Stoops, Sooners Preview TCU Game


	Senior DB Lendy Holmes

Tuesday Press Conference Video
Head Coach Bob Stoops Press Conference
Senior Lendy Holmes on the Team's Maturity
OL Phil Loadholt on Facing TCU's Defense

Sooner Gameday Central: OU vs. TCU
Everything you need to know leading up to the game in one convenient location.

NORMAN, Okla. -- Head coach Bob Stoops previewed this weekend's match-up with TCU during his weekly press conference Tuesday in the Kerr-McGee Stadium Club.

The Horned Frogs one of only two teams to defeat OU on its home field in the last decade. No. 2 Oklahoma and No. 24 TCU, both undefeated, kick off Saturday at 6 p.m. CT. The game will be televised by FSN (OKC Ch. 37, Tulsa 27, Lawton 32).

Video video coverage of Tuesday's press conference by clicking the links above. Quotes from Coach Stoops and OU's players are also available below, courtesy of OU Athletics Media Relations.

Head Coach Bob Stoops

Opening Statement:
“We are excited to be playing again this week. We have a very good TCU team coming to Norman for a six o'clock game on Saturday. I thought we used the off week in a good way. We were able to prepare and get some extra work on TCU and rest and heal up a little bit. Again, we are just excited to be back in game week.

“TCU comes in as an excellent team. They are 4-0 and ranked No. 23 in the country, and really playing well. They are number one in the country both defensively and in turnover margin. They are a hard playing, talented football team. Their quarterback does an excellent job at directing their offense. They run a lot of zone reads and run some no backs throwing plays, and he is very efficient in all of those. Gary Patterson and his staff always do an excellent job preparing and after watching his teams play, they are always very discipline.

“It is a big challenge with a ranked team coming in here, and we understand that we have to be at our best. We had a good day of practice yesterday and (all of) last week, but we realize that we have to practice well all week to be at our best on Saturday. So we are going to have to do that.”

On the off week:
“I think we just focused on improving. Continuing what you are already doing when you are going against each other. Competing and getting better against your own side. Hopefully we got better this week.”

On TCU's defense:
“They run a 4-2-5. They are very disciplined and they play hard. Scheme-wise, they are going to give you your basic zones, but they do a nice job of mixing in different plays. Structure-wise, if you put four down lineman up there, there are only so many ways you can shake them. Their execution and discipline is what makes them so good. They are very sound.”

On Trent Williams:
“Trent is playing well, and has for a couple of years now. He is a guy that kind of goes under the radar because he is younger than the other lineman. He has been every bit as consistent or more that those other guys. He will have a big challenge this week.”

On the cornerbacks:
“They have been very good. Again, we have only played three games, but what I have seen from them to this point, I have a lot of confidence in them. They are playing really well, but again it has only been three games. The way they have practiced and executed has been really good.”

On how the team will react trailing or playing in a close game:
“I think everyone is curious about that until they have done it. But I don't think we are any different from anyone else who has not been in that position yet. This week is going to be a big test heading into the conference next week.”

Senior DB Lendy Holmes

On last meeting with TCU:
"The last time we played TCU in 2005, I played receiver. The memory of that game that stands out the most is obviously losing the season opener at home, and I know I don't want to feel that way again.

"This year's team is much different than the 2005 team. Nic Harris and myself are both seniors and we have been there and know what we need to do to get things done."

On No. 24 ranked TCU:
“We wouldn't overlook TCU no matter what, but the fact that they are a strong, ranked team makes them even more of a threat. We just have more motivation and won't take this game lightly.”

On TCU's offense:
“TCU has a very good offense coming into this game. They have a good receiving core and a good quarterback who is mobile and can run the ball well. Our defense is well prepared, we just need to remain focused and carry out our jobs on the field.”

On the mental strength of team:
“The Washington game really motivated us and made us a mentally stronger team. We played on the road and we had to stay focused, maintain our confidence and play well. And we did all of those things.”

Senior OL Phil Loadholt

On TCU's defense:
“They just mix it up and put some people in different spots. It's a little different look from what we normally see, but we're just going to get in there and watch some film to get used to what we'll be seeing on Saturday.

“It is one of the better defenses. It's not pressure as much as it is an opportunity to go against a great defense. They're real quick and have a lot of good linebackers. They have a really good and solid core with a lot of seniors.”

On OU's offense in preparation for TCU:
“We've been doing alright. There are a lot of things we can correct. There are a lot of different looks that we didn't do better, but we could do better.

“It's been a really good line. There are seven of us that play a lot and the rotation has been working pretty well.”

On the team being mentally stronger:
“So far we have been. We just have to keep up that level on intensity that we had on the road in Washington.”

On TCU being conference play preparation:
“There are a lot top 25 teams in the conference and this is our first time to be playing against a ranked team. I think it can prepare us for the Big 12 teams.”

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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