Oklahoma Sooners: Big 12 Conference
As critics took aim at Oklahoma’s defensive line this season, head coach Bob Stoops was unyielding in his defense of his players, often pointing to the experience that five senior rotation players bring to the table. Stoops said on more than one occasion that his defensive line was playing well.
The numbers beg to differ.
OU ranked No. 112 nationally in tackles for loss (4.23 per game), No. 70 in sacks (1.85 per game), No. 50 in scoring defense (25.46 points per game) and No. 100 in turnovers gained (16). While it’s true the Sooners defensive line wasn’t required to be disruptive in defensive coordinator Mike Stoops' system, a general lack of penetration played a key role in those final numbers.
The numbers beg to differ.
OU ranked No. 112 nationally in tackles for loss (4.23 per game), No. 70 in sacks (1.85 per game), No. 50 in scoring defense (25.46 points per game) and No. 100 in turnovers gained (16). While it’s true the Sooners defensive line wasn’t required to be disruptive in defensive coordinator Mike Stoops' system, a general lack of penetration played a key role in those final numbers.
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2012 review: Improvement, regression 
January, 8, 2013
Jan 8
8:00
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
For the second straight year, Oklahoma finished the season with a 10-3 record. Both seasons featured disappointments late in the season (Oklahoma State in 2011, Texas A&M in 2012) yet the Sooners were in the Big 12 championship mix heading into the final game of the regular season each season. OU saw some improvements in 2012, but they were joined by some clear steps backward. Here’s a look at how the Sooners improved, how they regressed and how they maintained in 2012.
Improved
• Passing game
Improved
• Passing game
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Five storylines: Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma
January, 2, 2013
Jan 2
1:30
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Here are five storylines to keep an eye on when Oklahoma faces Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on Friday.
1. Heisman jinx?
Will Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel suffer from any sort of Heisman jinx? While the redshirt freshman was on his cross country media tour after winning the award, the Sooners were preparing to stop him on Jan. 4. OU’s defense has a lot of pride and has taken a lot of heat in the home stretch of the season. They can quiet critics by shutting down Manziel.
1. Heisman jinx?
Will Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel suffer from any sort of Heisman jinx? While the redshirt freshman was on his cross country media tour after winning the award, the Sooners were preparing to stop him on Jan. 4. OU’s defense has a lot of pride and has taken a lot of heat in the home stretch of the season. They can quiet critics by shutting down Manziel.
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After grading the performance of Oklahoma’s cornerbacks in 2012, it is the perfect time to take a closer look at the cornerbacks on the roster or the commitment list as SoonerNation evaluates the future at the position for Oklahoma. Here’s a look at one player who could be next in line to make a major impact, one player to keep an eye on and one current commitment who could be the future.
Next in line: Gary Simon. The Sooners spoke highly of Simon before the season and he’s spent the season preparing to step in to make a major contribution as a sophomore. With his long arms, athleticism and ball skills, Simon could become a key component of OU’s secondary in 2013.
Keep an eye on: Cortez Johnson. The Arizona transfer could step in and start after sitting out this season because of NCAA transfer rules. At 6-foot-2 and 196 pounds, Johnson brings excellent size to the position and he has experience, having played in eight games, starting two, for the Wildcats as a freshman.
Next in line: Gary Simon. The Sooners spoke highly of Simon before the season and he’s spent the season preparing to step in to make a major contribution as a sophomore. With his long arms, athleticism and ball skills, Simon could become a key component of OU’s secondary in 2013.
Keep an eye on: Cortez Johnson. The Arizona transfer could step in and start after sitting out this season because of NCAA transfer rules. At 6-foot-2 and 196 pounds, Johnson brings excellent size to the position and he has experience, having played in eight games, starting two, for the Wildcats as a freshman.
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Sooner Snapshot: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
January, 1, 2013
Jan 1
10:30
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Each week, SoonerNation will take a closer look at the Class of 2013 prospects currently committed to Oklahoma. The in-depth analysis pieces will take a look at the ranking, estimated year of impact and potential role of each future Sooner.
