Best Sooner Backfield Ever?

noneutrality
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 10, 2022 20:23:48 GMT via mobile

Post by noneutrality on Mar 10, 2022 20:23:48 GMT

It’s the off-season. Time to talk about stuff like this. What was the best Sooner backfield ever? Here’s my list of candidates:

2015-16: Baker, Perine, Mixon
2008 - Sammy, DeMarco, Chris Brown, Matt Clapp
2004 - White, AD, Runnels
1988 - Thompson, Perry, Mitchel, Gaddis
1985 - Holieway, Carr, Tillman, Collins
1978 - Lott, King, Sims, Overstreet
1977 - Lott, King, Sims, Peacock
1975 - Davis, Washington, Peacock, Jim Littrell
1974 - Davis, Washington, Peacock, Waymon Clark
1971 - Mildren, Crosswhite, Pruitt, Wylie
1955-56 - Jimmy Harris, Tommy McDonald, Clendon Thomas, Billy Pricer

I wasn’t alive for most of these, so let me know if I got something wrong or forgot something. My personal favorite that I saw play live was Baker/Perine/Mixon.

Bob Edwards Administrator Posts: 3,091	Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 10, 2022 20:41:48 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Bob Edwards on Mar 10, 2022 20:41:48 GMT I'm going with the 78 team. They are on the short list of greatest team to not win an NC.

noneutrality All Conference Posts: 1,204	Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 11, 2022 0:24:21 GMT via mobile Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by noneutrality on Mar 11, 2022 0:24:21 GMT Mar 10, 2022 20:41:48 GMT Bob Edwards said: I'm going with the 78 team. They are on the short list of greatest team to not win an NC. Was that the year we lost to Nebraska but beat them in the Orange Bowl?

cushcreekmonk
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 11, 2022 1:45:49 GMT Salish Sea Sooner likes this

Post by cushcreekmonk on Mar 11, 2022 1:45:49 GMT

Because you are not talking about a whole team, but are talking about the impact on the offense, the 1971 backfield IS BEST.

They almost beat the best D in the country (Nebbish) and would have beaten them with a better defense than OU had at that time. The 1972, 73, 74 defenses with the 71 offense would have beaten Nebraska by 2 or more TDs.

2008 is probably second, but 1978 is also in the running. 2008 had a so-so defense like 1971. 2008 had really good WRs and TE that helped that backfield. 1978 went as did Billy Sims. His great play got them close and his fumble kept that crucial game from a win and an NC.

texsa SUCKS!!!!!!!!!

cushcreekmonk
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 11, 2022 1:48:27 GMT

Post by cushcreekmonk on Mar 11, 2022 1:48:27 GMT

Although, I NEED to give more credit to the 55-56 teams that played both ways and beat some good teams badly. They too are in the running for second. I NEED to really work on this for the three backfields mentioned as my #2 - 1971 does beat them all.

texsa SUCKS!!!!!!!!!

noneutrality
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 11, 2022 3:50:27 GMT via mobile

Post by noneutrality on Mar 11, 2022 3:50:27 GMT

Mar 11, 2022 1:48:27 GMT cushcreekmonk said:

Although, I NEED to give more credit to the 55-56 teams that played both ways and beat some good teams badly. They too are in the running for second. I NEED to really work on this for the three backfields mentioned as my #2 - 1971 does beat them all.

The team offensive stats from ‘71 are mind-boggling considering the era. I remember hearing Switzer say that if he had called about 5 more passes against Nebby they would’ve won.

SoonerRay All American Posts: 3,116	Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 11, 2022 14:01:04 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by SoonerRay on Mar 11, 2022 14:01:04 GMT I just can't decide, too many greats.
	Too old to fight, but my aim is excellent.

david
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 11, 2022 15:29:02 GMT via mobile

Post by david on Mar 11, 2022 15:29:02 GMT

Mar 10, 2022 20:23:48 GMT noneutrality said:

It’s the off-season. Time to talk about stuff like this. What was the best Sooner backfield ever? Here’s my list of candidates:

2015-16: Baker, Perine, Mixon
2008 - Sammy, DeMarco, Chris Brown, Matt Clapp
2004 - White, AD, Runnels
1988 - Thompson, Perry, Mitchel, Gaddis
1985 - Holieway, Carr, Tillman, Collins
1978 - Lott, King, Sims, Overstreet
1977 - Lott, King, Sims, Peacock
1975 - Davis, Washington, Peacock, Jim Littrell
1974 - Davis, Washington, Peacock, Waymon Clark
1971 - Mildren, Crosswhite, Pruitt, Wylie
1955-56 - Jimmy Harris, Tommy McDonald, Clendon Thomas, Billy Pricer

I wasn’t alive for most of these, so let me know if I got something wrong or forgot something. My personal favorite that I saw play live was Baker/Perine/Mixon.

