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Big Red Rivalry, Irresistible Force vs. Immovable Object? by Justin Waganer Senior Sports Writer October 24, 2001
Everybody in Oklahoma and the better part of the country knows about the Oklahoma defense in 2001, if they aren't the best in the country you would have a hard time proving who is. Most also know of the powerful Nebraska offense that is churning out almost 340 yards per game on the ground, but is this a battle of the irresistible force versus the immovable object? No, it's the strong force versus the incredibly fast, swarming objects that fly around enough to make you dizzy. I know that's not quite as catchy, but it's closer to the truth.
So how do you stop this force? The nation's best linebacker Rocky Calmus believes in making Eric Crouch one dimensional. "I think if any team does that they're going to be pretty successful and have a good chance at winning the ball game. There's no secret that he's their go-to guy and if he has his yardage week in and week out they're going to be successful. He's so quick and elusive that it's hard to contain him. You've got to swarm him. If he gets out into the open field one-on-one, he's going to make people miss."
Don't mistake that comment for being worried, Calmus believes that his Sooners are as confident as they can be, is anyone surprised at that? However, OU's Mr. Everything Roy Williams believes it comes from Stoops' preparation and motivation to win the big game. "Coach Stoops motivates us well and we know what it takes to win. We get great leadership from our seniors and we're a team that, if we play all four quarters, will have a chance. That's been the case in those games. We know how much it means to get a lot of film work in and that helps out a lot when you prepare."
Don't underestimate the Oklahoma offense, they have a way of finding enough yards and points to win these big games and surely have something up their sleeves in terms of special plays for this game. If Oklahoma coaches watched Texas Tech last week, which it's stupid to say if, when the Oklahoma coaches watched Texas Tech last week against Nebraska they saw the potential to move the ball against the Nebraska defense.
Don't think that the Texas Tech performance was a fluke or that Nebraska was simply looking ahead, the Cornhuskers have had problems with the pass several times this season. Troy State gave them problems at times and Iowa State was impressive for a half against the Huskers in Lincoln a few weeks ago, but if Texas Tech can pass for 373 yards and run for 70 yards then Oklahoma can have success as well.
The Huskers have respect for the Sooners though, Nebraska Head Coach Frank Solich believes OU should never have lost their #1 ranking to begin with. "I think Oklahoma is deserving of being ranked No. 1. I've been voting them No. 1 in the polls since the polls opened up this season. They are defending national champs. They have done an excellent job this year in terms of winning all their games and doing it in a fashion that would indicate to me that they are deserving of the No. 1 ranking."
So what exactly will happen won't be known until Saturday afternoon, but here's how I see it happening. Nebraska takes a 7-3 lead into the half after one good long drive for a touchdown in the first half and a turnover that produced a field goal. Then the Sooner offense takes over in the second half with two long touchdown drives lead by Jason White and the Oklahoma defense shuts down Nebraska similar to last season's game. Oklahoma pulls it out 17-7. Click here for Nebraska Team Info
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