Stoops excited about start of season

<br>(Norman-AP) -- Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says he and his players are eager for the 2000 football season to begin. Stoops welcomed writers and broadcasters today to O-U's annual media day. <br><br>Stoops

Wednesday, August 9th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Norman-AP) -- Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says he and his players are eager for the 2000 football season to begin. Stoops welcomed writers and broadcasters today to O-U's annual media day.

Stoops says he's excited about how hard his players have prepared for the season. He says O-U will be a stronger and smarter team than a year ago because of that preparation and the familiarity with the system.

Oklahoma begins the season with much higher expectations than a year ago. The Sooners are ranked in the pre-season Top 25 and have been picked to challenge for the Big 12 South title. But Stoops says he's cautioned his players that they'll still have to earn whatever they get.

O-U opens its season September Second against Texas-El Paso.