OU Players, Coaches Remember Last Year's Mizzou Matchup

Grant Belcher, News9.com

NORMAN, Oklahoma – Be careful using the word "revenge" around OU coach Bob Stoops.

Though some players were willing to admit that revenge would be nice against the Missouri Tigers, others, including Stoops, said they can't let that be a factor in the way they play.

"We got embarrassed the way we played and the way they beat us (last year)," Stoops said. "And we want to play better. What works for you is the way you prepare, the way you work and the way you play in the game."

Oklahoma hit the road against Missouri last year ranked No. 1 nationally and came away with a 36-27 loss.

The loss was one of only two for OU on the season.

This year, though the Sooners are ranked No. 1 coming into the matchup yet again, they at least have the home field advantage.

Oklahoma has won 37 straight at home, and is looking to be much more prepared this time against the Tigers.

Defensive back Tony Jefferson said his team is making no excuses for last season's result but is instead focusing on getting better.

"They got after us last year and there's nothing we can say to defend that," he said. "But this week is definitely going to be a physical week for us."

Missouri wide receiver Jerrell Jackson has already tossed out some bulletin board material on OU by telling the St. Louis Post Dispatch, "I don't know what makes them so tough (at home). Ain't nothing tough about them to me."

Jefferson said he had seen the quote but wasn't putting much stock into it.

Stoops repeatedly said he hadn't heard of any trash talking quotes and that it was a matter for the players, but he was also asked how trash talk affect him in his playing days.

"There wasn't as much media as there is now, or Twitter or anything else," he said. "We had to call each other and talk trash."