Sooners, Stoops out for redemption

By Jeff Latzke

Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, Aug. 14 2012 11:10 a.m. MDT

FILE - This Dec. 3, 2011 file photo shows Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops questioning an official in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State, in Stillwater, Okla. When the last season was over, the Sooners not only couldn't claim to be the best team in the nation. They didn't even have bragging rights within their own state.

Sue Ogrocki, File, Associated Press

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Summary

Oklahoma is hoping a blast from the past can return the program to a championship level.

NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma is hoping a blast from the past can return the program to a championship level.

Mike Stoops is back as defensive coordinator after eight seasons away. During his first stint with the Sooners, they were among the nation's top 10 in defense four straight years, won a national title and played for another.

Heading into the season opener Sept. 1 at UTEP, Stoops says his mindset is all about redemption. He's out to prove that he didn't suddenly become a bad coach after leaving Norman to be the head coach at Arizona. His players want to make up for dreadful defensive performances last year in losses to Texas Tech, Baylor and Oklahoma State that derailed a season that began with them ranked No. 1.

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