OU turns focus to the Mocs

It’s time. All the preseason accolades, rankings and expectations become meaningless on Monday as No. 4-ranked Oklahoma begins its game week preparations in a quest for a third consecutive Big 12 title.

The Sooners kick o( Saturday at 6 p.m. against the Moccasins of Tennessee- Chattanooga, a team picked on the low end of the Southern Conference in the NCAA’s championship subdivision (formerly I-AA).

Coach Bob Stoops said last week that OU had begun limited game prep on both Chattanooga and Cincinnati, the Sooners’ Sept. 6 foe, but did not o(er much of a scouting report on the Mocs.

“We’re still working on ourselves,” he said.

That changes this week.

Cowboys go on the road again

For the ninth time in 12 years, the Oklahoma State football team opens its season with a game away from Stillwater.

OSU is favored by 6 ½ points.

Last season, the Cowboys opened with a loss at Georgia — a team that occupies the No. 1 position in the Associated Press preseason poll. On Saturday, at Qwest Field in Seattle, OSU is matched with a Washington State team predicted by some to be destined for last place in the Pac-10.

Kevin Klintworth, OSU’s media relations director, has a strong knowledge of Pac-10 football. Before moving to Stillwater in 2006, he worked at Cal. His assessment of the Washington State program: “They always have guys who can throw it, and they always have guys who can catch it.”

Character counts for TU coach

“Strain them and train them” is one of TU coach Todd Graham’s favorite themes.

Graham spent the past month working his team hard in preparation for a 2008 season filled with high expectations.

How did his team react to the countless tough practices, which finally end with Saturday’s opening game at the University of Alabama-Birmingham?

“I was able to get a pulse for this team,” Graham said. “This is unlike any group that I’ve ever had. I have a lot of trust in these guys.”

The second-year coach expects a good season because of the type of players on the squad.

“I have a lot of confidence in this team because of its character,” Graham said.