Upcoming Event: Football versus UTEP on September 4, 2026 at 7 p.m. CT
7 p.m. CT
Football
vs UTEP
.png&width=40&height=40&type=webp)
.png&width=40&height=40&type=webp)
University of Oklahoma Athletics
Sooner Report: Saturday is So Close!
August 28, 2014 | Football
Game Day is So Close
The moment everyone has been anxiously awaiting for since this January is almost here. Finally! Saturday evening the beloved Sooners will once again grace Owen Field in the classic crimson and cream to kick off the 2014 season.
Just like OU fans, both coaches and players are happy that the first weekend of games are upon us once again.
“Everybody is tired around the country, tired of looking at your same guys across from you every time, and I'm sure everyone is looking forward to the challenge of competing in these games,” said head coach Bob Stoops.
Starting quarterback Trevor Knight echoed Coach Stoops' sentiment.
"It's a relief,” said Knight. “We've been banging up on each other for a couple of weeks now. We're excited to finally get into game week and get into preparation, for the season to be here. It's been a great summer, a great camp but it's finally time to get things going."
Ron Thulin Talks OU
Saturday's color analyst, Ron Thulin, has noticed a big change for the Sooners entering the 2014 season compared to just a year ago when he joined Dave Lapham in the broadcast booth for Oklahoma's opener against ULM.
“I go back to the spring game,” said Thulin. “We got a sense of confidence among all the players, the coaches, the fans, the staff, everybody. I see the confidence in these guys. They actually believe in what they are doing right now.
“The defense obviously has a lot more confidence this year than last year. But I just see the talent level, the confidence they have in the coaching staff and I just think there is an atmosphere of success going around Oklahoma right now.”
Thulin is a longtime fixture in the broadcasting business. His distinguished career includes a stint hosting Barry Switzer's Sunday television show. His credits also include countless other Oklahoma events over the years, as well as the Olympics, NBA basketball and numerous college football and basketball contests
New Season, New Opportunities
Much of Oklahoma's high hopes for the 2014 season can be pinned to the fact that the Sooners are returning many starters on the defensive side of the ball and on the offensive line. However there are also a number of players who look to play a pivotal role in OU's success this season that have not yet been in the spotlight.
One player who fits the bill for a potential breakout season is redshirt freshman wide receiver K.J. Young, who has earned the starting nod at the slot receiver position.
“K.J.'s just playing a lot faster,” said co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Jay Norvell. “He really has an understanding of what we want him to do inside.
“He's playing really fast, roaring off the football. That's a big thing here at Oklahoma. We really stress coming off the ball and playing with speed, and when you watch guys like Kenny Stills and Jalen Saunders, when those guys played they roared off the football, and K.J.'s starting to get that."
Another Sooner also poised to make his first career start as a collegiate player is sophomore free safety Ahmad Thomas. After playing in 12 games last season, Thomas got his feet wet and was able to adjust to the speed of the game at the collegiate level.
Thomas is joined in the secondary by fellow sophomore Hatari Byrd and freshman Steven Parker who figure to see plenty of playing time in 2014. The coaches are expecting all three to make instant contributions for the Sooner defense.
“All the young safeties have made really good improvement,” said head coach Bob Stoops. “Steven Parker, Ahmad Thomas and Hatari Byrd, all those guys are going to play in different roles and different times, so that's been good.”
Thomas looks at the group of safeties as a complete unit which excels in multiple facets of the game.
“We are very talented,” said Thomas. “We've got guys that can do everything – cover, hit, range – all of that.”
Battle in the Backfield
Much has been made about the battle for the starting running back position between Keith Ford and Alex Ross, but another ball carrier who could receive some reps at the position is freshman Samaje Perine, who has been touted this preseason by players and coaches alike about his physical presence and performance in the weight room.
"Samaje Perine is a guy who definitely will play,” said head coach Bob Stoops. “Samaje is really powerful and incredibly bright. You don't have to tell the guy something more than once. He has really been impressive.”
Another freshman of stature to look out for doing damage from the backfield is fullback Dimitiri Flowers, who has drawn many comparisons to former starting fullback Trey Millard. Flowers has taken advantage of all the extra practices and conditioning he has received since making the decision to enroll at OU this past spring.
“Dimitri Flowers has really made another big jump,” said Stoops. “We loved him in the spring and he's even better now that he's had that winter, spring and summer to train. He's really improved his strength and has made some nice plays too. They're doing a really nice job."
Up-and-Coming Cornerbacks
Senior Julian Wilson and sophomore Zack Sanchez appear to be locked in at the starting cornerback positions, as both athletes combined to start 24 games for OU's defense in 2013 and played in every game.
Waiting in the wings is true freshman Jordan Thomas who has received many praises on his fall camp entering the season. The corner is currently slated just behind Wilson for the left cornerback position on the first depth chart of the season and is likely to find his way onto the field this Saturday.
“He's a terrific player and is very smart,” said defensive coordinator Mike Stoops. “He has great speed and quickness. He plays very natural and has a gifted feel for playing corner. He's big and long.”
Thomas joins a host of other young and talented corners who will most likely find their way onto the field in some form or another this season in sophomores Dakota Austin and Stanvon Taylor and fellow freshman Marcus Green.
DirecTV and Dish Network Pick Up Pay-Per-View Game
Major television providers DirecTV and Dish Network announced Tuesday that they will both carry Oklahoma's 2014 opener against Louisiana Tech on their programming as a pay-per-view option. The game is slated for Saturday, August 30 with a kickoff time set for 6 p.m. CT.
The game will air on DirecTV channels 785 and 785-1. Dish Network has yet to announce a specific channel for the broadcast.
The two providers are the latest in a number of television companies to pick up Saturday's game. For more information on the pay-per-view details please click here.
Fans Invited to Participate in new “Walk of Champions”
Starting next Saturday, Sooner fans will have a chance to welcome the football team to Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium by participating in the “Walk of Champions.”
Two hours before each home game, head coach Bob Stoops and the Sooners will disembark from the team buses at the intersections of Lindsey St. and Jenkins Ave. A pep rally, conducted by OU Spirit and OU football alumni, will be held 15 minutes prior to the team's arrival.
Fans are encouraged to cheer on the team upon arrival and watch as Coach Stoops, the squad and past Oklahoma letterwinners walk the final yards to the Switzer Center. Fans may begin lining up on Jenkins Ave. starting three hours prior to kickoff.
Stadium Policy Reminders
Fans attending University of Oklahoma Football home contests should begin planning now to ensure they are fully prepared for stadium policies, which will remain the same as 2013. There have been no additional changes to the policies this season. To see a full list of allowable and non-allowable personal items, click here.
Plan Ahead For Season Opener vs. Louisiana Tech
The Main Street exit off I-35 is now open, but fans are still encouraged to allow themselves plenty of time to get to Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium next Saturday for the opening game of the 2014 season. Fans should plan for an alternate route in case of traffic delays and have multiple potential parking options.
Up Next
Oklahoma will conduct its normal in-season Friday practice. The season kicks off on Saturday with the home opener against Louisiana Tech at 6 p.m. CT. For the latest details on the pay-per-view telecast, click http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209609473.
Players Mentioned
CB
/ Football
S
/ Football
FB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
CB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
FB
/ Football
S
/ Football
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
CB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
CB
/ Football
S
/ Football
CB
/ Football
CB
/ FootballThursday, July 16
Tuesday, July 14
Friday, July 10
Wednesday, July 08
