|
|
|
|
ws
|
2002 Sooner Outlook by Justin Waganer Senior Sports Writer August 29, 2002
The Sooners of the 1980s, 1990s, and the early years of 2000 have proven the old saying, "what goes around comes around." The Sooners were a dominant force in the '80s only to crumble in the '90s leading to the Stoops resurgence in 2000.
Oklahoma has two things that appear to be the constant when the Sooners are rolling, coaching and defense. However, 2002's team will go just as far as Jason White and the revamped offense can take them. White hopes he has a reliable running game to assist his more vertical passing game this year to produce for a group that can only be summed up as pathetic towards the end of 2001.
The two constants, coaching and defense, are back in rare form again in 2002 with stellar crews. Mark Mangino and Steve Spurrier Jr., defected after 2001 leaving holes eventually filled by former Northwestern Offensive Coordinator Kevin Wilson and Jr. being replaced by Darrell Wyatt.
Defensively Oklahoma lost the Thorpe, Nagurski, and Butkus award winners in Roy Williams and Rocky Calmus, but return an all-star cast. Tommie Harris, Jimmy Wilkerson, Teddy Lehman, Andre Woolfolk, Derrick Strait, and Brandon Everage appear headed for stardom with a young supporting cast overflowing with talent.
Aug. 30 at Tulsa- This game is little more than a glorified scrimmage in front of a national audience. OU- 55 Tulsa-3
Sep. 7 vs. Alabama- A clash of traditional powers in a game that would be much better in three years. OU- 31 Bama-10
Sep. 14 vs. UTEP- Including his time as OU offensive coordinator, Gary Nord has taken more beatings in Memorial Stadium than Missouri and Kansas combined. OU- 62 UTEP-6
Sep. 28 vs. South Florida- Selmon returns as South Florida A.D. and witnesses the feeding of the monster. OU-44 S.F.-14
Oct. 5 at Missouri- Gary Pinkel will make the Tigers respectable one day, but not this day. OU-37 Mizzou-3
Oct. 12 vs. Texas- This is the day when Chris Simms and Mack Brown bring their A-Game in a big game, but it's still just not enough. OU- 24 Texas-20
Oct. 19 vs. Iowa State- Seneca Wallace and Co. put on a show against FSU and will play well in Norman. OU-28 Iowa State-19
Nov. 2 vs. Colorado- Craig Ochs and the Buffs will be tough in 2002 bringing another huge late season BCS Clash to Norman. For the first time since 1988, OU-27 Colorado-14
Nov. 9 at Texas A&M- College Station is a hornet's nest, however, I disagree with the thought of A&M being a force in 2002. In fact, I don't think they'll be very good at all, but Kyle Field is scary. OU-17 A&M-14
Nov. 16 at Baylor- As always, Baylor sucks. OU-57 Baylor-0
Nov. 23 vs. Texas Tech- OU fans will once again worry about Mike Leach "knowing the offense" and he'll scrounge up about 13 points for the third year in a row. OU- 33 Texas Tech-13
Nov. 30 at Oklahoma State- Oklahoma State will be putting to close a successful season in respectable fashion. OU-31 OSU-17
There is a good shot for Oklahoma to return to its undefeated, dominance of 2000, but in all likelihood they will drop one, most likely Texas or at A&M. If Oklahoma can get the offense rolling then they will have a smooth road to a Fiesta.
|
Listen to National Championship Game
|
