Oklahoma Football Finding Success Through The Air

Sept. 22, 1999

By OWEN CANFIELD
AP Sports Writer

NORMAN, Okla.-- After two years with an offense that was usually offensive, Oklahoma is back near the top of the national charts - third in total offense, sixth in scoring. Just like old times.

Except it's not at all like old times.

These Sooners throw the football. A lot. They have thrown 99 passes in the first two games, victories over Indiana State and Baylor. Quarterback Josh Heupel has already set single-game school records for touchdown passes (5), pass attempts (54), completions (37), passing yards (420) and total offense (397 yards).

Heupel's 68 completions through two games are more than any quarterback completed in a season during Barry Switzer's 16 years running the wishbone.

The option game at Oklahoma has essentially been dead since Switzer left 10 years ago. but his three successors all sought a balance between passing and running.

This offense doesn't. Coordinator Mike Leach looks to throw first, then run. Of Oklahoma's first 20 plays against Baylor last weekend, 15 were passes.

First-year coach Bob Stoops said he isn't surprised the offense has been so effective.

"I've seen it for a long time, played against it for three years," said Stoops, who as defensive coordinator at Florida went against Kentucky, where Leach was offensive coordinator.

"I've seen it everywhere that they have run this offense and this system with coach Leach, they've put up these kind of numbers. Why would here be any different?"

Perhaps because Oklahoma's offense was anemic in the recent past. Quarterback play that was average at best, coupled with indecision by coach John Blake over which offense he wanted to use, resulted in problems.

Even with a 1,000-yard tailback, the Sooners averaged only 315 yards and 18 points per game in Blake's final two years.

The offense used by Leach gives the quarterback a lot of freedom, and therefore requires especially good play from that position.

Heupel impressed Leach right away with his desire to study game film. He picked up the offense quickly and established himself as a leader, so much so that he was voted a captain after being on campus just a few months.

The left-hander doesn't have a particularly strong arm, but doesn't need one to direct a passing game that generally relies on short, quick-hitting routes. He has completed 72 percent of his passes so far.

"We felt all along that Josh was a strong quarterback," Stoops said.

"We love his attitude, love the way he prepares. With the summer he's had, the spring he had, we figured Josh would be pretty solid and he's definitely been that."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Oklahoma Football Finding Success Through The Air

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