September 4, 200818 yr I agree with what a lot of people have said, I would LOVE to see UC pull this off, but I think they keep it close for a while before Oklahoma pulls away. With that said, if this game gets uglier than me at a supermarket when I haven't eaten all day, I wouldn't be surprised by that either. :lol:
September 4, 200818 yr Author Pt 2 of my preview: Oklahoma Run Offense vs Cincinnati Run Defense After putting up 764 yards and 13 TDs as the primary backup sophomore DeMarco Murry is now the main man for the Sooners. In the opener against UTC he carried the ball 15 times for 124 yards and 2 scores. Murray has blazing speed, but isn't much of a physical runner between the tackles so it will be important for the DEs and OLBs to prevent him from getting to the edge and in to the open field. JR Chris Brown moves in to the #2 spot behind Murray and will be used quite a bit on 3rd down where he converted 21 of 25 attempts for a first down or TD in 2007. Bearcats DT Terril Byrd returns from a 1 game suspension and fellow starting DT Adam Hoppel is expected to see his first action of the year as well after being cleared to play by the medical staff. The talented duo will need to be in mid season form if the Cats want to keep the Sooners offense off balance and one dimensional. It's a formula that worked well in last seasons big OOC win over Oregon State, and will need to happen again in Norman. Edge: Oklahoma Oklahoma Pass Offense vs Cincinnati Pass Defense The poster boy for the Sooners run at a National Title is SOPH QB Sam Bradford. In maybe the best season ever for a freshman under center, Bradford set the all time NCAA mark for TDs by a FROSH with 36 and led the nation in passing efficiency with a 176.5 rating. While UC has one of the best backfields in the country, it could be a long day in the secondary if the defensive line can't get past the Sooners massive offensive front. All five starters up front return from 2007, and it's likely each one will hear his name called in the NFL draft next April. The one weakness the line showed last year was vulnerability to speed off the edge, and this will the the first real test for Connor Barwin after his switch to DE. If he is going to fulfill his dream of playing at the next level a good performance against a group of this caliber will go a long way in the eyes of NFL scouts. The Sooners are replacing star WR Malcom Kelly, but that transition should be easier with the return of 07 leading WR Juaquin Iglesias who totaled 68 catches for 907 yards and 5 scores. It will be interesting to see how he performs now that coverages will be rotated his way as trio of veterans battle for the #2 spot. UC DBs Mike Mickens, DeAngelo Smith and Brandon Underwood are as talented as any trio in the country, and they will have their work cut out for themselves. The Cats biggest problem last year was allowing too many yards between the 20s, and you simply can't count on holding down Oklahoma once they get in to the red zone. Edge: Oklahoma
September 4, 200818 yr GT, With recent success how close does UC have to keep it to come away with a good feeling from this one (moral victory so to speak)?
September 4, 200818 yr GT, With recent success how close does UC have to keep it to come away with a good feeling from this one (moral victory so to speak)? Not speaking for GT here, but I would guess at this point there should be no "moral" victories. If they should come close and not win, then they should look back at what they should have done to win. If they get blown out then there will be no solace in that either. A program that is aspiring to run with the big dogs needs to expect to beat the big dogs, or stay on the porch.
September 4, 200818 yr Author Pt 3 Cincinnati Special Teams vs Oklahoma Special Teams One of the more overlooked areas of success at Oklahoma under Bob Stoops is the emphasis on special teams. They led the nation in kickoff return yards in 2007 behind the explosive duo of Murray and Iglesias, but they do have to break in a new man on punt returns. That plays in to the strongest aspect of the UC special teams unit as SR All American Kevin Huber has as good a leg as anyone in the country. Both teams are having problems at PK, and if the game is close, it will be interesting to see how that plays out. Edge: Oklahoma Cincinnati Will Win If: First and foremost the offense can not turn the ball over giving Oklahoma premium field position. They must protect the football, and when needed have Huber flip field position in the punting game. Secondly the defense is going to have to stop the run and make the Sooners somewhat one dimensional when they have the ball. Oklahoma is still adjusting to the move to the no huddle offense, and when the Cats do force 3rd and distance they have to get off the field. There is little chance of pulling the upset if Oklahoma has long sustained drives where their monster line wears down the defense. Oklahoma Will Win If: Sam Bradford confirms he isn't going to have a sophomore slump, and continues the efficiency displayed throughout 2007. If he gets help from the running game and the Cats have to start stacking the box and leaving DBs on an island, Bradford's accuracy and comfort in the pocket are the key. On defense they must get consistency from their DL in order to allow the new faces in the back 7 to make plays on the ball. X Factor: The Cincinnati WRs are a deep and diverse group of pass catchers that have the ability to move the chains and also make big plays. If guys like Barnett and Gilyard can turn a few quick hitters in to big gains the Cats can hang around to the end and see what happens in the 4th Quarter. Prediction: Oklahoma 34 Cincinnati 23
September 4, 200818 yr Author GT, With recent success how close does UC have to keep it to come away with a good feeling from this one (moral victory so to speak)? From my personal perspective anything within 2 scores is a positive day. BK wouldn't agree with me, however...
September 4, 200818 yr Author Unfortunately, I think qb play will hurt UC. I'm more concerned with the O Line...
September 5, 200818 yr This will be a good BCS tester to see if UC's program is up there with the big schools. I think UC has the potential to keep it within reach and maybe pull away with a Boise State finish haha. I'm looking and hoping for a good football game this Saturday.
September 5, 200818 yr I've been looking at this one very closely all week and I think UC matches up very well. OU thrives offensively on the short crossing patterns and UC's linebackers are outstanding at covering that stuff. OU's defense gets tired and I think Grutza is a good game manager. Of all the games in the country this week with the possible smell of upset, I think this is the one . . . I'm gonna go with UC 30, OU 28.
September 5, 200818 yr I'm more concerned with the O Line... Then I'm now even more concerned about the qb play.
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