got the yardage he needed in order to move the chains, allowing OU to run out the clock.

5. Sam Bradford's Heisman Flip (2008)

Many Heisman winners have a "moment", and despite Bradford's eye-popping stats, it may just have been this moment that won Sam the Heisman.

While the play didn't even result in a touchdown, this is definitely one of the most exciting plays that we have seen under Coach Stoops.

4. OU Gets Bama On a Big Play, Twice (2003)

With No. 1 OU only up on Alabama 13-10 midway through the third quarter, Coach Stoops decided we needed a spark. Oklahoma was preparing to punt until Stoops called back-to- back perfect plays to get momentum back on OU's side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuePqhjmpNA

3. Derrick Strait Saves a Championship Season (2000)

With Oklahoma St. driving, and OU's championship season on the ropes, a true freshman saved the day. (6:52)

On 4th-and-goal Oklahoma St. threw a jump ball to their TE, but the much shorter Strait jumped up and was able to knock away the pass. OU would eventually win the game 12-7, and go on to the National Title.

2. Torrance Marshall Makes the Play of His Life (2000)

Oklahoma had been struggling the entire game against Texas A&M, and their No. 1 ranking was on the line, until Torrance Marshall stepped in front of a pass.

With OU trailing 31-28, Marshall picked off a Farris pass, and returned it 42 yards to preserve OU's title run.

1. Superman (2001)

Is there any play more discussed in the Stoops era than this one? It is probably one of the most noticeable defensive plays of the decade. Even with OU's defense dominating the entire game, OU was only up 7-3 when Texas took over on their own 3-yard-line.

Earlier in the game, Roy Williams had jumped over the line to make a play and got hurt, so Coach Stoops plainly told him to not leave his feet again.

It's a good thing that Roy was a bad student. Texas was hoping for a miracle drive when Roy Williams dove over the line, hit Chris Simms arm, and forced an interception which Teddy Lehman returned for a touchdown...game over!

Sooner Legend Josh Heupel: Author of the New Era for OU!

Scott Collier — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:07:55 -0400

Early Spring in Aberdeen South Dakota 1978, who knew that the return of The University of Oklahoma to national prominence started way back then in small town America.

Josh Heupel was born in March of 1978 in the middle of a blizzard, the trip home from the hospital was so tough that his father Ken had to walk him home the last quarter mile as his mother Cindy followed behind on a snowmobile that Easter Sunday Morning.

This was obviously a preface to Josh's life as nothing would come easy, in and out of hospitals through the age of four due to ear problems. When his hands would constantly shake at a young age his mother took him to a hospital only to find out that Josh was just trying to do such advanced things that his body couldn't keep up.

Josh was walking at eight months and running at 10 months. He was always doing things that he probably shouldn't have been able to do. So when people ask his parents how he eventually led The University of Oklahoma to a national championship in 2000, I am sure it is easy to explain.

Hard work has always been a staple of the Heupel household, from Ken's coaching career to Josh's beginnings at a local car wash in middle school when his father felt he needed to learn responsibility a little better.

Ken knew that Josh would have to work hard to be successful, not because Josh necessarily lacked the ability but because that's how you do things the right way while looking for success.

Josh quickly became a standout Quarterback in high school, and when it came time to pick a college, Josh chose Division 1-AA Weber State over several Division II, III, and NAIA offers.

It was obvious that Josh would have a better chance of playing at the smaller schools but he wanted to challenge himself just as his father had taught him, just as he had come into the world.

When Josh found out that Weber State was accepting a UCLA transfer, Steve Buck, who had beaten out Cade McNown before breaking his hand Josh didn't retreat, he got the keys to the weight room.

Unfortunately in the Spring game that year Josh tore his ACL and while he would work his way back to being the Weber St quarterback, following that season his coaching staff left, the new staff brought in a new offense which ultimately left his future up in the air.

After mulling over different offers, Josh transferred to Snow Junior College, a small school with a passing offense.

Even with the transfer Josh had to earn the job and beat out Fred Salanoa, who had previously been an All American at Snow before attempting to transfer to Hawaii, when that didn't work out he came back to Snow.

