What Is 2006 Oklahoma Sooners football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 Oklahoma Sooners football team represented the University of Oklahoma during the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with an 11–3 record and winning the Fiesta Bowl 48–20 over Boise State. Head coach Bob Stoops led the team, which ranked No. 4 nationally in final polls.

Key Facts

Finished the season with an 11–3 overall record
Won the 2007 Fiesta Bowl 48–20 over Boise State
Ranked No. 4 in the final AP and Coaches Polls
Quarterback Paul Thompson led a balanced offense averaging 42.6 points per game
Defensive tackle Jason Pettigrew recorded 7.5 sacks during the season

Overview

The 2006 Oklahoma Sooners football team competed in the NCAA Division I FBS season as members of the Big 12 Conference. Under head coach Bob Stoops, the team finished with an 11–3 record, culminating in a decisive victory in the Fiesta Bowl. They represented the University of Oklahoma with a high-powered offense and a developing defense.

Despite early-season questions, the Sooners rebounded from a mid-season loss to Kansas State to win their final seven games. Their performance earned them a No. 4 final ranking in both major polls, marking one of the most successful seasons of the mid-2000s era. The team showcased depth and resilience, particularly in bowl play.

Record: The Sooners finished the season 11–3 overall, including a 7–1 mark in Big 12 Conference play, securing second place in the Big 12 South Division.
Fiesta Bowl: On January 1, 2007, Oklahoma defeated Boise State 48–20 in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, avenging a regular-season loss to the Broncos from the previous year.
Scoring: The offense averaged 42.6 points per game, ranking third nationally, fueled by a dynamic rushing attack and efficient passing.
Head Coach:Bob Stoops was in his seventh season and earned Big 12 Coach of the Year honors after guiding the team through key injuries and roster changes.
Quarterback:Paul Thompson transitioned from receiver to starting QB mid-season and threw for 1,445 yards and 14 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions.

Season Performance

The 2006 campaign featured a mix of dominant wins and narrow escapes, highlighting both the team’s strengths and areas for improvement. Oklahoma opened the season ranked No. 10 but dropped after a loss to unranked Colorado. However, they rebounded strongly, winning key games against ranked opponents.

Early Struggles: After a 3–2 start, including a loss to Colorado (24–17), questions arose about the team’s readiness for a national title run.
Midseason Turnaround: A 35–13 win over Nebraska sparked a seven-game winning streak, including a 42–21 victory over Oklahoma State in Bedlam.
Defensive Growth: The defense improved significantly after Week 5, allowing just 16.4 points per game over the final 10 contests.
Rushing Attack: Running back Allen Patrick rushed for 1,070 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming the first Sooner RB to top 1,000 yards since 2003.
Passing Game: Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly led the team with 59 receptions for 884 yards and 9 touchdowns in his sophomore season.
Special Teams: Kicker Garrett Hartley converted 18 of 21 field goals, including a long of 53 yards, providing reliable scoring in close games.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2006 Sooners stacked up against other top teams of the era:

Team	Record	Final Rank	Bowl Result	Points/Game
Oklahoma 2006	11–3	No. 4	W, 48–20 vs. Boise State	42.6
Boise State 2006	13–0	No. 9	L, 20–48 vs. Oklahoma	42.3
Florida 2006	13–1	No. 1	W, 41–14 vs. Ohio State	38.9
Michigan 2006	11–2	No. 5	L, 32–40 vs. USC	32.7
Ohio State 2006	12–1	No. 3	L, 14–41 vs. Florida	35.2

The 2006 Sooners ranked among the nation’s elite in scoring and bowl performance. While they didn’t reach the BCS National Championship, their Fiesta Bowl win over a previously undefeated Boise State team solidified their status as a top-tier program. The comparison shows Oklahoma’s offense was on par with national champions, though defensive consistency remained a challenge.

Why It Matters

The 2006 season was a pivotal rebound year that restored Oklahoma’s prominence after a down 2005 campaign. It demonstrated Bob Stoops’ ability to adapt and rebuild quickly, setting the stage for future success in the late 2000s.

The Fiesta Bowl victory was the highest-scoring BCS bowl win in Sooners history, showcasing offensive dominance on a national stage.
Allen Patrick’s 1,000-yard season marked a resurgence in Oklahoma’s power-running tradition, a hallmark of Stoops-era teams.
Paul Thompson’s successful transition to QB proved the program’s quarterback depth and coaching flexibility.
The team’s seven-game win streak entering the bowl game reflected strong leadership and midseason adjustments.
Malcolm Kelly emerged as a consensus All-American candidate, boosting Oklahoma’s recruiting profile.
The season helped Oklahoma finish top 5 nationally in recruiting for 2007, reinforcing program momentum.

Ultimately, the 2006 Oklahoma Sooners exemplified resilience and offensive firepower, leaving a lasting legacy in the program’s modern era.