Top 10 Sooner teams of all time.

[8timechamps]

These are always pretty subjective, but Athlon's released their list: LINK (http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-10-oklahoma-football-teams-all-time)

Here's the ranking:

10. 2004
9. 1986
8. 1987
7. 2008
6. 1985
5. 1975
4. 1956
3. 1955
2. 1974
1. 2000

Can't argue with a lot of the selections, but I was surprised to see the 2000 team at the top of the list. Since I didn't see the '55 or '56 teams, I'd rank the 1986 or 1987 teams at the top, with the '74 team close. I'd probably put the '08 team ahead of 2000, but since the 2000 team won it all, it's hard to rank them lower than the '08 team (even though I think the '08 team was better).

Thoughts?

EDIT: I originally transcribed #6 as 2005 when it should have read 1985. Thanks Scott D & Salt City Sooner!

[Sabanball]

That '86 team should be MUCH higher--they absolutely destroyed everybody they played except two opponents that yr(Miami, Nebraska)

[owenfieldreams]

For what its worth, Coach Wilkinson called the 1949 "A House Afire" team his best. His reasoning was based on the fact the the squad was made up of athletes who had spent 1941-45 in the service and they were all together now on one team. Understanding that it is futile to compare teams from different eras, to leave the 1949 team off this list simply shows a lack of knowledge and understanding of the history and legacy of OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL.

[Salt City Sooner]

6. 2005
Please tell me that's a typo.

As for the others, the only 2 I'd have a problem with are '04 & '08, due to the D's not being quite up to par once Dusty & Reynolds were lost. Also, the '08 special teams were beyond pathetic.

[rock on sooner]

IMO,
there is no way to compare both ways versus platoon versus
offense only/defense only. I list all of that just so I can cover
all the bases. There should be two different categories, cause
Bud's bunch was supremely conditioned versus today's group
and if there was a way to mix it up, my money would be on
Bud!

[8timechamps]

For what its worth, Coach Wilkinson called the 1949 "A House Afire" team his best. His reasoning was based on the fact the the squad was made up of athletes who had spent 1941-45 in the service and they were all together now on one team. Understanding that it is futile to compare teams from different eras, to leave the 1949 team off this list simply shows a lack of knowledge and understanding of the history and legacy of OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL.

That's the rub, there really is no point in these list, but they're fun to discuss.

I wasn't around to see the Wilkinson teams, but history shows they were pretty amazing. I have to admit, the boys that played in the early 40's were a breed apart. Serving, then playing ball. Hard work.

[8timechamps]

That '86 team should be MUCH higher--they absolutely destroyed everybody they played except two opponents that yr(Miami, Nebraska)

I'm biased toward those mid 80's teams, because that's the era I really grew into a Sooner fan. By the time I got to school, those days were gone and replaced by Blake. The 85-87 teams were so much fun to watch, and actually played defense like you see in today's SEC.

[Eielson]

I understand Heupel getting in on an article like that, but how is the other picture of Murray, Madu, and Brown?

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

For what its worth, Coach Wilkinson called the 1949 "A House Afire" team his best. His reasoning was based on the fact the the squad was made up of athletes who had spent 1941-45 in the service and they were all together now on one team. Understanding that it is futile to compare teams from different eras, to leave the 1949 team off this list simply shows a lack of knowledge and understanding of the history and legacy of OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL.No shiite!

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

These are always pretty subjective, but Athlon's released their list: LINK (http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-10-oklahoma-football-teams-all-time)

Here's the ranking:

10. 2004
9. 1986
8. 1987
7. 2008
6. 2005
5. 1975
4. 1956
3. 1955
2. 1974
1. 2000


Thoughts?Either the predictors are too young, are anti-Sooner, or just DGAS, it seems. What about 1971, 1954, 1978, 2003? Also, agree that 2005 is a WTF.