77 for me. Peacock>overstreet I thought. King was an absolute stud. Would have been starting tailback on 90% of teams that year. Sims was best ever for me. I know Peterson was great but watching Sims run was a thing of beauty. Even with the fumbles.

Crusher Junior Posts: 393	Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 11, 2022 20:34:56 GMT Salish Sea Sooner likes this Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Crusher on Mar 11, 2022 20:34:56 GMT Gaddis - what could have been.

shawneesooner Junior Posts: 426	Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 11, 2022 20:43:16 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by shawneesooner on Mar 11, 2022 20:43:16 GMT I will go with 17' Mayfield, Anderson, Flowers but hard to beat 04'

RBear 💩🌳🌲🌳🌲? Global Moderator memento mori... 💀 Posts: 6,306	Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 11, 2022 21:21:03 GMT Crusher likes this Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by RBear 💩🌳🌲🌳🌲? on Mar 11, 2022 21:21:03 GMT Mar 11, 2022 20:34:56 GMT Crusher said: Gaddis - what could have been. him and R Anderson are pretty heart-breaking stories for sure
	Psalm 34:14: "Depart from evil, do good, seek peace, and pursue it." "what deliverer could break the power of Pharaoh?"

Salish Sea Sooner
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 11, 2022 21:41:24 GMT

Post by Salish Sea Sooner on Mar 11, 2022 21:41:24 GMT

Mar 10, 2022 20:23:48 GMT noneutrality said:

It’s the off-season. Time to talk about stuff like this. What was the best Sooner backfield ever? Here’s my list of candidates:

2015-16: Baker, Perine, Mixon
2008 - Sammy, DeMarco, Chris Brown, Matt Clapp
2004 - White, AD, Runnels
1988 - Thompson, Perry, Mitchel, Gaddis
1985 - Holieway, Carr, Tillman, Collins
1978 - Lott, King, Sims, Overstreet
1977 - Lott, King, Sims, Peacock
1975 - Davis, Washington, Peacock, Jim Littrell
1974 - Davis, Washington, Peacock, Waymon Clark
1971 - Mildren, Crosswhite, Pruitt, Wylie
1955-56 - Jimmy Harris, Tommy McDonald, Clendon Thomas, Billy Pricer

I wasn’t alive for most of these, so let me know if I got something wrong or forgot something. My personal favorite that I saw play live was Baker/Perine/Mixon.

They were before my time, but I would have to go with the '71 team. The numbers are just off the charts ridiculous...5,635 total yards, ~470 ypg, 62 TDs, and an absurd team yards per carry average of 7.07.

Last Edit: Mar 11, 2022 21:41:44 GMT by Salish Sea Sooner

Salish Sea Sooner
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 11, 2022 21:47:06 GMT

Post by Salish Sea Sooner on Mar 11, 2022 21:47:06 GMT

Mar 11, 2022 15:29:02 GMT david said:

Mar 10, 2022 20:23:48 GMT noneutrality said:

It’s the off-season. Time to talk about stuff like this. What was the best Sooner backfield ever? Here’s my list of candidates:

2015-16: Baker, Perine, Mixon
2008 - Sammy, DeMarco, Chris Brown, Matt Clapp
2004 - White, AD, Runnels
1988 - Thompson, Perry, Mitchel, Gaddis
1985 - Holieway, Carr, Tillman, Collins
1978 - Lott, King, Sims, Overstreet
1977 - Lott, King, Sims, Peacock
1975 - Davis, Washington, Peacock, Jim Littrell
1974 - Davis, Washington, Peacock, Waymon Clark
1971 - Mildren, Crosswhite, Pruitt, Wylie
1955-56 - Jimmy Harris, Tommy McDonald, Clendon Thomas, Billy Pricer

I wasn’t alive for most of these, so let me know if I got something wrong or forgot something. My personal favorite that I saw play live was Baker/Perine/Mixon.

77 for me. Peacock>overstreet I thought. King was an absolute stud. Would have been starting tailback on 90% of teams that year. Sims was best ever for me. I know Peterson was great but watching Sims run was a thing of beauty. Even with the fumbles.

