Sooners Still Have Something To Prove

NORMAN, Okla. -- The way Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops sees it, this way is much better.

The Sooners are No. 2 in the nation, they absolutely have to win the Big 12 championship to get to the national championship and there's no overstated rhetoric about the team going down in history as one of the greatest.

It's a far ways from where Oklahoma was a year ago heading into the Big 12 title game against Kansas State. Back then, the Sooners were heavy favorites and knew heading into the game that they would play for the national championship even if they lost to the Wildcats.

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And lose they did -- 35-7.

But none of the factors that led up to last year's conference championship debacle are present this season. And that's just how Stoops wants it.

"We had accomplished so much with strength of schedule and the way we competed a year ago, we were convinced that we didn't have to win," Stoops said. "It was obvious we didn't have to win.

"That is different this year, which is good. The fact that we have to win it to put ourselves in a position to compete for the national championship, we recognize that."

After last year's loss in the Big 12 championship, Stoops said he shouldn't have to say much to his players to motivate them for this year's game.

"I would believe they understand that they still have something to prove and go after it," Stoops said.

He said the Sooners would spend some time this week preparing for each of their potential opponents -- Iowa State and Colorado -- but that won't necessarily be the main focus.

"We'll spend more time, I think, trying to go against each other and sharpening ourselves up," Stoops said.

Stoops said it's debatable whether the extra week of preparation will give Oklahoma an advantage over Iowa State or Colorado, but he said it's definitely a good time for the Sooners to get a break.

After playing 11 games in the spotlight of being the No. 2 team in the country, the Sooners will spend a weekend away. Players will be allowed to go home for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Friday and Saturday before returning Sunday to begin preparations for the Big 12 championship Dec. 4.

"We've been through it all, and now you get a sense that this weekend your guys get a chance to let their breath out and regroup," Stoops said.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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