The Sooners’ 2014 debut was solid, but one particular new wrinkle that scored with fans was the fourth quarter fog-filled introduction of The King, Barry Switzer, from the north end zone tunnel. Nobody is revered in Norman more than Switzer — he has rock star status — and that was evident from the huge roar and standing O he received from those fans who remained to watch the blow-out.
OU plans on a different 4th quarter introduction of Sooner greats – a trick to keep fans from exiting the stadium for O’Connell’s before the final gun. It might just work.
***
Jordan Evans’ first quarter ejection for “targeting” won’t keep him from playing this week against Tulsa. By all accounts, Evans is the last player to ever play dirty. Coach Bob Stoops is expecting an explanation from conference officials this week.
On the other hand, LB Eric Striker did not get ejected. But not for the trying of Louisiana Tech RB Kenneth Dixon, who, according to Striker flopped like Lebron James, on one play.
“He was trying to do what he had to do to help his team, so that’s what he did. It was pretty funny, though,” Striker said.
***
The SEC stumbled a little in the first game of the season. But Stoops would not be baited into talking about that at his press conference Monday. “This isn’t the out-of-season where I cause waves,” he said.
***
OU Band Director Jason Stolarik poured salt in the wounds of band alumni by changing the pre-game tradition of warming up on Carpenter Hall lawn, instead giving a seated band concert on the Wagner Hall lawn. The new location actually puts them closer to the stadium and greater exposure to fans.
A bigger no-no was Stolarik allowing some band members to carry music on the field at halftime. To put that in perspective, band nerds consider that an elementary school crutch. It hasn’t happened at OU in at least 45 years.
***
Sooner LB Frank Shannon did not play Saturday because OU President David Boren made clear he didn’t want to see him in the game, given that Boren’s administration is appealing a district judge order that stays the university’s suspension of Shannon for alleged sex abuse.
But, Shannon was suited up and on the sideline — an apparent reminder to Boren that Bob Stoops is still the coach and controls the sidelines.
Follow
