Sooners Look To Rally This Week Against Iowa State

After a disappointing last second loss to Baylor last well, the No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners are refocusing this week and concentrating on Saturday's matchup against the Iowa State Cyclones.

Iowa State enters the matchup after upsetting No. 2 ranked Oklahoma State last Friday winning 37-31. That momentum mixed with the belief that the Cyclones are a team that believes they can win makes for another big game this week in Norman.

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Tuesday OU head coach Bob Stoops and a handful of players talked about rebounding from last week's loss and working on what they can control and prepare entering this week's game.

"We just have to get back and do what we do best, and just get ready for the next game, said OU defensive back Jamell Fleming. "We had a tough week last week, but we will manage and we will get back."

"They're (Iowa State) playing really well, a disciplined, hard playing football team that plays well together so it will be a big challenge for us to pick up and make some improvements this week and give our self a chance to still compete for the Big 12 Championship," said Stoops.

The team also talked about the relentless spirit that Iowa State brings to the game.

"Iowa State just has that mentality that they never quit. They faced some adversity against Oklahoma State and they kept coming through and found a way to win the game, said offensive lineman Lane Johnson "We know they're coming in and not going to fear us and we know that they are going to play hard. That's their mentality, they never give up."

"They work hard and execute every play. That is the biggest thing, if you can execute every play then you can beat anybody," said Fleming. "They are just good at what they do, and they take pride in what they do. I think that is the biggest thing that sets them apart from a lot of different teams, and what makes them a good team."

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Saturday's game also marks the last home game for many Sooner seniors, making it even more special for some players.

"The last home game being in front of 85,000 is going to mean a lot. When you first come here and it is your first game, then now knowing that this is going to be your last game, is really something that is going to mean a lot to me," said Fleming who is a senior at OU. "I do think it will be a little bit emotional. I mean, it is OU and we take pride here, so this is really going to be something. I'm just glad that I am able to finish out this year and play in this last game."

Nevertheless, the Sooners are focused on one goal, winning and taking home the Big 12 Championship.

"We still have one of the goals in sight and that's to win a Big 12 Championship," said defensive end David King. "So, if we win theses next two ball games, we're right there at goal number two."

"That possibility is still there, we need to win this week to have that chance and that's what we're focusing on right now," added Stoops.

"The Big 12 Championship is our main goal and one of our main points of emphasis at the beginning of the year. It's still in reach," said Johnson. "We'll have to beat Iowa State and then Oklahoma State and we'll be the Big 12 Champions. That's our focus right now."

"To me the fact that we still have a chance at the Big12 championship is really special," added Stoops. "That's a big deal."

Stoops also said that Ryan Broyles underwent successful surgery Monday to repair his torn ACL. Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery in Alabama and Stoops said it was a routine surgery that went well.