Vitals: Defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo | 6-foot-3, 220 pounds
Committed: Dec. 12, 2012
Vitals: Defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo | 6-foot-3, 220 pounds
Committed: Dec. 12, 2012
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State of the program: Linebacker
December, 27, 2012
12/27/12
10:30
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
After grading the performance of Oklahoma’s linebackers in 2012, it is the perfect time to take a closer look at the linebackers on the roster or the commitment list as SoonerNation evaluates the future at the position for Oklahoma. Here’s a look at one player who could be next in line to make a major impact, one player to keep an eye on and one current commitment who could be the future.
Next in line: Frank Shannon. Shortly after Tim Kish arrived at Oklahoma last spring, the Sooners linebacker coach began heaping praise upon the redshirt freshman linebacker. Kish spoke highly of Shannon’s natural instincts and playmaking ability. This fall, Shannon has lived up to the hype after a breakout game against Texas Tech on Oct. 6. His versatility and instincts should make him a cornerstone of OU’s defenses over the next few seasons.
Keep an eye on: Eric Striker. Although the Sooners will return Shannon, Tom Wort, Corey Nelson and Aaron Franklin, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Striker earn a role in the Sooners defense as a sophomore. He has pass rushing skills and versatility, which could make him a key contributor in 2013.
Next in line: Frank Shannon. Shortly after Tim Kish arrived at Oklahoma last spring, the Sooners linebacker coach began heaping praise upon the redshirt freshman linebacker. Kish spoke highly of Shannon’s natural instincts and playmaking ability. This fall, Shannon has lived up to the hype after a breakout game against Texas Tech on Oct. 6. His versatility and instincts should make him a cornerstone of OU’s defenses over the next few seasons.
Keep an eye on: Eric Striker. Although the Sooners will return Shannon, Tom Wort, Corey Nelson and Aaron Franklin, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Striker earn a role in the Sooners defense as a sophomore. He has pass rushing skills and versatility, which could make him a key contributor in 2013.
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Breaking down the board: 2014 QBs
December, 19, 2012
12/19/12
2:00
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Each week, Breaking down the board will take a deeper, position-by-position look at the prospects the Oklahoma football program is looking to land in the hope of filling its roster with elite playmakers. This week, SoonerNation ranks five Class of 2014 quarterbacks who could be terrific fits for the Sooners offensive system and fit their desire for passers that can make a defense pay with their feet, with No. 1 being the player who should be OU’s top priority of the five recruits listed.
To be clear, this ranking has nothing to do with the Sooners actual recruiting board/priority list. It simply is our ranking list compiled of recruits at the position who could be the best fits for OU’s system.
1. Keller Chryst, Palo Alto, Calif./Palo Alto
To be clear, this ranking has nothing to do with the Sooners actual recruiting board/priority list. It simply is our ranking list compiled of recruits at the position who could be the best fits for OU’s system.
1. Keller Chryst, Palo Alto, Calif./Palo Alto
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Worst Sooners evaluations since 2006
December, 19, 2012
12/19/12
12:00
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Recruiting is far from an exact science. If a college program brings in 25 recruits in a class and 18 or more develop into contributors on the field, that 72 percent success ratio makes for a great class. On Tuesday, SoonerNation looked at the five best evaluations by the Sooners since 2006. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the five worst evaluations since 2006.
1. Defensive end David Anderson, Class of 2007: Anderson was a late addition to OU’s class and picked the Sooners over Iowa State, Kansas State, Louisville and others. The Sooners didn’t start showing strong interest until January because they needed to fill a need.
OU career: Anderson never made an impact at OU and decided to leave the team after a redshirt season. He simply decided he didn’t want to play football.
1. Defensive end David Anderson, Class of 2007: Anderson was a late addition to OU’s class and picked the Sooners over Iowa State, Kansas State, Louisville and others. The Sooners didn’t start showing strong interest until January because they needed to fill a need.
OU career: Anderson never made an impact at OU and decided to leave the team after a redshirt season. He simply decided he didn’t want to play football.
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Sooner snapshot: DT Kerrick Huggins
December, 18, 2012
12/18/12
4:00
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Each week SoonerNation will take a closer look at the Class of 2013 prospects currently committed to Oklahoma. The in-depth analysis pieces will take a look at the ranking, estimated year of impact and potential role of each future Sooner.
