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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 5-6 (3-5) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Bob Stoops Returning starters: 15 (offense 7, defense 6) Outlook The current state of Oklahoma football may seem pretty dismal, given that the Sooners haven't been to a bowl game in five years or had a winning season since 1993. Consider that this is a school with six national championships and three Heismans in its trophy case. New head coach Bob Stoops took stock of it all and decided he could recapture some of that great history -- and write some of his own -- by resurrecting the once-dominant program. Stoops, the highly regarded Florida assistant who was an all-Big Ten player under Hayden Fry at Iowa, wasted little time tapping into the Oklahoma tradition, reaching out to former coach Barry Switzer with an invitation to address the team during spring practice. The meeting was Switzer's first with a Sooners squad in 12 years. Though more symbolic than anything, the gesture was a masterstroke. While the end of Switzer's tenure was turbulent, his popularity never waned in Norman. The Sooners have sold out only six homes games this decade, but Stoops' arrival could bring a few more people to Memorial Stadium on Saturdays. OffenseMike Leach, the offensive coordinator at Kentucky the past two years, is charged with installing a multi-purpose offense, one grounded in a strong running game but also featuring four- and five-receiver sets. The quarterback is likely to be transfer Josh Heupel, a left-hander who was voted co-captain after just a few months on campus. He went 24-of-28 for 359 yards and four touchdowns in the first spring scrimmage after throwing for 2,308 yards and 28 touchdowns in the junior college ranks last year. True freshmen Chase Williams and Jason White are also candidates, but ideally they will be redshirted. The departure of De'Mond Parker has placed a strain on the backfield. Seth Litrell and Michael Thornton have the most experience sit atop the depth chart. The line returns a core of veterans, but it must adjust to a new offense. The play of all-conference tackle Scott Kempenich (6-5, 295) will be a steadying influence. He will team on the right side with guard Ryan Allen, who moved ahead of Adam Carpenter on the depth chart. Matt O'Neal is the center, with sophomore Jason Bronson penciled in as the right guard. Massive Stockar McDougle (6-5, 354) will watch Heupel's blind side from right tackle. After years of being ignored, the wide receiver position is about to experience a surge in popularity. Senior Jarrail Jackson and redshirt freshman Andre Woolfolk (6-1, 184) could help Stoops bring a little Gainesville to the Sooners' game. A former running back, Woolfolk was a standout in the spring game, despite never having played receiver in a game. Senior Matt Anderson comes into fall camp as the No. 1 tight end but redshirt freshman Trent Smith could develop into a real pass-catching threat. It's a good sign if: A new offense meshes with old personnel.It's a bad sign if: The current wideouts aren't capable of stepping up their game. Defense Oklahoma's defense ranked among the top 10 nationally a year ago. It's expected to be strong again, under the leadership of Stoops' brother, first-year coordinator Mike Stoops. If that's to happen, major renovations must take place across a front four that lost the Big 12 sack leader from last season Kelly Gregg. Corey Callens has been asked to move from tackle to end as coaches try to work more speed into the lineup with players like senior Cornelius Burton (6-5, 275) and junior Rocky Bright (6-4, 269). The secondary bulked up with another position shift. Ontei Jones moved to strong safety from linebacker and will bring sure tackling and surprising speed to the position. He'll have to battle Rodney Rideau for the job, though. Senior William Bartee will suit up at strong safety. Seniors Mike Woods and Pee Wee Woods (5-8, 178, Sr.) are capable cornerbacks and Bartee can play the position as well. Linebacker, a traditional strength at Oklahoma, is one of the defense's best attributes. Brandon Moore and Rocky Calmus are a rangy, hard-hitting pair that are just growing into the position. Armand Spence and Nick Simpson, and up-and-coming talent, will battle for one outside spot opposite Moore. It's a good sign if: Position shifts in the secondary pay off.It's a bad sign if: The line doesn't adjust to the loss of its leading pass rusher. Special Teams Jeff Ferguson averaged a little more than 41 yards per kick in his first season at punter. He will battle Eastern Kentucky transfer Tim Duncan for the job. Ferguson may also serve as the placekicker. -- John Crowley |
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