The 2000 Oklahoma Sooners football team, led by head coach Bob Stoops in just his second season, completed a remarkable and undefeated season, finishing 13-0 and securing the program’s seventh national championship. This team not only restored pride to a once-dominant program but also redefined Oklahoma football for the new millennium. With a perfect blend of stifling defense, explosive offense, and clutch performances in critical moments, the 2000 Sooners etched their names in college football history as one of the most dominant and resilient teams ever assembled.
The Rise Under Bob Stoops
When Bob Stoops took over as head coach in 1999, the Oklahoma Sooners were far from the powerhouse they had been in decades past. The program had struggled through much of the 1990s, posting just two winning seasons from 1990 to 1998. Stoops, a former defensive coordinator at Florida under Steve Spurrier, brought a winning mentality and a no-nonsense approach to Norman. In his first season, he led the Sooners to a 7-5 record, including a victory over Ole Miss in the Independence Bowl. While it was a modest improvement, few could have predicted the meteoric rise that would follow in 2000.
Stoops assembled an elite coaching staff, including his brother Mike Stoops as co-defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator Mark Mangino. Together, they built a team that excelled in all phases of the game. The Sooners were disciplined, well-prepared, and played with an intensity that overwhelmed opponents.
Dominant Defense: The Backbone of the Team
The 2000 Oklahoma Sooners were defined by their suffocating defense, which ranked among the best in the nation. The unit was anchored by All-American linebacker Rocky Calmus and All-Big 12 safety Roy Williams, who would later become one of the most feared defensive backs in college football. The defense played with relentless aggression, ranking first in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 10.7 points per game.
One of the most iconic moments of the season came in the Red River Showdown against Texas. With the game hanging in the balance, Roy Williams made the legendary “Superman” play, leaping over a blocker to sack Texas quarterback Chris Simms and force a game-sealing interception returned for a touchdown by linebacker Teddy Lehman. That play encapsulated the Sooners’ defensive dominance—relentless pressure, opportunistic turnovers, and game-changing plays when they mattered most.
The secondary, featuring Williams, J.T. Thatcher, and Derrick Strait, was nearly impenetrable, while the defensive line, led by Ryan Fisher and Bary Holleyman, consistently disrupted opposing offenses. The defense didn’t just stop teams—it demoralized them.
Offensive Efficiency and Clutch Performances
While the defense received much of the acclaim, the offense was equally efficient under the leadership of quarterback Josh Heupel. A junior college transfer, Heupel was the perfect orchestrator for Stoops’ system—smart, poised, and accurate. Though not blessed with elite arm strength or mobility, Heupel’s understanding of the offense and ability to make quick decisions made him one of the most effective quarterbacks in the country.
The Sooners’ offense was balanced, featuring a strong rushing attack with running backs Quentin Griffin and Renaldo Works, while Heupel spread the ball to a talented receiving corps that included Antwone Savage, Curtis Fagan, and tight end Trent Smith. The offensive line, led by All-American center Bubba Burcham, provided consistent protection and opened running lanes.
One of the most impressive aspects of the 2000 Sooners was their ability to win close games. They faced multiple ranked opponents and found ways to prevail in tight contests. Against No. 2 Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship, Oklahoma trailed in the fourth quarter before Heupel led a game-winning drive, capped by a touchdown pass to Andre Woolfolk. That victory secured their spot in the BCS National Championship Game and showcased the team’s unshakable resolve.
The Road to Perfection
The Sooners’ journey to an undefeated season was anything but easy. After a dominant 3-0 start, they faced their first major test against No. 11 Texas in the Cotton Bowl. The game was a defensive battle, but Oklahoma prevailed 14-3, thanks in large part to Roy Williams’ heroics.
The following week, the Sooners traveled to Manhattan to face No. 2 Kansas State in what many considered their toughest challenge. In a hostile environment, Oklahoma’s defense held the Wildcats in check, and Heupel’s leadership guided them to a 27-24 victory. The win sent a clear message—the Sooners were legitimate national title contenders.
The regular season concluded with a hard-fought 12-7 win over No. 23 Texas A&M, followed by a 27-13 victory over Oklahoma State in Bedlam. The Big 12 Championship rematch against Kansas State was another classic, with Oklahoma overcoming adversity to win 27-24 and punch their ticket to the Orange Bowl.
