Tulsa World: Long way to go

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Long way to go

The strong start of OU's Keenan Clayton, grabbing hold of Washington quarterback Jake Locker's face mask during OU's win over the Huskies, doesn't surprise coach Bob Stoops. But Clayton and the rest of the team still have several games to play. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World

By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 9/17/2008 2:05 AM
Last Modified: 9/17/2008 2:17 AM

Audio: OU coach Bob Stoops is in his 10th season and just won his 100th game. How long does he plan to coach the Sooners? Listen to his answer.

Championship isn't in the bag yet, Stoops says

Bob Stoops has said it before: they don't hand out any national championships in September.

But the Oklahoma coach knows that his players — particularly the defensive backs and linebackers — are playing at a higher level than most observers thought they would.

"So far," he said on Tuesday, "it's been excellent."

The Sooners are ranked No. 2 this week after splattering Washington 55-14 in Seattle and have this weekend off. OU has walloped opponents by an average score of 56-14, has climbed up the polls each week and has become something of a media darling in early national championship projections.

But Stoops isn't chalking up title number eight just yet.

"We've played three games," he said. "We haven't played a conference game. Nothing's happened yet. In the end, you've got to get better and that's all I think about and concentrate on."

With all but two starters back, OU's offense figured to be very good. But the defense had to replace two linebackers and two cornerbacks.

Stoops says he's hardly surprised that Keenan Clayton and Travis Lewis at linebacker and Brian Jackson and Dominique Franks at corner have played so well.

"We had seen these guys for quite a while, and we were confident they're the caliber of players we're used to having in those positions, making plays and being successful for us," he said. "And we had seen that leading into the season enough to feel good that, 'Hey, they're going to step up and be the guys that we're used to having, or better.' And I think they have been that."

John E. Hoover 581-8384
john.hoover@tulsaworld.com By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

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soonerguy, Tulsa (9/17/2008 12:56:14 PM)

Travis Lewis is a beast.

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