Wednesday, September 3, 1997
The University Daily Kansan
Section B • Page 3
Syracuse to challenge Oklahoma
Sooners' coach optimistic despite opening-game loss
The Associated Press
NORMAN, Okla. — A season opening loss to Northwestern and the task of trying to beat Syracuse are not enough to dampen the confidence John Blake has in his Oklahoma football team.
Blake was upbeat yesterday while discussing Saturday's game with Syracuse, a team that had been ranked in the Top 25 before losing at home to North Carolina State.
"We're definitely more comfortable, more ready, to play this football game," he said.
"I know we played better in our first game this year (than last year)." Blake said.
"We flew around; we were more physical. . We've got to
look at those positive things and say 'Where have we gotten better and what have we got to correct?' I think we're a better football team. I know we are."
Overall, 22 players saw their first Division I action in the Northwestern game, including nine true freshmen and six redshirt freshmen.
The starting safeties, Gana Joseph and Terry White, missed the game but will be in the lineup Saturday.
The Sooners trailed Northwestern 6-0 after three quarters before special teams' breakdowns contributed to the 24-0 final score.
Blake said that the only way to correct the mistakes, in special teams and other areas, simply was to keep working.
"Hopefully, our young kids will grasp it pretty soon and get better." he said.
Syracuse was expected to be 2-0 heading into this game.
against Wisconsin in the Kickoff Classic, then lost in overtime to the Wolfpack 32-31. Syracuse was a 25-
The Orangemen began the year with a 34-0 victory
Blake said the Orangemen did not look any less impressive against North Carolina State than they did in the opener.
The difference, he said, was that the Wolfpack had a quarterback who made big plays and they were able to keep their poise after falling behind.
"Syracuse is a better football team than Northwestern," Blake said. "Northwestern didn't truly have an experienced quarterback. I think they (the Orangemen) have more speed, no question, on the offensive and defensive
Could the Syracuse loss help Oklahoma?
side of the ball."
"I can't really say because I think it's really up to us as a football team and how we go execute and go play," Blake said. "I know they were disappointed not to win that football game. But it also can alarm them that if they don't operate and get after it, that they can lose another football game."
traying Syracuse at Oklahoma's home stadium is better than having to play in the Carrier Dome, but Memorial Stadium has not provided much of a home-field advantage.
The Sooners have lost eight straight games at home. The last victory was Sept. 23, 1995, against North Texas.
Blake said his team's 2-of-13 rate for third-down conversions against Northwestern was one of his concerns.
"We don't have enough time right now for me to tell you what all concerns me," he said, laughing.
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