I have to agree on Sims being better than Peterson. People forget, even in ADs freshman year, he had fumblitis too. Luckily, his always seemed to go out of bounds. He was never a particularly good pass catcher. Those strong hands were made of stone.

I would take Sims, Pruitt, Washington, and probably DeMarco Murray over AD. AD was great, but not the greatest, in my humble opinion. I'd also take Dupree over him too, if he hadn't turned out to be such a flake

noneutrality
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 11, 2022 21:50:56 GMT via mobile

Post by noneutrality on Mar 11, 2022 21:50:56 GMT

Mar 11, 2022 21:47:06 GMT Salish Sea Sooner said:

Mar 11, 2022 15:29:02 GMT david said:

77 for me. Peacock>overstreet I thought. King was an absolute stud. Would have been starting tailback on 90% of teams that year. Sims was best ever for me. I know Peterson was great but watching Sims run was a thing of beauty. Even with the fumbles.

I have to agree on Sims being better than Peterson. People forget, even in ADs freshman year, he had fumblitis too. Luckily, his always seemed to go out of bounds. He was never a particularly good pass catcher. Those strong hands were made of stone.

I would take Sims, Pruitt, Washington, and probably DeMarco Murray over AD. AD was great, but not the greatest, in my humble opinion. I'd also take Dupree over him too, if he hadn't turned out to be such a flake

As a pure runner AD was almost unmatched but DeMarco’s pass-catching ability gave him a different dimension. His injuries honestly helped him become a better overall back than he would’ve been had he stayed healthy his whole career IMO

Bob Edwards Administrator Posts: 3,091	Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 0:30:33 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Bob Edwards on Mar 12, 2022 0:30:33 GMT One could argue Marcus Dupree was the most talented back OU ever had. Unfortunately, that 6* body was attached to a 1* brain and a "handler" who wasn't looking out for Dupree's best interest.

SoonerRay
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 0:46:40 GMT noneutrality likes this

Post by SoonerRay on Mar 12, 2022 0:46:40 GMT

Mar 12, 2022 0:30:33 GMT Bob Edwards said:

One could argue Marcus Dupree was the most talented back OU ever had. Unfortunately, that 6* body was attached to a 1* brain and a "handler" who wasn't looking out for Dupree's best interest.

I was blown away the first time I watched Dupree, sad story. Being a former RB, it’s a position I enjoy watching. Gaddis was always one of my favorites, so smooth. I don’t consider Tillman one of the greatest (although very good)but always liked him because we ran track against each other. Never forget the day he told me I was pretty fast for a white dude. 🤣

Too old to fight, but my aim is excellent.

RBear 💩🌳🌲🌳🌲?
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 2:03:06 GMT

Post by RBear 💩🌳🌲🌳🌲? on Mar 12, 2022 2:03:06 GMT

Mar 12, 2022 0:47:53 GMT SoonerRay said:

Mar 12, 2022 0:30:33 GMT Bob Edwards said:

One could argue Marcus Dupree was the most talented back OU ever had. Unfortunately, that 6* body was attached to a 1* brain and a "handler" who wasn't looking out for Dupree's best interest.

Bob, you can delete this, for some reason there was a double post. I don’t see the remove option for me.

do you not have an option to delete when you click on the gear with the down arrow at the top right of your post window?

Psalm 34:14: "Depart from evil, do good, seek peace, and pursue it."

"what deliverer could break the power of Pharaoh?"

SoonerRay
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 2:07:57 GMT

Post by SoonerRay on Mar 12, 2022 2:07:57 GMT

Mar 12, 2022 2:03:06 GMT RBear 💩🌳🌲🌳🌲? said:

Mar 12, 2022 0:47:53 GMT SoonerRay said:

Bob, you can delete this, for some reason there was a double post. I don’t see the remove option for me.

do you not have an option to delete when you click on the gear with the down arrow at the top right of your post window?

Well, I do now and used it. Earlier it just gave me an option to bookmark.

Too old to fight, but my aim is excellent.

RBear 💩🌳🌲🌳🌲?
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 2:11:26 GMT

Post by RBear 💩🌳🌲🌳🌲? on Mar 12, 2022 2:11:26 GMT

Mar 12, 2022 2:07:57 GMT SoonerRay said:

Mar 12, 2022 2:03:06 GMT RBear 💩🌳🌲🌳🌲? said:

do you not have an option to delete when you click on the gear with the down arrow at the top right of your post window?

Well, I do now and used it. Earlier it just gave me an option to bookmark.

#shrug

Psalm 34:14: "Depart from evil, do good, seek peace, and pursue it."