In 1971, nebbish had its best team ever, most likely, and we were BETTER!(the shafting we got from the refs IN NORMAN that day was one of the all-time screw jobs)

[MyT Oklahoma]

10. 1986
9. 2008
8. 1985
7. 1971
6. 1978
5. 1975
4. 2000
3. 1955
2. 1974
1. 1956

Although our 1956 and 1955 teams were ahead of my time but it's hard to overlook teams that never lost a game in college while winning back-to-back national championships and while setting an NCAA 47 game winning streak in the process.

Our 1974 team was awesome, undefeated and national champions.

Our 2000 team was undefeated, brought home a national championship and also brought back our winning tradition (thank you Coach Stoops).

Our 1975 team was talented, played one bad game (KU) but still brought home a back-to-back national championship.

Our 1978 team was the best in the country that year and lost a heartbreaker in Lincoln (still my all time saddest loss).

Our 1971 team came oh so close to winning it all with the most exciting wishbone attack of all time (an NCAA record 472.4 yards per game rushing average) and is all too often overlooked in my opinion.

Our 1985 team brought won a national championship and our 1986 team was also awesome but neither could beat Miami (whom I despise).

Our 2008 team was talented and exciting but still lost to an inferior UT team and couldn't get the job done against Florida not to mention the special teams sucked.

Our 1949, 1950, 1954, 1967, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1979, 1980, 2003 and 2004 teams also all deserve to be recognized for their achivements. I've been a fan since 1971 and have had the joy of watching some great college football over the years.

Boomer....

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

10. 1986
9. 2008
8. 1985
7. 1971
6. 1978
5. 1975
4. 2000
3. 1955
2. 1974
1. 1956

Although our 1956 and 1955 teams were ahead of my time but it's hard to overlook teams that never lost a game in college while winning back-to-back national championships and while setting an NCAA 47 game winning streak in the process.

Our 1974 team was awesome, undefeated and national champions.

Our 2000 team was undefeated, brought home a national championship and also brought back our winning tradition (thank you Coach Stoops).

Our 1975 team was talented, played one bad game (KU) but still brought home a back-to-back national championship.

Our 1978 team was the best in the country that year and lost a heartbreaker in Lincoln (still my all time saddest loss).

Our 1971 team came oh so close to winning it all with the most exciting wishbone attack of all time (an NCAA record 472.4 yards per game rushing average) and is all too often overlooked in my opinion.

Our 1985 team brought won a national championship and our 1986 team was also awesome but neither could beat Miami (whom I despise).

Our 2008 team was talented and exciting but still lost to an inferior UT team and couldn't get the job done against Florida not to mention the special teams sucked.

Our 1949, 1950, 1954, 1967, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1979, 1980, 2003 and 2004 teams also all deserve to be recognized for their achivements. I've been a fan since 1971 and have had the joy of watching some great college football over the years.

Boomer....As good an assessment as I have seen. Of course, this is a subjective evaluation, but I think it's as wise as any.

I went to games from 1954 on. (I was 9 yrs old at the time)My vote for our best team was 1971.

[SoonerStormchaser]

If the '03 team had not read their press clippings and shown up for the final two games, they would have been the best team of all time. Alas...

[thecrimsoncrusader]

If the '03 team had not read their press clippings and shown up for the final two games, they would have been the best team of all time. Alas...

Things would have gone a lot better if Oklahoma HAD to beat KSU in the Big 12 championship game to play for the BCS title. That team knew they were in even if they lost and unfortunately, they played like it. I am giving KSU all due DISrespect for the outcome of that game.

[JLEW1818]

2005 lol.

[SoonerMarkVA]

1978 had the best offensive backfield *ever*. That team has long been my sentimental favorite.

[texaspokieokie]

Either the predictors are too young, are anti-Sooner, or just DGAS, it seems. What about 1971, 1954, 1978, 2003? Also, agree that 2005 is a WTF.

