Bob Stoops Press Conference
Bob Stoops – Oklahoma head coach
“As Jim (Harbaugh) had said, I agree, the people here, the hospitality; from getting on the plane to everything we’ve done has been outstanding. Everything working wise has been really excellent.”
“I feel great about the way our players have been meeting and practicing. (We’re) looking forward to the challenge of playing an excellent Stanford team (and) a guy that’s arguably the best player in the country in Toby Gerhart. The physical nature that they play it’s very recognizable with our players. They see it and see what a challenge it is to go against their offense. We’ll have to play our best game in order to win. With our situation, the way it’s been with all the juggling of our offensive line; it’ll be challenging. Defensively; same thing.”
“A team that goes to USC and wins 55-21, beats the Pac-10 champions in Oregon; there’s a lot there that we recognize what an excellent football team they are and what a big challenge it is for us.”
“It is a challenge. Let’s face it, it’s different. You’re in the middle of the line. If there is a guy capable of handling it well, it would be Trent.
Sure, you’re playing other really good teams. Florida wasn’t any slouch last year. In the end when you’re playing other championship teams, if you’re not playing your best and or they’re hot or make a play or two you don’t you’re going to lose. That’s how it’s going to be this year.”
“They are, but they are for everyone. It’s the same for all us.”
“I think it begins with the kickers. It’s made a big difference and in our last game against Oklahoma State it was a major factor. We, overall as a team, have covered better and we’re going to need to. (Chris) Owusu is a special, special return guy. That’s going to be a big, big factor is being able to get to him (Chris Owusu). I think overall the kickers have been better.”
“It’s realistic. He was in yesterday (Monday) in our goaline period and did well. I don’t think it’s fair that he’d be able to play a large number of snaps but he’s a strong, physical guy that can help us where we need it. He has a chance to help us.”
“We were always hopeful at some point. He had a damaged nerve that fed down into his foot that little by little is coming back and regenerating. He’s at a point where he’s feeling better. He took a period of time off out of the year to allow that to heal more. He’s missed our last couple of bowl games.”
“I always felt I would. In fact people always ask me what I’d do if I wasn’t coaching; I’d be coaching. I don’t know anything else I would do. In the end I just couldn’t see myself not being in a competitive situation, not being involved with players and being around other coaches. When you’re really passionate and love what you do it’s like you’re not working. That’s how my dad thought about it. It’s a special way to live.”
