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2003 College Football Preview Oklahoma Schedule Analysis by Justin Waganer August 12, 2003
The Oklahoma Sooners enter the 2003 campaign as a National Championship frontrunner, but game one will take a flashback in uniforms to the fifties and seventies. The Big Red didn't stop there, they also scheduled an opponent that takes them back to the dark days of the nineties when things weren't exactly running smoothly.
1. North Texas in Norman- August 30, 2003
Yes, it was the Mean Green that took the field against OU in some infamous games through the Schnellenberger-Blake days, Schnellie's boys ran away 51-10 over the Green, but at one point forgot to send a punter onto the field for a punt while Blake's boys needed heroics from the "great" Patrick Fletcher to come from behind in Norman 37-9. These aren't your Daddy's Eagles, but these are your Daddy's Sooners. OU 38- UNT 7. Oklahoma 1-0.
2. Alabama in Tuscaloosa- September 6, 2003
Remember when Alabama came to Norman and looked like a National Title contender with Dennis Franchione? Remember when Mike Price got fired and left so many adoring strippers behind? Remember when the Tide hired Mike Shula and everyone said, "What?" This was the decided pick for the Sooners' downfall in 2003 before the Tide had to learn an entirely new scheme in August. Now, it's a victory. OU 23- Bama 14 Oklahoma 2-0
3. Fresno State in Norman- September 13, 2003
Fresno State is starting the second year of the Post-Carr Era and are in pretty good shape to do so. With Paul Pinegar returning at Quarterback after a great Freshman season the Bulldogs could be looking at yet another big-time season, but this one is on Owen Field where Oklahoma is 23-1 at home during the Stoops regime. OU 27- FSU 13. Oklahoma 3-0
4. UCLA in Norman- September 20, 2003
Expect this one to be much like the last visit to Norman for the Bruins, a 38-3 thrashing by the Sooners that could have been worse. The score won't be as bad, but the game will not be close and UCLA will be sorry they didn't chase Mike Stoops during their last job vacancy. OU 31- UCLA 10. Oklahoma 4-0
5. Iowa State in Ames- October 4, 2003
Dan McCarney's team was the epitome of erratic in 2002 with near victories over Florida State and Texas in Austin, a blowout win over Nebraska, then blowout losses to Oklahoma and Kansas State, then losses to Connecticut and Boise State to conclude the season. This year could be much the same and a win over Oklahoma with the Sooners having two preparatory weeks is unlikely. OU 27- ISU 10. Oklahoma 5-0
6. Texas in Dallas- October 11, 2003
The Red River Shootout has officially passed Florida-Florida State for the crown when it comes to the most significant rivalry on the National Championship scale, for the third straight year this should be a battle of two top five teams. However, until Mack Brown knocks off Bob Stoops, you have to stick with the Sooners. OU 24- Texas 16. Oklahoma 6-0
7. Missouri in Norman- October 18, 2003
Brad Smith looked like Michael Vick against Baylor. Smith could've run for Governor of Missouri. Smith looked like he was in slo-mo and Oklahoma was scrambling in fast-forward. He did everything a man could do in one game, but his team still lost. Just remember what Oklahoma has done to Heisman Candidates on Owen Field. OU 29- Mizzou 14 Oklahoma 7-0
8. Colorado in Boulder- October 25, 2003
This could be a potential pit-fall if Colorado shows they have a lick of offense, but that coupled with the supreme struggle Barnett had against Stoops a year ago spells a Sooner victory. OU 22- Colorado 9. Oklahoma 8-0
9. Oklahoma State in Norman- November 1, 2003
We all talk about the success about Stoops vs. Brown and the coaching mismatch, well we can't deny how good Stoops is, but every Osborne must have its Switzer. Until Stoops beats Miles, how can I pick otherwise? OU 21- OSU 22. Oklahoma 8-1
10. Texas A&M in Norman- November 8, 2003
Oklahoma was ambushed in College Station a year ago and nearly had the same happen in 2000, but the other two meetings in 1999 and 2001 were lopsided. We give the Aggies a nod in closing the gap with some Franchione points, but Oklahoma recovers. OU 30- A&M 17. Oklahoma 9-1
11. Baylor in Norman- November 15, 2003
Introducing the new and even worse Baylor Bears, now with optional probation! Baylor sucks. OU 55- Baylor 0. Oklahoma 10-1
12. Texas Tech in Lubbock- November 22, 2003
I would like to say that Oklahoma has a potential trap here, but other than it being the last game of the season, Oklahoma has owned the Raiders since Leach took over. Oklahoma has outscored Tech 117-41, allowing just 13, 13, and 15 points in the three contests with Leach wearing black. In the spirit of consistency, OU 34- Tech 15. Oklahoma 11-1
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