The Norman Transcript

OU Sports

Discussion

October 26, 2005

John Shinn's Oklahoma Football Notepad

Upon further review

For the second straight week, the Sooners have been asking questions about the new instant replay system.

During OU’s 37-30 double-overtime victory over Baylor, there were two controversial calls in the final two minutes.

Television replays showed Baylor quarterback Shawn Bell’s knee was down prior to his reaching the end zone on his two-point conversion that tied the game at 27-27.

The play was not reviewed.

Malcolm Kelly appeared to make a miraculous catch that could have put the Sooners in field-goal range in the closing seconds of regulation. He was ruled out of bounds and the play was upheld after being reviewed.

But it took replay officials more than 30 seconds to decide the review was necessary.

Stoops would like to see the replay officials get involved a little quicker, yet is being patient with the new system.

“You would think on some of those situations that they would immediately just go review it,” he said. “In a game-winning situation, whether it’s Malcolm’s catch or the two-point conversion, when it is close, why not just look at (it)? It takes just a couple of minutes.

“I’m sure as we go, they’ll continue to get better at it. I’m encouraged. I still think it’s better than what we’ve had and I think it will improve as we go.”

Mutual respect

When Oklahoma and Nebraska last met, the game was more remembered for what happened before it and after it than what went on during it.

Nebraska offensive lineman Darren DeLone’s confrontation with a Ruf-Nek happened before the game and Husker coach Bill Callahan was quoted muttering the words “hillbillies” at Oklahoma fans while being pelted with oranges after the Sooners’ 30-3 victory at Owen Field.

OU coach Bob Stoops said there’s no bad blood over last season.

“I ended up talking to Bill, and I think there were a lot of unfortunate circumstances around that whole day,” Stoops said. “I don’t think Bill means that by any means. There’s no bad blood, at least not on our part. A lot happened that day that was unfortunate.

“To me, what’s too important is the tradition and history of the great games, great respect for one another. There’s been so much success between both programs, let’s not have an isolated incident or one day ruin that. There’s too much good in both programs for that to be the case.”



Sticking with Baker

Safety Lewis Baker could have been a goat against Baylor when he was beaten for a 55-yard touchdown pass with 1:17 remaining that allowed Baylor to tie the game.

Stoops said the play won’t affect Baker’s playing status.

“Lewis has been playing awfully good, he said. “He understands the mistake he made. It’s just a situation we’ve got to learn from and hopefully it won’t happen again.”



No advantage

The Sooners and Huskers won’t meet in the regular season again until 2008 due to Big 12 Conference scheduling.

Stoops was asked if he would like that to change.

“If you can get us all in one (division) that would be great,” he said. “If you can’t, then you’re not going to get me to agree with it. Competitive advantage or disadvantage — that’s what it comes down to.”



How to stop the run?

OU’s defense is allowing 76.9 rushing yards per game, which ranks No. 3 nationally.

However, defensive coordinator Brent Venables gave a simple reason for his unit’s success in that category.

“They’ve been throwing it a lot against us,” he joked.

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