OU eyeing 2001 Hispanic College Fund Classic

<br>NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ The University of Oklahoma is in final negotiations to open next year by hosting the Hispanic College Fund Classic, the Tulsa World reported. <br><br>Officials for the Hispanic

Saturday, November 11th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ The University of Oklahoma is in final negotiations to open next year by hosting the Hispanic College Fund Classic, the Tulsa World reported.

Officials for the Hispanic College Fund wanted OU to play in the inaugural game last August, but Oklahoma officials couldn't make their schedule match up.

Instead, Texas Tech was awarded host rights and played New Mexico.

Now Oklahoma is a top prize for many early-season games. OU already has informed officials with the Kickoff Classic, played in East Rutherford, N.J., that it is not interested because the Sooners want to play at home if possible. That would be possible with the Hispanic College Fund game.

Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione confirmed that coach Bob Stoops has signed off on opening the 2001 season early if the game is in Norman.

He declined to reveal whom the Sooners would play, but the World reported OU is working with Arizona State. The Sooners and Sun Devils are scheduled to open the season at Owen Field on Sept. 1. But by making the game the Hispanic College matchup, it would allow OU to add another non-conference home game to its regular-season schedule.

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OU coaches not above trickery

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ Oklahoma's football coaches aren't known for their on-field tricks or gadgets. But that doesn't mean the staff is above being slippery off the field.

Like many teams, Oklahomas offense tentatively begins each game with a scripted set of plays. But OU coach Bob Stoops said he has sometimes used fake scripts as bait which are put in a place coaches know they'll be gobbled up by opposing forces.

``Weve been known to leave a few dummies laying around,'' Stoops said.

Stoops said before one game last year, offensive coordinator Mike Leach did just that.

``They picked it up,'' Stoops recalled. ``You see the ball boy look around. He goes running into the locker room. It was funny.''

He said it even worked somewhat, though he did not say which team fell for the dastardly deed.