Stoops dismisses Notre Dame rumors

Head coach Bob Stoops called the rumors that he was interested in the Notre Dame head coaching job ridiculous.

It was reported yesterday in the Chicago Sun Times if Notre Dame was to fire head coach Charlie Weis at the end of the season, Stoops would be among a short list of head coaches who would be considered and interested in the position.

“That’s ridiculous,” Stoops said. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Notre Dame does not have a job, and I haven’t spoken to any confidants about anything outside of trying to beat Texas Tech.”

Stoops said whoever wrote the story was making up information.

“That’s some guy making something up,” Stoops said. “You guys believe a confidant? What’s that? People just make stuff up.”

Simmons returned to practice Monday

Freshman center Ben Habern said senior offensive lineman Brian Simmons returned to practice Monday, but is not sure if he will play in this weekend’s matchup against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

“We’ve got Brian Simmons coming back this week,” Habern said. “He’s taking reps, he’s running around, he’s got his knee braces on and doing lateral work. He’s still working with the trainers and everything, but it’s good to see him back in pads and helmet and running around.”

Simmons injured his right knee Oct. 10 in the third quarter of a 33-7 victory over the Baylor Bears and has neither played nor practiced since. His eventual return to the starting lineup would give the Sooners’ offensive line some depth since the line has been shaved down to seven players due to injuries.

O’Hara showed signs of good things to come, but has not been named the starter

Head coach Bob Stoops said he was very impressed with sophomore kicker Patrick O’Hara’s field goal and extra point attempts Saturday against the Texas A&M Aggies, but there is an open competition for the starting position for this weekend.

“I felt the other night was a good opportunity to see what he can do, so we’ll see how it goes,” Stoops said. “[We will] see how they go through the week.”

O’Hara, a walk-on sophomore from Topeka, Kan., made his only field goal attempt from 26 yards out and was two-for-two on extra points Saturday.