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David Stanley Ford

Among the greatest, where will the 2008 Sooner offense rank?

By Jake Trotter    Comments Comment on this article47
Published: January 5, 2009

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — All weekend, Oklahoma coaches and players were peppered with questions about where this Sooner offense ranks all time.


Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy,left, is interviewed by teammates Alan Davis and Lendy Holmes during media day at Dolphin Stadium today. AP Photo

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Fair questions, indeed.

Already, OU has scored more than 700 points.

The last time that happened in college football, Theodore Roosevelt was president, automobiles were still a novelty and Oklahoma was three years away from statehood.

OU has also reached unmatched consistency, becoming the first team in nearly a century to score 60 points or more in five straight games.

Perhaps most impressively, the Sooners are averaging more points per game than any school in college football's modern era.

Yet it's too soon to assess where this offense ranks. As the 2003 Sooners proved, a lot can be revealed at title time.

To be compared among the all-time great offense, OU must ace one final test by defeating Florida, which boasts one of the nation's top defenses.

“Maybe after everything's over, I'll sit back and think about (how good this offense is),” said center Jon Cooper. “But we're here for one reason.

“Our goal is to win a football game and score one more point than the other team.”

But do that and these Sooners will make a convincing case atop the all-time list.

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David Stanley Ford


Related Topics: Sports, Football, College Athletics, College Football


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He's back!! Easy enough to say for someone whose team isn't playing for a national title. Both teams in the national title would beat USC. Get over it. USC's good, great even. But they don't boast the defense to stop the Sooners or the speed to stop Florida. As I've said before, Carrol can have all his 5-star recruits that keep winning him Rose Bowls. I'll take the 3-star players to keep taking OU to the national title.
Zach, Perkins - Jan 6, 2009 at 4:53 pm
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OU's offense won't be ranked to high or even talked about outside of Oklahoma because of the sorry big-12 defenses. Especially if ou gets beat by Florida.
Trojan, Santa Barbara - Jan 6, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Yeah Michael I agree about keeping the whining to a minimum, but like edwin in prague and most from OU that's all you guys do to the extreme!
ALBERT, BETHANY - Jan 6, 2009 at 2:28 am
Texas beat Ohio State by 3.

What happened to a blowout.

Co-National Champions LOL (only in Austin)

After tonight Texas better keep there whining to a minimum.

Texas is Done.
Michael, Oklahoma City - Jan 6, 2009 at 12:54 am
Texas won, OU doesn't belong in this game. I wish UF was playing Texas or even Utah for the NCG, not these gooomer/loosers.
GO Gators

