Completed Event: Football versus Illinois State on August 30, 2025 , Win , 35, to, 3
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Football
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University of Oklahoma Athletics
'09 Opponent Preview: BYU Cougars
June 23, 2009 | Football
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NORMAN, Okla. -- As the Sooners prepare for the upcoming football season, SoonerSports.com prepares you with everything you'll need to know about the opposition.
In the coming weeks, we will take an in-depth look at each of OU's 2009 opponents with stat breakdowns, players to watch and keys to the game. First up, the BYU Cougars on Sept. 5 at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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Game Buildup |
In what will be the first official football game played at Jerry World, so far there has been more talk about the venue than anything else.
Yet, in a game that features two of only seven teams nationally that can claim three-straight 10-win seasons, the spectacle on the field could be just as impressive.
As high-powered offenses collide with experienced defenses on both ends of the field, this promises to be one of the premiere nonconference games in the nation this fall.
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Season Outlook |
The Cougars have lofty expectations heading into the season with a number of key players returning on both sides of the ball.
BYU must replace four starters on the offensive line and two receivers, but star quarterback Max Hall still has a very worthy supporting cast. RB Harvey Unga has a pair of 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, while Dennis Pitta is one of the top TEs in the nation.
On defense, the Cougars possess one of the most experienced units in the country. Led by All-America candidate Jan Jorgensen at defensive end, the front seven is a major area of strength overall.
Based on previous teams Bronco Mendenhall has assembled, the Cougars will definitely come ready to play on September 5.
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Player to Watch |
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Max Hall | QB | No. 15 | Senior
Widely regarded as one of the nation's best quarterbacks, Hall threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 35 TDs a year ago.
He may not possess the size or athleticism of other top signal-callers, but he more than makes up for it with his decision-making.
With two gamebreakers gone at receiver, some may not expect the Cougars to put up the same kind of numbers they have in recent years. With Hall's leadership and experience, however, it is a feat that can easily be accomplished.
Other Key Players
DE Jan Jorgensen, Sr. | RB Harvey Unga, Jr. | TE Dennis Pitta, Sr. | LB Matt Bauman, Sr. | LB Coleby Clawson, Sr.
OL Matt Reynolds, So. | DB Scott Johnson, Sr. | LB Shawn Doman, Sr. | DE Brett Denney, Sr. | TE Andrew George, Sr.
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Key vs. BYU's Offense |
With the Cougars working in four new starters on the offensive line, the Sooners will definitely try to exploit their inexperience up front.
Led by All-American DT Gerald McCoy, OU boasts one of the most feared front sevens in all of college football. If the Cougars are not able to establish a running game early, look for the Sooners to try to pressure Hall often.
BYU is fortunate to have a wealth of talent and experience at the skill positions with Pitta and Hall leading the way. If these two players are able to relieve some of the pressure on Hall, watch out because the Cougars can score in bunches.
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Key vs. BYU's Defense |
Like BYU, Oklahoma will have four new starters on the offensive line. So, much like the Sooners will attempt to do on the other end of the field, BYU's talented front seven will look to penetrate the line of scrimmage.
The Cougars are blessed with the MWC's all-time sacks leader in Jorgensen. Paired with LB Coleby Clawson, who notched 11.5 sacks a year ago, the BYU defense will be foaming at the mouth to get to Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford.
If the line can give him enough time, Bradford should have open targets downfield. With only one defensive back over six feet tall and three new starters at the safety and corner positions, BYU lacks size and experience in the secondary.
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Game Implications |
Both teams enter the season with BCS on their minds. Oklahoma looks to make a statement from the outset by adding a marquee nonconference win to bolster its résumé. A win would certainly do the same for the Cougars.
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Stay tuned throughout the summer as we provide an in-depth look at each of OU's 2009 opponents.
Sooner Sports Talk - 9/8/25
Monday, September 08
Sooner Football With Brent Venables - 9/7/25
Sunday, September 07
FB Highlights: OU 24, Michigan 13
Saturday, September 06
Brent Venables Postgame vs Michigan
Saturday, September 06