Surprisingly Fred and Josh became the best of friends and fed off of each other, Josh eventually won the job and led Snow to a 8-2 record and a Junior College Bowl victory over rival Dixie Utah.

Following the season Josh had done enough to earn some offers on the Division-I level, eventually picking old Powerhouse Oklahoma and their scuffling program over New Mexico and Utah St.

Who knew what would eventually transpire at OU, a hot young new Coach Bob Stoops and a JUCO Quarterback that very few had heard of would lead OU back to prominence in just two short years.

Coming off of five-straight seasons without a winning record and mediocre success for the six seasons prior to that by Oklahoma standards, Josh would quickly lead OU to a 7-5 record and a last second bowl game loss to Ole Miss under the tutelage of Mike Leach and Coach Stoops in his first season.

The following year, Heupel would lead The University of Oklahoma to a dream season, despite nagging injuries throughout the last half of the season, Heupel would lead OU to a 13-0 record and a National title upset of heavily favored Florida State and Heisman winner Chris Weinke who had barely beaten out Heupel for that award.

Heupel did win several awards that year including Big 12 offensive player of the year as well as Walter Camp and AP player of the year.

Josh was drafted in the sixth round following the 2000 season and while I have no doubt that he probably could have had a long NFL career, injuries led Josh to his true love, coaching and mentoring.

Since his brief NFL career ended Josh has coached at the University of Arizona and Oklahoma, most recently as the Quarterback coach of OU where he has helped mentor the careers of converted wide receiver Paul Thompson and Oklahoma high-school star Sam Bradford, the two led OU to three straight conference titles as the quarterback of OU with Bradford going for the fourth straight title this upcoming season.

Bradford did something under the watch of Heupel that his coach didn't do, that is winning the Heisman and leading the nation in passing efficiency his freshman and sophomore seasons.

While Heupels legend at OU is fully entrenched as a player and a coach, his biggest impact has been with The FCA and his No. 14 foundation where he helps feed families in need.

Heupel's faith in God has sculpted his life and it continues to provide the stability in his life and his motivation to continually reach above and beyond to do whats best for those around him.

Josh was recently married and still lives and coaches in Norman at The University of Oklahoma. Whether his future holds a big time head coaching job in college or simply working with his foundation, there is no doubt that Heupel will continue to impact lives in a positive manner while being highly successful.

*The Road to Glory by Josh Heupel was used for some references

Tommie Frazier: An All-Time Great Deserves His Due

Scott Collier — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:09:37 -0400

This Quarterback was 33-3 as a starter.

He had 83 career touchdowns despite playing in an offense that didn't throw the ball much.

His stats are somewhat overshadowed now that the spread offense is in full force.

But stats be damned, Tommie Frazier also led the Nebraska Cornhuskers to one of the greatest seasons in college football history and one of the greatest three-year stretches by any team.

In 1995, the Huskers were dominant; I'm talking "beating four top-10 teams by no less than 23 points" dominant. They were so dominant that they defeated No. 2 Florida by 38 points in one of the most epic championship game performances ever, which was capped off by one of the greatest runs by a quarterback when Frazier broke at least seven tackles and ran 75 yards for a touchdown.

One season prior, this quarterback finally showed the world that coach Tom Osborne could win the big game when they knocked off Miami in the Orange Bowl.

Frazier led his team to four consecutive New Year's Day bowl games when that still meant something, and as his career moved along so did his status as an all-time great— THE all-time great.

Others may boast better stats and more awards, but no one had more of an impact on his program, and no one made more of an impact in big games.

When Frazier got to Nebraksa to run their option offense, the Cornhuskers had lost several blowout bowl games in succession. When Frazier left, he was a two-time national champion and a missed field goal away from being a three-time national champion. Frazier was also a three-time MVP of the national championship game.

With Osborne's career constantly being criticized for big-game failures, Tommie Frazier took the weight of the Husker Nation on his back and carried his coach from great to all-time great status.

If you compare any of his individual seasons to other big-time quarterbacks, he may not match up; if you compare his career to other big-time quarterbacks, it's not even close.

