The HITS keep coming.(Oklahoma Sooners)

Publication: The Sporting News

Publication Date: 15-OCT-01

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COPYRIGHT 2001 Sporting News Publishing Co.

Oklahoma's 2000 title team had one of college football's finest defenses. As Texas learned, this year's Sooners D is playing at a new level.

Bob Stoops was getting the rock-star treatment. That's what happens when you're coach of Oklahoma and you have just beaten Texas. Security guards locked hands around Stoops as he was hustled up the ramp beyond the south end zone of Dallas' Cotton Bowl. The shock of black hair poking from the top of his white OU visor was wet and mussed from a sideline celebration shower. High above him on the left and right, Sooners fans had fists full of chain-link fence. They pressed forward in hopes of projecting their cheers a little louder.

"You're great!" "You're No. 1!" "We're No. 1!"

Stoops kept his head down as he walked. The 14-3 victory over the Longhorns still was fresh on his mind. He wanted to enjoy the moment before contemplating tomorrow and all its possibilities.

"To keep Texas out of the end zone all day" Stoops says, "was just something to watch."

The 5-0 Sooners played like champions, which is what they are after going 13-0 in 2000 and winning the national championship. The victory over Texas--TSN's preseason No. 1 team--means Oklahoma is the best team in the Big 12. It does not...

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