Episode Details

Oklahoma Sooners LIVE Episode 213 Hosts: Rob Fontenot & Roger Schilling (OklahomaVOCFB) Sponsored by FanDuel

Show Open / Housekeeping

The hosts open episode 213 amid technical frustration with the Auburn show’s intro video overwriting theirs on the shared platform. They start early, banter about the interference, and plug the show’s regular Sunday 6:30 slot. Light personal notes include a fan note from “CeeLo,” Grandmaster H’s new all-crimson OU hat for the UTEP opener, and appreciation for traditional OU uniforms over alternate/“fancy” looks (graphite, wood, etc.), which they feel the team rarely performs well in. Preference is expressed for classic white pants, red jersey with sleeve stripes, and white helmets.

Team Outlook & Roster Notes

• Strong consensus that Brent Venables’ defense is elite (possibly the nation’s best overall), with high returning experience and talent that should keep OU in playoff contention. Hosts question national rankings that place the team only mid-tier despite the defensive pedigree.
• Backup quarterback competition: Whit Neubauer leading freshman Bowie Bentley.
• Special teams strength: Lou Groza Award kicker Tate Sandell and long snapper Ben Anderson returning; strong punter (Grayson, UCO transfer) also noted. Sandell’s two missed field goals vs. Alabama last year are acknowledged without lingering blame.
• Offense: Heisman-caliber quarterback (Mateer) is a major asset; run game and offensive line consistency are viewed as the primary variables. Improved line play + protection would make the team very difficult to beat.
• Tight ends: Excitement around Jason Witten’s arrival as coach. The room features three distinct skill sets (blocking vs. receiving roles), expected to improve after a down year. Witten’s son is also mentioned as being around the program.
• Other notes: Returner Satanga switches to No. 1; Adrian Peterson’s induction into the Vikings Ring of Honor is celebrated with personal stories of his physical dominance; historical appreciation for Rocky Calmus (happy birthday shout-out).

Historical Context

• Power conference average records over the last 100 years (roughly since 1926): Alabama ~9-3; several traditional powers (including OU, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas, USC) cluster around 8-2 or 8-3. Lower-tier programs sit at 4-6 or 5-5.
• Longest AP Top-10 streaks: Miami’s 137-week run (1980s) leads; OU appears multiple times (e.g., 76 weeks mid-80s, 59 weeks 1950s, 54 weeks early 2000s, etc.). Texas has only one notable appearance; Oklahoma State is absent; Nebraska appears a few times but is noted as having declined sharply after leaving the Big 12. Hosts emphasize OU’s sustained excellence across a century and contrast it with programs that left the Big 12 and faded.

Jersey Numbers 56–70 Segment

Hosts work through notable (or personally memorable) OU players who wore each number. Highlights include:

• 56: Creed Humphreys
• 57: Cedric Jones (OU career sacks leader at 31.5, All-American, 5th overall NFL pick)
• 58: Reggie Mathis
• 59: Adrian Ely (second-team All-Big 12)
• 60: Don Key (All-Big Eight; namesake of the Don Key Award for determination, team spirit, and sportsmanship)
• 61/62 area: Leon Cross, Reggie Kinlaw (two-time All-American)
• 63: Frank Romero (2000 national champion, two-time All-Big 12, later coached high school in Oklahoma)
• 64: J.D. Roberts (Outland Trophy winner)
• 65: Greg Roberts (also Outland Trophy)
• 66: Granville Higgins (All-American)
• 67: Buddy Burris (three-time All-American); Fred Smith also referenced
• 68: Anthony “Tony” Phillips (two-time All-American)
• 69: Guilford “Hacksaw” Duggan (played for Los Angeles Dons and Buffalo Bills in the pr