Great College Football Coaches Are Easy To Find, Here Are The 10 Best!

Scott Collier — Wed, 27 May 2009 11:51:16 -0400

There are different areas that make a coach great but we all know that winning is king. Many coaches in college football, and all sports, do plenty of guest speaking, charity work, and donating of their money. Ultimately, they are all judged on wins and losses, and that's what makes these 10 the best in the "biz", in my opinion.

1) Urban Meyer—83-17 overall, two national titles, two conference titles

Coach Meyer has won everywhere he has coached and has only gotten better while at Florida. With two national titles in four years, there is really no argument as to who is No. 1.

2) Bob Stoops—109-24 overall, one national title, six conference titles

While coach Stoops being this high might earn some criticism due to his recent bowl record, you can't argue with the fact that he has taken OU to four national title games in 10 years; that is unparalleled in college football.

3) Pete Carroll—88-15 overall, one national title, seven-straight Pac-10 titles

Carroll is a great coach. He has returned USC to dominance, but the Pac-10 is not a great conference, and he consistently loses games that he should never lose. Every team is prone to upsets, but not to this level.

4) Joe Paterno—383-127-3, two national titles, three conference titles

Coach Paterno seems to have found it again, after a stretch of struggles earlier this decade. Coach Paterno is one kick and one pass from playing for two national titles this decade. I am pulling for him to end up No. 1 all-time in wins when he retires.

5) Jim Tressel—218–76–2, five national titles (4 were in 1-AA), five conference titles

Much like Pete Carroll, he is perceived to have dominated a weak conference. Much like coach Stoops, he has not been winning big games lately. He has still taken Ohio St. to three national title games this decade and is the only coach above two national title appearances, except coach Stoops.

6) Nick Saban—110-50-1, one national title, two conference titles

Nick Saban is moving back up the list fast. What he did at LSU was amazing, and he is quickly getting Alabama to that level. If not for an ill-advised coaching stint in the NFL, he would probably be much higher.

7) Mack Brown—201-100-1 overall, one national title, one conference title

Mack Brown is a great recruiter, but he is a really, really good coach. Coach Brown has turned Texas back into a powerhouse and has proven it with a great amount of high-level success, peaking with the national title in 2005. The problem is that he has been a coach for over 25 years and has only one conference title to his name, that being in 2005 with Texas. The national title keeps him this high, but I cant go any higher.

8) Gary Patterson—72-27, two conference titles

Coach Patterson took over at TCU in 2000 and has had five 10-win seasons. His program has been a model of consistency as a so-called mid-major, and he has repeatedly turned down bigger-name jobs, and one wonders if he will ever leave Ft. Worth.

9) Kyle Whittingham—37-14, one conference title

Coach Whittingham took over for Urban Meyer and has kept Utah as a top-tier program, getting his signature win this season as his team man-handled Alabama.

10) Chris Peterson—35-4, two conference titles

Coach Peterson has been great at Boise St., leading them to an undefeated season and a signature win against heavyweight program OU. I would like to see him move on to a bigger school. However, when Dan Hawkins made the move from Boise, it didn't work out.

Just Missed—Mangino, Beamer, Leach, Richt, Nutt, Grobe

2009 College Football Preview: 15 Games That Get My Blood Flowing

Scott Collier — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:11:41 -0400

The 2009 college football season is still over three months away, which means it is time to start getting anxious. When reviewing the schedules for the upcoming season, there are many games that hold a certain level of intrigue and excitement, but these are the 15 that I will be focusing on as the season moves along.

(In order of progression.)

Sept. 5—Georgia vs. OSU

This is THE year for Oklahoma St., the year they finally break into the top 10 and have a shot at the Big 12 title. Lose at home to a Georgia team that is still good but lost a slew of players, and things don't look so good anymore. Win, and the season is right on track.

My pick: OSU

Sept. 5—BYU vs. Oklahoma

Opening game for OU is the first actual game being played at the billion-dollar Jerry World.

My Pick: OU

Sept. 11—Alabama vs. Virginia Tech

This game is the first big-time game of the season for me. Two legit national title contenders—one will already have one loss after this game, while the other will have a huge non-conference victory on its résumé.

