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Sooners vs. Falcons Position by Position Quarterback- Neither team is in what you may call great shape at this point, but they are both coming from the same situation. The Sooners named Nate Hybl starter just about 10 days ago and he staggered through the first game and Air Force just named senior Keith Boyea as the starter on Saturday. We'll go with the guy that has already played. Advantage- Oklahoma Running Back- Leotis Palmer and Dan Schaffer are good running backs for the Air Force squad that still runs a variation of the option attack. However, the lone offensive bright spot in week one for the Sooners was the play of Quentin Griffin who is really good. Advantage- Oklahoma Receiver- Not a tremendous 2001 debut for the Oklahoma crew against North Carolina, but then again they didn't get many balls thrown their way. Air Force has a solid returnee in Ryan Fleming, however, that's about where the talent at this position comes to a close. Advantage- Oklahoma Offensive Line- Oklahoma did not show much strength at this position a week ago, but then again they won't face the likes of Julius Peppers and Ryan Sims at Air Force either. The Falcons have to replace three guys from a year ago and will do so against a very strong, very fast defensive line at Oklahoma that has a week under their belt. Advantage- Oklahoma Defensive Line- No contest. The Air Force front line is possibly the best in the Mountain West, which isn't saying much to begin with, but it is their strong point on defense. However, for perhaps the first time in the Stoops Era the Sooners can rush the quarterback without having to blitz everyone. This D-Line is as strong and fast as Oklahoma has had since the Switzer days. Advantage- Oklahoma Linebacker- Oklahoma has Rocky Calmus. The Falcons have a bunch of seniors with little experience. Advantage- Oklahoma Secondary- Two returnees in the defensive backfield gives these guys hope, but the fact that the others are inexperienced to say the least is cause for concern. Just what Hybl needs to gain confidence. Oklahoma's starting DB's shut down Ronald Curry and the youngsters showed promise. Air Force has no chance to pass the ball with any success whatsoever. Advantage- Oklahoma Special Teams- The Falcons have two newcomers at kicker and punter, while the Sooners have Tim Duncan and Jeff Ferguson. Advantage- Oklahoma Coaching- Fisher DeBerry has had a solid career at the Academy with 135 victories to only 72 losses, but faces the nation's best coaching staff. Advantage- Oklahoma SUMMARY- Some have expressed concern about the shaky performance offensively against North Carolina going into Air Force. No need to worry, athleticism is a mismatch, speed is a huge mismatch, coaching is a mismatch, and OU has already played a game. This will be the first game for a bunch of inexperienced Air Force starters. It will be a long day for the Falcons.
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