Coach Stoops Meets with Media Tuesday

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops met with the media on Tuesday at the weekly football press conference at the Kerr-McGee Stadium Club inside Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman.

The Sooners enjoy a bye week before hosting Texas A&M on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Owen Field. Game time will be announced on SoonerSports.com as soon as it is determined.

Coach Stoops reviewed Oklahoma's 31-24 win against Nebraska in Lincoln and then took questions from the assembled media. The Sooners improved to 5-3 overall and 4-1 in Big 12 Conference play with the victory against the Huskers.

OU HEAD COACH BOB STOOPS
On the game against Nebraska:
"I'm really proud of our players for hanging in there in a tough environment away from home and competing as they did. I felt that we really took control of the game right from the start by getting up by 14 points.

Get in the O-Zone

"The big factor, which we're fortunate that it worked out, is that we took the wind. The defense stepped up right from the first series, and for a good number of series, kept them from getting any first downs. We were getting good field position by using the wind to our advantage. Getting up early helped us and kept their crowd a little subdued. It gave us some energy and life."

On the offense's performance:
"I thought the offensive line played really well. They protected well and gave Rhett (Bomar) time to throw the football. Kelvin Chaisson was a player of the game, along with A.D. (Adrian Peterson), Travis (Wilson) and Malcolm (Kelly). Those guys really stood out.

"But a bunch of other guys on the offensive line were recognized. Nebraska came in leading the country in sacks and tackles-for-loss. We only had one sack, and ironically enough, it was on a screen pass. We got eaten up, and Rhett had nowhere to go with the ball. They got quick pressure to him."

"I loved the offensive balance we had. Running and passing was huge. It was good to get A.D. back. Even though he wasn't at 100 percent, he was still strong and made some excellent runs, especially to spark us early."

On the defense's performance:
"Dusty Dvoracek and Rufus Alexander were sensational. They were all over the field making great plays. They were players of the game, along with D.J. Wolfe who was really outstanding in the secondary.

"Chijioke Onyenegecha had a really good game as well. Any time you have nine sacks and don't allow someone to run the football, you're opportunity to win is pretty strong."

On playing in Lincoln:
"My compliments go to the fans in Nebraska. It's a great college atmosphere, and everybody is respectful. It's fun to be in that kind of environment."

On the offensive line's improvements since the beginning of the season:
"Chris Messner, in the last couple of games, has been very good. Davin (Joseph) continues to play well.

"Jon Cooper went in there in the last drive against Nebraska, when Chris Bush broke his hand. Jon's in there as a true freshman, and he handled it well. His snaps were perfect, and he was blocking and fighting. He really made some nice plays as a young guy in there. All of those guys are making good strides."

On quarterback Rhett Bomar's improvements:
"It's what you would expect for a guy who has not been on the field. He sat out the year before, so practices and scrimmages can only simulate so much. In game experiences, he's gaining strides. He's benefiting from it.

"He's a very competitive and bright young guy who has all the ability to be a great quarterback. We are very pleased with the way he is progressing. His up-side is still tremendous, and he's going to continue to reach it."

On the unsung heroes of the defense:
"Two really special ones when you think about coming out of spring ball are Calvin Thibodeaux and C.J. Ah You. They are really playing well.

"C.J. didn't have his best game against Nebraska, but his previous three games were just outstanding. Those guys are really standing out to me because they are taking extra snaps and because we don't have as many guys to rotate with."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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