My Pick: Virginia Tech

Sept. 12—USC vs. Ohio St.

Just like the last game, this one has serious national title implications. Pete Carroll and Jim Tressel both lost major players. Who will have their new guys ready to win big?

My Pick: Ohio St.

Sept. 19—Arizona vs. Iowa

This game may not be on the list for most, but being an OU fan, I root hard for Mike Stoops to do well. Coming off his first bowl game and bowl victory, can Stoops continue the turnaround and get a big-time non-conference win against a name opponent?

My Pick: Iowa

Oct. 3—Penn St. vs. Illinois

Illinois should make another bowl game after missing out last year, and Penn St. will be really good again. A win here could boost Illinois into the conference title talk. Remember, they defeated Ohio St. two years go.

My Pick: Penn St.

Oct. 3—OU vs. Miami

OU finally got the Miami monkey off of their back two years ago with a trouncing of Miami in Norman. While Miami isn't all the way back yet, I think coach Randy Shannon is doing a good job, and the return trip should be much tougher for OU.

My Pick: OU

Oct. 10—Florida vs. LSU

Can Tim Tebow keep his team on track for a third national title in five years? Can Les Miles pull off a huge upset like he did twice when he was the coach of Oklahoma St. when facing Oklahoma? This is Florida's toughest conference test before the conference title game.

My Pick: LSU

Oct. 17—Oklahoma vs. Texas

You think these two teams already hate each other; now throw in the fact that OU has not only won three straight conference titles and six overall, while Texas has only one under Mack Brown, but also that Oklahoma got in the title game unfairly over Texas last year, according to a lot of the media and the entire state of Texas. Huge national title implications here; don't turn the channel!

My Pick: OU

Oct. 17—USC vs. Notre Dame

USC is the most vulnerable that it has been in years; having said that, they will still be really good. Can Charlie Weis get the huge win that his program needs?

My Pick: USC

Oct. 31—Texas vs. OSU

Depending on the Red River game, this game will have huge implications for the Big 12 South title. OSU is still looking for a signature conference win under Mike Gundy.

My Pick: Texas

Nov. 7—Oklahoma vs. Nebraska

Oklahoma has been running on all cylinders for the past decade. Does Bo Pelini have Nebraska all the way back yet?

My Pick: OU

Nov. 7—Ohio St vs. Penn St.

Another one of the big-time games of 2009. This could settle the Big Ten championship and a possible national title berth.

My Pick: Penn St.

Nov. 28—Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma St.

Oklahoma State has won in Norman before, but very rarely have these teams played with so much on the line. Will this year's outcome decide the South Champion just like last year?

My Pick: OU

Dec. 5—Arizona vs. USC

Mike Stoops has come close a couple of times against USC; will this year finally be the year?

My Pick: USC

Death Reminds Us What Is Important, Sports Is a Part of That

Scott Collier — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:05:15 -0400

Have you ever told someone how "your" team won the game today, or said how could "we" lose that game?

Unless you are among other passionate fans, these type of statements are usually followed with a roll of the eyes or a resounding "Why are you saying your team? You never played for them."

If so, I'm sure you could consider yourself annoyed.

I'm 28 years old, I did get a tryout to play college baseball but never made the team, I never played college football or basketball either, I was a heck of an intramural and YMCA athlete, but that's about as far as my accolades go with college athletics.

I did graduate from the University of Oklahoma and I have a deep amount of pride in my alma mater, but I don't really think that should be a prerequisite either.

Everyone has a passion, one of mine is OU athletics, namely football. I have followed the OU football team from Seattle to Los Angeles to Eugene. I've also been to Glendale and New Orleans.

Does this make me a better fan than anyone else? No, of course not. It does display a portion of the pride and closeness I feel to "my team," but there are a hundred different ways to show your pride in "your" team.

Everyone needs a reason or an explanation these days, but honestly, I don't know why I live and breathe OU athletics—I just do! I grew up watching them, I decided to go to school there, and I follow them around the countryside as if they were my first son playing on his first baseball team.

