Stoops hitting century mark

The Norman Transcript

November 01, 2006 12:59 am

— When Oklahoma faces Texas A&M at 7 p.m. Saturday, it will be Bob Stoops 100th game at OU.
During that eight-season span, the Sooners have gone 81-18, won a national title in 2000 and claimed the 2000, 2002 and 2004 Big 12 championships.
Some would think it would be a time to reflect. Stoops said he hasn’t.
“I didn’t even know about it until I was told a couple days ago,” he said.
However, athletic director Joe Castiglione is well aware of what Stoops has done and very appreciative, too.
“Put it up against anyone that’s coached, it would be highly impressive. I don’t think you could make a case for anything but,” he said. “It’s a remarkable start to a wonderful career as head coach.”

High praise
Cornerback Lendy Holmes played his best game to date last week at Missouri. The sophomore had three pass breakups, an interception and a fumble recovery in the 26-10 victory.
Stoops even compared the sophomore to one of the best defensive backs OU’s ever produced.
“He’s a naturally confident guy,” Stoops said. “He’s a lot like a Derrick Strait, where he’s just a gamer. He’s like that.”
Holmes was caught a bit off guard by the comment. When asked about it he said, “Are you kidding?”
But Holmes’ play as been a big reason why OU has the best statistical defense in the Big 12. He and cornerback Marcus Walker have solidified the secondary over the last four games.
“I feel way more comfortable now than where I was at the first game of the season,” he said. “I’m recognizing things.”

Night the right time
If given the choice, just about every college football coach would rather play in the afternoon than at night. Having some time to be with the family on a weekend night is pretty appealing.
But you won’t hear Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione complaining about Saturday’s 7 p.m. kickoff.
“My experience is that Kyle Field is at its very best at night,” he said. “I don’t know why that is or how to explain it. It’s like the darkness keeps the enthusiasm in.”
When asked if that was because it allows Aggie fans more time to drink before the game, the coach reserved judgment.
“That wouldn’t be appropriate for me to comment on now,” he said.

More to come?
Since Adrian Peterson’s injury, Paul Thompson has gotten more involved in the running game. Over the last two games, he has 11 carries for 53 yards.
Stoops said it’s been a matter of taking what the defense has given. He doesn’t want his quarterback in harm’s way too often.
“So that’s not the deal for us,” he said. “We’re not going to go running him and get him smacked around. That’s just not what we like to do.”
Thompson, however, would like some more opportunities.
“I definitely enjoy those types of plays and enjoy getting the opportunity to run the ball around and make some plays on my feet,” he said.

More opportunities
Sophomore wide receiver Quentin Chaney caught his first career touchdown pass at Missouri.
The fact he was in the game was somewhat surprising. He was rarely used in the second half of last season and didn’t have a reception heading into the Missouri game.
Chaney said he had several talks with receivers coach Kevin Sumlin about what had to change to play.
“He said just keep working hard,” Chaney said. “So I just kept going hard at it, every day at practice. I worked on running better routes, catching the ball more consistent, blocking, just every aspect and it paid off.”
John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com