In 1971, nebbish had its best team ever, most likely, and we were BETTER!(the shafting we got from the refs IN NORMAN that day was one of the all-time screw jobs)
OU in 71 had a fantastic offense, but defense was not that good. (good but not outstanding) In 72 had better defense, but no Jack Mildren.

[SoonerNomad]

The 2000 Sooners are my all time favorite Sooner team, but they are not in the top 5 of all-time Sooner teams. The greatest October run in Sooner history was followed by a survival mode November that still seems surreal. Did Torrance Marshall really run that pass back?

If I were to list the greatest OU teams that I have seen it would be 1. 1974, 2. 1971, 3. 1978, 4. 1975, 5. 2008, 6. 2003, 7. 1985, 8. 2000, 9. 1987, 10. 2004.

I started watching in 1969 so I don't have a good feel for the teams from the 50's, although it would be obvious that they 1955 and 1956 should be in the top 10.

[texaspokieokie]

What about 1973 ??

[owenfieldreams]

I agree that the '71 team was not as good as Nebraska for the simple reason that the D was the weak link. "Sugar Bear" Hamilton was our only quality DT and he was way undersized. We simply couldn't stop the Huskers on that last drive. Dave Robertson was the weak link in '72. He really was ill suited to run the 'bone. It's not that he was a bad QB but that his strengths were more as a passer, not a runner. I was @ the game in Boulder when the Buffs beat us 20-14. Our only loss that season, although the Kerry "Popcorn" Jackson recruiting problem forced us to forfeit the Kansas, OSU, and Mizzou games because Jackson saw action as a reserve.

I'd rate the '78 and '2008 teams as the best to not win an N.C. I was in Lincoln when Sims fumbled going into the EZ for what would have been the winning TD.

[MI Sooner]

The 2000 Sooners are my all time favorite Sooner team, but they are not in the top 5 of all-time Sooner teams. The greatest October run in Sooner history was followed by a survival mode November that still seems surreal. Did Torrance Marshall really run that pass back?

If I were to list the greatest OU teams that I have seen it would be 1. 1974, 2. 1971, 3. 1978, 4. 1975, 5. 2008, 6. 2003, 7. 1985, 8. 2000, 9. 1987, 10. 2004.

I started watching in 1969 so I don't have a good feel for the teams from the 50's, although it would be obvious that they 1955 and 1956 should be in the top 10.

2003 and 2008 might have been as good or better than the 2000 team at their respective bests, but I don't see any way two 2-loss teams could be considered better, especially when our schedule in 2003 was easier. That team got jailsexed by KSU, a lot worse than surviving A&M and OSU.

[SoonerStormchaser]

2005 lol.

We WERE undefeated that season, cause I'm sure we didn't play any games in Miami that January against a team with a bunch of cheaters.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

OU in 71 had a fantastic offense, but defense was not that good. (good but not outstanding) In 72 had better defense, but no Jack Mildren.We still hammered everyone in '71 except nebbish, and we should have beaten them as well, if not for one of the worst refereeing hatchet jobs we ever suffered.

[Mac94]

There were guys in the 1950's that stepped on campus and left 4 years latter having never lost a game ... that class should be #1, IMHO. The 2000 team follows those guys ... although the "Red October" run may be the best three game stretch ever.

[thecrimsoncrusader]

I was in Lincoln when Sims fumbled going into the EZ for what would have been the winning TD.

That would have been considered a touchdown in Lubbock or Eugene.

[Lott's Bandana]

I've seen every team after the '56 champs.

In my pure opinion, nothing else, the 1978 team was the best I've ever seen, with '74 a hair behind. That game in Nebbish was 3 yards away from completely validating my opinion.

[SoonerNomad]

2003 and 2008 might have been as good or better than the 2000 team at their respective bests, but I don't see any way two 2-loss teams could be considered better, especially when our schedule in 2003 was easier. That team got jailsexed by KSU, a lot worse than surviving A&M and OSU.