People often wonder why I care so much about beating Texas or why it brought tears to my eyes to see "us" lose another bowl game, another championship game, to Florida this year. Honestly, it's about pride, pride in my school, pride in my team, pride in the athletes that invest a lot more than myself into the program, and I invest quite a bit.

Being a fan can't be measured, but you definitely know what it feels like.

So today when I heard the news that OU legend Wayman Tisdale had passed away after a long battle with cancer, it felt like someone had punched me in the stomach. That might not be something that can't be easily understood by those who aren't passionate about sports. Hell, I was barely even old enough to watch him play for OU or understand how great he was without doing some research, but he is still a part of my family. He is still a Sooner.

So the next time someone tells you to stop acting like you are a part of the team, ask them if they've ever been passionate about something, if they've ever invested themselves in something that is bigger than themselves. Because to me, OU is and will always be bigger than myself just like my family and my faith.

And the next time someone tells you to quit acting like sports is life and death, tell them that they are right, sports isn't life and death.

But also tell them about the day one of the legends, one of your idols, one of your family passed away, and then tell them about the little piece of you that died along with them.

Death brings perspective, it makes you realize how small sports are in the realm of life, but it also reminds you how much you really care.

If those skeptics can't understand that, then I feel sorry for them.

God Bless Wayman, Boomer Sooner!

Almost Never Counts! OU's Success Brings Failure in Others' Eyes.

Scott Collier — Mon, 04 May 2009 00:36:40 -0400

Isn't being an OU fan great? We get to celebrate some of the highest highs in college football history (seven national titles, a 47 game winning streak, etc.), but with that success we also get more scrutiny than almost any other school in the country.

When John Blake was the head coach in the mid 90's we got laughed at for how far we had fallen and now with Coach Stoops taking us back to the pinnacle we get criticized for not winning enough "big games."

Almost just isn't enough, OU fans whine, the media lashes out, and going 1-3 in National Championship games in a 10-year span just doesn't sit quite right.

Nevermind that Stoops is 6-4 against our biggest rival Texas and 8-2 against annoying little brother Oklahoma State. Nevermind that he has won six Big 12 championships and played for four national titles in 10 years. You know who else has done the latter? No one, not Pete Carroll, not Jim Tressel, not Urban Meyer, and not Mack Brown.

So one can understandably realize why Mack was so peeved to lose the tie-breaker to OU this year, an OU team that he beat head to head. It's because he is not good enough to have a winning record against Stoops. He is not good enough to win multiple conference titles at a school that sits right in the middle of one of the biggest recruiting hot beads in the nation.

And he sure is not good enough to lose three national championship games in a six year span. He is good enough however to win one conference championship in a 25 year career as a head coach.

So back to Coach Stoops and OU, afterall they are the biggest "choker" in the nation as a head coach and school. At least that's what fans and media around the nation will tell you.

What those same people wont mention is that in the 2004 Sugar Bowl OU dominated the second half despite playing a horrible game. In the end we were a tipped ball that went through the hands of Mark Clayton in the endzone and a overthrow to a wide open Kejuan Jones in the endzone away from having a chance to win the game or go to overtime.

That is the difference between Chuck Long being a genius or an idiot of an offensive coordinator for abandoning the run on that final drive when it was clear that OU had dominated the LSU defensive line and would have likely scored had we continued to run. That's also the difference between winning a national championship and losing one.

In the 2009 National Championship game, we were two missed blocks from walking into the end zone and going to half time with at least a 21-7 lead over Florida. I realize some might criticize that last statement. But when you have the offensive line that OU had, as dominant and smart as they were all year, those two missed blocks are not suppose to happen. But in the end, that is the difference between another national championship and another loss, or "choke" in a big game.

The bottom line is that every coach in the country minus Urban Meyer would kill to have the resume and success or big game failures that Coach Stoops and OU have had. You have to get to the mountain top in order to fall off of it and we have gotten there at an unprecedented rate.

Unfortunately in the game of big time college football where coaches are paid millions, feelings get hurt over tie breakers and BCS ratios, and you lose the big game three times, almost never counts!

It sure is great to be an OU fan!