"what deliverer could break the power of Pharaoh?"

david
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 2:38:27 GMT via mobile noneutrality likes this

Post by david on Mar 12, 2022 2:38:27 GMT

Mar 11, 2022 21:50:56 GMT noneutrality said:

Mar 11, 2022 21:47:06 GMT Salish Sea Sooner said:

I have to agree on Sims being better than Peterson. People forget, even in ADs freshman year, he had fumblitis too. Luckily, his always seemed to go out of bounds. He was never a particularly good pass catcher. Those strong hands were made of stone.

I would take Sims, Pruitt, Washington, and probably DeMarco Murray over AD. AD was great, but not the greatest, in my humble opinion. I'd also take Dupree over him too, if he hadn't turned out to be such a flake

As a pure runner AD was almost unmatched but DeMarco’s pass-catching ability gave him a different dimension. His injuries honestly helped him become a better overall back than he would’ve been had he stayed healthy his whole career IMO

dupree was a great purerunner. What could have been.

hapgood Redshirt Candidate Posts: 12	Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 14:58:51 GMT cushcreekmonk and noneutrality like this Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by hapgood on Mar 12, 2022 14:58:51 GMT Vessels, McPhail, Crowder, Leake in 1952. Two thousand yard rushers, all America qb and a four-year starter who lead the team in scoring as a freshman.

hapgood Redshirt Candidate Posts: 12	Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 15:26:29 GMT cushcreekmonk and noneutrality like this Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by hapgood on Mar 12, 2022 15:26:29 GMT All four starters in 56 played in NFL which might be a record.

cushcreekmonk
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 15:41:45 GMT

Post by cushcreekmonk on Mar 12, 2022 15:41:45 GMT

Mar 12, 2022 14:58:51 GMT hapgood said:

Vessels, McPhail, Crowder, Leake in 1952. Two thousand yard rushers, all America qb and a four-year starter who lead the team in scoring as a freshman.

1956 had better yds per game and yds per play than 52. While 52 is the second best of the 2-platoon, Bud era, 1956 is higher - 52 = 27th in history and 56 = 12th.

The very modern, throw a lot, Heisman QB teams of 2017 and 2018 are 1 and 2, but they did depend on some fine WRs and more on the two QBs than the entire backfield.

1971 offense (and backfield) is still #3 all-time statistically and they played against GOOD Big 8 teams, a good texsa team, the best defense in the country (Nebbish), and a Colorado team that finished the season as the #3 team in the country (behind Nebbish and OU).

texsa SUCKS!!!!!!!!!

OldTimer 🏆
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 18:20:43 GMT via mobile

Post by OldTimer 🏆 on Mar 12, 2022 18:20:43 GMT

Mar 10, 2022 20:41:48 GMT Bob Edwards said:

I'm going with the 78 team. They are on the short list of greatest team to not win an NC.

Me too Bob. I’ve been around for all of those teams and that would be my choice.

“Come now, let us reason together “

OldTimer 🏆
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 18:23:22 GMT via mobile SoonerRay likes this

Post by OldTimer 🏆 on Mar 12, 2022 18:23:22 GMT

Mar 12, 2022 0:46:40 GMT SoonerRay said:

Mar 12, 2022 0:30:33 GMT Bob Edwards said:

One could argue Marcus Dupree was the most talented back OU ever had. Unfortunately, that 6* body was attached to a 1* brain and a "handler" who wasn't looking out for Dupree's best interest.

I was blown away the first time I watched Dupree, sad story. Being a former RB, it’s a position I enjoy watching. Gaddis was always one of my favorites, so smooth. I don’t consider Tillman one of the greatest (although very good)but always liked him because we ran track against each other. Never forget the day he told me I was pretty fast for a white dude. 🤣

One that can’t be mentioned on the list because it’s by teams. Demond Parker is another.

“Come now, let us reason together “

noneutrality
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 20:15:10 GMT via mobile hapgood likes this

Post by noneutrality on Mar 12, 2022 20:15:10 GMT

Mar 12, 2022 15:41:45 GMT cushcreekmonk said:

Mar 12, 2022 14:58:51 GMT hapgood said:

Vessels, McPhail, Crowder, Leake in 1952. Two thousand yard rushers, all America qb and a four-year starter who lead the team in scoring as a freshman.

1956 had better yds per game and yds per play than 52. While 52 is the second best of the 2-platoon, Bud era, 1956 is higher - 52 = 27th in history and 56 = 12th.

