Oklahoma notebook: Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads reminds assistant Kenith Pope of Barry Switzer

“Barry (Switzer) was a very energetic guy, and he does remind me of Coach Rhoads,” Pope said in a telephone interview with The Oklahoman.

“(Switzer) knew what to say, he knew how to motivate you each week, and he was fun to be around. ... (Rhoads is) a special guy and has a special way of motivating young men, and that was the same way with Coach Switzer.”

Pope, who has been an assistant coach all over the country during his two-decade career, said he loves working for Rhoads because of his energy and enthusiasm, which has shown through in passionate postgame speeches after big wins.

“I am so proud to be your coach!” Rhoads tells players in the online videos that went viral.

“What you see is really what he is,” Pope said. “He is that way all the time, and all the players know this is real. Everything about Coach Rhoads is real.”

KING WILL, IF NECESSARY, BEGRUDGINGLY CHEER FOR TEXAS

Senior defensive lineman David King said he harbors no disdain for any team on Oklahoma's schedule ... with one exception.

“I don't have any hate for any team, outside of Texas,” King said with a laugh.

He's got no problem pulling Saturday for Oklahoma State to upset Kansas State, or for any other team to beat the Wildcats until they've clinched the Big 12 championship.

Kansas State, still unbeaten and ranked No. 2 in the BCS Standings, beat Oklahoma 24-19 on Sept. 22. The Wildcats would have to lose two conference games — and the Sooners would have to win out — for Oklahoma to be conference champion.