It comes later rather than Sooner, but OU reclaims No. 1
You’re more likely to find construction blocking Lindsey Street this week than a block party. One of Oklahoma’s main campus arteries has already seen its share of revelry as traffic passes south of Oklahoma’s Memorial Stadium.
No. 1 rankings are part of the spoils of domination. Celebrations wait for national championships.
Incredibly, it’s been almost five years since Oklahoma was ranked No. 1. The program that reached the top of the AP poll for a record 96th time on Sunday hasn’t been there lately. Since losing its last No. 1 ranking following the 2003 Big 12 title game loss to Kansas State, Oklahoma has suffered some of the most epic and painful losses in its recent history.
“I don’t know if that gives us any special advantage,” coach Bob Stoops said of his program’s latest No. 1. “Each year is different. You’ve got to go earn it each time. Just because you’ve done it before, sometimes that’s a long time ago. Sometimes all that matters is what you’re able to do now.”
If any program knows the fleeting nature of a top ranking, OU is it. Here is a brief history of Oklahoma since it was last No. 1:
sportsline.com
9/30/08