CJ, Savannah
- Jan 5, 2009 at 11:49 pm
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They really can't be compared. OU's defense looks bad on paper because of the type of offenses they have been facing. Of course they will look bad when almost all the teams they played throw 40-50 times and score a lot of points. The SEC runs more tranditional football, power and run type. So of course their defense appears to be much better. I think OU is very talented on defense, however, the linebacker spot worries me some. I'm sure Tebow will try to run it up the gut and expose this. I think a run game will be much easier to defend and stop than a spread like OU runs. I think Tebow is a great football player, however, he isn't the all time greatest QB. QB's that can throw and pick apart defenses are great. Tebow is a half back that happens to be a QB. I also think and hope, OU is really working on the no huddle. I hope they come out and so much speed, it knocks Florida on their backsides. This is something the SEC doesn't do either, they don't have a no huddle, hurry, explosive offense they've played. OU needs to come out guns blazing and don't let up. Also, this team has a different attitude than previous OU team's I've seen. They display much more unity and teamwork, they seem more driven and act like winners.
Jess, Warr Acres - Jan 5, 2009 at 7:48 pm
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Who cares! It's Defense that wins big games. Bring back Barry!
jo, edmond - Jan 5, 2009 at 7:15 pm
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USC would beat OU? How about playing the Sooners in Norman or Kansas City at night in December or January? Why should USC always play in either its backyard or in a tropical setting? Put them in winter weather in winter and see how the San Francisco Men's Choir-LA Branch does. The temperature at their games ranges from 85 degrees down to 68 degrees. Let USC play where it is 30 degrees in December and 105 degrees in August.
edwin, Tulsa - Jan 5, 2009 at 4:41 pm
USC would beat OU? How about playing the Sooners in Norman or Kansas City at night in December or January? Why should USC always play in either its backyard or in a tropical setting? Put them in winter weather in winter and see how the San Francisco Men's Choir-LA Branch does. The temperature at their games ranges from 85 degrees down to 68 degrees. Let USC play where it is 30 degrees in December and 105 degrees in August.
edwin, Tulsa - Jan 5, 2009 at 4:31 pm
You guys can haggle all you want but this is a game that will be played by the inches and won in the trenches.
Michael, San Jose - Jan 5, 2009 at 4:23 pm
It is not fair to Jason White that people forget that he was injured in both his arm and leg in the 2003 Sugar Bowl. Had White been in 2004's shape the Sooners probably would have beaten the LSU Tigers by 3 TDs even on LSU's home away from home field. Sam Bradford seems to be playing well even with his torn ligament.
edwin, Tulsa - Jan 5, 2009 at 4:21 pm
All of us Georgia "Okies" are right here waiting for the Sooners to do their thing!!!!OU will win by 21pts.(or more) Sam Bradford came to me in a dream last week and told me!!!!!!!! Nic Harris will light P.Harvin up and I see Tim Teblow needing a break after half-time to lick his wounds!!! BOOMER SOONER!! ~^~
nicholas, Bethlehem - Jan 5, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Texas Tech was #2 in the country after they beat Texas. Oklahoma crushed them. So all you guys telling me that Texas is more impressive obviously are biased. Texas almost lost to OSU at home(won by 4). Oklahoma beat OSU on the road by 20. If you go by point differential in the THREE way tie Oklahoma wins. If you go by season Statistics Oklahoma wins. If you go by Home field neutral field points for the season Oklahoma wins. This is why we have a computer system in place because of guys that are so biased they cant see the truth. Oklahoma is the best team. They EARNED their spot.

Oklahoma is the BEST team in College Football and will prove it on Thurs.

BOOMER SOONER!!!!!!
Michael, Oklahoma City - Jan 5, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Emilio

I love Billy, but when in OKC, I eat Leo's. They ship it to me. Just call on the phone.
Bill, alpharetta - Jan 5, 2009 at 2:46 pm
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In the anus of history, OU will be right up there!
Mike, Oklahoma City - Jan 5, 2009 at 2:40 pm
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Poor Michael the aggie wuss in OKC, you won't have the stones to come back here on Friday when the Sooners win their 8th, outnumbering the aggies NC's in football by....that's right EIGHT!