The very modern, throw a lot, Heisman QB teams of 2017 and 2018 are 1 and 2, but they did depend on some fine WRs and more on the two QBs than the entire backfield.

1971 offense (and backfield) is still #3 all-time statistically and they played against GOOD Big 8 teams, a good texsa team, the best defense in the country (Nebbish), and a Colorado team that finished the season as the #3 team in the country (behind Nebbish and OU).

The Big 8 in ‘71 was ridiculous. Nebby, OU, and CU finished ranked 1, 2, and 3. To dominate the Big 8 that season was ridiculous.

SoonerRay
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 12, 2022 20:16:47 GMT hapgood likes this

Post by SoonerRay on Mar 12, 2022 20:16:47 GMT

Mar 12, 2022 18:23:22 GMT OldTimer 🏆 said:

Mar 12, 2022 0:46:40 GMT SoonerRay said:

I was blown away the first time I watched Dupree, sad story. Being a former RB, it’s a position I enjoy watching. Gaddis was always one of my favorites, so smooth. I don’t consider Tillman one of the greatest (although very good)but always liked him because we ran track against each other. Never forget the day he told me I was pretty fast for a white dude. 🤣

One that can’t be mentioned on the list because it’s by teams. Demond Parker is another.

I wanted to mention him. It’s a shame he went back to his old lifestyle after football.

Too old to fight, but my aim is excellent.

hapgood
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Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 13, 2022 12:51:03 GMT cushcreekmonk likes this

Post by hapgood on Mar 13, 2022 12:51:03 GMT

54 backfield is interesting in that Harris, McDonald and Pricer, three NFL talents, were backups. Starting fullback was Tubbs who averaged a team high 6.1 per carry. It was the only season in his life that he played in the backfield. Has to rank among greatest individual achievements by an OU player.

hapgood Redshirt Candidate Posts: 12	Best Sooner Backfield Ever? Mar 13, 2022 13:18:32 GMT cushcreekmonk likes this Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by hapgood on Mar 13, 2022 13:18:32 GMT In 54, seven players had more rushing attempts than McDonald who was an All American the next two years. People are always talking about the NEED for quality depth. That’s quality depth.

Soonercorner

Best Sooner Backfield Ever?

Post by noneutrality on Mar 10, 2022 20:23:48 GMT

Post by Bob Edwards on Mar 10, 2022 20:41:48 GMT

Post by noneutrality on Mar 11, 2022 0:24:21 GMT

Post by cushcreekmonk on Mar 11, 2022 1:45:49 GMT

Post by cushcreekmonk on Mar 11, 2022 1:48:27 GMT

Post by noneutrality on Mar 11, 2022 3:50:27 GMT

Post by SoonerRay on Mar 11, 2022 14:01:04 GMT

Post by david on Mar 11, 2022 15:29:02 GMT

Post by Crusher on Mar 11, 2022 20:34:56 GMT

Post by shawneesooner on Mar 11, 2022 20:43:16 GMT

Post by RBear 💩🌳🌲🌳🌲? on Mar 11, 2022 21:21:03 GMT

Post by Salish Sea Sooner on Mar 11, 2022 21:41:24 GMT

Post by Salish Sea Sooner on Mar 11, 2022 21:47:06 GMT

Post by noneutrality on Mar 11, 2022 21:50:56 GMT

Post by Bob Edwards on Mar 12, 2022 0:30:33 GMT

Post by SoonerRay on Mar 12, 2022 0:46:40 GMT

Post by RBear 💩🌳🌲🌳🌲? on Mar 12, 2022 2:03:06 GMT

Post by SoonerRay on Mar 12, 2022 2:07:57 GMT

Post by RBear 💩🌳🌲🌳🌲? on Mar 12, 2022 2:11:26 GMT

Post by david on Mar 12, 2022 2:38:27 GMT

Post by hapgood on Mar 12, 2022 14:58:51 GMT

Post by hapgood on Mar 12, 2022 15:26:29 GMT

Post by cushcreekmonk on Mar 12, 2022 15:41:45 GMT

Post by OldTimer 🏆 on Mar 12, 2022 18:20:43 GMT

Post by OldTimer 🏆 on Mar 12, 2022 18:23:22 GMT

Post by noneutrality on Mar 12, 2022 20:15:10 GMT

Post by SoonerRay on Mar 12, 2022 20:16:47 GMT

Post by hapgood on Mar 13, 2022 12:51:03 GMT

Post by hapgood on Mar 13, 2022 13:18:32 GMT

'24-'25 Schedule

Class of '24

Game 10 vs. Missouri