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 six 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. Stoops hugged players and assistants after Oklahoma clinched its seventh national title as many in the crowd of 76,835 at Pro Player Stadium cheered.
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.