What Is 1987 Oklahoma Sooners football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 Oklahoma Sooners football team finished the season with an 8-4 record, winning the Orange Bowl 40-3 in a dominant performance. Coached by Barry Switzer, the team was led by quarterback Jamelle Holieway and featured a powerful wishbone offense.

Key Facts

8-4 overall record for the 1987 season
Coached by Barry Switzer in his final season
Won the 1988 Orange Bowl 40-3 over Penn State
Ranked 6th in the final AP Poll
Used a dominant wishbone offense led by QB Jamelle Holieway

Overview

The 1987 Oklahoma Sooners football team represented the University of Oklahoma during the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing in the Big Eight Conference, the team was led by head coach Barry Switzer, who was in his final season before stepping down amid NCAA controversy. The Sooners finished with a strong 8-4 record and capped the year with a resounding victory in the Orange Bowl.

Despite mid-season struggles and a late-season loss to Colorado, the team rebounded to deliver one of the most memorable bowl performances in school history. The defense improved significantly in the second half of the season, and the offense, built around the wishbone formation, consistently controlled the clock and overwhelmed opponents.

Final record: The 1987 Sooners finished the season 8-4 overall, including a 5-2 mark in the Big Eight Conference.
Orange Bowl victory: They defeated Penn State 40-3 in the 1988 Orange Bowl on January 1, 1988, showcasing dominant defense and rushing offense.
Head coach:Barry Switzer coached his final game with the Sooners after leading the program since 1973, amassing a 157-29-4 record.
Quarterback:Jamelle Holieway, a sophomore, led the wishbone attack, rushing for over 600 yards and throwing for nearly 1,000 more.
Final ranking: The team finished 6th in the final AP Poll, reflecting their strong finish and bowl performance.

How It Works

The success of the 1987 Sooners stemmed from a well-executed offensive system and disciplined defense, both hallmarks of Barry Switzer’s coaching philosophy. The team relied heavily on the wishbone formation, a triple-option offense that emphasized misdirection, ball control, and physical dominance.

Wishbone offense: A triple-option running scheme that used three running backs in a Y-formation, allowing for quick decisions and constant pressure on the defense.
Ball control: The Sooners consistently held the ball for over 35 minutes per game, limiting opponents' offensive opportunities and wearing down defenses.
Quarterback role:Jamelle Holieway served as the option quarterback, making reads and deciding whether to hand off, keep, or pitch on each play.
Defensive turnaround: After allowing 24 points per game early, the defense improved to allow just 12.4 points per game in the final seven contests.
Recruiting pipeline: Oklahoma continued to attract top-tier talent from Texas and Oklahoma, with 18 future NFL players on the 1987 roster.
Switzer’s leadership: Despite NCAA scrutiny, Switzer maintained team focus, leading the Sooners to a four-game winning streak to end the season.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1987 Sooners compared favorably to other top teams of the era in terms of rushing offense, defensive efficiency, and bowl performance.

Team	Record	Points Scored	Rushing YPG	Bowl Result
Oklahoma	8-4	27.6 PPG	323.4	W, Orange Bowl 40-3
Notre Dame	8-4	24.8 PPG	176.2	L, Fiesta Bowl
Miami (FL)	11-1	36.8 PPG	198.7	W, Fiesta Bowl (Nat. Champ)
Florida State	10-2	31.2 PPG	189.3	W, All-American Bowl
Colorado	8-4	23.5 PPG	210.6	W, Freedom Bowl

The Sooners’ dominance on the ground set them apart from peers, as their 323.4 rushing yards per game led the nation. While not undefeated, their Orange Bowl performance was one of the most lopsided in history, underscoring their peak form at season’s end. The defense held Penn State to just 127 total yards, a remarkable feat against a ranked opponent. Though not national champions, the 1987 team remains one of the most respected in Oklahoma history due to its resilience and execution under pressure.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season marked both an end and a transition for Oklahoma football, symbolizing the close of the Switzer era and the beginning of a new chapter amid NCAA sanctions.

End of an era: Barry Switzer’s departure marked the end of a 15-year tenure that included three national titles and 12 conference championships.
NCAA impact: The team operated under the shadow of NCAA violations, which later led to a two-year probation and scholarship reductions.
Legacy of the wishbone: The 1987 squad was one of the last great wishbone teams before Oklahoma transitioned to more modern offensive schemes.
Bowl dominance: The 40-3 Orange Bowl win remains one of the most lopsided victories in the game’s history, cementing the team’s reputation.
Player development: Future NFL players like Keith Jackson and Anthony Stafford emerged from this roster, enhancing the program’s prestige.
Historical significance: The season is remembered for its mix of excellence and controversy, reflecting the complexities of college football in the 1980s.

The 1987 Oklahoma Sooners may not have won a national title, but their disciplined play, offensive innovation, and powerful finish ensured their place in college football history.