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 winning the BCS National Championship.
The 2000 Oklahoma Sooners football team, under the leadership of second-year head coach Bob Stoops, achieved a remarkable and undefeated season, culminating in a 13–0 record and securing the BCS National Championship. This achievement marked a significant turnaround for the program, which had experienced a period of decline prior to Stoops’ arrival.
The season began with modest expectations, as the Sooners were ranked No. 19 in the preseason AP poll, their first appearance in a preseason poll in five years. However, the team quickly demonstrated its potential, defeating UTEP, Arkansas State, and Rice in the early weeks of the season. These victories set the stage for a challenging stretch of games that would define their season.
In what became known as “Red October,” Oklahoma faced and defeated three top-11 teams in consecutive weeks. The Sooners dominated No. 11 Texas with a 63–14 victory, a game in which running back Quentin Griffin set a school record with six rushing touchdowns. The following week, Oklahoma overcame No. 2 Kansas State 41–31, and two weeks later, they defeated top-ranked Nebraska 31–14. These victories not only propelled the Sooners to the top of the polls but also established their reputation as a formidable force in college football.
The team’s success was built on a balanced offense and a tenacious defense. Quarterback Josh Heupel led the offense with poise and efficiency, while the defense, coordinated by Mike Stoops and Brent Venables, was characterized by its aggressiveness and ability to make critical stops. Linebacker Torrance Marshall emerged as a defensive leader, earning consensus All-American honors and being named the MVP of the Orange Bowl.
Oklahoma’s dominance continued throughout the remainder of the regular season, culminating in a 27–24 victory over Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship Game. This win secured the Sooners’ first conference title since 1987 and propelled them into the BCS National Championship Game against Florida State.
In the Orange Bowl, held on January 3, 2001, Oklahoma faced the defending national champion Florida State Seminoles. The game was a defensive battle, with the Sooners prevailing 13–2. The only points for Florida State came from a safety, marking one of the few instances in college football history where a team failed to score a touchdown in a national championship game. Quentin Griffin’s 10-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter provided the game’s only touchdown, while kicker Tim Duncan added two field goals to seal the victory.
The 2000 Oklahoma Sooners’ undefeated season and national championship were a testament to the effectiveness of Bob Stoops’ leadership and the resilience of the players. The team’s success not only restored pride to the Oklahoma football program but also set the stage for sustained excellence in the years to come. This season remains a defining moment in the history of Oklahoma football, symbolizing a return to prominence and a commitment to excellence that continues to inspire future generations.