Vitals: Defensive tackle Kerrick Huggins | 6-foot-3, 285 pounds
Committed: Dec. 14, 2012
Vitals: Defensive tackle Kerrick Huggins | 6-foot-3, 285 pounds
Committed: Dec. 14, 2012
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Best Sooners evaluations since 2006
December, 18, 2012
12/18/12
10:00
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma has done a terrific job of evaluation since 2006. The 2010 NFL Draft proved the Sooners' ability to evaluate, recruit and develop players, as Sam Bradford, Gerald McCoy and Trent Williams, three of the top four selections, spent their college careers in crimson and cream. Some recruits are no-brainers, guys who any program would love to have on its roster, while others bring some level of uncertainty. Here are the top five evaluations by the Sooners since ESPN.com began thorough evaluation and ranking of recruits in 2006.
1. Quarterback Sam Bradford, Class of 2006: The former Oklahoma City (Okla.) Putnam City North standout wasn’t highly recruited out of high school. A multi-sport star, Bradford excelled at football, basketball and golf in high school before picking the Sooners over offers from Texas Tech, Iowa State and others.
OU career: Bradford won the 2008 Heisman Trophy during a record-setting season which included 4,720 passing yards and 50 touchdowns. He finished his career with 8.403 passing yards, 88 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Bradford was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft.
1. Quarterback Sam Bradford, Class of 2006: The former Oklahoma City (Okla.) Putnam City North standout wasn’t highly recruited out of high school. A multi-sport star, Bradford excelled at football, basketball and golf in high school before picking the Sooners over offers from Texas Tech, Iowa State and others.
OU career: Bradford won the 2008 Heisman Trophy during a record-setting season which included 4,720 passing yards and 50 touchdowns. He finished his career with 8.403 passing yards, 88 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Bradford was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft.
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State of the position: Quarterback
December, 4, 2012
12/04/12
3:30
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
After grading the performance of Landry Jones, now's the perfect time to take a closer look at the other quarterbacks on the roster and the commitment list as SoonerNation evaluates the future of the position for Oklahoma.
Here’s a look at one player who could be next in line to make a major impact, one player to keep an eye on and one commitment who could be the future.
Next in line: Blake Bell. The sophomore quarterback appears to be the favorite to win the starting quarterback job in 2013. At 6-foot-6, 254 pounds, he brings terrific size to the position and his running skills have been on display for the past two seasons. Yet questions remain about his ability to run OU’s passing attack. His first opportunity to silence those doubters arrives this spring.
Here’s a look at one player who could be next in line to make a major impact, one player to keep an eye on and one commitment who could be the future.
Next in line: Blake Bell. The sophomore quarterback appears to be the favorite to win the starting quarterback job in 2013. At 6-foot-6, 254 pounds, he brings terrific size to the position and his running skills have been on display for the past two seasons. Yet questions remain about his ability to run OU’s passing attack. His first opportunity to silence those doubters arrives this spring.
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Oklahoma won its eighth Big 12 championship Saturday with a 24-17 win over TCU at Amon Carter Stadium. The Sooners are co-champions with Kansas State after finishing 7-1 in the Big 12. Running back Damien Williams showed his big-play ability with two touchdowns, but it was the Sooners defense that won the game for OU. Here's a look at five key plays in the victory.
Damien Williams’ 11-yard touchdown reception
The Sooners' first touchdown showed just how difficult it can be to stop OU’s offense, because it has so many options.
Damien Williams’ 11-yard touchdown reception
The Sooners' first touchdown showed just how difficult it can be to stop OU’s offense, because it has so many options.
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Film room: K-State 24, Oklahoma 19
September, 23, 2012
9/23/12
4:30
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma's hopes of competing for a championship -- either Big 12 or BCS -- took a major hit with the 24-19 loss to Kansas State at Owen Field on Saturday. The OU offense shot itself in the foot with three turnovers, two by senior quarterback Landry Jones. Here’s a closer look at the Sooners' loss after further review:
Jones third-down incompletion targeting Kenny Stills on OU’s first possession
Two plays after Jones missed a wide-open Brannon Green for a touchdown on play action, he missed Stills in the corner on third down. This play was important for various reasons:
Jones third-down incompletion targeting Kenny Stills on OU’s first possession
Two plays after Jones missed a wide-open Brannon Green for a touchdown on play action, he missed Stills in the corner on third down. This play was important for various reasons:
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Inability to get 3rd down stops dooms OU
September, 23, 2012
9/23/12
12:18
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- With a throng of Kansas State fans celebrating in the stands just yards away, dejection and disappointment filled the Oklahoma Sooners as they slowly walked off the Owen Field turf after the No. 15-ranked WIldcats’ 24-19 win over OU on Saturday night.
