OU vs. Rice 

Preview

 

Quarterbacks-

Oklahoma has Josh Heupel, the potential Heisman candidate, to pick-a-part a weak Rice defense.  Corey Evans has struggled thus far for the Owls.

   

Advantage-  Oklahoma

 

Running Backs-

Leroy Bradley and Anthony Griffin have not performed well so far, but have good talent.  Oklahoma has found a solid ground game with Works & Griffin.

 

Advantage-  Oklahoma

 

Receivers- 

Rice throws the ball about as often as John Blake won.

   

Advantage-  Oklahoma

 

Offensive Line-

Rice returns good talent with small lineman for the option (speed).  The Sooners were worried about the talent here in the off season but Mangino looks to have them in line so far.

   

Advantage-  Oklahoma

 

Defensive Line

Rice is small and fast on the corners with solid returning experience.  The Sooners must get more pressure on the QB, though the Owls won't throw much.

   

Advantage-  Oklahoma

 

Linebackers

Torrance Marshall.  Rocky Calmus.  Roger Steffen.  It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

   

Advantage- Oklahoma

 

Defensive Backs-

Rice struggled here in '99, but have held together OK so far.  Oklahoma has great potential with little experience.  The difference in this game is the Sooners threw the ball almost 500 times more than Rice did a season ago.  Rice will be tested, the Sooners won't.

 

Advantage-  Oklahoma

 

Special Teams

Oklahoma's return game is looking up again though Tim Duncan struggled to kick straight against Arkansas State.  Rice returns strong with Crabtree & Hale.