Oklahoma Prepares For First Ever Trip to Rocky Top

   Oklahoma doesn’t shy away from playing big, non-conference games, and their track record isn’t bad.

Said head coach Bob Stoops,"We’ve had in the last five years. We’ve had Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Florida State, and I think we’re four out of five. 4-1 in those games, so it’s exciting for us."

Said Vols coach Butch Jones,"I have a lot of respect for Bob. I think he illustrates the difference between building a team and building a program."

    Stoops knows all about Neyland Stadium from his days as an assistant at Florida, so he’ll have the Sooners ready for some rowdy Rocky Top.

"On Thursday in practice, they go into the stadium and amp up the speakers. Shouldn’t be a big deal."

Reporter-"You went to Florida State and delt with a pretty rowdy crowd. Was there anything in the game week prior to that, that you did to prepare your team, and how did you manage that kind of atmosphere for the game?"

Said Stoops,"Well again, I have a hard time understanding these questions about going to a stadium. We go to stadiums every week. Generally when we show up, it itsn’t half empty. It’s always full."

   One thing Stoops and the Vols agree on.

Oklahoma’s 34-10 win over UT last year means nothing.

Said Vols defensive back Cam Sutton,"I don’t really remember much about it. It’s a new year. New football team. They have a new football team as well."

Added Stoops,"Last year is gone. We’ve just got to do our best to win this game, and then build on it for the next game."

   Stoops once called SEC hype propaganda, but he’s steering clear of that this week against Tennessee.

Reporter-"Are you pleased with us? We’ve gone 26 minutes without asking you anything about the SEC."

Said Stoops,"Hey, you guys did a good job."

Reporter-"What do you think about playing another SEC team?" (laughter)

Chuckles Stoops,"I say good try."

  The Vols and Oklahoma kick at 6pm on Saturday, and the game will be televised on ESPN.