You logic is absolutely correct. I just remember how great that 2003 team was until that ugly December night in Kansas City. (Damn you Darren Sproles! Damn you!) That team had been so good until that point that even that ugly of ugly losses (Damn you Darren Sproles! Damn you!) wasn't enough to knock them out of the national title game. I guess I believe a healthy 2003 team was better than that 2000 squad, but 2000 finished and 2003 did not. (Damn you Darren Sproles! Damn you!)

[Scott D]

These are always pretty subjective, but Athlon's released their list: LINK (http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-10-oklahoma-football-teams-all-time)

Here's the ranking:

10. 2004
9. 1986
8. 1987
7. 2008
6. 2005
5. 1975
4. 1956
3. 1955
2. 1974
1. 2000

Can't argue with a lot of the selections, but I was surprised to see the 2000 team at the top of the list. Since I didn't see the '55 or '56 teams, I'd rank the 1986 or 1987 teams at the top, with the '74 team close. I'd probably put the '08 team ahead of 2000, but since the 2000 team won it all, it's hard to rank them lower than the '08 team (even though I think the '08 team was better).

Thoughts?

fwiw when I look at their list #6 is the 1985 team not the 2005 team.

[8timechamps]

fwiw when I look at their list #6 is the 1985 team not the 2005 team.

At first, I thought they changed it, but I really think I put the wrong team in there. 1985 makes a hell of a lot more sense than 2005. I'll fix it on the first post.

Good catch.

[MyT Oklahoma]

Things would have gone a lot better if Oklahoma HAD to beat KSU in the Big 12 championship game to play for the BCS title. That team knew they were in even if they lost and unfortunately, they played like it. I am giving KSU all due DISrespect for the outcome of that game.

KSU kicked our sorry butts that night and I congratulated every one of their fans on my way out of the bar in KC where I watched that game. I didn't like it but they deserved more respect than they got from OU fans before that game (until their Fiesta Bowl game of course). LOL

[thecrimsoncrusader]

KSU kicked our sorry butts that night and I congratulated every one of their fans on my way out of the bar in KC where I watched that game. I didn't like it but they deserved more respect than they got from OU fans before that game (until their Fiesta Bowl game of course). LOL

Well, you obviously don't understand the mental aspect of the game if you actually believe that KSU did that because of their physical capability.

[texaspokieokie]

We still hammered everyone in '71 except nebbish, and we should have beaten them as well, if not for one of the worst refereeing hatchet jobs we ever suffered.

Fact remains, the defense wasn't that good. If frosh could've played (that was the last year that they couldn't) guy like Randy Hughes (& others)
could probably helped.
Did refs give brasky 35 points.

After 42 years, whining should die down.

Much worse were tx in 84 plus in lubbock & oregon.

[Since71ASooner4Life]

1978 had the best offensive backfield *ever*. That team has long been my sentimental favorite.

Amen. I met Billy Sims a few weeks ago, and he didn't disagree when I voiced this same opinion :>)

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

I agree that the '71 team was not as good as Nebraska
Who would you be agreeing with? nebbish fans? the refs? We got robbed, pure and simple.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

Fact remains, the defense wasn't that good. If frosh could've played (that was the last year that they couldn't) guy like Randy Hughes (& others)
could probably helped.
Did refs give brasky 35 points.

After 42 years, whining should die down.

Much worse were tx in 84 plus in lubbock & oregon.I can think of 3 missed clips by nebbs on the johnny Rodgers punt return for a "touchdown" in the '71 game. Also, late in the game Tagge or Brownson had their knee touch the ground, very apparent, which wasn't called. There was another or 2 glaring errors. THIS HAPPENED IN NORMAN!

I didn't say nebs weren't good. I just said we got screwed again by the refs, and the 1971 Sooners get my vote as best ever.

