Did a little research tonight — year by year — into Oklahoma football results since 1980, which is about the time I really remember games. Now, I watched football in the 1970s, but my memory of it is centered more on things like Thomas Lott’s bandana and names like Elvis Peacock.
I remember Billy Sims’ fumble against Nebraska, but I don’t remember anything about the loss to Arkansas in the Orange Bowl.
And I have watched every televised game since the mid-1980s. Haven’t missed one. Listened to any game not televised, or I attended.
What’s amazing and what really puts things in perspective as to OU’s tradition is that there are only 14 games I listed as true, blue disappointments. Gut wrenchers. The 55-19 loss to USC in 2004 was not among them nor was the 21-14 title loss to LSU the year before because given that we backed into those games, I had no reason to believe we’d win them.
The ol’ hopes weren’t up like they were last night.
As I narrowed the 14 disapponting losses to five, I eliminated some based on our play. For example, as terrible an ending as was the Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise State, 43-42, a couple of years ago, we stunk it up until the end.
As much as it hurt to lose the national title to Miami, 20-14, in 1987, the Hurricanes were a vastly superior team to us at that time, in that era.
Anyway, chronologically, here are my FIVE most disappointing OU losses ever:
1. 1990: Texas 14, OU 13.
We missed the game-winning field goal.
2. 1994: Texas 17, OU 10.
James Brown stuffed at the goalline on a GREAT play call at the end of the game.
3. 2005: Texas Tech 23, OU 21.
Still not sure the Red Raiders actually scored that TD as time ran out.
4. 2006: Oregon 34, OU 33.
Officiating debacle as the Sooners recovered an onside kick that was awarded to the Ducks.
5. 2008: Florida 24, OU 14.
In a season that was all about ‘Win The Last Game’ and that featured the best OU offensive play calling in the Stoops era, we let two sure TDs get away.
Here’s a bit of perspective: I could come up with dozens of what I’d call GREAT Oklahoma wins. Not just good, but GREAT.
