NORMAN — More than eight minutes went by during Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops’ post-practice media availability Tuesday before a reporter uttered the name Tavon Austin.
“Why do you have to bring that up, dude?” Stoops responded with a grin. “It was three years ago, huh? I was having a good day until that.”
Stoops still cringes anytime the evening of Nov. 17, 2012 comes up. That night, Oklahoma won 50-49 at West Virginia, but the Sooner defense allowed a staggering 778 total yards of offense.
West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen surprised the Sooners by moving Austin — a star Mountaineers receiver — into the backfield, and Austin ended up rushing for 344 yards and two touchdowns.