DALLAS — No surprise here, but now that Oklahoma has made a commitment to the Big 12 — and not the nonexistent super conference out west — coach Bob Stoops isn't shy about where his allegiance lies.
Stoops admitted that he was excited about the reports suggesting that the Pac-10 planned to expand to 16 teams, dipping into the Big 12 South Division to increase its revenue.
But that didn't happen.
And now, Stoops and the Sooners — plus Texas and eight other teams — are locked into the new-look Big 12.
It's not a bad thing, though, Stoops said. Remember, he said, the Pac-10 and Big Ten have operated with fewer than 12 teams and no league title game forever.
“In the end, it's not a bit different from what they've been doing for over 100 years, and no one seemed to have a problem with it,” Stoops said. “They got used to seeing us in this form (with 12 teams). We're in a different form now. I think there's obviously still a lot of strong teams in this league.”
Linebacker misses Huskers already
Oklahoma linebacker Travis Lewis, a one-time Husker recruit, isn't thrilled about Nebraska's decision to leave the Big 12.
Lewis, now a junior at OU, understands that the school is operating in its best interest.
But he's always been drawn to Husker history. According to Lewis, certain legendary moments and figures that wouldn't be the same without Big Eight and Big 12 rivalries.
“I was committed to Nebraska because I knew how great their tradition was — the rivalries they had with Texas, Oklahoma and everybody in the Big 12,” Lewis said. “To hear that they're leaving, I was kind of sad about it. I wish them the best.”
No room for NU on Sooner schedule
Those hoping that Nebraska and Oklahoma will agree to a nonconference series in the near future better check the Sooners' schedule, Stoops said.
It's not going to work.
In the next few seasons, Oklahoma has home-and-home agreements with Florida State, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Ohio State. This fall, the Sooners play at Cincinnati and host Florida State and Air Force.
“If you can get rid of Florida State, going to Cincinnati, and Notre Dame, and Tennessee, and all the other people we're playing, I'd love to (play Nebraska),” Stoops told reporters at Big 12 media days in Dallas. “See if you guys can get that done.”
Stoops had a similar response when he spoke to reporters at the College World Series last month.
Landry's confidence grows, coach says
Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones apparently couldn't conceal his discomfort last season while filling in for injured Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford.
So maybe the best thing that happened to Jones this winter was Bradford's departure from the program.
Now the sophomore knows that he's the starter. And he's acting like it.
“It's night and day,” Stoops said. “Coming into this season and even walking into spring ball, you can tell he's just in command. You can tell how confident he is. ... It's obvious to everyone.”
Rivalry game could decide title
It wouldn't be a proper Big 12 media day if the Sooners weren't asked repeatedly about their annual rivalry with Texas.
Stoops and his players were reminded over and over again by reporters that Oklahoma has won just one of the past five meetings with the Longhorns.
But Lewis said there's more to the Red River Rivalry than just bragging rights. The title's on the line, too. That makes the matchup on Oct. 2 even more important.
“Texas is one of those games on the schedule that you have to win in order to win the Big 12 South, to win a Big 12 championship,” Lewis said.
— Jon Nyatawa
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