Storylines

Published: September 16, 2006

At the Crossroads

Oklahoma vs. Oregon, No. 15 vs. No. 18, commands national interest. But OU's biggest game always resides in that annual October Cotton Bowl showdown, right?

Maybe not in '06.

The Sooners' 2-0 start created as much concern as confidence — Sluggish starts, leaks in the defense and along the offensive line, too many turnovers.

Is this a team that can contend in the Big 12 and nationally?

The Sooners need to provide that answer pre-Texas in a statement game, which they find themselves facing today.

"If we win this game, it's a big springboard," said OU tight end Joe Jon Finley. "We'll gain that confidence, get on a roll, keep going and be 3-0 as opposed to last year, when we were 1-2.

"I just think it'll help our confidence and get us on that roll that we need to get going."

Because of their uneven efforts in wins over UAB and Washington, it's been hard to get a gauge for how good or how flawed these Sooners actually are.

Much will be revealed today.

The Sooners have reached a fork in the road.

With a win, they steer toward bigger games and potentially higher stakes.

With a loss, they veer off to a path filled with roadblocks.

Their House

The Sooners own a 6-0 series record against Oregon all-time.

Never, however, has OU ventured to Eugene, where Autzen Stadium stands as the best homefield advantage the masses have never heard of.

Doubt its rowdiness?

The Ducks are 23-1 in non-conference home games under coach Mike Bellotti. And the rare occasions -- four times -- they've managed to lure a Top 25 non-conference team to Autzen, they've won 'em all, highlighted by a 31-27 win over Michigan in 2003.

"A lot of people have been talking about the Michigan game a long time ago, how it was so exciting when they won," said Ducks running back Jonathan Stewart.

"It would be really nice to have that same feeling in Eugene again."

To avoid replacing the Wolverines as the latest slain giant, the Sooners must manage Autzen and its influence on momentum.

OU wasn't a strong road team a year ago, when three of its four losses came outside Norman.

This is Paul Thompson's first road start at quarterback. And it's a major test for an overall youthful Sooner roster.

Rush to Judgment

Adrian Peterson's run to a Heisman could start here.

The Ducks were gouged on the ground by Fresno State's Dwayne Wright last week, suggesting they could be suspect stopping the run.

"I noticed how Fresno ran the ball," Peterson said this week. "I noticed that."

In two previous tries against the Oregon defense, Peterson has produced 263 yards.

But the Ducks claim their own bruising back in the sophomore Stewart, who shares Peterson's high-profile status and his jersey No. 28, if not Peterson's career production.

OU's defense has had its own issues stopping the run and faces a major upgrade today in Stewart.

Pay close attention to the trenches.

QB Comparison

Last time Sooner fans were aware of Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon, he was benched for Brady Leaf in OU's 17-14 Holiday Bowl win.

Dixon has reaffirmed his hold on the job. And a 2-0 start has revealed a more capable, confident Dixon.

The tale is familiar at OU, where Thompson has pulled off his return to quarterback in impressive fashion.

While the two running backs draw main focus, the quarterbacks have been a bigger story line for their teams through two games.

Don't dismiss it happening again, today.

By John Helsley

Related Topics: Sports, Football, College Athletics, College Football, Bowl Championship Series