J.D. Runnels Online Journal: Week 11

NORMAN, Okla. J.D. Runnels records the 11th installment of his online player journal to take Sooner fans behind the scenes.

It was another victory for the crimson and cream as the Sooners beat Texas A&M, 42-35, in a dramtic come-from-behind win. This week, J.D. recalls the tough trip to Kyle Field and what to expect this weekend. He also answers some of your questions.

There is also a link at the bottom of the page so you can submit questions for J.D. to reply to in his next entry.

J.D. Runnels

Journal Entry No. 11 (Nov. 9, 2004)

Crazy. That is the only word to explain last Saturday's A&M game crazy.

2004 Video Feature on Runnels | Sooner Player Journals

It was another tough trip to College Station. The game was very intense and so was their crowd. A&M came out quickly and played an excellent ballgame, but when our offense can go on the road and not turn the ball over, it's hard to stop us from scoring 40 plus. Our defense didn't have the best first half, but we chipped away at the lead and made some great adjustments at halftime that earned us the victory.

The Aggies were up for this game. After the 77-0 beating we gave them last year, they are a totally different team. They were a ranked team at home and they played like it. Sure, they lost to Baylor in OT the week before, but I'll guarantee they were thinking about us. This is college football and anybody can beat anybody. That's life and that's football. That explains why it is so important to focus on each week's opponent and not look ahead. We've made mistakes like that in the past.

This week is somewhat similar, playing a Nebraska team off a tough loss to Iowa State. I've never gotten to play against Nebraska and it's always been a dream of mine. They were always a powerhouse when I was growing up and the thing about them was that you never wanted to play them. This week is bringing up bunch of memories. I remember back to the Keith Jackson days and the great games played between those teams. It's a great feeling to know you're about to play in a special game we're going up against the Huskers. They're a tough team and Saturday will be an emotional day. The OU-Nebraska game is always a classic and I don't expect anything different this time around.

We kind of have an extra ace in our deck with Coach Pelini. Having Coach Pelini this week is about like having Coach Sumlin last week. It's not an advantage, but it is. You've got someone that knows they're system and personnel. It's going to be great to try and get that W' for him.

J.D., If a doctor told you that you could never play football again, how would you react? That is what happened to me and I am not taking it well. I'm a freshman in high school and had four years to look forward too.

Mark from Dallas

I don't blame you for not taking it well. I wouldn't take it well either. Football's always been a part of my life. It's kind of like when I lost my mother you don't get used to it, but you learned to deal with it. It's a bad situation, but some good must come from it. Everything happens for a reason. Playing football is only part of the game. There are a lot of great coaches out there that had to start somewhere.

Do you think we, Carl Albert HS, have a good shot at state this year? It would be nice to have you on the sidelines if we go.

Casey from Midwest City, Okla.

To be honest, I think you all have an excellent chance. You remind me a lot of the '98 team, especially having the 9-1 record at the end of the season. I think CA is very talented and has a good offense line, but they wouldn't have beaten us. Definitely not. I hope you guys do make it to state. If you make it to the third round, we have a bye that week and I'll definitely make it to that game.

J.D., congrats on a terrific season thus far. Do the players get caught up in all the hype for the Heisman Trophy and with two deserving candidates this year, what's the atmosphere like in the locker room or on the practice field?

Bill from Orlando, Fla.

I don't think there's time for them to get caught up in hype. Everything we do is put on such a schedule that the routine we build from that doesn't leave much else to think about. I understand that when Jason and Adrian turn the TV on they're going to see themselves, but they don't act like they get caught up with it. They know what they want and how to get it they're not going to let the media throw them off track. There's a difference in how this team handles it versus other teams, anyway. Jason won the award last year, so this is nothing new, except that we have two candidates and one of them already knows what it's like.

J.D., I watched your appearance with Coach Stoops and I am more impressed with you as an individual. I have to think that a young man such as you must be thinking beyond pro football. I would love to vote for you in a run for Congress. Are there any leanings that way?

James from Collinsville, Okla.

I'd like to run for Congress. If you promise me you'll vote, I'll run. I really appreciate the compliments. Everything everyone compliments me on, especially my personality, goes back to my parents. It may be a clich, but that's me. My mom always talked to me about going into politics, but however I can change the world I'd like to.

What is some of the funniest smack you've heard on the football field?

Chris from Tulsa

The funniest smack talk, hands down, is not even on the field. It's at the sidelines at Stillwater for the bedlam game. But that stuff is censored.

You obviously have a wealth of knowledge and experience in football. Do your plans after football include possibly coaching?

Rob from St. Joseph, Mo.

Maybe. I would like to go into sports radio. I think it's more of my thing. I love high school and college football and I would like to stay in Oklahoma when I graduate.

That's all for now. Boomer Sooner!

#38 J.D. Runnels

Jammal Brown
Ask J.D. a Question | Sooner Online Journals

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors