The 2000 national championship remains an incredible achievement, but eight years later OU is a better team. The Sooners are not yet special because no team can be so early in the year, but it’s right there with the best teams Bob Stoops has ever produced, with every bit the firepower of the 2003 and 2004 Sooners, and just maybe the same indomitability of the 2000 defense.

So good thus far, it’s a team that’s become difficult to write about.

Chinks in the armor? Last week’s running game might qualify, only the defense TCU played to affect it was the same thing that allowed Sam Bradford to have his biggest game to date and Manny Johnson to have the biggest game in program history. Only special teams remains a bugaboo.

Easier to point out has been what’s been happening right, even beyond the scoreboard. From inexperienced defenders rising to the occasion to the players’ lack of entitlement, the story continues being told.

OU can add to that story today simply by playing well, which requires more than showcasing talent.

Winning will be enough, but hitting each detail along the way will get OU closer to where it wants to be when minding the small stuff is required.

Because that day may not be too far away.

Clay Horning

366-3526

cfhorning@normantranscript.com