|
|
|
|
ws
|
Sooners All But Clinch Big 12 Championship Birth November 17, 2001 by Jason Waganer Executive Editor
The Oklahoma Sooners appear to be in a two-game playoff for a chance to play in their second straight National Championship game. If the Sooners beat Oklahoma State next Saturday and Nebraska or Colorado in the Big 12 Championship on Dec. 1st, the Sooners should be in the Rose Bowl. The Sooners defeated Texas Tech today in their last real hurdle before a trip to Dallas in two weeks for the Big 12 Championship game.
Led by their superb defense, the Sooners stuffed Texas Tech 30-13 in Lubbock. OU quarterback Nate Hybl was 33 for 50 for 274 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Sooners running back Quentin Griffin rushed for 71 yards on 14 carries.
Defensively, All-American safety Roy Williams dominated the game. He had one sack, at least two tipped passes that led to one interception and caused havoc for the Red Raiders all afternoon. True Freshman defensive lineman Tommy Harris also had another dominating performance. Harris and the Sooner defensive line held Texas Tech to -7 yards rushing. The Sooners held the Red Raiders to just 247 total yards, 69 of which came on one big play late in the game.
OU kicker Tim Duncan was perfect on the day, kicking three field goals.
Notes:
* ESPN College Gameday analyst Lee Corso once again picked against the Sooners. After the game, Corso told Sooner fans they should be happy because when he picks against OU, the Sooners are 6-0, but when he picks the Sooners they are 0-1. He said if Sooner fans don't be nice to him, he might actually pick the Sooners to beat Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship game on Dec. 1.
* Six Texas Longhorn players attended Saturday's contest to root for the Red Raiders. The Longhorns were hoping the Sooners would lose and open a window for them to get into the Big 12 Championship game. After the game, Hybl said he figures the Longhorn players would have a long ride home.
* For the second straight week, Hybl struggled in the first half. However, in the second half Hybl once again improved dramatically. Maybe the reason he's playing better in the second half is because he gets to meet with QB Coach Chuck Long during the intermission. If that's the case and the reason, maybe Bob Stoops should consider moving Long to the sidelines instead of the press box.
|
Listen to National Championship Game
|
