The 1977 Oklahoma Sooners football team represented the University of Oklahoma in the college football1977 NCAA Division I-A season. Oklahoma Sooners football participated in the former Big Eight Conference at that time and played its home games in Oklahoma Memorial Stadium where it has played its home games since 1923.[1] The team posted a 10–2 overall record and a 7–0 conference record to earn the Conference title under head coachBarry Switzer who took the helm in 1973.[2][3] This was Switzer's fifth conference title and third undefeated conference record in five seasons.[2]
The team was led by All-Americans George Cumby,[4]Daryl Hunt,[5]Reggie Kinlaw,[6] and Zac Henderson[7] Cumby was named Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year.[4] After winning the conference title outright, it earned a trip to the Orange Bowl where it lost to Arkansas Razorbacks.[3] During the season, it faced five ranked opponents (In order, #4 Ohio State, #5 Texas, #16 Iowa State, #11 Nebraska, and #6 Arkansas). Four of its opponents ended the season ranked. It endured its only regular season defeat in the Red River Shootout against Texas.[3] The Sooners started the season with a four consecutive wins before losing to Texas and then won the next six before their unsuccessful bowl game.[3]
Elvis Peacock led the team in rushing with 812 yards, Dean Blevins led the team in passing with 385 yards, Steve Rhodes led the team in receiving with 272 yards, Uwe von Schamann led the team in scoring with 89 points, Hunt led the team in tackles with 159 tackles and Henderson posted 7 interceptions.[8]
