Story Lines

Searching for motivating factors, OU coaches spent the week pounding the point of how good the Bears have been at home.

"We know what Baylor is capable of," said Sooners quarterback Paul Thompson, at least repeating the company line. "A lot of people may want to overlook them, but when you look at what they've done at home, all the games have been close and they've even pulled off some big wins at home."

Oh, yeah? Like who?

Baylor's home wins: Northwestern State (La.), Kansas State and Kansas.

Only K-State is decent, although that wasn't apparent at the time the Wildcats played Waco.

The Bears lost at home to TCU, Army and Texas A&M.

Truth is, Floyd Casey Stadium can be quite the quiet place this time of year, when the Bears are preparing for another postseason-less hibernation.

Expect as much crimson — or more — as green and gold in the stands.

Sooner coaches had to try something to keep their squad interested after a run of demanding games.

OU's best incentive, however, came courtesy of K-State last Saturday. The Wildcats' upset of Texas renewed the Sooners' dream of a Big 12 title game appearance.

Now that's something to play for.

Another question: Does it matter?

Adrian Peterson (collarbone) is out at least another week. Allen Patrick (ankle) is questionable.

In all likelihood, neither is needed today anyway.

The Sooners did just fine with Chris Brown and Jacob Gutierrez in beating Texas Tech a week ago.

Brown, No. 4 on the depth chart before injuries shuffled things, ran for 84 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.

The Brown-Gutierrez tandem should be plenty again.

"With our offensive line and the scheme that we're doing, it's easy," Gutierrez said.

Baylor took OU to two overtimes a year ago in Norman, before the Sooners prevailed 37-30.

And the Bears have hung toug