[texaspokieokie]

Vote for whomever you please, but Sooners had better teams when defense improved !!! Especially when there were Selmons or when Gary Gibbs was DC. Sooners may very well have been the best team in 1971, without being best "Sooner" team ever
To say a team got "screwed"; it it necessary to review every play to make sure Sooners didn't get any favorable cal. For all we know, it may have evened out.
After After 42 years, it just doesn't matter.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

Vote for whomever you please, but Sooners had better teams when defense improved !!! Especially when there were Selmons or when Gary Gibbs was DC. Sooners may very well have been the best team in 1971, without being best "Sooner" team ever
To say a team got "screwed"; it it necessary to review every play to make sure Sooners didn't get any favorable cal. For all we know, it may have evened out.
After After 42 years, it just doesn't matter.to you. And to me, not much more than the many ref hijinx in Dallas, or Lubbock or Eugene. I do believe we had a better team than the best team Nebraska ever had on that day in 1971, and we SHOULD have won that game. This is just a voting/opinion thread.

[texaspokieokie]

i think neb had some better teams in the 90s.
also, i think we mostly agree.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

i think neb had some better teams in the 90s.
also, i think we mostly agree.I can't opine about the nebbishes of the 90's. OU was so effed up in the 90's that I didn't pay very close attention. Particularly after the first 4 years of Gary Gibbs as head coach.

I tend to believe that Osborne was indeed doing everything he could to humiliate OU in the 90's, since Switzer had his number, and tore him a new a-hole, particularly in the 70's..

[SoonerMarkVA]

I've seen every team after the '56 champs.

In my pure opinion, nothing else, the 1978 team was the best I've ever seen, with '74 a hair behind. That game in Nebbish was 3 yards away from completely validating my opinion.

I hear ya. '78 is the team I think about first when "which one's the best?" comes up.

6 fumbles will do in just about any team.

[MI Sooner]

You logic is absolutely correct. I just remember how great that 2003 team was until that ugly December night in Kansas City. (Damn you Darren Sproles! Damn you!) That team had been so good until that point that even that ugly of ugly losses (Damn you Darren Sproles! Damn you!) wasn't enough to knock them out of the national title game. I guess I believe a healthy 2003 team was better than that 2000 squad, but 2000 finished and 2003 did not. (Damn you Darren Sproles! Damn you!)

2003 looked dominant in numerous games, but mostly against mediocre or worse teams, and they did narrowly escape Alabama at home and stuggled to put a meh Colorado team away on the road. People look at the last four games of 2000 (two were against very good to great teams) and forget about the Texas and Nebraska wins, which were great performances, and the blowouts over crappy teams (not 77-0, but still dominating).

[Salt City Sooner]

People tend to overestimate how big of an upset the '03 CCG was, IMO. KSU was a pre-season top 5 team that year. Might they have been a bit over-relient on Roberson? Possibly, as they did look average in a hurry when he got hurt, but to that point I can also point out a few other examples of similarly ranked teams who did the same ('84 OU @ Lawrence comes to mind immediately) when their QB's got injured. When he was at full strength (& kept his pants zipped, ala Fiesta Bowl) though, they were a very good team. Remember, this is the same guy who flat ripped what most consider the best defense of the Stoops era ('01) in Norman as a freshman, something no other team that year could come close to claiming. Sometimes you have to give the devil his due.

[MyT Oklahoma]

Well, you obviously don't understand the mental aspect of the game if you actually believe that KSU did that because of their physical capability.

Apparently you didn't watch the same game that I did. And I could care less about the mental vs. physical aspects. They flat out took us to the woodshed that night.

The 2003 team laid two big eggs at the end of that season and didn't bring home one championship of any kind. Lots of talent on that team but they still didn't win any championships.

[thecrimsoncrusader]

Apparently you didn't watch the same game that I did. And I could care less about the mental vs. physical aspects. They flat out took us to the woodshed that night.

The 2003 team laid two big eggs at the end of that season and didn't bring home one championship of any kind. Lots of talent on that team but they still didn't win any championships.

OK, so you don't know what a fluke is either.

