University of Oklahoma Athletics

Sooner Offense Struggles in Final Public Scrimmage

September 01, 1999 | Football

By: Athletics Communications

Sept. 1, 1999

Norman, Okla. - University of Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops knew there was something wrong with his squad as soon as it began the pre-scrimmage routine. Intensity is a large part of the Stoops coaching style and he knew his team didn't have it as it prepared for the final public scrimmage on Wednesday afternoon inside Memorial Stadium.

"I was disappointed with our efforts this afternoon," said the first-year head coach following the two-hour workout. "Our players need to understand that they have to be ready to play every time they step onto the field. We probably would have gotten beaten today, no matter who we played. Thankfully, we still have time to correct this and find the proper intensity level. We may scrimmage tomorrow, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but we will find the level I'm looking for."

The scrimmage was scripted for most of the first half, which the defense dominated. At one point, the Sooner first-team defense posted four straight sacks, including two by end Corey Callens. Later, a scoring drive was halted when redshirt-freshman safety Roy Williams intercepted quarterback Josh Heupel at the two-yard line and senior cornerback Mike Woods picked off Patrick Fletcher and returned the pass 75-yards for a touchdown.

The Oklahoma offense finally hit paydirt when Heupel connected with flanker Julius McMillan on a 35-yard pass over the middle. A few series later, Heupel hit tight end Chris Hammons who powered his way to a four-yard touchdown. Fletcher redeemed himself with a pair of five-yard touchdown passes to running back Dwight McKissic and receiver Antwone Savage.

"I will not allow my team to come out and play this way," added Stoops. "I've said all along that we must play smart, physical and with a lot of intensity if we plan to win football games this season. And that's the only thing that I'll settle for."

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