Roy D Mercer, Owasso - Jan 5, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Okay Bill in Alpharetta, I'll bite.
SOONER!
Have you tried the Hot and where do you get it here in Ga.
Cookie in Flowery Branch
Emilio, Flowery Branch - Jan 5, 2009 at 11:59 am
Its defense that wins game no matter how good the offense is. Considering the number of upsets during Bowl season I really like OU's chances since they are the underdog by 3.
Robert, Oklahoma City - Jan 5, 2009 at 11:47 am
3 more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cant wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eric, Norman - Jan 5, 2009 at 11:41 am
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This question should not, and can not, be answered until after Thursday. Then the final results can be determined.
Boomer Sooner
Ray, Flint - Jan 5, 2009 at 11:34 am
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Randy and Sharon, how do you know that the team is more focused? Are you on staff? Geez, everybody's an expert on this.
John, Wylie - Jan 5, 2009 at 11:21 am
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I've always wondered why sports media people are all attractive and well-spoken. After seeing Barry Trammel and Jenni Carlson and hearing them both speak, I understand why that is. Maybe they can both write something worth reading, but do we have to see and hear them?
Joe - Jan 5, 2009 at 11:17 am
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How can this team be the greatest? They were beaten badly by The University! Now let me see, what's the spin there? Go Florida and kick their posterior again.
Wayne, Austin - Jan 5, 2009 at 11:10 am
I just cant wait for Florida to thump the Gooners, so all you bandwagon idiots will shut-up and go back to your miserable lifes for the winter. The players can say they're more focused this year, blah blah blah.... They are scared to death because they know the Gators have their number and Texas should really be in the championship.
Michael, Oklahoma City - Jan 5, 2009 at 10:51 am
OU is going to score on Florida, Florida will make a few stops but they can't stop the machine. Tebow is overated at the qb position he is a better running back. Ou will be fine. They can score 21 in a matter of minutes. Too many weapons on OU"S offense. If any conference is overated it's the sec.
jeff, Harrah - Jan 5, 2009 at 10:11 am
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Michael, did you watch KU destroy Minnesota? No? Thought as much. Bowl season tends to be more unforgiving for offensive teams some times. That's the way it works. Hopefully, OU's D is good enough to make up for any "sputters" the machine might have early on. Boomer!
Chris, Hesston - Jan 5, 2009 at 9:54 am
Dadgum, Jake!

Why couldn't you wait a WEEK to write this crap? Must you writers constantly tempt the football gods? We bragged all this same drivel in '03 before the K-State debacle and look what happened. Why must you bring this evil on the team? Wait a few days, for the sake of everything holy! I know news is slow, but COME ON!
Chris, Hesston - Jan 5, 2009 at 9:52 am
OU will be just fine!! The team is MORE united and focused than just about any OU team that I can remember. Let Florida stop the run; then we'll pass; stop the pass and we'll run. We just have to protect the ball and stop Florida a few times. Get in Tebow's face and we'll see what he is really made of. Just hope OU puts in some roll out passes in the game plan for Bradford if Florida starts getting pressure on him.
Randy, Uvalde - Jan 5, 2009 at 9:51 am
Yes, Bill I agree with that. But you still need to implement some type of passing into the attack when you come up against a team with equal talent. Just remember that Switzer's OU teams were 0-3 against Miami in the 80's.And the passing attack has to involve more than just pulling the ball from out of the fullback's hands on a play action pass play and throwing it to a tight end down the middle. When OU from the 80's got behind a great team of equal talent by more than 9 pts, it was always frustrating watching them just rolling the dice in trying to come back and winning the ballgame. Oh well. Just an opinion. Go Sooners on thurs night!!!
Jackson, albuquerque - Jan 5, 2009 at 9:46 am
I've been watching the sooners since about 1976 and I think it's the best ever. That's with all things considered, especially parity. But ask me again Friday morning:-)
eudell, Virginia Beach - Jan 5, 2009 at 9:28 am
Mizzou looked impressive? Did you watch the game? Get of SC's sack too, anyone can look good against the Blob Ten. And you old farts get off the wishbone's sack too lol.......
Ed Lova, Oklahoma City - Jan 5, 2009 at 9:21 am
OU's offense would get exposed on just how weak it is and how weak the Big 12 really is if they were to play USC right now.
I hope they at least make somewhat of a showing this year, because if they blow it again, then we are going to have to listen to the ESPN morons all year talk about how this conference is all hype since the other teams in it so far (aside from Mizzou) have looked anything but impressive.
Michael, Oklahoma City - Jan 5, 2009 at 9:05 am
WATCH THE SOONER EXPRESS RUN THRU THE BIG12!!
http://www.ioffer.com/i/84269396
http://www.ioffer.com/i/85106046
http://www.ioffer.com/i/86593481
ROLL OVER FLORIDA BOOMER SOONER!!
DJ, NINEVEH - Jan 5, 2009 at 9:02 am
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When the Boomer losers blow another bowl game and the TV camera pans to a Sooner child crying in the stands, then to the Sooner fan beating his wife...it will be a great start to the New Year.
Cooter, Cooterville - Jan 5, 2009 at 8:54 am
Jackson, this was Tech's first year under Johnson and he was stuck with a bunch of turd recruits that Gailey left. Put a Lott at the helm, Carr at upback, and DuPree and Pruitt at halfback and the score would have been turned around.
Bill, alpharetta - Jan 5, 2009 at 8:52 am
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Yes, we should all reserve judgement til after the national title game. One thing, though. I think the offenses today are much better than the ones from the wishbone era. There are just more options to go to. The game has evolved so much. The wishbone worked in it's time, but it would not really thrive in today's game. It is easily diagnosed by most defensive coaches. Look what happened when LSU played Georgia Tech in their bowl game. Georgia Tech being the one team that still runs a triple option in major college ball. You'd have to complement that type of offense with some sort of sophistication in passing the football as well. So no, the offenses of today with all their intricacies are ahead of the ones from the 70's and 80's. Nebraska from the 90's did run option football, but they also refined it with some of Dr Tom's passing patterns that made it work not to mention that there was a ton of NFL talent on that team on defense and offense.
Jackson, albuquerque - Jan 5, 2009 at 8:33 am
But there were seasons with multiple games that the Wishbone fumbled 5,6,7 and in one game 9 times. I love Switzer and the Wishbone years but read Barry's own book. It was heartbreaking to see and read about the greatness that was fumbled away.

