IRVING, TEXAS — Offensive improvements, conference realignment issues and the impact of the 2009 season were the main questions surrounding OU head coach Bob Stoops and his players Wednesday at the Big 12 Media Day in Irving, Texas.

After experiencing injuries to several key positions last season and losing quality players to the NFL draft, Stoops remains optimistic for the upcoming 2010 season.

“We’re excited coming into the year,” Stoops said. “I really believe, going through a year ago, losing the number of seniors that we did, that we gained experience that you didn’t want at the time. That will definitely make us a better and stronger team coming into this year.”

When questioned about the disappointing finish of the 2009 season, Stoops wasted no time in lightening the mood on the damper subject.

“I didn’t go to Vegas last year after the season, I know that,” Stoops said.

During the series of media day press conferences, Stoops talked about the offensive improvements made by the wide receivers over spring training. With junior wide receiver Ryan Broyles returning to the team, Stoops talked about the importance of his leadership and experience on the field to improve the depth in his position.

“Everyone knows Ryan Broyles and what a special player and competitor he is,” Stoops said. “The other guys need to pick it up and play the way he does. Kenny Stills, for a freshman right out of high school, was very impressive as a young guy, and hopefully he’ll continue to come on.”

When asked about the Big 12 conference realignment and losing two teams, along with the maintenance of the OU-Texas rivalry, Stoops reaffirmed his belief in a competitive conference and a thriving rivalry.

“Both us, being in the national picture and being in the same division has made [OU-Texas] a great attraction not only in this region but across the country,” Stoops said. “But I also think just strength of all the schools in our league makes a difference.”

So we have a strong product here in the Big 12, and I’m sure it will continue that way and only keep improving.”

With several key injuries during last year’s season, including quarterback Sam Bradford, tight end Jermaine Gresham, linebacker Ryan Reynolds and offensive tackle Trent Williams, the Sooners finished the season with an overall 8-5 record and a 31-27 victory over Stanford in the Sun Bowl.

And after losing several key players in the 2009 NFL draft, the Sooners were forced to make even more changes to the line-up during spring training.

However, Stoops expressed his belief that last year’s misfortunes will give the 2010 team more of an advantage and experience depth on the field.

“The guys we have replacing [the NFL Draft picks] replaced them a year ago,” Stoops said on his expectation level. “So they gained a lot of experience a year ago and these guys benefited from that. We didn’t like it as it was happening, but they’re obviously more experienced and better players having done it a year ago.”

The Sooners will participate in the 2010 Meet the Sooners Day on Aug. 6 in the fields west of Lloyd Noble Center before kicking off the season against Utah State on Sept. 4 in Norman.

 

More from Big 12 media days:
• COLUMN: Sooner players, coaches show confidence at media day
• OU-Texas needs to stay put, Dan Beebe says
• DeMarco Murray eyes 2,000-yard rushing season
• Big 12 media day briefs