Oklahoma and Louisiana Tech square off Saturday at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. In preparation for the game, head coach Bob Stoops spoke with the media Monday.
To watch on SoonerSports.TV, click here
Let’s take a look at a few notable quotes from Bob Stoops’ session with the media.
First, Stoops was asked what he looks forward to most about the new playoff system. Per usual, Stoops gave a classic Stoops answer.
"“Hopefully being in it. Outside of that I don’t see much difference.”"
Stoops, also, was asked if he felt OU was carrying the Big 12, I’m assuming in terms of success.
"“I don’t ever pay much attention to that. We’re going to do the very best we can all the time as a program. Whether that’s for the conference or not, ultimately, you’re looking out for yourself the best you can.”"
If you’ve forgotten already, Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is getting some major upgrades. Stoops was asked on the possibility of the updated stadium being a prime recruiting tool.
"“To a degree yes, once you put it in place. This will be our final piece that really should last us a long time. There won’t be much more to do after this. I guess you’re always tinkering. Everybody is to a degree, trying to improve your opportunities and the environment your athletes work in. Not just football but all of your sports. I think most schools are always trying to do that when they’re able to.”"
More suites will be a huge addition to the project. Stoops was asked about if there would be suites reserved for recruits and their families.
"“Yes. There are some open spaces that could be designated as that, yes.”"
Of course with a new playoff system that deals with actual human beings. Emotion may play a role in the selection process. Stoops was asked if he had faith in the committee to be objective.
"“I do. This is a group of very intelligent people with great integrity. I believe they will do their very best. Let’s face it. Over the last few years there have been teams winning a national championship, or getting to a two-team playoff with one loss. So now there will be more of them. It’s been tough over the last few years to go undefeated. Very few teams have. Heck, even LSU won it with two losses, I believe, not long ago.”"
Also, in lieu of Dorial Green-Bekcham’s waiver getting denied by the NCAA, the head coach was asked about his confidence in his wide receivers.
"“I’ve got a lot of confidence in them. They’ve really stepped up. Durron Neal and Sterling Sheppard have really stepped up, been more consistent making plays. Then a bunch of the young guys have started to come on; KJ Young, Michiah Quick, Jordan Smallwood at times. We’ve got guys we feel will be able to step up and make some good plays.”"
Also, without Joe Mixon for this season, Bob Stoops talked about how the running back situation looks.
"“Really good. [Keith] Ford and [Alex] Ross, those guys will be in there quite a bit. [Samaje] Perine, Daniel Brooks, lastly, is a guy that has quickness and a lot of speed to him. The other guys are bigger, physical guys. I feel like they’ve had a really good camp.”"
Last “confidence” question. Stoops talked about his confidence in Oklahoma’s defense.
"“Well we are so much further ahead, scheme-wise, with what we are doing. A year ago we were still ironing out all the different wrinkles with our 50 front and what we wanted to do with it. Now we’ve really been through it for a full year and made adjustments with it. That part of it, as well as the players understanding it, it’s not even comparable to where we were a year ago. So hopefully that translates to more production, fewer mistakes and better play. I think we can take another step. With the experience, with our guys back, I feel bigger and stronger, really, at every position than we were about a year ago. Hopefully that will allow us to play better.”"
Finally, St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford will miss 2014 with a torn ACL. Stoops was asked about the former Sooner.
"“I texted Sam last night and let him know how sad I was for him, that I was praying for him and that everybody was here for him at Oklahoma; whatever he needed, whenever he needed it. Outside of that I haven’t been able to reach him. Obviously here, we all feel for him in our office. You just pray that he will heal and be able to rehabilitate it and to be the guy he’s always been; a great quarterback.”"
Quotes and video courtesy of Sooner Sports.