OU Announces 2003 Football Schedule

Nov. 14, 2002

Norman, Okla. - Oklahoma has announced its 12-game football schedule for the 2003 season. The seven-game home slate includes games against three non-conference teams that were bowl eligible last season and could be again this year.

"I've said many times creating the most appropriate schedule for our football team is an important element in positioning our team for success," said Oklahoma Athletics Director Castiglione said. "Of course, it is also challenging. There are many different components to be addressed -- player development, number of home games, competitive balance between non-conference and conference games, marquee match-ups, fan interest, date availability and television appeal -- all are important considerations.

"In addition, schedule strength is an even more important factor in the pursuit of a National Championship within the current BCS structure. It is even more challenging when schedules are made so far in advance. Recent years show that our philosophy has proven to be successful."

Nine of the 12 teams on the schedule currently own records of .500 or better, including all four of the non-conference opponents, North Texas, Alabama, Fresno State and UCLA.

North Texas returns after a one-year absence and will visit Norman again in the 2007 season as part of this agreement. The Eagles played in last year's New Orleans Bowl where they lost to Colorado State and are again making a run at finishing over the .500 mark. Oklahoma has won all five previous meetings against UNT, including a 37-10 decision last season.

The Alabama game completes a two-year agreement between the two powerhouses. OU defeated the Crimson Tide in Norman this season, 37-27.

Fresno State was in the Silicon Valley Bowl last season against Michigan State and is trying to become bowl eligible again. This one-game contract will feature the first meeting between the Bulldogs and Sooners. UCLA and Oklahoma will be meeting for the first time since 1990. Oklahoma won both previous meetings, including the most recent game in 1990. This arrangement calls for OU to return the game on Sept. 27, 2005.

The Big 12 opponents will be the same as what Oklahoma played during the current 2002 season with a switch in venues. Those teams that played OU in Norman this season will host the Sooners in 2003 and vice versa.

The 2003 season will be the first in which the 8,000 new seats will be available in Memorial Stadium. The current expansion project is scheduled to be completed this summer. When it is finished, the seating capacity, due to an additional deck, suites and club seating on the east side, is expected to be approximately 81,000.

2003 OU Football Schedule

Date-Opponent, Current Record

Aug. 30 - North Texas, 5-5

Sept. 6 - at Alabama, 8-2

Sept. 13 - Fresno State, 5-5

Sept. 20 - UCLA, 7-3

Sept. 27 - open

Oct. 4 - at Iowa State, 7-4

Oct. 11 - Texas (at Dallas), 9-1

Oct. 18 - Missouri, 4-6

Oct. 25 - at Colorado, 7-3

Nov. 1 - Oklahoma State, 4-5