Despite having relocated to Big 12 country, last night I was definitely pulling for the Gators. Apparently I’ve still got a lot of Florida in me. But when that game was over, as happy as I was for the Gators, I knew what was coming for Oklahoma and Coach Bob Stoops. After winning a National Title with the Josh Heupel-led 2000 team, his Sooners have come up short in 3 other championship games, including the one last night. So the Coach who became known as “Big Game Bob” (a name he almost certainly did not confer upon himself), is now having to deal with headlines like this one I just found, “Big Game Bust”. Should a Coach whose teams get to four championship games in nine years really have to apologize for that? Would Sooner fans like to trade places with their counterparts in Nebraska or Colorado, two former national powers who have not kept pace with the Oklahomas of the world? Is this a case of the media trying to create a story where there isn’t one?
To his credit, Coach Stoops isn’t taking the bait. When asked about his teams losses on the national stage, he commented, “if that’s the biggest burden I have to bear in my life, then I’m a pretty lucky guy.” Hard to argue with that.
3 more points:
1- From the same press conference, I really enjoyed watching Oklahoma DB Nick Harris react to the suggestion that the Sooner offense let the team down. He wasn’t having that at all. Showed me that as badly as he wanted to win that game, Harris cares about his teammates even more.
2- How cool is it to watch the famous Tim Tebow apology speech from early this season? I looked all over for a video of that to link to from here, but I’m coming up empty. Anyone want to hook it up for me and send me a link? I don’t care what you think of Timmy, that is really good stuff. (Never mind, I just got one. It’s here!)
3- If Robert Horry were to make a hypothetical comeback and miss a couple late-game three pointers, would he have to give up the “Big Shot Bob” name? I hope not. After reading this, I really doubt it. Good, because that is a cool nickname, right up there with “Human Highlight Film”. Those guys were first in line when they were handing out nicknames, but that’s another story for another time.
Slightly Obscure 80’s Lyric of the Week
There’s a king on a throne with his eyes torn out
There’s a blind man looking for a shadow of doubt
There’s a rich man sleeping on a golden bed
There’s a skeleton choking on a crust of bread
-The Police