Led by Orange Bowl MVP Torrance Marshall, the Sooners time and again forced Weinke into bad decisions. At least a half dozen passes were in the hands of Sooner defenders but dropped. Marshall finished with 11 tackles, one interception and one batted ball. He knocked the ball out of Weinke's hands, safety Roy Williams recovered and two plays later, Griffin ran for his touchdown. After the game, Stoops thrust his fist in the air and hugged players and assistants after Oklahoma clinched its seventh national title.
Stoops is the reason.
He spent seven years working for Kansas State coach Bill Snyder and spent three years running the defense for Florida under Steve Spurrier. He learned his lessons well since the Sooners' defense nearly handed Florida State just its third shutout in Bowden's 25 seasons. It was obvious both teams were coming off long layoffs. Andre Woolfolk fumbled after a 22-yard reception, with Clevan Thomas recovering at the OU 47. On the next play, Weinke's pass was intercepted by Marshall.