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Red River War is On October 4, 2001 by Jason Waganer Executive Editor
It still hurts doesn't it? All week long, newspaper articles and television reports have focused on the Longhorns' past year of embarrassment. Many national media folks seem to think that embarrassment will translate into a Longhorn win this week. The bottom line is when all the players hit the field this Saturday, last year's game doesn't mean a thing. It will come down to what all big games come down to: turnovers, special teams, big plays and field position. Below are some of my thoughts on what will definitely be the game of the year so far in college football.
*I keep hearing commentators and analysts saying that OU must be able to run the ball to beat Texas this weekend. Last weekend, OU totaled nine yards on the ground against a darn good K-State Wildcat team and won. The running game is important, but sometimes overrated. If the Sooners connect on the big plays like last Saturday, or a bunch of the quick screens like earlier in the season, they will hang in for a chance to win the ball game.
*Why do Web sites continue to say Chris Simms is a legitimate candidate for the Heisman Trophy? Have you seen his stats compared to Miami's Ken Dorsey, Florida's Rex Grossman or even Fresno State's David Carr? If Simms is to become a real contender, he must have the following this weekend: a win, 325+ yards passing and a two to one touchdown to interception ratio. I don't think it happens. If it does, I'll give it up to him.
*The OU defense is still good, don't be fooled by last weekend's performance. Last season against a much weaker Kansas Jayhawks team, the Sooner defense gave up almost 350 yards in a lackluster win just before the Red River War. The bottom line is the Sooner D struggles somewhat when it faces legitimate option/pass QB's. Simms is a drop back QB and will have plenty of Sooner defenders in his face all day Saturday.
*No matter what people say, the biggest X factor for Saturday is still OU QB Nate Hybl. He played a good, not great, game against K-State last weekend. For the Sooners to win, Hybl must play a near error free game. He must correct his interception tendencies. If he can throw more touchdowns than interceptions in this game, the Sooners will win by 10.
*My prediction? Early in the week, I felt the Longhorns were going to win. However, Bob Stoops seems to have that confidence once again that he showcased last December and early January in Miami. I think the Sooners win 34-28.
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