And when the No. 6-ranked Sooners look back on their first home loss against a ranked team under head coach Bob Stoops, they can look closely at their inability to get key defensive stops when they needed them.
“We kind of broke down a little bit in the fourth quarter,” defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said. “We fought ourselves through the game, but we just got outexecuted in the fourth quarter and that was really the game.”
The Wildcats were 3 of 3 on third down in the fourth quarter, taking advantage of the Sooners defense in various ways to complete critical conversions.
And when the No. 6-ranked Sooners look back on their first home loss against a ranked team under head coach Bob Stoops, they can look closely at their inability to get key defensive stops when they needed them.
“We kind of broke down a little bit in the fourth quarter,” defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said. “We fought ourselves through the game, but we just got outexecuted in the fourth quarter and that was really the game.”
The Wildcats were 3 of 3 on third down in the fourth quarter, taking advantage of the Sooners defense in various ways to complete critical conversions.
What must OU improve upon the most in 2012?
December, 13, 2011
12/13/11
2:00
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By SoonerNation Staff | ESPN.com
From preseason No. 1 to the Insight Bowl, the Sooners have had a disappointing season. The SoonerNation staff takes a look at what the Sooners need to improve upon the most to be better next season. What do you think? Leave your comments below.
Call it chemistry. Call it attitude. Call it leadership. Call it whatever you want. There was something intangibly missing from this club the second half of the season.
Injuries were a big part of Oklahoma’s demise. Wide receiver Ryan Broyles and running back Dominique Whaley were missed, and others like safety Tony Jefferson, linebackers Travis Lewis and wide receiver Kenny Stills played injured for much of the season.
But when key players are getting suspended the final three weeks of the season, something is clearly amiss. It’s paramount the Sooners resolve these issues before next season, else it will be another disappointing one.
The class of ’10 – Jefferson, Stills, Trey Millard, Aaron Colvin, Corey Nelson – must fill the leadership vacuum. That group still needs to mature, but they also are equipped with the magnetic personalities to erase the dissension that popped up in October. They also will be OU’s best players next season, and if they set the example, the younger players will follow.
The Sooners have other areas of concern. The defensive line is lacking a difference-maker, and the secondary has holes. The offense also has to figure out a way to score points again without Broyles in the lineup. Yet the talent is there for OU to reclaim its supremacy in the conference, and possibly sneak into becoming a national title contender. Chemistry, attitude, leadership –- that will be the difference in whether any of it comes to fruition.
- Jake Trotter
The top priority for Oklahoma heading into the 2012 season should be developing better depth on the roster.
Accomplishing this goal will require better evaluation and recruiting, particularly in the next two months as this recruiting cycle winds down, as well as more of a focus on developing the young players already on campus.
Injuries crippled the Sooners’ season with several starters missing games and playing injured. OU must prepare for and expect injuries in 2012. OU has a talented roster but some of those players seemed unprepared when called upon this season.
Developing depth should be OU’s No. 1 goal heading into 2012.
- Brandon Chatmon
Team unity. Maybe it’s not fair to say, but it sure felt like the camaraderie for this 2011 team was more forced than in recent years. It just didn’t feel natural. Everything appeared OK out in public, but there were a lot of head-scratching moments throughout the season. Suspensions, transfers, things that didn’t paint a pretty picture.
Without question, a lot of those guys would do just about anything for each other but it didn’t feel as if this was a cohesive unit this season. Part of that stemmed from a lack of leadership, especially after star wide receiver Ryan Broyles went down. OU lost its identity and looked lost without Broyles.
It all starts with recruiting. Getting a bunch of great players is one thing, but it’s more important to build that foundation where every single recruit is a vital piece to the puzzle. The last couple of months on the recruiting trail have been eye-opening as the Sooners still look like they don’t have all the answers, especially on defense.
From talking to the 2012 class, it’s clear they have a unique bond among themselves so it will be interesting to see how they fit in with the rest of the team.
