BYU football: Sooners base success on national championships

ARLINGTON, Texas — There are few programs around the country that have a legitimate shot at a national championship just about every year.

Oklahoma is one of those programs.

The Sooners have won seven national titles in its illustrious history — most recently in 2000 — but after falling in the BCS championship game last January for the third time in six years, an eighth crown has proven to be elusive.

"We know that success here is judged by championships," said coach Bob Stoops, "and we wouldn't have it any other way."

Expectations at OU are high once again for the 2009 campaign, which opens Saturday against No. 20 BYU in Arlington, Texas.

Motivated by the setback to Florida in the BCS championship game, the No. 3 Sooners are gearing up for another run at a title.

Championship hopes in Norman grew much brighter just days after the end of the '08 season when quarterback Sam Bradford, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, tight end Jermaine Gresham and offensive tackle Trent Williams decided to return to school rather than leave early for the National Football League.

"I've dreamed about playing at Oklahoma since I was little," Bradford, last year's Heisman Trophy winner, said when he announced his return.

Bradford's father played under coach Barry Switzer, who led OU to three of those national titles. "My three years here have been probably three of the best years of my life," Bradford added. "I feel there's no need to cut this experience short."

Bradford, McCoy, Gresham (who will miss Saturday's contest due to a knee injury) and Williams are all listed in the top 10 in a recent Scout.com mock draft for 2010.

Why did they decide to stay? For another chance to lead the Sooners to an eighth title. That's why Oklahoma appears to be taking this season-opener against the Cougars seriously.

"Overall, we're looking forward to the challenge this weekend," Stoops said. "We're starting against a really good BYU team, a team that has a great history of success and a great tradition. Our players and our program have been aware of that since we have had this game scheduled. The recent success under Coach (Bronco) Mendenhall is really notable. They're an excellent team, winning conference championships, winning 10 or 11 games almost every year. We understand it's a big challenge, our players have known that all year."