This team is consistently consistent so far this year. Do it one more time Sooners.
Steve, Ketchum - Jan 5, 2009 at 8:27 am
Bill, alpharetta - Jan 5, 2009 at 8:25 am
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Bill, alpharetta - Jan 5, 2009 at 8:23 am
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Bill, alpharetta - Jan 5, 2009 at 8:23 am
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In honor of Oklahoma Sooners legend (and erstwhile BBQ king, I write: BOOMER!
Bill, alpharetta - Jan 5, 2009 at 8:23 am
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Different year, different team. This team is more focused on what needs to be done to win a game. They have proven that 12 times this year only giving up a loss to a RANKED Texas team.....oh...did I mention Texas was ranked at that time...let's see...Ole Miss...NOT RANKED when they beat Florida IN THE SWAMP!!!!! I am looking forward to a shoot-out and a defensive struggle.....intensity and focus will win this game; depends on who has more!! BOOMER SOONER!!!
Sharon, Chattanooga - Jan 5, 2009 at 8:11 am
This bunch does not compare to the great wishbone teams from the 70s that Switzer coached. If Florida hammers the Sooners, it is time to bring back Barry and the 'Bone and start playin' some real football agin.
Bill, alpharetta - Jan 5, 2009 at 8:11 am
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This bunch does not compare to the great wishbone teams from the 70s that Switzer coached. If Florida hammers the Sooners, it is time to bring back Barry and the 'Bone and start playin' some real football agin.
Bill, alpharetta - Jan 5, 2009 at 8:08 am
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Well, after the upcoming blowout by Florida, I'd say the OU offense would rank right in there with the rest of the biggest disappointing offenses that blow it on game day.
No wonder they call them, "Swooners" as OU will swoon again.
Then give Bob Stoops another big raise.
Brilliant.
Danny, Vail - Jan 5, 2009 at 8:01 am
I hope OU scores against Florida after all the talk about how great the offense is. Yes it is a very sound and proficient offense but all this talk makes me uneasy. The last time this happened was right before OU got beat by KSU and then LSU. Then their was a lot of talk about how great OU was before the USC game. Let's wait to say how great OU is after they beat Florida.
William, Fairfield - Jan 5, 2009 at 7:28 am
I'm convinced so far. I'm sure OU's offense will gladly take 31 points ( Alabama defense ) 34 points ( Ole Miss defense ) for starters against the average SEC stingy defense. Believe me Florida doesn't want to give that much to OU, but probable will.
KEITH, North Charleston - Jan 5, 2009 at 6:23 am

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