- Bob Przybylo
The Sooners must get back to the fundamentals of football in 2012. Blocking, tackling, passing, running and catching.
The best teams do the basic things well, something Oklahoma has struggled with this season. Missed tackles against Missouri. Blown assignments and coverages against Texas Tech and Baylor. Turnovers and dropped passes against Oklahoma State. There were far too many simple mistakes made by the Sooners.
Some of this can be attributed to injuries. OU lost two of three games without Broyles, for instance, imploding in the regular season finale against the Cowboys. But there were far too many times where the Sooners players simply didn't execute. And the Sooners have to walk before they can run.
- Dane Beavers
Call it chemistry. Call it attitude. Call it leadership. Call it whatever you want. There was something intangibly missing from this club the second half of the season.
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Matthew Emmons/US PresswireSenior linebacker Travis Lewis wasn't at full strength this season.
Matthew Emmons/US PresswireSenior linebacker Travis Lewis wasn't at full strength this season.But when key players are getting suspended the final three weeks of the season, something is clearly amiss. It’s paramount the Sooners resolve these issues before next season, else it will be another disappointing one.
The class of ’10 – Jefferson, Stills, Trey Millard, Aaron Colvin, Corey Nelson – must fill the leadership vacuum. That group still needs to mature, but they also are equipped with the magnetic personalities to erase the dissension that popped up in October. They also will be OU’s best players next season, and if they set the example, the younger players will follow.
The Sooners have other areas of concern. The defensive line is lacking a difference-maker, and the secondary has holes. The offense also has to figure out a way to score points again without Broyles in the lineup. Yet the talent is there for OU to reclaim its supremacy in the conference, and possibly sneak into becoming a national title contender. Chemistry, attitude, leadership –- that will be the difference in whether any of it comes to fruition.
- Jake Trotter
The top priority for Oklahoma heading into the 2012 season should be developing better depth on the roster.
Accomplishing this goal will require better evaluation and recruiting, particularly in the next two months as this recruiting cycle winds down, as well as more of a focus on developing the young players already on campus.
Injuries crippled the Sooners’ season with several starters missing games and playing injured. OU must prepare for and expect injuries in 2012. OU has a talented roster but some of those players seemed unprepared when called upon this season.
Developing depth should be OU’s No. 1 goal heading into 2012.
- Brandon Chatmon
Team unity. Maybe it’s not fair to say, but it sure felt like the camaraderie for this 2011 team was more forced than in recent years. It just didn’t feel natural. Everything appeared OK out in public, but there were a lot of head-scratching moments throughout the season. Suspensions, transfers, things that didn’t paint a pretty picture.
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It all starts with recruiting. Getting a bunch of great players is one thing, but it’s more important to build that foundation where every single recruit is a vital piece to the puzzle. The last couple of months on the recruiting trail have been eye-opening as the Sooners still look like they don’t have all the answers, especially on defense.
From talking to the 2012 class, it’s clear they have a unique bond among themselves so it will be interesting to see how they fit in with the rest of the team.
- Bob Przybylo
The Sooners must get back to the fundamentals of football in 2012. Blocking, tackling, passing, running and catching.
The best teams do the basic things well, something Oklahoma has struggled with this season. Missed tackles against Missouri. Blown assignments and coverages against Texas Tech and Baylor. Turnovers and dropped passes against Oklahoma State. There were far too many simple mistakes made by the Sooners.
Some of this can be attributed to injuries. OU lost two of three games without Broyles, for instance, imploding in the regular season finale against the Cowboys. But there were far too many times where the Sooners players simply didn't execute. And the Sooners have to walk before they can run.
- Dane Beavers
ABOUT SOONER NATION
Jake Trotter
Jake Trotter joined ESPN.com in 2011 after four years with The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman, covering OU and Big 12 football. He's a graduate of Washington and Lee (Va.) University and lives in Oklahoma City with his wife. Email him at trotterjake@gmail.com.
Brandon Chatmon
Brandon Chatmon joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending eight years with The Oklahoman, covering Oklahoma State University, high schools and recruiting. Chatmon lives in Norman, Okla. Email him at bchatmonespn@gmail.com.
Bob Przybylo
Bob Przybylo joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years with The Oklahoman, covering high schools and recruiting. Przybylo lives in Oklahoma City. Email him at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.