Story Created:
Aug 6, 2008 at 3:11 PM CST
Story Updated:
Feb 19, 2009 at 3:22 PM CST
Wednesday, August 6, 2008; Posted: 4:15 p.m. (CDT)
Norman, Okla. -- Hundreds of die hard fans braved the heat Wednesday to meet their favorite Sooners. The football team held its annual media and fan fare day. With five Big 12 teams ranked in USA Today's Pre-Season Coach's Poll, fans are excited about this year's competition. KSBI-TV's Kealey McIntire has more.
Hundreds of fans lined up to meet their Sooners Wednesday. Players signed hats, posters, helmets and footballs. For many, there's no doubt who their favorite Sooner is.
"Sam Bradford," says Quinton Impson.
"Sam Bradford, because I like quarterbacks," says Christopher Kyle.
Another Sooner was making headlines last week. Josh Jarboe was kicked off the team after a controversial video surfaced in the Internet. The wide receiver was ranked among the top high school recruits in the nation, but fans agree with Coach Bob Stoops' decision.
"I just think it's not conducive to a good team environment when someone is putting themselves before the team and so I think Coach Stoops made the right decision," says Aaron Drybread.
"He needs to learn when you're in a program of this caliber that behavior is not acceptable," says Alisha Potts.
Fans are excited about the level of competition in the Big 12 this year. Five teams are ranked in USA Today's Pre-Season Top 25 Coach's Poll. OU is the highest at number four, Missouri is number seven, Texas is number 10, Kansas is number 13 and Texas Tech came in at number 14. Fans say there's now more to look forward to than OU vs. Texas.
"Definitely Kansas. Kansas will be really good and they got a lot of hype last year and hopefully we'll take that away from them," says Potts.
"The only thing that matters is that we win the south and win the Red River Rivalry and make sure that we give paybacks to Texas Tech," says Robb Flint.
After losing four straight BCS games, fans say this year it would be nice to end the season with a win.
"That's key. It won't be a good season if we don't do that," says Flint.
The season kicks off August 30th in Norman versus Chattanooga.
