Story Lines

Published: November 11, 2006

Sooner defensive end Larry Birdine swore he wouldn't cry today.

It's a good bet somebody will.

Somebody always does on senior day.

Oklahoma will bid farewell to 11 seniors in the final home game of the season.

It's the smallest senior class of the Bob Stoops era, yet not one without impact.

"It's been a good group," Stoops said. "Those guys are all contributing in a lot of ways. They've been good leaders for us this year. So I'm really proud of them."

A salute is probably due running back Adrian Peterson, too.

While A.D. hopes to return this season, perhaps as soon as the Nov. 25 Bedlam Bash in Stillwater, he's surely bound for the NFL. So his appearance today — in street clothes — figures to be his last on Owen Field.

OU's seniors:

• DE C.J. Ah You: Junior college transfer became a two-year starter offering versatility across the defensive front.

• LB Rufus Alexander: A three-year starter and crowd favorite, Ruuuu-fus is in his third season topping the Sooner tackle list.

• DE Larry Birdine: A media favorite, the colorful Birdine made harassing quarterbacks a highlight of his play.

• S Jason Carter: A key reserve who's always prepared, Carter also shined on special teams.

• DB John Dailey: Squad member who contributed on scout team.

• LB Zach Latimer: Two-year starter who's had a knack for producing big plays and turnovers.

• OT Chris Messner: Emerged as a starter a year ago and now is the anchor of a surging offensive line.

• DE Laenar Nixon: Squad member who contributed on scout team.

• DT Carl Pendleton: Solid contributor on the field, model student and citizen off the field.

• DE Calvin Thibodeaux: Battled back from knee injury in 2004 to become a vital part of OU's defensive line.

• QB Paul Thompson: True team player returned to quarterback this season to play well and provide leadership and stability in a time of potential turmoil.

Don't for a minute think the Sooners have let that game go.

Shrugs and dismissals were the company line this week in the Sooner camp, but enough players voiced their still stinging displeasure to suggest some added motivation for the Red Raiders' arrival.

But there's another matter of more importance: the Sooners must be tougher, something they feel they failed to do at Tech in '05.

"We feel they beat us physically last year," said tight end Joe Jon Finley. "And we don't want that to happen again."

Can the Sooners continue their mastery of the Mike Leach offense?

The Red Raiders broke through somewhat last year, scoring 21 points — like it or not, Sooners fans, the last seven count — but the OU defense has regularly had an answer for what Leach does.

Of course, his year spent in Norman was the closest thing to an invitation into his creative mind.

Stoops surely has comfort knowing this — his secondary is now playing at a high level, with Marcus Walker and Lendy Holmes providing the Sooners with their best set of corners in years.

Thompson completed a season-low three passes for 39 yards at Texas A&M. Those are Thomas Lott-like numbers.

And that came after a previous low of 11 completions the week before at Missouri.

Still, the OU offense isn't ditching the throwing game.

"Even though that was a great win and everyone was excited, I was a little disappointed after the game Saturday for us to not have played better," offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said of his passing attack. "We need to definitely be balanced to have success down the stretch to make this season as strong as it can be."

By John Helsley