Oklahoma football: Bob Stoops’ history with Conference USA teams
By Joe Buettner
During Bob Stoops’ tenure at Oklahoma, the Sooners have played nine games against a grand total of five Conference USA teams. So far Stoops is undefeated against C-USA opponents and 3-0 in season openers against the conference.
Obviously, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will try to change that come Saturday.
More from OU Football
- Oklahoma football: Injury report includes pair of Sooner defenders out for season
- Oklahoma football: ESPN, USA Today bowl projections after Week 3
- Oklahoma football: Sooner ‘D’ grading well, but real test begins with Big 12 play
- Two Oklahoma football players receive Big 12 weekly honors
- Oklahoma football: Sooners’ stock rising fast in ESPN prospective rankings
While history isn’t on the Bulldogs’ side, this is the first time Louisiana Tech and Oklahoma have ever met. Plus, the Sooners have gotten out to slow starts in season openers before and needed late scores to put away the likes of UAB and UTEP.
The Sooners bring back a highly-touted group, which features 2014 Sugar Bowl MVP Trevor Knight and a defense prepared to make a statement. However, Oklahoma cannot overlook their home-opener against Skip Holtz’ 2014 Louisiana Tech squad.
I’ve put together a brief rundown of every C-USA team Oklahoma has played in the Bob Stoops era. Keep in mind, Louisville, Houston, and Tulsa departed the league, but played Oklahoma at a time when they were members.
Also, side note: I quickly came to realize Oklahoma plays Tulsa often. I apologize for OU’s lack of variety.
Sept. 25, 1999: Oklahoma 42, Louisville 21
In Bob Stoops’ first road trip as the Oklahoma head coach, Oklahoma’s offense exploded for 42 points and began the season 3-0 for the first time since 1995.
Sep 14, 2013; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Blake Bell (10) reacts during the game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sept. 11, 2004: Oklahoma 63, Houston 13
The Oklahoma running backs ran all over the Cougars. Plus, Tommy Grady got to play in this game. And threw a touchdown. So that was pretty neat.
Sept. 10, 2005: Oklahoma 31, Tulsa 15
Adrian Peterson’s 220 rushing yards say it all.
Sept. 2, 2006: Oklahoma 24, UAB 17
Sam Hunt and Alabama-Birmingham gave Oklahoma scare, but Adrian Peterson’s two third quarter touchdowns was enough for Oklahoma to avoid the week one upset.
Sept. 21, 2007: Oklahoma 62, Tulsa 21
Tulsa actually hung around for a quarter. However, on a rare Friday night game for Oklahoma, the Sooners ran away with this game. Literally. Three different OU running backs combined for five touchdowns.
Sept. 19, 2009: Oklahoma 45, Tulsa 0
In Landry Jones’ second start as a Sooner, Ofklahoma posted its second straight shutout behind Jones’ six touchdown passes.
Sept. 3, 2011: Oklahoma 47, Tulsa 14
Dominique Whaley stole the show, scoring four touchdowns and rushing for 131 yards in a blowout victory for the Sooners in their 2011 season opener.
Sept. 1, 2012: Oklahoma 24, UTEP 7
TCU’s move to the Big 12 opened up a non-conference game for the Sooners. OU was forced to make the trip to El Paso for a less-than-impressive season-opening win over the Miners. UTEP went up 7-0 early, but the Sooners put the Miners away when Damien Williams sprinted 65 yards to the end zone with three minutes left in the contest.
Sept. 14, 2013: Oklahoma 51, Tulsa 20
Blake Bell’s 413 passing yards and four touchdowns through the air propelled Oklahoma past a Tulsa team that could only muster three wins in 2013.
Remember to follow Stormin’ in Norman on Twitter / Facebook / Instagram