Red-Eye Rewind: Oklahoma’s off-season filled with ups and downs

Top Stories from Friday:

ESPN: Oklahoma Sooners season preview

"OU begins November with a challenging three-game stretch that could decide its College Football Playoff and Big 12 championship aspirations. The Sooners visit Iowa State on Nov. 1, host Baylor on Nov. 8 then visit Texas Tech on Nov. 15. Paul Rhoads always has his Cyclones ready to play, particularly in Ames, Iowa. The Bears’ visit to Oklahoma Memorial Stadium could decide the Big 12 title and Lubbock, Texas, has never been kind to the Sooners. If OU sweeps this stretch, they could be in the middle of the conversation for a College Football Playoff berth. Read more at ESPN"

What comes to mind first when thinking of Oklahoma football – offense or defense?

"Oklahoma football has been known for its prolific offense since Sam Bradford’s freshman season in 2007. It differs from Bob Stoops’ early years, when defense was always mentioned first when speaking about the Sooners. OU made a statement in the Sugar Bowl when it registered seven sacks and forced five turnovers against Alabama. That game capped a season which saw the Sooners lead the Big 12 in total defense for the first time since 2006. From that point, Bradford and company dominated the headlines with its offensive firepower. What would it be like if — once again — defense was the first topic of conversation when discussing OU football? Read more at Tulsa World"

Oklahoma AD’S summer filled with ups and downs

"Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione hasn’t had time for a true vacation this summer. Whether he was laying the groundwork for what will be a massive renovation of Memorial Stadium, making Bob Stoops one of the highest paid coaches in college football, setting up a football series with Michigan or being named future chair of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball selection committee, Castiglione had his hand in big things. It hasn’t all been good news, though. Oklahoma has been criticized for adding Dorial Green-Beckham, a talented receiver Missouri released after an 18-year-old student said he pushed her down at least four stairs during a burglary. Two other cases against high-profile Oklahoma football players are pending. Read more at the AP"

Where Does Khadeem Lattin Fit With Oklahoma Sooners?

"Where does incoming freshman Khadeem Lattin fit in with an Oklahoma roster that’s looking to compete for the Big 12 Championship next season? Well, to be honest, the saying “only time will tell” holds true in the case of the 6’9”, 200-pound center — or at least that’s what he’s listed as. For those of you who have seen Lattin play, you’re probably aware that he’s the farthest thing from your traditional post presence, much less being labeled as a center. Read more at Hoops Habit"

Volleyball Picked Fourth in Big 12

"The Big 12 volleyball coaches have voted the Oklahoma Sooners fourth in the preseason poll that was released by the conference on Friday afternoon. Oklahoma was picked fifth in 2013 and finished tied for third with an 11-5 Big 12 record. Overall, the Sooners posted a 24-8 record in 2013 and finished with a second round appearance in the NCAA Tournament. On Thursday, Oklahoma opened its season with the first official practice of 2014. Head coach Santiago Restrepo remains at the helm for his 11th season as the Sooners aim to make a record sixth straight NCAA postseason appearance. Read more at Sooner Sports"

Big 12 Mailbag: On Walsh, Warmack, Sooners

"In today’s mailbag, we discuss OU’s limbo players, Oklahoma State QB J.W. Walsh, Kansas State running back Dalvin Warmack, TCU coach Gary Patterson and whether the Red River Showdown would ever become a night game. I took Twitter questions for this mailbag. But you can always submit a mailbag entry the traditional way by clicking here. On to the ‘bag Read more at ESPN"

Why Tyler Evans’ third senior season could be a charm

"Even with an early wake-up call looming, Tyler Evans didn’t get much sleep. Evans was excited and nervous and anxious and ready to go for his first preseason football practice in nearly two years. With 29 starts under his belt, Evans is Oklahoma’s most experienced offensive lineman. The night of July 30, he felt like a rookie. “It was like Christmas,” Evans said. “I was talking to my wife. It was probably at least one o’clock. I was like, ‘I’m so excited to get back out there. I wonder what the first day is going to hold for me.’” Read more at The Oklahoman"

Tweets of Interest:

It’s always nice to see high school recruits post pictures of themselves with your school’s logo crudely photoshopped around them.

Looking good, Boz.

Love it.

College football is a chess match.

Thanks for the invite, guys.

This is awesome.

Honest Ash.

Fingers crossed.

Rickie Knows.

Damien can’t catch a break.

Ty’s enthusiastic.

Take that, Booney.

That’s a whole lot of crimson.