[Sabanball]

As a fan of the team that was ultimately awarded the '78 AP NC really by default (just like I think you guys were in '85), I've always maintained had you guys not fumbled the game away in Lincoln then that Oklahoma team would have gone down as one of the best and most dominating teams ever. Also definitely Switzer's best work as a coach, IMO...

[Lott's Bandana]

As a fan of the team that was ultimately awarded the '78 AP NC really by default (just like I think you guys were in '85), I've always maintained had you guys not fumbled the game away in Lincoln then that Oklahoma team would have gone down as one of the best and most dominating teams ever. Also definitely Switzer's best work as a coach, IMO...


My avatar approves this message.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

So, 2 of our best years are ones in which we DIDN'T win the NC, or the conference, either...
1978 and 1971

[texaspokieokie]

it's all in he eyes of the beholder. What about 73 ?? tuff defense, especially the middle of the line. Only a tie with usc. but no bowl. like 74.

[Lott's Bandana]

So, 2 of our best years are ones in which we DIDN'T win the NC, or the conference, either...
1978 and 1971

We were co-champions in '78. Nebbish lost to Missouri the week after Billy fumbled. (They had also lost to Bammer their first game)
That created the rematch in the OB.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

We were co-champions in '78. Nebbish lost to Missouri the week after Billy fumbled. (They had also lost to Bammer their first game)
That created the rematch in the OB.Shame on me. So, in hindsight, I now proclaim the Oklahoma Sooners to be the 1978 National Champions!

[Lott's Bandana]

Shame on me. So, in hindsight, I now proclaim the Oklahoma Sooners to be the 1978 National Champions!


In.

[King Crimson]

agree on 78. not sure that was anywhere near Barry's best D, but in Billy's defense...he does put an all world move on a guy behind the LOS. and then he fumbles. still hurts like hell, but as many times as we stole the bacon against NU, what can you say?

Billy scores we are possibly MNC winners and I think he wins the Heisman for the second time.

why not? guy was averaging 7+ yards a carry. forget 35 carries a game Charles White.

[King Crimson]

i wouldn't know where to put 2000 OU. can't say a bad word about them....far from it...and no one beat them. but best OU team, no.

this is rarefied air we are talking.

[King Crimson]

as option era or any era backfields go.....Watts, King, Overstreet, Sims was mighty. but i'd say that Gill, Rozier, Craig, Rathman....with Irving Fryer in the mix was pretty tough too. they also didn't win it all, either. what is that 81 style Bugeaters...83?

those are the two best i can think of. i'm biased but trying not to be...here.

[owenfieldreams]

That OU backfield you refer to is unique in one interesting respect. None of the members were from a highschool higher than 2-A in classification. Watts/Eufaula, Sims/Hooks, King/Clarendon, & Overstreet/Big Sandy.

[8timechamps]

I'm partial to the '85 backfield: Carr/Tillman/Collins & Holieway. Not as big-time as Watts/King/Overstreet & Sims, but pretty damn good.

[texaspokieokie]

I like Mildren,Wylie, Crosswhite & Pruit (9.35 ypc!!)

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

I like Mildren,Wylie, Crosswhite & Pruit (9.35 ypc!!)My #1 backfield as well. 1978, as good as they were, would be my 2nd choice....although Steve Davis doesn't get enough accolades. After Jimmy Harris with 3 titles, only Davis has 2 as QB...

[King Crimson]

that Pruitt number is so stupid.

i've posted it before. how is HE not winning the Heisman?

[King Crimson]

the only argument i can make against 78 is turnovers and that switzer says lott was the best pure wishbone qb ever.

i liked the throwing a bit dimension JC gave 78....but the king is the King. so.....far from me to question.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

that Pruitt number is so stupid.

i've posted it before. how is HE not winning the Heisman?If you look up the word SPEED in the encyclopedia, Pruitt's picture is there. (along with Tavon Austin and Johnny Hymen)